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Whole genome sequences (WGS) of 185 North American Thoroughbred horses were compared to quantify the number and frequency of variants, diversity of mitotypes, and autosomal runs of homozygosity (ROH). Of the samples, 82 horses were born between 1965 and 1986 (Group 1); the remaining 103, selected to maximize pedigree diversity, were born between 2000 and 2020 (Group 2). Over 14.3 million autosomal variants were identified with 4.5-5.0 million found per horse. Mitochondrial sequences associated the North American Thoroughbreds with 9 of 17 clades previously identified among diverse breeds. Individual coefficients of inbreeding, estimated from ROH, averaged 0.266 (Group 1) and 0.283 (Group 2). When SNP arrays were simulated using subsets of WGS markers, the arrays over-estimated lengths of ROH. WGS-based estimates of inbreeding were highly correlated (r > 0.98) with SNP array-based estimates, but only moderately correlated (r = 0.40) with inbreeding based on 5-generation pedigrees. On average, Group 1 horses had more heterozygous variants (P

Lettuce is the most highly consumed raw leafy vegetable crop eaten worldwide, making it nutritionally important in spite of its comparatively low nutrient density in relation to other vegetables. However, the perception of bitterness caused by high levels of sesquiterpenoid lactones and comparatively low levels of sweet tasting sugars limits palatability. To assess variation in nutritional and taste-related metabolites we assessed 104 members of a Lactuca sativa cv. Salinas x L. serriola (accession UC96US23) mapping population. Plants were grown in three distinct environments, and untargeted NMR and HPLC were used as a rapid chemotyping method, from which 63 unique Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) were identified. We were able to identify putative regulatory candidate genes underlying the QTL for fructose on linkage group 9, which accounted for up to 36 % of our population variation, and which was stable across all three growing environments; and for 15-p-hydroxyyphenylacetyllactucin-8-sulfate on linkage group 5 which has previously been identified for its low bitterness, while retaining anti-herbivory field effects. We also identified a candidate gene for flavonoid 3,5- hydroxylase underlying a polyphenol QTL on linkage group 5, and two further candidate genes in sugar biosynthesis on linkage groups 2 and 5. Collectively these candidate genes and their associated markers can inform a route for plant breeders to improve the palatability and nutritional value of lettuce in their breeding programmes.

In this study, the live cell imaging microscopy of an old word cyprinodontiform fish, the Shirini toothcarp Esmaeilius shirini during its embryogenesis, is described and illustrated for the first time through the detailed morphological description and chronology of the events of all developmental stages (from fertilization to hatching). External fertilization of transparent, spherical, sticky and macrolecithal eggs bearing adhesive filaments with an average diameter of 0.83–1 mm is the first step in the ontogenesis of E. shirini. Embryogenesis continued with a process of meroblastic cleavage (approximately 2 and half h post‐fertilization, hpf), formation of blastula (blastulation), gastrula (gastrulation), neurulation, somatogenesis, organ formation (organogenesis) and pre‐hatching. The development continued with hatching (a stage between the embryonic and larval periods) at approximately 131 haf (at 24 ± 1°C). The new larvae were about 3.9–5.8 mm in length with distinct fin rays and pigmentation on the head, body and fins. Basic data from this study can be used in forthcoming investigations on the reproduction processes, breeding, behaviour and conservation of E. shirini. Fish development comprises an integrated, ordered and well‐mapped sequence of early life‐history events controlled by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Knowledge of fish developmental stages during embryogenesis/ontogeny is essential for a better understanding of their biology, breeding criteria, phylogenetic relationships, dietary requirements, conservation plans, environmental requirements and ecological preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Nishabur region in Iran is an ancient hub for plum production, home to numerous seedling orchards and indigenous plum varieties. In 2020, an evaluation was conducted in the primary plum-growing zones of Nishabur following a harsh spring frost. Forty-one plum genotypes and local varieties capable of bearing fruit after frost incidents were selected for further examination. These plum selections were evaluated based on 60 morphological, pomological, and phenological traits related to flowers, fruits, and trees, in accordance with the UPOV (2020) plum descriptor. Results: Among the 41 genotypes evaluated, 35 exhibited high yields, demonstrating their potential as viable options for cultivation in frost-prone areas. The highest coefficient of variation (39.45%) was observed in the fruit color. Several genotypes demonstrated acceptable pomological traits. The genotype 'Kh.Da.cv.04' has the highest values in terms of fruit weight (56.2 g), fruit width (46 mm), and fruit length (61 mm). Significant positive correlations were found between fruit length and leaf length and fruit weight and leaf blade length. Factor analysis revealed that fruit weight, size, and leaf length are the most influential factors, accounting for 52% of the total variance. In the principal component analysis (PCA), genotypes were clustered into four main groups, with 'Kh.Da.s.02' and 'Kh.Da.cv.04' positioned at the positive end of the second axis, separate from the other genotypes. Cluster analysis indicated that these genotypes, along with 'Ha.Bokh.cv.30', formed distinct clusters, considerably distant from the other genotypes, which were grouped into four main clusters. Conclusions: This research highlights the presence of frost-tolerant genotypes and varieties with suitable environmental adaptability in the Nishabur region, demonstrating relatively acceptable diversity. These genotypes hold potential for breeding and germplasm conservation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivated cotton plants are the world's largest source of natural fibre, where yield and quality are key traits for this renewable and biodegradable commodity. The Gossypium hirsutum cotton genome contains ~80K protein-coding genes, making precision breeding of complex traits a challenge. This study tested approaches to improving the genomic prediction (GP) accuracy of valuable cotton fibre traits to help accelerate precision breeding. With a biology-informed basis, a novel approach was tested for improving GP for key cotton fibre traits with transcriptomics of key time points during fibre development, namely, fibre cells undergoing primary, transition, and secondary wall development. Three test approaches included weighting of SNPs in DE genes overall, in target DE gene lists informed by gene annotation, and in a novel approach of gene co-expression network (GCN) clusters created with partial correlation and information theory (PCIT) as the prior information in GP models. The GCN clusters were nucleated with known genes for fibre biomechanics, i.e., fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins, and cluster size effects were evaluated. The most promising improvements in GP accuracy were achieved by using GCN clusters for cotton fibre elongation by 4.6%, and strength by 4.7%, where cluster sizes of two and three neighbours proved most effective. Furthermore, the improvements in GP were due to only a small number of SNPs, in the order of 30 per trait using the GCN cluster approach. Non-trait-specific biological time points, and genes, were found to have neutral effects, or even reduced GP accuracy for certain traits. As the GCN clusters were generated based on known genes for fibre biomechanics, additional candidate genes were identified for fibre elongation and strength. These results demonstrate that GCN clusters make a specific and unique contribution in improving the GP of cotton fibre traits. The findings also indicate that there is room for incorporating biology-based GCNs into GP models of genomic selection pipelines for cotton breeding to help improve precision breeding of target traits. The PCIT-GCN cluster approach may also hold potential application in other crops and trees for enhancing breeding of complex traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed aquaculture is gaining traction globally as a solution to many climate issues. However, seaweeds themselves are also under threat of anthropogenically driven climate change. Here, we summarize climate-related challenges to the seaweed aquaculture industry, with a focus on the developing trade in the North Atlantic. Specifically, we summarize three main challenges: i) abiotic change; ii) extreme events; and iii) disease & herbivory. Abiotic change includes negative effects of ocean warming and acidification, as well as altered seasonality due to ocean warming. This can lower biomass yield and change biochemical composition of the seaweeds. Extreme events can cause considerable damage and loss to seaweed farms, particularly due to marine heatwaves, storms and freshwater inputs. Seaweed diseases have a higher chance of proliferating under environmentally stressful conditions such as ocean warming and decreased salinity. Herbivory causes loss of biomass but is not well researched in relation to seaweed aquaculture in the North Atlantic. Despite challenges, opportunities exist to improve resilience to climate change, summarized in three sections: i) future proof site selection; ii) advances in breeding and microbiome manipulation; and iii) restorative aquaculture. We present a case study where we use predictive modelling to illustrate suitable habitat for seaweed cultivation in the North Atlantic under future ocean warming. Notably, there was a large loss of suitable habitat for cultivating Alaria esculenta and Laminaria digitata. We show how selection and priming and microbe inoculates may be a cost-effective and scalable solution to improve disease- and thermal tolerance. Co-cultivation of seaweeds may increase both yield and biodiversity co-benefits. Finally, we show that aquaculture and restoration can benefit from collaborating on nursery techniques and push for improved legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The reproductive and production performance of dairy cows determines the profitability of a dairy farm. Method: A questionnaire survey was used to assess reproductive performance and husbandry practices by using 100 randomly selected animal owners. Result: Seventy‐nine percent of animal owners involved were men, ages between 30 and 60. Their education was as follows: 26% were illiterate, 67% in primary school and 7% in secondary school. Ninety‐five percent of them managed their animals extensively and used natural mating and breeding practices (75%). AFS in months were 46.83 ± 0.65 in Ada‐Buke Warego, 46.00 ± 1.36 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 47.08 ± 0.99 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 47.29 ± 0.51 in Waligalte. AFC in months were 56.68 ± 0.97 in Ada‐Buke Warego, 58.00 ± 1.36 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 57.23 ± 1.41 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 56.24 ± 1.13 in Waligalte. ANSPCs were 1.85 ± 0.08 in Ada‐Buke Warego, 1.67 ± 0.14 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 1.54 ± 0.14 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 2.00 ± 0.10 in Waligalte. The mean length of CI in months was 30.88 ± 0.90 in Ada Buke Warego, 29.00 ± 1.68 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 28.62 ± 1.62 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 31.06 ± 1.04 in Waligalte. The average year of longevity was 9.22 ± 0.7 in Ada‐Buke Warego, 9.08 ± 0.8 in Hagalo‐Tulam, 9.31 ± 0.13 in Dicho Aba‐Garmama and 9.21 ± 0.8 in Waligalte, but there is no significant association (p ≥ 0.05). AFC in months was 48.00 ± 0.00 in local and 37.20 ± 1.30 in crossbreeds. ANSPC was 1.92 ± 0.06 in locals and 1.10 ± 0.10 in hybrids. AFC for Horro and crossbred dairy cattle were 57.73 ± 0.59 and 48.00 ± 0.00 months, respectively. The mean length of CI was 30.53 ± 0.67 and 29.40 ± 1.99 months in natives and crossbreeds, respectively. The average year of longevity was 9.22 ± 0.05 and 9.10 ± 0.10 years for local and hybrids, respectively. ANSPC for natural mating and AI were 1.92 ± 0.05 and 1.10 ± 0.10, respectively, with significant association (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The reproductive performance of dairy cows in the study area was low, which required the improvement of husbandry practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is an "endangered" mammal species that is restricted to four range countries of Asia. The ecology and breeding behavior of Indian pangolins is poorly understood due to a lack of scientific data. Due to heavy poaching and illegal killing, the species population has declined drastically in the last decade. Considering the fact that Indian pangolin has low reproductive output, it needs special conservation measures and authentic information about its breeding ecology. We estimated concentrations of three reproductive hormones from scats using ELISA kits in male and female pangolins inhabiting the Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan, to confirm its breeding pattern in its range. Testosterone levels were found elevated from May (0.59 ng/ml) until October (1.28 ng/ml). Oestradiol levels were raised from May (0.59 pg/ml) until December (2.64 pg/ml). Progesterone concentrations were relatively low from January until March but increased from April (4.85 pg/ml) through December (14.0 pg/ml) with highest concentrations (20.13 pg/ml) in September and October. Mean hormone (testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone) concentrations were elevated in winter compared to summer (p < 0.001). The current study is the first one to quantify hormonal levels in this species, and our findings establish the breeding pattern of Indian pangolin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotyping is the process of determining the genetic makeup of an organism by examining its DNA sequences using various genetic markers. It has been widely used in various fields, such as agriculture, biomedical and conservation research, to study genetic diversity, inheritance, the genetic basis of disease-associated traits, evolution, adaptation, etc., Genotyping markers have evolved immensely and are broadly classified as random markers (RFLP, RAPD, AFLP, etc.) and functional markers (SCoT, CDDP, SRAP, etc.). However, functional markers are very limited in genotype studies, especially in animal science, despite their advantages in overcoming the limitations of random markers, which are directly linked with phenotypic traits, high specificity, and similar logistic requirements. The current review surveyed the available random and functional markers for genotyping applications, focusing on livestock including plant and microbe domains. This review article summarises the application, advantages, and limitations of developed markers and methods for genotyping applications. This review aims to make the reader aware of all available markers, their design principles, and methods, and we discuss the marker inheritance patterns of RLFP and AFLP. The review further outlines the marker selection for particular applications and endorses the application of functional markers in genotyping research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground‐nesting shorebirds must balance the need for acoustic communication at the nest with the constant threat posed by predators. Although it may seem likely that their calls are adapted to minimize detection by predators, little is known about how these birds communicate at the nest or whether they employ cryptic strategies to avoid predation. Using passive acoustic devices and software to analyse extensive acoustic data, we quantified and categorised the calls of black‐tailed godwits Limosa limosa limosa recorded throughout the whole incubation at eight nests at a dairy farm in the Netherlands in March–June 2021. While incubating, godwits frequently use five main call types, with distinct diurnal patterns and high variation in the number of calls between breeding pairs. Birds used two quiet calls, one for communication at the nest and a second without an easily suggested meaning. Three loud calls were presumably used for predator alert, territory establishment, and long‐range communication. Interestingly, although nests were close to each other and exposed to the same aerial predators, the involvement of incubating birds in predator alert calling consistently differed. Furthermore, we described the relationship between the number of predator alert calls and the probability of a godwit flying off the nest. Our findings show that incubating godwits predominantly use loud vocalizations during the day, with only a few calls at night, which were more frequent on nights with a full moon. These descriptive findings for a single godwit community should now be expanded to other contexts, experimental situations, and shorebird species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The aim of this work was to identify a heritable keel bone phenotype with a correlation to keel bone damage and/or skeletal bone strength that could be easily measured in the living hen to aid selection to prevent welfare issues.2. The scoring system used reflected the observed damage, keel bone dimensions and shape compared to traditional measurements of bone quality.3. Increased keel bone damage was associated with poor humerus and tibia breaking strengths (p < 0.01). Bone damage was associated with higher whole keel density (p < 0.01) due to the effect of callus formation.4. Keel bone depth and area was moderately heritable at indices of 0.32 and 0.40, respectively. Keel bone depth was genetically correlated with tibia (0.36) and humerus density (0.68) and keel bone area was correlated with humerus density (0.59). Deeper keel bones and those with larger areas had small, negative phenotypic correlations with keel bone damage (−0.07 and −0.11, respectively). The second principal component of keel bone shape represented the caudal section of the keel bone and cranial edge concavity. The third principal component represented the differences in the caudal tip of the keel bone, the concavity of the dorsal edge and convexity of the ventral edge. Heritability estimates were 0.44 and 0.39, respectively.5. The results suggested that genetics contribute to morphometric traits. Hens with poorer skeletal quality are likely to accumulate more damage. Some of the traits may be a predictor of damage, although mid keel depth or concavity may simply reflect the effect of damage or deviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization and evolving dietary preferences have heightened the demand for durum wheat and its derivatives in developing nations like Nepal. This study represents the first comprehensive exploration and evaluation of durum wheat genotypes in Nepal, addressing the escalating need for highyielding varieties. The primary objective was to identify stable and prolific durum wheat lines for release, enhancing Nepal's durum wheat breeding program. Utilizing genotypes from CIMMYT's disease screening and yield nurseries from 2011/12 to 2020/21, a total of 132 genotypes, including international checks, underwent evaluation over ten years under the Alpha Lattice design. Results revealed significant variation among genotypes for grain yield and other traits, identifying high-yielding and stable lines suitable for Nepal. Heritability analysis highlighted moderate heritability for grain number per spike, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield. Cluster analysis identified distinct clusters with high grain yield and desirable agronomic traits. Disease incidence facilitated the selection of resistant lines, with DWK38 emerging as the highest grain yielder (4416.04 kg/ha). Overall, durum wheat lines from CIMMYT exhibited robust performance in Nepal, enabling the identification of superior lines with potential benefits for farmers and consumers. The study's implications include developing and releasing superior durum lines in Nepal, providing farmers with profitable alternatives amidst evolving food habits. In conclusion, the findings from this study provide a valuable foundation for future durum wheat breeding efforts in Nepal, guiding the selection of genotypes that are well-suited to the diverse environmental challenges of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sweet potato and potato, sensory traits are critical for acceptance by consumers, growers, and traders, hence underpinning the success or failure of a new cultivar. A quick analytical method for the sensory traits could expedite the selection process in breeding programs. In this paper, the relationship between sensory panel and instrumental color plus texture features was evaluated. Results have shown a high correlation between the sensory panel and instrumental color in both sweet potato (up to r = 0.84) and potato (r > 0.78), implying that imaging is a potential alternative to the sensory panel for color scoring. High correlations between sensory panel aroma and flavor with instrumental color were detected (up to r = 0.66), although the validity of these correlations needs to be tested. With instrumental color and texture parameters as predictors, low to moderate accuracy was detected in the machine learning models developed to predict sensory panel traits. Overall, the performance of the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGboost) was comparable to the radial‐based support vector machine (NL‐SVM) algorithm, and these could be used for the initial selection of genotypes for aromas and flavors (r2 = 0.64–0.72) and texture attributes like moisture or mealiness (r2 > 50). Among the chemical properties screened in sweet potato, only starch showed a moderate correlation with sensory features like mealiness (r = 0.54) and instrumental color (r = 0.65). From the results, we can conclude that the instrumental scores of color are equivalent to those scored by the sensory panel, and the former could be adopted for quick analysis. Further investigations may be required to understand the association between color and aroma or flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last century has witnessed many innovations in agriculture and food technologies that have ensured the production of sufficient quantities of good hygienic food. Animal scientists have contributed substantially to efficient breeding and feeding practices by adapting animals for faster growth and improving feed efficiency and utilization. Breeding goals and feeding recommendations have been proposed with a primary focus on profitability to promote significant changes in the macronutrient content, i.e., animal body protein and fat reduction. However, improving the nutritional quality of meat was not included in the profit assessment. Increasing the lean meat fraction is consistent with the goal of public dietary guidelines for human nutrition proposed in 1980, emphasizing the importance of reducing the consumption of animal fat, particularly saturated fat. The application of breeding and feeding tools to modify and improve the fatty acid composition has been partly implemented in pigs and broiler chickens to supplement the dietary recommendations for humans. The health benefits of lean "red meat" have been questioned in recent years, with dietary guidelines and upper limits being introduced for human intake. Animal breeding indirectly reduces the total and heme iron (the redness generator) content in meat, due to covariation with priority breeding goals. Two micronutrients play important roles in the human diet and are derived largely from meat (selenium) and milk (iodine) if the amount provided and absorbed is sufficient and predictable. The iodine content can be highly dependent on the use of novel (more sustainable) feeds. The micronutrients discussed in this study (Fe, Se, I, and vitamin D) highlight opportunities for the utilization of breeding and feeding knowledge to adjust their levels to procure meat with a high nutrient density. The gaps in micronutrient levels in humans must be addressed by navigating within approved animal feeding levels. Animal scientists must recognize the nutritional impact of breeding and feeding and advertise them. In addition, human nutritionists must acknowledge the existing and potential changes in animal production to meet the dietary guidelines. Sustainable food production within the "One Health" concept can only be achieved through cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root architecture, more seminal roots, and Deeper roots help the plants to uptake the resources from the deeper soil layer to ensure better growth. The Gibberellic acid-sensitive (GA-sensitive) Rht genes are well known for increasing drought tolerance in wheat. Much work has been performed on the effect of these genes on the plant agronomic traits and little work has been done on the effect of Rht genes on seminal roots and root architecture. This study was designed to evaluate 200 wheat genotypes under normal and osmotic stress. The genotypes were sown in the solution culture and laid under CRD factorial arrangement with three replications and two factors i.e., genotypes and treatments viz. normal and osmotic stress (20% PEG-6000) applied one week after germination. The data was recorded for the root traits. Results demonstrated that out of 200 genotypes, the GA-sensitive Rht13 gene was amplified in 21 genotypes with a fragment length of 1089 bp. In comparison, the GA-insensitive Rht1 gene was amplified in 24 genotypes with a band size of 228 bp. From 200 wheat genotypes, 122 genotypes produced 5 seminal roots, 4 genotypes 4 seminal roots, and 74 genotypes 3 seminal roots. The genotypes G-3 (EBW11TALL#1/WESTONIA-Rht5//QUAIU#1), G-6 (EBW01TALL#1/SILVERSTAR-Rht13B//ROLF07) and G-8 (EBW01TALL#1/SILVERSTAR-Rht13B//NAVJ07) produced 5 seminal roots and have longer coleoptile (> 4.0 cm), root (> 11.0 cm) and shoot (> 17 cm) under normal and osmotic stress. Furthermore, Ujala 16, Galaxy-13, and Fareed-06 produced 3 seminal roots and have short coleoptile (< 3 cm), root (< 9.0 cm) and shoot (< 10.0 cm). These results showed that the genotypes showing the presence of GA-sensitive Rht genes produced a greater number of seminal roots, increased root/shoot growth, and osmotic stress tolerance compared to the genotypes having GA-insensitive Rht genes. Thus, the Rht13 gene improved the root architecture which will help to uptake the nutrients from deeper soil layers. Utilization of Rht13 in wheat breeding has the potential to improve osmotic stress tolerance in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation can be utilized as an efficient and reliable tool for long-term conservation of cashew genetic diversity. This study aims at pollen germination in vitro, SEM studies, pollen cryopreservation and fruit set with cryostored pollen of cashew. Brewbaker’s and Kwack (1963) medium enriched with 30% sucrose and15% PEG elicited significant pollen germination in vitro. Madakkathara-2 recorded high viability profiles both with respect to fresh (90.32%) and cryopreserved (85.53%) pollen when compared to other genotypes and species. Anacardium othonianum recorded lower viability in fresh (40.97%) as well as cryopreserved (25.43%). The pollen grains were cryopreserved for six months and post viability assessment was carried out at regular intervals. Field pollination was carried and in vivo fertility was assessed using four month cryostored pollen. A fruit set range of13.17 to 30.67% and a seed germinability range from 37.75 to 63.64% was recorded. Both in vitro and in vivo results show the reliability of pollen cryopreservation, which can be effectively used in breeding and conservation of the cashew gene pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the escalating challenges posed by unpredictable environmental conditions, the pursuit of early maturation in bread wheat has emerged as a paramount research endeavor. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted landscape of strategies and implications surrounding the unlocking of early maturation in bread wheat varieties. Drawing upon a synthesis of cutting-edge research in genetics, physiology, and environmental science, this review elucidates the intricate mechanisms underlying early maturation and its potential ramifications for wheat cultivation in dynamic environments. By meticulously analyzing the genetic determinants, physiological processes, and environmental interactions shaping early maturation, this review offers valuable insights into the complexities of this trait and its relevance in contemporary wheat breeding programs. Furthermore, this review critically evaluates the trade-offs inherent in pursuing early maturation, navigating the delicate balance between accelerated development and optimal yield potential. Through a meticulous examination of both challenges and opportunities, this review provides a comprehensive framework for researchers, breeders, and agricultural stakeholders to advance our understanding and utilization of early maturation in bread wheat cultivars, ultimately fostering resilience and sustainability in wheat production systems worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines community-based breeding schemes as a cost-effective method for enhancing the productivity of indigenous livestock breeds. While such projects offer benefits, their success varies in different locations. Drawing data from Uganda's Teso and Karamoja regions, the research reveals that investing in such projects yields positive outcomes for farmer groups. However, challenges such as limited access to veterinary services, high maintenance costs, and the failure of the exotic breeds to adapt to extreme temperatures and drought conditions hinder project success and continuity. The study emphasises the importance of collective resource mobilisation, effective group governance, and farmer involvement in breed selection to address these issues. It also recommends promoting income-generating activities within the groups, strengthening leadership structures, and fosteringmember commitment to collective efforts. These measures aim to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of community-based breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring tritium fuel self-sufficiency while maintaining continuous and high-specification fuel flow to the tokamak via a low tritium inventory and controllable fuel cycle is a significant challenge to the STEP plant design. Effective and high-quality fuelling and exhaust design is required to sustain and control a stable plasma, whereas fuel sufficiency is required to prevent depletion of available tritium supply. Concerns regarding the lack of tritium availability preventing continuous tritium import are countered by breeding, where highly energetic neutrons from the core fusion reactions interact with lithium atoms suspended in the surrounding breeder blanket to produce tritium. The compact nature of STEP prohibits the integration of inboard breeder blankets posing a significant challenge for the design team looking to ensure more tritium is bred and made available than consumed within the core plasma. This paper outlines how purposeful technology selection and system architecting has converged on the outline of a conceivable and tritium-capable fuel cycle and breeder blanket design. Before introducing the STEP fuel cycle design outline and summarizing the approach undertaken to address the challenges facing plasma fuelling, key aspects of fuel self-sufficiency are discussed. This includes discussing a proposed helium-cooled liquid lithium breeder blanket and possible technology options for tritium extraction from lithium. Lastly, there is a brief process modelling overview, which emphasizes the central contribution of various employed modelling methods. Reflections on the presented fuel cycle design outline conclude that substantial development work is still required to realize a continuous tritium fuel cycle design and overcome the major challenges posed by tritium and lithium handling. Reflections on the presented breeder blanket design proposal conclude that while many substantial risks and blockers remain to achieve fuel self-sufficiency, high breeding ratios are expected to be achievable with a compact spherical tokamak configuration. Nonetheless, it is recognized that further consideration is required to ensure that the selection of liquid lithium as a breeder medium provides the overall simplest route to a self-sufficient and realizable design. This article is part of the theme issue 'Delivering Fusion Energy – The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We selected 46 core winter–spring wheat cultivars from China's main wheat-producing areas as experimental materials to clarify the differences in the physiological parameters of their cold resistance and provide a theoretical basis and high-quality germplasm for cold resistance breeding. We investigated differences in their cold resistance under field conditions for two consecutive years, and determined the physiological parameters of the cold resistance, yield, and quality indicators of different winter–spring wheat cultivars. Our results showed that the cold resistance of winter wheat cultivars was higher than that of spring wheat cultivars. The chlorophyll (Chl), soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein (SP), and free proline (Pro) contents of different winter–spring wheat cultivars were positively correlated with cold resistance, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was negatively correlated with cold resistance. The five physiological parameters can be used as physiological indicators for the breeding of cold-resistant cultivars. The cold resistance, yield, and quality indicators of different spring and winter wheat cultivars were comprehensively evaluated by using the average membership value and comprehensive score. It was found that the average membership value and comprehensive score of winter wheat cultivars were higher than those of spring wheat cultivars. Through classification using the K-means method, the cold-resistant, high-yield, and high-quality cultivars were screened out, namely, Jimai23 (JM23), Jimai44 (JM44), Shannong57 (SN57), and Jinmai 919 (JM919). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recommended List (RL) is the UK plant variety recommendation system introduced in 1944 for supporting growers in making decisions on variety choices. The current RL system is heavily focused on single-trial analyses developed in the 1980s without making full use of information across varieties and trial sites. Given the statistical advances that have been developed and adopted elsewhere, it is timely to review and update the methods for data analysis in RL. In addition, threats from climate change challenge the prediction of variety performance in future environments. Better variety recommendations, particularly for matching varieties to specific environments can be achieved through the improved modeling of effects from genetics, environments, and genetic-by-environment interactions. Here, we evaluate grain yield data from 153 spring barley varieties that were trialed for RL from 2002 to 2019. Our results show that the current RL system produces poor and inconsistent predictions on variety performance across environments. Improvement in RL can be achieved by using mixed models that account for genetic relationships among varieties, and additional improvement is possible if genetic-by-environment interaction can be modeled accurately. We highlight the relevance and importance of genomics in both variety registration and recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Female black soldier flies perch on artificial plants much more often than males, especially early in the day and early in their reproductive lives, times when males are competing with one another in aerial swarms. Artificial perches are implemented by many companies that mass-rear the black soldier fly (BSF), to emulate a natural breeding environment or provide additional surface area for flies to rest; however, basic information about perching behavior is lacking. This experiment tested the effect of adding 0.00, 0.04, 0.26, or 0.34 m2 of surface area to 0.93 m3 cages, each supplied with 90 male and 90 female adults. Female thoraxes marked with acrylic paint, and the number of perching flies of each sex were recorded over 6 d. A time-series analysis revealed the following: (a) females utilized perches 1.42 times more often than males across two trials; (b) especially in the morning where the difference could be as high as 2.56 times as great; (c) this decreased to 0.20–1.57 times more females than males by 1600 h; and (d) this cyclical pattern repeated each day throughout the week with a decreasing female-bias, starting from 2.41-times more females on day 1, which fell to 0.88–1.98-times more females than males on day 6. These dynamics are likely due to the presence of male flies engaging in aerial contests near ultraviolet lamps required for mating, especially during the early hours and early adulthood, aligning with and expanding prior knowledge of black soldier fly mating behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the artificial breeding process of Chinese pearl oysters, the quality and vitality of sperm and eggs are pivotal in determining the success rate of fertilization. This study delves into the impact of externally added fructose, glucose, and ammoniated water on sperm vitality and lifespan under varying temperature conditions. The results indicate that the addition of exogenous energy sources and cell protectants, specifically monosaccharide energy substances, significantly improves sperm vitality. Moreover, under 4°C conditions, adding 2.8 mmol/L fructose, glucose, and 2 mmol/L ammoniated water to sperm samples significantly enhances sperm vitality and prolongs their lifespan. This provides strong evidence for the feasibility of short-term preservation and vitality enhancement strategies for Chinese pearl oyster sperm and also offers important scientific support for optimizing the artificial reproduction techniques of Chinese pearl oysters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenotype of a woody plant represents its unique morphological properties. Population discrimination and individual classification are crucial for breeding populations and conserving genetic diversity. Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are gaining traction as powerful tools for predicting phenotypes. The present study is focused on classifying and clustering the seeds and seedlings in terms of morphological characteristics using ML algorithms. In addition, the k-means algorithm is used to determine the ideal number of clusters. The results obtained from the k-means algorithm were then compared with reality. The best classification performance achieved by the Random Forest algorithm was an accuracy of 0.648 and an F1-Score of 0.658 for the seed traits. Also, the best classification performance for stone pine seedlings was observed for the k-Nearest Neighbors algorithm (k = 18), for which the accuracy and F1-Score were 0.571 and 0.582, respectively. The best clustering performance was achieved with k = 2 for the seed (average Silhouette index = 0.48) and seedling (average Silhouette Index = 0.51) traits. According to the principal component analysis, two dimensions accounted for 97% and 63% of the traits of seeds and seedlings, respectively. The most important features between the seed and seedling traits were cone weight and bud set, respectively. This study will provide a foundation and motivation for future efforts in forest management practices, particularly regarding reforestation, yield optimization, and breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogen Plasmopara halstedii, causing downy mildew (DM), is a widespread sunflower disease which can be controlled by single dominant genes. Wild Helianthus annuus have been a valuable source of vertical resistance to control P. halstedii, but such resistance may eventually be overcome by new races of the pathogen. Alternatively, quantitative, or partial resistance, is more stable and may be combined with vertical resistance to prevent DM outbreaks. We assessed the responses of six populations of wild H. annuus naturalized in Argentina to race 710 of P. halstedii. We examined: 1) the aerial phenotype (including seedling death) using two damage scales and three disease indices, 2) the growth of the pathogen along the hypocotyls, and 3) the presence of the pathogen in the root system. We found that the evaluated sunflower wild populations had lower disease levels than the susceptible cultivated controls. A histologic analysis showed that the wild H. annuus seedlings showed cellular reactions (e.g. necrosis and the deposit of materials on the walls of invaded cells) to restrict the pathogen's growth, allowing the identification of two possible types of resistance: type I, when the growth of the pathogen was limited to the base of the hypocotyls, and type II, when the pathogen managed to invade the entire length of the hypocotyls. The wild sunflower populations also showed differential responses to root infections. A quantitative or partial genetic resistance, rather than resistance based on major genes, seems to be operating in the sampled populations. The individuals found to be resistant in each population represent promising germplasm for sunflower breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for raw materials in the forestry sector and the imperative to conserve native forests have spurred the expansion of forest areas planted globally, particularly in Brazil. Eucalyptus stands out as the primary genus employed in the Brazilian forestry industry. Addressing the need for new clones due to expanding exploitation and changing climate conditions poses a considerable challenge. The evaluation of genotypes in multi-environment trials (MET) is complicated by their varying behavior. Factor analytic mixed models (FAMM) are presently employed for MET analyses, enabling the modeling of genotype-by-environment interactions without a substantial increase in parameters. However, existing tools for assessing genotype stability and adaptability within FAMM are unsuitable for scenarios involving a large number of Eucalyptus clones, typical in intermediate clonal testing stages. To address this gap, a methodology for clonal selection in Eucalyptus is required. FAMM offers a way to summarize clone responses across environments through scores. Utilizing the genotype-ideotype (GI) distance based on these scores facilitates the ranking of clones. This study aims to propose and assess the use of genotype-ideotype distance in conjunction with FAMM for selecting Eucalyptus clones in multi-environment trials. The combined use of FAMM and genotype-ideotype distance enables the ranking of clones based on broad adaptability. This approach balances the simplicity of a single parameter's interpretability with the capability to handle a large number of clones effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife disease outbreaks can lead to population declines, which are usually attributed to increased direct or indirect mortality. Alternatively, behavior associated with sickness can lead to social isolation, potentially decreasing fitness of affected individuals. A useful case study to examine this dynamic is chronic wasting disease (CWD), a neurological disease of cervids, known to affect behavior and movement. In this study, we monitored scraping, a White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus ; WTD) breeding season behavior, in an area of high CWD prevalence to determine if this reproductive behavior is affected by CWD. At 107 scrape sites, we detected 3,063 scrape interactions and 218 unique bucks. Bucks engaged with scrapes most often, performing 73% of interactions—compared to 23% by does, and 4% by fawns. Twenty-one bucks captured on camera traps at scrape sites were harvested through recreational hunting, 13 testing CWD-positive and 8 CWD not-detected. We found no significant effect of CWD status on specific scraping behaviors. There may, however, have been population-level effects, with shifts toward greater proportions of scraping by yearling bucks and during daylight hours compared to findings from past studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Although dairy goat production, characterized by traditional production on small farms, is an important source of income in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, locally adapted breeds have not been fully consolidated over the last 100 yr due to large fluctuations in population size and inconsistent breeding programs that allowed for different crossbreeding strategies. Our main objective in this study was therefore to assess the conservation status of 4 Czech (Alpine Goat, White Shorthair, Brown Shorthair, and Czech Landrace) and 1 Slovak (Slovak White Shorthair) local goat breeds, to analyze their population structure and admixture, and to estimate their relatedness to several neighboring breeds. Our analyses included 142 goats belonging to 5 local breeds genotyped with the Illumina 50K BeadChip, and 618 previously genotyped animals representing 15 goat breeds from Austria and Switzerland (all analyses based on 46,862 autosomal SNPs and 760 animals). In general, the conservation status of the Czech and Slovak local goat breeds was satisfactory, with the exception of the Brown Shorthair goat, as the analyzed parameters (heterozygosity, haplotype richness, runs of homozygosity–based inbreeding, and effective population size) were mostly above the median of 20 breeds. However, for all 5 Czech and Slovakian breeds, an examination of historical effective population size indicated a substantial decline about 8 to 22 generations ago. In addition, our study revealed that the Czech and Slovakian breeds are not fully consolidated; for instance, White Shorthair and Brown Shorthair were not clearly distinguishable. Considerable admixture, especially in Czech Landrace (effective number of parental clusters = 4.2), and low but numerous migration rates from other Austrian and Swiss breeds were found. These results provide valuable insights for future breeding programs and genetic diversity management of local Czech and Slovak goat breeds. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anadolu Tarım Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Ondokuz Mayis Universitesi, Ziraat Fakultesi 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.)

Drought stress (DS) is a recurrent and severe meteorological challenge affecting agricultural regions globally, leading to significant shifts in plant species distribution and substantial reductions in crop yields. The seasonal occurrence, intensity, and duration of DS vary in response to changing climatic conditions. Plants deploy various physio-biochemical and anatomical alterations to combat such conditions, including stomatal closure, modified root growth and architecture, shifts in metabolic pathways, and altered physiological responses. Moreover, metabolic shifts and physio-chemical adaptations under DS often shorten plant life cycles, reducing yields. Nevertheless, the impact of DS on plants depends on the soil water gradient, precipitation duration and degree, plant species, and developmental stage. This review elucidates the complex effects of DS on trait variations, highlighting the current knowledge on advances in genetic engineering, breeding, and agronomic approaches and exploring potential strategies to increase yield and develop drought-resistant crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constantly growing need to increase the production of agricultural products in changing climatic conditions makes it necessary to accelerate the development of new cultivars that meet the modern demands of agronomists. Currently, the breeding process includes the stages of genotyping and phenotyping to optimize the selection of promising genotypes. One of the most popular phenotypic methods is the pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry, due to its non-invasiveness and high information content. In this review, we focused on the opportunities of using chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) parameters recorded using PAM fluorometry to assess the state of plants in drought and heat stress conditions and predict the economically significant traits of wheat, as one of the most important agricultural crops, and also analyzed the relationship between the ChlF parameters and genetic markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Edulis Fungi is the property of Acta Edulis Fungi 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.)

Potato is the third most important food crop in the world in terms of adaptability, yield potential, and nutritional advantages. This study aimed to conduct potato breeding work for cultivation in Kazakhstan; potato breeding for further processing into chips with cultivation in the northern regions; and the selection of potatoes for processing into frozen French fries with cultivation in the southern and south-eastern regions. Potato varieties (Fontane, Santana, and Punchy) were used as reference varieties to check molecular markers linked to maturity, tuber shape, and flesh color. A total of 42 potato breeding lines crossed from Yagodnyi 19 and CIP clone 397079-6 were used in this study to identify prospective breeding lines. The research was carried out between 2023 and 2024 and under greenhouse conditions. According to the results of molecular analysis and phenotypic data, 21 breeding lines were identified as prospective potato breeding lines. The majority of these potato breeding lines had a round tuber shape and were recommended for chip processing. Three breeding lines had a long oval tuber shape, making them suitable for French fries. Six breeding lines with short-oval and oval tuber shapes were found for consumer potato processing. It is recommended that the breeding process and studies of biochemical properties are continued in all of these identified potato breeding lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing consumption of apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) produced in Norway requires the availability of superior cultivars and extended marketability. Favorable texture and slow softening are important traits for consumer appreciation and postharvest performance. Apple texture has been well characterized using both sensory evaluation and instrumental assessments, and major quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been detected. With texture being targeted as an important trait and markers being publicly available, marker-assisted selection has already been implemented into several breeding programs. When focusing solely on a limited set of markers linked to well-investigated major QTLs, most minor-effect QTLs are normally excluded. To find novel potential SNP markers suitable to assist in selection processes, we selected a subset of accessions from a larger apple collection established in Norway based on the favorable alleles of two markers previously associated with texture, enabling the investigation of a minor part of the variance initially masked by the effect of major loci. The subset was employed to conduct a genome-wide association study aiming to search for associations with texture dynamics and retainability. QTL regions related to texture at harvest, postharvest, and for the storage index were identified on chromosomes 3, 12, and 16. Specifically, the SNPs located on chromosome 12 were shown to be potential novel markers for selection of crispness retention during storage, a valuable storability trait. These newly detected QTLs and underlying SNPs will represent a potential set of markers for the selection of the most favorable accessions characterized by superior fruit texture properties in ongoing breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continued success of any conventional sweet potato breeding program is limited by knowledge of the inheritance of the traits under study, such as flesh color and tuberous root shape, because of the difficulty of segregating color frequencies by visual separation. The objective of this study was to understand the mode of inheritance of these genetic traits. The cross blocks were established at the Research Institute of Tropical Roots and Tuber Crops (INIVIT-Cuba). Eight parental genotypes of known compatibility were selected, with contrasting phenotypic characteristics to develop segregating populations. To express color objectively, the CIE L*a*b* color space was used (L*: lightness; a* and b*: chromatic coordinates), and four morphometric variables related to the shape and dimensions of the tuberous root were evaluated. From 2419 reciprocal crosses, 2045 botanical seeds and 1764 seedlings were obtained. Incomplete dominance of the white and purple flesh colors over the orange color was observed, as well as transgressive segregation for purple, orange, and white flesh colors and for the shape of the tuberous root. The results allowed us to propose a genetic model of biparental crosses for the improvement of the flesh color of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.), as well as a predictive formula of the progeny to be selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollination characteristics and flowering phenology of Calanthe sieboldii were evaluated to elucidate its reproductive characteristics and breeding systems. Field observations and artificial pollination experiments were conducted to study the pollination biology in Xuancheng City, Anhui Province. Meanwhile, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to analyze the species' volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Key findings include the following: (1) the flowering period extends from mid-April to mid-May, with a population-level flowering duration of 29 days in 2017, individual plant flowering averaging 20.22 days, and single flower longevity ranging from 12 to 23 days (mean = 19.30 days); (2) the species exhibits deceptive nectar guides devoid of nectar, indicating food-deceptive pollination, with Bombus sp. identified as its primary pollinator; (3) the pollinial–ovule ratio and hybridization index suggest a high level of self-compatibility without autonomous self-pollination, with no significant difference in pollination success between self- and outcross populations; (4) GC-MS analysis identified methyl benzoate and acacia-related compounds as the primary VOCs of C. sieboldii. These findings provide valuable insights into the conservation and sustainable management of orchids, particularly C. sieboldii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large fruit size is one of the most important breeding objectives for sweet cherry. In the Washington State University (WSU) breeding program, large-fruited germplasm exists, and heritability is reasonably high. An important genetic locus for cherry fruit size has been identified but appears to primarily distinguish between wild and improved phenotypes and may have limited utility in the breeding program. We employed association mapping and genomic prediction approaches to identify markers and models for fruit size in germplasm relevant to the breeding program. The germplasm consisted of 247 individuals from two sub-populations. The "RosBREED" sub-population (n = 106) was genotyped with the cherry 6 K Illumina SNP array. The "program" sub-population (n = 141) was genotyped with the cherry 6 + 9 K SNP array. Each sub-population was phenotyped for fruit diameter for two seasons. Sub-populations were analyzed individually as well as combined. SNPs for the combined dataset included those common to both arrays. Significantly associated SNP markers for fruit diameter were identified on all 8 chromosomes using BLINK. Individual markers accounted for up to 33% of phenotypic variance. In all but two cases, the minor allele was associated with smaller fruit. However, minor allele frequencies were 0.25–0.44 for four significant SNPs, indicating the opportunity for continued selection. Seven markers were converted to locus-specific assays for validation and use in marker-assisted selection and showed a concordance rate ≥ 97.6%. Genomic prediction models were developed using BGLR. Selection accuracy ranged from 0.38 to 0.53 depending on the population and year. These results indicate that either association mapping or genomic prediction can be used to select for larger fruit in sweet cherry, although genomic prediction might be more efficient in improved germplasm if a cost-effective genotyping platform is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow sarson (Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson) is an essential oilseed crop where the multilocular ovary trait enhances yield potential. Elucidating the inheritance pattern of multilocularity will empower breeding efforts. This study aimed to dissect the genetics governing ovary locule number in yellow sarson using crosses between multilocular (Pant Pili Sarson 1, NDYS) and bilocular (Pant Girija, B9) lines. F1, F2 and backcross generations were developed and analyzed for segregation of locule number. Results revealed monogenic dominant inheritance of the multilocular trait. All F1 progeny exhibited multilocularity, indicating dominance. The F2 population displayed Mendelian 3:1 segregation of multilocular to bilocular phenotypes, confirming control by a single dominant locus. Backcrosses to multilocular parents produced all multilocular offspring, while crosses to bilocular parents exhibited 1:1 segregation, validating the model. These findings contrast with previous reports of recessive inheritance in Brassicaceae, likely reflecting differing genetic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the single dominant gene uncovered simplifies breeding efforts to enhance this beneficial high-yielding trait. By elucidating the genetics underlying multilocularity in yellow sarson, this work empowers breeding programs seeking to improve yield through enhancement of the multilocular ovary trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frozen dough technology is important in modern bakery operations, facilitating the transportation of dough at low temperatures to downstream sales points. However, the freeze–thaw process imposes significant stress on baker's yeast, resulting in diminished viability and fermentation capacity. Understanding the mechanisms underlying freeze–thaw stress is essential for mitigating its adverse effects on yeast performance. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms underlying freeze–thaw stress, focusing specifically on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the primary yeast used in baking, and presents a wide range of biotechnological approaches to enhance freeze–thaw resistance in S. cerevisiae. Strategies include manipulating intracellular metabolites, altering membrane composition, managing antioxidant defenses, mediating aquaporin expression, and employing adaptive evolutionary and breeding techniques. Addressing challenges and strategies associated with freeze–thaw stress, this review provides valuable insights for future research endeavors, aiming to enhance the freeze–thaw tolerance of baker's yeast and contribute to the advancement of bakery science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first breeding occurrence of Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) in the northern Algerian Sahara, focusing on nesting ecology in the Kef Doukhane wetland. We analyzed the influence of different environmental factors on nesting outcomes and breeding success. Our results indicate that the timing of egg laying is a critical factor influencing both breeding outcomes and the number of fledged chicks. Specifically, our results indicate that nest outcomes become less favorable as the season progresses, with later clutches having a lower probability of success. In addition, the number of successfully fledged chicks is significantly lower for later clutches. Interspecific parasitism was documented in five mixed clutches, involving Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) in four cases and Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) in one case. Our study highlights the challenges that the hyperarid environment of the Sahara poses for breeding waterbirds. It also highlights the selection pressures exerted by both biotic factors and environmental factors, with temperature, solar radiation, and the presence of protective vegetation playing important roles. Comparative analyzes show that the timing of egg laying has similar effects in other regions, as observed at Lake Tonga further north, where Mallard breeding performance declines as the season progresses. This research not only contributes to our understanding of the nesting ecology of mallards in this unique Saharan wetland but also underscores the urgency of conservation action, especially in the face of ongoing environmental change. It also improves our understanding of waterbird breeding dynamics in the region and highlights the challenges faced by these bird populations in a demanding, arid environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of artificial pollination is crucial in breeding programs for allogamous plants. In maize, achieving a balance between the labor-intensive nature of controlled pollinations and the need for large-scale production of hybrid seeds, along with considerations of germinability and pollen production, determines the success of genetic improvement programs. Breeding programs in maize have resulted in a reduction in the number of tassel branches to increase light interception and plant density in production fields. However, despite this genetic improvement, the decreased pollen production per plant has raised critical concerns regarding pollination and subsequent ear filling, especially under adverse environmental conditions. The aim of this work was the analysis of factors that can contribute to increasing the efficiency of controlled pollination in maize. The data obtained showed that pollen diameter, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content do not influence the percentage of germination and therefore the efficiency of pollination. The quantity of pollen is a central factor in ensuring the efficiency of controlled pollinations, and the data obtained by comparing traditional varieties with modern hybrids of maize showed that an increase in pollen production is determined by the increase in branching of the male inflorescence. Furthermore, we propose the use of a "smart" pollination method to make this step in maize breeding programs easier and faster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Maintaining a sustainable supply of animal protein is the mission of the global swine production industry. The entry of infectious pathogens to swine populations can cause significant animal welfare issues, increase the use of antibiotics, challenge environmental stability, and interrupt/reduce the supply of pork; therefore, preventing pathogen entry is critical to achieve its mission using science-based biosecurity programs. Biosecurity is the application of science-based protocols to minimize the risk of pathogen entry. The objective of this review is to summarize basic biosecurity terms and concepts, review the transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and the biosecurity protocols designed to mitigate these risk factors, and discuss how the swine industry is applying Next Generation Biosecurity to prevent PRRSV infection of the breeding herd. The prevention of disease introduction into swine herds requires the practice of science-based protocols of biosecurity that have been validated to reduce the risk of the entry of targeted pathogens. The fundamental pillars of biosecurity include bio-exclusion, biocontainment, and bio-management. Biosecurity protocols must be science-based, a way of life, continuously validated, cost-effective, and benchmarked over time. This paper will review these concepts, the direct and indirect routes of transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and the interventions that have been designed and validated to prevent infection of the breeding herd. It will close with a review of Next Generation Biosecurity, describing how a science-based approach is being used to prevent PRRSV infection in breeding herds from a large commercial pork production system in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a major dietary component produced in Brassica vegetables from glucosinolates (GLS) upon herbivores' attack. The compound is gaining increasing interest due to its anticancer activity. However, reports about improving its level in plants or other sources are still rare. Unfortunately, I3C is unstable in acidic media and tends to polymerize rendering its extraction and detection challenging. This review presents a multifaceted overview of I3C regarding its natural occurrence, biosynthesis, isolation, and extraction procedure from dietary sources, and optimization for the best recovery yield. Further, an overview is presented on its metabolism and biotransformation inside the body to account for its health benefits and factors to ensure the best metabolic yield. Compile of the different analytical approaches for I3C analysis in dietary sources is presented for the first time, together with approaches for its detection and its metabolism in body fluids for proof of efficacy. Lastly, the chemopreventive effects of I3C and the underlying action mechanisms are summarized. Optimizing the yield and methods for the detection of I3C will assist for its incorporation as a nutraceutical or adjuvant in cancer treatment programs. Highlighting the complete biosynthetic pathway and factors involved in I3C production will aid for its future biotechnological production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pear (Pyrus spp.) is a major fruit crop in the Rosaceae family, and extensive efforts have been undertaken to develop elite varieties. With advances in genome sequencing technologies, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are commonly used as DNA markers in crop species. In this study, a large-scale discovery of SNPs was conducted using genotyping by sequencing in a collection of 48 cultivated pear accessions. A total of 256,538 confident SNPs were found on 17 chromosomes, and 288 SNPs were filtered based on polymorphic information content, heterozygosity rate, and genome distribution. This subset of SNPs was used to genotype an additional 144 accessions, consisting of P. pyrifolia (53), P. ussuriensis (27), P. bretschneideri (19), P. communis (26), interspecific hybrids (14), and others (5). The 232 SNPs with reliable polymorphisms revealed genetic variations between and within species in the 192 pear accessions. The Asian species (P. pyrifolia, P. ussuriensis, and P. bretschneideri) and interspecific hybrids were genetically differentiated from the European species (P. communis). Furthermore, the P. pyrifolia population showed higher genetic diversity relative to the other populations. The 232 SNPs and four subsets (192, 96, 48, and 24 SNPs) were assessed for variety identification. The 192 SNP subset identified 173 (90.1%) of 192 accessions, which was comparable to 175 (91.1%) from the 232 SNPs. The other three subsets showed 81.8% (24 SNPs) to 87.5% (96 SNPs) identification rates. The resulting SNPs will be a useful resource to investigate genetic variations and develop an efficient DNA barcoding system for variety identification in cultivated pears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in cell fusion technology have propelled breeding into the realm of somatic hybridization, enabling the transfer of genetic material independent of sexual reproduction. This has facilitated genome recombination both within and between species. Despite its use in plant breeding for over fifty years, somatic hybridization has been limited by cumbersome procedures, such as protoplast isolation, hybridized-cell selection and cultivation, and regeneration, particularly in woody perennial species that are difficult to regenerate. This review summarizes the development of somatic hybridization, explores the challenges and solutions associated with cell fusion technology in woody perennials, and outlines the process of protoplast regeneration. Recent advancements in genome editing and plant cell regeneration present new opportunities for applying somatic hybridization in breeding. We offer a perspective on integrating these emerging technologies to enhance somatic hybridization in woody perennial plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a major disease of wheat in North America. FHB infection causes fusarium damaged kernels (FDKs), accumulation of deoxynivalenol (DON) in the grain, and a reduction in quality and grain yield. Inheritance of FHB resistance is complex and involves multiple genes. The objective of this research was to identify QTL associated with native FHB and DON resistance in a 'D8006W'/'Superior', soft white winter wheat population. Results: Phenotyping was conducted in replicated FHB field disease nurseries across multiple environments and included assessments of morphological and FHB related traits. Parental lines had moderate FHB resistance, however, the population showed transgressive segregation. A 1913.2 cM linkage map for the population was developed with SNP markers from the wheat 90 K Infinium iSelect SNP array. QTL analysis detected major FHB resistance QTL on chromosomes 2D, 4B, 5A, and 7A across multiple environments, with resistance from both parents. Trait specific unique QTL were detected on chromosomes 1A (visual traits), 5D (FDK), 6B (FDK and DON), and 7D (DON). The plant height and days to anthesis QTL on chromosome 2D coincided with Ppd-D1 and were linked with FHB traits. The plant height QTL on chromosome 4B was also linked with FHB traits; however, the Rht-B1 locus did not segregate in the population. Conclusions: This study identified several QTL, including on chromosome 2D linked with Ppd-D1, for FHB resistance in a native winter wheat germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel is a crucial metal widely used in various industrial applications, such as lithium‐ion batteries and stainless‐steel production. The increasing demand for nickel and resource depletion challenges highlight the need for sustainable extraction methods. Agromining employs hyperaccumulator plants to extract nickel from soils that are either contaminated or naturally enriched in nickel. Bornmuellera emarginata is a nickel hyperaccumulator originating from Greece and a promising candidate for nickel agromining. This study aimed to identify suitable genotypes for a successful “domestication” breeding program, focusing on phenotypic traits. Seeds from 35 plants across six wild populations were cultivated under controlled conditions for 7 months to complete a full life cycle. In this period, growth parameters (e.g., plant height (PH), leaf size, and biomass) were determined. Geographically proximate populations displayed greater phenotypic similarity than those from distant locations. Substantial morphological variations, including PH (40–126 cm) and leaf length (6–13 cm), were observed. Nickel concentrations in plants ranged from 290 to 6250 mg kg−1 dry weight, resulting in nickel yields of 10–145 mg/plant. The notable phenotypic differences among genotypes provide a valuable biological resource for initiating a breeding program to enhance overall nickel yield in B. emarginata agromining crops. Selection and breeding efforts should prioritize genotypes with high biomass production and nickel concentrations. This research lays the foundation for targeted breeding to optimize the potential of B. emarginata in nickel agromining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study calculated descriptive statistics for the production traits of two broiler populations: 1) the Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF white broilers), including fat and lean lines; and 2) the Guangxi yellow broilers. Their genetic parameters were estimated, including (co)variance components, heritability (h2) and genetic correlations (rg), using the REML method.2. Heritability estimates (h2) for NEAUHLF white broilers ranged from 0.07 to 0.61. Traits with high heritability (h2 >0.3) included body weight at 3, 5 and 7 weeks of age (BW3, BW5, BW7), carcass weight (CW), metatarsal circumference (MeC), liver weight (LW), gizzard weight (GW), spleen weight (SW) and testis weight (TeW), while in Guangxi yellow broilers, heritability estimates ranged from 0.18 to 0.76, with every trait exhibiting high heritability, except for SW (0.18).3. Positive genetic correlations for NEAUHLF were found (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.31 to 0.84) between BW7 and metatarsal length (MeL), MeC, body oblique length (BoL), chest angle (ChA), LW, GW, heart weight (HW) and SW. Genetic correlations between abdominal fat weight (AFW) and BW1, BW3, BW5, CW, MeL, keel length (KeL), BoL and LW were positive (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.31 to 0.58).4. Among the Guangxi population, BW (125 d of age) showed strong positive genetic correlations with all other traits (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.30 to 0.99), while AFW displayed strong positive genetic correlations with leg muscle weight (LeW), CW, BW and thigh diameter (TD) (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.44 to 0.51).5. It was concluded that the characteristics of the two populations were different, which means there is a need to use different strategies when performing the breeding work to improve productivity and efficiency in both broiler populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of blood urea nitrogen (N) breeding value (BUNBV) on the concentration of urinary N (UN) and urinary urea N (UUN) of Hereford heifers. Thirty two heifers with divergent BUNBV: 16 low (BUNBV – 1.95 to −0.58, liveweight 208 ± 4.4 kg and age 303 ± 16.7 d; LBUN) and 16 high (BUNBV 0.32–1.91, liveweight 204 ± 4.8 kg and age 302 ± 7.9 d; HBUN) were studied over a 14-day period during which they were fed lucerne silage. Individual urine, faecal, and blood spot samples were collected in the morning (0900 h) and afternoon (1400 h) on four non-consecutive days during the second experimental week. Intakes of dry matter and N, and liveweight were similar across treatments. Positive relationships existed between BUNBV and UN (R2 =  0.51; P < 0.001), and BUNBV and UUN (R2 =  0.57; P < 0.001). One unit increase in BUNBV increased heifer UN by 0.60 ± 0.254 g/L and UUN by 0.54 ± 0.221 g/L across both sampling times (AM and PM). This suggests that breeding for low BUN may reduce the environmental impact of pastoral beef production systems. However, further research is needed to compare N balance and urination behaviours of beef heifers divergent in BUNBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]