QTL-seq for the identification of candidate genes for days to flowering and leaf shape in pigeonpea

To identify genomic segments associated with days to flowering (DF) and leaf shape in pigeonpea, QTL-seq approach has been used in the present study. Genome-wide SNP profiling of extreme phenotypic bulks was conducted for both the traits from the segregating population (F2) derived from the cross combination- ICP 5529 × ICP 11605. A total of 126.63 million paired-end (PE) whole-genome resequencing data were generated for five samples, including one parent ICP 5529 (obcordate leaf and late-flowering plant), early and late flowering pools (EF and LF) and obcordate and lanceolate leaf shape pools (OLF and LLS). The QTL-seq identified two significant genomic regions, one on CcLG03 (1.58 Mb region spanned from 19.22 to 20.80 Mb interval) for days to flowering (LF and EF pools) and another on CcLG08 (2.19 Mb region spanned from 6.69 to 8.88 Mb interval) for OLF and LLF pools, respectively. Analysis of genomic regions associated SNPs with days to flowering and leaf shape revealed 5 genic SNPs present in the unique regions. The identified genomic regions for days to flowering were also validated with the genotyping-by-sequencing based classical QTL mapping method. A comparative analysis of the identified seven genes associated with days to flowering on 12 Fabaceae genomes, showed synteny with 9 genomes. A total of 153 genes were identified through the synteny analysis ranging from 13 to 36. This study demonstrates the usefulness of QTL-seq approach in precise identification of candidate gene(s) for days to flowering and leaf shape which can be deployed for pigeonpea improvement.

Analysis of combining ability and gene action studies for grain yield and its component traits in bread wheat utilizing line x tester mating design

The present research investigation was conducted in order to analyze combining ability and nature of gene actions in 33 F1s of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) developed by crossing eleven lines with three testers in a line x tester mating design in terms of grain yield and associated traits. The hybrids along with the parental lines and two check varieties were planted in a randomized block design in three replications. Variance ratio between general and specific combining ability was found to be less than unity which indicated the prevalence of non-additive gene actions involved in the inheritance of these characters. Parental lines QLD 75 (3.164), followed by SOKOLL (2.888) and QLD 65 (2.819) exhibited significant GCA for grain yield, while another line PRL/2*PASTOR*2//FH6-1-7/3/KINGBIRD#1//… was observed to be the better general combiner for most other traits including maturity. Among the hybrids cross combination NAC/TH.AC//3*PVN/3/MIRLO/BUC/4/2*PASTOR/5/…x HD 3237 showed significant higher positive SCA for grain yield and biological yield per plant, whereas, F1 QLD 75 x HI 1621was a good specific combiner for harvest index (%) and number of grains per spike. The cross combination VORB/4/D67.2/PARANA66.270 x PBW 725 was observed with significant higher positive SCA for days to 75% heading, days to maturity and plant height, and another hybrid VORB/4/D67.2/PARANA 66.270 x HI 1621 exhibited significant positive SCA for 1000 grain weight and spike length.

Water relations composition among Egyptian cotton genotypes under water deficit

Background: water shortage is one of the major factor effects on growth characters and yield of most crops. Objective: this study was conducted to get to know the reactions of some Egyptian cotton genotypes to water deficit. Methods: The genetic materials used in this study included thirteen cotton genotypes belonging to Gossypium barbadense L., from the Cotton Research Institute (CRI), which was devoted to establishing the experimental materials for this investigation. Results: the ratio of GCA/SCA was less than unity for all studied indices, indicating predominance of non-additive gene action (dominance and epistasis), which is an important in exploitation of heterosis through hybrid breeding. Results: The data showed significant reduction in water relationship characters for all parental genotypes under stress conditions. The Egyptian variety Giza 68 gave high values for most water relationship characters. Data revealed that the greater the value of tolerance index is, the larger the yield reduction is under water deficit conditions and the higher the stress sensitivity is becoming. The parental genotypes Giza 96 showed the highest reduction in yield under water deficit conditions. At the same time, the cross combination Minufy x Australy showed higher values of yield reduction followed by the combinations Giza 67 x Australy. Of the male parents, the Russian genotype 10229 recorded the best GCA values for most water relationship characters. At the same time, the female parents, the old Egyptian genotype Giza 67 recorded the best values and exhibited good general combined for most water relationship characters. The cross combinations Giza 86 x Pima S6, Giza 77 x Pima S6, Giza 94 x Dandra and Giza 96 x Australy showed significant desirable SCA effect for most characters. Conclusion: relative water content %, osmotic pressure, chlorophyll and carotenoids content indicates better availability of water in the cell, which increases the photosynthetic rate. Also, the higher level of proline accumulation in the leaves which was recorded under deficit water suggests that the production of proline is probably a common response of plant under water deficit conditions.

Internal donors on supported Ziegler Natta catalysts for isotactic polypropylene: a brief tutorial review

The scientific and technical advances in the field of polymer science has been abundant in recent years. Amongst the various polymeric materials available in market, synthesis of polyolefins has been in the forefront since decades. A major challenge in this domain remains in attaining stereoregular polyolefins especially polypropylene (PP) and significant efforts were carried out by synthesizing various internal donors (ID) aiding the catalysts involved in producing them. This short review gives an overview of i) various generations of Ziegler–Natta (ZN) catalyst systems ii) general classes of ID that has been demonstrated by the researchers over the past decades iii) their influence on PP isotacticity and polymer properties. The coordination modes of different donor classes on supported ZN system and comparative study especially between phthalate and diether ID classes were also addressed here. This review also presents the studies carried out on phthalate catalyst structure analysis, detailed comparison study on phthalate and diether IDs in terms of PP isotacticity, regioselectivity, hydrogen response, and also their cross combination study and competitive behavior. Further a brief description on other structurally varied IDs like malonates, maleates, silyl diol esters, bifunctional donors, multi ether donors demonstrated for isotactic PP were also presented. Studies conducted on compatibility of incorporation of two different classes of IDs on a single supported ZN system for the fundamental understanding of the catalyst behavior; and also on how mixed donor approach enables in tuning the catalyst for polymer properties were also presented. This review also provides an opportunity to the young minds and the basic researchers from academic point of view by and large to create new polymeric materials with useful properties or modify the existing materials for new applications by incorporating new IDs for further improvisation of the stereo regularity in obtaining the polymers. Graphic Abstract

New seedless table grape variety ‘Albina’ of the Institute Magarach breeding

Селекционерами Института «Магарач» создан новый бессемянный сорт винограда столового направления использования Альбина. Элитная форма, оформленная как новый сорт винограда, выделена из популяции сеянцев комбинации скрещивания Мускат Джим × Ромулус в 1996 году. В статье представлены основные ампелографические и биолого-хозяйственные параметры, которыми характеризуется новый перспективный сорт: средний срок созревания (25.08), продукционный период - 132 дня. Рекомендуемая форма куста - кордон на среднем штамбе. Нагрузка 6 глазков на рожке (4 рожка). Схема посадки - 3 х 1,5 м. Профилактические обработки против грибных болезней - 3-4 раза за сезон. Содержание в ягодах при технологической зрелости: сахаров - 20,3 г/100см, титруемых кислот - 6,3 г/дм. Урожай рекомендуется использовать для потребления в свежем виде. Дегустационная оценка свежего винограда - 8,47 балла. Selection breeders of the Institute Magarach have created a new seedless table grape variety ‘Albina’. The elite form, registered as a new grape variety, was isolated in 1996 from seedling population of the ‘Muscat Jim × Romulus’ cross combination. The article presents main ampelographic, biological and economic parameters typical for new promising cultivar: mid-ripening date (25.08), production period - 132 days. The recommended bush training technique is a medium trunk cordon. Loading is 6 eyes on a cane (4 canes). Planting scheme is 3 x 1.5 m. Preventive treatment against fungal diseases - 3-4 times per season. The content of sugars in technologically ripe berries is 20.3g/100cm, of titratable acids - 6.3g/dm. The crop yield is recommended for fresh consumption. Tasting evaluation of fresh grapes is 8.47 points.

Cross-combined UKF for vehicle sideslip angle estimation with a modified Dugoff tire model: design and experimental results

The knowledge of key vehicle states is crucial to guarantee adequate safety levels for modern passenger cars, for which active safety control systems are lifesavers. In this regard, vehicle sideslip angle is a pivotal state for the characterization of lateral vehicle behavior. However, measuring sideslip angle is expensive and unpractical, which has led to many years of research on techniques to estimate it instead. This paper presents a novel method to estimate vehicle sideslip angle, with an innovative combination of a kinematic-based approach and a dynamic-based approach: part of the output of the kinematic-based approach is fed as input to the dynamic-based approach, and vice-versa. The dynamic-based approach exploits an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) with a double-track vehicle model and a modified Dugoff tire model, that is simple yet ensures accuracy similar to the well-known Magic Formula. The proposed method is successfully assessed on a large amount of experimental data obtained on different race tracks, and compared with a traditional approach presented in the literature. Results show that the sideslip angle is estimated with an average error of 0.5 deg, and that the implemented cross-combination allows to further improve the estimation of the vehicle longitudinal velocity compared to current state-of-the-art techniques, with interesting perspectives for future onboard implementation.

Review of Latest Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Studies on Pediatric Tic Disorder with Tuina Treatment

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to investigate the latest traditional Chinese medicine clinical studies on pediatric tic disorder with Tuina treatment and propose the directions of future studies and clinical applications. Methods: To obtain data from CNKI, set the field by ‘中醫學’, ‘中藥’, ‘中西醫結合’ and used keywords ‘抽动障碍’, ‘抽動 穢語綜合’, ‘小兒抽动’, ‘兒童抽动’ and ‘推拿’, ‘導引’, ‘按摩’, ‘Tuina’, ‘massage’ in cross combination way. Results: 12 clinical studies were selected. These studies were analyzed by author & year, subjects, diagnostic criterion, evaluation criterion, syndrome differentiation, treatment period, methods& results, frequent acupoints and assessment of the quality of studies. All of reports achieved effective therapeutic results on the pediatric tic disorder with Tuina treatment. Conclusion: Tuina treatment has a positive effect and are easily accepted by children who have fear and rejection to traditional Korean Medicine such as acupuncture and Herbal remedy. It is also safe and simple to operate. So the Tuina treatment is worthy to disseminate potential for further development in the treatment of pediatric tic disorders.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Marker-Trait Associations Using Selected Early Maize Inbreds Derived From Local Landraces of Eastern Himalayan Regions

North- Eastern parts of India fall under Eastern Himalayan region and it is a diversity hotspot of many crops including maize. Evaluation of genetic diversity is required to tape the potentiality of genetic resources in any crop improvement programmes. In the present study, genetic diversity at fifty two microsatellite markers were conducted in 30 early maize inbreds developed from local landraces of NE India. Genetic diversity analysis revealed a total of 189 alleles with a mean of 3.63 alleles/ locus. The allele size ranged from 50 bp (phi 036) to 295 bp (p 101049) which revealed a high level of genetic diversity among the loci. The PIC among the 30 genotypes ranged from 0.17 (umc 1622) to 0.76 (umc 1153) with an average value of 0.49. The value of Expected Heterozygosity (HExp) ranged from 0.19 to 0.80 with an average of 0.57, whereas the Observed Heterozygosity (HObs) ranged from 0 to 0.89 with a mean of 0.14.The genetic dissimilarity between the genotype pairs ranged from 0.40 to 0.64 with a mean value of 0.57. Cluster analysis grouped the 30 inbreds into distinct three sub-clusters. Similarly, population structure and principal coordinate analysis) analysis also classified the 30 inbred lines into three-subpopulations. AMOVA revealed that 6% of total variance is due to differences among populations, while 94% of total molecular variance is accounted by within populations. Marker-trait associations showed a total of twelve SSR markers significantly associated with seven agronomic traits. From the present finding, these results show that the thirty maize inbreds have high genetic diversity which would be useful for choosing promising parents and for making cross combination based on genetic distance and clustering for genetic improvement programmes of maize.

Scientific breeding of winter bread wheat in the Non-Сhernozem zone of Russia: the history, methods and results

The article describes the main stages and achievements of the breeding of winter bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Non-Chernozem zone for more than a century. The beginning of breeding work was laid by D.L. Rudzinsky on the experimental field of the Moscow Agricultural Institute. Beginning from the 1940s, under the leadership of Academician N.V. Tsitsin, and then Prof. G.D. Lapchenko, the method of distinct hybridization with blue wheatgrass (Agropyron glaucum (Desf. ex DC.) Roem. & Schult.) was actively used. The resulting wheat-wheatgrass hybrids had an average winter hardiness, increased grain quality and productivity. Cultivar Zarya developed in the 1970s (by individual selection from the F3 cross combination of cv. Mironovskaya 808 × line 126/65 (in the pedigree of this line, there is a wheat-wheatgrass hybrid PPG 599)) had a high yield and was widely used in further crosses. In the 1980s, Academician B.I. Sandukhadze achieved a significant increase in yield by using the method of intermittent backcrosses due to the producing of varieties with a new morphoecotype (cvs Inna, Pamyati Fedina, etc.), namely, winter-hardy, short stemmed (dwarf), and productive. Cultivar Moskovskaya 39 (registration in 1999) was referred to strong wheat, with a stable protein content of 15–16 %, gluten 30–35 %. Produced in the 2000s, cvs Moskovskaya 56, Nemchinovskaya 57, Galina, Nemchinovskaya 24, Nemchinovskaya 17, and Moskovskaya 40 have a high adaptability to the environment of the region; give a high yield and quality of grain. The area of crops of these cultivars in Russia occupies more than 2 million ha. The current trends in wheat breeding are indicated, the production yield of commercial cultivars of breeding by the Federal Research Center “Nemchinovka”over 12.0 tons per ha and the protein content in the grain up to 17 % are shown. As a result of succession, originality and application of the methodology of scientific breeding, the yield of winter bread wheat in the period from the beginning of the last century to the present has increased from 1.0 to 12.0 and more tons per ha.

Recurrent parent phenome recovery analysis in six different populations with the introgression of genetic male sterile gene ms10 from hot pepper to heat tolerant bell pepper

Backcrossing is one of the most commonly used breeding methods to transfer target trait(s) into a bell pepper inbreds. We attempted for the first time to transfer genetic male sterile (GMS) ms10 gene from the donor parent MS-12, popular GMS line in India, into the genetic background of six heat tolerant bell pepper inbreds, in restricted generations through the marker-assisted selection (MAS) and backcross breeding method, to develop new GMS lines in bell pepper. In this project, the recurrent parent phenome (RPP) recovery was analyzed in each generations of backcrossing using economic phenotypic markers. Phenotypic background analysis revealed that the extent of RPP recovery ranged from 43.59% (MSSM-1) to 66.26% (MSSM-21) and 70.89% (MSSM-17) to 92.09% (MSSM-21) for fruit weight, from 19.0% (MSSM-21) to 55.14% (MSSM-3) and 61.0% (MSSM-21) to 98.75% (MSSM-1) for number of lobes fruit− 1, from 55.77% (MSSM-17) to 94.25% (MSSM-2) and 69.83% (MSSM-17) to 98.26% (MSSM-3) for total fruit yield plant− 1 in BC1F1 and BC2F1 populations, respectively. Based on a paired 't' test analysis in BC2F1 population, out of six, the MSSM-1 and MSSM-2 generation was shown to be non-significant for all 19 studied traits followed by MSSM-3 (18), indicating a successful recovery of the recipient genome through marker-assisted backcross breeding after successful introgression of the ms10 gene. The GMS lines developed from this project will be utilized in bell pepper breeding programs aimed to identify the best cross-combination for their cultivation under north-Indian plains.