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The vegetative development of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) passes through seedling, rosette, folding and heading stages. Leaves that form the rosette are large andmostly flat. In the following developmental stages, the plants produce leaves that curve inward to produce the leafy head. ManymicroRNAs and their target genes have been described participating in leaf development and leaf curvature. The aimof this study is to investigate the role of miRNA-regulated genes in the transition from the rosette to the heading stage. We compared the miRNA and gene abundances between emerging rosette and heading leaves. To remove transcripts (miRNAs and genes) whose regulation was most likely associated with plant age rather than the change from rosette to heading stage, we utilized a non-heading collard green (B. oleracea var. acephala) morphotype as control. This resulted in 33 DEMs and 1 998 DEGs with likely roles in the transition fromrosette to heading stage in cabbage. Among these 1 998 DEGs, we found enriched GO terms related to DNA-binding transcription factor activity, transcription regulator activity, iron ion binding, and photosynthesis. We predicted the target genes of these 33 DEMs and focused on the subset that was differentially expressed (1 998 DEGs) between rosette and heading stage leaves to construct miRNA-target gene interaction networks. Our main finding is a role for miR396b-5p targeting two Arabidopsis thaliana orthologues of GROWTH REGULATING FACTORs 3 (GRF3) and 4 (GRF4) in pointed cabbage head formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an economically important crop pest globally that costs growers billions of dollars to control. The nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) gene obtained from sample of B. tabaci collected from Tippuru Village, Doddaballapura taluk, Bengaluru Rural (BR) districts of Karnataka was analysed. The total DNA was extracted by Chelex 100 method from single adult whitefly and DNA sample was subjected to PCR using specific primers mtCoIF and mtCOIR for amplifying mtCOI gene, which resulted in the expected PCR amplicon of 800 bp size corresponding to mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene sub unit 1. The nucleotide similarity search in the NCBI database confirmed the presence of mtCO1 gene and sequences of cryptic species of B. tabaci showing maximum identity were retrieved for analysis. The mtCOI gene sequence from B. tabaci collected from Doddaballapur showed maximum nucleotide identity of 94.80 per cent with sequences reported from Nepal, which were identified as Asia-II-5 sequences. The findings were well supported by the sequence demarcation graph and phylogenetic analysis. This confirms that whitefly cryptic species collected from Tippuru village, Bengaluru Rural District as B. tabci Asia-II-5 group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an economically important vegetable crop grown in tropical parts of the world. In this study, a high-density linkage map of M. charantia was constructed through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology using F2:3 mapping population generated from the cross DBGy-201 × Pusa Do Mausami. About 2013 high-quality SNPs were assigned on a total of 20 linkage groups (LGs) spanning over 2329.2 CM with an average genetic distance of 1.16 CM. QTL analysis was performed for six major yield-contributing traits such as fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant. These six quantitative traits were mapped with 19 QTLs (9 QTLs with LOD > 3) using composite interval mapping (CIM). Among 19 QTLs, 12 QTLs derived from 'Pusa Do Mausami' revealed a negative additive effect when its allele increased trait score whereas 7 QTLs derived from 'DBGy-201' revealed a positive additive effect when its allele trait score increased. The phenotypic variation (R2%) elucidated by these QTLs ranged from 0.09% (fruit flesh thickness) on LG 14 to 32.65% (fruit diameter) on LG 16 and a total of six major QTLs detected. Most QTLs detected in the present study were located relatively very close, maybe due to the high correlation among the traits. This information will serve as a significant basis for marker-assisted selection and molecular breeding in bitter gourd crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the nature and magnitude of genetic diversity in long day onion germplasm by using the principal component analysis and single linkage cluster analysis an experiment was carried out with 34 onion genotypes. High coefficient of variation with wide range in traits indicated an appreciable variability in germplasm. Genotypes were classified into seven principal components having Eigen value > 1, cumulatively accounted for 83.87% of total variability. Principal Component - I contributed for 24.73% of total variation for followed by principal component-II (15.27%). PC-I had high positive loading for bulb weight (0.401), marketable yield (0.338), total bulb yield (0.401) and PC-II had high positive loading for plant height (0.412), PC-III for high T.S.S. (0.276) PC -IV for A grade bulbs (0.436), PC-V for polar diameter of bulbs (0.514), PC-IV negatively loaded with purple blotch (-0.461) and PC-VII for narrow neck thickness (-0.515). Plotting PC-I aganist PC-II differenciated CITH-O-13, CITH-O-4, CITH-O-22, CITH-O-19, CITH-O-9, CITH-O-6 and CITH-O2 as most divergent genotype. On the basis of single linkage cluster means cluster-I was most importent for average bulb weight, minimum bolters, high marketble bulb percentage high marketable and total bulb yield whereas cluster -II was important for maximum nuber of leaves/plant and minimum neck thicknes. Highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluter II and Cluster-I(873.5%).Most divergent genotypes with high inter cluter distance could be the most appropriate parents for crop impovement in onion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type of production environment can affect agronomic performance of West African okra [Abelmoschus caillei (A.Chev) Stevels] breeding lines and their progenies. The study was conducted to (1) compare agronomic performance of West African okra lines and F2 populations under upland and bottomland environments, (2) identify sources of genes with potential to improve pod yield, (3) estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations for evaluated traits, and (4) estimate expected response to selection for pod yield and other agronomic traits through intergeneration correlation and regression. Twenty-three genotypes (9 F2 populations and their corresponding 14 parents) were grown in two production environments at the research farms of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Results were analyzed using principal component analysis, correlation and regression analyses. Unique trait profiles in genotypes responses to production environments occurred. Most genotypes indicated adaptation to the bottomland environment by reducing days to physiological maturity. Hybrid AGA97/066/5780 × NGAE-96–-0062-2, which combines early maturity with superior expression of pod yield between production environments, may be used to improve earliness in West African okra. Principal component analysis revealed three major factors that explained more than 66% and 69% of interrelation among traits in upland and bottomland, respectively. Changes of genotypic correlations between pod yield and other agronomic traits occurred between environments indicating the influence of environmental factors to trait correlation. A significant, positive correlation, and regression coefficients, between parents and the F2 generation for pod yield occurred between production environments, indicating the effectiveness of selection for pod yield in the early segregating generation. Generally, bottomland production environment offered a higher potential for agronomic trait expression in breeding lines and F2 population of West African okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Highlights • We identified flowering-time QTL (fQTL) in different photoperiod and temperature regimes in the greenhouse, and studied their colocation with known flowering time genes. • Under all environmental conditions tested the major fQTL that mapped to the BrFLC2 _A02 locus was detected, however its effect decreased when plants were grown at low temperatures. • The vernalization treatment decreased expression of all BrFLC paralogues in the parental lines, and showed the lowest transcript level after 28 days of vernalization. • Transcript abundance of BrFLC3 _A03 and BrFLC5 _A03 was repressed much stronger and already reached lowest levels after 14d in the early-flowering type YS-143. Abstract The Brassica rapa (B. rapa) species displays enormous phenotypic diversity, with leafy vegetables, storage root vegetables and oil crops. These different crops all have different flowering time, which determine their growing season and cultivation area. Little is known about the effects of diverse temperature and day-lengths on flowering time QTL associated with FLC paralogues. We phenotyped the flowering time of a doubled haploid population, established from a cross between Yellow sarson and Pak choi under diverse environmental conditions. We identified flowering-time QTL (fQTL) in different photoperiod and temperature regimes in the greenhouse, and studied their colocation with known flowering time genes. As several fQTL colocalized with FLC paralogues, we studied the expression patterns of four FLC paralogues during the course of vernalization in parental lines. Under all environmental conditions tested the major fQTL that mapped to the BrFLC2 _A02 locus was detected, however its effect decreased when plants were grown at low temperatures. Another fQTL that mapped to the FLC paralogue, BrFLC5 _A03 was also identified under all tested environments, while no fQTL colocated with BrFLC1 _A10 or BrFLC3 _A03. Furthermore, the vernalization treatment decreased expression of all BrFLC paralogues in the parental lines, and showed the lowest transcript level after 28 days of vernalization. Transcript abundance stayed low after returning the plants for seven days to normal growth temperature. Interestingly, transcript abundance of BrFLC3 _A03 and BrFLC5 _A03 was repressed much stronger and already reached lowest levels after 14d in the early-flowering type YS-143. This study improves understanding of the effects of daylength and vernalization on flowering time in B. rapa and the role of the different BrFLC paralogues therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • This study provides the first evidence for the Zn-dependent regulation and the direction of Zn transport by the plant Zn-transporting heterodimeric complexes at the secretory pathway. Abstract Heterodimeric complexes formed by members of the cation facilitator (CDF) family catalyse the import of Zn into the secretory pathway of yeast and vertebrate cells. Orthologous proteins AtMTP5 and AtMTP12 from Arabidopsis have also been shown to form a heterodimeric complex at the Golgi compartment of plant cells that possibly transport Zn. In this study we show that cucumber proteins CsMTP5 and CsMTP12 form a functional heterodimer that is involved in the loading of Zn into the ER lumen under low Zn, and not in the detoxification of yeast from Zn excess through vesicle-mediated exocytosis. Using specific antibodies, we demonstrate that CsMTP5 is localized at the Golgi compartment of cucumber cells and is markedly up-regulated upon Zn deficiency. The level of CsMTP5 transcript in cucumber is also significantly elevated in Zn-limiting conditions, whereas the expression of CsMTP12 is independent of the availability of Zn. Therefore we propose that the cucumber heterodimeric complex CsMTP5-CsMTP12 functions to deliver Zn to Zn-dependent proteins of the Golgi compartment and is regulated by zinc at the level of CsMTP5 transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acquisition of external phosphorus (P) and optimisation of internal P are essential for plant growth and development, and insufficient availability of P in soils is a major challenge in agriculture. Members of the purple acid phosphatase (PAP) family of enzymes are candidates for increasing P use efficiency. Herein, we identified PAP homologs in the genomes of 10 vegetable species, along with Arabidopsis thaliana and Amborella trichopoda as references, to provide fundamental knowledge for this family. Results: Phylogenetic analysis of protein sequences revealed nine distinct clades, indicating that functional differentiation of extant PAPs was established prior to the emergence of early angiosperms, and conserved among homologs in each clade. Analysis of transcript abundance in different tissues (root, stem, leaf, flower, and fruit) and following phosphates (Pi) starvation treatments from published RNA-seq transcriptome datasets facilitated comprehensive evaluation of expression patterns, and some groups of tissue-specific and Pi starvation-induced PAPs were characterised. Conserved motifs identified from upstream sequences of homologs that are highly expressed in particular tissues or following starvation treatment suggests that divergence in PAP gene expression is associated with cis-acting elements in promoters. Conclusions: The genome-wide analysis of PAP enzyme structure and transcriptional expression patterns advance our understanding of PAP family in vegetables genomes. Therefore, PAP homologs with known enzyme structures and expression profiles could serve as targets for plant breeding and/or genetic engineering programs to improve P acquisition and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eating plant-derived compounds can lead to a longer and healthier life and also benefits the environment. Innovation in the fresh food sector, as well as new cultivars, can improve consumption of fruit and vegetables, with MYB transcription factors being a target to drive this novelty. Plant MYB transcription factors are implicated in diverse roles including development, hormone signalling, and metabolite biosynthesis. The reds and blues of fruit and vegetables provided by anthocyanins, phlobaphenes, and betalains are controlled by specific R2R3 MYBs. New studies are now revealing that MYBs also control carotenoid biosynthesis and other quality traits, such as flavour and texture. Future breeding techniques may manipulate or create alleles of key MYB transcription factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds of P-8 variety of okra were treated with different mutagens (gamma rays and EMS) to create novel variation and to modify existing plant type. Eleven doses of gamma rays and EMS were used to determine the lethal dose. After calculation of lethal dose, three doses (lethal dose, one lower dose and one higher dose) were used to generate variability in M2. The results indicated that all the mutagenic treatments were not equally effective in generating variability. Out of different gamma rays and EMS treatments, 65kR+1.2% EMS dose was highly effective for achieving desired results. This treatment was superior for fruits per plant, average fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. All these mutants were of immense practical significance as these can be used directly as new variety with improved agronomic traits or can be a novel source for these traits in future breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable cultivated in Asia, Africa and southern Europe and, following tomato and pepper, ranks as the third most important solanaceous vegetable crop. The Dof (DNA-binding with one finger) family is a group of plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth, development, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. The genes in the Dof family have been identified and analysed in many plant species, but the information remains lacking for eggplant. In the present study, we identified 29 SmeDof members from the eggplant genome database, which were classifed into nine subgroups. The phylogeny, gene structure, conserved motifs and homologous genes of SmeDof genes were comprehensively investigated. Subsequently, we analysed the expression patterns of SmeDof genes in six different eggplant subspecies. The results provide novel insights into the family of SmeDof genes and will promote the understanding of the structure and function of Dof genes in eggplant, and the role of Dof expression during stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh sprouts constitute an appealing, nutritional and functional food product. The present study profiles the nutritional and bioactive components of quality of fresh sprouts of five select species (barley, lentil, mung bean, radish and wheat) against their postharvest performance during 4 °C cold storage. Moreover, the impact of lyophilisation followed by 30-day ambient storage was assessed on sprouts composition and quality. The highest proteins, P and K contents were observed in radish sprouts. Moreover, radish sprouts demonstrated higher hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities (HAA and LAA) by 185% and 95%, respectively, than the other species examined. Compositional and quality attributes were however influenced by storage: total soluble solids increased on average by 1.0 °Brix after day 0, while LAA activity decreased by 33% after day 1. Dry matter, proteins and nitrate contents, juice pH and HAA remained stable. Lyophilisation preserved the compositional and quality attributes of fresh sprouts as no significant differences in proteins, nitrate, K and P contents, HAA and LAA were observed compared to fresh sprouts. The current findings highlight genotypic variation and postharvest performance of fresh sprouts with respect to their functional quality and the impact of lyophilisation as an alternative processing application for their preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In recent years, there has been increasing interest in vegetable proteins, due to their various health beneficial functions and wide applications in the food industry. Vegetable proteins combined with other edible polymers can be used to improve the quality and nutritional value of food products. In these complex food systems, interactions between different components are inevitable, and these interactions have a significant influence on the structure and functions of food products. Scope and approach This study reviews the current status of knowledge of interactions between vegetable proteins and other polymers (proteins or polysaccharides) in food systems and the structure of complexes formed by these interactions. The study also provides a comprehensive review of the applications of the complexes. Key findings and conclusions Vegetable proteins display different types of interactions with other polymers (e.g., polysaccharides, or animal proteins) under different conditions, thus forming a variety of complexes with different structures (e.g., double networks, mosaic textures and cross-linked structures), which showed different impact on properties of the final food products and their applications (e.g., substitution for fat, or encapsulation for bioactive ingredients) in the food industry. However, previous studies mainly focused on leguminous proteins and vegetable-protein-based mixtures of two polymers, further studies on other vegetable proteins and more complex food systems containing vegetable proteins and other polymers are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal growing environment for various crops differs. Constructing separate protected culture facilities for different crops is not affordable for smallholder producers. Estimates of the crop optimal parameter ratio index are used to select nearly optimal multicrop mixes for production in a single protected culture facility. The crop subranking index of seven criteria of six crops was estimated by the ratio of the environment value for a protected culture facility with environmental criteria of: temperature (26°C), relative humidity (70%), air CO2(360 mg·kg−1), light irradiance (22 W·m−2), 13 hours of daylight, growth medium pH 6.5, and plants spaced at 50 cm, in relation to the optimal environment values of the crops derived from secondary sources. The average crop suitability ranking was estimated by determining average crop subranking index values. The optimal value of the controlling parameters for Tomato (Solanum lycopersicumL.), Pepper (Capsicum annumL.), Lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.), Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassaDuchesne), Cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.), and Spinach (Spinacia oleraceaL.) were used to determine crop suitability rankings. A crop suitability ranking index equal and close to one for crops represents the best and second best crop, respectively, for growing in a protected culture facility with specific environmental design features. The crop suitability ranking index based on design environmental values for tomato, pepper, lettuce, strawberry, cucumber, and spinach were estimated to be 0.890, 0.848, 0.988, 0.720, 0.724, and 1.118, respectively. The crop with an index value one is best; in this case it would be lettuce whose index value (0.988) is closer to one. Tomato and pepper had nearly similar crop suitability indices and can be grown in the protected culture facility with the listed environmental criteria. The other crops would likely not do as well under the same criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica rapa is a model species for agronomic, ecological, evolutionary, and translational studies. Here, we describe high-density SNP discovery and genetic map construction for a B. rapa recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from field collected RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data. This high-density genotype data enables the detection and correction of putative genome misassemblies and accurate assignment of scaffold sequences to their likely genomic locations. These assembly improvements represent 7.1-8.0% of the annotated B. rapa genome. We demonstrate how using this new resource leads to a significant improvement for QTL analysis over the current low-density genetic map. Improvements are achieved by the increased mapping resolution and by having known genomic coordinates to anchor the markers for candidate gene discovery. These new molecular resources and improvements in the genome annotation will benefit the Brassi-caceae genomics community and may help guide other communities in fine-tuning genome annotations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an important market vegetable in the tropics. The objectives of this study were to (1) conduct a preliminary evaluation of genetic diversity in bitter gourd flesh (without seeds) for phytonutrient (carotenoid, ascorbic acid and tocopherol) contents with the aim to understand which phytonutrients might be increased through breeding, (2) assess the association between fruit traits and phytonutrient contents and (3) evaluate the effect of the fruit harvest stage on phytonutrient contents. A total of 17 diverse bitter gourd entries of various commercial market types were evaluated for fruit traits and phytonutrient contents for 2 years. Significant differences (P= 0.05) among the entries were detected for total carotenoids, total tocopherols, dry matter and fruit traits. Mean total carotenoid contents of the entries ranged from 10 to 1335 μg/100 g fresh weight in year 1 and 10 to 1185 μg/100 g fresh weight in year 2. Mean ascorbic acid contents were 69 and 61 mg/100 g fresh weight in year 1 and year 2, respectively. Total tocopherol contents among the entries ranged from 480 to 1345 and 445 to 2145 μg/100 g fresh weight in year 1 and year 2, respectively. Total carotenoid and ascorbic acid contents were highest at 12 days after fruit set (DAFS), but total tocopherol contents were highest from 14 to 20 DAFS. A 100 g portion of bitter gourd fruit can meet 190, 17 and 8% of the recommended daily allowances of vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A, respectively, for adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message : In Chinese cabbage, there are two Rf loci for pol CMS and one of them was mapped to a 12.6-kb region containing a potential candidate gene encoding PPR protein. Abstract: In Chinese cabbage ( Brassica rapa), polima cytoplasmic male sterility ( pol CMS) is an important CMS type and is widely used for hybrid breeding. By extensive test crossing in Chinese cabbage, four restorer lines (92s105, 01s325, 00s109, and 88s148) for pol CMS were screened. By analyzing the allelism of the four restorer lines, it was found that 92s105, 01s325, and 00s109 had the same 'restorers of fertility' ( Rf) locus (designated as BrRfp1), but 88s148 had a different Rf locus (designated as BrRfp2). For fine mapping the BrRfp1 locus of 92s105, a BCF population with 487 individuals and a BCF population with 2485 individuals were successively constructed. Using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed from Brassica rapa reference genome and InDel markers derived from whole-genome resequencing data of 94c9 and 92s105, BrRfp1 was mapped to a 12.6-kb region containing a potential candidate gene encoding pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein. Based on the nucleotide polymorphisms of the candidate gene sequence between the restoring and nonrestoring alleles, a co-segregating marker SC718 was developed, which would be helpful for hybrid breeding by marker-assisted screening and for detecting new restorer lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the frame of modern agriculture facing the predicted increase of population and general environmental changes, the securement of high quality food remains a major challenge to deal with. Vegetable crops include a large number of species, characterized by multiple geographical origins, large genetic variability and diverse reproductive features. Due to their nutritional value, they have an important place in human diet. In recent years, many crop genomes have been sequenced permitting the identification of genes and superior alleles associated with desirable traits. Furthermore, innovative biotechnological approaches allow to take a step forward towards the development of new improved cultivars harboring precise genome modifications. Sequence-based knowledge coupled with advanced biotechnologies is supporting the widespread application of new plant breeding techniques to enhance the success in modification and transfer of useful alleles into target varieties. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 system, zinc-finger nucleases, and transcription activator-like effector nucleases represent the main methods available for plant genome engineering through targeted modifications. Such technologies, however, require efficient transformation protocols as well as extensive genomic resources and accurate knowledge before they can be efficiently exploited in practical breeding programs. In this review, we revise the state of the art in relation to availability of such scientific and technological resources in various groups of vegetables, describe genome editing results obtained so far and discuss the implications for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out with a view to estimate, combining ability and gene effects in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). The experimental material comprised of 37 genotypes including 8 parents, 28 hybrids and one standard check (Surati Ravaiya) was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications at Regional Horticultural Research Station (R.H.R.S.), Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat during Rabi 2015-16. Combining ability analysis revealed that both additive as well as non-additive gene effects were important in the inheritance of all the traits studied. However, magnitude of variances due to sca was comparatively larger than those of gca for most of the economic traits indicated preponderance of non-additive gene action. Among the parents, JBGR-1, NSR-1 and JBL-08-8 were good general combiners for majority of the traits. The crosses viz., AB-09-1 × AB-12-10, AB-09-1 × AB-08-5, AB-08-5 × JBL-08-8 and GJB-3 × AB-12-10 showed higher order sca effects in addition to performance for fruit yield and its component characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the current study were to determine S-methyl-L-methionine (SMM) from various Brassicaceae family vegetables by using validated analytical method and to characterize the intestinal transport mechanism of SMM by the Caco-2 cells. The SMM is well known to provide therapeutic activity in peptic ulcers. The amount of SMM from various Brassicaceae family vegetables ranged from 89.08 ± 1.68 μg/g to 535.98 ± 4.85 μg/g of dry weight by using validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry method. For elucidating intestinal transport mechanism, the cells were incubated with or without transport inhibitors, energy source, or a metabolic inhibitor. Phloridzin and verapamil as inhibitors of sodium glucose transport protein (SGLT1) and P-glycoprotein, respectively, were not responsible for cellular uptake of SMM. Glucose and sodium azide were not affected by the cellular accumulation of SMM. The efflux ratio of SMM was 0.26, implying that it is not effluxed through Caco-2 cells. The apparent coefficient permeability ( Papp) of SMM was 4.69 × 10−5 cm/s, indicating that it will show good oral absorption in in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onion (Allium cepa L.) is widely planted worldwide as a valuable vegetable crop. The scales of an onion bulb are a modified type of leaf. The one-layer-cell epidermis of onion scales is commonly used as a model experimental material in botany and molecular biology. The lower epidermis (LE) and upper epidermis (UE) of onion scales display obvious differences in microscopic structure, cell differentiation and pigment synthesis; however, associated proteomic differences are unclear. LE and UE can be easily sampled as single-layer-cell tissues for comparative proteomic analysis. In this study, a proteomic approach based on 2-DE and mass spectrometry (MS) was applied to compare LE and UE of fleshy scales from yellow and red onions. We identified 47 differential abundant protein spots (representing 31 unique proteins) between LE and UE in red and yellow onions. These proteins are mainly involved in pigment synthesis, stress response, and cell division. Particularly, the differentially accumulated chalcone-flavanone isomerase and flavone O-methyltransferase 1-like in LE may result in the differences in the onion scale color between red and yellow onions. Moreover, stress-related proteins abundantly accumulated in both LE and UE. In addition, the differential accumulation of UDP-arabinopyranose mutase 1-like protein and β-1,3-glucanase in the LE may be related to the different cell sizes between LE and UE of the two types of onion. The data derived from this study provides new insight into the differences in differentiation and developmental processes between onion epidermises. This study may also make a contribution to onion breeding, such as improving resistances and changing colors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little information is available regarding genetic control and inheritance of economically important traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantiaL.). Previous genetic studies of this crop used a narrow range of germplasm and in different environmental conditions. Thirteen entries of bitter gourd were accessed concerning genetic diversity for morphophysiological traits. Wide genetic diversity occurred for all traits. Differences between genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation indicated the majority of variation in traits was due to genetics. Node position of the first male flower, fruit length, pH, °Brix, vitamin C content, and yield were additive based upon high broad sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance over percentage of mean. These traits could be improved through direct selection. Leaf area, fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit weight were significantly and positively correlated with yield. Fruit weight had a positive direct effect on yield. Four principle components explained 77.1% of total variation based on 10 traits. The genotypes were grouped into four clusters based on genetic diversity. Genotypes of cluster 1 (high mean value for fruit quality parameters) and cluster 4 (high mean value for yield parameters with earliness) are likely best for use in breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Eggplant ( Solanum melongena L.) is an edible vegetable cultivated and consumed worldwide. But the production of eggplant is significantly limited by the soil salinization in greenhouse cultivation system. The main ions are Na, Ca, Mg, K, Cl, and SO in the salty soils. Calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) are calcium sensors and control the affinities and activities of numerous ion transporters with CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs). In this study, a total of 5 CBL and 15 CIPK genes from eggplant were identified first. The yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay demonstrated the interaction network between SmCBLs and SmCIPKs. Strikingly, some new CBL-CIPK complexes were found which have never been discovered in any other plant species. The expression level of each SmCBL or SmCIPK under 200 mM NaCl, low potassium (LK; 100 μM), high Mg with 20 mM MgCl and MgSO stresses were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay and these CBL and CIPK genes were found to respond to the four ion stresses differently. Interestingly, the differential expression level of SmCIPK3, - 24 or - 25 to Mg is higher than Na, and Cl is higher than SO. In addition, different magnesium salt can induce different response mechanisms in eggplant. In summary, this study provides insight into the characterization of CBLs and CIPKs in eggplant. It may be used in a novel biotechnological breeding program strategy to create new eggplant cultivars, leading to enhance different ion tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and reproducible micropropagation protocol of Solanecio biafrae (Oliv. & Hiern) C. Jeffrey has been developed from nodal stem segments. Shoot development was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzylaminopurine (BAP) alone and in combination with zeatin and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Elongated shoots were rooted in the presence of zeatin or 3-indole-butyric acid (IBA) alone or in combinations. The highest number of explants forming shoots (100%) as well as the highest number of shoots per explant (3.4) and the longest shoots (22 mm) were recorded on medium containing 4.0 mg·dm−3 BAP, 2.0 mg·dm−3 NAA, and 1.0 mg·dm−3 zeatin. About 76% of shoots formed roots on half-strength MS medium free of plant growth regulators. The best root formation (approximately 88%) was recorded on the medium containing 1.0-1.5 mg·dm−3 IBA. The micropropagated shoots with well-developed roots were efficiently acclimatized under greenhouse conditions. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) amplification products were monomorphic in micropropagated plants and similar to those of mother plant showing their genetic uniformity. This is the first report of micropropagation of S. biafrae, which will facilitate in vitro mass propagation, conservation, and germplasm exchange of this endangered African vegetable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty genotypes of okra were evaluated in one location for two years at Chatha, Jammu during 2009-10 and 2010-11. The objective was to study the genetic variability between various economically important traits for the purpose of genetic improvement. The estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters indicating the less environment influences. The results showed variation in all genotypes and characters. Characters such as seed yield per plant and number of fruits per plant showed high genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance which indicates that selection of these characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora capsici is a virulent oomycete pathogen of many vegetable crops. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the recognition of the RXLR effector AVR3a1 of P. capsici (PcAVR3a1) triggers a hypersensitive response and plays a critical role in mediating non-host resistance. Here, we analyzed the occurrence of PcAVR3a1 in 57 isolates of P. capsici derived from globe squash, eggplant, tomato and bell pepper cocultivated in a small geographical area. The occurrence of PcAVR3a1 in environmental strains of P. capsici was confirmed by PCR in only 21 of these pathogen isolates. To understand the presence-absence pattern of PcAVR3a1 in environmental strains, the flanking region of this gene was sequenced. PcAVR3a1 was found within a genetic element that we named PcAVR3a1-GI (PcAVR3a1 genomic island). PcAVR3a1-GI was flanked by a 22-bp direct repeat, which is related to its site-specific recombination site. In addition to the PcAVR3a1 gene, PcAVR3a1-GI also encoded a phage integrase probably associated with the excision and integration of this mobile element. Exposure to plant induced the presence of an episomal circular intermediate of PcAVR3a1-GI, indicating that this mobile element is functional. Collectively, these findings provide evidence of PcAVR3a1 evolution via mobile elements in environmental strains of Phytophthora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic divergence study was conducted in 64 genotypes of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) for 15 agro-morphological traits. Significant divergence existed among 64 chilli genotypes almost for all the traits. The genotypes under study were grouped into eight clusters as per Mahalanobis D2 (1928) analysis employing Tocher's method with maximum number of genotypes in cluster I (37) followed by cluster IV (12), cluster II (6), cluster V (5) and rest of the clusters were monogenotypic. Maximum intercluster distance was observed between clusters II and VI (19369.21), while maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster IV (4230.34). The per cent contribution towards the total genetic divergence revealed that plant spread (29.76%), seed yield per plant (25.69%), average fruit weight (17.41%), number of fruits per plant (10.22%), days to first flower (4.01%), fruit length (4.76%), number of branches per plant (4.51%) and fruit diameter (2.88%) were the major contributing characters towards total genetic divergence. The crosses between the genotypes from cluster VI with II and VIII and cluster VIII with those of I, III and IV are likely to exhibit high heterosis and produce recombinants with desired traits in segregating generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-heading Chinese cabbage (NHCC), belonging to Brassica, is an important leaf vegetable in Asia. Although genetic analyses have been performed through conventional selection and breeding efforts, the domestication history of NHCC and the genetics underlying its morphological diversity remain unclear. Thus, the reliable molecular markers representative of the whole genome are required for molecular-assisted selection in NHCC. Results: A total of 20,836 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected in NHCC, containing repeat types from mononucleotide to nonanucleotide. The average density was 62.93 SSRs/Mb. In gene regions, 5,435 SSRs were identified in 4,569 genes. A total of 5,008 primer pairs were designed, and 74 were randomly selected for validation. Among these, 60 (81.08%) were polymorphic in 18 Cruciferae. The number of polymorphic bands ranged from two to five, with an average of 2.70 for each primer. The average values of the polymorphism information content, observed heterozygosity, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and Shannon's information index were 0.2970, 0.4136, 0.5706, and 0.5885, respectively. Four clusters were classified according to the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average cluster analysis of 18 genotypes. In addition, a total of 1,228,979 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the NHCC through a comparison with the genome of Chinese cabbage, and the average SNP density in the whole genome was 4.33/Kb. The number of SNPs ranged from 341,939 to 591,586 in the 10 accessions, and the average heterozygous SNPs ratio was ~42.53%. All analyses showed these markers were high quality and reliable. Therefore, they could be used in the construction of a linkage map and for genetic diversity studies for NHCC in future. Conclusions: This is the first systematic and comprehensive analysis and identification of SSRs in NHCC and 17 species. The development of a large number of SNP and SSR markers was successfully achieved for NHCC. These novel markers are valuable for constructing genetic linkage maps, comparative genome analysis, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, genome-wide association studies, and marker-assisted selection in NHCC breeding system research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty five vegetable amaranth genotypes were evaluated to investigate the antioxidant vitamins and minerals composition and its genetic variability in a RCBD with three replications at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University in Bangladesh during kharif1 season 2012 and 2013, respectively. Significant Mean Sum of Square revealed a wide range of genotypic variability among traits. Vegetable amaranth was rich in iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium and potassium. Ten strains gave the best (more than 5 kg) foliage yield with rich in antioxidant minerals and vitamins. Selection of these genotypes would be economically useful for antioxidant vitamins, minerals and yield aspects. On the other hand, eight genotypes had high amounts of antioxidant vitamins and minerals with below average foliage yield and could be utilized as donor parents for introgression of genes in vitamins and minerals deficient lines. Considering genetic parameter six traits i e., Fe, Zn, Mn, ascorbic acid, number of leaves plant and foliage yield would be selected for the improvement of vegetable amaranth genotypes under study. However, correlation study revealed that selection based on Fe, Mn, ascorbic acid and number of leaves per plant could lead to increase the foliage yield of vegetable amaranth strains. Insignificant genotypic correlations between foliage yield with most of the antioxidant vitamins and minerals traits indicating that selection for high vitamins and minerals content might be possible without compromising yield loss. Based on mean, genetic parameters and correlation coefficient values, five vegetable amaranth genotypes i. e., AA19, AA10, AA3, AA24 and AA7 might be selected as high vitamin and minerals containing high yielding vegetable amaranth varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the; major path to realize agricultural modernization, protected vegetables have been rapidly developed in China due to its good economic and social benefits. In order to comprehend the national production efficiency of protected vegetables, figure out the reasons of high or low production efficiency at different regions, and realize the macroeconomic regulation and control of vegetable production resources allocation, we adopted super efficiency DEA and Malmqiiist index method to ecalcidate from static and dynamic perspective the efficiency of protected vegetables production in China. The results were obtained as follows: (1) There were 23 DEA efficiency among all 63 DMUs in 2011-2013, when the DEA inefficiency proportion was 63.49% and problem about the excessive investments on protected vegetables was serious. (2) Protected vegetables TFP (total factor productivity) in China increased by 0.8% in 2011-2013, technical efficiency was the power of TFP growth, technological advances had the negative effect on TFP growth. In order to improve the production efficiency of protected vegetables, the scientific research and achievement transformation of protected vegetables should be strengthened, the agricultural technology extension should be further promoted, and attention should be paid to learning and communication, so as to improve the production efficiency of protected vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planting date influences grain soybean yield and quality, but no information is available regarding the responses of seed chemical compositions to delayed planting date in vegetable soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Three vegetable soybean cultivars, CAS No.l, Tai 292, and 121, were planted on 3 May, 15 May, 27 May, and 8 June in the field during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications on a typical Mollisol (black soil). We found that late planting reduced fresh pod yield in all cultivars and years. The reduction in fresh pod yield to delayed planting was significantly correlated with the reduction in the number of two-seed pods per plant. Cultivars with strong capacity in retaining more two-seed pods may possess an advantage if planting is delayed. Planting after 15 May increased seed protein content by 4.1% to 7.5% and reduced oil content by 2.4% to 26.3% for different cultivars. The contents of free amino acid, sum of fructose and glucose, raffinose, and stachyose in seed were also increased by late planting. By contrast, late planting reduced the seed sucrose content ranging from 7.6% to 45.5% for the different cultivars. Planting on 3 May usually produced the greatest fresh pod yield and highest seed sucrose content. These results demonstrated that late planting after early May might have a negative impact on the eating quality of vegetable soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulforaphane is abundant in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and has been widely studied since it may reduce the risk of several types of cancer. Here, the variation of sulforaphane levels during different stages of broccoli flower bud development was studied by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At the same time, the expressions of gene AOP2in all the materials were studied by real-time Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the purpose was to reveal the correlation of AOP2 and sulforaphane contents in different organs of broccoli flower bud development. Sulforaphane levels were evaluated in broccoli florets, buds in bolting, flowers, and ripe seed. The results showed that there was a good linear equation,Y = 3754.22X − 2072.47,R2 = 0.9991, and sulforaphane levels increased during development from florets to young buds in bolting plants, thereafter decreased gradually in older buds to flowers. The ripe seed was the highest organ (13.35g/kg DW (dry weight)) with sulforaphane content in all the materials. RT-PCR result showed an opposite relationship of sulforaphane contents and the expression levels of gene AOP2 from young buds to flowers in bolting period. The study demonstrated that the over-expression of the gene AOP2 leads to a peak level of sulforaphane content in organs of broccoli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) deposition rates are increasing globally due to anthropogenic activities. Plant community responses to N are often attributed to altered competitive interactions between plants, but may also be a result of microbial responses to N, particularly root-associated fungi (RAF), which are known to affect plant fitness. In response to N, Deschampsia cespitosa, a codominant plant in the alpine tundra at Niwot Ridge (CO), increases in abundance, while Geum rossii, its principal competitor, declines. Importantly, G. rossii declines with N even in the absence of its competitor. We examined whether contrasting host responses to N are associated with altered plant-fungal symbioses, and whether the effects of N are distinct from effects of altered plant competition on RAF, using 454 pyrosequencing. Host RAF communities were distinct (only 9.4% of OTUs overlapped). N increased RAF diversity in G. rossii, but decreased it in D. cespitosa. D. cespitosa RAF communities were more responsive to N than G. rossii RAF communities, perhaps indicating a flexible microbial community aids host adaptation to nutrient enrichment. Effects of removing D. cespitosa were distinct from effects of N on G. rossii RAF, and D. cespitosa presence reversed RAF diversity response to N. The most dominant G. rossii RAF order, Helotiales, was the most affected by N, declining from 83% to 60% of sequences, perhaps indicating a loss of mutualists under N enrichment. These results highlight the potential importance of belowground microbial dynamics in plant responses to N deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in the bitterness of 6- n -propylthiouracil (PROP) is partially explained by polymorphisms in the TAS2R38 gene. Based on their perception of bitterness from PROP, people may be classified into non-, medium and supertasters. PROP perception has previously been linked to liking for cruciferous vegetables in children in some studies, but only one study to date has examined TAS2R38 genotype and its relationship with vegetable intake in children. Children’s vegetable consumption generally does not meet the recommended guidelines, thus the present study aimed to examine the influence of oral sensory measures, genetic variation and social factors on vegetable liking and intake. Vegetable liking in 7–13 year old Irish children ( n = 525) was measured on a 5-point liking scale, and dietary intakes were assessed via a 3-day diet history. Vegetable intakes were calculated and standardised per kg body weight. A subset of children ( n = 485) were genotyped for SNPs in TAS2R38, (A49P, V262A, I296V), and fungiform papilla (FP) were counted. The bitterness of PROP and sweetness of sucrose were rated on a generalised labelled magnitude scale (gLMS). PROP and sucrose intensity were significantly correlated ( R 2 = 0.33, p = 0.001), although neither sucrose intensity nor FP density differed across the TAS2R38 genotype groups. Supertasters were less likely than nontasters to have tried/tasted cruciferous vegetables p < 0.04). A small, positive correlation was seen in FP density and vegetable intake, but only in the AVI homozygous children, ( R 2 = 0.17, p = 0.035). 174 Nutrient acceptable children reported an intake of one or more of the vegetables of interest in the 3-day period. Liking of cruciferous vegetables and reported intake were significantly correlated. In multiple regression analyses in this subsection of the cohort, socioeconomic status (SES) and gender were more important than PROP bitterness or TAS2R38 genotype in predicting intakes (approximately 15% of liking and 67% of intake was explained by these models). Overall, neither PROP taster status nor TAS2R38 genotype alone had significant impact on bitter vegetable liking or intake. Further research into FP density and vegetable liking and intake may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Antioxidant activity of seven leafy vegetables and four beans against five reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species was clearly characterized with a protocol using myoglobin as a reporter probe. Abstract: Antioxidant activity of seven leafy vegetables and four beans against peroxyl radical, hydroxyl radical, hypochlorite ion, and peroxynitrite ion has been measured using myoglobin as a reporter probe (myoglobin method). Conventional DPPH method was also used to evaluate antioxidant activity of the samples. Difference of activity against different reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) was characterized by plotting the data in a 5-axe cobweb chart. This plot clearly showed the characteristics of the antioxidant activity of the leafy vegetables and the beans. The samples examined in this work were categorized into four groups. (1) The samples showed high antioxidant activity against all ROS and RNS: daikon sprout, spinach, Qing-geng-cai, and onion. (2) The samples showed high antioxidant activity against peroxyl radical: red bean and soy bean. (3) The samples showed high antioxidant against hypochlorite ion: broccoli floret, cabbage, and Chinese cabbage. (4) The samples showed weak antioxidant activity against all ROS and RNS: cowpea and common beans. Our protocol is probably useful to characterize antioxidant activity of the crops of different cultivars, the crops obtained in different growing environments and growing seasons, the crops harvested at different age, and the crops stored in the different conditions, as well as the changes of activity during cooking process of the crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about genetic diversity and combining abilities of sugar beet parental components are of a great importance for hybrid creation. The aim of this research was to evaluate genetic diversity among sugar beet pollinators from different breeding programs and their combining abilities for main root traits of sugar beet, root weight, sugar content and sugar yield. As plant material were used eight pollinators originating from three different USDA-ARS breeding programs and four from Institute of field and vegetable crops Novi Sad. The analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test revealed significant differences (p = 0.05) among pollinators for all investigated traits. Pollinator CR10 differs from all others in terms of quantitative traits and in terms of combining ability. Despite small root weight CR10 had significantly positive GCA for that trait and showed that genotypes with small root should not be automatically discarded. Pollinators from Institute of field and vegetable crops used in this research had negative GCA for root weight and should be used only as hosts for introduction of new germplasm in future breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses several studies being conducted by scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to make genetic improvements in fruits and vegetables. Plant geneticist Kathy Haynes of Beltsville, Maryland is breeding potatoes with higher levels of carotenoids. Resistance to Phytophthora late blight and Streptomyces scab is the focus of the study being undertaken by plant pathologists Rick Jones, Ken Deahl and Leslie Wanner.

Conserving biodiversity in human-dominated systems requires research into mechanisms that can maintain biodiversity in fragmented landscapes. Home-garden as traditional agroforestry system in many regions has shown great value in maintaining a wide range of species. Here we show that home-garden populations are also capable of maintaining high level of genetic variation. Using six polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers, we have genotyped 260 individuals of Acacia pennata, a popular wild vegetable in the tropical region of southeast Asia. Samples were collected from home-gardens and wild populations in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. Microsatellite DNA diversity in planted populations were compared with that in geographically nearby wild populations with similar population size. Over 90 % of microsatellite genetic variation in wild populations was also present in planted populations. Pairwise comparison of planted and adjacent wild population showed no significant difference in allelic diversity and heterozygosity. Analysis revealed no significant genetic differences between wild and planted populations, while four home-garden populations showed sign of bottleneck. We conclude that home-gardens show great promise in maintaining genetic diversity, and that these managed patches could be of significant conservation value in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically engineered (GE) insect-resistant crops that express proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been widely adopted in the two field crops currently commercially available, Bt cotton and Bt corn. However, the development and commercialization of Bt vegetables has lagged in comparison, which is unfortunate since vegetables tend to be insecticideintensive crops due to high pest pressure and cosmetic standards required for the market. While it is often stated that consumer choice has played a major role in companies avoiding development of Bt vegetables, this concept requires re-evaluation. In market studies in North America when consumers have been provided basic information about Bt genetic engineering, then given a choice between Bt and conventional sweet corn, they have often preferred the former. Likewise, 77% of consumers in a US survey said they would likely purchase foods produced through biotechnology for their ability to reduce pesticide use. Presently, however, the only commercialized Bt vegetable is sweet corn. Perhaps more critical obstacles to Bt vegetables are their relatively smaller acreages and the cost of government biosafety regulations that inadvertently favor large acreage of field crops because companies can obtain a better return on investment. In developing countries, private-public partnerships may provide the vehicle to bring Bt vegetables to market. However, these can be subverted by misinformation from anti-biotech campaigns, as is the case with Bt eggplant in India. Without the use of Bt vegetables as a tool for integrated pest management, farmers and the general public will not be able to realize the substantial environmental and economic benefits that have been well documented with Bt cotton and Bt corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-harvest ozone application has recently been shown to inhibit the onset of senescence symptoms on fleshy fruit and vegetables; however, the exact mechanism of action is yet unknown. To characterize the impact of ozone on the post-harvest performance of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. ‘Hayward’), fruits were cold stored (0 °C, 95% relative humidity) in a commercial ethylene-free room for 1, 3, or 5 months in the absence (control) or presence of ozone (0.3 μl l−1) and subsequently were allowed to ripen at a higher temperature (20 °C), herein defined as the shelf-life period, for up to 12 days. Ozone blocked ethylene production, delayed ripening, and stimulated antioxidant and anti-radical activities of fruits. Proteomic analysis using 1D-SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry identified 102 kiwifruit proteins during ripening, which are mainly involved in energy, protein metabolism, defence, and cell structure. Ripening induced protein carbonylation in kiwifruit but this effect was depressed by ozone. A set of candidate kiwifruit proteins that are sensitive to carbonylation was also discovered. Overall, the present data indicate that ozone improved kiwifruit post-harvest behaviour, thus providing a first step towards understanding the active role of this molecule in fruit ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Using a semi-hydroponic technique, experiments were carried out with the objective to evaluate the salinity tolerance in different hybrids of commercial vegetable crops (okra, onion, sponge gourd, carrot, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, sweet corn, cucumber, water melon, tomato, and chilli) at seedling stage. In general, in all vegetable crops, highly significant differences were found among hybrids and NaCl concentration with respect to emergence (%), emergence index, shoot length and root length. Emergence was highly correlated with shoot length, and root length showing the contribution of shoot length to salinity tolerance in different vegetable crops. With increasing salinity, there was an increase in root length in salinity tolerant lines but there was a corresponding decrease in root length in susceptible ones. A comparative study on salinity levels revealed that two hybrids of okra genotypes can tolerate up to 0.15 M NaCl. Among these two hybrids, cv. Sleek is the best. Onion hybrids can tolerate up to 0.10 M NaCl and water melon can tolerate up to 0.15 M NaCl. Among the three water melon hybrids, cv. Slice is the best followed by cv. Candy. Bitter gourd can tolerate up to 0.15 M NaCl. Bottle gourd can tolerate up to 0.1 M NaCl. Cucumber hybrids showed an increase in root length under saline conditions which could be related to osmotic adjustment. Among the three cucumber hybrids, Salad is the best followed by cv. Harmony. Among all vegetable crops, gourds are tolerant to salinity, while onion, tomato and chilli are susceptible to this abiotic stress factor. The hybrids of these vegetable crop species which tolerate high levels of NaCl at the seedling stage, have a great potential under saline prone areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of plant and animal genetic heritage is not a purpose in itself, but it represents the sine qua non condition for practicing a sustainable agriculture and to ensure nutrition and food security on long-term. Our research focused on identifying the areas with the richest genetic diversity of vegetables in Transylvania, Romania, as well as the main vulnerabilities related to seed production for the local vegetables. Our trips included 210 locations where 338 small seed producers were surveyed. The questionnaire method with fixed questions and undisguised multiple-choices was used. A number of 316 out of 565 cultivars taken into study have been proven to be authentic and valuable landraces, meaning 55.9%. In Transylvania, the richest genetic diversity of vegetables is found in the counties of Maramures, Bistrita-Nasaud and Hunedoara—where the cooperativization was lower before the year 1989. The most important risk in losing vegetable landraces is the old age of small growers (68.4%). However, it is encouraging that many NGOs interested in identifying, conserving and promoting local varieties have emerged in the last decade. Therefore, so-called "seed houses" have been set up to facilitate the exchange of seeds, and on the other hand, the expansion of organic farming requires local varieties that are better adapted to harsh environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the genus Capsicum are of great economic importance, including both wild forms and cultivars of peppers and chilies. The high number of potentially informative characteristics that can be identified through next-generation sequencing technologies gave a huge boost to evolutionary and comparative genomic research in higher plants. Here, we determined the complete nucleotide sequences of the plastomes of eight Capsicum species (eleven genotypes), representing the three main taxonomic groups in the genus and estimated molecular diversity. Comparative analyses highlighted a wide spectrum of variation, ranging from point mutations to small/medium size insertions/deletions (InDels), with accD, ndhB, rpl20, ycf1, and ycf2 being the most variable genes. The global pattern of sequence variation is consistent with the phylogenetic signal. Maximum-likelihood tree estimation revealed that Capsicum chacoense is sister to the baccatum complex. Divergence and positive selection analyses unveiled that protein-coding genes were generally well conserved, but we identified 25 positive signatures distributed in six genes involved in different essential plastid functions, suggesting positive selection during evolution of Capsicum plastomes. Finally, the identified sequence variation allowed us to develop simple PCR-based markers useful in future work to discriminate species belonging to different Capsicum complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts, above all, to provide a summary, on a strictly scientific basis, about the strategies of conservation of autochthonous agrobiodiversity followed in Italy. A special focus is dedicated to vegetables and, therefore, could represent a contribution to improve the national strategy for the safeguarding of its agrobiodiversity in general. The paper offers also an outlook on the most critical factors of ex situ conservation and actions which need to be taken. Some examples of 'novel' recovered neglected crops are also given. Finally a case study is proposed on 'Mugnolicchio', a neglected race of Brassica oleracea L., cultivated in Altamura (Ba) in southern Italy, that might be considered as an early step in the evolution of broccoli (B. oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) like 'Mugnoli' another neglected race described from Salento (Apulia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bayer CropScience is a leader in the oilseed rape seeds business with a 2013 market share of 50% in Canada, based on the creation and use of a unique hybridization system enabling the development of high-yielding canola (B.napus) InVigor® hybrids. For the European markets, Bayer is developing non-transgenic hybrids that will be complemented with differentiating traits. To this end, a highly effective mutagenesis-based and omics-directed reverse genetics platform was established which enables the creation of novel productivity traits in canola.The reverse genetics process involves three major steps described in the following figure. The selection of relevant homoeologs is facilitated by Bayer's B.napus genome sequence and transcript atlas. The genome sequence allows the in silico identification of functional homoeologs and the transcript atlas enables to prioritize on homoeologs that are highly expressed in the right tissues. A new trait is created by stacking relevant mutant alleles in a single line. Bayer CropScience is using its canola reverse genetics platform to improve certain canola characteristics including pod shattering, grain yield and oil composition and to develop traits such as herbicide tolerance. Pod shatter reduction was the first trait developed with the platform. A first pod shatter-reduced InVigor hybrid, L140P, was commercially grown in Canada during the 2014 summer season. Bayer CropScience has established and is successfully using a this biotech-based platform for the improvement of the productivity of canola. The resulting traits do not require regulation and can be deployed in all continents. The major limitation of reverse genetics is that the scope of modification is limited to the crops’ own gene content and the expression levels of these genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]