Genetic yield control in sugar beet hybrids obtained by diallel crosses

Purpose. The aim of our study was to determine the combination ability of the studied pollinators and identify the genetic control of the yield sign in interline diallel hybrids of sugar beet. Methods. The source material was homozygous as a result self-pollination. The combination ability and genetic control of quantitative traits were determined by the Hayman model. Results. Genetic analysis revealed that sugar beet pollinator line demonstrated genetic control of yield in diallel sugar beet hybrids by 14 genes and gene groups. Lines (BZ 1 and BZ 4) with high general combination ability demonstrated a significant additive effect of genes were selected. The effects of specific combination ability, which significantly affected the yield of heterosis hybrids, were revealed. Their share of influence was 36.4 and 23.8%, respectively. High-yielding hybrid combinations of parent genotypes were selected. They are transferred to reproduction and testing for ecological plasticity. Conclusions. Genetic control of the yield sign in diallel hybrids is found based on the Hаyman model. The influence of the combination ability of sugar beet pollinators was determined and the best parent genotype pairs were selected. According to the effects of specific gene interaction, the best combinations have been identified that can be used as sources of economically valuable traits.

Scale Microstructures of Pygopodid Lizards (Gekkota: Pygopodidae): Phylogenetic Stability and Ecological Plasticity

The skin, as the interface of the body with the outside world, is directly exposed to the impacts of the environment. We have examined the microstructure of scale surfaces and the numerical distribution and morphology of skin sensory organs (SSO) in Australian limbless lizards of the family Pygopodidae. We have shown that the hairy sensory organs, as complex morphological structures, are a stable characteristic of the scale integument of pygopodids. This feature reflects their relationship to geckos and is shared homoplastically with some iguanian families (Dactyloidae, Leiosauridae, Opluridae, Chamaeleonidae). At the same time, scale micro-ornamentation as an elementary morphological structure is more plastic and, although the basic spinulate pattern is dominant, other variants occur on the scales of the serpentine body of pygopodids. We accept the spinules of MiO and the hairs of SSO as homologous structures at the cellular level since they are both derivatives of the Oberhäutchen cell surface. We propose to characterize the hair-bearing SSO of gekkotan and iguanian lizards as Oberhäutchen hairy sensory organs (ObHSO). Domination of SP MiO and presence of ObHSO in the integument of Gekkota and several families of Iguania, and sporadic occurrence of SP MiO in autarchoglossan taxa provide justification for regarding these characters as plesiomorphic. We characterize the high abundance (iterative state) of SSO in the scales of the head of pygopodids as representing the phenomenon of «overiteration», in which the phylogenetically established condition is enhanced by functional demands on the organism.

Ecological notes on the Cát Bà gecko Goniurosaurus catbaensis, a species endemic to the limestone karst islands of northern Vietnam

The Cát Bà gecko Goniurosaurus catbaensis is endemic to Cát Bà and Ha Long islands of Vietnam. The ecology of this species is still scarcely studied but previous reports have suggested that the species is Endangered due to small population size and low ecological plasticity. We studied aspects of the ecology of this species between May 2019 and June 2020, along seven transects on Cát Bà island. At least 173 different individuals (possibly as many as 189) were recorded, with an equal sexratio and apparently no intersexual differences in adult body size. The species was clearly more widely distributed than previously supposed. We were able to confirm that G. catbaensis is a limestone karst microhabitat specialist, as the farthest sighting from a karst area was only 10 m. Geckos were observed at a mean height of 45 cm but up to 500 cm above ground, with males perching significantly higher than females. We observed these geckos at altitudes ranging from 11 to 228 m a.s.l.; much higher than previously recorded. Overall, our study revealed that this endemic gecko is certainly less threatened than previously feared.

Ecology of onions in Transbaikalia

The article presents the results of studying the influence of growing conditions on the morphological andanatomical features of representatives of the genus Allium. The study concluded that xeromesophytic and mesoxerophyticspecies have high ecological plasticity. Within a species, a difference in anatomical and morphological structure can beobserved, depending on the conditions of germination. Growing conditions affect the number of leaves and the shape ofthe leaf cross-section, the degree of development of chlorenchyma, depending on the light conditions, and the location ofthe conductive bundles in the leaves. The height of the peduncle, the length of the leaf blade, the number of flowers in theinflorescence vary depending on the growing conditions.The article presents the results of studying the influence of growing conditions on the morphological andanatomical features of representatives of the genus Allium. The study concluded that xeromesophytic and mesoxerophyticspecies have high ecological plasticity. Within a species, a difference in anatomical and morphological structure can beobserved, depending on the conditions of germination. Growing conditions affect the number of leaves and the shape ofthe leaf cross-section, the degree of development of chlorenchyma, depending on the light conditions, and the location ofthe conductive bundles in the leaves. The height of the peduncle, the length of the leaf blade, the number of flowers in theinflorescence vary depending on the growing conditions.

Ecological plasticity to ions concentration determines genetic response and dominance of Anopheles coluzzii larvae in urban coastal habitats of Central Africa

In Central Africa, the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii is predominant in urban and coastal habitats. However, little is known about the environmental factors that may be involved in this process. Here, we performed an analysis of 28 physicochemical characteristics of 59 breeding sites across 5 urban and rural sites in coastal areas of Central Africa. We then modelled the relative frequency of An. coluzzii larvae to these physicochemical parameters in order to investigate environmental patterns. Then, we assessed the expression variation of 10 candidate genes in An. coluzzii, previously incriminated with insecticide resistance and osmoregulation in urban settings. Our results confirmed the ecological plasticity of An. coluzzii larvae to breed in a large range of aquatic conditions and its predominance in breeding sites rich in ions. Gene expression patterns were comparable between urban and rural habitats, suggesting a broad response to ions concentrations of whatever origin. Altogether, An. coluzzii exhibits a plastic response to occupy both coastal and urban habitats. This entails important consequences for malaria control in the context of the rapid urban expansion in Africa in the coming years.

Ecological plasticity and stability of common millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) productivity in different environmental conditions of Ukraine

Purpose. To estimate the ecological plasticity of common millet yield under conditions of Steppe, Forest-Steppe and Forest of Ukraine. Methods. Mathematical and statistical: determination of stability and plasticity by Eberhart & Russell method, correlation analysis. Results. As a result of correlation analysis of millet cultivated areas during the period of 2011–2020, it was revealed that cultivated areas in Ukraine depend on the world ones (r = 0.34). It was determined that a high level of common millet yield was obtained in the forest-steppe zone, namely in Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, Sumy and Kharkiv regions (2.20–2.51 t/ha). Quite high rates of yield were obtained in Vinnytsia, Kyiv (Forest-Steppe zone) and Kirovohrad (Steppe zone) regions (1.86–2.02 t/ha). Low yield over 10 years was noted in Rivne, Zhytomyr and Volyn regions, which belong to the Forrest zone (1.09–1.34 t/ha). It is shown that during 2011–2015 high variability of millet yield was observed in Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia and Volyn regions. The coefficient of variation was 42.0–71.3%. During 2016–2020 significant variation was noted in Donetsk, Volyn and Odesa regions. The coefficient of variation was 31.8–43.9%. In the period from 2016 to 2020, high plasticity of the yield trait was noted in Vinnitsa, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Sumy and Khmelnitsky regions. During 2016–2020 high plasticity trait of millet yield was in Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy and Poltava regions. Conclusions. According to the results of the studies, it was found that with a reduction in the area under millet in the world, the volume of its production in Ukraine increases. It was determined that the hig­hest yield of millet was obtained in the Forest-Steppe zone during the years of observation. According to the plasticity of millet yield, it was found that favorable conditions for realization of its biological potential were in Donetsk and Kirovohrad regions of Steppe zone, in Forest-Steppe zone of Vinnytsia, Poltava, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy and Sumy regions.

Assessment of the adaptive potential of Belarusian potato varieties in the Chelyabinsk region

The purpose of the research is to assess the Belarusian potato varieties in terms of adaptability, ecological plasticity and stability. To establish the possibility of their cultivation in the conditions of the Chelyabinsk region. Research methods. The assessment of the adaptive potential of potatoes was carried out according to the classical method presented by V. A. Zykin. Results. Allocated 21 adaptive varieties suitable for cultivation in the South Urals. Analysis of ecological plasticity and stability showed that these qualities are combined in Belarusian varieties: Briz (35.7 t/ha; bi = 0.86; Si2 = 7.4), Manifest (35.4 t/ha; 0.92; 7.8), Pershatsvet (34.4 t/ha; 1.20; 29.2), Palats (33.2 t/ha; 1.08; 25.8), in domestic varieties: Spiridon (32.1 t/ha; 1.04; 0.3) and Irbitskiy (33.1 t/ha; 0.81; 23.5), as well as in the Gala variety (38.4 t/ha; 0.98; 2.2) created in Germany. Genotypes of the intensive type include the Chelyabinsk varieties: Tarasov (40.3 t/ha; bi = 1.89) and Zakhar (38.0 t/ha; 1.28), the Belarusian variety Uladar (36.8 t/ha; 1.64) and foreign varieties: Koroleva Anna (45.9 t/ha; 1.61), Zekura (35.7/ha; 1.57) and Rozara (32.0 t/ha; 1.56). A group of varieties of a neutral type was identified, which weakly responds to changes in growing conditions: Kavaler (bi = 0.33), Kashtak (0.63), Amulet (0.65) and Kuzovok (0.77) of the Chelyabinsk selection and the variety Lad (0.73) and Yanka (0.73) of the Belarusian selection. The wide distribution of foreign varieties Koroleva Anna, Rozara and Zekura in agricultural enterprises of the Chelyabinsk region is explained by their high responsiveness to intensification of production, while the Gala variety combines ecological plasticity and stability. Scientific novelty. The assessment of the adaptive potential of potato varieties created in the Republic of Belarus made it possible to identify seven adaptive varieties suitable for cultivation in the South Urals. The Uladar variety belongs to the intensive type genotypes. Varieties Briz, Manifest, Pershatsvet and Palats combine high productivity, environmental plasticity and stability. Potato varieties Yanka and Lad react poorly to changing growing conditions.