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Maize, a one of the cereal crops, serves as the staple food for numerous people across the world. Maize breeding programmes primarily aim to enhance the yield potential of newly developed cultivars. This objective can be accomplished either by direct selection for increased grain yield or by indirect selection for traits closely associated with yield. The present study was carried out in two environments viz., Coimbatore (E1) and Vagarai (E2) to locate QTLs associated with yield-related traits in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population that resulted from a cross between UMI79 and UMI 936(w). A total of seven yield-related traits (Ear weight, ear diameter, ear length, kernel row number, kernel number per row, 100-kernel weight, and grain yield) were evaluated across the two environments. The QTLs were mapped with the support of genotyping-by-sequencing based SNPs genetic linkage map which contains 1516 markers and spans 10 chromosomes and covers an overall distance of 6924.7 centimorgans. A total of 22 QTLs were discovered across these environments and best linear unbiased predictors, with four of these QTLs being common across them. The study pinpointed three stable QTLs (qEW-6, qEL-2, and qKRN-5), each contributing > 10% of the phenotypic variance in ear weight, ear length, and kernel row number, respectively. Within these QTL regions, 109 protein-coding genes were identified. Gene ontology analysis revealed these genes roles in development, reproduction, and growth. Several candidate genes, including MADS-box transcription factors, serine carboxypeptidase, and E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, are well known for their role in yield-related traits of maize, and other cereal crops were among those identified. These findings provide valuable information for maize breeders aiming to enhance grain yield-related traits through marker-assisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop widely cultivated in subtropical and tropical areas. Low genetic yield potential and susceptibility to disease contribute to low productivity in sesame. However, the genetic basis of sesame yield- and disease-related traits remains unclear. Here, we represent the construction of a high-density bin map of sesame using whole genome sequencing of an F2 population derived from 'Yizhi' and 'Mingdeng Zhima'. A total of 2766 Bins were categorized into 13 linkage groups. Thirteen significant QTLs were identified, including ten QTLs related to yield, two QTLs related to Sesame Fusarium wilt (SFW) disease, and one QTL related to seed color. Among these QTLs, we found that SFW-QTL1.1 and SFW-QTL1.2 were major QTLs related to Fusarium wilt disease, explaining more than 20% of the phenotypic variation with LOD > 6. SCC-QTL1.1 was related to seed coat color, explaining 52% of the phenotypic variation with LOD equal to 25.3. This suggests that seed color traits were controlled by a major QTL. Candidate genes related to Fusarium wilt disease and seed color in the QTLs were annotated. We discovered a significant enrichment of genes associated with resistance to late blight. These genes could be spectral disease resistance genes and may have a role in the regulation of Fusarium wilt disease resistance. Our study will benefit the implementation of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for the genetic improvement of disease resistance and yield-related traits in sesame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for yield-related traits across populations and environments is crucial for wheat breeding and genetic studies. Consensus maps also play important roles in wheat genetic and genomic research. In the present study, a wheat consensus map was constructed using a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from Jinghua 1×Xiaobaidongmai (JX), an F2 population derived from L43×Shanxibaimai (LS) and the BAAFS Wheat 90K SNP array single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. A total of 44,503 SNP markers were mapped on the constructed consensus map, and they covered 5,437.92 cM across 21 chromosomes. The consensus map showed high collinearity with the individual maps and the wheat reference genome IWGSC RefSeq v2.1. Phenotypic data on eight yield-related traits were collected in the JX population, as well as the F2:3 and F2:4 populations of LS, in six, two and two environments, respectively, and those data were used for QTL analysis. Inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) identified 32 environmentally stable QTLs for the eight yield-related traits. Among them, four QTLs (QPH.baafs-4B, QKNS.baafs-4B, QTGW.baafs-4B, and QSL.baafs-5A.3) were detected across mapping populations and environments, and nine stable QTLs (qKL.baafs-1D, QPH.baafs-2B, QKNS.baafs-3D, QSL.baafs-3D, QKW.baafs-4B, QPH.baafs-5D, QPH.baafs-6A.1, QSL.baafs-6A, and QSL.baafs-6D) are likely to be new. The physical region of 17.25–44.91 Mb on chromosome 4B was associated with six yield-related traits, so it is an important region for wheat yield. The physical region around the dwarfing gene Rht24 contained QTLs for kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW), spike length (SL), and thousand-grain weight (TGW), which are either from a pleiotropic effect of Rht24 or closely linked loci. For the stable QTLs, 254 promising candidate genes were identified. Among them, TraesCS5A03G1264300, TraesCS1B03G0624000 and TraesCS6A03G0697000 are particularly noteworthy since their homologous genes have similar functions for the corresponding traits. The constructed consensus map and the identified QTLs along with their candidate genes will facilitate the genetic dissection of wheat yield-related traits and accelerate the development of wheat cultivars with desirable plant morphology and high yield.

Background: Yam production in sub-Saharan African countries faces challenges due to susceptibility to yam mosaic virus (YMV) disease, leading to significant yield losses. Dioscorea praehensilis, a semi-cultivated yam species known for its high yield and resistance to YMV, can be utilized as a new variety and a gene source to enhance tuber yield and YMV resistance of White Guinea yam. Investigating the genetic basis of tuber yield-related traits and YMV resistance in D. praehensilis through association mapping will facilitate the traits discovery and deployment into the yam breeding program. Methodology: A total of 132 D. praehensilis genotypes were evaluated in 2022 and 2023 seasons for tuber yield per plant, tuber size ratio and for mosaic virus severity response. The genotypes were sequenced using SNP markers generated from Diversity Array Technology Platform. The trait association analysis was conducted using mixed linear model implemented in GWASpoly package followed for putative genes analysis. Results: Population structure and phylogeny analyses using 4,525 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers grouped the 132 D. praehensilis genotypes into three clusters. Using multiple gene action models which include dominant, additive, and general models, 27 SNP markers were significantly identified to be associated with the tuber yield, tuber size ratio and yam mosaic virus severity. Of these 27 SNPs, we identified three and two SNP markers for tuber yield and yam mosaic virus severity, respectively as stable markers across years. Using gene annotation, we identified 10 putative genes such as Serine/threonine-/dual specificity protein kinase, catalytic domain involved in starch biosynthesis and Ribosomal protein L5 involved in defense signaling against virus diseases. The marker effect revealed that alleles CC and TT were associated with high tuber yield, while AA and AC were linked with low tuber yield. For YMV severity response, alleles CC and CT were linked with low YMV severity, while TT was associated high YMV severity prediction. Conclusion: The results of this study offer valuable insights into comprehending the functional networks involved in developing strategies to enhance tuber yield and resistance to yam mosaic virus in Dioscorea spp. The markers and candidate genes discovered in this research will serve as crucial genomic resources for selection of D. praehensilis and other yam species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop widely cultivated in subtropical and tropical areas. Low genetic yield potential and susceptibility to disease contribute to low productivity in sesame. However, the genetic basis of sesame yield- and disease-related traits remains unclear. Here, we represent the construction of a high-density bin map of sesame using whole genome sequencing of an F2 population derived from 'Yizhi' and 'Mingdeng Zhima'. A total of 2766 Bins were categorized into 13 linkage groups. Thirteen significant QTLs were identified, including ten QTLs related to yield, two QTLs related to Sesame Fusarium wilt (SFW) disease, and one QTL related to seed color. Among these QTLs, we found that SFW-QTL1.1 and SFW-QTL1.2 were major QTLs related to Fusarium wilt disease, explaining more than 20% of the phenotypic variation with LOD > 6. SCC-QTL1.1 was related to seed coat color, explaining 52% of the phenotypic variation with LOD equal to 25.3. This suggests that seed color traits were controlled by a major QTL. Candidate genes related to Fusarium wilt disease and seed color in the QTLs were annotated. We discovered a significant enrichment of genes associated with resistance to late blight. These genes could be spectral disease resistance genes and may have a role in the regulation of Fusarium wilt disease resistance. Our study will benefit the implementation of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for the genetic improvement of disease resistance and yield-related traits in sesame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Increasing crop yield depends on selecting and utilizing pleiotropic genes/alleles to improve multiple yield‐related traits (YRTs) during crop breeding. However, synergistic improvement of YRTs is challenging due to the trade‐offs between YRTs in breeding practices. Here, the favourable haplotypes of the TaCYP78A family are identified by analysing allelic variations in 1571 wheat accessions worldwide, demonstrating the selection and utilization of pleiotropic genes to improve yield and related traits during wheat breeding. The TaCYP78A family members, including TaCYP78A3, TaCYP78A5, TaCYP78A16, and TaCYP78A17, are organ size regulators expressed in multiple organs, and their allelic variations associated with various YRTs. However, due to the trade‐offs between YRTs, knockdown or overexpression of TaCYP78A family members does not directly increase yield. Favourable haplotypes of the TaCYP78A family, namely A3/5/16/17Ap‐Hap II, optimize the expression levels of TaCYP78A3/5/16/17‐A across different wheat organs to overcome trade‐offs and improve multiple YRTs. Different favourable haplotypes have both complementary and specific functions in improving YRTs, and their aggregation in cultivars under strong artificial selection greatly increase yield, even under various planting environments and densities. These findings provide new support and valuable genetic resources for molecular breeding of wheat and other crops in the era of Breeding 4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When genomic prediction is implemented in breeding maize (Zea mays L.), it can accelerate the breeding process and reduce cost to a large extent. In this study, 11 yield-related traits of maize were used to evaluate four genomic prediction methods including rrBLUP, HEBLP|A, RF, and LightGBM. In all the 11 traits, rrBLUP had similar predictive accuracy to HEBLP|A, and so did RF to LightGBM, but rrBLUP and HEBLP|A outperformed RF and LightGBM in 8 traits. Furthermore, genomic prediction-based heterotic pattern of yieldwas established based on 64620 crosses of maize in Southwest China, and the result showed that one of the parent lines of the top 5% crosses came from temp-tropic or tropic germplasm, which is highly consistent with the actual situation in breeding, and that heterotic pattern (Reid+ × Suwan+) will be a major heterotic pattern of Southwest China in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) are complex polyploid and aneuploid interspecific hybrids with 110–130 chromosomes. A traditional sugarcane breeding cycle takes 13–15 years and involves multiple years and locations testing of yield. To identify molecular markers associated with yield‐related traits, the LCP 85‐384 cultivar and its mapping population of 263 self‐progenies were planted in two randomly replicated field plots. The mapping population was genotyped with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), simple sequence repeats (SSR) and target region amplification polymorphism (TRAP) markers. Data on plant height, stalk number, stalk diameter and stalk weight were collected. A large variation was observed for each trait. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using mixed linear model (MLM), generalized linear model (GLM) and single marker regression (SMR) programmes of TASSEL 5 and FarmCPU of GAPIT 3. A total of 64 yield trait‐associated alleles were identified, including 11 for stalk number, 36 for stalk weight, 21 for stalk diameter and 5 for plant height. Of the 64 alleles, seven were linked to two traits and one to three traits. Genomic prediction (GP) was also performed by cross‐prediction with five models, namely, ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction (rrBLUP), Bayesian ridge regression (BRR), Bayesian A (BA), Bayesian B (BB), and Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (BL). Prediction accuracy (r value) reached 0.40 for plant height, 0.36 for stalk number, 0.44 for stalk diameter and 0.54 for stalk weight with the standard errors from 0.009 to 0.012. Once verified, these markers will be a valuable tool to aid in the selection of yield‐related traits in sugarcane improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study determined the effect of biofertilizers on the growth and production of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars conducted during the autumn season of 2020–2021 at the Al-Mahaweel area, Babylon Governorate, Iraq. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with two factors and three replicates. The first factor was the three broad bean cultivars—local, Turkish, and Spanish—while the second was four biofertilizer levels(control, Bacillus mucilaginous, and mycorrhizal fungi). The results showed the Spanish cultivar significantly excelled over other cultivars in yield-related traits, pods per plant (16.82), seeds per pod (6.11), seed yield (5,884.29 kg ha-1 ), and biological yield (12,599.05 kg ha-1 ). The mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizer treatment remarkably excelled for all treatments, i.e., pods per plant (17.84), seeds per pod (6.98), seed yield (5,874.11 kg ha-1 ), and biological yield (14,495.79 kg ha-1 ). Meanwhile, the interaction treatment (Spanish cultivar + mycorrhiza fungi) superbly shone and gave the highest rate for most studied traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the crucial legume crops and a primary source of protein for human beings worldwide. The genetically diverse accessions are valuable sources for further improvement in chickpeas through breeding. In the presented study, the 36 chickpea lines from the Chickpea International Elite Nursery-Winter, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), bore assessment for yield-related traits. Determining the effects of various quantitative and yield-attributing traits on the seed yield used linear regression. Simple linear regression models ran separate evaluations for each studied parameter, including plant height, the height of the first pod, the number of secondary branches, the number of pods, the number of seeds per plant, and 100-seed weight. According to analysis for high seed productivity in chickpea cultivation under organic production conditions, the approximate model ensures a high yield as follows: The plant height ranged from 68 to –78 cm, height to the first pod (26–31 cm), number of secondary branches (8–14), number of pods (52–79), number of seeds (64–95), and 100-seed weight (25–45 g). In determining the seed productivity of chickpea genotypes, a direct positive and significant correlation occurred between the 100-seed weight and the number of seeds per plant. These parameters can serve as effective selection criteria for enhancing the chickpea yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated 290 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the Nested Association Mapping (NAM) population in the UK, consisting of 24 hybrid families. All genotypes were grown in Southeastern Kazakhstan (Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, Almaty region, 2021–2022) and Northern Kazakhstan (Alexandr Barayev Scientific-Production Center for Grain Farming, Akmola region, 2020). The studied traits included six yield-related characteristics: spike length (SL, cm), number of productive spikes per plant (NPS, pcs), number of kernels per spike (NKS, pcs), weight of kernels per spike (WKS, g), thousand kernel weight (TKW, g), and yield per square meter (YM2, g/m2). The significant phenotypic variability among genotypes was observed, which was suitable for the genome-wide association study of yield-related traits. Pearson's index showed positive correlations among most yield-related traits, although a negative correlation was found between NKS and TKW in southeastern regions, and no correlation was recorded for northern regions. Top-performing RILs, surpassing local checks, were identified for NKS, TKW, and YM2, suggesting their potential for breeding programs. The application of GWAS allowed the identification of 72 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including 36 QTLs in the southeastern region, 16 QTLs in the northern region, and 19 in both locations. Eleven QTLs matched those reported in previous QTL mapping studies and GWAS for studied traits. The results can be used for further studies related to the adaptation and productivity of wheat in breeding projects for higher grain productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major grain crop and staple in many regions of the world. The objective of this research is to discover high-yielding genotypes while also analyzing gene variation, heritability, and progress of yield-determining variables related to bread wheat genotypes. As a result, this study assesses the production potential, genetic diversity, and heritability of bread wheat genotypes produced under irrigated settings in Ginchi, Ethiopia. Sixty-four bread wheat advanced pure lines and standard checks were evaluated using a simple lattice (8X8) design. The results show considerable phenotypic and genotypic variations among the tested genotypes for all considered traits. Traits such as grain yield per hectare, biomass yield, number of kernels per spike, and thousand kernels weight showed moderate phenotypic coefficients of variation. Broad sense heritability ranged from 30% for biomass yield to 91% for days to 50% heading. Expected genetic advance as percent of means values ranged from 3.73% for days to 50% emergence to 16.91% for thousand kernel weight. The identified high-yielding genotypes, G31, G11, G51, G6, G3, G34, G23, G5, G41, and G59, have shown promising potential for advancing the breeding objectives in the field of irrigated wheat. The study concludes that the use of these traits for direct selection would bring advancement. The future scope of this research lies in the confirmation of the identified high-yielding genotypes in multi-location and season trials to further advance the breeding objectives in the field of breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) remains an important alternative to winter wheat cultivation at Northern latitudes due to high risk of overwintering or delayed sowing of winter wheat. We studied nine major agronomic traits in a set of 299 spring wheat genotypes in trials across 12-year-site combinations in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Norway for three consecutive years. The dataset analyzed here consisted of previously published phenotypic data collected in 2021 and 2022, supplemented with additional phenotypic data from the 2023 field season collected in this study. We combined these phenotypic datasets with previously published genotypic data generated using a 25K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array that yielded 18,467 markers with a minor allele frequency above 0.05. Analysis of these datasets via genome-wide association study revealed 18 consistent quantitative trait loci (QTL) replicated in two or more trials that explained more than 5% of phenotypic variance for plant height, grain protein content, thousand kernel weight, or heading date. The most consistent markers across the tested environments were detected for plant height, thousand kernel weight, and days to heading in eight, five, and six trials, respectively. No beneficial effect of the semi-dwarfing alleles Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b on grain yield performance was observed across the 12 tested trials. Moreover, the cultivars carrying these alleles were low yielding in general. Based on principal component analysis, wheat genotypes developed in the Northern European region clustered separately from those developed at the southern latitudes, and markers associated with the clustering were identified. Important phenotypic traits, such as grain yield, days to heading, grain protein content, and thousand kernel weight were associated with this clustering of the genotype sets. Interestingly, despite being adapted to the Nordic environment, genotypes in the Northern set demonstrated lower grain yield performance across all tested environments. The results indicate that spring wheat germplasm harbors valuable QTL/alleles, and the identified traitmarker associations might be useful in improving Nordic-Baltic spring wheat germplasm under global warming conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice genetic diversity is regulated by multiple genes and is largely dependent on various environmental factors. Uncovering the genetic variations associated with the diversity in rice populations is the key to breed stable and high yielding rice varieties. We performed genome wide association studies (GWASs) on seven rice yielding traits (grain length, grain width, grain weight, panicle length, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf angle) based on a population of 183 rice landraces of Bangladesh. Our GWASs reveal various chromosomal regions and candidate genes that are associated with different traits in Bangladeshi rice varieties. Noteworthy was the recurrent implication of chromosome 10 in all three grain‐shape‐related traits (grain length, grain width, and grain weight), indicating its pivotal role in shaping rice grain morphology. Our study also underscores the involvement of transposon gene families across these three traits. For leaf related traits, chromosome 10 was found to harbor regions that are significantly associated with leaf length and leaf width. The results of these association studies support previous findings as well as provide additional insights into the genetic diversity of rice. This is the first known GWAS study on various yield‐related traits in the varieties of Oryza sativa available in Bangladesh—the fourth largest rice‐producing country. We believe this study will accelerate rice genetics research and breeding stable high‐yielding rice in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among a vast number of polymorphisms in the wheat genome, of special interest are those that are markers for loci under selection. Such loci include storage protein loci, which directly determine the level of bread-making quality, and disease resistance genes. In this study we analyzed diversity of functional markers (seven storage protein loci and three disease resistance genes) in the group of East European winter common wheat genotypes (cultivars and lines of Poltava breeding). Using the UPGMA or NJ methods, the cultivars and lines were divided into two clusters differing in the Glu-1 quality score. The cultivars of cluster 1 with the lower mean Glu-1 quality score predominantly carried the combination of alleles Glu-B1c, Glu-D1a, and Gli-B1e, as well as the resistance allele of Lr34, whereas those of cluster 2 with the higher quality score mainly had the alleles Glu-B1u, Glu-D1d, and Gli-B1b. In the sample of Poltava cultivars, a high correlation between the Glu-1 quality score and the sedimentation value (0.84) was observed. On average for two years, the group of cultivars from cluster 1 showed higher grain protein content and some spike traits in comparison with the means of the sample from cluster 2. Significant associations of Lr34 alleles and alleles at some storage protein loci were revealed, in particular, the association of the resistance allele Lr34R and the allele Glu-D1a in both cultivar and line groups, indicating the adaptive value of such a combination for local soil and climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the understanding of yield-related traits in tetraploid wheat, it is crucial to investigate and identify genes that govern superior yield characteristics. This study utilized the wheat55K single nucleotide polymorphism array to genotype a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 120 lines developed through the crossbreeding of two tetraploid wheat varieties, Qin Hei-1 (QH-1) and Durum Wheat (DW). An investigation and analysis were conducted on 11 yield-related traits, including peduncle length (PL), neck length (NL), spike length (SL), flowering date (FD), heading date (HD), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), kernel area ratio (KAR), kernel circumference (KC), kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW), and kernel length–width ratio (KL-WR), over a period of three years in two locations, Yang Ling, Shaanxi, and Lin He, Inner Mongolia. The analysis identified nine stable loci among eight agronomic traits, named QSL.QD-1A.1, QNL.QD-4B.2, QPL.QD-4B.1, QFD.QD-2B, QHD.QD-2B.1, QHD.QD-4B, QKC.QD-4B.2, QKL-WR.QD-4B.6, and QKL.QD-4B.2. Among them, the additive effects of three QTLs, QSL.QD-1A.1, QNL.QD-4B.2, and QFD.QD-2B, were positive, indicating that the enhancing alleles at these loci were derived from the parent line QH-1. These three QTLs showed significant positive effects on the phenotypes of the population materials. Furthermore, potential functional genes were identified within the mapping intervals of QSL.QD-1A.1 and QNL.QD-4B.2, which regulate the development of spike length and neck length, respectively. These results provide potential QTLs and candidate genes, which broaden the genetic basis of agronomic traits related to yield, such as SL, NL, PL, and FD, and benefits for wheat breeding and improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Soybean is a short‐day plant that typically flowers earlier when exposed to short‐day conditions. However, the identification of genes associated with earlier flowering time but without a yield penalty is rare. In this study, we conducted genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) using two re‐sequencing datasets that included 113 wild soybeans (G. soja) and 1192 cultivated soybeans (G. max), respectively, and simultaneously identified a candidate flowering gene, qFT13‐3, which encodes a protein homologous to the pseudo‐response regulator (PRR) transcription factor. We identified four major haplotypes of qFT13‐3 in the natural population, with haplotype H4 (qFT13‐3H4) being lost during domestication, while qFT13‐3H1 underwent natural and artificial selection, increasing in proportion from 4.5% in G. soja to 43.8% in landrace and to 81.9% in improve cultivars. Notably, most cultivars harbouring qFT13‐3H1 were located in high‐latitude regions. Knockout of qFT13‐3 accelerated flowering and maturity time under long‐day conditions, indicating that qFT13‐3 functions as a flowering inhibitor. Our results also showed that qFT13‐3 directly downregulates the expression of GmELF3b‐2 which is a component of the circadian clock evening complex. Field trials revealed that the qft13‐3 mutants shorten the maturity period by 11 days without a concomitant penalty on yield. Collectively, qFT13‐3 can be utilized for the breeding of high‐yield cultivars with a short maturity time suitable for high latitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundYam production in sub-Saharan African countries faces challenges due to susceptibility to yam mosaic virus (YMV) disease, leading to significant yield losses. Dioscorea praehensilis, a semi-cultivated yam species known for its high yield and resistance to YMV, can be utilized as a new variety and a gene source to enhance tuber yield and YMV resistance of White Guinea yam. Investigating the genetic basis of tuber yield-related traits and YMV resistance in D. praehensilis through association mapping will facilitate the traits discovery and deployment into the yam breeding program.MethodologyA total of 132 D. praehensilis genotypes were evaluated in 2022 and 2023 seasons for tuber yield per plant, tuber size ratio and for mosaic virus severity response. The genotypes were sequenced using SNP markers generated from Diversity Array Technology Platform. The trait association analysis was conducted using mixed linear model implemented in GWASpoly package followed for putative genes analysis.ResultsPopulation structure and phylogeny analyses using 4,525 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers grouped the 132 D. praehensilis genotypes into three clusters. Using multiple gene action models which include dominant, additive, and general models, 27 SNP markers were significantly identified to be associated with the tuber yield, tuber size ratio and yam mosaic virus severity. Of these 27 SNPs, we identified three and two SNP markers for tuber yield and yam mosaic virus severity, respectively as stable markers across years. Using gene annotation, we identified 10 putative genes such as Serine/threonine-/dual specificity protein kinase, catalytic domain involved in starch biosynthesis and Ribosomal protein L5 involved in defense signaling against virus diseases. The marker effect revealed that alleles CC and TT were associated with high tuber yield, while AA and AC were linked with low tuber yield. For YMV severity response, alleles CC and CT were linked with low YMV severity, while TT was associated high YMV severity prediction.ConclusionThe results of this study offer valuable insights into comprehending the functional networks involved in developing strategies to enhance tuber yield and resistance to yam mosaic virus in Dioscorea spp. The markers and candidate genes discovered in this research will serve as crucial genomic resources for selection of D. praehensilis and other yam species.

Background: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the most cultivated cool-season cereal after wheat in Türkiye. This can be attributed to its uses in the malt industry, human consumption, and animal nutrition etc. This study investigated yield, physiological, and quality traits of different barley varieties using heatmap and principal component analysis (PCA) technique to identify the varieties with better yield and superior quality. Methods: A total of 12 barley varieties (8 two-row and 4 six-row) were used in the study. The varieties were sown under natural conditions and data relating to yield, phenology and quality traits (grain yield, heading time, plant height, number of spikes m−2, 1000-grain weight, and starch ratio) were recorded. The recorded data were analyzed by PCA and heatmap techniques to determine the better-performing varieties. Results: Significant variations were observed among the tested varieties for all evaluated traits (p

The experiment commenced in the crop season of 2021-2022 at two experimental locations--first at the Department of Field Crops, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Iraq, and the second was at a farmer's field in Dohuk Governorate, Iraq. The presented study assessed the two wheat cultivars (Rasheed and Buhouth1) and their response to different concentrations of bread yeast (0, 4, and 8 g L-1), as the wheat plants incurred spraying with yeast powder. The experimental layout used the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. According to the results, cultivar Rasheed showed significant superiority for plant height (49.4 and 50.2 cm), spike length (6.9 and 7.3 cm), and spikes plant-1 (5.7 and 6.1 spikes plant-1), and Buhouth1 cultivar was substantially superior for grain yield (18.6 and 20.6 g plant-1) and harvest index (34.77% and 40.26%) for both locations. Also, from the results, the time of adding bread yeast in the booting stage was superior for characteristics: spikes plant-1 (5.9 and 5.7), grain yield (19.1 and 20.9 g plant-1), and harvest index (34.85% and 40.42%), whereas the time of addition in the tillering stage was superior for the 1000- grain weight (36.97 and 36.66 g) and biological yield (58.4 and 56.0 g) for both locations. The bread yeast concentration findings revealed a considerable advantage of the concentrations at 4 and 8 g L-1 (they did not differ significantly from one other) over the absence of bread yeast concentration of 0 g L-1 in the tillers plant-1, spike length, spikes plant-1, and biological yield. In the harvest index %, the concentration above 4 g L-1 was best for the two locations. Most binary and triple interactions of the components in this investigation revealed substantial changes, particularly when their part involved spraying with bread yeast for the two experimental locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The germplasm with heat-tolerant traits is one of the crucial targets effective in rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding for climate change. Hence, the presented research aimed to improve heat-tolerant cultivars through traditional breeding and molecular markers for climate change adaptability. The results showed most of the studied rice genotypes had a wide range of variability for various traits, with this range also reflected among the tested crosses. The best crosses with the highest mean values for all traits were Giza178 x Giza179, Giza178 x IET 1444, Sakha104 x IET 1444, and Giza179 x IET 1444. The general combining ability (GCA) effects revealed cultivars IET 1444, Giza179, Giza178, and Sakha104 with significant positive GCA influences for tillers and panicles plant-1, filled grains panicle-1, and grain yield per plant. The best identified crosses for almost all traits were Giza177 x Giza178, Giza177 x Giza179, Giza177 x Sakha104, Giza178 x IET 1444, and Sakha105 x IET 1444. The principal component analysis (PCA) divided the seven rice genotypes into two groups. The first one included the sensitive rice cultivars, namely, Giza177, Sakha105, and Sakha101, and the second group comprised tolerant genotypes, i.e., Giza178, Giza179, IET144, and Sakha104. Using 18 SSR markers helped assess the genetic diversity in rice genotypes. The studied markers produced 204 alleles, with a mean of 11.33 per locus. A higher number of alleles per locus resulted from primers RM493, RM341, RM3297, and RM3330. The polymorphic information content (PIC), a reflection of allele diversity and frequency, was moderate and ranged between 0.157 for RM504 and 0.872 for RM3330, with an average of 0.756. Based on the SSR cluster analysis, rice genotypes formed two groups; the first group included the sensitive rice genotypes, while the second was the tolerant genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Peanut is a leguminous crop with an indeterminate growth habit that will continuously flower during the entire reproductive development stage. Flowering redundancy adversely affects the yield and quality of peanut. In this study, eight flowering and five yield-related traits were collected and comprehensively evaluated from a diverse germplasm panel consisting of 232 peanut accessions, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving the flowering habit and yield for future peanut breeding efforts. As a result, large phenotypic diversity was observed in 13 traits. Most of the traits suggested high heritability, except high effective flowering duration (HEFD), days to 100% flower cessation (DTC100), and yield per plant (YPP). Days to 90% flower cessation (DTC90), days to DTC100, flowering duration (FD), and low effective flowering duration (LEFD) showed significant negative correlations with 100-seed weight, 100-pod weight, YPP, average weight per pod, and shelling percentage. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that flowering redundancy traits as well as yield-related traits contributed more to the first three PCs when compared to other traits. This study addresses the lack of peanut flowering phenotypic and genetic diversity and lays the foundation for in-depth research on redundancy-related genes in peanut flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NAC transcription factors (TFs) are one of the largest TF families in plants, and TaNACs have been known to participate in the regulation of the transcription of many yield-regulating genes in bread wheat. The TaCKX gene family members (GFMs) have already been shown to regulate yield-related traits, including grain mass and number, leaf senescence, and root growth. The genes encode cytokinin (CK) degrading enzymes (CKXs) and are specifically expressed in different parts of developing wheat plants. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize TaNACs involved in the cis-regulation of TaCKX GFMs. After analysis of the initial transcription factor data in 1.5 Kb cis-regulatory sequences of a total of 35 homologues of TaCKX GFMs, we selected five of them, namely TaCKX1-3A, TaCKX22.1-3B, TaCKX5-3D, TaCKX9-1B, and TaCKX10, and identified five TaNAC genes: TaNACJ-1, TaNAC13a, TaNAC94, TaNACBr-1, and TaNAC6D, which are potentially involved in the cis-regulation of selected TaCKX genes, respectively. Protein feature analysis revealed that all of the selected TaNACs have a conserved NAC domain and showed a stable tertiary structure model. The expression profile of the selected TaNACs was studied in 5 day-old seedling roots, 5–6 cm inflorescences, 0, 4, 7, and 14 days-after-pollination (DAP) spikes, and the accompanying flag leaves. The expression pattern showed that all of the selected TaNACs were preferentially expressed in seedling roots, 7 and 14 DAP spikes, and flag leaves compared to 5–6 cm inflorescence and 0 and 4 DAP spikes and flag leaves in Kontesa and Ostka spring wheat cultivars (cvs.). In conclusion, the results of this study highlight the potential role of the selected TaNACs in the regulation of grain productivity, leaf senescence, root growth, and response to various stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent study pursued determining the ideal quantity of micronutrients and planting time to enhance maize (Zea mays L.) pollen fertility and production under heat-stress conditions. The study set up a maize experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-plot arrangement and three replications, carried out in the crop season 2020 at the Babylon Muradia Research Center, Iraq. The trials comprised two factors: first, planting times placed in main plots, i.e., June 25 (A1), July 10 (A2), and July 25 (A3), and the second included foliar applications of a composition of six microelements (iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper, and molybdenum) with four concentrations, i.e., 0 (C0), 20 (C1), 30 (C2), and 40 (C3) g L-1. The results indicated that maize planting at later dates, specifically between July 10 and 25, resulted in the maximum levels of moisture, pollen vitality, and fertility percentage, which led to an increase in yield components and grain output. The findings also demonstrated that foliar application of micronutrients effectively creates a conducive environment for developing pollen grains. The micronutrient concentration of 40 g L-1 gave the optimal moisture and vitality of the pollen grains, leading to the highest quantity of grains per row and, ultimately, maximizing the maize yield. The July 10 planting date proved the ideal time for seeding maize because it contributed to reducing temperatures' effects and increasing productivity. In addition, foliar application of micronutrients (40 g L-1) creates an optimal environment for pollen grains, improving grain composition and yield. With the pollen grain's better vitality, the favorable situation improves pollination and fertilization, eventually increasing the maize yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten wheat varieties, Benazir, Hamal Fakir, TD-I, NIA Sunder, TJ-83, Marvi-2000, NIA Amber, Sarsabz, Kiran-95, and Imdad-05, sown in split-plot design (SPD) with three replications, underwent wellwatered and water-stress influences at the time of anthesis, at the Botanical Garden, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, during 2022-2023. The observed traits included days to 1st booting, days to 90% heading, days to 90% maturity, peduncle length (cm), plant height (cm), tillers plant-1, spike length (cm), spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1, seed index (1000-grain weight, g), grain yield plant-1 (g), biological yield plant-1 (g), and harvest index (%). Based on drought tolerance indices, the result demonstrated that genotypes, treatments, and genotypes ×treatments significantly affected yield and its contributing traits. The genotypes, such as Imdad-05, NIA Amber, and TD-1, considerably exhibited drought tolerance, whereas Marvi-2000 and Kiran-95 were susceptible. The grain yield expressed positive and significant association toward other traits, such as days to 1st booting, days to 90% heading, days to 90% maturity, peduncle length, plant height, tillers plant-1, spike length, spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1, seed index grain weight, grain yield plant-1, biological yield plant-1, and harvest index. Seven indices calculated grain yield in Yp and Ys appeared significantly and positively associated with the first three components mentioned at about 95.76% of the total variability and directly connected with the STI, GMP, TOL, and MP, namely, Imdad-05, NIA Sunder, and TD-1 considered as highly drought-tolerant; Marvi-2000 and Benazir, as moderately tolerant, and NIA Amber and Kiran-95 were the susceptible ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment at the Maize Research Station, General Authority of Agricultural Research in Abu-Ghriab, Iraq, began on six inbred lines of maize (1-UMGW 16, 2-UMGW 4, 3-DAQ, 4-HNG 9, 5-FAR 30, and 6-ABS - 32) as samples to generate 15 F1 single crossings through half-diallel cross. Crossing the parents and single crosses sought to produce 60 three-way cross hybrids. Grown seeds of three-way crosses became specimens to study the most effective traits that could affect the yield and become selective indicators to improve maize grain yield. The experiment proceeded as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The analysis of variance results revealed statistically significant differences among all studied traits. The values of genetic variance were higher than the environmental variance for all studied traits except for plant height. The highest broad-sense heritability (0.956) appeared in grain yield per plant, followed by the days from planting to 50% silking (0.803). A significant positive genetic and phenotypic correlation was apparent between grain yield, 100-grain weight, and the number of grains per row, while a negative genetic correlation between grain yield and the number of days from planting to 50% silking occurred. The path analysis revealed that the number of grains per row has the highest positive direct effect (0.537) and the total of all effects (0.828). The number of grains per row gave the utmost indirect positive influence of 0.259 by the 100-grain weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rice genetic diversity is regulated by multiple genes and is largely dependent on various environmental factors. Uncovering the genetic variations associated with the diversity in rice populations is the key to breed stable and high yielding rice varieties. We performed genome wide association studies (GWASs) on seven rice yielding traits (grain length, grain width, grain weight, panicle length, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf angle) based on a population of 183 rice landraces of Bangladesh. Our GWASs reveal various chromosomal regions and candidate genes that are associated with different traits in Bangladeshi rice varieties. Noteworthy was the recurrent implication of chromosome 10 in all three grain‐shape‐related traits (grain length, grain width, and grain weight), indicating its pivotal role in shaping rice grain morphology. Our study also underscores the involvement of transposon gene families across these three traits. For leaf related traits, chromosome 10 was found to harbor regions that are significantly associated with leaf length and leaf width. The results of these association studies support previous findings as well as provide additional insights into the genetic diversity of rice. This is the first known GWAS study on various yield‐related traits in the varieties of Oryza sativa available in Bangladesh—the fourth largest rice‐producing country. We believe this study will accelerate rice genetics research and breeding stable high‐yielding rice in Bangladesh.

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) remains an important alternative to winter wheat cultivation at Northern latitudes due to high risk of overwintering or delayed sowing of winter wheat. We studied nine major agronomic traits in a set of 299 spring wheat genotypes in trials across 12-year-site combinations in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Norway for three consecutive years. The dataset analyzed here consisted of previously published phenotypic data collected in 2021 and 2022, supplemented with additional phenotypic data from the 2023 field season collected in this study. We combined these phenotypic datasets with previously published genotypic data generated using a 25K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array that yielded 18,467 markers with a minor allele frequency above 0.05. Analysis of these datasets via genome-wide association study revealed 18 consistent quantitative trait loci (QTL) replicated in two or more trials that explained more than 5% of phenotypic variance for plant height, grain protein content, thousand kernel weight, or heading date. The most consistent markers across the tested environments were detected for plant height, thousand kernel weight, and days to heading in eight, five, and six trials, respectively. No beneficial effect of the semi-dwarfing alleles Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b on grain yield performance was observed across the 12 tested trials. Moreover, the cultivars carrying these alleles were low yielding in general. Based on principal component analysis, wheat genotypes developed in the Northern European region clustered separately from those developed at the southern latitudes, and markers associated with the clustering were identified. Important phenotypic traits, such as grain yield, days to heading, grain protein content, and thousand kernel weight were associated with this clustering of the genotype sets. Interestingly, despite being adapted to the Nordic environment, genotypes in the Northern set demonstrated lower grain yield performance across all tested environments. The results indicate that spring wheat germplasm harbors valuable QTL/alleles, and the identified trait-marker associations might be useful in improving Nordic–Baltic spring wheat germplasm under global warming conditions.

This study evaluated 290 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the Nested Association Mapping (NAM) population in the UK, consisting of 24 hybrid families. All genotypes were grown in Southeastern Kazakhstan (Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, Almaty region, 2021–2022) and Northern Kazakhstan (Alexandr Barayev Scientific-Production Center for Grain Farming, Akmola region, 2020). The studied traits included six yield-related characteristics: spike length (SL, cm), number of productive spikes per plant (NPS, pcs), number of kernels per spike (NKS, pcs), weight of kernels per spike (WKS, g), thousand kernel weight (TKW, g), and yield per square meter (YM2, g/m2). The significant phenotypic variability among genotypes was observed, which was suitable for the genome-wide association study of yield-related traits. Pearson’s index showed positive correlations among most yield-related traits, although a negative correlation was found between NKS and TKW in southeastern regions, and no correlation was recorded for northern regions. Top-performing RILs, surpassing local checks, were identified for NKS, TKW, and YM2, suggesting their potential for breeding programs. The application of GWAS allowed the identification of 72 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including 36 QTLs in the southeastern region, 16 QTLs in the northern region, and 19 in both locations. Eleven QTLs matched those reported in previous QTL mapping studies and GWAS for studied traits. The results can be used for further studies related to the adaptation and productivity of wheat in breeding projects for higher grain productivity.

To break the narrow diversity bottleneck of the wheat D genome, a set of Aegilops tauschii-wheat introgression (A-WI) lines was developed by crossing Ae. tauschii accession T015 with common wheat elite cultivar Zhoumai 18 (Zhou18). A high-density genetic map was constructed based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers and 15 yield-related traits were evaluated in 11 environments for detecting quantitative trait loci (QTL). A total of 27 environmentally stable QTL were identified in at least five environments, 20 of which were derived from Ae. tauschii T015, explaining up to 24.27% of the phenotypic variations. The major QTL for kernel length (KL), QKl-2D.5, was delimited to a physical interval of approximately 2.6 Mb harboring 52 candidate genes. Three Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers were successfully developed based on nonsynonymous nucleotide mutations of candidate gene AetT093_2Dv1G100900.1 and showed that A-WI lines with the T015 haplotype had significantly longer KL than the Zhou18 haplotype across all 11 environments. Four primary valuable A-WIs with good trait performance and carrying yield-related QTL were selected for breeding improvement. The results will facilitate the efficient transfer of beneficial genes from Ae. tauschii into wheat cultivars to improve wheat yield and other traits.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the grain yield and yield-related traits of 20 hulled and 20 hull-less spring barley accessions under conditions of South-eastern Bulgaria. Field experiments were carried out from 2017 to 2019 in the experimental field of the Institute of Agriculture-Karnobat. The effects of years and year by genotype interactions on grain yield and studied yield-related traits were considerably higher in hull-less accessions compared to hulled accessions. Highest broad-sense heritability was found for spike length, 1000-grain weight and number of spikelets per spike in both barley types. Hull-less accessions showed a lower average number of spikes per plant, number of grains per spike, weight of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. The number of grains per spike had a maximum direct effect on grain yield, followed by the number of spikes per plant and weight of grains per spike in hulled accessions. While in hull-less genotypes, the number of spikes per plant had the highest direct effect on grain yield, followed by the number of grains per spike and spike length. Therefore, direct selection for these traits would be an effective breeding strategy for increasing the grain yield of spring barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water deficit poses significant environmental stress that adversely affects the growth and productivity of durum wheat. Moreover, projections of climate change suggest an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts, particularly in arid regions. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop drought-tolerant and high-yielding genotypes to ensure sustained production and global food security in response to population growth. This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity among local and exotic durum wheat genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and, additionally, to explore the combining ability and agronomic performance of assessed durum wheat genotypes and their 28 F1 crosses under normal and drought stress conditions. The investigated SSRs highlighted and confirmed the high genetic variation among the evaluated parental durum wheat genotypes. These diverse eight parental genotypes were consequently used to develop 28 F1s through a diallel mating design. The parental durum genotypes and their developed 28 F1s were assessed under normal and drought stress conditions. The evaluated genotypes were analyzed for their general and specific combining abilities as well as heterosis for agronomic traits under both conditions. The local cultivar Bani-Suef-7 (P8) is maintained as an effective combiner for developing shortened genotypes and improving earliness. Moreover, the local cultivars Bani-Suef-5 (P7) and Bani-Suef-7 (P8) along with the exotic line W1520 (P6) demonstrated excellent general combining ability for improving grain yield and its components under drought stress conditions. Furthermore, valuable specific hybrid combinations, W988 × W994 (P1 × P2), W996 × W1518 (P3 × P5), W1011 × W1520 (P4 × P6), and Bani-Suef-5 × Bani-Suef-7 (P7 × P8), were identified for grain yield and its components under drought stress conditions. The assessed 36 genotypes were grouped according to tolerance indices into five clusters varying from highly drought-sensitive genotypes (group E) to highly drought-tolerant (group A). The genotypes in cluster A (two crosses) followed by thirteen crosses in cluster B displayed higher drought tolerance compared to the other crosses and their parental genotypes. Subsequently, these hybrids could be considered valuable candidates in future durum wheat breeding programs to develop desired segregants under water-deficit conditions. Strong positive relationships were observed between grain yield and number of grains per spike, plant height, and 1000-grain weight under water-deficit conditions. These results highlight the significance of these traits for indirect selection under drought stress conditions, particularly in the early stages of breeding, owing to their convenient measurability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Agronomica Sinica is the property of Crop Science Society of China and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To enhance the understanding of yield-related traits in tetraploid wheat, it is crucial to investigate and identify genes that govern superior yield characteristics. This study utilized the wheat55K single nucleotide polymorphism array to genotype a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 120 lines developed through the crossbreeding of two tetraploid wheat varieties, Qin Hei-1 (QH-1) and Durum Wheat (DW). An investigation and analysis were conducted on 11 yield-related traits, including peduncle length (PL), neck length (NL), spike length (SL), flowering date (FD), heading date (HD), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), kernel area ratio (KAR), kernel circumference (KC), kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW), and kernel length–width ratio (KL-WR), over a period of three years in two locations, Yang Ling, Shaanxi, and Lin He, Inner Mongolia. The analysis identified nine stable loci among eight agronomic traits, named QSL.QD-1A.1, QNL.QD-4B.2, QPL.QD-4B.1, QFD.QD-2B, QHD.QD-2B.1, QHD.QD-4B, QKC.QD-4B.2, QKL-WR.QD-4B.6, and QKL.QD-4B.2. Among them, the additive effects of three QTLs, QSL.QD-1A.1, QNL.QD-4B.2, and QFD.QD-2B, were positive, indicating that the enhancing alleles at these loci were derived from the parent line QH-1. These three QTLs showed significant positive effects on the phenotypes of the population materials. Furthermore, potential functional genes were identified within the mapping intervals of QSL.QD-1A.1 and QNL.QD-4B.2, which regulate the development of spike length and neck length, respectively. These results provide potential QTLs and candidate genes, which broaden the genetic basis of agronomic traits related to yield, such as SL, NL, PL, and FD, and benefits for wheat breeding and improvement.

Soybean (Glycine max) productivity is significantly reduced by drought stress. Breeders are aiming to improve soybean grain yields both under well-watered (WW) and drought-stressed (DS) conditions, however, little is known about the genetic architecture of yield-related traits. Here, a panel of 188 soybean germplasm was used in a genome wide association study (GWAS) to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers linked to yield-related traits including pod number per plant (PN), biomass per plant (BM) and seed weight per plant (SW). The SLAF-seq genotyping was conducted on the population and three phenotype traits were examined in WW and DS conditions in four environments. Based on best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) data and individual environmental analyses, 39 SNPs were significantly associated with three soybean traits under two conditions, which were tagged to 26 genomic regions by linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis. Of these, six QTLs qPN-WW19.1, qPN-DS8.8, qBM-WW1, qBM-DS17.4, qSW-WW4 and qSW-DS8 were identified controlling PN, BM and SW of soybean. There were larger proportions of favorable haplotypes for locus qPN-WW19.1 and qSW-WW4 rather than qBMWW1, qBM-DS17.4, qPN-DS8.8 and qSW-DS8 in both landraces and improved cultivars. In addition, several putative candidate genes such as Glyma.19G211300, Glyma.17G057100 and Glyma.04G124800, encoding E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase BAH1, WRKY transcription factor 11 and protein zinc induced facilitator-like 1, respectively, were predicted. We propose that the further exploration of these locus will facilitate accelerating breeding for high-yield soybean cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop phenotypic diversity is influenced by many factors, and epigenetic variation can control crop traits and stress response through epigenetic modification to regulate gene expressions, and then affect crop yield. The main agronomic traits affecting maize yield include plant height, leaf angle and root. In addition, germplasm resources, biotic stress and abiotic stress are also key factors affecting maize yield. The main epigenetic regulation modes in crops include histone modification, DNA modification, RNA modification, non-coding RNA and chromatin remodeling. In this review, the epigenetic mechanism of the main agronomic traits in maize is summarized from the perspective of epigenetic regulation, and the new strategy of epigenetics-mediated crop breeding (epibreeding) to improve maize yield is proposed in combination with CRISPR/Cas-based epigenome editing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is the fourth most cultivated cereal worldwide, and drought is a major cause of its yield loss by negatively affecting its development. Hence, better understanding developmental mechanisms that control complex polygenic yield‐related traits under drought is essential to uncover favorable yield regulators. This study evaluated seven above‐ground yield‐related traits under well‐watered (WW) and late‐terminal drought (TD) treatment using 534 spring barley multiparent advanced generation intercross double haploid (DH) lines. The analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for WW, TD, marker by treatment interaction, and drought stress tolerance identified 69, 64, 25, and 25 loci, respectively, for seven traits from which 15 loci were common for at least three traits and 17 were shared by TD and drought stress tolerance. Evaluation of allelic effects for a QTL revealed varying effect of parental alleles. Results showed prominent QTL located on major flowering time gene Ppd‐H1 with favorable effects for grain weight under TD when flowering time was not significantly affected, suggesting that this gene might be linked with increasing grain weight by ways other than timing of flowering under late‐terminal drought stress. Furthermore, a desirable novel QTL allele was identified on chromosome 5H for grain number under TD nearby sucrose transporter gene HvSUT2. The findings indicated that spring barley multiparent advanced generation intercross population can provide insights to improve yield under complex condition of drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Cambodia, rice is predominantly produced in areas with rainfed lowland conditions where photoperiod-sensitive varieties are cultivated. A number of varieties have been released for rainfed lowland areas, and the rice grain yield has reportedly increased by approximately 12% over the past ten years. Moreover, great fluctuations in yield performance have been observed across different soil types of the rainfed ecosystems of Cambodia. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the grain yield and stability among ten popular varieties that were released for rainfed lowland ecosystems across the four different soil types in Cambodia in two years. The grain yield varied 566 g m−2 as the highest in clay soil and about 220 g m−2 as the lowest in sandy soil. A combined ANOVA revealed significant differences for the main effect of genotype, environment, and genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) for all yield-related traits and grain yield per square meter. The principal component test results showed that the heterogeneity of grain yield was mainly attributable to the effect of environment, followed by the effect of genotype. In fertile conditions, a higher percentage of filled grains was supported by higher leaf N until the late stage with a wider flag leaf. In conditions of moderate fertility, larger numbers of panicles were supported by a higher percentage of productive culms with higher leaf N until the late stage. In conditions of poor fertility, a higher percentage of filled grains was supported by higher leaf N until the late stage, which is considered to be important for higher grain yield. The variety Phka Rumduol showed these preferable traits and produced higher yields in fertile to poor natural soil fertility conditions with moderate variation. This variety is considered to be more desirable and ideal due to its stability and higher grain yield. The other varieties, namely, Phka Mealdei, Phka Rumdeng, and CAR4, were identified as above-average yielders. Therefore, those varieties potentially may be recommended for cultivation in rainfed lowland rice ecosystems in Cambodia due to their high yields. CAR4 showed moderate variation at the same level as Phka Rumduol. From the point of stability, Phka Rumduol and CAR4 can be expected to excel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of nutrient-use efficient rice lines is a priority amidst the changing climate and depleting resources viz., water, land, and labor for achieving sustainability in rice cultivation. Along with the traditional transplanted irrigated system of cultivation, the dry direct-seeded aerobic system is gaining ground nationwide. The root-related traits play a crucial role in nutrient acquisition, adaptation and need to be concentrated along with the yield-attributing traits. We phenotyped an association panel of 118 rice lines for seedling vigour index (SVI) traits at 14 and 21 days after sowing (DAS), root-related traits at panicle initiation (PI) stage in polythene bags under controlled aerobic condition, yield and yield-related traits under the irrigated condition at ICARIIRR, Hyderabad, Telangana; irrigated and aerobic conditions at ARS, Dhadesugur, Raichur, Karnataka. The panel was genotyped using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers and genome-wide association studies were conducted for identifying marker-trait associations (MTAs). Significant correlations were recorded for root length, root dry weight with SVI, root volume at the PI stage, number of productive tillers per plant, spikelet fertility, the total number of grains per panicle with grain yield per plant under irrigated conditions, and the total number of grains per panicle with grain yield per plant under aerobic condition. The panel was divided into three sub-groups (K = 3) and correlated with the principal component analysis. The maximum number of MTAs were found on chromosomes 2, 3, and 12 with considerable phenotypic variability. Consistent MTAs were recorded for SVI traits at 14 and 21 DAS (RM25310, RM80, RM22961, RM1385), yield traits under irrigated conditions (RM2584, RM5179, RM410, RM20698, RM14753) across years at ICAR-IIRR, grain yield per plant (RM22961, RM1146) under the aerobic condition, grain yield per plant at irrigated ICAR-IIRR and SVI (RM5501), root traits at PI stage (RM2584, RM80, RM410, RM1146, RM18472). Functionally relevant genes near the MTAs through in-silico expression analysis in root and panicle tissues viz., HBF2 bZIP transcription factor, WD40 repeat-like domain, OsPILS6a auxin efflux carrier, WRKY108, OsSCP42, OsMADS80, nodulin-like domain-containing protein, amino acid transporter using various rice expression databases were identified. The identified MTAs and rice lines having high SVI traits (Langphou, TI-128, Mouli, TI-124, JBB-631-1), high yield under aerobic (Phouren, NPK-43, JBB-684, Ratnamudi, TI-112), irrigated conditions (KR-209, KR-262, Phouren, Keibi-Phou, TI-17), robust root traits like root length (MoirangPhou-Angouba, Wangoo-Phou, JBB-661, Dissi, NPK-45), root volume (Ratnachudi, KJ-221, Mow, Heimang-Phou, PUP-229) can be further employed in breeding programs for the targeted environments aimed at improving seedling vigour, yield-related traits under irrigated condition, aerobic condition as adaptability to water-saving technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cabbage has significant heterosis and most commercial cultivars are hybrids. To explore genetic basis of cabbage heterosis and promote cabbage heterosis utilization, we constructed two populations by crossing 100 DH lines derived from a cabbage hybrid 01–20 × 96–100 with two female parents. Hybrids exhibited different extents of heterosis, the mean value of economic yield was 2.6 times bigger than parents. We identified 66 and 73 QTLs associated with mid-parent heterosis and transgressive heterosis of twelve yield-related traits, respectively. Some QTLs could be detected under the two-year experiment existed in two populations with different testers, showing relatively high phenotypic contribution rate (15.8%–20.0%). Heterosis QTLs exhibited clustered distribution in several cabbage chromosome regions. Two dominant genetic regions, mk300–316 and mk258–268, originated from the elite parent 01–20, exhibited significant genetic effects for yield-related heterosis, which were first identified. Three elite DH lines (D22, D46, D83) harboring these two dominant regions were selected as having strong heterosis in cabbage production. Candidate gene analysis revealed that some genes participating in biosynthetic processes of carbohydrates and some responses to auxin might affect cabbage yield heterosis. QTL identification and genetic dissection of yield-related traits provide new insights into the genetic effects of cabbage heterosis.

Super Basmati is an elite variety with extra-long grains and superior quality but its yield is severely affected by water stress. Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the cross of Super Basmati and IR55419-04 (a coarse grained variety with high yield potential) were used to identify and map yield-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) under normal field conditions. Genotypes for 244 KASP markers were obtained from 188 F9 RILs and a linkage map constructed of 1369.4 cM, with average marker interval of 10.5 cM. Eleven agronomic traits were phenotyped in RILs and parents. Composite interval mapping and inclusive composite interval mapping model identified 21 common QTLs related to nine agronomic traits; of the QTLs identified, twelve mapped at novel positions. LOD scores ranged from 2.51 for number of filled grains (qFG1.1) to 16.8 for plant height (qPH1.1). Four major effect QTLs could explain 20% of variation related for plant height, hundred-grain weight and grain width. Alleles from IR55419-04 improved grain filling, grain weight and grain width, while alleles from Super Basmati contributed to longer grains, panicles and flag leaves. Putative candidate genes were identified for 18 yield-related QTLs. These results validate the use of KASP genotyping for QTL mapping of yield-related traits in a bi-parental segregating population. SNPs in the QTLs identified in this study can be used in marker assisted selection for yield components to improve Basmati rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Common loci and candidate genes for controlling salt-alkali tolerance and yield-related traits were identified in Brassica napus combining QTL mapping with transcriptome under salt and alkaline stresses. The yield of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is determined by multiple yield-related traits, which are susceptible to environmental factors. Many yield-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been reported in Brassica napus; however, no studies have been conducted to investigate both salt-alkali tolerance and yield-related traits simultaneously. Here, specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technologies were utilized to map the QTLs for salt-alkali tolerance and yield-related traits. A total of 65 QTLs were identified, including 30 QTLs for salt-alkali tolerance traits and 35 QTLs for yield-related traits, accounting for 7.61–27.84% of the total phenotypic variations. Among these QTLs, 18 unique QTLs controlling two to four traits were identified by meta-analysis. Six novel and unique QTLs were detected for salt-alkali tolerance traits. By comparing these unique QTLs for salt-alkali tolerance traits with those previously reported QTLs for yield-related traits, seven co-localized chromosomal regions were identified on A09 and A10. Combining QTL mapping with transcriptome of two parents under salt and alkaline stresses, thirteen genes were identified as the candidates controlling both salt-alkali tolerance and yield. These findings provide useful information for future breeding of high-yield cultivars resistant to alkaline and salt stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study comprehensively assessed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) hybrid populations of F3-F5 generations, comparing with the standard barley cultivars, Karagaydinckiy-5 and Astana-2000. The crossing of isolated barley cultivars of the international collection (obtained from Australia) proceeded under intense continental climatic conditions of Northern and Central Kazakhstan. Barley promising selected populations, i.e., Macguarie x Arna, Flinders x Tselinniy golozerniy, and Flinders x Omskiy golozerniy, showed early maturity (79-83 days), superior plant height (34.4-69.5 cm), and enhanced 1000-grain weight (56.6 g, 56.4 g, and 58.0 g, respectively), and populations, viz., Buloke x Karagandinckiy-6, Fathom x Donezckiy-9, and Onslow x Karabalykckiy-43, for productivity (1 m2) at 184 g, 116.4 g, and 140.1 g, respectively. Identified in the study were the correlation of productivity and its structural elements, particularly the grain weight per ear (r = 0.486) and grain weight per plant (r = 0.828), mainly determining grain productivity. The determination of structural features variation showed a significant excess (more than 20%) with varying levels. The level of variability of grain mass per plant has shown in hybrid lines, i.e., Fathom x Karagandinckiy-5, Onslow x Karagandinckiy-10, Admiral x Karabalykckiy-150, and Admiral x Donezckiy-9. In grains, the protein content ranged from 10.45% to 16.63%, and the excess over the standard cultivar resulted in the hybrid lines Franklin x Sabir (16.63%), Anodolu-86 x Donezckiy-8 (16.04%), and Flinders x Omskiy golozerniy (15.31%). Based on an average of the study years, the drought-resistant and highproductivity hybrid lines were Buloke x Karagadinckiy-6, Fathom x Donezckiy-9, Onslow x Karabalykckiy-43, Onslow x (Karagandinckiy-5 x Arna), Bass x Karabalykckiy-150, Granal x CMB93H-805-F-1Y-1M-OY-17TRS-OAP, and Granal x CMB89A-380-1M-OGH-105GH-1B-1OY-OAP-19AP-OAP. These promising genotypes can benefit the development of drought-resistant and highyielding barley cultivars through future breeding programs under prevailing environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate is continuously changing, consequently increasing the drought-affected areas. As such, it challenges breeders to develop adaptive and drought-tolerant sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars through evaluation and inducing genes tolerant to drought. Hence, the recent study aimed to assess the sunflower hybrids during 2019-2020 under well-watered and stressed conditions in a splitplot design with four replications at the Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan. The observed data determined heterotic effects among 15 F1 hybrids for days to 75% flowering, days to 75% maturity, stem diameter, head diameter, biological yield plant-1, seeds head-1, seed index, and seed yield plant-1. The mean squares due to genotypes, treatments, and genotype by treatment were significant for all the traits, which exhibited that genotypes performed significantly across the environments for the above-cited traits. The F1 hybrids, such as, Mehran x Pehawar-93, gave maximum negative heterotic effects for phonological traits which will benefit the development of short-duration sunflower hybrids. Further, F1 hybrids like Thatta x UC-666 displayed higher heterotic effects for head diameter, stem diameter, number of seeds plant-1, seed index, and biological plant-1 and PSF-025 x B2 and HO.1 x B2 gave higher heterotic effects for the number of seeds head-1 and seed yield plant-1 under stress environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important food, feed, and cash crop in rice-based agricultural ecosystems in Southeast Asia and other continents. It has the potential to enhance livelihoods due to its palatability, nutritional content, and digestibility. We evaluated 166 diverse mungbean genotypes in two seasons using multivariate and multi-traits index approaches to identify superior genotypes. The total Shannon diversity index (SDI) for qualitative traits ranged from moderate for terminal leaflet shape (0.592) to high for seed colour (1.279). The analysis of variances (ANOVA) indicated a highly significant difference across the genotypes for most of the studied traits. Descriptive analyses showed high diversity among genotypes for all morphological traits. Six components with eigen values larger than one contributed 76.50% of the variability in the principal component analysis (PCA). The first three PCs accounted for the maximum 29.90%, 15.70%, and 11.20% of the total variances, respectively. Yield per plant, pod weight, hundred seed weight, pod length, days to maturity, pods per plant, harvest index, biological yield per plant, and pod per cluster contributed more to PC1 and PC2 and showed a positive association and positive direct effect on seed yield. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters with the maximum in cluster II (34) and the minimum in cluster VII (10) along with a range of intra-cluster and inter-cluster distances of 5.15 (cluster II) to 3.60 (cluster VII) and 9.53 (between clusters II and VI) to 4.88 (clusters I and VII), suggesting extreme divergence and the possibility for use in hybridization and selection. Cluster III showed the highest yield and yield-related traits. Yield per plant positively and significantly correlated with pod traits and hundred seed weight. Depending on the multi-trait stability index (MTSI), clusters I, III, and VII might be utilized as parents in the hybridization program to generate high-yielding, disease-resistant, and small-seeded mungbean. Based on all multivariate-approaches, G45, G5, G22, G55, G143, G144, G87, G138, G110, G133, and G120 may be considered as the best parents for further breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Barley is the fourth most cultivated cereal worldwide, and drought is a major cause of its yield loss by negatively affecting its development. Hence, better understanding developmental mechanisms that control complex polygenic yield‐related traits under drought is essential to uncover favorable yield regulators. This study evaluated seven above‐ground yield‐related traits under well‐watered (WW) and late‐terminal drought (TD) treatment using 534 spring barley multiparent advanced generation intercross double haploid (DH) lines. The analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for WW, TD, marker by treatment interaction, and drought stress tolerance identified 69, 64, 25, and 25 loci, respectively, for seven traits from which 15 loci were common for at least three traits and 17 were shared by TD and drought stress tolerance. Evaluation of allelic effects for a QTL revealed varying effect of parental alleles. Results showed prominent QTL located on major flowering time gene Ppd‐H1 with favorable effects for grain weight under TD when flowering time was not significantly affected, suggesting that this gene might be linked with increasing grain weight by ways other than timing of flowering under late‐terminal drought stress. Furthermore, a desirable novel QTL allele was identified on chromosome 5H for grain number under TD nearby sucrose transporter gene HvSUT2. The findings indicated that spring barley multiparent advanced generation intercross population can provide insights to improve yield under complex condition of drought.