Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qihong Yang, Ye Li, Liangyu Cai, Guiyun Gan, Peng Wang, Weiliu Li, Wenjia Li, Yaqin Jiang, Dandan Li, Mila Wang, Cheng Xiong, Riyuan Chen, Yikui Wang
Summary: By comparing and analyzing the chloroplast genomes of thirteen Solanum species, researchers have revealed the origin and evolution of eggplant and its wild relatives. The study provides molecular evidence of the relationship between eggplant and its relatives, which has implications for eggplant breeding.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Carlos E. Gonzalez-Orozco, Chrystian C. Sosa, Andrew H. Thornhill, Shawn W. Laffan
Summary: This study examines the distribution and conservation status of crop wild relatives in Colombia, finding that areas with the highest phylogenetic diversity are mainly located in the northern part of the Andes and the Pacific region. Priority levels for conservation actions are categorized based on the phylogenetic diversity of species, with high priority species mainly found in these high diversity regions.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Lide Chen, Yuan Ren, Jun Zhao, Yuting Wang, Xueqing Liu, Xueqing Zhao, Zhaohe Yuan
Summary: In this study, the chloroplast genome of wild pomegranate was analyzed based on whole genome shotgun sequences. The genome size was found to be 158,645 bp, containing 132 genes with 84 protein genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The distribution and characteristics of cpSSRs were also identified. Phylogenetic validation revealed the relationship between wild pomegranate and another species. The findings of this study provide valuable information for breeding research of wild pomegranate.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chu-Yu Ye, Longjiang Fan
Summary: The article provides an overview of genomic studies on orphan crops, focusing on orphan cereals and their wild relatives. Genomes of at least 12 orphan cereals and/or their wild relatives have been sequenced, with potential for genetic improvement in both orphan and major crops in the genomic era.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Feng Li, Ying Liu, Junhui Wang, Peiyao Xin, Jiangtao Zhang, Kun Zhao, Minggang Zhang, Huiling Yun, Wenjun Ma
Summary: This study sequenced and analyzed the chloroplast genomes of six taxa within the genus Catalpa, revealing their structural characteristics and phylogenetic relationships. The research highlighted the structural features of the chloroplast genome and its significance in phylogenetics.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Kuldip Jayaswall, Himanshu Sharma, Abhishek Bhandawat, R. Sagar, Deepanshu Jayaswal, Akash Kumar, Pratibha Chaturvedi, Vijay Mahajan, Sanjay Kumar, Major Singh
Summary: Developed cpSSR markers were utilized to study genetic relationships among Allium species, providing valuable insights for varietal identification, purity testing, and genetic improvement of alliums.
GENETIC RESOURCES AND CROP EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shaun Curtin, Yiping Qi, Lazaro E. P. Peres, Alisdair R. Fernie, Agustin Zsogon
Summary: Growing knowledge about crop domestication and advancements in gene-editing tools create opportunities for the continued domestication of crop wild relatives and lesser-known plant species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hamid Bina, Hamed Yousefzadeh, Anthony Venon, Carine Remoue, Agnes Rousselet, Matthieu Falque, Shadab Faramarzi, Xilong Chen, Jarkyn Samanchina, David Gill, Akylai Kabaeva, Tatiana Giraud, Batool Hosseinpour, Hamid Abdollahi, Ivan Gabrielyan, Anush Nersesyan, Amandine Cornille
Summary: The study identified two genetically distinct cultivated populations in Iran and seven genetically differentiated populations of wild apple. Iran was confirmed as a key region in the domestication of apple, and the domestication of the apple tree involved multiple origins in different geographic locations and substantial crop-wild hybridization.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Tae-Ho Park
Summary: This study assembled and analyzed the chloroplast genome of Solanum hjertingii, a wild tuber-bearing species. The genome was found to be circular in structure and contain multiple genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between S. hjertingii and other species in the Solanum genus.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Freitas, Malgorzata A. Gazda, Miguel A. Rebelo, Antonio J. Munoz-Pajares, Carlos Vila-Vicosa, Antonio Munoz-Merida, Luis M. Goncalves, David Azevedo-Silva, Sandra Afonso, Isaura Castro, Pedro H. Castro, Mariana Sottomayor, Albano Beja-Pereira, Joao Tereso, Nuno Ferrand, Elsa Goncalves, Antero Martins, Miguel Carneiro, Herlander Azevedo
Summary: This study used whole-genome resequencing to elucidate different aspects of the recent evolutionary history of grapevine, supporting a model in which a central domestication event was followed by postdomestication hybridization with local wild genotypes. The research found a strong introgression signature in modern wine varieties across Western Europe, with a subset of Iberian grapevine varieties showing large introgression tracts. The analysis demonstrated how regions under selection in wild populations from the Iberian Peninsula were preferentially passed on to the cultivated varieties through gene flow.
Article
Agronomy
Frederike Zeibig, Benjamin Kilian, Hakan Oezkan, Sumitra Pantha, Michael Frei
Summary: De novo domestication, which involves modifying the domestication genes in crop wild relatives using genome editing, is a method that utilizes the beneficial genetic diversity of these wild relatives. Phenotyping is a necessary step in identifying suitable genetic materials for cultivation in a specific environment. Certain wild wheats from the wheat genepool have shown to be adaptable to central European conditions and have desirable traits for domestication.
FOOD AND ENERGY SECURITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Makenzie E. Mabry, Sarah D. Turner-Hissong, Evan Y. Gallagher, Alex C. McAlvay, Hong An, Patrick P. Edger, Jonathan D. Moore, David A. C. Pink, Graham R. Teakle, Chris J. Stevens, Guy Barker, Joanne Labate, Dorian Q. Fuller, Robin G. Allaby, Timothy Beissinger, Jared E. Decker, Michael A. Gore, J. Chris Pires
Summary: Research on Brassica oleracea has identified its closest living wild relative and supported an origin of cultivation in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Additionally, the study found several feral lineages, indicating that cultivated plants of this species can revert to a wild-like state with relative ease.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Jens C. Ulrich, Tara L. Moreau, Erika Luna-Perez, Kephra I. S. Beckett, Lili K. Simon, Zoe Migicovsky, Axel Diederichsen, Colin K. Khoury
Summary: In the face of global pressures of change and biodiversity loss, crop wild relatives (CWR) and wild-utilized species (WUS) urgently require conservation attention. The inventory of 779 CWR and WUS taxa in Canada includes species related to food crops of national and global importance. While most food crop CWR are represented in ex situ collections, representation of within-species diversity is low, emphasizing the need for an integrative conservation strategy that focuses on in situ protection. A web application is presented to further promote conservation action and identify underrepresented ecogeographic types.
Article
Plant Sciences
Joan Pere Pascual-Diaz, Sonia Garcia, Daniel Vitales
Summary: Plastid genomes in Asteraceae are generally highly conserved, with specific rearrangements being phylogenetically informative. This study provided a comprehensive plastome-based phylogeny of Asteraceae, revealing structural information, genetic diversity, and repeat composition. Despite the presence of a double inversion in most species, there are exceptions in basal tribes lacking a specific pseudogene. The phylogenomic analysis based on protein-coding genes, transfer RNA genes, and ribosomal RNA genes showed consistency with the family's general consensus, while also highlighting some incongruences between nuclear and plastid DNA data at the tribe level.
Article
Plant Sciences
H. Myrans, R. M. Gleadow
Summary: Domesticated sorghum possesses the ability to maintain hazardous concentrations of cyanogenic glucosides in its leaves, a trait that is absent in wild sorghum taxa from other subgenera. This ability may have evolved during the divergence of the subgenus Eusorghum from other Sorghum subgenera, rather than during the speciation or domestication of S. bicolor.
Article
Horticulture
Gennaro Fazio, Jaume Lordan, Michael A. Grusak, Poliana Francescatto, Terence L. Robinson
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2020)
Article
Agronomy
Patrick A. Reeves, Hannah M. Tetreault, Christopher M. Richards
Article
Horticulture
Gemma Reig, Jaume Lordan, Stephen Hoying, Michael Fargione, Daniel J. Donahue, Poliana Francescatto, Dana Acimovic, Gennaro Fazio, Terence Robinson
Article
Plant Sciences
Zoe Migicovsky, Kyle M. Gardner, Christopher Richards, C. Thomas Chao, Heidi R. Schwaninger, Gennaro Fazio, Gan-Yuan Zhong, Sean Myles
Summary: The study reveals the close genetic relationship between modern apple cultivars and the primary progenitor species from Central Asia, as well as the European crabapple's influence on cider apples. The USDA apple collection forms a large complex pedigree with many interconnected relationships, including with top cultivars produced in the USA. Intense selection for traits like red skin and increased firmness has been observed, along with the potential benefits of exploiting the natural genetic diversity of apples for future improvements.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Nikwan Shariatipour, Bahram Heidari, Christopher M. Richards
Summary: Through Meta-QTL analysis, this study integrated QTL information on iron and zinc contents from seven independent segregating populations, identifying MQTLs that play important roles in genetic control of grain zinc and iron traits. These MQTLs were predominantly distributed in the non-telomeric and sub-telomeric chromosomal regions, with narrower confidence intervals. The results revealed a high co-location of QTLs for zinc and iron contents, suggesting the potential for simultaneous improvement of both micronutrients and wheat biofortification.
Review
Plant Sciences
Colin K. Khoury, Stephen Brush, Denise E. Costich, Helen Anne Curry, Stef Haan, Johannes M. M. Engels, Luigi Guarino, Sean Hoban, Kristin L. Mercer, Allison J. Miller, Gary P. Nabhan, Hugo R. Perales, Chris Richards, Chance Riggins, Imke Thormann
Summary: Crop diversity is crucial for agriculture productivity, resilience, and adaptive capacity. Loss of this diversity, known as crop genetic erosion, is a major concern. Evidence shows that changes in crop diversity have led to significant losses, maintenance, and increases in various contexts, depending on species, scale, region, and analytical approach. Further research and actions are needed to understand and mitigate the impacts of crop genetic erosion.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nikwan Shariatipour, Bahram Heidari, Zahra Shams, Christopher Richards
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the drought tolerance of common Kentucky bluegrass and investigate the relationship between polyphenol compounds and forage yield. The results showed that drought stress had negative effects on forage yield, but some polyphenols had higher heritability under drought conditions, suggesting potential for indirect selection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nikwan Shariatipour, Bahram Heidari, Ahmad Tahmasebi, Christopher Richards
Summary: Comparative genomics and MQTLs analysis are important for identifying stable QTLs and functional genes controlling quantitative traits. A meta-analysis of wheat QTLs found that the majority were located in non-telomeric regions of chromosomes, with micronutrient MQTLs concentrated on the A and D genomes. Co-localization of QTLs for traits like GY, Fe, and Zn provides insights into the genetic mechanisms driving quantitative variation in wheat, rice, and maize.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Gayle M. Volk, Patrick F. Byrne, Clarice J. Coyne, Sherry Flint-Garcia, Patrick A. Reeves, Chris Richards
Summary: Plant genebanks provide genetic resources for breeding and research programs, with access to high-quality, standardized data being crucial. Advances in technology allow for collection of phenomic and genomic data, which can directly inform breeding programs. Consideration of homogeneity and heterogeneity in genebank collections during data collection and documentation is important for meeting the needs of plant genetic resource managers and users.
Article
Plant Sciences
Charlotte Lusty, Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton, Luigi Guarino, Chris Richards, Nelissa Jamora, Geoffrey Hawtin
Summary: Genebanks were established to prevent the loss of crop diversity and provide genetic variation for future users. The connection between genebanks and current users has diminished over time, but large-scale distribution of germplasm continues worldwide. Rapid expansion of modern genomic technologies is transforming breeding and research, presenting opportunities for genebanks to adapt and become more efficient.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jean Carlos Bettoni, Gennaro Fazio, Larissa Carvalho Costa, Oscar P. P. Hurtado-Gonzales, Maher Al Rwahnih, Abby Nedrow, Gayle M. M. Volk
Summary: The combination of thermotherapy and cryotherapy treatment effectively eradicated ACLSV, ASGV, and AHVd from apple rootstocks. This provides virus- and viroid-free planting materials for the apple industry and supports the global exchange of apple germplasm.
Article
Agronomy
Saiedeh Gholami Baseri, Tooraj Honar, Bahram Heidari, Maryam Salami, Christopher M. Richards
Summary: Research on optimal sowing dates and irrigation for safflower shows significant effects on yield and oil traits. Early sowing and irrigation during the vegetative and flowering stages can improve water use efficiency and yield, making it an effective water conservation strategy in dry regions.
Article
Agronomy
Patrick A. Reeves, Christopher M. Richards
Summary: Valuable genetic variation in gene banks can now be explored through advances in molecular breeding techniques such as transgenics and genome editing. By using a pan-genome data structure, researchers have identified sequence variants in wild populations of a plant species that can contribute disease resistance genes to related crop species. This data structure, called a pooled read archive, enables the discovery of agriculturally-important sequence variation through standard tools.
MOLECULAR BREEDING
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Gayle M. Volk, Remi Bonnart, Annie Carolina Araujo de Oliveira, Adam D. Henk
Summary: This article introduces methods to minimize microbial contamination during tissue culture initiation and discusses the occurrence and elimination of endophytes during extended in vitro culture and recovery after cryopreservation. Two case studies were conducted to identify bacterial endophytes and propose antimicrobial treatments for plant tissue collections using advanced technologies.
APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Gennaro Fazio, Stuart Adams, Jaume Lordan, Nick Roberts, Terence L. Robinson, Brent Black
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
(2020)