Use Of Genotypes Research Articles

Screening of Bread Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum </i>L.) Genotypes for Septoria Tritici Blotch in Central Highland of Ethiopia

Septoria tritici blotch is a major disease that limits wheat yields globally. This study aimed to identify Septoria-resistant bread wheat genotypes for use in future breeding and variety development programs. A total of 49 genotypes were evaluated in the first year and 60 in the second year, selected from an international nursery and evaluated during the 2016–2018 cropping seasons. The experiments were conducted in both research and farmers' fields during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 cropping seasons. The trial used an alpha lattice design with three replications. Data on yield and related traits were analyzed using SAS version 9.3 software. The results indicated significant (P < 0.01) variation among the genotypes for all phenotypic traits measured at Holetta over the two years. Similarly, significant differences (P < 0.01) were observed at Weliso for all traits except for Septoria disease severity, thousand kernel weight, and grain yield. Across the two locations, the highest grain yield recorded was 5.4 t/ha, while the lowest was 1.8t/ha. Therefore, the study findings indicated that some genotypes showed the best performance and a good opportunity to incorporate a variety of development of wheat breeding programs.

Calcium-Binding Protein and Polymorphism in Musa spp. Somaclones Resistant to Fusarium oxysporum.

The fresh fruits of 'Grande Naine' (Cavendish AAA-Musa spp.) dominate the world market, especially in countries with a population in a situation of social vulnerability. However, Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense race 4 Subtropical (Foc ST4), emerges as a serious threat to banana production, requiring the development of resistant cultivars based on biotechnological strategies, such as the induction of mutation in tissue culture. This study aimed to identify and characterize genetic variation in somaclones resistant to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense subtropical race 4 (Foc ST4), derived from 'Grand Naine' bananas, by molecular markers based on retrotransposons IRAP (Inter-retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism) and REMAP (Retrotransposon-Microsatellite Amplified Polymorphism). Nine combinations of IRAP and six combinations of REMAP primers were used. The low number of polymorphic bands did not allow for genetic diversity studies; however, ten polymorphic bands between the somaclones and control were sequenced. Of these, three presented good base calling and were aligned, namely, 1AF, 2AF, and 3AF bands. Only the 1AF band presented function related to stress response with homology to a calcium-binding protein. These proteins act early in plant infection as secondary messengers activated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), initiating the cascade of plant defense signals. The fact that this band is present in all somaclones reinforces previous assessments of their resistance to Foc ST4. The use of markers IRAP and REMAP produced polymorphic bands that can, through future primer design and field validations, accelerate the identification of resistant banana genotypes for use in banana genetic breeding programs.

Effectiveness of the use of chickpea collection samples in breeding

Aim. To determine the breeding value the large number of collection chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties obtained from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (India, Patancheru, ICRISAT) and the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine (Kharkiv) was evaluated in 1995-2022 under the conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Standard field and laboratory methods (phenological observations, hybridization, structural analysis, biochemical analysis of protein content in seeds according to the Kjeldahl method), statistical analysis. Results. Donors and sources of such economically valuable features as early maturity, increased productivity, protein content in seeds, large-seeded, resistance against pathogens on an artificially created infectious background were identified. The set of 12 varieties of chickpea were developed by artificial hybridization, which are recommended for cultivation in all zones of Ukraine. Conclusions.The characteristics of the created varieties are given, the most valuable collection genotypes for use in crossing programs are recommended.

Anti-nutrient factors, nutritional components, and antioxidant activities of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) as affected by genotype, seed traits, and their interactions

This study explored how genotype, seed color, and seed weight affect major biochemical components in 95 faba bean accessions. Genotype variation significantly affected convicine, total tannin (TTC), total saponin, and total phenol (TPC) contents. Seed color and weight variations affected several parameters, with their interaction significantly affecting convicine, total vicine-convicine content (TVC), TTC, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and antioxidant activities. Genotype interaction with seed weight and seed color also significantly affected convicine, TVC, TPC, oleic acid, linoleic acid, PUFA, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Vicine, dietary fiber, total fat, crude protein, palmitic acid, and stearic acid contents remain unaffected by these factors. Multivariate analysis showed that brown and small beans had distinctive characteristics. Overall, this study demonstrated the connection between biochemical components, genotype, and seed traits in faba beans. Therefore, these factors should be considered when choosing faba bean genotypes for use in the food industry and breeding programs.

Studies on Genetic Divergence in Cabbage Genotypes in the Mid Hills of Solan District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) is one of the most important vegetables of the family Brassicaceae and is grown under temperate to tropical climatic conditions for its head in more than ninety countries throughout the world. The diversity in cabbage is immense due to the presence of variation in shape, size, weight and maturity of heads. The greater the variability in the available germplasm, more would be the chances for selecting superior genotypes for use in breeding programmes or direct use as cultivars. Twenty three genotypes of cabbage including check variety, Golden Acre were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results concluded that twenty-three diverse genotypes of cabbage were grouped into four clusters. The resultant four clusters showed genetic diversity and maximum number of genotypes were accommodated in cluster I (12) followed by II (7), IV (3) and III (1). The maximum inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster II and III, therefore, the hybridization between the genotypes of cluster II and III can be performed to get superior hybrids or recombinants in segregating populations for further breeding programmes. Based on the mean performance, genetic distance and clustering pattern, inter-varietal crosses can be made which may be advantageous in creating wider variability for better heterotic combinations and transgressive segregants in cabbage.

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

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

Phytoremediation Potential of Different Genotypes of Salix alba and S. viminalis.

Elevated concentrations of heavy metals result in soil degradation, a reduction in plant yields, and a lower quality of agricultural products, which directly endangers people, animals, and the ecosystem. The potential of three clones of Salix alba (347, NS 73/6, and B-44) and one genotype of S. viminalis for the phytoextraction of heavy metals was investigated, with the aim of identifying the most physiologically suitable willow genotypes for use in soil phytoremediation. The experiment was placed on the contaminated soil substrate collected in Kolubara Mining Basin (Serbia), enriched by high loads of heavy metal salts, and a control medium. Significant differences in the concentrations of heavy metals were recorded between the contaminated and control plant material, especially when it comes to nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), confirming that S. alba and S. viminalis are hyperaccumulator species of heavy metals. Clone 347 shows the greatest uptake of Cd and chromium (Cr), and clone B-44 takes up these metals only to a lesser extent, while clone NS 73/6 shows a less pronounced uptake of Cr. The roots have the greatest ability to accumulate Ni and Pb, Cu is absorbed by all plant organs, while Cd is absorbed by the leaves. The organ that showed the greatest ability to accumulate heavy metals was the root, which means that willows have a limited power to translocate heavy metals to above-ground organs. The studied genotypes of S. alba have a higher potential for the phytostabilization of Cu and Cd, as well as the phytoextraction of Cd, compared with S. viminalis. The results confirm the assumption of differences between different willow genotypes in terms of the ability to phytoextract certain heavy metals from soil, which is important information when selecting genotypes for soil phytoremediation.

Inheritance of factors and validation of loci linked to the kernel row number in tropical field corn (Zea mays L.)

Sustainable feeding of a growing population with nutritional security in the era of climate change is the leading challenge facing adeveloping nation. Field corn is one of those crops that can help achieve this goal due to its high productivity and wide adaptation. There is scope for further improving field corn productivity by targeting component traits such as kernel row number (KRN). In the present investigation, the kernel row number displayed significant variation as well asa positive correlation with yield and yield component traits under the study. The inheritance of the KRN trait was analyzed using the Wright-Castle estimator and chi-square test in two sets of F2 populations (AH4499 and AH4500) and parental lines (AI 505, AI 541 and AI 542). The analyses by the Wright-Castle estimator revealed that KRN is governed by two effective factors (1.92@ 2) with four contributing alleles in the AH-4499 population and four effective factors (3.93 @ 4) with eight contributing alleles in the AH-4500 population. Further analysis by East’s hypothesis (frequency of recessivehomozygote in F2=1/4n) produced similar results and the Chi-square test (0.01 level of significance) confirmed the non-significant difference between expected and observed recessive frequency in F2sof both the populations. This suggested that KRN is governed at least four genes with eight contributing alleles. In both the F2 populations, F1 value was non-significantly close to the mid-parent value suggesting the additive nature of KRN. Further, Bulked Segregant Analysis was carried out using AH-4500-F2 population having 231 individuals to validate linked loci. Out of 58 flanking SSR markers previously reported for the KRN trait, only nine markers were polymorphic for this population. These linked markers identified two putative QTLs for KRN i.e., qKRN2.1 and qKRN2.2 on chromosome 2 through inclusive composite interval mapping. The genetic distance with closely associated markers, bnlg 1017 was 9 cM for qKRN2.1 with a LOD score of 10.24 and a Proportion of Variance Explained (PVE%) of 16.86. The marker-trait association was further validated using F2:3 population and it was found that the marker bnlg 1017 showed a significant association with the KRN trait. Thus, the marker bnlg 1017 could be used to identify high KRN genotypes for use in breeding programs to enhance the productivity of tropical field corn.

Development and Investigation of HRM Markers to Discriminate Two Ogura Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Restorer Genes in Radish

Ogura male sterile cytoplasm is widely used for radish breeding. In this study, high-resolution melting (HRM) markers associated with Rft and Rfo, major restorer-of-fertility genes in Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in radish, were developed. Genetic mapping was carried out using F2 populations derived from crosses between male-sterile Ogura CMS lines and male-fertile lines. Identification of the Rft and Rfo loci was achieved through SNP-based genotyping and linkage grouping. HRM markers were subsequently developed based on flanking sequences of SNPs linked to these loci. For the Rft gene, a set of 117 SNPs was selected within a candidate region on chromosome 5, and 14 HRM markers were successfully developed. Genotyping of F2 showed high correlation between three markers and the phenotype. Regarding the Rfo gene, a set of 27 HRM markers was designed based on flanking sequences of SNPs located on chromosomes 9 and 0. Genotyping in the Rfo segregating population identified a single marker, RSRF27, that accurately distinguished the male sterility phenotype. Validation of the developed markers was performed in populations containing both Rft and Rfo genes, confirming their utility for genotyping and demonstrating that these two genes independently contribute to male sterility recovery. Overall, this study provides HRM markers that can be used for genotyping Rft and Rfo and contributes to a deeper understanding of male sterility restoration mechanisms in Ogura CMS.

Optimizing a Regional White Spruce Tree Improvement Program: SNP Genotyping for Enhanced Breeding Values, Genetic Diversity Assessment, and Estimation of Pollen Contamination

The utilization of genotyping has gained significant popularity in tree improvement programs, aiding in enhancing the precision of breeding values, removing pedigree errors, the assessment of genetic diversity, and evaluating pollen contamination. Our study explores the impact of utilizing 5308 SNP markers to genotype seed orchard parents (166), progeny in progeny trials (667), and seedlot orchard seedlings (780), to simultaneously enhance variance components, breeding values, genetic diversity estimates, and pollen flow in the Region I white spruce (Picea glauca) breeding program in central Alberta (Canada). We compared different individual tree mixed models, including pedigree-based (ABLUP), genomic-based (GBLUP), and single-step pedigree-genomic-based (ssGBLUP) models, to estimate variance components and predict breeding values for the height and diameter at breast height traits. The highest heritability estimates were achieved using the ssGBLUP approach, resulting in improved breeding value accuracy compared to the ABLUP and GBLUP models for the studied growth traits. In the six orchard seedlots tested, the genetic diversity of the seedlings remained stable, characterized by an average of approximately 2.00 alleles per SNP, a Shannon Index of approximately 0.44, and an expected and observed heterozygosity of approximately 0.29. The pedigree reconstruction of seed orchard seedlings successfully identified consistent parental contributions and equal genotype contributions in different years. Pollen contamination levels varied between 11% and 70% using SNP markers and 8% to 81% using pollen traps, with traps both over- and under-estimating contamination. Overall, integrating genomic information from parents and offspring empowers forest geneticists and breeders in the Region I white spruce breeding program to correct errors, conduct backward and forward selections with greater precision, gain a deeper understanding of the orchard’s genetic structure, select superior seedlots, and accurately estimate the genetic worth of each orchard lot, which can ultimately result in increased and more precise estimates of genetic gain in the studied growth traits.

Revelation of Genotype × Environment Interaction in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Under Conventional and Natural Farming Production Systems in the North-Western Himalayas

The development of superior genotypes for use in plant breeding programmes is significantly influenced by the genotype in environment (G × E) interaction. The effects of G × E complicate the improvement of linseed as an important oilseed crop. The present study aimed at assessing the G × E interaction of 30 linseed genotypes for seed yield traits and oil content under conventional and zero-budget natural farming conditions across four locations for two consecutive years (16 different environments) in the North-Western Himalayan region. The AMMI model was used to estimate G × E interaction in the present study. The highest contribution to the total variance belonged to G × E interaction (34.75%), followed by genotype main effects (34.28%). Based on the IPCA1 scores, the most stable genotypes identified with high mean performance for oil content were KL-257 and Nagarkot, and for seed yield, Giza-7 was the most promising genotype. However, genotypes KL-280, KL-285, and Giza-8 showed specific adaptation to the natural production system environments in both years for oil content at locations of Palampur, Bajaura, and Kangra, respectively. Therefore, these genotypes could be recommended specifically under the natural production system in the respective locations. However, the genotypes with stable oil content did not have stable seed yields as well. None of the genotypes that exhibited high oil content stability also exhibited good seed yield stability. In terms of the environment, Palampur was recognised as a favourable location for oil content based on the above average performance, whereas Kangra and Dhaula Kuan were found to be unfavourable locations. In terms of discriminating ability, the natural production system at Palampur showed the highest discrimination, whereas Dhaula Kuan was revealed as the least discriminating environment. These stable and high oil-yielding genotypes are valuable genetic resources for linseed breeding programs for reduced input conditions and marginal environments.

Genetic variability, characters association and principal component study for morphological and fodder quality of Opuntia and Nopalea sp. in India

A morphological and quality analysis of 64 global core collections of cactus genotypes was conducted using 30 growth and fodder quality traits. Results indicated a high coefficient of variation for primary cladode perimeter (91.0%), root fresh weight (50.8%), and number of cladodes per plant (47.7%). The length, width, and thickness of the primary cladode ranged between 14.4 to 53.9 cm, 5.0 to 13.7 cm, and 1.5 to 4.3 cm, respectively. Principal component analysis showed a 77.6% variation in the first 10 major components with an eigenvalue > 1.0. The first and second principal components explained 18.5% and 14.8% of the total variation, respectively. The fresh weight of the shoot was positively correlated with the dry weight of the shoot (0.72), dry weight of the root (0.48), root length (0.38), and fresh weight of primary cladodes (0.29). The dendrogram obtained using a Ward analysis confirmed the results of the PCA analysis. The cactus pear accessions were grouped into four major clusters with a further four sub-clusters, containing 6, 26, 17 and 15 genotypes, respectively. Genotypes, CAZRI-Kukma, Clone 1308, Jalpa, Mexico Unknown, Trunzara Bianca Bronte, Copena F1, CAZRI Botanical Garden, Piantra-25 and IPA-90-18 are positioned at a wider angle and are more diverse and useful genotypes for use as parent populations for developing new genotypes in future breeding programs.

Association mapping of plant structure and yield traits in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

AbstractBackgroundFaba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important crop with high protein content. Tens of thousands of faba bean accessions are available in germplasm collections throughout the world. Morphological characterization of these materials can enrich these collections and aid in the selection of genotypes for use in breeding programs.ResultsIn this study, 26 morphological characters were analyzed for 61 faba bean landraces and 53 cultivars over two seasons in Izmir, Turkey. The genotypes had high diversity for several yield traits including number of pods per plant, dry seed yield, and 100‐seed weight. Association mapping was conducted for the morphological characters using 651 alleles from 100 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and a general linear model based on the Q matrix. A false discovery rate of 0.20 was used to test the significance of marker–trait associations resulting in 75 loci detected for 20 of the morphological characters (p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionOverall, 44% of the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were for seed traits, with 24%, 15%, and 17% of QTL identified for vegetative, inflorescence, and pod traits, respectively. The phenotypic data and marker–trait associations generated by this work can help breeding programs in the selection and improvement of faba bean.

Forage peanut genetic variability: Multi-trait selection for forage production and ornamental purposes

The selection of superior genotypes considering several traits simultaneously allows the release of more adapted, productive, and nutritive cultivars. To select forage peanut genotypes for use as animal feed and for ornamental purposes, 67 genotypes were evaluated. Twelve agronomic and nutritive value traits were evaluated in three temporally separated trials: a randomized complete block design. The mixed model method (Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (REML/BLUP)) was employed for estimating genetic parameters and predicting genotypic values, which were used in the selection indexes. The selection criteria considered vegetative and seed propagation traits corresponding to the use of forage peanut as animal feed and for ornamental purposes. Seed productivity was also evaluated and correlated with other traits. Genetic variability with high heritability in seed production was observed. Plant vigor, ground cover, and dry matter yield were negatively correlated with seed production. Among the genotypes evaluated, there is a possibility of selecting 14 and 16 genotypes corresponding to seed propagation for animal feed and ornamental purposes, respectively. For vegetative propagation, there are 16 and 14 promising genotypes for animal feed and ornamental purposes, respectively. Vegetatively propagated genotypes generally performed better in terms of agronomic traits related to feed production.

Impact of Asian soybean rust on vegetable soybean, considering two stages of development

AbstractDiseases can cause negative impacts during all stages of development of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Asian soybean rust (ASR) (caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi) is the most destructive. The impact of ASR on vegetable soybean (consumed when the seeds are still immature) have not been studied rigorously. Thus, in a 2‐yr study, we assessed 42 F6 lines from crosses of soybean vegetable genotypes and three commercial cultivars (‘BRS 257’, ‘BRS 267’ and ‘IAC 100’) in two sites. During the R6 and R8 development stages, the genotypes were evaluated for 10 traits. The joint analysis showed that the interactions were significative for the most traits. The significance of the rust effect allowed us to identify the genotypes in which the losses were nonsignificant. We observed that ASR affected two stages of plant development. However, information about ASR losses quantified by the rust reaction rate (RRR) enabled the researchers to select lines that could be used in breeding programs aiming towards ASR tolerance. We found three lines that were superior to one of the cultivar checks. Furthermore, cluster analysis for RRR was useful in establishing the most promising groups of vegetable soybean genotypes for use in hybridization aiming to expand the genetic base for vegetable soybeans and integrate new genetic resources of vegetable soybean in the Brazilian genetic pool to ensure genetic gain.

Morphological characterization and diversity analysis of local mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes from far western hill of Nepal

Mango is an important tropical fruit of Nepal. Nepal is rich in mango diversity and large numbers of local genotypes have been identified in different parts of the country. Such diversity of local mango genotypes are in verge of danger and needs to properly identified, evaluated and conserved. Morphological characterization is an important step in the characterization, evaluation and further utilization of genotypes. The current study aimed to characterize 33 local mango genotypes from Doti district of Far Western Region in Nepal using 14 quantitative morphological traits. The results of the study showed variation in terms tree, leaf, fruit, stone and seed character among the genotypes. The average fruit weight of genotypes was found to be 51.61g with maximum weight of 90.92g in Gude genotype. The four major principal components were formed with Eigen value >1 with cumulative diversity of 88.2%. Results of the cluster analysis grouped 33 mango genotypes into four major clusters with similarity level of 41.27% to 96.29% showing diversity among the genotypes. The variability seen among the genotypes in the present study can be a source of gene pool for systematic mango breeding program and thus these genotypes need to be properly conserved. SAARC J. Agric., 20(2): 57-67 (2022)

Response of banana (Musa spp.) to drought stress based on phenotypic and physiological traits

ABSTRACT Banana (Musa spp.), an important staple food in the tropical and subtropical regions, is highly susceptible to drought. Developing drought-tolerant bananas using available germplasm offers a long-term solution to mitigate drought effects. The East and Central Africa Banana Germplasm Collection in Uganda contains genetically diverse genotypes whose potential for drought tolerance breeding is yet to be established. This study aimed to determine the response of 14 Musa spp. genotypes to drought stress using phenotypic and physiological traits in order to select promising genotypes for use in breeding. Two genotypes with a known reaction to water deficit conditions were included as local checks. Three-month-old tissue culture-derived plantlets were completely deprived of water for four weeks while control plants were regularly irrigated back to field capacity, and both sets maintained under screen-house conditions. Drought stress resulted in significant reductions in plant height, total leaf area, number of leaf cigars and functional leaves, total dry matter, chlorophyll and relative water content. Water use efficiency (WUE) of 12 genotypes increased under stress conditions. Stomatal conductance was affected by the genotype-porometer reading time interaction. Genotype “ITC.0987” was the most tolerant, considering that moisture stress had the least effect on its above-ground growth. Among the improved diploids, “TMB2x9722-1” had the least total dry matter reduction and highest WUE, while “TMB2x9172” showed the least decrease in relative water content and highest root-shoot ratio increase under stress. Thus, “ITC.0987”, “TMB2x9722-1” and “TMB2x9172” are essential drought-tolerant candidates that may be utilized in breeding.

Allelic diversity of the <i>FaOMT</i> gene (mesifurane biosynthesis) in promising strawberry cultivars and selected forms developed at the I.V. Michurin Federal Science Center

Background. Fruit aroma is an important consumer trait of strawberry varieties. Identification of genotypes carrying the genes of the aromatic complex in fruits is an important stage in the development of new cultivars with aromatic fruits. The purpose of this study was to analyze the allelic state of the FaOMT fruit aroma gene in strawberry cultivars and selected forms developed at the I.V. Michurin Federal Science Center to identify promising genotypes for use in breeding for fruit aroma.Materials and methods. The research materials were strawberry cultivars and promising selected forms developed at the I.V. Michurin FSC using the methods of introgressive and intervarietal hybridization. Allelic state of the FaOMT gene was identified with the codominant marker FaOMT-SI/NO.Results and conclusion. The FaOMT fruit aroma gene is represented in the studied strawberry varieties and forms by three combinations of alleles: the homozygous state of the functional allele, the heterozygous combination of the alleles, and the homozygous state of the nonfunctional allele. Cvs. ‘Rubinovy kaskad’, ‘Privlekatelnaya’ and ‘Feyerverk’ are characterized by a heterozygous combination of alleles of the FaOMT gene. Cvs. ‘Lastochka’, ‘Pamyati Zubova’, ‘Flora’, ‘Yarkaya’ and ‘Urozhaynaya CGL’ are characterized by the homozygous state of the FaOMT+ allele. Selected strawberry forms 928-12, 26-5, 72-71 and 62-41 have the heterozygous genotype; hybrids 298-19-9-43 and 932-29 are characterized by the homozygous state of the FaOMT+ allele; selected forms 61-12 and 65-26 are characterized by the homozygous state of the nonfunctional FaOMT– allele. Strawberry forms promising for breeding, with the homozygous state of the functional FaOMT+ allele, were identified: cvs. ‘Lastochka’, ‘Pamyati Zubova’, ‘Flora’, ‘Yarkaya’ and ‘Urozhaynaya CGL’, and selected forms 298-19-9-43 and 932-29.

Male reproduction stability assessed through meiotic and post-meiotic cycles in bushy matgrass (Lippia alba) genotypes for use in breeding

Male reproduction stability assessed through meiotic and post-meiotic cycles in bushy matgrass (Lippia alba) genotypes for use in breeding

Genetic Diversity for Quercetin, Myricetin, Cyanidin, and Delphinidin Concentrations in 38 Blackeye Pea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Genotypes for Potential Use as a Functional Health Vegetable

Blackeye peas (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) are mainly used as a vegetable throughout the world, however they may contain significant concentrations of quercetin, myricetin, cyanidin, and delphinidin for potential use as a functional vegetable. Thirty-eight blackeye pea genotypes were selected from the core collection in the USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit’s cold storage at 4 °C during 2016. Information regarding concentrations of quercetin, myricetin, cyanidin, delphindin, and correlations among these as well as additional seed traits including seed coat color, seed pattern color, seed pattern, seed texture, and years in storage would add value to the blackeye pea genotypes for use as a functional vegetable. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the red seeded accession originating from Mozambique, PI 367927 produced the highest quercetin (469.53 µg/g) and myricetin (212.23 µg/g) concentrations. The black seeded genotype, PI 353236, originating from India, produced the highest cyanidin (1,388.82 µg/g) concentration. However, PI 353236 and the brown seeded genotype, PI 353352 from India produced the highest concentrations of delphinidin (1,343.27 and 1,353.94 µg/g), respectively. Several correlations were observed and interestingly only delphinidin showed a significant negative correlation (r = −0.293*) with years in cold storage indicating that delphinidin declined in the seeds stored the longest (from 4-45 years) at 4 °C. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained how the flavonols, anthocyanidins, and the additional seed traits contributed to the variation of the blackeye pea genotypes. The cluster analysis showed six clusters representing low to high phytochemical concentrations. The genetic parameters including σ2g, σ2p, GCV, PCV, h2 h, and GG indicate that improvement in these phytochemical traits is possible through selection. The genotypic and phenotypic correlations showed that improving one phytochemical significantly improved the other except for cyanidin with delphinidin. These results can be used by scientists to develop blackeye pea cultivars with high flavonol and anthocyanidin concentrations.