Yield-related salinity tolerance traits identified in a nested association mapping (NAM) population of wild barley

Producing sufficient food for nine billion people by 2050 will be constrained by soil salinity, especially in irrigated systems. To improve crop yield, greater understanding of the genetic control of traits contributing to salinity tolerance in the field is needed. Here, we exploit natural variation in exotic germplasm by taking a genome-wide association approach to a new nested association mapping population of barley called HEB-25. The large population (1,336 genotypes) allowed cross-validation of loci, which, along with two years of phenotypic data collected from plants irrigated with fresh and saline water, improved statistical power. We dissect the genetic architecture of flowering time under high salinity and we present genes putatively affecting this trait and salinity tolerance. In addition, we identify a locus on chromosome 2H where, under saline conditions, lines homozygous for the wild allele yielded 30% more than did lines homozygous for the Barke allele. Introgressing this wild allele into elite cultivars could markedly improve yield under saline conditions.Stephanie Saade, Andreas Maurer, Mohammed Shahid, Helena Oakey, Sandra M. Schmöckel, Sónia Negrão, Klaus Pillen and Mark Teste

Different NaCl-induced calcium signatures in the arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes Col-0 and C24

A common feature of stress signalling pathways are alterations in the concentration of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt), which allow the specific and rapid transmission of stress signals through a plant after exposure to a stress, such as salinity. Here, we used an aequorin based bioluminescence assay to compare the NaCl-induced changes in [Ca2+]cyt of the Arabidopsis ecotypes Col-0 and C24. We show that C24 lacks the NaCl specific component of the [Ca2+]cyt signature compared to Col-0. This phenotypic variation could be exploited as a screening methodology for the identification of yet unknown components in the early stages of the salt signalling pathway.Sandra M. Schmöckel, Alexandre F. Garcia, Bettina Berger, Mark Tester, Alex A. R. Webb, Stuart J. Ro

Quinoa Phenotyping Methodologies: An International Consensus

Quinoa is a crop originating in the Andes but grown more widely and with the genetic potential for significant further expansion. Due to the phenotypic plasticity of quinoa, varieties need to be assessed across years and multiple locations. To improve comparability among field trials across the globe and to facilitate collaborations, components of the trials need to be kept consistent, including the type and methods of data collected. Here, an internationally open-access framework for phenotyping a wide range of quinoa features is proposed to facilitate the systematic agronomic, physiological and genetic characterization of quinoa for crop adaptation and improvement. Mature plant phenotyping is a central aspect of this paper, including detailed descriptions and the provision of phenotyping cards to facilitate consistency in data collection. High-throughput methods for multi-temporal phenotyping based on remote sensing technologies are described. Tools for higher-throughput post-harvest phenotyping of seeds are presented. A guideline for approaching quinoa field trials including the collection of environmental data and designing layouts with statistical robustness is suggested. To move towards developing resources for quinoa in line with major cereal crops, a database was created. The Quinoa Germinate Platform will serve as a central repository of data for quinoa researchers globally.EEA FamailláFil: Stanschewski, Clara S. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division; Arabia SauditaFil: Rey, Elodie. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division; Arabia SauditaFil: Fiene, Gabriele. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division; Arabia SauditaFil: Craine, Evan B. Washington State University. Department of Crop and Soil Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Wellman, Gordon. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division; Arabia SauditaFil: Melino, Vanessa J. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division; Arabia SauditaFil: Patiranage, Dilan S.R. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division; Arabia SauditaFil: Patiranage, Dilan S.R. Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel. Plant Breeding Institute; AlemaniaFil: Johansen, Kasper. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Water Desalination and Reuse Center; Arabia SauditaFil: Schmöckel, Sandra M. University of Hohenheim. Institute of Crop Science. Department Physiology of Yield Stability; AlemaniaFil: Erazzu, Luis Ernesto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; Argentina.Fil: Tester, Mark. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division; Arabia Saudit

Salinity tolerance loci revealed in rice using high-throughput non-invasive phenotyping

High-throughput phenotyping produces multiple measurements over time, which require new methods of analyses that are flexible in their quantification of plant growth and transpiration, yet are computationally economic. Here we develop such analyses and apply this to a rice population genotyped with a 700k SNP high-density array. Two rice diversity panels, indica and aus, containing a total of 553 genotypes, are phenotyped in waterlogged conditions. Using cubic smoothing splines to estimate plant growth and transpiration, we identify four time intervals that characterize the early responses of rice to salinity. Relative growth rate, transpiration rate and transpiration use efficiency (TUE) are analysed using a new association model that takes into account the interaction between treatment (control and salt) and genetic marker. This model allows the identification of previously undetected loci affecting TUE on chromosome 11, providing insights into the early responses of rice to salinity, in particular into the effects of salinity on plant growth and transpiration.Nadia Al-Tamimi, Chris Brien, Helena Oakey, Bettina Berger, Stephanie Saade, Yung Shwen Ho, Sandra M. Schmöckel, Mark Tester and Sónia Negrã

Quinoa phenotyping methodologies: An international consensus

Quinoa is a crop originating in the Andes but grown more widely and with the genetic potential for significant further expansion. Due to the phenotypic plasticity of quinoa, varieties need to be assessed across years and multiple locations. To improve comparability among field trials across the globe and to facilitate collaborations, components of the trials need to be kept consistent, including the type and methods of data collected. Here, an internationally open-access framework for phenotyping a wide range of quinoa features is proposed to facilitate the systematic agronomic, physiological and genetic characterization of quinoa for crop adaptation and improvement. Mature plant phenotyping is a central aspect of this paper, including detailed descriptions and the provision of phenotyping cards to facilitate consistency in data collection. High-throughput methods for multi-temporal phenotyping based on remote sensing technologies are described. Tools for higher-throughput post-harvest phenotyping of seeds are presented. A guideline for approaching quinoa field trials including the collection of environmental data and designing layouts with statistical robustness is suggested. To move towards developing resources for quinoa in line with major cereal crops, a database was created. The Quinoa Germinate Platform will serve as a central repository of data for quinoa researchers globally.Fil: Stanschewski, Clara S.. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia SauditaFil: Rey, Elodie. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia SauditaFil: Fiene, Gabriele. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia SauditaFil: Craine, Evan B.. Washington State University; Estados UnidosFil: Wellman, Gordon. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia SauditaFil: Melino, Vanessa J.. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia SauditaFil: Patiranage, Dilan S. R.. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia SauditaFil: Johansen, Kasper. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia SauditaFil: Schmöckel, Sandra M.. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia SauditaFil: Bertero, Hector Daniel. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Producción Vegetal. Cátedra de Producción Vegetal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; ArgentinaFil: Oakey, Helena. University of Adelaide; AustraliaFil: Colque Little, Carla. Universidad de Copenhagen; DinamarcaFil: Afzal, Irfan. University of Agriculture; PakistánFil: Raubach, Sebastian. The James Hutton Institute; Reino UnidoFil: Miller, Nathan. University of Wisconsin; Estados UnidosFil: Streich, Jared. Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Amby, Daniel Buchvaldt. Universidad de Copenhagen; DinamarcaFil: Emrani, Nazgol. Christian-albrechts-universität Zu Kiel; AlemaniaFil: Warmington, Mark. Agriculture And Food; AustraliaFil: Mousa, Magdi A. A.. Assiut University; Arabia Saudita. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia SauditaFil: Wu, David. Shanxi Jiaqi Agri-Tech Co.; ChinaFil: Jacobson, Daniel. Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Andreasen, Christian. Universidad de Copenhagen; DinamarcaFil: Jung, Christian. Christian-albrechts-universität Zu Kiel; AlemaniaFil: Murphy, Kevin. Washington State University; Estados UnidosFil: Bazile, Didier. Savoirs, Environnement, Sociétés; Francia. Universite Paul-valery Montpellier Iii; FranciaFil: Tester, Mark. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Arabia Saudit

Quinoa Phenotyping Methodologies: An International Consensus

Quinoa is a crop originating in the Andes but grown more widely and with the genetic potential for significant further expansion. Due to the phenotypic plasticity of quinoa, varieties need to be assessed across years and multiple locations. To improve comparability among field trials across the globe and to facilitate collaborations, components of the trials need to be kept consistent, including the type and methods of data collected. Here, an internationally open-access framework for phenotyping a wide range of quinoa features is proposed to facilitate the systematic agronomic, physiological and genetic characterization of quinoa for crop adaptation and improvement. Mature plant phenotyping is a central aspect of this paper, including detailed descriptions and the provision of phenotyping cards to facilitate consistency in data collection. High-throughput methods for multi-temporal phenotyping based on remote sensing technologies are described. Tools for higher throughput post-harvest phenotyping of seeds are presented. A guideline for approaching quinoa field trials including the collection of environmental data and designing layouts with statistical robustness is suggested. To move towards developing resources for quinoa in line with major cereal crops, a database was created. The Quinoa Germinate Platform will serve as a central repository of data for quinoa researchers globally

Validation of suitable genes for normalization of diurnal gene expression studies in Chenopodium quinoa.

Quinoa depicts high nutritional quality and abiotic stress resistance, attracting strong interest in the last years. To unravel the function of candidate genes for agronomically relevant traits, studying their transcriptional activities by RT-qPCR is an important experimental approach. The accuracy of such experiments strongly depends on precise data normalization. To date, validation of potential candidate genes for normalization of diurnal expression studies has not been performed in C. quinoa. We selected eight candidate genes based on transcriptome data and literature survey, including conventionally used reference genes. We used three statistical algorithms (BestKeeper, geNorm and NormFinder) to test their stability and added further validation by a simulation-based strategy. We demonstrated that using different reference genes, including those top ranked by stability, causes significant differences among the resulting diurnal expression patterns. Our results show that isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme (IDH-A) and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB) are suitable genes to normalize diurnal expression data of two different quinoa accessions. Moreover, we validated our reference genes by normalizing two known diurnally regulated genes, BTC1 and BBX19. The validated reference genes obtained in this study will improve the accuracy of RT-qPCR data normalization and facilitate gene expression studies in quinoa

Distribution of lactate dehydrogenase in healthy and degenerative canine stifle joint cartilage

In dogs, degenerative joint diseases (DJD) have been shown to be associated with increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the synovial fluid. The goal of this study was to examine healthy and degenerative stifle joints in order to clarify the origin of LDH in synovial fluid. In order to assess the distribution of LDH, cartilage samples from healthy and degenerative knee joints were investigated by means of light and transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with immunolabeling and enzyme cytochemistry. Morphological analysis confirmed DJD. All techniques used corroborated the presence of LDH in chondrocytes and in the interterritorial matrix of healthy and degenerative stifle joints. Although enzymatic activity of LDH was clearly demonstrated in the territorial matrix by means of the tetrazolium-formazan reaction, immunolabeling for LDH was missing in this region. With respect to the distribution of LDH in the interterritorial matrix, a striking decrease from superficial to deeper layers was present in healthy dogs but was missing in affected joints. These results support the contention that LDH in synovial fluid of degenerative joints originates from cartilage. Therefore, we suggest that (1) LDH is transferred from chondrocytes to ECM in both healthy dogs and dogs with degenerative joint disease and that (2) in degenerative joints, LDH is released from chondrocytes and the ECM into synovial fluid through abrasion of cartilage as well as through enhanced diffusion as a result of increased water content and degradation of collagen