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Nguyen-Hoang A, Sandell FL, Himmelbauer H, Dohm JC. Spinach genomes reveal migration history and candidate genes for important crop traits. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqae034. [PMID: 38633427 PMCID: PMC11023180 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an important leafy crop possessing notable economic value and health benefits. Current genomic resources include reference genomes and genome-wide association studies. However, the worldwide genetic relationships and the migration history of the crop remained uncertain, and genome-wide association studies have produced extensive gene lists related to agronomic traits. Here, we re-analysed the sequenced genomes of 305 cultivated and wild spinach accessions to unveil the phylogeny and history of cultivated spinach and to explore genetic variation in relation to phenotypes. In contrast to previous studies, we employed machine learning methods (based on Extreme Gradient Boosting, XGBoost) to detect variants that are collectively associated with agronomic traits. Variant-based cluster analyses revealed three primary spinach groups in the Middle East, Asia and Europe/US. Combining admixture analysis and allele-sharing statistics, migration routes of spinach from the Middle East to Europe and Asia are presented. Using XGBoost machine learning models we predict genomic variants influencing bolting time, flowering time, petiole color, and leaf surface texture and propose candidate genes for each trait. This study enhances our understanding of the history and phylogeny of domesticated spinach and provides valuable information on candidate genes for future genetic improvement of the crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Nguyen-Hoang
- Institute of Computational Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix L Sandell
- Institute of Computational Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Himmelbauer
- Institute of Computational Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Juliane C Dohm
- Institute of Computational Biology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
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2
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Muterko A, Kiseleva A, Salina E. A Transcriptome Response of Bread Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) to a 5B Chromosome Substitution from Wild Emmer. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1514. [PMID: 38891322 PMCID: PMC11174853 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Over the years, alien chromosome substitution has attracted the attention of geneticists and breeders as a rich source of remarkable genetic diversity for improvement in narrowly adapted wheat cultivars. One of the problems encountered along this way is the coadaptation and realization of the genome of common wheat against the background of the introduced genes. Here, using RNA-Seq, we assessed a transcriptome response of hexaploid wheat Triticum aestivum L. (cultivar Chinese Spring) to a 5B chromosome substitution with its homolog from wild emmer (tetraploid wheat T. dicoccoides Koern) and discuss how complete the physiological compensation for this alien chromatin introgression is. The main signature of the transcriptome in the substituted line was a sharp significant drop of activity before the beginning of the photoperiod with a gradual increase up to overexpression in the middle of the night. The differential expression altered almost all biological processes and pathways tested. Because in most cases, the differential expression or its fold change were modest, and this was only a small proportion of the expressed transcriptome, the physiological compensation of the 5B chromosome substitution in common wheat seemed overall satisfactory, albeit not completely. No over- or under-representation of differential gene expression was found in specific chromosomes, implying that local structural changes in the genome can trigger a global transcriptome response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Muterko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, 10 Akad. Lavrentyeva Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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3
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Stock M, Pieters O, De Swaef T, wyffels F. Plant science in the age of simulation intelligence. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1299208. [PMID: 38293629 PMCID: PMC10824965 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1299208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Historically, plant and crop sciences have been quantitative fields that intensively use measurements and modeling. Traditionally, researchers choose between two dominant modeling approaches: mechanistic plant growth models or data-driven, statistical methodologies. At the intersection of both paradigms, a novel approach referred to as "simulation intelligence", has emerged as a powerful tool for comprehending and controlling complex systems, including plants and crops. This work explores the transformative potential for the plant science community of the nine simulation intelligence motifs, from understanding molecular plant processes to optimizing greenhouse control. Many of these concepts, such as surrogate models and agent-based modeling, have gained prominence in plant and crop sciences. In contrast, some motifs, such as open-ended optimization or program synthesis, still need to be explored further. The motifs of simulation intelligence can potentially revolutionize breeding and precision farming towards more sustainable food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Stock
- KERMIT and Biobix, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Pieters
- IDLAB-AIRO, Ghent University, imec, Ghent, Belgium
- Plant Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Melle, Belgium
| | - Tom De Swaef
- Plant Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Melle, Belgium
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4
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Rahimi M, AhmadiAfzadi M, Kordrostami M. Genetic diversity in Sickleweed (Falcaria vulgaris) and using stepwise regression to identify marker associated with traits. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12142. [PMID: 37495658 PMCID: PMC10372081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the well-known medicinal plants in the Falcaria genus is Sickleweed. Falcaria species exhibit a high degree of genetic variability, posing challenges in the examination of genetic diversity due to the significant potential for hybridization and introgression among them. Utilizing morphological traits and molecular markers may prove to be a valuable approach in evaluating and harnessing germplasm, considering the current obstacles faced in breeding this medicinal herb. In 2021, fifteen Sickleweed populations were cultivated in pots under field conditions, employing a randomized complete block design with three replications. This aimed to assess genetic diversity and conduct marker-trait association analyses utilizing morpho-physiological characteristics and SSR markers. The Sickleweed populations displayed considerable genetic diversity across all traits. Through cluster analysis of traits and the utilization of the UPGMA method based on the Gower distance matrix, the population was classified into three distinct clusters. Upon examining all genotypes, 52 polymorphic bands were detected, with an average of 8.68 bands per primer. The average expected heterozygosity across all loci was 0.864, while the average PIC was 0.855. Molecular data analysis employing the Jaccard similarity index and UPGMA method revealed the division of Sickleweed populations into two major groups. Furthermore, the results of molecular variance analysis indicated that variation within the population exceeded that between populations. Thirty-two SSR fragments were found to be significantly associated with genomic regions controlling the studied traits, determined through the application of stepwise regression. Selection based on molecular markers offers a rapid method for breeding programs, with the genetic information obtained from these markers playing a crucial role. Therefore, alongside traits, selecting superior genotypes and populations of high value in breeding programs becomes feasible. The findings highlight that certain markers are linked to multiple traits, emphasizing the critical importance of this characteristic in plant breeding for the simultaneous improvement of numerous traits. The study's insights regarding markers hold potential for application in Sickleweed breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Rahimi
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Masoud AhmadiAfzadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Kordrostami
- Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI), Nuclear Agriculture Research School, Karaj, Iran
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5
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Mulugeta B, Ortiz R, Geleta M, Hailesilassie T, Hammenhag C, Hailu F, Tesfaye K. Harnessing genome-wide genetic diversity, population structure and linkage disequilibrium in Ethiopian durum wheat gene pool. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1192356. [PMID: 37546270 PMCID: PMC10400094 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1192356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Yanyang Liu, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (HNAAS), China; Landraces are an important genetic source for transferring valuable novel genes and alleles required to enhance genetic variation. Therefore, information on the gene pool's genetic diversity and population structure is essential for the conservation and sustainable use of durum wheat genetic resources. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium, as well as to identify regions with selection signature. Five hundred (500) individuals representing 46 landraces, along with 28 cultivars were evaluated using the Illumina Infinium 25K wheat SNP array, resulting in 8,178 SNPs for further analysis. Gene diversity (GD) and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.13-0.50 and 0.12-0.38, with mean GD and PIC values of 0.34 and 0.27, respectively. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) revealed 353,600 pairs of significant SNPs at a cut-off (r2 > 0.20, P < 0.01), with an average r2 of 0.21 for marker pairs. The nucleotide diversity (π) and Tajima's D (TD) per chromosome for the populations ranged from 0.29-0.36 and 3.46-5.06, respectively, with genome level, mean π values of 0.33 and TD values of 4.43. Genomic scan using the Fst outlier test revealed 85 loci under selection signatures, with 65 loci under balancing selection and 17 under directional selection. Putative candidate genes co-localized with regions exhibiting strong selection signatures were associated with grain yield, plant height, host plant resistance to pathogens, heading date, grain quality, and phenolic content. The Bayesian Model (STRUCTURE) and distance-based (principal coordinate analysis, PCoA, and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean, UPGMA) methods grouped the genotypes into five subpopulations, where landraces from geographically non-adjoining environments were clustered in the same cluster. This research provides further insights into population structure and genetic relationships in a diverse set of durum wheat germplasm, which could be further used in wheat breeding programs to address production challenges sustainably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behailu Mulugeta
- Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
- Sinana Agricultural Research Center, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Bale-Robe, Ethiopia
| | - Rodomiro Ortiz
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Mulatu Geleta
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | | | - Cecilia Hammenhag
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Faris Hailu
- Bio and Emerging Technology Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Tesfaye
- Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Stemerding D, Beumer K, Edelenbosch R, Swart JAA, de Vries ME, ter Steeg E, Almekinders CJM, Lindhout P, van Dijk LCM, Struik PC. Responsible Innovation in Plant Breeding: The Case of Hybrid Potato Breeding. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1751. [PMID: 37176809 PMCID: PMC10180633 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
As an emerging innovation, hybrid potato breeding raises high expectations about faster variety development and clean true potato seed as a new source of planting material. Hybrid breeding could, therefore, substantially contribute to global food security and other major sustainable development goals. However, its success will not only depend on the performance of hybrid potato in the field, but also on a range of complex and dynamic system conditions. This article is based on a multidisciplinary project in which we have studied the innovation dynamics of hybrid potato breeding and explored how these dynamics may shape the future of hybrid potato. Inspired by the approach of responsible innovation, we closely involved key players in the Dutch and international potato sector and other relevant actors in thinking about these potato futures. An important and recurrent theme in our work is the tension between the predominant commercial innovation dynamics in plant breeding and promises to respond to the global challenges of food security, agrobiodiversity and climate change. In this article, we, therefore, discuss responsible innovation strategies in (hybrid) potato breeding, which may help to bridge this tension and finally reflect on the implications for the field of plant breeding in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Stemerding
- Independent Researcher Biotechnology and Society, 8012 EV Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Koen Beumer
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Jac. A. A. Swart
- Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Emily ter Steeg
- Development Economics, Wageningen University and Research, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Conny J. M. Almekinders
- Knowledge, Technology and Innovation, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 EW Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Pim Lindhout
- Solynta, 6703 HA Wageningen, The Netherlands; (M.E.d.V.); (P.L.)
| | - Luuk C. M. van Dijk
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PE Wageningen, The Netherlands; (L.C.M.v.D.); (P.C.S.)
| | - Paul C. Struik
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PE Wageningen, The Netherlands; (L.C.M.v.D.); (P.C.S.)
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7
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Orantes-Bonilla M, Wang H, Lee HT, Golicz AA, Hu D, Li W, Zou J, Snowdon RJ. Transgressive and parental dominant gene expression and cytosine methylation during seed development in Brassica napus hybrids. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2023; 136:113. [PMID: 37071201 PMCID: PMC10113308 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-023-04345-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of gene expression and small RNAs during seed and seedling development reveals expression and methylation dominance levels with implications on early stage heterosis in oilseed rape. The enhanced performance of hybrids through heterosis remains a key aspect in plant breeding; however, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully elucidated. To investigate the potential role of transcriptomic and epigenomic patterns in early expression of hybrid vigor, we investigated gene expression, small RNA abundance and genome-wide methylation in hybrids from two distant Brassica napus ecotypes during seed and seedling developmental stages using next-generation sequencing. A total of 31117, 344, 36229 and 7399 differentially expressed genes, microRNAs, small interfering RNAs and differentially methylated regions were identified, respectively. Approximately 70% of the differentially expressed or methylated features displayed parental dominance levels where the hybrid followed the same patterns as the parents. Via gene ontology enrichment and microRNA-target association analyses during seed development, we found copies of reproductive, developmental and meiotic genes with transgressive and paternal dominance patterns. Interestingly, maternal dominance was more prominent in hypermethylated and downregulated features during seed formation, contrasting to the general maternal gamete demethylation reported during gametogenesis in angiosperms. Associations between methylation and gene expression allowed identification of putative epialleles with diverse pivotal biological functions during seed formation. Furthermore, most differentially methylated regions, differentially expressed siRNAs and transposable elements were in regions that flanked genes without differential expression. This suggests that differential expression and methylation of epigenomic features may help maintain expression of pivotal genes in a hybrid context. Differential expression and methylation patterns during seed formation in an F1 hybrid provide novel insights into genes and mechanisms with potential roles in early heterosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Orantes-Bonilla
- Department of Plant Breeding, Land Use and Nutrition, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hao Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huey Tyng Lee
- Department of Plant Breeding, Land Use and Nutrition, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Agnieszka A Golicz
- Department of Plant Breeding, Land Use and Nutrition, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dandan Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rod J Snowdon
- Department of Plant Breeding, Land Use and Nutrition, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
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8
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Arguello-Blanco MN, Sneller CH. The effect of cycles of genomic selection on the wheat (T. aestivum) genome. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2023; 136:70. [PMID: 36952091 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-023-04279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We documented changes in the wheat genome attributed to genomic selection including loss of diversity, and changes in population structure and linkage disequilibrium patterns. We conclude that training and prediction populations need to co-evolve instead of the use of a static training population. Genomic selection (GS) is widely used in plant breeding to shorten breeding cycles. Our objective was to assess the impact of rapid cycling GS on the wheat genome. We used 3927 markers to genotype a training population (YTP) and individuals from five cycles (YC1-YC5) of GS for grain yield. We assessed changes of allele frequency, genetic distance, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium (LD). We found 27.3% of all markers had a significant allele frequency change by YC5, 18% experienced a significant change attributed to selection, and 9.3% had a significant change due to either drift or selection. A total of 725 of 3927 markers were fixed by YC5 with selection fixing 7.3% of the 725 markers. The genetic distance between cycles increased over time. The Fst value of 0.224 between YTP and YC5 indicates their relationship was low. The number LD blocks decreased over time and the correlation between LD matrices also decreased over time. Overall, we found a reduction in genetic diversity, increased genetic differentiation of cycles from the training population, and restructuring of the LD patterns over cycles. The accuracy of GS depends on the genomic similarity of the training population and the prediction populations. Our results show that the similarity can decline rapidly over cycles of GS and compromise the predictive ability of the YTP-based model. Our results support implementing a GS scheme where the training and prediction populations co-evolve instead of the use of a static training population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Arguello-Blanco
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University, 1680 Madison Av, Wooster, OH, 446591, USA
| | - Clay H Sneller
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University, 1680 Madison Av, Wooster, OH, 446591, USA.
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9
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Das T, Anand U, Pal T, Mandal S, Kumar M, Radha, Gopalakrishnan AV, Lastra JMPDL, Dey A. Exploring the potential of CRISPR/Cas genome editing for vegetable crop improvement: An overview of challenges and approaches. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1215-1228. [PMID: 36740587 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vegetables provide many nutrients in the form of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which make them an important part of our diet. Numerous biotic and abiotic stresses can affect crop growth, quality, and yield. Traditional and modern breeding strategies to improve plant traits are slow and resource intensive. Therefore, it is necessary to find new approaches for crop improvement. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is a genome editing tool that can be used to modify targeted genes for desirable traits with greater efficiency and accuracy. By using CRISPR/Cas9 editing to precisely mutate key genes, it is possible to rapidly generate new germplasm resources for the promotion of important agronomic traits. This is made possible by the availability of whole genome sequencing data and information on the function of genes responsible for important traits. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9 systems have revolutionized agriculture, making genome editing more versatile. Currently, genome editing of vegetable crops is limited to a few vegetable varieties (tomato, sweet potato, potato, carrot, squash, eggplant, etc.) due to lack of regeneration protocols and sufficient genome sequencing data. In this article, we summarize recent studies on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in improving vegetable trait development and the potential for future improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuyelee Das
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Uttpal Anand
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Tarun Pal
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Sayanti Mandal
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Radha
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - José M Pérez de la Lastra
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, IPNA-CSIC, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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10
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Xiong W, Reynolds M, Xu Y. Climate change challenges plant breeding. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 70:102308. [PMID: 36279790 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant breeding is important to cope with climate change impacts, complementing crop management and policy interventions to ensure global food production. However, changes in environmental factors also affect the objectives, efficiency, and genetic gains of the current plant breeding system. In this review, we summarize the challenges prompted by climate change to breeding climate-resilient crops and the limitations of the next-generation breeding approach in addressing climate change. It is anticipated that the integration of multi-disciplines and technologies into three schemes of genotyping, phenotyping, and envirotyping will result in the delivery of climate change-ready crops in less time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiong
- CIMMYT-Henan Joint Center for Wheat and Maize Improvement, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico.
| | - Matthew Reynolds
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Yunbi Xu
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico; Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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11
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Orantes-Bonilla M, Makhoul M, Lee H, Chawla HS, Vollrath P, Langstroff A, Sedlazeck FJ, Zou J, Snowdon RJ. Frequent spontaneous structural rearrangements promote rapid genome diversification in a Brassica napus F1 generation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1057953. [PMID: 36466276 PMCID: PMC9716091 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1057953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In a cross between two homozygous Brassica napus plants of synthetic and natural origin, we demonstrate that novel structural genome variants from the synthetic parent cause immediate genome diversification among F1 offspring. Long read sequencing in twelve F1 sister plants revealed five large-scale structural rearrangements where both parents carried different homozygous alleles but the heterozygous F1 genomes were not identical heterozygotes as expected. Such spontaneous rearrangements were part of homoeologous exchanges or segmental deletions and were identified in different, individual F1 plants. The variants caused deletions, gene copy-number variations, diverging methylation patterns and other structural changes in large numbers of genes and may have been causal for unexpected phenotypic variation between individual F1 sister plants, for example strong divergence of plant height and leaf area. This example supports the hypothesis that spontaneous de novo structural rearrangements after de novo polyploidization can rapidly overcome intense allopolyploidization bottlenecks to re-expand crops genetic diversity for ecogeographical expansion and human selection. The findings imply that natural genome restructuring in allopolyploid plants from interspecific hybridization, a common approach in plant breeding, can have a considerably more drastic impact on genetic diversity in agricultural ecosystems than extremely precise, biotechnological genome modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Orantes-Bonilla
- Department of Plant Breeding, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Manar Makhoul
- Department of Plant Breeding, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - HueyTyng Lee
- Department of Plant Breeding, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Harmeet Singh Chawla
- Department of Plant Sciences, Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Paul Vollrath
- Department of Plant Breeding, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anna Langstroff
- Department of Plant Breeding, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Fritz J. Sedlazeck
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jun Zou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Plant Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rod J. Snowdon
- Department of Plant Breeding, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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12
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Garland S, Curry HA. Turning promise into practice: Crop biotechnology for increasing genetic diversity and climate resilience. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001716. [PMID: 35881573 PMCID: PMC9321377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As climate change increasingly threatens agricultural production, expanding genetic diversity in crops is an important strategy for climate resilience in many agricultural contexts. In this Essay, we explore the potential of crop biotechnology to contribute to this diversification, especially in industrialized systems, by using historical perspectives to frame the current dialogue surrounding recent innovations in gene editing. We unearth comments about the possibility of enhancing crop diversity made by ambitious scientists in the early days of recombinant DNA and follow the implementation of this technology, which has not generated the diversification some anticipated. We then turn to recent claims about the promise of gene editing tools with respect to this same goal. We encourage researchers and other stakeholders to engage in activities beyond the laboratory if they hope to see what is technologically possible translated into practice at this critical point in agricultural transformation. Will gene editing contribute to improved crop diversity and climate resilience? In this Essay, the authors look at lessons from past biotechnology efforts to inform action for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Garland
- The Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Helen Anne Curry
- Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Kinhoégbè G, Djèdatin G, Saxena RK, Chitikineni A, Bajaj P, Molla J, Agbangla C, Dansi A, Varshney RK. Genetic diversity and population structure of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan [L.] Millspaugh) landraces grown in Benin revealed by Genotyping-By-Sequencing. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271565. [PMID: 35857738 PMCID: PMC9299330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity studies provide important details on target trait availability and its variability, for the success of breeding programs. In this study, GBS approach was used to reveal a new structuration of genetic diversity and population structure of pigeonpea in Benin. We used a total of 688 high-quality Single Nucleotide Polymorphism markers for a total of 44 pigeonpea genotypes. The distribution of SNP markers on the 11 chromosomes ranged from 14 on chromosome 5 to 133 on chromosome 2. The Polymorphism Information Content and gene diversity values were 0.30 and 0.34 respectively. The analysis of population structure revealed four clear subpopulations. The Weighted Neighbor Joining tree agreed with structure analyses by grouping the 44 genotypes into four clusters. The PCoA revealed that genotypes from subpopulations 1, 2 and 3 intermixed among themselves. The Analysis of Molecular Variance showed 7% of the total variation among genotypes while the rest of variation (93%) was within genotypes from subpopulations indicating a high gene exchange (Nm = 7.13) and low genetic differentiation (PhiPT = 0.07) between subpopulations. Subpopulation 2 presented the highest mean values of number of different alleles (Na = 1.57), number of loci with private alleles (Pa = 0.11) and the percentage of polymorphic loci (P = 57.12%). We discuss our findings and demonstrate how the genetic diversity and the population structure of this specie can be used through the Genome Wide Association Studies and Marker-Assisted Selection to enhance genetic gain in pigeonpea breeding programs in Benin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géofroy Kinhoégbè
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Applied to Genomics, National University of Sciences, Technologies Engineering and Mathematics of Abomey, Dassa-Zoumé, Benin
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Systems Biology, International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Gustave Djèdatin
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Applied to Genomics, National University of Sciences, Technologies Engineering and Mathematics of Abomey, Dassa-Zoumé, Benin
| | - Rachit Kumar Saxena
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Systems Biology, International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anu Chitikineni
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Systems Biology, International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Prasad Bajaj
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Systems Biology, International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Johiruddin Molla
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Systems Biology, International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Clément Agbangla
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetic and Genomes Analysis, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Alexandre Dansi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Genetic Resources and Plant and Animal Breeding, National University of Sciences Technologies Engineering and Mathematics of Abomey, Dassa-Zoumé, Benin
| | - Rajeev Kumar Varshney
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Systems Biology, International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
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Anyshchenko A. Aligning Policy Design With Science to Achieve Food Security: The Contribution of Genome Editing to Sustainable Agriculture. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.897643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The need to meet the food demands of the world's growing population is the main challenge to global agricultural policy and economy. Issues in food security require innovative solutions. Modern biotechnology has a significant potential to contribute to food security, wealth, and sustainable development. Genetic engineering offers tools to improve nutrition, increase yield, and enhance crop resilience. New techniques of genome editing provide ample means to overcome limitations inherent in conventional plant breeding, but their industrial applicability depends on regulatory environment, decision making, and public perception. An alignment of goals between science and policy can help realise the potential of modern biotechnology to contribute to food security, wealth, and sustainable development.
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Gibson AK. Genetic diversity and disease: The past, present, and future of an old idea. Evolution 2022; 76:20-36. [PMID: 34796478 PMCID: PMC9064374 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Why do infectious diseases erupt in some host populations and not others? This question has spawned independent fields of research in evolution, ecology, public health, agriculture, and conservation. In the search for environmental and genetic factors that predict variation in parasitism, one hypothesis stands out for its generality and longevity: genetically homogeneous host populations are more likely to experience severe parasitism than genetically diverse populations. In this perspective piece, I draw on overlapping ideas from evolutionary biology, agriculture, and conservation to capture the far-reaching implications of the link between genetic diversity and disease. I first summarize the development of this hypothesis and the results of experimental tests. Given the convincing support for the protective effect of genetic diversity, I then address the following questions: (1) Where has this idea been put to use, in a basic and applied sense, and how can we better use genetic diversity to limit disease spread? (2) What new hypotheses does the established disease-diversity relationship compel us to test? I conclude that monitoring, preserving, and augmenting genetic diversity is one of our most promising evolutionarily informed strategies for buffering wild, domesticated, and human populations against future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kyle Gibson
- Department of Biology University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia 22903
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16
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Genetic Variation of a Lentil (Lens culinaris) Landrace during Three Generations of Breeding. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12010450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Genetic differentiation between 40 lentil genotypes was tested using molecular markers. The genotypes were produced from a Greek landrace of commercial interest via the honeycomb breeding methodology, i.e., single-plant selection in the absence of competition, across three successive pedigree generations. The selected genotypes from each generation were examined for genetic relationships using 15 SSR molecular markers with HRM analysis. As expected, low variation among consecutive generations at the level of 2.5–7.7% was detected. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that partitioning of this variation was at higher percentage within each generation’s population than between them. Population structure analysis indicated that ongoing selection could effectively shift the allelic composition in each generation. The applied honeycomb breeding methodology that effectively improved progeny yield and seed quality increased the percentage of favorable alleles altering allelic composition but not eliminating genetic variation of the breeding population.
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Fan Y, Jin Y, Ding M, Tang Y, Cheng J, Zhang K, Zhou M. The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Eight Fagopyrum Species: Insights Into Genome Evolution and Phylogenetic Relationships. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:799904. [PMID: 34975990 PMCID: PMC8715082 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.799904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum genus, Polygonaceae), is an annual or perennial, herbaceous or semi-shrub dicotyledonous plant. There are mainly three cultivated buckwheat species, common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is widely cultivated in Asia, Europe, and America, while Tartary buckwheat (F. tataricum) and F. cymosum (also known as F. dibotrys) are mainly cultivated in China. The genus Fagopyrum is taxonomically confusing due to the complex phenotypes of different Fagopyrum species. In this study, the chloroplast (cp) genomes of three Fagopyrum species, F. longistylum, F. leptopodum, F. urophyllum, were sequenced, and five published cp genomes of Fagopyrum were retrieved for comparative analyses. We determined the sequence differentiation, repeated sequences of the cp genomes, and the phylogeny of Fagopyrum species. The eight cp genomes ranged, gene number, gene order, and GC content were presented. Most of variations of Fagopyrum species cp genomes existed in the LSC and SSC regions. Among eight Fagopyrum chloroplast genomes, six variable regions (ndhF-rpl32, trnS-trnG, trnC, trnE-trnT, psbD, and trnV) were detected as promising DNA barcodes. In addition, a total of 66 different SSR (simple sequence repeats) types were found in the eight Fagopyrum species, ranging from 8 to 16 bp. Interestingly, many SSRs showed significant differences especially in some photosystem genes, which provided valuable information for understanding the differences in light adaptation among different Fagopyrum species. Genus Fagopyrum has shown a typical branch that is distinguished from the Rumex, Rheum, and Reynoutria, which supports the unique taxonomic status in Fagopyrum among the Polygonaceae. In addition, phylogenetic analysis based on the cp genomes strongly supported the division of eight Fagopyrum species into two independent evolutionary directions, suggesting that the separation of cymosum group and urophyllum group may be earlier than the flower type differentiation in Fagopyrum plants. The results of the chloroplast-based phylogenetic tree were further supported by the matK and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences of 17 Fagopyrum species, which may help to further anchor the taxonomic status of other members in the urophyllum group in Fagopyrum. This study provides valuable information and high-quality cp genomes for identifying species and evolutionary analysis for future Fagopyrum research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fan
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ya’nan Jin
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Inner Mongolia MINZU University, Tongliao, China
| | - Mengqi Ding
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Tang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Sichuan Tourism University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianping Cheng
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Kaixuan Zhang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meiliang Zhou
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Volante A, Barabaschi D, Marino R, Brandolini A. Genome-wide association study for morphological, phenological, quality, and yield traits in einkorn (Triticum monococcum L. subsp. monococcum). G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab281. [PMID: 34849796 PMCID: PMC8527505 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L. subsp. monococcum, 2n = 2× = 14, AmAm) is a diploid wheat whose cultivation was widespread in the Mediterranean and European area till the Bronze Age, before it was replaced by the more productive durum and bread wheats. Although scarcely cultivated nowadays, it has gained renewed interest due to its relevant nutritional properties and as source of genetic diversity for crop breeding. However, the molecular basis of many traits of interest in einkorn remain still unknown. A panel of 160 einkorn landraces, from different parts of the distribution area, was characterized for several phenotypic traits related to morphology, phenology, quality, and yield for 4 years in two locations. An approach based on co-linearity with the A genome of bread wheat, supported also by that with Triticum urartu genome, was exploited to perform association mapping, even without an einkorn anchored genome. The association mapping approach uncovered numerous marker-trait associations; for 37 of these, a physical position was inferred by homology with the bread wheat genome. Moreover, numerous associated regions were also assigned to the available T. monococcum contigs. Among the intervals detected in this work, three overlapped with regions previously described as involved in the same trait, while four other regions were localized in proximity of loci previously described and presumably refer to the same gene/QTL. The remaining associated regions identified in this work could represent a novel and useful starting point for breeding approaches to improve the investigated traits in this neglected species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Volante
- CREA—Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Delfina Barabaschi
- CREA—Research Centre for Genomics and Bioinformatics, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda, Italy and
| | - Rosanna Marino
- CREA—Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Andrea Brandolini
- CREA—Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Chen EHL, Weng CW, Li YM, Wu MC, Yang CC, Lee KT, Chen RPY, Cheng CP. De Novo Design of Antimicrobial Peptides With a Special Charge Pattern and Their Application in Combating Plant Pathogens. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:753217. [PMID: 34659322 PMCID: PMC8514817 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.753217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plant diseases are important issues in agriculture, and the development of effective and environment-friendly means of disease control is crucial and highly desired. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are known as potential alternatives to chemical pesticides because of their potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and because they have no risk, or have only a low risk, of developing chemical-resistant pathogens. In this study, we designed a series of amphipathic helical peptides with different spatial distributions of positive charges and found that the peptides that had a special sequence pattern "BBHBBHHBBH" ("B" for basic residue and "H" for hydrophobic residue) displayed excellent bactericidal and fungicidal activities in a wide range of economically important plant pathogens. The peptides with higher helical propensity had lower antimicrobial activity. When we modified the peptides with a long acyl chain at their N-terminus, their plant protection effect improved. Our application of the fatty acyl-modified peptides on the leaves of tomato and Arabidopsis plants lessened the infection caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum and Botrytis cinerea. Our study provides important insights on the development of more potent novel AMPs for plant protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H. -L. Chen
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wei Weng
- Institute of Plant Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Min Li
- Institute of Plant Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chin Wu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chih Yang
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kung-Ta Lee
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rita P. -Y. Chen
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Ping Cheng
- Institute of Plant Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Global Agriculture Technology and Genomic Science Master Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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20
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Shastri AA, Ahuja K, Ratnaparkhe MB, Busnel Y. Probabilistically sampled and spectrally clustered plant species using phenotypic characteristics. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11927. [PMID: 34589292 PMCID: PMC8432307 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic characteristics of a plant species refers to its physical properties as cataloged by plant biologists at different research centers around the world. Clustering species based upon their phenotypic characteristics is used to obtain diverse sets of parents that are useful in their breeding programs. The Hierarchical Clustering (HC) algorithm is the current standard in clustering of phenotypic data. This algorithm suffers from low accuracy and high computational complexity issues. To address the accuracy challenge, we propose the use of Spectral Clustering (SC) algorithm. To make the algorithm computationally cheap, we propose using sampling, specifically, Pivotal Sampling that is probability based. Since application of samplings to phenotypic data has not been explored much, for effective comparison, another sampling technique called Vector Quantization (VQ) is adapted for this data as well. VQ has recently generated promising results for genotypic data. The novelty of our SC with Pivotal Sampling algorithm is in constructing the crucial similarity matrix for the clustering algorithm and defining probabilities for the sampling technique. Although our algorithm can be applied to any plant species, we tested it on the phenotypic data obtained from about 2,400 Soybean species. SC with Pivotal Sampling achieves substantially more accuracy (in terms of Silhouette Values) than all the other proposed competitive clustering with sampling algorithms (i.e. SC with VQ, HC with Pivotal Sampling, and HC with VQ). The complexities of our SC with Pivotal Sampling algorithm and these three variants are almost the same because of the involved sampling. In addition to this, SC with Pivotal Sampling outperforms the standard HC algorithm in both accuracy and computational complexity. We experimentally show that we are up to 45% more accurate than HC in terms of clustering accuracy. The computational complexity of our algorithm is more than a magnitude less than that of HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya A. Shastri
- Math of Data Science & Simulation (MODSS) Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | - Kapil Ahuja
- Math of Data Science & Simulation (MODSS) Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | | | - Yann Busnel
- Network Systems, Cybersecurity and Digital Law Department, Institut Mines-Telecom Atlantique, Rennes, France
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Hafeez AN, Arora S, Ghosh S, Gilbert D, Bowden RL, Wulff BBH. Creation and judicious application of a wheat resistance gene atlas. MOLECULAR PLANT 2021; 14:1053-1070. [PMID: 33991673 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Disease-resistance (R) gene cloning in wheat (Triticum aestivum) has been accelerated by the recent surge of genomic resources, facilitated by advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics. However, with the challenges of population growth and climate change, it is vital not only to clone and functionally characterize a few handfuls of R genes, but also to do so at a scale that would facilitate the breeding and deployment of crops that can recognize the wide range of pathogen effectors that threaten agroecosystems. Pathogen populations are continually changing, and breeders must have tools and resources available to rapidly respond to those changes if we are to safeguard our daily bread. To meet this challenge, we propose the creation of a wheat R-gene atlas by an international community of researchers and breeders. The atlas would consist of an online directory from which sources of resistance could be identified and deployed to achieve more durable resistance to the major wheat pathogens, such as wheat rusts, blotch diseases, powdery mildew, and wheat blast. We present a costed proposal detailing how the interacting molecular components governing disease resistance could be captured from both the host and the pathogen through biparental mapping, mutational genomics, and whole-genome association genetics. We explore options for the configuration and genotyping of diversity panels of hexaploid and tetraploid wheat, as well as their wild relatives and major pathogens, and discuss how the atlas could inform a dynamic, durable approach to R-gene deployment. Set against the current magnitude of wheat yield losses worldwide, recently estimated at 21%, this endeavor presents one route for bringing R genes from the lab to the field at a considerable speed and quantity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanu Arora
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Sreya Ghosh
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - David Gilbert
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Robert L Bowden
- USDA-ARS, Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research Unit, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Zhang X, He Q, Zhang W, Shu F, Wang W, He Z, Xiong H, Peng J, Deng H. Genetic relationships and identification of core germplasm among rice photoperiod- and thermo-sensitive genic male sterile lines. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:313. [PMID: 34215178 PMCID: PMC8252326 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Harnessing heterosis is one of the major approaches to increase rice yield and has made a great contribution to food security. The identification and selection of outstanding parental genotypes especially among male sterile lines is a key step for exploiting heterosis. Two-line hybrid system is based on the discovery and application of photoperiod- and thermo-sensitive genic sensitive male sterile (PTGMS) materials. The development of wide-range of male sterile lines from a common gene pool leads to a narrower genetic diversity, which is vulnerable to biotic and abiotic stress. Hence, it is valuable to ascertain the genetic background of PTGMS lines and to understand their relationships in order to select and design a future breeding strategy. RESULTS A collection of 118 male sterile rice lines and 13 conventional breeding lines from the major rice growing regions of China was evaluated and screened against the photosensitive (pms3) and temperature sensitive male sterility (tms5) genes. The total gene pool was divided into four major populations as P1 possessing the pms3, P2 possessing tms5, P3 possessing both pms3 and tms5 genes, and P4 containing conventional breeding lines without any male sterility allele. The high genetic purity was revealed by homozygous alleles in all populations. The population admixture, principle components and the phylogenetic analysis revealed the close relations of P2 and P3 with P4. The population differentiation analysis showed that P1 has the highest differentiation coefficient. The lines from P1 were observed as the ancestors of other three populations in a phylogenetic tree, while the lines in P2 and P3 showed a close genetic relation with conventional lines. A core collection of top 10% lines with maximum within and among populations genetic diversity was constructed for future research and breeding efforts. CONCLUSION The low genetic diversity and close genetic relationship among PTGMS lines in P2, P3 and P4 populations suggest a selection sweep and they might result from a backcrossing with common ancestors including the pure lines of P1. The core collection from PTGMS panel updated with new diverse germplasm will serve best for further two-line hybrid breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwen Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- Huazhi Biotech Co. Ltd, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Qiang He
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Wuhan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Fu Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Weiping Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Zhizhou He
- Huazhi Biotech Co. Ltd, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Hairong Xiong
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Junhua Peng
- Huazhi Biotech Co. Ltd, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Huafeng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China.
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Dadshani S, Mathew B, Ballvora A, Mason AS, Léon J. Detection of breeding signatures in wheat using a linkage disequilibrium-corrected mapping approach. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5527. [PMID: 33750919 PMCID: PMC7970893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Marker assisted breeding, facilitated by reference genome assemblies, can help to produce cultivars adapted to changing environmental conditions. However, anomalous linkage disequilibrium (LD), where single markers show high LD with markers on other chromosomes but low LD with adjacent markers, is a serious impediment for genetic studies. We used a LD-correction approach to overcome these drawbacks, correcting the physical position of markers derived from 15 and 135 K arrays in a diversity panel of bread wheat representing 50 years of breeding history. We detected putative mismapping of 11.7% markers and improved the physical alignment of 5.4% markers. Population analysis indicated reduced genetic diversity over time as a result of breeding efforts. By analysis of outlier loci and allele frequency change over time we traced back the 2NS/2AS translocation of Aegilops ventricosa to one cultivar, "Cardos" (registered in 1998) which was the first among the panel to contain this translocation. A "selective sweep" for this important translocation region on chromosome 2AS was found, putatively linked to plant response to biotic stress factors. Our approach helps in overcoming the drawbacks of incorrectly anchored markers on the wheat reference assembly and facilitates detection of selective sweeps for important agronomic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Dadshani
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Plant Breeding, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Boby Mathew
- Bayer CropScience, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Agim Ballvora
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Plant Breeding, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Annaliese S Mason
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Plant Breeding, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jens Léon
- Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Plant Breeding, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Wang Y, Gao L, Moussian B. Drosophila, Chitin and Insect Pest Management. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:3546-3553. [PMID: 32693764 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200721002354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Insects are a great menace in agriculture and vectors of human diseases. Hence, controlling insect populations is an important issue worldwide. A common strategy to control insects is the application of insecticides. However, insecticides entail three major problems. First, insecticides are chemicals that stress ecosystems and may even be harmful to humans. Second, insecticides are often unspecific and also eradicate beneficial insect species like the honeybee. Third, insects are able to develop resistance to insecticides. Therefore, the efficient generation of new potent insecticides and their intelligent delivery are the major tasks in agriculture. In addition, acceptance or refusal in society is a major issue that has to be considered in the application of a pest management strategy. In this paper, we unify two issues: 1) we illustrate that our molecular knowledge of the chitin synthesis and organization pathways may offer new opportunities to design novel insecticides that are environmentally harmless at the same time being specific to a pest species; and 2) we advocate that the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster may serve as an excellent model of insect to study the effects of insecticides at the genetic, molecular and histology level in order to better understand their mode of action and to optimize their impact. Especially, chitin synthesis and organization proteins and enzymes are excellently dissected in the fruit fly, providing a rich source for new insecticide targets. Thus, D. melanogaster offers a cheap, efficient and fast assay system to address agricultural questions, as has been demonstrated to be the case in bio-medical research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Lujuan Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology (Ifiz), University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Bourke PM, Evers JB, Bijma P, van Apeldoorn DF, Smulders MJM, Kuyper TW, Mommer L, Bonnema G. Breeding Beyond Monoculture: Putting the "Intercrop" Into Crops. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:734167. [PMID: 34868116 PMCID: PMC8636715 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.734167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Intercropping is both a well-established and yet novel agricultural practice, depending on one's perspective. Such perspectives are principally governed by geographic location and whether monocultural practices predominate. Given the negative environmental effects of monoculture agriculture (loss of biodiversity, reliance on non-renewable inputs, soil degradation, etc.), there has been a renewed interest in cropping systems that can reduce the impact of modern agriculture while maintaining (or even increasing) yields. Intercropping is one of the most promising practices in this regard, yet faces a multitude of challenges if it is to compete with and ultimately replace the prevailing monocultural norm. These challenges include the necessity for more complex agricultural designs in space and time, bespoke machinery, and adapted crop cultivars. Plant breeding for monocultures has focused on maximizing yield in single-species stands, leading to highly productive yet specialized genotypes. However, indications suggest that these genotypes are not the best adapted to intercropping systems. Re-designing breeding programs to accommodate inter-specific interactions and compatibilities, with potentially multiple different intercropping partners, is certainly challenging, but recent technological advances offer novel solutions. We identify a number of such technology-driven directions, either ideotype-driven (i.e., "trait-based" breeding) or quantitative genetics-driven (i.e., "product-based" breeding). For ideotype breeding, plant growth modeling can help predict plant traits that affect both inter- and intraspecific interactions and their influence on crop performance. Quantitative breeding approaches, on the other hand, estimate breeding values of component crops without necessarily understanding the underlying mechanisms. We argue that a combined approach, for example, integrating plant growth modeling with genomic-assisted selection and indirect genetic effects, may offer the best chance to bridge the gap between current monoculture breeding programs and the more integrated and diverse breeding programs of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Bourke
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Peter M. Bourke,
| | - Jochem B. Evers
- Centre for Crops Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Piter Bijma
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Dirk F. van Apeldoorn
- Farming Systems Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Field Crops, Wageningen University & Research, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas W. Kuyper
- Soil Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Liesje Mommer
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Guusje Bonnema
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Guusje Bonnema,
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26
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Zhang J, Hu L, Guo L, Ren W, Zhao L, Wang N, Zhang E, Tang J, Chen X. The maintenance of stable yield and high genetic diversity in the agricultural heritage torreya tree system. BMC Ecol 2019; 19:41. [PMID: 31533695 PMCID: PMC6751825 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0256-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding how traditional agriculture systems have been maintained would help design sustainable agriculture. In this study, we examined how farmers have used two types of local trees (Torreya grandis) for stable yield and maintaining genetic diversity in the "globally important agricultural heritage torreya tree system". The two type of torreya trees are grafted torreya (GT) tree and non-grafted-torreya (NGT) tree. The GT tree has only female and was used to produced seed yields. The NGT tree has both male and female and was used to support GT tree by providing pollens and rootstocks. We first tested the ratio of GT tree to NGT tree, their age groups, ratio of female trees (including GT and NGT trees) to male, and the flowering period of GT and NGT trees. We then tested seed yields and genetic diversity of GT and NGT trees. We further tested gene flow among NGT trees, and the relationship of gene flow with exchange rates of pollens and seeds. RESULTS GT and NGT trees (male and female) were planted in a mosaic pattern with a ratio of 4:1 (GT:NGT). In this planting pattern, one NGT male trees provided pollen for 20 female trees of GT and NGT. The trees were classified into four age groups (I = 100-400 years old; II = 400-700 years old; III = 700-1000 years old; and IV = 1000-1300 years old) based on basal diameter. The entire flowering period was longer for NGT trees than for GT trees that ensured GT trees (which lack of males) being exposed to pollens. GT tree had high and stable seed yield that increased with age groups. High genetic diversity has been maintained in both rootstocks of the GT trees and NGT trees. There was a strong gene flow among NGT trees, which positive correlated with the exchange rates of pollens and seeds. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that farmers obtain stable seed yields, and maintain high genetic diversity by ingeniously using the local GT tree as yield producer and NGT tree as supporter. These GT and NGT trees together ensure sustainable torreya production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Liangliang Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Liang Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Weizheng Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Lufeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Ningjing Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Entao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Jianjun Tang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus, No. 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 China
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Fujino K, Hirayama Y, Kaji R. Marker-assisted selection in rice breeding programs in Hokkaido. BREEDING SCIENCE 2019; 69:383-392. [PMID: 31598070 PMCID: PMC6776137 DOI: 10.1270/jsbbs.19062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Rice breeding programs in Hokkaido over the past 100 years have dramatically increased productivity and improved the eating quality of rice. Commercial varieties with high yield and good eating quality, such as Kirara 397, Hoshinoyume, and Nanatsuboshi, have been continuously registered since 1990. Furthermore, varieties with better eating quality using Wx1-1, which reduces amylose content to improve the taste of sticky rice, such as Oborozuki and Yumepirika, were registered in 2006 and 2008, respectively. However, to the best of our knowledge the genomic changes associated with these improvements have not been determined. Better understanding of the relationships between DNA sequences and agricultural traits could facilitate rice breeding programs in Hokkaido. Marker-assisted selection (MAS), which can select the plants with chromosomal regions tagged with DNA markers for desirable traits, is an advanced technology to manage genetic improvements. Here, we summarize the current states of MAS in rice breeding programs in Hokkaido before huge data sets of genome sequences using next-generation sequencing technology come into practical use in rice breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Fujino
- Hokkaido Agricultural Research Center, National Agricultural Research Organization,
Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-8555,
Japan
| | - Yuji Hirayama
- Kamikawa Agricultural Experiment Station, Local Independent Administrative Agency Hokkaido Research Organization,
Pippu, Hokkaido 078-0397,
Japan
| | - Ryota Kaji
- Hokkaido Agricultural Research Center, National Agricultural Research Organization,
Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-8555,
Japan
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Lammerts van Bueren ET, Struik PC, van Eekeren N, Nuijten E. Towards resilience through systems-based plant breeding. A review. AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2018; 38:42. [PMID: 30956692 PMCID: PMC6417397 DOI: 10.1007/s13593-018-0522-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
How the growing world population can feed itself is a crucial, multi-dimensional problem that goes beyond sustainable development. Crop production will be affected by many changes in its climatic, agronomic, economic, and societal contexts. Therefore, breeders are challenged to produce cultivars that strengthen both ecological and societal resilience by striving for six international sustainability targets: food security, safety and quality; food and seed sovereignty; social justice; agrobiodiversity; ecosystem services; and climate robustness. Against this background, we review the state of the art in plant breeding by distinguishing four paradigmatic orientations that currently co-exist: community-based breeding, ecosystem-based breeding, trait-based breeding, and corporate-based breeding, analyzing differences among these orientations. Our main findings are: (1) all four orientations have significant value but none alone will achieve all six sustainability targets; (2) therefore, an overarching approach is needed: "systems-based breeding," an orientation with the potential to synergize the strengths of the ways of thinking in the current paradigmatic orientations; (3) achieving that requires specific knowledge development and integration, a multitude of suitable breeding strategies and tools, and entrepreneurship, but also a change in attitude based on corporate responsibility, circular economy and true-cost accounting, and fair and green policies. We conclude that systems-based breeding can create strong interactions between all system components. While seeds are part of the common good and the basis of agrobiodiversity, a diversity in breeding approaches, based on different entrepreneurial approaches, can also be considered part of the required agrobiodiversity. To enable systems-based breeding to play a major role in creating sustainable agriculture, a shared sense of urgency is needed to realize the required changes in breeding approaches, institutions, regulations and protocols. Based on this concept of systems-based breeding, there are opportunities for breeders to play an active role in the development of an ecologically and societally resilient, sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith T. Lammerts van Bueren
- Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3-5, 3981 AJ Bunnik, The Netherlands
- Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul C. Struik
- Department of Plant Sciences, Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nick van Eekeren
- Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3-5, 3981 AJ Bunnik, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin Nuijten
- Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3-5, 3981 AJ Bunnik, The Netherlands
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