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Transgenerational epigenetics inheritance refers to the possibility to inherit epigenetic-based information acquired from previous generations. The design of experiments that can measure this phenomenon presents complexities. These are related mainly to difficulties in the identification of epigenetic variation components that are independent from genetic variation, and to difficulties related to the time needed to expose genetically stable plants to different environments for several generations. In this study we propose an experimental approach that takes advantage of seed material routinely produced by seedbanks in order to circumvent the abovementioned issues. By taking advantage of this freely available seed material, it is possible to evaluate epigenetic differences induced by the environment experienced by previous generations and to evaluate both the extent and the impact of epigenetic variation in crops. Seeds of two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars, which were previously multiplied in six different seedbanks located worldwide, were grown in a common environment and the plants were evaluated at a genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic level. Our results indicate that barley accessions multiplied in different environments displayed a comparable level of epigenetic variation, which was, however, greater than the genetic variation. Cluster analysis of methylation differences, likewise DNA differences, split the two cultivars in two distinct groups evidencing a clear link between genetic and epigenetic variation. Nevertheless, the analysis of phenotypic traits and of the CCGG sites that are variable in both cultivars suggests that there might be a possible link between previous cultivation environment and induced epigenetic changes at specific DNA regions.

Milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.] is an officinal crop species native to the Mediterranean. The species is gaining increasing interest as a multipurpose crop, but lack of information exists about the natural phenotypic variability available in the species for the traits of interest. In the present work, the fruit morphological and chemical traits of a collection of 26 milk thistle accessions have been analyzed. The results show that the most variable traits are related to single flavonolignan content. When the most abundant fatty acids present in the fruit are considered, oleic acid appears to have the higher variability between accessions. Correlations between variables highlight strong relationships between the different flavonolignans and a strong positive correlation between isosilybin A and the total silymarin content, suggesting a central role of this minor flavonolignan in silymarin biosynthetic pathway. The clustering procedure displays considerable diversity between the accessions that originate from localities where milk thistle is described as a native species.

BACKGROUND: Camelina sativa (CS) is an oilseed crop used for biofuel production. By-products from oil extraction are high in protein and can be used in ruminant rations; more information about their nutritive value is required also considering the antinutrional factor content of the by-products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of CSmeal genotypes in comparison with canola. RESULTS: TenCSgenotypesandonecanola cultivar were evaluated.Meals were obtained from seeds after solventoil extraction. CS average crude protein (CP) content (g kg-1 drymatter) was 457. Numerical differences in lysine and sulfur amino acid content were observed among CS genotypes. Glucosinolate (mmol kg-1) content was higher for CS (23.1) than canola (7.2). Sinapine content (g kg-1) was lower for CS (2.79) than for canola (4.32). Differences were observed among CS genotypes for rumen undegraded protein (RUP). Average RUP (g kg-1 CP) was 316 for CS and 275 for canola. CONCLUSIONS: CS meal has potential for use in ruminant rations as a high-quality protein source. In vivo studies are needed to compare CS with other protein sources used in cattle rations. Implementation of breeding programs for improved meal quality is recommend.