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Yeast cells sometimes engage in interspecific hybridization, i.e., crosses between different species. These interspecific yeast hybrids combine phenotypes of the two parental species and can therefore allow fast adaptation to new niches. This is perhaps most evident in beer yeasts, where a cross between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces eubayanus led to the emergence of the lager yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus , which combines the fermentation capacity of S. cerevisiae with the cold tolerance of S. eubayanus , making the hybrid suitable for the typical cool lager beer fermentation conditions. Interestingly, however, merging two different genomes into one cell causes genomic instability and rearrangements, ultimately leading to a reorganized but more stable hybrid genome. Here, we investigate how different parameters influence this genome stabilization trajectory and ultimately can lead to variants with different industrial phenotypes. We generated seven de novo interspecific hybrids between two S. eubayanus strains and an ale S. cerevisiae strain, subsequently exposing them to three different genome stabilization procedures. Next, we analyzed the fermentation characteristics and metabolite production of selected stabilized hybrids. Our results reveal how variation in the genome stabilization procedure leads to phenotypic variability and can generate additional diversity after the initial hybridization process. Moreover, several stabilized hybrids showed phenotypes that are interesting for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the genetic resources of Coffea arabica L. in its native habitat (Ethiopia and South Sudan) and primary domestication center (Yemen) have been recently thoroughly described, the available genetic diversity of the species in Southeast Asian secondary domestication centers remain unexplored. Nevertheless, since the eighteenth century, this region of the world has been key for the internationalization of coffee production beyond Ethiopia and Yemen. It has provided a unique source of disease resistant breeding material originating from interspecific crosses in Timor-Leste. In this paper, we explore through ten robust single sequence repeats markers the genetic diversity of 228 C. arabica samples surveyed in two contrasting countries: Timor-Leste and the Philippines. An unexpected genetic diversity is revealed, including some new alleles specific to the region. We show that the interspecific crosses between C. arabica and C. canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner have not been uncommon and that the present populations of Timor Hybrids most likely derive from several interspecific crosses. These results shed new light on the importance of C. arabica's genetic resources in Southeast Asia and help guiding future genetic resource conservation paying attention to remote islands where the species was introduced during the past three centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco veinal necrosis caused by the potato virus Y (PVY) substantially affects yields and crop quality of tobacco. PVY shows high variability in virulence due to numerous mutations and recombinations. The types of resistance available for tobacco include the va type, effective against some PVY isolates but succumbing to others, and the Nicotiana africana-derived type, fully effective in its native genetic milieu but limited to varying degrees of tolerance when transferred to N. tabacum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pyramiding potential of these two sources of resistance in alloploid hybrids of Nicotiana tabacum x N. africana. To this end, amphidiploids involving N. tabacum cvs. VAM and Wiślica, each being the carrier of a different variant of the va gene, were created and advanced from F1 to two subsequent selfed generations and to BC1 generation with either VAM or Wiślica as the recurrent N. tabacum parent. The hybrid populations thus produced were challenged with two PVY necrotic isolates, IUNG 23 and IUNG 20, mild and severe isolate belonging to the PVYN-Wi and PVYNTN groups, respectively. The mild isolate failed to infect any of the hybrids or parental species. The hybrids varied in their response to IUNG 20. The F1 and F2 populations were composed of asymptomatic hosts to PVY and of those showing mild vein clearing but no necrotic plants. There was a progressive increase in ability to resist PVY in successive amphidiploid generations, with 30 and 10% of fully resistant plants appearing in the F3 amphidiploids involving VAM and Wiślica. Further research is needed to account for the appearance of segregants completely resistant to PVY, since neither N. africana factor is fully expressed in N. tabacum, nor do the va alleles confer resistance against PVYNTN isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactuca sativa L. is a leafy vegetable crop of the Asteraceae family, widely cultivated throughout the world. The main breeding trends for lettuce include higher yields, better taste quality, earliness, and resistance to abiotic and biotic stressors. Some wild Lactuca spp. have actively been employed by lettuce breeders as donors of resistance to various diseases. Conventional and biotechnological breeding methods are both currently used to develop new lettuce cultivars. This is an overview of the main advances in the production of interspecific Lactuca hybrids, including the use of cell and tissue culture techniques, and genetic engineering. Studying artificial hybridization and natural populations makes it possible to identify evolutionary relationships among various Lactuca spp. Somatic hybridization is an overlooked but promising technology in Lactuca breeding: it allows a breeder to obtain a wider range of variations, and is beyond the strict control by GMO laws. This technique faces problems associated with complicated protoplast regeneration and the loss of reproductive ability in hybrids. Genome-editing methods are more effective and better controllable, but society is still wary of any interference with the plant genome and legally regulates the sale of GM products as food. Thus, researchers are challenged with the task to improve these techniques.

Resistance to PPV and ESFY phytoplasma has been evaluated for Japanese plum ('Aphrodite', 'Black Amber', 'Crimson Glo', 'Santa Rosa') and pluot ('Dapple Supreme', 'Flav Queen', 'Flav Supreme') cultivars. Each cultivar was grafted by chip-budding on GF 305 peach rootstocks and infected with the virulent PPV-Rec or ESFY phytoplasma strain also by chip-budding. After bud break, cultivar evaluation consisted in observing presence or absence of symptoms on leaves, noting the symptom intensity on leaves and on the whole plant. Plants were studied in controlled conditions in a sealed screen-house for three consecutive growth periods. DAS-ELISA and RFLP-PCR analyses were also employed to verify the presence or absence of PPV, respectively ESFY phytoplasma. Results obtained in the context of this very severe biological test against PPV and ESFY phytoplasma confirm the high level of susceptibility of Japanese plum and pluot cultivars.

The Salix genus of the Salicaceae family has advantages such as rapid initial growth, a high germination rate, and asexual reproduction; therefore, it is used as a short-rotation energy crop for biomass production. The National Institute of Forest Science created new interspecific hybrid cultivars with superior biomass production by artificially interbreeding Salix caprea L. and Salix gracilistyla Miq. Identifying these hybrids during the seedling stage is challenging because their separate reproductive and vegetative growth stages necessitate prolonged observation of their morphological characteristics. Consequently, a reliable identification method is required to overcome these limitations. This study aimed to develop nuclear DNA markers to distinguish between S. caprea, S. gracilistyla, and their interspecific hybrids. An evaluation of 35 nuclear simple-sequence repeat (nSSR) markers in the Salix genus revealed two markers that distinguish these parent species and their hybrids. A sequence analysis confirmed the presence of insertion-deletion (InDel) regions within the nSSR markers that differed between S. caprea and S. gracilistyla. To effectively identify hybrids, a primer set comprising the InDel region, which exhibited only interspecies differences and no intraspecies differences, was developed. The results of this study will facilitate the genetic resource management of interspecific hybrids between S. caprea and S. gracilistyla, thus allowing for early identification and improved management of hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macro- and microscopic studies of the state of the gonads of spawners of whitespotted char Salvelinus leucomaenis, Dolly Varden S. malma, and whitespotted char × Dolly Varden hybrids from the Utkholok River (northwestern Kamchatka) in the post-spawning period have revealed no anomalies in the structure of the gonads and their cytological state. The generative tissue of the testes and ovaries contained germ cells of subsequent generations, which indicates the capability of post-spawned individuals for repeated maturation and reproduction in the next year. The state of the gonads of hybrid individuals fully corresponds to that of polycyclic salmon fishes (Salmonidae) and does not differ from the parental species, whitespotted char and Dolly Varden; their gametogenesis has no visible deviations. This indicates the potential capacity of the hybrids from the Utkholok River for reproduction and maintaining their own population, in contrast to many other cases of interspecific hybridization in salmonids described in the literature. The resulting data on the state of the gonads and the results of the previous genetic analysis of hybrids indicate an important feature of the "Utkholok River" hybrid zone for chars of the genus Salvelinus, such as the transition of the entire system to the state of the so-called "hybrid swarm." This may lead to a scenario when hybrids can move to the next stage of microevolutionary processes, which will lead to their isolation from the parental species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We grew eight cultivars of seedless table grape in Durham, NH, USA, from 2015 to 2021, using two training systems: Munson and vertical shoot positioning (VSP). We evaluated the vine vigor, prevalence of common diseases, yield, and postharvest fruit weight loss. We observed that cultivar significantly impacted vine vigor and the prevalence of three common diseases. One year after planting, the cultivars Thomcord, Marquis, and Lakemont had significantly less vigor than that of other cultivars, and Thomcord and Marquis both exhibited high mortality (38% and 29%, respectively). ‘Marquis’ and ‘Thomcord’ consistently showed among the highest prevalence of most diseases present in the vineyard (powdery mildew, anthracnose, and downy mildew), whereas ‘Concord Seedless’, ‘Canadice’, and ‘Mars’ consistently showed among the fewest symptoms. ‘Thomcord’ and ‘Marquis’ were removed from the experiment in 2019. For the six remaining cultivars, the cultivar, year, training system, and all interaction terms significantly affected yield. ‘Mars’ produced the highest yield throughout the study, reaching a maximum yield of over 15 kg/vine in their seventh season in the vineyard. Overall, yields of vines growing on the Munson training system were greater than those growing on the VSP system (P < 0.0001), although the advantages of growing on Munson were greater for some cultivars than for others (e.g., the yield advantages in 2021 were only 8% for ‘Lakemont’ but reached 90% for ‘Concord Seedless’ and 74.8% for ‘Vanessa’). ‘Mars’ exhibited the lowest percentage weight loss after 28 days of cold storage, which was significantly lower than that of all cultivars except Reliance. In conclusion, ‘Mars’, ‘Canadice’, ‘Vanessa’, and ‘Lakemont’ offer potential for commercial production of seedless table grapes in the northeastern United States based on producing moderate to high yields of consistently high-quality fruit; of these, ‘Mars’ showed the least susceptibility to common diseases and postharvest weight loss.

Yeast cells sometimes engage in interspecific hybridization, i.e., crosses between different species. These interspecific yeast hybrids combine phenotypes of the two parental species and can therefore allow fast adaptation to new niches. This is perhaps most evident in beer yeasts, where a cross between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces eubayanus led to the emergence of the lager yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus, which combines the fermentation capacity of S. cerevisiae with the cold tolerance of S. eubayanus, making the hybrid suitable for the typical cool lager beer fermentation conditions. Interestingly, however, merging two different genomes into one cell causes genomic instability and rearrangements, ultimately leading to a reorganized but more stable hybrid genome. Here, we investigate how different parameters influence this genome stabilization trajectory and ultimately can lead to variants with different industrial phenotypes. We generated seven de novo interspecific hybrids between two S. eubayanus strains and an ale S. cerevisiae strain, subsequently exposing them to three different genome stabilization procedures. Next, we analyzed the fermentation characteristics and metabolite production of selected stabilized hybrids. Our results reveal how variation in the genome stabilization procedure leads to phenotypic variability and can generate additional diversity after the initial hybridization process. Moreover, several stabilized hybrids showed phenotypes that are interesting for industrial applications.

Development of productive strawberry cultivars adapted to harsh winter conditions is an urgent task for plant breeders in Russia. The M. G. Safronov Yakut Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture has used wild strawberry forms combining several useful agronomic and biological traits, primarily the resistance to extreme environmental conditions, to achieve this objective. In the efforts to preserve the diversity of crop cultivars, the N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) has developed and is implementing a program to establish nomenclatural standards for domestic cultivars of vegetatively propagated crops. The results of the implementation of this program are presented. Nomenclatural standards for the strawberry cultivars ‘Alexandra’, ‘Pokrovskaya’, ‘Sadovospasskaya’, ‘Vladyka Zosima’ and ‘Bersenevskaya’, released by the M. G. Safronov Yakut Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture, have been formalized, registered in the VIR Herbarium Database, and placed for conservation in the Herbarium of Cultivated Plants of the World, Their Wild Relatives, and Weeds (WIR).

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Resistance to Plum pox virus (PPV) and 'Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum' has been evaluated for Japanese plum ('Aphrodite', 'Black Amber', 'Crimson Glo', 'Santa Rosa') and pluot ('Dapple Supreme', 'Flav Queen', 'Flav Supreme') cultivars. Each cultivar was grafted by chip-budding on GF 305 peach rootstocks and infected with the virulent PPV-Rec or 'Candidatus P. prunorum' strain. After bud break, cultivar evaluation consisted of observing the presence or absence of symptoms on leaves and noting the intensity of symptoms on leaves and on the whole plant. Plants were studied under controlled conditions in a sealed screen-house for three consecutive growth periods. DAS-ELISA and RFLP-PCR analyses were also employed to verify the presence or absence of PPV, respectively 'Ca. P. prunorum'. Results obtained in the context of this very severe biological test against PPV and 'Ca. P. prunorum' confirm the high level of susceptibility of Japanese plum and pluot cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six popular and widely cultivated arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) varieties of commercial importance namely Selection 5B, Selection 13, Selection 11, Selection 8, Selection 7.3 and Selection 3 were tested for their genetic identity with ISSR markers. Fifteen ISSR primers were tested using genomic DNA of selected coffee varieties. Pooled genomic DNA of all the six varieties was amplified with each ISSR primer with an average of four loci per primer. The size range of locus amplified by all the fifteen primers was ranging from 100 to 1200 bp depending upon on the ISSR primers. Only three out of fifteen primers, namely ISSR4, ISSR6 and ISSR8, were screened based on the number of amplified locus and size range from low to high. The selective ISSR primers distinguished all the six varieties of coffee with unique markers. ISSR 4 amplified two unique markers with a locus size 1300 bp and 950 bp for Sln.5B and 180 bp and 150 bp for Sln.13. ISSR6 had produced five varietal-specific markers with a locus size of 180 bp in Sln.5B, 1250 bp in Sln.11, 350 bp in Sln.3. ISSR8 had amplified seven unique loci across the coffee varieties with 700 bp and 800 bp in Sln.5B, 200 bp and 500 bp in Sln.11 and one locus each in Sln.7.3 and Sln.3 with 300 bp and 150 bp respectively. Repeated amplification of genomic DNA of all the six varieties of coffee with selective ISSR primers produced consistent ISSR genetic fingerprints. Selective ISSR primers were validated with marker parameters resolving power (RP), effective multiplex ratio (EMR), marker index (MI) and polymorphic information content (PIC). Utilisation of these markers in arabica coffee genetic improvement is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco veinal necrosis caused by the potato virus Y (PVY) substantially affects yields and crop quality of tobacco. PVY shows high variability in virulence due to numerous mutations and recombinations. The types of resistance available for tobacco include the va type, effective against some PVY isolates but succumbing to others, and the Nicotiana africana-derived type, fully effective in its native genetic milieu but limited to varying degrees of tolerance when transferred to N. tabacum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pyramiding potential of these two sources of resistance in alloploid hybrids of Nicotiana tabacum x N. africana. To this end, amphidiploids involving N. tabacum cvs. VAM and Wiślica, each being the carrier of a different variant of the va gene, were created and advanced from F1 to two subsequent selfed generations and to BC1 generation with either VAM or Wiślica as the recurrent N. tabacum parent. The hybrid populations thus produced were challenged with two PVY necrotic isolates, IUNG 23 and IUNG 20, mild and severe isolate belonging to the PVYN-Wi and PVYNTN groups, respectively. The mild isolate failed to infect any of the hybrids or parental species. The hybrids varied in their response to IUNG 20. The F1 and F2 populations were composed of asymptomatic hosts to PVY and of those showing mild vein clearing but no necrotic plants. There was a progressive increase in ability to resist PVY in successive amphidiploid generations, with 30 and 10% of fully resistant plants appearing in the F3 amphidiploids involving VAM and Wiślica. Further research is needed to account for the appearance of segregants completely resistant to PVY, since neither N. africana factor is fully expressed in N. tabacum, nor do the va alleles confer resistance against PVYNTN isolates.

Lemnaceae taxonomy is challenged by the particular morphology of these tiny free-floating angiosperms. Although molecular taxonomy has helped clarify the phylogenetic history of this family, some inconsistency with morphological data leads to frequent misclassifications in the genus Lemna. Recently, the finding that Lemna japonica is an interspecific hybrid between Lemna minor and Lemna turionifera provided a clear explanation for one such taxonomic question. Here we demonstrated that L. minor is also capable of hybridizing with Lemna gibba , generating a cryptic but widespread taxon in the Mediterranean area. The nothotaxon Lemna × mediterranea is described and compared with clones of the putative parental species L. minor and L. gibba. Genetic analysis by nuclear and plastid markers, as well as genome size measurement, revealed that two different cytotypes, diploid and triploid, originated by at least two independent hybridization events. Despite high overall similarity, morphometrical, physiological, and biochemical analyses showed an intermediate position of L. × mediterranea between its parental species in most qualitative and quantitative characters, and also separation of the two hybrid cytotypes by some criteria. These data provide evidence that hybridization and polyploidization, driving forces of terrestrial plant evolution, contribute to duckweed genetic diversity and may have shaped the phylogenetic history of these mainly asexual, aquatic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a drought-resistant warm-season turfgrass adapted to the southern and transitional zones in the United States. Multiple hybrid cultivars have been developed and released for use as turfgrass, and others are still undergoing development. Increasing genetic diversity of commercial cultivars is vital to stress tolerance. A DNA profiling study of 21 experimental selections from the Oklahoma State University turfgrass breeding program and 11 cultivars was conducted using 51 simple sequence repeat primer pairs across the bermudagrass genome. A pairwise genetic relationship analysis of the genotypes using 352 polymorphic bands showed genetic similarity coefficients ranging from 0.59 to 0.89. The average pairwise population differentiation values were 0.012 for the 11 cultivars and 0.169 for the 21 selections. A cluster analysis using the unweighted paired group with the arithmetic average method grouped the entries into six clusters. A correlation analysis identified different levels of pairwise genetic relationships among the entries that largely reflected parental relationship. Directional breeding and selection for cold hardiness or drought resistance created progeny that had distinct genetic diversity in the tested bermudagrasses. It is evident that an increase in genetic diversity of the existing cultivar pool with the release of one or more experimental selections for commercial use will strengthen and improve bermudagrass systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays particular attention in winter wheat breeding is paid to the introduction of biotechnological methods. The culture of immature embryos in vitro is an alternative way to produce hybrids that often do not develop fully in vivo. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the ability of immature embryos of interspecific winter wheat hybrids for callus induction, morphogenesis, and plant regeneration on artificial nutrient media, as well as to select optimal conditions for obtaining full-fledged plants with all the botanical characteristics of the species. The research material included 5 hybrid combinations of interspecific crosses between durum (Triticum durum DESF.) and common (Triticum aestivum L.) winter wheat. The material was collected during one field season (2022). Immature embryos were used as explants. Culture media were according to Murashige-Skoog (MS), and they differed in the content of hormones and organic substances. There has been found that the hybrid combinations were characterized by a variety of morphogenic responses. The manifestation of callusogenesis was not high enough and averaged 22–32 % depending on the nutrient medium. Rhizogenesis averaged from 1–6.7 %, and ended with the formation of roots. The process of formation of embryoid- and hemmorizogenesis was best demonstrated by the hybrid combination No.1, and on two media. All processes of morphogenesis excepting ‘rhizogenesis’ varied greatly among hybrid combinations. The largest number of regenerated plants was obtained from hybrid combination No.1 (61 pcs., 54.5 %). After vernalization and acclimatization, 38 % of the plants survived from the number of planted embryos. The largest number of heads (79 pcs.) was formed according to hybrid combination No.1, on average 1.46 heads per plant. However, not all heads were fertile. The results of the correlation analysis made it possible to identify indicators that closely correlated with the amount of plant regeneration, namely, the high yield of embryoid- and hemmorizogenic structures ensured a high frequency of plant regeneration (r = 0.769).

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the most prominent and important industrial crops. In Greece, cotton farming occupies a significant share of the agricultural sector. However, the adverse effects of climate change have raised concerns regarding its performance in the near future, thus it is crucial to develop adaptation strategies for the production of cotton in Greece. One such alternative is the adoption of interspecific hybrids (G. hirsutum × G. barbadense). These hybrids have been suggested to be more resilient and to outperform their parental varieties. In order to evaluate the potential of such hybrids, a field experiment was conducted in two sites in Greece. Two novel cotton hybrids (1432 and 701) and a conventional variety (‘Elpida’) were farmed in two different plant densities (8 and 13 plants m2) and their agronomic traits (biomass, LAI), yield and yield components (seed cotton yield, lint yield, seed yield, ration lint/seed cotton, and ratio seed/seed cotton), and quality traits were assessed. The agronomic traits and the yield of the hybrids were equal or superior in comparison to ‘Elpida’. Similar findings were also observed in the majority of the quality traits. Based on our results, interspecific cotton hybrids are promising for the European cotton sector.

The high environmental importance of invasive goldenrod has prompted research to find potential benefits that can be derived from these species. This study aimed to identify differences in root phenolic profiles among five Solidago species, thus providing valuable information on their potential applications and the botanical origin of the raw material. The roots of native S. virgaurea L., two alien species S. gigantea Aiton and S. canadensis L. and their hybrids S. ×niederederi Khek and S. ×snarskisii Gudž. & Žaln. were sampled from mixed-species stands in Lithuania. A complex of twelve phenolic acids and their derivatives was identified and quantified in methanol–water root extracts using the HPLC-PDA and LC/MS systems. The radical-scavenging capacities of the extracts were assessed by ABTS. The chemical content of the roots of S. virgaurea, S. gigantea and S. ×niederederi were statistically similar, while the roots of S. canadensis and S. ×snarskisii contained lower amounts of compounds than the other species. The PCA score-plot models of the phenolic profiles only partially confirmed the identification of S. ×niederederi and S. ×snarskisii as crosses between native and alien species. The findings from the phenolic profiles and the observed radical-scavenging activity of root extracts of Solidago species provide valuable insights into their potential applications in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Fragaria nilgerrensis (FN) provides a rich source of genetic variations for strawberry germplasm innovation. The color of strawberry fruits is a key factor affecting consumer preferences. However, the genetic basis of the fruit color formation in F. nilgerrensis and its interspecific hybrids has rarely been researched. Results In this study, the fruit transcriptomes and flavonoid contents of FN (white skin; control) and its interspecific hybrids BF1 and BF2 (pale red skin) were compared. A total of 31 flavonoids were identified. Notably, two pelargonidin derivatives (pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside) were revealed as potential key pigments for the coloration of BF1 and BF2 fruits. Additionally, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) (LOC101293459 and LOC101293749) and anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase (BZ1) (LOC101300000), which are crucial structural genes in the anthocyanidin biosynthetic pathway, had significantly up-regulated expression levels in the two FN interspecific hybrids. Moreover, most of the genes encoding transcription factors (e.g., MYB, WRKY, TCP, bHLH, AP2, and WD40) related to anthocyanin accumulation were differentially expressed. We also identified two DFR genes (LOC101293749 and LOC101293459) that were significantly correlated with members in bHLH, MYB, WD40, AP2, and bZIP families. Two chalcone synthase (CHS) (LOC101298162 and LOC101298456) and a BZ1 gene (LOC101300000) were highly correlated with members in bHLH, WD40 and AP2 families. Conclusions Pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside may be the key pigments contributing to the formation of pale red fruit skin. DFR and BZ1 structural genes and some bHLH, MYB, WD40, AP2, and bZIP TF family members enhance the accumulation of two pelargonidin derivatives. This study provides important insights into the regulation of anthocyanidin biosynthesis in FN and its interspecific hybrids. The presented data may be relevant for improving strawberry fruit coloration via genetic engineering.

Medicago sativa (2n = 4x = 32) and M. arborea (2n = 4x = 32) were thought to be reproductively isolated until hybrids (Alborea) were produced by sexual reproduction for the first time in 2003 in Wisconsin. The hybrids were asymmetric, at or near 2n = 4x = 32, and with a predominance of the alfalfa genome. Only M. sativa seed parents with reproductive abnormalities, including unreduced eggs, have produced hybrids; where M. arborea has been used as the seed parent, no hybrids have resulted. Pedigree selection within derivatives of the two original M. sativa seed parents (MB and M8) has been successful in increasing the frequency of hybrids produced. While Alborea individuals more closely resemble M. sativa, a number of M. arborea-specific traits have been observed across different hybrid individuals. These include single-coil flat pods, large seeds, yellow flowers, indeterminate growth, a minimal crown, lodging, frost resistance, and anthracnose resistance. These M. arborea traits have the potential to restructure alfalfa to increase its versatility and utilisation. There is emerging evidence from North and South America and Australia that some Alborea selections have the capacity to complement adapted alfalfa cultivars for yield. Work is continuing to introgress M. arborea traits of value into alfalfa.

Interspecific hybridization is widespread for sunflowers, both in wild populations and commercial breeding. One of the most common species that can efficiently cross with Helianthus annuus is the Silverleaf sunflower—Helianthus argophyllus. The current study carried out structural and functional organization analyses of mitochondrial DNA in H. argophyllus and the interspecific hybrid, H. annuus (VIR114A line) × H. argophyllus. The complete mitogenome of H. argophyllus counts 300,843 bp, has a similar organization to the mitogenome of cultivated sunflower, and holds SNPs typical for wild sunflowers. RNA editing analysis predicted 484 sites in H. argophyllus mitochondrial CDS. The mitochondrial genome of the H. annuus × H. argophyllus hybrid is identical to the maternal line (VIR114A). We expected that significant rearrangements in the mitochondrial DNA of the hybrid would occur, due to the frequent recombination. However, the hybrid mitogenome lacks rearrangements, presumably due to the preservation of nuclear–cytoplasmic interaction paths.

Pepper (Capsicum) is one of the most important and widespread vegetable crops in the Balkans. Some old indigenous forms are not the focus of modern breeding but are preserved in some areas and represent valuable genetic resources. Three Bulgarian varieties (Plovdivska kapiya, Familiya and IZK Delicates) C. annuum, and two representatives of the chili pepper C. chinense and C. frutescens. Interspecific hybrids were made between sweet (C. annum) and chili pepper plants. The genetic relationships of the varieties of Capsicum species were assessed using ISSR primers. PCR amplification of isolated DNA from parental lines and interspecific hybrids revealed 65 distinct polymorphic bands. Cluster analysis clearly distinguished the parental forms and individuals from the F1 and F2 populations. The applied ISSR molecular technique can be successfully used to analyze genetic diversity in cultivars, early-stage seedlings, and interspecific hybrids, as well as to detect differences in individuals whose genomes are highly homogeneous, such as those of the genus Capsicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Partial hybrids between Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and Medicago arborea, named Alborea, are the result of reproductive abnormalities in the M. sativa seed parent. These hybrids have the potential, through the addition of traits outside the alfalfa gene pool, to increase the productivity and utilisation of alfalfa. Medicago sativa (2n = 4x = 32) and M. arborea (2n = 4x = 32) were thought to be reproductively isolated until hybrids (Alborea) were produced by sexual reproduction for the first time in 2003 in Wisconsin. The hybrids were asymmetric, at or near 2n = 4x = 32, and with a predominance of the alfalfa genome. Only M. sativa seed parents with reproductive abnormalities, including unreduced eggs, have produced hybrids; where M. arborea has been used as the seed parent, no hybrids have resulted. Pedigree selection within derivatives of the two original M. sativa seed parents (MB and M8) has been successful in increasing the frequency of hybrids produced. While Alborea individuals more closely resemble M. sativa, a number of M. arborea-specific traits have been observed across different hybrid individuals. These include single-coil flat pods, large seeds, yellow flowers, indeterminate growth, a minimal crown, lodging, frost resistance, and anthracnose resistance. These M. arborea traits have the potential to restructure alfalfa to increase its versatility and utilisation. There is emerging evidence from North and South America and Australia that some Alborea selections have the capacity to complement adapted alfalfa cultivars for yield. Work is continuing to introgress M. arborea traits of value into alfalfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fragaria nilgerrensis (FN) provides a rich source of genetic variations for strawberry germplasm innovation. The color of strawberry fruits is a key factor affecting consumer preferences. However, the genetic basis of the fruit color formation in F. nilgerrensis and its interspecific hybrids has rarely been researched. Results: In this study, the fruit transcriptomes and flavonoid contents of FN (white skin; control) and its interspecific hybrids BF1 and BF2 (pale red skin) were compared. A total of 31 flavonoids were identified. Notably, two pelargonidin derivatives (pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside) were revealed as potential key pigments for the coloration of BF1 and BF2 fruits. Additionally, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) (LOC101293459 and LOC101293749) and anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase (BZ1) (LOC101300000), which are crucial structural genes in the anthocyanidin biosynthetic pathway, had significantly up-regulated expression levels in the two FN interspecific hybrids. Moreover, most of the genes encoding transcription factors (e.g., MYB, WRKY, TCP, bHLH, AP2, and WD40) related to anthocyanin accumulation were differentially expressed. We also identified two DFR genes (LOC101293749 and LOC101293459) that were significantly correlated with members in bHLH, MYB, WD40, AP2, and bZIP families. Two chalcone synthase (CHS) (LOC101298162 and LOC101298456) and a BZ1 gene (LOC101300000) were highly correlated with members in bHLH, WD40 and AP2 families. Conclusions: Pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside may be the key pigments contributing to the formation of pale red fruit skin. DFR and BZ1 structural genes and some bHLH, MYB, WD40, AP2, and bZIP TF family members enhance the accumulation of two pelargonidin derivatives. This study provides important insights into the regulation of anthocyanidin biosynthesis in FN and its interspecific hybrids. The presented data may be relevant for improving strawberry fruit coloration via genetic engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica napus is an important oil source. Its narrow gene pool can be widened by interspecific hybridization with the Brassicaceae species. One of the agronomically important traits, that can be transferred through the hybridization, is the resistance to blackleg, a dangerous disease mainly caused by Leptosphaeria maculans. Hybrid individuals can be analyzed with various molecular markers, including Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR). We investigated the genetic similarity of 32 Brassicaceae hybrids and 19 parental components using SSR markers to reveal their genetic relationship. Furthermore, we compared the field resistance to blackleg of the interspecific progenies. The tested set of 15 SSR markers proved to be useful in revealing the genetic distances in the Brassicaceae hybrids and species. However, genetic similarity of the studied hybrids could not be correlated with the level of field resistance to L. maculans. Moreover, our studies confirmed the usefulness of the Brassicaceae hybrids in terms of blackleg management.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• P. cattleianum var. cattleianum, P. cattleianum var. lucidum and P. friedrichsthalianum identified as source of resistance to guava wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. psidii) and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) infection. • The segregation ratio of susceptible to resistant for guava wilt in interspecific hybrid progenies can provide insight into the mode of inheritance of wilt resistance in guava. • Resistant interspecific hybrid progenies have been developed and can be used as a rootstock or scion. Guava wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. psidii) and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) are the major threats for guava cultivation in India. The disease complex of Fusarium and Meloidogyne has caused severe production losses throughout India. The present study aimed the identification of resistant sources in wild Psidium species, genotypes and F 1 interspecific hybrids. Six wild Psidium species (P. molle, P. guineense, P. chinensis, P. friedrichsthalianum, P. cattleianum var. cattleianum and P. cattleianum var. lucidum), P. guajava genotypes and interspecific hybrids were screened by challenge inoculation. The results revealed that P. cattleianum var. cattleianum and P. cattleianum var. lucidum were immune to both M. incognita (0 RGI score) and F. oxysporum f. sp. psidii (0% wilting). P. friedrichsthalianum was found to be resistant to both F. oxysporum f. sp. psidii and M. incognita (2 RGI score), while P. molle was found resistant only to wilt (0% wilting). A total of 40 interspecific hybrid progenies ('Arka Poorna' x P. cattleianum var. cattleianum, 'H 12–5' x P. cattleianum var. cattleianum, 'Arka Poorna' x P. cattleianum var. lucidum, 'H 12–5' x P. cattleianum var. lucidum) combined resistance to both F. oxysporum f. sp. psidii and southern root-knot nematode. These progenies have been evaluated for various horticultural traits for its use as scion variety with inbuilt resistance to both wilt and nematode or as a resistant rootstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. Dataset: The National Center for Biotechnology BioProject: PRJNA929972 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJNA929972. Dataset License: CC-BY 4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is an annual self-incompatible plant that is widely grown. The genus Fagopyrum comprises more than 20 species, including F. cymosum, a perennial that, unlike common buckwheat, is highly resistant to excess water. In this study, we developed interspecific hybrids between F. esculentum and F. cymosum via embryo rescue, to improve undesirable traits of common buckwheat, such as low tolerance to excess water. The interspecific hybrids were confirmed by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). We also developed DNA markers to confirm the identity of the hybrids and if genes derived from each genome were inherited by the next generation. Observations of pollen indicated that the interspecific hybrids were essentially sterile. Unpaired chromosomes and abnormal segregation during meiosis were likely responsible for the pollen sterility of the hybrids. These findings could facilitate buckwheat breeding to produce lines that can withstand harsh environments with wild or related species in the genus Fagopyrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high environmental importance of invasive goldenrod has prompted research to find potential benefits that can be derived from these species. This study aimed to identify differences in root phenolic profiles among five Solidago species, thus providing valuable information on their potential applications and the botanical origin of the raw material. The roots of native S. virgaurea L., two alien species S. gigantea Aiton and S. canadensis L. and their hybrids S. ×niederederi Khek and S. ×snarskisii Gudž. & Žaln. were sampled from mixed-species stands in Lithuania. A complex of twelve phenolic acids and their derivatives was identified and quantified in methanol–water root extracts using the HPLC-PDA and LC/MS systems. The radical-scavenging capacities of the extracts were assessed by ABTS. The chemical content of the roots of S. virgaurea, S. gigantea and S. ×niederederi were statistically similar, while the roots of S. canadensis and S. ×snarskisii contained lower amounts of compounds than the other species. The PCA score-plot models of the phenolic profiles only partially confirmed the identification of S. ×niederederi and S. ×snarskisii as crosses between native and alien species. The findings from the phenolic profiles and the observed radical-scavenging activity of root extracts of Solidago species provide valuable insights into their potential applications in various fields.

Background. The harmful organisms affecting potato cause great economic damage in all areas where the crop is grown. One of the most economically important pathogens is the potato late blight (agent Phytophthora infestans Mont. (de Bary)). Also, Potato Virus Y (PVY) and potato cyst nematode (PCN) of the Ro1 pathotype, the only one that occurs in the Russian Federation, cause significant yield losses. Materials and methods. Phytopathological and molecular screening was carried out on original interspecific potato hybrids obtained in 11 crossing combinations, seven of which were studied for the first time. Hybrids resulted from crosses that involved Mexican and South American potato species as sources of late blight and PVY resistance. Field observations of late blight resistance were conducted during three seasons under high infection pressure. A part of plant material was screened in laboratory tests. PCR tests employed 9 DNA markers of genes associated with resistance to Ph. infestans, PVY and PCN of Ro1 pathotype used in our previous study. Results. In field evaluation, hybrid clones mostly expressed high, and a part of them moderate late blight resistance. Of the 6 markers of the used Rpi genes, at least two were detected in most clones, while some had 3 or 4 markers. Some clones were found to have markers of PCN resistance genes and of several genes for resistance to PVY. The cytoplasm type was determined for all plant material. Conclutions. Within a small but pedigree-diverse set of interspeсific hybrids, the markers of resistance genes to all three pests were found. A part of clones obtained by using the sources of PVY and late blight resistance which we had identified, were found to contain two or more resistance genes to these pathogens. According to the results of molecular tests, the clones were found to carry several markers of late blight and PVY resistance genes. Original interspecific potato hybrids with determined late blight resistance levels, cytoplasm type and availability of markers of genes for resistance to three pests can be used in further hybridization.

There is a relatively long history of plant hybridization traced back to ancient time, both from theoretical as well as practical perspectives. At first considered as an evolutionary dead-end, it was soon recognized to have important role in plant speciation. Beside his work on pea, G.J. Mendel also conducted interspecific hybridization using several species including Hieracium. Current knowledge shows that the frequent occurrence of wide hybridization in nature is often connected with polyploidy. Interspecific hybridization has played a role in plant domestication and numerous crops are allopolyploids, sometimes of complex hybrid origin. This has been also used in practical breeding, extending even to intergeneric crosses which benefit from heterosis, transgressive segregation and introgression phenomenon. This review aims to provide a a historical retrospective and summarize both current knowledge and the usage of interspecific hybridization in crop breeding.

The genus Nicotiana is an important germplasm source for cultivated tobacco varieties improvement, the creation of tobacco interspecific hybrids and their molecular cytological analysis during the meiotic phase will provide the basis for the subsequent efficient transfer and utilization of excellent wild germplasm. Allotriploid interspecific hybrids were created from the parents of Nicotiana sylvestris Q67 and common Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. K326. Their chromosome composition, chromosomal behavior during the meiosis and expression of related genes were investigated by routine cytological observation, genomic in situ hybridization and real-time quantitative PCR. In this study, 68 allotriploid hybrids (SST) with 36 chromosomes were identified by phenotypic and cytological analysis from crossing Nicotiana sylvestris with Nicotiana tabacum. The results of general cytology and genomic in situ hybridization showed that 29.26% of the pollen mother cells of interspecific hybrids were abnormal in meiosis. The main abnormal behavior was the backward chromosomes from the T chromosome group in metaphase I and II, with 1-3 lagging chromosomes. The cells with the most lagging types in metaphase I and II were the cells with 1 and 2 lagging T chromosomes respectively. They accounted for 29.09% and 30.88% of the total number of cells carrying backward chromosomes, respectively. The abnormal types of anaphase I, anaphase II and telophase II were mainly unequal segregation, backward chromosomes and micronucleus. In anaphase I, a variety of abnormal segregation ratios were counted, but the chromosome composition after segregation was still close to 2∶1 (S∶T). The results of RT-qPCR showed that in prophase I, except for the significant up-regulation of CDKA:5319 and CYCA:6720 from S chromosome group, the expressions of other genes were significantly down regulated. From the metaphase I to the telophase II, compared with the control, except that MIS12 and CDKA:0239 from T chromosome group had no significant changes, other genes（CENH3, CDKA:5319, CYCA:0111 and CYCA:6720）were significantly or extremely significantly up-regulated, indicating that the disorder expression of meiosis related genes may be causing the abnormality of meiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Difficult-to-root plants often perform poorly during acclimatization and in vitro rooting can increase the survival and quality of plants. The influence of auxin application and mineral nutrition on in vitro rooting and subsequent effects on plant quality in eight Prunus genotypes were investigated. Microshoots were rooted in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS), ½ MS, Driver and Kuniyuki (DKW), or New Prunus Medium (NPM) media formulations in combination with 15 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 4-day 15 µM IBA pulse, 1 mM 30 s quick-dip, or IBA-free treatments. Shoots were observed pre- and post-acclimatization to determine rooting methods to maximize quality and minimize labor. A genotype-specific response to auxin application was observed with seven of eight genotypes achieving 100% survival when paired with the recommended IBA treatment. Peaches performed best when treated with 4-day IBA pulse or 30 s quick-dip. Rooting of P. cerasifera, it's hybrid to P. persica, and P. munsoniana all benefitted from IBA application. Shoots rooted with 15 µM IBA were smaller and lower quality in most genotypes. DKW maximized size and quality in six genotypes. Better shoots and larger root systems during in vitro rooting produced better plants in the greenhouse with no detrimental effect of callus growth. Rooting techniques to maximize plant quality while reducing labor are specified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach is one of the most important fruit crops, and its cultivation occupies the third largest area among all fruit crops grown in the temperate climate zone. Cultivation of this crop under less favorable climate conditions would require the creation of new resistant genotypes via intra- or interspecific hybridization, including crossing with almond. Efficient breeding of hybrids and their long-term selection will require a rapid and accurate method of DNA barcoding that would be able to distinguish closely related genotypes or to detect interspecific hybrids. One such approach is TBP-analysis, which is based on the evaluation of intron length polymorphism of β-tubulin genes. However, the correct interpretation of the results of such analysis should be based on data on the diversity of the β-tubulin gene panel in the genomes of the analyzed species. Thus, here we report on the successful whole-genome identification and on comprehensive analysis of the phylogeny and synteny of the β-tubulin genes of P. persica and P. dulcis, and the possibility is demonstrated to use such data of the genomic search for interpretation of data of TBP genotyping of intra- and interspecific hybrids of peach and almond species. In general, 11 β-tubulin genes were identified within the P. persica genome and 10 genes in the P. dulcis genome accounting for pseudogenes. Additionally, phylogenetic and synteny analyzes of the identified genes made it possible to identify the orthologues in the genomes of A. thaliana and A. lyrata as well as to designate identified β-tubulins to specific isotypes. Genotyping via the TBP-method allowed obtaining distinct molecular profiles for 11 investigated accessions, among which eight were intra- or interspecific hybrids. Based on the obtained results of genotyping, a cluster analysis was carried out, the results of which correlated well with the breeding history of the analyzed genotypes, which additionally confirmed the effectiveness and accuracy of the genotyping approach used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out in inter-specific cotton hybrids of G. hirsutum x G. barbadense to evaluate the extent of heterosis and combining ability for eight yield and fibre contributing traits. Twenty four interspecific hybrids derived from four different lines of G. hirsutum and six testers of G. barbadense were assessed for various parameters. Significant heterosis was recorded for the traits under study suggesting that the existence of genetic diversity among parental lines. The hybrid CO16 x RHCB 1014 exhibited significant positive standard heterosis for seed cotton yield per plant followed by CO15 x TCB26 and SVPR6 x DB1602. The hybrid CO15 x CO18 was the best for the number of bolls per plant, plant height and ginning outturn, while, SVPR6 x DB1602 was the best for UHML and bundle strength. Combining ability analysis exhibits the non-additive gene action in all yield contributing and fibre quality traits. The three lines viz. CO16, MCU7, SVPR 6 and four testers viz.TCB26, DB1602, CCB 143B and CO18 were noted as the best combiners. The hybrids CO16 x CCB 143B, CO16 x DB1601, CO15 x TCB26 and SVPR6 x DB1602 were identified as the best specific combiners and are suggested for advanced breeding programs.

In recent decades, spring frost considered a serious threat in pistachio production (Pistacia vera). Considering that, Iran is one of the most important centers of pistachio production and has the highest variety of pistachios in the world, the identification of domestic and wild different rootstocks and their crosses to reach cold-tolerant rootstocks could be one of the effective solutions to face the challenge of spring frost. In this study, cold tolerance was assessed in fourteen rootstocks of pistachio domestic species (Badami Zarand, Sarakhs and Qazvini), interspecific hybrids (Qazvini×Khinjuk, Qazvini×Mutica, Qazvini × Baneh Baghi, Qazvini × Atlantica, Qazvini× Integerrima), non-domesticated species (Atlantica (P. atlantica), Integerrima, Khinjuk, Sarakhs, Mutica (P. atlantica sub. mutica) and Baneh Baghi (P. mutica × P. vera)) and UCB1 hybrid rootstock at low temperatures (4, 0 and -4 °C) for 2 hours. This experiment was conducted in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications on one-year-old seedlings in greenhouse conditions. The results showed that the rate of ion leakage, malondialdehyde and injury index percentage was significant (p

Tomato rootstocks are important to increase yield and control soil-borne pathogens, increasing vigor for a longer crop cycle and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. This study, conducted in the greenhouse of Sunchon National University during the period from 2019 to 2022, aimed to identify local soil-borne-disease resistant interspecific and intraspecific tomato hybrid rootstocks. The 71 interspecific hybrids (S. lycopersicum × S. habrochaites) showed that the germination vigor (GV) was less than Maxifort, except for several combinations. The germination rate (GP) of cross-species hybrids showed a different pattern according to the hybrid combinations, of which three combinations showed less than 30%. The horticultural traits, such as GV and GP, of the intraspecies hybrid (S. l × S. l) combination were significantly improved compared to that of Maxifort. In 71 combinations (S. l × S. h) and 25 combinations (S. l × S. l), MAS was used to evaluate the resistance of eight genes related to soil-borne pathogens, four genes related to vector-mediated pathogens, and three genes related to air-borne pathogens. The results showed that the new hybrid combination had improved resistance over the commercial-stock Maxifort. Therefore, interspecies and intraspecies hybrid techniques for breeding commercial rootstocks can be utilized as a way to improve horticultural properties and resistance to soil-borne diseases in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a relatively long history of plant hybridization traced back to ancient time, both from theoretical as well as practical perspectives. At first considered as an evolutionary dead-end, it was soon recognized to have important role in plant speciation. Beside his work on pea, G.J. Mendel also conducted interspecific hybridization using several species including Hieracium. Current knowledge shows that the frequent occurrence of wide hybridization in nature is often connected with polyploidy. Interspecific hybridization has played a role in plant domestication and numerous crops are allopolyploids, sometimes of complex hybrid origin. This has been also used in practical breeding, extending even to intergeneric crosses which benefit from heterosis, transgressive segregation and introgression phenomenon. This review aims to provide a a historical retrospective and summarize both current knowledge and the usage of interspecific hybridization in crop breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relevance. Shallots are an independent botanical species. It easily crosses with onions, has a medium-sized bulb, keeps well, gives rich greens. Shallot and onion hybrids have a higher yield, less nesting, and a large bulb mass. Work on the creation of interspecific hybrids of shallots and onions has been under way since 2000.Methods. The aim of the research was to study the hybrids of Allium ascalonicum L. x Allium cepa L. and Allium cepa L. x Allium ascalonicum L. by a complex of characters in comparison with their maternal forms. Samples from the Urals were taken as initial forms for hybridization.Results. 268 promising hybrids were obtained, of which 33 were selected for further study. The results of the study showed the advantage of hybrid forms, where shallots were the parent form. A significant advantage of hybrids over parental forms was revealed in terms of yield, average and maximum bulb weight.