Wild Varieties Research Articles

Evaluation of the antioxidant activities of some wild edible indigenous Ghanaian mushrooms

Wild edible mushrooms have been reported to contain high phenolic contents which confer free radical scavenging ability. This study investigated antioxidant potentials of wild edible mushrooms from the Ashanti region (Kumasi) in Ghana. Cultivated strain of Pleurotus ostreatus (control) and five wild edible mushrooms (Termitomyces sp., Volvariella sp., Termitomyces shimperi, Auricularis auricular, and Volvariella volvaceae) were evaluated. Total phenolic content, Glutathione content and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical experiments were run on aqueous and ethanolic extracts of each mushroom. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of T. shimperi showed the highest antioxidant activity in vitro, with their EC50 values of 0.699mg/ml and 0.47mg/ml respectively. Their EC50 values were greater than the standard, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) value of 0.526mg/ml. Ethanolic extracts of Volvariella sp had the significantly (p<0.05) higher phenolic content (861.3 mg/GAE, p <0.01) than the cultivated control, P. Ostreatus (aqueous extracts at 284.1695 mg/GAE and ethanolic extracts at 167.7287 mg/GAE). Termitomyces sp., A. auricular, and V. volvaceae had lower antioxidant activities than the BHT control. Two wild varieties (Termitomyces shimperi and Volvariella sp.) of mushroom assayed showed significantly (p<0.05) higher antioxidant ability. Consumption of these varieties of wild edible mushrooms can therefore be recommended.

Influence of Knitting Process Parameters on the Thermal Comfort Properties of Eri Silk Knitted Fabrics

Eri silk, a wild silk variety available in the northeastern states of India, has better softness, tensile and thermal properties. The present study aimed to develop different knitted structures and investigate the influence of knitting process variables on the thermal comfort and wicking properties. Knitted single jersey and single pique fabric structures were produced with two sets of yarns – 25 tex and 14.32 tex with three levels of loop length. Thermal properties of the fabric were analysed using an Alambeta instrument, and the wicking ability was measured with an vertical wicking tester. Thermal comfort properties of eri silk were also compared with those of conventional mulberry silk, with the experiment result revealing that eri silk has better comfort values. A statistically significant correlation is found between knitting process parameters viz. the yarn count, loop length knitting structure and the thermal and wickability values of the fabrics.

Comparative study of tissue cultured and wild variety of Safed musli

Abstract Bhavprakash described the Abhava dravyas for group of drugs like Jeevaniya gana, Ashtavarga etc which were not available that time also, now a days number of valuable herbs are extincted due to lack of propagation methods. Safed musali is one such drug which is used in large quantities by Ayurvedic, Unani and other traditional practitioners, now it is rare. With the help of biotechnology presently we can propagate the endangered species like safed musali in some artificial conditions and cultivate them in the natural habitat. Tissue culture technology is one of the effective bio-technological tool to propagate large number of sampling which have exact genetic makeup of the mother plant, this is possible as each and every cell of a plant is totipotent. Tissue culture does not much effect or alter the natural characterstics of safed musali but increases the yield. Keywords : Safed musali, tissue culture, bio-technology, totipotent.

Germplasm Evaluation of Tomato for Resistance to the Emerging Wilt Pathogen Fusarium Equiseti

Fusarium wilt caused by different Fusarium species is a devastating disease causes heavy loss to tomato plantation worldwide. In this study 13 tomato varieties were screened against F. equiseti to explore the resistance potential of the varieties against the disease. Out of 13 varieties only 2 varieties Roma and Hybrid showed resistance to the disease, while the other 69% were highly susceptible. Based on cluster analysis for genetic diversity it was reported that susceptible varieties are only 8% genetically different and share same genetic pool. We reported that the wild species of tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium (Sp- 2093) showed complete immunity and were remain unaffected having 25% genetic difference with other varieties tested. Thus wild tomato species may provide the source of resistance required to develop resistant variety against the emerging wilt pathogen F. equiseti. The data regarding virluence structure and resisatnt variety that is presented in this study will suport more focused efforts in the management of tomato wilt caused by Fusarium species and that resistant features of wild tomato variety Sp-2093, could be accumulated with other desirable characteristics of different germplasm in one cultivar, which will reduce the chances for new virulent species to evolve.

Preference and performance of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on strawberry cultivars.

The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is one of the most serious pests of strawberry worldwide. Understanding the preference of TSSM for particular cultivars of strawberry and performance on them helps identify host-plant resistance to this pest mite. In this study, we tested preference, developmental duration, fecundity and population levels of TSSM on 14 strawberry cultivars. TSSM showed strong preference for the Chinese cultivars of Yanxiang, Baixuegongzhu, and Jingtaoxiang. Development of TSSM on the cultivars varied from 32.32 to 36.82days; it was longest on the cultivars Hongxiutianxiang and Baixuegongzhu, and shortest on Yanxiang, Jingzangxiang, and Darselect as well as on a wild variety (Wuye). TSSM had high fecundity on the cultivars Yanxiang, Taoxun, Hongxiutianxiang, Jingzangxiang, Albion and Baixuegongzhu as well as on Wuye, whereas egg production was lowest on Sweet Charlie, Portola, Akihime, and Benihoppe. After 28days of plant infestation with 10 pairs of adults, the cultivars Yanxiang, Taoxun, Jingzangxiang, Jingtaoxiang, and Baixuegongzhu had the highest number of mites (> 1000 per plant), whereas mite numbers on Albion and Camarosa were low. The population size of TSSM was correlated with fecundity, but no correlation was found between other preference/performance measures. Our study suggests that a rapid increase of population size of TSSM on cultivars of strawberry is related to high fecundity, and also that there are substantial differences in preference and performance across cultivars.

A Comparative Pharmacognostical Study of Wild and Cultivate Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.)

Background: Amalaki is traditionally used drug in Ayurveda. Fruits of Amalaki is useful for cure of many disorders. On the basis of Desha Bheda (Habitat) two types of Amalaki are available viz., Gramya Phala (Cultivated) and Vanya Phala (Wild). cultivated variety is more often used as it offers gain to the manufacturers in terms of the amount of pulp available. To differentiate wild and cultivated variety through macroscopic, microscopic and powder microscopy this study was carried out. Objective: Present study was aimed to record comparative macroscopic, microscopic and powder microscopy of wild and cultivated varieties of Indian gooseberry. Methods: Authenticated matured fruits of both varieties were collected and macroscopic and microscopic characters were documented. Result: Fruit of wild variety is smaller and strong astringent than cultivated. In transverse section wild variety shows thick cuticle, lesser engaged area of mesocarp, compactly arranged cells and more concentration of fibres, sclereids and silica crystals than cultivated. Conclusion: Fruit of both varieties differ in size, colour and taste. In transverse section both varieties have same cells with some differentiating characters.

Polyphenolic composition, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of wild and cultivated blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L.) pomace

SummaryThe content of total polyphenolics, antioxidative capacity and antiproliferative activity were tested in wild and cultivated blackberry pomace. Wild blackberry pomace extract Tw2 showed the highest following contents: total polyphenolics (50.16 mg GAE g−1 dw), flavonoids (7.73 mg Qc g−1 dw), flavonols (6.63 mg Qc g−1 dw) and total monomeric anthocyanins (13.40 mg Cy g−1). Tw2 extract significantly inhibited free radicals: IC50DPPH = 127.76 μg mL−1, IC50ABTS = 26.53 μg mL−1 and IC50˙OH = 168.62 μg mL−1, and the growth of breast adenocarcinoma IC50MCF7 = 306.68 μg mL−1 and cervix epitheloid carcinoma cell lines IC50HeLa = 315.49 μg mL−1. Wild blackberry varieties had higher extraction yields, higher total polyphenolic contents and possessed stronger biological effects compared to cultivated blackberries (P &lt; 0.05). All blackberry extracts showed high biological potential that could be attributed to high total polyphenols and flavonoids content and could be utilised as value‐added functional food.

A potential use of wild pea as a source of lower trypsin inhibitor activity

The aim of this work was to estimate the trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in seeds of cultivated pea varieties, wild varieties and selected crosses between varieties from the first group and wild pea varieties and to study the variation in genes coding trypsin inhibitors. Mean TIA in field pea varieties ranged from 3.12 TIU/mg of sample in field pea variety from Czech Republic to 12.90 TIU/mg of sample in field pea variety FP S4 of Serbian origin. Wild field pea varieties showed TIA between 0.98 TIU/mg of sample in Pisum elatius and 9.79 TIU/mg of sample in Pisum abyssinicum. Selected crosses between cultivated field pea varieties and Pisum elatius showed a decrease in TIA in comparison with a parent line that has higher TIA content. The PCR amplification resulted in variety-specific amplification. Varieties with low TIA activity showed amplification with At13/At5 primer pair, while varieties with higher TIA activity showed amplification with primer pairs At12/At5, At14/At5 and At14/At8. Thus, At13/At5 primer pair could be sufficient to distinguish most varieties. These markers can be applied during an early screening of the valuable materials for future breeding programs of pea cultivars with the low level of tripsin inhibitor.

Comparative analysis of β-glucan content in wild and cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare)

β-glucan is an important element found in cereal cell walls, which is tremendously beneficial to human health and significant in industrial produce. Although some studies have been performed to investigate the β-glucan content in cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), little is known about it in wild barley, particularly the difference of β-glucan content between wild and cultivated varieties. In this study, β-glucan contents in wild barley from Fertile Crescent, Central Asia, Tibet, and cultivated varieties from the representative regions worldwide were systematically investigated and compared using the mixed-linkage β-glucan assay. Results showed that the mean β-glucan content of wild accessions and cultivated varieties were 5.17 % and 3.81 %, and the Coefficient of Variation (CV %) is 24.18 % and 18.11 % respectively. When statistically analysed, there was a significant variation (p≤ 0.001) of β-glucan content in wild and cultivated barely samples and, wild barley showed higher β-glucan content and higher genetic variation. This study provides the elite germplasm for barley β-glucan genetic improvement programs, and also shed light to trace barley domestication in relation to grain metabolite view.

Evaluation of temperature stress tolerance in cultivated and wild tomatoes using photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence

Tomato cultivation at lower or higher temperatures than the optimum negatively affects plant growth and development. Large differences in abiotic stress tolerance have been found between Solanum lycopersicum and wild tomato species. Our aim was to compare temperature stress tolerance in cultivated and wild tomato genotypes to identify cold- and heat-tolerant tomatoes for further utilization in tomato breeding. The maintained net photosynthetic rate (PN) and chlorophyll fluorescence was related to the tolerance of tomatoes at temperature stress. The PN and chlorophyll fluorescence of one cultivated tomato (Ly from S. lycopersicum) and six wild tomatoes genotypes (Ha from Solanum habrochaites, Pe from Solanum pennellii, Pi1 and Pi2 from Solanum pimpinellifolium, Pr1 and Pr2 from Solanum peruvianum) grown at low (12 °C) and high (33 °C) temperatures were compared. The PN of four tomato genotypes during temperature stress were lower than the control, but not in Pe, Pr1, and Pr2. The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) of the cultivated tomatoes was lower at both 12 and 33 °C than the control using Handy PEA, whereas Fv/Fm using MINI-PAM was lower only at 12 °C. The chlorophyll fluorescence OJIP transient (OJIP curve) revealed differences between temperature stress responses and tomato genotype. With the exception of Pr2, the Fv/Fm in wild tomatoes was unaffected by temperature stress; however, they still maintained clear genotype differences for other physiological traits such as PN, quantum yield of PSII (Fq′/Fm′), electron transport rate, non-photochemical quenching, and the fraction of open PSII centers (qL). These results indicated that the wild tomato varieties Pe and Pr1 had the highest temperature stress tolerance, while the cultivated species was the more sensitive to temperature stress in comparison. In general, the wild tomato genotypes were more tolerant to both cold and heat stress than the cultivated tomato, suggesting that these wild species could be used to uncover underlying mechanisms of temperature stress tolerance and will be promising sources of genetic variability for temperature stress tolerance in breeding programs.

Variation in rhizosphere nutrient cycling affects the source of nitrogen acquisition in wild and cultivated Aspalathus linearis (N.L.Burm.) R.Dahlgren plants

We investigated the different functional strategies of N nutrition of cultivated and wild varieties of the legume Aspalathus linearis (N.L.Burm.) R.Dahlgren during wet and dry seasons in the Cape Floristic Region. The study addressed differences in soil and plant N cycling in cultivated and wild varieties of A. linearis. The seasonal variation in biological N2 fixation (BNF), soil microbial activity, as well as N cycling strategies, were investigated in wild and cultivated varieties of the legume of A. linearis. Fresh leaf samples, leaf litter samples and soil samples were collected during dry and wet seasons for both cultivated and wild-growing A. linearis. Plant samples were analysed for δ15N and total N content. Percentage N resorption was calculated. Soil N, C, P, urease and β-glucosidase were determined directly at the rhizosphere and in bulk soil. During the wet seasons, wild plants had an increased reliance on biological N2 fixation (BNF). This was attributed to an increase in soil microbial activity, which can lead to competition between roots and soil microbes for mineralized soil N. No trade-off between N sources in plants was found and plants tend not to rely more on BNF when microbial activity is low. Wild and cultivated A. linearis plants use different N cycling strategies, where wild plants are more reliant on biological N2 fixation (BNF) whilst cultivated plants tend to retain N.

Profiling the phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins in skunk currants (Ribes glandulosum) of Northern Québec, Canada

BACKGROUND: Skunk currant is widely dispersed across North America and a feature of some traditional North American indigenous diets. Whereas many wild and cultivated berries have attracting interest related to their antioxidant phenolic metabolites and putative health benefits in humans, very few data are available concerning skunk currant phytochemistry. OBJECTIVE: Provide the first metabolic profile of skunk currant fruits with a focus on phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, owing to their emerging implications in human health. METHODS: Skunk currants were harvested in Nunavik, Québec. Flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acids were characterized using a targeted approach with reverse-phase ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Ellagitannins and anthocyanins were measured using reverse-phase HPLC following acid hydrolysis and employing diode array detection. Proanthocyanidins and sugars were detected with normal-phase HPLC. RESULTS: A total of 11 phenolic acids and 11 flavonoids, including three cyanidins and three quercetin glycosides were identified. Both condensed (proanthocyanidins) and hydrolysable (ellagitannins) tannins were also detected at 162 mg and 75 mg per 100 g extract, respectively. The cumulative amount of detected phenolic and polyphenolic metabolites totaled 622.6 mg/100 g extract (63.4 mg/100 g berry FW). CONCLUSIONS: Skunk currant is a source of many bioactive phenolic and polyphenolic compounds. Appearing richer in phenolics than some cultivated varieties, the wild northern varieties of North America warrant additional study.

Genetic variability in Brazilian Capsicum baccatum germplasm collection assessed by morphological fruit traits and AFLP markers.

Capsicum baccatum is one of the main pepper species grown and consumed in South America. In Brazil, it is commonly cultivated by family farmers, using mostly the genotypes bishop's hat genotypes (locally cambuci) and red chili pepper (dedo-de-moça). This study had the objective of characterizing 116 C. baccatum accessions from different regions of Brazil, based on morphological fruit descriptors and AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms) markers. Broad phenotypic variability among the C. baccatum accessions was detected when using morphological fruit descriptors. The Ward modified location model (Ward-MLM) discriminated five groups, based mainly on fruit shape. Six combinations of AFLP primers detected polymorphism in 97.93% of the 2466 identified bands, indicating the high genetic variability in the accessions. The UPGMA coincided with the Bayesian clustering analysis and three large groups were formed, separating the wild variety C. baccatum var. praetermissum from the other accessions. There was no relation between genetic distance and geographical origin of the accessions, probably due to the intense exchange of fruits and seeds between farmers. Morphological descriptors used together with AFLP markers proved efficient in detecting the levels of genetic variability among the accessions maintained in the germplasm collections. These results can be used as an additional source of helpful information to be exploited in C. baccatum breeding programs.

Comparative analysis of the root transcriptomes of cultivated and wild rice varieties in response to Magnaporthe oryzae infection revealed both common and species-specific pathogen responses

BackgroundMagnaporthe oryzae, the causal fungus of rice blast disease, negatively impacts global rice production. Wild rice (Oryza rufipogon), a relative of cultivated rice (O. sativa), possesses unique attributes that enable it to resist pathogen invasion. Although wild rice represents a major resource for disease resistance, relative to current cultivated rice varieties, no prior studies have compared the immune and transcriptional responses in the roots of wild and cultivated rice to M. oryzae.ResultsIn this study, we showed that M. oryzae could act as a typical root-infecting pathogen in rice, in addition to its common infection of leaves, and wild rice roots were more resistant to M. oryzae than cultivated rice roots. Next, we compared the differential responses of wild and cultivated rice roots to M. oryzae using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the enhanced resistance of the wild rice roots. Results indicated that both common and genotype-specific mechanisms exist in both wild and cultivated rice that are associated with resistance to M. oryzae. In wild rice, resistance mechanisms were associated with lipid metabolism, WRKY transcription factors, chitinase activities, jasmonic acid, ethylene, lignin, and phenylpropanoid and diterpenoid metabolism; while the pathogen responses in cultivated rice were mainly associated with phenylpropanoid, flavone and wax metabolism. Although modulations in primary metabolism and phenylpropanoid synthesis were common to both cultivated and wild rice, the modulation of secondary metabolism related to phenylpropanoid synthesis was associated with lignin synthesis in wild rice and flavone synthesis in cultivated rice. Interestingly, while the expression of fatty acid and starch metabolism-related genes was altered in both wild and cultivated rice in response to the pathogen, changes in lipid acid synthesis and lipid acid degradation were dominant in cultivated and wild rice, respectively.ConclusionsThe response mechanisms to M. oryzae were more complex in wild rice than what was observed in cultivated rice. Therefore, this study may have practical implications for controlling M. oryzae in rice plantings and will provide useful information for incorporating and assessing disease resistance to M. oryzae in rice breeding programs.

Co-evolutionary associations between root-associated microbiomes and root transcriptomes in wild and cultivated rice varieties

The plants and root-associated microbiomes are closely related. Plant metabolic substances can serve as a nutrient source for the microbiome, and in return, the microbiome can regulate the production of plant metabolic substances. Wild rice (Oryza rufipogon), as the ancestor of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), has changed several metabolic pathways and root-associated microbiome during evolution. Thus, the study of the different associations between metabolic pathways and root-associated microbiomes in wild and cultivated rice varieties is important for rice breeding. In this article, the co-evolutionary association between metabolic pathways, which are based on transcriptome data, and root-associated microbiomes, which are based on 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon data, in wild and cultivated rice was studied. The results showed that the enriched pathways were differentially correlated with the enriched microbiomes in wild and cultivated rice varieties. Pathways for ‘Glutathione metabolism’, ‘Plant-pathogen interaction’, ‘Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum’ and ‘Tyrosine metabolism’ were positively associated with the improved relative abundance of bacterial and fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in wild rice. On the other hand, ‘Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis’, ‘Brassinosteroid biosynthesis’, ‘Carbon metabolism’, ‘Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’ and ‘Caffeine metabolism’ were positively correlated with the improved relative abundance of bacterial and fungal OTUs in cultivated rice. Redundancy analysis showed that certain bacterial and fungal species could positively and significantly affect plant gene expression; for instance, Streptomyces, with 8.7% relative abundance in bacterial community, significantly affected plant gene expression in wild rice. This study can provide the theoretical basis for recognizing the associations between root-associated microbiomes and root transcriptomes in wild and cultivated rice varieties, and can provide practical significance for developing useful bacterial and fungal resources in wild rice.

Growth responses of Lantana (Lantana camara L.) varieties to varying water availability and light conditions

The Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka publishes the results of research in all aspects of Science and Technology. The journal also has a website at http://www.nsf.gov.lk/. 2021 Impact Factor: 0.682The JNSF provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.Cover :Leatherback (a), green (b - adult &amp; f - hatchling), hawksbill (c) and olive ridley (d) turtles who nest in Sri Lankan beaches, green turtle crawl marks (e) and by-catch of sea turtles in fisheries (c &amp; d)Photo credits: SJ Perera (a &amp; c), WPN Perera (b &amp; e), K Ekaratne (d &amp; f)

MINERAL COMPOSITION OF WILD RELATIVES AND INTROGRESSIVE FORMS IN WHEAT SELECTION

The study of seed mineral composition of wheat and its wild relatives revealed higher content of all elements in Aegilops ovata and Ae. triuncialis, as well as an overall increased background in relatives compared to modern varieties of Triticum aestivum (standards). By content of macro- and microelements, synthetic forms of wheat occupy an intermediate position between wild relatives and modern varieties. Transitional forms with the level of mineral composition typical of wild forms (Zhetysu×T. militinae; Zhetysu×T. kiharae; Bezostaya 1×Ae. cylindrica) have been identified. All genotypes have been differentiated into 3 clusters. The first consists predominantly of introgressive forms, Ae. triaristata and the Komsomolskaya 1 variety, which has wild forms in its origin. The second cluster includes mainly varieties (parental forms), T. timopheevii and the introgressive form (Steklovidnaya 24×T. militinae). The third cluster consists largely of T. militinae, T. kiharae, Ae. cylindrica species and introgressive forms originated from them: Zhetysu×T. militinae and Bezostaya 1× Ae. cylindrica. Such division allows us to classify genotypes according to the level of metabolism: wild relatives (3rd cluster), varieties (2nd cluster) and an intermediate group – introgressive forms (1st cluster). In general, inclusion of cultural forms (backcrossing with varieties) to crosses with introgressive forms is usually accompanied by a decrease in the total metabolic level, but it varies in cultivars and wild species characterized by polymorphism. Sources of high content of elements have been revealed: wild relatives and introgressive forms, some of which are donors. According to the results of topcross breeding with testers – commercial common wheat varieties Steklovidnaya 24, Almali, Zhetysu – inheritance of this trait by progenies in F 2 –F 3 generations has been revealed in two constant lines: (Bezostaya 1×Ae. cylindrica)×T. kiharae and Zhetysu×T. kiharae.

Valorization of essential oils from two populations (wild and commercial) of Geranium macrorrhizum L.

The insecticidal and acaricidal effects of the essential oils (EO) from two populations of Geranium macrorrhizum L (ornamental variety Bevan, VB and wild population from Hungary, GH) have been studied against several insect pests of economic importance in agriculture (Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae and Rhopalosiphum padi), and the hard tick Hyalomma lusitanicum. The oil from the wild population (GH) was characterized by its content in β-elemenone (30.53%), thymol (18.52%) and germacrone (15.54%), while the oil from the commercial variety (VB) had linalool (26.45%) and linalyl acetate (25.11%) as major components. S.litoralis and R. padi were significantly affected by the wild population oil (GH-EO). The oil from the commercial variety VB was less effective against insects. The ixodicidal effects of these oils were strong, being the wild population (GH-EO) the most effective. To correlate the composition of these oils with their activity, the essential oil major components have been isolated (germacrone and β-elemenone) and tested (linalool, thymol, germacrone and β-elemenone). The insect antifeedant and ixodicidal effects of thymol and germacrone explained the bioactivity of the GH essential oil. Therefore, the wild variety of G. macrorrhizum has been selected for domestication given its potential as a source of bioactive extracts and metabolites.

BPS States, Torus Links and Wild Character Varieties

A string theoretic framework is constructed relating the cohomology of wild character varieties to refined stable pair theory and torus link invariants. Explicit conjectural formulas are derived for wild character varieties with a unique irregular point on the projective line. For this case the string theoretic construction leads to a conjectural colored generalization of existing results of Hausel, Mereb and Wong as well as Shende, Treumann and Zaslow.

Genetic analysis and gene mapping of a low stigma exposed mutant gene by high-throughput sequencing.

Rice is one of the main food crops and several studies have examined the molecular mechanism of the exposure of the rice plant stigma. The improvement in the exposure of the stigma in female parent hybrid combinations can enhance the efficiency of hybrid breeding. In the present study, a mutant plant with low exposed stigma (lesr) was discovered among the descendants of the indica thermo-sensitive sterile line 115S. The ES% rate of the mutant decreased by 70.64% compared with the wild type variety. The F2 population was established by genetic analysis considering the mutant as the female parent and the restorer line 93S as the male parent. The results indicated a normal F1 population, while a clear division was noted for the high and low exposed stigma groups, respectively. This process was possible only by a ES of 25% in the F2 population. This was in agreement with the ratio of 3:1, which indicated that the mutant was controlled by a recessive main-effect QTL locus, temporarily named as LESR. Genome-wide comparison of the SNP profiles between the early, high and low production bulks were constructed from F2 plants using bulked segregant analysis in combination with high-throughput sequencing technology. The results demonstrated that the candidate loci was located on the chromosome 10 of the rice. Following screening of the recombinant rice plants with newly developed molecular markers, the genetic region was narrowed down to 0.25 Mb. This region was flanked by InDel-2 and InDel-2 at the physical location from 13.69 to 13.94 Mb. Within this region, 7 genes indicated base differences between parents. A total of 2 genes exhibited differences at the coding region and upstream of the coding region, respectively. The present study aimed to further clone the LESR gene, verify its function and identify the stigma variation.