Search

Assuming that the seeds of Vicia sativa L. have a stressful effect on J2 stage Meloidogyne hapla, we undertook research on the effect of these seeds on the motility and mortality of J2 and determined the expression levels of selected hsp genes in J2. The assessment of the effect of V. sativa seeds on the motility of M. hapla specimens consisted of observing the movement of J2 immersed in a seed diffusate or in a tomato root filtrate at temperatures of 10, 17, and 21°C. In J2 treated with V. sativa (cv. Ina) seed diffusates, the expression level of hsp genes was determined by qPCR. J2 exposed to V. sativa diffusates were found to lose their motility, while their mortality did not exceed 30%. J2 in the seed diffusate were characterized by an increase in the expression levels of the Mh-hsp90, Mh-hsp1, and Mh-hsp43 genes. It is suggested that the hsp90 gene may be a potential bioindicator of the environmental impact on Meloidogyne nematodes. The impaired ability to move in J2 of M. hapla is attributable to the occurrence of V. sativa seeds in their habitat. These studies may contribute to developing methods of reducing crop damage caused by M. hapla.

Featured Application: Our research can inspire others to determine whether reduced tillage systems under different crop species, not only Fabacea, will always contribute to the development of beneficial microbial species in the soil, which are important for reducing anthropogenic factors influencing ongoing climate change and soil degradation. Moreover, it will also indicate whether only legumes have such properties for the development of beneficial microbe species, which would further justify the need for their use in crop rotation. Modern agriculture should limit its degrading impact on the soils, the natural environment, and the climate. No-tillage soil cultivation technologies, which have been in use for many years and are constantly being improved, are a good example of these actions; although, in-depth studies on their impact on the soil microbial community are currently scarce. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of cultivation technology on the soil bacterial community to assess differences that can be reflected in the environmental and agricultural functionality, identifying possible bacterial species with ecological properties. In this context, the composition of bacterial communities (at the phyla, order, class, and species levels) was evaluated under different conditions, such as conventional tillage (CT) (plophing), reduced tillage (RT) (stubble cultivator), strip tillage (ST), and no-tillage (direct sowing on stubble and fallow buffer zone of the experimental field), in a horse bean plantation. Metagenomic methods (next generation sequencing technology, NGS) were used to determine the percentage of individual operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Our study showed that no-tillage cultivation technologies, mainly strip and no-tillage methods, had a positive effect on microbiological communities. In fact, key species related to soil fertility and crop yield, such as Gemmatimonas aurantiaca (a microorganism that reduce nitrous oxide, N2O in soil) and Aeromicrobium ponti (a beneficial species for the soil environment, essential for the proper functioning of the crop agroecosystem), increased in reduced cultivation technologies. These species can determine soil fertility and crop yields, and therefore, they are very important for sustainable and even regenerative agriculture. Further studies of soil samples collected from other crop plantations under different cropping systems may indicate beneficial microbial species that are important for soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the impact of spreading cover crops and different tillage methods on specific physical and water retention properties of Luvisol. The experiment analysed the influence of two factors on the tested properties. The first-order factor was the sowing of cover crops; three levels were analysed in the experiment: without cover crop, field pea sown after the wheat harvest, and white mustard sown after the wheat harvest. The second-order factor was the tillage method for intercrop seeding and spring wheat; four levels were analysed: conventional tillage, strip-till, reduced tillage, and no-till. After three years of the field experiment, four composite bulk samples with disturbed structure and eight core samples (100 cm3) with undisturbed structure were taken from the humus horizon (15 cm) of each treatment. The collected soil samples were used to analyse the total carbon content, basic physical properties, and water retention properties. The use of the cover crops positively influenced the soil properties, whereas the simplified cultivation had a negative effect. The impact of sowing the cover crops was greater than that of the tillage method. Despite the statistical significance of the impact of the tested factors, their practical impact seems to be negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization of Brassica napus with various Brassicaceae species can result in obtaining new forms with increased resistance to blackleg, a dangerous disease caused mainly by Leptosphaeria maculans. In this study, we aimed to correlate the field resistance of selected Brassica hybrids to blackleg with chromosomal structure revealed by Fluorescence in situ hybridization. Tested genotypes varied in the number of chromosomes and rDNA signals. The greatest variation was observed for A1-type chromosomes. Field evaluation also revealed significant differences in L. maculans resistance. Performed analyses allowed to distinguish three B. napus × Brassica fruticulosa genotypes in which variable patterns of chromosomal structure might be connected to field resistance. However, a more thorough study, including the detection of all A-genome chromosomes, is required.

The study presents the results of research on the influence of a mineral growth stimulant containing titanium (Ti) in the form available to plants, applied to reduce the effects of biotic stresses caused by agrophages, namely fungal pathogens and selected insect pests. The study was conducted in 2014 and 2015 on winter oilseed rape, winter wheat, and maize. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the Ti-containing stimulant on the degree of damage caused by major pests occurring in the crops (cabbage seed weevil, cereal leaf beetle, and European corn borer), the degree of infestation with fungal diseases (gray mold, Alternaria disease, eyespot, foot rot, sooty mold, glume blotch, Fusarium head blight, Fusarium stalk rot, maize smut, and brown spot), and yield parameters. The study showed that the stimulant containing Ti successfully reduced the occurrence of pest damage to winter rapeseed and winter wheat plants and the occurrence of diseases in winter rapeseed, winter wheat, and maize crops. Thus, the application of the Ti stimulant resulted in an increased yield of the crops being tested. The main factor explaining this phenomenon is unknown, and it is probably the result of several factors. The study contains the discussion on this phenomenon.

(1) Background: Genistein is a naturally occurring flavonoid with a rich spectrum of biological activities, including plant-herbivore interactions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous application of genistein on aphid behavior during probing in plant tissues. (2) Methods: Vicia faba, Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis, and Avena sativa were treated transepidermally with a 0.1% ethanolic solution of genistein, and the probing behavior of generalist aphid species Aphis fabae, Myzus persicae, and Rhopalosiphum padi was monitored on their respective treated and untreated host plants using electropenetrography (=electrical penetration graph technique, EPG); (3) Results: Genistein did not deter aphid probing activities in non-phloem tissues. In A. fabae and R. padi, a trend towards reduction and in M. persicae a trend towards increase in phloem sap ingestion occurred on genistein-treated plants, but these trends were not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: Genistein is not a deterrent chemical against generalist aphid species studied; therefore, it is not recommended for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids are significant pests affecting crop yields both through direct feeding and as vectors of viruses. The monitoring focused on 10 of the most important aphid species. This study investigates the dynamics of aphid populations in two Polish regions, Winna Góra (Greater Poland Province) and Sośnicowice (Silesia Province), over a five-year period (2019–2023) using Johnson suction traps. Data collection covered species composition, migration timing, and seasonal variations in aphid abundance. Dominance patterns were assessed using a species-specific index, and inter-regional comparisons were analyzed through correlation and principal component analysis. Results indicate notable population peaks during autumn, suggesting this period is optimal for implementing control measures. The Johnson traps proved valuable for timely pest monitoring, offering predictive potential for future aphid migration, particularly in relation to virus-transmitting species critical to plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, BC1F3:4 generation plants derived from the hybrid crosses of Rio Blanco × Nevzatbey, Rio Blanco × Adana99, and Rio Blanco × line 127 were used as experimental material. These hybrids incorporated QTLs associated with pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) resistance through molecular techniques. Key agronomic traits, including plant height, spike length, the number of grains per spike, grain weight, and physiological maturity, were evaluated in both greenhouse and growth room settings under accelerated growth (speed breeding) conditions. Results indicated that plants grown in the fully controlled greenhouse conditions exhibited superior agronomic performance compared with those cultivated in the growth room. Additionally, germination tests were conducted on each hybrid cross to identify genotypes exhibiting dormancy. The analysis revealed that 11 lines from the Rio Blanco × Nevzatbey combination, eight lines from Rio Blanco × Adana99, and six lines from Rio Blanco × Line 127 had notably low germination indices. Among the three hybrid families, the Rio Blanco × Nevzatbey BC1F3:4 hybrids demonstrated the lowest germination index (0.44). Furthermore, Rio Blanco itself recorded the lowest germination index under both greenhouse (0.02) and growth room (0.24) conditions. These findings suggest that environmental conditions exert a significant influence on the expression of dormancy in these genotypes, even when dormancy genes are present. The lines developed in this research have the potential to serve as elite material in breeding programs aimed at enhancing pre-harvest sprouting resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is currently believed that breeding priorities, including maize breeding, should focus on introducing varieties with greater utility value, specifically higher yields, into production. Global modern maize breeding relies on various molecular genetics techniques. Using the above mentioned technologies, we can identify regions of the genome that are associated with various phenotypic traits, including yield, which is of fundamental importance for understanding and manipulating these regions. Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the expression of candidate genes associated with maize yield. To better understand the function of the analyzed genes in increasing maize yield, their expression in different organs and tissues was also assessed using publicly available transcriptome data. Methods: RT-qPCR analyses were performed using iTaq Universal SYBR Green Supermix (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA) and CFX96 Touch Real-Time PCR Detection System (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA). Each of the performed RT-qPCR experiments consisted of three biological replicates and three technical replicates, the results of which were averaged. Results: The research results allowed us to select three out of six candidate genes (cinnamoyl-CoA reductase 1—CCR1, aspartate aminotransferase—AAT and sucrose transporter 1—SUT1), which can significantly affect grain yield in maize. Not only our studies but also literature reports clearly indicate the participation of CCR1, AAT and SUT1 in the formation of yield. Identified molecular markers located within these genes can be used in breeding programs to select high yielding maize genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions pose a major environmental challenge, often facilitating the unregulated dissemination of pathogens and parasites associated with their hosts. These pathogens can severely impact native and cultivated species, with far-reaching ecological and economic consequences. Despite their importance, the mycobiota associated with invasive plant species remains relatively understudied, posing a complex challenge for researchers. The aim of this manuscript is to underscore the most significant threats posed by the uncontrolled transmission of fungal pathogens from invasive alien plants to native environments and agricultural systems, and to identify the factors influencing this phenomenon. We emphasize the role of pathogen spillback and spillover mechanisms in the domestication of invasive alien plants. The influence of environmental, host, and pathogen-related factors on the survival of fungal pathogens were also investigated. Finally, we explore the technical and legal feasibility of using plant pathogens as "green agents" to control invasive alien plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of lead (Pb) at various concentrations, as an abiotic factor, and the cross-talk between Pb and pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), as a biotic factor, on the defence responses of pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L. cv. Cysterski). The analysis of growth parameters for pea seedlings demonstrated that Pb at a low concentration, i.e., 0.025–0.0625 mM Pb(NO3)2, caused a hormesis effect, i.e., stimulation of seedling growth, whereas Pb at higher concentrations, i.e., 0.01–0.325 mM Pb(NO3)2, inhibited growth, which manifested as the inhibition of length and fresh biomass. The differences in the level of the main defence-related phytohormones, such as abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)—an auxin stimulating plant cell growth—depended on the dose of Pb, aphid infestation and direct contact of the stress factor with the organ. A high accumulation of soluble sugars in the organs of pea seedlings both at sublethal doses and hormetic doses at early experimental time points was observed. At 0 h and 24 h of the experiment, the hormetic doses of Pb significantly stimulated invertase activities, especially in the roots. Moreover, an increase was observed in the pisatin concentration in pea seedlings growing in the presence of different concentrations of Pb and in the case of cross-talk between Pb and A. pisum in relation to the control. Additionally, a significant induction of the expressions of isoflavone synthase (IFS) and 6α-hydroxymaackiain 3-O-methyltransferase (HMM) genes, which participate in the regulation of the pisatin biosynthesis pathway, in pea seedlings growing under the influence of sublethal 0.5 mM Pb(NO3)2 and hormetic 0.075 mM Pb(NO3)2 doses of Pb was noted. The obtained results showed that the response of P. sativum seedlings depends on the Pb dose applied, direct contact of the stress factor with the organ and the duration of contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection is a fundamental part of the plant breeding process, enabling the identification and development of varieties with desirable traits. Thanks to advances in genetics and biotechnology, the selection process has become more precise and efficient, resulting in faster breeding progress and better adaptation of crops to environmental challenges. Genetic parameters related to gene additivity and epistasis play a key role and can influence decisions on the suitability of breeding material. In this study, 188 rapeseed doubled haploid lines were assessed in field conditions for resistance to Leptosphaeria spp. Through next-generation sequencing, a total of 133,764 molecular markers (96,121 SilicoDArT and 37,643 SNP) were obtained. The similarity of the DH lines at the phenotypic and genetic levels was calculated. The results indicate that the similarity at the phenotypic level was markedly different from the similarity at the genetic level. Genetic parameters related to additive gene action effects and epistasis (double and triple) were calculated using two methods: based on phenotypic observations only and using molecular marker observations. All evaluated genetic parameters (additive, additive-additive and additive-additive-additive) were statistically significant for both estimation methods. The parameters associated with the interaction (double and triple) had opposite signs depending on the estimation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) can be attacked by a wide range of pests, for example, cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) and cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). One of the best methods of pest management is breeding for insect resistance in rapeseed. Wild genotypes of Brassicaceae and rapeseed cultivars can be used as a source of resistance. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, field trials were performed to assess the level of resistance to D. radicum and B. brassicae within 53 registered rapeseed cultivars and 31 interspecific hybrid combinations originating from the resources of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding of Poznań University of Life Sciences (PULS). The level of resistance varied among genotypes and years. Only one hybrid combination and two B. napus cultivars maintained high level of resistance in all tested years, i.e., B. napus cv. Jet Neuf × B. carinata – PI 649096, Galileus, and Markolo. The results of this research indicate that resistance to insects is present in Brassicaceae family and can be transferred to rapeseed cultivars. The importance of continuous improvement of rapeseed pest resistance and the search for new sources of resistance is discussed; furthermore, plans for future investigations are presented.

A number of studies have shown that the greater the genetic diversity of parental lines, the greater the heterosis effect. Genetic or phenotypic variation can be estimated by genotype testing on the basis of the observations obtained through prediction (a priori) or the observations and studies (a posteriori). The first method uses data such as the genealogy of a given subject and the information about its geographical origin. The second method is based on the phenotypic observation and studies, as well as on the molecular research. The development of molecular genetics and genotype testing methods at the DNA level has made it possible to rapidly assess the genetic variability regardless of the modifying effect of the environment. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the degree of relatedness and the DNA polymorphism (determined using AFLP, RAPD, and SSR markers) of inbred maize lines and the effect of hybrid-form heterosis. Our analysis demonstrated that the parental components for heterosis crosses can be selected on the basis of the genetic similarity determined using the molecular SSR markers and the Jaccard, Kluczyński, Nei, and Rogers coefficients. Molecular AFLP markers proved less useful for selecting the parental components, but may be used to group lines with incomplete origin data. In the case of the RAPD markers, no clear relationship between genetic distance and the heterosis effect was found in this study.