Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaolin Hu, Qiye Wei, Hongying Wu, Yuanxiang Huang, Xiaojian Peng, Guomin Han, Qing Ma, Yang Zhao
Summary: This research systematically identified lncRNAs in the maize inbred line CM1 using high-throughput sequencing. The study found lncRNAs that exhibited significant differential expression under heat stress and predicted their target genes. A lncRNA-mediated regulatory network was constructed to visualize the molecular response mechanism to heat stress.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yanrong Zhang, Fuchao Jiao, Jun Li, Yuhe Pei, Meiai Zhao, Xiyun Song, Xinmei Guo
Summary: By studying the large-grain mutant tc19, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in maize grain development, which could potentially be applied to improve maize performance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meiling Liu, Wenshu He, Ao Zhang, Lijun Zhang, Daqiu Sun, Yuan Gao, Pengzun Ni, Xinglin Ma, Zhenhai Cui, Yanye Ruan
Summary: This study analyzed three maize recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations and found that shank length (SL) is a highly heritable quantitative trait, positively correlated with husk length (HL), husk number (HN), ear length (EL), and ear weight (EW). Among the identified ten quantitative trait loci (QTL) for SL, five were large-effect QTL, explaining a portion of the total phenotypic variation of SL.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Guifang Lin, Cheng He, Jun Zheng, Dal-Hoe Koo, Ha Le, Huakun Zheng, Tej Man Tamang, Jinguang Lin, Yan Liu, Mingxia Zhao, Yangfan Hao, Frank McFraland, Bo Wang, Yang Qin, Haibao Tang, Donald R. McCarty, Hairong Wei, Myeong-Je Cho, Sunghun Park, Heidi Kaeppler, Shawn M. Kaeppler, Yunjun Liu, Nathan Springer, Patrick S. Schnable, Guoying Wang, Frank F. White, Sanzhen Liu
Summary: This study successfully assembled the chromosome-level genome of maize inbred line A188 using long reads and optical maps, revealing syntenic sequences with B73 and extensive structural variations in A188. The increased copy number of ccd1 in A188 leads to reduced carotenoid accumulation in seeds, affecting the seed phenotype. Additionally, transcriptome and epigenome analysis identified differences in gene expression and DNA methylation patterns in different tissues of A188.
Article
Agronomy
Fei Ge, Jingtao Qu, Peng Liu, Lang Pan, Chaoying Zou, Guangsheng Yuan, Cong Yang, Guangtang Pan, Jianwei Huang, Langlang Ma, Yaou Shen
Summary: In this study, the genome sequence and annotation of the maize inbred line A188 were obtained using single-molecule sequencing and optical genome mapping. A188 exhibited high phenotypic variation compared to other inbred lines. Comparative analysis revealed large structural divergence in the A188 genome compared to the B73, Mo17, and W22 genomes, which might contribute to protein and phenotypic variation. Additionally, A188 was found to have a high capacity for inducing embryonic callus formation, making it a valuable tool for studying the molecular mechanism underlying callus formation in maize.
Article
Plant Sciences
Harjot Kaur, Mohammed Kyum, Surinder Sandhu, Gagandeep Singh, Priti Sharma
Summary: The optimized protocol using CIMMYT haploid inducer CIM2GTAIL P2 significantly improves the haploid induction rate and survival rate in sub-tropical maize, accelerating the hybrid breeding program and reducing the production cost of doubled haploid.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cesar D. Petroli, Guntur V. Subbarao, Juan A. Burgueno, Tadashi Yoshihashi, Huihui Li, Jorge Franco Duran, Kevin V. Pixley
Summary: A study found that maize root systems release glycosides that can inhibit the activity of nitrifiers and reduce soil nitrate formation in the root zone. Through genetic variation analysis, several maize varieties with high glycoside activity and the ability to release glycosides were identified, and genetic markers associated with these traits were found, providing the possibility of improving glycoside activity in maize through marker-assisted selection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shujun Nie, Bo Wang, Haiping Ding, Haijian Lin, Li Zhang, Qigui Li, Yujiao Wang, Bin Zhang, Anping Liang, Qi Zheng, Hui Wang, Huayang Lv, Kun Zhu, Minghui Jia, Xiaotong Wang, Jiyuan Du, Runtai Zhao, Zhenzhen Jiang, Caina Xia, Zhenghao Qiao, Xiaohu Li, Boyan Liu, Hongbo Zhu, Rong An, Yucui Li, Qian Jiang, Benfang Chen, Hongkai Zhang, Dening Wang, Changxiao Tang, Yang Yuan, Jie Dai, Jing Zhan, Weiqiang He, Xuebo Wang, Jian Shi, Bin Wang, Min Gong, Xiujing He, Peng Li, Li Huang, Hui Li, Chao Pan, Hong Huang, Guangsheng Yuan, Hai Lan, Yongxin Nie, Xinzheng Li, Xiangyu Zhao, Xiansheng Zhang, Guangtang Pan, Qingyu Wu, Fang Xu, Zhiming Zhang
Summary: A high-quality de novo genome assembly of the Chinese elite inbred line RP125 was generated, revealing a large number of structural variations and leading to the identification of the novel kernel mutant qk1 with impacts on Fe transport and endosperm development. This study provides important resources for maize research and crop improvement.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sirlene Viana de Faria, Leandro Tonello Zuffo, Wemerson Mendonca Rezende, Diego Goncalves Caixeta, Helcio Duarte Pereira, Camila Ferreira Azevedo, Rodrigo Oliveira DeLima
Summary: In this study, the genetic diversity and population differentiation of tropical maize inbred lines from a breeding program in Brazil were characterized. The results showed significant variation in both phenotypic and genotypic characteristics among the inbred lines. The population structure analysis identified three subpopulations, which could be useful for future breeding programs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claude Welcker, Nadir Abusamra Spencer, Olivier Turc, Italo Granato, Romain Chapuis, Delphine Madur, Katia Beauchene, Brigitte Gouesnard, Xavier Draye, Carine Palaffre, Josiane Lorgeou, Stephane Melkior, Colin Guillaume, Thomas Presterl, Alain Murigneux, Randall J. Wisser, Emilie J. Millet, Fred van Eeuwijk, Alain Charcosset, Francois Tardieu
Summary: Phenomic and genomic approaches are required to evaluate breeding strategies. The analysis of 65 years of genetic progress in maize shows that breeders have selected traits with stable effects on yield but not for adaptive traits. Simple physiological traits have been linked to yield gains, while traits related to stress adaptation have remained unchanged. New breeding strategies may be needed to exploit alleles governing physiological adaptive traits for yield stability under climate change.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Stella Bigirwa Ayesiga, Patrick Rubaihayo, Bonny Michael Oloka, Isaac Onziga Dramadri, Richard Edema, Julius Pyton Sserumaga
Summary: The use of molecular markers allows breeders to accurately estimate genetic diversity and select parental lines. We studied the genetic diversity and population structure of 151 tropical maize inbred lines using SNP markers. The results showed high genetic diversity within individual inbred lines and low genetic differentiation among populations. Clustering analysis classified the inbred lines into four major groups. These findings are important for breeders to understand and utilize the genetic diversity available in maize inbred lines.
PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTER
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Huanhuan Liu, Huan Wang, Cong Shao, Youle Han, Yonghui He, Zhitong Yin
Summary: In this study, we identified QTLs controlling stalk diameter and rind penetrometer resistance in maize through constructing a recombinant inbred line population. Some of these QTLs were enriched in specific clusters, which further elucidated the genetic mechanism of maize stalk strength.
Article
Plant Sciences
Henrique Uliana Trentin, Recep Yavuz, Abil Dermail, Ursula Karoline Frei, Somak Dutta, Thomas Lubberstedt
Summary: The effectiveness of haploid induction systems depends on high haploid induction rate (HIR) and resource savings. An isolation field approach for hybrid induction is proposed. The success of efficient haploid production relies on inducer traits such as high HIR, abundant pollen production, and tall plants. Evaluation of seven hybrid inducers and their respective parents showed that mid-parent heterosis benefited plant height, ear height, and tassel size. Two promising hybrid inducers, BH201/LH82-Ped126 and BH201/LH82-Ped128, were identified for haploid induction in isolation fields. Hybrid inducers offer convenience and resource-effectiveness by improving plant vigor without compromising HIR.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yang Cao, Jingtao Qu, Haoqiang Yu, Qingqing Yang, Wanchen Li, Fengling Fu
Summary: The study found that the inbred line 18-599 not only accumulated elite genes, but also acquired genetic divergence, allowing it to adapt to diverse ecological conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Huyen Bui, Robert Greenhalgh, Gunbharpur S. Gill, Meiyuan Ji, Andre H. Kurlovs, Christian Ronnow, Sarah Lee, Ricardo A. Ramirez, Richard M. Clark
Summary: This study identified certain maize lines with high resistance to Tetranychus urticae, but not to Oligonychus pratensis. It found QTL on chromosome 6 related to resistance to T. urticae, part of which originated from line B96.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Sikiru Adeniyi Atanda, Michael Olsen, Juan Burgueno, Jose Crossa, Daniel Dzidzienyo, Yoseph Beyene, Manje Gowda, Kate Dreher, Xuecai Zhang, Boddupalli M. Prasanna, Pangirayi Tongoona, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, Gbadebo Olaoye, Kelly R. Robbins
Summary: The primary objective of this study was to identify optimal experimental and training set designs to maximize prediction accuracy of GS in CIMMYT's maize breeding programs. By optimizing training set design strategies, the use of related data for genomic prediction can be efficient, leading to improved prediction accuracy. Using multiple bi-parental populations as training sets and selecting them using algorithms to maximize relatedness can significantly improve prediction accuracy in genomic selection.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Prince E. Norman, Agyemang Danquah, Asrat Asfaw, Pangirayi B. Tongoona, Eric Y. Danquah, Robert Asiedu
Summary: The study found that seed germination and yield traits of seed-progenies were significantly influenced by the mating designs, showing variations within and among NC-1 and polycross families. Progenies from polycross mating exhibited better germination speed, seedling growth, and tuber elongation compared to those from NC-1 mating. The study suggests the importance of seed germination and seedling attributes in selecting superior yam progenies in early generation stage trials.
Article
Agronomy
Mathieu Anatole Tele Ayenan, Agyemang Danquah, Peter Hanson, Isaac K. Asante, Eric Y. Danquah
Summary: Heat stress has a negative impact on tomato production globally, and breeding thermotolerant varieties is essential for adaptation. This study identified significant genetic variations among different tomato entries under long term mild heat stress, providing valuable information for improving heat tolerance in tomato.
Article
Plant Sciences
Luka A. O. Awata, Beatrice E. Ifie, Eric Danquah, MacDonald Bright Jumbo, L. Mahabaleswara Suresh, Manje Gowda, Philip W. Marchelo-Dragga, Michael Scott Olsen, Oluwaseyi Shorinola, Nasser Kouadio Yao, Prasanna M. Boddupalli, Pangirayi B. Tongoona
Summary: Maize lethal necrosis (MLN), caused by co-infection of maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), can lead to significant yield losses in Africa. Utilizing molecular tools, resistance QTL from a donor parent were successfully transferred into susceptible maize lines and validated under different field conditions, resulting in the identification of 19 elite BC3F2 lines with improved resistance to MLN. Further studies are needed to strengthen the linkage between markers and target genes for more effective breeding.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mathieu Anatole Tele Ayenan, Agyemang Danquah, Paterne A. Agre, Peter Hanson, Isaac Kwadwo Asante, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah
Summary: Assessment of genetic variability in heat-tolerant tomato germplasm is essential for improving yield and fruit quality under heat stress. By analyzing the population structure and diversity using genomic markers and phenotypic evaluation, this study identified distinct clusters of heat-sensitive and heat-tolerant varieties in the germplasm collection, providing a basis for efficient selection of parental lines for breeding heat-tolerant varieties.
Article
Agronomy
Beatrice Elohor Ifie, Nana Afranaa Kwapong, Mawulawoe Anato-Dumelo, Beatrice Agyapomaa Konadu, Pangirayi Bernard Tongoona, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah
Summary: The study found that the adoption of maize hybrids in Ghana is low, mainly due to constraints such as high production costs and pests and diseases. However, the majority of farmers expressed willingness to adopt maize hybrid seeds, with gender, age, and high yield being significant influencing factors.
ACTA AGRICULTURAE SCANDINAVICA SECTION B-SOIL AND PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leander D. Melomey, Mathieu A. T. Ayenan, George Marechera, Pearl Abu, Agyemang Danquah, David Tarus, Eric Y. Danquah
Summary: Tomato production in Ghana is mainly conducted by male smallholder farmers. The major challenges faced include diseases, pests, and poor access to water for irrigation. Key criteria for farmer and market preferences include high yield, large fruit size, red color, time to maturity, and disease resistance.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Alimatu Sadia Osuman, Baffour Badu-Apraku, Benjamin Karikari, Beatrice Elohor Ifie, Pangirayi Tongoona, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah
Summary: The study evaluated 162 tropical maize inbred lines and identified SNP markers and candidate genes associated with the tolerance of maize to combined heat and drought stresses. Some of the SNP markers had pleiotropic effects on multiple traits, and several genes regulating plant responses to various stresses were also identified. These findings provide valuable information for breeding climate smart maize varieties that can adapt to tropical conditions.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Kassahun Sadessa, Yoseph Beyene, Beatrice E. Ifie, L. M. Suresh, Michael S. Olsen, Veronica Ogugo, Dagne Wegary, Pangirayi Tongoona, Eric Danquah, Samuel Kwame Offei, Boddupalli M. Prasanna, Manje Gowda
Summary: In this study, 879 doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from 26 biparental populations were evaluated for agronomic traits and disease resistance. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified several SNPs associated with grain yield, anthesis date, height, and disease resistance. Genomic prediction showed moderate-to-high accuracy. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of MLN resistance, grain yield, and other agronomic traits.
Article
Agronomy
Luka A. O. Awata, Beatrice E. Ifie, Eric Danquah, Pangirayi Tongoona, L. M. Suresh, Manje Gowda, Philip W. Marchelo-Dragga, Chelang'At Sitonik, Michael Olsen, Boddupalli M. Prasanna, McDonald B. Jumbo
Summary: The study compared the effectiveness of marker-assisted backcross (MABC) and doubled haploid (DH) methods in transferring genes for resistance to maize lethal necrosis (MLN). The results indicated that DH populations outperformed MABC populations in terms of resistance expression and heritability.
JOURNAL OF CROP IMPROVEMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alimatu Sadia Osuman, Baffour Badu-Apraku, Beatrice Elohor Ifie, Charles Nelimor, Pangirayi Tongoona, Ebenezer Obeng-Bio, Benjamin Karikari, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah
Summary: Information on combining ability and heterotic patterns of stress-tolerant inbred lines is crucial for developing climate-resilient maize hybrids. This study evaluated 150 single cross hybrids under different stress conditions, identified best testers, and classified inbred lines into heterotic groups. The best hybrids significantly out-performed the best controls in terms of yield under various stress conditions, indicating their potential for commercialization in sub-Saharan Africa.
Article
Agronomy
Mathieu Anatole Tele Ayenan, Agyemang Danquah, Peter Hanson, Isaac Kwadwo Asante, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of hybrids under heat stress, determined the combining abilities of parental lines and their crosses, and identified an efficient heterotic grouping method. Most hybrids outperformed their parents and commercial hybrids under heat stress. The SNP-based heterotic grouping method was more efficient than the GCA-based method and classified the hybrids into three groups.
Article
Agronomy
Wisdom Edem Anyomi, Michael Teye Barnor, Agyemang Danquah, Kwadwo Ofori, Francis Kwame Padi, Silas Wintuma Avicor, Iago Hale, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah
Summary: Due to the rapid genetic erosion of shea trees, urgent conservation efforts are needed. In situ germplasm conservation has been established to monitor and preserve the trees. Technologies have been developed to graft shea germplasms, allowing for the establishment of germplasm banks. This study evaluated the fruit and nut traits of tagged shea trees in their natural habitats.
Article
Agronomy
Godfrey Sseremba, Pangirayi Bernard Tongoona, Pascal Musoli, John Saviour Yaw Eleblu, Leander Dede Melomey, Daphne Nyachaki Bitalo, Evans Atwijukire, Joseph Mulindwa, Naome Aryatwijuka, Edgar Muhumuza, Judith Kobusinge, Betty Magambo, Godfrey Hubby Kagezi, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, Gerald Kyalo, Emmanuel Iyamulemye, Geofrey Arinaitwe
Summary: The study investigates the drought tolerance of half-sib seeds from selected Robusta coffee clones. The KR7 family shows the best performance in terms of tolerance to deficit watering, and a group of 10 individuals with high drought and heat tolerance potential are identified.
Article
Horticulture
Mathieu Anatole Tele Ayenan, Agyemang Danquah, Peter Hanson, Isaac Kwadwo Asante, Eric Yirenkyi Danquah
Summary: This study assessed the effects of heat stress on tomato yield in coastal areas in West Africa and explored stress tolerance indices to identify heat tolerant genotypes. The results showed that tomatoes performed best in optimal season conditions, while yield was lower under humid and dry heat stress conditions. The use of stress tolerance indices helped identify heat tolerant genotypes.