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The evaluation of various desirable traits in eggplant genotypes has facilitated the efficient process of selecting and improving them. Morphological parameters have proven to be valuable in assessing the similarities or differences among different accessions, while molecular data have been used to support the conclusions drawn from the morphological analysis. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 42 eggplant genotypes collected from Malaysia, China, and Thailand. The characteristics under investigation were shown to be highly significant (p < 0.01) by analysis of variance (ANOVA). It was noted that the plants TV17 (5.59 kg) and MV18 (5.97 kg) produced large yields per plant. The SSR markers used exhibited moderate average values for the number of alleles (2.53). The major allele frequency displayed a high average value (0.53) and a moderate average number of effective alleles (2.31). Additionally, the observed Shannon’s information index, expected heterozygosity, and PIC were high (0.84, 0.54, and 0.45, respectively). Using the unweighted pair-group approach with arithmetic averages based on similarity matrices (UPGMA) Dendrogram, 42 accessions were sorted into five primary groups based on similarities. The findings of this study indicate that the use of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers can effectively estimate genetic diversity and analyze phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, these markers can assist eggplant breeders in selecting desirable quantitative traits within their breeding program.

Ginger is widely cultivated globally and considered the third most important spice crop due to its medicinal properties. It is cultivated for its therapeutic potential in treating different medical conditions and has been extensively researched for its pharmacological and biochemical properties. Despite its significant value, the potential for genetic improvement and sustainable cultivation has been largely ignored compared to other crop species. Similarly, ginger cultivation is affected by various biotic stresses such as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, leading to a significant reduction in its potential yields. Several techniques, such as micropropagation, germplasm conservation, mutation breeding, and transgenic have been extensively researched in enhancing sustainable ginger production. These techniques have been utilized to enhance the quality of ginger, primarily due to its vegetative propagation mode. However, the ginger breeding program has encountered challenges due to the limited genetic diversity. In the selection process, it is imperative to have a broad range of genetic variations to allow for an efficient search for the most effective plant types. Despite a decline in the prominence of traditional mutation breeding, induced mutations remain extremely important, aided by a range of biotechnological tools. The utilization of in vitro culture techniques serves as a viable alternative for the propagation of plants and as a mechanism for enhancing varietal improvement. This review synthesizes knowledge on limitations to ginger cultivation, conservation, utilization of cultivated ginger, and the prospects for varietal improvement.

Induced mutation for the creation of desirable traits through chronic gamma irradiation provides an opportunity for the selection and development of new chili varieties. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different doses of chronic gamma irradiation on morpho-physiological traits in chili. Ten plants from each variety were exposed to different doses of chronic gamma irradiation for 277.02 h at three weeks after germination under gamma greenhouse facilities, with accumulative dose; 185.61Gy, 83.11Gy, 47.096Gy, 30.474Gy, 19.4Gy, 13.9Gy, 11.1Gy, 8.31Gy, 5.54Gy) and 2.77Gy respectively. Highly significant differences were observed among doses (Rings) of chronic gamma irradiation expressed in mean values for all investigated traits. Relatively moderate doses of chronic gamma irradiation represented by doses 47.096 Gy (Ring 4) and 19.40 Gy (Ring 6) resulted in significant stimulation for most of the studied characters. The highest heritability was recorded in days to flowering at 99.88 while the lowest was observed in fruit dry weight at 34.66 %. High genetic advance were recorded for most of the quantitative traits studied. In addition, a highly significant positive correlation was observed between total fruit per plant, total number of fruit per plant, plant height, fruit fresh weight, number of secondary branches, chlorophyll a, fruit dry weight, total chlorophyll content, stem diameter, fruit length and fruit girth. With increasing chronic gamma dose, mutagenic efficiency and efficacy generally increased. Induced variety of desirable features will considerably increase the chilli's amelioration through mutation breeding, leading to the development of improved varieties. The results of this research offer valuable information for the use of chronic gamma radiation in the mutations breeding of Capsicum annuum L., which will be advantageous for future breeding programs.

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and blast are among the most destructive diseases of rice. In order to develop new varieties that can resist various races of the pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Magnaporthe oryzae, which cause these two diseases, respectively, it is important to identify suitable markers and a marker-aided selection strategy. Seventeen foreground microsatellites associated with resistance against BLB and blast were screened for polymorphism for possible adoption in a breeding program for resistant cultivar development. A total of 472 background simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were also screened for polymorphism in order to recover the recurrent parent genome. All 72 F1 progenies were also analysed with the 17 foreground and 472 background markers in comparison to the alleles of their parents. The markers were validated using 218 BC2F2 plants. The result revealed six tightly linked polymorphic foreground markers (Xa21FR, pTA248, Xa13prom, MP, RM21 and RM13) associated with resistance against Xoo pathotype P7.7 and two microsatellites (RM6836 and RM8225) associated with resistance against blast pathotype P7.2. A total of 79 polymorphic background markers were identified for recovering the recurrent parent genome. The result also showed that the markers had goodness of fit (blast resistance) to 1:2:1 ratio for single gene model in BC2F2 progenies. These genetically confirmed microsatellite markers were recommended for use in marker-assisted backcross breeding and other marker-assisted selection of BLB and blast resistance genes in order to develop varieties with durable and broad spectrum resistance against the two major rice diseases.

Exploring the genetic aspects of germplasm using genotypic and phenotypic analysis is more reliable for the development of rice varieties that could lead to the attainment of food security. This is because genetic variations provide a space for recombinants, which is an important factor in new varietal development. This study was conducted to evaluate genetic variability and diversity among 32 coloured rice accessions using agro-morphological characteristics and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Quantitative traits (morphological, grain quality and antioxidant properties) and 34 SSR molecular markers were used as tools for determining cultivar identities and genetic diversity. Most of the quantitative traits showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) among all rice accessions. Clustering analysis from quantitative traits categorised the accessions into four groups. Similarly, the 32 accessions were grouped into 4 cluster groups based on the analysis of 34 SSR markers. The accessions YTM15, Pulut Merah 3, Padi Randau, Ringan Bawang, DNJ128 and DV 107 can be potentially selected for development of new varieties for local cultivation. Finally, these accessions can be used as parents in further breeding programmes.

Marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding are very important breeding strategies for conferring broad spectrum and durable resistance against diseases causing yield loss in rice. One such disease causing major set backs in rice production is bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by the pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Molecular markers are very essential in both marker-assisted selection and pyramiding of genes, hence, many molecular marker techniques have already been developed. Presently, the most commonly used ones are DNA-based markers also known as molecular markers. The molecular markers are classified into two major categories based on the techniques used for detecting them. These are hybridization and polymerase chain reaction-based markers. Other types of markers available include the morphological (traditionally based) and biochemical (enzyme-based) markers. Host plant/varietal resistance is the most suitable means for controlling BLB disease of rice. Marker-assisted gene pyramiding has the potential to accelerate the breeding programmes and guarantee the durability of resistance conferred in the host plant. Therefore, this paper uncovers the utilization, economic importance, limitations and future prospects of marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding for resistance to BLB disease of rice.

Water management is rapidly becoming one of the most pressing issues facing all countries in semi-arid and arid parts of the world. Global water consumption is predicted to increase by 50% in 2030, resulting in an acute water shortage. Presently, the agricultural sector consumes more than 70% of freshwater in most regions of the world, putting more pressure on water scarcity. Hydrogels are superabsorbent polymers that can hold plant nutrients and water when the soil around plant roots starts to dry out. Research evidence has revealed that water stored by hydrogel slowly returns to the soil, thereby increasing the volumetric water content of the soil. Hydrogel increases water use efficiency and irrigation intervals, decreases irrigation costs, and provides plants with the required nutrients and moisture. Numerous properties of hydrogels, including moderate water retention and high swelling, make them ideal as a safe delivery mechanism in agriculture for soil conditioners and agents for the controlled release of fertilizers. Numerous research publications on hydrogel polymer synthesis and its characteristics have been published. However, the current review emphasizes the critical role of superabsorbent hydrogels in an integrated approach for the balanced protection of seeds, plants, and soil to conserve the ecosystem.

Eggplant is an essential vegetable crop that is rich in health-related compounds, and the content of these compounds can be increased through grafting. It was reported that grafting with vigorous wild relatives’ rootstocks can improve eggplant’s fruit quality. The study was conducted to investigate the fruit yield, composition and physicochemical traits of Solanum melongena ME, CE, NE and TE scions grafted on wild relatives’ rootstocks of ST, SM and SI. The results show that a notable graft success (100%) was recorded in grafted (TE/ST) and self-grafted (TE/TE) plants using the cleft technique. Growth and yield traits indicated that CE and TE scions grafted onto ST, SM and SI showed better performance in all of the traits mentioned above in an open field across two years, except first flower formation which was displayed on non-grafted CE. In all the rootstocks studied—ST, SM and SI—there was no noticeable effect on carbohydrate, fibre, ash, pH and dry matter content. There was a notable effect of grafting ME/ST, CE/ST, ME/SM, CE/SI, ME/SI, ME/SI and NE/SM on the fruit length, fruit width, total soluble solids, fruit firmness and fat and protein content, respectively. Furthermore, antioxidants such as DPPH (ME/SM), total flavonoids (NE/SM) and total phenolics (TE/SI) had remarkable content of the above-mentioned physicochemical properties. Results show that ST, SM and SI represent a viable rootstock alternative to Solanum melongena or Solanum lycopersicum production.

Eggplant is the fifth economically most important vegetable in the Solanaceae family after tomato, potato, chili, and tobacco. Apart from the well-cultivated brinjal or aubergine eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), two other underutilized eggplant species, the African eggplant (S. macrocarpon L.) and the scarlet eggplant (S. aethiopicum L.), were also cultivated with local importance where the leaves and fruits are used for food and medicinal purposes. The major objectives of the eggplant breeding program are to improve fruit quality, increase yield performance through heterosis breeding, and introduce pest and disease resistances from wild relatives. Europe and Asia hold a wide collection of germplasm resources with significant potential for genetic improvement. While cultivated eggplant is susceptible to several fungi and bacteria, many wild relatives offer potential resistance to these pathogens. In this paper, we review the genetic resources and diversity of cultivated eggplant and its wild relatives. As a point of departure, we examine the economic importance, domestication, taxonomy characterization, and relationships of the crop and its wild relatives. The importance of evaluating and safeguarding wild relatives is highlighted, as crop wild relatives are highly underrepresented. A key section in this study is an overview dedicated to genetic resources, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, pre-breeding, and breeding for sustainable eggplant production.

This study was conducted to assess the Elaeidobius kamerunicus (EK) population density among the biparental dura × pisifera hybrids’ palms on deep peat-soil. Twenty-four hybrids derived from 10 genetic sources were used. Variance analysis showed that the EK population density varies between different oil palm hybrids, with a more noticeable variation of a low population mean in the male weevil across the hybrids. The highest weevil population mean/spikelet was attained on the third day of anthesis. The maximum monthly population of EK/spikelet (12.81 ± 0.23) and population density of EK (1846.49 ± 60.69) were recorded in January. Accordingly, 41.67% of the hybrids recorded an EK population density greater than the trial means of 973.68 weevils. Hybrid ECPHP550 had the highest mean of EK/spikelet (10.25 ± 0.11) and the highest population density of EK/palm (1241.39 ± 73.74). The parental mean population was 963.24 weevils and parent Deli-Banting × AVROS recorded the highest EK population density (1173.01). The overall results showed a notable disparity in the EK population among the biparental hybrids. Parental Deli-Banting × AVROS and hybrid ECPHP550 could be more useful to optimize the weevil population for pollination improvements in palm plantations. However, we suggest that volatile production should be included as a desirable trait in oil palm selective breeding.

Grafting is regarded as an integral component of sustainable vegetable production. It is important in the management of soil-borne diseases, and reports suggest that grafting with viable rootstocks can enhance crop growth and yield. This research was conducted using splices and cleft grafting techniques to investigate graft compatibility among varieties of high yielding eggplant scion (MCV1, MCV2, CCV1, CCV2, CCV3, NCV, and TCV) grafted onto wild rootstocks (MWR, BWR, and TWR) to study their morphophysiological and yield characteristics. High yielding scions grafted onto wild relative rootstocks were compared with two controls including self-grafted and non-grafted. All the scion had a high rate of germination (≥95%) and remarkable graft success (100%) was recorded in MCV1, MCV2, and TCV using the cleft techniques. Generally, the use of rootstocks resulted in higher total and marketable fruit yield compared to the non-grafted and self-grafted scion plants, respectively. In particular, MWR and TWR rootstock conferred the highest vigour to the scion, resulting in the highest values recorded for total and marketable fruit yield, number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight. A similar result was obtained in fruit length and diameter, where long and wide fruits were observed in scions grafted onto MWR and TWR rootstocks, respectively. Grafting of high yielding eggplant scion onto resistant MWR, BWR and TWR eggplant rootstock was found to be beneficial for eggplant cultivation. The remarkable compatibility and vigour of the rootstock with scion led to the improvement in total and marketable yield of the fruits. As such, it can be concluded that the use of wild relative rootstocks of eggplant species can be a valuable method of improving eggplant production.

The most vital aspect of marker-assisted backcross breeding is the recurrent parent genome recovery. This enables the selection of only parents with recovered recipient/recurrent parent genome in addition to the targeted genes. The recurrent parent genome recovery (RPGR) ensures that non-desirable genomic segments are removed while the gene of interest is sustained in the recombined progenies without further segregations. This work was aimed at quantifying the RPGR of backcross populations with introgression of bacterial leaf blight resistance genes. Putra-1, a Malaysian elite variety, high yielding with inherent resistance to blast but susceptible to bacterial leaf blight (BLB), was crossed with IRBB60 which is resistant to BLB disease. The IRBB60 has four Xoo resistance genes—Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa21. Tightly linked polymorphic functional and SSR markers were used for foreground selection at every stage of backcrossing to select progenies with introgressed target genes. Background selection was done to quantify the percentage of RPGR in the selected lines using 79 confirmed polymorphic microsatellites. Result obtained showed that the percentage of RPGR was 80.11% at BC1F1, 95.30% at BC2F1 and 95.9% at BC2F2. The introgression of Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa21 Xoo resistance genes were faster through the adopted marker-assisted backcross breeding compared to what could be obtained through conventional breeding. All the 16 selected lines displayed resistance to BLB with three lines showing high resistance to the disease. The blast resistance contained in the genetic background of Putra-1 was also sustained in all the selected lines. The newly developed lines were recommended as new rice varieties for commercial cultivation.

Currently, the global agricultural system is focused on a limited number of crop species, thereby presenting a threat to food security and supply, especially with predicted global climate change conditions. The importance of ‘underutilized’ crop species in meeting the world’s demand for food has been duly recognized by research communities, governments and policy makers worldwide. The development of underutilized crops, with their vast genetic resources and beneficial traits, may be a useful step towards solving food security challenges by offering a multifaceted agricultural system that includes additional important food resources. Bambara groundnut is among the beneficial underutilized crop species that may have a positive impact on global food security through organized and well-coordinated multidimensional breeding programs. The excessive degrees of allelic difference in Bambara groundnut germplasm could be exploited in breeding activities to develop new varieties. It is important to match recognized breeding objectives with documented diversity in order to significantly improve breeding. This review assesses the genetic diversity of Bambara groundnut, as well as important factors involved in realizing and harnessing the potential of this crop.