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The Neotropics are the most species-rich region on Earth, and spectacular diversification rates in plants are reported in plants, mostly occurring in oceanic archipelagos, making Neotropical and island plant lineages a model for macro-evolutionary studies. The genus Lycium in the Solanaceae family, originating from the Neotropics and exhibiting a unique disjunct geography across several islands, is therefore expected to experience exceptional diversification events. In this study, we aimed to quantify the diversification trajectories of the genus Lycium to elucidate the diversification events within the genus. We compiled a DNA matrix of six markers on 75% of all the species in the genus to reconstruct a dated phylogeny. Based on this phylogeny, we first revisited the historical biogeography of the genus. Then, we fitted a Compound Poisson Process on Mass Extinction Time model to investigate the following key evolutionary events: speciation rate, extinction rate, as well as mass extinction events. Our analysis confirmed that South America is the origin of the genus, which may have undergone a suite of successive long-distance dispersals. Also, we found that most species arose as recently as 5 million years ago, and that the diversification rate found is among the slowest rates in the plant kingdom. This is likely shaped by the multiple speciation and extinction rate shifts that we also detected throughout the evolutionary history of the genus, including one mass extinction at the early stage of its evolutionary history. However, both speciation and extinction rates remain roughly constant over time, leading to a gradual species accumulation over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Urotrygon comprises small‐ to medium‐sized endemic round rays on the American continent and has undergone several synonymization processes. Here, we used an integrative taxonomic approach, including meristic, morphometric, and mtDNA analyses, to resolve the particularly intricate relationship among Urotrygon munda Gill, 1863, Urotrygon chilensis (Günther, 1872), and Urotrygon asterias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883). The latter species is currently a synonym of U. munda but is also considered the U. chilensis "northern morphotype." These taxonomic entities have historically been confounded, mainly due to their phenotypical resemblance along their geographic distribution in the eastern Pacific. We assessed 78 specimens (43 "northern" and 30 "southern morphotypes" of U. chilensis, as well as 5 U. munda) using 19 external variables for taxonomic and morphometric analysis. Distinct meristic patterns, including pectoral and pelvic ceratotrichia, vertebrae number, and thorn distribution along the dorsal midline, were observed in the series‐type specimens of the three taxonomic entities. Our multivariate morphometric analyses consistently differentiated the three groups as distinct taxonomic entities, with an overall classification accuracy of 66.7%. The meristic results also provided reliable information distinguishing the three entities. Based on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH2) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes, our phylogenetic analysis were consistent with the morphometric and meristic data, supporting these three entities as distinct species having their own evolutionary lineages. Our comprehensive approach confidently demonstrated that the northern U. chilensis morphotype matched and corresponded to the description of the Starry round ray, U. asterias, confirming its taxonomic resurrection as a valid species distinct from U. chilensis and U. munda. The geographic distribution of U. asterias spans from the tropical west coast of Mexico (including the Gulf of California) to Costa Rica, revealing that microevolutionary processes have well‐defined population clades within this range. Furthermore, U. chilensis is unequivocally established as the sole Urotrygon species occurring south of the Guayaquil marine ecoregion. In addition, the public COI and NADH2 sequences available for Urotrygon hosted in the ad hoc online databases were found to be misidentified, emphasizing the need for rigorous taxonomic scrutiny in this group. Finally, our research underscores the significance of an integrative approach that combines morphometric, meristic, and molecular techniques with historical data to disentangle the complexities of closely related taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea or tea shrub is a plant of the Camellia sinensis species, the leaves of which, previously prepared in a special way, are the traditional raw material for the production of tea products. Varietal gene identification of tea allows us to increase the level of assessment of the authenticity of tea raw materials and tea products. It is predominantly based on DNA technologies for the detection and interpretation of SNP markers (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism), represented by a wide arsenal of both expensive high-tech methods and publicly available laboratory approaches. Species gene identification of the raw material composition of tea-based soft drinks is an equally important area of research due to the risk of falsification of this type of product. The purpose of this study was to find methodological approaches to the varietal gene identification of tea raw materials and to the species gene identification of the raw material composition of tea-based soft drinks. As a result of a bioinformatics study to identify polymorphic restriction sites in the nucleotide sequences of Camellia sinensis genome loci, diagnostically significant restriction enzymes were selected that were capable of detecting SNPs and identifying tea genotypes using the analyzed markers. At the same time, 16 loci had potential for practical application, of which 11 belonged to the group of the most informative SNP markers. A post-analytical assessment of tea varieties was carried out with them regarding their genotypic affiliation and identifiability as part of solving the first task of the study. To achieve the second task, a molecular genetic approach to the species identification of the raw composition of soft drinks based on green tea was tested. The study included the analysis of experimental drinks (with natural flavoring “Lemon” and synthetic flavoring “Peach 716”), as well as commercial concentrates “TIAKVA” (based on extracts from the coarse stems of green or black tea). The methods used in the work were PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) and direct sequencing of the amplified chloroplast DNA locus. The combination of two methods (PCR and sequencing) showed its effectiveness in establishing the belonging of the analyzed nucleic acid samples to the Camellia sinensis species, the raw material base of the studied drinks and concentrates. However, to unlock the authentication potential of PCR with primers #1 and #2 combined with RFLP analysis, it will be necessary to select diagnostically significant restriction enzymes suitable for generating species-specific combinations of PCR-RFLP profiles of marker sequence.

Potato is one of the most consumed crops worldwide. One strategy aimed at pathogen and pest management is the cultivation of resistant varieties. In this study, 352 genotypes from the Kazakhstan potato germplasm collection were screened for the presence of loci for resistance to the most harmful pathogens and pests using 30 DNA markers. 'Rucheek' and 'Spiridon', among the top global varieties, and 'Janaisan' and 'Fedor', among the top local varieties, were identified as bearing the most resistance loci in the collection, with at least 14 markers each. The specimens carrying the genes Ryadg (ADG1, ADG2), Nb (SPUD237), Ns (SC811, CP16), Rpi-phu1 (GP94), and GroV1 (X02), which demonstrate confirmed resistance to PVY, PVA, PVX, PVS, Phytophthora infestans, and Globodera rostochiensis, were most frequently found in the collection. Loci for resistance to Synchytrium endobioticum and Globodera pallida were less introgressed into the Kazakhstani cultivars and were almost absent in the germplasm collection. The less abundant loci found in the current potato collection were Ryadg (RysC3), Gro1-4 (Gro1-4), and Rladg (RGASC850). Screening of the potato collection showed that the markers SPUD237, CP60, 45/X1, and CT214 generated additional polymorphic amplicons, while markers Nl25, C237, GP179, and GP122718 were less applicable in robust large-scale screening. The results from this study may greatly contribute to marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding strategies aimed at developing new potato varieties with multiple resistance to biotic stress [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of bivoltine silk production in eastern and north-eastern india lags behind drastically in comparison to southern states due to non-availability of suitable bivoltine hybrids. The major constraints in bivoltine popularization are adverse climatic conditions. to overcome this limitation and to continuously rear bivoltine hybrids in these harsh climatic conditions throughout the year, the present proposal aims to identify robust and abiotic stress tolerant bivoltine silkworm breeds through integrating conventional breeding (directional selection) for improved productivity and advanced genome technologies such as MAS (marker assisted selection), gene specific markers for high humidity and thermo-tolerant DNA markers (Pyx3, Pyx4, S0803 and S0816) for tolerance to high temperature and high humidity and other abiotic factors. These robust hybrids could be reared throughout the year and would provide opportunities for further popularizing and improving bivoltine raw silk production in the eastern and north-eastern region. the present investigation identified wb1hh bivoltine breed to be having highest survival rate and better shell ratio of 18.81% in abiotic stress condition. MAS selection identified DNA markers in all breeds and among them WB1HH showed all four markers, confirming the genetic ability of the breed for tolerance to high temperature and humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is a significant factor that decreases milk production in cows of different breeds in Kazakhstan. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic makeup of Holstein cows by analysing specific gene loci (SELL, MX1, CXCR1+291C>T and CXCR1+1093C>T) that are linked to resistance against mastitis. The goal was to identify cows with favourable genotypes that are less prone to udder diseases. At the SELL gene locus c.567T>C, all three genetic variants were identified in the control population with the respective frequencies: TT (0.20), CT (0.44), and CC (0.36). Genetic variation was also detected at the MX1 gene c.567T>C, CXCR1 c.+291C>T and CXCR1+1093C>T loci. Deviation from the expected Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was observed for two gene loci, MX1 g.143182088 and CXCR1+1093C>T, with increased chi‐square values of 10.6261 and 9.7137, respectively. The analysis of subclinical mastitis incidence indicates that cows carrying the heterozygous CT genotype at the L‐selectin gene locus exhibit greater resistance to the disease. Animals carrying the CCCCCT genotype at the MX1 c.567T>C, CXCR1 c.+291C>T and CXCR1+1093C>T gene loci were discovered to have a significant likelihood of developing subclinical mastitis. This suggests that these genes could serve as potential indicators of susceptibility to the condition. The practical significance of this study lies in determining the frequency of genotypes linked to mammary gland morbidity in Holstein breeding farms in Kazakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic selection (GS) is increasingly used in tree breeding because of the possibility to hasten breeding cycles, increase selection intensity or facilitate multi-trait selection, and to obtain less biased estimates of quantitative genetic parameters such as heritability. However, tree breeders are aiming to obtain accurate estimates of such parameters and breeding values while optimizing sampling and genotyping costs. We conducted a metadata analysis of results from 28 GS studies totalling 115 study-traits. We found that heritability estimates obtained using DNA marker-based information for a variety of traits and species were not significantly related to variation in the total number of markers ranging from about 1500 to 116 000, nor by the marker density, ranging from about 1 to 60 markers/centimorgan, nor by the status number of the breeding populations ranging from about 10 to 620, nor by the size of the training set ranging from 236 to 2458. However, the predictive accuracy of breeding values was generally higher when the status number of the breeding population was smaller, which was expected given the higher level of relatedness in small breeding populations, and the increased ability of a given number of markers to trace the long-range linkage disequilibrium in such conditions. According to expectations, the predictive accuracy also increased with the size of the training set used to build marker-based models. Genotyping arrays with a few to many thousand markers exist for several tree species and with the actual costs, GS could thus be efficiently implemented in many more tree breeding programs, delivering less biased genetic parameters and more accurate estimates of breeding values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The assessment of genetic diversity, population structure, as well as within and across breed relationships using DNA markers is essential to develop conservation and genetic improvement programs. Objective: To assess the genetic diversity and population structure of Criollo Lechero Tropical (CLT) and Romosinuano (ROMO) cattle breeds in Mexico and compare them with other Criollo and Spanish breeds. Methods: The study included CLT and ROMO genotypes from the 65k Axiom©BovMDv3 array. Genomic data of Criollo and Spanish breeds were retrieved from a repository. Genetic diversity across breeds was evaluated by pairwise Wright's FST, principal components, and structure analysis. Results: Observed and expected heterozygosity, inbreeding coefficient, and effective population size (Ne) were 0.31, 0.30, -0.018 and 56 in CLT, and 0.32, 0.31, -0.023 and 99 in ROMO, respectively. Wright's FST indicated that both breeds are related to American Criollo and some Spanish cattle. ROMO cattle showed more significant Spanish ancestry than CLT. Conclusions: This study presents novel evidence indicating that, although the Ne of these breeds is small, they are still diverse and can be used as genetic reservoirs in conservation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulgaria has long-standing traditions of cultivating oil-bearing roses and is one of the leading producers of rose essential oil and rose water worldwide. We studied the genetic diversity of twenty-two R. damascena accessions from Bulgaria and Saudi Arabia using 10 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. In total, 212 bands were generated, of which 204 were polymorphic and eight monomorphic. High mean values of polymorphic information content (0.75), effective multiplex ratio (8.90), resolving power (32.40), marker index (6.59), and percentage of polymorphic bands (96.26) were obtained, implying significant genetic variability between the studied genotypes. The ISSR-based analyses showed that the level of polymorphism in this crop is appreciably high (Ne = 1.28, I = 0.24, He = 0.16). The coefficient of genetic differentiation among pre-defined groups was 0.46, indicating that 46% of total genetic variability was between groups and 54% was within groups. The method was appropriate for distinguishing individuals with a high level of similarity. The genetic relationships analysed with PCoA and hierarchical clustering analyses clearly separated the group of Bulgarian R. damascena accessions collected from local industrial plantations from the other two pre-defined groups. The clustering of Bulgarian rose cultivars and accessions from Saudi Arabia was independent of their geographical origin. The reported data could further facilitate the management of genetic resources and the development of rose breeding programs. Our study provides the first data on the genetic diversity of R. damascena accessions from Bulgaria using ISSR markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA markers and Multiplex-PCR have emerged as methods for species detection in processed meat products. The primary objective of this study is to design multiplex primer sequences for pork, rat, beef, and chicken, generating distinguishable amplicons through agarose gel electrophoresis for halal detection in processed meat products. Primer design involved utilizing mitochondrial genomic data and the NCBI-Primer BLAST site to obtain specific pork and beef primer sequences. In silico simulations, including single and multiplex-PCR, were conducted using Primer Pooler. In vitro validation encompassed Single-PCR and Multiplex-PCR annealing temperature optimization, using samples of chicken, beef, pork, and rat as well as processed meat products like meatballs, sausages, and nuggets. In vitro validation demonstrated that the halal marker gene's multiplex primer efficiently amplified the target sequence, specifically at the optimal annealing temperature of 58°C. Amplicons from beef (1,217 bp), pork (860 bp), rat (622 bp), and chicken (272 bp) primers could be distinguished on a 1.5% agarose gel. The study's results can aid in cost-effective and rapid halal testing and authentication of processed meat products, offering advantages over PCR with a single primer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming exacerbates rainfall irregularity and causes a decline in water resources. Drought is one of the main limiting parameters in agricultural and fruit production. In this study, we established a standard method for measuring drought tolerance in Fragaria, the simplest genomic model in the Rosaceae, a plant family comprising important fruit species like almonds, apples, plums, etc. A quick screening method for monitoring Fragaria genotypes in response to dehydration involved conducting a short-term water deficit experiment. We measured two eco-physiological parameters associated with leaf water status, leaf relative water content (RWC), and leaf water loss rate (WLR) in a total of 20 strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) from different breeding programs. The plants included two ecotypes of the European diploid species, F. vesca, and one American octaploid species, F. chiloensis. Fragaria genotypes responded to drought stress, as measured by WLR and RWC, and DNA fingerprints further described select Fragaria genotypes using AFLP and candidate gene EST markers. We revealed correlations among specific DNA markers, leaf WLR, and RWC while navigating the possibility of using association mapping in a small set of Fagaria accessions. The ultimate aim was to create a set of correlated markers to the physiological drought-involved traits in Fragaria. Using F. vesca extensively as a characterized Rosaceae mod e-l plant species in this study can ensure the benefits of drought charact e-rization and plant-based responses in other important Rosaceae fruit species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA; Diuraphis noxia [Kurdjumov]) is one of the world's most economically important and invasive pests of wheat, barley, and other cereals and has a crucial economic impact on autumnal wheat worldwide. The development of resistant cultivars may cause the continuous emergence of new RWA biotypes that are virulent for RWA control, emphasizing the need to determine new sources of resistance. Controlling RWA with systemic insecticides is economically expensive and hazardous to the environment and human health. Therefore, the most efficient way to control RWA is to ascertain and develop wheat cultivars with resistant genes. The presented study sought to determine the Dn genes in 25 wheat cultivars, including 19 cultivars from Uzbekistan's wheat breeding program and six cultivars from Russian breeding. The PCR screening proceeded with six (Xgwm44, Xgwm111, Xgwm635, Xgwm337, Xgwm642, and Xgwm473) SSR markers associated with Dn genes to recognize the genetic polymorphisms among the wheat cultivars. The results helped researchers in breeding programs, genetic improvement, and pest management, contributing to the economic viability of wheat farming. In turn, it enhances food security and promotes financial stability at both regional and national levels by increasing wheat yields and minimizing losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides the results of testing 13 soft spring wheat variety samples of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Omsk ASC" in the competitive variety testing nursery in 2020–2022. According to the ripeness groups, characteristics is given according to phenotypic traits, resistance to leaf diseases and grain quality. Variety samples have been identified based on yield, stability factor (S.F.) and yield range (d), with weaker variability (CV), which exceed standards and are characterized by the highest level of realization of productivity potential. In medium-ripeness group the following variety samples have been selected: Lutescens 83/14-3, Lutescens 205/12-5, in mid-late maturity group – Lutescens 15/16-17, which ensure the formation of a consistently high grain yield, grain quality, and resistance to fungal pathogens, regardless of the environmental conditions. The parameters of ecological plasticity of variety samples according to grain yield were determined and the most adaptive ones in this set were identified – Lutescens 83/14-3 (bi =1.16, Sd2 = 0.02) and Lutescens 205/12-5 (bi = 1.09, Sd2 = 0.03). The obtained research results made it possible to transfer the cultivars ‘Omskaya krepost` 2’ (Lutescens 205/12-5) and ‘Omskaya krepost` 5’ (Lutescens 83/14-3) to the state variety testing. Using the PCR method, a genetic profile of the transferred cultivars was obtained using certain DNA markers.

Over a few past decades, theoretical, analytical, and methodological advances in genetics have revolutionized population genetic research, providing a better understanding of evolutionary processes and the history of populations and species. Methodologically, this progress is largely due to the invention of polymerase chain reaction technology and the introduction of microsatellite DNA markers. This review discusses trends in the use of microsatellite markers as effective tools for solving a wide range of issues in population genetics, conservation and evolutionary biology of the only species of the genus Rangifer – reindeer. Based on the analysis of both experimental and review publications (78 sources) of the scientific teams of the Russian Federation, Canada, the United States of America, Ireland, Japan, China, Norway the first works on the successful amplification of reindeer microsatellites have been summarized. There has been demonstrated the significance of the data of markers for studying intra- and inter-population diversity, differentiation, genetic relationships, the impact of anthropogenic factors on genetic diversity and genetic isolation of populations, as well as for reconstructing the evolutionary history of the various reindeer forms.

Background. The creation of varieties with genetic resistance to fungal pathogens is one of the most important directions in strawberry breeding. A promising direction of accelerated selection of valuable specimens is molecular screening for the presence in their genotype of diagnostic DNA markers, linked to target genes of agrobiological traits. Objectives of the work were determination of the allelic state of the Rca2 (resistance to anthracnose) and Rpf1 (resistance to red stele root rot) genes in selected strawberry forms to identify genotypes resistant to Colletotrichum acutatum Simmonds and Phytophthora fragariae var. fragariae Hickman.Material and methods. The object of research was breeding forms of strawberries of intervarietal hybrid origin. As a result of 22 crossing combinations, 61 selection forms were obtained, in which the allelic composition of resistance genes was studied. The Rca2 anthracnose resistance allele was identified by means of the STS-Rca2_240 marker. The Rpf1 red stele root rot resistance allele was identified with the help of SCAR-R1A marker. Results. At least one of the two genes was identified in 20 selected strawberry forms (32.8%). The STS-Rca2_240 marker was identified in 15 strawberry seedlings (22.9%) from six hybrid combinations ‘Vicoda’ × ‘Roxana’, ‘Florence’ × ‘Faith’, ‘Asia’ × ‘Aprica’, ‘San Andreas’ × ‘Monterey’, ‘Alisa’ × ‘Quicky’, ‘Quicky’ × ‘Olympia’). The SCAR-R1A marker was identified in five strawberry seedlings (8.2%) from four hybrid combinations (‘Privlekatelnaya’ × ‘Bylinnaya’, ‘Feyerverk’ × ‘Bylinnaya’, ‘Bylinnaya’ × ‘Feyerverk’, ‘Bylinnaya’ × ‘Olimpiyskaya nadezhda’). It has been established that all strawberry selected forms with identified marker fragments for resistance genes are characterized by a heterozygous combination of alleles.Conclusions. Promising sources of resistance alleles are strawberry selected forms: 2/1-24, 2/1-34 (‘Quicky’ × ‘Olympia’), 3/9-5 (‘Florence’ × ‘Faith’), 3/12-2, 3/12- 9 (‘Alisa’ × ‘Quicky’), 4/7-10, 4/7-19, 4/7-20 (‘Asia’ × ‘Aprica’), 5/2-26, 5/2-32 (‘San Andreas’ × ‘Monterey’), 9/ 1-11, 9/1-12, 9/1-13, 9/1-32, 9/1-37 ‘Vicoda’ × ‘Roxana’) in case of Rca2 gene; 72-24, 72-71 (Privlekatelnaya × Bylinnaya), 69-29 (‘Feyerverk’ × ‘Bylinnaya’), 62-41 (‘Bylinnaya’ × ‘Feyerverk’), 61-15 (‘Bylinnaya’ × ‘Olimpiyskaya nadezhda’) in case of Rpf1 gene.

The Neotropics are the most species-rich region on Earth, and spectacular diversification rates in plants are reported in plants, mostly occurring in oceanic archipelagos, making Neotropical and island plant lineages a model for macro-evolutionary studies. The genus Lycium in the Solanaceae family, originating from the Neotropics and exhibiting a unique disjunct geography across several islands, is therefore expected to experience exceptional diversification events. In this study, we aimed to quantify the diversification trajectories of the genus Lycium to elucidate the diversification events within the genus. We compiled a DNA matrix of six markers on 75% of all the species in the genus to reconstruct a dated phylogeny. Based on this phylogeny, we first revisited the historical biogeography of the genus. Then, we fitted a Compound Poisson Process on Mass Extinction Time model to investigate the following key evolutionary events: speciation rate, extinction rate, as well as mass extinction events. Our analysis confirmed that South America is the origin of the genus, which may have undergone a suite of successive long-distance dispersals. Also, we found that most species arose as recently as 5 million years ago, and that the diversification rate found is among the slowest rates in the plant kingdom. This is likely shaped by the multiple speciation and extinction rate shifts that we also detected throughout the evolutionary history of the genus, including one mass extinction at the early stage of its evolutionary history. However, both speciation and extinction rates remain roughly constant over time, leading to a gradual species accumulation over time.

Introduction: Penicillium species exhibit a broad distribution in nature and play a crucial role in human and ecological environments. Methods: Two Penicillium species isolated from the ancient Great Wall loess in the Mentougou District of Beijing, China, were identified and described as new species, namely, Penicillium acidogenicum and P. floccosum, based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of multiple genes including ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 genes. Results: Phylogenetic analyses showed that both novel species formed a distinctive lineage and that they were most closely related to P. chrzaszczii and P. osmophilum, respectively. Discussion: Penicillium acidogenicum is characterized by biverticillate conidiophores that produce globose conidia and is distinguished from similar species by its capacity to grow on CYA at 30°C. Penicillium floccosum is typically recognized by its restricted growth and floccose colony texture. The description of these two new species provided additional knowledge and new insights into the ecology and distribution of Penicillium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic structure of Karachay population has been studied on the basis of analysis of ten autosomal DNA markers (diallelic and multiallelic) of the nuclear genome: CCR5∆32, ID/АСЕ, D7S23(KM19), STR/THOI, STR/FABP2, STR/IVS6aGATT(CFTR), VNTR/PAH, VNTR/DAT1, VNTR/NOS3, VNTR/APOB. The total number of the sample comprises 485 individuals who are residents of four Karachay regions: Karachaevsky, Prikubansky, Malokarachayevsky, Ust-Dzhegutinsky, and the city of Cherkessk, the capital of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Analysis of allele's frequency of autosomal DNA markers in Karachay geographic subgroups shows considerable genetic differentiation between them. The highest level of genetic diversity for Karachay people on the diallelic system is set at the locus ID/АСЕ, Hobs = 0.513, and on the multiallelic system is at the locus STR/THOI, Hobs = 0.792. The average value of the observed heterozygosity per locus is 0.466, varying from 0.441 in Ust-Dzhegutinsky region to 0.503 in Cherkessk. The level of genetic differences between Karachay groups (FST = 0.007) is inside the variance defined in the previously studied peoples: Mari (FST = 0.0024), Udmurt (FST = 0.0048), Chuvash (FST = 0.006), Tatars (FST = 0.0075), and Bashkir (FST = 0.008). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of different pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes using morphological descriptors and further substantiated through molecular means is essential for a breeding program. Characterization using molecular markers has an advantage over its morphological counterpart due to its low expense, quick and reliable results, and the requirement of less sophisticated equipment. In this study, eight different pomegranate cultivars were characterized based on their morphological and molecular characters in sub-tropical regions between 2018 and 2019. Morphological experiments were conducted in a randomized block design replicated thrice for each cultivar, whereas RAPD markers were employed for molecular studies. Principal component analysis revealed significant morphological variation (79.61%) among the cultivars. A high level of polymorphism, similar to PCA, was observed with RAPD analysis (80.49%). Some discrepancies between morphological and molecular results were noted in UPGMA cluster analysis. However, eight primers (total = 41) distinctively separated the Bhagwa variety from others, with the maximum similarity coefficient value (ca. 0.54) and superior fruit quality distinguished in PCA analysis with the maximum mean Euclidean distance (ca. 16). Hence, RAPD markers could be used along with morphological markers for a quick screening of germplasms in further crop improvement programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was aimed to isolate Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains from 18 traditional sourdough samples collected from 3 different provinces (Aksaray, Niğde, and Konya), and to conduct the genotypic characterization and population analyses using different DNA markers. In total, 58 of the 72 endogenous yeasts were identified as S. cerevisiae. In determining intraspecific genetic variation, SCoT 13 primer gave more useful results than iPBS and ISSR primers. As the distance between populations increased, the degree of genetic distance also increased (R = 0.74). The degree of genetic variation between populations (16%) and within populations (84%) was found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). Strains were divided into many subgroups on the UPGMA dendrogram, and according to STRUCTURE analysis, the number of significant subgroups was two (ΔK = 2). According to UPGMA and PCoA, clustering did not occur according to the regions where the strains were isolated, and random distribution was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary history of the European pig breeds is very complex. The current view is that several events might have contributed to their current genetic background. In Romania, Bazna pigs faced a sustained demographic decline, although in the past it was a widely spread breed. Despite its similar appearance with other white belted breeds, it is presumed to originate in 1872 crosses between Mangalitza and Berkshire. They were subsequently improved with British (e.g. Large White, Wessex etc) and German (e.g. Angler Sattleschwein). To obtain preliminary evidence of this possible admixed origin of Bazna pigs, we used two data sets: a mitochondrial set (Bazna versus commercial pigs versus Chinese or Vietnamese breeds) and an autosomal set (Bazna versus Mangalitza, Berkshire and Meishan breeds). The results highlighted a possible contribution of Mangalitza and Berkshire breeds to its current genetic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work is devoted to the study of the genetic diversity of local apple varieties common in the Guba region of Azerbaijan. The purpose of this work was to study biomorphological characteristics, identify them based on molecular markers and determine the degree of genetic relationship between species and forms of apple varieties. Based on DNA analysis of apple tree varieties from the collection, patterns of distribution of genes that control the long-term preservation of fruits in apple tree varieties and forms were identified. Unique genotypes carrying rare alleles at microsatellite loci were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kazakhstan-Siberia Network for Spring Wheat Improvement (KASIB) was established in 2000, forming a collaboration between breeding and research programs through biannual yield trials. A core set of 142 genotypes from 15 breeding programs was selected, genotyped for 81 DNA functional markers and phenotyped for 10 agronomic traits at three sites in Kazakhstan (Karabalyk, Shortandy and Shagalaly) and one site in Russia (Omsk) in 2020–2022. The study aim was to identify markers demonstrating significant effects on agronomic traits. The average grain yield of individual trials varied from 118 to 569 g/m2. Grain yield was positively associated with the number of days to heading, plant height, number of grains per spike and 1000-kernel weight. Eight DNA markers demonstrated significant effects. The spring-type allele of the Vrn-A1 gene accelerated heading by two days (5.6%) and was present in 80% of the germplasm. The winter allele of the Vrn-A1 gene significantly increased grain yield by 2.7%. The late allele of the earliness marker per se, TaMOT1-D1, delayed development by 1.9% and increased yield by 4.5%. Translocation of 1B.1R was present in 21.8% of the material, which resulted in a 6.2% yield advantage compared to 1B.1B germplasm and a reduction in stem rust severity from 27.6 to 6.6%. The favorable allele of TaGS-D1 increased both kernel weight and yield by 2–3%. Four markers identified in ICARDA germplasm, ISBW2-GY (Kukri_c3243_1065, 3B), ISBW3-BM (TA004946-0577, 1B), ISBW10-SM2 (BS00076246_51, 5A), ISBW11-GY (wsnp_Ex_c12812_20324622, 4A), showed an improved yield in this study of 3–4%. The study recommends simultaneous validation and use of selected markers in KASIB's network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of plant genetic resources has received increasing attention in crop improvement and plant variation in breeding procedures. Here, plant variation and the structures of plant populations were examined among 93 flax accessions using SCoT and URP molecular markers. Polymorphic-fragments by URP and SCoT primers were, on average, 9.3 and 10.9, respectively, and the mean of polymorphism information content for primers revealed a good efficiency of both marker techniques (0.34 and 0.35 for URP and SCoT, respectively). The neighbor-joining (NJ)-based clustering, via combined data, classified all investigated accessions into four main groups that were further confirmed by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). Moreover, molecular diversity (88%) was mostly observed inside the populations. STRUCTURE-analysis confirmed the cluster analysis and all samples were separated into four subpopulations (∆K = 4). The results implied that the sub-populations consisted of diverse accessions, suggesting that this gene pool has the potential for flax breeding programs. Furthermore, our findings indicated that URP and SCoT markers are reliable techniques in assessing plant variation, especially in elucidating the structures of flax populations. However, gene-targeting markers like SCoT are preferable because of their roots in functional genome-based regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a comprehensive program for registering and preserving the gene pool of Russian varieties in the VIR genebank, initiated at the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, nomenclatural standards were assigned to potato cultivars ‘Alâska’, ‘Argo’, ‘Bravo’, ‘Irbitskij’, ‘Legenda’, ‘Lûks’, ‘Terra’, and ‘Šah’, and a voucher specimen was prepared for pre-cultivar ‘Bagira’. All of them were bred at the Ural Federal Agrarian Research Centre (Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences). Nomenclatural standards of these cultivars are preserved in the Nomenclatural standard collection at the Herbarium of cultivated plants and their wild relatives and weeds (VIR Herbarium, WIR). For each of them, a genetic passport was developed using DNA preparations isolated from plant material donated by the cultivar author to the VIR herbarium. The genetic passport, which includes information on the allelic composition of eight chromosome-specific microsatellite loci, is supplemented by the molecular screening data with markers of 11 R-genes for resistance to pests, as well as the data on the types of cytoplasm. The author of cultivars also supplied VIR with samples of virus-free in vitro plants. Microplants of eight Ural cultivars and one pre-cultivar were genotyped using the same SSR markers and included in the VIR in vitro collection, and then in the cryopreservation program. Most of the accessions were characterized by a relatively high, above 39%, level of post-cryogenic regeneration. Frozen explants of the genotyped Ural cultivars (‘Alâska’, ‘Argo’, ‘Legenda’, ‘Terra’, and ‘Šah’) and pre-cultivar ‘Bagira’ were placed for long-term storage in the VIR Cryobank.

Background. Cultivation of scab-resistant apple cultivars with better fruit storability increases the economic efficiency and environmental friendliness of horticulture. Hence, the development of such cultivars is an important task in modern apple-tree breeding.Materials and methods. A set of 646 hybrid plants obtained in six cross combinations (Renet Simirenko/Modi, Renet Simirenko/Smeralda, Renet Simirenko/Renoir, Renet Simirenko/Fujion, Renoir/Granny Smith, and Modi/Granny Smith) was studied. Their scab resistance was assessed under natural infection pressure for two years using a quantitative scale. The Rvi6 gene was identified using the PCR analysis with the primer pair VfC1+VfC. The Md-ACS1 gene alleles were detected with a known SCAR DNA marker. The chi-square test was applied for statistical confirmation of the data.Results. Based on the DNA marker analysis, 328 plants carrying the dominant allele of the Rvi6 gene were identified. The results of the phenotypic resistance assessment confirmed the correspondence of the resistant phenotype / dominant allele of the gene for most plants. Molecular genetics analysis of the Md-ACS1 gene disclosed its allelic combinations. A total of 190, 322, and 126 plants carrying allelic variants of Md-ACS1-2/2, Md-ACS1-1/2, and Md-ACS1-1/1, respectively, were identified. Among the plants with the dominant allele of the scab resistance Rvi6 gene, 92 plant forms were identified with Md-ACS1-2/2, and 143 heterozygous ones (Md-ACS1-1/2), also valuable for breeders.Conclusion. A wide range of apple breeding forms carrying valuable alleles of the Rvi6 and Md-ACS1 genes were selected. Hybrid forms with target alleles of both genes responsible for important agronomic traits would contribute to the intensification of breeding efforts aimed at producing scab-resistant apple cultivars with increased fruit storability. They can also be used for breeding purposes as complex donors.

Potato is one of the most consumed crops worldwide. One strategy aimed at pathogen and pest management is the cultivation of resistant varieties. In this study, 352 genotypes from the Kazakhstan potato germplasm collection were screened for the presence of loci for resistance to the most harmful pathogens and pests using 30 DNA markers. ‘Rucheek’ and ‘Spiridon’, among the top global varieties, and ‘Janaisan’ and ‘Fedor’, among the top local varieties, were identified as bearing the most resistance loci in the collection, with at least 14 markers each. The specimens carrying the genes Ryadg (ADG1, ADG2), Nb (SPUD237), Ns (SC811, CP16), Rpi-phu1 (GP94), and GroV1 (X02), which demonstrate confirmed resistance to PVY, PVA, PVX, PVS, Phytophthora infestans, and Globodera rostochiensis, were most frequently found in the collection. Loci for resistance to Synchytrium endobioticum and Globodera pallida were less introgressed into the Kazakhstani cultivars and were almost absent in the germplasm collection. The less abundant loci found in the current potato collection were Ryadg (RysC3), Gro1-4 (Gro1-4), and Rladg (RGASC850). Screening of the potato collection showed that the markers SPUD237, CP60, 45/X1, and CT214 generated additional polymorphic amplicons, while markers Nl25, C237, GP179, and GP122718 were less applicable in robust large-scale screening. The results from this study may greatly contribute to marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding strategies aimed at developing new potato varieties with multiple resistance to biotic stress

The potential active chemicals found in medicinal plants, which have long been employed as natural medicines, are abundant. Exploring the genes responsible for producing these compounds has given new insights into medicinal plant research. Previously, the authentication of medicinal plants was done via DNA marker sequencing. With the advancement of sequencing technology, several new techniques like next-generation sequencing, single molecule sequencing, and fourth-generation sequencing have emerged. These techniques enshrined the role of molecular approaches for medicinal plants because all the genes involved in the biosynthesis of medicinal compound(s) could be identified through RNA-seq analysis. In several research insights, transcriptome data have also been used for the identification of biosynthesis pathways. miRNAs in several medicinal plants and their role in the biosynthesis pathway as well as regulation of the disease-causing genes were also identified. In several research articles, an in silico study was also found to be effective in identifying the inhibitory effect of medicinal plant-based compounds against virus' gene(s). The use of advanced analytical methods like spectroscopy and chromatography in metabolite proofing of secondary metabolites has also been reported in several recent research findings. Furthermore, advancement in molecular and analytic methods will give new insight into studying the traditionally important medicinal plants that are still unexplored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the fruit flesh and seeds of sea buckthorn have multiple uses for medicinal and culinary purposes, including the valuable market for supplementary health foods. Bioactive compounds, such as essential amino acids, vitamins B, C, and E, carotenoids, polyphenols, ursolic acid, unsaturated fatty acids, and other active substances, are now being analyzed in detail for their medicinal properties. Domestication with commercial orchards and processing plants is undertaken in many countries, but there is a large need for improved plant material with high yield, tolerance to environmental stress, diseases, and pests, suitability for efficient harvesting methods, and high contents of compounds that have medicinal and/or culinary values. Applied breeding is based mainly on directed crosses between different subspecies of Hippophae rhamnoides. DNA markers have been applied to analyses of systematics and population genetics as well as for the discrimination of cultivars, but very few DNA markers have as yet been developed for use in selection and breeding. Several key genes in important metabolic pathways have, however, been identified, and four genomes have recently been sequenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of freshwater fish species using molecular markers is important for their management regarding the evaluation of the potential genetic effects induced by anthropogenic interventions. The genetic variability among five natural populations of Channa marulius was studied by using five microsatellite loci in a total of 150 individuals. The C. marulius population exhibited a moderate level of heterozygosity. The mean value of observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.700 - 0.833 while the expected heterozygosity varied between 0.863 - 0.868. Significant deviation from HWE (P<0.05) was observed in all the populations due to the deficits of heterozygotes suggesting either due to inbreeding or recent mixing of stocks. AMOVA revealed that the majority of the variation (77.21%) lied within the individuals than among the individuals within populations (15.48%). The UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei's genetic distance revealed that the C. marulius population was divided into two major clusters. This study would be helpful to underpin the causes of decline in genetic diversity of C. marulius and provide significant guidelines over the effective management and conservation strategies for sustainable fisheries of Channa species in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for climate-adapted seeds and planting material poses a challenge due to the limited availability, particularly for tree species such as oaks. National parks, known for their large-standing diversity and a wide range of habitats, can serve as valuable sources for identifying trees suitable for both the initiation of tree breeding and conservation strategies. This study aimed to identify valuable forest genetic resources of the Thayatal National Park in Austria by selecting potentially drought-tolerant phenotypes. For this purpose, we selected 404 mature trees of Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. from eight populations growing on medium to dry sites in eight populations. Further, we characterized them for autochthony, genetic structure, genetic diversity using genetic markers (plastid- and nuclear-SSRs) and estimated their age. Finally, we applied wood core analysis to estimate tree response to historical drought events to identify the possible drought-tolerant phenotypes. The age of the trees ranged from 29 to 245 years (as of the year 2023). All Q. petraea trees were inhabiting a plastid haplotype 17a, autochthonous for this area. Nevertheless, the genetic structure estimated by ten nuSSRs revealed a pronounced structure in the dataset, largely caused by young trees exhibiting lower genetic diversity. A total of 85 elite potentially drought-tolerant trees were finally selected based on their morphological response (resistance, recovery ability, resilience, and relative resilience) to three historical drought events (1992–1994, 1947, 1917). The intrinsic water use efficiency and its difference (iWUE and DWiWUE), estimated by isotope analysis of δ13C of latewood in wet (1987) and dry (1994) years, did not correlate with any of the drought response traits (Rt, Rc, Rs, rRs). We discuss the further use of the selected oak trees for the establishment of seed stands and orchards to enhance seed production and the integration of other omics approaches, such as large-scale high-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) and transcriptomics, for in-depth analyses of drought tolerance of selected phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We benefited from the availability of a species-specific DNA marker to describe the morphometry of T. cordata × platyphyllos hybrids of an impressive age (ca. 150 years) grown in the Pazaislis baroque monastery yard in Central Lithuania. In an earlier study on a country-wide set of 543 T. cordata individuals from natural forest populations in Lithuania, we detected a nuclear microsatellite locus Tc8 well-differentiating between T. cordata and T. platyphyllos. The Tc8 locus contained a 140 bp allele in T. cordata (541 sampled individuals) and alleles above 160 bp in the two trees with a T. platyphyllos-like morphology (sampled in a national park). To verify the Tc8 locus as species specific, we sampled a further four T. platyphyllos-like individuals, which all contained the Tc8 locus alleles above 160 bp. We subsequently genotyped the six old-growth individuals from the Pazaislis monastery with mixed T. cordata × platyphyllos morphology. Results revealed that all six old-growth Tilia individuals from the Pazaislis monastery were heterozygous for the Tc8 locus with alleles of 140 bp (indicative of T. cordata) and 162 bp (indicative of T. platyphyllos). This finding confirms the morphological observations that these individuals are hybrids between T. cordata and T. platyphyllos. Additionally, the genotyping of a set of 14 nuclear microsatellite loci revealed that all six trees from the Pazaislis monastery are clones, possessing identical microsatellite genotypes. After the molecular identification, we morphotyped leaves, bracts, twigs, and nuts of the 6 old-growth T. cordata × platyphyllos hybrids from the Pazaislis monastery, 16 T. cordata old-growth trees, 4 T. × europaea var. europaea 'Pallida' trees growing near the Pazaislis monastery, and 4 mature T. platyphyllos trees from a nearby Girionys park. The morphotyping showed that T. cordata × platyphyllos hybrids may be the easiest to distinguish from T. cordata by raised and horizontally tertiary veins of leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum spp.) is one of the premier staple foods consumed by one-third of the worlds population. Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the only allohexaploid species with a genome formula BBAADD. Until now, from a selection point of view, a decline showed in the genetic potential of this type of wheat. However, the solution to this problem can be by developing high-yielding, disease- and pest-resistant cultivars using wheat-related species, ancient local landraces, and germplasm resources. Therefore, extensive study of the wheat gene pool using molecular tools, including identifying primary sources, is highly beneficial. For wheat improvement, breeding opportunities offer significant enhancements via genetic mapping approaches. The review focuses on the common wheat germplasm, wheat genetic approaches for genetic mapping, identification, and RWA (Russian wheat aphid) resistance, nested association mapping (NAM) population, DNA barcoding of Uzbekistan elite bread wheat cultivars, DNA marker-based screening of wheat germplasm for RWA resistance, future perspectives of wheat breeding in Uzbekistan, marker-assisted selection for abiotic stress tolerance, wheat stripe rust and its control strategies in Uzbekistan, epidemiology of the rust pathogens, pathogen characterization, and varietal resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climbing cucurbit Echinocystis lobata, native to North America and alien to many European countries, was assessed for its genetic diversity and differentiation across its introduced range of populations by applying markers of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Various tests, including an evaluation of the intrapopulation diversity, principal coordinate, and molecular variance analyses, showed that the Central and Eastern European populations differing in geography and arrival history are also distinct in the genetic parameters. Genetic diversity, defined as the percentage of polymorphic AFLP loci, ranged within 28–62% (on average 51%) at the regional scale (in Romanian, Baltic State, and Central Russian populations), and was very similar to this parameter at the local scale (on average 52% for Lithuanian populations). The differentiation was significant among the populations of the regions (Ф = 0.125, p = 0.001) and at the local scale (among the Lithuanian populations of the different river basins, Ф = 0.058, p = 0.010). The Bayesian results suggested the presence of three genetic clusters among the 29 sites, with populations from Romania, Latvia, Estonia, and the northern part of Lithuania comprising one prevailing cluster, populations from the Nemunas river basin of Lithuania comprising either the former mentioned cluster or the second cluster, and populations of Central Russia comprising the third genetic cluster. Overall, E. lobata in Europe has probably originated from multiple introductions. The intentional anthropogenic seed dispersal by marketing accompanied by hydrochory might have an impact on such a profile of genetic clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Rabbit breeding is a branch of animal husbandry that produces cheap and high-quality meat products in a short period of time. Productive, maternal, reproductive and technological characteristics determine the economic efficiency of rabbit breeding under the conditions of full realization of the genetic potential of animals and a good fodder base. The main factor in the development of rabbit breeding is the increase in the number of animals, which is supported by improved maintenance, veterinary support and breeding practices. Materials and Methods. The experiment was conducted on a population of rabbits (200 heads) of the Poltavske sriblo breed. After weaning at 45 days of age, the young were separated by sex and kept 3–4 animals in a cage. 3-month-old males were placed in individual cages until they reached the age of breeding use – 150–160 days. Rabbits were fed granulated compound feed: concentrated fodder, grass meal, feed additives of animal origin, minerals and premixes. Blood was taken from the ear vein. DNA was isolated using a standard commercial kit “DNA-sorb B” with some modifications. Wright’s F-statistic, including several F-coefficients of inbreeding, was used to assess the genetic differentiation of populations. Testing of the population according to the studied genes for Hardy–Weinberg genetic equilibrium was carried out using the Pearson χ2 test. To determine Poltavske sriblo rabbits’ breeding value, indices were calculated based on economic and beneficial traits, including genetic and economic values of individual traits. As a genetic parameter, the heredity coefficient of rabbits was used, and the economic one was the cost of the products produced. Results. The results of the peculiarities of Poltavske sriblo rabbits genetic structure analysis by the distribution of allelic variants of the myostatin gene and progesterone receptor in the context of genealogical lines are presented. It was found that the grea­test frequency of the C allele by the myostatin gene was in the descendants of the male Cooper (0.551). The frequency of the T allele in this sample of animals was 0.449, respectively. For Snowball’s line rabbits, higher values of the G allele by progesterone receptor gene (0.488) were noted due to the advantage of homozygous animals. The highest value of the effective number of alleles by the myostatin gene was characteristic of Cooper’s rabbit line (0.500), and the lowest – of Bach’s lines (0.215) and Barry’s lines (0.230). According to the progesterone receptor gene, the highest values of Ne were for the Cooper (0.500), Snowball (0.507), and Mini (0.511) rabbits, and the lowest values were for Fox (0.307). The influence of the rabbit genotype on the manifestation of economic and beneficial traits – average daily growth and fertility – has also been established. The use of the breeding value evaluation of the Poltavske sriblo breed rabbits according to the selection and genetic index according to the productivity of daughters, made it possible to single out the main males among the group, as fertilizers. Male fertilizers included Snowball, Long, and Mini. Conclusions. The obtained data can be used for selective and breeding practices in rabbit breeding with the aim of selecting breeders for the improvement of the meat productivity and reproductive ability of rabbits.

The expediency of using unique SSR DNA-markers of Schizophyllum commune for population genetic assays in various fungal species has been demonstrated. In Auricularia auricula-judae and Irpex lacteus, we observed formation of heterogeneous amplicons mostly up to 500 bp in length that ensured their high resolution and facilitated data analysis. The established sets of molecular markers are efficient for DNA-fingerprinting of S. commune, I. lacteus, and A. auricula-judae, as well as are prospective for species of the genus Pleurotus, but need to be further enlarged.

Background. When researching crop genetic diversity, including flax species, molecular markers are used to identify cultivars, establish phylogenetic relationships among them and select valuable genotypes and sources of useful traits. One of the effective ways to solve these tasks is the use of SSR markers, as a molecular method. The aim of this work was to study the molecular genetic polymorphism of modern flax cultivars listed in the State Register for Selection Achievements of the Russian Federation, find out their phylogenetic relationships and develop a version of their genetic certification.Materials and methods. The materials for the research were 82 flax cultivars (60 cultivars of fiber flax and 22 of oilseed flax) and 3 ancient landraces. Genetic analysis was carried out using the PCR method with a set of 11 SSR markers labeled with fluorescent dyes, followed by the detection of products on the genetic analyzer.Results. The study of the cultivars revealed 50 alleles at 11 loci, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 2 to 10, averaged to 4.55 alleles per locus. Each flax sample contained a unique set of alleles.Conclusion. The resulting SSR database made it possible to develop genetic certificates for each cultivar in the form of an alphanumeric code. A cluster analysis was also carried out and a dendrogram of genetic similarity was constructed. The identified sib relationships among the cultivars confirmed the information about their origin.

Currently, when implementing breeding programs to produce pathogen-resistant grape genotypes, the DNA marker assessment method is used both directly in breeding-oriented selection and in evaluation of the initial gene pool. The ‘Talisman’ grape cultivar, with its fine consumer characteristics, resistance to diseases and frost, and a functionally female type of flower, is promising for breeding.We performed a DNA marker assessment of the ‘Talisman’ genotype and cultivars as well as new hybrids of grapes developed with the participation of cv. ‘Talisman’ for the presence of the Rpv3 and Rpv12 downy mildew resistance loci. It is known that the presence of these two genes in the same grape genotype has an additive effect. According to the pedigree of cv. ‘Talisman’ (Frumoasa Albe × Vostorg), the presence of these genes can be assumed in the studied sample. The study was based on PCR with an analysis of the results on an automatic genetic analyzer. DNA was isolated from young shoots of the analyzed plants by the CTAB method. We used closely linked microsatellite markers recommended for DNA identification of the allelic status of the Rpv3 (UDV305, UDV737) and Rpv12 (UDV343, UDV360) genes. The simultaneous presence of Rpv3 and Rpv12 was detected only in the cv. ‘Talisman’ genotype. When analyzing the progeny genotypes of cv. ‘Talisman’, the presence of the Rpv3 downy mildew resistance gene was found in the grape hybrids “Agat Dubovskiy”, “Pestry”, and Rpv12 gene in the ‘Viktor’ and ‘Preobrazheniye’ genotypes. DNA-marker analysis confirmed the prospects of the cv. ‘Talisman’ genotype for breeding of table cultivars as a donor of the downy mildew resistance genes Rpv3 and Rpv12.

In accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants, five nomenclatural standards have been prepared for five potato сultivars1 ‘Alena’, ‘Bylina Sibiri’, ‘Večernij Omsk’, ‘Triumf’, ‘Hozâûška’ bred by the Omsk Agrarian Research Center. Genetic passports were issued to these five cultivars according to the new integrated strategy developed at VIR. According to the strategy, the plant material donated by the author of the cultivars to the VIR Herbarium was used for molecular genotyping. Genetic passports included data of allelic composition of eight chromosome-specific microsatellite loci, markers of different types of organelle DNA, as well as data about diagnostic fragments of 15 markers of 11 R-genes conferring resistance to the most dangerous diseases and pests of potato, namely late blight, nematodes, potato X and Y viruses. Data from genetic passports of five Omsk cultivars were compared to the results of genotyping samples of the same cultivars obtained from different sources. Based on the analysis of pedigrees and genetic passports of these five cultivars, we established the origin of their resistance to harmful organisms.

Significant differences between the gene pools of Russian peoples require the development of ethno- regional adapted pharmacogenetic tests and the identification of priority regions for their implementation.Aim. To develop a genogeographic technology to identify selection effects using the example of biomarkers that are significant for pharmacotherapy of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), using a population biobank and the Pharmacogenetics of Populations of Russia and Adjacent Countries database.Material and methods. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples from the Biobank of Northern Eurasia from 20 metapopulations of the indigenous population of the European Russia were studied using two following data sets: 24 pharmacogenetic markers of CVDs (3170 samples); 1 276 191 polymorphic DNA markers of the autosomal genome (1293 samples). For each data set, estimates of interpopulation variability in the gene pool are provided — the difference between these estimates characterizes the selection pressure on each of the 24 CVD biomarkers. A genogeographic atlas has been created, the maps of which demonstrate the selection pressure on each biomarker according to the degree of deviation from the selective- neutral variability of the gene pool.Results. Twenty-four CVD biomarkers are divided into three following classes: those close to selective- neutral variability, those subject to stabilizing and differentiating selection. For each of the 24 CVD biomarkers, genogeographic maps were created that reveal selection effects in each of the 20 metapopulations. Most maps have identified populations that are under differential selection pressure and therefore a priority for the implementation of ethno- regionally adapted pharmacogenetic protocols.Conclusion. Pharmacogenetic markers and populations under differential selection require the development of ethno- regionally adapted pharmacogenetic tests. The created cartographic atlas of selection can serve as the basis for pharmacogenetic studies carried out using genogeographic methods.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Xanthomonas phaseoli p v. manihotis (Xpm) from eight populations from five cassava producing states in Brazil, through the rep-PCR (BOX-PCR and ERIC-PCR) and variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) markers. Cassava leaves with symptoms of cassava bacterial blight were collected in eight municipalities, and the Xpm isolates were identified by amplification with primers specific for these isolates. The identity of the Xpm isolates was confirmed with the BOX-PCR, ERIC-PCR, and VNTR markers. The observed selection pressure, together with the mode of reproduction and the mechanisms that increase genetic variability, allows of the pathogen populations to adapt according to microclimate variation, contributing to a differentiated reproductive success. ERIC-PCR and VNTRs are the best markers for evaluating the genetic variability in the eight studied Xpm populations. However, ERIC-PCR is the marker that best separated the groups by population and presented a higher similarity between the isolates of the same population. The study of the genetic diversity of Xpm is key to improve disease monitoring and management strategies in cassava crops.

Dipcadi erythraeum, family Asperageaceae, is an endemic, threatened, and medicinally important bulbous plant of Indian Thar desert. In the present study, we used start codon targeted (SCoT) marker for assessment of genetic diversity and gene flow pattern of D. erythraeum from Indian Thar desert. A total of 30 individuals comprising of four populations were collected from four geographical locations of North-West part of Rajasthan state. A total of 60 amplicons were obtained with 10 SCoT primers, which revealed 60–100% polymorphism with an average value of 92%. Furthermore, average resolving power (RP) and marker index (MI) were estimated to be 2.55 and 2.79, respectively. The genetic diversity parameters revealed an average value of Nei's gene diversity (h) is 0.499 and Shannon's information index (I) is 0.334 in D. erythraeum populations. High gene flow (Nm = 1.302) and higher genetic diversity were observed within population rather than among populations; such higher values are convincingly associated with endemism and adaptive ability of D. erythraeum and help the individuals to withhold adverse environmental conditions of Thar desert. The dendrograms generated through UPGMA and Neighbour Joining method revealed grouping of accessions, predominantly, with respect to their cryptic genetic variations among populations. However, there were certain instances of mixed and geographic clustering where-in populations P2 and P3, showed close affinity to each other while population P4 appeared to be extremely diverse. The study will be helpful in the selection of genotypes for improvement of D. erythraeum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main components of apomictic plant reproduction is the formation of unreduced embryo sacs (ESs). Heteroploid crosses, in which maternal diploid plants are pollinated by pollen of tetraploids, can be used as an effective tool for identifying the ability to form such ESs. In maize, in 2n(♀) × 4n(♂) crosses, as a rule, shrunken kernels with a triploid embryo are formed, in which the development of the endosperm is impaired due to the deviation of the balance of the maternal (m) to paternal (p) genomes from the ratio of 2m : 1p. In our experiments, the formation of large plump kernels, from which diploid maternal-type plants developed, was observed in several diploid maize lines under their pollination with tetraploid pollen, while the maternal-type phenotype of plants, as well as the hybrid endosperm phenotype was confirmed by expression of genetic markers. It has been suggested that the plump kernels in 2n × 4n crosses arise based on unreduced ESs and pseudogamous apomixis, since the fusion of two diploid polar nuclei with a diploid sperm provides a ratio of maternal to paternal genomes in the endosperm of 2m : 1p. In order to clarify the genetic nature of diploid plants that are phenotypically similar to maternal lines that developed from plump kernels in 2n × 4n crosses, we carried out their genotyping for all ten chromosomes of the maize genome using polymorphic codominant SSR and Indel markers that differentiate the paternal pollinator line from maternal lines. As maternal forms, we used the HPL AT line, which has the ability for haploid parthenogenesis, plants from the F2 generation of the hybrid between the lines B47 capable of forming unreduced ESs and HPL AT. In addition, the Korichnevyi Marker (KM) line carrying the marker gene B of brown stem coloring, as well as the YuV11 line was included in the crosses. As the paternal form, the Chernaya Tetra (ChT) tetraploid corn carrying the marker gene A1 of the black coloring of kernels was used. It was found that in all studied plants amplification of only maternal alleles was observed when using markers of five chromosomes: chromosome 1 (iDp525), chromosome 2 (iDP4004), chromosome 3 (JY_3:457), chromosome 4 (UflDP4_31.55), and chromosome 9 (INDEL_139329242). However, in each of the studied plants, cases of amplification of alleles characteristic of the paternal line were noted when using markers of other chromosomes. A hypothesis on the formation of diploid plants in 2n × 4n crosses in maize as a result of fertilization of unreduced ESs and the subsequent elimination of chromosomes predominantly of the paternal line is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]