Natural Genetic Resources Research Articles

Preservation of the seed collection during the Great Patriotic War

The article examines the historically significant period of N.I. Vavilov’s activities and his team in conducting 108 expeditions and collecting plant seeds in more than 1000 countries worldwide. By 1940, the collection was the largest in the world. Vavilov’s research aimed to study the genetic potential of seeds, establish centers of origin for wild and cultivated plants, their role in human practical activities, and the formation and replenishment of the collection initiated before the revolution by the founders of applied botany. Additionally, the article analyzes the challenging periods experienced by the collection, such as the formation of Soviet Russia, the Siege of Leningrad, and participation in the restoration of the devastated agriculture after Victory in World War II. Special attention is paid to the involvement of employees of the Federal Research Center “N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources” (VIR) in preserving the collection during the Siege of Leningrad. The practical application of the research results lies in understanding the importance of preserving plant genetic resources for food security and sustainable development of rural regions. The publication emphasizes not only the historical value of the seed collection but also its contemporary significance as an important resource for scientific research and practical use in agriculture. The scientific article also highlights the heroic efforts of VIR employees, who endured the harsh conditions of the Siege of Leningrad but continued to carefully preserve plant seeds, contributing to the survival and revival of agriculture in our homeland. The dedication and professionalism of the employees to the cause are underscored. Thus, the article reveals the historical and practical significance of the VIR seed collection, an important national genetic resource that continues to serve the goals of agricultural science and practice.

Genetic diversity of apple heirloom germplasm in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as revealed by SNP markers

The cultivated apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is an economically important fruit crop in countries worldwide, including Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH).The gene bank activities in BIH were initiated in the 1930s and continued until the war in the 1990s, when much of the documentation was lost. Since then, uncoordinated efforts were made to establish apple collections in different regions, but a comprehensive analysis of genetic resources was lacking. This prompted the current study where we present the first thorough overview of the national genetic resources of BIH apples. Thus, we analyzed 165 accessions in the apple gene bank at the Institute for Genetic Resources (IGR) established at Banja Luka using the 20 K apple Infinium® single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. We combined the results with previously published data on the germplasm collections at Srebrenik and Goražde, genotyped using the Axiom® Apple 480 K SNP array. In total, 234 accessions were included in the study of which 220 were presumed to be local cultivars and 14 were known international reference cultivars. We identified numerous genotypic duplicates within and between collections and suggested preferred names to be used in the future. We found the BIH germplasm to have relatively few parent-offspring relationships, particularly among local cultivars, which might reflect the country’s history and patterns of apple cultivar introduction. A number of cultivars unique to BIH and a weakly defined genetic group were identified via STRUCTURE analysis, representing interesting targets for future research and preservation efforts.

Phylogenomics, reticulation, and biogeographical history of Elaeagnaceae

The angiosperm family Elaeagnaceae comprises three genera and ca. 100 species distributed mainly in Eurasia and North America. Little family-wide phylogenetic and biogeographic research on Elaeagnaceae has been conducted, limiting the application and preservation of natural genetic resources. Here, we reconstructed a strongly supported phylogenetic framework of Elaeagnaceae to better understand inter- and intrageneric relationships, as well as the origin and biogeographical history of the family. For this purpose, we used both nuclear and plastid sequences from Hyb-Seq and genome skimming approaches to reconstruct a well-supported phylogeny and, along with current distributional data, infer historical biogeographical processes. Our phylogenetic analyses of both nuclear and plastid data strongly support the monophyly of Elaeagnaceae and each of the three genera. Elaeagnus was resolved as sister to the well-supported clade of Hippophae and Shepherdia. The intrageneric relationships of Elaeagnus and Hippophae were also well resolved. High levels of nuclear gene tree conflict and cytonuclear discordance were detected within Elaeagnus, and our analyses suggest putative ancient and recent hybridization. We inferred that Elaeagnaceae originated at ca. 90.48 Ma (95% CI = 89.91–91.05 Ma), and long-distance dispersal likely played a major role in shaping its intercontinentally disjunct distribution. This work presents the most comprehensive phylogenetic framework for Elaeagnaceae to date, offers new insights into previously unresolved relationships in Elaeagnus, and provides a foundation for further studies on classification, evolution, biogeography, and conservation of Elaeagnaceae.

In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation of Ornamental Geophytes in Poland

The protection of biological diversity in nature and in agriculture, including the production of ornamental crops, has become increasingly important in Poland as well as worldwide. The Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in 1992 at the Earth Summit of the UN in Rio de Janeiro and ratified by the Polish government in 1995, imposed new regulations related to the protection of nature and the genetic resources of cultivated crops in Poland. The conservation of the genera, varieties and cultivars of ornamental geophytes—a group of plants of great interest from a botanical and physiological, but also a horticultural point of view—takes place in situ (both in nature and in the places of cultivation) and through the establishment of ex situ gene banks and collections. The natural genetic resources of ornamental geophytes include species from the genera Allium, Fritillaria, Gladiolus, Iris, Leucojum, Lilium and Muscari, among others, and more than a dozen species are protected by law due to varying degrees of threats. Botanical gardens play an essential role in the conservation of endangered species. Their activities focus on genus monitoring, managing ex situ gene banks (including National Collections), developing propagation methods and carrying out their reintroduction. In order to protect the national genetic resources of cultivated plants, the National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatisation Institute—National Research Institute, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, was established. Concerning ornamental geophytes, the National Centre coordinates two field collections of cultivars of the genera Gladiolus, Lilium, Narcissus and Tulipa, which are of great economic importance and have a long tradition of breeding in Poland. The first one is located at the National Institute of Horticultural Research in Skierniewice (central Poland), and the second one is at the Experimental Substation of Variety Testing in Lisewo (northern Poland). The history of tulip collections in Poland dates back to the 1960s. At that time, the first breeding work for this species began. The collection of bulbous crops in Skierniewice is currently one of the largest in Poland, with a total of 934 accessions. Most of them are tulips (522) and lilies (222). Other plants in the collection in Skierniewice are gladiolus and narcissus. The most valuable accessions are grown under special protection (tunnels with dense nets) to guard against insects and maintain a mild climate inside. The genetic resources of the ornamental bulb plant collection in Lisewo currently consist of 611 accessions, mainly tulips (358), daffodils (121) and gladioli (132). All bulbous crops in both collections (Skierniewice and Lisewo) are grown in accordance with all principles of agrotechnics (negative field selection, fertilisation, soil maintenance). A particularly important task of botanical gardens, universities, research institutes and the National Centre is leading research on the methods of storage for survival organs, in vitro cultures and cryopreservation. We have discovered that the various activities for the species conservation of ornamental geophytes require a great deal of constantly deepening knowledge and extraordinary measures, including frequent monitoring of the effects of the applied measures.

Inhibition of Prolactin Affects Epididymal Morphology by Decreasing the Secretion of Estradiol in Cashmere Bucks.

Yanshan Cashmere bucks are seasonal breeding animals and an important national genetic resource. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of prolactin (PRL) in the epididymal function of bucks. Twenty eleven-month-old Cashmere bucks were randomly divided into a control (CON) group and a bromocriptine (BCR, a prolactin inhibitor, 0.06 mg/kg body weight (BW)) treatment group. The experiment was conducted from September to October 2020 in Qinhuangdao City, China, and lasted for 30 days. Blood was collected on the last day before the BCR treatment (day 0) and on the 15th and 30th days after the BCR treatment (days 15 and 30). On the 30th day, all bucks were transported to the local slaughterhouse, where epididymal samples were collected immediately after slaughter. The left epididymis was preserved in 4% paraformaldehyde for histological observation, and the right epididymis was immediately preserved in liquid nitrogen for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The results show that the PRL inhibitor reduced the serum PRL and estradiol (E2) concentrations (p < 0.05) and tended to decrease luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations (p = 0.052) by the 30th day, but no differences (p > 0.05) occurred by either day 0 or 15. There were no differences (p > 0.05) observed in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations between the two groups. The PRL receptor (PRLR) protein was mainly located in the cytoplasm and intercellular substance of the epididymal epithelial cells. The PRL inhibitor decreased (p < 0.05) the expression of the PRLR protein in the epididymis. In the BCR group, the height of the epididymal epithelium in the caput and cauda increased, as did the diameter of the epididymal duct in the caput (p < 0.05). However, the diameter of the cauda epididymal duct decreased (p < 0.05). Thereafter, a total of 358 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the epididymal tissues, among which 191 were upregulated and 167 were downregulated. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses revealed that ESR2, MAPK10, JUN, ACTL7A, and CALML4 were mainly enriched in the estrogen signaling pathway, steroid binding, calcium ion binding, the GnRH signaling pathway, the cAMP signaling pathway, and the chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species pathway, which are related to epididymal function. In conclusion, the inhibition of PRL may affect the structure of the epididymis by reducing the expression of the PRLR protein and the secretion of E2. ESR2, MAPK10, JUN, ACTL7A, and CALML4 could be the key genes of PRL in its regulation of epididymal reproductive function.

The Recognition and Utilization of Natural Genetic Resources for Advances in Plant Biology through Genomics and Biotechnology

Biological diversity is the most essential gift from nature, and many elite or superior genes that confer favorable traits remain to be discovered and utilized [...]

Exploring Natural Variations in Arabidopsis thaliana: Plant Adaptability to Salt Stress.

The increase in soil salinization represents a current challenge for plant productivity, as most plants, including crops, are mainly salt-sensitive species. The identification of molecular traits underpinning salt tolerance represents a primary goal for breeding programs. In this scenario, the study of intraspecific variability represents a valid tool for investigating natural genetic resources evolved by plants in different environmental conditions. As a model system, Arabidopsis thaliana, including over 750 natural accessions, represents a species extensively studied at phenotypic, metabolic, and genomic levels under different environmental conditions. Two haplogroups showing opposite root architecture (shallow or deep roots) in response to auxin flux perturbation were identified and associated with EXO70A3 locus variations. Here, we studied the influence of these genetic backgrounds on plant salt tolerance. Eight accessions belonging to the two haplogroups were tested for salt sensitivity by exposing them to moderate (75 mM NaCl) or severe (150 mM NaCl) salt stress. Salt-tolerant accessions were found in both haplogroups, and all of them showed efficient ROS-scavenging ability. Even if an exclusive relation between salt tolerance and haplogroup membership was not observed, the modulation of root system architecture might also contribute to salt tolerance.

The Use of Hanseniaspora opuntiae to Improve 'Sideritis' Wine Quality, a Late-Ripening Greek Grape Variety.

In view of climate change and the increasingly antagonistic wine market, the exploitation of native genetic resources is revisited in relation to sustainable wine production. 'Sideritis' is a late-ripening Greek grape variety, which is quite promising for counteracting wine quality issues associated with the annual temperature rise. The aim of this study was to improve the quality and to enhance the aroma of 'Sideritis' wine through the use of native yeasts. To improve vinification, Hanseniaspora opuntiae L1 was used along with Saccharomyces cerevisiae W7 in mixed fermentations (SQ). The addition of H. οpuntiae significantly altered the chemical profile of the wine compared to the single-inoculated fermentations with W7 (IS). H. opuntiae increased all the acetate esters, except for hexyl acetate and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol acetate. The concentration of 2-phenylethyl acetate, which imparts flowery and sweet notes, exhibited a 2.6-fold increase in SQ as compared to IS wines. SQ also showed higher levels in several ethyl esters, including ethyl butyrate, ethyl heptanoate and ethyl 7-octenoate, which are associated with fruity notes compared to IS. H. opuntiae produced citronellol, a terpene associated with rose and green notes, and increased the overall acceptance of the wine. Present results are thus quite promising for improving 'Sideritis' wine quality towards a sustainable wine production in Greece in view of global warming.

Genome-wide association study of leaf photosynthesis using a high-throughput gas exchange system in rice.

Enhancing leaf photosynthetic capacity is essential for improving the yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Although the exploitation of natural genetic resources is considered a promising approach to enhance photosynthetic capacity, genomic factors related to the genetic diversity of leaf photosynthetic capacity have yet to be fully elucidated due to the limitation of measurement efficiency. In this study, we aimed to identify novel genomic regions for the net CO2 assimilation rate (A) by combining genome-wide association study (GWAS) and the newly developed rapid closed gas exchange system MIC-100. Using three MIC-100 systems in the field at the vegetative stage, we measured A of 168 temperate japonica rice varieties with six replicates for three years. We found that the modern varieties exhibited higher A than the landraces, while there was no significant relationship between the release year and A among the modern varieties. Our GWAS scan revealed two major peaks located on chromosomes 4 and 8, which were repeatedly detected in the different experiments and in the generalized linear modelling approach. We suggest that high-throughput gas exchange measurements combined with GWAS is a reliable approach for understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying photosynthetic diversities in crop species.

Population, morphological, and genetic characteristics of pelawan trees on Bangka Island, Indonesia: implications for conservation

Tristaniopsis spp. (pelawan) trees hold great significance in ensuring biodiversity sustainability and supporting the local species within Kepulauan Bangka Belitung Province. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in fostering the social and cultural aspects of the local community. However, the pelawan population has faced great threats due to land conversion, unmanaged forests, and mining. To address these challenges, the local government has shown a commitment to expanding the in-situ conservation areas beyond Namang Biodiversity Park. In order to enhance the conservation status of this species, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive study of the tree’s distribution, morphological characteristics, species delimitation, and genetic diversity. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain information on pelawan distribution, morphological characteristics, species confirmation, and genetic diversity. It was conducted at five natural populations, namely KK (Kota Kapur), BB (Berbura), LAP (Labuh Air Pandan), PN (Pangkal Niur), and LB (Limbung), and the genetic character was observed using ITS and RAPD markers. The first instance of establishing a nucleotide sequence database for pelawan on Bangka Island was also represented, showing the presence of two distinct taxa groups based on ITS sequence nucleotides. Based on morphological characters (bark color and leaves), the two groups were determined to be pelawan merah/orange (Tristaniopsis sp. 1) and pelawan air (Tristaniopsis sp. 2). Significantly, the genetic diversity analysis yielded a range of HE values, from 0.283 (KK) to 0.353 (PN). The PCoA and dendrogram analyses exhibited the formation of a cluster comprising populations from Bangka (KK, BB, LAP, and PN), while LB formed a separate cluster. The result showed significant genetic differentiation between regions and populations, without mixing seeds or seedlings. It was suggested that the conservation strategy for pelawan trees on Bangka Island should be developed with several considerations. In-situ conservation sites should be designated based on the presence of pelawan merah/orange and pelawan air taxa. Additionally, ex-situ conservation plots needed to be established, with at least one location dedicated to each taxonomic group. To preserve the remaining natural genetic resources, KK and LB populations, which had the lowest HE value and different genetic structures should be prioritized. Strategies for ex-situ conservation included KK, LB, and PN. The prioritization of PN for conservation was necessary, and further genetic study of the pelawan should involve larger populations representing the natural distribution of each species.

Functional Characterization of a New Salt Stress Response Gene, PeCBL4, in Populus euphratica Oliv

Populus euphratica is a typical stress-resistant tree species that provides valuable natural genetic resources for breeding salt-tolerant plants. The calcineurin B-like (CBL)-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) network plays an important role in regulating plant responses to abiotic stresses. The aim of this study was to characterize the function of a new CBL member, PeCBL4, in response to abiotic stresses. PeCBL4 was cloned, and sequence analysis was performed. The subcellular localization of PeCBL4 was determined using the fusion expression vector of GFP. Yeast two-hybrid assays and bimolecular fluorescence complementation were performed to identify PeCIPK members that interacted with PeCBL4. PeCBL4 was then transformed into the corresponding Arabidopsis thaliana mutants. Na+ and K+ content as well as their net fluxes were determined under high salt stress and low K+ stress. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that PeCBL4 was clustered together with PtCBL4 and belonged to the same subgroup as AtCBL4. Subcellular localization indicated that PeCBL4 was expressed on the plasma membrane. Yeast two-hybrid assays and bimolecular fluorescence complementation showed that PeCBL4 interacted with PeCIPK24 and PeCIPK26. In addition, under high salt stress, the Na+ efflux capacities of seedlings decreased in sos3 mutants, and transgenic plants of PeCBL4 enhanced efflux capacities. In addition, the overexpression of PeCBL4 negatively influenced the influx capacity of K+. PeCBL4 interacts with PeCIPK24 and PeCIPK26 and regulates Na+/K+ balance under low K+ and high salt stress.

Valorizing staple Native American food plants as a food resilience resource

IntroductionIncreased risks from global climate change and sun-blocking global catastrophic risks (such as a nuclear winter), warrant the reevaluation of our food systems and their resilience to these climatic changes. Increasing native agrobiodiversity is a simple way of increasing food system resilience, and despite the vast amount of native genetic resources available in North America, the United States has shown little systematic effort to improve its agrobiodiversity.MethodsWe use a systematic literature review of staple Native American food plants (NAFPs) to determine the current state of research interest among them and suggest species of interest for domestication. The nutrient profiles and nutrient adequacy scores for the most researched staple NAFPs were also collected and calculated.ResultsA total of 174 Staple NAFPs were evaluated through systematic review, resulting in a total of 5302 peer-reviewed articles searched. Our findings show that most NAFPs are understudied and are more commonly seen by the agricultural community as weeds. However, there are a few that have current scientific interest in their value as a potential crop.DiscussionWe discuss the 24 most researched NAFPs and their nutritional content. We also discuss potential actions, protocols, and ethical issues regarding future steps in using NAFPs to increase agrobiodiversity and food resilience in the United States through more resilient agroforestry systems.

Conservation of plant biodiversity by biotechnology methods

Several methods of plant preservation are currently used in the Republic of Kazakhstan: 1) field gene banks in natural growing areas and pomological collections; 2) preservation of seeds at +4°С, –18°С, and –196°С; 3) сold storage of in vitro shoots at +4°С and +10 ± 2°С; 4) cryopreservation of plant tissues and organs at –196°C; 5) preservation of plant DNA at –80°C.Ex situ field collections of plants in Kazakhstan are maintained in botanical gardens of the Republic, arboretums, pomological gardens, nurseries, peasant and farm enterprises, and personal plots. The largest collection of fruit and berry plants is located in the Pomological Garden and includes about 4 thousand varieties, more than 40 thousand hybrids and wild forms of various crops.The Republic of Kazakhstan has about 42,000 accessions in the seed collection. The cereal crop collection is mainly concentrated in the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing – 1/3 of the national genetic resources. The main seed collection of vegetable crops and potatoes (14,700 accessions) is held by the Kazakh Research Institute of Potato and Vegetable Growing. Collections are also available at the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction and in the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (IPBB), with the storage mode of + 4°C and –18°C. IPBB also uses cryopreservation technology at –196°C for seed storage.The main in vitro collection of Kazakhstan is kept at the IPBB at + 4°С and +10 ± 2°С; it includes more than 140 accessions of various fruit, berry, nut, vegetable, ornamental, and woody crops, grapes, potatoes, etc. A cryogenic collection of seeds, shoot tips, dormant buds, and embryonic axes in liquid nitrogen (–196°C) is found only in IPBB. The collection includes more than 700 accessions.

Determination of declined genetic diversity of Holstein stud bulls based on microsatellite markers

Semen importing countries are trying to select the most suitable studs according to their breeding goals, while the globally widespread use of common genetic material has been turning the loss of genetic diversity into a possible danger. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of 304 high-yielding Holstein stud bulls whose semen were produced in Turkiye, Europe and the Americas. The values of allele frequencies, expected heterozygosity (He), observed heterozygosity (Ho), Hardy-Weinberg (HW) Equilibrium, the number of alleles per locus (Na), allelic richness (Rs), polymorphic information content (PIC) and F-statistics were calculated and compared the results with similar studies. It was observed that some indicator values of the genetic diversity were decreased compared to the values of the other studies in Holstein breed. Especially the decrease in some values of SPS115 locus was statistically significant. It is thought that this could be as a result of SPS115 to be close to possible QTL regions associated with traits which indicates overall potential of selection in stud bulls. Therefore, while applying a selection program to populations, national genetic resource management strategies that maintain genetic diversity should not be forgotten besides gaining high yield.

Genetic resources of the oldest trees of Pinus sylvestris L. from the last natural forest in Europe

The last fragments of primeval forests in the European lowlands have survived in the Białowieża Forest (BF). A characteristic feature of its forest stands is a complex and multi-age structure. From a genetic perspective, old trees represent a genetic pool that is a product of the selection forces acting over centuries. Therefore, it is extremely important to make a genetic inventory of such old trees and preserve their genetic resources for future generations. The aims of this study were: 1) genotyping the oldest trees of Pinus sylvestris in the Sitki Reserve of the Białowieża Forest in Poland; and 2) characterisation of the genetic structure of this old Scots pine tree stand. In total, 98 old trees aged above 100 years were analysed using eight nuclear microsatellite markers. The first study on the genotyping of the oldest Scots pine trees in the BF, indicated that each of the trees has a unique genotype, so it can be unambiguously identified by a genetic profile. Overall, 85% of trees showed an individual heterozygosity of 0.5 or higher. We demonstrated, that eight polymorphic microsatellite loci of the nuclear genome are sufficient to create an individual genetic profile of each tree. Our results will provide necessary background information for the conservation of native genetic resources of Pinus sylvestris.

Genetic transformation and gene delivery strategies in &lt;i&gt;Carica papaya&lt;/i&gt; L.

Papaya (<italic>Carica papaya</italic> L.) is a popular tropical fruit of high commercial value due to its nutritional, medicinal and industrial properties. However, conventional breeding methods for papaya have several limitations, including a scarcity of natural genetic resources in the <italic>Carica</italic> genus and sexual incompatibility among closely-related species. To overcome these challenges, particle bombardment, agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and pollen tube-mediated transformation have been developed for generating genetically modified papaya with the desired traits over the past three decades. These transformation methods have been successfully employed to improve papaya's resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, fruit quality, and even to produce edible vaccines. Notably, papaya ringspot virus-resistant transgenic papaya is the first successful commercial application of genetic engineering technology in a fruit crop. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology and viral vector-based gene delivery system have emerged as promising tools for papaya genetic improvement and functional genomic studies in papaya. Genome editing will open a new era of precision breeding for papaya. This review aims to highlight past and recent gene transformation methods and their applications in papaya breeding, as well as future perspectives and challenges in improving papaya via genetic engineering.

Assefaw Tewolde Medhin: Una reseña biográfica

Assefaw Tewolde Medhin, was a naturalized Mexican citizen, was born in Addi-Ugri, Eritrea, on August 21, 1949, completed his university studies at the University of Ethiopia, Alemaya (1973) with a specialization in Animal Sciences, his master's degree (1976) and Ph.D.'s (1981) were done in Animal Genetics and Husbandry from the Universities of Florida (UF) and Oregon State University (OSU), respectively. Dr. Assefaw Tewolde Medhin was a Mexican by conviction, he came to Mexico to stay and adopt it as his home and decided to live the rest of his life in Mexico and our American continent, as his home territory. Assefaw loved and worked for the native genetic resources, also known as Creoles, not only of the Americas but also for the Creole cattle of many other countries on the planet.

Genetic analysis distinguished new natural population and old plantations of Cryptomeria japonica

Natural forest is important not only for conserving genetic diversity, but also as a future breeding resource, especially for forestry tree species. Cryptomeria japonica is an important forestry tree species in Japan, but natural populations are limited. We discovered apparently natural C. japonica individuals on Mt Aoba, adjacent to Wakasa Bay in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. The area around Wakasa Bay was an important refugia for this species during the Last Glacial Maximum. To clarify whether these individuals are natural origin or not, we sampled 195 individuals with a diameter at breast height (dbh) greater than 60 cm (with an average dbh of 79 cm), and conducted genetic analyses with 249 SNP and 20 SSR markers. We found two genetic clusters identified as ura-sugi and omote-sugi lineages and the genetic diversity of the sample was similar to known natural populations. The ura-sugi lineage showed a clear correlation between age and dbh, whereas the omote-sugi lineage showed no correlation. The ura-sugi lineage was also genetically very similar to nearby natural populations. Most of the omote-sugi lineage trees were about 100 years old regardless of dbh, and located in one small valley close to a village. The results suggest that the ura-sugi lineage (124 individuals) represents a population of natural origin, whereas the omote-sugi lineage (60 individuals) population was probably planted about 100 years ago using trees of non-local origin. Seven individuals appeared to be hybrids, displaying both ura-sugi and omote-sugi lineages. In situ conservation of the ura-sugi individuals should be a priority, after removing the omote-sugi lineage, in order to conserve the natural genetic resources they represent. Ex-situ conservation strategies should also be implemented to protect the endemic gene pool from gene flow from the many C. japonica plantations in the surrounding area.

Assessing Genetic Diversity and Searching for Selection Signatures by Comparison between the Indigenous Livni and Duroc Breeds in Local Livestock of the Central Region of Russia

Indigenous pig breeds are mainly associated with the adaptive capacity that is necessary to respond adequately to climate change, food security, and livelihood needs, and natural resources conservation. Livni pigs are an indigenous fat-type breed farmed in a single farm in the Orel region and located in the Central European part of the Russian Federation. To determine the genomic regions and genes that are affected by artificial selection, we conducted the comparative study of two pig breeds with different breeding histories and breeding objectives, i.e., the native fat-type Livni and meat-type Duroc breeds using the Porcine GGP HD BeadChip, which contains ~80,000 SNPs. To check the Livni pigs for possible admixture, the Landrace and the Large White breeds were included into the study of genetic diversity as these breeds participated in the formation of the Livni pigs. We observed the highest level of genetic diversity in Livni pigs compared to commercial breeds (UHE = 0.409 vs. 0.319–0.359, p &lt; 0.001; AR = 1.995 vs. 1.894–1.964, p &lt; 0.001). A slight excess of heterozygotes was found in all of the breeds. We identified 291 candidate genes, which were localized within the regions under putative selection, including 22 and 228 genes, which were specific for Livni and Duroc breeds, respectively, and 41 genes common for both breeds. A detailed analysis of the molecular functions identified the genes, which were related to the formation of meat and fat traits, and adaptation to environmental stress, including extreme temperatures, which were different between breeds. Our research results are useful for conservation and sustainable breeding of Livni breed, which shows a high level of genetic diversity. This makes Livni one of the valuable national pig genetic resources.

Kebijakan Hukum Perlindungan Pengetahuan Tradisional (Traditional Knowledge) di Afrika Selatan

Traditional knowledge is a collection of knowledge, skills and practices developed within an indigenous community group, thus forming a separate identity, and being passed on from one generation to the next. This traditional knowledge is known and transmitted orally so it is difficult to prove in the future. Therefore it requires protection that can provide benefits to indigenous peoples who have this inheritance. This study aims to determine whether policies regarding traditional knowledge in South Africa are in accordance with various applicable international laws. This research is a normative literature study. The results of this study are that traditional knowledge remains extremely difficult to impart because the knowledge produced is difficult to prove simply because it is passed down orally, besides that the rules that are enforced are still limited even though he Nagoya Protocol has been ratified as well as rules regarding natural resources, biological or genetic resources as well as traditional knowledge, namely the National Environment Management Biodiversity Act 2004 has been enacted and amended by the National Environmental Management through Law No. 14 of 2013, in addition to the Amendment of Patents Law 2005 as well as the Intellectual Property Law No. 28 of 2013 to protect existing traditional knowledge in the country. One of the foresaid knowledge is the use of hoodia plant as an anti-obesity drug.