Brassica oleracea includes many highly nutritious and widely consumed vegetable crops, yet it is severely threatened by Plutella xylostella, a notorious pest in agriculture. The insect-resistant traits developed by host plants over hundreds of millions of years provide one of the most promising methods for pest control, which is why we have screened germplasm for resistance to P. xylostella. Among 50 B. oleracea germplasm resources, we identified a key variety, DM187, that caused 53% mortality in larvae and inhibited the development and reproduction of this moth species. In this study, we collected and cultivated 50 B. oleracea germplasm resources and evaluated their resistance to P. xylostella. Among these germplasm resources, larvae feeding on DM187 caused the least leaf damage and exhibited the highest mortality rate. Moreover, DM187 significantly inhibited the larval length, larval weight, pupation rate, pupal weight, and adult egg production of surviving P. xylostella. Furthermore, ovarian anatomy showed that DM187 resulted in incomplete ovarian development and a reduced egg count in adult females. Our findings indicate that the B. oleracea germplasm DM187 significantly impairs the survival, development, and reproductive capacity of P. xylostella. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the identification and utilization of natural insect-resistant resources in vegetables, as well as for research on insect-resistant breeding, and offer a strategy for the effective management of pests in agricultural settings. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tomato is an important vegetable crop that is rich in genetic variation, but published high-quality tomato reference genomes are limited. Small RNAs play ubiquitous roles in plants, but their biogenesis in tomatoes is not well studied. We assembled a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for the tomato cultivar Ailsa Craig 57 (A57) and generated CRISPR mutants deficient in double-stranded RNA-binding protein 1 (SlDRB1) in this cultivar. Mutations in SlDRB1 led to severely abnormal development (e.g., loss of leaf polarity, pollen abortion, and infertility). High-throughput sRNA sequencing analysis revealed that SlDRB1, similar to its Arabidopsis ortholog Hyponastic Leaves 1 (HYL1), is required for the biogenesis of most miRNAs. Interestingly, SlDRB1 is also required for the accumulation of a large population of small RNAs derived from rRNAs and negatively regulates miR6026, which is dependent on DCL2 instead of DCL1. Comprehensive protein-protein interaction studies between SlDRB1 and SlDCL1 uncovered detailed interaction mechanisms involving subdomains of these two proteins. Their potential role in miRNA biogenesis is discussed.

Fruit weight is a key determinant of yield in high-value vegetable crops such as tomato. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying this complex trait remain largely elusive, with only a few genes cloned to date based on quantitative trait loci (QTL). Here, we analysed two populations and reanalysed three previously published populations and identified 945 QTL associated with agro-morphological traits, including both previously reported and unidentified loci. We focused on SlGRF10 (GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR 10) underlying a fruit weight QTL, fw1.2. Loss of SlGRF10 reduced fruit weight by decreasing cell size, without affecting cell number. Analysis of natural variation in SlGRF10 in over 1,000 tomato accessions revealed that increased single-nucleotide polymorphism diversity in SlGRF10 is associated with lower fruit weight. This suggests that putative impaired activity contributes to reduced fruit weight, while breeding-induced reduction of genetic variation may have promoted increased fruit weight. Transcriptome profiling of SlGRF10 knockout lines 7- and 20-days post anthesis identified several differentially expressed genes involved in cell cycle progression. Our findings not only confirm the role of SlGRF10 in regulating tomato fruit weight but also highlight a set of candidate genes associated with key morpho-physiological traits. With fw11.3, named as CELL SIZE REGULATOR (CSR), being the only QTL related to cell size determination in tomato fruits so far, SlGRF10 offers a valuable target for precision breeding and enhances our understanding of fruit weight in tomato and related fruit-bearing species.

Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a major vegetable crop in Egypt and is highly vulnerable to Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), which causes severe mosaic, yellowing, and stunting symptoms. In this study, ZYMV was isolated from symptomatic squash plants in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate and confirmed by RT-PCR and sequencing (GenBank Accession No. PV833355). The antiviral efficacy of two microbial biocontrol formulations-Bio-Nagi (Trichoderma asperellum) and Bio-4 (a Bacillus spp. consortium)-was assessed through foliar application and seed priming at pre-, concurrent-, and post-inoculation timings. Disease severity analyses showed that Bio-4 applied concurrently reduced symptom development by 62%, while Bio-Nagi pre-treatment resulted in a 48% reduction. Transmission electron microscopy revealed substantial protection of chloroplast and nuclear ultrastructure in Bio-4-treated plants compared with infected controls. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and POD) increased by 1.8-2.4-fold following microbial treatments, indicating enhanced physiological defense responses. qRT-PCR profiling demonstrated strong differential induction of defense genes: PR1 was upregulated 5.6-fold in Bio-Nagi pre-treated plants, whereas PR3 and PR5 increased by 7-9-fold in Bio-4 concurrent and post-inoculation treatments. Overall, Bio-4 and Bio-Nagi mitigated ZYMV-associated symptoms and activated host defense pathways in squash. These findings underscore the importance of application timing and support microbial biocontrol agents as sustainable strategies for ZYMV management in squash production systems.

Polyploidy is a major driver of plant evolution and crop improvement, generating novel variation in morphology, physiology, and agronomic traits. Brassica juncea (AABB, 2n = 36), a natural allotetraploid derived from B. rapa (AA) and B. nigra (BB), is an important oilseed and vegetable crop; however, its narrow genetic base limits further breeding gains. Resynthesized B. juncea (RBJ), developed from known progenitors, provides a tractable system to investigate polyploid stabilization, trait diversification, and generational variation. This study evaluated RBJ across nine generations (F1-S8) to elucidate generational variation in morphological, molecular, cytological, and oil content traits during progressive stabilization. Substantial variation was observed for key yield-related traits, including siliqua length, seeds per siliqua, and thousand-seed weight. High estimates of heritability, genotypic variance, and genetic advance indicated their potential utility in selection based improvement. Comparative analyses revealed a clear generational progression, characterized by relatively enhanced performance in early generations, increased recombination-driven variability in intermediate generations, and the partial stabilization of several traits in later generations. Generation mean analysis suggested the involvement of additive, dominance, and epistatic gene effects in trait inheritance. Molecular analysis using SSR markers confirmed the amphidiploid origin and genomic integrity of RBJ generations. Cytological assessments, pollen viability assays, and flow cytometric analysis collectively demonstrated stable chromosome numbers, improved fertility, and maintenance of ploidy stability across successive generations. The study provides valuable insights into the generational variation and stabilization of morphological, molecular, and oil content traits in resynthesized B. juncea. The findings suggest that variability arising from polyploidization and interspecific hybridization undergoes gradual reorganization across successive generations, leading to increased trait stabilization and more consistent expression of selected agronomic characteristics. Collectively, these results contribute to the understanding of early stabilization processes in RBJ, highlighting resynthesized polyploids as useful systems for studying variation and stabilization in allopolyploid crops.

The beet leafhopper (BLH), Neoaliturus tenellus, is a major agricultural pest and vector of beet curly top virus (BCTV), a pathogen responsible for severe economic losses in vegetable and field crops in the Western U.S. Despite its economic importance, the genetic basis of BLH survival, reproduction, and virus-vector interactions remains unexplored mainly due to the lack of functional genomics tools in this species. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of RNA interference (RNAi) in BLHs by targeting two genes, protein gustavus isoform X2 (Gus) and pumilio homolog 3 (Pum3), which were previously identified as differentially expressed following BCTV infection. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting conserved domains of each gene was delivered via microinjection or star polycation nanoparticle-mediated topical spray. Our results show that microinjection of dsRNA resulted in >90% knockdown of both Gus and Pum3 by 5 days post-treatment. Silencing Pum3 significantly reduced BLH survival and fecundity, whereas silencing Gus reduced fecundity without affecting adult survival, suggesting gene-specific fitness consequences. Nanoparticle-mediated dsRNA spray resulted in 88% reduction in Gus and 62% reduction in Pum3 expression, yet both produced biological effects on survival and/or reproduction, comparable to those observed with microinjection. To our knowledge, this study provides the first demonstration of the effectiveness of microinjection and nanoparticle-mediated RNAi in the BLH. Together, these findings demonstrate the critical roles of Gus and Pum3 in vector fitness and establish microinjection and nanoparticle-based dsRNA spray as robust platforms for functional genomics and developing potential scalable, non-invasive RNAi strategies for sustainable vector and disease management.

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) is a major Solanaceous vegetable crop exhibiting wide variability in fruit size, shape and colour, which are critical market traits. The present study aimed to evaluate genetic diversity among 34 advanced breeding lines of bell pepper along with two check varieties (California Wonder and Solan Bharpur) using 30 agro-morphological descriptors (13 qualitative and 17 quantitative) under DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability) guidelines. The experiment was conducted during 2022 and 2023 at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Significant variation was observed across morphological traits, with highest diversity index (H = 1.01) recorded for fruit shape in longitudinal section. Analysis of variance revealed substantial genetic variability and several genotypes (UHF-CAP-108, UHF-CAP-119, IIHR-131, UHF-CAP-106, UHF-CAP-113) significantly outperformed the better check variety Solan Bharpur for fruit yield per plant, producing medium-sized, blocky, glossy, dark green fruits with 3-4 lobes. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified six components explaining 83.08% of total variance, with thousand seed weight, number of lobes per fruit, fruit diameter, fruit weight, internodal length and fruit length as major contributors. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five distinct clusters, with maximum inter-cluster (D² = 9.74) distance observed between cluster III and cluster V, indicating broad genetic diversity. Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of DUS-based characterization supported by multivariate analysis in identifying promising breeding lines and key traits for future bell pepper improvement programmes.

Whiteflies are major sap-sucking pests causing significant economic losses worldwide. Excessive reliance on chemical insecticides has resulted in resistance development and adverse effects on non-target organisms as well as on environment. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) represent promising ecofriendly alternatives for sustainable pest management. In the present study, an EPF associated with natural epizootics of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) infesting eggplant was characterized and evaluated under in-vitro conditions for its biocontrol potential. Morphological and molecular studies revealed that, the fungus isolated from infected whitefly is Isaria farinosa. Further, in vitro bioassays confirmed significant insecticidal activity, with 62.28-82.06% adult whitefly mortality after 96h after treatment at different conidial concentrations. EPF, I. farinosa was found compatible with several insecticides, including cyantraniliprole, sulfoxaflor, flupyridifurone, flonicamid, spiromesifen, difenthiuron, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and acetamiprid, used for control of B. tabaci. To explore the molecular basis of pathogenicity, a subtilisin-like protease (Pr1A) associated with cuticle degradation was identified through in silico analysis. The Pr1A sequence was analyzed and its 3D structure was predicted. Protein-protein docking analysis revealed strong interaction between Pr1A and the ecdysone receptor (EcR) of B. tabaci (ΔG = - 11.2kcal/mol), suggesting possible interference with insect hormonal regulation. Additionally, molecular docking of the fungal metabolite Beauvericin with EcR showed higher binding affinity (- 14.88kcal/mol) than standard insecticides, indicating its potential role in insecticidal activity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that I. farinosa is an effective biocontrol agent with strong bio-efficacy, compatible with chemical insecticides, and has potential for integration into IPM programs for sustainable management of whiteflies in vegetable crops.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop, and fruit yield is a complex quantitative trait influenced by several interrelated morphological, reproductive and quality-related characters. The present investigation was conducted to identify important yield-attributing traits in tomato through path coefficient analysis using pooled data from two Rabi seasons, 2024-25 and 2025-26. The experiment comprised 43 genotypes, including 10 lines, 3 testers and 30 F₁ hybrids developed through a line × tester mating design, and was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with three replications at the Horticulture Research Farm-1, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Observations were recorded for sixteen quantitative and quality-related traits from five randomly selected plants in each plot. Path coefficient analysis was used to partition genotypic and phenotypic correlations into direct and indirect effects on total fruit yield per plant. At the genotypic level, the highest positive direct effect was recorded for marketable fruit yield per plant (0.6056), followed by fruits per plant (0.2724), average fruit weight (0.1346), polar diameter (0.1113), equatorial diameter (0.0842), total sugar (0.0656), pericarp thickness (0.0603), locules per fruit (0.0363), fruits per cluster (0.0300) and ascorbic acid (0.0258). At the phenotypic level, fruits per plant (0.4874), average fruit weight (0.3560) and marketable fruit yield per plant (0.3378) showed the strongest positive direct effects. These findings indicate that fruits per plant, average fruit weight and marketable fruit yield per plant are important selection traits for improving total fruit yield in tomato breeding programmes.

This review synthesizes recent advances and develops an integrative regulatory framework that links shoot apical meristem size control to tomato fruit locule number, encompassing genetic, phytohormonal, and environmental determinants. Tomato is a globally vital vegetable crop that contributes significantly to human nutrition and agricultural economies. The number of locules, a key component of fruit morphology, is a primary determinant of ultimate fruit size and shape, thereby influencing both market yield and consumer preference. This review focuses on how shoot apical meristem size control acts as a core hub that connects genetic, hormonal, and environmental cues to the regulation of tomato fruit locule number. We synthesize recent progress in understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms behind locule determination, with a particular focus on integrative networks linking known regulators. By bridging insights from these interconnected domains, we aim to present a more holistic view of the developmental process. Furthermore, we propose avenues for future research aimed at achieving a deeper understanding of the modulation mechanisms that govern fruit locule formation and their numerical count in this vital crop.

Meloidogyne incognita is a highly destructive plant-parasitic nematode responsible for significant yield losses in a wide range of vegetable crops. The present study investigated the phytochemical profile of Selenicereus grandiflorus and its application in the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), followed by evaluation of their nematicidal activity against M. incognita. ZnO NPs were synthesized using S. grandiflorus plant extract and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), confirming the formation of crystalline ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited a characteristic UV-Vis absorption peak at 336nm, confirming their formation within the expected range. XRD analysis revealed a highly crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 10.48nm, while SEM and TEM observations showed predominantly irregular and spherical morphologies with an average particle size of 24.3nm. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive constituents, including phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which likely contributed to nanoparticle synthesis and bioactivity. Both the crude plant extract and the synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited significant nematicidal effects; however, ZnO NPs demonstrated markedly enhanced efficacy. Exposure to ZnO NPs resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent increase in juvenile mortality, reaching 88.5%, 96.3%, and 99.0% at 24, 48, and 72h, respectively, at 1000µg/mL, and 25.83%, 33.5%, and 87.83% at 100µg/mL. Due to elevated control mortality (> 20%) at 48-72h, lethal concentration values were calculated using Abbott-corrected 24h data, yielding LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 354.9µg/mL (95% CI: 287.0-438.8) and 1410.6µg/mL (95% CI: 980.8-2029.0), respectively. These findings demonstrate that S. grandiflorus-mediated ZnO NPs possess strong nematicidal activity at sub-phytotoxic concentrations, highlighting their potential as an eco-friendly nanobiotechnological approach for managing plant-parasitic nematodes in sustainable agriculture.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the major vegetable crops grown in Ethiopia. Although its productivity depends on optimization of irrigation water depth and fertilizer application rates, there is limited scientific evidence on the optimal nitrogen rate and irrigation depth in our study area. Therefore, this study investigated the interactive effects of different irrigation depths and nitrogen fertilizer rates on onion yield and resource use efficiency. A field experiment was conducted over two dry seasons (2019-2020) using nine treatment combinations, consisting of three irrigation depths and three nitrogen rates, arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Prior to analysis, data were tested for normality and homogeneity. Subsequently, data were analyzed using a general linear model, and means were compared using LSD at P < 0.05. Results demonstrated that irrigation depth was the dominant factor (P < 0.001), followed by nitrogen level (P < 0.05). Although marketable yield increased consistently with the combined increase of both inputs, rising from 15.94 ± 0.72 ton ha⁻¹ in T1 to 31.30 ± 1.20 ton ha⁻¹ in T9, this trend alone does not determine optimal management. Based on multi-criteria analysis, treatment T6 (100% of crop water requirement combined with 125% nitrogen) was identified as optimal, recording the highest irrigation water productivity (4.85kg m⁻³) and economic irrigation water productivity (121.27 ETB m⁻³), along with improved cation exchange capacity (11.433 ± 0.968 meq/100g soil), reflecting enhanced nutrient retention. Accordingly, T6 is recommended as the most suitable strategy for improving sustainable onion productivity in the study area and in regions with similar agro-ecological conditions.

Understanding the interactions between zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) is essential for optimizing plant nutrition in vegetable crops, yet species-specific responses to varying levels of these micronutrients remain poorly characterized. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize Mn and Zn concentrations in the nutrient solution for sand-culture-grown Raphanus sativus (radish) and Beta vulgaris (red beet). To this end, three levels of Mn (0.05, 2, and 4mg L⁻¹) and Zn (0.5, 5, and 10mg L⁻¹) in modified Hoagland solution applied to a sand-culture system were evaluated in terms of their effects on chlorophyll content, plant performance, and nutrient composition. Results showed that higher Zn concentrations generally enhanced chlorophyll content and tuber biomass yield in both species, with increases up to 16.4% in chlorophyll and 95.7% in yield for radish, and 12.4% in chlorophyll and 90.5% in yield for red beet at optimal Zn-Mn combinations. Red beet demonstrated consistently higher chlorophyll content and greater biomass production than radish across treatments. Micronutrient accumulation patterns revealed notable species differences, with red beet leaves accumulating substantially higher Zn (up to 188.4mg kg- 1 DW) and Cu (up to 162.8mg kg- 1 DW) compared to radish (87.5 and 11.5mg kg- 1 DW, respectively), while radish maintained higher Fe concentrations in both leaf and tuber tissues. Increasing Mn supply levels reduced Zn accumulation in both species, while high Zn concentrations generally suppressed Cu and Fe accumulation. Macronutrient distribution also displayed species-specific patterns, with red beet maintaining higher K concentration in tubers (2.8-3.8g kg- 1 DW) compared to radish (1.4-2.0g kg- 1 DW), while radish accumulated more sodium (Na) in tuber tissues. Nitrate concentrations were significantly affected by Zn-Mn interactions, with up to 6-fold differences between treatments, and high Zn generally reducing nitrate accumulation. We conclude that optimal Zn-Mn ratios are species-dependent; specifically, the combination of 10mg L⁻¹ Zn with 0.05mg L⁻¹ Mn promoted the highest tuber biomass yield and most favorable nutrient balance in both species. These results provide practical guidelines for micronutrient management in sand-culture vegetable production systems, although further validation under field conditions is warranted.

Drought stress poses a severe and growing threat to global crop production due to climate change. Brassica juncea is an important vegetable and oil crop with high potential for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions, yet its genetic mechanisms underlying drought resilience remain poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the phenotypes of geographically diverse B. juncea accessions under drought stress and identified a candidate gene BjuB.HAM1 via genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach, a plant-specific GRAS-family transcription factor, as a key negative regulator of drought tolerance. We discovered two structural variations (SVs) within BjuB.HAM1 that significantly impair drought tolerance in B. juncea. Using heterologous expression of BjuB.HAM1 in Arabidopsis thaliana, combined with downstream gene validation, we demonstrated that this gene inhibits the expression of AtUGT76C2, a cytokinin glycosyltransferase, and reduces drought tolerance by binding to its GT cis-elements in the promoter. Collectively, these findings uncover a new insight into the functional gene module of drought resistance, and provide valuable genetic targets for drought resistance breeding in Brassica juncea.

Climate change drives rising atmospheric CO2 , impacting vegetable crops in polyhouses. Elevated CO2 enhances photosynthesis, biomass, and yield while altering quality attributes. This review examines its dual effects on high-value horticultural crops under controlled conditions. Positive outcomes include increased fructose (14.2%), glucose (13.2%), total soluble sugars (17.5%), antioxidant capacity (59.0%), phenols (8.9%), flavonoids (45.5%), ascorbic acid (9.5%), and calcium (8.2%). Conversely, it reduces protein (9.5%), nitrate (18.0%), magnesium (9.2%), iron (16.0%), and zinc (9.4%). Specific responses in lettuce, tomato, and potato are highlighted. CO2 enrichment boosts yield but compromises nutritional quality, necessitating targeted management and breeding strategies.

The spotted or legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a global insect pest of many economically important grain and vegetable legume crops. Although the species is believed to have originated in the Indo-Malayan region, populations in India have shown evidence of genetic divergence, potentially representing distinct cryptic species or host-associated races. A comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary relationships and functional divergence within M. vitrata is currently limited by the absence of detailed genomic resources. Integrating karyotype data with high-resolution genomic information is therefore essential to elucidate the genetic architecture and evolutionary dynamics of the Indian lineage of M. vitrata and to inform effective pest management strategies. PacBio HiFi sequencing and proximity ligation technique (Hi-C), we provide here an improved genome assembly of M. vitrata. The 459.3Mb genome was assembled into 45 scaffolds with a scaffold N50 of 15.6Mb. The 31 pseudochromosomes (size range from 9.48 to 20.42Mb) accounted for 458Mb, representing 99.73% of the genome assembly. The genome has a repeat content of 36.67% and 21,586 protein-coding genes. The genome completeness analysis using BUSCO with the Insecta lineage((Insecta_odb10) captured 99.5% of the complete BUSCOs. The karyotype analysis revealed the presence of 31 chromosomes (1n). This genome-scale data helps by identifying target genes for the development pest management strategies in the future. The 31 pseudochromosomes correspond to the 31 chromosomes identified through karyotype analysis, thereby confirming the chromosomal-level completeness and structural accuracy of the assembly.

Apoplastic retention over vacuolar sequestration: a potential more efficient strategy limiting root-to-shoot cadmium translocation in leafy vegetable crops.

ABSTRACTIncreased weather challenges propelled by climate change are projected to significantly impact postharvest operations, threatening the livelihoods of most small‐scale farmers in several parts of Africa. While research on the effects of climate variability on food production exists, less attention has been given to the impacts of climate change on postharvest management of vegetable crops, especially tomatoes widely produced and consumed on the continent. This study examined the effects of climate variability on the postharvest losses of tomatoes and its implications on the livelihoods of small‐scale tomato farmers in the Kilolo district, southeast Tanzania. Using semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations, data were obtained from 52 (n = 52) tomato farmers. Results indicate that unpredictable rains, poor storage conditions, transportation delays, and weather‐related pick‐up delays were major causes of postharvest tomato losses, with farmers reporting losses of up to 40% linked to a lack of storage facilities. Findings also reveal that preharvest tomato losses linked to pest outbreaks were common but not significant compared to postharvest losses caused by poor storage conditions. The study calls for investment in both postharvest crop management training and extension services, and the deployment of low‐cost postharvest infrastructure, especially cold storage and tomato processing facilities, to reduce losses of unsold tomatoes amid weather challenges.

Brassica rapa has been a key oilseed and vegetable crop since the Neolithic era, yet its obscure evolutionary history has hindered understanding of its domestication and the speciation of its allotetraploid descendants, Brassica napus and Brassica juncea. Here we defined pan-blocks comprising all syntenic regions from 21 B. rapa genome assemblies and analyzed 3,330 accessions spanning the three species to reconstruct the evolutionary trajectory of the Brassica A genome. Our findings reveal its origin in Central and West Asia and subsequent spread across Eurasia by means of three routes. An ancient inversion was identified that supports the divergent origins of the A subgenomes in B. napus and B. juncea. Furthermore, the S-locus exhibited exceptional haplotype diversity, with each variant characterized by a unique transposable element barcode pattern essential for the self-incompatibility system. These findings emphasize the significant value of pan-block-integrated 3,330 A genome variants for the Brassica research community.

Fusarium fungi are known to infect table beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) plants at various stages of development worldwide. Fusarium root rot, which develops post-harvest during long-term storage, is of particular economic significance. In Russia, there is no up-to-date information about the species diversity of pathogens causing this disease of table beets, which determined the purpose of this study. A total of 28 Fusarium isolates were collected from affected beet roots grown in the Moscow region of the Russian Federation from 2018 to 2023 years. Molecular phylogeny based on the TEF-1α and RPB2 genes in combination with morphological characterization showed that five Fusarium species were involved in the pathogenesis of Fusarium root rot of table beet during storage: F. acuminatum (43% of the total number of isolates), F. avenaceum, F. campestre (FTSC); F. sporotrichioides (FSAMSC) and F. solani (FSSC). At the same time, the species F. acuminatum, F. campestre, and F. sporotrichioides were first discovered on beet root in the Russian Federation. Temperature sensitivity of the identified species was studied at 5 °C and 25 °C. According to the value of the cold sensitivity index (CTI) on the nutrient medium and native substrate, the isolates were distributed differently: F. campestre (0.32) > F. acuminatum (0.22) > F. avenaceum (0.21) > F. sporotrichioides (0.19) > F. solani (0.20) and F. acuminatum (0.32) > F. campestre (0.21) > F. solani (0.03) > F. avenaceum and F. sporotrichioides (0.01), respectively. This confirms the need to study the pathogenic properties of isolates on a natural substrate (host plant) under different temperature conditions. When infected with the dominant and most aggressive species F. acuminatum, there was a high variation in the size of the affected area, depending on the genotype of the lines, under both temperature conditions (Va = 2-8 mm3 at 5 °C and Va = 31-1760 mm3 at 25 °C). Therefore, this species can be considered to be the most objective differentiating factor in assessing the resistance of table beet roots to fusarium rot, which determines the need to include it in the breeding process for creating resistant varieties and hybrids for the Central region of Russia. The data obtained in this study are of great importance for developing strategies for managing Fusarium fungi associated with Fusarium rot of beet-root during storage. The research results will also be relevant for other vegetable crops that remain fresh for long periods of time or undergo vernalization in the case of seed production at low temperatures.