Molecular markers for predicting end-products quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) are key factors in bread making quality since they are major contributors of glutenin elasticity and polymer formation of wheat dough. DNA markersfor quality traits are currently used by wheat breeders for direct measurement of these traits without waiting for advancing generations of breeding materials to conduct biochemical tests. The goal of thisstudy was to use DNA markers for screening newly developed Saudi wheat varieties for the presence of HMW-GS genes. Four new Saudi wheat lines (KSU 102, KSU 103, KSU 105 and KSU 106) and twoAmerican cultivars Yecora rojo and West Bread (popular in the Kingdom) were utilized in screening for the presence of the HMW-GS using primers covering the three wheat genomes. From the A genome,Ax2* was used. While two sets of primer pairs were used in the B genome. One primer pair for the Bx7 allele and another primer pair for By8 allele. From the D genome, primer pairs for Dx2/Dx5 and anotherprimer pair for Dy10/Dy12 were used. Our results showed that both KSU 102 and 106 were missing Ax2* in the Glu alleles A1 and contain the Dy12 in the Glu-D1 locus which is indication of the poor breadmaking quality. On the other hand KSU 103 and 105 contained subunit Ax2* as well as Dx5 and Dy10indicates that these two varieties are of moderate bread making quality. In contrast, both West Breadand Yecora Rojo contained all the five genes indicating that these two cultivars are of good quality

Genetic structure and diversity within and among six populations of Capparis decidua (forssk.) edgew. from Saudi Arabia

Capparis decidua is a rangeland plant species growing in isolated populations in Saudi Arabia. Genetic diversity within and among six populations (Madina, Farasan island, Hawayer Assos, Khor Assos, Raudhat Khuraim, and Taif) of C. decidua was studied using RAPD technique. Of the 25 random primers were used, eighteen (18) primers generated discernible and reproducible bands. A total of 152 reproducible RAPD bands across the 36 individuals were amplified. Out of those, 117 (76.2%) RAPD bands were polymorphic. The number of polymorphic bands per primer ranged between 3 and 11 with an average of 6.5 bands per primer. Populations differed in the level of genetic diversity as shown from the percentage of polymorphic bands. Farasan population had the highest level of genetic diversity (24.3%) and two populations Khor Assos (5.9%) and Taif (4.6%) had the lowest genetic diversity. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed highly significant differences among populations. Among the population variance accounted, there is a higher percentage of the total variance (average 77.67%, SD±8.21) than within populations (average 22.33%, SD±8.21). There is no significant correlation between geographical distance and genetic distance was found. However, there was a significant positive correlation between molecular genetic variation and actual population size. The implication of the results of this study in devising strategy for conservation of C. decidua is discussed.Key words: Capparis decidua, Tandhab, Assos, Population size, RAPD markers, Genetic diversity

Ameliorating effect of olive oil on fertility of male rats fed on genetically modified soya bean

Background: Genetically modified soya bean (GMSB) is a commercialized food. It has been shown to have adverse effects on fertility in animal trials. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has many beneficial effects including anti-oxidant properties. The aim of this study is to elucidate if addition of EVOO ameliorates the adverse effects on reproductive organs of rats fed on GMSB containing diet. Methods: Forty adult male albino rats (150–180 g) of Sprague Dawley strain were separated into four groups of 10 rats each: Group 1 – control group fed on basal ration, Group 2 – fed on basal ration mixed with EVOO (30%), Group 3 – fed on basal ration mixed with GMSB (15%), and Group 4 – fed on basal ration mixed with GMSB (15%) and EVOO (30%). This feeding regimen was administered for 65 days. Blood samples were collected to analyze serum zinc, vitamin E, and testosterone levels. Histopathological and weight changes in sex organs were evaluated. Results: GMSB diet reduced weight of testis (0.66±0.06 vs. 1.7±0.06, p<0.001), epididymis (0.489±0.03 vs. 0.7±0.03, p<0.001), prostate (0.04±0.009 vs. 0.68±0.04, p<0.001), and seminal vesicles (0.057±0.01 vs. 0.8±0.04, p<0.001). GMSB diet adversely affected sperm count (406±7.1 vs. 610±7.8, p<0.001), motility (p<0.001), and abnormality (p<0.001). GMSB diet also reduced serum zinc (p<0.05), vitamin E (p<0.05), and testosterone (p<0.05) concentrations. EVOO diet had no detrimental effect. Addition of EVOO to GMSB diet increased the serum zinc (p<0.05), vitamin E (p<0.05), and testosterone (p<0.05) levels and also restored the weights of testis (1.35±0.16 vs. 0.66±0.06, p<0.01), epididymis (0.614±0.13 vs. 0.489±0.03, p<0.001), prostate (0.291±0.09 vs. 0.04±0.009, p<0.001), seminal vesicle (0.516±0.18 vs. 0.057±0.01, p<0.001) along with sperm count (516±3.1 vs. 406±7.1, p<0.01), motility (p<0.01), and abnormality (p<0.05). Conclusion: EVOO ameliorates the adverse effects of GMSB on reproductive organs in adult male albino rats. This protective action of EVOO justifies its use against the oxidative damage induced by GMSB in reproductive organs

Grain quality in breeding

Grain characteristics (hardness, protein content/quality, starch properties, enzymatic activity, etc.) play an important role in the definition of end use quality for wheat-based products. Among them, gluten strength and extensibility, mostly determined by glutenin and gliadin composition, are two of the main factors that determine gluten quality. The complex inheritance of most quality traits has led to the development of indirect tests used in breeding for early and advanced generation selection. The main focus of breeders is adding resistance to biotic stress (fungi, insects, nematodes, etc.) and increasing grain yield while selection for quality often occurs in later generations. This often results in the propagation of poor quality lines that must be later discarded. Evaluation of quality in early generations requires suitable tests, preferably non-destructive. Increasing knowledge of the genes involved in quality will facilitate more precise and effective selection. Recent advances in wheat genome sequencing and the extensive genotyping of mapping populations has led to a precise molecular characterization of high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) glutenins, as well as the discovery of genes associated with quality traits like grain hardness, starch composition (e.g., waxy genes), etc. Massive genomic data will impact in breeding programs allowing quality fine tuning by precise selection of glutenins, starch, hardness and other traits, for specific end uses through marker assisted selection, genomic selection, etc. This chapter will describe different methods used for quality selection in breeding programs and research, and some examples of integration of local breeding programs with the extremely diverse end-uses of wheat based on a series of case-studies. Current and potential approaches to quality evaluation in durum wheat, wild relatives and synthetic wheat breeding programs will be also presented