Breeding Methods Research Articles

Effect of Sperm Extender and Dilution Ratio on The Sperm Motility, Fertility, and Hatching Rates of Depik Fish Rasbora Tawarensis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) Eggs

Abstract There is no known artificial breeding method for depik fish Rasbora tawarensis. Sperm extender and the dilution ratio are crucial factors in the artificial breeding of fish. The current study aimed to assess the effect of several common fish sperm extenders and its dilution ratio on sperm characteristics and fertilization of depik fish eggs. Two series of experiments were performed to find the best extender and its dilution ratio. In the first experiment, five types of extenders were tested: Ringer’s solution, physiological solution, coconut water, sugarcane water, and roomie water. The second experiment studied four dilution levels of sperm and extender (v/v): 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, and 1:50. Every treatment was conducted in four replicates and the experiments were conducted consequently so that the findings in the first experiment were applied in the second. The first experiment showed that Ringer’s is the best extender for depik sperm with sperm motility, fertilization and hatching rates of 71.00%, 69.30%, and 53.66%, respectively; and the second experiment revealed that Ringer’s at dilution ratio 1:40 gave higher sperm motility, fertilization, and hatching rates of 74.66, 70.33, and 59.00%, respectively. In conclusion, Ringer’s solution was the most favorable extender for sperm which yielded best fertilization results at 1:40 dilution ratio (sperm:extender, v/v) in depik fish.

Optimization of embryo rescue technique for development of hybrid plants in stenospermic grapes

The development of seedless cultivars is a primary goal in grapevine breeding. Since grapes are stenospermic and tend to abort their embryos before development, traditional breeding methods often yield seedless cultivars at a low frequency. Therefore, embryo rescue has emerged as a promising approach for creating seedless grape cultivars. This study aimed to optimize the ideal sampling time and protocol for efficient embryo rescue in grapes. Ovules from immature berries collected at various days after pollination (20DAP, 30DAP, 40DAP, and 50DAP) were cultured on Nitsch and Nitsch (NN) medium with different concentrations of Benzyl aminopurine (BAP) (0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mg/L) and Activated Charcoal (AC) (1.5, 2, and 2.5 g/L). Several parameters were assessed, including maximum ovule growth, the percentage of enlarged ovules, percentage of collapsed ovules, callus formation percentage, and embryo germination percentage. The study’s results indicated that berries collected at 40 DAP yielded the best outcomes across all parameters. Regarding treatments, the most favorable results were achieved when ovules were cultured on NN medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BAP and 2 g/L AC. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of choosing the right sampling time and treatments to ensure efficient embryo rescue in grapes. The protocol standardized from this research is recommended for effectively rescuing embryos and developing seedless hybrids.

Comparison of fish biological indicators of Clarias gariepinus hybrids grown in ras and pond farming conditions

To improve technologies in the field of commercial cultivation of aquaculture objects and further development of the warm-water aquaculture sector in Russia, we previously undertook breeding methods and approaches to obtain high-quality planting material for a promising commercial object — the African catfish Clarias gariepinus. This article presents, in a comparative aspect, the experience of growing hybrid offspring of African catfish, obtained from crossing two breeds — Mikhailovskaya and Tamanskaya, in a closed water supply system and in a pond farm in the Astrakhan region in the summer. It was shown that hybrid individuals of clariid catfish bred in a pond farm during the feeding period under consideration (from July to September) were characterized by a high specific growth rate and low feed ratio compared to hybrids grown in a recirculation system, respectively, 11.4% versus 9.87% and 0.96 versus 1. Also, based on the results of fishing, over two months of cultivation in a pond farm, hybrids of clariid catfish increased the total biomass by 13 times, while in a recirculating system it increased by 15 times, but the final biomass of fish turned out to be greater when reared in open reservoir (46.875 versus 10.87 kg). It was shown that the final individual mass of hybrid fish cultured in pond conditions was 11.0% higher than the final mass of individuals in the recirculation system. The conducted studies showed that in the climatic conditions of the Astrakhan region (VI fish-breeding zone), a promising direction for aquaculture of African catfish is the feeding cultivation of hybrid juveniles in pond farms. It should be taken into account that in order to obtain marketable fish products (i.e. individuals weighing over 1000 g), it is necessary to use fish seeding material with an average weight of at least 100 g.

Transcriptomic Approach for Investigation of Solanum spp. Resistance upon Early-Stage Broomrape Parasitism.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a major horticultural crop of high economic importance. Phelipanche and Orobanche genera (broomrapes) are parasitic weeds, constituting biotic stressors that impact tomato production. Developing varieties with tolerance to broomrapes has become imperative for sustainable agriculture. Solanum pennellii, a wild relative of cultivated tomato, has been utilized as breeding material for S. lycopersicum. In the present study, it is the first time that an in-depth analysis has been conducted for these two specific introgression lines (ILs), IL6-2 and IL6-3 (S. lycopersicum X S. pennellii), which were employed to identify genes and metabolic pathways associated with resistance against broomrape. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed a multitude of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in roots, especially in the resistant genotype IL6-3, several of which were validated by quantitative PCR. DEG and pathway enrichment analysis (PEA) revealed diverse molecular mechanisms that can potentially be implicated in the host's defense response and the establishment of resistance. The identified DEGs were mostly up-regulated in response to broomrape parasitism and play crucial roles in various processes different from strigolactone regulation. Our findings indicate that, in addition to the essential role of strigolactone metabolism, multiple cellular processes may be involved in the tomato's response to broomrapes. The insights gained from this study will enhance our understanding and facilitate molecular breeding methods regarding broomrape parasitism. Moreover, they will assist in developing sustainable strategies and providing alternative solutions for weed management in tomatoes and other agronomically important crops.

Application of GWAS and mGWAS in Livestock and Poultry Breeding.

In recent years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and metabolome genome-wide association studies (mGWAS) have emerged as crucial methods for investigating complex traits in animals and plants. These have played pivotal roles in research on livestock and poultry breeding, facilitating a deeper understanding of genetic diversity, the relationship between genes, and genetic bases in livestock and poultry. This article provides a review of the applications of GWAS and mGWAS in animal genetic breeding, aiming to offer reference and inspiration for relevant researchers, promote innovation in animal genetic improvement and breeding methods, and contribute to the sustainable development of animal husbandry.

Maintenance Breeding in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] — An Assessment and Advanced Strategies

AbstractThe sustainable maintenance breeding of pigeonpea germplasm, genetic stocks, released cultivars, and hybrid parents is a tough job. The prime reason for their genetic contamination is the insect‐aided cross‐pollination. Although various public and private seed agencies are involved in maintenance breeding to produce different grades of pigeonpea seeds, but the limitation of resources and low priority make it difficult to meet the national seed requirements. This manuscript, aside from reviewing the present pigeonpea maintenance breeding methods, their limitations, and accomplishments, also highlights some advanced breeding and genomics approaches to enhance the efficiency of maintenance breeding.

Synthetic Gene Drives in Plants: Development Strategies, Potential Applications, and Ethical Considerations

ABSTRACTWe are facing significant agricultural and environmental challenges, including herbicide‐resistant weeds that compromise crop yields and invasive plant species that disrupt local ecosystems. Traditional crop breeding methods are increasingly seen as ineffective in the face of these issues. One innovative approach involves the use of gene drives, a technology that enables targeted genetic modifications to transmit at a super Mendelian rate (>50%) and therefore, rapidly propagate through natural populations. In this perspective, we introduce the principles underlying our development of a plant synthetic toxin‐antidote drive, CAIN (CRISPR‐Assisted Inheritance utilising NPG1). We evaluate the potential of gene drives to alter the genetics of weed populations or suppress invasive plant populations. We explore various factors that influence the effectiveness of gene drives, including the emergence of suppressor mutations and life‐history traits such as sexual and asexual reproduction patterns, seed and pollen dispersal methods, and the variability in plant generation times. Additionally, we discuss the biosafety concerns related to gene drive experiments and field releases, strategies to counteract unwanted gene drives, and the ethical implications, particularly considering the risk of the intentional misuse of gene drive technology and the need for robust regulatory and monitoring frameworks.

Genetic diversity and genome-wide association study of partial resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot in a Canadian soybean germplasm panel.

Developing genetically resistant soybean cultivars is key in controlling the destructive Sclerotinia Stem Rot (SSR) disease. Here, a GWAS study in Canadian soybeans identified potential marker-trait associations and candidate genes, paving the way for more efficient breeding methods for SSR. Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by the fungal pathogenSclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the most important diseases leading to significant soybean yield losses in Canada and worldwide. Developing soybean cultivars that are genetically resistant to the disease is the most inexpensive and reliable method to control the disease. However, breeding for resistance is hampered by the highly complex nature of genetic resistance to SSR in soybean. This study sought to understand the genetic basis underlying SSR resistance particularly in soybean grown in Canada. Consequently, a panel of 193 genotypes was assembled based on maturity group and genetic diversity as representative of Canadian soybean cultivars. Plants were inoculated and screened for SSR resistance in controlled environments, where variation for SSR phenotypic response was observed. The panel was also genotyped via genotyping-by-sequencing and the resulting genotypic data were imputed using BEAGLE v5 leading to a catalogue of 417K SNPs. Through genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) using FarmCPU method with threshold of FDR-adjustedp-values < 0.1, we identified significant SNPs on chromosomes 2 and 9 with allele effects of 16.1 and 14.3, respectively. Further analysis identified three potential candidate genes linked to SSR disease resistance within a 100Kb window surrounding each of the peak SNPs. Our results will be important in developing molecular markers that can speed up the breeding for SSR resistance in Canadian grown soybean.

INFLUENCE OF THE BREED AND BREEDING METHODS OF PIGS ON THEIR REPRODUCTIVE QUALITIES AND GROWTH OF SUCKLING PIGLETS

The purpose of this article is to study the dependence of the reproductive productivity of sows of English origin and the intensity of growth of their offspring on the direction of their selection for purebred (internally linear) breeding, crossing and hybridization and the influence of breed and breeding methods on their manifestation, as well as the degree of phenotypic dominance under direct and reverse crossing of parent breeds. It was established that the sows of the parental synthetic line were inferior to their counterparts of the maternal genotypes in terms of fertility, litter weight of piglets at birth, number of piglets at weaning, had a higher proportion of non-viable piglets at farrowing, but showed higher fertility, average daily and absolute gains, average weight of one piglet at weaning and better preservation of piglets until weaning. It was proved that under the conditions of hybridization, domestic sows surpassed animals of the original maternal form only in terms of average daily growth, while animals of the parental form they prevailed in terms of multifertility, number of piglets at weaning, weight of the nest at birth and at weaning and were inferior to them in terms of high fertility, growth intensity, mass one piglet at weaning and preservation. It was found that when two mother breeds were crossed, the effect of phenotypic dominance appeared in almost all indicators of reproductive performance, and its level depended on the combination of parent breeds. It was proved that the breed factor had a probable influence on the number of piglets at weaning and the weight of the nest of weaned piglets. The method of pig breeding likely influenced the weight of one piglet at weaning, the weight of their litter during this period, and the number of piglets at weaning. The interaction of these two factors had an impact on the survival of the herd, on the number of piglets and the weight of the nest of piglets at weaning.

The Role of Transcriptomics in Crop Improvement: A Review

Traditional breeding methods have been practiced for years, while more contemporary initiatives using markers-assisted breeding have made significant advancements that have helped us meet the world's food demands. With the depletion of natural resources, the threat of population growth, and the effects of climatic change, the demand for food will be extremely high in the future. But with urgent needs for food and other farm related produce, there is an extreme need to utilize genomic resources for precise crop breeding fully. Plant breeding can benefit in integrating transcriptome studies to improve crops as well as enables the exploration of regulatory networks and whole genome expression patterns, which help in revealing novel stress tolerance associated genes in crop plants. Transcriptome studies can effectively link the phenotype with the genotypes of the observed traits, regardless of the genome availability and/or complexity of the crops facilitating the practical selection of superior genotypes for us.

Production system analysis and breeding practices of indigenous goats in North Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study describes the goat production system and breeding practices in selected districts of North Wollo zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 180 respondents through a semi-structured questionnaire and group discussions. Descriptive and GLM procedures were employed for data analysis. A mixed crop-livestock production system was the main production system in the area. The mean number of goats per household is 9.66 and they are mainly kept for cash income and meat consumption. The flock structure of indigenous goats consisted of a large number of female goats. Natural pasture and crop residue were the major feed resources in the dry and wet seasons, with an overall mean of 37.53% and 54.26%, respectively. Feed shortage, diseases, and drought were the major constraints for goat production. Most goat owners (97.1%) practiced an uncontrolled mating system. Most farmers (88.93%) reported selecting breeding goats to be a parent for the next generation. Body conformation and coat colour were the preferred traits for the selection of goats. The current level of goat management and breeding methods would not significantly enhance goats’ productivity and profitability. Therefore, designing management and genetic improvement programmes would be vital to improving the productivity of indigenous goats.

Kiwifruit in the Omics Age: Advances in Genomics, Breeding, and Beyond.

The kiwifruit, Actinidia genus, has emerged as a nutritionally rich and economically significant crop with a history rooted in China. This review paper examines the global journey of the kiwifruit, its genetic diversity, and the role of advanced breeding techniques in its cultivation and improvement. The expansion of kiwifruit cultivation from China to New Zealand, Italy, Chile and beyond, driven by the development of new cultivars and improved agricultural practices, is discussed, highlighting the fruit's high content of vitamins C, E, and K. The genetic resources within the Actinidia genus are reviewed, with emphasis on the potential of this diversity in breeding programs. The review provides extensive coverage to the application of modern omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, which have revolutionized the understanding of the biology of kiwifruit and facilitated targeted breeding efforts. It examines both conventional breeding methods and modern approaches, like marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, mutation breeding, and the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology for precise trait enhancement. Special attention is paid to interspecific hybridization and cisgenesis as strategies for incorporating beneficial traits and developing superior kiwifruit varieties. This comprehensive synthesis not only sheds light on the current state of kiwifruit research and breeding, but also outlines the future directions and challenges in the field, underscoring the importance of integrating traditional and omics-based approaches to meet the demands of a changing global climate and market preferences.

Plant Adaptation and Tolerance to Heat Stress: Advance Approaches and Future Aspects.

Heat stress impacts plant growth at all phases of development, although the particular threshold for heat tolerance varies significantly across different developmental stages. During seed germination, elevated temperatures can either impede or completely halt the process, contingent upon the plant type and the severity of the stress. During advanced stages, high temperatures can have a negative impact on photosynthesis, respiration, water balance, and membrane integrity. Additionally, they can also influence the levels of hormones and primary and secondary metabolites. In addition, during the growth and development of plants, there is an increased expression of various heat shock proteins, as well as other proteins related to stress, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are significant plant responses to heat stress. Plants employ several strategies to deal with heat stress, such as maintaining the stability of their cell membranes, removing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), producing antioxidants, accumulating and adjusting compatible solutes, activating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) cascades, and, crucially, signaling through chaperones and activating transcription. These molecular-level systems boost the ability of plants to flourish in heat stress. Potential genetic methods to enhance plant heat stress resistance encompass old and modern molecular breeding techniques and transgenic approaches, all of which rely on a comprehensive comprehension of these systems. Although several plants exhibit enhanced heat tolerance through traditional breeding methods, the effectiveness of genetic transformation techniques has been somewhat restricted. The latter results from the current constraints in our understanding and access to genes that have known impacts on plant heat stress tolerance. However, these challenges may be overcome in the future. Besides genetic methods, crops' heat tolerance can be improved through the pre-treatment of plants with various environmental challenges or the external application of osmoprotectants such as glycine betaine and proline. Thermotolerance is achieved through an active process in which plants allocate significant energy to maintain their structure and function to avoid damage induced by heat stress. The practice of nanoparticles has been shown to upgrade both the standard and the quantity of produce when crops are under heat stress. This review provides information on the effects of heat stress on plants and explores the importance of nanoparticles, transgenics, and genomic techniques in reducing the negative consequences of heat stress. Furthermore, it explores how plants might adapt to heat stress by modifying their biochemical, physiological, and molecular reactions.

Generation Mean Analysis for Estimating Gene Action, Heterosis and Inbreeding Depression in Yield and Foliar Disease Resistance in Three Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Crosses

This study was conducted at the Sakha Agricultural Research Station farm over three growing seasons (2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22) to introduce new faba bean genotypes possessing high yield potential and increased resistance to foliar diseases. The research involved six populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2) from three crosses (Cross-1: Santamora x Foal Sbai Labiade, Cross-2: Santamora x Misr 3, and Cross-3: Cairo 4 x Misr 3), analyzed using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Generation mean analysis revealed significant mid and better parent heterosis for most traits, indicating over-dominance. Inbreeding depression manifested negatively for chocolate spot and rust diseases but positively for seed count and seed yield per plant across all crosses. Non-allelic interactions were present for all traits, and dominance gene effects were more influential than additive gene effects for most traits. Mean performance analysis showed that F1 populations had lower disease reactions, but higher yields compared to the better parent, while F2 populations displayed greater genetic variability due to segregation. Heterosis was significant for yield and its components across all crosses but less beneficial for disease resistance. Inbreeding depression was significant and negative for disease reactions but positive for yield traits. The study found high broad-sense heritability for all traits, suggesting potential for phenotypic selection. Narrow-sense heritability values were moderate for qualitative traits and lower for quantitative traits. Genetic advance under selection indicated the highest gains were associated with moderate heritability values. Significant non-allelic interactions suggested the need for specific breeding strategies, with dominance gene effects more pronounced than additive effects. These findings support the feasibility of selecting high-yielding, disease-resistant faba bean genotypes through targeted breeding methods, aligning with previous research on the genetic inheritance of these traits.

CRISPR/Cas9 opens new horizon of crop improvement under stress condition

Plants are exposed to a myriad of stresses, stemming from abiotic and biotic sources, significantly threatening agricultural productivity. The low crop yield, coupled with the global burden of population has resulted in the scarcity of quality food, exacerbating socio-economic issues like poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. Conventional breeding methods for the generation of stress-tolerant plants are time-consuming, limit genetic diversity, and are not sustainable for the consistent production of high-yielding crops. In recent years, the use of high-throughput, genome editing (GE) technique has revolutionized the crop-improvement paradigm, ushering greater prospects for agricultural progress. Among these tools, the Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR), and its associated nuclease protein Cas9, have appeared as a ground-breaking technology, allowing precise knockout (KO), upregulation, and downregulation of target gene expression. Apart from its high efficacy and speed, this programmable nuclease offers exceptional specificity with minimal off-target effects. Here in, we aim to review the latest findings on the application of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool for generating resilience in plants against environmental stresses.

Improvement of little millet (Panicum sumatrense) using novel omics platform and genetic resource integration.

This article explores possible future initiatives, such as the development of targeted breeding and integrated omics approach to boost little millet production, nutritional value, and environmental adaptation. Little millet (P. sumatrense) is a staple grain in many parts of Asia and Africa owing to its abundance in vitamins and minerals and its ability to withstand harsh agro-ecological conditions. Enhancing little millet using natural resources and novel crop improvement strategy is an effective way of boosting nutritional and food security. To understand the genetic makeup of the crop and figure out important characteristics linked to nutritional value, biotic and abiotic resistance, and production, researchers in this field are currently resorting on genomic technology. These realizations have expedited the crop's response to shifting environmental conditions by enabling the production of superior cultivarsthrough targeted breeding. Going forward, further improvements in breeding techniques and genetics may boost the resilience, nutritional content, and production of little millet, which would benefit growers and consumers alike. The research and development on littlemillet improvement using novel omics platform and the integration of genetic resources are summarized in this review paper. Improved cultivars of littlemillet that satisfy changing farmer and consumer demands have already been developed through the use of these novel breeding strategies. This article also explores possible future initiatives, such as the development of targeted breeding, genomics, and sustainable agriculture methods. The potential for these measures to boost littlemillet's overall production, nutritional value, and climate adaptation will be extremely helpful in addressing nutritional security.

ИСТОЧНИКИ КРУПНОЯГОДНОСТИ СОРТОВ ВИНОГРАДА АНАПСКОЙ АМПЕЛОГРАФИЧЕСКОЙ КОЛЛЕКЦИИ

The aim of the study is to examine grape varieties in the collection of the Anapa Experimental Station in order to identify genetic sources of large-berry fruit. Varieties that are donors or sources of economically valuable traits, such as high productivity, large-berry fruit, stress resistance, adaptability, and taste, are found among representatives of the eco-geographical groups of European-Asian grapes. This work is relevant because it is the foundation for the selection process of grape culture and the production of new zoned large-berry varieties that are in great demand on the market and necessary in times of import substitution. Currently, the collection consists of many varieties of different eco-geographical origins, table and technical uses. The gene pool of grapes is replenished every year. These varieties are used annually in breeding to develop new high-quality grape varieties. The objects of research were the source varieties of large-berry grapes from different geographical zones. In this research work, modern programs and me-thods were used along with traditional breeding methods. The paper presents four sources of large-berry grapes, gives their brief characteristics, shows the dynamics of the main phenological and agrobiological indicators for 2021–2023. Among the source varieties, the following varieties stand out in terms of the frui-ting coefficient: Brigantina (K1 – 1.0–1.2) and Muromets (K1 – 1.0–1.1), and in terms of yield per bush – Pobeditel, Brigantina and Yubiley Moldavii. These varieties are used in experimental work on varietal directed crossing of supposed carriers of economically valuable selection traits and further obtaining seeds of new hybrid offspring.

Modern breeding methods in forestry aimed at preserving genetic diversity

This research is devoted to analysing the impact of modern breeding measures in forestry on the level of genetic diversity of forest tree species. It has been found that the main source of improved seed material for the genetic restoration of forests is base forest seed orchards. Aspects of the influence of determining factors – background pollination and the number of clones – on the indicators of genetic variability of progeny have been analysed in detail. The potential of background pollination in forest seed orchards in the context of a significant decrease in the effectiveness of breeding measures and a parallel increase in the level of genetic variability of progeny has been studied. An analysis of data on the minimum number of clones in seed orchards has been carried out based on the practical experience of other developed countries. The dynamics of clone variability in terms of fertility have been investigated. The potential impact of clonal selection on the genetic diversity of tree species, particularly in reducing it, has been identified. It has been confirmed that integrating the concept of family forestry, which involves the use of vegetative propagation techniques, into the breeding strategy significantly increases the level of genetic variability in progeny. The study has demonstrated that the multiple-population breeding system provides the optimal preconditions for synergising the process of long-term intensive breeding and preserving the gene pool of tree species. It has been determined that there is no negative impact on genetic diversity from implementing a complex of optimally planned breeding programs. At the same time, the potential for intensifying the quality of gene pool conservation in the process of forest ecosystem restoration through the use of improved seed material and clones in artificial orchards has been established. Special attention is given to the maintenance of ex situ – valuable genetic material in forest seed production facilities, including forest seed orchards, trial cultures, and clone archives of plus trees. Research has shown that the implementation of modern innovative solutions and scientific recommendations can minimise the loss of genetic diversity in forest tree species. The results can be applied in contemporary forestry breeding programs

Influence of red–blue light ratio on the phenology and morphology of different lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes under a simple and resource‐efficient in‐house speed breeding method based on the application of extended photoperiod

AbstractIn the complex context of rising food demand, natural resources degradation and worsening climate changes impact, food legumes could play an important role in sustainable agriculture and food security. To overcome these challenges, enhanced genetic gain has become a necessity. Speed breeding‐based extended photoperiod is being used to reinforce conventional breeding methods and to speed up the development of adapted varieties. Speed breeding growth chambers and greenhouses' light quality in terms of red–blue ratio is among important factors that need to be optimized to enhance the efficiency of this technique to accelerate plant growth and development while limiting plant stress. We have compared the effect of different light ratios of 5:3 red–blue, 3:5 red–blue and 4:4 white–white on phenological and morphological characteristics of three lentil and chickpea genotypes grown in a speed breeding‐based extended photoperiod growth chamber with 22 h light/2 h dark. The 5:3 red–blue light ratio increased plant height and reduced flowering time for the three tested lentil varieties with 36, 41 and 40 days after sowing, respectively, as well as for the three tested chickpea varieties with 42, 38 and 24 days after sowing, respectively. While the 3:5 red–blue ratio increased leaves and secondary stem growth for lentil; leaves and secondary stem growth, green canopy cover and seedling vigour for chickpea. Less vegetative growth and later flowering were observed under white light. Higher red–blue light ratio of 5:3 accelerated lentil and chickpea vegetative growth and flowering, making it more optimal for speed breeding‐based extended photoperiod. It should be pointed out that the suggested home‐designed and built protocol is cost‐effective and easy to implement especially in small‐scale breeding programmes in developing countries.

Exploring genetic variation in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) accessions through two-locus DNA barcoding

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) remains among the most costly spices worldwide due to its invaluable properties. Traditional breeding methods are restricted by saffron's male sterility and clonal multiplication, which may result in genetic deterioration and make genetic diversity within saffron populations cryptic. To overcome this cryptic diversity, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis of sixteen saffron accessions from Morocco, France, Greece, and Italy using two universal DNA barcodes: ITS2 and trnH-psbA. Our findings unveiled significant genetic diversity among examined accessions, characterized by considerable sequence variation. This led to the identification of a notable number of haplotypes (14 and 15) with a high haplotype diversity (HD) = 0.9, signifying extensive genetic variability. Moreover, Phylogenetic and network analyses illustrated distinct genetic clusters and evolutionary relationships among saffron populations, separating our accessions from Iranian saffron. Besides, Pairwise distance and principal component analyses confirmed the unique genetic profiles of the Assif Zimer population from Morocco. Notably, the study explores environmental factors as potential contributors to genetic differences across different regions. Finally, the assessment of ITS2 secondary structures and the generation of Two-Dimensional DNA Barcodes provided unique identities to accessions and gave valuable insights into sequence variability and molecular identification. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of saffron genetics and provides essential information for conservation projects.