Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jose Ignacio Salgado Pardo, Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo, Antonio Gonzalez Ariza, Jose Manuel Leon Jurado, Carmen Marin Navas, Carlos Iglesias Pastrana, Maria del Amparo Martinez Martinez, Francisco Javier Navas Gonzalez
Summary: This review explores the application of genetic technologies in goat farming over the past century and reports on the main candidate genes related to economically relevant traits. The main sources of income in goat farming are milk and meat, so yield and quality are of special importance. Despite being an important source of high-quality proteins, goats have not benefited from genomics advances as much as other livestock species.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Adwoa Asante-Poku, Portia Morgan, Stephen Osei-Wusu, Samuel Yaw Aboagye, Prince Asare, Isaac Darko Otchere, Samuel Mawuli Adadey, Khuthala Mnika, Kevin Esoh, Kenneth Hayibor Mawuta, Nelly Arthur, Audrey Forson, Gaston Kuzamunu Mazandu, Ambroise Wonkam, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
Summary: In this study, the association between selected human/host genomic variants and TB disease in Ghana was explored. The protective effects of SLC11A1 and SORBS2 genes against TB were identified, highlighting the need for in-depth host-pathogen studies in West Africa.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Yoshiyuki Sagehashi, Tomohito Ikegaya, Kenji Fujino
Summary: This study summarizes the genomic research on rice breeding programs in the Hokkaido region and provides strategies for developing new rice varieties. It also suggests that the genetic features of rice could be applicable to breeding programs of other crop species.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lu Zhang, Yanfei Cai, Mingchao Zhang, Guanghui Du, Jihua Wang
Summary: This study systematically identified and screened candidate reference genes for normalization of qRT-PCR results in Rhododendron delavayi. The most stable reference genes were determined using five statistical algorithms, and the top five were validated using ML samples collected under drought conditions. The findings will contribute to improving the precision and reliability of qRT-PCR data and pave the way for future gene functional studies in R. delavayi.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Magdalena Szeliga, Beata Bakera, Magdalena Swiecicka, Miroslaw Tyrka, Monika Rakoczy-Trojanowska
Summary: Wheat flowers can be divided into two groups, one with closed flowers for flowering and pollination, and another with open flowers. The swelling of lodicules is involved in the flowering process and can be differentiated between the two groups. Understanding the mechanism of chasmogamy can help in selecting plants with desired outcrossing rates.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lara Pereira, Manoj Sapkota, Michael Alonge, Yi Zheng, Youjun Zhang, Hamid Razifard, Nathan K. Taitano, Michael C. Schatz, Alisdair R. Fernie, Ying Wang, Zhangjun Fei, Ana L. Caicedo, Denise M. Tieman, Esther van Der Knaap
Summary: The study revealed that the quality of tomato fruit in the red-fruited tomato clade is influenced by multiple genes controlling the balance of sugars, acids, and volatile compounds in the fruit. These genes exhibit high genetic diversity at specific loci, with novel haplotypes that could be used in breeding programs to enhance modern tomato quality. Additionally, gene expression patterns varied among phylogenetically diverse tomato accessions, with no clear relationship between expression and metabolite levels.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
P. Senguttuvel, G. Padmavathi, C. Jasmine, D. Sanjeeva Rao, C. N. Neeraja, V. Jaldhani, P. Beulah, R. Gobinath, J. Aravind Kumar, S. V. Sai Prasad, Lv Subba Rao, A. S. Hariprasad, K. Sruthi, D. Shivani, RM. Sundaram, Mahalingam Govindaraj
Summary: Rice is a staple cereal consumed in large quantities in Asian countries, providing calories for billions of people. However, the preference for polished rice has led to a loss of nutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as zinc and iron, are major health challenges. Biofortification of rice has made progress in enhancing grain zinc, iron, and protein content.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christen M. Bossu, Marina Rodriguez, Christine Rayne, Debra A. Chromczak, Philip G. Higgins, Lynne A. Trulio, Kristen C. Ruegg
Summary: The accelerating loss of global biodiversity is worsened by habitat fragmentation and inbreeding in small populations. To address this issue, conservation practitioners often use assisted breeding programs to increase genetic diversity in declining populations. This study demonstrates the value of genomic approaches in enhancing genetic diversity through assisted breeding efforts, focusing on a highly inbred population of Western burrowing owls. The findings highlight the importance of genomic tools in preserving the adaptive potential of small, inbred populations at risk of further decline.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anne Brown, David Grant, Rex T. Nelson
Summary: QTL play a key role in studying seed quality traits and breeding, but identifying the specific genes behind each QTL would greatly enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nagenahalli Dharmegowda Rathan, Deepmala Sehgal, Karthikeyan Thiyagarajan, Ravi Singh, Anju-Mahendru Singh, Velu Govindan
Summary: The study on nutritionally enhanced wheat identified new genomic regions controlling grain iron and zinc concentrations, leading to the discovery of pleiotropic QTL that could be used in wheat biofortification breeding to address micronutrient deficiency among wheat consumers. The in silico analysis revealed candidate genes involved in transporting small peptides and minerals as well as catalyzing phosphorylation processes, providing insights into the mechanisms of mineral uptake in wheat.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jin Xu, Yayu Wang, Yunzeng Zhang, Nadia Riera, Jinyun Li, Kelley J. Clark, Tao Jin, Hongyun Chen, Jiawen Wen, Wenbo Ma, Huan Liu, Nian Wang
Summary: In this study, we investigated the genetic traits underlying the citrus microbiome by sequencing the metagenome of leaf, root, and rhizosphere soil samples, as well as the genome of corresponding citrus genotypes. Through genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis, we found significant associations between citrus genes and specific genera and functional traits of the microbiome. We also discovered the importance of bacterial secretion systems, mobility-related genes, chemotaxis, and flagella genes for bacteria colonization in leaf and root tissues. Additionally, microbiome-associated host genes were mainly involved in plant immunity, transporters, hormones, and metabolism. This study provides valuable information for utilizing genotypes and beneficial bacteria in microbiome engineering and gene editing to improve the host microbiota.
PHYTOBIOMES JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Shuli Xia, Xianghua Zhao, Haitao Yu, Guohui Li
Summary: This study aims to explore breeding-related genes of Tianjin-monkey Chicken to improve its growth, reproduction, meat, and egg performances. Through transcriptome analysis, 45 candidate breeding-related genes were identified, some of which are considered valuable for guiding future breeding efforts.
Article
Plant Sciences
J. Song, I Mavraganis, W. Shen, H. Yang, D. Cram, D. Xiang, N. Patterson, J. Zou
Summary: This study used RNA sequencing analysis to investigate the transcriptome of developing lentil seeds and compared it with that of pod shells and leaves. The study identified 2622 genes that were differentially expressed among the tissues examined. Genes preferentially expressed in seeds were associated with development, nitrogen/carbon metabolism, and lipid synthesis. The findings provide valuable insights for breeding strategies to improve lentil seed quality traits.
Article
Plant Sciences
Qiang Chen, Bingqiang Liu, Lijuan Ai, Long Yan, Jing Lin, Xiaolei Shi, Hongtao Zhao, Yu Wei, Yan Feng, Chunji Liu, Chunyan Yang, Mengchen Zhang
Summary: This study identified loci controlling heterophylly in soybean by using two populations of recombinant inbred lines with different leaf shapes. Several QTL and candidate genes were detected, providing a foundation for further understanding the genetic mechanism of heterophylly and marker-assisted breeding.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Gargi Prasad Saradadevi, Debajit Das, Satendra K. Mangrauthia, Sridev Mohapatra, Channakeshavaiah Chikkaputtaiah, Manish Roorkiwal, Manish Solanki, Raman Meenakshi Sundaram, Neeraja N. Chirravuri, Akshay S. Sakhare, Suneetha Kota, Rajeev K. Varshney, Gireesha Mohannath
Summary: Globally, soil salinity is increasing due to various factors, posing serious challenges to agriculture and causing significant salt stress issues affecting crop yields. Recent studies have focused on genetics, genetic engineering, genomics, and epigenetics to improve salinity tolerance in crop plants, offering new potential solutions to address this issue.
Article
Virology
David A. Read, Bernard Slippers, Emma Steenkamp
Summary: The complete RNA genome sequence of a novel potyvirus, Barleria repens mottle virus (BaRMoV), has been determined. BaRMoV was found infecting a plant showing virus-like leaf mosaic symptoms in South Africa. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the relationship between BaRMoV and yam mosaic virus (YMV) of the family Potyviridae. This is the first identification of a member of the Potyviridae family in the Barleria species.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Luki-Marie Scheepers, Jeremy D. Allison, Bernard Slippers, Egmont R. Rohwer, Patrick M. McMillan, Jan E. Bello, Marc C. Bouwer
Summary: Nudaurelia spp. are sporadic pests in South Africa, and their taxonomic uncertainty impedes the implementation of management strategies. In this study, the researchers compared gene sequences and analyzed pheromone extracts of Nudaurelia moths from different regions in South Africa. The results suggest that these populations may be the same species. The study also identified a sex pheromone compound from N. cytherea in N. clarki specimens. Field trials confirmed attraction of N. clarki males to synthetic lures.
AFRICAN ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Firehiwot B. Eshetu, Irene Barnes, Helen F. Nahrung, Katrin N. E. Fitza, Nicolas Meurisse, Bernard Slippers
Summary: The nematode Deladenus siricidicola is used for the biocontrol of Sirex noctilio, an invasive woodwasp that infests Pinus globally. This study assessed the genetic diversity and structure of D. siricidicola in Australia and New Zealand, revealing unexpected diversity and the presence of multiple lineages. It also found a shared history between populations in New Zealand and North America.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Tanay Bose, Maria Vivas, Bernard Slippers, Jolanda Roux, Martin Kemler, Dominik Begerow, Frederick Witfeld, Andreas Brachmann, Steven Dovey, Michael J. Wingfield
Summary: Retaining post-harvest residues in South African plantation soil can improve the diversity of beneficial soil fungi. This research demonstrates that retaining post-harvest residues is important for improving tree and soil health by enhancing the diversity of beneficial fungi in plantation soils.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Mycology
Tanay Bose, Almuth Hammerbacher, Wayne Jones, Jolanda Roux, Bernard Slippers, Michael. J. J. Wingfield
Summary: This study evaluated the susceptibility of pure E. nitens and the hybrid E. grandis x E. nitens to Phytophthora alticola and P. cinnamomi. The results showed that the purebred E. nitens families were highly susceptible to both pathogens, while the E. grandis x E. nitens hybrid exhibited tolerance to them.
MYCOLOGICAL PROGRESS
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Agil Katumanyane, Bernard Slippers, Mesfin Wondafrash, Antoinette P. Malan, Brett P. Hurley
Summary: This study aimed to determine the different physiological defence mechanisms of white grubs against attack by entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). The results showed that the ability of the nematodes to penetrate white grubs, the encapsulation rates, and growth in the haemolymph varied between EPN and white grub species. The results indicate that the white grub species investigated tended to resist the initial penetration of most of the EPN studied, thus avoiding infection.
Review
Forestry
Elisa Pal, Jeremy D. D. Allison, Brett P. P. Hurley, Bernard Slippers, Gerda Fourie
Summary: Knowledge of a pest's biology is crucial for developing sustainable management programs. The Pentatomidae insect family goes through an incomplete metamorphosis with distinct life stages, each with different morphological, ecological, and behavioral traits. Traits such as mating behavior, pheromones, and gut symbiont acquisition can be targeted for effective pest management. This review explores the literature on these life history traits of Pentatomidae and their potential application in management programs.
Review
Forestry
Tanay Bose, Almuth Hammerbacher, Bernard Slippers, Jolanda Roux, Michael J. J. Wingfield
Summary: Continuous replanting of the same or similar plant species can lead to the accumulation of harmful soil microbes, causing crop failure. This review explores the impact of constant replanting on the health of short-rotation forestry soil, focusing on the build-up of deleterious microbes and the decline of beneficial microbes. Practical solutions and future research to address this problem are suggested.
CURRENT FORESTRY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Wilma J. Nel, Bernard Slippers, Michael J. Wingfield, Neriman Yilmaz, Brett P. Hurley
Summary: The accidental introduction of Euwallacea fornicatus and its fungal symbiont, Fusarium euwallaceae, into multiple countries has had a devastating impact on economically and ornamentally important tree species. Currently, there is no effective control measure in place to manage this beetle pest. Preliminary tests of commercialized entomopathogenic products showed limited efficacy against the beetle.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Privilege T. T. Makunde, Johannes C. C. Joubert, Bernard Slippers, Brett P. P. Hurley, Almuth Hammerbacher
Summary: The study aimed to identify the morphological and phytochemical characteristics underlying the host preferences of Spondyliaspis cf. plicatuloides and Glycaspis brimblecombei, two invasive insect pests of Eucalyptus. The leaf volatile profiles and polar metabolite profiles of the preferred and non-preferred hosts were analyzed, but they did not sufficiently explain the host choices of the psyllids. However, the preferred hosts had some common leaf morphological features and wax metabolites, suggesting their influence on the host choice of eucalypt-feeding lerp psyllids.
Article
Ecology
Nombuso P. Ngubane, Leanne L. Dreyer, Bernard Slippers, Martin Kemler, Dominik Begerow, Frederick Witfeld, Andreas Brachmann, Francois Roets
Summary: Host identity and geographic location play important roles in shaping fungal endophyte assemblages in plants. The two hosts, native African olive and cultivated European olive, share many endophytic species, but the European olive has lower alpha diversity. The surrounding environment also strongly influences endophyte assemblages, with distance between sites correlating with dissimilarities in assemblages. The connected endophyte assemblages in African olives and disconnected assemblages in European olives may have negative impacts on the health of the cultivated host.
Article
Ecology
Mathew Andrew Harris, Martin Kemler, Bernard Slippers, Samantha-Leigh Jamison-Daniels, Frederick Witfeld, Monique Botha, Dominik Begerow, Andreas Brachmann, Michelle Greve
Summary: This study investigates the succession patterns and drivers of foliar endophyte communities in three tree species. The results show that endophyte communities did not exhibit consistent evidence of deterministic succession, unlike the tree community. Host identity was found to be the most important factor shaping endophyte community composition, while spatial distance and environmental predictors had smaller and inconsistent effects. However, predictor variables were successful in explaining variation in endophyte richness. Overall, the study concludes that deterministic succession in trees does not necessarily lead to deterministic succession in endophyte communities, and that host identity plays a more significant role in community assembly.
Review
Mycology
Mathew Andrew Harris, Bernard Slippers, Martin Kemler, Michelle Greve
Summary: The use of metabarcoding techniques and sequencing microbial communities directly from environmental samples have advanced fungal ecology. However, the accuracy of submitted metadata associated with fungal genetic marker sequences needs improvement. The quality of submitter-defined metadata varies, with some adhering to standards and others not meeting requirements, limiting the ability to find and reuse sequence data.
FUNGAL BIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Emiko K. Stuart, Vasanth Singan, Mojgan Amirebrahimi, Hyunsoo Na, Vivian Ng, Igor Grigoriev, Francis Martin, Ian C. Anderson, Jonathan M. Plett, Krista L. Plett
Summary: This study aimed to identify the physiological and genetic properties of both ectomycorrhizal fungi and their host plants that influence carbon transfer. The findings showed that fungal carbon acquisition was positively correlated with fungal biomass production and the expression of specific carbon metabolism genes, while plant carbon transfer was associated with the expression of defense- and stress-related genes, rather than the number of colonized root tips.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Krista L. Plett, Dominika Wojtalewicz, Ian C. Anderson, Jonathan M. Plett
Summary: This study investigates the transfer of nitrogen (N) from ECM fungi of the Pisolithus genus to the host plant, and finds that fungal N metabolism plays a crucial role in N transfer to the host. Basic biochemical analyses can potentially predict N transfer in this symbiotic interaction.
