Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key components of sustainable agricultural systems, enhancing nutrient uptake and plant productivity, particularly in phosphorus (P)-deficient soils. This study investigated the interactive effects of three AMF species (Glomus mosseae, G. intraradices, and G. etunicatum), four P application levels (25, 50, 75, and 100 kg P₂O₅ha⁻¹), and two peanut cultivars (Goli and NC7) on root colonization, growth, yield, and seed quality under field conditions in the semi-arid Moghan plain, Iran. A factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed significant interactions between AMF species and P levels across all measured traits. Glomus mosseae achieved the highest root colonization (35.6% at 25 kg P ha⁻¹), but colonization declined with increasing P. Glomus etunicatum consistently enhanced plant height, chlorophyll index, and bush yield across P levels, with a notable 11% yield increase over the control at the lowest P rate. Glomus intraradices showed a positive, P-dependent response, maximizing oil content and yield at 100 kg P ha⁻¹. Notably, non-inoculated plants exhibited the highest tissue P concentration at 100 kg P ha⁻¹, indicating a down regulation of the mycorrhizal pathway under high P availability. G. etunicatum also reduced non-ripened seed numbers, promoting seed maturity. The findings demonstrate that AMF efficacy is species-and context-dependent. G. etunicatum is highly effective under low to moderate P fertility, making it ideal for low-input systems, while G. intraradices performs best under high P. An integrated nutrient management strategy moderate P fertilization (45-60 kg ha⁻¹) combined with targeted AMF inoculation can optimize peanut productivity, improve seed quality, and promote sustainable soil
Hull-less pumpkins have been evolved due to a single recessive mutation and their consumption has numerous health benefits. The genetic variation in hull-less pumpkin is limited due to strong selection pressure for particular seed types and its cultivation in narrow geographical region. In this context, we have developed segregating populations from hull-less and hulled cultivars and selected 44 hull-less lines to broaden the genetic base of hull-less pumpkin. In the present study, 46 populations of hull-less pumpkin were characterized in terms of genetic variability, heritability and character association analysis. The morphological and biochemical characterization revealed significant variability for growth habit, quality (except dry matter), fruit, seed and oil yield. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed eleven significant PCs which explained 82.014% of total variation. Cluster analysis performed to assess the patterns of variation and germplasm under investigation, grouped it into five clusters. Growth habit, fruit, seed and oil yield show high positive correlation with other traits.
This three-year field study evaluated fruit and seed yield components in three morphologically distinct eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cultivars Domaci Srednje Dugi (DSD), Chinese Snake-shaped (CS), and Violeta Lunga di Romagna (VLR) under agroecological conditions of northern Serbia. Statistically highly significant differences were recorded among cultivars for all investigated traits, including plant height, fruit morphology, number of fruits per plant, fruit and seed yield per plant and per hectare, and the fruit-to-seed ratio. The VLR cultivar exhibited the highest fruit yield (33.5 t ha⁻¹), primarily due to its large fruit weight, while the DSD cultivar had the highest seed yield (420.0 kg ha⁻¹) and the most favorable fruit-to-seed ratio (67.9 g g⁻¹). Correlation analysis revealed strong interdependencies among yield traits. Fruit yield was positively associated with fruit weight and biomass per seed unit, while seed yield showed negative correlations with both plant height and fruit length. These findings suggest that genotypic variation is a key determinant of yield performance and biomass partitioning in eggplant, with implications for cultivar selection targeting either fruit production or seed efficiency.
This study investigated indigenous plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from Nigerian soils for their potential to enhance phosphorus availability and promote maize (Zea mays L.) growth. Five bacterial isolates obtained from soil collected at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti field were screened for key plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, ammonia production, and hydrolytic enzyme activities (α-amylase and pectinase). Two promising isolates, IS-4 and IS-5, were selected for molecular identification. Among them, IS-5 showed the strongest overall plant growth-promoting performance, exhibiting moderate phosphate solubilization (PSI = 2.90), the highest IAA production, ammonia production, and pectinase activity. IS-4 was selected as a representative isolate from the preliminary screening. Whole-genome sequencing identified IS-5 as Enterobacter hormaechei OYAS29 and IS-4 as Acinetobacter sp. OYAS30.A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Enterobacter hormaechei OYAS29 on soil phosphorus availability and maize growth. Treatment with OYAS29 slightly increased available phosphorus in soil from 0.4905 ppm in the control to 0.4934 ppm. Inoculated maize plants also showed improved growth compared with the control, including increases in plant height (26.12%), stem girth (30.03%), leaf length (24.78%), root length (39.88%), and total biomass (58.69%). Overall, the results indicate that E. hormaechei OYAS29 has strong potential as an indigenous PGPR for sustainable maize production and improved phosphorus availability in soil.
Milk β-casein variants, particularly A1 and A2, have gained attention due to their impact on digestibility and potential health effects. The CSN2 gene, located on bovine chromosome 6, encodes β-casein, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 7 differentiates the A1 (histidine) and A2 (proline) alleles. The A1 variant is associated with the release of β-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), which has been controversially linked to health concerns such as type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while A2 milk is considered easier to digest and more suitable for sensitive consumers. This study aimed to genotype selected cattle breeds for CSN2 variants using PCR and Sanger sequencing. Blood samples were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted via the phenol- chloroform method. A 121 bp region of exon 7 was amplified using gene-specific primers, followed by electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing for SNP detection. Chromatogram analysis revealed three genotypes: A1A1, A1A2, and A2A2, with heterozygotes being most prevalent. Sanger sequencing proved to be a precise, reliable tool for confirming genotypes, especially in distinguishing heterozygous conditions and avoiding ambiguities common in conventional PCR methods. The allele distribution observed aligns with previous findings in both indigenous and exotic cattle breeds and supports the growing emphasis on A2 milk in breeding programs. Future prospects include expanding genotyping across larger herds, studying correlations between β-casein variants and milk production traits, and applying marker-assisted selection (MAS) to establish A2A2-dominant lines, which would enhance both dairy quality and market value for health-focused milk production.
A study was conducted to determine the genetic diversity and differentiation in selected in digenous breeds of cattle in Nigeria at Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 gene locus. Ninety-six (96) cattle (n = 24 per breed) were sampled purposively across Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Sokoto States. Blood samples were collected from the animals via jugular venipuncture. DNA was extracted using a DNA purification kit, and quality and quantity were assessed with a NanoDrop-1000 UV spectrophotometer. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotyped for an IGF-1 fragment using PCR-RFLP with the SnaBI restriction enzyme using Zymo Quick DNA TMMini prep kit. Data collected were subjected to F Statistics analysis using GenAIEx software package. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) of cattle revealed 61% of within population, 30% of the variance was attributed to among individuals and 9% was due to among population. The TT genotype appeared to be the highest, followed by CT genotype whereas the CC genotype was the least. Complete polymorphism was observed at the IGF-1 gene locus and the gene flow N (nm) over all populations for each locus was (2.595) and within population inbreeding coefficient (FIS) per population was (0.310). The expected heterozygosity (0.444) and unbiased expected heterozygosity (0.454) also appeared to be preponderant in Sokoto Gudali cattle breed compared to others breeds. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) marker revealed high level of genetic variations and diversity at IGF-1 gene locus among the population of cattle studied.
Responses of two tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L) hybrid genotypes Rally F1 (a1) and Pink Rock F1 (a2) to various doses (0 (b1), 0.5 (b2), 1.0 (b3), and 1.5 g L-1 (b4)) of soil application of humic acid (HA) were evaluated in terms of yield traits and quality of fruits, under greenhouse conditions in 2022. The results indicated that soil drenching with different concentrations of humic acid improved fruit productivity and quality in both tomato hybrids. The application of various biostimulant concentrations did not have a statistically significant effect on fruit weight, length, diameter, and yield, nor on the content of citric and malic acids, regardless of the tomato genotype. In contrast, the application of different biostimulant concentrations influenced the content of total acids, total sugars, dry matter, and vitamin C. The a1b3 product was the highest quality product according to the analyzed parameters. The a2 genotype produced a higher-quality product compared to the a1 genotype, without the use of biostimulants (b1). A high negative correlation coefficient was observed between vitamin C and total acids (r = -0.82), vitamin C and malic acids (r = -0.88), total sugars and total acids (r = -0.69), and total sugars and oxalic acid (r = -0.82). PCA analysis showed that the statistically significant responses of the analyzed parameters depend more on changes in the concentration of biostimulants than on the genotype.
Advanced breeding lines from seven different crosses were evaluated in randomized Block Design during Kharif 2016 and 2017 for the study of genetic parameters. High broad sense heritability (Hbs) and genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAPM) were observed for seed yield per plant, biomass per plant and number of pods per plant that depicts additive gene action and hence selection based on these traits would be more reliable. Multi-parental crosses had in general higher estimates of heritability and genetic advance as compared to bi-parental crosses. Genetic usefulness (U) for yield contributing traits like pods per plant, 100 seed weight was higher in cross 2 whereas bi-parental crosses had high genetic usefulness for seed yield and biological yield per plant. Susceptibility of parental lines might have resulted in lower genetic usefulness in multi-parental crosses. Selection of diverse parents to be used in breeding programme should be undertaken while considering the susceptibility of parental lines to various biotic and abiotic factors responsible for yield losses.
Vegetable breeding for organic farming is the science and practice of developing new varieties suitable for organic production systems. The main aim is to enhance the potential of organic farming through development of new varieties. It is a holistic approach that respects natural crossing barriers and based on fertile plants that can establish a viable relationship with the living soil. A variety suitable for organic farming is obtained by breeding methods that are in compliance with the organic farming concept and is the result of a certified organic plant breeding programme. Breeding organic vegetable varieties is essential for the development of the organic vegetable sector and for the quality of organic vegetables. But at the same time it is an ambitious striving because it is not yet realised on a large scale, and still very much in development. Breeding vegetables for organic farming requires a systematic approach that considers the complexity of natural ecosystems and operates across multiple levels of plant biology.
In the present study, a comparative assessment of 15 white lupine accessions was made regarding productivity, stability, biochemical composition, and tolerance to Fusarium wilt under organic cultivation conditions. The results showed that accession Lp 425 was distinguished by the highest values in terms of plant height (90.3 cm), average daily growth rate (0.84 cm/day), aboveground biomass (48.23 g/plant) and seed productivity (20.93 g/plant). According to the values of the stability parameter YSi, Lp 01 (15.00+) and Lp 425 (14.00+) exhibited ecological stability. The same accessions were also characterized by a short vegetation period (109 days). Regarding seed quality, increased protein content was demonstrated by Lp 27/10, Lp 21, and Lp 125 (367.15-371.95 g/kg DM), and tolerance to F. oxysporum - by Lp 251, Lp 27/7, and Lp 125.The complex assessment regarding main quantitative characteristics, stability and vegetation period determined Lp 425 (rank 1) as the most suitable for organic growing. Despite the relatively high percentage of infected plants and disease severity score (compared to the others), Lp 425 realized the highest productivity. A good evaluation, although with a lower rank (2), was received by Lp 01.
Bauhinia vahlii Wight and Arn. belongs to the family Caesalpiniaceae and is commonly known as Maloo creeper or Toor. It is one of the important species whose leaves are even used as fodder and are commercially used as donas and pattals. It thrives well in the sub-Himalayan region ranging upto 1500 meters above mean sea level. The fruits (pods) were collected from different seed sources of Himachal Pradesh including four districts viz. Solan, Sirmour, Hamirpur and Kangra. Analysis of variance for different seedling characters revealed the significant variations. Highly significant correlation was found between collar diameter and other growth characters namely seedling height, internodal length and number of leaves in half-sib progenies. The genetic estimates worked out for mother tree leaf area and leaf length has shown promising possibilities for heritability (0.35) and genetic gain (10.15) respectively. The nursery growth performance of seedling height was estimated to show accountable genetic gain (16.17 %) and high heritability (0.68) for leaf length. The present study concluded that four seed source viz., Bhojnagar, Dharbanar, Kathar and Tauni Devi have most of the scalable performances on key characters like leaf foliage of half sibs as well as seedling growth potentials. These seed sources could further be evaluated at field conditions for effective selection of superior mother trees for further breeding programmes.
The aim was to identify the most valuable varieties combining high productivity and stress tolerance. Wheat varieties were grown in two locations in the country - Dobrich with favorable and Straldzha with stress conditions, for three consecutive years. The traits analyzed were (GY)-grain yield, (NPT)-number of productive tillers per m2 (WGS)-grain weight in the spike, (NGm)-number of grains per m2, (TBM) - total aboveground biomass and (DH)-date of heading, the values of which are strongly reduced under stress. The varieties were evaluated using different types of breeding indices for stress tolerance and stability. Based on reliably high correlations between the ranks of the indices and the values of the traits, it was found that only two of them, Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP) and Stress Tolerance Index (STI), correctly evaluate each quantitative trait under both types of conditions. Their application led to a correct division of the varieties into groups, according to the combination of tolerance and productivity. The attempt to evaluate grain yield using the GMP and STI indices of the other traits turned out to be not as effective as using the GY trait itself. The evaluation of the varieties using the Multi Trait Stability Index, (MTSI) and Multi-trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) identified a set of three valuable varieties for breeding and production: 9, 14 and 16. The data from this study could be useful as a model for extracting information about the quantitative trait characteristics of the variety, which would be maximally useful for practice.
In the fluctuating agro-climatic conditions breeders are concerned with information regarding combined effect of Genotype ? Environment interaction (G?E) and stability of the crop to boost up the breeding program. In the current work, an assessment was conducted on eleven different genotypes of Brassica juncea (L.) across five distinct locations to determine their grain yield. The experimental design employed a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement during the period of 2017-18. A combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, revealing significant variations in the yield among the genotypes. Stability was analysed using multiple parameters (regression slope, stability variance, etc.) on multi-environment trial data. Furthermore, the AMMI analysis demonstrated that the genotype ZBJ-10021 exhibited a highly desirable, high-yielding characteristic that was least influenced by environmental factors. Moreover, ZBJ-12011 exhibited the highest yield (2454 kg ha-1), followed closely by ZBJ-10021 (2367 kg ha-1). The implementation of a multivariate approach known as the Genotype main effect plus (GGE) biplot allowed for the exploration of 86% of the total yield variability, effectively representing the best-performing genotypes and environments in a graphical manner. The findings revealed that both ZBJ-10021 and ZBJ-12011 genotypes exhibited high grain yield with a relatively stable performance across various environments. Consequently, these genotypes hold potential for utilization in breeding programs aimed at developing stable genotypes with high yield. Additionally, to gain higher yield, cultivation of environment-specific genotypes is recommended.
The present study was conducted to characterize the qualitative traits of Fulani ecotype chickens in Nigeria. A total of 300 matured Fulani ecotype chickens (152 males and 148 females) were used for this study. The birds were obtained from 30 randomly selected households in two villages of the Lafia, Doma, Obi, Keana, and Awe Local Government areas, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The qualitative morphological traits (plumage colour and pattern, skin colour, eye colour, earlobe colour and shank colour and, feather morphology and distribution, comb type and comb size), of the Fulani ecotype chicken were analyzed for descriptive statistics using frequency procedures and cross-tabulation. The Kruskal-Wallis Test option of the non-parametric tests was employed to determine the effects of location and sex of the Fulani ecotype chickens on the proportion of each qualitative morphological trait. The association between locations and the qualitative traits were assessed using Correspondence Analysis, CHAID and Exhaustive CHAID algorithms. Diverse colours of plumage, eye, skin, comb, shank, and earlobe, as well as body shape, head shape, feather morphology, feather distribution, comb size, and types of local Fulani chickens, were observed. The most common plumage colour across the locations was ash (37.5%), followed by white (32.3%), multicolored (27.3%), black (27.0%), red (25.5%), and brown (24.0%). Significant variations among qualitative traits suggest underlying genetic diversity and environmental adaptation. These findings, combined with biometric and production traits, offer valuable insights for designing targeted genetic improvement programs aimed at enhancing the Fulani ecotype?s productivity and resilience in Nasarawa State?s varied environments.
Breast cancer is currently recognized as the most prevalent malignant tumor affecting women. It exhibits significant biological complexity, partly due to the regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs). Given the critical function of miRNAs in modulating gene activity, miRNA expression or function disruptions are frequently observed in cancer cells, including those in breast cancer. Also, NFATc4 and NFAT5 have been identified as targets of miR-93. This study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of miR-93-3p, along with NFATc4 and NFAT5 genes, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy women and women diagnosed with breast cancer. In this case-control study, blood samples were collected from 15 healthy women and 15 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. PBMCs were isolated from each sample, followed by RNA extraction and complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis. Gene expression levels of the target genes were then quantified using real-time PCR. Statistical analyses were conducted using R-Studio (version 4.4.1). The results indicated a significant reduction in the expression of NFATc4 and NFAT5 genes in PBMC from breast cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. Conversely, miR-93-3p expression was elevated in breast cancer patients relative to healthy women. These differences in gene expression were statistically significant at the 0.05 level, as determined by the Student?s T-test. In summary, this study reveals that miR-93-3p is upregulated, while NFATc4 and NFAT5 are downregulated in PBMCs of breast cancer patients. These expression changes underscore the potential of miR-93-3p and its targets as biomarkers for early breast cancer detection and may inform future therapeutic approaches. Further research with larger samples is recommended to validate these findings.
Quality protein maize (QPM) has a high content of the essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan that are deficient in standard maize kernels. Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje has a breeding program aimed to create QPM, using the integrated conventional and molecular breeding approach. The aim of this study was biochemical evaluation of a QPM hybrid, obtained by crossing adapted QPM inbred lines (commercial lines converted to their QPM version). Relevant nutritional parameters, such as protein, starch, lipid and amino acid content were analyzed, and tryptophan to protein ratio (TPR) was determined. The tryptophan content (Trp) was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the QPM hybrid in comparison with standard maize (SM) hybrid. Also, the Trp was 0.075%, which corresponds to the QPM threshold value. The tryptophan to protein ratio, as an indicator of improved nutritional protein quality, was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the QPM hybrid. The starch and lipid content were both significantly higher (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) compared to SM. Furthermore, a highly significant correlation (p<0.01) was identified between TPR and starch content, as well as a significant correlation (p<0.05) between TPR and lipid content, indicating the possibility of simultaneous selection and improvement of these traits in our breeding material. Biochemical evaluation has confirmed the improved nutritional value of this QPM hybrid, thus it was identified as a promising hybrid for use in the feed industry.
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major source of plant proteins, but its use is restricted by anti-nutritional factors such as the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI). Eliminating KTI improves protein digestibility and reduces processing costs in food and feed production. This study aimed to use simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in marker-assisted selection (MAS) for KTI-free soybean genotypes developed at the Maize Research Institute ?Zemun Polje? (MRIZP). The new breeding line L003, derived from a cross between the standard line L584 and the KTI-free cultivar ?Laura,? was analyzed. Fifty-two F? seeds were screened with SSR markers Satt228 and Satt409, and the observed results were validated by detecting possible KTI protein by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). In all L003 plants, homozygosity for the KTI-null genotype was observed by both SSR markers. Biochemical analysis showed the absence of the 21.5 kDa KTi protein band in L003, while the control genotype ?Lidija? with the dominant allele (TiTi) expressed KTI. Those results demonstrate a strong correlation between SSR marker profiles and the presence of KTI protein. Our results showed that both Satt228 and Satt409 are reliable tools for foreground selection in MAS, supporting the efficient development of KTI-free soybean cultivars. These results promote breeding strategies to develop nutritionally improved soybean varieties for food and feed industries without the necessity of thermal inactivating KTI.
The stability of yield and component traits in twenty-five cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) genotypes were studied under five sowing dates over two years at Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Data were subjected to the combined analysis of variance and trait stability by GGE biplot. The significant genotype -by-environment interactions for yield along with its component traits (gross plant weight, net curd weight, leaf length, leaf width, curd height, curd width, days to curd initiation, days to curd maturation, days to bolting, bolting percentage, number of leaves plant-1 and stalk length) demonstrated the potential to develop the environment specific cultivars. However, the temporal fluctuations in productivity emphasized the need to select for stability over several years in potential cultivars for the target environments. Genotypes CAUEP HYB-5, CAUEP HYB-3, CAUEP HYB-9, CAUSEL-1, Kartiki-3 and LS-1 were found to be highly suitable for sowing in early season while genotype CS-16, CAUMP VAR-1 and CAUSEL-2 were suitable for sowing in mid-season in terms of curd yield. Understanding of genotype-by-environment interactions for multiple traits in cauliflower is critical for developing cultivars with high mean performance and stability in target growing environments.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) faces increasing threats from various pathogens, including Cocadviroid latenshumuli also known as Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd), which causes dudding disease. Cocadviroid rimocitri, also known as Citrus Bark Cracking Viroid (CBCVd) severely affects hops, a close relative of hemp, raising concerns about its potential to infect hemp. This study investigated whether CBCVd can infect hemp and assessed tissue culture as a model for viroid research. Additionally, the effectiveness of in vitro synthesized viroid transcripts versus plant-derived RNA for infection was compared. Hemp tissue cultures were established and inoculated with CBCVd and HLVd transcripts or CBCVd and HLVd containing RNA. RT-PCR and sequencing confirmed infections, with transcript-based inoculation proving more effective than RNA-derived inoculation. CBCVd successfully infected hemp, expanding its known host range. No symptoms were observed in tissue cultures, but ex vitro acclimatized plants showed reduced growth, with HLVd-infected plant displaying the more severe effects than CBCVd-infected plant. This study provides the first evidence that CBCVd can artificially infect hemp under controlled conditions, highlighting potential transmission risks in agricultural settings. Additionally, tissue culture proved a valuable tool for viroid research, with transcript-based inoculation offering higher efficiency.
The cosmopolitan genus Desmodium incorporates numerous significant species with medicinal and fodder usage. The genus Ougeinia forms sister group with the Desmodium clade with low support, of which maximum genera of Desmodieae framed an unresolved and poorly supported clade. In addition, its phylogenetic placement is still uncertain. In this connection, the present study has been planned to assess its genetic relationship with other Desomodium species. Thirty-eight Desmodium species were explored utilizing non-coding rbcL barcode regions in chloroplastic genome. A sequence length of 650 bp with an average 43.30% G+C content was successfully amplified with the rbcL1F and rbcL724R genes. Nucleotide diversity ? and ? were found as 0.682 and 0.238respectively; while haplotype/gene diversity (Hd) was 0.994 which showed high level of genetic variations among the species belong to this genera. Pairwise difference comparison revealed that geographically common species share more similarity. Ougeinia oujeinensis showed high similarity with Tadehagi triquetrum based on nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis. Although, the phylogenetic study showed that the biogeographic circulation of species doesn't exhibit any affiliation inferring species localization. But this barcode gene study would have value for correct identification of O. oojeinensis and its genetic relationship with other Desmodium species.
