Tomato is one of the most important horticultural species all over the world, having high level of consumption and employing many people, both in the primary sector (farmers) and in the secondary sector (traders, seed companies and processors). Nowadays, the use of commercial tomato F1 hybrids tends to prevail because of high yield potential and homogeneity of fruits which are often characterized by lack of quality and sensory characteristics. In contrast, tomato landraces have outstanding quality traits, such as high concentration of antioxidants and organoleptic compounds, as well as often include desirable genes in their genome for adaptability, plasticity, response to low-input conditions, and high fruit nutritional value. Thus, they are appropriate material in the use of sustainable agricultural management systems or as gene donors for the development of new type of tomato cultivars suitable for low-input farming systems. The present experimental study refers to 22 Greek tomato landraces and two commercial cultivars (cv. Macedonia and the F1 hybrid Formula) used as controls, which were characterized by phenotypical markers and evaluated under low-input sustainable farming conditions. Specifically, during this research, measurements were taken regarding yield potential (early production, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, total yield) and fruit quality traits, such as physicochemical characteristics (pH, acidity, and soluble solid components – Brixο) also according to nutritional value (content of ascorbic acid, lycopene, total carotenoids, and total phenolics) of tomato fruits. In the most promising landraces (cv. Milo Chalkidiki, cv. Eratiras, cv. Lotos, cv. Aspros lotos, cv. Pantaroza, cv. Karabola and cv. Kardia Vodiou), having comparable yield and fruit quality traits with commercial cultivars, intrapopulation “Pure line selection” method, under low-input farming conditions was applied for two years. Following this approach, we succeed to determine the level of yield potential and provide information for the nutritive value and utilization of typical tomato landraces, improving their yield and fruit quality traits, following a mild intrapopulation selection under low-input farming conditions. This data pipeline is expected to be of interest for organic farmers and processors of high nutritive tomato products, with low carbon footprint for the environment.

Background: Climate change is expected to be a major constraint for chickpea as it increases the frequency of drought and temperature extremes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of drought and heat stress conditions on chickpeas’ physical, quality and bioactive traits, along with antioxidant activity of five chickpea genotypes in normal and late sowning conditions. Methods: Field trials were carried out at Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops. All the five genotypes were planted at two different sowing dates, one during the normal sowing period (February 28, 2019) and one off-season (April 1, 2019) in order to achieve dry-heat conditions during the chickpea’s critical stages of off-season sowing. Result: Sowing period significantly affected cooking time and bioactive traits, resulted in decreased cooking time and increased bioactive traits values, in the later sowing period. Genotype’s effects were significant for all the traits studied. Amorgos appeared to be a promising variety with high nutritive value as it showed the highest values in terms of bioactive traits and antioxidant activity in both sowing periods, combined with low cooking time and high protein content at the off-season sowing.

The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of culture medium, low temperature and mannitol on embryoid induction and green plant regeneration in durum wheat. To achieve that, the androgenic response of four Greek durum wheat cultivars (Sifnos, Anna, Mexicalli-81 and Elpida) was studied. Approximately 6000 anthers of the aforementioned cultivars were cultured under in vitro conditions and three pre-treatments were applied: 0.0, 0.3 and 0.7 M mannitol for seven days at 4°C. The induction media used were a modified W14 medium supplemented with and without ethephon and the FHG medium. The regeneration medium did not differ from the induction medium in the case of FHG whereas, in the case of mW14 the 190-2 medium was used as regeneration medium. The basic MS medium was used as rooting medium. Additionally, anthers from cultivars Sifnos and Elpida, were cultured after cold pre-treatment for 20 and 35 days. Pre-treatment with mannitol had different effect on embryoid and green plant production depended on the genotype of wheat cultivar. Green plants were produced from cultivars Mexicalli-81, Elpida and Sifnos. A decisive genotypic effect on the androgenic response of durum wheat was noticed. This effect was also influenced by the growth medium and the duration of low temperature pre-treatment.

The aim of this study is to determine if there is any influence of lentil variety and environment of cultivation in the chemical composition of seeds originating from organic and conventional farming systems. Particularly, an evaluation was made on the physicochemical properties of three lentil cultivars (‘Thessalia’, ‘Dimitra’, ‘Samos’) and also the effect of farming system towards the composition of seeds to be assessed for discovering the tendency which specific cultivar or farming system are most preferable for the consumers. For the evaluation of the physicochemical properties of lentil seeds: (a) Seed density, (b) Hydration coefficient, (c) Swelling coefficient, (d) pH and (e) Content in macro- and micronutrients (total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and boron), were estimated. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied for every characteristic in order to determine similarities/ differences among the cultivars in both organic and conventional farming systems. In addition, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were conducted. Regarding the three cultivars under evaluation, cv. ‘Dimitra’ is superior especially in the organic environment, followed by cv. ‘Thessalia’, whose nutritional value increases under organic farming conditions. While ‘Samos’ exhibited a slightly better performance under conventional conditions. Based on the results of this research, the interaction between the lentil cultivar and the cultivating environment can influence the nutritional value and the physicochemical properties of lentil’s seeds.

The value of haploids in genetic analysis and plant breeding has long been known. This is more so in cotton, since the production of double haploids in large numbers could open the way for the development of partial interspecific hybrids between Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense. For the induction of haploids in cotton three approaches were applied, namely: anther culture, induction of parthenogenesis after pollination of cotton flowers with alien pollen, and semigamy. In vitro culture of anthers originated from 10 cotton varieties and a number of intraspecific and interspecific cotton hybrids resulted only in the production of callus with a number of haploid cells and very few embryoids. Haploid and double haploid plants were obtained in a relatively small number after pollination of a semigametic line with pollen from interspecific cotton hybrids. Pollination of cotton flowers with pollen from related species (Hibiscus syriacus, Abelmoschus esculentus, Malva sylvestris, Datura stramonium, Hibiscus cannabinus) and in vitro culture of young ovules resulted in the production of abnormal plantlets when A. esculentus and D. stramonium were the pollinators and of mature cotton plants when the pollinator was H. cannabinus.

The in vitro culture response of immature zygotic embryos (IZE), from six Gossypium hirsutum and one G. barbadense variety, was studied. Explants were collected from plants grown in the field and the greenhouse. Bolls were collected 12, 14 and 16 days after pollination (DAP) from the field and 10, 12 and 14 DAP from the greenhouse. The young embryos were cultured in vitro in SH and BT supplemented with 2,4-D and kinetin. All genotypes responded well to callogenesis in spite of the environmental conditions where they were grown. Callus formation (%) was higher when the bolls were collected 16 DAP for embryos collected from the field and 14 DAP for embryos collected from the greenhouse. The callus developed was tested for its embryogenic and organogenic potential in several media without positive results. During the callus induction period, it was observed that in some explants the epidermal cells from the upper cotyledon and the hypocotyl were diversified into globular or heart shape embryoids. For their further development, they were transferred to a modified MS medium. Some of the young embryoids formed roots and leaves but they never developed into regular plantlets.

Hellenic wheat germplasm developed at the Cereal Institute of Thessaloniki, during the last fifty years, is depicted in the present study, using agronomical, biochemical and molecular criteria. The bread wheat germplasm is characterized by high yield potential, adaptation to the Mediterranean conditions, and advanced qualitative traits. The biochemical analysis revealed that three cultivars (“Acheron”, “Elissavet” and “Orpheus”) carry the 1BL.1RS wheat-rye translocation, which was further confirmed by molecular analysis. The cultivars “Acheron” and “Elissavet”, despite the presence of the translocation, have good bread making quality due to the presence of favorable genes controlling quality. Most of the Hellenic durum germplasm have high end product quality. The biochemical evaluation at the Gli-B1 locus revealed the presence of alleles related with the γ-45 component, indicative of high technological traits. On the other side, it was found that two older durum wheat cultivars and a population tested, had the allele in* at the same locus, which is related with the γ-42 component, indicative of inferior pasta quality. Most of the Hellenic germplasm, either durum or bread wheat, carries very good agronomical and qualitative traits and could be used to broaden wheat biodiversity in the S–E Mediterranean region.

The development of hermaphrodite cultivars of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) to overcome dioecism is a priority for all breeding programmes, worldwide. If successful, the number of pollinators in the orchard could be reduced, allowing more space for reproductive vines. Hermaphroditism and the expression of self-compatibility were studied in A. deliciosa, using the new kiwifruit cultivar, 'Tsechelidis', as a model. This plant material was chosen for investigation as its female flowers produced viable pollen. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and nature of self-compatibility in 'Tsechelidis' and to evaluate its potential for breeding purposes. The expression of self-compatibility in 'Tsechelidis', between years, was investigated by controlled self-pollination of female flowers in the field and by microscopic studies on pollen viability in the laboratory. The commercial cultivar 'Hayward' and the pollinator 'Matua' were used as controls. Controlled self-pollination in the field confirmed that 'Tsechelidis' exhibited a degree of hermaphroditism and self-compatibility. Its flowers produced viable pollen and could set fruit of an acceptable size and quality after self-pollination, compared to open-pollinated fruit. The average fruit set percentage for 'Tsechelidis' was 34%, and ranked from 20% to 60% per vine, while the corresponding rate for 'Hayward' was only 4%. Microscopic studies on 'Tsechelidis' pollen revealed variations in pollen viability between different vines, which were even greater between different flowers on the same vine, ranging, in some cases, from 0% (absolutely sterile) to 70% (significantly fertile) per flower. Female control 'Hayward' vines were found to be practically sterile (0%), while male control 'Matua' vines were almost 100% fertile. The nature of self-compatibility in 'Tsechelidis' was investigated further by molecular analysis using the sex-linked sequence characterised amplified region (SCAR) markers, SmX, SmY, and SmY1, and by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Hermaphroditism in 'Tsechelidis' was related to sex expression, as observed by SNP analysis, but complete genome mapping would be required to fully understand the mechanisms involved and to exploit this new genetic material for breeding purposes.

The present study aimed to assess seven tomato genotypes (commercial cultivars and local landraces) with respect to yield potential, physicochemical and sensory properties when cultivated under organic conditions, over two growing seasons. Traits like yield ingredients and fruit quality were measured whereas, the morphological traits were assessed according to the UPOV classification, starting from the seedling stage until the stage of fruit maturity. Total yield per plant and cultivar determined, while assessment of fruit quality was performed on the basis of physicochemical characteristics (content in vitamin C, acidity, pH of the juice, soluble materials). Genotype fingerprinting was performed by means of RAPD analysis. Following a preliminary evaluation of 50 RAPD primers, 10 polymorphic primers were selected and used in RAPD-PCRs. Statistical data analysis revealed significant differences in a range of characteristics under study whereas at the same time, yield was significantly different both among the varieties and the harvest stages. Interestingly, the landraces tested, especially Homiricon and Lotos, presented important organoleptic attributes under organic growing conditions and were met with high consumer acceptance, thus suggesting their possible direct exploitation in the market or after the application of an intravarietal selection breeding program.

The effect of row spacings and irrigation levels on the earliness of seed production of cotton was investigated under the Mediterranean environment of central Greece. This particular cotton growing area is exposed to risk of autumn rainfall that might cause low seed quality in fields allocated primarily for seed production. Two varieties of cotton, Celia and Hersi, were planted in two row spacings (93 and 75 cm) and two irrigation levels (normal and low levels 6160 and 3080 mm ha(-1)). No significant difference in the yield was found among the two varieties, nor between the two row spacings. The low irrigation level had significantly negative effects on the number of squares, bolls, total dry weight and seed cotton production when compared with irrigation level. However, the low irrigation level resulted in a harvest earlier by ten days, which contributed to avoiding autumn rainfall. Seed quality (measured by germination and Warm-Cold Vigour Index Test) was better in seeds from the low irrigation level than in those from the normal irrigation level. Although yield of both varieties was higher under normal irrigation, seed quality was lower compared to low irrigation level. This was evidenced by the higher Free Fatty Acid (FFA) in "normally" irrigated plants. The results of this study showed that low irrigation level offers substantial benefits for early harvesting and production of high seed quality. Moreover, the FFA could be successfully employed as a quick criterion for seed quality ranking.

The common and runner beans are the two most widely cultivated species because of their highly nutritive value for humans and animals. This study was undertaken to interpret data from physicochemical, sensory and molecular (DNA) analyses toward evaluating, characterizing and separating 5 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and 5 runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) landraces, cultivated under organic growing conditions. Furthermore, an attempt was made to determine patterns and interrelationships among the quality traits and sensory characteristics to get a better insight into the most effective discrimination between common and runner bean landraces, by means of multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis and Discriminant Analysis).In this study an accurate and effective discrimination of bean cultivars and Phaseolus species was possible using different methodologies. PCA was found to be the most informative either by using exclusively physicochemical data (92% of variability) or in conjunction with sensory data (99.4% of variability). P. vulgaris is characterized by 6 parameters (intensity, juiciness, sweetness, brightness, bitterness and consistency) whereas P. coccineus by odor, tenderness and metallic taste. Molecular analysis (MA) proved to be a fast and informative method only for discrimination of the Phaseolus species whereas (DA) highlighted the most important characteristics per cultivar and species. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

For successful crop improvement, genetic diversity among crossed varieties is fundamental. Generally, varieties exhibiting great genetic distances are less related to each other and their original genetic materials may not have common pedigree. Genetic distances could be estimated by the use of morphological and agronomic traits or various molecular markers. The purpose of this study was to estimate the genetic distances among 10 durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) varieties and see whether they could be utilized as prediction criteria for genetic relationships as they are expressed by their pedigree. Genetic distances were estimated based on data from molecular analyses using RAPD and SSR markers, morphological characteristics according to Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO), and various agronomic and quality characteristics (AQC). Clustering of the varieties was based on genetic distances and pairwise comparisons were made among and within the four methods used (i.e. RAPD, SSR, CPVO, AQC) along with the pedigree data. It was concluded that CPVO and AQC data predicted more effectively the genetic relationship, as it is revealed by the pedigrees, as compared to molecular methods based on RAPD and SSR data. Yet, the molecular markers as well as the data from other methods were unreliable for an accurate prediction of the genetic diversity as it is expressed by pedigrees.

An alternative way to overcome the negative environmental fluctuations observed in low-input culture systems is to compose and utilize cultivar mixtures. However, the available genetic materials to compose such mixtures are cultivars developed by conventional breeding programs with questionable adaptability under low-inputs. The aim of this work was to investigate the mixing ability of conventionally bred common vetch cultivars for grain yield under low-input cultivation. Six common vetch cultivar mixtures were evaluated over their conventionally bred cultivar components for grain yield under low-input cultivation in four environments (20072009). Grain yield and stability performance were assessed for each entry. Mixture effect was calculated as an index for the quantitative relation between the mixture and its conventionally bred cultivar components. ANOVA and GGE-biplot analysis indicated that four out of six mixtures over-yielded the average of the experiment and the most cultivar pure stands . Two of the mixtures illustrated high yield, stability across environments and positive Mixture Effect in three out of four environments and could be recommended for low-input cultivation. Earliness and temporal maturing of common vetch cultivar components were recognized as major factors affecting mixture’s grain yield and stability performance and should be taken into account when composing common vetch cultivar mixtures for grain yield.

The genetic diversity among the main local landraces and commercial cultivars of P. vulgaris L. cultivated in Greece, was estimated by studying the morphological, agronomical and physicochemical traits along with molecular data analysis using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD markers). Cluster analysis was conducted on similarity estimates using the UPGMA algorithm. Application of cluster analysis resulted in a dendrogram representing the genetic relationship among landraces and main bean cultivars grown in Greece. A wide genetic variation was observed among collected local bean landraces in morphological characteristics such as seed color, seed size and growth habit. According to agronomic performance, significant differences were found in number and weight of pods per plant. Variation in protein and fat content among landraces and commercial cultivars was also detected. Moreover, in some landraces like Kastoria and Byzitsa M/M extremely high values for protein content (28.6% and 27.0% respectively) were recorded. Such values were greater than the average protein content previously recorded for other cultivars of this species. Genetic similarity estimated from molecular analysis with RAPDs, seemed not to be related with the seed morphological characteristics and agronomic performance. Only qualitative parameters like growth habit and occasionally geographical origin of landraces were positively correlated with the molecular classification. Local bean landraces were classified in three subgroups whereas the commercial cultivars formed another separate group underlining the narrow genetic base of cultivars.

"Tsechelidis" is a new kiwifruit cultivar of Actinidia deliciosa species that was developed in North Greece (Episkopi, Imathia) through collaboration between Farmaplant S.A and Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly.The variety originated from a systematically sporophytic selection in cv. Hayward and was evaluated for its plant and fruit characteristics for 3 years. In parallel with the above, the genetic identity of the new variety was determined using molecular DNA analysis, based on SSR markers. The results of the analysis supported the uncontested differences between the two comparative genotypes (Tsechelidis vs. Hayward). On December 2003 an application was submitted to the European Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO), which covers the jurisdiction of the EU regards the examination of characteristics and the plant breeder's right of the new variety on the inventor's initiative. The final approval for the new variety was granted on November 2007. Nowadays the variety is grown commercially in Greece, Italy, Chile and New Zealand.The most important morphological and quality characteristics, of both the fruit and the plant, are the large, cylindrical size of fruit (mean weight 170-180 g), the high vitamin C content (almost double amount compared to Hayward variety), fruit uniformity, vigorous plant growth and early period of ripening. Fruit cv. Tsechelidis had also minor flesh colour differences, ripened more rapidly at room temperature and was always of better organoleptic quality compared to fruit cv. Hayward. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.

The physicochemical ( pH, texture, Vitamin C, ash, fat, minerals) and sensory properties of banana were correlated with the genotype and growing conditions. Minerals in particular were shown to discriminate banana cultivars of different geographical origin quite accurately. Another issue relates to the beneficial properties of bananas both in terms of the high dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds, the latter being abundant in the peel. Therefore, banana can be further exploited for extracting several important components such as starch, and antioxidant compounds which can find industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Finally, the various storage methodologies were presented with an emphasis on Modified Atmosphere Packaging which appears to be one of the most promising of technologies.

Corrigendum to ‘‘Effectiveness of SSR molecular markers in evaluating the phylogenetic relationships among eight Actinidia species’’ [Scientia Hortic. 116 (2008) 305–310] A.E. Korkovelos , A.G. Mavromatis , W.G. Huang , M. Hagidimitriou , A. Giakountis , C.K. Goulas * Department of Crop Production and Rural Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, University of Thessaly, Fytokou Str., 38 446N, Ionia-Magnisias, Volos, Greece Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forest, P.O. Box 9311, Beijing 10003, China Department of Crop Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Pomology Laboratory, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece Max Plank Institute, Department of Plant Developmental Biology, Lab of Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany

The aim of the present study is to evaluate a set of microsatellites and their effectiveness in determining the phylogenetic relationships among Actinidia species. A set of 14 genotypes belonging to eight Actinidia species were subjected to PCR using SSRs as molecular markers. The PCR products were analyzed on denaturing polyacrylamide gels. The discriminating ability of SSRs was based on the number of alleles and the indices DI, I and PIC. All SSR primer pairs were polymorphic and identified a total number of 61 alleles corresponding to an average of 7.8 alleles per locus. Data showed that the di-nucleotide microsatellites were more polymorphic, than the tri-nucleotide and penta-nucleotide, and were more efficient in establishing genetic similarities. The genetic similarity of the genotypes calculated with Jaccard and/or Dice similarity coefficients varied from 0.100 to 0.579, indicating a broad genetic base for the genetic material tested. Both similarity matrices clustered either with UPGMA or NJ, produced similar topology with minor clustering differences among genotypes. Thus, the eight species were clustered in two main groups and each main group in two subgroups. Data showed a close genetic relationship among Actinidia chinensis and Actinidia deliciosa species. The same conclusions were, also, drawn using the principal coordinate analysis.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a highly nutritious, mild flavored, easy to blend food that has many possibilities for “building in” desired nutrients. Varietal and environmental differences are known to exist in the shape, size, and nutritional content of potatoes. Different populations opt for varying sensory properties in relation to their diets. Potatoes are a low energy food in comparison to cereals and legumes. The aim of this review was to present an update of the currently conducted studies both on the characterization of several potato varieties (physical, chemical, and sensory analysis) and by means of genetic modification. Towards this target, five comprehensive tables were compiled where all recent data (physicochemical properties) and GM varieties were presented in conjunction with multivariate analysis (chemometrics). The latter was shown to be effectively used towards authenticity purposes (identification of geographical origin, variety, GM).