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This review analyzes the application of machine learning (ML) in oncological pharmacogenomics, focusing on customizing chemotherapy treatments. It explores how ML can analyze extensive genomic, proteomic, and other omics datasets to identify genetic patterns associated with drug responses. This, in turn, facilitates personalized therapies that are more effective and have fewer side effects. Recent studies have emphasized ML’s revolutionary role of ML in personalized oncology treatment by identifying genetic variability and understanding cancer pharmacodynamics. Integrating ML with electronic health records and clinical data shows promise in refining chemotherapy recommendations by considering the complex influencing factors. Although standard chemotherapy depends on population-based doses and treatment regimens, customized techniques use genetic information to tailor treatments for specific patients, potentially enhancing efficacy and reducing adverse effects.However, challenges, such as model interpretability, data quality, transparency, ethical issues related to data privacy, and health disparities, remain. Machine learning has been used to transform oncological pharmacogenomics by enabling personalized chemotherapy treatments. This review highlights ML’s potential of ML to enhance treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects through detailed genetic analysis. It also addresses ongoing challenges including improved model interpretability, data quality, and ethical considerations. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of rigorous clinical trials and interdisciplinary collaboration in the ethical implementation of ML-driven personalized medicine, paving the way for improved outcomes in cancer patients and marking a new frontier in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of suitable genetic resources for saline regions and the complexity of the traits involved impede the progress in crop breeding for salt tolerance. The present investigation was carried out using 27 diverse barley genotypes chosen based on the assessment of salt tolerance potential within the barley mini‐core collection at the National Genebank of India. The genotypes were exposed to salinity stress (200 mM NaCl) and were examined for morpho‐agronomic, physiological traits and salt uptake parameters. Exposure to salt stress resulted in a significant decline in all parameters ranging from 5.94% in relative water content to 80.04% in shoot K+/Na+ ratio compared to the control in the evaluated accessions. Moreover, the grain yield and its key attribute hundred‐grain weight decreased substantially by 65.35% and 48.62%, respectively, under saline treatment. The majority of the resilient accessions managed to uphold a higher K+/Na+ ratio ranging from 0.51 in EC0578359 to 1.19 EC0578251 in contrast to vulnerable germplasm (<0.56) under saline circumstances. The analysis of haplotype variants disclosed allelic diversity linked with two promising candidate genes, HVA1 and HvHKT2, recognised for conferring salt tolerance. Examination of nucleotide sequences revealed that the HVA1 remained considerably conserved among the evaluated genotypes as the majority of the SNPs (single‐nucleotide polymorphisms) were synonymous. Conversely, for HvHKT2, a significant level of genetic variation led to the identification of two primary haplotypic clusters—Hap1 associated with sensitivity to salinity and Hap2 linked with tolerant traits. Hap2 predominantly consisted of In/Dels which caused a modification in the overall protein length alongside the phospho‐variant allelic form of the HKT2 gene, further enhancing the biological specificity and functional stress response in a spatiotemporal fashion. These haplotype clusters correlated with favourable traits could be utilised for trait integration into breeding populations, thereby expediting the enhancement of superior salt‐tolerant barley cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native to the tropical Americas, guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an important crop in Brazil. However, the emergence of so-called guava decline, a complex disease resulting from root parasitism by the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii Yang & Eisenback) in association with opportunistic fungi, has decimated guava orchards across Brazil and in other countries. In the present study, seminiferous guava accessions were vegetatively propagated by minigrafting and their genotypes preserved for resistance reassessment in clones to confirm or not host plant reactions. The results indicated a highly virulent parasite, high host suitability of the P. guajava species, and widely varying reactions among plants of the same genotype and between different genotypes, demonstrating that the strategy of preserving the germplasm and reassessing reactions in clones may be important in identifying and selecting germplasms with a degree of resistance to M. enterolobii. The progeny of cv. Paluma P02R5R2 obtained the lowest average parasite reproduction factor (RF = 22.11) among the genotypes evaluated and was; therefore; classified as moderately resistant and preserved for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The testing for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) is a prerequisite for release and intellectual property rights (IPRs) protection of new cultivars. Ninety eight bitter gourd genotypes were characterized for 12 agro-morphological traits using DUS guidelines developed by UPOV. Shannon–Wiener diversity index across genotypes varied from 0.00 to 1.32 with mean value of 0.52, demonstrating the adequate phenotypic diversity. Estimates of diversity indices across Indian origins (0.52) and botanical variety, Momordica charantia var. charantia (0.53) genotypes exceeds exotic origins (0.50) and Momordica charantia var. muricata genotypes (0.34). The traits like leaf blade: depth of lobing, fruit color of skin and fruit tubercles were most diverse traits that can distinguish genotypes of bitter gourd. The other traits like sex forms and ridge patterns can be used for identifying and groping of bitter gourd cultivars. The wide variation was also recorded for quantitative traits like node number of first female flower (9.14–27.48), days to first female flower opening (38.62–60.30), days to first fruit harvest (45.68–73.40), fruit length (4.65–21.45 cm), fruit diameter (2.76–6.23 cm), fruit weight (23.14–88.63 g), fruits per plant (12.36–44.40), yield per plant (546.87–2354.51 g) and vine length (118.63–171.28 cm). High heritability for most of the quantitative traits indicated that selection would be effective in improving these traits. This is the first comprehensive study on DUS characterization and identification of a unique trait like white flower (DBGS-54-18) in bitter gourd. The presence of considerable levels of phenotypic variation could be exploited as a source of valuable gene pool for future breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two tilapia species, Oreochromis aureus and Oreochromis niloticus, were introduced into Morocco in 2004 for fish farming. O. niloticus was subsequently introduced into the wild in several watersheds. During a fish survey at six locations, we observed other specimens of tilapia that appear to be more related to O. aureus. Partial sequences of COI and S7 genes and geometric morphometrics were used to assess the specific status of all the specimens. Out of 1691 specimens sampled, 159 COI and 153 S7 partial sequences were obtained and confirmed the presence of both species. O. aureus was present in part of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region (the Nador Channel (NC), Al Kansra dam (AK) and Oued Sebou (OS)) while O. niloticus was found in the fish farm (AS), in the province of Rabat (Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah dam (BA)) and the region of Casablanca-Settat (Al Massira dam (AM)). A few hybrids were identified at AS and OS. Body shapes and sizes were assessed using geometric morphometrics with 18 landmarks and were found to differ significantly between O. aureus and O. niloticus. Both species exhibited significantly different allometric changes during their growth, but kept their morphological signature independently of their specific allometric changes during growth. Specimens from riverine environments (OS, NC) had a similar shape with an elongated body with a large head and eye, while individuals found in lacustrine environments (AK, AM and BM) had a larger body depth, small head and eye. Morphometrics also suggested that hybrids or sympatry could occur to a small extent in AS, OS and NC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity among traditional common bean accessions through morphological descriptors and molecular markers. Sixty-seven common bean accessions from the Germplasm bank of the Instituto Federal of Espírito Santo—Campus de Alegre were evaluated. For this, 25 specific morphological descriptors were used, namely 12 quantitative and 13 qualitative ones. A diversity analysis based on morphological descriptors was carried out using the Gower algorithm. For molecular characterization, 23 ISSR primers were used to estimate dissimilarity using the Jaccard Index. Based on the dendrograms obtained by the UPGMA method, for morphological and molecular characterization, high genetic variability was observed between the common bean genotypes studied, evidenced by cophenetic correlation values in the order of 0.99, indicating an accurate representation of the dissimilarity matrix by the UPGMA clustering. In the morphological characterization, high phenotypic diversity was observed between the accessions, with grains of different shapes, colors, and sizes, and the accessions were grouped into nine distinct groups. Molecular characterization was efficient in separating the genotypes in the Andean and Mesoamerican groups, with the 23 ISSR primers studied generating an average of 6.35 polymorphic bands. The work identified divergent accessions that can serve different market niches, which can be indicated as parents to form breeding programs in order to obtain progenies with high genetic variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a main staple tuber crop in Nigeria and the West African region. Its performance is determined by genotypes and also the environment of growth. This study assessed the agronomic performance and yield stability of elite white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes across diverse Nigerian environments. A total of 25 genotypes were evaluated at three locations in two consecutive growing seasons, 2022 and 2023, for fresh tuber yield, disease resistance, and tuber quality traits. The genotype's performance and stability for the measured traits were assessed using various analytical tools such as additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and multi-trait stability index (MTSI). The AMMI analysis revealed significant differences among the genotypes and across the environments for all traits (p < 0.001, p < 0.01). The PCA revealed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained a substantial portion of the total variation (49.84%). The MTSI identified four clones: G18, G19, G24, and G16 as promising candidates for improved yam production in Nigeria with high and stable performance for the multiple traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traboulsi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by facial dysmorphism, lens subluxation, anterior segment anomalies, and spontaneous filtering blebs. The syndrome is due to mutations in the ASPH gene, which plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the lens. This case report describes the clinical and genetic findings in a Mexican male with Traboulsi syndrome, highlighting the identification of a novel ASPH variant. A 21-year-old male presented with trauma to the right eye while playing soccer. He had a history of lens subluxation and dysmorphic facial features. Ophthalmic examination revealed right eye lens subluxation into the anterior chamber (with signs of a previous episode of acute angle closure) and left eye posterior and inferior lens subluxation with sectorial iris atrophy. Genetic analysis identified a pathogenic ASPH variant (NM_004318.3:c.1892G>A, p.Trp631*) and a novel likely pathogenic variant (deletion of exons 20–21), confirming Traboulsi syndrome. This is the first instance of Traboulsi syndrome in the Mexican population. The absence of spontaneous filtering blebs in this patient supports previous reports of the wide phenotypic variability that could be related to the type of mutation. This novel ASPH variant expands the known genetic heterogeneity of Traboulsi syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Eutreptiella (Euglenophyceae/Euglenozoa) comprises unicellular organisms known for their photosynthetic capacity and significant role in marine ecosystems. This review highlights the taxonomic, ecological, and biotechnological characteristics of Eutreptiella species, emphasizing their morphological and genomic adaptations. Eutreptiella species exhibit high phenotypic plasticity, enabling adaptation to various environmental conditions, from nutrient‐rich waters to high‐salinity conditions. They play a crucial role in primary production and nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems. Genetic and transcriptomic studies have revealed their complex regulatory mechanisms and potential for biofuel and nutraceutical production. Eutreptiella blooms significantly impact local ecosystems, influencing nutrient availability and community dynamics. Additionally, interactions with associated bacteria enhance their growth and metabolic capabilities. The genus shows substantial genetic variability, suggesting potential misidentifications or a polyphyletic nature. Further comprehensive studies are needed to clarify their taxonomy and evolutionary relationships. Understanding and managing Eutreptiella populations is essential to leverage their biotechnological potential and ensure the health of marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pythium sensu lato (s.l.) is a pathogenic oomycete. The present study was conducted to isolate and identify Pythium s.l. species associated with the rhizosphere and roots of greenhouse-growing cucumbers showing damping-off symptoms in 10 Omani governorates (provinces). A total of 166 isolates were recovered from 276 rhizosphere soil and root samples and were identified based on the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX I) gene region. Pythium aphanidermatum, P. myriotylum, Globisporangium spinosum, Globisporangium sp.1 (isolates Kb003/PySyCu-1 and Kb004/PySyCu-2), and Globisporangium sp.2 (isolate Ib002R) were identified. Among these species, P. aphanidermatum was the most abundant species, represented by 143 isolates (86.1%), followed by G. spinosum with 18 isolates (10.8%), Globisporangium sp.1 and P. myriotylum each with 2 isolates (2.4%), and Globisporangium sp.2 with 1 isolate (0.6%). Pathogenicity tests were also conducted for 38 isolates, including P. aphanidermatum (25), P. myriotylum (2), Globisporangium sp.2 (1), G. spinosum (8), and Globisporangium sp.1 (2). Among the tested isolates, only Globisporangium sp.2 isolate was avirulent, and none of the seeds were rotted at the end of the treatment. However, the other species induced the symptoms of seed decay with the incidence ranged from 86.7 to 100%. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on 222 ITS and 53 COX I sequences, and confirmed morphological identification. In addition, the genetic diversity of 93 P. aphanidermatum isolates was assessed via the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) method. The analysis produced 93 genotypes and 449 polymorphic loci. Pythium aphanidermatum populations were found to have moderate levels of genetic diversity (H = 0.2) and a moderate Shannon information index (I = 0.3793). Analysis of molecular variance (FST = 0.1, P = 0.0) revealed a moderate level of genetic differentiation among P. aphanidermatum isolates between Oman governorates. The sensitivity of 15 P. aphanidermatum isolates was evaluated against hymexazol at different concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 ppm). The results revealed that P. aphanidermatum could grow well at concentrations of up to 100 ppm hymexazol. However, hymexazol at 1000 ppm retarded the growth of P. aphanidermatum. This study showed that P. aphanidermatum is the most prevalent species in greenhouses in Oman and exhibited a moderate level of genetic diversity. Most of the isolates exhibited differences in tolerance to hymexazol but showed no resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to detect the genetic variability of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome B (CYTB) gene in 80 native Egyptian rabbits (NER) belonging to three populations in three different agriculture regions (Delta, Middle, and Upper Egypt) and also investigate the origin of these breeds by phylogenetic relationship analysis. A total of 62 haplotypes were recorded among the three NER populations. The native Upper Egypt rabbits (NUER) expressed the highest number of haplotypes, mutations, polymorphic sites, and haplotype diversity (23, 55, 51, and 1.00, respectively). While it gave the lowest values of nucleotide diversity (0.0262) and Tajima’s D (− 0.01435), the percentage of mutual haplotypes was 4.8 % between the Middle and Delta Egypt populations. The phylogenetic analysis showed that there were more separated haplotypes of NUER compared to other populations. The same finding was also observed when supported by 31 sequences of different rabbit breeds retrieved from the GeneBank database. A mutual haplotype was observed between native Delta Egyptian rabbits (NDER) and New Zealand (NWZ) rabbits. The results of this study shed light on the importance of indigenous breeds in rural areas through mtDNA, which contributes to finding sustainable strategies to conserve and improve genetic resources in Egyptian rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic, environmental, technological and financial resources are used differently in cattle herds that participate in the same breeding programme. The percentages of calves sired by sires within their own herd or from external herds vary across herds, as do the intensities of use of reproductive biotechnologies. These divergences may be related to differences in the indicators of genetic performance for economic traits. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to herd structure and genetic resource utilization that exert the greatest influence on the genetic merit of seedstock herds within a Nellore breeding programme. The database comprised 21 factors, along with genomic‐enhanced expected progeny differences (GE‐EPDs) for growth, reproductive and carcass traits, as well as a selection index of animals from 128 herds. By combining principal component analysis and cluster analysis, we were able to group the herds. We identified statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean values of the factors, GE‐EPDs and genetic trends among the groups of herds. Differences in the percentage of sires from external herds and in sire age between the groups of herds were the factors most associated with differences in mean GE‐EPDs and genetic trends. Using young sires from other herds or lineages is an effective strategy in animal breeding. By enhancing genetic variability, this approach does not only improve the genetic quality of herds but also accelerates genetic progress in desired traits over time. Therefore, to ensure the success of this strategy, it is crucial that seedstock herds undergo a thorough selection process aimed at maximizing the genetic potential of future generations of beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personalized nutrition (PN) represents a transformative approach in dietary science, where individual genetic profiles guide tailored dietary recommendations, thereby optimizing health outcomes and managing chronic diseases more effectively. This review synthesizes key aspects of PN, emphasizing the genetic basis of dietary responses, contemporary research, and practical applications. We explore how individual genetic differences influence dietary metabolisms, thus underscoring the importance of nutrigenomics in developing personalized dietary guidelines. Current research in PN highlights significant gene–diet interactions that affect various conditions, including obesity and diabetes, suggesting that dietary interventions could be more precise and beneficial if they are customized to genetic profiles. Moreover, we discuss practical implementations of PN, including technological advancements in genetic testing that enable real-time dietary customization. Looking forward, this review identifies the robust integration of bioinformatics and genomics as critical for advancing PN. We advocate for multidisciplinary research to overcome current challenges, such as data privacy and ethical concerns associated with genetic testing. The future of PN lies in broader adoption across health and wellness sectors, promising significant advancements in public health and personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a significant marketable crop for seed, oil, fiber, and pharmaceutical products. The latest study transpired to assess the morphological, biochemical, and yield traits with inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers to determine the genetic diversity among flaxseeds of Sakha-1, Sakha-2, Sakha-3, Sakha-5, Sakha-6, Giza-12, and Amon genotypes under sandy soil conditions. Results indicated that all flax varieties varied significantly (P > 0.05) in most studied characteristics. Sakha-6 exceeded all genotypes in seed yield (0.888 t ha-1), straw yield (6.093 t ha-1), oil yield (0.302 t ha-1), and biological yield (6.981 t ha-1). These increases were due to the rise in different biochemical contents of carotenoids (0.601 mg), proline (34.81 mg), free amino acids (396.85 mg), oil (35.46%), phenolic (189.61 mg), and total carbohydrates (32.07%), which reflected on seed yield plant-1 (0.509 g). Flax genotypes showed high genetic variations; eight of the 15 ISSR primers employed resulted in 74 bands, with 35 as polymorphic. The average percentage polymorphism of the amplified loci ranged from 16.67% to 50%, the average number of polymorphic bands per primer was 4.38, and the average number of amplified bands per primer was 9.25. The marker index for ISSR values ranged from 0.08 to 2.40 for UBC-846 and UBC-825, respectively. The similarity between genotypes ranged from 0.58 to 0.90. Three markers showed significant regression association with the six traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton is a valuable industrial fiber crop grown in many regions worldwide. Four cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars, i.e., Ishonch, Navbakhor-2, C-6524, and Tashkent-6, and their F1-2 diallel hybrids’ cultivation comprised a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement and four replications during 2019–2021 in the Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan. Significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences were notable among the parental genotypes and their F1 hybrids for boll weight and seed cotton yield. The parental cultivars Ishonch and Navbakhor-2 and their F1 diallel hybrids showed more stability and performed better than other genotypes. Broad-sense heritability estimates were the highest for boll weight and seed cotton yield while lowest for bolls per plant. Based on this trait’s yield, heritability, and variability, the inbreeding depression was positive in the F2 populations Ishonch × Navbakhor-2 and Navbakhor-2 × Tashkent-6. According to yield, the cultivars Ishonch, Navbakhor-2, and Tashkent-6 were outstanding as positive donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new emerging coronavirus that caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Whole-genome tracking of SARS-CoV-2 enhanced our understanding of the mechanism of the disease, control, and prevention of COVID-19. Methods: we analyzed 3368 SARS-CoV-2 protein sequences from Iran and compared them with 15.6 million global sequences in the GISAID database, using the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain as a reference. Results: Our investigation revealed that NSP12-P323L, ORF9c-G50N, NSP14-I42V, membrane-A63T, Q19E, and NSP3-G489S were found to be the most frequent mutations among Iranian SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Furthermore, it was observed that more than 94% of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, including NSP7, NSP8, NSP9, NSP10, NSP11, and ORF8, had no mutations when compared to the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain. Finally, our data indicated that the ORF3a-T24I, NSP3-G489S, NSP5-P132H, NSP14-I42V, envelope-T9I, nucleocapsid-D3L, membrane-Q19E, and membrane-A63T mutations might be responsible factors for the surge in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant wave in Iran. Conclusions: real-time genomic surveillance is crucial for detecting new SARS-CoV-2 variants, updating diagnostic tools, designing vaccines, and understanding adaptation to new environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rye wheat derivatives were meticulously bred through strategic hybridisation of secale cereal and bread wheat. • The derivatives were successfully validated via miotic abnormalities, FISH signals, and molecular markers. • The Anther size, pollen viability, tiller numbers, and thousand kernel weight are key contributors to grain yield. • The rye wheat derivative lines showed significant improvement in stripe rust resistance and floral traits. Interspecific plant hybridisation is a pivotal evolutionary process shaping speciation dynamics. In the context of bread wheat cultivation in India, stripe rust stands out as the predominant factor contributing to yield reduction. With the objective of improving stripe rust resistance and floral traits, diverse back-crossed population was meticulously developed through triticale-wheat crosses. The BC 2 F 7 generation of rye-wheat derivatives underwent a comprehensive analysis encompassing genetic variability, trait associations, multiple regressions, and principal component, with a focus on floral and yield attributes. The meticulously chosen stripe rust-resistant derivative lines underwent comprehensive evaluation, including an assessment of chromosomal abnormalities, fluorescence in situ hybridisation, and rye genome-specific molecular markers analysis. The statistical analysis substantiates that the derived population exhibits significant variations for all the examined traits. Positive correlations were observed with anther size, pollen viability, tiller number, thousand kernel weight, and grain yield. Multiple regression analysis reveals that anther size, pollen viability, tiller number, and thousand kernel weights emerge as pivotal contributors influencing grain yield. Moreover, the three principal components exhibit more than one eigen-value, thereby signifying their capacity to encapsulate the maximum variability within the dataset. In addition, chromosomal abnormalities, encompassing univalent, multivalent, laggards, bridge chromosomes, and micronuclei, were observed within the PMCs of rye wheat derivative lines. Fluorescence in-situ hybridisation unequivocally demonstrated rye introgression by green signals. Furthermore, the affirmation of rye introgression was corroborated by rye genome-specific molecular markers. Hence, Comprehensive methods unveil promising traits in rye-wheat lines, advancing wheat breeding in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trait heritability and the response to selection depend on genetic variation, a prerequisite to developing sorghum varieties with desirable agronomic traits and high carbon sequestration for sustainable crop production and soil health. The present study aimed to assess the extent of genetic variability and associations among agronomic and carbon storage traits in selected sorghum genotypes to identify the best candidates for production or breeding. Fifty genotypes were evaluated at Ukulinga, Bethlehem and Silverton sites in South Africa during the 2022/23 growing season. The following agronomic and carbon storage traits were collected: days to 50% heading (DTH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), total plant biomass (PB), shoot biomass (SB), root biomass (RB), root-to-shoot biomass ratio (RS), grain yield (GY), harvest index (HI), shoot carbon content (SCc), root carbon content (RCc), grain carbon content (GCc), total plant carbon stock (PCs), shoot carbon stock (SCs), root carbon stock (RCs), and root-to-shoot carbon stock ratio (RCs/SCs), and grain carbon stock (GCs). Higher genotypic coefficient of variations (GCVs) were recorded for GY at 45.92%, RB (39.24%), RCs/SCs (38.45), and RCs (34.62). Higher phenotypic coefficient of variations (PCVs) were recorded for PH (68.91%), followed by GY (51.8%), RB (50.51%), RS (41.96%), RCs/SCs (44.90%), and GCs (41.90%). High broad-sense heritability and genetic advance were recorded for HI (83.76 and 24.53%), GY (78.59 and 9.98%), PB (74.14 and 13.18%) and PCs (53.63 and 37.57%), respectively, suggesting a marked genetic contribution to the traits. Grain yield exhibited positive association with HI (r = 0.76; r = 0.79), DTH (r = 0.13; r = 0.31), PH (r = 0.1; r = 0.27), PB (r = 0.01; r = 0.02), RB (r = 0.05; r = 0.06) based on genotypic and phenotypic correlations, respectively. Further, the path analysis revealed significant positive direct effects of SB (0.607) and RB (0.456) on GY. The RS exerted a positive and significant indirect effect (0.229) on grain yield through SB. The study revealed that PB, SB, RB, RS, RCs, and RCs/SCs are the principal traits when selecting sorghum genotypes with high yield and carbon storage capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to evaluate the pedigree data of the Debrecen White rabbit breed. Pedigree information was supplied by the Debrecen White Rabbit Breeder Association. The final dataset contained all available information on animals registered by the breeding association up to 2023. The reference population was the active breeding stock in 2023. The estimated complete generation equivalent was 7.8, while the mean of maximum generations was 16.29 for the present stock. All individuals within the current population were inbred, with a 5.37% mean inbreeding coefficient. The division of the inbreeding coefficient showed that homozygosity is increasing in the current population. The genetic conservation index (GCI) was higher than 30 for 10.11% for the total population, and was above 38.69% for the current population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buchanania lanzan Spreng, a member of the Anacardiaceae family, is a valuable tropical fruit tree native to India. This tree species possesses enormous pharmacological properties and socio-economic significance but is underutilised due to inadequate genetic diversity and germplasm wealth resources data. The present investigation attempted to evaluate the diversity of nine accessions of B. lanzan obtained from three distinct geographical locations in the Chhattisgarh state of India using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Ten ISSR primers were used, of which eight ISSR primers produced remarkable bands selected for genetic diversity analysis. The ISSR primers produced a total of 127 loci, of which 63 loci exhibited polymorphism. On average, each primer yielded 7.87 loci. The maximum polymorphism was observed for primer BLA4 (77.77%), while primer BLA10 exhibited the lowest polymorphism (25%). An average 49.87% polymorphism was detected amongst nine accessions using eight ISSR primers. The Jaccard's similarity coefficient exhibited a range of values between 0.63 and 0.98. Genetic variability in B. lanzan accessions is low owing to low polymorphism percentage, although they belong to different agroclimatic regions of the Chhattisgarh state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important causative factor of cervical cancer and is associated with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a rare and highly fatal cutaneous virus that can cause Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Although coinfection with oncogenic HPV and MCPyV may increase cancer risk, a definitive etiological link has not been established. Recently, genomic variation and genetic diversity in the MCPyV noncoding control region (NCCR) among ethnic groups has been reported. The current study aimed to provide accurate prevalence information on HPV and MCPyV infection/coinfection in NSCLC patients and to evaluate and confirm Korean MCPyV NCCR variant genotypes and sequences. DNA from 150 NSCLC tissues and 150 adjacent control tissues was assessed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting regions of the large T antigen (LT‐ag), viral capsid protein 1 (VP1), and NCCR. MCPyV was detected in 22.7% (34 of 150) of NSCLC tissues and 8.0% (12 of 150) of adjacent tissues from Korean patients. The incidence rates of HPV with and without MCPyV were 26.5% (nine of 34) and 12.9% (15 of 116). The MCPyV NCCR genotype prevalence in Korean patients was 21.3% (32 of 150) for subtype I and 6% (nine of 150) for subtype IIc. Subtype I, a predominant East Asian strain containing 25 bp tandem repeats, was most common in the MCPyV NCCR data set. Our results confirm that coinfection with other tumor‐associated viruses is not associated with NSCLC. Although the role of NCCR rearrangements in MCPyV infection remains unknown, future studies are warranted to determine the associations of MCPyV NCCR sequence rearrangements with specific diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silkworm is an ideal lepidopteran model for the study of genetics and genetic diversity. In this study, inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) were used to investigate genetic relationships among 32 mulberry silkworm genotypes which included bivoltine and multivoltine silkworm breeds. Genomic DNA was isolated from the silkmoth samples and six polymorphic ISSRs were utilized to screen the genotypes. A total of 641 scorable alleles were identified among 32 silkworm genotypes utilizing six polymorphic ISSR markers and size ranged from ~ 100 to ~ 1400 bp. The percent polymorphism for six ISSR primers ranged from 46.15 to 63.63%. A total of six monomorphic alleles were observed, accounting for 8.57%. Similarly, three thermotolerant SSR markers were screened which revealed a total of 108 alleles with a polymorphism of 69.44%. The molecular mass of the alleles ranged from ~ 190 bp to ~ 250 bp. The chi square based similarity index represents a clear genetic similarity of the silkworm breeds BMV2 and BM22 (0.23) and the maximum genetic distance for breeds TMS knob and CSR27SL (1.32). Cluster dendrogram utilizing distance matrix classified the genotypes into two clusters with five sub clusters representing highest polymorphism with 21 genotypes. Thus, ISSRs and SSRs polymorphic markers are informative for estimating the extent of genetic diversity as well as to determine the pattern of genetic relationships between different silkworm genotypes and provide unique molecular identity based on the identified monomorphic bands. ISSR and SSR marker-based barcodes could be an effective tool for the selection of parentage in silkworm breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheath blight disease in rice, induced by the necrotrophic basidiomycetes Rhizoctonia solani, has emerged as a significant menace to global rice cultivation, especially with the widespread adoption of high-yielding varieties. The pathogen’s capacity to endure unfavorable conditions and its wide host range contribute to the increased challenge for management. The occurrence of sheath blight in rice is intensified when high-yielding semi-dwarf cultivars are employed, coupled with dense planting and the application of substantial amounts of nitrogenous fertilizers. Managing this pathogen is a formidable challenge due to its broad host range, substantial genetic variability, and the absence of satisfactory levels of natural resistance in the existing rice germplasm. Due to the absence of complete resistance sources, the predominant approach for managing sheath blight has been through chemical control methods. It is imperative to explore solutions to combat this pathogen, in order to reduce rice yield losses and safeguard global food security. Developing genetic resistance provides an alternative to the use of potentially harmful chemical fungicides. This review crucially delivers efforts to enhance the understanding of the host–pathogen relationship, which involves identification of gene loci/markers associated with resistance responses, modification of host genome through transgenic approaches, examining the wide host range, epidemiology and its managemental approaches. Recent advancements and current research on the R. solani–rice pathosystem, along with a gap analysis, are presented.

The current study aimed to detect the genetic variability of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome B (CYTB) gene in 80 native Egyptian rabbits (NER) belonging to three populations in three different agriculture regions (Delta, Middle, and Upper Egypt) and also investigate the origin of these breeds by phylogenetic relationship analysis. A total of 62 haplotypes were recorded among the three NER populations. The native Upper Egypt rabbits (NUER) expressed the highest number of haplotypes, mutations, polymorphic sites, and haplotype diversity (23, 55, 51, and 1.00, respectively). While it gave the lowest values of nucleotide diversity (0.0262) and Tajima's D (−0.01435), the percentage of mutual haplotypes was 4.8 % between the Middle and Delta Egypt populations. The phylogenetic analysis showed that there were more separated haplotypes of NUER compared to other populations. The same finding was also observed when supported by 31 sequences of different rabbit breeds retrieved from the GeneBank database. A mutual haplotype was observed between native Delta Egyptian rabbits (NDER) and New Zealand (NWZ) rabbits. The results of this study shed light on the importance of indigenous breeds in rural areas through mtDNA, which contributes to finding sustainable strategies to conserve and improve genetic resources in Egyptian rural areas.

This research was carried out to evaluate the pedigree data of the Debrecen White rabbit breed. Pedigree information was supplied by the Debrecen White Rabbit Breeder Association. The final dataset contained all available information on animals registered by the breeding association up to 2023. The reference population was the active breeding stock in 2023. The estimated complete generation equivalent was 7.8, while the mean of maximum generations was 16.29 for the present stock. All individuals within the current population were inbred, with a 5.37% mean inbreeding coefficient. The division of the inbreeding coefficient showed that homozygosity is increasing in the current population. The genetic conservation index (GCI) was higher than 30 for 10.11% for the total population, and was above 38.69% for the current population.

Abstract Trait heritability and the response to selection depend on genetic variation, a prerequisite to developing sorghum varieties with desirable agronomic traits and high carbon sequestration for sustainable crop production and soil health. The present study aimed to assess the extent of genetic variability and associations among agronomic and carbon storage traits in selected sorghum genotypes to identify the best candidates for production or breeding. Fifty genotypes were evaluated at Ukulinga, Bethlehem and Silverton sites in South Africa during the 2022/23 growing season. The following agronomic and carbon storage traits were collected: days to 50% heading (DTH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), total plant biomass (PB), shoot biomass (SB), root biomass (RB), root-to-shoot biomass ratio (RS), grain yield (GY), harvest index (HI), shoot carbon content (SCc), root carbon content (RCc), grain carbon content (GCc), total plant carbon stock (PCs), shoot carbon stock (SCs), root carbon stock (RCs), and root-to-shoot carbon stock ratio (RCs/SCs), and grain carbon stock (GCs). Higher genotypic coefficient of variations (GCVs) were recorded for GY at 45.92%, RB (39.24%), RCs/SCs (38.45), and RCs (34.62). Higher phenotypic coefficient of variations (PCVs) were recorded for PH (68.91%), followed by GY (51.8%), RB (50.51%), RS (41.96%), RCs/SCs (44.90%), and GCs (41.90%). High broad-sense heritability and genetic advance were recorded for HI (83.76 and 24.53%), GY (78.59 and 9.98%), PB (74.14 and 13.18%) and PCs (53.63 and 37.57%), respectively, suggesting a marked genetic contribution to the traits. Grain yield exhibited positive association with HI (r = 0.76; r = 0.79), DTH (r = 0.13; r = 0.31), PH (r = 0.1; r = 0.27), PB (r = 0.01; r = 0.02), RB (r = 0.05; r = 0.06) based on genotypic and phenotypic correlations, respectively. Further, the path analysis revealed significant positive direct effects of SB (0.607) and RB (0.456) on GY. The RS exerted a positive and significant indirect effect (0.229) on grain yield through SB. The study revealed that PB, SB, RB, RS, RCs, and RCs/SCs are the principal traits when selecting sorghum genotypes with high yield and carbon storage capacity.

Diverse, traditional landraces of indica rice with varying pigmentations are grown at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas. Interaction between two rice genes Rc and Rd is the major determining factor for diverse pigmentations. Rd regulates the synthesis of anthocyanidin, whereas Rc encodes a transcription factor for the expression of proanthocyanidins in rice. This study involved 24 genotypes of rice with varying pigmentation, collected from the Himalayan region and Eastern India for appraisal of genetic variability, character association, diversity regarding yield and grain-quality traits, and detection of sequence variation concerning Rc and Rd loci. Results revealed substantial genetic variability with significant genotype × year interaction for most of the traits. The tested genotypes were grouped into nine clusters based on Euclidean distance. Analyses of coding DNA and amino acid sequences revealed non-functional Rc gene with 14-bp deletion without or with a single nucleotide addition in the sixth exon, which led to premature stop codon formation or frameshift mutation in most of the black and white rice on the contrary to red rice genotypes. Furthermore, only a single white rice genotype was detected with a premature stop codon formation in the analyzed region of Rd. That mutation might be the probable cause for obstruction in anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. Further studies are needed to identify the point mutations and premature stop codon (if any) in the Rd locus of various indica rice genotypes from these regions to unveil the evolutionary relevance of the Rd allele for aberrated dihydroflavonol-4-reductase protein formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing and identifying high-yielding genotypes with shoot fly resistance in sorghum is a complex task that requires a detailed examination of genetic variability and relationships between numerous component traits related to grain yield and pest resistance. The purpose of this study was to use 15 morphological traits to assess genetic variability in 64 sorghum genotypes, which were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and the box plot technique. PCA identified seven components that account for almost 74% of the total variability in grain yield and shoot fly resistance. Two of the most reliable components (PC1 and PC2) were strongly correlated with a number of traits, including deadhearts per cent (21 and 28 DAE), seedling vigour, number of eggs per plant and trichome density on upper and lower surfaces, fodder yield per plot, fodder yield per plant, days to maturity and days to 50% flowering. PCA biplots identify groups of genotypes that can be suitable for specific breeding strategies. These include genotype clusters that combine grain yielding ability with resistance to shoot flies. According to the results of the box plot analysis, most of the traits showed greater variation towards grain yield and shoot fly resistance. This research has provided useful information on sorghum genotype genetic variability and its potential use in sorghum development programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity information mining about a crop for different attributes is an essential step for effective breeding programs. The present investigation evaluates the quantum of genetic variability and determines the relationship among the important agro-economic traits based on two years of phenotypic data of 210 accessions of linseed. The traits, capsule weight per plant, capsule per plant, husk weight per plant, and seed weight per plant exhibited comparatively higher genetic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV). In contrast, oil content and seed per capsule exhibited a lower value. The high magnitude of broad sense heritability was observed for all traits except seeds per capsule and husk weight per plant. The trait, capsules per plant, plant height, and days to 50% flowering showed high genetic advance coupled with high heritability. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped 210 accessions into six distinct clusters. Out of 210, 144 (68.57%) accessions were grouped into three clusters (I, II, and III), in which cluster-III was the largest, containing 64 accessions followed by cluster II and cluster-I. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters-I and V (127.85), while the lowest was between clusters-II and IV (27.09). The positive correlation of capsule weight per plant with the seed weight per plant and a negative correlation with the days to 50% flowering indicates that high yielding linseed varieties with early flowering/maturity could be developed through direct and indirect selection. Further, seed yield and oil content could be enhanced together as indicated by ghe positive association among these two important traits. In this study, high yielding accessions with moderate to high oil content such as GP36, GP31, GP14, GP54, GP26, GP24, GP34, GP21, GP37 and GP27 and early flowering (less than 70 days) accessions such as GP2, GP26, GP27, CG33, CG44, CG42, CG132, and CG31 identified as potential genetic materials that could be exploited for developing early maturing varieties with high yield. In addition, information’s on various genetic parameters will help breeders to devise suitable breeding methodology for linseed genetic improvement for targeted traits.

Pigeonpea, a predominant protein source for vast vegetarian population is constrained by numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Inefficient exploitation of pigeonpea germplasm has limited its utilization. Therefore it is important to identify and select breeding material from germplasm with sufficient genetic variability to utilize in hybridization programmes. In this regard ~200 F2 plants each from four different crosses were evaluated in Kharif-2019 at University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru. They were assessed for genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance as per cent of mean and trait association. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was noticed for pods plant-1, clusters plant-1 and seed yield plant-1. High heritability coupled with higher genetic advance as per cent mean was noticed for secondary branches plant-1, clusters plant-1 and pods plant-1. Seed yield plant-1 showed highest significant positive correlation with pods plant-1 and clusters plant-1, indicating these traits were the primary yield determinants in pigeonpea. Path coefficient analysis revealed that secondary branches plant-1 showed highest positive direct effect on seed yield plant-1 followed by pods plant-1 and clusters plant-1, thus selection based on these traits would be rewarding. Among the four crosses evaluated, highest numbers of transgressive segregants were identified from the cross BRG-1 × BDN-2 followed by HY3C × BDN-2 for yield and its related traits. The identified transgressive segregants could be evaluated for further exploitation.

Martaban camphor [Cinnamomum parthenoxylon (Jack) Meisn] is a woody tree in India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam and has been widely utilized for commercial purposes. It is threatened due to fragmented habitats, over-deforestation, and oil extraction. To conserve this species, the investigation of genetic diversity and population structure of this species is essential. Herein, we analyzed 192 adult trees from eight populations covering its natural distribution range in Vietnam using ten polymorphic EST-SSR markers. Medium levels of genetic diversity (R = 2.7, Ho = 0.399, He = 0.426) and genetic differences between populations (Fst = 0.223) were determined. Two populations, Cuc Phuong and Xuan Nha have undergone recent bottlenecks. These results indicated that anthropogenic activities may be the major factor for the low heterozygosity and influenced the number of alleles in all C. parthenoxylon populations. Clustering analyses revealed three genetic clusters that related to gene flow between different areas. We proposed in situ conservation for some populations with high levels of allelic richness, genetic diversity, or private alleles. The collecting of the seeds of the remaining populations for ex-situ conservation could be performed.

Background Cutavirus (CuV) is associated with mycosis fungoides; however, the CuV status in parapsoriasis en plaques (PP), a premalignant inflammatory condition of mycosis fungoides, has not been fully delineated. Methods Fifty-five Japanese patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases, including 13 patients with PP, were studied. Results CuV DNA was detected significantly more frequently in biopsies of the lesional skin from patients with PP (38%; 4 of 13) than in those from patients with other inflammatory skin diseases (2%; 1 of 42; P =.009). All CuV-positive PP cases were of the large-plaque parapsoriasis (LPP) subtype. The viral loads ranged from 83 450 to 2 164 170 copies/103 cells. We recovered near–full-length CuV sequences from the CuV-positive LPP biopsies, all of which were of the Japanese/Asian genotype. The CuV genome appeared to be present within lymphoid cells infiltrating the epidermis and dermis. CuV NS1 and VP1 gene transcripts were also detected in the affected tissues. Conclusions The detection of high levels of CuV DNA with the expression of viral mRNA suggests a potential role for CuV in the pathogenesis of LPP, making it necessary to study further the impact of CuV, especially regarding the viral genotype, on the outcomes of patients with CuV-positive LPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods of estimating polygenic scores (PGSs) from genome-wide association studies are increasingly utilized. However, independent method evaluation is lacking, and method comparisons are often limited. Here, we evaluate polygenic scores derived via seven methods in five biobank studies (totaling about 1.2 million participants) across 16 diseases and quantitative traits, building on a reference-standardized framework. We conducted meta-analyses to quantify the effects of method choice, hyperparameter tuning, method ensembling, and the target biobank on PGS performance. We found that no single method consistently outperformed all others. PGS effect sizes were more variable between biobanks than between methods within biobanks when methods were well tuned. Differences between methods were largest for the two investigated autoimmune diseases, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. For most methods, cross-validation was more reliable for tuning hyperparameters than automatic tuning (without the use of target data). For a given target phenotype, elastic net models combining PGS across methods (ensemble PGS) tuned in the UK Biobank provided consistent, high, and cross-biobank transferable performance, increasing PGS effect sizes (β coefficients) by a median of 5.0% relative to LDpred2 and MegaPRS (the two best-performing single methods when tuned with cross-validation). Our interactively browsable online-results and open-source workflow prspipe provide a rich resource and reference for the analysis of polygenic scoring methods across biobanks. [Display omitted] Systematic evaluation of polygenic scoring methods in 1.2 million individuals across five biobanks finds that no single method performs best. Performance varied more between biobanks than between methods, suggesting that future research should address between-biobank variability. Ensembles provided high, robust, and transferable performance. Workflow and results browser are open source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity information mining about a crop for different attributes is an essential step for effective breeding programs. The present investigation evaluates the quantum of genetic variability and determines the relationship among the important agro-economic traits based on two years of phenotypic data of 210 accessions of linseed. The traits, capsule weight per plant, capsule per plant, husk weight per plant, and seed weight per plant exhibited comparatively higher genetic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV). In contrast, oil content and seed per capsule exhibited a lower value. The high magnitude of broad sense heritability was observed for all traits except seeds per capsule and husk weight per plant. The trait, capsules per plant, plant height, and days to 50% flowering showed high genetic advance coupled with high heritability. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped 210 accessions into six distinct clusters. Out of 210, 144 (68.57%) accessions were grouped into three clusters (I, II, and III), in which cluster-III was the largest, containing 64 accessions followed by cluster II and cluster-I. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters-I and V (127.85), while the lowest was between clusters-II and IV (27.09). The positive correlation of capsule weight per plant with the seed weight per plant and a negative correlation with the days to 50% flowering indicates that high yielding linseed varieties with early flowering/maturity could be developed through direct and indirect selection. Further, seed yield and oil content could be enhanced together as indicated by ghe positive association among these two important traits. In this study, high yielding accessions with moderate to high oil content such as GP36, GP31, GP14, GP54, GP26, GP24, GP34, GP21, GP37 and GP27 and early flowering (less than 70 days) accessions such as GP2, GP26, GP27, CG33, CG44, CG42, CG132, and CG31 identified as potential genetic materials that could be exploited for developing early maturing varieties with high yield. In addition, information's on various genetic parameters will help breeders to devise suitable breeding methodology for linseed genetic improvement for targeted traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalyptus pilularis Smith is renowned for its high-quality wood, rapid growth, and adaptability to diverse soil conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the use of the molecular kinship matrix to estimate genetic parameters for E. pilularis selection and the potential establishment of a base population. The experiment involved 13 provenances and 115 progenies, using a randomized complete block design with five replicates and linear plots consisting of five plants each. Genetic parameters for the traits diameter at breast height (DBH), total height, and volume were evaluated at five years of age using the linear mixed model. Results indicated a survival rate for the population of 73.11%, an average total height of 18.65 m, DBH of 14.28 cm, and volume of 14.57 cm3. By adjusting the kinship matrix, the estimated values of heritability and genetic coefficients of variation decreased, indicating that there would be errors in these estimates and in the genetic gains if the progenies were assumed to be half-siblings. The discrepancy in rankings derived from the conventional half-sibling matrix versus molecular kinship matrix poses a significant challenge for experts in forest species genetic improvement. Our findings indicate not only inflated estimations of genetic parameters and gains, but also disparities in rankings when accounting for true levels of relatedness among individuals based on the molecular matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to screen a set of 204 genotypes consisting of germplasm and advance breeding lines for heat tolerance. The study of genetic variability among these genotypes for various morpho-physiological traits revealed high PCV and GCV for number of dried squares, number of fruiting points and leaf area. The results of principal component analysis showed that the first six principal components with eigen values more than unity contributed 81.41% of the variability among genotypes and the traits like canopy temperature, relative water content, specific leaf weight, number of dried squares, plant height, number of fruiting points, leaf area and the phenological traits contributed significantly to total variability. The two genotypes viz., CPD-424 and EC560323 were identified as highly vegetative heat tolerant lines which can be used as donor parents in the heat tolerance breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cacao is a tropical tree species, is highly sensitive to soil water limitations, and its production is strongly affected by global climatic fluctuations. The study of variability in cacao germplasms offers insights into identifying morphological traits associated with drought tolerance. Assessing the genetic parameters of these traits is essential to optimize selection strategies in breeding programs. This study estimated genetic parameters for eighteen cacao progenies and seven parental clones in the field and in greenhouse conditions. The family heritability (h2fam) and individual heritability (h2ind) of pod production during the dry season were calculated as h2fam = 0.30 and h2ind = 0.27. Regarding relative water content (RWC), the highest h2fam value was observed after 180 min of dehydration (0.26). High genetic values were observed for the parental clones CEPEC-2002 and SJ-02, as well as their progenies, in terms of production and RWC in the field. The survival and RWC of greenhouse seedlings were correlated with the evaluations carried out in adult plants in the field (a maximum r of 0.49*** between RWC in the field and survival in the greenhouse and a maximum r of 0.66*** between RWC in both conditions). These findings provide valuable insights to enhance breeding strategies to improve cacao drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to evaluate eight germplasms/varieties of wheat during the rabi season (November-April, 2022--23) using a randomized block design with three replications at the research farm of Agricultural Research Sub-Station (ARSS), Nagaur (Rajasthan), India to estimate the variability parameters and characters association for nine characters. The results were revealed that mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the nine characters under study, suggested that the genotypes were genetically divergent. The phenotypic coefficient of variation values was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation values for all the nine traits which reflect the influence of environment on the expression of traits. Spike length and number of spikelets were showed higher PCV and medium GCV. High heritability estimates were recorded for all the nine characters. High genetic advance as percentage of mean along with high heritability was observed for number of spikelets, spike length, number of effective tillers plant-1, seed yield and number of grains spike-1. This indicated the existence of lesser environmental influence and prevalence of additive gene action in their expression and these traits possessed high selective value. These characters could be further improved through individual plant selection. Grain yield had highly significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations with plant height, number of effective tillers plant-1, spike length, number of spikelets and number of grains spike-1. These characters can be considered as criteria for selection for higher grain yield as these were mutually and directly associated with grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high nutritional value and extensive consumer preference for chili, productivity levels in India are significantly low. An experiment was carried out to study the variability, genetic diversity, and character association in 30 genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits under study. A high magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, coupled with heritability and genetic advance, was observed for all the traits, except days to first flowering, days to first fruit set, and days to final harvest. Diversity analysis showed that the maximum intercluster distance was observed between clusters IX and XII. Results of correlation and path coefficient analysis indicated that number of fruits per plants, fruit length, fruit weight, green fruit yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit, days to first flowering, and days to final harvest were positively correlated with dry fruit yield. It is concluded that improvement in fruit yield in chili pepper could be achieved by selecting genotypes from clusters IX and XII as parents for hybridization, and traits as components that have positive effect on yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation entitled "Characters Study of Selection Criteria and Genetic Variability in Forage Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Genotype for Green Fodder Yield and Its Contributed Traits" were conducted at Crop Research Center, Modipuram, SVPUA and T, Meerut 250110 (UP) during kharif season 2019-20. Genetic variability studies were carried out for 33 sorghum genotypes during the years 2019-20. The analysis of variance revealed that there was significant amount of variation for all the ten characters. Days to 50% flowering, plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids and green fodder yield per plant was shown to have been recognized as having high heritability value. High estimate of (phenotypic coefficient of variance and genotypic coefficient of variance) PCV and GCV were observed for plant height, leaf area and green fodder yield per plant. The genetic divergence by Tocher's method for seed yield and it's component traits in sorghum genotypes. On the basis of genetic divergence under study, it is suggested that the crosses between cluster IV and cluster III, cluster II and cluster V be used for an effective in hybridization breeding program. The percent contribution of ten characters towards total genetic divergence showed that green fodder yield per plant maximum contribution to divergence followed by leaf area, leaves per plant, plant height and leaf breadth and lower contribution was made by leaf length towards the divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which assessed genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for important traits in Pisum sativum L., a versatile leguminous crop that serves as a model organism in plant genetics and breeding research. Topics discussed include importance of the variability in pea genotypes, list of accessions of garden peas along with their sources used in the study, and pooled analysis of variance for horticultural traits among the 40 garden pea genotypes.

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) landraces, traditional local varieties representing an intermediate stage in domestication, are gaining attention due to their high genetic variability and performance in challenging environments. While major kernel metabolites have been examined, limited research has been conducted on minor bioactive components like lipids, despite their nutritional benefits. To address this, we analyzed twenty-two tetraploid accessions, comprising modern elite cultivars and landraces, to (i) verify if the selection process for yield-related traits carried out during the Green Revolution has influenced lipid amount and composition; (ii) uncover the extent of lipid compositional variability, giving evidence that lipid fingerprinting effectively identifies evolutionary signatures; and (iii) identify genotypes interesting for breeding programs to improve yield and nutrition. Interestingly, total fat did not correlate with kernel weight, indicating lipid composition as a promising trait for selection. Tri- and di-acylglycerol were the major lipid components along with free fatty acids, and their relative content varied significantly among genotypes. In particular, landraces belonging to T. turanicum and carthlicum ecotypes differed significantly in total lipid and fatty acid profiles. Our findings provide evidence that landraces can be a genetically relevant source of lipid variability, with potential to be exploited for improving wheat nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is one of the important abiotic stresses in mungbean which significantly reduces yield and quality of the produce. This study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability for tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting in diverse mungbean genotypes while simultaneously deciphering the association of yield contributing traits with PHS. Eighty-three diverse mungbean genotypes (23 released varieties, 23 advanced breeding lines and 37 exotic germplasm lines) were investigated for tolerance to PHS, water imbibition capacities by pods, pod and seed physical traits. Wide variation in PHS was recorded which ranged between 17.8% to 81% (mean value 54.34%). Germplasm lines exhibited higher tolerance to PHS than the high-yielding released varieties. Correlation analysis revealed PHS to be positively associated with water imbibition capacity by pods (r = 0.21) and germinated pod % (r = 0.78). Pod length (r = −0.13) and seeds per pod (r = −0.13) were negatively influencing PHS. Positive associations between PHS and water imbibition capacity by pods, germinated pod % and 100-seed weight was further confirmed by multivariate analysis. Small-seeded genotypes having 100-seed weight <3 g exhibited higher tolerance to PHS compared to bold-seeded genotypes having 100-seed weight more than 3.5 g. Fresh seed germination among the selected PHS tolerant and susceptible genotypes ranged from 42% (M 204) to 98% (Pusa 1131). A positive association (r = 0.79) was recorded between fresh seed germination and PHS. Genotypes M 1255, M 145, M 422, M 1421 identified as potential genetic donors against PHS could be utilized in mungbean breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We recently reported that genetic variability in the TKT gene encoding transketolase, a key enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, is associated with measures of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) in recent‐onset diabetes. Here, we aimed to substantiate these findings in a population‐based KORA F4 study. Materials and Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the transketolase gene in 952 participants from the KORA F4 study with normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 394), prediabetes (n = 411), and type 2 diabetes (n = 147). DSPN was defined by the examination part of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) using the original MNSI > 2 cut‐off and two alternative versions extended by touch/pressure perception (TPP) (MNSI > 3) and by TPP plus cold perception (MNSI > 4). Results: After adjustment for sex, age, BMI, and HbA1c, in type 2 diabetes participants, four out of seven transketolase SNPs were associated with DSPN for all three MNSI versions (all p ≤ 0.004). The odds ratios of these associations increased with extending the MNSI score, for example, OR (95% CI) for SNP rs62255988 with MNSI > 2: 1.99 (1.16–3.41), MNSI > 3: 2.27 (1.26–4.09), and MNSI > 4: 4.78 (2.22–10.26); SNP rs9284890 with MNSI > 2: 2.43 (1.42–4.16), MNSI > 3: 3.46 (1.82–6.59), and MNSI > 4: 4.75 (2.15–10.51). In contrast, no associations were found between transketolase SNPs and the three MNSI versions in the NGT and prediabetes groups. Conclusions: The link of genetic variation in transketolase enzyme to diabetic polyneuropathy corroborated at the population level strengthens the concept suggesting an important role of pathways metabolising glycolytic intermediates in the evolution of diabetic polyneuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower seeds are key agricultural commodities due to their nutritional and industrial value. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of targeted bioactive compounds and assess the physical properties across 27 sunflower seed genotypes, including parental lines and F1 and F2 hybrids, cultivated in Serbia. Various analytical techniques were employed to determine the chemical composition and physical characteristics of the seeds. This research revealed significant genetic variability in fatty acid profiles, with differences in polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acid levels among the genotypes. Hybrid seeds displayed variations in 1000-seed weight and bulk density compared to parental lines, which exhibited higher essential fatty acid contents and mechanical properties advantageous for industrial processing. These insights highlight the potential for refining breeding strategies to improve seed quality for specific industrial purposes. Overall, this study emphasizes the critical role of genetic selection in enhancing the nutritional and processing qualities of sunflower seeds, offering valuable perspectives for advancing agricultural and breeding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeonpea, a predominant protein source for vast vegetarian population is constrained by numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Inefficient exploitation of pigeonpea germplasm has limited its utilization. Therefore it is important to identify and select breeding material from germplasm with sufficient genetic variability to utilize in hybridization programmes. In this regard ~200 F2 plants each from four different crosses were evaluated in Kharif-2019 at University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru. They were assessed for genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance as per cent of mean and trait association. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was noticed for pods plant-1, clusters plant-1 and seed yield plant-1. High heritability coupled with higher genetic advance as per cent mean was noticed for secondary branches plant-1, clusters plant-1 and pods plant-1. Seed yield plant-1 showed highest significant positive correlation with pods plant-1 and clusters plant-1, indicating these traits were the primary yield determinants in pigeonpea. Path coefficient analysis revealed that secondary branches plant-1 showed highest positive direct effect on seed yield plant-1 followed by pods plant-1 and clusters plant-1, thus selection based on these traits would be rewarding. Among the four crosses evaluated, highest numbers of transgressive segregants were identified from the cross BRG-1 × BDN-2 followed by HY3C × BDN-2 for yield and its related traits. The identified transgressive segregants could be evaluated for further exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]