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BACKGROUND: Hmong-Mien (HM) speakers are linguistically related and live primarily in China, but little is known about their ancestral origins or the evolutionary mechanism shaping their genomic diversity. In particular, the lack of whole-genome sequencing data on the Yao population has prevented a full investigation of the origins and evolutionary history of HM speakers. As such, their origins are debatable. RESULTS: Here, we made a deep sequencing effort of 80 Yao genomes, and our analysis together with 28 East Asian populations and 968 ancient Asian genomes suggested that there is a strong genetic basis for the formation of the HM language family. We estimated that the most recent common ancestor dates to 5800 years ago, while the genetic divergence between the HM and Tai-Kadai speakers was estimated to be 8200 years ago. We proposed that HM speakers originated from the Yangtze River Basin and spread with agricultural civilization. We identified highly differentiated variants between HM and Han Chinese, in particular, a deafness-related missense variant (rs72474224) in the GJB2 gene is in a higher frequency in HM speakers than in others. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated complex gene flow and medically relevant variants involved in the HM speakers evolution history.

Background: This research explores the efficacy of mutagenesis, specifically using sodium azide (SA) and hydrazine hydrate (HZ) treatments, to introduce genetic diversity and enhance traits in three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. The experiment entails subjecting the seeds to different doses of SA and HZ and cultivating them in the field for two consecutive generations: M1 (first generation) and M2 (second generation). We then employed selective breeding techniques with Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers to select traits within the wheat gene pool. Also, the correlation between SCoT markers and specific agronomic traits provides insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying mutagenesis-induced changes in wheat. Results: In the study, eleven genotypes were derived from parent varieties Sids1, Sids12, and Giza 168, and eight mutant genotypes were selected from the M1 generation and further cultivated to establish the M2 generation. The results revealed that various morphological and agronomical characteristics, such as plant height, spikes per plant, spike length, spikelet per spike, grains per spikelet, and 100-grain weight, showed increases in different genotypes from M1 to M2. SCoT markers were employed to assess genetic diversity among the eleven genotypes. The bioinformatics analysis identified a correlation between SCoT markers and the transcription factors ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3) and VIVIPAROUS1 (VP1), crucial for plant development, growth, and stress adaptation. A comprehensive examination of genetic distance and the function identification of gene-associated SCoT markers may provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which SA and HZ act as mutagens, enhancing wheat agronomic qualities. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effective use of SA and HZ treatments to induce gene diversity through mutagenesis in the wheat gene pool, resulting in the enhancement of agronomic traits, as revealed by SCoT markers. The significant improvements in morphological and agronomical characteristics highlight the potential of mutagenesis techniques for crop improvement. These findings offer valuable information for breeders to develop effective breeding programs to enhance wheat quality and resilience through increased genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This research explores the efficacy of mutagenesis, specifically using sodium azide (SA) and hydrazine hydrate (HZ) treatments, to introduce genetic diversity and enhance traits in three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. The experiment entails subjecting the seeds to different doses of SA and HZ and cultivating them in the field for two consecutive generations: M1 (first generation) and M2 (second generation). We then employed selective breeding techniques with Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers to select traits within the wheat gene pool. Also, the correlation between SCoT markers and specific agronomic traits provides insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying mutagenesis-induced changes in wheat. Results In the study, eleven genotypes were derived from parent varieties Sids1, Sids12, and Giza 168, and eight mutant genotypes were selected from the M1 generation and further cultivated to establish the M2 generation. The results revealed that various morphological and agronomical characteristics, such as plant height, spikes per plant, spike length, spikelet per spike, grains per spikelet, and 100-grain weight, showed increases in different genotypes from M1 to M2. SCoT markers were employed to assess genetic diversity among the eleven genotypes. The bioinformatics analysis identified a correlation between SCoT markers and the transcription factors ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3) and VIVIPAROUS1 (VP1), crucial for plant development, growth, and stress adaptation. A comprehensive examination of genetic distance and the function identification of gene-associated SCoT markers may provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which SA and HZ act as mutagens, enhancing wheat agronomic qualities. Conclusions This study demonstrates the effective use of SA and HZ treatments to induce gene diversity through mutagenesis in the wheat gene pool, resulting in the enhancement of agronomic traits, as revealed by SCoT markers. The significant improvements in morphological and agronomical characteristics highlight the potential of mutagenesis techniques for crop improvement. These findings offer valuable information for breeders to develop effective breeding programs to enhance wheat quality and resilience through increased genetic diversity.

Background. In the context of global climate change, the study and development of genetic material with environmental plasticity and stability in the manifestation of its traits becomes relevant. The scientific and practical results achieved in triticale breeding place this crop among the most popular cereals in terms of economic importance. However, the main problem for the use of triticale in breeding practice is its limited genetic resources.Materials and methods. The research materials were 161 winter triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) accessions from the global collection of VIR. The study and breeding-oriented assessment of the material were based on conventional breeding techniques and carried out according to the guidelines approved by VIR with minor amendments. The obtained research data underwent statistical analysis using the method by A. V. Kilchevsky and L. V. Khotyleva.Results. Environmental and genetic parameters were analyzed under the conditions of the Middle Volga Region of Russia. Genotypes were identified for their high general adaptability, i. e., securing the highest average yield in the entire set of environments. Cultivars were also selected for their least variable high yields under the impact of weather conditions. The analysis of the studied set of accessions showed that both high-yielding and low-yielding genotypes were stable. The character’s mean value and its environmental sensitivity were relatively independent and could be incorporated in one genotype in various combinations. This finding can be used in the process of triticale breeding.

Soybean is an economically important oilseed crop with diverse uses as food, feed, biofuel and so forth. Although the demand for soybean is growing rapidly worldwide, the narrow genetic base of released cultivars due to meagre utilisation of available wild and untapped genetic resources is a major factor contributing to stagnant production and productivity levels of soybean. Considering the continuously increasing global population, changing dietary habits, ongoing climatic fluctuations, rapidly evolving biotic stresses and shrinking land and water resources, utilisation of novel and diverse sources of variation is required for the genetic enhancement of soybean. To widen the genetic base of commercial soybean cultivars and to improve the genetic gain of the crop focused and systematic pre‐breeding efforts can play a game‐changing role by supplying novel genes in crop improvement programs. This article discusses the rationale of tapping wild and untapped genetic resources of soybean, gene pools, soybean genetic resources conserved ex‐situ and its utilisation status, genetic base of commercial soybean cultivars, identified novel genes and genomic regions in wild genetic resources, pre‐breeding efforts in India and strategies for incorporating desirable traits in the elite cultivated gene pool for fulfilling the requirements of farmers and other end‐users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene pool of the Koryaks was studied in comparison with other Far Eastern and Siberian peoples using a genome-wide panel of autosomal single-nucleotide polymorphic markers and Y-chromosome markers. The results of analyzing the frequencies of autosomal SNPs using various methods, the similarity in the composition of Y-chromosome haplogroups and YSTR haplotypes indicate that the gene pool of the Koryaks is as close as possible to the Chukchi one and was formed as a result of the unification of several groups whose ancestors had moved from the territory of modern Yakutia and the Amur region. The two dominant Y-chromosome haplogroups of the Koryaks with different sublines of haplotype clusters demonstrate their contacts with the Chukchi, Evens, Yukaghirs, and Eskimos. Analysis of the composition of genetic components and IBD blocks on autosomes indicates the maximum genetic proximity of the Koryaks to the Chukchi. Among the Siberian populations, the Chukchi, Koryaks, and Nivkhs form a cluster separate from the main group of Siberian populations, while the Chukchi and Koryaks are more closely related. Far Eastern populations are divided in full accordance with geographic localization into the northern group (Chukchi and Koryaks) and the southern group, including the Nivkhs and Udege. A more detailed analysis of the component composition of gene pools in some populations reveals components specific to them. The isolation of such components is associated with founder effects and a shift in allele frequencies for these populations. The Koryaks and Chukchi represent one of the most striking examples of long-standing genetic kinship. Their populations demonstrate maximum values of the level of genomic inbreeding FROH > 1.5 (0.0422, 0.0409), which is natural due to their relative isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Bioscience Series is the property of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Zhejiang University: Science B is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

While immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough cancer therapy, it is only effective in some patients, indicating the need of alternative therapeutic strategies. Induction of cancer immunogenic cell death (ICD) is one promising way to elicit potent adaptive immune responses against tumor-associated antigens. Type I interferon (IFN) is well known to play important roles in different aspects of immune responses, including modulating ICD in anti-tumor action. However, how to expand IFN effect in promoting ICD responses has not been addressed. Here we show that depletion of ubiquitin specific protease 18 (USP18), a negative regulator of IFN signaling, selectively induces cancer cell ICD. Lower USP18 expression correlates with better survival across human selected cancer types and delays cancer progression in mouse models. Mechanistically, nuclear USP18 controls the enhancer landscape of cancer cells and diminishes STAT2-mediated transcription complex binding to IFN-responsive elements. Consequently, USP18 suppression not only enhances expression of canonical IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), but also activates the expression of a set of atypical ISGs and NF-κB target genes, including genes such as Polo like kinase 2 (PLK2), that induce cancer pyroptosis. These findings may support the use of targeting USP18 as a potential cancer immunotherapy.

Conservation of cattle breed diversity is one of the urgent problems of animal husbandry. Of special interest is the study of the last remaining population of Red Gorbatov cattle, descended from Tyrolean cattle, which is represented by Tux-Z illertal breed today. The purpose of the research was to study the influence of bloodline of Red Gorbatov breed on dairy productivity of cows. The objectives of the study included analysis of the current state of gene pool population of Red Gorbatov cattle saturated with Angler and Red Danish breeds over the last years. Purebred Red Gorbatov cows and crossbred animals obtained by crossing with Angler and Red Danish breeds were compared according to the following indicators of milk productivity: average milk yield for all lactations, fat and protein content in milk, milk fat and protein yield. Average value, coefficients of variation and correlation were calculated. The results of the study showed some superiority of crossbred animals over purebred Red Gorbatov cattle in the value of milk yields: by 5.7 % in crossbreeds with Angler breed and 12.9 % in crossbreeds with Red Danish breed, however, the differences in the values of the trait were not statistically significant. Differences in content of fat and protein in milk were not significant and were in the range from 0.01 to 0.04 %. The revealed values of correlation coefficients showed a significant unrealized potential of milk productivity.

The article reveals the concept of ecocide, its negative impact on constitutional and economic legal relations and the consequences of such an act, especially during the period of martial law. In fact, since the beginning of the war, we have been observing the purposeful destruction of the ecosystem, flora, fauna, industrial, energy and infrastructure facilities, natural resources and the environment of the country. These offenses directly encroach on the normal state of social and legal relations in the sphere of economy, on the right to a safe environment and on the preservation of the gene pool of the Ukrainian people. The author draws attention to the fact that in Ukrainian legislation the concept of ecocide is defined in the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the appropriate measure of punishment is provided, namely from eight to fifteen years of imprisonment. It is emphasized that this criminal offense encroaches on a wider range of social and legal relations, namely property, economic entities and objects, the social position of the population, the life and health of a person, his safety and integrity. This is a violation of the norms of the constitutional and economic law of Ukraine. The study concluded that the mass destruction of flora and fauna, forests, poisoning of water bodies, interference with the ecosystem of Ukraine has extremely socially dangerous consequences not only for Ukraine itself, but also for Europe (for example, many objects of the Emerald Network are under threat of destruction and they are protected at the pan-European level) and for the world in general (for example, the impact on the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere of the Earth as a result of the use of weapons). Unfortunately, air pollution has no boundaries. The article emphasizes that it is military ecocide as a criminal offense against the environment that requires clearer and more detailed legal regulation in the national legal system as well as in the international legal field, and generally recognition of such an offense that encroaches on humanity as a whole. After all, ecocide can be equated to such criminal offenses as crimes against humanity and genocide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymorphism of the rs174570, rs74771917, and rs7115739 loci of the FADS gene in Siberian populations was studied. It was shown that the frequency of the rs174570-T variant marking haplotype A with a reduced level of fatty acid desaturase expression in the modern indigenous populations increases in the direction from the south to the north of Siberia. Similarly, an increase in the frequency of the TTT haplotype at the rs174570, rs74771917, and rs7115739 loci was observed in the northern direction. However, in ancient times, the populations of Eastern Siberia (its northeastern part, Baikal region, and Primorye) were characterized by an equally high frequency of the rs174570-T variant (over 80%). It was shown that the main influx of the rs174570-C allele (and the CCG haplotype) to northeast Siberia occurred relatively recently, over the past 300 years, as a result of mating contacts between indigenous populations and immigrant groups of predominantly eastern European origin. The gene flow intensity (for the rs174570-C allele) is estimated to be 1.5–4.4% per generation. The appearance of the rs174570-C variant in the population of the Baikal region has been registered since the Eneolithic epoch, which is apparently associated mainly with the advance of the Afanasievo culture tribes to the east of Siberia. Meanwhile, analysis of paleogenomic data showed that the TTT haplotype, with high frequency distributed in modern Eskimos and Amerindians, was present in the Upper Paleolithic population of the Amur region, and therefore its carriers apparently took part in the formation of the ancient Beringian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation aimed to identify reliable morphological markers that could serve as indicators for Phytophthora infestans Mont. resistance in potato germplasm. A total of 86 potato genotypes were subjected to genetic diversity assessment using simple sequence repeats, followed by a field trial alongside to evaluate resistance responses and morphological characteristics. Two genotypes (LA CHIPPER and J/95–144) exhibited high resistance to late blight (LB), while four genotypes (BR 6609–7, NO–NOVA, MP/99–406, and CP–4174) displayed moderate resistance. The disease response was juxtaposed DUS characters, thus leading to the identification of critical traits (semi-compact to compact foliage, solid stem, angular stem cross-section, no secondary stem coloration, anthocyanin pigmentation on the stem, smooth tuber skin, and white to creamy tuber flesh coloration). These DUS parameters could be utilized for developing high-yielding, LB-resistant potato cultivars in future breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) is an important wheat subspecies mainly cultivated in Europe before the 20th century that has contributed to modern wheat breeding as a valuable genetic resource. However, relatively little is known about the origins and maintenance of spelt populations. Here, using resequencing data from 416 worldwide wheat accessions, including representative spelt wheat, we demonstrate that European spelt emerged when primitive hexaploid wheat spread to the west and hybridized with pre-settled domesticated emmer, the putative maternal donor. Genomic introgression regions from domesticated emmer confer spelt’s primitive morphological characters used for species taxonomy, such as tenacious glumes and later flowering. We propose a haplotype-based “spelt index” to identify spelt-type wheat varieties and to quantify utilization of the spelt gene pool in modern wheat cultivars. This study reveals the genetic basis for the establishment of the spelt wheat subspecies in a specific ecological niche and the vital role of the spelt gene pool as a unique germplasm resource in modern wheat breeding.

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.

A captive population of the Siberian crane has existed in Russia for over 40 years, at the moment numbering 13 founders of natural origin and 17 breeders from the first and second generations, and mainly reproducing through artificial insemination. Since 2010, using molecular genetic markers, we have been monitoring the breeding and reintroduction of the Siberian crane, analyzing the genetic diversity and relationships in different generations of the population; establishing paternity in chicks obtained as a result of multiple artificial insemination; and determining the sex in individuals at different stages of their development. A total of 304 Siberian crane individuals have been genotyped by microsatellite loci. The group of breeders from the first and second generations appears still to retain the high-level heterozygosity of the founders. However, there has been a loss of allelic diversity and an increased relatedness. Paternity has been established in 135 individuals, with sex identification carried out for 225 offspring. The primary (at the time of fertilization) and secondary (at the time of hatching) ratios of males to females in the offspring of the Siberian crane in captivity have been shown to be close to 1 : 1 parity. We have completed the previously missing information on sex and paternity in the Siberian Crane International Studbook, including data on dead or released birds using specimens from the collection of allantoises. In general, in the modern livestock of first- and second-generation breeders in the captive population of the Siberian crane in Russia, high genetic diversity is maintained. Yet because of the increased relatedness and inbreeding in the offspring, the aging and natural loss of founders, and an insufficient reproductive success of young breeders, it is necessary to enrich the gene pool of this population by new birds from the wild or unrelated individuals from other breeding centers or zoos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breeding potential of reindeer husbandry is determined by competent work with genetic resources; therefore, the study of the phenotypic traits of reindeer must be carried out in combination with the study of the features of their gene pools. In this work, we analyzed the correlations and genetic associations of phenotypic traits in 98 female reindeer (Rangifertarandus) of the Nenets breed aged from 3 to 9 years in a comparative fashion according to the main body measurements and physique indices calculated from these measurements. A panel of 16 microsatellite loci (BMS1788, RT30, RT1, RT9, C143, RT7, OHEQ, FCB193, RT6, C217, RT24, C32, BMS745 NVHRT16, T40, and C276) was used for analysis. The search for relationships between the genotype and phenotype of reindeer was performed using regression analysis; only for three phenotypic traits—height at withers, chest depth, and the stretch index—nonzero heritability was revealed. Using correlation analysis, we found that the live weight of adult females, taking into account age and genetic relationship, has a high positive correlation with the height at withers (r ≈ 0.70), chest girth (r ≈ 0.79), and chest depth (r ≈ 0.73). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the sample of male residents of St. Petersburg, Y-chromosome haplogroups were determined by genotyping 18 STRs of the Y-chromosome (DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS19, DYS385A, DYS385B, DYS456, DYS437, DYS438, DYS447, DYS448, DYS449, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS439, DYS635, and DYS576), and data on genetic demography were collected by means of a questionnaire. The distribution of Y‑chromosome haplogroups in St. Petersburg residents generally corresponds to the published data on Russian gene pool, with the most frequent haplogroups R1a, R1b, E1b1b1, N, T, I1, I2, J1, and J2, and with the predominance of haplogroup R1a. The presence of "Southern origin" haplogroups (C3, G2a, G2c, J1, J2, L, O2, O3, Q, R2, and T) entering the megalopolis with a flow of migrants, with a total frequency of 16% (in Moscow—18%) was noted. A comparative analysis of the frequency distributions of Y-chromosome haplogroups in residents of St. Petersburg and Moscow revealed statistically significant differences in the frequency of haplogroup E1b1b1 and differences in the ratio of I1 and I2 which may be due to geographical location of megalopolises. On the basis of the survey data, a sample of Russian men who had no ancestors of another ethnicity in the male line in the two previous generations was formed. Significant differences in the frequency of "Southern origin" haplogroups were established between the initial sample of residents of St. Petersburg (16%) and the sample of men with Russian ancestors in two previous generations (4%). The obtained result confirms the spectrum of haplogroups of "Southern origin" as penetrating into the gene pool of the population of a megalopolis with migrant flows and indicates the need for genetic and demographic questionnaires when forming reference databases for a megalopolis, as well as for their timely updating due to changes in the gene pool under the influence of migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problems of low efficiency and unstable solutions of traditional genetic algorithm (GA) in solving traveling salesman problem (TSP), this paper proposed a novel genetic algorithm based on genes pool (GPGA). GPGA searched for edges that decreased the fitness of Hamiltonian cycles from the population and constituted a gene pool as excellent genes. The parent generation reproduced the better offspring of Hamiltonian cycles under the guidance of the gene pool. The gene pool also synchronously updated according to the better Hamiltonian cycles and helped the current Hamiltonian cycles evolve to the optimal Hamiltonian cycle step by step. The computational results demonstrate that GPGA is better than traditional genetic algorithm and several improved genetic algorithms under the same preconditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our research work the distribution areas of persimmon species in different regions of Azerbaijan have been determined. Also the current biological characteristics of the Caucasian persimmon (Diospyros lotus L), Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) and Virginia persimmon (Diospyros Virginiana L.), belonging to the genus of persimmons (Diospyros) were determined by studying their place in the flora. Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki) ranks first among plants growing in the Shaki-Zagatala region. In the north-western region of Azerbaijan, due to the large areas of land cultivated with the eastern persimmon, a fruit drying factory “Balhurma”, in line with modern standards, started to work in 2017 in the village of Kateks, Balakan district. The persimmons in this factory are mainly exported. The biological characteristics of the Caucasian persimmon (Diospyros lotus L. belonging to the persimmons (Diospyros) genus were determined in the biodiversity of the regions, and ways of protecting and sustainable use of the gene pool of this species were studied. The creation of a collection of persimmon will help in the effective establishment of selection work on this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furcraea spp. is a traditional and popular natural fibre used in rural areas of Central and South America for clothing and handcraft since ancient times. Recently, this crop has been used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify the standing genetic diversity and morphological variation. In this study, a total of 134 accessions of Furcraea spp. collected across 12 provinces of Colombia with different agro-ecologies were established ex situ in Rionegro, Colombia, and evaluated to understand its genetic variation. Twenty-three phenotypic traits (17 qualitative and 6 quantitative) were used to assess the morphological diversity through both descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis using multiple correspondence (MCA) and principal components analysis (PCA), respectively. All examined accessions showed variation through the studied variables. However, the Shannon–Weaver index revealed an average score of 0.57, indicating intermediate phenotypic diversity for the qualitative variables. MCA indicated that the qualitative variation among the accessions was mainly related to the shape of the spike and texture, and the shape and waxy condition of the leaves. PCA explains 72.7% of the total variation in the first two axes. For both analyses, accessions were grouped without a distinct and apparent geographical pattern. The length and width of the leaf and spine, and the shape of the spine were relevant to separate accessions. These results could be useful for germplasm management and pre-breeding programs aiming to enhance traits of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has a rich history of human use, and the therapeutic importance of compounds produced by this species is recognized by the medical community. The active constituents of cannabis, collectively called cannabinoids, encompass hundreds of distinct molecules, the most well-characterized of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which have been used for centuries as recreational drugs and medicinal agents. As a first step to establish a cannabis breeding program, we initiated this study to describe the HPLC-measured quantity of THC and CBD biochemistry profiles of 161 feral pistillate cannabis plants from 20 geographical regions of Iran. Our data showed that Iran can be considered a new region of high potential for distribution of cannabis landraces with diverse THC and CBD content, predominantly falling into three groups, as Type I = THC-predominant, Type II = approximately equal proportions of THC and CBD (both CBD and THC in a ratio close to the unity), and Type III = CBD-predominant. Correlation analysis among two target cannabinoids and environmental and geographical variables indicated that both THC and CBD contents were strongly influenced by several environmental-geographical factors, such that THC and CBD contents were positively correlated with mean, min and max annual temperature and negatively correlated with latitude, elevation, and humidity. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between THC and CBD concentrations, suggesting that further studies to unravel these genotype × environment interactions (G × E interactions) are warranted. The results of this study provide important pre-breeding information on a collection of cannabis that will underpin future breeding programs.

IntroductionSince the second half of the 20th century, Aedes albopictus, a vector for more than 20 arboviruses, has spread worldwide. Aedes albopictus is the main vector of infectious diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in China, and it has caused concerns regarding public health. A comprehensive understanding of the spatial genetic structure of this vector species at a genomic level is essential for effective vector control and the prevention of vector-borne diseases.MethodsDuring 2016-2018, adult female Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were collected from eight different geographical locations across China. Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) was used for high-throughput identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genotyping of the Ae. albopictus population. The spatial genetic structure was analyzed and compared to those exhibited by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and microsatellites in the Ae. albopictus population.ResultsA total of 9,103 genome-wide SNP loci in 101 specimens and 32 haplotypes of cox1 in 231 specimens were identified in the samples from eight locations in China. Principal component analysis revealed that samples from Lingshui and Zhanjiang were more genetically different than those from the other locations. The SNPs provided a better resolution and stronger signals for novel spatial population genetic structures than those from the cox1 data and a set of previously genotyped microsatellites. The fixation indexes from the SNP dataset showed shallow but significant genetic differentiation in the population. The Mantel test indicated a positive correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance. However, the asymmetric gene flow was detected among the populations, and it was higher from south to north and west to east than in the opposite directions.ConclusionsThe genome-wide SNPs revealed seven gene pools and fine spatial genetic structure of the Ae. albopictus population in China. The RAD-seq approach has great potential to increase our understanding of the spatial dynamics of population spread and establishment, which will help us to design new strategies for controlling vectors and mosquito-borne diseases.

Abstract Background Late-spring frost is one of the major factors limiting and reducing yield of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) in temperate regions, including Iran. Therefore, in the present study, seedling-originated genotypes of walnut were investigated to identify late-leafing genotypes with high-quality kernels for direct cultivation in orchards or as parents in breeding programs. In the first step, the variation of the selected trees was investigated in terms of traits related to phenology, vegetation, and fruit. In the second step, late-leafing trees were identified and their traits related to kernel quality were investigated to identify superior genotypes. Results Strong variabilities were exhibited among the studied genotypes based on the traits recorded. The genotypes showed high variation based on dates of leafing, full male flowering date, and full female flowering date, including very early, early, moderate, and late. After recording the leafing date, 21 late-leaf genotypes were identified and evaluated to select the superiors among them in terms of kernel quantity and quality. Among them, the values of nut-related traits ranged as follows: nut length: 30.12–49.74 mm, nut width: 29.31–37.17 mm, nut weight: 8.77–16.47 g, and shell thickness: 1.15–2.25 mm. The values of kernel-related traits ranged as follows: kernel length: 22.35–35.73 mm, kernel width: 21.79–29.03 mm, kernel weight: 3.22–8.17 g, and kernel percentage: 35.08–53.95%. Conclusions According to the ideal values and situations of commercial characteristics of walnut, twelve promising late-leafing genotypes (No. 9, 13, 32, 33, 72, 77, 78, 82, 83, 86, 92, and 98) were identified and are recommended for cultivation in orchards.

Plasmodium vivax malaria was thought to be rare in Africa, but an increasing number of P. vivax cases reported across Africa and in Duffy-negative individuals challenges this dogma. The genetic characteristics of P. vivax in Duffy-negative infections, the transmission of P. vivax in East Africa, and the impact of environments on transmission remain largely unknown. This study examined genetic and transmission features of P. vivax from 107 Duffy-negative and 305 Duffy-positive individuals in Ethiopia and Sudan. No clear genetic differentiation was found in P. vivax between the 2 Duffy groups, indicating between-host transmission. P. vivax from Ethiopia and Sudan showed similar genetic clusters, except samples from Khartoum, possibly due to distance and road density that inhibited parasite gene flow. This study is the first to show that P. vivax can transmit to and from Duffy-negative individuals and provides critical insights into the spread of P. vivax in sub-Saharan Africa.

The gene pool of the East Caucasus, encompassing modern-day Azerbaijan and Dagestan populations, was studied alongside adjacent populations using 83 Y-chromosome SNP markers. The analysis of genetic distances among 18 populations (N = 2216) representing Nakh-Dagestani, Altaic, and Indo-European language families revealed the presence of three components (Steppe, Iranian, and Dagestani) that emerged in different historical periods. The Steppe component occurs only in Karanogais, indicating a recent medieval migration of Turkic-speaking nomads from the Eurasian steppe. The Iranian component is observed in Azerbaijanis, Dagestani Tabasarans, and all Iranian-speaking peoples of the Caucasus. The Dagestani component predominates in Dagestani-speaking populations, except for Tabasarans, and in Turkic-speaking Kumyks. Each component is associated with distinct Y-chromosome haplogroup complexes: the Steppe includes C-M217, N-LLY22g, R1b-M73, and R1a-M198; the Iranian includes J2-M172(×M67, M12) and R1b-M269; the Dagestani includes J1-Y3495 lineages. We propose J1-Y3495 haplogroup's most common lineage originated in an autochthonous ancestral population in central Dagestan and splits up ~6 kya into J1-ZS3114 (Dargins, Laks, Lezgi-speaking populations) and J1-CTS1460 (Avar-Andi-Tsez linguistic group). Based on the archeological finds and DNA data, the analysis of J1-Y3495 phylogeography suggests the growth of the population in the territory of modern-day Dagestan that started in the Bronze Age, its further dispersal, and the microevolution of the diverged population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Late-spring frost is one of the major factors limiting and reducing yield of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) in temperate regions, including Iran. Therefore, in the present study, seedling-originated genotypes of walnut were investigated to identify late-leafing genotypes with high-quality kernels for direct cultivation in orchards or as parents in breeding programs. In the first step, the variation of the selected trees was investigated in terms of traits related to phenology, vegetation, and fruit. In the second step, late-leafing trees were identified and their traits related to kernel quality were investigated to identify superior genotypes. Results: Strong variabilities were exhibited among the studied genotypes based on the traits recorded. The genotypes showed high variation based on dates of leafing, full male flowering date, and full female flowering date, including very early, early, moderate, and late. After recording the leafing date, 21 late-leaf genotypes were identified and evaluated to select the superiors among them in terms of kernel quantity and quality. Among them, the values of nut-related traits ranged as follows: nut length: 30.12–49.74 mm, nut width: 29.31–37.17 mm, nut weight: 8.77–16.47 g, and shell thickness: 1.15–2.25 mm. The values of kernel-related traits ranged as follows: kernel length: 22.35–35.73 mm, kernel width: 21.79–29.03 mm, kernel weight: 3.22–8.17 g, and kernel percentage: 35.08–53.95%. Conclusions: According to the ideal values and situations of commercial characteristics of walnut, twelve promising late-leafing genotypes (No. 9, 13, 32, 33, 72, 77, 78, 82, 83, 86, 92, and 98) were identified and are recommended for cultivation in orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) is an important food crop worldwide, and its domestication is one of the most important events in human history. Common wild rice is the direct wild progenitor of cultivated rice, however its detailed process is still controversial. In this study, we systemically identified 15 domestication regions (DRs) in the rice genome using 461 wild and 595 cultivated rice accessions. Phylogenetic trees were constructed separately for the 15 DRs to analyze the closely affiliated wild accessions. We found that most of the closely affiliated wild accessions of temperate japonica came from southern China, and most of the closely affiliated wild accessions of tropical japonica came from China and India. Wild populations in southern China and India are the source of the temperate japonica and tropical japonica gene pools (that is, the sum of the genes carried by all wild individuals in southern China and India). In addition, most of the closely affiliated wild accessions of indica rice came from Southeast Asia, China and India, suggesting that wild populations in Southeast Asia, China and India are the source of the indica gene pools. Interestingly, wild populations in India and Burma are the source of the Aus and Bas gene pools, respectively. Our results will help to further clarify the origin and domestication history of Asian cultivated rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a dynamic ex situ conservation strategy, a clonal seed orchard was started in a nursery in Pomaio (POM) in central Italy in 1993 for an assisted migration experiment of Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei. Two artificial ex situ populations were planted with this gene pool: a seedling arboretum in Pieve Santo Stefano (PSS) and a small dendrological collection in Papiano (PAP), both originating from the Sicilian relict population. Here, using AFLP markers, we estimated the relatedness among the relocated genotypes of the three collections to check whether the three collections had sufficient genetic variability to be considered as additional sources of variability to the original gene pool for the assisted migration strategy. High individual genetic variability was found in the collections; each plant had a different genotype and was confirmed to belong to its population of origin. PAP and PSS trees were shown to be only from the original population of A. nebrodensis species and were derived from a limited set of maternal fertile genotypes. Based on the Sicilian fir population inventory, nursery production in Sicily, and structure clustering analysis, close genetic relationships among POM, PAP and several PSS trees (1–35) were evident. Similarly, the PSS group (36–78) was genetically close to tree 1 of POM and in a lesser proportion to plants 7 and 9 of POM. The sampling of seedlings used to form batches in the nursery might have influenced the structure of the resultant plantations. All genotypes will be useful for enriching the original gene pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated the possibility of using modern biotechnological methods for obtaining in vitro embryos from females of the local breed with the desired complex genotype by the A2A2/BB beta- and kappa-casein, cryopreservation and long-term storage in the system of preserving the gene pool. During the first stage of work, 27 oocytes-cumulus complexes (OCCs) were obtained from the ovaries of heifers, of which 66.7% were selected as suitable for in vitro cultivation, and from the ovaries of cows - 69.2% of oocytes-cumulus complexes (45 of the 65 obtained oocytes-cumulus complexes) were suitable for further cultivation. Our cytogenetic analysis of heifer egg cells showed that 33.3% (9 out of 27 cultured oocytes-cumulus complexes) of cells were at the metaphase II stage of meiosis, and 66.7% had chromosomal disorders. The second stage involved the fertilization of egg cells matured outside the body. During this stage, it was found that the level of zygote formation on average reached 23.8%, and further cultivation also provided in vitro fragmentation of embryos at the level of 22.2% (10 embryos from 63 inseminated eggs). It was found that the overall level of embryo formation after fertilization of egg cells of cows matured outside the body was 33.3%. For the conservation and rational use of breeding (genetic) resources of cattle at the cellular level, it is necessary to create cryobanks of gametes for long-term storage in order to further sell them for reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in the towns of Troyan and Apriltsi and the nearby villages and hamlets in the Central Balkan Mountain. During the expedition research, heirloom local apple cultivars and forms threatened with extinction were discovered, marked and described. Their reproductive characteristics were studied. A large genotypic diversity of the genus Malus, L. have been observed. The complex of agroecological conditions favours the growth, and longevity of the apple trees. Most discovered and described trees are more than 100 years old, more than 15 m tall and more. The trees bear fruit abundantly, but there is a tendency to alternate their fruit bearing. The subject of the present study are 11 late-ripening valuable cultivars with large-size fruit threatened with extinction, such as 'Kandile' - 129.51 g, 'Sadova Perusha' - 108.07 g, etc., with the aim of studying their morphological, pomological and reproductive characteristics. It has been found that most of them are distinguished by an attractive appearance, intensely coloured fruit skin and valuable nutritional and dietary qualities. Their long-term storage under home conditions is also a valuable quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term climate change and periodic environmental extremes threaten food and fuel security1 and global crop productivity2-4. Although molecular and adaptive breeding strategies can buffer the effects of climatic stress and improve crop resilience5, these approaches require sufficient knowledge of the genes that underlie productivity and adaptation6-knowledge that has been limited to a small number of well-studied model systems. Here we present the assembly and annotation of the large and complex genome of the polyploid bioenergy crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Analysis of biomass and survival among 732 resequenced genotypes, which were grown across 10 common gardens that span 1,800 km of latitude, jointly revealed extensive genomic evidence of climate adaptation. Climate-gene-biomass associations were abundant but varied considerably among deeply diverged gene pools. Furthermore, we found that gene flow accelerated climate adaptation during the postglacial colonization of northern habitats through introgression of alleles from a pre-adapted northern gene pool. The polyploid nature of switchgrass also enhanced adaptive potential through the fractionation of gene function, as there was an increased level of heritable genetic diversity on the nondominant subgenome. In addition to investigating patterns of climate adaptation, the genome resources and gene-trait associations developed here provide breeders with the necessary tools to increase switchgrass yield for the sustainable production of bioenergy.

Brazil is the world's largest producer of common bean. Knowledge of the genetic diversity and relatedness of accessions adapted to Brazilian conditions is of great importance for the conservation of germplasm and for directing breeding programs aimed at the development of new cultivars. In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of a diversity panel consisting of 219 common bean accessions, most of which belonging to the Mesoamerican gene pool. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) of these accessions allowed the identification of 49,817 SNPs with minor allele frequency > 0.05. Of these, 17,149 and 12,876 were exclusive to the Mesoamerican and Andean pools, respectively, and 11,805 SNPs could differentiate the two gene pools. Further the separation according to the gene pool, bayesian analysis of the population structure showed a subdivision of the Mesoamerican accessions based on the origin and color of the seed tegument. LD analysis revealed the occurrence of long linkage blocks and low LD decay with physical distance between SNPs (LD half decay in 249 kb, corrected for population structure and relatedness). The GBS technique could effectively characterize the Brazilian common bean germplasms, and the diversity panel used in this study may be of great use in future genome-wide association studies.

In Russia, the number of beef cattle until recently was concentrated mainly in Kalmykia and adjacent regions. However, the lack of purposeful breeding has led to the fact that the purebred livestock of Kalmyk meat breed has significantly decreased and lost its unique qualities. Introduction of embryo transfer biotechnology can solve the problem of restoring breed qualities under the condition of accelerated reproduction of genotyped livestock. The aim of the research was to study Kalmyk breed response to polyovulation considering further increase in transferrable embryo productivity - the main indicator specific to each breed. As the formation of the breed took place in pasture conditions with a pronounced seasonal sexual cycle, there were doubts about the possibility of using embryo transfer technology in any season. The experiments were carried out on Kalmyk cows at Kalmytskoye farm in 2010 and at the Regional Research and Production Center for Reproduction of Farm Animals, Kalmyk State University, in 2022. The results of the study showed that it was better to synchronize sexual hunting using prostaglandins after 3-4 months after calving (May-October). According to the results of immunogenetic testing, 10 breeding cows and 2 breeding bulls were selected as donors. In September-October, in order to test the embryo transfer method in nomadic animal husbandry, the first work was carried out to stimulate poliovulation and obtain embryos from 3 donor cows. A total of 23 embryos and eggs were obtained, 10 of which were suitable for transplantation. Transferrable embryos were frozen on a ZEM-4 software freezer after equilibration in 1.5 M ethylene glycol cryoprotector solution.

Khanty are indigenous Siberian people living on the territory of Western Siberia, mainly on the territory of the Khanty-Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrugs. The present study is aimed at a comprehensive analysis of the structure of the Khanty gene pool and their comparison with other populations of the indigenous population of Southern and Western Siberia. To address the issues of genetic proximity of the Khanty with other indigenous peoples, we performed genotyping of a wide genomic set of autosomal markers using high-density biochips, as well as an expanded set of SNP and STR markers of the Y-chromosome in various ethnic groups: Khakas, Tuvans, Southern Altaians, Siberian Tatars, Chulyms (Turkic language family) and Kets (Yeniseian language family). The structure of the gene pool of the Khanty and other West Siberian and South Siberian populations was studied using a genome-wide panel of autosomal single nucleotide polymorphic markers and Y-chromosome markers. The results of the analysis of autosomal SNPs frequencies by various methods, the similarities in the composition of the Y-chromosome haplogroups and YSTR haplotypes indicate that the Khanty gene pool is quite specific. When analyzing autosomal SNPs, the Ugrian genetic component completely dominates in both samples (up to 99–100 %). The samples of the Khanty showed the maximum match in IBD blocks with each other, with a sample of the Kets, Chulyms, Tuvans, Tomsk Tatars, Khakas, Kachins, and Southern Altaians. The degree of coincidence of IBD blocks between the Khanty, Kets, and Tomsk Tatars is consistent with the results of the distribution of allele frequencies and common genetic components in these populations. According to the composition of the Y-chromosome haplogroups, the two samples of the Khanty differ significantly from each other. A detailed phylogenetic analysis of various Y-chromosome haplogroups made it possible to describe and clarify the differences in the phylogeny and structure of individual ethnospecific sublines, to determine their relationship, traces of population expansion in the Khanty gene pool. Variants of different haplogroups of the Y-chromosome in the Khanty, Khakas and Tuvans go back to their common ancestral lines. The results of a comparative analysis of male samples indicate a close genetic relationship between the Khanty and Nenets, Komi, Udmurts and Kets. The specificity of haplotypes, the discovery of various terminal SNPs confirms that the Khanty did not come into contact with other ethnic groups for a long time, except for the Nenets, which included many Khanty clans.

Tuvans are one of the most compactly living peoples of Southern Siberia, settled mainly in the territory of Tuva. The gene pool of the Tuvans is quite isolated, due to endogamy and a very low frequency of interethnic marriages. The structure of the gene pool of the Tuvans and other Siberian populations was studied using a genomewide panel of autosomal single nucleotide polymorphic markers and Y-chromosome markers. The results of the analysis of the frequencies of autosomal SNPs by various methods, the similarities in the composition of the Y-chromosome haplogroups and YSTR haplotypes show that the gene pool of the Tuvans is very heterogeneous in terms of the composition of genetic components. It includes the ancient autochthonous Yeniseian component, which dominates among the Chulym Turks and Kets, the East Siberian component, which prevails among the Yakuts and Evenks, and the Far Eastern component, the frequency of which is maximum among the Nivkhs and Udeges. Analysis of the composition of IBD-blocks on autosomes shows the maximum genetic relationship of the Tuvans with the Southern Altaians, Khakas and Shors, who were formed during the settlement of the Turkic groups of populations on the territory of the Altai-Sayan region. A very diverse composition of the Tuvan gene pool is shown for various sublines of Y-chromosomal haplogroups, most of which show strong ethnic specificity. Phylogenetic analysis of individual Y-chromosome haplogroups demonstrates the maximum proximity of the gene pool of the Tuvans with the Altaians, Khakas and Shors. Differences in frequencies of Y-chromosome haplogroups between the Todzhans and Tuvans and a change in the frequencies of haplogroups from south to north associated with the East Asian component were found. The majority of the most frequent Y-chromosome haplogroups in the Tuvans demonstrate the founder effect, the formation age of which is fully consistent with the data on their ethnogenesis.

European black poplar (Populus nigra L.) is a pioneer species that belongs to the Salicaceae family and occurs in riparian ecosystems. It is one of the most endangered forest species in its entire distribution area. In Croatia, black poplars are considered an economically important forest species, but mostly clones originate from crossing combinations with American and European black poplar (Populus × canadensis Moench), while a small number of clones are native black poplar. Studies on native black poplar are quite rare and the generative propagation has not been used. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge on the production of high-quality black poplar seedlings and to carry out the selection of genotypes with the aim of establishing a base for future breeding. The female black poplar tree was selected on phenotypic characteristics in the area of Forest Administration Osijek, Forest Office Valpovo. The tree was cut down in April 2019, and branches with half-open seed capsules on catkins were collected. The branches were transferred to the Croatian Forest Research Institute’s greenhouse, where the catkins opened under the influence of the high temperature. Sowing was done in different substrates to test their effectiveness. Black poplar seedlings were selected and transplanted with regard to development and height growth. The results showed differences in height growth between plants sown in two different substrates and the occurrence of fungal diseases only on plants sown in pure sand. With subsequent multiple propagation using cuttings and selection by genotype, it is expected that it will be possible to identify several clones of native black poplar that will be introduced for use in forestry in Croatia. The use of quality plants grown from seeds will increase the genetic diversity and preserve the native black poplar gene pool.

Simple Summary: Mae Hong Son chicken is a local breed of North Thai domestic chicken widely distributed in Mae Hong Son; however, its genetic characterization, origin, and diversity remain unclear. Here, we studied the socio–cultural, environmental, and genetic aspects of the Mae Hong Son chicken breed, and we investigated its genetic diversity and footprint using the genotyping of 28 microsatellite markers and analyzed mitochondrial D-loop sequencing data. Genetic diversity analysis indicated that the Mae Hong Son chicken population is genetically highly diverse, with 35 haplotypes clustered into haplogroups A, B, E, and F, mostly in the North ecotype. Allelic gene pool patterns showed a unique DNA fingerprint of the Mae Hong Son chicken, as compared to other breeds and red junglefowl. A genetic introgression of some parts of the gene pool of red junglefowl and other indigenous breeds was identified in the Mae Hong Son chicken, supporting the hypothesis of the origin of the Mae Hong Son chicken as a crossbreed between red junglefowl and Thai indigenous village chickens that adapted to the environmental, social, and cultural conditions in its habitat. These findings enrich our understanding of the genetic blueprint, origin, and evolutionary process of the Mae Hong Son chickens and lay the foundation for future studies to improve domestic chickens using this indigenous chicken breed. Understanding the genetic diversity of domestic chicken breeds under the impact of socio–cultural and ecological dynamics is vital for the conservation of natural resources. Mae Hong Son chicken is a local breed of North Thai domestic chicken widely distributed in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand; however, its genetic characterization, origin, and diversity remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the socio–cultural, environmental, and genetic aspects of the Mae Hong Son chicken breed and investigated its diversity and allelic gene pool. We genotyped 28 microsatellite markers and analyzed mitochondrial D-loop sequencing data to evaluate genetic diversity and assessed spatial habitat suitability using maximum entropy modeling. Sequence diversity analysis revealed a total of 188 genotyped alleles, with overall nucleotide diversity of 0.014 ± 0.007, indicating that the Mae Hong Son chicken population is genetically highly diverse, with 35 (M1–M35) haplotypes clustered into haplogroups A, B, E, and F, mostly in the North ecotype. Allelic gene pool patterns showed a unique DNA fingerprint of the Mae Hong Son chicken, as compared to other breeds and red junglefowl. A genetic introgression of some parts of the gene pool of red junglefowl and other indigenous breeds was identified in the Mae Hong Son chicken, supporting the hypothesis of the origin of the Mae Hong Son chicken. During domestication in the past 200–300 years after the crossing of indigenous chickens and red junglefowl, the Mae Hong Son chicken has adapted to the highland environment and played a significant socio–cultural role in the Northern Thai community. The unique genetic fingerprint of the Mae Hong Son chicken, retaining a high level of genetic variability that includes a dynamic demographic and domestication history, as well as a range of ecological factors, might reshape the adaptation of this breed under selective pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In wild boar, Sus scrofa, from Europe, domestic pig-typical ancestry is traced at varying levels. We hypothesised wild boar with pig-typical gene pool characteristics, i.e., "introgression", congregate more in peri-urban habitats, because of less shyness and better adaptation to anthropogenic stress. We used 16 microsatellites to study introgression levels of 375 wild boar from peri-urban Vienna, Austria, and rural regions in comparison to commercial slaughter pigs, Mangaliza, and Turopolje pigs. We also expected more introgression in locations of warmer climates and lower precipitation. Despite discrimination of wild boar and pigs with 99.73% and 97.87% probability, respectively, all wild boars exhibited pig-typical gene pool characteristics, mostly at a very low level. Recent hybridisation was suspected in only 0.53% of wild boar, corresponding to the current largely indoor pig breeding/rearing in the region, with no chance of natural gene exchange between pigs and wild boar. Rather, pig ancestry in wild boar stems from incomplete gene pool differentiation during domestication and/or historical introgressions, when free-ranging pig farming was common. Individual introgression levels were lower in wild boar from peri-urban habitats, possibly reflecting the largely historical absence of pig farms there. Moreover, a marginal precipitation effect, but no temperature effect on introgression was observed. The latter, however, needs to be explored further by a more comprehensive data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information regarding genetic diversity and genetic relationships among different genotypes is invaluable in crop improvement of which its success is largely dependent on genetic variability. As molecular markers continue to be an effective tool for localization of a gene to improvement of plant varieties, the need to establish phylogenetic relationships becomes extremely important for the process of breeding new cultivars. This study reports genetic diversity for Tomato accessions across Nigeria (Six geo-Political Zones) as revealed by chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. cpDNA data showed a Nucleotide diversity for all accessions of Tomato at 0.302 while the number of segregated sites as well as parsimony informative sites to be 4.0. Data from five Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers showed a low Gene diversity (h) which ranged from 0.10 to 0.28, Percentage polymorphism (Pp) ranged from 20 % to 84%. The Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram grouped the accessions into two groups at similarity coefficient of 72%, with a value of r = 0.98, showing an excellent correlation between the accessions and the values of the initial distances (similarity matrix). Similar results were seen with the dendrogram constructed for genetic relationships of Tomato accessions using RAPD or cpDNA (you have mentioned RAPD up) markers. Split tree analysis equally revealed a 2 structured gene pool for Tomato gene pool in Nigeria. The high homogeneity of species observed in the study signifies a low genetic diversity and limited variability in tomato species in Nigeria. Amongst the consequences of low genetic diversity is the absence of unique variants that can possibly combat disease conditions or adapt to unfavourable environmental changes. The use of both cpDNA and RAPD markers in this study has efficiently shown that continuous cycling/shuffling of species within the narrow gene pool is expected to lead to a continuous reduction in genetic variability. No addition of new variant into the gene pool and in turn leads to inbreeding depression, thus suggesting the need to breed with known wild cultivars to increase genetic variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In Serbia, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production largely relies on improved commercial cultivars; however, many farmers still grow and maintain landraces. Productivity assessment of common bean landraces from Serbia may enrich knowledge of bean diversity from Western Balkans, Europe and worldwide. Aims: The study aims were to describe the underlying structure of a selected set of landraces and commercial cultivars of common bean, identify relatedness of accessions, and determine breeding values. Methods and key results: Overall productivity was assessed through main yield components during a 2-year field trial. Average seed yield per plant was 7.9 g, with 1000-seed weight 425 g, 7.4 pods per plant and 22.9 seeds per plant. Accessions were classified according to seed colour and shape, with the Albus group generally showing highest productivity traits. Phenotypic and genotypic variability of the selected set was previously determined. Principal component analysis was used to assess bean germplasm structure, revealing subdivisions partially according to gene pool (Mesoamerican or Andean), evident through the existence of one larger Andean group. Relatedness of genotypes was assessed by hierarchical cluster analysis. Additional variation concentrated within the Andean gene pool was detected. Positive correlations were observed among numbers of pods and seeds per plant, yield per plant and plant height. According to the Mantel test, positive associations were observed among productivity trait distance, genetic distance and descriptive trait distance. Conclusions: Substantial variation in productivity was observed for bean landraces, with differences among gene pools and seed forms, revealing their agronomic value. Acknowledged structure of agronomic traits and recognised stratification will assist in multilevel organisation of common bean breeding programs. Implications: Combined information on phenotypic, genotypic and productivity value should benefit selection of promising parental lines associating good agronomic performance with sufficient variability, according to consumer preferences. Diversity of common bean from Serbia was investigated. Substantial diversity was found in terms of agronomic value, corroborated by genetic and morphological variability. Information on variation in bean shape, size and productivity suggests suitability for different types of cultivation and use, and should ensure conservation and further research of this germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the genetic characteristics, origin, and local adaptation of chickens is essential to identify the traits required for chicken breeding programs. Chee Fah and Fah Luang are black-boned chicken breeds reared in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Chickens are an important part of the local economy and socio-culture; however, the genetic diversity, characteristics, and origins of these two breeds have been poorly studied. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity, gene pool, and origin of the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens using mitochondrial DNA D-loop (mtDNA D-loop) sequencing and microsatellite genotyping, as well as habitat suitability analysis using maximum entropy modeling. The MtDNA D-loop sequencing and microsatellite genotype analyses indicated that the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens shared haplogroups A, B, and CD with Chinese black-boned chickens. Gene pool analysis revealed that the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens have distinct genetic patterns compared to Thai domestic chickens and red junglefowl. Some gene pools of red junglefowl and other Thai domestic chickens were observed within the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chicken gene pool structures, suggesting genetic exchange. The data indicate that the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens originated from Chinese indigenous black-boned chicken breeds and experienced crossbreeding/hybridization and introgression with red junglefowl and other domestic breeds during domestication. Interestingly, the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens from Chiang Rai shared the same allelic gene pool, which was not shared with the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens from Mae Hong Son, suggesting at least two gene pool origins in the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chicken populations. Alternatively, different gene pools in the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens from different localities might be caused by differences in environmental factors, especially elevation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedigree analyses describing gene pool and genetic diversity frequently have been performed for multiple livestock species. In honey bees, comparable studies are not yet available, and therefore, we aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of two Austrian Apis mellifera carnica breeding populations by means of pedigree analysis. Honey bee breeding programs in Austria get administered by two breeding associations, the ACA and the ZAC!. Their respective reference populations comprised the birth years 2019 and 2020 and resulted in 2.675 breeding queens within the ACA and 1.286 queens within the ZAC! population. From the total of 1.015 ACA founder queens, 13 founders represented 50% of the gene pool; for the ZAC! population (624 founders in total), 21 founders were responsible for 50% of the segregating alleles. The genetic diversity indices like effective numbers of founders (fe), ancestors (fa), and founder genome equivalents (ng) are capable to determine unbalanced breeding practices, occurrence of genetic bottlenecks, and genetic drift in the respective population histories. The values obtained (ACA/ZAC!: fe = 71/125; fa = 30/48; ng = 18.7/21.6) demonstrated genetic loss due to unbalanced, excessive use of single breeding animals within the ACA population. The slightly lower loss in diversity within the ZAC! population can be attributed to a smaller active population number. As a consequence, both populations exhibit moderate decrease of genetic diversity, which is comparable to mammal livestock with small or limited population size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kerala, a humid tropical southern state, is the third largest producer of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) in India. This tree spice is an important livelihood option for the rural society, especially in Palakkad district which is the lead producer of tamarind in the state with a few accepted primitive cultivars, viz. ' valanpuli ', ' madhurapuli ' and ' thenpuli '. A survey was conducted to identify the fruit variability and document the sweet tamarind types of Palakkad. This study revealed the variability and weight of 30 fruits was seen to be the most indicative variable of tamarind in Kerala. The pod length varied from 5.28 to 23.41 cm and fruit weight from 4.83 to 43.40 g. Hierarchical clustering on principal component analysis resulted in six clusters. The clusters I, IV and V represented collections with fruit weight more than 20 g. Box plot diagrams revealed the high real pulp value in sample KTJ 162 (9.57) and high fruit length in KTJ 44 (21.68 cm). Among 113 collections, 18 samples were collected as perceived sweet types based on local enquiry. In the scatter plot between total soluble solids and ratio between total soluble solids and total titrable acidity, two samples were spotted as sweet types with acidity below 8%. Further molecular characterization and systematic crop improvement programmes are required for conserving the eroding gene pool of tamarind in Kerala and to develop sweet types for commercial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymorphism of the rs1815739 locus of the ACTN3 gene and of the rs11227639 cis-eQTL that affects expression of this gene was studied in populations of the northern (Chukchi, Koryaks, Evens, and Evenki) and southern (Buryats, Altaians, and Tuvinians) parts of Siberia. It was shown that the frequencies of the rs1815739-C allele of the ACTN3 gene (corresponding to the 577R amino acid variant) and the rs11227639-A upregulating ACTN3 allele, which increases the expression level of this gene, are significantly higher in the northern part of Siberia than in the southern part. Similarly, in the northerly direction, the frequency of the combination of CC/AA genotypes at these loci increases. The revealed pattern of the geographical distribution of alleles and genotypes at the rs1815739 and rs11227639 loci in Siberian populations may be due to adaptation to cold and the processes of thermoregulation of the body when exposed to cold. It is assumed that an increase in the frequency of the rs1815739-C and rs11227639-A alleles in the aboriginal populations of the northern part of Siberia is associated with an increase in the role of shivering thermogenesis during adaptation to cold exposure and also contributes to an increase in muscle mass in their carriers, which reduces heat loss in the conditions of the North. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the substantial role that chickens have played in human societies across the world, both the geographic and temporal origins of their domestication remain controversial. To address this issue, we analyzed 863 genomes from a worldwide sampling of chickens and representatives of all four species of wild jungle fowl and each of the five subspecies of red jungle fowl (RJF). Our study suggests that domestic chickens were initially derived from the RJF subspecies Gallus gallus spadiceus whose present-day distribution is predominantly in southwestern China, northern Thailand and Myanmar. Following their domestication, chickens were translocated across Southeast and South Asia where they interbred locally with both RJF subspecies and other jungle fowl species. In addition, our results show that the White Leghorn chicken breed possesses a mosaic of divergent ancestries inherited from other subspecies of RJF. Despite the strong episodic gene flow from geographically divergent lineages of jungle fowls, our analyses show that domestic chickens undergo genetic adaptations that underlie their unique behavioral, morphological and reproductive traits. Our study provides novel insights into the evolutionary history of domestic chickens and a valuable resource to facilitate ongoing genetic and functional investigations of the world's most numerous domestic animal.