Epigenetic variation as a new plant breeding tool : A review

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s)Epigenetic variations are inherited or uninherited effects that occur beyond the DNA sequence of an individual. However, DNA sequence has a critical role in shaping epigenetic variation. The great diversity of epigenetic markers confers an advantage of various uses without interrupting its highly environmental independence. The epigenetic effects are highlighted by many vital events, especially the regulation of gene expression in hybrid vigor and inbreeding depression, even in the absence of genetic diversity. However, various stress genes can include many repeats that undergo alternately methylation and demethylation states to regulate gene expression positively or negatively. After all the arguments raised on the genetic basis of hybrid vigor in its both traditional and molecular aspects, the term ``epigenome" strongly emerged as one of the main causes of performance deviation among offspring. These include both histone and DNA biochemical modifications, which play a key role during successive stages of development and differentiation in addition to the regulation of gene expression in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Evidence has shown a correlation between unique DNA methylation and heterosis in many plant species as well as between inbreeding and the sharp decline in fitness of most naturally crosspollinated species. Although detailed molecular mechanisms laying behind many of these plant breeding aspects remain little understood, epigenetics has provided some explanations. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.Peer reviewe

Effect of bending test on the performance of CdTe solar cells on flexible ultra-thin glass produced by MOCVD

The development of lightweight and flexible solar modules is highly desirable for high specific power applications, building integrated photovoltaics, unmanned aerial vehicles and space. Flexible metallic and polyimide foils are frequently used, but in this work an alternative substrate with attractive properties, ultra-thin glass (UTG) has been employed. CdTe solar cells with average efficiency reaching 14.7% AM1.5G efficiency have been produced on UTG of 100 μm thickness. Little has been reported on the effects on PV performance when flexed, so we investigated the effects on J-V parameters when the measurements were performed in 40 mm and 32 mm bend radius, and in a planar state before and after the bend curvature was applied. The flat J-V measurements after 32 mm bending test showed some improvement in efficiency, Voc and FF, with values higher than the first measurement in a planar state. In addition, two CdTe solar cells with identical initial performance were subjected to 32 mm static bending test for 168 hours, the results showed excellent uniformity and stability and no significant variation on J-V parameters was observed. External quantum efficiency and capacitance voltage measurements were performed and showed no significant change in spectral response or carrier concentration. Residual stress analysis showed that no additional strain was induced within the film after the bending test and that the overall strain was low. This has demonstrated the feasibility of using CdTe solar cells on UTG in new applications, when a curved module is required without compromising performance

Genetic Variations among Fleabane (<i>Conyza bonariensis</i> (L.) Cronquist) Populations in Jordan and Their Susceptibility Levels to Contact Herbicides

A field demonstration and pot experiments were implemented to assess the effect of paraquat, oxadiazon, and oxyfluorfen herbicides in controlling selected populations of fleabane Conyza bonariensis (L.), grown in the central valley of Jordan. Conyza mature seeds were collected from six investigated sites (five from Jordan valley named P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and one from the University of Jordan Campus named P6). Only populations proved to be C. bonariensis via ITS assessment were involved in the glasshouse experiments at the University of Jordan in 2017 and 2019. Results showed that recommended or two-fold higher rates (2.5 and 5 kg ha−1) of paraquat failed to affect weed plants in a date palm orchard located at Tal-al-Ramel in the Central Jordan Valley. Paraquat, oxyfluorfen, and oxadiazon (2.5, 3.3, and 5 kg ha−1, respectively), failed to control plants of the same weed population grown in pot experiments. Treated plants at Tal-al-Ramel grew similarly to untreated control, mostly due to different genetic backgrounds. The other C. bonariensis populations (University Research Station, al-Twal, and University Campus) were effectively controlled with all herbicides. The application of recommended or 10-fold higher rates of herbicides failed to control or slightly injured the resistant population. Seed DNA analysis of the ITS region showed genetic differences among the investigated populations. It indicated that four populations are C. bonariensis (P1, P3, P4, and P6). At the same time, two are C. canadensis (a closely related species) collected from the University Research Station (P2) and al-Twal sites (P5), and also that the population of C. bonariensis in the date palm orchard was genetically distinct from the other C. bonariensis populations. It is concluded that C. bonariensis population in the Tal-al-Ramel site developed resistance to paraquat, oxadiazon, and oxyfluorfen herbicides. Thus, novel alternative practices in controlling the resistant weed population are necessary to prevent its possible spread to other regions in the country and obstruct the development of new herbicide-resistance weed populations