Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major food legume crop in Morocco and other regions, serving as an inexpensive and protein-rich source. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc) is a soilborne fungus responsible for wilt disease in chickpea. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of this fungus is essential for insights into its evolutionary potential and intraspecific variation. In this study, 84 Foc isolates from different Moroccan regions were analyzed using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 52 alleles were identified, averaging 6.5 alleles per locus. Genetic diversity (H) ranged from 0.57 to 0.77. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct groups, while Structure analysis suggested two main populations. Genetic differentiation (Fst) was 0.066, with gene flow (Nm) estimated at 4.003, indicating higher variation within than between populations. These results provide the first comprehensive assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure of Foc in Morocco, highlighting the evolutionary and adaptive potential of this fungal pathogen. The data contribute to a better understanding of the biology and population dynamics of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, relevant to both mycological and plant pathology studies.

IntroductionLeaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, inflicts 10-50% yield losses in bread wheat, with newly emerging virulent pathotypes overcoming major Lr genes and rendering the cultivars susceptible. The identification of genetic loci conferring resistance to wheat leaf rust, coupled with the development of molecular markers and the incorporation of resistant alleles into breeding programs, represents the most sustainable and cost-effective strategy for disease management. MethodsThe present study, employed a recombinant inbred line population derived from (PBW343/W8627) was utilized to map QTLs for leaf rust resistance at seedling and adult plant stages. The RIL population along with its parents was evaluated at seedling and adult plant stages against most prevalent and virulent pathotypes at seedling and adult plant stages for the two crop seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23). ResultAnalysis of variance revealed significant differences among the RILs across years. For QTL mapping, genotyping was conducted using 3.9K DArT SNPs leading to the identification of two QTLs: QLr.iiwbr.2B.1 (2B) explaining phenotypic variance of 13.26% with a LOD score 8 and QLr.iiwbr.5B.1 (5B) explaining 14.91% with LOD score 3.91 for all stage resistance (ASR) as well as one QTL for adult plant resistance (APR), QLr.iiwbr.6B.1 (PVE 14.21%). Further, in silico analysis revealed a putative candidate gene encoding for Annexin (TraesCS5B02G201700) which plays an important role in disease resistance in wheat.DiscussionThe study identified new QTLs associated with leaf rust resistance, providing valuable sources to accelerate the development of durable rust resistant sources. Further, characterization of these QTLs will strengthen their utility in rust resistance breeding.

Bread Wheat breeding can rely on different methods, the main objective of this study was to combine Marker Assisted Selection with haplodiploidisation to accelerate the breeding process, focusing on the introduction of high yield, rust resistance genes (Lr34 and Lr46) and dwarf gene Rht1. This approach was designed to be efficient and precise, significantly speeding up the development of wheat lines with desirable traits by reducing the time and effort typically required in conventional breeding methods. In this context, the concept of genetic gain which is the result of the interaction between heritability, phenotypic variation, selection intensity, and cycle length was rigorously applied. The selection was conducted using ANOVA, PCA, MGIDI analysis, and KASP markers. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the parental and the DH lines for all agronomic traits, indicating substantial genetic diversity within the DH lines. From the DH lines, 54 DH lines were selected for their optimal combination of agronomic performance, including early maturity and high yield potential. Additionally, KASP analysis enabled the selection of one DH ideotype carried Lr34, Lr46, and Rht1. 61 DH lines carrying pyramided resistance genes (Lr34, Lr46) and the dwarfing gene (Rht1) based on the presence of favourable marker alleles were identified. Among these selections, 13 DH lines were identified as having the ideal combination of rust resistance, dwarfing gene alleles, and high yield potential. These selections represent a significant advancement in terms of earliness and yield, and genes pyramiding for improving wheat productivity across diverse environments.

Climate change in the Pannonian region is accelerating a shift toward autumn sowing of cool-season grain legumes (pea, faba bean, lentil, chickpea, lupine) to achieve higher yields, greater biomass production, enhanced nitrogen fixation, improved soil cover, and superior resource use efficiency compared with spring sowing. However, successful overwintering depends on the availability of robust winter-hardy cultivars. This review synthesizes recent breeding advances, integrating traditional approaches—such as germplasm screening, hybridization, and field-based selection—with genomics-assisted strategies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and CRISPR/Cas-mediated editing of CBF transcription factors. Key physiological mechanisms—LT50 determination, cold acclimation, osmoprotectant accumulation (sugars, proline), and membrane stability—are assessed using field survival rates, electrolyte leakage assays, and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Despite challenges posed by genotype × environment interactions, variable winter severity, and polygenic trait control, the release of cultivars worldwide (e.g., ‘NS-Mraz’, ‘Lavinia F’, ‘Ghab series’, ‘Pinklevi’, and ‘Rézi’) and ongoing breeding programs demonstrate substantial progress. Future breeding efforts will increasingly rely on genomic selection (GS), high-throughput phenomics, pangenomics, and G×E modeling to accelerate the development of climate-resilient legume cultivars, ensuring stable and sustainable production under increasingly unpredictable winter conditions.

IntroductionIn North India, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. triticii (Pst), the causal agent of stripe rust, poses a significant challenge to wheat productivity. The frequent emergence of new virulent Pst strains has rendered many resistance genes ineffective. Hence, continuous identification and deployment of novel resistance genes are crucial for maintaining durable resistance and ensuring sustainable wheat cultivation.Materials and MethodsA genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 652 elite, diverse wheat genotypes using 1,938 DArTseq SNP markers. Field evaluations were performed at the adult plant stage across four locations—Hisar, Karnal, Gurdaspur, and Khudwani—under natural disease conditions. Marker–trait associations were identified using General Linear Model (GLM), Mixed Linear Model (MLM), and FarmCPU approaches, considering loci with –log₁₀(p) ≥ 3 as significant.ResultsAnalysis revealed 27 genomic regions significantly associated with stripe rust resistance across environments. Among these, four loci were located on chromosomes 2B and 6B, and three on 6A. Several loci corresponded to resistance-related genes, including NBS-LRR, F-box, LRR, protein kinase, Ser/Thr_kinase, Znf_RING-CH, E3-ubiquitin ligase, and ABC transporter genes, suggesting their potential role in rust resistance mechanisms.DiscussionThe study identified novel genomic regions associated with Pst resistance, providing valuable resources for wheat improvement. The functional annotation of these loci highlights their involvement in plant defense pathways. Conversion of these loci into breeder-friendly molecular markers will facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) and accelerate the development of durable stripe rust-resistant wheat cultivars suited to North Indian agro-ecological conditions.

ABSTRACT Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a promising legume crop due to its resilience to climatic stress factors such as drought and waterlogging. However, the occurrence of the neurotoxin β‐N‐oxalyl‐l‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP) and the lack of adapted varieties pose significant challenges for its wider adoption across Europe. On the other hand, the presence of l‐homoarginine (l‐hArg) in grass pea has gained attention for its benefits on cardiovascular health. In this study, contrasting grass pea genotypes were grown at three locations in Germany, and the concentrations of α‐, β‐ODAP, l‐hArg, and 17 other free amino acids were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). β‐ODAP concentrations ranged from 0.06% DW to 0.44% DW, whereas l‐hArg concentrations varied from 0.16% DW to 0.90% DW. Concentrations of β‐ODAP and l‐hArg showed a positive correlation (r = 0.40, p < 0.01). Glutamic acid was identified as the most abundant free amino acid, followed by arginine, aspartic acid, and alanine. Genotypes with mean β‐ODAP concentrations below 0.15% DW were identified as suitable for cultivation and food processing. β‐ODAP and l‐hArg were significantly influenced by the environment, whereas the genotype significantly affected l‐hArg concentration. The location with the lowest amount of rainfall during the flowering period exhibited the highest β‐ODAP concentrations. For the first time, we identified genotypes and environmental conditions with positive health‐promoting and low neurotoxin attributes under Central European conditions.

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is a devastating fungal disease affecting durum and bread wheat worldwide. Tunisian durum wheat landraces are reported to be valuable genetic resources for resistance to STB and should prominently be deployed in breeding programs to develop new varieties resistant to STB disease. In this study, a collection of 367 old durum and 6 modern wheat genotypes previously assessed using single Tunisian Zymoseptoria tritici isolate TUN06 during 2016 and 2017 and TM220 isolate during 2017 were phenotyped for resistance to a mixture of isolates (BULK) under field conditions. Significant correlations for disease traits using the three different inoculums were observed. Using 7638 SNP markers, fifty-one marker-trait associations (MTAs) for STB resistance were identified by genome-wide association study (GWAS) at Bonferroni correction threshold of -log10(P) > 5.184 with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) reaching up to 58%. A total of eleven QTL were identified using TUN06 isolate mean disease scoring (TUNMeanD and TUNMeanA) including threeQTL controlling resistance to both isolates TUN06 and TM220. A major QTL was identified on each of chromosomes 1B, 4B, 5A, and 7B, respectively. The QTL on 7B chromosome colocalized with Stb8 identified in bread wheat. Four QTL including the major QTL identified on chromosome 1B were considered as novel. SNP linked to the significant QTL have the potential to be used in marker-assisted selection for breeding for resistance to STB.

A total of 27 microsatellites markers , scattered all over the genom of barley, were used for characterization,and diversity analysis in 33 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) accessions and cultivars of Algeria.Over the 27 genetic loci studied, 110 alleles were identified with a mean of 4.1 alleles per locus and the average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.46,the marker Ebma0806 showed the greatest value of PIC with 0.83.Genetic diversity at 27 microsatellite loci varied from 0 to 0.84 (Mean=0.50) for 33 Algerian cultivars. The genetic distance among the cultivars ranged from 0.2 to 0.85. Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on the SSR data clearly differentiate the all genotypes studied.

The root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus thornei, causes high yield losses in rainfed wheat fields in Morocco, as well as worldwide. Growing resistant varieties is one of the most effective methods for controlling nematodes. Therefore, a collection of 69 wheat lines (Triticum aestivum and T. durum), provided by the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA-Meknes, Morocco) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA-Rabat, Morocco), were screened for resistance to P. thornei in tubes (15 x 20 x 120 mm(3)) under greenhouse conditions. The resistance level was evaluated based on the number of nematodes extracted from roots and soil 9 weeks after infestation. Three lines, L3 (DW-37), L14 (DW-37), and L54 (USG3535), were found to be moderately resistant (Reproduction factor <1) to P. thornei.

Leaf rust (LR) caused by Puccinia hordei is a serious disease of barley worldwide, causing significant yield losses and reduced grain quality. Discovery and incorporation of new sources of resistance from gene bank accessions into barley breeding programs is essential for the development of leaf rust resistant varieties. To identify Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) conferring LR resistance in the two barley subsets, the Generation Challenge Program (GCP) reference set of 142 accessions and the leaf rust subset constructed using the Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategy (FIGS) of 76 barley accessions, were genotyped to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The results revealed a total of 59 QTL in the 218 accessions phenotyped against barley leaf rust at the seedling stage using two P. hordei isolates (ISO-SAT and ISO-MRC), and at the adult plant stage in four environments in Morocco. Out of these 59 QTL, 10 QTL were associated with the seedling resistance (SR) and 49 QTL were associated with the adult plant resistance (APR). Four QTL showed stable effects in at least two environments for APR, whereas two common QTL associated with SR and APR were detected on chromosomes 2H and 7H. Furthermore, 39 QTL identified in this study were potentially novel. Interestingly, the sequences of 27 SNP markers encoded the candidate genes (CGs) with predicted protein functions in plant disease resistance. These results will provide new perspectives on the diversity of leaf rust resistance loci for fine mapping, isolation of resistance genes, and for marker-assisted selection for the LR resistance in barley breeding programs worldwide.

Within the European Union (EU), new plant varieties to be included in the Common catalog of a member state have to be registered on the national list after plant variety testing processes to establish whether the candidate variety is distinguishable, uniform, and stable (DUS) and meets the cultivation or use value requirement (VCU). Technical development, climate change, and changing consumer needs, including the detection of GMOs, necessitate the innovation of plant variety testing methods. In our study, we assessed new characters, testing methods, and inclusion of additional data for the potential to benefit the DUS and VCU protocols. To achieve our goal, we asked experts to fill in questionnaires for the DUS and VCU methods currently used for a selection of common crops, including potato, maize, lentil, oilseed rape, and perennial grass. Within the EU-funded “InnoVar” project, partners sent out questionnaires to 19 European Countries and to 3 countries outside Europe. Surveys were aimed at analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the current methods. With their help, it is possible to look for a new direction, opportunity, and strategy to incorporate, together with the innovative new techniques, into the development of the new methods. Our study demonstrated that the SWOT analysis could be used to achieve the set goals. Results obtained after evaluation of surveys confirmed that introduction of new characters such as cold tolerance, nitrogen and water efficiency, etc. has become necessary, as has the inclusion of new test methods (molecular markers, precision techniques, organic farming). The development of high-yielding, disease and/or pest-resistant plant varieties with good adaptability and the accurate evaluation of genotypes play a crucial role in ensuring that farmers can access high-performing plant varieties and contribute to sustainable food production.

Camelina is a multi-purpose oilseed crop for industrial bio-based applications. Recently, it has gained increasing attention mostly due to the possibility to grow with limited resources and in marginal environments, as well as to increase soil coverage and water retention, while reducing nitrogen leaching. The present study aimed to assess the viability of using camelina as an emerging oilseed crop for EU and African Mediterranean farmers. Several camelina spring genotypes were evaluated in a multi-location trial (Italy, Spain, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) in two growing seasons (2020–22). Although thermal time was very similar at all sites (∼1300 GDD from sowing to harvest), the growing cycle length was about 60 days longer in Europe than in Africa, leading to a higher seed yield (∼ 1.5-fold higher). Mean seed production in the African countries was 0.71 Mg ha−1 proving camelina to be adaptable even to very arid conditions. Under more favorable conditions (European countries) seed yields was up to 2 Mg ha−1. Among genotypes, Alba generally exhibited the highest seed yield and seed weight, while CCE42 and CCE29 showed more stable productions over years and locations. Based on the results of the present study it is possible to conclude that the introduction of camelina into conventional Mediterranean cropping systems appeared as feasible option to improve crop diversification; however, the selection of best camelina varieties is essential to achieve sustainable productions, particularly for African countries.

Les nématodes à kystes des céréales (Heterodera avenae) constituent une menace importante pour la production de blé en Afrique du Nord. Cette étude a évalué la résistance de 100 lignées élites de blé (51 lignées de blé dur et 49 lignées de blé tendre) du Maroc contre H. avenae. En utilisant une seule population du pathogène de la région de Zaers, la résistance a été évaluée en fonction des facteurs de reproduction des nématodes, classés en cinq catégories allant de résistant à hautement sensible. Trois lignées de blé dur (L7, L19 et L41) et six lignées de blé tendre (L8, L12, L14, L29, L38 et L44) ont montré une résistance modérée. Ces résultats fournissent des informations précieuses sur les sources potentielles de résistance au sein du germoplasme de blé marocain, qui peuvent contribuer au développement de variétés améliorées pour une production durable des céréales dans la région. Des recherches supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour identifier et utiliser les gènes et mieux comprendre les mécanismes spécifiques responsables de la résistance observée dans ces lignées prometteuses de blé.

Background Septoria tritici blotch (STB) remains a significant obstacle to durum wheat cultivation on a global scale. This disease remains a challenge for farmers, researchers, and breeders, who are collectively dedicated to reduce its damage and improve wheat resistance. Tunisian durum wheat landraces have been recognized as valuable genetic ressources that exhibit resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and therefore play a crucial role in breeding program aimed at creating new wheat varieties resistant to fungal diseases as STB, as well as adapted to climate change constraints. Results A total of 366 local durum wheat accessions were assessed for resistance to two virulent Tunisian isolates of Zymoseptoria tritici Tun06 and TM220 under field conditions. Population structure analysis of the durum wheat accessions, performed with 286 polymorphic SNPs (PIC > 0.3) covering the entire genome, identified three genetic subpopulations (GS1, GS2 and GS3) with 22% of admixed genotypes. Interestingly, all of the resistant genotypes were among GS2 or admixed with GS2. Conclusions This study revealed the population structure and the genetic distribution of the resistance to Z. tritici in the Tunisian durum wheat landraces. Accessions grouping pattern reflected the geographical origins of the landraces. We suggested that GS2 accessions were mostly derived from eastern Mediterranean populations, unlike GS1 and GS3 that originated from the west. Resistant GS2 accessions belonged to landraces Taganrog, Sbei glabre, Richi, Mekki, Badri, Jneh Khotifa and Azizi. Furthermore, we suggested that admixture contributed to transmit STB resistance from GS2 resistant landraces to initially susceptible landraces such as Mahmoudi (GS1), but also resulted in the loss of resistance in the case of GS2 susceptible Azizi and Jneh Khotifa accessions.

Salinity is a serious threat to agriculture, causing the inhibition of and alterations in germination and plant growth and development. Durum wheat is highly sensitive to salinity. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to establish a screening method of wheat genotypes, under saline conditions, at the germination and plant growth stages. Our results show a very significant effect of salt stress on the different parameters evaluated in durum wheat, for all treated genotypes. The tolerance screening test during growth and development was more effective than the germination test. The chlorophyll content allowed distinguishing tolerant from sensitive genotypes.

An efficient genetic transformation protocol is a fundamental requirement for high regeneration capacity from cultivated durum wheat (Triticum durum) varieties.In this study, wereportedtheeffectsoftwoauxins,2,4-dichlorophenoxyaceticacid(2,4-D)and4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicoli nicacid(picloram), at a concentration of 2 mg/Laloneandincombination on the embryogenic callus and plantlet regeneration of four durum wheat varieties (Amria, Chaoui, Marouane, and Tomouh) using mature embryos (MEs) and immature embryos (ImEs).Significanteffectsofvariety,culturemedium(theauxinused),andvariety-mediuminteraction were observed on the callus weight and plantlet regeneration of both MR and ImE explants.The medium used for callus induction significantly affected plantlet regeneration (p < 0.001).Comparedto2,4-D, picloram led to a higher plantlet regeneration rate in both ME and ImE explants (19.8% and 40.86%, respectively).Plantlet regeneration also varied significantly depending on the variety and medium used.PicloramledtohighplantletregenerationofbothME and ImE explants in all varieties except Tomouh, which showed high plantlet regeneration of ME explants in 2,4-D.A comparison of ME and ImE responses indicated that ImEs are the best explants for high plantlet regeneration in durum wheat.Ourfindingssuggestthatpicloramisthebestauxin and should be used instead of 2,4-D due to its positive effect on increasing plant regeneration of durum wheat ME and ImE explants.

Genetic diversity and relationship among a set of 18 cactus pear genotypes, with different degrees of resistance to cochineal scale insect (Dactylopius opuntiae), was estimated using eight simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The genotypes used belong to four Opuntia species (O. engelmanii, O. ficus indica, O. robusta, and o. dillenii). The analysis revealed a total number of 56 alleles (Mean = 7) and an average genetic diversity index of 0.76 with genetic distances ranging from 0.00 to 1.00 at eight microsatellite loci in 18 Moroccan cactus pear genotypes. All microsatellites used were found to be highly informative, with mean polymorphic information content (PIC) estimated at 0.72. Genetic relationship estimated using the neighbor-joining (NJ) method and the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), showed that the 18 genotypes were successfully assigned to four clusters, separated according to their taxonomy distribution and their levels of resistance to D. opuntiae. The results of this study demonstrated that the Moroccan cactus pear genotypes evaluated are highly divergent and that these genotypes will be useful for future crossing programs to improve the genetic diversity in Opuntia for resistance to D. opuntiae.

Drought is one of the major constraints in durum wheat production in the Mediterranean Basin. In order to overcome this problem, the genetic transformation of durum wheat is one of the choices for improvement. However, the recalcitrance to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) is one of the factors limiting a successful genetic transformation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of explant type and acetosyringone concentration for the efficient Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of three Moroccan durum wheat varieties (Amria, Chaoui, and Marouane). The mature embryos (intact, halved and pieces) were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101 harboring the binary vector pTF101.1 containing drought tolerance gene HVA1 from barley, and a selectable marker phosphinothricin (PPT) resistance (bar) gene. The explants were inoculated with A. tumefaciens (cell density OD650 at 0.7) at four different concentrations of acetosyringone (0, 100, 200, and 400 µM). The results showed that embryogenic calli from mature embryos showed higher regeneration and transformation than mature embryo halves and pieces. The integration of the transgene was confirmed by PCR amplification using primers specific to the bar gene, 2x35S promoter, and HVA1 gene. The transformation efficiency ranging from 0.33% to 2.33% was obtained in Amira variety using embryogenic calli and acetosyringone concentrations of 200 and 400 µM. The integration, as well as inheritance of the transgene, was confirmed by PCR amplification in T0 and T1 generations. This is the first report describing a genetic transformation of Moroccan durum wheat varieties via Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Micronutrient deficiency affects half of the world’s population, mostly in developing countries. Severe health issues such as anemia and inadequate growth in children below five years of age and pregnant women have been linked to mineral deficiencies (mostly zinc and iron). Improving the mineral content in staple crops, also known as mineral biofortification, remains the best approach to address mineral malnutrition. Barley is a staple crop in some parts of the world and is a healthy choice since it contains β-glucan, a high dietary protein. Barley mineral biofortification, especially with zinc and iron, can be beneficial since barley easily adapts to marginalized areas and requires less input than other frequently consumed cereals. In this study, we analyzed zinc and iron content in 496 barley samples. The samples were genotyped with an Illumina 50 K SNP chip. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified 62 SNPs and 68 SNPs (p < 0.001) associated with iron and zinc content in grains, respectively. After a Bonferroni correction (p < 0.005), there were 12 SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphism) associated with Zn and 6 for iron. SNP annotations revealed proteins involved in membrane transport, Zn and Fe binding, linked to nutrient remobilization in grains. These results can be used to develop biofortified barley via marker-assisted selection (MAS), which could alleviate mineral malnutrition.