Significant Genetic Variation Research Articles

The genetic basis of incipient sexual isolation in Drosophila melanogaster.

Speciation is a fundamental evolutionary process but the genetic changes accompanying speciation are difficult to determine since true species do not produce viable and fertile offspring. Partially reproductively isolated incipient species are useful for assessing genetic changes that occur prior to speciation. Drosophila melanogaster from Zimbabwe, Africa are partially sexually isolated from other D. melanogaster populations whose males have poor mating success with Zimbabwe females. We used the North American D. melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) to show that there is significant genetic variation in mating success of DGRP males with Zimbabwe females, to map genetic variants and genes associated with variation in mating success and to determine whether mating success to Zimbabwe females is associated with other quantitative traits previously measured in the DGRP. Incipient sexual isolation is highly polygenic and associated with the common African inversion In(3R)K and the amount of the sex pheromone 5,9-heptacosadiene in DGRP females. We functionally validated the effect of eight candidate genes using RNA interference to provide testable hypotheses for future studies investigating the molecular genetic basis of incipient sexual isolation in D. melanogaster.

Genetically similar Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni strains and associated phage display phenotypic and genotypic variation across 35 years

Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria, have key ecological and evolutionary functions in the phytobiome. Despite the importance of phages as primary drivers for bacterial evolution, phage-bacteria interactions across spatiotemporal scales in natural, agricultural settings are underexplored. With increased interest in phage-based therapies to manage bacterial pathogens, an enhanced understanding of phage genetic and functional diversity at the population level, and how this, in turn, impacts bacterial evolution and virulence, is necessary. This study presents data on the genetic similarity among Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) strains isolated from different geographic locations that display different lytic phenotypes when challenged with a panel of six phage isolates collected in the same region over four decades. The minor yet significant genetic variation among this small population of Xap strains is structured by both geographic location and response to phage infection. Phage genomes are also highly similar, with conserved and diverse genomic loci that correspond to isolation year. The six phages characterized here cluster into the Kantovirinae subfamily and possibly form a new genus. Only future studies will elucidate the role of Xap and Xapφ phage genes identified here in the virulence and lysis of Xap and how these, in turn, impact bacterial spot disease outcomes. The research and tripartite pathosystem presented here provides a unique opportunity to investigate the coevolution of phage-phytobacterial pathogen-plant host in depth in an agricultural setting with the potential to monitor the rate at which phage populations contribute to bacterial genetic diversity across geographic and temporal scales.

Exploring molecular, morphological, and biochemical diversity of Phaeolus vulgaris landraces cultivated in the Aniene Valley (Lazio region, Italy)

The cultivation of common beans has long been integral to rural economies in Italy, particularly in mountainous regions along the Apennine ridge, where the production focuses on local landraces grown by smallholder farmers using low-input methodologies. However, recent socioeconomic changes in rural communities pose a threat of genetic erosion to these landraces. This study examines the genetic diversity, structure, and uniqueness of common bean landraces in the Aniene Valley of the Lazio region to develop preservation strategies. Seventy-three accessions were investigated using morphological (seed traits), biochemical (phaseolin and phytohemagglutinin patterns), and molecular (microsatellite loci) analyses. These analyses revealed significant genetic variability within morphologically uniform seed materials and highlighted cases of homonymy and the inadvertent introduction of foreign genetic material. Among the 292 samples analyzed (four per accession), a clear differentiation between Mesoamerican and Andean gene pools was observed, with the Andean pool being predominant. Despite high levels of homozygosity and uniform seed morphotypes, genetic variability was detected in sixteen of the twenty-one landraces, suggesting that analyzing only a single or few plants per landrace may yield incomplete genetic information. The extensive morphological, biochemical, and genetic characterization of the P. vulgaris collection from the Aniene Valley provides insights for planning effective conservation strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of both in situ/on-farm and ex-situ conservation to preserve the genetic diversity and heritage of these local landraces.

Genetic diversity and phylogeography of the smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora and its invasion into Korean coasts

The smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora Loisel, is an aggressive invasive species that significantly impacts coastal ecosystems worldwide. Native to the eastern United States, it has rapidly spread along East Asian coasts and was unintentionally introduced into Korea, leading to the devastation of native ecosystems. This study examines the population genetic structure and invasion pathway of S. alterniflora along Korean coasts using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments and nuclear ITS. Our results revealed that the S. alterniflora population in Korea primarily consists of two geographically isolated haplotypes (C1 and C4). Furthermore, two individuals were found to have haplotype N, potentially a newly discovered haplotype in this study. The haplotypes C1 and C4 are widely distributed in the both the native population and the introduced population in East Asia. Thus, the presence of these two haplotypes in different localities in Korea suggests multiple invasion events. The phylogenetic tree from the nuclear ITS showed no significant genetic variation between regions. Comparisons of the cpDNA data of this study with the available GenBank data from the native range in the U.S. and the invasive range in East Asia (China and Japan) revealed that the East Asian population (China, Japan, and Korea) is nearly homogeneous (AMOVA; Fst = 0.06871, p = 0.5). Our findings suggest that the C1 and C4 haplotypes might have been introduced into Korea at least two times, possibly via natural dispersal and/or transport vectors. This emphasizes the importance of strengthening coastal management to prevent further spread.

Characterising the molecular epidemiology of human parechovirus in young infants in the UK and Canada

ObjectivesWe evaluated the extent of virus heterogeneity in PeV infected infants in the UK, Canada and Australia. MethodsSamples were collected from PeV infected infants during 2013–16. Next generation sequencing was used to obtain sequencing data and construct phylogenetic trees based on analysis of the VP1 region. Comparison was made with sequencing data available from an outbreak in Australia. ResultsWe amplified and sequenced 58 samples. All obtained PeV sequences were genotype 3 apart from one UK sample which was PeV-A5. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all strains clustered together on the same clade and showed no significant genetic variation. We saw no significant evidence of association between sequence and either clinical severity (defined by admission to paediatric intensive care), geographical origin (compared between Canada and U.K) or year of sample collection (samples sequenced during 2013 – 2018). ConclusionsIn this small cohort, sequencing data indicate that PeV circulating in the UK and Canada from 2013 to 18 are derived from a common ancestor. No association between disease severity and genetic sequence was seen in the UK or Canadian cohorts. Larger studies are required to support these findings.

Curcuma species DNA fingerprinting of wild and cultivated genotypes from different agroclimatic zones

IntroductionCurcuma isolates from different agroclimatic zones in Chhattisgarh have been found to possess a varied spectrum of Curcumin, we set out to learn more about their genetic diversity by molecular fingerprinting in the present study. MethodsUsing SSR primers, the genetic variability of 25 Curcuma genotypes has been analyzed. These included the fingerprints of Curcuma longa, Curcuma aromatica, and Curcuma caesia. 13 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers amplified 107 unique fragments across all kinds, whereas 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers amplified 51 unique fragments across all varieties, with 97 % and 86 % showing polymorphism, respectively. ResultsA total of 1080 ISSR and 567 SSR loci were amplified across all genotypes; among these, 5 monomorphic and 102 polymorphic alleles were produced in ISSR primers. However, SSR data showed 47 polymorphic and 4 monomorphic alleles. A panel of ISSR and SSR markers calculated DNA fingerprinting, genetic similarity, and distance estimates between Curcuma genotypes. In order to examine the diversity in different Curcuma genotypes, UPGMA data scoring methods were used. DiscussionCurcuma species demonstrate significant genetic variability, which is essential for breeding initiatives focused on creating better cultivars with desirable characteristics such as increased productivity, resistance to diseases, and improved medicinal capabilities.

Relationships between reproduction, growth, and tolerance to herbivory for the endangered plant clay phacelia (Phacelia argillacea)

The endangered plant clay phacelia (Phacelia argillacea) is endemic to Spanish Fork Canyon, Utah, USA. In addition to habitat loss and abiotic stressors, herbivory is one of clay phacelia's major threats, but negative effects of herbivory have not been quantified. To examine the effects of simulated herbivory by small mammals, we grew 300 clay phacelia plants in a greenhouse (20 replicates of 15 half-sibling families). After six months of growth, half of the plants were randomly assigned to a defoliation treatment that mimicked herbivory from ground squirrels. After providing additional time for growth and natural pollination, we collected seeds and harvested shoots and roots from a subset of the plants. Among the 15 half-sibling families, we found significant genetic variation in shoot mass and a significant correlation between total mass when defoliated and undefoliated, suggesting a strong genetic component to growth. Defoliation significantly reduced seed production, shoot production and root production by 29%, 32%, and 35%, respectively. For these traits, interactions between family (F) and defoliation (D) were not statistically significant, suggesting fixation for tolerance to herbivory. In contrast, for root-to-shoot ratio, there was a statistically significant F × D interaction, revealing genetic variation for tolerance to herbivory. Depending on the type, intensity, and timing of herbivory, clay phacelia may benefit from either increased allocation to shoots or to roots. In fact, tolerance in terms of reproduction was correlated with shoot mass when defoliated, while tolerance in terms of growth was correlated with root mass when defoliated.

Functional genetic variants of GEN1 predict overall survival of Chinese epithelial ovarian cancer patients

BackgroundInherited variations in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway are known to influence ovarian cancer occurrence, progression and treatment response. Despite its significance, survival-associated genetic variants within the DSB pathway remain underexplored.MethodsIn the present study, we performed a two-phase analysis of 19,290 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 199 genes in the DSB repair pathway from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset and explored their associations with overall survival (OS) in 1039 Han Chinese epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) patients. After utilizing multivariate Cox regression analysis with bayesian false-discovery probability for multiple test correction, significant genetic variations were identified and subsequently underwent functional prediction and validation.ResultsWe discovered a significant association between poor overall survival and the functional variant GEN1 rs56070363 C > T (CT + TT vs. TT, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 2.50, P < 0.001). And the impact of GEN1 rs56070363 C > T on survival was attributed to its reduced binding affinity to hsa-miR-1287-5p and the resultant upregulation of GEN1 mRNA expression. Overexpression of GEN1 aggregated EOC cell proliferation, invasion and migration presumably by influencing the expression of immune inhibitory factors, thereby elevating the proportion of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and then constructing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.ConclusionsIn conclusion, GEN1 rs56070363 variant could serve as a potential predictive biomarker and chemotherapeutic target for improving the survival of EOC patients.

Vanishing white matter disease: imaging, clinical and molecular correlation in Brazilian families.

To characterize Vanishing White Matter Disease (VWM) cases from a Brazilian University Tertiary hospital, focusing on brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) aspects, clinical and molecular data. Medical records and brain MRI of 13 genetically confirmed VWM patients were reviewed. Epidemiological data such as age at symptom onset, gender and main symptoms were analyzed, along with genetic mutations and MRI characteristics, such as the distribution of white matter lesions and atrophy. The majority of patients were female, with the age of symptom onset ranging from 1year and 6months to 40years. All mutations were identified in the EIF2B5 gene, the most prevalent being c.338G > A (p.Arg113His), and a novel mutation related to the disease was discovered, c.1051G > A (p.Gly351Ser). Trauma or infection were significant triggers. The most frequent symptoms were ataxia and limb spasticity. All MRI scans displayed deep white matter involvement, cystic degeneration, with U-fibers relatively spared and a predilection for the frontoparietal region. Lesions in the corpus callosum and posterior fossa were present in all patients. Follow-up exams revealed the evolution of white matter lesions and cerebral atrophy, which correlated with clinical deterioration. VWM affects various age groups, with a significant clinical and genetic variability. A novel mutation associated with the disease is highlighted. MRI reveals a typical pattern of white matter involvement, characterized by diffuse lesions in the periventricular and deep regions, with subsequent extension to the subcortical areas, accompanied by cystic degeneration, and plays a crucial role in diagnosis and follow-up.

Kidney volume-to-birth weight ratio as an estimate of nephron endowment in extremely low birth weight preterm infants

In humans, nephrogenesis is completed by 32–36 weeks gestation, with a highly variable total number of nephrons, ranging from 200,000 to over 2 million. Premature birth disrupts the development and maturation of the kidneys, leading to a reduction in the final number of nephrons. Due to significant genetic variability in the number of nephrons among individuals, it is crucial to identify premature infants with fewer nephrons at birth as early as possible. These infants are more susceptible to developing renal failure with advancing age compared to those with a higher nephron endowment. Bedside ultrasound, an effective and non-invasive tool, is practical for identifying newborns with a lower nephron count. However, renal volume alone cannot reliably indicate the number of nephrons due to substantial variability at birth, influenced by gestational age when nephron maturation is incomplete. This variability in kidney volumes persists as newborns grow. In this observational study we hypothesize that the relationship between renal volume and birth weight may serve as an indicator of nephron endowment in premature infants with birth weight less than 1000 g. This finding could represent the basis for defining appropriate surveillance protocols and developing targeted therapeutic approaches.

Distance-dependent mating but considerable pollen immigration in an isolated Quercus rubra planting in Germany

AbstractGene flow affects the genetic diversity and structure of tree species and can be influenced by stress related to changing climatic conditions. The study of tree species planted in locations outside their natural range, such as arboreta or botanical gardens, allows us to analyse the effect of severe fragmentation on patterns and distances of gene flow. Paternity analysis based on microsatellite marker genotyping was used to analyse how fragmentation affects gene flow among individuals of Quercus rubra L. distributed in a small isolated group of trees (15 trees) planted in the arboretum on the North Campus of the University of Göttingen. For paternity analysis, 365 seedlings from four seed parents were selected and genotyped using 16 microsatellites. The analysis revealed the majority of pollen (84.89%) originated from trees within the site and identified three large full-sib families consisting of 145, 63 and 51 full-sibs. The average pollen dispersal distance for the four seed parents ranged from 17.3 to 103.6 meters. We observed substantial genetic differentiation among effective pollen clouds of the four seed parents (G’’ST = 0.407) as a result of cross pollination between neighboring trees. No self-fertilization was observed. Gene dispersal via pollen followed the expected distance-dependent pattern, and we observed a significant influx of external pollen (15.11%, ranging from 8.64 to 26.26% for individual seed parents) from a diverse set of donors (30). Long-distance pollen dispersal could explain the presence of significant genetic variation even in isolated natural Q. rubra populations.

Comparative physiological and proteomic analysis reveals different responding mechanisms of phosphate deficiency between two clones of Pinus elliottii × P. caribaea

Enhancing efficiency of phosphorus uptake and utilization in forest trees through genetic improvement is crucial for ecological conservation and climate change mitigation. Pinus species exhibit significant genetic variation in phosphorus efficiency (PE). However, potential regulation mechanisms of hybrid pine (Pinus elliottii × P. caribaea) under phosphate deficiency are still unclear. Two distinct hybrid pine genotypes, clone 38 and clone 31, were screened out from 28 hybrid pine genotypes based on morphological and physiological changes. Clone 38 showed superior heights and diameters under –Pi condition than +Pi condition, while Clone 31 showed a slight advantage under +Pi condition than –Pi condition. Root-shoot fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) ratios in clone 38 under Pi (inorganic phosphate) deficiency increased more than that in clone 31. Clone 38 and clone 31 could be classified as the genotypes with high and low Pi efficient, respectively. In order to explore the mechanisms that hybrid pine employed to response to phosphate starvation, iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis of shoots of two clones (clone 31 and clone 38) was conducted. There were 94 and 106 proteins showed differential accumulation patterns under Pi deficient condition in clone 38 and clone 31, respectively. Pi deficit in shoots of high Pi efficient clone 38 resulted in the induction of proteins associated with amylopectin, sulfolipid, and sucrose metabolism. Inversely, proteins associated with photosynthesis were decreased in shoots of low Pi efficient clone 31. The proteins that are accumulated differently amongst genotypes with varying Pi efficiency provide a potential and foundation for developing hybrid pine genotypes with higher phosphate efficiency.

IMPACT OF WATER STRESS CONDITIONS ON ASSOCIATION OF AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIO-CHEMICAL AND KERNEL QUALITY-RELATED TRAITS IN MAIZE HYBRIDS

Changing climatic conditions, especially high temperatures and droughts are one of the major factors hindering sustainable maize production in major maize-growing areas of the world. The current study was designed to determine the association between different morphological, physiological, biochemical, and kernel quality-related traits in maize hybrids under water-deficient conditions. The experiment material was comprised of seven indigenously developed maize hybrids from Maize and Millets Research Institute, Yusafwala-Sahiwal (YH-5482, YH-5427, YH-5404, YH-1899, FH-949, YH-5577, and YH-5395), one maize hybrid developed by local seed company i.e., Kissan Seed Corporation (SB-9663) and two maize hybrids developed by multinational seed companies i.e., Corteva Seeds Pvt Ltd. (P-1543) and Syngenta Seed Pvt Ltd. (NK-8441). The experiment was executed under a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results revealed that highly significant genetic variations were present among maize hybrids for morphological, physiological, biochemical, and kernel quality traits under water-deficient conditions except for ear length for which variations were found to be non-significant. Moreover, correlation coefficient analysis depicts a strong positive correlation of kernel yield with days to 50% silking, days to 50% tasseling, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, total chlorophyll contents, 1000-kernel weight, ear length, and plant height. However, kernel yield was found to be negatively correlated with hydrogen peroxide, superoxide dismutase, and proline contents. Similarly, path coefficient analysis showed that days to 50% silking had the highest direct positive effect on kernel yield followed by 1000-grain weight, starch contents percentage, and ear height. Therefore, parental material selection must be done using these yield-associated trades under water-deficient conditions.

Assessing Nutritional Characteristics and Bioactive Compound Distribution in Seeds, Oil, and Cake from Confectionary Sunflowers Cultivated in Serbia.

Sunflower seeds are key agricultural commodities due to their nutritional and industrial value. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of targeted bioactive compounds and assess the physical properties across 27 sunflower seed genotypes, including parental lines and F1 and F2 hybrids, cultivated in Serbia. Various analytical techniques were employed to determine the chemical composition and physical characteristics of the seeds. This research revealed significant genetic variability in fatty acid profiles, with differences in polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acid levels among the genotypes. Hybrid seeds displayed variations in 1000-seed weight and bulk density compared to parental lines, which exhibited higher essential fatty acid contents and mechanical properties advantageous for industrial processing. These insights highlight the potential for refining breeding strategies to improve seed quality for specific industrial purposes. Overall, this study emphasizes the critical role of genetic selection in enhancing the nutritional and processing qualities of sunflower seeds, offering valuable perspectives for advancing agricultural and breeding practices.

Genetic variability of aquaporin expression in maize: from eQTLs to a MITE insertion regulating PIP2; 5 expression.

Plant aquaporins are involved in numerous physiological processes, such as cellular homeostasis, tissue hydraulics, transpiration, and nutrient supply, and are key players of the response to environmental cues. While varying expression patterns of aquaporin genes have been described across organs, developmental stages and stress conditions, the underlying regulation mechanisms remain elusive. Hence, this work aimed to shed light on the expression variability of four plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) genes in maize (Zea mays) leaves, and its genetic causes, through eQTL (expression quantitative trait locus) mapping across a 252-hybrid diversity panel. Significant genetic variability in PIP transcript abundance was observed to different extents depending on the isoforms. The genome-wide association study mapped numerous eQTLs, both local and distant, thus emphasizing the existing natural diversity of PIP gene expression across the studied panel and the potential to reveal regulatory actors and mechanisms. One eQTL associated with PIP2; 5 expression variation was characterized. Genomic sequence comparison and in vivo reporter assay attributed, at least partly, the local eQTL to a transposon-containing polymorphism in the PIP2; 5 promoter. This work paves the way to the molecular understanding of PIP gene regulation and its possible integration into larger networks regulating physiological and stress-adaptation processes.

Genetic Rearrangements in Different Salivary Gland Tumors: A Systematic Review.

Salivary gland tumors (SGT) encompass a wide range of neoplasms, each with its own unique histological type and clinical presentation. This review hones in on prevalent subtypes of SGTs, including adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), and polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC). The articles, identified through specific keywords, were meticulously screened in databases like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from 2018 to 2023. Eight articles delved into genetic modifications among the selected SGT types. A fusion protein known asMYB-NF1B is typically associated with ACC, promoting cell proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis. The presence of MYB modifications in ACCs is a beacon of hope, as it is linked to a more favorable prognosis. In contrast, SDCs often exhibit HER2 expression. The invasive nature of SGTs contributes to their resistance to treatment. In the case of PAC, the role of PRKD1 is particularly noteworthy. PRKD1, integrated with other genes from the PRKD1/2/3 cluster, helps to differentiate PAC from other diseases. Furthermore, the genetic profiles of KTN1-PRKD1) and PPP2R2A:PRKD1 are distinct. The significant genetic variability among SGTs necessitates meticulous examination. This field is in a constant state of evolution, with new discoveries reshaping our understanding. Genetics is a key player in deciphering SGTs and tailoring treatments. This complex neoplasm demands ongoing research to uncover all genetic influences, thereby enhancing diagnostic methodologies, therapeutic strategies, and patient outcomes.

Bi-environmental evaluation of oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes for yield and nutritional traits under cold stress conditions using multivariate analysis

Abstract Oat being a rabi/winter crop in Kashmir, experiences extremely low temperatures which has detrimental effects on its growth and development. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate a set of 130 oat genotypes in multi-location trials across temperate conditions of Kashmir valley from 2018 to 2022. From the preliminary data of 56 genotypes, including five checks, were selected and evaluated for nutritional and yield attributing traits under cold stress conditions at two locations. The results demonstrated significant genetic variation and high heritability for majority of traits, except for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and dry fodder. Positive correlations were observed between green fodder yield and other traits, indicating their potential for enhancing yield. Principal component analysis identified four principal components that accounted for 69.87% of the total variation. Cluster analysis categorized the genotypes into two main clusters and six sub-clusters. Frost damage assessment was conducted at tillering stage after the snow melted in late January 2021 and 2022 using cold tolerance rating scale and subsequently tested for chilling injury through an electrolyte leakage test. From field and lab data analysis, five most promising cold tolerant, nutritious and high-yielding genotypes were identified. These genotypes have significant potential for utilization in future breeding programmes to improve cold tolerance in cultivated oats within the Kashmir valley thus promoting agricultural productivity and sustainability. The outcomes also provide valuable insights into the genetic variation, heritability, genotype-by-environment interactions, correlations and cold tolerance of oat genotypes in Kashmir.

Appraising components of genetic variation and estimation of micronutrients and antinutrient parameters in black gram (Vigna mungo L.) genotypes

A study was conducted to evaluate 30 black gram (Vigna mungo L.) genotypes for genetic variation in micronutrients and anti-nutritionalfactors. All the genotypes exhibited significant genetic variability for protein content (16.19–31.07%), iron (60.98–95.50 ppm), zinc(35.89–44.01 ppm), and selenium (1.12 to 19.53 ppm). Four genotypes, namely, PU-15-21 showed higher values for protein, PU-15-30for iron, PU-KUG21 for zinc, and PU-8 for selenium contents. Phytic acid content ranged from 0.09 to 5.65 mg/g, with PU7 exhibiting thelowest. Correlation analysis indicated positive relationships between protein and seed yield iron and zinc contents. A few genotypesshowed higher micronutrient levels and seed yield along with lower phytic acid, suggesting their potential for breeding aimed atenhancing micronutrient content and yield with low phytic acid levels in black gram.

Genomic and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Biosynthesis Network of Cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris.

Cordycepin is the primary active compound of Cordyceps militaris. However, the definitive genetic mechanism governing cordycepin synthesis in fruiting body growth and development remains elusive, necessitating further investigation. This study consists of 64 C. militaris strains collected from northeast China. The high-yielding cordycepin strain CMS19 was selected for the analysis of cordycepin production and the genetic basis of cordycepin anabolism. First, the whole-genome sequencing of CMS19 yielded a final size of 30.96 Mb with 8 contigs and 9781 protein-coding genes. The genome component revealed the presence of four additional secondary metabolite gene clusters compared with other published genomes, suggesting the potential for the production of new natural products. The analyses of evolutionary and genetic differentiation revealed a close relationship between C. militaris and Beauveria bassiana. The population of strains distributed in northeast China exhibited the significant genetic variation. Finally, functional genes associated with cordycepin synthesis were identified using a combination of genomic and transcriptomic analyses. A large number of functional genes associated with energy and purine metabolism were significantly enriched, facilitating the reconstruction of a hypothetical cordycepin metabolic pathway. Therefore, our speculation of the cordycepin metabolism pathway involved 24 genes initiating from the glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways, progressing through purine metabolism, and culminating in the core region of cordycepin synthesis. These findings could offer fundamental support for scientific utilizations of C. militaris germplasm resources and standardized cultivation for cordycepin production.

Mean Performance and Genetic Variability Exploration for Fruit Yield and its Attributing Traits in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The present study was conducted to access the relative performance, genetic variability, genetic advance and heritability in thirty genotypes of tomato crop. The crop was sown under Randomized Block Design (RBD) in three replications at Regional Research Station Karnal, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, during the Autumn Winter season of 2021-22. The observations were recorded for eight parameters pertaining to the fruit yield and its attributing traits in tomato. Statistics from analysis of variance showed substantial differences among the genotypes that unveils the plausible presence of significant genetic variability which could be positively exploited in crop improvement programs. The results obtained in the experiment showed that Pusa Ruby (38 days) was earliest to flower in 50% plants followed by EC-631351 (40 days). Genotype Selection 7 took the least (66) number of days to first picking and genotype Kashi Hemant took the maximum (155 days) number of days to last picking. Genotype EC-615056 recorded the maximum (57.71 g) average fruit weight and genotypes namely EC-631457, EC-631357 and Pusa Early Dwarf observed highest fruit yield per plant. Narrow differences were recorded for the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for all the characters, which denotes that environment had very little influence in expression of the characters and phenotype truly represents the genotype. High to moderate magnitude of genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for almost all the characters in our investigation. Plant characters days to first picking, days to 50% flowering, days to last picking, plant height at harvest recorded high (&gt;70%) magnitude of heritability in broad sense implying least influence of environment over these characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for characters like days to 50% flowering and plant height at harvesting.