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Background: Pistachio twig borer [Kermania pistaciella Amsel, 1964 (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)] is one of the most important pests of pistachio that opens galleries in the shoots and causes blind and sparse-grained clusters and all these damage fruit clusters. However, the infestation rates and cardinal direction preference are unknown for the pest. Methods: This study determined infestation rate and cardinal direction preference of K. pistaciella in pistachio orchards during 2019 and 2020. The orchards located in in 25 different locations, i.e., Birecik, Bozova, Ceylanpınar, Eyyübiye, Halfeti, Haliliye, Hilvan and Karaköprü districts Şanlıurfa province Turkey. Surveys were carried out in three or four orchards representing each district included in the study. Twenty-five trees were randomly selected from each orchard and one shoot from each side of the tree was collected (100 shoots per orchard) for determining infestation and cardinal directional preference. A total 2500 shoots were observed from the study area and infestation was recorded. Results: The highest infestation rate was recorded for Yaslıca village in Bozova district (70%) during 2019, and Göklü village of Halfeti and Akziyaret village in Karaköprü district (29%) during 2020. The lowest infestation rate (2%) was noted for Akrepli village of Ceylanpınar district during both years of the study. Bozova and Halfeti were the most infested districts compared to the rest of the districts included in the study. The highest and the lowest infestation rate was recorded for north and west directions, respectively during both years of study. The average of two years data revealed that infestation rate for the shoots collected from the north direction was 23.68%, while it 20.33% for the shoots collected form west direction. Statistical analysis revealed non-significant difference for infestation rates of the shoots collected from different directions (χ2 = 0,9468; p = 0,8141). Conclusion: The results revealed that all tree directions should be considered for the application of management practices since the pest does not prefer a specific direction. The cost of chemical control is high, but the efficacy is low, which necessitates alternative control methods for the management of the pest.

Wheat production losses due to boron (B) toxicity can be reduced by breeding and growing modern wheat cultivars with a greater tolerance to high B. However, breeding of tolerant genotypes is possible by identifying B-tolerant wheat genetic resources and understanding their underlying molecular mechanism. Triticum dicoccum, despite being one of the oldest cultivated wheat species, mostly remained neglected and has been less explored for its potential towards abiotic stresses. In this study, for the first time, we report a B-toxicity-tolerant T. dicoccum genotype, PI94655, and its transcriptomic response towards high-B treatment (10 mM B) using RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR. More than 450 genes were significantly differentially expressed in the shoots of PI94655 under high B. A total 3237 novel genes and 12,206 novel transcripts were determined in the study. AP2-EREBP, MYB, and C3H were the families with the highest percentages of differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) under B toxicity. Interestingly, KEGG pathway photosynthesis–antenna proteins showed the most significant enrichment. The obtained results suggested potential candidate genes that can be focused on to improve wheat tolerance to high B in future breeding programs. These genes can be functionally characterized to elucidate their role in providing tolerance to high B.

The effects of feeding rabbits a diet that includes wheat enriched with anthocyanins were examined in this study. In addition to the animal's performance, the basic carcass yield indicators and the basic indicators of the clinical biochemistry were also evaluated. The experiment was carried out using 18 HYLA female rabbits. The trial was performed at the age of 42 to 103 days. The experimental group (n = 9) received a pelleted feed mixture containing 15% PS Karkulka wheat. The control group (n = 9) received a pelleted feed mixture containing the common wheat variety Vanessa with a minimal anthocyanin content. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the control and experimental group in the live weight on the 103rd day. The same trend was found in the average weight gain per trial and in the feed conversion ratio. The average feed consumption was higher (P < 0.05) in the control group compared to the experimental group. There was also a higher (P < 0.05) carcass weight in the control group of the rabbits compared to the experimental group. There were no differences in the percentage carcass yield between the groups. The biochemical indicators and antioxidant activities did not differ between the two groups of rabbits (P > 0.05). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the use of 15% PS Karkulka wheat in the feed ration for HYLA broiler rabbits was safe and may be fed to broiler rabbits.

Low availability of native soil phosphorus (P) is a major constraint limiting sustainable crop production especially in alkaline calcareous soils. Application of organic manure in this regard has gained attention of the scientific community. Yet, the potential of fermented animal manure in improving P use efficiency and subsequent crop yield has not been assessed. This pot experiment was designed to study the performance of wheat under application of non-fermented and fermented animal manure in combination with 0, 45 or 90 kg·ha−1 phosphorus in the form of diammonium phosphate (DAP). Results show that non-fermented animal manure and split dose of phosphorus fertilizer improved plant quantitative attributes including plant growth, yield and nutrient uptake parameters. However, the placement of fermented animal manure combined with the full amount of P (90 kg·ha−1) fertilizer gave the mean highest value of fertile tillers per pot (12) and their grain yield (5.2 g). Moreover, plant physiological parameters were enhanced with fermented animal manure and the recommended rate of P fertilizer compared with the control. Likewise, the biochemical properties of wheat grain such as fat, fiber, ash and protein contents were increased by 1.24, 2.26, 1.47 and 11.2%, respectively, in plants receiving fermented animal manure and P fertilizer (90 kg·ha−1). Furthermore, co-application of fermented animal manure with P (90 kg·ha−1) into soil improved phosphorus uptake from 0.72 to 1.25 g·pot−1, phosphorus usage efficiency from 0.715 to 0.856 mg·pot−1, and soil phosphorus extent from 7.58 to 16.1% over controls. It is thus inferred that this new approach resulted in release of P from fermented manure that not only reduced fixation but also enhanced the growth, yield, physiology and nutrient uptake in wheat.

Legume cultivation, especially the clover species, has shown promoting effects on soil biological properties. However, the ways in which various clover species contribute to beneficial plant-rhizosphere soil interactions have remained neglected in the past. Therefore, we performed a field experiment to assess and compare the species-specific influence of five different clover species on plant traits, microbial soil health indicators, namely soil enzymes, microbial biomass and abundance and their potential nutrient cycling abilities under rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. For this, soil samples from bulk soil and rhizosphere of each clover species were collected and analyzed for soil enzymes including β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, phosphatase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, and urease and microbial communities’ abundance. Results revealed that the soil biological properties were more affected in the rhizosoil than in the bulk soil, although the individual legume crop variants differed in the rate and extent of the differential impact on either rhizosoil or bulk soil. The most significantly affected species-specific properties were ammonium oxidizing bacteria and phosphorus-solubilizing microbiota in the rhizosoil of white clover and alsike clover variants, whereas the least impact was exerted by sweet clover. The biological properties of rhizosoil showed a significant effect on the plant qualitative and quantitative properties. We further detected antagonism among N and P + K transfer from the rhizosoil to plants, which influenced above ground and root biomass. Overall, these results suggest that the positive effects of clover species cultivation on rhizosphere soil properties are species specific.

Bentonite-based organic amendments may have the potential to enhance soil microbial properties. The experiment was carried out from 2014 to 2017 comprising four treatments: NPK fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium mineral fertilizer as a control), NPK + cattle manure, NPK + bentonite, and NPK + combination of manure with bentonite (MB) to verify this hypothesis. The effect of treatments on seven different soil microbial properties was measured: dehydrogenase activity (DHA), bacterial phospholipid fatty acid content, fungal phospholipid fatty acid content, microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), 16S rDNA, 18S rDNA, and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in soil. The results showed that solely bentonite treatment increases the bacterial and fungal biomass, which was further confirmed by the increased 16S rDNA and 18s rDNA gene copy numbers. The only significantly decreased values upon treatment with solely bentonite were recorded for DHA and Cmic. The ammonia-oxidizing bacteria population increased with the sole application of bentonite and reached its maximum value when bentonite was applied with manure. The MB treatment showed the highest value for all seven measured properties. In summary, the application of bentonite solely might increase or decrease the soil activity, but its addition, along with manure, always promotes an abundance of soil microorganisms and their activity. The co-application of bentonite with manure altered the soil microbial properties in a 3-year field experiment in favor of increased microbial biomass, which is beneficial for agriculture and environment and reveals the potential for the restoration of polluted lands.

Background: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the most cultivated cool-season cereal after wheat in Türkiye. This can be attributed to its uses in the malt industry, human consumption, and animal nutrition etc. This study investigated yield, physiological, and quality traits of different barley varieties using heatmap and principal component analysis (PCA) technique to identify the varieties with better yield and superior quality. Methods: A total of 12 barley varieties (8 two-row and 4 six-row) were used in the study. The varieties were sown under natural conditions and data relating to yield, phenology and quality traits (grain yield, heading time, plant height, number of spikes m−2, 1000-grain weight, and starch ratio) were recorded. The recorded data were analyzed by PCA and heatmap techniques to determine the better-performing varieties. Results: Significant variations were observed among the tested varieties for all evaluated traits (p

Abstract Background Several WRKY transcription factors (TFs), including CaWRKY6, CaWRKY22, CaWRKY27, and CaWRKY40 are known to govern the resistance of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants to Ralstonia solanacearum infestation (RSI) and other abiotic stresses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain elusive. Methods This study functionally described CaWRKY3 for its role in pepper immunity against RSI. The roles of phytohormones in mediating the expression levels of CaWRKY3 were investigated by subjecting pepper plants to 1 mM salicylic acid (SA), 100 µM methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and 100 µM ethylene (ETH) at 4-leaf stage. A virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) approach based on the Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) was used to silence CaWRKY3 in pepper, and transiently over-expressed to infer its role against RSI. Results Phytohormones and RSI increased CaWRKY3 transcription. The transcriptions of defense-associated marker genes, including CaNPR1, CaPR1, CaDEF1, and CaHIR1 were decreased in VIGS experiment, which made pepper less resistant to RSI. Significant hypersensitive (HR)-like cell death, H2O2 buildup, and transcriptional up-regulation of immunological marker genes were noticed in pepper when CaWRKY3 was transiently overexpressed. Transcriptional activity of CaWRKY3 was increased with overexpression of CaWRKY6, CaWRKY22, CaWRKY27, and CaWRKY40, and vice versa. In contrast, Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) was easily repelled by the innate immune system of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana that overexpressed CaWRKY3. The transcriptions of defense-related marker genes like AtPR1, AtPR2, and AtNPR1 were increased in CaWRKY3-overexpressing transgenic A. thaliana plants. Conclusion It is concluded that CaWRKY3 favorably regulates phytohormone-mediated synergistic signaling, which controls cell death in plant and immunity of pepper plant against bacterial infections.

Strigolactones (SLs) are a comparatively novel class of phytohormones that are involved in the maintenance of plant architecture with key regulation of lateral branching. They are also reported to play an important role in regulating plant responses to various abiotic stresses. The potential of SLs to improve crop resilience and productivity needs to be effectively translated into agriculture. Therefore, both the endogenous biosynthesis of SLs and their exogenous application need to be thoroughly investigated to understand and exploit the mechanism underlying the alleviation of abiotic stress responses. Although several reviews have emphasised the biosynthesis of SLs in plants under abiotic stress, the mechanism underlying the alleviation of stress responses upon exogenous application has been less explored. Accordingly, in this review, although we have briefly discussed the beneficial effects of endogenous production of SLs in different sections, our main focus is to summarise the influence of exogenous SLs on the growth and development of different plant species grown under various abiotic stresses, including drought, nutrient, heavy metal, and salinity stress. Apart from providing an overview of the transcriptomic studies conducted to observe the alleviating effects of SLs on abiotic stress responses, the research gaps in this field were briefly discussed. The review provides insight for researchers to conduct further research on SLs and fill the gap so that they can be effectively used for sustainable agriculture.

Abstract Background Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a crop with a wide range of uses, from the production of fiber and seeds to the secondary metabolites for medicinal purposes. In addition, it is characterized by high biomass yield and the ability to accumulate heavy metals, which makes this plant convenient for phytoremediation purposes. In this study, the effect of applying exogenous biodegradable chelating agents, citric acid (CA) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), to zinc-contaminated soil on zinc (Zn) uptake by two industrial hemp varieties ‘Felina 32’ and ‘Monoica’ was studied. The effect of CA and NTA on available Zn in soils was investigated using an ‘in pot’ experiment under controlled conditions. The effect of both tested compounds on soil microbial activity was simultaneously evaluated. Results After the application of NTA at a concentration of 5 mmol L−1, a > threefold increased accumulation of Zn in the above-ground parts was recorded in the ‘Felina 32’ variety. In the ‘Monoica’ variety, the levels of Zn in the above-ground parts were increased > twofold. NTA affected the soil microbiome negatively, causing decreased enzyme activity (in ‘Monoica’ planted soil) and induced respiration (in ‘Monoica’ and especially in ‘Felina 32’ planted soil). On the other hand, CA application did not lead to significantly increased Zn levels in any of the studied hemp varieties. Together with CA’s negative effects on some soil enzymes, CA enhanced urease activity, dehydrogenase and several respiration types for the ‘Felina 32’ variety and exerted less detrimental effect on the soil microbiome. No toxic effects from increased Zn uptake and accumulation in experimental plants were detected, accounting for the unchanged physiological stress markers (levels of photosynthetic pigments and proline in leaves, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters) and selected growth traits of the above-ground organs and root system. Conclusions From the studied varieties, ‘Felina 32’ seems to be more suitable for Zn-phytoextraction because of its higher tolerance to increased Zn levels, higher biomass production and Zn accumulation capacity. Our results indicate the potential of using the ‘Felina 32’ variety in NTA-assisted Zn phytoextraction from contaminated soils. Graphical Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the rheological and fermentation behavior of doughs prepared from five different colored wheat varieties (black AF Zora, yellow KM 111-18, purple AF Jumiko, blue AF Oxana and red Vanessa – chosen as a standard), which contain polyphenolics in the outer layers of grains. Three wholemeal flour fractions (fine, semi-coarse and coarse) were used for each variety. The flour fractions differed in the particle size of the bran, the ash content and thus the phenolic compound content. The baking trials, texture and sensory analyses of breads were performed, to assess their overall acceptability.The coarser granulation of flour fractions, average hardness (8.587>77%), cohesiveness (78>75>70%) and resilience (35>32>27%) decreased. Moreover, the increase in off-flavors was detected with higher bran content. Regarding the flour granulation, the fine fraction seemed to be the most suitable due to its high gas-retention capacity. The best products in terms of both dough and bread quality reached blue AF Oxana and yellow KM 111-18.Utilization of colored wheat in bakery industry may present a good strategy of providing value-added products to the consumers.

Grain hardness is an important quality trait of cereals. In the present work, the particle size index (PSI) was used to assess the variability in grain hardness of thirteen triticale genotypes, three wheat genotypes and one rye genotype grown in two subsequent seasons. The PSI values of the triticale samples ranged between 7.7 to 19.2%, representing a medium hard to a very hard grain. Moreover, the sequencing of genes in the Hardness (Ha) locus revealed a limited genetic variability in the grain hardness genes, namely secaloindoline-a (Sina) and secaloindoline-b (Sinb). Two possible new allelic variants were identified, one for each of the secaloindoline genes. The existing variability in the grain hardness as well as polymorphisms in its candidate genes are a good starting point for efforts in breeding new varieties of triticale with improved grain hardness.

The effect of feeding colored wheat varieties (PS Karkulka and Skorpion) on chicken´s performance and texture, color and sensory characteristics of broiler chicken´s meat were evaluated in this study. The experiment was performed with 66 of Ross 308 cockerels. Cockerels were divided into three equal groups. The two experimental groups received feed mixtures containing 40% of wheats with different grain colour: groups PS Karkulka (n = 22) with PS Karkulka wheat cultivar and Skorpion (n = 22) with Skorpion cultivar. The third group (n = 22) had 40% of common wheat Vánek cultivar (Control). The live weight of broilers between all three groups was not significant different, as well as carcass yield and chemical composition of breast and thigh meat of chickens. In the parameter Razor Shear Force was found statistically significant higher breast meat tenderness in PS Karkulka against Control and Skorpion groups. In parameters L* and b* of colour of the meat samples was found statistically significant higher value in L* parameter in Skorpion group and b* parameter was higher in Control group. The total colour change was 2.25 and 2.53 for PS Karkulka and Skorpion group, respectively. In sensory analysis of broilers breast muscle was found statistically significant differences in odour, colour, fibreness, chewiness, juiciness and flavour parameter. The fatty taste parameter was non-significant. The odour parameter of chicken´s breast muscle was significantly lower in Skorpion group against PS Karkulka and Control groups. The significantly most intense colour of breast muscle was found in Control group versus Skorpion and PS Karkulka groups (91.71 mm, 79.71 mm and 71.15 mm, respectively). The fibreness parameter was significantly higher for Control group, as well. Significantly higher chewiness of breast meat was in Control (68.49 mm) than PS Karkulka (52.02 mm) and Skorpion (43.32 mm) group. The feeding of wheat cultivars with different grain pigmentation had no effect on performance parameters of broiler chicken´s as well as to it´s body and chemical composition of breast and thigh meat in this study.

The experiment included testing of rheological properties of dough as well as the baking quality of bread flour and bran obtained by grinding coloured wheat grains with purple pericarp (cultivars Rosso, Konini and PS Karkulka) and blue aleurone (cv. Scorpion). Common wheat cv. Mulan was used for comparison. Formulas containing 10, 15 and 20% of bran were prepared. The addition of bran increased the water loss during baking by an average of 1.28%, specific volume of bread decreased by 2 to 10 mL, and the ratio number decreased from 0.57 to 0.51. The dynamic oscillatory rheometry simulated processes occurring during baking. A higher content of bran increased the complex viscosity of dough. In the initial stages of heating, the increasing presence of bran promoted dough weakening. Starch gelatinization was also influenced by the content of bran.

Landfills are the most broadly used methods for the disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). Leachate can be contaminated with pollutants that may pose a threat to the landfill surrounding namely soil, groundwater and surface waters.. Examination of leachate composition is determinative in long-term impact of landfills on the environment and human health. Moreover, it is essential to assess such prior knowledge for prevention of negative outcomes. The evaluation of the seasonal changes of landfill leachate and rainwater composition is presented in this paper. Research samples of leachate and rainwater were collected from February till June of 2017 (still ongoing) and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, series of trace elements, Subsequently the test of leachate toxicity for higher plants (Sinapis alba L.) was carried out. Up to now, the results do not indicate significant seasonal difference in landfill leachate composition, however the toxicity tests provided on Sinapis alba L. demonstrate that landfill leachates can present a significant source of contamination. This research can serve practical tools for evaluating quality and risk assessment for landfill leachate.

Paprika powder, chili powder, and black pepper are among the most frequently used spices in the world. The Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions were identified by high sequence similarity with the ITS regions of many microscopic fungi, especially representatives of the phylum Ascomycota, from 18 different spice samples that were examined. However, supplied quality certificates indicated that 10 of the 18 samples had no contamination present and were safe for human consumption. The various genera of fungi that were identified from the spices are considered to be a food safety concern as they are able to produce mycotoxins. Qualitative detection was supplemented by positive detection of viable fungal DNA using qPCR for the genera Aspergillus/Penicillium in two paprika powder and black pepper samples. These results concurred with the control analysis using axenic cultures. The described methods can be used for routine testing of spices to provide safe spices and other products to consumers.

The aim of this study was to determine the total anthocyanin content and firmness of three spring wheat varieties Triticum aestivum L. (Vanek, UC66049 and Konini) and evaluate the relationship between its flour and texture parameters of the dough and bun. Total anthocyanin content in grain varieties varied from 6.70 to 47.63 mg.kg–1. In colored wheat was observed approximately seven times more content compared with the control. The highest firmness was obtained in purple (27.62 N) and the lowest in blue grain (22.31 N). The lowest stickiness was found in blue wheat dough and therefore, it would be more suitable for manufacturing. Blue wheat decreased the dough cohesiveness and work of adhesion. The crumb hardness was significantly lowest in blue batch (P < 0.01) in 100 and 90 % concentration and in 80 % mixture was control significantly highest (P < 0.01). The lower addition of colored wheat flour increased bun springiness. In 100 % and 90 % concentrations were highest values of gumminess observed in purple batch and lowest in blue, but in 80 % concentration was control highest and purple batch was lowest and the same tendency was observed in bun chewiness.

In this study, we assessed the content of chlorophyll a and b, β-carotene and lutein in seeds of carrot, celery, dill, parsley and parsnip commercial varieties by spectrophotometric method. It was determined that the content of chlorophyll a was higher than chlorophyll b and both differed significantly between plant species and varieties. The highest amounts of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, β-carotene and lutein were detected in parsley “Olomoucka dlouha”. The lowest amounts of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, β-carotene and no lutein were detected in celery “Nuget”, however, very low amount of lutein was detected in the parsley cultivars “Atika” and “Orbis”. The content of β-carotene was higher than that of lutein in most varieties. The individual pigment contents were compared to seed quality parameters such as standard laboratory germination and seedling emergence. Negative correlation between energy of germination and pigments and positive correlation between seedling emergence and pigments in the parsnip and parsley varieties was observed. Determination the content of pigments and correlations observed the possibility to use spectrophotometry to evaluate the pigments present in the seeds as an indicator of seed quality.

The impact of colored wheat bran addition on bread quality was tested on wheat varieties with purple pericarp (Konini, Rosso and Karkulka) and on a variety containing blue aleurone (Skorpion). The effect of 10 %, 15 % and 20 % bran addition on sensory evaluation, bread color and texture was compared to the characteristics of bread prepared from wheat variety Mulan. The addition of 10 % bran significantly increased the sensory evaluation scores of bread. Crumb characteristics were improved mainly by the addition of 10 % bran. Moreover, top-quality bread contained bran separated from wheat variety Konini.

The feeding effect of of three spring wheat genotypes (Vánek, Konini and UC66049) with different grain colour on growth performance, body composition and meat quality parameters of broiler chickens was tested. Ninety chickens were divided into three groups (control, Konini and UC) with 30 chickens in each. The tested genotypes were compares with standard variety Vánek (control) with common (red) grain colour. The two experimental groups received feed mixtures containing 38.2% of wheats with different grain colour: groups Konini (n = 30) and UC (n = 30) with. The third group (n = 30) had 38.2% of common wheat Vánek cultivar (Control group). The live weight of chickens between the experimental groups and control group was not significant different, as well as body composition and chemical analysis of breast and thigh meat of chickens. The feeding of wheat with different grain colour had no effect on performance parameters of broiler chickens. Breast meat tenderness according to the Razor Blade Shear Force was higher in control group against experimental groups. The colour change was not significantly different in all coordinates. pH values (measured after 1-hour post mortem) were found significantly higher in the group fattening with Konini wheat than control and UC groups. Chickens meat from the experimental group was characterised by steady overall quality. The effect of various feeding had no effect on meat quality in terms of relevance to consumers.

Grain hardness is one of the most important quality characteristics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It is a significant property of wheat grains and relates to milling quality and end product quality. Grain hardness is caused by the presence of puroindoline genes (Pina and Pinb). A collection of 25 genotypes of wheat with unusual grain colour (blue aleurone, purple and white pericarp, yellow endosperm) was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diversity within Pina and Pinb (alleles: Pina-D1a, Pina-D1b, Pinb-D1a, Pinb- -D1b, Pinb-D1c and Pinb-D1d). The endosperm structure was determined by a non-destructive method using light transfl ectance meter and grain hardness by a texture analyser. Genotype Novosibirskaya 67 and isogenic ANK lines revealed hitherto unknown alleles at the locus for the annealing of primers of Pinb-D1. Allele Pinb-D1c was found to be absent from each genotype. The mealy endosperm ranged from 0 to 100 % and grain hardness from 15.10 to 26.87 N per sample.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is productively affected by different environmental factors, including biotic and abiotic stress. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the genetic distinction among Kurdish rice genotypes using the simple sequence repeats (SSRs) molecular markers and to perform in vitro tests to characterize the drought tolerance of six local rice genotypes. The polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.38 to 0.84 with an average of 0.56. The genetic distance ranged from 0.33 to 0.88. Drought stress had a significant impact (p ≤ 0.05) on callus growth parameters. Enzymatic antioxidant systems were predicted and exhibited a significant variation. The findings revealed that proline levels increase in proportion to polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations. Kalar and Gwll Swr genotypes showed the worst performances in phenotypic and biochemical traits, while Choman and Shawre exhibited the best phenotypic and biochemical performances. A positive and substantial relationship between callus fresh weight (CFW) and callus dry weight (CDW) was found under stressful and optimized conditions. Callus induction (CI) was positively and significantly associated with the catalase activity (CAT) in all stressed treatments. Based on the results for callus growth and the biochemical parameters under stress conditions, a remarkable genotype distinction, based on the tolerance reaction, was noted as follows: PEG resistant > susceptible, Choman > Shawre > White Bazyan > Red Bazyan > Gwll Swr > Kalar. The CI and CAT characteristics were considered as reliable predictors of drought tolerance in rice genotypes.

Hemp is diploid organism (2n = 2x = 20, genome size 534 Mb) with nine pairs of autosomes plus XX (♀) or XY (♂) chromosomes. Cannabis sativa L. is an important economic plant for the production of food, fibre, oils, and intoxicants. Genotypes (varieties or chemovar) of hemp with low Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol content are used for industrial applications. Varieties with high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or high cannabidiol content are used for medicinal applications. Biochemical and molecular methods can be used for identification and classification. An important step for molecular biology methods is to obtain the matrix of the native and sufficiently pure DNA. We tested two different experimental variant of samples (20 mg and 100 mg) of seeds, oilcake and dried flowers for analysis of the Italian variety Carmagnola for analysis (harvested in 2014, Hempoint Ltd., Czech Republic). The DNeasy® Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, GE) was used to isolate the DNA. The DNA concentration and purity was assessed by agarose electrophoresis and via a spectrophotometer. Samples of lower weight yielded lower values of DNA concentration (average 16.30 - 38.90 ng.µL-1), but with better purity than samples of higher weight (ratio A260nm/A280nm for low-weight samples was near 1.80). To test the applicability of DNA analysis, we used two SSR markers (CAN1347 and CAN2913). PCR products were separated on 1% agarose and on 8% polyacrylamide electrophoresis. DNA samples obtained from samples of higher weight exhibited less PCR amplification than samples of lower weight. We found no effect of sample weight on the formation of non-specific amplification products during the PCR reaction. Based on our results we can be recommended for practical isolation procedure using DNeasy® Plant Mini Kit with lower of sample weight (20 mg). In future work the procedure for DNA isolating from wheat-cannabis products, e. g. breads, rolls or pasta, will be optimized.

This study assessed and compared the influence of feeding wheat with purple pericarp (variety Konini) and standard coloured wheat (red variety Bohemia) on the growth characteristics of fingerling carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) of the "Amurský lysec" line. The total content of anthocyanins converted to cyanidin 3-glucoside in the control Bohemia wheat was 24.95 mg.kg-1 and in the Konini purple wheat 41.70 mg.kg-1. Two experimental variants for feed were evaluated: dipped wheat grain and crushed wheat grain. The feed dose for wheat was 1.5% of the fish stock weight and for natural food (frozen Chironomid larvae) was 0.2% of fish stock weight to all variants. Growth parameters (body length, body weight, Fulton's condition factor and feed conversion ratio) of the fish were evaluated after one month of administration. The feed consumption and physico-chemical parameters (temperature, oxygen saturation, pH, N-NH4 +, N-NO2-, N-NO3- and Cl-) of the environment were observed. During the feeding test, no major differences in food consumption among variations feeding on either wheat and on Chironomid larvae were noted. Satisfying results for mas and length gain were achieved in V2 wheat with purple pericarp (Konini variety - dipped grain), where the average total body length was 156.56 mm and the average unit mass was 60.81 g. In this variant, higher values of the parameters were achieved compared to the control group (100.6%, resp. 104.2%). A positive impact of wheat with purple pericarp on the evaluated parameter of fish condition factor was demonstrated. This trend was confirmed in all variants. No effect was demonstrated for mechanical disruption of kernels on the level of utilization of nutrients. In further experiments on growth characteristics we would like to determine antioxidant parameters in the blood and liver of fry.

Products made from wheat are the most important components of the human diet, and could also become a source of functional foods and feed ingredients, e.g. minerals, vitamins and/or phytochemicals. The caryopses of certain wheat genotypes contain antioxidants, i.e. anthocyanins or carotenoids, which cause purple, blue or yellow coloration. The first step before the introduction of these traits into individual wheat cultivars is the characterization of relationships and the possibility of new gene combinations. In this study, relationships among 24 genotypes with different types of caryopsis colour were investigated by means of microsatellite markers. Using 44 SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers it was possible to detect a total of 184 alleles; on average, approximately 4 alleles were detected at a microsatellite locus. Using a set of 5 SSR markers (Xgwm636, Xbarc077, Xwmc262, Xgwm397 and Xwmc219) with PIC (polymorphic information content) values higher than 0.70, it was possible to differentiate among all the genotypes analysed. A dendrogram was created on the basis of all SSR markers, and showed that the genotypes were divided into two groups. Three, and one genotype with purple and blue caryopsis, respectively, belonged to one cluster, while the remaining twenty formed the second, greater cluster, which was subdivided into 2 sub-clusters: one of them involved genotypes with blue caryopses, and the other those with yellow and red caryopses. The genotype of tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum), as a possible donor of genes responsible for blue caryopses, was also classified. These results can be used in wheat breeding programmes aimed at the selection of functional foodstuffs.

The prolamin (avenin) patterns of oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars released in the Czech Republic and in the former Czechoslovak Republic were analysed by acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A-PAGE). Forty-nine oat (Avena sativa L.) accessions of domestic origin, maintained in the Czech collection of oat genetic resources, were analysed. The evaluated set contained 18 modern and 31 old cultivars. Thirty accessions showed a homogeneous prolamin pattern. The other accessions were heterogeneous with two or three different patterns, present at different percentages. Heterogeneity was present in 48% of the old cultivars, but only in 22% of the modern cultivars. Identity indexes within the heterogeneous accessions were calculated. The index values ranged from 0.09 to 0.75. Only in two heterogeneous cultivars (Dětenický Bílý, Valečovský Bílý) the identity index between their components was higher than 0.6, indicating, that their components were most likely sister lines. All analysed cultivars could be unambiguously distinguished by their prolamin pattern. The obtained prolamin patterns will be used to complete descriptor data of the genetic resources and might be useful also in oat breeding and research.

The pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is very popular annual vegetable either for fresh consume either as spice after drying and grinding. The fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C, provitamin A, E, P (citrin), B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin). Crop Research Institute (CRI), Department of Ve­ge­ta­ble and Special Crops, Olomouc, the Czech Republic is the holder of the collection of pepper genetic resources. The collection of pepper consists of 504 accessions, currently. It is necessary to find duplications within collection for effective work with genetics resources. For analyses totally 41 accessions were chosen. These were divided into ten groups according name: 1. Astrachanskij, 2. Aufrechte Cayenne, 3. Bogyisloi, 4. Hatvani, 5. Japan Hontakka, 6. Japan Madarszen, 7. Kalocsai Fuszer (Edes), 8. Konservnyj Belyj 289, 9. Tetenyi and 10. Vinedale. Two approaches were used for the detection of duplications – morphological description and polymorphism of DNA. The accessions were characterized for 54 morphological traits: 1 character in seedlings, 8 characters in the plants, 10 characters in leaves, 10 characters in flowers and 25 characters in fruits. The polymorphism of DNA was analysed using the SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) method with 8 SSR markers (Hpms 1-1, Hpms 1-5, Hpms 1-168, Hpms 1-172, Hpms 1-274, Hpms 2-21, Cams 163 and Cams 647) which are localised on different chromosomes. The results from DNA analysis were complemented with the morphological characterization. Possible duplications were in 4 groups: 1. Astrachanskij, 4. Hatvani, 5. Japan Hontakka and 7. Kalocsai Fuszer (Edes). This work is the first step for the determination of duplications in the Czech germplasm collection of pepper.

The objective of the present study was to explore the polymorphism of microsatellite markers localised on chromosomes 3H and 7H in 15 genotypes of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), spring form (2n = 2x = 14 chromosomes, genome HVHV) from the collection of genetic resources of the Agricultural Research Institute Kroměříž, Ltd. showing various degrees of susceptibility to Rhynchosporium secalis. The selection of SSR markers was based on hitherto achieved knowledge according to which the greatest amount of resistance genes against Rhynchosporium secalis is localised on chromosomes 3H and 7H of barley. We selected 33 SSR markers for the analyses; 17 were localised on chromosome 3H of barley and 16 on chromosome 7H. Out of the total 33 SSR markers, 32 were polymorphous and one mar­ker (Bmac0282) was monomorphic. In total we detected 172 alleles ranging between 101 and 235 bp; the average number of alleles per locus was 5.21. In terms of the polymorphism of the SSR markers localised on chromosomes 3H and 7H the highest polymorphism (60%) was detected in the Bmag0006 and Bmag0021 SSR markers; the lowest in the Bmag0877 and EBmac0713 markers, i.e. 20% and 13.3%, respectively. The average polymorphism based on analyses of 17 SSR markers on chromosome 3H was 37.6% and of 16 SSR markers on chromosome 7H was 31.3%. We also calculated the statistical indicators of the variability rate characteristics of the individual microsatellite markers: diversity index (DI) which ranged between 0.000 and 0.907 (on average 0.704); polymorphous information content (PIC) ranging between 0.000 and 0.906 (on average 0.679); and probability identity (PI) ranging between 0.006 and 1.000 (on average 0.137). On the basis of constructed dendrograms for SSR markers of both chromosomes together it was possible to divide the analysed set into cluster I of genotypes resistant and cluster II of genotypes susceptible and moderately susceptible to Rhynchosporium secalis, and was not possible in dendrograms of individual chromosomes.

For qualitative and semi-quantitative detection of genetically modified crops we selected the detection of the frequently used promoter 35S CaMV. To optimise the method we used two commercially available genotypes of maize from the company Monsanto (USA), i.e. the transgenic hybrid Bt-maize line MON810 and a genetically non-modified control (isogenic line to MON810). We tested the pri­mers and PCR programmes described by Greiner et al. (2005) and Hernandéz et al. (2005). When applying PCR methods of detection of Bt-maize the first step was to optimise the protocol for the detection of the maize genome and detection of the specific sites of genetically modified MON810 maize. For detection of the maize genome we selected the primers IVR1-F and IVR1-R (invertase gene) which verify the presence of the maize genome by a 226 bp product. For qualitative detection of the insert of Bt-maize MON810 the primer pairs VW01/VW03 (Greiner et al., 2005) and BT03/BT04 (Hernandéz et al., 2005) were used to detect the 35S CaMV promoter. Products of the size 178 bp and 280 bp, respectively, verify its presence. Based on the results of qualitative PCR we selected the primers VW01/VW03 for semi-quantitative detection of the amount of DNA of Bt-maize. For semi-quantitative PCR we have chosen sampling of the amplification product in the 30th cycle of the PCR reaction. In the genetically unmodified control a detection limit of 1% of admixture of Bt-maize was determined when using semi-quantitative PCR. The same primers as for semi-quantitative PCR were also used for multiplex PCR but with half the concentration of primers for standard PCR. This protocol however will have to be further optimised. The presented results introduce PCR methods for qualitative and semi-quantitative detection of DNA of the genetically modified Bt-maize MON810 which can also be used for other GM crops containing the 35S CaMV promoter. It could be suitable to use these methods for the qualitative detection and/or for screening analyses of the detection of successfulness of transformation experiments.

In 2006 and 2007 samples of harvested grain were used to verify the possibility of distinguishing 12 winter wheat genotypes and of detecting impurities on the basis of polymorphism of prolamin kernel proteins. Uniform electrophoretic patterns were detected in genotypes of Athlet, Buteo, Dromos, Ebi, Etela, Florett, Livia, Simila wheat in 2006 and 2007. On the basis of the identity index two sister prolamin lines with different share, depending on the year of harvest, were discovered in 3 wheat genotypes (Astella, Brea and Hana). The proportion of sister gliadin lines in the Astella and Brea ge­no­ty­pes was the same in both years. There was only minor difference (± 2.5%) in the share of the sister lines in the Hana variety between the respective years, and could be influenced by environmental factors. A foreign genotype was detected in the Mona variety. The identity index of the impurity to the Mona variety (ii = 0.30) was considerably low. In the impurity the gliadin block Gld 1B3 was not detected, which is the genetic marker of rye translocation T1BL.1RS (the Sr31 gene of resistance to black rust, higher cold resistance and the marker of poor baking quality – presence of secalin genes). The results proved the potential practical application of the electrophoretic detection of polymorphism of prolamin proteins as markers of impurities of foreign genotypes in a seed sample.

Genetic variability was detected in 15 varieties of triticale (XTriticosecale Wittmack., 2n = 6x = 42, BBAARR) registered in the Czech Republic by means of polymorphism of DNA using the RAPD method and the SSR method. For detection we used 80 RAPD primers. The lower reproducibility of the RAPD markers was resolved by means of repeated analyses (3–4 times). On the basis of statistical evaluation a dendrogram was set up, which allows highly significantly to differentiate the varieties Kolor, Modus and Tornado. The remaining 12 analysed varieties formed 4 clusters. In addition to the RAPD markers a protocol of detection of DNA polymorphism was elaborated and optimised with microsatellite (SSR) markers. For the analyses we used 2 SSR markers (1A chromosome [Xpsp2999] and 1B chromosome [Xpsp3000]), which have been discovered in wheat (T. aestivum L.). Basing on these two SSR markers the only variety Triamant was distinguished from the clusters of the other analysed varieties.