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Selected genotypes of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) produce partial hybrids in sexual crosses with Medicago arborea, as reported in Plants (2013). The hybrids contain mostly alfalfa DNA and traits, but also contain DNA and traits from M. arborea. It was proposed in 2008 that the partial hybrids could be explained by fertilization of 2n eggs in alfalfa by normal pollen from M. arborea, followed by partial loss of M. arborea chromosomes during embryogenesis. In this paper, we confirm the presence of 2n eggs in the first alfalfa parents that produced hybrids. The test for 2n eggs involved pollinating 4x alfalfa with pollen from 8x alfalfa. The production of 8x progeny in the cross proved that selected alfalfa parents produced 2n eggs. Thus, 2n eggs appear to explain how the partial hybrids (hereafter hybrids) contain mostly alfalfa DNA and traits. However, two of the six alfalfa plants that did not hybridize with M. arborea also had 2n eggs. Thus, although 2n eggs explain the alfalfa content of hybrids, 2n eggs are not the only factor involved in weakening the hybridization barrier, and in transferring genes to alfalfa from M. arborea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is shifting agricultural production, which could impact the economic and cultural contexts of the oilseed industry, including sesame. Environmental threats (biotic and abiotic stresses) affect sesame production and thus yield (especially oil content). However, few studies have investigated the genetic enhancement, quality improvement, or the underlying mechanisms of stress tolerance in sesame. This study reveals the challenges faced by farmers/researchers growing sesame crops and the potential genetic and genomic resources for addressing the threats, including: (1) developing sesame varieties that tolerate phyllody, root rot disease, and waterlogging; (2) investigating beneficial agro-morphological traits, such as determinate growth, prostrate habit, and delayed response to seed shattering; (3) using wild relatives of sesame for wide hybridization; and (4) advancing existing strategies to maintain sesame production under changing climatic conditions. Future research programs need to add technologies and develop the best research strategies for economic and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica napus L is an important oilseed crops grown throughout many parts of the world. It is well adapted to long day photoperiods. Synthetic B. napus was produced through interspecific hybridization between B. rapa L. var Tori-7 and exotic variety of B. oleracea L. var. alboglabra Bailey. The chromosomes of the interspecific hybrids were doubled through the treatments of colchicine. Synthetic B. napus had increased growth and exhibited wider range of variations than parents for plant height leaf and floral characters, siliquae related characters, flowering and maturity characters, yield and yield contributing characters and sterility and siliquae shattering characters. Resynthesized lines (RS) showed higher plant height, leaf width compare to check variety BINA Sarisha-04. The RS lines also found to be best for siliquae related characters (siliquae length, break length, length of main fruiting axis, siliquae density siliquae angle). On the basis of flowering and maturity characters (1st, 50% and 90% flowering and days to maturity) RS lines showed six days earlier than check variety but not early maturing B. rapa parent Tori-7. The RS lines found to be promising for yield, yield contributing characters and oil content (primary and secondary branches per plant, siliquae per plant, seeds per plant, 1000 seeds weight, seed yield per plant and oil content). On the basis of sterility and shattering characters (pollen sterility %, siliquae setting, sterile seeds per siliquae, siliquae shattered at harvest and siliquae shattered after 7 days of harvest) the RS lines were better performer than check variety. The developed RS lines may be useful for rapeseed breeding to improve earliness, shattering tolerance and higher yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The experiment was carried out to investigate the general combining ability of elite genotypes of seven hirsutum and six barbadense lines and the heterotic values and specific combining ability of 42 interspecific hybrids obtained by line x tester mating design for twelve characters. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of sufficient genetic variability for all the characters in the experimental material. The seed cotton yield and yield attributing characters exhibited non-additive gene action and also their hybrid mean were significantly higher than parental mean. The parents MERREL-1, BCS-9, G.Cot.20, GSB 41 and DB 1602 were good general combiners for seed cotton yield and important yield contributing characters. The hybrids G.Cot.20 × DB 1602, G.Cot.20 × GSB 41 and BCS-9 × DB 1602 noted for their high per se performance, sca estimates and having both parents of good gca effects for seed cotton yield per plant and may recommended for future breeding programme.

This paper reviews the results of studies of interspecies hybridization, polyploidization, as well as phylogenetic relationships of Solanum species and members of closely related taxa by such molecular cytogenetic techniques as genomic (GISH) and fluorescent (FISH) DNA-DNA in situ hybridization. The latter was used to determine the genomic composition and origin of wild species of the Petota section, while the FISH technique was used for detecting intergenomic collinearity. The combination of these two types of research made possible a comparative analysis of karyotypes and genomes, thus allowing a better understanding of the meiotic interchromosomal interactions in hybrids. This review primarily focuses on the studies of wild allopolyploid potato species and artificially created intergeneric and interspecific hybrids of the genus Solanum and their offspring.

Abstract Background Common Pekin and Muscovy ducks and their intergeneric hinny and mule hybrids have different abilities for fatty liver production. RNA-Seq analyses from the liver of these different genetic types fed ad libitum or overfed would help to identify genes with different response to overfeeding between them. However RNA-seq analyses from different species and comparison is challenging. The goal of this study was develop a relevant strategy for transcriptome analysis and comparison between different species. Results Transcriptomes were first assembled with a reference-based approach. Important mapping biases were observed when heterologous mapping were conducted on common duck reference genome, suggesting that this reference-based strategy was not suited to compare the four different genetic types. De novo transcriptome assemblies were then performed using Trinity and Oases. Assemblies of transcriptomes were not relevant when more than a single genetic type was considered. Finally, single genetic type transcriptomes were assembled with DRAP in a mega-transcriptome. No bias was observed when reads from the different genetic types were mapped on this mega-transcriptome and differences in gene expression between the four genetic types could be identified. Conclusions Analyses using both reference-based and de novo transcriptome assemblies point out a good performance of the de novo approach for the analysis of gene expression in different species. It also allowed the identification of differences in responses to overfeeding between Pekin and Muscovy ducks and hinny and mule hybrids.

An accurate predictive model for estimating the timing of seasonal phenological stages of grape (Vitis L.) would be a valuable tool for crop management. Currently the most used index for predicting the phenological timing of fruit crops is growing degree days (GDD), but the predictive accuracy of the GDD index varies from season-to-season and is considered unsatisfactory for grapevines grown in the midwestern United States. We used the methods of multiple regression to analyze and model the effects of multiple factors on the number of days remaining until each of four phenological stages (budbreak, bloom, veraison, and harvest maturity) for five cold-climate wine grape cultivars (Frontenac, La Crescent, Marquette, Petit Ami, and St. Croix) grown in central Iowa. The factors (predictor variables) evaluated in models included cultivar, numerical day of the year (DOY), DOY of soil thaw or the previous phenological stage, photoperiod, GDD with a base temperature of 10 °C (GDD 10), soil degree days with a base temperature of 5 °C (SDD 5), and solar accumulation. Models were evaluated for predictive accuracy and goodness of fit by calculating the coefficient of determination (R2), the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc), and the Bayesian information criterion (BIC); testing for normal distribution of residuals; and comparing the actual number of days remaining until a phenological stage with the number of days predicted by models. The top-performing models from the training set were also tested for predictive accuracy on a validation dataset (a set of data not used to build the model), which consisted of environmental and phenological data recorded for one popular Midwest cultivar (Marquette) in 2019. At all four phenological stages, inclusion of multiple factors (cultivar and four to six additional factors) resulted in predictive models that were more accurate and consistent than models using cultivar and GDD 10 alone. Multifactor models generated from data of all five cultivars had high R2 values of 0.996, 0.985, 0.985, and 0.869 for budbreak, bloom, veraison, and harvest, respectively, whereas R2 values for models using only cultivar and GDD 10 were substantially lower (0.787, 0.904, 0.960, and 0.828, respectively). The average errors (differences from actual) for the top multifactor models were 0.70, 0.84, 1.77, and 3.80 days for budbreak, bloom, veraison, and harvest, respectively, and average errors for models that included only cultivar and GDD 10 were much larger (5.27, 2.24, 2.79, and 4.29 days, respectively). In the validation tests, average errors for budbreak, bloom, veraison, and harvest were 1.92, 1.31, 0.94, and 1.67 days, respectively, for the top multifactor models and 10.05, 2.54, 4.23, and 4.96 days, respectively, for models that included cultivar and GDD 10 only. Our results demonstrate the improved accuracy and utility of multifactor models for predicting the timing of phenological stages of cold-climate grape cultivars in the midwestern United States. Used together in succession, the models for budbreak, bloom, veraison, and harvest form a four-stage, multifactor calculator for improved prediction of phenological timing. Multifactor models of this type could be tailored for specific cultivars and growing regions to provide the most accurate predictions possible.

Abstract Background Molecular breeding has opened new avenues for crop improvement with the potential for faster progress. As oil palm is the major producer of vegetable oil in the world, its improvement, such as developing compact planting materials and altering its oils’ fatty acid composition for wider application, is important. Results This study sought to identify the QTLs associated with fatty acid composition and vegetative traits for compactness in the crop. It integrated two interspecific backcross two (BC2) mapping populations to improve the genetic resolution and evaluate the consistency of the QTLs identified. A total 1963 markers (1814 SNPs and 149 SSRs) spanning a total map length of 1793 cM were integrated into a consensus map. For the first time, some QTLs associated with vegetative parameters and carotene content were identified in interspecific hybrids, apart from those associated with fatty acid composition. The analysis identified 8, 3 and 8 genomic loci significantly associated with fatty acids, carotene content and compactness, respectively. Conclusions Major genomic region influencing the traits for compactness and fatty acid composition was identified in the same chromosomal region in the two populations using two methods for QTL detection. Several significant loci influencing compactness, carotene content and FAC were common to both populations, while others were specific to particular genetic backgrounds. It is hoped that the QTLs identified will be useful tools for marker-assisted selection and accelerate the identification of desirable genotypes for breeding.

Potato virus Y (PVY) is considered as one of the most harmful virus infections of this crop. Thus, it is a topical problem to breed potato varieties resistant against a wide range of PVY strains and to create initial breeding material that will have a combination of resistance genes from different species. The aim of the study was: (1) to genotype a collection of 376 breeding lines (BL), developed from complex interspecific hybrids, using DNA markers of PVY resistance genes, (2) to identify accessions with markers of resistance genes from different species for subsequent use in marker assisted selection (MAS), (3) to evaluate the suitability of DNA markers of PVY resistance genes for genotyping BL developed through interspecific hybridization. It was ascertained that the markers most widely represented in the collection were RYSC3 of the Ryadg gene (49.7%), Ry364 and RAPD38-530 of the Rychc gene (50.5% and 45.2%, respectively), and Yes3-3A of the Rysto gene (29.8%). The markers Ry186 of Rychc and GP122/EcoRV780 of Ryf-sto were found only in some accessions. The frequency of occurrence of BL that had markers of PVY resistance genes from two different species varied between 2.7% (Yes3-3a marker of Rysto and both two markers of Rychc) and 8.5-9.0% (RYSC3 marker of Ryadg and both two markers of Rychc, or only Ry364 marker of this gene). In total, the collection was found to contain 134 BL (47.6%) with markers of resistance genes from two different species. A combination of four markers for three genes of different origin (Ryadg, Rysto and Rychc) was found in 27 BL (7.2%). Extreme resistance to PVY of most BL (302 out of 357) was obviously determined by the presence in them of the currently used resistance genes detected by DNA markers applied in the study. Nevertheless, a significant part of accessions (55 of 61) that did not have any markers was resistant to PVY. At the same time, 13 BL (3.5%) with the markers were susceptible to the virus. Such a level of discrepancies is considered as acceptable for the initial MAS of breeding material. The obtained data on the presence of the markers of PVY resistance genes of different origin and their combination in BL ensures a more effective use of such BL in breeding in comparison with the BL resistant to the virus, though lacking corresponding markers.

Background. Top onion, Allium × proliferum (Moench) Schrad. ex Willd., 1809 (2n=2x=16), is a species that is characterized by vegetative propagation by air or underground bulbs only. Accessions of this species have been shown to be hybrids of Allium cepa and Allium fistulosum (Fiskesjo, 1975; Vosa, 1976; Schubert et al., 1983; Puizina and Papes, 1999). Accessions of Allium × proliferum were obtained from various sources and conserved in the in vitro collection of VIR. However, their pedigree was unknown, therefore there was a need to determine the ploidy level and genomic composition of these accessions.Materials and Methods. Thirteen Allium × proliferum accessions from the VIR in vitro collection were studied. To characterize the ploidy level and genomic composition of the accessions, the research employed FISH with chromosome-specific markers (5S and 18S/25S rDNA) and GISH with differentially labeled DNA of the putative parent species, i.e., A. cepa and A. fistulosum.Results. According to GISH, all the studied accessions were hybrids of A. cepa and A. fistulosum. Most (10 out of 13) accessions were determined as diploid hybrids with eight A. cepa and eight A. fistulosum chromosomes. The accession К 3206 turned out to be a diploid 16-chromosome hybrid with eight A. cepa, seven A. fistulosum chromosomes and one rearranged chromosome. Accessions К 3205 and К 3202 were found to be polyploids. The A. × proliferum accession К 3202 contained seven A. cepa and 16 A. fistulosum chromosomes. The accession К 3205 is characterized by the presence of 16 chromosomes hybridizing with A. cepa DNA and 13 chromosomes hybridizing with A. fistulosum DNA. Only one chromosome of A. fistulosum in this accession was revealed to have a 5s rDNA locus.Conclusions. The above shows that the collection contains top onion accessions with karyotypic differences.

Climate change is shifting agricultural production, which could impact the economic and cultural contexts of the oilseed industry, including sesame. Environmental threats (biotic and abiotic stresses) affect sesame production and thus yield (especially oil content). However, few studies have investigated the genetic enhancement, quality improvement, or the underlying mechanisms of stress tolerance in sesame. This study reveals the challenges faced by farmers/researchers growing sesame crops and the potential genetic and genomic resources for addressing the threats, including: (1) developing sesame varieties that tolerate phyllody, root rot disease, and waterlogging; (2) investigating beneficial agro-morphological traits, such as determinate growth, prostrate habit, and delayed response to seed shattering; (3) using wild relatives of sesame for wide hybridization; and (4) advancing existing strategies to maintain sesame production under changing climatic conditions. Future research programs need to add technologies and develop the best research strategies for economic and sustainable development.

Various molecular markers can be applied to accelerate the breeding process of Brassicaceae plants. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of available markers connected to blackleg resistance and to screen for markers linked to genes influencing major morphological characteristics, suitable for the further selection of Brassicaceae hybrids. Combining the field and molecular results allowed for the selection of useful SSR markers, including mstg004 and mstg027 markers connected to the color of the flowers and marker mstg038 associated with stem color. The field trails were also conducted to investigate the level of blackleg resistance, which permitted the selection of rapeseed hybrids with B. fruticulosa, B. carinata, and S. alba exhibiting the lowest infestation. Furthermore, the functionality of some of the resistance-linked markers was confirmed. The importance of interspecific hybridization and the use of marker-assisted selection are discussed, and the high utility of presented markers in further studies is highlighted.

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus), which belongs to the family of Asteraceae, is a crop grown worldwide for consumption by humans and livestock. Interspecific hybridization is widespread for sunflowers both in wild populations and commercial breeding. The current dataset comprises 250 bp and 76 paired-end NGS reads for six interspecific sunflower hybrids (F1). The dataset aimed to expand Helianthus species genomic information and benefit genetic research, and is useful in alloploids’ features investigations and nuclear–organelle interactions studies. Mitochondrial genomes of perennial sunflower hybrids H. annuus × H. strumosus and H. annuus × H. occidentalis were assembled and compared with parental forms.

This article, published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, explores the relationship between different species of duckweed (Lemnaceae) and the challenges in identifying and classifying them due to their limited morphological differences and genetic variability. The study provides evidence for ploidy mutations and hybridity as reasons for the genetic diversity among closely related duckweed species. Duckweeds are of scientific interest as model plants and have various commercial applications. The findings of this study have implications for understanding duckweed phylogeny and taxonomy, as well as the evolution of sexual and asexual propagation. [Extracted from the article]

Interspecific hybridization is often seen as a genomic stress that may lead to new gene expression patterns and deregulation of transposable elements (TEs). The understanding of expression changes in hybrids compared with parental species is essential to disentangle their putative role in speciation processes. However, to date we ignore the detailed mechanisms involved in genomic deregulation in hybrids. We studied the ovarian transcriptome and epigenome of the Drosophila buzzatii and Drosophila koepferae species together with their F1 hybrid females. We found a trend toward underexpression of genes and TE families in hybrids. The epigenome in hybrids was highly similar to the parental epigenomes and showed intermediate histone enrichments between parental species in most cases. Differential gene expression in hybrids was often associated only with changes in H3K4me3 enrichments, whereas differential TE family expression in hybrids may be associated with changes in H3K4me3, H3K9me3, or H3K27me3 enrichments. We identified specific genes and TE families, which their differential expression in comparison with the parental species was explained by their differential chromatin mark combination enrichment. Finally, cis–trans compensatory regulation could also contribute in some way to the hybrid deregulation. This work provides the first study of histone content in Drosophila interspecific hybrids and their effect on gene and TE expression deregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern part of the Black Sea and its tributaries are suitable habitats for several sturgeon species, among which Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, A. stellatus, A. nudiventris, A. persicus, A. sturio, and H. huso are well documented. However, different threats have led these species to a dramatic decline, all of them are currently listed as Critically Endangered, and some Locally Extinct, in that area. We tested 94 wild sturgeon samples from the Black Sea and Rioni River by analyzing the mitochondrial Control Region and nuclear markers for hybrid identification. The data analyses (1) assessed mitochondrial diversity among samples, (2) identified their species, as well as (3) indicated instances of hybridization. The data collected, besides confirming a sharp decrease of catches of Beluga and Stellate sturgeon in recent years, also revealed four juvenile hybrids between Russian and Stellate sturgeon, providing the first evidence of natural interspecific hybridization in the Rioni. The present communication raises concerns about the status of sturgeon species in this area and underlines the urgent need for conservation programs to restore self-sustaining populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of C3-C4 intermediate species nearly 50 years ago opened up a new avenue for studying the evolution of photosynthetic pathways. Intermediate species exhibit anatomical, biochemical, and physiological traits that range from C3 to C4. A key feature of C3-C4 intermediates that utilize C2 photosynthesis is the improvement in photosynthetic efficiency compared with C3 species. Although the recruitment of some core enzymes is shared across lineages, there is significant variability in gene expression patterns, consistent with models that suggest numerous evolutionary paths from C3 to C4 photosynthesis. Despite the many evolutionary trajectories, the recruitment of glycine decarboxylase for C2 photosynthesis is likely required. As technologies enable high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping, the discovery of new C3-C4 intermediates species will enrich comparisons between evolutionary lineages. The investigation of C3-C4 intermediate species will enhance our understanding of photosynthetic mechanisms and evolutionary processes and will potentially aid in crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alliums are essential crops in daily diet for their flavor and medicinal value, which are highly cross pollinated crops, prone to inbreeding, or continuous selfing, and biennial crop cycles import complexity in the alliums improvement. However, interspecific hybridization aided for the introgression of genes responsible for resistance to pests, diseases and abiotic factors, which can minimize or eliminate the use of plant protection agents. Furthermore, the transfer of novel metabolites and odor molecules into edible Allium species thus could be beneficial to human health. It increases the genetic diversity by gaining new gene reservoirs, and useful in the genetic improvement of alliums. In this scenario, the wild relatives of alliums could be used to introduce resistant genes, as the genus Allium has an untapped gene pool. However, understanding species compatibility is a need for commencing a hybridization program and an important aspect in introgression breeding. We reviewed the attempts at interspecific hybridization among alliums for cross compatibility and desirable trait introgression in this review. As a result, it gives an insight to the breeder to use specific species to increase their genetic base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach was applied to genotype selected interspecific hybrid (F1) and backcross (BC2) families of Elaeis oleifera and Elaeis guineensis. Genome‐wide linkage disequilibrium (LD) was estimated at 150‐kb pairwise distance for r2 values of 0.17 and 0.42 for F1 and BC2, respectively. Single marker‐trait association analysis identified 47 markers associated with five fatty acid composition (FAC) traits (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and iodine value [IV]) in F1, and 12 significant markers linked to oleic acid (C18:1) and vegetative traits (petiole width and mean leaf width) in BC. Within the QTL region associated with FAC traits, we identified key candidate genes influencing fatty acid synthesis. We implemented two machine learning algorithms, namely random forest and gradient boosting, to evaluate the ability of significant markers in predicting phenotype values. We also demonstrated the contribution of different marker combinations on trait values via prediction trees. This is the first attempt to evaluate the predictive ability of a combination of markers associated with traits identified from association mapping analysis in oil palm populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duck species are known to have different ability to fatty liver production in response to overfeeding and gene expression analyses can help to characterize mechanisms involved in these differences. This data article reports the sequencing of RNAs extracted from the liver of Pekin and Muscovy duck species and of their reciprocal hybrids, Mule and Hinny ducks fed ad libitum or overfed. Libraries were prepared by selecting polyadenylated mRNAs and RNA Sequencing (RNASeq) was performed using Illumina HiSeq2000 platform. RNASeq data presented in this article were deposited in the NCBI sequence read archive (SRA) under the accession number SRP144764 and links to these data were also indicated in the Data INRAE repository (https://doi.org/10.15454/JJZ3QQ). Transcriptome analyses of these data were published in Hérault et al. (2019) and Liu et al. (2020).

Historically, crosses between Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and M. arborea with alfalfa as the seed parent failed, as did crosses using M. arborea as the seed parent. Thus, a reproductive barrier kept the two species isolated until early in this century. The breakthrough came when alfalfa seed parents were identified in Wisconsin USA and Queensland AU that produced partial hybrids (hereafter hybrids). The hybrids were obtained by making large numbers of crosses on selected alfalfa parents. This was the first level of weakening the crossing barrier as reported in Plants in 2013. Further weakening of the barrier is reported herein whereby more hybrids were obtained with fewer crosses. This was accomplished by pedigree selection for new alfalfa seed parents and by using a product of the first hybrids called Alborea. New alfalfa seed parents were crossed with M. arborea, and Alborea parents were backcrossed to M. arborea. Hybrid plants were produced with fewer crosses in both cases. These hybrids, like the first hybrids, have mostly alfalfa traits but also have traits from M. arborea. It was theorized early on that the alfalfa component could be explained by 2n eggs in the alfalfa parents that were fertilized by normal n gametes from M. arborea. Evidence that the Wisconsin alfalfa and Alborea seed parents did in fact produce 2n eggs was reported in Plants in 2022. Moreover, they produced 2n eggs at approximately the same frequency that they produced hybrids. As reported herein, Alborea parents produced the highest frequency of hybrids and thus had the weakest barrier. Importantly, they also have the highest frequency of 2n eggs. It was determined that alfalfa and Alborea parents that produce 2n eggs and hybrids, also produce 2n pollen. In effect, an experiment was undertaken in reverse showing that 2n pollen could be used to screen for plants that produce hybrids. In the thousands of crosses made over the years, fertilization of normal n eggs in alfalfa parents always failed. Normal meiosis appears to be the main barrier to producing interspecific hybrids in our case. Fertilization of abnormal 2n eggs ensures sufficient alfalfa genetic material to continue embryogenesis. Evidently, the meiotic abnormality of 2n eggs is the major factor that weakens the crossing barrier.

In a climate change scenario, crop tolerance to drought must be urgently improved, as it represents an increasingly critical stress reducing agricultural yields worldwide. Although most crops are relatively sensitive to water stress, many of their wild relatives are more tolerant and may be used to improve drought tolerance in our crops. In this study, the response to drought of eggplant (Solanum melongena), its close wild relatives S. insanum and S. incanum and their interspecific hybrids with S. melongena was assessed. The plants were subjected to two treatments for 18 days: control, with irrigation every four days, and drought, with complete interruption of irrigation. Morphological and biomass traits were measured, and physiological and biochemical responses were analysed using stress biomarkers such as proline, flavonoids, and total phenolic compounds. Oxidative stress was quantified by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) content. As a result of the drought treatment, plant development and tissue water content were seriously affected. Generally, water deficit also caused significant increases in MDA, proline, flavonoids, and total phenolics compounds. Our results comparing parental accessions reveal a better response to drought in one of the S. insanum accessions. The hybrid between S. melongena and S. incanum displayed a better response than the other hybrids and even its parents. The results obtained here might be helpful for future eggplant breeding programmes aimed at improving drought tolerance.

Peanut is an important global food crop with a narrow genetic base due to its domestication bottleneck and the ploidy barrier between it and almost all of its wild diploid relatives. Increasingly, peanut breeders have been introgressing beneficial alleles from its diploid relatives into the cultigen to improve agronomic traits along with its pathogen and pest resistances. To overcome the ploidy barrier, the process of introgression can be initiated by making hybrids between A- and B/K-genome Arachis diploid species and then doubling their chromosomes to induce tetraploidy. These allotetraploids are generally cross-compatible with peanut. Previously, true allotetraploids were distinguished from selfed progeny by infertile pollen grain counts; however, markers that can distinguish allele dosage between A- and B/K-genomes allow allotetraploids to be confirmed before flowering or even planting and can be more reliable than infertile pollen grain counts. These markers also can be used to confirm and track the inheritance of previously discovered homoeologous recombination events, which commonly occur in synthetic allotetraploid-derived materials. In this study, 105 KASP markers distinguishing A- and B/K-genomes were designed to span the entire peanut genome. These markers can be used as a time and cost-efficient alternative to using the Axiom_Arachis SNP arrays where high-resolution is not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A progeny of 55 blueberry seedlings produced by pollinating 4301 flowers of tetraploid highbush blueberry cultivars with pollen from 19 different diploid Vaccinium elliottii plants was studied to determine hybridity and ploidy. Of the 21 seedlings whose phenotypes were intermediate between parental types, indicating hybridity, 18 were triploid and three were tetraploid. Pollen of the triploids, when viewed at ×250, was almost all shrunken and aborted, although some triploid hybrids produced a few large, plump microspores in dyads or monads. Triploids produced no seed when pollinated with pollen from 4x highbush or 2x V. elliottii or when open-pollinated outside the greenhouse in the presence of fertile diploid and tetraploid blueberries. Tetraploid hybrids produced large populations of vigorous seedlings when intercrossed. Both triploid and tetraploid F1 hybrids were intermediate between the parents in leaf size and flower size. The triploids produced no berries; the tetraploids were intermediate between the parents in berry size but averaged lower in Brix and berry firmness than either parent. Seven additional F1 hybrids from reciprocal crosses were obtained by pollinating 2309 flowers of 2x V. elliottii with pollen from tetraploid highbush cultivars. Although five V. elliottii clones served as female parents in these crosses, only one produced any seedlings. Six of the seven hybrids flowered and were fertile tetraploids; one was a sterile triploid.

Increasing interest in grape (Vitis sp.) and wine production in the upper midwest region of the United States has created a need for science-based information that characterizes the potential of cold-climate cultivars to produce quality grapes with acceptable yields. We evaluated the yield and quality (composition) of grapes from 12 cold-climate, interspecific-hybrid grape cultivars (northern hybrids) grown in a randomized and replicated field plot in central Iowa. The grape trial was planted in 2008, and crop performance of cultivars was evaluated from 2012 through 2017 (yield) and 2014 through 2017 (berry composition). The trial included two established cultivars, five newer cultivars, and five advanced selections. The established cultivars included in the study as controls were Frontenac and St. Croix. The newer cultivars evaluated in this study were Arandell, Corot Noir, La Crescent, Marquette, and Petit Ami, and the advanced selections were MN 1189, MN 1200, MN 1220, MN 1235, and MN 1258. Yield and productivity were characterized by measuring yield per vine, number of clusters per vine, average cluster weight, and pruning weight. The fruit composition indices were soluble solids concentration (SSC), pH, titratable acidity (TA), and sugar:acid ratio (SSC ÷ TA). On the basis of their strong results for both yield and fruit composition measures, ‘Marquette’, MN 1235, and MN 1220 ranked as the top-performing cultivars in Iowa’s climate, followed by Petit Ami and St. Croix. ‘Petit Ami’ had slightly lower yield consistency and slightly lower results for SSC than did the top performing cultivars, and St. Croix had among the highest and most consistent yields of the trial but showed lower results for SSC and sugar:acid ratio than many of the other cultivars. ‘La Crescent’ had midrange yields and high SSC, but the high TA of ‘La Crescent’ fruit resulted in a low sugar:acid ratio at harvest. Two cultivars (MN 1258 and MN 1200) had relatively low yields in Iowa’s climate but achieved good results for composition indices. ‘Frontenac’ had high, consistent yields and achieved high SSC, but the very high TA of ‘Frontenac’ fruit resulted in a very low sugar:acid ratio compared with most other cultivars. The remaining three cultivars (Corot Noir, MN 1189, and Arandell) performed poorly in Iowa’s climate, showing both low yield and undesirable fruit composition indices compared with the other cultivars in the trial. An itemized summary of the relative ratings for yield and fruit composition is provided to aid growers in selection and management of grape cultivars for use in Iowa and other areas of similar climate.

The popularity of grape (Vitis sp.) and wine production in the upper midwest region of the United States is increasing steadily. The development of several cold-climate, interspecific-hybrid grape cultivars (northern hybrids) since the 1980s has improved the probability of success for both new and established vineyards in this area of the country, but long-term data describing the performance of these cultivars in midwestern U.S. climates are needed to both aid growers in their choice of cultivars and to provide them with information about factors important in their management. We characterized the long-term winterhardiness and annual phenology of 12 cold-climate northern hybrid grape cultivars (two established cultivars, five newer cultivars, and five advanced selections) grown in a randomized and replicated field plot in central Iowa, an area that offers a warm growing season and very cold dormant season for grape culture. The established cultivars included in the study were Frontenac and St. Croix. The newer cultivars evaluated were Arandell, Corot noir, La Crescent, Marquette, and Petit Ami, and the advanced selections were MN 1189, MN 1200, MN 1220, MN 1235, and MN 1258. The grape trial was established in 2008, and vines were evaluated from 2011 through 2017 for annual timing of budbreak, bloom, veraison, and harvest, as well as winter survival of vines and primary buds. As a group, the northern hybrids in our trial showed good winterhardiness of vines but variable hardiness of primary buds across the six winters, which ranged from warmer than average to much colder than average. In Iowa climate, buds of northern hybrids were generally most vulnerable to cold temperature damage from late-winter (March) low-temperature events or from extreme midwinter low-temperature events. The bud hardiness of individual cultivars ranged from very hardy (Frontenac, Marquette, and MN 1235) to poor hardiness (Arandell, Corot noir, Petit Ami, and MN 1189), with all 12 cultivars showing good bud survival during Iowa winters that were warmer than average, but the less-hardy cultivars showing poor bud survival during winters that were colder than average. Evaluations of phenology revealed that heat accumulation measured in growing degree days with a threshold of 50 °F was not a reliable index for predicting the timing of annual developmental stages for the cultivars we tested. Our results indicate that northern hybrids rely on other factors in addition to heat accumulation for guiding annual development, and that factors such as photoperiod likely have a strong influence on phenological timing during seasons with unusual weather patterns. We determined that none of the cultivars were vulnerable to cold temperature damage to fruit before harvest in Iowa’s climate, but that three of the cultivars (Arandell, Marquette, and MN 1235) were highly vulnerable to shoot damage from spring freeze events, and four others (Corot noir, La Crescent, MN 1200, and MN 1220) were moderately vulnerable to cold damage to shoots in spring. An itemized summary of the relative hardiness, vulnerabilities, and timing of phenological stages of the 12 cultivars is provided to aid growers in selection and management of grape cultivars for Iowa climate. Based on hardiness and phenology, four of these cultivars (Frontenac, MN 1258, MN 1220, and MN 1200) have the lowest risk of issues related to cold temperatures.

The article presents data of evaluation of 33 complex interspecies hybrids of potatoes, their backcrosses by productivity as a result of testing of material in two places: Sumy National Agrarian University and Ustyimovskaya Research Station of the Institute of Plant Cultivation named V. Ya. Yuriev and for three years (2015–2017). The high potential of the material under study for productivity, with the maximum manifestation of the trait in the three-time backcrosess of the five-species hybrid 08.197/105–1643 g/bush, is 2,6 times higher than the best of the standards of the Javir variety. However, only in 2017, for tests in the SNA, the proportion of hybrids with very high productivity – more than 700 g /bush was 54,4 %. It was found that the worst conditions for the realization of the sign were found in 2016 for assessments at the Ustyimovskaya Research Station. Expression of the indicator less than 200 g/nest had 60,6 % hybrids. Significant influence of external conditions on the productivity of the investigated material is revealed. The largest share of hybrids with maximum productivity was detected in 2017 in the SNAU and in 2015 at the Ustyimovskaya Research Research Station. In both places, the test was very unfavorable for the manifestation of the sign was 2016, although individual hybrids in these conditions were characterized by the maximum expression of the indicator. Different reaction of standard varieties and test material on growing conditions is proved. The same share of hybrids with a higher manifestation of the trait than the best standard-grade was found in the SNAU (27,3 %) and the Ustyimovskaya Research Research Station (9,1 %) in 2015 and 2017. For both test sites, it was the same in 2016 (3,0 %). By the proportion of hybrids with a large difference in the manifestation of productivity, depending on the places and years of research, the magnitude of the variation coefficient has been shown to have a significant effect of the external condition on the manifestation of the sign. The maximum value of the latter reached 88 %, although in some hybrids it was within 5–10 %. A different reaction was found to the outer complex of sister forms, which depended on the origin of the material.

Crossing genetically distant forms is widely used in breeding programs and allows the introduction of beneficial features from the wild into cultivated species. In this study, agronomic traits of two F2 segregating populations derived from crosses in both directions between A. sativa cv. Sam and A. fatua ‘51532’, as well as their parental forms, were phenotyped and statistically compared. Almost all mean values of the analysed features in the populations ranged between the values of the two parental forms. In both F2 populations, high variability of the traits was observed. The plant height was strongly correlated with the length of the first inernode below the panicle in all populations except parental form ‘51532’. An intermediate correlation between the plant height and the panicle length could be observed only for ‘Sam’ and ‘Sam’ × ‘51532’. The segregation of non-shattering to shattering phenotypes of the progeny confirmed a single gene inheritance of the trait. Additionally, in both combinations, transgressive forms in terms of some phenotypic traits were observed. The direction of crosses had no impact on the values of characterised parameters. During the interspecific crosses, new breeding lines and cultivars are obtained, enriched with specific qualitative and quantitative properties. The genetic distinctness between crossed species often prevents the formation of desired hybrids but also enables obtaining superior genotypes with traits exceeding the parental forms. Even though efficient crossbreeding with A. fatua is demanding, looking for new germplasm in wild ancestors is crucial for expanding the Avena genetic pool and developing long-term strategies beneficial to modern oat breeding.

Summary: Allopolyploidization entailing the merger of two distinct genomes in a single hybrid organism, is an important process in plant evolution and a valuable tool in breeding programs. Newly established hybrids often experience massive genomic perturbations, including karyotype reshuffling and gene expression modifications. These phenomena may be asymmetric with respect to the two progenitors, with one of the parental genomes being "dominant." Such "genome dominance" can manifest in several ways, including biased homoeolog gene expression and expression level dominance. Here we employed a k‐mer–based approach to study gene expression in reciprocal Festuca pratensis Huds. × Lolium multiflorum Lam. allopolyploid grasses. Our study revealed significantly more genes where expression mimicked that of the Lolium parent compared with the Festuca parent. This genome dominance was heritable to successive generation and its direction was only slightly modified by environmental conditions and plant age. Our results suggest that Lolium genome dominance was at least partially caused by its more efficient trans‐acting gene expression regulatory factors. Unraveling the mechanisms responsible for propagation of parent‐specific traits in hybrid crops contributes to our understanding of allopolyploid genome evolution and opens a way to targeted breeding strategies. Significance Statement: Establishment of genome dominance is observed immediately after hybridization between plant species from two different genera using a novel RNA‐sequencing approach. This dominance is largely heritable, only marginally modified by cold stress and plant age and at least partly caused by more efficient trans‐acting regulatory factors of the dominant parent. Uncovering the nature and mechanisms of genome dominance contributes to the understanding of allopolyploid genome evolution and opens a way to targeted breeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization is one of the breeding methods for kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) that can generate superior varieties. This research investigated interspecific hybrids between kenaf and its close relatives. The research was conducted in April-October 2018 at the experimental garden of Balittas Karangploso, Malang, Indonesia. The research materials were eight genotypes of H. cannabinus (KR1, KR4, KR5, KR6, KR15, Kin 2, DS028, and Cuba 108/Italia), and three of its close relatives (H. radiatus (Kal II), H. acetocella (SSRH 023), and H. sabdariffa (HS40)). The proportion of successful kenaf interspecific hybrids was 0-97.92%. The interspecific hybrids between H.cannabinus as the parental female and H. radiatus as the parental male were compatible (100%). Interspecific hybrids between H. cannabinus as the parental female and H. acetocella as the parental male were very compatible (12.5%), partly compatible (75%), and incompatible (12.5%). Interspecific hybrids between H. cannabinus as the parental female and H. sabdariffa as the parental male were compatible (12.5%), partly compatible (50%), and incompatible (37.5%). A reciprocal cross between H. cannabinus and H. acetocella was compatible (100%), but a reciprocal cross between H. cannabinus and H. sabdariffa was compatible (75%) and incompatible (25%). The mean viability of seed from the interspecific hybrids between H. cannabinus and its three close relatives was 0%. The viability of seed obtained from the reciprocal cross between kenaf and H. radiatus was 41.5%, between kenaf and H. acetocella was 31.5%, and between kenaf and H. sabdariffa was 0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are the smallest and fastest-growing angiosperms. This feature, together with high starch production and good nutritional properties, makes them suitable for several applications, including wastewater treatment, bioenergy production, or feed and food supplement. Due to their reduced morphology and great similarity between diverse species, taxonomic identification of duckweeds is a challenging issue even for experts. Among molecular genotyping methods, DNA barcoding is the most useful tool for species identification without a need for cluster analysis. The combination of two plastid barcoding loci is now considered the gold standard for duckweed classification. However, not all species can be defined with confidence by these markers, and a fast identification method able to solve doubtful cases is missing. Here we show the potential of tubulin-based polymorphism (TBP), a molecular marker based on the intron length polymorphisms of β-tubulin loci, in the genomic profiling of the genera Spirodela, Landoltia, and Lemna. Ninety-four clones were analyzed, including at least two representatives of each species of the three genera, with a special focus on the very heterogeneous species Lemna minor. We showed that a single PCR amplification with universal primers, followed by agarose gel analysis, was able to provide distinctive fingerprinting profiles for 10 out of 15 species. Cluster analysis of capillary electrophoresis–TBP data provided good separation for the remaining species, although the relationship between L. minor and Lemna japonica was not fully resolved. However, an accurate comparison of TBP profiles provided evidence for the unexpected existence of intraspecific hybrids between Lemna turionifera and L. minor, as further confirmed by amplified fragment length polymorphism and sequence analysis of a specific β-tubulin locus. Such hybrids could possibly correspond to L. japonica, as originally suggested by E. Landolt. The discovery of interspecific hybrids opens a new perspective to understand the speciation mechanisms in the family of duckweeds.

Using the traditional and marker-assisted selection methods, a comprehensive assessment of promising hybrids from the collection of the All-Russian Scientific Center was carried out. The assessment was conducted in 2018-2019 in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. As a result of molecular genetic analysis, hybrids were found with complex resistance to potato nematode, virus Y and X viruses - 2 / V, 5 / V, 6 / V, 17 / V, 40 / V, 43 / V, 46 / V, 54 / V, 124 / V, 9 / VI, 22a / VI, 35 / VI, 130 /VI, 71 / VII and 118 / VIII. Use of these selected forms allows optimal protection of potatoes, limitation of the spread of pathogens and prevention of the emergence of more aggressive pathotypes (races and strains). The hybrids with resistance to potato virus Y (with the presence of R-gene markers - 1/I, 3/I, 10/I, 13/I, 11/II, 15/III, 2/V, 5/V, 6/V, 7/V, 10/V/1140, 17/V, 40/V, 43/V, 46/V, 54/V, 124/V, 9/VI, 22a/VI, 35/VI, 100/VI, 130/VI, 71/VII) are of interest for practical breeding, as well as the hybrids with resistance to Phytophthora infestans such as 15/III, 119/IX and the hybrids 15 / III, 35 / VI, 130 / VI and 71 / VII, which have high marketable yield and weight of tuber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific hybrids called hybrids are individuals obtained by crossing two different species. Hybrids are found both in nature among wild animals but also have become attractive in animal husbandry due to the high production features of the F1 generation. Interspecific hybrids are observed in nature most often as a result of crossing closely related species, which is a great danger to the purity of the population of starting species. Interspecies hybrids are also created by man for production purposes. Due to disturbances in gametogenesis processes, they have become a valuable research model. In the article, we describe interspecific hybrids occurring in nature and related problems, interspecific hybrids created for production purposes in animal husbandry, but also research using hybrids as a research model. In the article we also highlight the issues of fertility of individuals obtained from such matings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific hybrids between pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) give rise to perennial fodder crops characterized by high biomass, broad clumps and good palatability. These hybrids are triploid and developed by hand pollination of napier grass pollen on pearl millet panicles. The progeny shows a high percentage of pearl millet genotype due to self-pollination in the female parent. Identification of hybrids at a young stage based on morphological characters is difficult. DNA-based molecular markers have high discriminating power and were used to assess genetic differences between hybrids and their parents. Genetic diversity was studied in 18 pearl millet × napier grass hybrids along with their parents and two released national checks using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Eight ISSR primers gave rise to 125 bands, of which 120 bands were polymorphic. Polymorphic information content and ISSR primer index ranged from 0.40 to 0.49 and 8.88 to 11.14, respectively. The hybrids showed the presence of unique bands, besides those shared with male and female parents. Female (pearl millet) parents formed a separate group in the dendrogram constructed based on ISSR polymorphism. The male (napier grass) parents formed a separate group along with hybrids, indicating a higher similarity of hybrids with the male parents. Principal component analysis and STRUCTURE analyses showed a similar grouping. The close resemblance of hybrids to the male parents confirmed their interspecific origin. The study revealed that ISSR marker analysis could be a quick and reliable method to identify interspecific hybrids at an early stage of growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciding crossing parental species will determine characteristics of eucalypt hybrids, but the growth performance of hybrids from different parents is hard to predict. Understanding the growth features of hybrids between important eucalypt species in South China will greatly improve hybrid breeding accuracy. We studied the growth characteristics of hybrids between Eucalyptus urophylla and four Section Exsertaria species/subspecies(E. brassiana, E. tereticornis, E. camaldulensis var. obtusa and E. camaldulensis subsp. simulata)with E. urophylla × E. grandis(UG)hybrids serving as a control, of which the male parents were polymix of 10 plus trees were studied. The results were as follows: Stem volume growth in E. urophylla × Section Exsertaria species(UES)hybrids were significantly lower than UG. And there were significant differences between the UES hybrids(P<0.05), among which E. urophylla × E. camaldulensis subsp. simulata demonstrated significant advantages. DBH and Ht of UES were significantly lower than those of UG, but with height-diameter ratios were significantly higher than UG's(P<0.05), with 5-year-old values approximately 150 and 130, respectively. UES had high and uniform preserve rates, and no significant differences due to either species or family(within species)level. Their 5-year-old values were 84.4%-89.6%. The UES's coefficient of variation(CV)of 5-year-old stem volume had an average of 64%, yet significantly differed between species was higher than that of the UG's. UES was significantly different from UG on volume growth and tree shape, and the significant differences between UES species and families could provide substantial diversity to eucalypt genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are the smallest and fastest-growing angiosperms. This feature, together with high starch production and good nutritional properties, makes them suitable for several applications, including wastewater treatment, bioenergy production, or feed and food supplement. Due to their reduced morphology and great similarity between diverse species, taxonomic identification of duckweeds is a challenging issue even for experts. Among molecular genotyping methods, DNA barcoding is the most useful tool for species identification without a need for cluster analysis. The combination of two plastid barcoding loci is now considered the gold standard for duckweed classification. However, not all species can be defined with confidence by these markers, and a fast identification method able to solve doubtful cases is missing. Here we show the potential of tubulin-based polymorphism (TBP), a molecular marker based on the intron length polymorphisms of β-tubulin loci, in the genomic profiling of the genera Spirodela , Landoltia , and Lemna. Ninety-four clones were analyzed, including at least two representatives of each species of the three genera, with a special focus on the very heterogeneous species Lemna minor. We showed that a single PCR amplification with universal primers, followed by agarose gel analysis, was able to provide distinctive fingerprinting profiles for 10 out of 15 species. Cluster analysis of capillary electrophoresis–TBP data provided good separation for the remaining species, although the relationship between L. minor and Lemna japonica was not fully resolved. However, an accurate comparison of TBP profiles provided evidence for the unexpected existence of intraspecific hybrids between Lemna turionifera and L. minor , as further confirmed by amplified fragment length polymorphism and sequence analysis of a specific β-tubulin locus. Such hybrids could possibly correspond to L. japonica , as originally suggested by E. Landolt. The discovery of interspecific hybrids opens a new perspective to understand the speciation mechanisms in the family of duckweeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercial release of genetically modified organisms (GMO) requires a prior environmental and human/animal health risk assessment. In Brazil, the National Biotechnology Technical Commission (CTNBio) requires a survey of the area of natural occurrence of wild relatives of the GMO in the Brazilian ecosystems to evaluate the possibility of introgressive hybridization between sexually compatible species. Modern sugarcane cultivars, the focus of this study, derive from a series of hybridization and backcrossing events among Saccharum species. The so-called “Saccharum broad sense” group includes around 40 species from a few genera, including Erianthus, found in various tropical regions, particularly South-Eastern Asia. In Brazil, three native species, originally considered to belong to Erianthus, were reclassified as S. angustifolium (Nees) Trin., S. asperum (Nees) Steud., and S. villosum Steud., based on inflorescence morphology. Thus, we have investigated the potential occurrence of gene flow among the Brazilian Saccharum native species and commercial hybrids as a requisite for GMO commercial release. A comprehensive survey was carried out to map the occurrence of the three native Saccharum species in Brazil, concluding that they are sympatric with sugarcane cultivation only from around 14°S southwards, which precludes most Northeastern sugarcane-producing states from undergoing introgression. Based on phenology, we concluded that the Brazilian Saccharum species are unable to outcross naturally with commercial sugarcane since the overlap between the flowering periods of sugarcane and the native species is limited. A phylogenomic reconstruction based on the full plastid genome sequence showed that the three native Saccharum species are the taxa closest to sugarcane in Brazil, being closer than introduced Erianthus or Miscanthus. A 2-year study on eight nutritional composition traits of the 20 main sugarcane cultivars cultivated in Brazil was carried out in six environments. The minimum and maximum values obtained were, in percent: moisture (62.6–82.5); sucrose (9.65–21.76); crude fiber (8.06–21.03); FDN (7.20–20.68); FDA (4.55–16.90); lipids (0.06–1.59); ash (0.08–2.67); and crude protein (0.18–1.18). Besides a considerable amount of genetic variation and plastic responses, many instances of genotype-by-environment interaction were detected.

Research conducted at Krymsk Experiment Breeding Station of VIR on the gene pools of stone fruit plants and genomic analysis of the genetic collection of interspecific hybrids within the genus Prunus L. disclosed differences in the degree of incompatibility among the studied species. There are four levels in the manifestation of this indicator in hybrid F1 families:- the first level: some hybrids are normally prolific. This is characteristic of hybrids produced by the species of one section at the same level of ploidy;- the second level: fertility of hybrids is reduced, but some of them produce fruits and partially fertile pollen. This level is typical for hybrids from crosses between species at the intersection level within one subgenus;- the third level: F1 hybrids are infertile, but in some of them partial viability of pollen is observed. This effect is manifested by hybrids between the species of the subgenus Prunophora, and the species of the subgenus Amygdalus;- the fourth level: no hybrids are produced.Genomic morphological markers were also used in genomic analysis. Based on the information obtained in the process of genomic analysis, a number of changes are proposed in the system of the genus Prunus.It is proposed to transfer the species of the sections Microcerasus (subgenus Cerasus) and Amygdalopsis (subgenus Amygdalus) to the subgenus Prunophora, since they manifest the first level of incompatibility with the species of other sections in the subgenus Prunophora. The species P. maackii should be included in the Cerasus section of the subgenus Cerasus together with two other tetraploid species of cherry: P. vulgaris (P. cerasus) and P. fruticosa, as it is crossed with latter two showing the first level of incompatibility, and all these species have a common diploid ancestor: P. canescens. The species P. microcarpa which has marker traits typical for the species in the Spiraeopsis subsection of the Microcerasus section should be relocated from the subsection Microcerasus (Amygdalocerasus) to the subsection Spiraeopsis.

Selected genotypes of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) produce partial hybrids in sexual crosses with Medicago arborea, as reported in Plants (2013). The hybrids contain mostly alfalfa DNA and traits, but also contain DNA and traits from M. arborea. It was proposed in 2008 that the partial hybrids could be explained by fertilization of 2n eggs in alfalfa by normal pollen from M. arborea, followed by partial loss of M. arborea chromosomes during embryogenesis. In this paper, we confirm the presence of 2n eggs in the first alfalfa parents that produced hybrids. The test for 2n eggs involved pollinating 4x alfalfa with pollen from 8x alfalfa. The production of 8x progeny in the cross proved that selected alfalfa parents produced 2n eggs. Thus, 2n eggs appear to explain how the partial hybrids (hereafter hybrids) contain mostly alfalfa DNA and traits. However, two of the six alfalfa plants that did not hybridize with M. arborea also had 2n eggs. Thus, although 2n eggs explain the alfalfa content of hybrids, 2n eggs are not the only factor involved in weakening the hybridization barrier, and in transferring genes to alfalfa from M. arborea.

This study aimed to generate interspecific hybrids between two remote lily species, L. hansonii Leichtlin and L. brownii var. colchesteri. Reciprocal crosses were performed by conventional and cut-style pollination methods, but viable seeds were only obtained when L. hansonii was used as the female parent, indicating that unilateral incompatibility exists between the two species. In the case of immature seeds, embryos with 2~3 mm were carefully removed from testa for further in vitro culture, and they grew as normal plants. A total of 343 progenies was obtained from the crosses, and hybridity of the progenies were examined using the L9 marker, simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker, at the seedling stage and 92 were confirmed as F1 hybrids. Ploidy level of 76 F1 hybrid was examined and confirmed as diploid. F1 hybrids exhibited intermediate morphologies of the parent in outer tepal and leaf length, but flower shape and color were similar to those of L. hansonii. On the other hand, F1 hybrid plants showed increased flower spots, flower size, and bud numbers, which could be important signatures of the F1 hybrid. This study reports the first attempt to generate an interspecific hybrid between the two species, and therefore, our results from this study would be very informative for future lily breeding.

All the currently available interspecific scented cyclamen were bred by crossing Cyclamen persicum with only a wild species, C.purpurascens. To develop cyclamen with a wider variety of fragrances, we clarified the diversity of volatile compounds emitted from the flowers of 17 wild cyclamen species. We found that 14 of the wild species emitted fragrant compounds. In particular, C. pseudibericum, C. cyprium, C. libanoticum, C. purpurascens, C. cilicium and C. alpinum emitted floral compounds, and C. mirabile emitted fruity compounds. We produced interspecific hybrids between two C. persicum cultivars and C. purpurascens (which emitted the greatest number of volatile compounds) and analysed the scent characteristics of the resulting hybrids. We found that the hybrids varied in scent characteristics, even when the same parents were crossed; for example, we obtained hybrids with various proportions of citronellol, nerol and geraniol and various ratios of floral-scented and fruity-scented compounds.

Downy mildew is one of the most common fungal diseases of the vine, caused by Plasmopara viticola. An effective way to control the spread of the pathogen is to cultivate resistant varieties. Cultivars of Vitis vinifera, being the basis of high-quality viticulture, practically do not possess genetic resistance to P. viticola, so screening for resistance donors is an important stage in breeding. One of the major resistance loci to downy mildew, the Rpv3 gene, was identified in the genotype of a complex interspecific hybrid of grapes Bianca. Later, it was found that this gene had seven haplotypes of resistance inherited from North American grape species, and that it was possible to identify the allelic status of the gene using DNA-markers UDV305, UDV737. However, only two haplotypes can be combined in one diploid form. To determine the Rpv3 gene in the grape gene pool we, using these markers, studied 35 different genotypes of grapevines, most of which are interspecies cultivars. Three varieties with known allelic status of the Rpv3 gene (Dunavski lazur, Noah, Seyve Villard 12-375) were included in the study as reference genotypes. The genotypes were studied through polymerase chain reaction with separation of amplification products by capillary electrophoresis in automatic genetic analyzer ABI Prism 3130. In the studied grape cultivars DNA marker analysis indentified the Rpv3 gene in sixteen genotypes of interspecific origin, including haplotype Rpv3299-279 found in twelve varieties, Rpv3321-312 – in three, and haplotype Rpv3null-271 – in one variety. Seyve Villard 12-375 turned out to be the donor of resistance gene in the most of the genotypes carrying Rpv3 in this study. The obtained data can be useful in selection of mildew resistant grape varieties and screening for hybridization pairs.

ELYS determines the subcellular localizations of Nucleoporins (Nups) during interphase and mitosis. We made loss-of-function mutations of Elys in Drosophila melanogaster and found that ELYS is dispensable for zygotic viability and male fertility but the maternal supply is necessary for embryonic development. Subsequent to fertilization, mitotic progression of the embryos produced by the mutant females is severely disrupted at the first cleavage division, accompanied by irregular behavior of mitotic centrosomes. The Nup160 introgression from D. simulans shows close resemblance to that of the Elys mutations, suggesting a common role for those proteins in the first cleavage division. Our genetic experiments indicated critical interactions between ELYS and three Nup107–160 subcomplex components; hemizygotes of either Nup37, Nup96 or Nup160 were lethal in the genetic background of the Elys mutation. Not only Nup96 and Nup160 but also Nup37 of D. simulans behave as recessive hybrid incompatibility genes with D. melanogaster. An evolutionary analysis indicated positive natural selection in the ELYS-like domain of ELYS. Here we propose that genetic incompatibility between Elys and Nups may lead to reproductive isolation between D. melanogaster and D. simulans, although direct evidence is necessary.

There has idendified a capacity of interspecific hybrids involving wild species Solanum bulbocastanum Dun. to create new potato varieties. A possibilities of using the breeding material for the valuable commercial traits, including adaptation to environmental conditions, resistance to pests and diseases. The genealogy of created varieties, including the origin of the secondary interspecific hybrids and backcrosses has demonstraded.