Tetraploid Species Research Articles

Hybridization and reticulate evolution in Diphasiastrum (flat-branched clubmosses, Lycopodiaceae) – New data from the island of Taiwan and Vietnam

In the species groups related to Diphasiastrum multispicatum and D. veitchii, hybridization was investigated in samples from northern and southern Vietnam and the island of Taiwan, including available herbarium specimens from southeast Asia. The accessions were analyzed using flow cytometry (living material only), Sanger sequencing and multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing. We detected two cases of ancient hybridization involving different combinations of parental species; both led via subsequent duplication to tetraploid taxa. A cross D. multispicatum × D. veitchii from Malaysia represents D. wightianum, a tetraploid taxon according to reported DNA content measurements of dried material (genome formulas MM, VV and MMVV, respectively). The second case involves D. veitchii and an unknown diploid parent (genome formula XX). Three hybridogenous taxa (genome formulas VVX, VVXX, VVVX) were discernable by a combination of flow cytometry and molecular data. Taxon I (VVX, three clones found on Taiwan island) is apparently triploid. Taxon II represents another genetically diverse and sexual tetraploid species (VVXX) and can be assigned to D. yueshanense, described from Taiwan island but occurring as well in mainland China and Vietnam. Taxon III is as well most likely tetraploid (VVVX) and represented by at least one, more likely two, clones from Taiwan island. Taxa I and III are presumably asexual and new to science. Two independently inherited nuclear markers recombine only within, not between these hybrids, pointing towards reproductive isolation. We present an evolutionary scheme which explains the origin of the hybrids and the evolution of new and fully sexual species by hybridization and subsequent allopolyploidization in flat-branched clubmosses.

A complex biosystematic approach to reveal evolutionary and diversity patterns in West Asian brambles (Rubus subgen. Rubus, Rosaceae)

West Asia, with its high mountain ranges and glacial refugia, stands out as a biodiversity hotspot for various plant taxa, including the taxonomically complex Rubus subgen. Rubus. Despite this significance, our understanding of the evolutionary processes shaping this group in the region has been limited. We employed an integrative approach combining flow cytometry, Sanger sequencing of two plastid regions, microsatellite genotyping, and double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing to characterize evolutionary and diversity patterns in West Asian brambles. We identified four diploid and two sexual tetraploid species, with the remaining diversity comprising apomictic tetra- and triploids, mostly belonging to R. ser. Discolores, and sexual pentaploid hybrids/hybridogens derived from R. caesius. Rubus dolichocarpus, newly reported here as diploid, emerged as a significant ancestor for many polyploids. Most apomictic genotypes are locally distributed and only three genotypes exhibit extremely large ranges from Armenia to Kyrgyzstan and from Georgia to Iran. These genotypes are probably of an ancient (Pleistocene) European origin and likely laid the foundations for the evolution of apomicts in West Asia, whose diversification was subsequently boosted by the genetic contribution of sexual taxa. DNA markers confirmed the West Asian origin of Rubus armeniacus, a globally significant invasive species, yet rare in its native range. We report on the first indigenous occurrence of this species based on microsatellite genotyping. Our findings contribute to filling existing gaps in understanding the evolution and diversity of Rubus subgen. Rubus in West Asia.

Genome assembly of autotetraploid Actinidia arguta highlights adaptive evolution and enables dissection of important economic traits

Actinidia arguta, the most widely distributed Actinidia species and the second cultivated species in the genus, can be distinguished from the currently cultivated Actinidia chinensis on the basis of its small and smooth fruit, rapid softening, and excellent cold tolerance. Adaptive evolution of tetraploid Actinidia species and the genetic basis of their important agronomic traits are still unclear. Here, we generated a chromosome-scale genome assembly of an autotetraploid male A. arguta accession. The genome assembly was 2.77 Gb in length with a contig N50 of 9.97 Mb and was anchored onto 116 pseudo-chromosomes. Resequencing and clustering of 101 geographically representative accessions showed that they could be divided into two geographic groups, Southern and Northern, which first diverged 12.9 million years ago. A. arguta underwent two prominent expansions and one demographic bottleneck from the mid-Pleistocene climate transition to the late Pleistocene. Population genomics studies using paleoclimate data enabled us to discern the evolution of the species’ adaptation to different historical environments. Three genes (AaCEL1, AaPME1, and AaDOF1) related to flesh softening were identified by multi-omics analysis, and their ability to accelerate flesh softening was verified through transient expression assays. A set of genes that characteristically regulate sexual dimorphism located on the sex chromosome (Chr3) or autosomal chromosomes showed biased expression during stamen or carpel development. This chromosome-level assembly of the autotetraploid A. arguta genome and the genes related to important agronomic traits will facilitate future functional genomics research and improvement of A. arguta.

Comparative analysis of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of sweet potato provides evidence of gene transfer

The increasing number of plant mitochondrial DNA genomes (mtDNA) sequenced reveals the extent of transfer from both chloroplast DNA genomes (cpDNA) and nuclear DNA genomes (nDNA). This study created a library and assembled the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of the leafy sweet potato better to understand the extent of mitochondrial and chloroplast gene transfer. The full-length chloroplast genome of the leafy sweet potato (OM808940) is 161,387 bp, with 132 genes annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome (OM808941) was 269,578 bp in length and contained 69 functional genes, including 39 protein-coding genes, 6 rRNA genes, and 24 tRNA genes. 68 SSR loci were found in the leafy sweet potato organelle genome, including 54 in the chloroplast genome and 14 in the mitochondria genome. In the sweet potato mitochondrial genome, most genes have RNA editing sites, and the conversion ratio from hydrophilic amino acids to hydrophobic amino acids is the highest, reaching 47.12%. Horizontal transfer occurs in the sweet potato organelle genome and nuclear genome. 40 mitochondrial genome segments share high homology with 14 chloroplast genome segments, 33 of which may be derived from chloroplast genome horizontal transfer. 171 mitochondrial genome sequences come from the horizontal transfer of nuclear genome. The phylogenetic analysis of organelle genes revealed that the leafy sweet potato was closely related to the tetraploid wild species Ipomoea tabascana and the wild diploid species Ipomoea trifida.

Comparative analysis of SIMILAR to RCD ONE (SRO) family from tetraploid cotton species and their diploid progenitors depict their significance in cotton growth and development

BackgroundSRO (Similar to RCD1) genes family is largely recognized for their importance in the growth, development, and in responding to environmental stresses. However, genome-wide identification and functional characterization of SRO genes from cotton species have not been reported so far.ResultsA total of 36 SRO genes were identified from four cotton species. Phylogenetic analysis divided these genes into three groups with distinct structure. Syntenic and chromosomal distribution analysis indicated uneven distribution of GaSRO, GrSRO, GhSRO, and GbSRO genes on A2, D5 genomes, Gh-At, Gh-Dt, Gb-At, and Gb-Dt subgenomes, respectively. Gene duplication analysis revealed the presence of six duplicated gene pairs among GhSRO genes. In promoter analysis, several elements responsive to the growth, development and hormones were found in GhSRO genes, implying gene induction during cotton growth and development. Several miRNAs responsive to plant growth and abiotic stress were predicted to target 12 GhSRO genes. Organ-specific expression profiling demonstrated the roles of GhSRO genes in one or more tissues. In addition, specific expression pattern of some GhSRO genes during ovule development depicted their involvement in these developmental processes.ConclusionThe data presented in this report laid a foundation for understanding the classification and functions of SRO genes in cotton.

The Cissus quadrangularis genome reveals its adaptive features in an arid habitat.

Cissus quadrangularis is a tetraploid species belonging to the Vitaceae family and is known for the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway in the succulent stem, while the leaves perform C3 photosynthesis. Here, we report a high-quality genome of C. quadrangularis comprising a total size of 679.2Mb which was phased into two subgenomes. Genome annotation identified 51 857 protein-coding genes, while approximately 47.75% of the genome was composed of repetitive sequences. Gene expression ratios of two subgenomes demonstrated that the sub-A genome as the dominant subgenome played a vital role during the drought tolerance. Genome divergence analysis suggests that the tetraploidization event occurred around 8.9million years ago. Transcriptome data revealed that pathways related to cutin, suberine, and wax metabolism were enriched in the stem during drought treatment, suggesting that these genes contributed to the drought adaption. Additionally, a subset of CAM-related genes displayed diurnal expression patterns in the succulent stems but not in leaves, indicating that stem-biased expression of existing genes contributed to the CAM evolution. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of drought adaptation and photosynthesis transition in plants.

Origin of domesticated water chestnuts (Trapa bispinosa Roxb.) and genetic variation in wild water chestnuts.

The water chestnut Trapa bispinosa Roxb. has been domesticated in China and has been reported as the only domesticated species of this genus. To understand the origin of T. bispinosa and its evolution pathway, we compared the genetic similarity and seed morphology of domesticated water chestnut T. bispinosa with three wild species T. natans, T. incisa, and T. japonica along with archeological seed samples from the Tianluoshan site (approximately 7000-6300 cal BP) in China. The largest seed size was observed only in the domesticated species, whereas other wild species showed smaller size including T. natans L. genetically close to the domesticated type, and T. incisa was the smallest in size. The volumes of the seed capsule and endosperm were measured using X ray CT scans, showing the ratios of total volumes between T. bispinosa and wild species ranged from 4.2 to 4.5. The ratios of endosperm volume ranged from 3.3 to 3.7. Both measurements showed domesticated species have larger seed volume. Genome size was indirectly estimated by flow cytometry. Domesticated species with larger seed size was estimated as diploid, as were the wild species except for tetraploid species T. japonica. Domesticated species clearly showed the largest edible organs, but it was not a result of ploidy level changes. Maternal lineages traced using complete whole chloroplast sequences, suggested that T. natans is the closest to T. bispinosa, both of which are close to T. japonica. The result was confirmed by PCR genotyping with chloroplast insertion/deletion (cpINDEL) markers developed in the study. T. incisa showed distinct plastid types within the species, and T. japonica showed a unique plastid genotype. Our study concludes the largest volumes for the edible endosperm have been accomplished through nearly 6000 years of artificial selection, but the domestication did not involve ploidy level changes.

Biological Properties of Recently Described Wild Bramble Rubus oklejewiczii against the Species from Similar Niches.

The aim of this study was to compare the biological properties, such as antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant, of recently described pentaploid species Rubus oklejewiczii with tetraploid taxa growing in similar habitats including R. plicatus, R. gracilis, and R. wimmerianus. The antiviral potential was analyzed against bacteriophages with different genetic material: phi6 (a surrogate for the SARS-CoV-2 virus), T7, phiX174, and MS2. Antibacterial properties of fruit and leaf extracts were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica. The total phenolic content, as well as anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, pH, and antioxidant properties (FRAP and DPPH) were determined. R. oklejewiczii leaf extract was characterized by the weakest antibacterial and antiviral properties, which was closely correlated with the lowest content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. The strongest biological properties were observed for R. wimmerianus leaves. Fruit extracts were characterized by lower phenolic content and antioxidant activities than leaves, with the lowest values observed for R. oklejewiczii extract. The antibacterial properties of fruit extracts were strongest for R. gracilis. The strongest antiviral potential was observed for R. oklejewiczii and R. wimmerianus fruit extracts against the bacteriophage phi6, which correlated with the lowest pH and the highest ascorbic acid content. The positive effect of the higher ploidy of R. oklejewiczii for most of the analyzed biological properties was not observed except for the antiviral potential of fruit extract. Due to its large and tasty fruits, this species seems to be very promising for cultivation and attractive for consumers, even though most of its biological properties were not any better compared to other examined tetraploid species.

Genomic analyses provide insights into sex differentiation of tetraploid strawberry (Fragaria moupinensis).

The strawberry genus, Fragaria, exhibits a wide range of sexual systems and natural ploidy variation. Nearly, all polyploid strawberry species exhibit separate sexes (dioecy). Research has identified the sex-determining sequences as roughly conserved but with repeatedly changed genomic locations across octoploid strawberries. However, it remains unclear whether tetraploid wild strawberries evolved dioecy independently or shared a common origin with octoploid strawberries. In this study, we investigated the sex determinants of F. moupinensis, a dioecious plant with heterogametic females (ZW). Utilizing a combination of haplotype-resolved genome sequencing of the female F. moupinensis, k-mer-based and coverage-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and transcriptomic analysis, we discovered a non-recombining, approximately 33.6 kb W-specific region on chromosome 2a. Within this region, only one candidate sex-determining gene (FmoAFT) was identified. Furthermore, an extensive resequencing of the entire Fragaria genus indicated that the W-specific region displays conservative female specificity across all tetraploid species. This observation suggests that dioecy evolved independently in tetraploid and octoploid strawberries. Moreover, employing virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), we knocked down the expression of the FmoAFT homologue transcript in cultivated strawberries, revealing its potential role in promoting female functions during early carpel development. We also applied DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq) and yeast one-hybrid assays to identify potential direct targets of FmoAFT. These insights shed new light on the genetic basis and evolutionary history of sex determination in strawberries, thereby facilitating the formulation of strategies to manipulate sex determination in breeding programs.

Ancient hybridization and repetitive element proliferation in the evolutionary history of the monocot genus Amomum (Zingiberaceae).

Genome size variation is a crucial aspect of plant evolution, influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Repetitive elements, which are fundamental components of genomic architecture, often play a role in genome expansion by selectively amplifying specific repeat motifs. This study focuses on Amomum, a genus in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), known for its 4.4-fold variation in genome size. Using a robust methodology involving PhyloNet reconstruction, RepeatExplorer clustering, and repeat similarity-based phylogenetic network construction, we investigated the repeatome composition, analyzed repeat dynamics, and identified potential hybridization events within the genus. Our analysis confirmed the presence of four major infrageneric clades (A-D) within Amomum, with clades A-C exclusively comprising diploid species (2n = 48) and clade D encompassing both diploid and tetraploid species (2n = 48 and 96). We observed an increase in the repeat content within the genus, ranging from 84% to 89%, compared to outgroup species with 75% of the repeatome. The SIRE lineage of the Ty1-Copia repeat superfamily was prevalent in most analyzed ingroup genomes. We identified significant difference in repeatome structure between the basal Amomum clades (A, B, C) and the most diverged clade D. Our investigation revealed evidence of ancient hybridization events within Amomum, coinciding with a substantial proliferation of multiple repeat groups. This finding supports the hypothesis that ancient hybridization is a driving force in the genomic evolution of Amomum. Furthermore, we contextualize our findings within the broader context of genome size variations and repeatome dynamics observed across major monocot lineages. This study enhances our understanding of evolutionary processes within monocots by highlighting the crucial roles of repetitive elements in shaping genome size and suggesting the mechanisms that drive these changes.

Genomic insights into CKX genes: key players in cotton fibre development and abiotic stress responses.

Cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX), responsible for irreversible cytokinin degradation, also controls plant growth and development and response to abiotic stress. While the CKX gene has been studied in other plants extensively, its function in cotton is still unknown. Therefore, a genome-wide study to identify the CKX gene family in the four cotton species was conducted using transcriptomics, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and bioinformatics. As a result, in G. hirsutum and G. barbadense (the tetraploid cotton species), 87 and 96 CKX genes respectively and 62 genes each in G. arboreum and G. raimondii, were identified. Based on the evolutionary studies, the cotton CKX gene family has been divided into five distinct subfamilies. It was observed that CKX genes in cotton have conserved sequence logos and gene family expansion was due to segmental duplication or whole genome duplication (WGD). Collinearity and multiple synteny studies showed an expansion of gene families during evolution and purifying selection pressure has been exerted. G. hirsutum CKX genes displayed multiple exons/introns, uneven chromosomal distribution, conserved protein motifs, and cis-elements related to growth and stress in their promoter regions. Cis-elements related to resistance, physiological metabolism and hormonal regulation were identified within the promoter regions of the CKX genes. Expression analysis under different stress conditions (cold, heat, drought and salt) revealed different expression patterns in the different tissues. Through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), the GhCKX34A gene was found to improve cold resistance by modulating antioxidant-related activity. Since GhCKX29A is highly expressed during fibre development, we hypothesize that the increased expression of GhCKX29A in fibres has significant effects on fibre elongation. Consequently, these results contribute to our understanding of the involvement of GhCKXs in both fibre development and response to abiotic stress.

A new tetraploid species of Tacinga (Cactaceae) from Ceará, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract A new species of cactus, Tacinga mirim (Cactaceae: Opuntioideae), is described and illustrated. Tacinga mirim is like a miniature version of T. palmadora, as far as is known, endemic to the state of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil. Although some populations of the new species have been known since 2009, they had been wrongly identified as T. palmadora. The description of the new species was made based on morphological and karyotypic analysis. Morphologically, it differs from T. palmadora by the much smaller size, semi-prostrate habit, smaller and deciduous stem-segments, lower density of spines, slightly larger and wide-open flowers, smooth pericarpel, and the globose to obovoid, purplish ripe fruit. The karyotype of T. mirim differs from T. palmadora in being tetraploid (not diploid), by presenting chromosomes that are twice as large, eight of which are submetacentric (differing from the fully metacentric standard karyotype of T. palmadora). The distribution of the new species is associated with the Caatinga of the crystalline basement of the northwestern hinterland of Ceará, found at relatively low altitudes (190-360 m). The IUCN category of threat for the new taxon was preliminary assessed. Both EOO and AOO indicate that the species is endangered (EN-B1-2ab).

Limited gene flow in adjacent valleys and genetic introgression in a mountain hybrid zone between <i>Aconitum</i> (Ranunculaceae) species

The number of polyploid plants in angiosperms is estimated at about 30-80%, depending on the study, but hybridization between diploids and tetraploids is not a common phenomenon. In this study, our aim was to determine the extent of hybridization and introgression between <i>Aconitum</i> species in a mountainous hybrid zone in the Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians). We hypothesized that topography would affect their populations’ genetic structure. For this purpose, inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA, region <i>trn</i>L(UAG)–<i>ndh</i>F) sequencing were used. The results revealed that diploid and tetraploid <i>Aconitum</i> species had specific cpDNA haplotypes, while the spontaneous hybrid species harbored a cpDNA haplotype typical for tetraploids. Bayesian STRUCTURE analysis showed that introgression occurred between diploid and tetraploid species above the tree line, where a spontaneous hybrid, a putative triploid <i>A. ×berdaui</i>, originated, probably via the triploid bridge mechanism. Molecular analysis of variance, principal coordinate analysis, and neighbor-net clustering revealed different genetic profiles of the diploids between neighboring mountain valleys. Hence, mountain topography, ridges, and valleys can form an effective geographical barrier, preventing gene flow over longer distances. Introgression happens near or above the tree line, where the hybridization zone is formed. In the introgressants, however, no morphological alterations were discernible.

Assessment of variation among cultivated wheat species for plant nutrient strata under salinity conditions

Six wheat genotypes, two each of bread wheat (UAS BW-13897 and LBPY 2014-5), Triticum durum (GW 2010-679 and UAS DW-31403) andT. dicoccum (DIC 99 and DIC 26) were grown under natural saline and control conditions to observe the existence of ion discrimination,ion selectivity amenable to ion regulation and ion interactions among them. Bread wheat genotype, UAS BW-13897 showed a highK+ and K+/Na+ ratio at the harvesting stage under saline condition indicating its high salt tolerance. Contrary to it, T. durum genotype,UAS DW-31403 was found to be highly salt-sensitive due to its low K+/Na+ ratio and high Na+ absorption. Bread wheat genotypes werefound most salt-tolerant due to better exclusion of Na+ salt, with negligible reduction in grain yield, spike length, SPAD and numberof grains per spike. The salt exclusion was found less apparent in T. durum and T. dicoccum wheat likely due to the absence of the Dgenome and Kna1 gene, which is present in bread wheat and not in the two tetraploid species. Durum wheat was observed to be mostsensitive with low salt exclusion capacity, whereas T. dicoccum wheat was found intermediate between bread and durum wheat withmedium salt exclusion capacity. The study revealed a difference in type and level of salt tolerance in different species and genotypesthat established high Na+ salt exclusion capacity as one of the important selection criteria for salt tolerance.

The application of Vavilov's approaches to the phylogeny and evolution of cultivated species of the genus Avena L.

The central problem that Vavilov was investigating was the overall concept of global plant genetic resources. The theoretical basis of this concept consisted of the law of homologous series in variation, research on the problem of species as a system, botanical and geographical bases of plant breeding, and the key theory of the centers of origin of cultivated plants. The VIR global collection of plant genetic resources collected by Vavilov and his associates from all over the world reflects the fullness of botanical, morphological and genetic diversity, and can be used for historical, evolutionary, phylogenetic and applied breeding research aimed at unlocking the potential of all the collection material. The whole diversity of cultivated oats, as was proved by Vavilov, had originated from segetal weeds. This process can be clearly traced in Spain on the example of the cultivated diploid species A. strigosa, A. abyssinica in Ethiopia, A. byzantina in Turkey and Iran, and on segetal forms of A. sativa. The studies of the morphological features as a whole do not yield a complete picture of the evolutionary and systematic status of some oat species and forms. The methods and approaches that use DNA markers and genomic technologies, and are promising for the study of oat polymorphism and phylogeny have been actively researched recently. A number of works devoted to the molecular aspects of the evolution and phylogeny of the genus Avena have recently appeared. The research uses various markers of genes, gene regions, intergenic spacers (internal and external), both nuclear and chloroplast and mitochondrial, genomic approaches and other modern methods. On the basis of a comprehensive study of the complete intraspecific diversity from different zones of the distribution range of cultivated oat species as well as on the basis of an analysis of data on the geography of forms and species distribution ranges, it was established that the process of hexaploid species formation also took place in the western part of the Mediterranean, and subsequently, when moving eastward, these forms started occupying all the vast spaces in the region of the Southwest Asian center, forming a large intraspecific diversity of wild forms and weedy ones in transit to cultivated hexaploid oat species. An analysis of the intraspecific diversity of landraces has specified the centers of morphogenesis of all cultivated oat species. The phylogenetic analysis of the representative intraspecific diversity of cultivated and wild Avena species carried out using next generation sequencing (NGS) showed that diploid species with A-genome variants are in fact not primary diploids, but a peculiar Mediterranean introgressive hybridization complex of species that sporadically enter into interspecific hybridization. It was established that the tetraploid cultivated species A. abyssinica had most likely originated from the wild A. vaviloviana. An analysis of the ways of A. sativa and A. byzantina domestication showed that the most widespread ribotype of the A. sativa hexaploid was inherited from A. ludoviciana, and the second most widespread one, from A. magna, while A. byzantina has two unique ribotype families, most likely inherited from an extinct oat species or a still undiscovered cryptospecies.

Okra: Breeding and Genomics

Okra is an important vegetable crop cultivated throughout the tropical and subtropical parts of the world and in the warmer regions of the temperate zones. Its commercial cultivation is distributed exclusively across the various developing countries in Asia and Africa. The commonly cultivated okra is reported to a tetraploid species and has a very large and complex genome which hampers its speedy genetic improvement utilizing modern omics technology. Breeding methodologies suitable for self-pollinated crops have been often utilized for the genetic improvement of okra such as plant introduction, pure line selection, hybridization followed by selection, mutation breeding and heterosis breeding. Pedigree selection and heterosis breeding has been used by okra breeders which resulted in the development of lots of varieties and hybrids in India. In modern-day okra breeding along with high yield potential, multiple tolerance to YVMV, OELCV, sucking pest and borer, easy to harvest, dark green fruit color and ideal plant type are the major target traits. During the last few decades, different public sector institutions has developed and released as many as 33 improved varieties/hybrids for the benefit of the farming community across the country. Few of these varieties/hybrids have already made a noteworthy impact in okra production in India. This article reviewed the current status of okra breeding including genetic resources, cytogenetic relationship, breeding objectives, varietal development, resistance breeding, biotechnological intervention and its future improvement strategies.

Molecular-genetic and cytogenetic analyses of cotton chromosome introgression from Gossypium barbadense L. into the genome of G. hirsutum L. in BC2F1 hybrids.

Substitution lines of the cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. involving chromosomes of the tetraploid species G. barbadense L., G. tomentosum Nutt. ex Seem., and G. mustelinum Miers ex Watt. are a valuable source for breeding, increasing the genetic diversity of G. hirsutum. The substitution of certain G. hirsutum L. chromosomes with G. barbadense chromosomes affect fibre elongation, fibre yield, fibre strength, and micronaire. To increase the efficiency of creating lines, it is necessary to study the nature of the introgression of alien chromosomes into the G. hirsutum L. genome. As a result of molecular genetic analysis of BC2F1 hybrids obtained from crossing monosomic lines of the cotton G. hirsutum from the cytogenetic collection of Uzbekistan with monosomic backcross hybrids BC1F1 G. hirsutum × G. barbadense on the same chromosomes, genetic differences between the hybrids in the profile of chromosome-specific microsatellite SSR markers were found. The predominant introgression of chromosomes 4, 6 and 12 of the At-subgenome and 22 of the Dt-subgenome of G. barbadense was revealed, while chromosomes 2 and 7 of the At-subgenome and 18 of the Dt- subgenome of G. barbadense were characterized by elimination. Among them, chromosomes 7 of the At- subgenome and 18 of the Dt-subgenome of G. barbadense were eliminated in the first backcross generation. In this work, two lines, CS- B06 and CS-B07, from the American cytogenetic collection with a putative substitution involving chromosomes 6 and 7 of the At-subgenome were analysed. The presence of only polymorphic alleles from the species G. hirsutum and the absence of polymorphic alleles from the species G. barbadense were revealed, which showed the absence of substitution involving these chromosomes. BC2F1 hybrids with monosomy for both G. barbadense and G. hirsutum chromosomes were characterized by regular pairing of chromosomes and high meiotic indexes. However, many hybrids were characterized by a decrease in pollen fertility. Two hybrids with monosomy for chromosome 7 of the At-subgenome of G. hirsutum and chromosome 6 of the At-subgenome of G. barbadense had the greatest reduction in pollen viability (70.09 ± 1.57 and 75.00 ± 1.66 %, respectively). Thus, this work shows a specific feature in the introgression of individual chromosomes of the cotton species G. barbadense into the cotton G. hirsutum genome.

Genetic Diversity Studies in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum L.) Accessions

Genetic diversity among durum wheat tetraploid species has a premium to understand the diversity within the genotypes. This study’s major objective was to learn more about the diversity and relationships between various durum genotypes. The experiment was design randomized complete block design with three replications. In this study, a total of eight durum advance lines, namely DW-1, DW-2, DW-3, DW-4, DW-5, DW-6, DW-7, and DW-8, were included with one Durum check wheat Miki3 and spring wheat Khirman to investigate the interrelationship and genetic diversity of quantitative traits and they ‘reaming these traits. For nearly all of the features, the analysis of variance revealed considerable variations among the durum advance lines, as evidenced by the significant mean squares at a probability level of P≤0.01. The mean performance results indicated variations in genotype performance DW8 exhibited maximum days to heading, tallest plant height (cm), and shortest peduncle length was measured in durum wheat. DW6 attained shorter plant height was recorded as compared to both check varieties. A notable variation was detected among the genotypes concerning the trait "number of tillers per m2". The genotype with the highest number of tillers appeared to be spring wheat and the minimum number of tillers was recorded in DW4, respectively. Significantly maximum number of spikelet’s, per spike-1,biological yield plant-1 and protein content % were observed in DW3, amount of grains spike-1 were significant in DW6, main spike yield per plant (g) was recorded in DW3. Whereas minimum grains spike-1and minimum spike yield was observed in DW9, respectively. Grain yield plot-1 (2.3333 kg) was observed significantly higher in DW6 and minimum Grain yield plot-1 (1.6667 kg) in DW10 was observed. Regards correlation, Grain yield plant-1 revealed there was a positive and significant correlation with respect to the trait "days to75% headline, days to 75% maturity, grains Spike-1, main spike yield-1 and 1000-Grain Weight (g) (r=0.500**, r=0.679**, r=0.316*, r=0.316*, r=0.533** and r=0.308*). Using UPGMA, two members of cluster 1 and cluster 2 were found to have closer relationship with different durum genotypes. However, miki 3 had closer relation with DW-8. The largest positive PCA loadings were observed in grains yield plant-1 and 1000 grains weight for the second, third, fourth and fifth PCA group. Hence, DW-8 was nearer relation with miki3, and DW-3, DW-10 and DW-6 considered the best genotypes according to performance.

Genome-wide analysis of SET domain genes and the function of GhSDG51 during salt stress in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

BackgroundCotton, being extensively cultivated, holds immense economic significance as one of the most prominent crops globally. The SET (Su(var), E, and Trithorax) domain-containing protein is of significant importance in plant development, growth, and response to abiotic stress by modifying the lysine methylation status of histone. However, the comprehensive identification of SET domain genes (SDG) have not been conducted in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).ResultsA total of 229 SDGs were identified in four Gossypium species, including G. arboretum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense. These genes could distinctly be divided into eight groups. The analysis of gene structure and protein motif revealed a high degree of conservation among the SDGs within the same group. Collinearity analysis suggested that the SDGs of Gossypium species and most of the other selected plants were mainly expanded by dispersed duplication events and whole genome duplication (WGD) events. The allopolyploidization event also has a significant impact on the expansion of SDGs in tetraploid Gossypium species. Furthermore, the characteristics of these genes have been relatively conserved during the evolution. Cis-element analysis revealed that GhSDGs play a role in resistance to abiotic stresses and growth development. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR results have indicated the ability of GhSDGs to respond to salt stress. Co-expression analysis revealed that GhSDG51 might co-express with genes associated with salt stress. In addition, the silencing of GhSDG51 in cotton by the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) method suggested a potential positive regulatory role of GhSDG51 in salt stress.ConclusionsThe results of this study comprehensively analyze the SDGs in cotton and provide a basis for understanding the biological role of SDGs in the stress resistance in upland cotton.

Phenotypic traits of reciprocal tetraploid hybrids derived from tetraploid Crassostrea gigas and tetraploid Crassostrea angulata

Allotetraploid has the potential to become an important germplasm resource for genetic breeding of organisms. Previously, autotetraploid oysters have played a great role in the worldwide triploid oyster industry by mating with diploids to produce triploid seeds. However, whether allotetraploid oysters can be produced and their performance is unknown. Here, we carried out an artificial interspecific cross between tetraploid Crassostrea gigas and teraploid C. angulata, forming 4 experimental groups, two autotetraploid groups (GGGG: tetraploid C. gigas♀ × C. gigas♂, AAAA: C. angulata♀ × C. anguata♂) and two allotetraploid groups (GGAA: C. gigas♀ × C. anguata♂, AAGG: C. angulata♀ × C. gigas♂). These two pure tetraploid species hybridized without barrier to gamete reproductive isolation, resulting in high fertilization rate (>93%) and acceptable hatching rate (>78%). Reciprocal tetraploid hybrid survival rates were higher than that of pure tetraploids. Some degree of growth heterosis was observed, especially for yearlings. Mid-parent heterosis of wet weight and shell height at day 360 was 31.58% and 16.11%, respectively, which were primarily influenced by egg origin and mating strategy. Overall, the order of performance of the four groups in the warm water area was as following: AAGG>GGAA>AAAA>GGGG. Our results demonstrate that artificial interspecific hybridization between two tetraploid oysters can produce heterosis and that teraploid hybrids have the potential to become new genetic resources for the improvement of polyploid oysters.