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• Genetic variability among sweet potato & wild Ipomoea species studied using SSR markers. • High genetic variability between diploid wild species and hexaploid sweet potato. • More variability available among the wild Ipomoea species for many characters. • Identified Ipomoea spp can be utilized for weevil & virus resistance breeding. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is one of the major tuber crops in Asian countries, including India, yet the interrelationship and genetic variability among the cultivar and its crop wild relatives remain obscure. The wild relatives of sweet potato represent a vital source of untapped genetic diversity in the breeding programs. In this study, a set of 12 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers were utilized to understand the extent of genetic diversity and relationship within and between 20 sweet potato accessions, 23 wild Ipomoea species and two Merremia species for utilization in breeding programmes. The SSR primers produced 84 polymorphic alleles within the range of 105–393 bp, collectively showing an average polymorphism of 94.5 %. The average Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) value of 0.67 showed that all the primers were polymorphic in nature. Similarity coefficient based dendrogram and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scatter plot clearly differentiated all the cultivars and wild species. The cluster dendrogram analysis revealed the close relationship of cultivars with I. triloba and I. trifida at a similarity index of 0.75. Our analysis showed a high degree of genetic variability within and between hexaploid sweet potato and diploid wild species, whereas lower within the cultivars, which shows that there is a high level of genetic diversity exists within the Ipomoea species for its utilization in breeding programs. Thus, the two wild species, I. trifida and I. triloba could be used in hybridization for improvement of sweet potato through ploidy manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reference transcriptome of the halophyte AVF was proposed. • After statistical analysis of SSRs, SNPs, and InDels, moderate polymorphism was shown. • Potential candidate genes that contributed to salt tolerance were revealed by analyzing genetic diversity combined with gene expressions. Apocyni Veneti Folium (AVF), the dried leaf of Apocynum venetum L., is a commonly used salt-tolerant Chinese medicinal herb. However, comprehensive research on the breeding of AVL varieties under salt stress has not been conducted. The purpose of this study was to identify AVF genetic variability and candidate genes conferring tolerance to salinity. Apocynum venetum L. was treated with four levels of salt stress (control, 100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl, respectively) and subjected to de novo -based RNA sequencing. Subsequently, MISA, Samtools, and Varscan programs were employed to analyze the characteristics of SSRs, SNPs, and InDels in the transcriptome sequences, respectively. The sequencing results showed that 7046 SSRs (in 54,276 unigenes) and a total of 409 repetitive motifs were found with a frequency of 12.98 %. The mainly repetitive types of SSRs were mononucleotide (49.09 %), dinucleotide (23.91 %), and trinucleotide (14.53 %); a total of 4912 SSRs with a motif length of 12–20 bp accounted for 69.17 %, indicating moderate polymorphism. At the same time, a total of 77,474 SNPs were detected, with the main type being transition (62.46 %); 114,651 InDels in 7656 unigenes were found, with a frequency of 2.03 per kb, and one locus was the most prevalent. The potential candidate genes that contributed to salt tolerance, such as c29028_g1_i1 encoding glycosyltransferase, were screened by analyzing genetic diversity combined with gene expressions. Transcriptome sequencing of AVF provides a reference for its molecular-assisted breeding to the quality identification and genetic diversity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A total of 24 turmeric genotypes were characterized using 17 traits. • High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations were noticed for leaf oil content. • Mahalanobis D2 statistic evident a broad genetic variability among turmeric genotypes. • SSR marker grouped 24 genotypes of turmeric in four major groups. Turmeric is recognized as "the golden spice" and "spice of life". The abundant medicinal values of turmeric make it an important industrial crop. The genetic diversity analysis of this species is important for further improvement in its productivity through selective breeding to cap the continuous demand for turmeric. The variance analysis imparted notable differences among genotypes for 17 studied traits under study. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations were noticed for leaf oil percentage followed by rhizome oil, fresh finger yield, curcumin, dry rhizome per plant, secondary rhizomes per plant and leaves per plant. The genetic divergence assessed by Mahalanobis D2 statistic, evident broad genetic variability among turmeric genotypes as accommodated by seven clusters. Out of 25 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, 15 were polymorphic. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) varied between 0.474 and 0.306 with an average of 0.408. The SSR marker analysis and diversity analysis, grouped 24 genotypes of turmeric in four major groups namely A, B, C and D with 13, 7, 3 and 1 genotypes, respectively. The genetic similarity among the genotypes varied from 0.07 to 0.82 (ATG-1/ATG-2) and the average similarity coefficient was (0.23). Marker cuMisat-22, cuMisat-7 and cuMisat-19 were found most suitable for diversity analysis. Based on mean performance and diversity analysis, accession ATG-17 (local collection from Anand) was superior for both fresh and dry rhizome yield per plant. Genotype Kasturi (ATG-21) and ATG-4 4 (local collection from Navsari) can be an important raw materials for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries as they were richer in curcumin and rhizome oil content respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Genetic diversity of Algerian date palm. • Sequencing date palm germplasm using SSR. • Results show 56 alleles amplified. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 102 Algerian date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) samples from the oases of Biskra region, the oases of Bechar region, the oases of Adrar region, the oases of Oued Souf region and the oases of Ghardaia region, using SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers. They resulted in 56 alleles with an average of 6.22 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.222 (DP 171) to 1.000 (mPdCIR 50, mPdCIR 57, DP 159 and DP 169) with a mean of 0.687. The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.364 (DP 171) to 0.855 (mPdCIR 50) with a mean of 0.694. From the results obtained in the germplasm of various analyzed Algerian date palm oases, a large genetic diversity was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All the new cultivars of kiwifruit developed in recent years are protected by plant rights. • New microsatellite markers have been developed for fingerprinting characterization. • 3 bp, 4 bp, and 6 bp motifs minimize stuttering issues, ensuring clear and accurate genotyping profiles. • The new markers facilitate the assignments of the genetic profile to the samples analyzed. • The new SSR markers were tested for varietal identification. Actinidia , a genus of kiwifruit, has 54 species, with the commercially dominant species being one with two subspecies: Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis and A. chinensis var. deliciosa. The global kiwifruit industry has used a single variety for decades, but in the last 20 years, new varieties have been introduced, with breeders and propagation rights concerned about protecting them from fraudulent use. The genome of A. chinensis var. chinensis 'Red5' was searched for perfect microsatellites with repeat motifs of no less than two to ten bases. Out of 216,456 possible perfect microsatellite loci, 82 were chosen to be spread across all 29 chromosomes. Twenty microsatellite loci with repeat motifs over two have been developed for the varietal characterization of kiwifruit. The markers consist of repeating motifs of at least three bases that suffer less from problems in interpreting electrophoretic profiles due to stuttering. A single amplification protocol valid for all loci was developed. The markers were tested on a sample of 100 genotypes that included diploid, tetraploid, hexaploid, and octoploid individuals. The selected markers were able to clearly discriminate all genotypes except for two clonal mutations. This indicates that the microsatellite loci are highly effective in distinguishing between different kiwifruit varieties, regardless of their ploidy level. The ability to accurately characterize kiwifruit genotypes using these markers can greatly benefit breeding programs and conservation efforts for this important fruit crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, castor (Ricinus communis L.) is used as a major industrial nonedible oilseed crop due to its unique oil component, ricinoleic acid. Despite the high demand, traditional crop improvement methods are slow at addressing complex traits. However, recent developments in molecular breeding have helped breeders make decisions faster and with greater efficiency. The present investigation was performed to identify marker-trait interactions through a genome-wide association study. Pooled analysis of variation revealed a significant genotypic effect for all traits, with a major contribution to total variation. This result indicated the involvement of genotypic effects in the development of these characteristics. Moreover, genotypic correlation was found to be significant and positive in both locations for total length of primary raceme, effective length of primary raceme, capsules on the main raceme and effective branches per plant with seed yield per plant, allowing plant breeders to improve more characters simultaneously. Genome scanning was performed using 59 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and SSR6189, SSR18567 and SSR9622 were identified as highly informative markers for this panel. The whole panel was divided into three groups using Nei's genetic distance matrix, and JI 340 and JI 380 were used as highly diverse genotypes to create significant recombinants during crop improvement. Similarly, population structure analysis also divided the whole panel into three groups with 41.66 % admixed genotypes with a moderate F st value. This indicated the free flow of genes among groups in a population via genotypes due to the absence of population structure. A mixed linear model approach for marker trait association analysis revealed that SSR9622 had the greatest phenotypic variance from days to 50 % flowering. Similarly, SSR3956 and RC89-V29842.68 showed strong associations with the length to breadth ratio of seed at both locations. • Yield of GWAS panel ranged from 59.30 to 284.40 g per plant over locations. • SSR based structure analysis creates three groups of 90 genotypes. • SSR3956 and RC89-V29842.68 were associated to LB at wide range of environment. • RC2 and RC556 were strongly associated to CAP over wide range of environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spine grapes (Vitis davidii Foëx.) are wild grape species that grow in southern China, and can be used for table grapes, juicing and winemaking. To systematically investigate the flavor profiles of spine grapes, flavonoids and volatile compounds were detected in five spine grape varieties (Seputao, Ziqiu, Miputao, Tianputao and Baiputao) using HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS and GC–MS. The content of flavonoids highly depended on the variety, such as the total concentrations of anthocyanins (91.43–328.85 mg/kg FW) and flavonols (33.90 to 83.16 mg/kg FW). The volatile compounds with higher odor active value were selected to describe the aroma of spine grapes. Hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal and (E , Z)-2,6-nonadienal contributed to the higher herbaceous flavor to Baiputao and Ziqiu. β -Damascenone and (E)-2-nonenal gave Baiputao a flavor with more floral, fruity and earthy. Their characteristic flavor compounds were subsequently revealed using multivariate statistical analysis. The results helped producers to further develop and utilize the spine grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungus Schizophyllum commune is a cosmopolitan basidiomycete, which is popular as an edible, medical mushroom. It causes wood rot and often used as a model object in research. In this study, we analyzed thirty-two genomes of S. commune strains from the NCBI database and designed forty-seven unique SSR DNA markers. The detailed analysis revealed the enrichment of the S. commune genome for CG, GC, CTC, GAG, and TCG motifs. Principal components analysis confirmed the effectiveness of novel SSR DNA markers that preserve the initial heterogeneity of populations. The construction of a network between strains showed single one at a maximum similarity of 38%, and increasing the similarity to 55% breaks the linkage between large groups while separating two new groups containing strains of the population Ru and test cultures S. commune. The amplicons' presence was identified as a sufficient sign of relation of the culture to a specific population. Testing the novel SSR markers allowed to establish a clear delimitation of all groups by geographic location and to differentiate the H4-8 (GCA_000143185.1) strain from the USA population. This research is the basis for the further analysis of S. commune populations and improvement of approaches to determine its genetic diversity. • Unique SSRs markers of S. commune will help in populations' questions of the species. • The fungus genome is enriched by CG, GC, CTC, GAG, and TCG motifs. • Unique 47 SSR DNA loci were determined. • The novel SSRs markers allowed to confirm delimitation of fungus groups by geographic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Establishing the probability density function of grain distribution in hardness gradient distribution polycrystals. • Utilizing synthetic polycrystals to study the influence of grain distribution variation. • Extending the T-T scattering model to incorporate hardness gradient distribution polycrystals. • The minimum mean testing error for hardness distribution of differently induction-hardened 40Cr is 2.55 %. • NDT of hardness distribution in thermally hardened polycrystalline materials is achievable. It is crucial to obtain the internal hardness distribution in polycrystalline materials to evaluate the mechanical performance of components and monitor their service life. Current methods, however, fail to meet the non-destructive evaluation needs for materials with hardness gradient distributions. This paper, based on the principle of grain boundary scattering of ultrasound in polycrystalline materials, combined with the Transverse-to-Transverse Singly-Scattered Response (T-T SSR) theory, proposes an ultrasonic SSR model adapted to hardness gradient distributions. The model elucidates the influence of hardness gradient variations and grain dispersion on ultrasonic scattering. Using DREAM.3D, seven different-scale polycrystalline volumes were constructed to assess the relevance of volume-weighted average grain size and spatial correlation of hardness gradient materials. Finally, induction quenching was applied to 40Cr to induce a gradient hardness distribution internally, followed by ultrasonic backscatter experiments. The results indicate that the theoretical model and the spatial variance of measured signals align well over a relatively long time window. For the specimen with minor curvature, the theoretical hardness distribution obtained by the model is accurate, with an average error of 2.55 % compared to destructive testing data. However, the results for the larger curvature reveal limitations in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• the role of spatial and climate variables on the genetic structuring of pomegranate plant. • Identify cytogenetic and genetic clines within the pomegranate accessions of Iran. • identify the species distribution modeling and the gene flow corridor. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important horticultural plant in Iran and has been a food source since ancient times. Despite several genetic diversity studies conducted on these taxa, there are no reports on the landscape genetics of these important plants in Iran, nor is there any information on the effects of environmental, spatial, and climatic variables on the genetic structure of pomegranate. Therefore, this study used genetics, structural equation modeling (SEM), and species distribution modeling (SDM) approaches to explore the above-mentioned objectives. We used both cytogenetic and molecular analyses (SSR and SCoT markers) of several pomegranate samples along with environmental, spatial, and climatic variables. The redundancy analysis (RDA) analysis showed a significant positive association between terminal chiasmata with the longitudinal distribution of the pomegranate accession, while total chiasma number and interstitial chiasmata have an association with the altitude. The spatial PCA analysis indicated the role played by both global and local spatial variables in the cytogenetic variability like the univalent and terminal chiasmata formation. The Mantel test indicates that the cytogenetic difference in pomegranate plants is not related to their geographical distance, while the Moran I test result shows that geographical regions with similar spatial conditions affect the cytogenetic structuring of pomegranate plants in a similar way. SEM methods showed a strong negative association between bivalent formation and the environmental variables, while they showed both positive and negative associations between some of the environmental variables and different kinds of chiasmata. The sPCA analysis of molecular data showed a significant global, and local, spatial structuring of the molecular data and the genetic cline formation within the pomegranate accessions studied. Similarly, the spatial PCA analysis of climate variables, precipitation, and temperature revealed a significant structuring of genetic diversity and the formation of genetic clines by these factors. RDA analysis identified some of the loci that are significantly associated with temperature and precipitation. Therefore, both geographical/ or spatial variables and climate factors contribute to the genetic structure of the pomegranate accessions studied. SEM models based on genetic data revealed a positive association between environmental and climate variables with genetic diversity parameters and SSR-SCoT molecular loci studied. Climate change is unlikely to hurt pomegranate growing areas due to the high genetic diversity of pomegranate plants and the diverse genetic lineages present in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen alfalfa populations were tested for resistance to the seedling damping-off disease sourced by Rhizoctonia solani , Fusarium solani , and Macrophomina phaseolina. In a laboratory experiment, saponin treatment significantly diminished the mycelial growth of the causal fungi of alfalfa damping-off disease. Roots of the fifteen alfalfa populations varied in saponin and lignin content. Selection for the considerably resistant plants leads to the best growth performance, desirable yield, and high nutritive values such as crude protein (CP), crude fier (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE), ash, and ether extract (EE) contents. For the PCR reaction, 10 SSR pairs of the JESPR series primers and the cDNA-SCoT technique with seven primers were used. SSR and SCoT revealed some unique markers that could be linked to resistance to damping-off disease in alfalfa that appeared in the considerably resistant alfalfa population (the promised pop.). SSR and SCoT markers can be an excellent molecular method for judging genetic diversity and germplasm classification in tetraploid alfalfa. We recommend breeding for saponin concentration in the alfalfa plant may affect resistance to some diseases like root rot and damping-off because saponin might improve plant growth, yield, and nutritional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food and nutritional security continue to be the issues of concern in developing countries like ours. Exploring the reservoir of high potential unexplored genetic resources could address the world's food and nutritional insecurity. The availability of diverse data and the population structure of any crop germplasm is a valuable genetic resource for discovering genes that can help achieve food and nutritional stability. We used seven ISSR and seven SSR markers to investigate diversity among 63 buckwheat genotypes, including landraces from India's northwestern Himalayas. Various parameters such as percent polymorphism, PIC, resolving power, and marker index was used to evaluate the inequitable efficacy of these markers. We foundthat both marker systems are effective in detecting polymorphism in buckwheat germplasm. Seven ISSRs produced 55 polymorphic bands, while seven SSRs produced 32bands. When compared to ISSRs, SSRs had a greater average PIC value (0.43) than that of (0.36). ISSRs, on the other hand, had a resolving power of (4.38) compared to (1.42) for SSRs. The hierarchical cluster analysis dendrogram divided genotypes into three major clusters. We found that both marker systems were equally accurate in grouping buckwheat genotypes according to their geographical origins. Using 7 ISSR and 7 SSR markers, the model-based STRUCTURE analysis established a population with two sub-populations that correspond to species-based groupings. Within the population, there was a high level of genetic diversity. These results have consequences for both buckwheat breeding and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This current study presents, for the first time, the complete chloroplast genome of two Cleomaceae species: Dipterygium glaucum and Cleome chrysantha in order to evaluate the evolutionary relationship. The cp genome is 158,576 bp in length with 35.74% GC content in D. glaucum and 158,111 bp with 35.96% GC in C. chrysantha. Inverted repeats IR 26,209 bp, 26,251 bp each, LSC of 87,738 bp, 87,184 bp and SSC of 18,420 bp, 18,425 bp respectively. There are 136 genes in the genome, which includes 80 protein coding genes, 31 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes were observed in both chloroplast genomes. 117 genes are unique while the remaining 19 genes are duplicated in IR regions. The analysis of repeats shows that the cp genome includes all types of repeats with more frequent occurrences of palindromic; Also, this analysis indicates that the total number of simple sequence repeats (SSR) were 323 in D. glaucum , and 313 in C. chrysantha , of which the majority of the SSRs in these plastid genomes were mononucleotide repeats A/T which are located in the intergenic spacer. Moreover, the comparative analysis of the four cp sequences revealed four hotspot genes (atpF, rpoC2, rps19 , and ycf1), these variable regions could be used as molecular makers for the species authentication as well as resources for inferring phylogenetic relationships of the species. All the relationships in the phylogenetic tree are with high support, this indicate that the complete chloroplast genome is a useful data for inferring phylogenetic relationship within the Cleomaceae and other families. The simple sequence repeats identified will be useful for identification, genetic diversity, and other evolutionary studies of the species. This study reported the first cp genome of the genus Dipterygium and Cleome. The finding of this study will be beneficial for biological disciplines such as evolutionary and genetic diversity studies of the species within the core Cleomaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of fish genetic characterization plays a vital role in the conservation and utilization of fish genetic resources of grouper species. The present study was carried out to assess the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships in five grouper species, Epinephelus spp. from eastern Saudi Arabian coast using two molecular marker systems, inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and microsatellite (SSR) markers. In total, 219 individuals grouper specimens (Epinephelus tauvina, E. coioides, E. bleekeri, E. malabaricus, and E. areolatus) were genotyped with 10 ISSR and 11 SSR selected primers. The ISSR produced 94 DNA fragments, of which 44 were polymorphic with an average of 2.13 fragment per primer. While SSR primers generated 107 alleles, all of them were polymorphic with an average 9.72 per primer. ISSR and SSR techniques demonstrated a high level of gene diversity and genetic distances illustrated by UPGMA dendrograms among the grouper species. The results proved that the SSR markers were highly informative and efficient in detecting genetic variability and relationships of the Epinephelus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black gram [ Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is an important food source which is rich in digestible good quality protein and many minerals. But the information on grain minerals and SSR marker based variability study is scanty. Therefore, to examine the variability for protein and minerals in black gram, 60 genotypes were screened for protein and three minerals (calcium, potassium and phosphorus) along with 11 SSR markers. The germplasm displayed ample variability for protein and minerals. The average value of protein, calcium, potassium and phosphorus content was 22.96%, 135.26 mg/100 g, 468.59 mg/100 g and, 325.96 mg/100 g. Phosphorus was significantly correlated with potassium in positive direction. A total of 66 alleles were identified from 60 black gram genotypes. The number of alleles per SSR marker was six with a range of 2–12. PIC value ranged from 0.30 (CEDG 92) to 0.90 (Vmg SSR 29 and Vmg SSR 53) with average PIC of 0.60. The major allelic frequency ranged from 0.13 to 0.78. The minimum and maximum molecular distance were found to be 0.09–1.00. The average genetic distance between 60 black gram genotypes was 0.69. The current experiment indicated that the studied genotypes exhibited ample genetic variability at biochemical and DNA level and can be used for black gram improvement during selection and hybridization program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian dill seed (Anethum sowa Roxb. ex Fleming) is an important member of family Apiaceae. It is a significant seed spice having many medicinal properties. But, this aromatic herb is still orphan from breeding and crop improvement perspective as no serious attention has been given by breeders. To swift the breeding program, molecular markers play the main role. But due to the paucity of markers, breeding is slower in dill seed. Therefore, an attempt was made to develop the genomic SSR markers in dill seed through next-generation sequencing. A total of 2119.51 Mbp of raw data were generated on the Miseq NGS platform during survey sequencing. In 2,25,956 contigs created by Spades assembler, a total 48,951 repeat motifs were identified. A set of 20,294 primer pairs (dimer to hexamer repeats) were produced. Among detected repeat motifs, 48.89% was mononucleotides. Of 12 primers, 10 (83%) primers could be successfully amplified in dill seed and produced 11 amplicons. During cross-genera amplification of markers, 9 out of 10 primers could be successfully amplified in related genera. Developed markers can also be used to initiate the molecular breeding program, association mapping and to assess the evolutionary relationship among seed spices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polymorphic SSRs developed for mapping population using transcriptomic data of parental lines. • Polymorphic SSRs validated using 172 RIL lines. • Newly developed SSR tested for diversity analysis using Indian wheat genotypes and wild/related wheat species. • Gene-SSRs localization studied using gene ontology. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial global staple crop, and is consistently being improved to enhance yield, disease resistance, and quality traits. However, the development of molecular markers is a challenging task due to its hexaploid genome. Molecular marker system such as simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) are helpful for breeding, but SNP has limitations due to its development cost and its conversion to breeder markers. The study proposed an in-silico approach, by utilizing the low-cost transcriptome sequencing of two parental lines, 'TAC 75′ and 'WH 1105′, to identify polymorphic SSRs for mapping in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. This study introduces a new approach to bridge wheat genetics intricacies and next-generation sequencing potential. It presents a comprehensive genome-wide SSR distribution using IWGSC CS RefSeq v2.1 genome assembly and to identify 189 polymorphic loci through in-silico strategy. Of these, 54.76% showed polymorphism between parents, surpassing the traditional low polymorphic success rate. A RIL population screening validated these markers, demonstrating the fitness of identified markers through chi-square tests. The designed SSRs were also validated for genetic diversity analysis in a subset of 37 Indian wheat genotypes and cross-transferability in the wild/relative wheat species. In diversity analysis, a subset of 38 markers revealed 95 alleles (2.5 allele/locus), indicating substantial genetic variation. Population structure analysis unveiled three distinct groups, supported by phylogenetic and PCoA analyses. Further the polymorphic SSRs were also analyzed for SSR-gene association using gene ontology analysis. By utilizing the developing seed transcriptome data within parental lines, the study has enhanced the polymorphic SSR identification precision and facilitated in the RIL population. The undertaken study pioneers the use of transcriptome sequencing and genetic mapping to overcome challenges posed by the intricate wheat genome. This approach offers a cost-effective, less labour-intensive alternative to conventional methods, providing a platform for advancing wheat breeding research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Identification of SSR and SNP molecular markers for chestnut genetic traceability. • SSR markers are helpful in tracing cultivars starting from somatic tissues. • The chloroplast is an organelle that is maternal inherited. Chloroplast SNP molecular markers can be helpful in identifying the maternal cultivar in seed-based processed products. • HRM can be used as a reliable approach for SNP genotyping. Castanea sativa is one of the most appreciated species in Italy, due to timber and fruit quality; nuts are usually intended for fresh consumption, but also for the production of industrial foods. The demand for an efficient traceability system to identify Castanea species and cultivars along the supply chain, from the chestnut orchard to the processed product, is crucial to protect consumers and producers from frauds. Here we present a traceability protocol to identify the species of the Castanea genus and trace the cultivars of Castanea sativa , based on DNA markers (SSRs and SNPs) analyses. Microsatellites were applied to identify the cultivar in plant material (leaves, seed, and episperm) and processed food (creams, beverages, flour, and cookies). Although SSRs made it possible to trace cultivar starting from somatic tissues (e.g.: leaves), the presence of foreign paternal DNA from pollenizer plants in seed and processed food, interferes with the identification of the maternal one. To overcome this issue, we Illumina sequenced six C. sativa cultivars to highlight maternal-inherited markers. A set of SNP/INDEL markers in two chloroplastic regions were identified, able to effectively distinguish and trace C. sativa from C. mollissima and C. crenata. The High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis was performed as a practical and efficient method for SNP/INDELvalidation and to develop a fast, reliable, and reproducible protocol for chestnut traceability in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pennywort (Centella asiatica L.) is commonly grown in the tropical world for its nutritional and medicinal values. Valuable saponins in pennywort are extensively investigated for their anti-tumour activities. The diversity in morphology, phytochemical contents and genetics among pennywort accessions has been extensively studied to identify elite landraces for large-scale production. While pennywort is widely consumed in Vietnam, a systematic characterization of their diverse morphology, secondary metabolites and genetics is lacking. In this work, 26 pennywort accessions were collected across Vietnam and Laos. Their morphological features and yields were characterized under uniform agro-climatic conditions at Hue city in central Vietnam. The highest yield was obtained with HUIB_CA20 (478 g per tray), compared to the lowest yield in HUIB_CA19 (107 g per tray). Furthermore, a range of phytochemical markers, including vitamin C, reducing sugar, carotenoid, tannin, phenolic, flavonoid and saponin contents, were determined. Based on yield, phenolic and flavonoid contents, HUIB_CA20 and HUIB_CA27 were determined to be elite cultivars in this germplasm. Finally, microsatellite analysis was performed to explore the genetic diversity within the germplasm. Using fourteen SSR primer pairs, a total of 47 alleles were identified with 45 alleles (96 %) being polymorphic. These results will be useful for breeding programs aiming to create elite pennywort cultivars with enhanced properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metarhizium anisopliae is a complex of cryptic species with wide geographical distribution and versatile lifestyles. In this study, 45 isolates of the Metarhizium genus harbored in the "Colección de Hongos Entomopatógenos" of the "Centro Nacional de Referencia de Control Biológico" from different substrates, insect-host, and localities from Colima, Mexico, were phylogenetically identified using the 5′end of translation elongation factor 1-α (5′TEF) and intergenic nuclear region MzFG543igs. Seven species were recognized, M. acridum (n = 26), M. pemphigi (n = 1), and within the PARB and MGT clades: M. anisopliae (N = 7; sensu stricto : n = 2; sensu lato : n = 5), M. brunneum (n = 2), M. guizhouense (n = 2), M. pingshaense (n = 2), and M. robertsii (n = 5). Twenty-nine SSR markers were developed for M. acridum ; according to the analysis of 12 polymorphic SSR loci, M. acridum showed low genetic diversity, revealing five genotypes with a dominant one (n = 21). Based on the analysis of 13 specific SSR loci, 14 genotypes were identified within the PARB and MGT clades. This study contributes to generating valuable information about the community structure and genotypic diversity of Metharhizum species in the state of Colima, Mexico. • Seven species of 45 Metarhizium isolates were identified with 5′TEF and MzFG543igs. • Twenty-nine SSR loci developed in Metarhizium acridum were informative. • M. acridum was predominantly identified with a low genetic diversity. • 14 genotypes were identified for Metarhizium species of the PARB and MGT clades. • New records of Metarhizium brunneum and Metarhizium pemphi in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color is an important quality attribute of fungi, and a useful marker for classification, genetic, and molecular research. However, there is much debate over which enzymes play key regulatory roles in pigment synthesis pathways among different fungi and even within the same species. Auricularia cornea is the most widely cultivated mushroom in the genus Auricularia ; 1.834 million tons of this mushroom were produced in 2016 in China. Thus, systematic studies on its color inheritance and the genes encoding key enzymes for pigment synthesis have high scientific and economic value. In this study, the white strain ACW001 and the purple strain ACP004 of A. cornea were used as dikaryotic parents. Selfing populations of ACW001 and ACP004 were constructed with their monokaryotic strains. The fruiting body color of the two populations was consistent with that of their parents, confirming that the two parents were color homozygotes. All strains in the hybrid population of the two parents produced purple fruiting bodies. A robust hybrid strain (ACW001-33×ACP004-33) was selected from the hybrid population, and 87 monokaryotic strains of ACW001-33×ACP004-33 were obtained as a mapping population. Finally, a testcross population was constructed by crossing the mapping population with the test strain ACW001-9. The color genotype of each monokaryotic strain in the mapping population was identified by a fruiting test. The genomes of the two monokaryotic strains ACW001-33 and ACP004-33 were sequenced, and then simple sequence repeat (SSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular marker primers were developed. Then, 88 pairs of primers that could distinguish the genotypes of the mapping population were used to construct a genetic linkage map. The genetic linkage map consisted of 12 linkage groups (LGs) spanning 1315.2 cM. The color control locus was preliminarily located at 24.5 cM of the 11th LG. Fine-mapping primers were designed based on sequence differences between ACW001-33 and ACP004-33 in the primary location region. Four color control candidate genes were located in an 8.2-kb region of ACW001-33_contig733 and a 9.2-kb region of ACP004-33_contig802. Homologous alignment and prediction of conserved domain analyses indicated that two of the color control candidate genes encoded proteins with unknown function, and the other two, ACP004_g11815 and ACP004_g11816, encoded glutamyl aminotransferases. These two genes were consecutively arranged on ACP004-33_contig802, and were likely to encode key enzymes in the γ-glutamine-4-hydroxy-benzoate (GHB) pigment synthesis pathway. Primers were designed from the flanking sequences of the two genes and used to analyze the testcross population. Products were amplified only from the 30 testcross strains with purple fruiting bodies, confirming the accuracy of the localization results. We discuss the deficiencies and advantages of map-based cloning in fungi vs. plants, and summarize the steps and requirements of the map-based cloning method for fungi. This study has provided novel ideas and methods for locating functional genes in fungi. • Classical genetic and molecular methods were combined to study the color inheritance and pigment synthesis of A. cornea. • The parental selfing populations were constructed to verify that the two parents were homozygous for color traits. • The color control candidate genes were located in the 8.2–9.2 kb region through preliminary location and fine mapping. • The steps and requirements of the mapping and cloning of fungal specific genes by map-based cloning were summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Our study provides a database of Tunisian male date palm genotypes. • Morphological parameters and SSR markers can be useful tools to distinguish, evaluate and select date palm pollinizers. • High genetic diversity was recorded among pollinizers using morphological and molecular tools. • No clear relationship was found between geographical origin and genetic composition of the male date palm genotypes studied. Twenty-eight morphological characters (consisting of 15 quantitative and 13 qualitative traits) and eight SSR loci were used to study morphological and genetic diversity of 24 male date palm genotypes from Southern Tunisia. The results revealed that fourteen of the fifteen quantitative characters studied showed a high discriminating power to distinguish male date palm trees. UPGMA clustering based on morphological data classified the samples studied in five clusters. The eight SSR loci used showed polymorphism resulting in a total of 42 alleles in the samples analyzed. The number of alleles per locus varied from 3 (mPdCIR35 and mPdCIR63) to 7 (mPdCIR 25 and mPdCIR 32) with a mean of 5.4 alleles per locus. The average of observed heterozygosity (H o), ranged between 0.13 (mPdCIR78) and 0.79 (mPdCIR25), with a mean of 0.54. The average of expected heterozygosity (H e) ranged between 0.32 (mPdCIR78) and 0.74 (mPdCIR57 and mPdCIR63) with a mean of 0.61. F is values were negative for all the markers excepted for mPdCIR015, mPdCIR035 and mPdCIR078. F st values varied between 0.04 (mPdCIR015 and mPdCIR063) to 0.29 (mPdCIR063). The dendrogram constructed based on the data from the eight SSR primers revealed 3 clusters. No correlation (r= -0,106, p = 0.075) was obtained between distances based on quantitative morphological traits and genetic distances using the Mantel test. Results indicate a high degree of genetic diversity among date palm pollinizers in southern Tunisia, but the accessions do not group according to geographical origin due probably to the exchange of plant material and seeds among different regions of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Establishment of the first germplasm collection of Apulian broccoli rabe • SSR markers highlighted wide genetic variability among and within accessions • Landraces clustered according to their origin, showing geographic stratification Broccoli rabe (Brassica rapa L. subsp. sylvestris (L.) Janch.) is a vegetable crop cultivated in southern Italy where it is part of local traditional recipes and heritage. Despite its economic importance, there are no cultivars patented, giving rise to many cultivated landraces that are characterized by wide phenotypic variability and named according to their harvesting time or the size and shape of their primary inflorescence. We report the first study of genetic diversity of 67 landraces of broccoli rabe collected in Apulia region and genotyped by means of 18 very informative SSR markers. A total of 243 alleles were detected in 552 genotypes, with a mean of 13.5 alleles per locus. The molecular variance was partitioned for 64% within accessions and for 36% among accessions, revealing a high level of genetic variation within landraces and a significant genetic differentiation across themselves. Remarkably, the results of genetic structure inference, as well as principal coordinates analysis and hierarchical clustering indicated as the clustering was largely in accordance to the germplasm origin, highlighting the presence of geographic stratification. We established a comprehensive germplasm collection of Apulian broccoli rabe landraces, currently stored at the Genebanks of IBBR-CNR and University of Bari. Finally, our study lays a foundation for future bio-agronomic characterizations addressing the identification of superior accessions for breeding purposes and solving cases of homonymy and synonymy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • SRAP and SSR markers revealed very high genetic diversity within three different Jojoba populations of India. • Very low genetic differentiation and high gene flow among different Jojoba populations were observed. • Jojoba population of Gujarat region was highly diverse and population of Jaipur was least polymorphic. • Genetic diversity in Jojoba was found to be strongly correlated with different environmental factors. • Male Jojoba genotypes displayed higher genetic diversity than female genotypes. • SRAP primer combination, 'Em14/Me10' amplified a male specific DNA marker of 396 bp. Abstract Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider, commonly known as Jojoba is a woody, dioecious shrub, cultivated all over the globe mainly for its commercially important seed oil (liquid wax ester). Investigations were carried out to analyze genetic diversity and population structure of 57 Jojoba genotypes belonging to 3 different eco-geographical regions of India (Gujarat, Jodhpur, and Jaipur) employing sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. SRAP markers produced higher mean values of polymorphic bands (6.22), polymorphism information content (PIC: 0.47), effective multiplex ration (EMR: 5.36) and marker index (MI: 2.59) compared to SSR markers (5.87, 0.38, 5.26 and 2.23 respectively). Higher % polymorphism (86.30%) and resolving power (RP: 8.76) were detected by SSR markers than SRAP markers (82.30% and 8.71 respectively). Total genetic diversity (Ht) and genetic diversity within populations (Hs) in Jojoba genotypes were found to be very high (0.47 and 0.45 respectively). AMOVA analysis also revealed higher genetic variation within populations (77%) than among populations (23%). Very low genetic differentiation (Gst: 0.04) and high gene flow (Nm: 10.57) among different populations were observed. The Jojoba population of Gujarat region was observed to be highly diverse (h: 0.48), and that of Jaipur was least polymorphic (h: 0.40). Jojoba male genotypes were found to be more polymorphic (h: 0.46) compared to females (h: 0.44). UPGMA, Neighbor-Joining tree, and population structure analysis divided Jojoba populations into two main clusters, first comprising of Gujarat and Jodhpur populations and second including Jaipur population. Genetic diversity in different Jojoba populations was found to be strongly negatively and significantly correlated with the longitude factor. For sex identification in Jojoba, one SRAP primer combination, 'Em14/Me10' amplified a DNA fragment of 396 bp specific to male genotypes of Jaipur population. This male-specific marker was further positively validated on different genotypes growing in Jodhpur and Gujarat regions and sequenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Marker efficiency in selecting grape seedless varieties depends on genetic background. • Frequencies of false positives and negatives were different for the best markers. • Validation of seedlessness-related markers is necessary for each parental combination. Abstract One of the leading goals in novel breeding programs on table grapevine is the set-up of novel seedless varieties. Seedlessness has a strong impact on consumers' choices representing an important added economic value compared to traditional cultivars. Breeding in tree crops greatly benefits from the use of molecular markers associated to a trait of interest. Nevertheless, one of the main limitations hampering marker assisted breeding is the lack of marker validation on multiple genetic backgrounds. To this extent, we evaluated the efficiency of four markers linked to seedlessness on 97 F 1 genotypes derived from 16 cross combinations obtained through in vitro embryo rescue. Our results confirmed that the four markers were associated to seedlessness even though all, to a different extent, showed marker-trait inconsistencies. Marker efficiency was then tested on the different genetic backgrounds composing the entire germplasm providing a more acurate overview of the marker performances when the genetic background changes. Overall, the most efficient markers were VMC7f2 and p3_VvAGL11 even though their effectiveness changed remarkably from one genetic background to another. This work reports a marker validation assay on a germplasm created to encompass the actual allelic variability employed by breeders. The results could represent a valuable tool to guide the choice of the best markers to assist selection, a choice that should be based, more than on the absolute efficiency of the marker, on a careful evaluation of its performance on the genetic backgrounds in analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • RAPD and SSR markers detected somaclons in olive somatic embryogenic plants • Variations were slightly higher in lines maintained in vitro for a longer time • Genetic instability seems to be mainly genotype dependent Abstract The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of the genotype and culture age on the genetic stability of olive (Olea europaea L.) plants regenerated by somatic embryogenesis. Plants derived from eight embryogenic lines maintained by repetitive subculture for two (T lines) and eight years (P lines) were analyzed using RAPD and SSR markers. In our work, RAPD markers resulted more informative than SSR markers, but both techniques were valuable for the identification of somaclonal variation in olive somatic embryogenesis-derived plants. Both molecular markers detected intraclonal variation in both age groups, showing a slightly higher variability in the older lines. Lines T2 and T4 resulted completely stable with RAPD and SSR, although one of the youngest lines (T1) showed the lowest similarity coefficients also with the two types of markers. In conclusion, although variation was slightly higher in plants derived from lines maintained in vitro for a longer time, genetic instability seems to be mainly genotype dependent, thus confirming the results previously obtained by Bradaï et al. (2016b) when assessing the same plants by phenotypic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The computed tomography angiographic (CTA) spot sign has been shown to predict hematoma expansion in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), but the significance of the spot sign density (SSD) and the spot sign ratio (SSR) has not yet been explored.Methods: Using the institutional Neurocritical care and Stroke registry, we retrospectively reviewed patients with ICH from January-2013 to June-2017. We selected patients who had baseline CT-head (CTH), CTA with positive-spot sign within 6 hours of last known well and at least one follow-up CTH within 24 hours. Baseline demographics and variables known to affect hematoma-volume were collected. Hematoma-volumes and SSR were calculated using computer-assisted 3D-volumetric measurement and the average of the surrounding hematoma density divided by the SSD, respectively. The 2-sample t test and the area-under-the-curve (receiver operating characteristic) were used to detect the association between hematoma expansion and outcome at discharge.Results: A total of 320 patients were reviewed; 22 met the inclusion criteria. Significant hematoma expansion (volume expansion ≥12.5 cc or ≥33% compared to baseline) was noted in 14 (64%) subjects. SSD was significantly higher in subjects with hematoma expansion (216 ± 66) than those without (155 ± 52, P = .036). With a cut-off SSD of ≥150 HU, we had sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 75%. For SSR, lower ratios suggested a trend toward hematoma expansion, although it was not statistically significant (P = .12). There was no significant correlation between SSD or SSR and modified ranking scale at discharge and after 3-6 months.Conclusion: SSD might be a good predictor of hematoma growth. Although SSR showed a trend toward expansion, results were not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • An F 2:5 recombinant inbred line (RIL)-population was derived and the fruit shape traits showed as the quantitative traits in this population. • A linkage map was developed included 87 markers and 7 linkage groups with a total length of 584.64 cM. • 21 QTLs loci were totally identified for fruit shape traits from RIL population and finally allowed to 5 consensus QTLs FS1.1 , FS1.2 , FS2.1 , FS3.1 and FS6.1 loci in this study. Abstract Fruit length and diameter are very important appearance quality which affects preference of consumers and quality of fruit. To improve the genetic mechanisms of cucumber fruit shape and size, an F 2:5 recombinant inbred line (RIL)-population was derived from a cross between Q16 inbred lines which had slender fruit and Q24 inbred lines which had round fruit to screen fruit shape QTLs locus. 85 RILs, 15 F 1 and 15 of each parental line were grown in the spring of 2016 and 2017 respectively. The length and diameter of ovary, immature fruit and mature fruit were measured at blooming day, 12 days after pollination and 35 days after pollination respectively. The RIL population was screened basing on the data related fruit using 89 SSR markers and 1 InDel marker. Twenty-one QTLs loci were totally identified for fruit shape traits from RIL population. Comparing the flanking markers of 21 QTL loci allowed to 5 consensus QTLs FS1.1 , FS1.2 , FS2.1 , FS3.1 and FS6.1 loci, in which FS3.1 played a role in fruit elongation, FS6.1 was important for the increase of fruit diameter, and the else 3 QTLs acted in both fruit elongation and diameter. The results from this study may increase the understanding of the genetic basis control of fruit shape and size and provide support for marker-assisted selection in cucumber with ideal fruit shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The range and variation of agronomic characters of wild A. eriantha has been explored. • The specific primers were screened by SSR, can be used for genetic diversity analysis and DNA fingerprinting of A. eriantha. • Genetic diversity analysis of SSR markers showed that the number of alleles detected per pair of primers was 3˜13, with an average of 5.6 alleles and 2.83 effective alleles, the Shannon 's information index was 1.12, and the Ne's gene diversity index was 0.566. • Eight SSR markers with significant correlation with main endoplasmic traits were obtained, which can be used to innovate the germplasm resources of A. eriantha and to improve the genetic characteristics of the cultivars. Abstract In order to establish the link between fruit quality traits and genotypes with specific allelic variations, one hundred and forty five wild kiwifruit (A. eriantha) germplasm resources were used to evaluate the fruit quality, and their SSR markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity and also the correlation between the natural variation of their main inner qualities and SSR markers in this study. The results showed that there were abundant variations in the main inner quality of the tested materials, among which the variation coefficient of soluble sugar content (SS) was the largest, followed by carotenoid content (Car) and chlorophyll content (Chl). Sixteen excellent wild A. eriantha germplasms were selected by principal component analysis. Genetic diversity analysis of SSR markers showed that the number of alleles detected per pair of primers was 3˜13, with an average of 5.6 alleles and 2.83 effective alleles, the Shannon 's information index was 1.12, and the Ne's gene diversity index was 0.566. The population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of the tested materials were analyzed by 40 pairs of SSR markers, after conditional filtration with gene frequency of 0.05, there was significant linkage disequilibrium in some of the SSR polymorphism markers. When P < 0.05, eight markers were found to be associated with five quality traits such as SS, titratable acid content (TA), Chl, dry matter (DM) and soluble solids content (SSC). While when P < 0.01, only a significant correlation was found between the marker A193 and SS. In this study, the relative stable markers associated with the inner quality of wild A. eriantha fruit were excavated, and specific allelic variations were established between phenotypes and genotypes. The results could lay a theoretical foundation for the breeding and genetic improvement of novel varieties of A. eriantha in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The early ripening derived varieties of Pearl of Csaba were analyzed based on SSR markers. • The inheritance of early ripening trait was investigated at the DNA level. • Three markers were steadily transmitted from Pearl of Csaba to its descendants. Abstract In order to dissect the inheritance of the grapevine early ripening trait, Pearl of Csaba, 32 derived varieties of Pearl of Csaba and 5 other parents for the breeding of the derived varieties were analyzed based on the SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) markers. Fifty SSR markers evenly distributed on 19 chromosomes of grapevine were initially employed and only 36 markers could transmit to all the descendants of four generations. Then, the false positive loci were excluded by tracing the high steadily transmitted loci in one consecutive line including three generation varieties (11 markers left), comparing to the other 5 medium and late ripening parents used in the formation of the descendants (8 markers left), considering the stability of the inheritance frequency from the generations to generations (3 markers left) and three SSR markers, VVMD5, VVMD32 and VMC4F8 were identified as the candidate. These three markers could be stably inherited in four generations and their inheritance frequency, genetic contribution rate and allele frequency were all above 40%, 70% and 0.4, respectively. The genomic loci corresponding to these markers and their adjacent chromosomal regions may be associated with the inheritance of early ripening trait in the derived varieties of Pearl of Csaba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) is a leading Solanaceous vegetable crop across the world with immense therapeutic and export potential. Such wide cultivation exposes the crop to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Genetic diversity is one of the major prerequisites for any crop breeding programme. Hence, in this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of 24 bell pepper genotypes using 25 agro-morphological [9 distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) descriptors; 13 quantitative traits; and 3 quality traits] and 82 microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Eight DUS descriptors showed polymorphism with maximum morphological variation (H = 1.29) for fruit shape in longitudinal section. Multivariate analysis using Mahalanobis D2 statistic distinguished the genotypes into 11 clusters. With a mean of 4.08 alleles per locus, a total of 151 alleles were generated from 37 polymorphic SSR primers. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.14 (CAMS 451) to 0.76 (CA 525390) with an average of 0.54. The genotypes were divided into two major clusters based on cluster analysis using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) algorithm, whereas the cluster tree using the neighbour-joining (NJ) method identified three major groups. The population was classified into three groups based on structure analysis. On comparing agro-morphological and molecular clusters, 11 genotypes viz., BWT-39, BWT-39-BR, BWT-39-DR, BWT-29, BWT-3Y, BWT-3Y-4L, Kandaghat Selection, BWT-48-AC, BWT-49-AC, EC-464107, and EC-464115, were found common. These genotypes also exhibited considerable resistance to bacterial wilt disease. Mantel's test showed a moderate positive correlation between agro-morphological (DUS descriptors) and molecular data. Therefore, a combined approach of agro-morphological and molecular evaluation can facilitate the selection of diverse parental lines followed by subsequent hybridisation between them to introduce new traits in bell pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A PV farm installed close to a wind farm is shown to effectively damp SSO. • Reactance crossover and the Nyquist criterion are used to analyze the risk of SSO. • Instabilities predicted by the two methods are validated with EMT simulations. • Both methods are able to predict SSO. • The Nyquist criterion performs better regarding estimating oscillation frequencies. As more power electronics are introduced into the power system, its stability is impacted, e.g., through undesired interactions. One such interaction is called sub-synchronous control interaction (SSCI), an example being an interaction between a DFIG wind farm and a series compensated line. In this paper, two methods are used to assess the risk of SSCI: the reactance crossover method, and the Nyquist criterion. The analysis is performed on three case studies: one system based on the IEEE First Benchmark System, and the other system is modelled as a typical Swedish transmission system with two different degrees of series compensation. Both methods predict SSCI in all three case studies, with the Nyquist criterion being able to predict the oscillation frequency more accurately. To mitigate the sub-synchronous oscillations, a PV farm is implemented and placed in parallel to the wind farm. The performed simulations show that it is able to damp the oscillations successfully in all case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, proteins and natural antioxidants. Reports on tissue culture methods involving regeneration through callus phase are scanty, genotype dependent and have been reported with low regeneration frequency. This recalcitrant nature will impede the application of modern biotechnological tools for genetic advancement studies in sesame. An efficient protocol for invitro shoot organogenesis from callus cultures has been established using cotyledon explants excised from 1-week-old seedlings of sesame cv. TMV 3. Maximum frequency of greenish white friable compact (GWFC) callus (72.0%) was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.54 μM of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D). Organogenic GWFC callus cultured on MS medium containing 4.4 μM of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 10 μM of silver nitrate (AgNO 3) showed the optimum frequency of shoot regeneration (66%) and produced 4.6 shoots per 150 mg callus. Optimum rooting of 70.2%, an average of 6.02 ± 0.8 roots per shoot was achieved on MS medium fortified with 5.6 μM of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The rooted plantlets were acclimatized successfully in a greenhouse with a 65.8% survival rate. Non significant phenotypic aberrations were observed among the ex vitro transferred plantlets. The genetic stability of regenerants was assessed by using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. PCR amplification using 10 RAPD and 10 SSR primers generated 71 distinct and scorable DNA bands. DNA banding patterns reveal the absence of somaclonal variation among the plantlets regenerated through indirect organogenesis compared to that of mother plant and confirms the genetic purity of the invitro raised plants. The developed protocol could be effectively employed for obtaining genetic traits invitro through genetic transformation studies. Highlights • Cotyledons of matured seeds, 1 and 2-week-old seedlings of sesame were used as explants • Friable organogenic calli were obtained from only cotyledons of 1-week-old seedlings • Calli derived from cotyledons of 1-week-old seedlings initiated adventitious shoots • Elongated shoots were successfully rooted and acclimatized in greenhouse • Genetic stability analysis of in vitro raised plants with RAPD and SSR markers revealed the absence of somaclonal variantion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A set of 20 Polish and Ukrainian genotypes of camelina were screened for yield potential and molecular similarity. • The average seed yields among Camelina sativa genotypes ranged from 1.3 t ha−1 (spring genotypes) to 1.9 t ha−1 (winter genotypes). • The genetic similarity of the spring genotypes was significantly greater than the similarity of the winter genotypes. • SSR and RAPD-PCR markers based clustering generated 4 distinct groups of genetic similarity. Abstract The information about diversity of spring and winter Camelina sativa germplasm in West Europe is limited despite the long tradition of growing this plant. Therefore the aim of the study was to assess the yield potential of Polish and Ukrainian genotypes of camelina in the Polish growing conditions. A field experiment was conducted in Poland from 2011 to 2016. The average yield of winter camelina genotypes was statistically higher than that of spring cultivars (1.9 vs 1.3 t/ha). The yield from currently grown Polish spring cultivars is much higher than the yield from Ukrainian cultivars. The average yield of five mutation lines exceeded 2 t ha−1 and it was greater than the yield of the donor cultivar ‘Przybrodzka’, which produced 1.9 t ha−1 on average. The 9 spring and 11 winter camelina genotypes were also analysed for their genetic similarity. The RAPD-PCR and SSR data were used for grouping genotypes with the UPGMA method. Apart from the ‘Kirgizskij’ cultivar, all the Ukrainian genotypes were included in one group. Apart from the ‘Przybrodzka’ cultivar, the Polish cultivars of spring and winter camelina were included in one similarity group and their genetic similarity coefficients ranged from 0.52 to 0.73. The genetic similarity of the Polish and Ukrainian spring genotypes was greater than the similarity of the winter genotypes and the camelina mutation lines. Camelina has great potential as an oilseed plant for the production of food, feed and biofuel also in a region where for three millennia Camelina oil was used as a food and technical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spent potliner (SPL) is a solid residue generated by the aluminum industry. Its composition is variable and complex, containing fluoride and cyanide salts as well as aluminum, which contributes to its toxicity. SPL is sometimes released directly into the soil, where it is prone to leaching and has the potential to cause alterations and damage to DNA. Considering that polymorphism analysis of simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) DNA markers is an interesting tool to determine the mutagenicity of an environmental pollutant, the present study adopted this approach to verify the mutagenic potential of SPL and its main toxic components (aluminum, fluoride, and cyanide) on root tip cells of Lactuca sativa and Allium cepa . Alterations in ISSR and SSR regions were identified by DNA fingerprinting (gain and loss of bands and changes in band intensity). The estimated dissimilarities indicated differences between treatments and the negative control. Furthermore, the relationship between the amplification profile of the markers and alterations in cell mitosis was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Low to moderate genetic differentiation in Larix decidua was observed across its native distribution area. • More significant genetic differences were proven within Alpine larch than in Carpathian larch. • Three different conservation units were delineated in the Alps and one in the Carpathians. Abstract Conservation of the intraspecific genetic diversity of trees is crucial for long-term forest sustainability, especially in the expected scenario of climate change. Larix decidua is an excellent example of a very common species for which better knowledge of the population genetic structure is needed. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular genetic variability of L. decidua in the Alps and Western Carpathians with adjacent areas using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Low to moderate levels of genetic differentiation were observed among the study populations across the native distribution area of L. decidua. Based on AMOVA and PCoA, we revealed a significant correlation between genetic and geographical distances in the whole dataset. The group of analysed populations of Carpathian larch from Eastern Poland, the area of the Jeseníky Mountains in the Czech Republic and the Tatra Region in Slovakia is relatively homogenous with regard to genetics. The F ST values between these populations did not exceed 0.05, indicating low genetic differentiation. In addition, the population from the Eastern Alps could be assigned to this group. A certain level of relationship to Carpathian populations was also observed in the populations from the Northern Alps. In contrast, more significant genetic differences were proven between the individual regions within the analysed populations of Alpine larch from the Southern Alps, including the Maritime Alps, Central Alps, and north-eastern and eastern borders of the Alps. The F ST values between the individual populations from different Alpine regions indicated, in most cases, a medium genetic divergence (0.025–0.112). Further research is needed to obtain more detailed information about the genetic variability of local native populations of L. decidua and their geographical determination, especially in the area of the Alps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale plantations of Moringa oleifera Lam. are carrying out in the dry-hot valley of Red River in Yunnan Province to make it the core cultivation area in China. Nevertheless, there is a deficient understanding of detailed pollen flow patterns, which leads to uncertainty in designing and managing seed orchards of M. oleifera to fit the breeding demand. In order to facilitate the design of breeding strategies for inbreeding lines, paternity analysis by SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) was used to estimate the outcrossing rate and pollen mediated gene flow of M. oleifera . The analysis was carried out in an experimental population domesticated in the dry-hot valley area of Red River with two germplasms (India and Myanmar) of 60 trees, including 12 maternal trees and 60 pollen donors (bisexual flowers, maternal trees were also possible paternal trees in case of selfing). One hundred fifteen seeds out of 288 were confirmed pollen donors by 8 microsatellite loci at 95% strict confidence level. The multilocus outcrossing rate is t m  = 0.797 ± 0.096, and single-locus outcrossing rate is t s  = 0.742 ± 0.058. Pollen dispersal distance varied from 0 m (self-pollination) to 24.7 m, with an average of 11.9 m, and 95% of effective pollen was dispersed within 20 m, indicating that the effective pollen mediated gene flow is restricted to a limited distance. 50.3% of effective pollen was donated by 9 trees. Moreover, there was no apparent correlation between pollen dispersal distance and pollen contribution rate, as well as between germplasm and reproducibility. The maximum pollen dispersal distance between two trees estimated in this experimental stand is highly localized at current 3 × 3 m planting density, indicating that M. oleifera seed orchards and clones could be planted nearer to each other than previously thought (as far as kilometers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botryosphaeria dothidea causes diseases in many different hosts worldwide. This species has become the most prominent fungal taxon causing grapevine trunk disease in China, with a recent disease outbreak. To reveal the genetic diversity and explore the origin of B. dothidea , six novel microsatellite markers were developed and used for the genotyping of 151 isolates obtained from China and overseas. The results demonstrated the high genetic diversity of the B. dothidea populations. Bayesian cluster analysis separated the total B. dothidea isolates into five genetic populations. B. dothidea isolates from Chinese grapevines were observed to share alleles with isolates from different hosts within China and from grapevines growing overseas, indicating both endemic host shifts and exotic introduction. In addition, unique pathogen genotypes were identified in Chinese grapevine isolates. Hence, we infer that B. dothidea isolates from multiple origins are contributing to the dieback and canker outbreak currently occurring in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA typing has been long proposed as a component of food traceability especially for the ability to provide genetic information on processed and/or mixed commercial products. However, the use of DNA testing to deliver legal evidence has been very limited in the agro-food chain, also because in this field, a genetic concordance is rarely sustained with indications on the interpretation and statistics of a DNA profile. Zucchini is the most important and diverse horticultural group belonging to Cucurbita pepo , a plant species that yields a large variety of edible fruits such as squashes and pumpkins. Challenges in genetic discrimination of zucchini material exiting the agro-food chain typify the problems in DNA typing of horticultural food products, because of limited allelic diversity, presence of common alleles, highly processed food and genetic similarity with other edible species. The aims of this work were to identify zucchini varieties in commercial products by a means of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) analysis and to provide indications for the statistical interpretation of a match. We assessed the efficacy of SSRs analyzing some of the most diffused hybrids and open pollinated zucchini varieties. SSRs were also screened for transferability in DNA isolated from edible organs of different plant species that are frequently present in food products containing zucchini. Moreover, we demonstrate the possibility to identify the variety in food products of different origins. The statistical evaluation on the rarity of DNA profiles in zucchini indicated that the genetic match presented in this work cannot be attributed to chance alone. Based on this evidence, the advantages and pitfalls of food DNA typing for variety identification of a horticultural crop are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.), an industrially important seed spices, has diverse usage in food and pharma industries. Therefore, documentation and characterization of cumin germplasm is essential for its genetic improvement. However, reliable co-dominant marker system especially simple sequence repeat (SSR) is not available in cumin. To develop SSR markers in cumin, DNA survey sequencing was performed on Illumina Miseq next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform. A total of 8086 sequences were detected having microsatellite repeat sequences. A set of 6421 primer pairs (including 1278 mononucleotide) were generated from genomic sequences of cumin, in which di- and tri-nucleotides repeat were more common. For marker validation, 25 primer pairs were randomly selected and amplified in 30 cumin genotypes and five other species of family Apiaceae namely, dill seed, parsley, celery, fennel and ajwain. From 23 markers, a total of 79 alleles were identified with the mean of 3.43 alleles per marker with polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.03 to 0.70. The average gene diversity and heterozygosity was 0.44 and 0.53, respectively. With a mean dissimilarity coefficients of 0.398, five clusters were identified through neighbour-joining analysis. The highest genetic distance was observed between GC-1/GP-39 and GC-3/GP-39, while the lowest level was found between GP-47 and CE-2. Of 23 primers, 21 (91.30%) exhibited cross-amplification in at least one of the species of Apiaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity loss is a worldwide problem, and the vine is probably one of the most affected species. The number of cultivated varieties of vine has decreased in recent years, and the local varieties of each region have been displaced by other varieties that have expanded internationally due to globalization of markets. This work focuses on the characterization and identification of 111 accessions from the Balearic Archipelago by microsatellite analysis, using 20 molecular markers. A total of 58 different genotypes were identified. Twenty-nine names commonly used in the Islands are considered new synonyms. Seventeen cases of mislabeling and 5 unknown molecular profiles were described. Of the 58 varieties identified, 16 have been proposed as local varieties (Argamusa, Callet, Callet cas Concos blanco, Callet cas Concos negro, Epero de gall, Excursach, Fogoneau, Gafarro, Giro ros, Gorgollasa, Manses de Tibbus together with its mutation, Manses de Tibbus-1, Manto negro, Sabate and Valent blanc). This local population has also been compared with a world population in order to study their singularity. In all cases these 16 local varieties behaved like an own subpopulation being very distant respect to the other populations. These results also suggest that local varieties have had a great influence of Iberian Peninsula varieties over the years and a slight Italian influence. Finally, it is suggested that most of the crossing related to these local varieties have been carried out in Balearic Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pitaya has been widely cultivated in China and has became an economically important fruit crop. The majority of its germplasm accessions are white and red pulp types and, owing to the lack of standardization, there are serious nomenclature issues. To identify the germplasm resources, genetic diversity levels and relationships among 46 accessions collected from China and abroad were investigated using simple sequence repeat markers. A total of 52 alleles were detected by 18 markers, and the number of effective alleles ranged from 1.1636 to 4.0341, with an average of 2.8624. The genetic similarity coefficient varied from 0.61 to 0.95. Subsequently, based on their geographical distribution, four groups (A, B, C and D) were distinguished by truncating the dendrogram at an 80% similarity level. Group A contained 35 accessions, which were red (pink) pulp genotypes, Group B contained 5 white pulp accessions; Group C contained 4 accessions with similar identities, and Group D contained only two accessions, cactus and Epiphyllum oxypetalum . Additionally, most of the red pulp genotypes in Group A came from Taiwan. The results indicated that the selected germplasms have a rich genetic diversity and underwent genetic separation during dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marker-assisted selection (MAS) can effectively promote fiber yield improvement for ramie. However, so far, the lack of molecular markers associated with fiber yield traits impede the application of MAS in ramie breeding. The objectives of this study were to identify simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci associated with fiber yield traits in ramie and to infer population structure and evolutionary genetic relationships. Genetic diversity, population structure, and association mapping analyses were conducted using 107 ramie accessions and 95 pairs of SSR markers. The results indicate that the average number of alleles per locus was 2.64 and that Shannon diversity index values ranged from 0.3797 to 1.4298. The 107 accessions were divided into two subpopulations with extensive genetic variation, indicating that the natural population was representative and could be used for further association analysis of quantitative traits. Association analysis detected a total of 16 stable molecular markers related to yield traits in ramie, including six for plant height, two for ramet number, five for stem diameter, three for skin thickness, and three for fiber percentage. Of these, the SSR marker RAM290 was associated with stem diameter in three environments and can explain 8.32%–23.42% of the phenotypic variation, indicating its potential utility in molecular breeding. These findings will be useful in the genetic improvement of ramie yield traits through marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this work is to develop a simple rutting test method, referred to as the Stress Sweep Rutting (SSR) test, which can be used to calibrate a permanent deformation model, known as the shift model, of asphalt mixtures. The effect of each shift model parameter, i.e., temperature, deviatoric stress, load time, and rest period, on permanent deformation has been explored and evaluated in an effort to minimize the test requirements of the rutting characterization. The accuracy of the SSR test method was evaluated using the Layered ViscoElastic pavement analysis for Critical Distresses (LVECD) program by predicting the permanent deformation and compared to the Triaxial Stress Sweep (TSS) method, which was originally developed to calibrate the shift model. The rut depths predicted from the SSR and TSS method using the LVECD program are in close agreement, thereby verifying the SSR test method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diving beetles (Dytiscidae) are the most speciose water beetle group, occurring on all continents except Antarctica. They inhabit various lotic and lentic habitats and play an important role in ecosystem functioning. In this study, we developed functional polymorphic microsatellites for two widely distributed species from one of the most diversified dytiscid genus Agabus : Agabus bipustulatus (Linnaeus, 1767) and Agabus cf. guttatus from the Agabus guttatus group sensu Foster and Bilton (1997). For microsatellites development, pooled DNA and NGS pyrosequencing were used. Microsatellites are still very useful genetic markers for studying recent population changes, but for dytiscids, highly diversified and ecologically important group of freshwater invertebrates, only 8 microsatellite loci are available for one North American species. To test utility of the developed markers, we used several populations of alpine lakes, situated in the Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians). From the 60 tested markers, 13 loci for Agabus bipustulatus and 8 loci for A. cf . guttatus showed polymorphism. The number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 10 and no significant linkage disequilibrium was observed. Observed/expected heterozygosity varied from 0/0.077 to 1/0.834 within populations of A. cf. guttatus and from 0/0.056 to 1/0.837 within populations of A. bipustulatus . The significant deviation from HWE was probably caused by presence of null alleles or undetected biological processes. Bayesian cluster analysis revealed differences in the cluster proportions, confirming applicability of the developed markers for future studies of population structure of both Agabus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-stagnated productivity of pigeonpea may be attributed to its vulnerability to several diseases of which vascular wilt caused by Fusarium udum Butler is of paramount significance. Disease management approaches that rely on chemicals are not very appropriate especially in view of rising environmental concerns and resource poor nature of marginal farmers. Therefore, deploying host plant resistance in genetic improvement schemes through molecular tagging of underlying resistance genes is central to resistance breeding. To this end, here we offer SSR markers for resistance to race 2 of Fusarium wilt (FW) in KPL 43 (resistant) through bulked segregant analysis (BSA). The analysis of disease incidence data on 271 F 2 individuals derived from Bahar (susceptible) × KPL 43 (resistant) revealed the involvement of two or more recessive genes (1:15) with duplicate dominant epistasis. Marker polymorphism survey using 270 hypervariable pigeonpea-specific SSR markers (HASSRs) yielded 115 polymorphic markers (42.6%) between the parents. SSR markers HASSR8 190 , HASSR58 180 and HASSR121 170 differentiated resistant and susceptible bulks. A joint segregation analysis between the each marker with FW resistance in F 2 population supported the linkage between FW and the SSRs. Recessive class analysis (RCA) based on genotypic data of ten resistant F 2 individual also confirmed linkage between SSRs and FW resistance gene. The independent assortments was observed between the pair of associated SSR markers, and this corroborated with the alignment of these three SSR markers on three different chromosomes in the pigeonpea genome. The association of SSR markers HASSR8 190 and HASSR58 180 with FW resistance was further validated in a panel of 89 pigeonpea genotypes through single marker analysis (SMA) and Kruskal Wallis test. Given the recessive nature of the genes conferring FW resistance, these SSR markers have tremendous implications for breeding FW resistant pigeonpea genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting in 1931, Giovanni Dalmasso carried out intense grapevine breeding activity, creating more than 100 wine and table grape crosses. He sought to contribute to the economic development of Italian viticulture, but also left considerable genetic material for further breeding programs. Owing to the current strong interest in the genetic improvement of grapevines, the pedigrees of varieties released by breeders must be determined. The aim of this study was to genetically characterize and verify the disclosed pedigrees of Dalmasso’s crosses (IDs). Nuclear microsatellite profiles (n-SSR) of 42 ID accessions and 22 genotypes declared as parents were obtained at 22 loci. By cross-validation of allele size, declared parentages were verified. When one or both disclosed parents were found to be incorrect due to inconsistent genetic data, putative parent(s) were sought via SSR profile comparison within the grapevine molecular database of CNR-Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, and the probability estimated via IDENTITY v. 4.0 software. Through microsatellite analysis, three duplicated genotypes were discovered and twenty ID parentages out of 39 were confirmed. In 13 IDs, one parent was incorrect, in 2 IDs, both parents were inconsistent with microsatellite profiles, and in 4 IDs the pedigree could not be verified since the pollen donor was not available. Apart from invalidated crosses likely due to pollen contamination, 5 accessions were mislabelled, either when both parents were invalidated or when two specimens of the same offspring were differently labelled. Verification of breeder’s declared parentages revealed 43% of invalidated pedigrees within the investigated wine and table cross-breeds. The results provide additional insight into grapevine available diversity, and may aid the development of further breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an F 1 population derived from a cross of P. ostti ‘Feng Dan’ × P. suffruticosa ‘Xin Riyuejin’ was used to construct a genetic map for tree peony based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 705 pair primers were used and finally 124 pair polymorphic primers were screened for the construction of the genetic map. The constructed map contained 35 SSR markers with total length of 338.2 cM, covering 5 linkage groups, of which ranging from 29.8 cM to 120.9 cM in length and including 3–14 markers, .the average distance between each marker was 9.7 cM. Finding the shortest and longest distance between two adjacent markers were 1.4 cM and 37.5 cM, respectively. Furthermore, by the interval mapping (IM) method, 11 QTLs were detected that were related to the phenotypic traits which were investigated among nineteen phenotypic traits of the F 1 progenies in 2014 and 2015, and the range of explained the phenotypic variance was from 9.60% to 46.2%. Among 11 QTLs, the number of characters that were associated with the shoot number, leaf length, flower number, pod height, pod diameter and flower diameter was range from 1 to 4 loci. In conclusion, this genetic map constructed with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers would be a base for the further molecular breeding study in tree peony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density genetic maps are valuable and effective tools for exploring complex quantitative traits, including mapping quantitative trait loci and developing linkage markers. Here, we developed 4797 single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers using specific length amplified fragment sequencing. As a result, 4664 SNP markers, combined with 201 simple sequence repeat markers, were used to build a high-density linkage map of the F 1 population ‘Red Clapp’s Favorite’ ( Pyrus communis L.) × ‘Mansoo’ ( Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai). The integrated map contained 17 linkage groups, spanning 2,703.61 cM, with an average distance of 0.56 cM between adjacent markers. Each linkage groups anchored from 6 to 18 SSR markers. Additionally, detailed information on the female and male maps was determined. We also identified the SNP markers’ physical map locations in the P. communis L. ‘Bartlett’ genome. The results will be useful for identifying candidate genes associated with economically important characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cercospora leaf spot caused by Cercospora beticola is a significant threat to the production of sugar and table beet worldwide. A de novo genome assembly of C. beticola was used to develop eight polymorphic and reproducible microsatellite markers for population genetic analyses. These markers were used, along with five previously described microsatellite loci to genotype two C. beticola populations from table beet fields in New York, USA. High allelic and genotypic diversity and low population differentiation were found between fields. Linkage disequilibrium of loci after clone-correction of datasets was attributed to the presence of two distinct clonal lineages within the populations. Linkage equilibrium of loci in one of the clusters supported the presence of sexual reproduction. The draft de novo genome assembly will help elucidate the reproductive system of C. beticola through investigating evidence of recombination in the C. beticola genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]