Varietal Characterization Research Articles

Varietal Characterization and Selection of Superior Parents for Hybridization Programme in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

The present study was conducted to examine the genetic basis of yield and its related components, enabling selection based on heritability and genetic gain. The experiment involved the evaluation of fourteen accessions of green gram in Kharif season of year 2024 in a randomized complete block design. Data were collected from ten important yield related characters and analysed statistically. ANOVA revealed significant variation in the genetic material used in the study. Among the studied genotypes, CO 7, CO 4, CO 8, and CO 6 were identified as superior for seed yield based on their mean performance.The phenotypic coefficient of variation exceeded the genotypic coefficient of variation, indicating that the observed variation between the two is primarily due to the genotypes, with minimal environmental influence. Notably, single trait, number of pods per plant exhibited both high heritability and high genetic advance.

Contribution of agromorphological and qualitative traits to the study of the diversity of the caprifig (Ficus carica L.) in traditional agroecosystems in northern Morocco

Morocco is founded to be as one of the substantial leading fig tree producers. Caprification plays a crucial role in fig production regions as the primary factor that significantly influences both the yield and quality of fig production. Our study focuses on characterizing caprifig varieties in the Bni Ahmed region (northern Morocco) and emphasizing their phenotypic potential in the context of climate change. Using 34 agromorphological and qualitative traits (IPGRI), the study examined 40 caprifig trees belonging to four local varieties of caprifig. The varietal characterization was completed by the collecting and analyzing fruit and leaf samples in the laboratory. Qualitative traits indicated morphological variability among the varieties investigated. All quantitative parameters, except fruit skin thickness, showed significant differences. Analysis of simple correlation coefficients indicated strong relationships between the measured variables. The analysis of the simple correlation coefficients revealed strong correlations between the measured variables. A remarkable phenotypic variety was identified among the caprifig accessions studied. The principal component analysis showed that the first two components explain 60% of the total variability. Weight, fruit dimensions, neck diameter, fruit pulp thickness, number of Blastophaga, length, width, leaf area, and central lobe length contribute significantly to the total variation. Analysis of the Hierarchical Ascending Classification revealed the existence of three varieties: L’morr, l’louizi, and l’hlou. The variety L’morr has shown a very high potential in terms of fruit characters and pollinating insects. Thus, a genetic analysis can confirm the agromorphological results and breeding programs should consider these unknown genetic resources, such as the L’morr variety, to provide better quality caprifigs.

Dissecting the genetic basis of resistance to Soil-borne cereal mosaic virus (SBCMV) in durum wheat by bi-parental mapping and GWAS

Soil-borne cereal mosaic virus (SBCMV), the causative agent of wheat mosaic, is a Furovirus challenging wheat production all over Europe. Differently from bread wheat, durum wheat shows greater susceptibility and stronger yield penalties, so identification and genetic characterization of resistance sources are major targets for durum genetics and breeding. The Sbm1 locus providing high level of resistance to SBCMV was mapped in bread wheat to the 5DL chromosome arm (Bass in Genome 49:1140–1148, 2006). This excluded the direct use of Sbm1 for durum wheat improvement. Only one major QTL has been mapped in durum wheat, namely QSbm.ubo-2B, on the 2BS chromosome region coincident with Sbm2, already known in bread wheat as reported (Bayles in HGCA Project Report, 2007). Therefore, QSbm.ubo-2B = Sbm2 is considered a pillar for growing durum in SBCMV-affected areas. Herein, we report the fine mapping of Sbm2 based on bi-parental mapping and GWAS, using the Infinium 90 K SNP array and high-throughput KASP®. Fine mapping pointed out a critical haploblock of 3.2 Mb defined by concatenated SNPs successfully converted to high-throughput KASP® markers coded as KUBO. The combination of KUBO-27, wPt-2106-ASO/HRM, KUBO-29, and KUBO-1 allows unequivocal tracing of the Sbm2-resistant haplotype. The interval harbors 52 high- and 41 low-confidence genes, encoding 17 cytochrome p450, three receptor kinases, two defensins, and three NBS-LRR genes. These results pave the way for Sbm2 positional cloning. Importantly, the development of Sbm2 haplotype tagging KASP® provides a valuable case study for improving efficacy of the European variety testing system and, ultimately, the decision-making process related to varietal characterization and choice.

Varietal Characterization and Variables Investigation for Basmati Rice Genotypes Adaptation in Wet Direct Seeding and System of Rice Intensification

Varietal Characterization and Variables Investigation for Basmati Rice Genotypes Adaptation in Wet Direct Seeding and System of Rice Intensification

Varietal description of two genotypes of manzano chili pepper (Capsicum pubescens Ruiz & Pav.)

Objective: The objective of this research study was to obtain the varietal description of two varieties of manzano chili pepper in Las Montañas region, in central Veracruz, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The varietal characterization module was established under greenhouse conditions. The markers recorded were in accordance with the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute for Capsicum and the Graphic Handbook for Variety Description of manzano chili pepper. The plants were characterized from seedling in greenhouse to adult plant. The agronomic management of the crop was carried out in accordance with the manual for the production of manzano chili pepper in Las Montañas, state of Veracruz. Results: All qualitative markers were constant for the two varieties, MEXUVNE1-15-C2 and MEXUVCU1-16-C2, from seedling to fruit setting. In contrast, there were dissimilarities in plant height, and stem, leaf, flower, fruit and seed dimensions. Study limitations/implications: The pandemic caused by COVID-19 was the main limitation, resulting in some markers not being recorded in a timely manner as indicated in the Graphic Handbook. Findings/conclusions: Both varieties are very similar; however, the greatest distinction was in the quantitative markers, such as: plant height, fruit length, fruit diameter and number of seeds.

Characterization of China aster (Callistephus chinensis) genotypes by using DUS guidelines

China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] is commercially grown as annual flower crop for cut flower and loose flower. It is used for flower decoration, preparation of bouquets and garlands. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native of China. Morphological characterization of China aster genotypes was carried out in the division of Floriculture and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru during 2015-16 and 2016-17 by adopting DUS guidelines developed by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, New Delhi. A total of 42 genotypes were characterized for 21 traits belonging to vegetative and floral traits. Among these 21 traits, two were monomorphic, four dimorphic and 15 were polymorphic indicating their potential for varietal characterization. This characterization clearly established distinctness among the different genotypes for various traits. This study will be useful for breeders/farmers to identify and differentiate China aster genotypes and to pursue protection under PPV and FR Authority, New Delhi. The characterizations of genotypes will also results trait specific information which can be used in the development of superior genotypes in China aster.

A Novel Approach for the Characterization of the Textural Properties of Table Olives: Acoustic Compression Related to Sensory Analysis.

This research was performed on marketed table olives. We investigated possible correlations among textural parameters obtained using both sensory assessment and instrumental textural analysis. The purpose of this research study was to find out any possible correlation between the two different analysis methods, especially in relation to acoustic compression. Up to now, there are no available studies on this topic. Samples from different olive cultivars and different processing methods were analysed, and a data matrix resulting from four textural/acoustic and six sensorial kinaesthetic parameters was processed. The two parameters "S_crunch" and "T_noise" (the "S" letter is for "sensorial", and the "T" letter is for "textural") showed complementarity, but they did not discriminate properly. The textural values of "T_flesh_h" and the sensory values of "S_flesh_h" were directly correlated to "S_crunch", and as an unexpected result, the textural values of "T_skin_bs" and the sensory values of "S_skin_h" were closely linked to each other. Regarding the analysed parameters, the results showed that the two techniques are clearly complementary and could constitute a valid tool for varietal characterization and for determining the instrumental and organoleptic qualities of the product; it was not possible to proceed with the characterization by type of processing method, as the dataset was not large enough.

Characterization of twenty-two fig cultivars (Ficus carica L.) collected in north-eastern Algeria

There is a significant lack of information and research about Algerian figs, whether for varietal characterization, preservation or enhancement of this genetic resource. The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world. Algeria is among the first Mediterranean countries producing figs. The evaluation of the ITAFV collection will allow the establishment of a database for the identification of ecotypes of interest for the direct development of the species and its future use in variety breeding programs. Morphological characterization and pomological evaluation were studied on the basis of the methodology established by IPGRI and CIHEAM, 2003 during three seasons (2012, 2013 and 2014). The phenotypic variability of the twenty-two cultivars shows the richness of the fig heritage of the ITAFV collection, Skikda (Algeria). The hierarchical classification based on the morphological descriptors of the leaf and the fruit has clearly revealed the importance of these parameters in the discrimination of fig varieties. The morpho-pomological characters used for the leaves and fruits indicated a fairly significant genetic variability between the cultivars studied with a relatively high degree of polymorphism.

Qualitative and varietal characterization of pomegranate peel: High-value co-product or waste of production?

Fruit peel (i.e. pericarp + mesocarp) is the most abundant by-product of the agri-food pomegranate processing chain. In recent decades, pomegranate fruit peel is attracting a lot of attention due to the presence of bioactive molecules suitable to be used in the production of food supplements. This study aimed at investigating and characterizing the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of the peels of seven important pomegranate cultivars selected considering the fruit ripening period (early, medium and late), the type of cultivar (sweet, semi-acid and acid cultivar), and the seed hardness. Early (Purple Queen, Acco, and 29–101) and medium (MR100) ripening cultivars showed higher percentages of crude fiber (>2.2%) than the late ripening cultivars (Wonderful, Kingdom and ME17). The highest content of organic acids, punicalagin and its derivates were observed in the peel of acid and semi-acid cultivars (Wonderful, Kingdom and Acco). Acco fruit peel exhibited the highest antioxidant and radical scavenging activity (1.30 and 0.88 mmol Trolox g−1 on a dry weight basis d.w., respectively) as well as total soluble polyphenol (249 mg GAE g−1 d.w.) content. No consistent relationship considering sugar concentration and mineral composition was observed. The wide quantitative and qualitative diversity of bioactive compounds and nutrients observed in the analysed fruit peels showed that the overall biochemical profile is genotype dependent. So far, the findings of this research further highlighted that pomegranate fruit peel contains a wide variety of beneficial compounds, thus showing a high potential in terms of nutrients and nutraceutics, so confirming the importance of pomegranate fruit peels for pharmaceutical and medical purposes.

Comparative Study of Fig Volatile Compounds Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry: Effects of Cultivars and Ripening Stages.

Aroma is one of the essential parameters that determine fruit quality. It is also an important feature of varietal characterization and so valuable for agro-biodiversity identification and preservation. In order to characterize changes in the aroma fingerprint through fig development, the main objective of the present research was to study the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of figs (Ficus carica L.) from three cultivars, Taamriwthe (TH), Azegzaw (AZ), and Averkane (AV), at three ripening stages (unripe, ripe, and fully ripe). Analyses was performed using Headspace Solid-phase Microextraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results revealed the presence of 29 compounds that were grouped into different chemical classes. Aldehydes comprised the most abundant VOCs identified in all the studied figs, while alcohols, ketones, and terpenes comprised the minor compounds found in TH, AZ, and AV figs, respectively. Different aroma descriptors were identified throughout the ripening stages of figs; fruity and green aromas were dominant in all cultivars, while a fatty aroma scarcely occurred in figs. A gallery plot representation demonstrated that certain VOCs differentiate the studied cultivars and the different ripening stages of figs. Principal component analysis findings demonstrated characteristic VOCs of distinct ripening stages and cultivars, those VOCs can be used as fingerprints to distinguish different cultivars and/or ripening stages.

Drupe Characters, Fatty Acids, Polyphenolic and Aromatic Profile of Olive Oil Obtained from "Oliva Bianca", Minor Autochthonous Cultivar of Campania.

Campania, due to its pedo-climatic conditions and to its large varietal heritage, is able to produce oils with high typicity, each different from the other. In this study a “minor” autochthonous cultivar of Campania “Oliva Bianca” was analyzed. In autumn 2020, on drupes from trees belonging to the Campania germplasm collection a varietal characterization through physical, chemical and chromatic parameters at the harvest was carried out. Phenolic compounds profile, fatty acids composition and volatile organic compounds have been investigated in the resulting oil. Quality indices, organoleptic and sensory qualities (panel test) were also determined on the oil. Drupe weight was 4.31 g, flesh/pit ratio was 3.68 and the accumulation of oil content at harvest in drupes was 18.63% FW. The drupes showed high anthocyanins content equal to 116.10 mg/kg. In the oil studied, the secoiridoids represented the 82.25% of total phenolic compounds, the concentration of oleic acid was 74.82% and the most present volatile compound was trans-2-hexenal (72.30%). High secoiridoid derivatives concentrations such as oleuropein (85.93 mg/kg) and ligstroside (122.43 mg/kg) aglycones were showed. This study showed a good content of qualitative and quantitative parameters of “Oliva Bianca” oil and drupe, that can have important beneficial effects on human health.

Phenolic compounds in olive oil by solid phase extraction – Ultra performance liquid chromatography – Photodiode array detection for varietal characterization

An new method for the extraction of phenolic compounds from olive oil has been proposed before the chromatographic analysis by UPLC-PDA (Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-PhotoDiode Array). Recoveries for 20 individual phenolic compounds were compared using three cartridges of solid-phase extraction including C-18, Diol, and DVB (DiVinylBenzene) based cartridges. Diol based cartridge produced the best retention efficiency. The optimized method uses a reduced amount of solvents and allows for the determination of most phenolics in oil samples in less than 10 min. A full discrimination among the most common olive oil varieties was achieved using the relative levels for specific phenolics in the sample. Therefore, based in this study, a fingerprint based on the relative levels for quercetin, luteolin, oleuropein and vanillic acid can be proposed to characterized varietal olive oils. In that way, a detailed composition about phenolic compounds of varietal olive oils would not be needed for discrimination purposes.

Revealing genetic variation in mini core germplasm of urdbean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

A set of 47 urdbean genotypes including 12 promising varieties and 34 popular land races and a popular OUAT variety “Ujala” (standard check) were characterized for genetic variation based on molecular markers and morpho-economic traits. The molecular marker- based genotyping revealed a tremendous higher level of polymorphism (97.05%) with high average PIC (polymorphic information content) value (0.75). ISSR 1357 was considered highly informative that revealed the highest PIC (0.87) and marker index value (MI:5.25). An 840 bp allele (band) was characteristic to Kantapada local - A, Kendrapada local-D, and Nayagarh local - C. Such genotype- specific finger-printing may serve for reliable varietal characterization and elimination of duplicates. The test genotypes were grouped into six distinct clusters. TU 10-13, LBG 623, TAU 1, OBG 33, LBG 17 and PU 31 were highly divergent. PU 31 had inherent high yield potential (˃5.0q/ha) with known YMV resistance. The above divergent high yielding test genotypes may serve as candidate varieties for further genetic improvement using recombination breeding.

Molecular diversity of Pakistani upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties based on microsatellite markers

For the management of germplasm and varietal characterization the understanding and estimation of genetic diversity plays a key role. In this study genetic diversity of thirty Pakistani Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties was determined by using thirteen SSR markers as these markers are highly polymorphic and efficient for comparative genome mapping. Total 48 band were produced by all thirteen markers; five markers were monomorphic and eight were polymorphic. Highest polymorphism was 68% that produced by NAU 2083 marker. To find the genetic relatedness between thirty studied varieties UPGMA was used for the construction of dendrogram. The similarity between studied thirty varieties ranged from 38.46% to 100%. Highest pic value was 0.6484 shown by NAU 2083 and the mean pic value was 0.2833 which predicted that very low genetic diversity is present among the cotton varieties under investigation.

Varietal descriptors of sorghum varieties (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) for registration and breeder's rights

The registration and breeder's rights of varieties and hybrids in our country is very low compared to developed countries, however, the generation of this technology is frequent and they are marketed without an official registration. That is why the objective of this work is to characterize two precommercial varieties of sorghum, one with white grain and another with red grain in order to obtain the breeder's right. The characterization was carried out in the experimental fields of the University Center for Biological and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Guadalajara in the spring summer cycle of 2019 on two sowing dates. The methodology that was considered was the technical guide for varietal characterization approved by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants UPOV. Central tendency analyzes were performed, the variation within materials was statistically analyzed using dispersion measures for grouped data such as range, variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and mean. Which provided the information for the decision of compliance with the main characteristics that allow each variety to be differentiated and to comply with the precepts that it is a new, homogeneous and stable variety.

Identification of squash landraces using UPOV descriptors and morphological traits

Plant identification and genotyping within a germplasm collection are important elements in planning a breeding program that can improve the development of plants with desirable market characteristics. In the current study, 20 squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) landraces were collected and identified from different areas in Egypt to investigate the plant diversity and genetic variations based on differences in plant morphology and the International Union for Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) descriptors. A total of 24 quantitative and qualitative morphological differences characterized the genetic variability among genotypes. The demonstrated variability among all the tested landraces suggested a large number of genotypes within the squash lines. The results showed the potential of morphological markers for the identification and assessment of genetic variations among squash landraces and provided a number of choices for planning a successful breeding program to improve squash landraces. The obtained results on the 20 studied genotypes established that the agronomic traits based on morphological traits and UPOV descriptor data provide cost-effective preliminary tools for genotypic varietal characterization and evaluation for breeding purposes. Moreover, the utilization of these neglected local squash landraces and the subsequent improvement can increase the diversity in the food marketplace at the local level and enhance agricultural biodiversity.

Comparing different extraction methods for the investigation of red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) volatiles

ABSTRACT Different SPME fibres and distillation techniques (steam distillation and simultaneous distillation extraction) were applied to extract the volatile constituents of special quality sweet, ground red pepper. Preparation methods produced substantially different scent aromagrams recorded with GC-MS. Each procedure showed individual character. Distillation methods were the most effective ones considering the number and sum of peak intensities. Esters, terpenes, carotenoid derivatives and benzene components were the most intense volatiles. Among the SPME fibres PDMS-DVB showed the highest general sensitivity in those chemical classes that are crucial from varietal characterization and quality description aspects. In case of lactones and furans of high smell activities and fruity/sweet nuance, Carboxen-PDMS fiber seemed acceptably good. PDMS fibre was not really proper for paprika scent analysis and Polyacrylate practically could not be used at all. Comparison of SPME and distillation results permits to recognize and circumscribe the artefacts are induced by the distillation steps of the sampling procedure.

Varietal description of sorghum phenotypes for registration

The goal of a plant breeding is the generation of new varieties that become agricultural inputs for farmers. For this, it is necessary to verify the genetic identity of the materials and have the breeder's registration and title. The University of Guadalajara has generated varieties and quality sorghum hybrids that must be released to the public. This work was developed to establish the methodology of varietal characterization, an essential requirement for obtaining a breeder's title before the National Seed Inspection and Certification Service (SNICS). For this, 2 andro-sterile lines (A) and a fertility restoration line (R) were described, in two locations and two production cycles. By establishing according to ranges of variation and stability, the appropriate sample size and differential phenotypic characters that facilitated identification.

Evaluation of the genetic diversity of mango (Mangifera indica L.) seedling germplasm resources and their potential parents with start codon targeted (SCoT) markers

Seedling germplasm resources are important for mango breeding. Genetic diversity analyses based on molecular data can provide useful information for germplasm management and varietal characterization. Start codon targeted (SCoT) markers are efficient and highly polymorphic markers for phylogenetic relationship analyses of multiple species and were used in the present study to determine genetic relatedness and variability among 168 mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasm resources. Forty-five SCoT primers generated unambiguous and reproducible bands and a total of 337 fragments, with a mean of 7.49 fragments per primer. Of these, 244 (72.4%) were polymorphic. The number of polymorphic bands varied from 1 (SCoT55) to 10 (SCoT4 and 52), with an average of 5.42 amplicons per primer. The average polymorphism information content, Nei’s genetic diversity, Shannon’s information index and marker index were 0.823, 0.426, 0.603 and 4.460, respectively. A dendrogram generated using the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean delineated the 168 germplasm resources into two major clusters. Analysis of molecular variance revealed higher genetic diversity (89%) within each population than among the populations (11%). Most mango seedling germplasm resources grouped with their potential parents, and genetic differences were also detected. Thirty-four seedling germplasm resources were identified as potential parents or sister lines. These results demonstrate that SCoT markers are useful for cultivar identification and genetic diversity analyses of mango cultivars. This genetic information will support germplasm management and cultivar improvement.

Molecular characterization of wine grape cultivars from Calabria

The wine sector is one of the most active and profitable in Italy; Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, followed by Spain and France. For this reason, it is subject to extensive legislative discipline. Calabria ranks sixteenth among Italian regions for wine production; however, in recent years, much effort has been made to promote the wine sector in this region. Nine Calabrian wines are designated as PDO (protected designation of origin) and ten wines as PGI (protected geographical indication). Among the PDO wines, Terre di Cosenza and Ciro are the most famous. Fraud prevention is necessary for consumer protection and for product valorization and promotion. Microsatellite marker analysis represents a reliable and effective tool for varietal characterization, allowing the detection of adulteration in the winemaking process. We sampled 20 grapevine cultivars from different areas of Calabria commonly used for production of the PDO wine Terre di Cosenza and 20 cultivars from other Italian regions in order to carry out a molecular characterization. The analysis was performed through six simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers proposed by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), VVSS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD27, VrZAG62, and VrZAG79. Some of the cultivars showed the same molecular profile, revealing the presence of synonymies and incorrect name assignment.