Preservation Of Genetic Resources Research Articles

Screening of NIAS World Rice Core Collection for Seeds with Long Longevity as Useful Potential Breeding Materials Focusing on the Stability of Embryonic RNAs.

Seed longevity is a crucial trait for the seed industry and genetic resource preservation. To develop excellent cultivars with extended seed lifespans, it is important to understand the mechanism of keeping seed germinability long term and to find useful genetic resources as prospective breeding materials. This study was conducted to identify the best cultivars with a high and stable seed longevity trait in the germplasm of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and to analyze the correlation between seed longevity and embryonic RNA integrity. Seeds from 69 cultivars of the world rice core collection selected by the NIAS in Japan were harvested in different years and subjected to long-term storage or controlled deterioration treatment (CDT). The long-term storage (4 °C, RH under 35%, 10 years) was performed on seeds harvested in 2010 and 2013. The seeds harvested in 2016 and 2019 were used for CDT (36 °C, RH of 80%, 40 days). Seed longevity and embryonic RNA integrity were estimated by a decrease in the germination percentage and RNA integrity number (RIN) after long-term storage or CDT. The RIN value was obtained by the electrophoresis of the total RNA extracted from the seed embryos. Seeds of "Vandaran (indica)", "Tupa 729 (japonica)", and "Badari Dhan (indica)" consistently showed higher seed longevity and embryonic RNA integrity both under long-term storage and CDT conditions regardless of the harvest year. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.93) was observed between the germination percentages and RIN values of the seeds after the long-term storage or CDT among nine cultivars selected based on differences in their seed longevity. The study findings revealed the relationship between rice seed longevity and embryo RNA stability and suggested potential breeding materials including both japonica and indica cultivars for improving rice seed longevity.

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 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.

Long-term organogenic callus cultivation of Ranunculus illyricus L.: a blueprint for sustainable ex situ conservation of the species in urban greenery

The growing trend of introducing wild plant species into urban environments necessitates the identification of novel species adapted to prevailing conditions. A promising reservoir of such species may be xerothermic communities where Ranunculus illyricus occurs. This study aimed to establish a micropropagation protocol for R. illyricus using indirect organogenesis. The protocol includes initiation of culture from various explants, callus proliferation, shoot regeneration, multiplication, and concurrent rooting. Callus appeared on most types of vegetative explants tested, but stolons were considered the best due to their good availability, high disinfection (85%), and robust callus production (maximum increase − 363.1%). The growth rate of the callus fresh matter (CFM) obtained from stolons was calculated. Greater CFM was obtained on the medium with the supplemented picloram 8.0 mg L− 1 with kinetin 5.0 mg L− 1 and in second part of experiment on medium with the addition of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) 2.0 mg L− 1 alone or picloram 6.0 mg L− 1 with kinetin 8.0 mg L− 1. Shoot organogenesis was observed on macronutrients B5 (Gamborg medium), micronutrients MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium with the addition of 2.0 mg L− 1 IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) and 4.0 mg L− 1 BAP (6-benzylaminopurine). To document the process of callus differentiation, microscopic preparations were prepared. Subsequently, the regenerated plants underwent acclimatisation and their growth in an ex situ collection was monitored over three growing seasons. In particular, in vitro-origin plants exhibited developmental patterns similar to those of their seed-origin counterparts. The incorporation of R. illyricus into urban landscapes not only increases aesthetic appeal, but also ensures the preservation of valuable genetic resources for this rare species, potentially contributing to effective ex situ conservation in the future. This marks the first scientific report on in vitro cultures of R. illyricus.

Phenotypical and molecular characterization of new pepper genotypes resistant to Chili pepper mild mottle virus firstly detected in Europe and other tobamoviruses

The tobamoviruses pose a recent threat to local varieties of Gernika pepper (cv. “Derio”) and Ibarra chili (cv. “Ibarroria”), causing a substantial decrease in both yield and fruit quality. Tobamoviruses such as Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV) or Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) are the viruses that cause the greatest impact in pepper crops of northern Spain. The emergence of a novel Tobamovirus, Chili pepper mild mottle virus (CPMMoV; GenBank MN164455.1), firstly identified in Europe, exacerbates these hazards. This situation has jeopardized the ongoing cultivation in some of the virus affected plots. A molecular marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) breeding program was thus initiated to introduce the L3 and L4 resistance genes into these susceptible local varieties. MABC consisted of one crossing followed by four backcrosses and two self-fertilizations. After each crossbreeding event, the selection criteria of plants were based on plants resistance and fruits resemblance with the original sensitive varieties. This study allowed the homozygous introgression of resistance genes in the new obtained genotypes, reducing the reliance on hybrid seed production and associated costs. The resulting genotypes demonstrated robust resistance when inoculated with PMMoV 1.2, PMMoV 1.2.3, and CPMMoV. In addition, greenhouse yield trials were performed during two consecutive years to identify and select the most productive genotypes harboring the L3 or L4 gene, with the aim of registering some of them as commercial varieties. The productivity of the new selected genotypes did not display significant differences when compared to the original sensitive varieties. The introduction of genetic resistance in these local pepper varieties not only mitigates the immediate hazard posed by Tobamovirus but also fosters the preservation of local agricultural genetic resources, ensuring their continued cultivation and economic sustainability.

Short- and Long-Term Storage of Non-Domesticated European Mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes Recovered in Field Conditions.

Reproductive biotechnologies can be used as a supporting tool, through gamete conservation and in vitro embryo production, in the preservation of invaluable and irreplaceable animal genetic resources. In the present study, immature mouflon cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collected from ovariectomized female ovaries underwent short- or long-term conservation (24 h maintained in Earle's/Hank's (EH) medium or vitrification) under field conditions and afterwards transported to the laboratory where they were cultured for in vitro maturation (IVM) and assessed for oocyte meiotic competence and bioenergetic-oxidative status. Utilization of both storage techniques led to COC morphology preservation, as well as cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic resumption after the IVM procedure. Quantitative bioenergetic-oxidative parameters were reduced in vitrified oocytes compared with EH ones. Immature COC storage needs to be optimized in both domesticated and non-domesticated sheep as a part of the strategy to avoid the loss of valuable genotypes of these animal species.

Exploring pathways toward open-hardware ecosystems to safeguard genetic resources for biomedical research communities using aquatic model species.

Development of reliable germplasm repositories is critical for preservation of genetic resources of aquatic species, which are widely utilized to support biomedical innovation by providing a foundational source for naturally occurring variation and development of new variants through genetic manipulations. A significant barrier in repository development is the lack of cryopreservation capability and reproducibility across the research community, posing great risks of losing advances developed from billions of dollars of research investment. The emergence of open scientific hardware has fueled a new movement across biomedical research communities. With the increasing accessibility of consumer-level fabrication technologies, such asthree-dimensional printers, open hardware devices can be custom designed, and design files distributed to community members for enhancing rigor, reproducibility, and standardization. The overall goal of this review is to explore pathways to create open-hardware ecosystems among the communities using aquatic model resources for biomedical research. To gain feedback and insights from community members, an interactive workshop focusing on open-hardware applications in germplasm repository development was held at the 2022 Aquatic Models for Human Disease Conference, Woods Hole, Massachusetts. This work integrates conceptual strategies with practical insights derived from workshop interactions using examples of germplasm repository development. These insights can be generalized for establishment of open-hardware ecosystems for a broad biomedical research community. The specific objectives were to: (1) introduce an open-hardware ecosystem concept to support biomedical research; (2) explore pathways toward open-hardware ecosystems through four major areas, and (3) identify opportunities and future directions.

Optimizing Micropropagation and Rooting Protocols for Diverse Lavender Genotypes: A Synergistic Approach Integrating Machine Learning Techniques

This study comprehensively explored the micropropagation and rooting capabilities of four distinct lavender genotypes, utilizing culture media with and without 2 g/L of activated charcoal. A systematic examination of varying concentrations of BAP for micropropagation and IBA for rooting identified an optimal concentration of 1 mg/L for both BAP and IBA, resulting in excellent outcomes. Following robust root development, the acclimatization of plants to external conditions achieved a 100% survival rate across all genotypes. In addition to the conventional techniques employed, integrating machine learning (ML) methodologies holds promise for further enhancing the efficiency of lavender propagation protocols. Using cutting-edge computational tools, including MLP, RBF, XGBoost, and GP algorithms, our findings were rigorously examined and forecast using three performance measures (RMSE, R2, and MAE). Notably, the comparative evaluation of different machine learning models revealed distinct R2 rates for plant characteristics, with MLP, RBF, XGBoost, and GP demonstrating varying degrees of effectiveness. Future studies may leverage ML models, such as XGBoost, MLP, RBF, and GP, to fine-tune specific variables, including culture media composition and growth regulator treatments. The adaptability and ability of ML techniques to analyze complex biological processes can provide valuable insights into optimizing lavender micropropagation on a broader scale. This collaborative approach, combining traditional in vitro techniques with machine learning, validates the success of current micropropagation and rooting protocols and paves the way for continuous improvement. By embracing ML in lavender propagation studies, researchers can contribute to advancing sustainable and efficient plant propagation techniques, thereby fostering the preservation and exploitation of genetic resources for conservation and agriculture.

Potential development of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) through optimizing land use in Pati, Central Java, Indonesia

Preservation of local genetic resources through exploration and conservation along with inventory and characterization are efforts to maintain food resources. Optimizing land use is very potential in the development of local genetic resources. Objective of the research was to characterize local mangosteen from Pati and to optimize the land use. The primary data was derived from the mangosteen characterization results. Information for the secondary data was derived from various sources relevant to the research. The data includes: land potential, climatology, and agroecosystems. Characterization was conducted on a cultivar of Gunungsari mangosteen as the parent plant used in this research. Format of the mangosteen description has been arranged in the form of standard blanks. Results of the research showed that the public yards are potential to develop local mangosteen of Gunungsari. Morphological characters of the Gunungsari mangosteen are red petals (44 A Red Group), circular shape p-1, average weight of the fruit ranges 119.22 g-180.53 g, yellowish white aril (NN 155 A yellowish white) and the taste is sweet and slightly sour. The specific characteristics of Gunungsari mangosteen are soft seeds, the aril tastes sweet and slightly sour, fine fibrous textures, delicate aroma, and high production. The residents’ yards in Gunungsari Village are potential for the development of local fruits commodities especially mangosteen. In order to keep up the local genetic resources and to increase the economic value, Gunungsari mangosteen must be registered immediately to acquire the Certificate of Registration of Plant Varieties.

Classification of sustainability potential of genetic resources of local grapevine varieties in Serbia

The starting point for every viticultural and wine-producing country with respect to local grapevine varieties is their identification, inventory, preservation and development of genetic resources of those varieties. There are currently 224 grapevine va?rieties cultivated in Serbia for the purpose of commercial production of grapes and wine. Out of that number, 31 wine varieties are local. Vineyards under those varieties can be dif?ferentiated by their importance for production of grapes and wine, and by the level of their endangerment, that is, sustainability in conditions caused by climate changes. This paper presents the creation, that is, the modeling of the Method for Vineyard Sustainability Clas?wine grapevine varieties on grounds of their endangerment and sustainability, based on 20 examined and categorized individual vineyard sustainability parameters; to carry out comsification (MVSC). The purpose of MVSC classification is: to valorize vineyards with local prehensive classification into one of the four established vineyard sustainability classes (Class A - very endangered vineyards, Class B - endangered vineyards, Class C - sustainable vineyards and Class D - very sustainable vineyards); spatial identification and presentation of vineyards based on determined vineyard sustainability class through application of GIS technology; and finally, application of Network Analysis (NA), prioritization of examined parameters and, therefore, vineyards. A total of 10,402 vineyards under local grapevine wine varieties were used for modeling, and it was determined that 29 vineyards with the total surface of 1.2 hectares should be classified in Class A, while 2,883 vineyards with the total surface of 158.2 hectares should be classified in Class B. With respect to the strength of 20 individual vineyard sustainability parameters, it was determined that the parameter Structure of the vine rootstock (SVR) has the greatest impact, and priority in selection of vineyards in different sustainability classes should be given to vineyards without rootstocks. In accordance with the scientific justification of obtained results, the MVSC enables comprehensive clas?sification of the potential for sustainability of genetic resources of local grapevine varieties in Serbia, and it can be applied in other countries and wine-growing areas, as well as to other groups of grapevine varieties.

Sustaining livestock: minimum technical requirements and quality standards for Angus Grade - Black Cattle in Sragen Regency in supporting livestock preservation

This research focuses on establishing the minimum technical requirements and quality standards for Angus Grade - Black Cattle, to promote sustainable livestock practices and support the preservation of genetic resources. The absence of standardized quality measures for Angus Grade - Black Cattle necessitates the use of data from field surveys in Sragen Regency as a baseline for initial quality standards until national standards are established. The study defines the minimum technical requirements for Angus Grade - Black Cattle breeding, with a special emphasis on sustainable production, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative criteria. the minimum requirements (in centimeters) of chest circumference, shoulder height, body length for male candidates aged 24-36 months are: Class 1 - 191, 139, 140; Class 2 - 187, 138, 137; Class 3 - 182, 137, 135, for female candidates aged 18-24 months are: Class 1 - 170, 127, 129; Class 2 - 168, 125, 126; Class 3 - 165, 124, 124, female candidates aged 24-36 months are: Class 1 - 178, 130, 131; Class 2 - 174, 129, 128; Class 3 - 170, 128, 126, respectively. These stringent requirements aim to select high-quality Angus Grade - Black Cattle for breeding, ensuring sustainable livestock production, genetic preservation, and overall productivity.

Dependence of the grain filling intensity and moisture-yielding ability on valuable economic features in corn

Purpose. To analyze the dependence of the corn grain filling intensity and moisture-yielding ability of corn grain on morphological and economic characteristics in each ripeness group of corn lines.
 Material and Methods. The study was carried out in the Laboratory of Introduction and Preservation of Plant Genetic Resources and the Laboratory of Corn Breeding and Seed Production of the Yuriev Plant Production Institute of NAAS in 2017-2019. The accessions were sown by the standard method in two-row plots of 9.8 m2 in three replications. The reference accessions were placed after every 20 plots: early ripening - F2 line; medium-early – UKh 52; medium-ripening - DS 103, UKhS 126, and SO 125; medium-late - А 619, Kharkivska 215, and KhА 408. During the growing period, the accessions were evaluated in the field 24 times for typicality. In the laboratory, the grain moisture was determined thermogravimetrically four times for each line during its ripening period, every ten days, starting on day 30 after pollination. For comparison, the moisture content in grain was also determined in the field using an AVD 6100 needle moisture meter for wood.
 Results and Discussion. Lines with the maximum yield of moisture per day were selected: six medium-early lines (LPL 79 A, UKhK 5, UChS 85, UKhK 590, UChS 85, SL 73-85-2 (Ukraine), СО 190 (Canada), and B 267 (Russia)), 24 medium-ripening lines (of them, 20 lines were bred in Ukraine; one line is from Russia (B 321), and three lines are from the USA (W 83, A 619, and B 143)), and 25 medium-late lines (20 Ukrainian lines (UKhK 472, KhLH 78, LNAU 18, ОV 1248, UKh 804, and others), two Russian lines, 1 Kazakhstanian line, and 1 line from the USA). We noted the dependences of the grain filling intensity, moisture release during ripening, and grain drying rate on morphobiological and so-called "specific" characteristics (peduncle length, sheath number, density of sheath adhesion to the ear, grain consistency). Corn lines with intensive grain filling and a set of valuable economic features were distinguished.
 Having studied inbred corn lines, we found a strong positive correlation between dry matter accumulation and performance (r = 0.90) and moderate positive correlations between dry matter accumulation and kernel number per ear (r = 0.45), between dry matter accumulation and plant height (r = 0.40), and between dry matter accumulation and ear attachment height (r = 0.39).
 Conclusions. The best lines were selected in each group of ripeness according to the intensity of moisture egress from grain and valuable economic characteristics. In the medium-early group, eight best lines were selected. However, only 6 lines had good economic characteristics. Most of the medium-early lines were superior to the reference accession, UKh 52, in terms of performance and thousand kernel weight. In the medium-ripening group, 24 best lines were selected in comparison with UChS 126 (reference accession).

A Novel, Efficient Method to Isolate Chicken Primordial Germ Cells from Embryonic Blood Using Cell Culture Inserts.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) play a crucial role in preserving poultry genetic resources and conducting transgenic research. A system for the rapid isolation of PGCs from single chicken embryonic blood was established in this paper. We found that PGCs can migrate to the lower layer of chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEFs) through pores smaller than their diameter, while blood cells cannot, when co-cultured with CEFs of passages two to three. Based on the characteristics of PGCs, we developed a new PGC isolation method (cell culture insert/CEF adhesion method) that utilizes a 3 μm cell culture insert and CEFs of passages two to three. Using this method, approximately 700 PGCs can be isolated from the blood of a single chicken embryo at Hamburger and Hamilton (H&H) stage 17 of development. The separation rate achieved was 87.5%, with a separation purity of 95%. The separation rate of this method was 41.4% higher than the common Percoll density gradient centrifugation method and 33.6% higher than lysis with ACK buffer. PGCs isolated from embryonic blood could proliferate 37-fold within 2 weeks when cultured in a feeder-free culture system. They also continued to express the SSEA-1 and DAZL proteins and retained the ability to migrate in vivo. Overall, PGCs separated using cell culture inserts/CEF adhesion method retain their stem cell characteristics and migration ability. PGCs also exhibit good proliferation efficiency, making them suitable for subsequent transgenic experiments or genetic resource preservation.

Fruit quality and shelf-life of Sardinian tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) landraces

The conservation and characterization of landraces have key roles in the safeguarding and valorization of agrobiodiversity. Indeed, these plant genetic resources represent an important crop heritage with quality and sensory characteristics that can be of great use to consumers and industry. In addition, the preservation of genetic resources from the risk of progressive genetic erosion, and the enhancement of their potential can contribute to food security and improve the nutritional value of food. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate a collection of Sardinian tomato landraces for parameters that have determinant roles in evaluating their responses to conservation, and therefore to consumer acceptance. Six Sardinian landraces and two commercial varieties were cultivated in a two-years off-season trial, harvested at two different maturity stages (turning, red-ripe) and characterized using 14 fruit-related quality parameters that define the marketability, nutritional value, and flavor of the fruit. Data were collected at intervals of 10 days, starting from the harvest date and over 30 days of storage under refrigeration. The simultaneous analysis of all the qualitative characteristics for the different genotypes allowed to clearly differentiate the local varieties from the commercial varieties and a few landraces emerged for their satisfactory performances, e.g. “Tamatta kaki” ad "Tamatta groga de appiccai". In particular, the “Tamatta groga de appiccai” showed satisfactory lycopene content at marketable stages (average 5.65 mg 100g-1 FF), a peculiar orange-pink color with the highest hue angle values (range: H°T0 = 72.55—H°T30 = 48.26), and the highest firmness among the landraces of the red-ripe group (range: EpT0 = 1.64—EpT30 = 0.54 N mm-1). These results highlight the potential of some of the Sardinian tomato landraces for developing new varieties or promoting their direct valorization in local markets and could considerably increase the effectiveness and efficiency of agrobiodiversity conservation strategies.

Understanding Global And Indian Patent Disclosure Requirements For Genetic Resources And Traditional Knowledge

A thoughtful exploration of Patent Disclosure Requirements (PDRs) within the context of the global patent system and legal policy frameworks of different nations, with special reference to India, and PDRs emergence as a linchpin in the preservation and safeguarding of Genetic Resources (GRs) and Traditional Knowledge (TK), particularly when intertwined with the heritage of indigenous and local communities, their significance as guard against biopiracy, while upholding the doctrine of Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) as envisioned by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol. PDRs scope to mandate transparently revealing the origins and sources of GRs and TK, deployed in their innovations for patents. PDRs are a litmus test for patent offices and governing authorities to assess the reliability of patent claims and are an indispensable weapon in the fight against biopiracy. Further, different kinds and the evolving nature of PDRs are also acknowledged, as they adapt to cope with new challenges, technological advancements, and the dynamic evolution of the legal framework, finally, positioning PDRs as key protagonists in shaping responsible innovation while preserving biodiversity.

Morphology and reproductivity profiling of male Senduro goats based on age differences

Senduro goats, a local breed of meat and dairy goats from Indonesia, are recognized for their significance in improving goat breeding and preserving valuable genetic resources. However, limited information exists regarding the reproductive physiology of Senduro goats, which poses challenges to the development of breeding programs and the preservation of genetic resources. This study aimed to investigate the morphological and reproductive profiles of male Senduro goats at different ages, focusing on morphological characteristics, mating behavior, and sperm quality. Morphological characteristics are assessed through body length measurements, while mating behavior serves as an indicator of reproductive behavior. Macroscopic evaluations of sperm quality include assessments of color, viscosity, pH, and volume, while microscopic examinations encompass motility (mass and individual), viability, and spermatozoa membrane integrity. The results showed morphological similarities between juvenile and adult samples, with their testicular size being the only significant difference. Based on macroscopic and microscopic examinations, no significant differences were found between groups. From the results it was concluded that there were no distinct differences in morphological characteristics, mating behavior, and sperm quality between male Senduro goats in the juvenile and adult stages.

Genomic analyses of Asian honeybee from the Sansha Island in the South China Sea, suggest it’s evolutional origin and environmental adaption

Discovering new resources and enhancing our knowledge of distribution are crucial for the preservation and utilization of honeybee genetic resources. Our research focused on morphological and population genetic analysis, which revealed significant differences in the SanshaId group compared to others. Notably, the SanshaId group displayed smaller tongue length, averaging at 3.83 mm, and a larger fixation index, indicating a distinct level of subspecies differentiation (Fst = 0.2669). We therefore assumed that A.cerana sanshasis is a new ecotype and subspecies of A. cerana. Estimates of population history indicated that SanshaId population is most closely related to HainanId population, which differed from SanshaId population by about 0.57 Ma due to geological movements. We identified 131 high-frequency non-synonymous mutant genes in the SanshaId group compared to HainanId group. Among these genes, Cuticular genes related to tongue morphology were subject to evolutionary selection, and some genes related to glucose metabolism were highly expressed in the gut. Our results expand the understanding of the distribution range of Asian honeybee and provide a basis for understanding the population dynamics and evolutionary adaptation of A. cerana sanshasis in tropical island environments.

ПОРОДНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ АЛЕЛЬНОГО ПРОФІЛЮ ГЕНІВ PIT1 ТА GH УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ АБОРИГЕННОЇ ЛЕБЕДИНСЬКОЇ ПОРОДИ КОРІВ

The preservation of genetic diversity is a paramount concern in addressing global challenges today. The foundation of biological diversity hinges on its genetic components, and the loss of species and genetic variability poses a genuine threat to the biosphere. This is because the sustainability of natural ecosystems and agroecosystems depends directly on their genetic adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
 In cattle, genes associated with milk yield play a crucial role, including genes related to milk proteins and hormones. Among these, the pituitary-specific transcription factor (PIT1) and growth hormone (GH) genes are of particular significance. In this study, we investigated the polymorphism of these genes in the Lebedyn breed of cattle.
 A total of 2 gene polymorphisms, PIT1 and GH, were examined through molecular and genetic research conducted at the genetics laboratory of the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics named after M. V. Zubets, part of the National Academy of Agrarian Science of Ukraine. The study utilized 32 DNA samples extracted from the venous blood of Lebedyn breed cows using the 'DNA Sorb-B' kit from AmpliSens. Genotyping was carried out through polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism, employing the “Tertsyk” amplifier for PCR. The resulting DNA restriction analysis products were assessed via electrophoresis in a 2–3% agarose gel containing ethidium bromide, with DNA fragment lengths determined using the GeneRuler TM 50 bp DNA Ladder and Thermo Scientific™ GeneRuler 1 kb Plus DNA Ladder markers.
 For the PIT1 gene analysis, a 451 bp amplified fragment was treated with the enzyme HinfI, yielding the following allele frequencies: A (0.38) and B (0.62). The heterozygous AB genotype was the most prevalent (0.45), while homozygotes for the A allele constituted 0.15 of the population. In the case of the GH gene fragment (223 bp), hydrolysis was performed using the restriction enzyme AluI. Analysis of allele frequency distribution indicated a high frequency of the L allele (0.85), with no animals exhibiting the homozygous GHVV genotype, and the GHLL genotype was present in 0.7 of the population.
 These findings reveal unique features of the allelic spectrum of the PIT1 (V-0.62) and GH (L-0.85) genes specific to the Ukrainian indigenous Lebedyn breed of cows. Selectionally significant genotypes include PIT1AA (15%) and GHLL (70%), while heterozygote carriers, which contribute to genetic diversity within the population, account for 45% and 30%, respectively.
 This study’s results hold particular value due to the alarming decline in the population of local indigenous breeds and the imminent threat to the preservation of agricultural genetic resources.

Evaluation of genetic diversity and phenotypic description of garlic (Allium sativum L.) from the Czech field collection

The main objective of gene banks is the rescue, preservation, and evaluation of genetic resources. The gene bank in Olomouc houses a collection of garlic (Allium sativum L.) that is significant in Europe. This study focused on the diversity of the garlic collection at the genotype and phenotype levels. While the phenotypic description data allowed only the distinction between bolting and nonbolting garlic varieties, cluster and population structure analyses calculated from the microsatellite analysis data revealed that there were six genetic populations in the data: four populations of bolting garlic cultivars and two nonbolting cultivars. The bolting garlic genetic populations K1-K4 were more differentiated (Fst = 0.38) and showed higher overall diversity (I = 0.94) than the nonbolting garlic genetic populations. A high correlation was found between genotype and phenotype (R = 0.88; p ≤ 0.01). Descriptors Ability to produce scapes, Number of bulbils, Colour of the bulb skin, and 100-bulbil weight play the major role in the K1-K6 genetic grouping. Yield study showed that Weight of clove contributes more to higher average bulb weight than the trait Average number of cloves. The highest yield showed genetic populations K5 and K6. The study also showed that for some genotypes, the environment changed the phenotypic expression of the garlic type regardless of the genetic background.

Genetic erosion within the Fabada dry bean market class revealed by high-throughput genotyping.

The Fabada market class within the dry beans has a well-differentiated seed phenotype with very large white seeds. This work investigated the genetic diversity maintained in the seed collections within this market class and possible genetic erosion over the last 30 years. A panel with 100 accessions was maintained in seed collections for 30 years, 57 accessions collected from farmers in 2021, six cultivars developed in SERIDA, and 16 reference cultivars were gathered and genotyped with 108,585 SNPs using the genotyping-by-sequencing method. Filtering based on genotypic and phenotypic data was carried out in a staggered way to investigate the genetic diversity among populations. The dendrogram generated from genotyping revealed 90 lines forming 16 groups with identical SNP profiles (redundant lines) from 159 lines classified as market-class Fabada according to their passport data. Seed phenotyping indicated that 19 lines were mistakenly classified as Fabada (homonymies), which was confirmed in the dendrogram built without redundant lines. Moreover, this study provides evidence of genetic erosion between the population preserved for 30 years and the currently cultivated population. The conserved population contains 54.6% segregation sites and 41 different SNP profiles, whereas the cultivated population has 19.6% segregation sites and 26 SNP profiles. The loss of genetic variability cannot be attributed to the diffusion of modern cultivars, which increase genetic diversity (six new SNP profiles). The results allow for the more efficient preservation of plant genetic resources in genebanks, minimizing redundant accessions and incorporating new variations based on genotypic and phenotypic data.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is essential for colonization and expansion of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) germ cells in recipients and in vitro culture

Germ cell transplantation (GCT) is a promising biotechnology that enables the production of donor-derived gametes in surrogate recipients. It plays a crucial role in the protection of endangered species, the propagation of elite species with desired traits, and long-term preservation of genetic resources. This significance is particularly pronounced when GCT is synergistically employed with cryopreservation techniques. However, GCT often encounters challenges due to low colonization rates and, in some cases, complete loss of donor cells in recipients. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays a pivotal role in sustaining the self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in mammals. Additionally, it has been shown to promote the proliferation of spermatogonia in vitro cultures in certain animal species. In turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), we found that the expressions of gdnf and gfrα1a were predominantly observed in spermatogonia rather than somatic cells, which differed from their expression patterns in mammals. The efficiency of exogenous spermatogonia transplantation in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) larvae could be substantially enhanced by incubating donor cells from turbot with 100 ng/ml GDNF prior to transplantation. This led to a noteworthy increase in the colonization rate, rising from 33%-50%–61.5%. Additionally, the addition of 20 ng/ml GDNF in cell medium could also promote the proliferation of turbot germ cells in vitro. These results demonstrated the gdnf in turbot testis expression characteristics and suggested that addition of GNDF could be an effective way to improve the GCT efficiency and promote the germ cells expansion during in vitro culture.