Original Cultivar Research Articles

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Monovarietal Red Wines from Lazio Cultivars: A Chemometric Evaluation

Background: Antioxidant activity is currently one of the most significant characteristics of red wines, mainly attributable to phenolic components, that enhance health-promoting effects. To this purpose, it is necessary to implement simple, and reliable analytical methods for evaluating such bioactive compounds in wines according to their background. Objective: This research aims to characterize the phenolic and antioxidant activity of 48 commercial monovarietal red wines produced from eight native Lazio cultivars (“Cesanese del Piglio”, “Cesanese di Olevano Romano”, “Cesanese da Castel Franco”, “Olivella del Frusinate”, “Nostrano”, “Syrah”, “Merlot”, and “Nero Buono”), according to different winemaking techniques and vintage. Methods: The characterization was carried out through the chromatographic determination of anthocyanins (HPLC-PDA), spectrophotometric assays for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic acid content (TPAC), and antioxidant activity (AA) through ABTS, and DPPH assays, coupled with chemometric tools (Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis). Results: The quantitative determination of phenolic compounds showed significant (p > 0.05) differences according to wine cultivars. Wine belonging to ‘Syrah’, ‘Nero Buono’, ‘Cesanese del Piglio’ and ‘Cesanese di Olevano Romano’ cultivars showed the highest TPC (2.673 – 4.094; 1.963 – 3.859, 2.104 – 3.794, and 2.668 – 3.549 mg GAE/L, respectively), as well as the highest TFC and TPAC. Conclusion: In addition, wines sharing cold maceration (i.e., COR and CP samples) resulted in the highest total anthocyanidin content with a variable malvidin and cyanidin distribution percentage; as well as younger wines (2019) showed the highest TPC and anthocyanidins content. In these regards, the natural groupings among samples obtained by chemometrics reinforce the influence of cultivar origin, the wine-making process, as well as wine aging on phenolic content and compositions, thus acting as fingerprints for specific grape cultivars.

Evaluation of the Algerian Apricot Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity: Impact of Graft-Propagated Autochthonous and Introduced Cultivars in a Traditional Seed-Propagated System

AbstractDespite the apricot cultivars introduced from Spain and France are displacing the autochthonous Algerian cultivars in each area, there are a lot of local cultivars that still have a great interest and they are cultivated in the orchards from the Algerian arid agrosystem. This study addresses the phenotypical and molecular characterization of autochthonous (Algerian and Tunisian cultivars) and introduced (Spanish and French) graft-propagated apricot cultivars in a traditional seed-propagated system. Sixty-five apricot cultivated autochthonous and introduced accessions from the provinces of Batna (slightly arid area) and M’Sila (semi-arid area) in Algeria have been evaluated. These cultivated accessions included autochthonous Algerian cultivars (graft and seed propagated) selected over the years for its adaptation to warm Mediterranean climate and Spanish and French introduced cultivars (graft propagated). In these materials and agronomical evaluation of phenological (budburst, flowering and ripening date), pomological (fruit weight and yield per tree) and fruit quality (firmness and acidity), traits were performed together with a molecular characterization of the genetic diversity using simple sequence repeat (SSR) marks. Results showed the great diversity at agronomical and molecular level of this Algerian apricot germplasm. The seed-propagated autochthonous cultivars showed a lower yield per tree and fruit weight. Seed-propagated autochthonous also showed a longer fruit development and ripening cycle in comparison with the grafted cultivars with a later ripening date. Regarding fruit quality, seed-propagated autochthonous cultivars present low firmness and high acidity compared with the rest. Results also showed the effectiveness of the SSR markers by the correct identification, detecting some synonymies and suggesting the origin of some autochthonous cultivars. These results will provide more in-depth information to develop a strategy for in situ conservation of cultivars and to reduce gene flow from introduced material to ancient orchards. These materials would be interesting to modify some quality traits such as the acidity or firmness and drought resistance in apricot breeding programs.

Big fruit size sweet cherry cultivars of Czech origin

Big fruit size sweet cherry cultivars of Czech origin

Maintenance of inflorescence size variability within common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) cultivars of various origin: the phenomenon and its possible causes

Background. Intrapopulation polymorphism usually can be interpreted as a result of balancing selection, but the basic mechanisms of such selection are not always clear. Earlier we documented a wide variation in the inflorescence size within one of the most genetically uniform common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) cultivar ‘Skorospelaya 86’, with larger sizes controlled by recessive alleles of multiple genes. The objective of the present work was to analyze the variation within a set of buckwheat cultivars representing different morphological types of the crop, and try to make out possible mechanisms that underlie it. Material and methods. A set of buckwheat cultivars of various origin and belonging to different morphological types were analyzed. The size of inflorescences was assessed as a number of their iterative subunits, i.e., partial floret clusters (PFCs). The number of mature seeds in the entire inflorescence and various PFCs was also counted. Results and conclusions. All the cultivars were variable, with the range at the species level from 6 to 24 PFCs. Accumulation of the genes determining a larger inflorescence seems to be simply explained: larger inflorescences tended to produce more seeds than smaller ones. However, it is not so easy to explain the maintenance of the inflorescence size variability, i.e., why the alleles determining small inflorescences were not lost during the artificial selection for higher seed productivity. Probably, such polymorphism may be useful for maintaining heterosis at the population level.

Breeding for an elite malting barley cultivar with acid soil tolerance.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the fourth most produced cereal crop in the world, but its productivity on acid soil has been restricted due to its high sensitivity to aluminum (Al) toxicity. The major gene controlling Al tolerance in barley is HvAACT1 (Al-activated citrate transporter 1), which is involved in citrate secretion from the roots for Al detoxification. Here we bred a malting barley cultivar with enhanced acid soil tolerance by introgression of a 1-kb transposon regulating the expression of HvAACT1 into an elite malting cultivar through multiple backcrossing and marker-assisted selection. The line selected showed increased expression of HvAACT1, enhanced citrate secretion from the roots and decreased Al binding to the roots. This line produced more than two to three times the grain yield compared with the original cultivar when grown on acidic soil, providing a potentially sustainable and economic way to boost productivity of malting barley cultivars in areas with acidic soil.

Pomological and Molecular Characterization of Apple Cultivars in the German Fruit Genebank.

Traditional varieties are a valuable tool in modern apple breeding. However, the use of synonyms and missing source documentation hinder an effective identification and conservation of relevant cultivars. During several projects, the authenticity and diversity of the apple cultivar collection of the German Fruit Genebank (GFG) was evaluated extensively. The trueness-to-type of 7890 apple trees was assessed on a pomological and molecular level. Pomological evaluations were performed by at least two experienced experts to identify the original cultivar names. On the molecular level, a set of 17 SSR markers was used to determine a unique genetic profile for each apple cultivar. The pomological and molecular characterization was expressed in terms of a comprehensive trueness-to-type criterion and the results were previously published as a well-curated dataset. In this study, the published dataset was analyzed to evaluate the quality and diversity of the apple collection of the GFG and highlight new findings based on phylogenetic and parentage analysis. The dataset contains 1404 unique genetic profiles corresponding to unambiguous cultivar names. Of these 1404 cultivars, 74% were assessed as true-to-type. The collection of diploid apple cultivars showed a high degree of expected heterozygosity (Hexp = 0.84). Genetic diversity in terms of year and location of origin was investigated with a STRUCTURE analysis. It was hypothesized that genetic diversity might decline overtime due to restrictive breeding programs. The results showed a shift dynamic between older and newer cultivars in one specific cluster, but no significant decrease in genetic diversity was observed in this study. Lastly, a parentage analysis was performed to check parental relationships based on historical research. Out of 128 parent-child trios, 110 trios resulted in significant relationships and reconfirmed the information from the literature. In some cases, the information from the literature was disproven. This analysis also allowed for readjusting the trueness-to-type criteria for previously undetermined cultivars. Overall, the importance of authenticity evaluations for gene bank cultivars was highlighted. Furthermore, the direct use of the dataset was shown by relevant investigations on the genetic diversity and structure of the apple cultivar collections of the GFG.

First insight into the genomes of the Pulmonaria officinalis group (Boraginaceae) provided by repeatome analysis and comparative karyotyping

BackgroundThe genus Pulmonaria (Boraginaceae) represents a taxonomically complex group of species in which morphological similarity contrasts with striking karyological variation. The presence of different numbers of chromosomes in the diploid state suggests multiple hybridization/polyploidization events followed by chromosome rearrangements (dysploidy). Unfortunately, the phylogenetic relationships and evolution of the genome, have not yet been elucidated. Our study focused on the P. officinalis group, the most widespread species complex, which includes two morphologically similar species that differ in chromosome number, i.e. P. obscura (2n = 14) and P. officinalis (2n = 16). Ornamental cultivars, morphologically similar to P. officinalis (garden escapes), whose origin is unclear, were also studied. Here, we present a pilot study on genome size and repeatome dynamics of these closely related species in order to gain new information on their genome and chromosome structure.ResultsFlow cytometry confirmed a significant difference in genome size between P. obscura and P. officinalis, corresponding to the number of chromosomes. Genome-wide repeatome analysis performed on genome skimming data showed that retrotransposons were the most abundant repeat type, with a higher proportion of Ty3/Gypsy elements, mainly represented by the Tekay lineage. Comparative analysis revealed no species-specific retrotransposons or striking differences in their copy number between the species. A new set of chromosome-specific cytogenetic markers, represented by satellite DNAs, showed that the chromosome structure in P. officinalis was more variable compared to that of P. obscura. Comparative karyotyping supported the hybrid origin of putative hybrids with 2n = 15 collected from a mixed population of both species and outlined the origin of ornamental garden escapes, presumably derived from the P. officinalis complex.ConclusionsLarge-scale genome size analysis and repeatome characterization of the two morphologically similar species of the P. officinalis group improved our knowledge of the genome dynamics and differences in the karyotype structure. A new set of chromosome-specific cytogenetic landmarks was identified and used to reveal the origin of putative hybrids and ornamental cultivars morphologically similar to P. officinalis.

Assessment of adaptive properties of winter triticale cultivars by yield in the Middle Urals

Triticale is a versatile crop with high yield potential but insufficient resistance to unfavourable growing conditions. Therefore, the combination of high yield, adaptability, plasticity, stability and stress resistance of varieties is of great importance. The purpose of the research is to assess the adaptive potential of winter triticale cultivars according to the "yield" trait in agroecological conditions of the Middle Urals. Field studies were conducted in the Udmurt Republic in the years with contrasting weather conditions (2021–2023), the index of environmental conditions varied from -128 to 152. Forty-five cultivars of various ecological and geographical origin were studied. The analysis of the adaptive potential of the cultivars was carried out using various statistical methods. As a result, the most adaptive cultivars for the agroecological conditions of the Middle Urals were identified. The cultivars ‘Beta’, ‘Tribune’, ‘Topaz’, ‘Linda’ (Russia), ‘Mayak’, ‘Ales’ (Belarus), ‘Torchinsky’ (Ukraine) were char- acterized by high responsiveness to improving environmental conditions (bi = 1.82 2.01). The cultivars ‘Giray’, ‘Bereket’, ‘Ataman Platov’ (Russia), ‘Amulet’ (Belarus) showed relatively high stress resistance. The cultivars ‘Beta’, ‘Zimogor’, AD 1405, ‘Topaz’, ‘Kornet’ (Russia) were distinguished by a high compensatory ability. The cultivars ‘Bereket’ and ‘Ataman Platov’ had the lowest yield variability and at the same time high homeostaticity. When ranking the tested cultivars according to the listed indicators, the top ten most stable and plastic cultivars were ‘Zimogor’, ‘Kornet’, ‘Ataman Platov’, ‘Bereket’, ‘Nemchinovsky 56’, ‘Izhevskaya 2’, ‘Imprint’, ‘Bard’ (Russia), ‘Impulse’ (Belarus), ‘Chernobrivets’ (Ukraine), with a total ranking score from 55 to 95 points. The listed cultivars can be classified as the most valuable. In the agroecological conditions of the Middle Urals, it is advisable to cultivate varieties that combine high yields and adaptability – ‘Zimogor’, ‘Kornet’, ‘Izhevskaya 2’, and according to intensive technology – ‘Beta’ cultivar. The cultivars ‘Ataman Platov’, ‘Chernobrivets’, ‘Bereket’, ‘Bard’, ‘Impulse’, ‘Nemchinovsky 56’ also have practical value as a source material in the breeding of winter triticale to increase productivity and adaptability. A comparison of different methods for determining the adaptability of cultivars to specific environmental conditions showed the practical equivalence of the indicators of yield range, yield variation coefficient and homeostaticity.

Geographical origin determination of the PDO hazelnut (cv. Giresun Tombul) by chemometric analysis of FT-NIR and Raman spectra acquired from shell and kernel.

Turkey is the leading producer of hazelnuts, contributing to 62% of the total global production. Among 18 distinct local hazelnut cultivars, Giresun Tombul is the only cultivar that has received Protected Designation of Origin denomination from the European Comission (EC). However, there is currently no practical objective method to ensure its geographic origin. Therefore, in this study NIR and Raman spectroscopy, along with chemometric methods, such as principal component analysis, PLS-DA (partial least squares-discriminant analysis), and SVM-C (support vector machine-classification), were used to determine the geographical origin of the Giresun Tombul hazelnut cultivar. For this purpose, samples from unique 118 orchards were collected from eight different regions in Turkey during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. NIR and Raman spectra were obtained from both the shell and kernel of each sample. The results indicated that hazelnut samples exhibited distinct grouping tendencies based on growing season regardless of the spectroscopic technique and sample type (shell or kernel). Spectral information obtained from hazelnut shells demonstrated higher discriminative power concerning geographical origin compared to that obtained from hazelnut kernels. The PLS-DA models utilizing FT-NIR (Fourier transform near-infrared) and Raman spectra for hazelnut shells achieved validation accuracies of 81.7% and 88.3%, respectively, while SVM-C models yielded accuracies of 90.9% and 86.3%. It was concluded that the lignocellulosic composition of hazelnut shells, indicative of their geographic origin, can be accurately assessed using FT-NIR and Raman spectroscopy, providing a nondestructive, rapid, and user-friendly method for identifying the geographical origin of Giresun Tombul hazelnuts. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The proposed spectroscopic methods offer a rapid and nondestructive means for hazelnut value chain actors to verify the geographic origin of Giresun Tombul hazelnuts. This could definitely enhance consumer trust by ensuring product authenticity and potentially help in preventing fraud within the hazelnut market. In addition, these methods can also be used as a reference for future studies targeting the authentication of other shelled nuts.

Morphometric Analysis of Grape Seeds: Looking for the Origin of Spanish Cultivars

The Vitis IMIDRA collection contains 3699 entries, representing a significant percentage of the variation in traditional and commercial Vitis cultivars used in Spain. The classification and identification of new entries are currently conducted based on ampelography and molecular methods. Here, we propose a new method of classification of the cultivars based on seed morphology and its application to a total of 224 varieties from the collection. Based on seed shape, fourteen groups have been defined according to the similarity of the seeds, with geometric figures used as models. The new models are Cariñena Blanca, Chardonnay, Parraleta, and Parduca, defining new groups to be added to the ten groups previously described. The study results in 14 groups comprising the Spanish cultivar’s seed shape and morphological variation. Seed morphology can help to identify varieties cultivated in the past through archaeological finds.

Genotyping-by-Sequencing Analysis Reveals Associations between Agronomic and Oil Traits in Gamma Ray-Derived Mutant Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) holds significant commercial value as one of the leading oil crops, with its agronomic features and oil quality being crucial determinants. In this investigation, 73,226 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 95 rapeseed mutant lines induced by gamma rays, alongside the original cultivar ('Tamra'), using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis were examined. This study encompassed gene ontology (GO) analysis and a genomewide association study (GWAS), thereby concentrating on agronomic traits (e.g., plant height, ear length, thousand-seed weight, and seed yield) and oil traits (including fatty acid composition and crude fat content). The GO analysis unveiled a multitude of genes with SNP variations associated with cellular processes, intracellular anatomical structures, and organic cyclic compound binding. Through GWAS, we detected 320 significant SNPs linked to both agronomic (104 SNPs) and oil traits (216 SNPs). Notably, two novel candidate genes, Bna.A05p02350D (SFGH) and Bna.C02p22490D (MDN1), are implicated in thousand-seed weight regulation. Additionally, Bna.C03p14350D (EXO70) and Bna.A09p05630D (PI4Kα1) emerged as novel candidate genes associated with erucic acid and crude fat content, respectively. These findings carry implications for identifying superior genotypes for the development of new cultivars. Association studies offer a cost-effective means of screening mutants and selecting elite rapeseed breeding lines, thereby enhancing the commercial viability of this pivotal oil crop.

Winter stress resistance of apple tree under the conditions of Krasnodar Territory

Background. Physiological and biochemical research on winter stress resistance of apple-tree cultivars of different ecogeographic origin under global warming is important for identifying the most adaptable genotypes for use in breeding practice. Such resistance is associated with the content of carbohydrates and anthocyanins, and the activity of peroxidase.Materials and methods. Two winter apple-tree cultivars developed at the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Wine making (NCFSCHVW) and 3 foreign winter cultivars were studied using conventional physiological and biochemical methods.Results and discussion. The apple-tree cultivars ‘Orfey’ and ‘Prikubanskoye’ bred at the NCFSCHVW, when compared with foreign cvs. ‘Enterprise’, ‘Florina’ and ‘Ligol’, demonstrated higher contents of total water (by 2.5 %), starch (by 9.5 mg/g) and water-soluble sugars (by 19.3 mg/g) in shoots during the winter period. In the process of wintering, the anthocyanin content increased 2.9–4.3 times in the domestic cultivars, and 2.4–2.8 times in foreign ones. No regularities were found between the level of total peroxidase activity and winter hardiness of the studied apple cultivars.Conclusion. Cvs. ‘Orfey’ and ‘Prikubanskoye’ showed increased adaptability to the winter conditions in the unstable climate of Southern Russia, and can be recommended for cultivation in Krasnodar Territory and use in breeding practice.

Meteorological conditions for growing promising grape cultivars in the Black Sea agroecological zone of viticulture

Background. The pattern and duration of the grape plant growing season depends both on biological characteristics of plants and the environmental conditions of their habitat. Studying meteorological conditions and their effect on the growing phases of grape cultivars of different origin is important to optimize the deployment of these cultivars.Materials and methods. Eight introduced and domestic grape cultivars served as the research material. Phenological observations were carried out according to M. A. Lazarevsky, ANOVA was performed according to B. A. Dospekhov, the dependence of the duration of growing phases on weather conditions was assessed using pairwise correlations, and Student’s t-test was applied to determine statistical significance. Meteorological data were taken from the agrometeorological bulletins for Krasnodar Territory. The studies were conducted in the period from 2018 to 2021 under the agroecological conditions of the Black Sea viticulture zone.Results. Specific features of the temperature regime for grape growing phases in the environments of the Black Sea viticulture zone were ascertained. Indicators of heat supply and duration of the growing season according to Lazarevsky were used to identify the studied cultivars as early (‘Podarok Dmitriya’, ‘Reliance’, ‘Brigantina’ and ‘Anapskiy Ranniy’), medium (‘Concord’ and ‘Venus’), mid-late (‘Prikubanskiy’), and late (‘Kyoho’) genotypes. The sum of active temperatures required for the growing season of early cultivars was 2522–2603°C, for medium ones 2755–2760°C, for mid-late ones 2835°C, and for late ones 2970°C. According to the international classification, ‘Podarok Dmitriya’, ‘Reliance’, ‘Brigantina’ and ‘Anapskiy Ranniy’ are early, ‘Concord’, ‘Venus’ and ‘Prikubanskiy’ are mid-early, and ‘Kyoho’ is medium-ripening. All cultivars had a close direct relationship between the duration of their growing phases and the sum of air temperatures above +10°C.

Biological and economic traits of Yasmina – a new variety of six-row spring barley with high productive potential

Abstract. The Yasmina variety is a new, highly productive spring fodder barley. It was created at the Institute of Agriculture in Karnobat by means of a combinatorial selection method. The biological and economic traits of the variety were tested in the Institute’s competitive variety trials and the IASAS system during 2019-2020. The aim of this study was to present the biological and economic traits of the new recognized spring six-row barley variety Yasmina. In the ecological network regions, it demonstrated high productivity. The mean yield from the new variety obtained in 4 Bulgarian regions was proven higher than the one from the standard variety Venera by 22.0%. During the testing period, the variety realized a yield of up to 6500 kg/a. With high protein content of 13.51%, it is ideally suited for fodder.The variety has good lodging resistance. Yasmina was recognized as an original cultivar with Order No RD-12-4/10 Mar 2021 by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and was approved for entry in List A of the Official Variety List of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Metabolomics Analysis of Variation in Grain Quality of High-Quality Japonica Rice

In recent years, the semi-glutinous japonica rice variety has been extensively utilized in Jiangsu Province to greatly increase rice quality. Nevertheless, the increasing occurrence of seed variation presented a major threat to rice quality. Enhancing the quality of rice grains has emerged as a critical factor in guaranteeing consumer acceptance. Throughout this investigation, five lines (VJ1, VJ2, VJ3, VJ4, and VJ5) selected from the Nanjing9108 population in Liyang were used as research materials, and original cultivars of Nanjing9108 (CKJ1) provided by the original breeder were utilized as control materials to compare rice quality and differential metabolites. VJ4 and VJ3 demonstrated a significant reduction in milled rice rate and head milled rice rate when contrasted to CKJ1. Compared with CKJ1, the amylose content of the five strains was significantly increased. Only VJ3 amplified the 106 bp target band, and its 2-AP content was 0 ng/g. Most metabolites are mainly enriched in cutin, suberine, wax biosynthesis, histidine, and tryptophan metabolism. The primary metabolites throughout the metabolic pathway involve lipids and lipid-like molecules (mono palmitin, alpha-eleostearic, and palmitic acid) and amino acid metabolites (L-glutamate, L-tryptophan, and L-serine). The identification of these key metabolites helps in the discovery of prospective biomarkers for screening seed variation throughout seed production.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of persimmon somatic mutants (Diospyros kaki) identifies regulatory networks for fruit maturation and size.

Bud sports in fruit crops often result in new cultivars with unique traits, such as distinct fruit size and color, compared to their parent plants. This study investigates the phenotypic differences and gene expression patterns in Tonewase and Ohtanenashi persimmon bud sports compared to those in their parent, Hiratanenashi, based on RNA-seq data. Tonewase is characterized by early maturation, whereas Ohtanenashi is noted for its larger fruit size. Despite the importance of these traits in determining fruit quality, their molecular bases in persimmons have been understudied. We compared transcriptome-level differences during fruit development between the bud sport samples and their original cultivar. Comprehensive transcriptome analyses identified 15,814 differentially expressed genes and 26 modules via weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Certain modules exhibited unique expression patterns specific to the different cultivars during fruit development, likely contributing to the phenotypic differences observed. Specifically, M11, M16, M22, and M23 were uniquely expressed in Tonewase, whereas M13 and M24 showed distinct patterns in Ohtanenashi. By focusing on genes with distinct expression profiles, we aimed to uncover the genetic basis of cultivar-specific traits. Our findings suggest that changes in the expression of genes associated with ethylene and cell wall pathways may drive Tonewase's earlier maturation, whereas genes related to the cell cycle within the M24 module appear crucial for Ohtanenashi's larger fruit size. Additionally, ethylene and transcription factor genes within this module may contribute to the increased fruit size observed. This study elucidates the differences in transcriptomic changes during fruit development between the two bud sport samples and their original cultivar, enhancing our understanding of the genetic determinants influencing fruit size and maturation.

Genetic diversity analysis of big-bracted dogwood (Cornus florida and C. kousa) cultivars, interspecific hybrids, and wild-collected accessions using RADseq.

Big-bracted dogwoods are popular ornamental trees known for their beautiful spring blooms with showy bracts and four-season appeal. The two most widely grown species are Cornus florida and Cornus kousa, native to Eastern North America and East Asia. Despite their horticultural prominence, there is little information available regarding genetic diversity, population structure, relatedness, and subspecies origins of dogwood cultivars. In this study, 313 cultivars, wild-collected plants, and Rutgers University breeding selections, focusing on C. florida, C. kousa, and interspecific hybrids, were genotyped using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) generating thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and insertion deletion (Indel) markers. The research results showed high genetic diversity among C. florida and C. kousa wild-collected plants and cultivars. For C. florida, pink-bracted plants formed a distinct clade from those with white-bracts with the Mexican C. florida ssp. urbiniana forming an outgroup. For C. kousa, Chinese-collected plants (ssp. chinensis) were a distinct subspecies with clear separation from Japanese and Korean accessions (ssp. kousa) and cultivars were designated as ssp. chinensis, ssp. kousa, or ssp. hybrid. Using this information, a Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) assay genotyping panel was designed to determine C. kousa trees' subspecies makeup. Results revealed many cases of genetically identical cultivars being sold under different names, especially for pink-bracted cultivars of both species. Additionally, reported parent-progeny relationships were evaluated and either validated or discredited. Finally, the hybrid germplasm analysis validated pedigrees of interspecific F1 hybrids and found many of the recent Rutgers breeding selections contain small regions of pacific dogwood (C. nuttallii) DNA introgressed into C. kousa backgrounds. This diversity study elucidates origins, diversity, and relationships of a large population of big-bracted dogwoods. The results can inform plant breeders, arboreta, and the ornamental plant industry, as most modern cultivars and popular historic cultivars are represented.

Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) of tea plant (Camellia sinensis) in Sichuan province, China, provides insights into free amino acid and polyphenol contents of tea.

Worldwide, tea is a popular beverage; within the realm of Chinese tea, Sichuan tea holds particular significance for its role in the origin and composition of Chinese tea cultivars. Sichuan tea is noted for its rich content of free amino acids (FAAs) and tea polyphenols (TPs), which has made it an important subject for studying genetic diversity and the genes regulating these compounds. In this study, 139 varieties of tea were collected from areas in Sichuan Province, China, with similar geographical and climatic conditions. The FAA content was approximately 3% and the TP content was approximately 17%. Using RAD sequencing, 5,656,224 variant loci were identified, primarily comprising SNPs (94.17%) and indels (5.83%). Evolutionary analysis revealed that genetic divergence was not closely linked to the collection location. Population structure analysis confirmed a division into two main populations having a similar composition to the phylogenetic clusters. Screening for FAA-related SNPs identified significant loci associated with 33 genes that potentially regulate FAA content. Similarly, TP-related analysis pinpointed 8 SNPs significantly linked to 20 candidate genes. Notably, genetic associations hinted at the genes involved in the stress response and the accumulation of phenolic compounds, enhancing the understanding of determinants of tea quality. This research underscores the potential for molecular breeding based on genetic insights, suggesting pathways to improve the FAA and TP contents in tea. These findings not only provide a solid foundation for exploring gene-chemical interactions but also offer practical strategies for improving the nutritional and sensory attributes of tea cultivars through informed breeding practices.

Genome editing of DWARF and SELF-PRUNING rapidly confers traits suitable for plant factories while retaining useful traits in tomato.

Plant factories with artificial light are less affected than open-air areas to environmental factors in crop cultivation and are attracting attention as one of the solutions to the world's food problems. However, the cost of cultivation in plant factories is higher than open-air cultivation, and currently, profitable factory-grown crop varieties are limited to those that are small or have a short growing period. Tomatoes are one of the main crops consumed around the world, but due to their large plant height and width, they are not yet suitable for mass production in plant factories. In this study, the DWARF (D) and SELF-PRUNING (SP) genes of the GABA hyperaccumulating tomato variety #87-17 were genome-edited by the CRISPR-Cas9 method to produce dwarf tomato plants. The desired traits were obtained in the T1 genome-edited generation, and the fruit traits were almost the same as those of the original variety. On the other hand, the F2 cross between #87-17 and Micro-Tom containing the d and sp mutations was dwarfed, but the fruit phenotype was a mixture of the traits of the two varieties. This indicates that genome editing of these two genes using CRISPR-Cas9 can efficiently impart traits suitable for plant factory cultivation while retaining the useful traits of the original cultivar.

Testing of potato cultivars in the Tirana region conditions

The potato is a very important crop in Albania and the cultivation of new cultivars with high productivity and better quality is very significant. This study was conducted to test some imported cultivars of potato and explore some features in their characterization and evaluation, with the aim of increasing interest in those that are the best for Albanian farmers, as well as for other studies. Thirteen potato cultivars of foreign origin were tested in a field trial for their morphological and agronomical characteristics under the climatic conditions of the Tirana region. It was found that among the potato cultivars studied there is a significant variation, both in the characterization traits (qualitative traits) and in the evaluation traits (quantitative traits). Drawing on the conclusions reached, we recommend the most suitable cultivars for cultivation in this region.