Common Vetch, Valuable Germplasm for Resilient Agriculture: Genetic Characterization and Spanish Core Collection Development

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is a legume used for animal feed because of its high protein content and great capacity for nitrogen fixation, making this crop relevant in sustainable agriculture. The Spanish vetch collection, conserved at the Spanish Plant Genetic Resources Center (CRF), is one of the largest collections of this species worldwide, including landraces, wild relatives mainly collected in Spain, and commercial cultivars, but also accessions of international origin. The analysis of the genetic diversity of this material, whose genome has not been sequenced yet, and the assembly of a representative collection could play a pivotal role in conserving and exploiting these genetic resources in breeding programs mainly in those focused on consequences and demands of climate change. In this work, a set of 14 simple sequence repeat (SSR) reference alleles for genetic diversity analysis of the CRF vetch collection has been developed, used for genotyping more than 545 common vetch accessions from all over the world and validated. All the tested markers were polymorphic for the analyzed accessions. Overall, at least 86 different loci were identified with 2–11 alleles per locus with an average of 6.1 alleles per locus. Also, the analyses of the generated SSR database support that most of these SSR markers are transferable across closely related species of Vicia genus. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that wild relatives have a higher genetic diversity than landraces. However, cultivars have similar diversity than landraces, indicating that genetic variability has been barely lost due to the breeding of this legume. Low differences of genetic variations between Spanish and non-Spanish accessions have been observed, suggesting a high degree of diversity within Spanish genotypes, which provide 95% of the total genetic variation, so we have focused our efforts on characterizing genotypes of Spanish origin that were further studied using storage protein profiles. Based on SSR, seed protein profiles, and agromorphological and passport data, a vetch core collection (VCC) containing 47 V. sativa accessions of Spanish origin has been established. In this collection, the characterization has been expanded using ISSR markers, and it has been reevaluated with new agromorphological data, including drought tolerance characters. This VCC presents a minimum loss of genetic diversity concerning the total collection and constitutes an invaluable material that can be used in future breeding programs for direct use in a resilient agricultural system.

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Introducing Beneficial Alleles from Plant Genetic Resources into the Wheat Germplasm

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology10100982 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 982

Author(s):

Shivali Sharma ◽

Albert Schulthess ◽

Filippo Bassi ◽

Ekaterina Badaeva ◽

Kerstin Neumann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Genetic Resources ◽

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

Wheat Breeding ◽

Breeding Programs ◽

Selection Processes ◽

Starting Point ◽

The Status ◽

Modern Wheat ◽

Elite Germplasm

Wheat (Triticum sp.) is one of the world’s most important crops, and constantly increasing its productivity is crucial to the livelihoods of millions of people. However, more than a century of intensive breeding and selection processes have eroded genetic diversity in the elite genepool, making new genetic gains difficult. Therefore, the need to introduce novel genetic diversity into modern wheat has become increasingly important. This review provides an overview of the plant genetic resources (PGR) available for wheat. We describe the most important taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships of these PGR to guide their use in wheat breeding. In addition, we present the status of the use of some of these resources in wheat breeding programs. We propose several introgression schemes that allow the transfer of qualitative and quantitative alleles from PGR into elite germplasm. With this in mind, we propose the use of a stage-gate approach to align the pre-breeding with main breeding programs to meet the needs of breeders, farmers, and end-users. Overall, this review provides a clear starting point to guide the introgression of useful alleles over the next decade.

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Horticultural Value of Wild Genetic Resources—Introduction to the Workshop

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.46.11.1436 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 46 (11) ◽

pp. 1436-1437 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Gayle M. Volk ◽

Christopher M. Richards

Keyword(s):

Comparative Genomics ◽

Genetic Resources ◽

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Wild Plant ◽

Future Research ◽

Marker Assisted Breeding ◽

Breeding Programs ◽

Ornamental Horticulture ◽

American Society

Wild plant genetic resources are increasingly becoming valuable for breeding, genomics, and ornamental horticulture programs. Wild relatives of horticultural species may offer desirable traits that are not available in cultivated varieties, but “wilds” often also have traits that are highly undesirable. Advances in comparative genomics and marker-assisted breeding facilitate the inclusion of the valued traits from wild materials in plant breeding programs. As technologies advance, wild plant genetic resources will become even more valuable for future research developments. This serves as an introduction to a series of proceedings articles from the American Society of Horticultural Science meetings in 2010 workshop entitled “Horticultural Value of Wild Genetic Resources.”

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Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Dalbergia Odorifera Germplasm and Development of a Core Collection Using Microsatellite Markers

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes10040281 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 281 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Fu-Mei Liu ◽

Ning-Nan Zhang ◽

Xiao-Jin Liu ◽

Zeng-Jiang Yang ◽

Hong-Yan Jia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Population Structure ◽

Microsatellite Markers ◽

Genetic Resources ◽

Tree Species ◽

Core Collection ◽

Southern China ◽

Breeding Programs ◽

Expected Heterozygosity ◽

Dalbergia Odorifera

Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen (Fabaceae) is a woody tree species indigenous to Hainan Island in China. Due to its high medicinal and commercial value, this tree species has been planted over 3500 ha2 in southern China. There is an urgent need for improvement of the D. odorifera germplasm, however, limited information on germplasm collection, conservation, and assessment of genetic resources is available. Therefore, we have built a database of 251 individuals collected across the whole of southern China, which included 42 wild trees and 210 cultivated trees, with the following objectives. (1) Evaluate genetic diversity and population structure of the database using 19 microsatellite markers and (2) develop a core collection for improvement and breeding programs. Totally, the 19 microsatellite markers harbored 77 alleles across the database with the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranging from 0.03 to 0.66. Medium genetic diversity level was inferred by Nei’s gene diversity (0.38), Shannon’s information index (0.65), and observed (0.33) and expected heterozygosity (0.38). Structure analysis showed that four was the optimum cluster size using the model-based Bayesian procedure, and the 251 D. odorifera individuals were grouped into five populations including four pure ones (RP1-4) and one mixed one (MIX) based on their maximum membership coefficients. Among these populations, the expected heterozygosity varied from 0.30 (RP3) to 0.38 (RP4). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 11% genetic variation existed among populations, and moderate population differentiation was inferred by the matrix of pairwise Fst (genetic differentiation among populations), which was in the range of 0.031 to 0.095. Moreover, a core collection of 31 D. odorifera individuals including six wild and 25 cultivated trees was developed, which was only 12.4% of the database but conserved the whole genetic diversity. The results of this study provided additional insight into the genetic structure of the large D. odorifera germplasm, and the core collection will be useful for the efficient and sustainable utilization of genetic resources, as well as efficient improvement in breeding programs.

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Genome Size: A Novel Predictor of Nut Weight and Nut Size of Walnut Trees

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci12725-17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (3) ◽

pp. 275-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Saadat Sarikhani Khorami ◽

Kazem Arzani ◽

Ghasem Karimzadeh ◽

Abdolali Shojaeiyan ◽

Wilco Ligterink

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Genome Size ◽

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

Kernel Weight ◽

High Yield ◽

Phenotypic Analysis ◽

High Genetic Diversity ◽

Breeding Programs ◽

Superior Genotypes ◽

Southwest Of Iran

Plant genetic diversity is the fundamental of plant-breeding programs to improve desirable characteristics. Hence, evaluation of genetic diversity is the first step in fruit-breeding programs. Accordingly, the current study was carried out to evaluate 25 superior walnut genotypes in respect of phenotypic and cytological characteristics. For this purpose, 560 walnut genotypes in southwest of Iran were evaluated based on UPOV and International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) descriptor. After a 2-year primary evaluation, 25 superior genotypes were selected for future phenotypic and genome size assessment. Flow cytometry was used to estimate genome size of the selected superior genotypes. A high genetic diversity was found in walnut population collected from the southwest of Iran. The selected superior genotypes had high yield, lateral bearing, thin-shell thickness (0.90–1.64 mm), high nut (12.54–19.80 g) and kernel (7.02–9.91 g) weight with light (L) to extra light (EL) kernel color which easily can be removed from the shell. Also, FaBaCh2 genotype turned out to be protogynous being important as a pollinizer cultivar. In addition to extensive phenotypic analysis, genome size was determined. The studied genotypes were diploid (2n = 2x = 32) and varied in genome size from 1.29 (FaBaAv2) to 1.40 pg (FaBaNs12). Correlation analysis showed that lateral bearing, budbreak date, nut size, and weight were the main variables contributing to walnut production. A linear relationship was found between genome size and nut weight (r = 0.527**), kernel weight (r = 0.551**), and nut size index (NSI) (r = 0.487**). Therefore, genome size can be considered as a strong and valuable tool to predict nut and kernel weight and nut size.

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Key issues facing genebanks in preserving crop genetic diversity ex situ: overview of the range of challenges

Plant genetic resources: A review of current research and future needs - Burleigh Dodds Series in Agricultural Science ◽

10.19103/as.2020.0085.12 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 139-154

Author(s):

Paula Bramel ◽

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Genetic Resources ◽

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Crop Genetic Diversity ◽

Ex Situ Collections ◽

Key Issues ◽

Market Preference ◽

The Impact

This chapter reviews the key issues and challenges facing genebanks in preserving crop genetic diversity ex situ. Local crop genetic diversity is challenged with changes in land use, urbanization, land degradation, changes in agricultural practises, availability of improved varieties, changes in market preference, and the impact of climate change. Efforts have been made to secure plant genetic resources ex situ for future use but there are significant issues related to cost effective, efficient, secure, rational, and sustainable long-term ex situ conservation. It begins by addressing issues for the composition of ex situ collections and moves on to discuss issues for routine operations for conservation. The chapter also highlights issues for the use of conserved genetic resources, before concluding with a summary of why the development of sustainable genebank systems is so important.

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Distribution of genetic diversity in wild European populations of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola): implications for plant genetic resources management

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

10.1017/s1479262110000134 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 171-181 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

C. C. M. van de Wiel ◽

T. Sretenović Rajičić ◽

R. van Treuren ◽

K. J. Dehmer ◽

C. G. van der Linden ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Genetic Variation ◽

Genetic Resources ◽

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

Crop Wild Relatives ◽

Population Variation ◽

Lactuca Serriola ◽

Genetic Resources Management ◽

Nbs Profiling ◽

The Uk

Genetic variation in Lactuca serriola, the closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce, was studied across Europe from the Czech Republic to the United Kingdom, using three molecular marker systems, simple sequence repeat (SSR, microsatellites), AFLP and nucleotide-binding site (NBS) profiling. The ‘functional’ marker system NBS profiling, targeting disease resistance genes of the NBS/LRR family, did not show marked differences in genetic diversity parameters to the other systems. The autogamy of the species resulted in low observed heterozygosity and high population differentiation. Intra-population variation ranged from complete homogeneity to nearly complete heterogeneity. The highest genetic diversity was found in central Europe. The SSR results were compared to SSR variation screened earlier in the lettuce collection of the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN). In the UK, practically only a single SSR genotype was found. This genotype together with a few other common SSR genotypes comprised a large part of the plants sampled on the continent. Among the ten most frequent SSR genotypes observed, eight were already present in the CGN collection. Overall, the CGN collection appears to already have a fair representation of genetic variation from NW Europe. The results are discussed in relation to sampling strategies for improving genebank collections of crop wild relatives.

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The use of ex situ conserved plant genetic resources

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

10.1079/pgr200313 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 19-29 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Toby Hodgkin ◽

V. Ramanatha Rao ◽

Angélica Cibrian-Jaramillo ◽

Samy Gaiji

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Genetic Resources ◽

Agricultural Production ◽

Production Systems ◽

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Recent Information ◽

Wide Range ◽

Barriers To Use ◽

The Many

AbstractPlant genetic resources are conserved so that they can be used to improve crop plant pro- duction and in other ways. However, it is often asserted that use of ex situ conserved germplasm is inadequate and that genetic diversity maintained in genebanks is underutilized. In part, this reflects an incomplete recognition of what constitutes use of plant genetic resources, and of the many different ways in which material from genebanks contributes to improved agricultural production. Based on recent information from surveys of distribution of germplasm from genebanks, and from surveys of users, we suggest that the evidence indicates that there is substantial use of ex situ conserved materials for a wide range of different uses. We suggest that barriers to use of ex situ conserved germplasm may often result from a lack in numbers of users, and from limitations in capacity to effectively utilize the genetic diversity present in genebanks to reduce genetic vulnerability and increase sustainability in modern production systems.

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Review of global rabbit genetic resources: special emphasis on breeding programs and practices in the lesser developed countries

Animal Genetic Resources Information ◽

10.1017/s1014233900001073 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 23 ◽

pp. 49-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

S. D. Lukefahr

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Genetic Resources ◽

Management Practices ◽

Limited Resource ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Breeding Program ◽

Breeding Programs ◽

National Priority ◽

Genetic Resources Management ◽

Resources Conservation

SummaryPresently, there is little organization or cooperation among countries with rabbit breeding programs with the common aim of maintaining genetic diversity, with the exception of Europe and the Mediterranean region. Particularly in the lesser developed countries (LDC's), there is limited evidence that maintaining genetic diversity in rabbit populations is even a national priority. Based on consultancies and project experiences in over fifteen LDC's, and limited reports from the literature, evaluations of breeding programs at national rabbit breeding centers have generally been less than encouraging with regard to the management of genetic resources: utilization and conservation. The purpose of this position paper is to review rabbit genetic resources management practices and trends in rabbit breeding program development which pertain to genetic resources utilization and conservation issues, and with special emphasis on the LDC's. Several measures are discussed that could enhance breeding program integrity, greater benefit limited-resource farmers, and also foster international and regional participation in rabbit genetic resources conservation programs.

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552 Comparison of Genetic Diversity in between Two Germplasm Banks Containing Lycopersicon esculentum Accessions

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.35.3.491a ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 491A-491

Author(s):

James Nienhuis ◽

Julie Rodriguez ◽

Wilber Phillips ◽

Peter Hanson ◽

Liliway Engle

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Costa Rica ◽

Lycopersicon Esculentum ◽

Molecular Marker ◽

Research And Development ◽

Genetic Resources ◽

Core Collection ◽

Germplasm Bank ◽

Development Center ◽

Germplasm Banks

Worldwide, there are cuurently more than 60 germplasm banks that contain tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) collections ranging is size from a few dozen to several thousands of accessions. In the utilization of these genetic resources sampling from only one germplasm bank may result in limiting available genetic diversity, whereas sampling from several germplasm banks may result in unnecessary redundancy. The current lack of knowledge regarding the relative magnitudes of genetic diversity contained within different collections makes it difficult to develop a core collection that maximizes genetic diversity. Two large tomato collections are housed at the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC), Sanhua, Taiwan, R.O.C., and the Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Enseoanza (CATIE), Turrialba, Costa Rica. Ninety-six accessions from CATIE and 102 accessions from AVRDC were randomly sampled from each base collection. The total of 198 accessions were charcterized for 103 polymorphic RAPD molecular marker bands. The results indicated that the two germplam banks sampled different genetic diversity. In addition, the magnitude of genetic diversity was greater in the AVRDC collection compared to CATIE.

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Maximizing genetic representation in seed collections from populations of self and cross-pollinated banana wild relatives

10.1101/2021.05.25.445549 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Simon Kallow ◽

Bart Panis ◽

Toan Vu Dang ◽

Tuong Vu Dang ◽

Janet Paofa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Papua New Guinea ◽

Mating Systems ◽

Plant Genetic Resources ◽

New Guinea ◽

Musa Acuminata ◽

Wild Relatives ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Conservation Targets ◽

Seed Collections

Background: Conservation of plant genetic resources, including the wild relatives of crops, plays an important and well recognised role in addressing some of the key challenges faced by humanity and the planet including ending hunger and biodiversity loss. However, the genetic diversity and representativeness of ex situ collections, especially that contained in seed collections, is often unknown. This limits meaningful assessments against conservation targets, impairs targeting of future collecting and limits their use. We assessed genetic representation of seed collections compared to source populations for three wild relatives of bananas and plantains. Focal species and sampling regions were Musa acuminata subsp. banksii (Papua New Guinea), M. balbisiana (Viet Nam) and M. maclayi s.l. (Bougainville, Papua New Guinea). We sequenced 445 samples using suites of 16-20 existing and newly developed taxon-specific polymorphic microsatellite markers. Samples of each species were from five populations in a region; 15 leaf samples and 16 seed samples from one infructescence ('bunch') for each population. Results: Allelic richness of seeds compared to populations was 51%, 81% and 93% (M. acuminata, M. balbisiana and M. maclayi respectively). Seed samples represented all common alleles in populations but omitted some rarer alleles. The number of collections required to achieve the 70% target of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation was species dependent, relating to mating systems. Musa acuminata populations had low heterozygosity and diversity, indicating self-fertilization; many bunches were needed (>15) to represent regional alleles to 70%; over 90% of the alleles from a bunch are included in only two seeds. Musa maclayi was characteristically cross-fertilizing; only three bunches were needed to represent regional alleles; within a bunch, 16 seeds represent alleles. Musa balbisiana, considered cross-fertilized, had low genetic diversity; seeds of four bunches are needed to represent regional alleles; only two seeds represent alleles in a bunch. Conclusions: We demonstrate empirical measurement of representation of genetic material in seeds collections in ex situ conservation towards conservation targets. Species mating systems profoundly affected genetic representation in seed collections and therefore should be a primary consideration to maximize genetic representation. Results are applicable to sampling strategies for other wild species.

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