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Score index methods readily discriminate genotypes adapted to a target environment. New quantitative method evaluated productivity and resilience of rice genotypes. Method identified A genotypes (high productivity and resilience) of Fernandez (1992). Method identified genotypes better adapted to reduced soil water conditions. Method can enhance rice sustainability (high productivity, low water use). In Asia, the rice crop sustains millions of people. However, growing demand for this crop needs to be met while simultaneously reducing its water consumption to cope with the effects of climate change. Lowland cropping systems are the most common and productive but have particularly high water requirements. High-yielding rice genotypes adapted to drier environments (such as rainfed or aerobic rice ecosystems) are needed to increase the water use efficiency of cropping. Identifying these genotypes requires fast and more accurate selection methods. It is hypothesized that applying a new quantitative selection method (the score index selection method), can usefully compare rice yield responses over different years and stress intensities to select genotypes more rapidly and efficiently. Applying the score index to previously published rice yield data for 39 genotypes grown in no-stress and two stress environments, identified three genotypes (ARB 8, IR55419-04 and ARB 7) with higher and stable yield under moderate to severe stress conditions. These genotypes are postulated to be better adapted to stress environment such as upland and aerobic environments. Importantly, the score index selection method offers improved precision than the conventional breeding selection method in identifying genotypes that are well-suited to a range of stress levels within the target environment.

• The use of nitrogen fertilizers in maize crops must be reduced, and a potential alternative is the use of diazotrophic bacteria of the genus Azospirillum. This research aims to characterize the efficiency of the association with Azospirillum brasilense (Az) among maize genotypes on grain yield. Forty-eight experimental single-cross maize hybrids obtained from the cross in a partial diallel scheme between eight and six inbred lines were used. The maize hybrids were evaluated in seven environments, considering the grain yield (GY) without nitrogen (N) topdressing and without Az inoculation, GY with N topdressing and without Az inoculation, GY without N topdressing but with Az inoculation, and the efficiency to Az. The hybrids’ GY varied in the presence of Az, indicating a differential response to the bacteria and confirming that this association enables the selection of more efficient genotypes since some hybrids maintained similar yield levels when N topdressing was replaced by Az inoculation. Low or medium correlation estimates were obtained among the considered traits, indicating a low correspondence between yields under the different conditions and between yields and the efficiency of the association with Az, suggesting that indirect selection for these traits is not efficient. These results indicate that it is possible to select the most efficient maize genotypes.

Grain size is a dominant component of grain weight in cereals. Earlier studies have shown that OsGS5 plays a major role in regulating both grain size and weight in rice via promotion of cell division. In this study, we isolated TaGS5 homoeologues in wheat and mapped them on chromosomes 3A, 3B and 3D. Temporal and spatial expression analysis showed that TaGS5 homoeologues were preferentially expressed in young spikes and developing grains. Two alleles of TaGS5‐3A, TaGS5‐3A‐T and TaGS5‐3A‐G were identified in wheat accessions, and a functional marker was developed to discriminate them. Association analysis revealed that TaGS5‐3A‐T was significantly correlated with larger grain size and higher thousand kernel weight. Biochemical assays showed that TaGS5‐3A‐T possesses a higher enzymatic activity than TaGS5‐3A‐G. Transgenic rice lines overexpressing TaGS5‐3A‐T also exhibited larger grain size and higher thousand kernel weight than TaGS5‐3A‐G lines, and the transcript levels of cell cycle‐related genes in TaGS5‐3A‐T lines were higher than those in TaGS5‐3A‐G lines. Furthermore, systematic evolution analysis in diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid wheat showed that TaGS5‐3A underwent strong artificial selection during wheat polyploidization events and the frequency changes of two alleles demonstrated that TaGS5‐3A‐T was favoured in global modern wheat cultivars. These results suggest that TaGS5‐3A is a positive regulator of grain size and its favoured allele TaGS5‐3A‐T exhibits a larger potential application in wheat high‐yield breeding.

BackgroundMarker-assisted breeding will move forward from introgressing single/multiple genes governing a single trait to multiple genes governing multiple traits to combat emerging biotic and abiotic stresses related to climate change and to enhance rice productivity. MAS will need to address concerns about the population size needed to introgress together more than two genes/QTLs. In the present study, grain yield and genotypic data from different generations (F3 to F8) for five marker-assisted breeding programs were analyzed to understand the effectiveness of synergistic effect of phenotyping and genotyping in early generations on selection of better progenies.ResultsBased on class analysis of the QTL combinations, the identified superior QTL classes in F3/BC1F3/BC2F3 generations with positive QTL x QTL and QTL x background interactions that were captured through phenotyping maintained its superiority in yield under non-stress (NS) and reproductive-stage drought stress (RS) across advanced generations in all five studies. The marker-assisted selection breeding strategy combining both genotyping and phenotyping in early generation significantly reduced the number of genotypes to be carried forward. The strategy presented in this study providing genotyping and phenotyping cost savings of 25–68% compared with the traditional marker-assisted selection approach. The QTL classes, Sub1 + qDTY1.1 + qDTY2.1 + qDTY3.1 and Sub1 + qDTY2.1 + qDTY3.1 in Swarna-Sub1, Sub1 + qDTY1.1 + qDTY1.2, Sub1 + qDTY1.1 + qDTY2.2 and Sub1 + qDTY2.2 + qDTY12.1 in IR64-Sub1, qDTY2.2 + qDTY4.1 in Samba Mahsuri, Sub1 + qDTY3.1 + qDTY6.1 + qDTY6.2 and Sub1 + qDTY6.1 + qDTY6.2 in TDK1-Sub1 and qDTY12.1 + qDTY3.1 and qDTY2.2 + qDTY3.1 in MR219 had shown better and consistent performance under NS and RS across generations over other QTL classes.Conclusion“Deployment of this procedure will save time and resources and will allow breeders to focus and advance only germplasm with high probability of improved performance. The identification of superior QTL classes and capture of positive QTL x QTL and QTL x background interactions in early generation and their consistent performance in subsequent generations across five backgrounds supports the efficacy of a combined MAS breeding strategy”.

Background Plant architecture associated with increased grain yield and adaptation to the local environments is selected during wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) breeding. The internode length of individual stems and tiller length of individual plants are important for the determination of plant architecture. However, few studies have explored the genetic basis of these traits. Results Here, we conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to dissect the genetic basis of geographical differentiation of these traits in 306 worldwide wheat accessions including both landraces and traditional varieties. We determine the changes of haplotypes for the associated genomic regions in frequency in 831 wheat accessions that are either introduced from other countries or developed in China from last two decades. We identify 83 loci that are associated with one trait, while the remaining 247 loci are pleiotropic. We also find 163 associated loci are under strong selective sweep. GWAS results demonstrate independent regulation of internode length of individual stems and consistent regulation of tiller length of individual plants. This makes it possible to obtain ideal haplotype combinations of the length of four internodes. We also find that the geographical distribution of the haplotypes explains the observed differences in internode length among the worldwide wheat accessions. Conclusion This study provides insights into the genetic basis of plant architecture. It will facilitate gene functional analysis and molecular design of plant architecture for breeding.

Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) is a highly diverse species with significant variation in morphological and pomological traits. Characterizing this diversity is essential for improving breeding strategies, particularly to enhance fruit quality, yield, and consumer acceptance. This study used statistical tools, including correlation matrix analysis (CMA), principal component analysis (PCA), multiple regression analysis (MRA), and heat map analysis (HMA) to explore trait clustering and genotype differentiation. PCA revealed that the first three components accounted for 31.54% of the total variation. PC1 (11.66%) was driven by traits such as fruit length (0.94), fruit diameter (0.93), fruit weight (0.93), and fruit peel weight (0.93). Heat map analysis grouped variables into four clusters, with traits like total soluble solids (7–22%, mean: 14.72% ± 2.99) and 100-aril fresh weight (19.34–49.46 g, mean: 32.51 g ± 7.93) being critical for marketability. Genotypes were divided into four groups, with subgroup D2 comprising ‘Karimabad-6’, ‘Karimabad-5’, ‘Karimabad-3’, ‘Karimabad-2’, ‘Karimabad-4’, ‘Sangan-2’, ‘Padik-4’, ‘Karimabad-8’, ‘Karimabad-7’, ‘Sangan-1’, ‘Padik-11’, ‘Padik-3’, ‘Padik-2’, ‘Sangan-4’, ‘Sangan-3’, ‘Padik-12’, ‘Karimabad-1’, ‘Sangan-9’, ‘Sangan-8’, ‘Padik-1’, and ‘Daman-9’. MRA identified significant correlations for key traits: fruit weight showed a positive correlation with fruit diameter ( β  = 0.66, p  < 0.00) and fruit length ( β  = 0.32, p  < 0.01), while fruit peel weight showed positive correlations with fruit weight ( β  = 0.92, p  < 0.00) and fruit peel thickness ( β  = 0.12, p  < 0.00). Total soluble solids showed a positive correlation with 100-aril fresh weight ( β  = 0.80, p  < 0.00). These correlations, which were determined to be statistically significant by MRA, are supported by CMA. In the PCA biplot analysis, ‘Daman-2’, ‘Daman-5’, ‘Daman-7’, ‘Karimabad-4’, ‘Padik-9’, ‘Sangan-2’, and ‘Sangan-4’ genotypes were identified as outliers with extreme combinations of fruit traits, falling outside the 95% confidence ellipse, suggesting their potential for breeding programs targeting unique features. This study emphasizes the importance of fruit-related traits, including size, weight, and soluble solids, in genotype differentiation and marketability. Heat map and PCA analyses provided a comprehensive framework for clustering variables and genotypes, identifying actionable targets for breeding. Notably, ‘Sangan-1’, ‘Sangan-2’, ‘Karimabad-1’, ‘Karimabad-2’, ‘Karimabad-3’, and ‘Karimabad-4’ were identified as very soft-seeded genotypes, highlighting their potential for consumer-preferred traits. These findings contribute to improving pomegranate breeding strategies by integrating genetic diversity with agronomic and market demands.

Background Türkiye hosts many important fruit species due to its geographical location and ecology. Hawthorn, which is highly beneficial for human health, is one of these significant fruit species. In the present study, 125 accessions of Crataegus azarolus L. were identified from different regions of hawthorn germplasm in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye in 2022 and 2023. This study was conducted to detect the morphological, pomological, and molecular genetic variations of the accessions. Results The examined accessions showed significant differences in morphological and pomological aspects (ANOVA, p  < 0.05). Among the accessions, the pH varied from 3.02 (‘G75’) to 3.99 (‘G55’), the soluble solids content changed between 8.19 (‘G108’) and 21.98 °Brix (‘G1’), the titratable acidity ranged from 0.69 (‘G3’) to 2.29% (‘G37’), and the ripening index varied from 4.33 (‘G107’) to 29.90 (‘G3’). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that fruit traits made the greatest contribution to the diversity among accessions, followed by leaf traits. In the scope of molecular analysis, a total of 195 bands were obtained from 15 inter simple sequence repeat primers (ISSR), and 191 of these bands were found to be polymorphic. The polymorphism rate ranged from 75 to 100%, with an average rate of 97.20%. The similarity index of the accessions ranged from 0.72 to 0.90. According to the quantitative data set, we identified twenty accessions (‘G21’, ‘G117’, ‘G104’, ‘G17’, ‘G11’, ‘G124’, ‘G23’, ‘G10’, ‘G125’, ‘G30’, ‘G2’, ‘G38’, ‘G115’, ‘G4’, ‘G111’, ‘G8’, ‘G35’, ‘G106’, ‘G97’, and ‘G52’, respectively) with superior qualities that can be used as parents in breeding programs or selected directly for cultivation. Conclusions It is believed that the findings from the studied accessions will provide valuable guidance for researchers aiming to understand the characteristics of hawthorn species and incorporate relevant genetic material or traits into modern plant breeding programs. In addition, the study is expected to make significant contributions to the literature on the evaluation and conservation of hawthorn genetic resources.

This research outlines the development of a specialized cultivar of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.), designed for dual purposes. The primary goal was to breed a variety well-adapted to specific environmental conditions, with a focus on producing poppy straw rich in morphine for industrial applications. Progeny evaluation was conducted using selection and pedigree methods, with morphological characteristics assessed according to UPOV TG 166/4 guidelines. Six years of selection resulted in the material becoming homogenized and stabilized. The progeny achieved an average morphine content of 1.31% to 1.55%, with the best lines reaching up to 2.00%. These stable lines formed the foundation for the approval process. Following successful evaluations in Slovak state variety trials, the cultivar Senmorteco was officially registered. This variety serves a dual purpose: producing poppy straw for morphine extraction and poppy seeds for food use.

Background During the pandemic, the interest in colorful wild small fruits increased due to their positive effects on health. Also it has become very important to offer species with high nutritional value as fresh or processed products for human consumption due to increasing world population and decreasing arable land. In this context, we characterized the horticultural characteristics of 11 rosehip genotypes grown from seeds. Results Citric acid was determined as the main organic acid in all the genotypes investigated. The mean values of the organic acids obtained from all the genotypes were found to be as follows: citric acid (7177 mg L –1 ), malic acid (3669 mg L –1 ), tartaric acid (1834 mg L –1 ), oxalic acid (1258 mg L –1 ), carboxylic acid (631.9 mg L –1 ), shikimic acid (157.8 mg L –1 ), ascorbic acid (155 mg L –1 ), and acetic acid (20.9 mg L –1 ). Ellagic acid was the dominant phenolic compound (90.1 mg L –1 – 96.2 mg L –1 ) in all genotypes. The average values obtained from all genotypes for total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were 37 261 mg GAE L –1 , 526.2 mg quercetin L –1, and 93.6%, respectively. These characteristics had the lowest coefficients of variation, which indicated that all genotypes were similar regarding high biochemical with antioxidant effect. In addition, fruit width, fruit length, and fruit weight varied between 13.0 and 17.3 mm, 20.7 and 25.5 mm, and 1.4 and 2.7 g, respectively. Conclusions The genotypes were categorized according to different purposes, such as suitability for wine production, making vinegar, etc. While the pomological characteristics were strongly positively correlated among themselves, they were generally found to be negatively correlated with the phytochemical characteristics. Categorizing genotypes according to different usage purposes can improve the agricultural and industrial application of rosehip and enhance their breeding efficacy.