Article
Plant Sciences
Sebastian Zahn, Thomas Schmutzer, Klaus Pillen, Andreas Maurer
Summary: This study investigated the genetic control of barley peduncle morphology and identified three major QTL regions on chromosomes 2H and 3H impacting peduncle traits. The exotic allele at the QTL on chromosome 3H improved all three investigated traits, showing potential for enhancing plant stability and straw biomass production.
Article
Plant Sciences
Gianluca Bretani, Salar Shaaf, Alessandro Tondelli, Luigi Cattivelli, Stefano Delbono, Robbie Waugh, William Thomas, Joanne Russell, Hazel Bull, Ernesto Igartua, Ana M. M. Casas, Pilar Gracia, Roberta Rossi, Alan H. H. Schulman, Laura Rossini
Summary: In this study, a total of 261 barley accessions were phenotyped for culm diameter and culm wall thickness using an image analysis-based protocol. Genome-wide association studies revealed 192 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with these traits, including 21 loci that impact lodging without affecting plant height. This research provides insights into the genetic control of culm morphology in barley and highlights the potential for improving lodging resistance and yield stability.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Zhiwei Chen, Luli Li, Nigel G. Halford, Hongwei Xu, Linli Huang, Runhong Gao, Ruiju Lu, Chenghong Liu
Summary: This review summarizes recent progress in understanding barley's response to nitrogen nutrition, evaluation of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) or tolerance to low nitrogen, mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and gene cloning associated with improving NUE, and breeding of nitrogen-efficient barley. It also introduces several biotechnological tools that could be used for revealing the molecular mechanisms of NUE or breeding for improving NUE in barley, and discusses the latest research ideas in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of improving NUE in other crops.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Javier Tello, Javier Ibanez
Summary: With advancements in sequencing technologies, bioinformatics tools, and modeling solutions, association mapping has become a widely accepted approach in understanding the genetic basis of various traits in grapes. These studies have identified many potential causative loci and mutations, leading to the development of informative markers for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. Association mapping is a valuable step towards improving grape production and resilience in the face of future climate scenarios.
Article
Agronomy
Lumbani Mwafulirwa, Elizabeth M. Baggs, Joanne Russell, Christine A. Hackett, Nick Morley, Carla de la Fuente Canto, Eric Paterson
Summary: Rhizodeposition influences soil microbial communities, with this study identifying barley chromosome regions that affect soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and root biomass. Significant differences and potential candidate genes were identified, providing new insights into genetic influences on soil microbes. Further research on these chromosome regions and candidate genes could enhance barley breeding for sustainable crop production systems.
Article
Agronomy
S. M. Nuruzzaman Manik, Md Quamruzzaman, Mark Livermore, Chenchen Zhao, Peter Johnson, Ian Hunt, Sergey Shabala, Meixue Zhou
Summary: Waterlogging is a major threat to crop growth and yield in high rainfall zones. Root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) formation is an important mechanism for waterlogging tolerance. Introducing RCA-QTL into commercial varieties can significantly improve yield under waterlogged conditions without negative effects on plant growth and grain quality.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Solange Nyiraguhirwa, Zahra Grana, Hassan Ouabbou, Driss Iraqi, Mohammed Ibriz, Sujan Mamidi, Sripada M. Udupa
Summary: Micronutrient deficiency affects half of the world's population, especially in developing countries, leading to severe health issues. Barley mineral biofortification, particularly with zinc and iron, shows potential for alleviating mineral malnutrition. Genome-wide association studies identified genetic markers associated with zinc and iron content in barley, providing a basis for developing biofortified barley through marker-assisted selection.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anyong Zhang, Ting Zhao, Xue Hu, Yu Zhou, Yue An, Haiyi Pei, Dongfa Sun, Genlou Sun, Chengdao Li, Xifeng Ren
Summary: This study evaluated stem-related traits in barley and identified significant phenotypic correlations between lodging index (LI) and other stem traits. Several stable and major QTLs were detected, along with candidate genes related to plant development and stress response. The findings contribute to the understanding of barley stem morphology and provide a foundation for further genetic mapping.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuhan Pan, Juan Zhu, Yi Hong, Mengna Zhang, Chao Lv, Baojian Guo, Huiquan Shen, Xiao Xu, Rugen Xu
Summary: Studies on barley yellow mosaic disease (BYMD) resistance in barley have identified six quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to resistance, with two novel QTL discovered. These findings provide potential new sources for developing pre-breeding barley materials with resistance to BYMD.
Article
Virology
Behnaz Soleimani, Heike Lehnert, Sarah Trebing, Antje Habekuss, Frank Ordon, Andreas Stahl, Torsten Will
Summary: Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) causes significant yield losses in barley production. In this study, 480 barley genotypes were screened to identify resistance/tolerance to WDV, and 32 genotypes showed resistance or tolerance. Genome-wide association study identified genomic regions associated with WDV resistance/tolerance on chromosomes 3H, 4H, 5H, and 7H for multiple traits.
Article
Agronomy
Yuliya Genievskaya, Shyryn Almerekova, Saule Abugalieva, Aigul Abugalieva, Kazuhiro Sato, Yerlan Turuspekov
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of geographical origin and environmental factors on grain quality traits in a collection of 406 two-rowed spring barley accessions. It identifies 26 significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to grain quality traits, with 17 of them located close to known genes and previously reported QTLs. The study also reveals the influence of heat and drought stresses on grain quality, leading to changes in starch and protein contents.
Article
Agronomy
Margaret Halstead, Campbell Morrissy, Scott Fisk, Glen Fox, Patrick Hayes, Daniela Carrijo
Summary: This study investigates the effects of genotype, environment, and management on the malting quality of barley. The results show that genotype and location interactions influence agronomic traits and grain quality metrics. Grain protein is identified as the major driver of malting quality. The study confirms the potential of fall-planted malting barley in the Pacific Northwest.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zongshuai Wang, Shuxin Li, Shulian Jian, Fan Ye, Tianya Wang, Lei Gong, Xiangnan Li
Summary: Increasing plastic consumption results in the accumulation of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in agricultural soil, negatively affecting plant growth and the stress tolerance of crops.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Ljiljana Brbaklic, Dragana Trkulja, Sanja Mikic, Milan Mirosavljevic, Vojislava Momcilovic, Branislav Dudic, Lenka Prochazkova, Vladimir Acin
Summary: This study aimed to characterize genetic diversity and population structure of a 40-year historical barley breeding collection, finding a considerable diversity level and positive yield progress attributed to breeding for improved plant traits. The breeding material showed dynamic changes in genetic backgrounds, providing a great gene pool suitable for further barley improvement.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mitch Ritzinger, Ahmad H. Sallam, Kevin P. Smith, Austin J. Case, Joseph Wodarek, Rebecca D. Curland, Ruth Dill-Macky, Brian J. Steffenson
Summary: Bacterial leaf streak (BLS), caused by Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens, is a growing concern in barley production. The use of resistant cultivars is the most efficient method for control. Through genotyping and genome-wide association study, we identified significant associations for BLS resistance in breeding lines, which will expedite the development and release of resistant cultivars.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Asad Riaz, Ahmad M. Alqudah, Farah Kanwal, Klaus Pillen, Ling-zhen YE, Fei DAI, Guo-ping ZHANG
Summary: Tillering, an important trait in cereal crops, has been extensively studied in rice and wheat, but research on barley is limited. This review utilizes bioinformatics to map barley tiller development genes and discusses their regulation at genetic, physiological, and environmental levels. The study also establishes a novel link between phytohormones, sugars, and tillering. It provides evidence on how environmental cues and cropping systems optimize tiller number. This comprehensive review enhances understanding of barley's genetic and physiological mechanisms controlling tillering and other developmental traits.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Amira M. Mourad, Shamseldeen Eltaher, Andreas Boerner, Ahmed Sallam
Summary: This study provides insights into the genetic control of kernel yield under controlled and heavy metals conditions, which is crucial for breeding wheat varieties tolerant to lead and tin.
Article
Plant Sciences
Matias Schierenbeck, Ahmad M. M. Alqudah, Samar G. G. Thabet, Ulrike Lohwasser, Maria Rosa Simon, Andreas Boerner
Summary: This study aimed to identify QTNs/candidate genes influencing drought tolerance-related traits in a diverse winter wheat panel. The results revealed that candidate genes have significant effects on the variation of drought tolerance traits and show different gene expressions under different stress conditions. These findings provide insights into the genetic adaptation and improvement of wheat under water shortage conditions at early developmental stages.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Elsayed A. Mohamed, Asmaa A. M. Ahmed, Matias Schierenbeck, Mohamed Y. Hussein, P. Stephen Baenziger, Andreas Boerner, Ahmed Sallam
Summary: In this study, the tolerance of 41 spring wheat genotypes to drought stress at the germination stage was tested. The Citr15314 genotype showed the best performance under both PEG concentrations. Furthermore, the effect of two genes, TaDreb-B1 and Fehw3, on drought tolerance at the germination stage was studied.
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Ahmed Sallam, Ahmad M. Alqudah, P. Stephen Baenziger, Awais Rasheed
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Samar G. Thabet, Ahmad M. Alqudah
Summary: Plant biologists aimed to improve barley adaptation to salinity stress through genetic improvement. A study was conducted to explore the natural variation of responsive physiological and agronomic traits in a diverse spring barley panel under salt-affected soil and the application of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NP) during the vegetative phase. Significant phenotypic variation was observed among the accessions in response to salt stress. The application of 1 mM Se-NP enhanced thousand kernel weight (TKW) by 28% and reduced the Na+ content in the flag leaves by 53%. Genomic analysis revealed 146 associated SNPs with salt-responsive traits, with high significant SNPs located within or near candidate genes involved in stress tolerance mechanisms. The study also showed that allelic variation in genes associated with traits under Se-NP improved ion homeostasis, antioxidant metabolism, nitrogen uptake, and ultimately grain yield.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Schmidt, John Jacobs, Thomas Schmutzer, Ahmad M. Alqudah, Wiebke Sannemann, Klaus Pillen, Andreas Maurer
Summary: To understand the natural variation of nitrogen uptake efficiency (UPE), a winter wheat population was phenotyped under different nitrogen levels and analyzed using a genome-wide association study. A total of 543 QTL related to nitrogen were identified, with 42 stable QTL detected across multiple weeks. Candidate genes associated with gibberellic acid-regulated growth and nitrate transporters were also identified. The results suggest that selection for UPE is beneficial under nitrogen-limited conditions.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tania Kartseva, Ahmad M. Alqudah, Vladimir Aleksandrov, Dalia Z. Alomari, Dilyana Doneva, Mian Abdur Rehman Arif, Andreas Boerner, Svetlana Misheva
Summary: Grain protein content is crucial for grain quality and nutritional value. Genetic variation in wheat germplasms was evaluated, and genomic regions associated with protein improvement were identified. The findings provide valuable information for breeding strategies to enhance genetic gains and nutritional quality in wheat.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shamseldeen Eltaher, Mostafa Hashem, Asmaa A. M. Ahmed, P. Stephen Baenziger, Andreas Boerner, Ahmed Sallam
Summary: With the advances in DNA markers, KASP markers have the potential to accelerate breeding programs and improve drought tolerance. In this study, two previously reported KASP markers, TaDreb-B1 and 1-FEH w3, were investigated for marker-assisted selection of drought tolerance. The results showed that TaDreb-B1 marker provided better consistency in improving drought tolerance than 1-FEH w3.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Samar G. Thabet, Mashael Daghash Alqahtani, Alae A. Jabbour, Ahmad M. Alqudah
Summary: Salinity stress has a significant impact on plant growth and yield. This study identified changes in metabolite, biochemical, and morphological phenotypes in barley under salt stress and discovered genetic markers associated with these traits.
PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTER
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Dalia Z. Alomari, Matias Schierenbeck, Ahmad M. Alqudah, Mashael Daghash Alqahtani, Steffen Wagner, Hardy Rolletschek, Ljudmilla Borisjuk, Marion S. Roeder
Summary: Protein deficiency is a major global health issue that is often underestimated. This study focused on wheat grains and identified genes that govern grain protein content (GPC), which can be used to improve human health. Genome-wide association was applied to analyze 369 wheat genotypes, and 54 significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were detected. These QTNs have contrasting effects on GPC and are linked with candidate genes involved in protein binding, remobilization, or transport. The findings are valuable for enhancing protein content and improving human nutrition.
Article
Microbiology
Nashwa M. A. Sallam, Heba-Alla S. AbdElfatah, Hadeel M. M. Khalil Bagy, Ameer Elfarash, Kamal A. M. Abo-Elyousr, Edward J. Sikora, Ahmed Sallam
Summary: Controlling early blight of tomatoes using endophytic bacteria is an eco-friendly and sustainable approach. Three endophytic bacterial isolates, namely Enterobacter cloacae HS-6 (B4), Pseudomonas gessardii HS-5 (B7), and Pseudomonas mediterranea HS-4 (B17), were found to be effective against the growth of pathogenic fungal isolates. The expression of the defense response gene beta-1.3 glucanase increased significantly after inoculation with the efficient biocontrol agent E. cloacae.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samar M. Esmail, Diego Jarquin, Andreas Boerner, Ahmed Sallam
Summary: This study evaluated the NB and PM resistance of 122 diverse barley genotypes from 34 countries and found high genetic variation among the genotypes. No significant correlation was found between PM and NB resistance, but 21 genotypes immune to both diseases were identified. Furthermore, GWAS identified SNP markers associated with increased resistance to PM and NB.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ibrahim M. Makhadmeh, Samar G. Thabet, Mohammed Ali, Basmah Alabbadi, Ammar Albalasmeh, Ahmad M. Alqudah
Summary: This study evaluated the performance and response of 39 tomato landraces from Jordan under salt stress conditions. The results showed significant variations in morphological traits at the seedling stage, and landrace number 24 exhibited the highest salt tolerance. Genetic characterization using SSR markers revealed a high level of genetic diversity among the landraces. This research provides valuable insights for improving salt tolerance in tomato breeding programs.
JOURNAL OF GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)