Identification of QTLs for Yield Related Traits in Indica Type Rice Using SSR and AFLP Markers

This research was carried out to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling yield and yield components in rice using 196 F2:4 lines derived from a cross between two rice varieties of indica, Sepidrood and Gharib. Quantitative trait loci analysis using composite interval mapping was carried out by 105 SSR and 111 AFLP markers. Results showed that 8 chromosomes contain 28 regions (QTLs) controlling 11 studied traits. One QTL was mapped for the number of spikelet per panicle on chromosome 12, three QTLs for number of filled grains per panicle on chromosomes 1, 6 and 11, three QTLs for empty spikelets per panicle on chromosomes 2, 3 and 12, five QTLs for plant height on chromosomes 1, 7 (2 QTLs), eight and 11, four QTLs for days to 50% flowering on chromosomes 2, 3 (2 QTLs) and 6, one QTL for panicle length on chromosome 1, two QTLs for 1000 grain weight on chromosomes 1 and 2, three QTLs for number of panicles per plant on chromosomes 1, 3 and 6, one QTL for grain yield on chromosome 3, four QTLs for days to maturity on chromosomes 2, 3 (2 QTLs) and 6 and one QTL for fertility percentage on chromosome 11. The identified QTLs on specific chromosome regions explaining high phenotypic variance can be considered for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): An Important Medicinal and Aromatic Crop

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual forage legume and a traditional spice and aromatic crop that has been grown for centuries across the Indian subcontinent. In addition to South Asia, the crop is also grown in some parts of North Africa, Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, China, South East (SE) Asia, Australia, the USA, Argentina and Canada. The plant has been used traditionally in Indian Ayurvedic medicines as well as in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medication for several centuries. Modern research has also demonstrated that fenugreek seed and leaves are useful in the treatment of a number of diseases including successfully reducing blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels in both animals and humans. The plant has recently attracted great interest in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and functional food industries due to its rich medicinal properties

Evaluation of biochemical, physiological traits and percentage of essential oil of sickleweed (Falcaria vulgaris) population in different geographical and climatic regions

Sickleweed (Falcaria vulgaris) is the name of a species of annual, and perennial herbaceous plants of the genus Falcaria. Climate change could negatively influnces the performance of various plant species in plant kingdom. In this study, 15 different sickleweed populations from seven provinces of the country were collected based on an unbalanced nest design with 10 replications and the percentage of essential oil, types of chlorophyll, phenol, proline, protein, and carotenoids were measured on them. The results showed that there was a significant difference between populations at the level of one percent for the studied traits. The results of the mean comparison showed that populations Ard-Shaban and Qaz-Ilan in terms of the evaluated traits and especially the percentage of essential oil were at the upper of the studied samples and selected as suitable populations. In addition, populations Gilan-Deylaman and Kur-Gerger-e Sofla were also identified as superior populations in terms of studied traits by cluster analysis and principle component analysis (PCA). Since the high level of proline and biochemical and physiological traits in plants can play a role in plants’ tolerance to stresses, therefore, populations with high values of these traits can be used in stress tolerance breeding programs. Therefore, in this study, populations Gilan-Deylaman and Kur-Gerger-e Sofla can be suitable populations for this purpose. In addition, the essential oil of this plant is used in the treatment of diseases, and therefore populations Ard-Shaban and Qaz-Ilan, which showed a high percentage of essential oil, can be used in breeding programs to increase the performance of this trait

Genetic diversity in Sickleweed (Falcaria vulgaris) and using stepwise regression to identify marker associated with traits

Abstract One of the well-known medicinal plants in the Falcaria genus is Sickleweed. Falcaria species exhibit a high degree of genetic variability, posing challenges in the examination of genetic diversity due to the significant potential for hybridization and introgression among them. Utilizing morphological traits and molecular markers may prove to be a valuable approach in evaluating and harnessing germplasm, considering the current obstacles faced in breeding this medicinal herb. In 2021, fifteen Sickleweed populations were cultivated in pots under field conditions, employing a randomized complete block design with three replications. This aimed to assess genetic diversity and conduct marker-trait association analyses utilizing morpho-physiological characteristics and SSR markers. The Sickleweed populations displayed considerable genetic diversity across all traits. Through cluster analysis of traits and the utilization of the UPGMA method based on the Gower distance matrix, the population was classified into three distinct clusters. Upon examining all genotypes, 52 polymorphic bands were detected, with an average of 8.68 bands per primer. The average expected heterozygosity across all loci was 0.864, while the average PIC was 0.855. Molecular data analysis employing the Jaccard similarity index and UPGMA method revealed the division of Sickleweed populations into two major groups. Furthermore, the results of molecular variance analysis indicated that variation within the population exceeded that between populations. Thirty-two SSR fragments were found to be significantly associated with genomic regions controlling the studied traits, determined through the application of stepwise regression. Selection based on molecular markers offers a rapid method for breeding programs, with the genetic information obtained from these markers playing a crucial role. Therefore, alongside traits, selecting superior genotypes and populations of high value in breeding programs becomes feasible. The findings highlight that certain markers are linked to multiple traits, emphasizing the critical importance of this characteristic in plant breeding for the simultaneous improvement of numerous traits. The study’s insights regarding markers hold potential for application in Sickleweed breeding programs

The results of four principal component analyses for traits.

The results of four principal component analyses for traits.</p

Environmental and geographical conditions influence color, physical properties, and physiochemical composition of pomegranate fruits

Abstract The highest quality pomegranate necessitates a tropical or subtropical environment for proper growth and development. This study evaluated two pomegranate cultivars including Rabab Poost Ghermez Neyriz (RPGN) and Makhmal Malas Shahreza (MMS) for physical traits, biochemical properties, and juice quality in their native locations as well as other warm and arid regions during two growing seasons (2019–2020 and 2020–2021) in Iran. The results showed that cultivars with the maximum redness (a*) were more likely to originate in cooler climates, and the cultivar’s responses to changing climates were also different. According to pomegranate characteristics, cultivars in different regions had different fruit, aril, and skin weights. According to these findings, pomegranate fruits cultivated in other climates than the origin climate have a smaller edible fraction. The findings also demonstrate that pomegranate fruits cultivated in mountain climates have more significant biochemical parameters such as total phenol, anthocyanin content, antioxidant capacity, and vitamin C than those produced in desert environment settings. The increased titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), and pH values of pomegranates produced in origin climate than the warm environment; thus, suggest that changes in pomegranate cultivar origin had a clear impact on fruit juice quality. Environmental factors, such as wind speed, altitude, and annual precipitation, had a significant correlation with a* skin, TSS, fruit weight, aril weight, edible portion, pH, TA, phenol, antioxidants, and anthocyanin content

The biplot grouping of studied population based on four principal component analysis.

The biplot grouping of studied population based on four principal component analysis.</p

The cluster analysis dendrogram of studied population based on UPGMA method.

The cluster analysis dendrogram of studied population based on UPGMA method.</p

Descriptive statistics of biochemical and physiological traits in sickleweed populations.

Descriptive statistics of biochemical and physiological traits in sickleweed populations.</p

The mean comparison of physiological and biochemical studied traits for sickleweed populations using Duncan’s method.

The mean comparison of physiological and biochemical studied traits for sickleweed populations using Duncan’s method.</p