Adaption of Wheat Genotypes to Drought Stress

Drought can serve to restrict the growth and development of wheat. The current research was conducted to screen for drought-tolerant wheat genotypes through phenotypic markers, including growth indicators and yield. We used a Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design with three replicate sites (about333 m2 area per replicate). Six wheat genotypes which are frequently grown under rain-fed conditions at the southern highland of West-Bank, Palestine were evaluated for specific phenotypes including stem length, spike with awns length, awns length, number of tillers, total grain, total hay, and mass of seeds (per 100). The results showed significant variations among the six wheat genotypes for most of the measured parameters. Yellow-Hetia genotype showed the highest stem length, spike with awns length, awns length, weight of 100 seeds, and yield (grain plus hay). However, the remaining genotypes presented almost similar production ranging from 475-488 kg/dunum. In contrary, Nab-El-Jamal genotype exhibited the lowest grain production and Um-El-Rabee' genotype revealed the minimum hay production. Based on our data, Yellow-Hetia could be a promising cultivar for future breeding programs, especially those involving drought tolerance

Assessment of genetic diversity in lentils (Lens culinaris medik.) based on SNPs

This study is the first attempt to establish an SNP database for the purpose of estimating the genetic diversity and relatedness of Palestinian lentil genotypes. A total of 14 lentil accessions (11 local, two supplied by ICARDA, and one introduced from Italy) were investigated. By sequencing two genes, lectin and lipid transfer protein 5 (LTP5), four SNPs were detected (three in the first and one in latter gene) with average frequencies of one SNP every 228 and 578 bp, respectively. In addition, in LTP5 two single-nucleotide indels were observed in the non-coding part of the gene. Four haplotypes were identified in the lectin gene, three in LTP5. One lectin haplotype coincided with that present in GenBank belonging to two cultivated varieties, two were rather similar to this, whereas the last one turned out closer to the sequence of one wild lentil accession, indicating the existence of diversity in the Palestinian germplasm. These results, enhancing the available knowledge of lentil genetic resources in Palestine, may contribute to their conservation and utilization in breeding projects

Genetic diversity among palestinian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) ecotypes based on single nucleotide polymorphisms

The present study is the first attempt to establish a SNP database for Palestinian faba bean accessions, in order to evaluate the relationships among them and the genetic diversity present. A total of 17 faba bean accessions (13 local and four supplied by ICARDA), were considered using a SNP assay in the coding region of the actin gene. Subsequently, five SNPs were detected, with an average frequency of 1 SNP every 139 bp, showing thereby a higher polymorphism compared with other legume crops. Cluster analysis with UPGMA revealed five groups of faba bean accessions, somehow reflecting their origin. This is a first evaluation of the use of SNP in the characterization of Palestinian faba bean genetic resources for their conservation and future utilization

Molecular identification and genetic relationships of Palestinian grapevine cultivars

Palestine has a wide range of agro-ecological concerns and hosts a large variety of plants. Grapes are part of the cultural heritage and provide an indispensable food ingredient. Local cultivars have been traditionally identified on the basis of morphological traits, geographical origin, or names of the vineyard owner; therefore, the occurrence of homonymy, synonymy, and misnaming significantly prevents their valorization. DNA profiling by 22 common SSR markers was used to characterize 43 putative cultivars grown mainly for local table grape consumption at the southern highland regions of West-Bank, to further evaluate genetic diversity and relationships of the population. Consistent matching of SSR markers with grapevines cultivated in neighboring countries or maintained in European germplasm collections was found for 8 of the 21 different non-redundant genotypes discovered, suggesting possible synonyms as well as the occurrence of breeding selections formerly developed in the USA. Genetic relationships inferred from SSR markers clearly assigned Palestinian cultivars to the Proles orientalis subpr. Antasiatica ancestral population, and they even remarked the connection between local resources and cultivars generated from international table grape breeding. This study supports the value of collection and conservation of vines endemic to a region of immense historical importance for viticultur