Genetic variation and relationships among spring camelina (Camelina sativa, Brassicaceae) accessions of different origin

Camelina sativa L. is one of the oldest crops of the Brassicaceae family, first domesticated in the region of south-eastern Europe. It has regained interest as a very promising alternative oilseed crop with broad adaptability, a wide range of tolerances to pests and diseases, and low-input requirements. The genetic diversity in spring camelina proved to be limited, so the identification and characterization of genetic variations is considered very useful for development of efficient breeding programmes. The aim of the study was to use SSR markers in order to investigate genetic variation of twenty spring camelina accessions and their relatedness. Forty-five individual samples were taken from each accession and used for amplification of SSR markers P4C11, P6E4 and LIB19. The accessions expressed different levels of genetic variation, AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance) showed that 64% of the total genetic variation was attributed to variance within accessions. Genetic distance analysis indicated that there was overlapping in certain breeding programs and exchange of breeding germplasm

First Report of Fusarium equiseti as the Causal Agent of Seed Rot of Matthiola longipetala in Serbia

Matthiola longipetala (Vent) DC, commonly known as "night-scented stock" or "evening stock" is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Matthiola in the family Brassicaceae. It is a common garden flower, available in a variety of colours, many of which are heavily scented and also used in floristry. An elevated incidence of Fusarium was observed during a routine quality control seed assay of M. longipetala obtained from a private production facility in Đurđevo, Serbia in 2018. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. equiseti as a causal agent of seed rot on M. longipetala in Serbia

Targeted plant improvement through genome editing: from laboratory to field

This review illustrates how far we have come since the emergence of GE technologies and how they could be applied to obtain superior and sustainable crop production. The main challenges of today's agriculture are maintaining and raising productivity, reducing its negative impact on the environment, and adapting to climate change. Efficient plant breeding can generate elite varieties that will rapidly replace obsolete ones and address ongoing challenges in an efficient and sustainable manner. Site-specific genome editing in plants is a rapidly evolving field with tangible results. The technology is equipped with a powerful toolbox of molecular scissors to cut DNA at a pre-determined site with different efficiencies for designing an approach that best suits the objectives of each plant breeding strategy. Genome editing (GE) not only revolutionizes plant biology, but provides the means to solve challenges related to plant architecture, food security, nutrient content, adaptation to the environment, resistance to diseases and production of plant-based materials. This review illustrates how far we have come since the emergence of these technologies and how these technologies could be applied to obtain superior, safe and sustainable crop production. Synergies of genome editing with other technological platforms that are gaining significance in plants lead to an exciting new, post-genomic era for plant research and production. In previous months, we have seen what global changes might arise from one new virus, reminding us of what drastic effects such events could have on food production. This demonstrates how important science, technology, and tools are to meet the current time and the future. Plant GE can make a real difference to future sustainable food production to the benefit of both mankind and our environment.European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) CA18111info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Camelina germination under osmotic stress − Trend lines, time-courses and critical points

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] has increased cold, heat, and drought tolerance and decreased susceptibility to diseases and pests than oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Because water deficit at sowing leads to unsatisfactory stand establishment due to irregular seed germination and emergence, the aim of this study was to understand the response of camelina germination under osmotic stress and identify critical soil moisture levels for successful establishment. Two spring cultivars, NS Slatka and NS Zlatka, developed at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad, Serbia, were compared under 9 levels of osmotic stress, ranging from 0 MPa to −1.6 MPa. Polyethylene glycol was used to obtain the osmotic potential of the solutions. Results showed that the tested cultivars did not decrease germination under mild and medium osmotic stress levels (down to −0.8 MPa). However, germination significantly decreased in both cultivars under higher levels of osmotic stress, and NS Zlatka was more sensitive. Germination speed significantly increased at −0.4 MPa. The estimated osmotic potentials to stop germination were −1.45 MPa for NS Slatka and - 1.46 MPa for NS Zlatka. Time to 50% germination also showed a significant bi-linear trend in response to osmotic potential, but in the opposite direction than the one observed in germination. Inflection points were recorded at −0.77 MPa for NS Slatka and −0.78 MPa for NS Zlatka, thereafter time to 50% of germination rapidly increased. This study confirmed that camelina can withstand increased levels of drought stress at germination, so it could be considered a more suitable option than oilseed rape on marginal land, or environments with irregular precipitation

Variability of oil and tocopherol content in wheat

Wheat is one of the most widespread plant species, primarily because of its adaptability and diverse uses. Increased application of wheat oil in food, beauty and pharmaceutical industries has led to an increased importance of oil content as an indicator of quality. Wheat oil has beneficial effects on human health due to its high content of tocopherols and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The most important chemical traits of tocopherols are their antioxidant activities and biological function in vitamin E activities. The aim of this study was to determine the variability of oil and tocopherols content in 24 genetically divergent wheat cultivars from different selection cycles during a two-year period. The oil was extracted from wheat bran obtained by using laboratory mill MLU 202. The classic Rushkovsky method was used to determine the oil content, while tocopherols (a, B y) were simultaneously determined using hexane extraction and liquid chromatography with detection of fluorescence. The average oil content during two years ranged from 4.1% to 4.3%, while the minimum and maximum values ranged from 3.2% to 4.9%. The coefficient of variation (CV) value was 8.6%. The average content of a tocopherols during two years ranged from 9.1 to 13.1 mg/kg bran (min. and max. values: 3.8-18.5 mg/kg bran), 8 tocopherols 6.5-8.2 mg/kg bran (min. and max. values: 2.9-11.1 mg/kg bran) and y tocopherols 31.1-53.0 mg/kg bran (min. and max. values: 29.2-67.4 mg/kg bran). The CVs for the contents of a, B and y tocopherols were 8, 4.6 and 3.4%, respectively. The effect of genetic factors and environment (and their interaction), were highly significant for all analysed parameters, and highly significant correlations were found between them (correlations varied from 0,871** between oil content and y tocopherols to 0.990** between o and B tocopherols). Cluster analysis showing the degree of similarities was used to group the analysed varieties into clusters, which can serve as the basis for the selection of parental components to further the wheat breeding for higher oil content and quality. The results obtained from wheat bran have shown lower oil content and higher content of y tocopherols in relation to the direct extraction from the wheat germ. Varieties with higher oil and tocopherol content can be used as a good raw material for whole-wheat products with important benefits to the human health. This study was conducted as part of the Projects No. TR 31

Honey bee contribution to canola pollination in Southern Brazil Abelhas melíferas na polinização de canola no Sul do Brasil

Although canola, (Brassica napus L.), is considered a self-pollinating crop, researchers have indicated that crop productivity increases as a result of honey bee Apis mellifera L. pollination. Given this crop's growing importance in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, this work evaluated the increase in pod and seed productivity with respect to interactions with anthophilous insects and manual pollination tests. The visiting frequency of A. mellifera was correlated with the crop's blooming progression, and productivity comparisons were made between plants visited by insects, manually pollinated plants (geitonogamy and xenogamy) and plants without pollination induction. Pod set and seed production per plant were determined for each treatment. Among the 8,624 recorded flower-visiting insects, Hymenoptera representatives were the most prevalent (92.3%), among which 99.8% were A. mellifera. The correlation between these bees and blooming progression was positive (r = 0.87; p = 0.002). Pollination induction increased seed productivity from 28.4% (autogamy) to 50.4% with insect visitations, as well as to 48.7 (geitonogamy) and to 55.1% (xenogamy) through manual pollination.<br>A canola (Brassica napus L.) é considerada autocompatível, embora pesquisadores indiquem aumento na produtividade da cultura resultante da polinização efetuada por Apis mellifera L.. Considerando-se a crescente importância dessa cultura no Rio Grande do Sul, avaliou-se o incremento da produtividade de síliquas e sementes a partir de interações com insetos antófilos e com testes de polinização manual. A freqüência de visitas de A. mellifera foi relacionada com o desenvolvimento da floração da cultura e a produtividade foi comparada entre plantas visitadas por insetos, polinizadas manualmente (geitonogamia e xenogamia) e com ausência de indução de polinização. Em cada tratamento avaliou-se a produtividade de síliquas e de sementes formadas por planta. Dentre os 8.624 insetos visitantes florais registrados destacaram-se representantes de Hymenoptera (92,3%), dos quais 99,8% eram A. mellifera. A relação entre essas abelhas e o curso da floração foi positiva (r = 0,87; p = 0,002). A indução de polinização elevou a produtividade de sementes de 28,3% (autogamia) para 50,4% com livre visita de insetos e com polinização manual, respectivamente, para 48,7 (geitonogamia) e 55,1% (xenogamia)

Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de genótipos precoces de cana‑de‑açúcar no Rio Grande do Sul

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a adaptabilidade e estabilidade de genótipos de cana‑de‑açúcar de maturação precoce, quanto à produtividade de colmos e de Brix, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Quinze genótipos de maturação precoce foram avaliados nas safras 2009/2010 e 2010/2011, por meio da análise de efeitos principais aditivos e interações multiplicativas (AMMI). As interações genótipo x ambiente foram de alta significância e evidenciaram a alteração de posição na classificação dos genótipos de um ambiente para outro. Novos genótipos superaram, em produtividade e estabilidade, o genótipo‑padrão precoce RB855156, embora este ainda se destaque pela produtividade, estabilidade moderada e ampla adaptabilidade. O genótipo RB966928 destacou-se pela riqueza e produtividade de Brix, estabilidade moderada e ampla adaptabilidade. Salto do Jacuí, RS, é o ambiente mais indicado para testes preliminares de seleção de genótipos

Improvement of Wheat Quality in Cultivars Released in Serbia during the 20(th) Century

Twenty wheat varieties were analyzed to assess the contribution of 40-year breeding process to the advancement of wheat technological quality. A trial using a randomized block design with three replications was carried out during five growing seasons (2001-2005) that varied in temperature and rainfall conditions. Changes of quality were analyzed in the varieties from different breeding periods using linear regression analysis. Changes of quality indicators were expressed by regression coefficients. The studied varieties were released at 3-4-year intervals. The annual changes in genetic potentials were as follows: protein content - -0.03%, wet gluten - -0.14%, farinograph absorption -0.04%, dough energy - 1.53 cm(2), loaf volume 2.94 ml, and baking score - 0.07. The decreases in the protein and wet gluten contents were compensated for by an improvement in protein quality. The increase in gluten structure stability and appropriate combinations of high molecular weight glutenin subunits have contributed to the improvement of other quality indicators