Agronomy

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4 pages, 180 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceEditorial

Special Issue “Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops”

by Guo-Liang Jiang

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030475 - 4 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2080

Abstract

Legume crops are grown in the world primarily for their grain seeds that are widely used for human and animal consumption or for the production of oils for industrial uses [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

Research

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18 pages, 3104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic and Nodule Microbial Diversity among Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) Accessions

by Virginia Moore, Brian Davis, Megan Poskaitis, Jude E. Maul, Lisa Kissing Kucek and Steven Mirsky

Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091434 - 21 Sep 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4111

Abstract

Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) is the most common legume cover crop in the United States. Previous research found limited genetic variation for crimson clover within the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) collection. The aim of this study was to assess the [...] Read more.

Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) is the most common legume cover crop in the United States. Previous research found limited genetic variation for crimson clover within the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) collection. The aim of this study was to assess the phenotypic and nodule microbial diversity within the NPGS crimson clover collection, focusing on traits important for cover crop performance. Experiments were conducted at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (Maryland, USA) across three growing seasons (2012–2013, 2013–2014, 2014–2015) to evaluate 37 crimson clover accessions for six phenotypic traits: fall emergence, winter survival, flowering time, biomass per plant, nitrogen (N) content in aboveground biomass, and proportion of plant N from biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Accession effect was significant across all six traits. Fall emergence of plant introductions (PIs) ranged from 16.0% to 70.5%, winter survival ranged from 52.8% to 82.0%, and growing degree days (GDD) to 25% maturity ranged from 1470 GDD to 1910 GDD. Biomass per plant ranged from 1.52 to 6.51 g, N content ranged from 1.87% to 2.24%, and proportion of plant N from BNF ranged from 50.2% to 85.6%. Accessions showed particularly clear differences for fall emergence and flowering time, indicating greater diversity and potential for selection in cover crop breeding programs. Fall emergence and winter survival were positively correlated, and both were negatively correlated with biomass per plant and plant N from BNF. A few promising lines performed well across multiple key traits, and are of particular interest as parents in future breeding efforts, including PIs 369045, 418900, 561943, 561944, and 655006. In 2014–2015, accessions were also assessed for nodule microbiome diversity, and 11 genera were identified across the sampled nodules. There was large variation among accessions in terms of species diversity, but this diversity was not associated with observed plant traits, and the functional implications of nodule microbiome diversity remain unclear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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20 pages, 4188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Translational Pigeonpea Genomics Consortium for Accelerating Genetic Gains in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

by Rachit K. Saxena, Anil Hake, Anupama J. Hingane, C. V. Sameer Kumar, Abhishek Bohra, Muniswamy Sonnappa, Abhishek Rathore, Anil V. Kumar, Anil Mishra, A. N. Tikle, Chourat Sudhakar, S. Rajamani, D. K. Patil, I. P. Singh, N. P. Singh and Rajeev K. Varshney

Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091289 - 31 Aug 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5346

Abstract

Pigeonpea is one of the important pulse crops grown in many states of India and plays a major role in sustainable food and nutritional security for the smallholder farmers. In order to overcome the productivity barrier the Translational Pigeonpea Genomics Consortium (TPGC) was [...] Read more.

Pigeonpea is one of the important pulse crops grown in many states of India and plays a major role in sustainable food and nutritional security for the smallholder farmers. In order to overcome the productivity barrier the Translational Pigeonpea Genomics Consortium (TPGC) was established, representing research institutes from six different states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh) of India. To enhance pigeonpea productivity and production the team has been engaged in deploying modern genomics approaches in breeding and popularizing modern varieties in farmers’ fields. For instance, new genetic stock has been developed for trait mapping and molecular breeding initiated for enhancing resistance to fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease in 11 mega varieties of pigeonpea. In parallel, genomic segments associated with cleistogamous flower, shriveled seed, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, and seed protein content have been identified. Furthermore, 100 improved lines were evaluated for yield and desirable traits in multi-location trials in different states. Furthermore, a total of 303 farmers’ participatory varietal selection (FPVS) trials have been conducted in 129 villages from 15 districts of six states with 16 released varieties/hybrids. Additionally, one line (GRG 152 or Bheema) from multi-location trials has been identified by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pigeonpea (AICRP-Pigeonpea) and released for cultivation by the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC). In summary, the collaborative efforts of several research groups through TPGC is accelerating genetics gains in breeding plots and is expected to deliver them to pigeonpea farmers to enhance their income and improve livelihood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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15 pages, 1827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Non-Pleiotropic Loci in Flowering and Maturity Control in Soybean

by Eric J. Sedivy, Abraham Akpertey, Angela Vela, Sandra Abadir, Awais Khan and Yoshie Hanzawa

Agronomy 2020, 10(8), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10081204 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3105

Abstract

Pleiotropy is considered to have a significant impact on multi-trait evolution, but its roles in the evolution of domestication-related traits in crop species have been unclear. In soybean, several known quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling maturity, called the maturity loci, are known to [...] Read more.

Pleiotropy is considered to have a significant impact on multi-trait evolution, but its roles in the evolution of domestication-related traits in crop species have been unclear. In soybean, several known quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling maturity, called the maturity loci, are known to have major effects on both flowering and maturity in a highly correlated pleiotropic manner. Aiming at the identification of non-pleiotropic QTLs that independently control flowering and maturity and dissecting the effects of pleiotropy in these important agronomic traits, we conducted a QTL mapping experiment by creating a population from a cross between domesticated soybean G. max and its wild ancestor G. soja that underwent stringent selection for non-pleiotropy in flowering and maturity. Our QTL mapping analyses using the experimental population revealed novel loci that acted in a non-pleiotropic manner: R1-1 controlled primarily flowering and R8-1 and R8-2 controlled maturity, while R1-1 overlapped with QTL, affecting other agronomic traits. Our results suggest that pleiotropy in flowering and maturity can be genetically separated, while artificial selection during soybean domestication and diversification may have favored pleiotropic loci such as E loci that control both flowering and maturity. The non-pleiotropic loci identified in this study will help to identify valuable novel genes to optimize soybean’s life history traits and to improve soybean’s yield potential under diverse environments and cultivation schemes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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13 pages, 2290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integration of Extra-Large-Seeded and Double-Podded Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

by Kamile Gul Kivrak, Tuba Eker, Hatice Sari, Duygu Sari, Kadir Akan, Bilal Aydinoglu, Mursel Catal and Cengiz Toker

Agronomy 2020, 10(6), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060901 - 24 Jun 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4206

Abstract

A large seed size in the kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is important in the market not only due to its high price but also for its superior seedling vigor. The double-podded chickpea has a considerable yield and stability advantage over the [...] Read more.

A large seed size in the kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is important in the market not only due to its high price but also for its superior seedling vigor. The double-podded chickpea has a considerable yield and stability advantage over the single-podded chickpea. The study aimed at (i) integrating extra-large-seeded and double-podded traits in the kabuli chickpea, (ii) increasing variation by transgressive segregations and (iii) estimating the heritability of the 100-seed weight along with important agro-morphological traits in F₂ and F₃ populations. For these objectives, the large-seeded chickpea, Sierra, having a single pod and unifoliolate leaves, was crossed with the small-seeded CA 2969, having double pods and imparipinnate leaves. The inheritance pattern of the extra-large-seeded trait was polygenically controlled by partial dominant alleles. Transgressive segregations were found for all agro-morphological traits. Some progeny with 100-seed weights of ≥55 g and two pods had larger seed sizes than those of the best parents. As outputs of the epistatic effect of the double-podded gene in certain genetic backgrounds, three or more flowers or pods were found in some progeny. Progeny having imparipinnate leaves or two or more pods should be considered in breeding, since they had higher numbers of pods and seeds per plant and seed yields than their counterparts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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13 pages, 4566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethyl Methyl Sulfonate-Induced Mutagenesis and Its Effects on Peanut Agronomic, Yield and Quality Traits

by Tingting Chen, Luping Huang, Miaomiao Wang, Yang Huang, Ruier Zeng, Xinyue Wang, Leidi Wang, Shubo Wan and Lei Zhang

Agronomy 2020, 10(5), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10050655 - 5 May 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5394

Abstract

Peanut is an important oilseed and food crop worldwide; however, the development of new cultivars is limited by its remarkably low genetic variability. Therefore, in order to enhance peanut genetic variability, here, we treated two widely cultivated peanut genotypes, Huayu 22 and Yueyou [...] Read more.

Peanut is an important oilseed and food crop worldwide; however, the development of new cultivars is limited by its remarkably low genetic variability. Therefore, in order to enhance peanut genetic variability, here, we treated two widely cultivated peanut genotypes, Huayu 22 and Yueyou 45, with different concentrations of the mutagen ethyl methyl sulfonate (EMS) for different durations. Based on median lethal dose (LD50) value, optimal EMS treatment concentrations for each duration were identified for each genotype. Mutants induced by EMS differed in various phenotypic traits, including plant height, number of branches, leaf characteristics, and yield and quality in plants of the M2 generation. Moreover, we identified potentially useful mutants associated with dwarfism, leaf color and shape, high oil and/or protein content, seed size and testa color, among individuals of the M2 generation. Mutations were stably inherited in M3-generation individuals. In addition to their contribution to the study and elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the expression of some important agronomic traits, the mutants obtained in this study provide valuable germplasm resources for use in peanut improvement programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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16 pages, 2612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of Soybean Mutant Diversity Pool (MDP) Lines and an Analysis of Their Genetic Relationships and Associations Using TRAP Markers

by Dong-Gun Kim, Jae Il Lyu, Min-Kyu Lee, Jung Min Kim, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Min Jeong Hong, Jin-Baek Kim, Chang-Hyu Bae and Soon-Jae Kwon

Agronomy 2020, 10(2), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020253 - 10 Feb 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3485

Abstract

Mutation breeding is useful for improving agronomic characteristics of various crops. In this study, we conducted a genetic diversity and association analysis of soybean mutants to assess elite mutant lines. On the basis of phenotypic traits, we chose 208 soybean mutants as a [...] Read more.

Mutation breeding is useful for improving agronomic characteristics of various crops. In this study, we conducted a genetic diversity and association analysis of soybean mutants to assess elite mutant lines. On the basis of phenotypic traits, we chose 208 soybean mutants as a mutant diversity pool (MDP). We then investigated the genetic diversity and inter-relationships of these MDP lines using target region amplification polymorphism (TRAP) markers. Among the different TRAP primer combinations, polymorphism levels and polymorphism information content (PIC) values averaged 59.71% and 0.15, respectively. Dendrogram and population structure analyses divided the MDP lines into four major groups. According to an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), the percentage of inter-population variation among mutants was 11.320 (20.6%), whereas mutant intra-population variation ranged from 0.231 (0.4%) to 14.324 (26.1%). Overall, intra-population genetic similarity was higher than that of inter-populations. In an analysis of the association between TRAP markers and agronomic traits using three different statistical approaches based on the single factor analysis (SFA), the Q general linear model (GLM), and the mixed linear model (Q+K MLM), we detected six significant marker–trait associations involving five phenotypic traits. Our results suggest that the MDP has great potential for soybean genetic resources and that TRAP markers are useful for the selection of soybean mutants for soybean mutation breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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18 pages, 1536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

QTL Mapping for Drought-Responsive Agronomic Traits Associated with Physiology, Phenology, and Yield in an Andean Intra-Gene Pool Common Bean Population

by Aleš Sedlar, Mateja Zupin, Marko Maras, Jaka Razinger, Jelka Šuštar-Vozlič, Barbara Pipan and Vladimir Meglič

Agronomy 2020, 10(2), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020225 - 4 Feb 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4134

Abstract

Understanding the genetic background of drought tolerance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can aid its resilience improvement. However, drought response studies in large seeded genotypes of Andean origin are insufficient. Here, a novel Andean intra-gene pool genetic linkage map was created [...] Read more.

Understanding the genetic background of drought tolerance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can aid its resilience improvement. However, drought response studies in large seeded genotypes of Andean origin are insufficient. Here, a novel Andean intra-gene pool genetic linkage map was created for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of drought-responsive traits in a recombinant inbred line population from a cross of two cultivars differing in their response to drought. Single environment and QTL × environment analysis revealed 49 QTLs for physiology, phenology, and yield-associated traits under control and/or drought conditions. Notable QTLs for days to flowering (Df1.1 and Df 1.2) were co-localized with a putative QTL for days to pods (Dp1.1) on linkage group 1, suggesting pleiotropy for genes controlling them. QTLs with stable effects for number of seeds per pod (Sp2.1) in both seasons and putative water potential QTLs (Wp1.1, Wp5.1) were detected. Detected QTLs were validated by projection on common bean consensus linkage map. Drought response-associated QTLs identified in the novel Andean recombinant inbred line (RIL) population confirmed the potential of Andean germplasm in improving drought tolerance in common bean. Yield-associated QTLs Syp1.1, Syp1.2, and Sp2.1 in particular could be useful for marker-assisted selection for higher yield of Andean common beans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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18 pages, 1602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural Variation in Fatty Acid Composition of Diverse World Soybean Germplasms Grown in China

by Ahmed M. Abdelghany, Shengrui Zhang, Muhammad Azam, Abdulwahab S. Shaibu, Yue Feng, Jie Qi, Yanfei Li, Yu Tian, Huilong Hong, Bin Li and Junming Sun

Agronomy 2020, 10(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10010024 - 23 Dec 2019

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6185

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Its major content of vegetable oil made it widely used for human consumption and several food industries. To investigate the variation in seed fatty acid composition of [...] Read more.

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Its major content of vegetable oil made it widely used for human consumption and several food industries. To investigate the variation in seed fatty acid composition of soybeans from different origins, a set of 633 soybean accessions originated from four diverse germplasm collections—including China, United States of America (USA), Japan, and Russia—were grown in three locations, Beijing, Anhui, and Hainan for two years. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.001) among the four germplasm origins for all fatty acid contents investigated. Higher levels, on average, of palmitic acid (PA) and linolenic acid (LNA) were observed in Russian germplasm (12.31% and 8.15%, respectively), whereas higher levels of stearic acid (SA) and oleic acid (OA) were observed in Chinese germplasm (3.95% and 21.95%, respectively). The highest level of linoleic acid (LA) was noticed in the USA germplasm accessions (56.34%). The largest variation in fatty acid composition was found in LNA, while a large variation was observed between Chinese and USA germplasms for LA level. Maturity group (MG) significantly (P < 0.0001) affected all fatty acids and higher levels of PA, SA, and OA were observed in early maturing accessions, while higher levels of LA and LNA were observed in late maturing accessions. The trends of fatty acids concentrations with different MG in this study further provide an evidence of the importance of MG in breeding for such soybean seed components. Collectively, the unique accessions identified in this study can be used to strengthen the soybean breeding programs for meeting various human nutrition patterns around the globe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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24 pages, 4951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic and Genomic Diversity in a Tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) Germplasm Collection and Adaptability to Mediterranean Climate Conditions

by Norberto Guilengue, Sofia Alves, Pedro Talhinhas and João Neves-Martins

Agronomy 2020, 10(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10010021 - 22 Dec 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6849

Abstract

Lupinus mutabilis (tarwi) is a species of Andean origin with high protein and oil content and regarded as a potential crop in Europe. The success in the introduction of this crop depends in part on in depth knowledge of the intra-specific genetic variability [...] Read more.

Lupinus mutabilis (tarwi) is a species of Andean origin with high protein and oil content and regarded as a potential crop in Europe. The success in the introduction of this crop depends in part on in depth knowledge of the intra-specific genetic variability of the collections, enabling the establishment of breeding and conservation programs. In this study, we used morphological traits, Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat markers and genome size to assess genetic and genomic diversity of 23 tarwi accessions under Mediterranean conditions. Phenotypic analyses and yield component studies point out accession LM268 as that achieving the highest seed production, producing large seeds and efficiently using primary branches as an important component of total yield, similar to the L. albus cultivars used as controls. By contrast, accession JKI-L295 presents high yield concentrated on the main stem, suggesting a semi-determinate development pattern. Genetic and genomic analyses revealed important levels of diversity, however not relatable to phenotypic diversity, reflecting the recent domestication of this crop. This is the first study of genome size diversity within L. mutabilis, revealing an average size of 2.05 pg/2C (2001 Mbp) with 9.2% variation (1897–2003 Mbp), prompting further studies for the exploitation of this diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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10 pages, 313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantile Regression Applied to Genome-Enabled Prediction of Traits Related to Flowering Time in the Common Bean

by Ana Carolina Nascimento, Moyses Nascimento, Camila Azevedo, Fabyano Silva, Leiri Barili, Naine Vale, José Eustáquio Carneiro, Cosme Cruz, Pedro Crescencio Carneiro and Nick Serão

Agronomy 2019, 9(12), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9120796 - 23 Nov 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3472

Abstract

Genomic selection (GS) aims to incorporate molecular information directly into the prediction of individual genetic merit. Regularized quantile regression (RQR) can be used to fit models for all portions of a probability distribution of the trait, enabling the conditional quantile that “best” represents [...] Read more.

Genomic selection (GS) aims to incorporate molecular information directly into the prediction of individual genetic merit. Regularized quantile regression (RQR) can be used to fit models for all portions of a probability distribution of the trait, enabling the conditional quantile that “best” represents the functional relationship between dependent and independent variables to be chosen. The objective of this study was to predict the individual genetic merits of the traits associated with flowering time (DFF—days to first flower; DTF—days to flower) in the common bean using RQR and to compare the predictive abilities obtained from Random Regression Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (RR-BLUP), Bayesian LASSO (BLASSO), BayesB, and RQR for predicting the genetic merit. GS was performed using 80 genotypes of common beans genotyped for 380 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Considering the “best” RQR fit models (RQR0.3 for DFF, and RQR0.2 for DTF), the gains in predictive ability in relation to BLASSO, BayesB, and RR-BLUP were 18.75%, 22.58%, and 15.15% for DFF, respectively, and 15.20%, 24.65%, and 12.55% for DTF, respectively. The potential cultivars selected, considering the RQR “best” models, were among the 5% of cultivars with the lowest genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) for the DFF and DTF traits—the IAC Imperador, IPR Colibri, Capixaba Precoce, and IPR Andorinha were included in the list of early cycle cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

11 pages, 1578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Analysis and Gene Mapping for a Short-Petiole Mutant in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

by Meifeng Liu, Yaqi Wang, Junyi Gai, Javaid Akhter Bhat, Yawei Li, Jiejie Kong and Tuanjie Zhao

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110709 - 1 Nov 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3472

Abstract

Short petiole is a valuable trait for the improvement of plant canopy of ideotypes with high yield. Here, we identified a soybean mutant line derived short petiole (dsp) with extremely short petiole in the field, which is obviously different from most [...] Read more.

Short petiole is a valuable trait for the improvement of plant canopy of ideotypes with high yield. Here, we identified a soybean mutant line derived short petiole (dsp) with extremely short petiole in the field, which is obviously different from most short-petiole lines identified previously. Genetic analysis on 941 F₂ individuals and subsequent segregation analysis of 184 F_2:3 and 172 F_3:4 families revealed that the dsp mutant was controlled by two recessive genes, named as dsp1 and dsp2. Map-based cloning showed that these two recessive genes were located on two nonhomologous regions of chromosome 07 and chromosome 11, of which the dsp1 locus was mapped at a physical interval of 550.5-Kb on chromosome 07 near to centromere with flanking markers as BARCSOYSSR_07_0787 and BARCSOYSSR_07_0808; whereas, the dsp2 locus was mapped to a 263.3-Kb region on chromosome 11 with BARCSOYSSR_11_0037 and BARCSOYSSR_11_0043 as flanking markers. A total of 36 and 33 gene models were located within the physical genomic interval of dsp1 and dsp2 loci, respectively. In conclusion, the present study identified markers linked with genomic regions responsible for short-petiole phenotype of soybean, which can be effectively used to develop ideal soybean cultivars through marker-assisted breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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30 pages, 2135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Water Absorption Capacity and Cooking Time of Wild Under-Exploited Vigna Species towards their Domestication

by Difo Voukang Harouna, Pavithravani B. Venkataramana, Athanasia O. Matemu and Patrick Alois Ndakidemi

Agronomy 2019, 9(9), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9090509 - 4 Sep 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4444

Abstract

Some phenotypic traits from wild legumes are relatively less examined and exploited towards their domestication and improvement. Cooking time for instance, is one of the most central factors that direct a consumer’s choice for a food legume. However, such characters, together with seed [...] Read more.

Some phenotypic traits from wild legumes are relatively less examined and exploited towards their domestication and improvement. Cooking time for instance, is one of the most central factors that direct a consumer’s choice for a food legume. However, such characters, together with seed water absorption capacity are less examined by scientists, especially in wild legumes. Therefore, this study explores the cooking time and the water absorption capacity upon soaking on 84 accessions of wild Vigna legumes and establishes a relationship between their cooking time and water absorbed during soaking for the very first time. The accessions were grown in two agro-ecological zones and used in this study. The Mattson cooker apparatus was used to determine the cooking time of each accession and 24 h soaking was performed to evaluate water absorbed by each accession. The two-way analysis of variance revealed that there is no interaction between the water absorption capacity and cooking time of the wild Vigna accessions with their locations or growing environments. The study revealed that there is no environment × genotype interaction with respect to cooking time and water absorption capacity as phenotypic traits while genotype interactions were noted for both traits within location studied. Furthermore, 11 wild genotypes of Vigna accessions showed no interaction between the cooking time and the water absorption capacity when tested. However, a strong negative correlation was observed in some of the wild Vigna species which present phenotypic similarities and clusters with domesticated varieties. The study could also help to speculate on some candidates for domestication among the wild Vigna species. Such key preliminary information could be of vital consideration in breeding, improvement, and domestication of wild Vigna legumes to make them useful for human benefit as far as cooking time is concerned. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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11 pages, 3168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trypsin Inhibitor Assessment with Biochemical and Molecular Markers in a Soybean Germplasm Collection and Hybrid Populations for Seed Quality Improvement

by Kulpash Bulatova, Shynar Mazkirat, Svetlana Didorenko, Dilyara Babissekova, Mukhtar Kudaibergenov, Perizat Alchinbayeva, Sholpan Khalbayeva and Yuri Shavrukov

Agronomy 2019, 9(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9020076 - 11 Feb 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4106

Abstract

A soybean germplasm collection was studied for the identification of accessions with low trypsin inhibitor content in seeds. Twenty-nine accessions, parental plants, and two hybrid populations were selected and analyzed using genetic markers for alleles of the Ti3 locus, encoding Kunitz trypsin inhibitor [...] Read more.

A soybean germplasm collection was studied for the identification of accessions with low trypsin inhibitor content in seeds. Twenty-nine accessions, parental plants, and two hybrid populations were selected and analyzed using genetic markers for alleles of the Ti3 locus, encoding Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI). Most of the accessions had high or very high KTI (49.22–73.53 Trypsin units inhibited (TUI/mg seeds), while the two local Kazakh cultivars, Lastochka and Ivushka, were found to have a moderately high content of KTI, at 54.16–54.87 TUI/mg. In contrast, two soybean cultivars from Italy, Hilario and Ascasubi, showed the lowest levels of trypsin units inhibited, at 25.47–27.87 TUI/mg. Electrophoresis of seed proteins in a non-denaturing system showed a simple discrimination pattern and very clear presence/absence of bands corresponding to KTI. The SSR marker Satt228 was the most effective diagnostic marker among the three examined, and it confirmed the presence of the homozygous null-allele ti3/ti3 in cultivars Ascasubi and Hilario, which were used for hybridization with the local cv. Lastochka. Heterozygote F₁ hybrid plants and homozygous ti3/ti3 lines in F₂ segregating populations were successfully identified using Satt228. Finally, through marker-assisted selection with Satt228, prospective homozygous ti3/ti3 lines were produced for further application in the breeding program aimed at improving soybean seed quality in Kazakhstan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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16 pages, 2352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seedling Growth and Transcriptional Responses to Salt Shock and Stress in Medicago sativa L., Medicago arborea L., and Their Hybrid (Alborea)

by Eleni Tani, Efi Sarri, Maria Goufa, Georgia Asimakopoulou, Maria Psychogiou, Edwin Bingham, George N. Skaracis and Eleni M. Abraham

Agronomy 2018, 8(10), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy8100231 - 18 Oct 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3814

Abstract

Salinity is a major limiting factor in crop productivity worldwide. Medicago sativa L. is an important fodder crop, broadly cultivated in different environments, and it is moderately tolerant of salinity. Medicago arborea L. is considered a stress-tolerant species and could be an important [...] Read more.

Salinity is a major limiting factor in crop productivity worldwide. Medicago sativa L. is an important fodder crop, broadly cultivated in different environments, and it is moderately tolerant of salinity. Medicago arborea L. is considered a stress-tolerant species and could be an important genetic resource for the improvement of M. sativa’s salt tolerance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the seedling response of M. sativa, M. arborea, and their hybrid (Alborea) to salt shock and salt stress treatments. Salt treatments were applied as follows: salt stress treatment at low dose (50 mM NaCl), gradual acclimatization at 50–100 and 50–100–150 mM NaCl, and two salt shock treatments at 100 and 150 mM NaCl. Growth rates were evaluated in addition to transcriptional profiles of representative genes that control salt uptake and transport (NHX1 and RCI2A), have an osmotic function (P5CS1), and participate in signaling pathways and control cell growth and leaf function (SIMKK, ZFN, and AP2/EREB). Results showed that the studied population of M. sativa and M. arborea performed equally well under salt stress, whereas that of M. sativa performed better under salt shock. The productivity of the studied population of Alborea exceeded that of its parents under normal conditions. Nevertheless, Alborea was extremely sensitive to all initial salt treatments except the low dose (50 mM NaCl). In addition, significantly higher expression levels of all the studied genes were observed in the population of M. arborea under both salt shock and salt stress. On the other hand, in the population of M. sativa, NHX1, P5CS1, and AP2/EREB were highly upregulated under salt shock but to a lesser extent under salt stress. Thus, the populations of M. sativa and M. arborea appear to regulate different components of salt tolerance mechanisms. Knowledge of the different parental mechanisms of salt tolerance could be important when incorporating both mechanisms in Alborea populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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Review

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23 pages, 1383 KiB

Open AccessReview

Past, Present and Future Perspectives on Groundnut Breeding in Burkina Faso

by Moumouni Konate, Jacob Sanou, Amos Miningou, David Kalule Okello, Haile Desmae, Paspuleti Janila and Rita H. Mumm

Agronomy 2020, 10(5), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10050704 - 14 May 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6294

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major food and cash crop in Burkina Faso. Due to the growing demand for raw oilseeds, there is an increasing interest in groundnut production from traditional rain-fed areas to irrigated environments. However, despite implementation of many [...] Read more.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major food and cash crop in Burkina Faso. Due to the growing demand for raw oilseeds, there is an increasing interest in groundnut production from traditional rain-fed areas to irrigated environments. However, despite implementation of many initiatives in the past to increase groundnut productivity and production, the groundnut industry still struggles to prosper due to the fact of several constraints including minimal development research and fluctuating markets. Yield penalty due to the presence of drought and biotic stresses continue to be a major drawback for groundnut production. This review traces progress in the groundnut breeding that started in Burkina Faso before the country’s political independence in 1960 through to present times. Up to the 1980s, groundnut improvement was led by international research institutions such as IRHO (Institute of Oils and Oleaginous Research) and ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics). However, international breeding initiatives were not sufficient to establish a robust domestic groundnut breeding programme. This review also provides essential information about opportunities and challenges for groundnut research in Burkina Faso, emphasising the need for institutional attention to genetic improvement of the crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Legume Crops)

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