This study evaluated the stability of 21 CMS lines of sunflower across six environmental conditions. The genotype × environment interaction component accounted for the largest proportion of variation in seed yield, oil content, and other morphological traits. The first two interaction principal components accounted for the majority of variation, explaining days to 50% flowering (94.8%), days to maturity (90.7%), seed yield per plant (89.7%) and oil content (88.6%). The GGE biplot indicated that NDLA 21 for seed yield per plant and NDLA 6, NDLA 13 and NDLA 19 for oil content performed above average across the testing environments. The E3 and E5 environments are relatively discriminating for identifying stable lines in the study. Considering all the quantitative traits, the NDLA 21, NDLA 9, NDLA 17, NDLA 22, NDLA 5 and NDLA 20 CMS lines were identified as stable and can be used in the development of potential hybrids in sunflower.
This study aimed to analyze the additive and non-additive genetic effects governing protein content in soybean grains and to identify superior parents and maternal contributions in advanced generations. A total of 170 F8 soybean lines and 95 commercial cultivars were evaluated during the 2024/2025 growing season. The total protein content in the grains (%) was determined. Deviance analysis confirmed significant effects of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA). Narrow-sense heritability was low (2%), while broad-sense heritability reached 52%, demonstrating total genetic variability, attributable to dominance and epistatic effects. The average overall crude protein content was 36.15%. The parents NS5958RR, Maradona, and DM5.8BmxApoloRR showed the highest positive GCA estimates, indicating the presence of favorable additive alleles. The most promising specific combination was L77, with a 1.16% increase in protein, followed by L87. Maternal contributions were evident, particularly when NS5958RR and Maradona were used as female parents.
GBS is a free software package featuring an interactive, user-friendly interface designed to simplify routine tasks in the design and data analysis of plant breeding experiments. Available at https://github.com/VQCarneiro/GBS, it supports multiple experimental designs and enables analyses using fixed, random, or mixed models.
In Brazil, pecan orchards are dominated by a few cultivars, highlighting the need to develop genotypes better adapted to the country’s specific conditions. Old, seed-derived pecan genotypes harbor significant genetic variability and may represent an important source of desirable traits for breeding. The selection of promising genotypes should be based on a combination of genetic and morphometric data. This study reports the evaluation of pecan genotypes using data from SSR markers and nut morphometric traits. It also introduces GMDA, software designed to support germplasm characterization and selection. Results revealed high allelic diversity (A = 12.3) but low genetic diversity (Ho = 0.29) among genotypes. Fruit size and shell proportion were the main traits differentiating the genotypes. Nine genotypes were identified as having potential for registration as new cultivars. By integrating and correlating genetic and morphometric analyses within a single platform, GMDA arises as an effective tool supporting breeding and conservation.
The aim of this study was to select soybean cultivars adapted to Mozambican farming systems using participatory and conventional breeding and to assess the extent of agreement between these approaches. Experiments were conducted in the Zambézia and Tete provinces during the 2021/22 growing season in a randomized complete block design with 41 genotypes and three replications. In the participatory plant breeding approach, 165 farmers participated in the selection process. The top 35 cultivars for each method were identified and then compared using a coincidence index, which resulted in –29.41, confirming the divergence. The cultivar TGX 2002-3DM was ranked highest in the conventional method, whereas TGX 2014-16FM was selected by farmers. These findings indicate the need to incorporate farmers’ preferred traits in selecting varieties in the breeding process to increase the likelihood of adoption of the varieties. These results support the hypotheses proposed in this study.
Walnut is a globally important nut crop in terms of production and consumption. This study assesses the genetic diversity of the walnut germplasm collection from Catamarca, Argentina (including 13 registered cultivars), using Simple Sequence Repeat markers. Results revealed high genetic diversity, with alleles per locus ranging from 2 to 9 (average 4.67), expected heterozygosity between 0.47 and 0.72 (average 0.64), and 100% polymorphic loci. The average polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.580, and the mean Shannon’s index (I) value was 1.19. Cluster analysis using Nei´s distances and Bayesian STRUCTURE approximation were consistent with the walnut varietal pedigree. This pioneering study in Argentina offers valuable insights for walnut conservation and breeding programs. It underscores the genetic richness of local walnut germplasm in Catamarca, highlighting its potential to enhance diversification and improvement of walnut production in Argentina.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the adaptability and phenotypic stability of watermelon hybrids across diverse environments in the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, using Toler’s simple linear and piecewise linear models under both frequentist and Bayesian frameworks. The Bayesian analysis employed noninformative uniform priors and yielded classifications consistent with the frequentist results, reinforcing the robustness of the classification results. Genotypes in group A (WM-5, WM-6, WM-9, and WM-10) exhibited low sensitivity to adverse environmental conditions and high responsiveness in favorable environments, along with high phenotypic stability. The results demonstrate that Bayesian approaches are a reliable complement to conventional analyses, thereby supporting breeding strategies and cultivar recommendations for semiarid regions while enhancing the robustness of frequentist inference through explicit quantification of uncertainty.
Polyembryonic mango varieties, often used as rootstocks, produce two or more embryos per seed, one of which is genetically distinct from the mother plant. This study aimed to differentiate three mango varieties regarding embryonic origin, vigor, and genetic non-uniformity using SSR markers. The mango varieties evaluated were Espada, Capucho, and Coquinho, which are commonly used as rootstocks. Thirty primers reported in the literature were tested, along with variables such as emergence percentage, seedling number, and extent of polyembryony. Only primers MillHR26, MillHR36, MillHR32, and MillHR28 were polymorphic. No direct association was found between seedling vigor and embryonic origin. Zygotic embryos may have been suppressed in the Capucho variety, which also exhibited a greater extent of polyembryony. This probable suppression, combined with higher polyembryony, indicates Capucho as the most sui rootstock source for achieving genetic uniformity.
Based on trials conducted in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and on nine sowing dates in 2025, the URNRS24 cultivar is characterized by its 82day cycle, as well as its potential for grain production, with high biomass production of 10892 kg ha-1 and carbon sequestration capacity of to 4901 kg ha-1.
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major global crop due to its diverse uses, high nutritional value, and strong production potential. This study quantified selection gains for grain protein content across segregating generations and proposed breeding strategies adjusted to heterozygosity levels. The experiment was conducted in Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul, using an augmented block design with common controls, including 170 progenies and 44 cultivars. Genetic effects, heritability, and selection gains were estimated through Bayesian inference with Markov Chain Monte Carlo. Broad-sense heritability (H2 = 0.451) indicated moderate genetic control of protein content. Greater selection intensity was suitable for the F10 generation due to low heterozygosity (0.19%), whereas earlier generations (F5, F7, and F8) required milder selection to preserve genetic variability. Adjusting selection intensity across generations ensures reliable parameter estimation and consistent genetic gain, highlighting the usefulness of Bayesian approaches in protein-oriented soybean breeding.
Amazonas, Brazil, has only one released Coffea canephora cultivar, the multiclonal BRS Ouro Preto, which limits cultivar recommendation for an expanding region. We assessed genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) for 15 C. canephora genotypes using processed coffee yield in three Amazonas municipalities over three harvests. Mean yields ranged from 37.9 to 111.5 bags ha?¹ among genotype × environment combinations and from 54.8 to 77.8 bags ha?¹ among environments. GEI was significant (P < 0.01) and predominantly complex, forming two to three performance groups per environment. The modified Lin and Binns method and centroid-based PCA confirmed the superior performance of BRS 1216 (86.3 bags ha?¹) and Clone 15 (83.4 bags ha?¹) under favorable edaphoclimatic or technological conditions. BRS 2299, BRS 2357, and Clone 09 (68.2–72.5 bags ha?¹) showed broad adaptation, whereas BRS 3213 and BRS 2336 performed best in unfavorable environments. These results provide the first multi-environment validation of intervarietal hybrids for Amazonas.
Despite their economic relevance, studies on the physical, chemical, and sensory traits of green corn are still scarce. Therefore, this work aimed to identify superior hybrid combinations for post-harvest traits. For this purpose, 36 genotypes were evaluated in two different seasons, including 34 experimental hybrids and 2 testers (AG1051 and FT2015). AG1051 is a double hybrid of green corn, and FT2015 is a single hybrid of sweet corn. pH and °Brix in raw and cooked grains and weight loss were evaluated. It is concluded that there are promising crosses for the evaluated post-harvest traits. The crosses L111 x FT2015 and L33 x FT2015 showed high °Brix values in raw (means of 9.83 and 7.00) and cooked (means of 8.08 and 7.08) grains, low pH values in raw (means of 7.21 and 7.29) and cooked (means of 7.04 and 7.22) grains, and low weight loss (means of 1.66 g and 1.49 g).
UENF Divíbrido is a popcorn hybrid that exhibits adaptability to Northern and Northwest regions of Rio de Janeiro State. Its attributes, including high grain yield and popping expansion, besides its tolerance to Exserohilum turcicum, the primary pathogen responsible for crop diseases, position this cultivar as an outstanding choice for agrobusiness.
A. indicum Sweet, commonly known as Indian mallow, is a member of the family Malvaceae and possesses both ornamental and medicinal properties. Although this species has been utilized in folk medicine, the lack of genomic data has hindered further studies on A. indicum. Consequently, the current study sequenced and characterized the chloroplast genome of A. indicum. This genome is 160,066 bp in length, with a GC content of 36.99%, and exhibits a quadripartite structure comprising a large single-copy (88,733 bp), a small single-copy (20,037 bp), and two inverted repeats (25,648 bp each). Comparative analyses revealed conservation in genome structure, gene content, and repeat compositions among Abutilon chloroplast genomes. Additionally, six hyper- variable regions were identified among the examined Malvoideae chloroplast genomes, including accD, matK-trnK-UUU, ndhA, ndhD, rps12-clpP1, and ycf1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the paraphyletic status of the Abutilon genus.
The UENF Red guava cultivar was developed for the climate of northern Rio de Janeiro. Selected from 17 full-sib families, it showed superior yield and fruit quality compared to Paluma. Distinct morphological traits highlight its potential as a productive, high-quality alternative for regional guava cultivation.
Selecting grapevine rootstocks that are tolerant to drought has become crucial for the sustainability of viticulture. This study evaluated the quantitative and molecular genetic variability of eight rootstocks subjected to progressive water depletion while cultured in a greenhouse. Several plant mass traits were analyzed, and six SSR markers were used to assess molecular diversity. While heritability for leaf traits varied, stem diameter exhibited a distinct pattern where genotypic differentiation and heritability estimates increased significantly under severe water deficit, ensuring reliable selection accuracy. Additionally, our BLUP analysis indicated that clones IAC 313 Tropical, IAC 766 Campinas, and Paulsen 1103 performed best by the end of the stress period. The SSR analysis grouped the genotypes together while revealing a high genetic diversity among all the rootstocks (He > 0.70). We concluded that late-stage stem diameter was a reliable but indirect selection criterion for drought tolerance.
Asian soybean rust (ASR) is a major threat due to its aggressiveness, fungicide tolerance, and ability to overcome resistance genes. Breeding high-yielding cultivars under ASR pressure presents challenges, including low early selection accuracy and managing several lines. This study evaluated whether early agronomic traits could predict yield in later generations under ASR. Traits assessed included seed yield, days to flowering and maturity, plant height, and 50-seed weight. F2 or F2:3 data were used in regression and machine learning models to predict yield in F2:5 progenies. Similar R2 values across approaches suggested a mainly linear relationship among predictors. Using F2:3 data improved R2, especiallyforflowering, maturity, and height. Univariate models with these traits performed best, reaching R2 values up to 52.12%. These models can improve early selection and reduce the breeding workload.
Maize exhibits extensive variability in vegetative cycle length (VCL), a trait essential for environmental adaptation. This study investigates relationships among genome size, knob heterochromatin content, and VCL in three inbred lines with contrasting flowering times and their F1 hybrids. The latest-flowering line (Floury-2) exhibited the highest DNA and knob heterochromatin contents, whereas the earliest-flowering line (Gasp & eacute;) showed the lowest values. Hybrids displayed intermediate values, consistent with an additive inheritance pattern. Significant positive correlations among DNA content, knob content, and VCL were detected across parental lines and hybrids. Within the limited scope of this study, the results suggest that variation in genome size and knob heterochromatin content may influence cell cycle duration and, consequently, flowering time. By integrating cytogenetic and hybrid analyses, this study reveals a cytogenetic basis for flowering time variation and highlights heterochromatin content as an accessible tool for breeding maize adapted to diverse environments.
Describing the growth of pepper plants is essential for efficient management and the selection of superior genotypes. The objective of this study was to fit nonlinear growth models for the height and crown diameter of ornamental pepper accessions under heat stress. Height and crown diameter were evaluated every four days in two environments: (i) a greenhouse with humidity and temperature control and (ii) a greenhouse without control of these models were fitted. The results indicate that the choice of model depends on the characteristic measured and on the environment. The Gompertz, Richards, and Logistic models satisfactorily described plant height, while the Von Bertalanffy (R2= 0.99) model better represented the behavior of crown diameter under heat stress, characterizing a gradual deceleration of growth. These models should be used to estimate parameters that assist in the selection and management of ornamental pepper plants.
Accumulation of tocopherol and tocotrienol antioxidant compounds in rice seeds depends on enzymes involved in their biosynthetic pathways, including methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT). The aim of this study was to develop between its polymorphisms and the accumulation of tocopherol and tocotrienol congeners in uncharacterized rice germplasm. Using high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis, we identified two consecutive SNPs (Chr11:8733700 bp and Chr11:8733701 bp) defining two haplotypes (AA and GG), and a novel 49-bp indel spanning from the second exon to the third intron. A panel comprising twelve rice samples and four Oryza sativa L. accessions was evaluated. The GG haplotype combined with the indel was associated with higher accumulation of delta and gamma congeners, which are intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway. In contrast, the AA haplotype without the indel was associated with beta and alpha congeners, which are end products of the MAT-mediated pathway.
