Article
Agronomy
Barbara Pipan, Mohamed Neji, Vladimir Meglic, Lovro Sinkovic
Summary: In this study, the genetic diversity and structure of 26 kale accessions from South-East Europe were analyzed using agro-morphological traits and SSR markers. The results showed significant variability in both quantitative and qualitative traits, with three commercial cultivars differing from other accessions. The SSR markers revealed low genetic differentiation among accessions, suggesting a valuable reservoir of genetic diversity for future breeding initiatives.
GENETIC RESOURCES AND CROP EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chengcheng Cai, Johan Bucher, Freek T. Bakker, Guusje Bonnema
Summary: This study revealed two domestication lineages of Brassica oleracea, namely the leafy head lineage (LHL) and the arrested inflorescence lineage (AIL), through population genetic studies and species-tree estimation. The study also found that kales are polyphyletic and cabbages may have originated in the middle-east. Cauliflower showed the least diversity and strong genetic differentiation from other morphotypes except broccoli.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Hussein Abdel-Haleem, Zinan Luo, Aaron Szczepanek
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity and relatedness in the USDA collection of Brassica juncea. By genotyping 340 samples, a total of 99030 high-quality SNP markers were identified. Population structure and PCA analysis revealed five distinct subpopulations, with the largest subpopulation traced back to Pakistan and India. The results demonstrated a high genetic diversity and genetic differentiation among subpopulations in the USDA collection of B. juncea.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
John E. Bradshaw
Summary: The study demonstrates that annual forage kale population improvement involving full-sib and selfed families can result in the production of a synthetic cultivar, showing promising results compared to other successful breeding methods. This new breeding method can be completed within a year, indicating high efficiency in the breeding process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jin-Yong Kim, Soo Hyung Eo, Seung-Gu Kang, Jung Eun Hwang, Yonggu Yeo, Jongmin Yoon
Summary: Hill pigeons in South Korea are close to local extinction and have low genetic diversity. They are not genetically distinct from Mongolian and Russian populations but show lower genetic diversity compared to other endangered species in Columbidae. The population with the largest size has lower genetic diversity. To conserve hill pigeons, captive propagation and reintroduction, as well as artificial gene flows and introduction of foreign individuals, are suggested.
Article
Plant Sciences
Li Zhang, Xiangsheng Li, Lichun Chang, Tianpeng Wang, Jianli Liang, Runmao Lin, Jian Wu, Xiaowu Wang
Summary: This study successfully increased the genetic diversity of Brassica juncea by introgressing the A genome of Brassica rapa. New B. juncea germplasm with expanded phenotypic variations was developed, and the introgression of B. rapa segments was tracked using SNP markers. The results showed that the introgression of the B. rapa genome significantly increased the genetic diversity of B. juncea.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jorge Aleman-Baez, Jian Qin, Chengcheng Cai, Chunmei Zou, Johan Bucher, Maria-Joao Paulo, Roeland E. Voorrips, Guusje Bonnema
Summary: Correlations between the morphological traits of cabbage rosette leaves and heads were identified, and 50 robust quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were found through genome-wide association studies. Half of these loci affect both organs. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship and genetic basis of leaf development and leafy head formation in cabbage.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Antonio Calvi, Meriem Miyassa Aci, Antonio Lupini, Giovanni Preiti
Summary: This study investigated the morphological traits and genetic diversity of wild hops in the Calabria region of South Italy. Cone length showed significant variation among different populations, while cone shape was the most discriminant trait. Genetic diversity analysis using eight SSR markers revealed high genetic variability in Calabria, and genetic structure analysis identified two distinct groups regardless of the sampling sites. Further research will be conducted to explore other wild hops populations in Calabria and identify specific alleles for new breeding programs.
Article
Entomology
Emily Heffernan, Amanda Markee, Mary R. Truglio, Megan Barkdull, Sarah Steele Cabrera, Jaret Daniels
Summary: Biodiversity loss at both species and genetic scales has been exacerbated in recent decades due to habitat fragmentation and destruction. Butterflies, especially the Florida duskywing, can be used as indicators to evaluate the consequences of fragmentation on gene flow and as well as to assess genetic health and connectivity between populations. The genetic studies conducted on the Florida duskywing showed that despite declining population sizes, unique genetic diversity still exists. The results also revealed the presence of two population groups and a moderate gene flow between them, suggesting the potential for translocations to enhance gene flow and support small population sizes.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Misteru Tesfaye, Tileye Feyissa, Teklehaimanot Hailesilassie, Selvaraju Kanagarajan, Li-Hua Zhu
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) genotypes of different origins using high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The results revealed two distinct subpopulations, with the majority of accessions clustered in one subpopulation mainly obtained from specific regions. The analysis showed high genetic variation within populations and low genetic differentiation between populations, indicating the presence of gene flow and weak geographical structure. The study provides important information for future breeding and conservation efforts of B. carinata.
Article
Forestry
Mary Ranketse, Charles A. Hefer, Rian Pierneef, Gerda Fourie, Alexander A. Myburg
Summary: Macadamia nuts are globally renowned for their high quality and economic value. South Africa, as the leading producer, has a diverse and unique set of macadamia germplasm. This study used nuclear microsatellite markers to analyze the genetic diversity and structure of macadamia germplasm cultivated in South Africa, revealing diverse hybrid genotypes with strong Macadamia tetraphylla composition. These findings have significant implications for future macadamia improvement efforts.
TREE GENETICS & GENOMES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vandana Manomohan, Ramasamy Saravanan, Rudolf Pichler, Nagarajan Murali, Karuppusamy Sivakumar, Krovvidi Sudhakar, Raja K. Nachiappan, Kathiravan Periasamy
Summary: The study is the first comprehensive report on diversity, population structure, genetic admixture and mitochondrial DNA variation in South Indian draught type zebu cattle. It reveals moderate genetic diversity in South Indian cattle, with distinct genetic structures among different breeds and taurine admixture in some breeds. The study suggests concerns regarding endangerment, inbreeding, lack of purebred bulls, and increasing levels of taurine admixture in zebu cattle in South India, emphasizing the importance of breeding strategies and conservation efforts.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guoping Shu, Gangqiang Cao, Niannian Li, Aifang Wang, Fang Wei, Ting Li, Li Yi, Yunbi Xu, Yibo Wang
Summary: This study characterized the genetic diversity and population structure of maize germplasm in the China Summer maize ecological region using molecular techniques. The inbred lines were divided into different supergroups, groups, and subgroups based on genetic data and tag-SNPs, with a significant contribution of North American germplasm in the breeding collection. Genomic differentiation and genetic diversity within subgroups were found to be large, and two predominant heterotic patterns were identified in the CSM region.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lwamkelekile Sitshilelo Mkize, Oliver Tendayi Zishiri
Summary: Indigenous cattle breeds like the Nguni play a crucial role in their native environments due to their significant adaptability traits. The genetic diversity within the bovine major histocompatibility complex and BoLA-DRB3 gene in Nguni crossbred cattle was found to be high, potentially contributing to their resistance to diseases and thermal stress. This high genetic diversity is likely associated with the adaptability and robustness of the Nguni breed, making it a valuable resource for sustainable breeding strategies in Southern Africa.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hojun Jeong, Il-Kook Park, Jongsun Kim, Jaejin Park, Sang-Cheol Lee, Daesik Park
Summary: The slender racer, Orientocoluber spinalis, is a monotypic species found in northeast Asia. Genetic diversity and population structure of 67 O. spinalis samples from South Korea and 7 from China and Mongolia were investigated. The populations in South Korea showed low genetic diversity and recent divergence, suggesting that O. spinalis may have colonized the Korean Peninsula from China and Mongolia.
Article
Agronomy
Maria Elena Cartea, Maria Concetta Di Bella, Pablo Velasco, Pilar Soengas, Stefania Toscano, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: A comparative study was conducted to evaluate Italian and Spanish accessions of Brassica rapa var. rapa L., showing variability in production and bioactive compound content among different genotypes and geographical origins. Some varieties stood out for turnip greens production, with high antioxidant activity, suggesting potential for further breeding programs.
Article
Agronomy
Mahdi Ebrahimi, Mohsen Pouyan, Tayebeh Shahi, Hamid-Reza Fallahi, Sareh Hoseini, Hosein Ragh Ara, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: The study found that organic fertilisers did not have a significant impact on saffron yield traits, while treatments with larger mother-corms significantly increased saffron yield within the two-year period.
BIOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giuseppe Malgioglio, Giulio Flavio Rizzo, Sebastian Nigro, Vincent Lefebvre du Prey, Joelle Herforth-Rahme, Vittoria Catara, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has caused significant environmental damage, but the increasing demand for food requires more efficient agriculture. Recent studies have shown that plant growth-promoting microbes can be a valid substitute for chemical products and represent an eco-friendly alternative, although their effects may vary.
Article
Agronomy
Ferdinando Branca, Sergio Argento, Anna Maria Paoletti, Maria Grazia Melilli
Summary: This study analyzed the enzyme systems involved in inulin metabolism in the roots of a wild cardoon population in Sicily and found their relation to the plant's growth and development stages. The plant showed slow growth during winter, with leaves as the main biomass and saccharides mobilized into roots. In the spring, the plant experienced rapid growth and differentiation of reproduction organs due to cold conditions. Sequential changes in 1-SST and 1-FEH activities, as well as the involvement of invertase and 1-FFT in carbohydrate mobilization, were observed during the plant's stalk elongation and capitula development stages.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Xinyang Wu, Pingping Fang, Peipei Zhang, Ting Sun, Xinchao Wang, Ferdinando Branca, Pei Xu
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giuseppe Timpanaro, Ferdinando Branca, Mariarita Cammarata, Maria Concetta Di Bella, Vera Teresa Foti, Alessandro Scuderi
Summary: The plant heritage of the Mediterranean basin, particularly the wild relative species and local varieties of Brassica oleracea crops, offers great potential for pursuing the objectives of the EU Green Deal. A study on organic growing conditions and plant characteristics highlighted the effectiveness of new tools for organic plant nutrition in improving seed yield and quality, while also achieving economically sustainable production.
Article
Agronomy
Hajer Ben Ammar, Valentina Picchi, Donata Arena, Simone Treccarichi, Giulia Bianchi, Roberto Lo Scalzo, Sonia Marghali, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: This study compared 20 Brassica oleracea accessions under different water treatments to select potential drought-tolerant genotypes for organic cultivation. The results showed significant differences in genotype, irrigation regime, and their interaction. Antioxidant compounds were highlighted as important stress biomarkers. Genotypes CR, CC, and BH were determined to be the most drought tolerant, while CI5, BU, and CV1 were the most susceptible.
Article
Plant Sciences
Simone Treccarichi, Hajer Ben Ammar, Marwen Amari, Riccardo Cali, Alessandro Tribulato, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: Marker assisted selection can be used to identify lost alleles in Brassica oleracea crops and improve their resistance and product quality. Analysis of genomic correlations and SSR loci variation can help find genomic regions involved in the hypertrophy of inflorescences.
Article
Agronomy
Creola Brezeanu, Petre Marian Brezeanu, Vasile Stoleru, Liviu Mihai Irimia, Florin Daniel Lipsa, Gabriel-Ciprian Teliban, Marius Mihai Ciobanu, Florin Murariu, Ioan Puiu, Ferdinando Branca, Otilia Cristina Murariu
Summary: The market demand for organic vegetables has been increasing due to their positive impact on healthy diets. Consumers prefer various combinations of color, size, and shape of pepper fruits. This research aimed to select the best resources for breeding programs by studying culinary quality traits of pepper genotypes, especially during the ripening phase. The study found that organic production needs to ensure adequate nutritional and culinary quality of pepper fruits.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Yusen Shen, Jiansheng Wang, Ranjan K. Shaw, Xiaoguang Sheng, Huifang Yu, Ferdinando Branca, Honghui Gu
Summary: In this study, transcriptome and metabolome analysis were used to investigate the resistance mechanism of Brassica oleracea against black spot disease. The results showed that the phenylpropanoid pathway plays a key role in resistance, and cinnamic acid may be a potential molecule causing resistance difference. Additionally, certain related genes and indolic glucosinolates were found to be significantly upregulated in resistant lines, providing a theoretical foundation for breeding.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Hajer Ben Ammar, Donata Arena, Simone Treccarichi, Maria Concetta Di Bella, Sonia Marghali, Nadia Ficcadenti, Roberto Lo Scalzo, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: This study investigated the effects of water deficit on a set of Brassica accessions and found significant variations in the amount and profile of glucosinolates (GLSs) compounds among different genotypes and plant portions. Drought stress resulted in increased GLSs in the leaves compared to the roots. The study highlights the importance of selecting specific chemotypes for breeding programs aiming to enhance drought tolerance in Brassica crops.
Article
Agronomy
Alessandro Scuderi, Giuseppe Timpanaro, Ferdinando Branca, Mariarita Cammarata
Summary: Organic farming is often seen as sustainable, but the reduced yields compared to conventional farming can pose economic challenges for farmers. This study evaluates the sustainability of an innovative organic model proposed by the Bresov project, using a Life Cycle Assessment methodology and economic evaluation. The findings show a 60-100% reduction in environmental impact for the innovative organic approach compared to conventional farming. However, the organic approach leads to a 61% decrease in gross income due to increased production costs, which can be offset by premium prices and subsidies from the Common Agricultural Policy.
Article
Agronomy
Giulio Flavio Rizzo, Nicolas Al Achkar, Simone Treccarichi, Giuseppe Malgioglio, Matteo Giuseppe Infurna, Sebastian Nigro, Alessandro Tribulato, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: The use of beneficial microorganisms can improve the productivity and resilience of vegetable crops in organic farming. In this experiment, the application of plant growth promoting microorganisms significantly increased the yield of snap beans and improved product quality. Additionally, the irrigation regime had different effects on plant growth and production in different genotypes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huifang Yu, Jiansheng Wang, Yusen Shen, Xiaoguang Sheng, Ranjan Kumar Shaw, Ferdinando Branca, Honghui Gu
Summary: Most broccoli cultivars turn purple in cold temperatures, but certain cultivars maintain green buds even at low temperatures. This study identified a candidate gene (F3'H) responsible for reducing anthocyanin accumulation in mutant broccoli and found that a 43-bp deletion in the gene's coding sequence significantly decreased its expression and the accumulation of cyanidin and delphinidin in the mutant. The study also demonstrated the predictive ability of a 43-bp InDel in determining bud color in B. oleracea across different germplasm materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Sergio Argento, Simone Treccarichi, Maria Grazia Melilli, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: This study explores the effects of different grafting combinations on the growth of eggplants and finds that the Be/Bb combination has higher plant vegetative traits but low grafting compatibility. Examination of the xylem vessels reveals notable differences between grafting combinations.