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Abstract The chloroplast genomes of wild loquat can help to determine their place in the history of evolution. Here, we sequenced and assembled two novel wild loquat’s chloroplast genomes, one is Eriobotrya elliptica, and the other is an unidentified wild loquat, which we named “YN-1”. Their sizes are 159,471 bp and 159,399 bp, respectively. We also assembled a cultivated loquat named ‘JFZ’, its chloroplast genome size is 159,156 bp. A comparative study was conducted with six distinct species of loquats, including five wild loquats and one cultivated loquat. The results showed that both E. elliptica and “YN-1” have 127 genes, one gene more than E. fragrans, which is psbK. Regions trnF-GAA-ndhJ, petG-trnP-UGG, and rpl32-trnL-UAG were found to exhibit high variability. It was discovered that there was a positive selection on rpl22 and rps12. RNA editing analysis found several chilling stress-specific RNA editing sites, especially in rpl2 gene. Phylogenetic analysis results showed that “YN-1” is closely related to E. elliptica, E. obovata and E. henryi.

The chloroplast genomes of wild loquat can help to determine their place in the history of evolution. Here, we sequenced and assembled two novel wild loquat's chloroplast genomes, one is Eriobotrya elliptica, and the other is an unidentified wild loquat, which we named "YN-1". Their sizes are 159,471 bp and 159,399 bp, respectively. We also assembled a cultivated loquat named 'JFZ', its chloroplast genome size is 159,156 bp. A comparative study was conducted with six distinct species of loquats, including five wild loquats and one cultivated loquat. The results showed that both E. elliptica and "YN-1" have 127 genes, one gene more than E. fragrans, which is psbK. Regions trnF-GAA-ndhJ, petG-trnP-UGG, and rpl32-trnL-UAG were found to exhibit high variability. It was discovered that there was a positive selection on rpl22 and rps12. RNA editing analysis found several chilling stress-specific RNA editing sites, especially in rpl2 gene. Phylogenetic analysis results showed that "YN-1" is closely related to E. elliptica, E. obovata and E. henryi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between the functional and chemical properties of U. kirkiana fruit pulp was studied. The functional and chemical properties of the fruit pulps were determined and data were analyzed by regression and principal component analysis (PCA) to show correlations and variances. Results showed a 51.4% variance, PC 1 had a 37.31% variance. PC 2 showed a 14.17% variance. Antioxidant activity (AOA), Cu, vitamin C, total titratable acid (TTA), and Mg had a positive variance in PC 1. TTA and pH were significant and correlated in PC 1. Titratable acidity and pH had a variability of 69% and 74%. Iron and Ca were significant and correlated in PC 2. Phosphorus and AOA were positively correlated. Pulp yield had a weak positive correlation with dry matter, Ca, K, and Zn content. Fruits from Bikita were grouped according to pH levels, AOA, Cu, vitamin C, TTA, and phosphorus content. Fruits in Kazangarare were high in Fe and Ca and grouped together. Magnesium content was significant in fruits obtained from Gokwe. Phosphorus and TTA had significant effect (p < 0.01; p < 0.05) on pulp yield. The results provide useful data about relationship, chemical composition variation of U. kirkiana fruit pulp obtained at the different regions of Zimbabwe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The process of crop domestication has long been a major area of research to gain insights into the history of human civilization and to understand the process of evolution. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is one of the typical subtropical fruit trees, which was domesticated in China at least 2000 years ago. In the present study, we re-sequenced the genome of nine wild loquat accessions collected from wide geographical range and 10 representative cultivated loquat cultivars by using RAD-tag tacit to exploit the molecular footprints of domestication. Results We obtained 26.4 Gb clean sequencing data from 19 loquat accessions, with an average of 32.64 M reads per genotype. We identified more than 80,000 SNPs distributed throughout the loquat genome. The SNP density and numbers were slightly higher in the wild loquat populations than that in the cultivated populations. All cultivars were clustered together by structure, phylogenetic and PCA analyses. Conclusion The modern loquat cultivars have experienced a non-significant genetic bottleneck during domestication, and originated from a single domesticated event. Moreover, our study revealed that Hubei province of China is probably the origin center of cultivated loquat.

Loquat is an important commercial specialty fruit tree crop in China, and as a result, there is significant interest in its genetic improvement. Wild loquat, native to China, provides a remarkable genetic resource for breeding improved varieties. Guizhou Province in southwest China contains many natural populations of loquat in its rural areas. In the present study, we analyzed the genetic diversity of native loquat growing throughout Guizhou Province together with wild relatives and domesticated loquat using a set of 20 informative SSR markers. Molecular analysis identified four gene pools, with gene pool I representing cultivated genotypes and gene pool IV containing wild relatives and native surveyed accessions. Approximately 10.8 % of the samples collected from Guizhou Province are feral forms derived from cultivated genotypes, whereas 24.9 % are most closely related to wild species. The remaining 64.3 % of the gene pool is intermediate genotypes derived from spontaneous crosses between wild native forms and cultivated loquat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study integrates ecological knowledge and scientific principles in selecting superiorUapaca kirkianaphenotypes in Malawi and Zambia through focus-group discussions. Fruit collectors and roadside marketers provided locations of superior phenotypes (fruit load, size, and sweetness). About 73% of phenotypes were on cultivated land in Zambia, 66% were on forest reserves, and 15% were on cultivated land in Malawi. Phenotypes ranked superior by communities were indeed superior by scientists’ criteria. Local knowledge on superior phenotypes resides with community fruit collectors. Combining local ecological knowledge with scientific approaches in a complementary manner facilitated superior phenotype identification within a relatively short period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]