Effect of mineral-energy supplementation on the performance of young bulls from different genetic groups on pasture

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of young bulls from three genetic groups, ½ Brangus x ½ Nellore (BRN), Nellore (NEL) and ½ Canchim x ½ Nellore (CAN), reared on pasture and supplemented with mineral (MS) or energy-mineral (MES) supplement. Eighty-one bulls, with a mean age of 12 months and mean body weight of 252 ± 33 kg were used. The experiment was conducted in a 3x2 factorial completely randomized design. Each genetic group was subdivided into six experimental plots, three received MS and three received MES. Animals were managed in a rotational stocking system in a Tifton 85 grass pasture. The consumption of MS was similar between the genetic groups with an average of 0.073 kg animal-1 day-1, whereas the consumption of MES was higher for BRN, 2.10 kg animal-1 day-1, followed by CAN, with 1.57 kg animal-1 day-1, and lower for NEL, with 1.28 kg animal-1 day-1. The average daily weight gain (ADG) was greater for animals that received MES compared to those that were given MS. For animals that received MS, the BRN group had ADG of 0.64 kg animal-1, while the NEL and CAN groups were similar with a mean of 0.46 kg animal-1. For animals that received MES, the CAN group had higher ADG, 0.97 kg animal-1, while the NEL and BRN groups were similar, with an average of 0.86 kg animal-1. Blood levels of total protein, albumin, creatinine, glucose and cholesterol did not change depending on the types of supplements used or between genetic groups. Higher serum urea levels were observed in NEL and CAN animals that received MS. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were higher in BRN and CAN animals that received MES. Gains in rump height, height at the withers, body length, rump width and chest perimeter were greater in animals that received MES. Mostly, the gains in morphometric measurements were greater for crossbred animals than for the NEL group. The supply of mineral-energy supplement in Tifton 85 grass pasture during the rainy season is recommended only for Nellore and ½ Canchim x ½ Nellore young bulls. Crossbred young bulls show greater gains in morphometric measurements than Nellore young bulls during rearing.

Insights into opium poppy (Papaver spp.) genetic diversity from genotyping-by-sequencing analysis

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants and a versatile model system to study secondary metabolism. However, our knowledge of its genetic diversity is limited, restricting utilization of the available germplasm for research and crop improvement. We used genotyping-by-sequencing to investigate the extent of genetic diversity and population structure in a collection of poppy germplasm consisting of 91 accessions originating in 30 countries of Europe, North Africa, America, and Asia. We identified five genetically distinct subpopulations using discriminate analysis of principal components and STRUCTURE analysis. Most accessions obtained from the same country were grouped together within subpopulations, likely a consequence of the restriction on movement of poppy germplasm. Alkaloid profiles of accessions were highly diverse, with morphine being dominant. Phylogenetic analysis identified genetic groups that were largely consistent with the subpopulations detected and that could be differentiated broadly based on traits such as number of branches and seed weight. These accessions and the associated genotypic data are valuable resources for further genetic diversity analysis, which could include definition of poppy core sets to facilitate genebank management and use of the diversity for genetic improvement of this valuable crop.

Genetic diversity and structure in natural populations of Cajui from Brazilian Cerrado

Cajui (Anacardium spp.) is a native fruit tree (small cashew) of the Brazilian Cerrado and possesses the potential for commercialization. However, cajui exploitation occurs exclusively through extractivism in the absence of conservation strategies. The lack of conservation strategies may lead to a decrease in genetic diversity of Anacardium. In this work, the genetic diversity and population structure of three natural populations in Sete Cidades National Park (PNSC; PI, Brazil) were assessed using ISSR analysis of 56 cajui accessions and two A. occidentale accessions (outgroup) from Pacajus (CE, Brazil). A total of 112 markers were obtained, 93 (83.04%) of which were polymorphic. The diversity indices of these populations indicated moderate levels of genetic diversity. According to AMOVA, 96.17% of the genetic variability lay within populations, with low genetic differentiation among populations (ΦST = 0.03828). Furthermore, STRUCTURE analysis indicated the existence of four connected genetic groups. The findings show that the individuals from the three collection sites did not represent different subpopulations, likely due to the high gene flow (Nm = 6.7) favored by the floral biology of Anacardium, pollinators and small-animal seed dispersers. This research identifies genetically divergent individuals (C-03, C-05, C-22, C-26, C-34 and C-39), which should be considered priority individuals for conservation and can inform conservation programs for Anacardium spp.

An Improved Method for Assessing Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Variation in Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv (Barnyardgrass)

Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. (barnyardgrass) is one of the most noxious weeds infesting Italian rice fields. It is characterized by high genetic intraspecific variability and has developed resistance to several classes of herbicides. The aim of our study was to assess, for the first time in Italy, the genetic diversity in E. crus-galli from differently managed rice fields in the Lombardy region (Northern Italy) using eight specific SSR markers. To this purpose, an amplification protocol was optimized, testing different DNA concentrations, PCR mixtures, and temperatures. A total of 48 alleles were identified in 144 samples. SSR fingerprint analysis using R 3.6.3 software (poppr, polysat, and StAMPP) allowed us to handle SSRs as codominant and polyploid data. The results suggested that genetic richness and diversity were high. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that genetic variation exists mainly between agronomic managements (47.23%) and among populations (37.01%). Hierarchical clustering and PCoA were in concordance with the identification of four distinct genetic groups. Our results confirm that SSR markers represent a valuable and affordable tool for the assessment of E. crus-galli genetic diversity and would grant useful information to plan more targeted, effective, and sustainable control strategies against barnyardgrass. The improved methodology applied here allowed us to assess the genetic variability of an allo-hexaploid species without information loss and biased results.

Are Palmer’s Elm-Leaf Goldenrod and the Smooth Elm-Leaf Goldenrod Real? The Angiosperms353 Kit Provides Within-Species Signal in Solidago ulmifolia s. l.

Abstract— The genus Solidago represents a taxonomically challenging group due to its sheer number of species, putative hybridization, polyploidy, and shallow genetic divergence among species. Here we use a dataset obtained exclusively from herbarium specimens to evaluate the status of Solidago ulmifolia var. palmeri, a morphologically subtle taxon potentially confined to Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri. A multivariate analysis of both discrete and continuous morphological data revealed no clear distinction between S. ulmifolia var. palmeri and Solidago ulmifolia var. ulmifolia. Solidago ulmifolia var. palmeri’s status was also assessed with a phylogenomic and SNP clustering analysis of data generated with the “Angiosperms353” probe kit. Neither analysis supported Solidago ulmifolia var. palmeri as a distinct taxon, and we suggest that this name should be discarded. The status of Solidago delicatula (formerly known as Solidago ulmifolia var. microphylla) was also assessed. Both morphological and phylogenetic analyses supported the species status of S. delicatula and we suggest maintaining this species at its current rank. These results highlight the utility of the Angiosperms353 probe kit, both with herbarium tissue and at lower taxonomic levels. Indeed, this is the first study to utilize this kit to identify genetic groups within a species.

Efecto de dos estrategias de agrupación de padres fantasmas en la evaluación genética de rasgos de crecimiento en el ganado Braunvieh mexicano

The study aimed to compare two grouping strategies for unknown parents or phantom parent groups (PPG) on the genetic evaluation of growth traits for Mexican Braunvieh cattle. Phenotypic data included birth (BW), weaning (WW) and yearling (YW) weights. Pedigree included 57,341 animals. The first strategy involved 12 PPG (G12) based on the birth year of the unknown parent’s progeny and the sex of the unknown parent, while the second involved 24 PPG (G24) based on the birth year of the unknown parent’s progeny and 4-selection pathways. The animal models included fixed effects and the random direct additive genetic effect; WW also included random maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects. Product-moment correlations between EBV from G0 (no PPG) and G12 were 0.96, 0.77 and 0.69 for BW, WW and YW, respectively, and between EBV from G0 and G24 were 0.91, 0.54, and 0.53, respectively. Corresponding rank correlations between G0 and G12 were 0.94, 0.77, and 0.72, and between G0 and G24 were 0.89, 0.61, and 0.60. Genetic trends showed a base deviation from the genetic trend of G0, except for BW of G12. The results did not support the use of the two grouping strategies on the studied population and traits, and further research is required. Introducing PPG to the model, enough phenotype contribution from descendants to PPG, and avoiding collinearity between PPG and fixed effects are important. Genetic groups should reflect changes in the genetic structure of the population to the unknown parents, including different sources of genetic materials, and changes made by selection over time.

The genetic diversity of wild grapes in Mexico

This is the first report evaluating the genetic diversity of Mexican grape species utilizing DNA-based markers to understand the distribution of grape species, and patterns of hybridization. The study utilized accessions maintained in three collections in Mexico, one in the USA and recently collected germplasm. Fifteen SSR markers were used to develop a fingerprint database to identify unique germplasm. Two different clustering analyses without prior population assignment, were used to identify groups that were verified by a Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components and a Principal Coordinate Analysis. Genetic diversity estimates were made across and within groups to validate the results obtained from the clustering analyses. Multiple clustering analyses and diversity parameters supported six genetic groups representing different geographic regions. The Northeastern group was the most diverse with a geographic range extending to Eastern and Central Mexico, while the Coahuila group was the least diverse. Vitis arizonica Engelm. and Vitis cinerea Engelm. ex Millardet were the most abundant species with many hybrid forms. We provide evidence that wild grape species in Mexico follow the physical barriers of mountain ranges like the Sierra Madre Oriental with an east–west divide and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt as a corridor for gene flow among different grape species. Additional collections are required to fully understand the extent of hybridization and to clarify hybrid zones.

Grapevine Diversity and Genetic Relationships in Northeast Portugal Old Vineyards

More than 100 grapevine varieties are registered as suitable for wine production in “Douro” and “Trás-os-Montes” Protected Designations of Origin regions; however, only a few are actually used for winemaking. The identification of varieties cultivated in past times can be an important step to take advantage of all the potential of these regions grape biodiversity. The conservation of the vanishing genetic resources boosts greater product diversification, and it can be considered strategic in the valorisation of these wine regions. Hence, one goal of the present study was to prospect and characterise, through molecular markers, 310 plants of 11 old vineyards that constitute a broad representation of the grape genetic patrimony of “Douro” and “Trás-os-Montes” wine regions; 280 samples, grouped into 52 distinct known varieties, were identified through comparison of their genetic profiles generated via 6 nuclear SSR and 43 informative SNP loci amplification; the remaining 30 samples, accounting for 13 different genotypes, did not match with any profile in the consulted databases and were considered as new genotypes. This study also aimed at evaluating the population structure among the 65 non-redundant genotypes identified, which were grouped into two ancestral genetic groups. The mean probability of identity values of 0.072 and 0.510 (for the 6 SSR and 226 SNP sets, respectively) were determined. Minor differences were observed between frequencies of chlorotypes A and D within the non-redundant genotypes studied. Twenty-seven pedigrees were confirmed and nine new trios were established. Ancestors of eight genotypes remain unknown.