Loss of pod strings in common bean is associated with gene duplication, retrotransposon insertion, and overexpression of PvIND

Regulation of fruit development has been central in the evolution and domestication of flowering plants. In common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a major global staple crop, the two main economic categories are distinguished by differences in fiber deposition in pods: a)dry beans with fibrous and stringy pods; and b) stringless snap/green beans withreduced fiber deposition, but which frequently revert to the ancestral stringy state. To better understand control of this important trait, we first characterized developmental patterns of gene expression in four phenotypically diverse varieties. Then, using isogenic stringless/revertant pairs of six snap bean varieties, we identified strong overexpression of the common bean ortholog of INDEHISCENT (PvIND) in non-stringy types compared to their string-producing counterparts. Microscopy of these pairs indicates that PvIND overexpression is associated with overspecification of weak dehiscence zone cells throughout the entire pod vascular sheath. No differences in PvIND DNA methylation were correlated with pod string phenotype. Sequencing of a 500 kb region surrounding PvIND in the stringless snap bean cultivar Hystyle revealed that PvIND had been duplicated into two tandem repeats, and that a Ty1-copia retrotransposon was inserted between these tandem repeats, possibly driving PvIND overexpression. Further sequencing of stringless/revertant isogenic pairs and diverse materials indicated that these sequence features had been uniformly lost in revertant types and were strongly predictive of pod phenotype, supporting their role in PvIND overexpression and pod string phenotype.

Influence of the substrate on the yield and quality of microgreens of vegetable plants

Research on the effect of the substrate on growth rates, physiological and biochemical processes, yield and quality of lettuce, radish, mustard during the forcing of microgreens in greenhouses showed a positive result. For research, the generally accepted methods were used: laboratory, mathematical-statistical, physical. Evaluation of substrates for growing microgreens of lettuce, radish, mustard indicates that they are suitable for forcing in greenhouses. It was found that the duration of the growth phases of microgreens depends on the substrate. For lettuce, radish and mustard, the appearance of the root occurred on the second day. Greens were collected in 2020 for 8–10 days, in 2021 – for 7–8 days, which is influenced by the length of daylight hours and the ambient temperature. When growing microgreens of lettuce on mineral wool, the height of the plants was 4.48 cm.Radish and mustard had the tallest plants when grown on coconut substrate – 6.36 cm and 6.78 cm. The mass of 1000 pcs. plants is an important trait, which in turn determines the quality of microgreens. Maximum weight 1000 pcs. when grown on a coconut substrate, lettuce – 13.75 g, radishes – 69.61 g, mustard on mineral wool – 35.58 g. A high yield of leaf lettuce during the years of research was obtained when grown on a coconut substrate – 1.62 kg/m2, which significantly exceeded the control by 0.1 kg/m2. A high yield of radish was obtained when grown on a coconut substrate – 5.41 kg/m2, which significantly exceeds the control by 3.83 kg/m2. The mustard yield when using coconut substrate was 4.90 kg/m2, which is 3.38 kg/m2 higher than the control. Correlation analysis proves that for all the studied plants at the time of harvest, there is a direct strong relationship between the mass and its height, and its coefficient is r = 0.98.

Professional roles of female urologists: A webinar-based survey of perceptions and obstacles to career development

Background: Urology, traditionally a maledominated specialty, keeping pace with the quickly changing gender landscape, has been characterized by waves of feminization. This study aims to understand the perspectives of women urologists on the obstacles to their career development, and the impact of such hurdles on their professional roles in urological education, practice, and leadership. Methods: 119 female urology residents/consultants were surveyed via a webinar-based platform, covering relevant questions on domains of Academia, Mentorship, Leadership, Parenting, and Charity. Statistical analysis was done using frequency distribution based on the responses. Results: 46.8% of the respondents felt that there is an under-representation of women in academia. ‘Having a good mentor’ was the most important factor for a novice to succeed in academia (68%). The most important trait in becoming a good leader was ‘good communication skills’ (35%), followed by ‘visionary’ (20%). The greatest challenge faced by leaders in the medical field was considered as ‘time management’ (31.9%). Only 21.2% of the participants felt difficulty in having a work-personal life balance, whereas 63.8% of them found it difficult only ‘sometimes’. As a working parent, ‘the guilt that they are not available all the time’ was considered the most difficult aspect (59.5%), and ‘more flexible schedule’ was needed to make their lives as a working parent easier (46.8%). 34% of the respondents were affiliated with some charitable organizations. The biggest drive to do charity was their satisfaction with a noble cause (72.3%). Conclusions: Need for increased encouragement and recruitment of females into urology, and to support and nurture them in their career aspirations.

BSA‑Seq and Genetic Mapping Reveals AhRt2 as a Candidate Gene Responsible for Red Testa of Peanut

Testa color is an important trait of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Peanuts with red testa are rich in anthocyanin, are very popular with consumers. However, genes responsible for the red testa trait in peanut are rarely reported. In order to fine map red testa gene, two F4 populations were constructed through the cross of YZ9102 (pink testa) with ZH12 (red testa) and Zhanhong2 (red testa). Genetic analysis indicated that red testa was controlled by a single recessive gene, and named as AhRt2 (Red testa gene 2). Using BSA-seq approach, AhRt2 was preliminary identified in chromosome 12, and further mapped to a 530-kb interval using 220 recombinant lines through linkage mapping. Functional annotation, expression profiling, and sequence variation analyses confirmed that the anthocyanin reductase (ANR), Arahy.IK60LM, was the most likely candidate gene for AhRt2. A SNP in the third exon of AhRt2 changed the encoding amino acids, was associated with red testa of peanut. In addition, a closely linkaged molecular marker to red testa trait was developed. Our result provide insight into the molecular mechanism underlying peanut testa color and provide valuable diagnostic marker for marker-assisted selected (MAS) breeding in peanut.

Identification of Finely Mapped Quantitative Trait Locus and Candidate Gene Mining for the Three-Seeded Pod Trait in Soybean

The three-seeded pod number is an important trait that positively influences soybean yield. Soybean variety with increased three-seeded pod number contributes to the seed number/plant and higher yield. The candidate genes of the three-seeded pod may be the key for improving soybean yield. In this study, identification and validation of candidate genes for three-seeded pod has been carried out. First, a total of 36 quantitative trait locus (QTL) were detected from the investigation of recombinant inbred lines including 147 individuals derived from a cross between Charleston and Dongning 594 cultivars. Five consensus QTLs were integrated. Second, an introgressed line CSSL-182 carrying the target segment for the trait from the donor parent was selected to verify the consensus QTL based on its phenotype. Third, a secondary group was constructed by backcrossing with CSSL-182, and two QTLs were confirmed. There were a total of 162 genes in the two QTLs. The mining of candidate genes resulted in the annotation of eight genes with functions related to pod and seed sets. Finally, haplotype analysis and quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR were carried to verify the candidate genes. Four of these genes had different haplotypes in the resource group, and the differences in the phenotype were highly significant. Moreover, the differences in the expression of the four genes during pod and seed development were also significant. These four genes were probably related to the development process underlying the three-seeded pod in soybean. Herein, we discuss the past and present studies related to the three-seeded pod trait in soybean.

Vegetative and Fecundity Fitness Benefit Found in a Glyphosate-Resistant Eleusine indica Population Caused by 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase Overexpression

Fitness is an important trait in weed species that have developed herbicide resistance, including resistance to the popular herbicide glyphosate. Fitness cost is commonly found in weeds with glyphosate resistance, which is caused by target-site mutations. In this study, the vegetative and fecundity fitness traits in a glyphosate-resistant (GR) Eleusine indica population caused by 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) overexpression were investigated under glyphosate-free conditions. The results showed that the resistance index of the population resistant (R) to glyphosate compared with that of the population susceptible (WT) to it was approximately 4.0. Furthermore, EPSPS expression level in the R plants was 20.1–82.7 times higher than that in the WT plants. The dry weight of the R population was significantly higher than that of the WT population at the later growth stage after planting; a similar trend was observed for leaf area. In addition, seed production in the R population was 1.4 times higher than that in the WT population. The R and WT populations showed similar maximum germination rates and T50 values. UPLC-MS/MS was performed for the metabolic extracts prepared from the leaves of R and WT populations to address changes in the metabolome. A total of 121 differential metabolites were identified between R and WT individuals. The levels of 6-hydroxy-1H-indole-3-acetamide and indole acetaldehyde, which are associated with auxin synthesis, were significantly higher in plants of the R population than in those of the WT population. However, some secondary metabolite levels were slightly lower in the R population than in the WT population. To conclude, in this study, vegetative and fecundity fitness benefits were found in the GR E. indica population. The results of metabolome analysis indicate that the increase in 6-hydroxy-1H-indole-3-acetamide and indole acetaldehyde levels may be the result of fitness benefit. Further studies should be conducted to confirm the functions of these metabolites.

Studies on Correlation and Path Analysis in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Over Locations in Mid-hills of North-Western Himalayas

Background: Seed yield is a very important trait for selection but shows low heritability and hence is difficult to improve. Since the productivity of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) in India as well as Himachal Pradesh is low in comparison to other major linseed growing countries and states, improvement in cultivars for grain yield is a must. Therefore, the present study was aimed for studying the character associations in linseed genotypes for seed yield over locations. Method: The experiment was conducted during rabi 2019-2020. The experimental material for the present investigation comprised of 52 linseed genotypes grown over three locations in Himachal Pradesh i.e. Linseed Experimental Farm, CSK HPKV, Palampur (1290 m amsl), Shivalik Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Kangra (700 m amsl) and Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Dhaulakuan (468 m amsl). Randomized block design with three replications was used. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients were worked out as per the procedure outlined by Burton and De Vane (1953) and Johnson et al. (1955). Direct and indirect effects of component traits on grain yield were worked out using correlation coefficient of various traits as suggested by Wright (1921) and elaborated by Dewey and Lu (1959). Result: Correlation studies indicated highly significant positive correlation for seed yield with 1000 seed weight (0.965**) followed by harvest index (0.801**), secondary branches (0.585**) and a significant correlation with biological yield (0.269**). Seed yield exhibited a non-significant positive correlation with seeds per capsule. However, a negative significant correlation was observed for seed yield with days to 50 per cent flowering and number of primary branches. The path coefficient analysis indicated that 1000 seed weight exhibited maximum positive direct effect with seed yield (0.741) while others had a low direct effect. The significant positive correlation of number of secondary branches and harvest index with seed yield was mainly due to indirect effect via 1000 seed weight indicating that 1000 seed weight is the most important trait for the improvement of grain yield in linseed as per the present study.

Bacterial Morphotypes as Important Trait for Uropathogenic E. coli Diagnostic; a Virulence-Phenotype-Phylogeny Study

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) belong to the most common pathologies in Mexico and are mainly caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). UPEC possesses a wide diversity of virulence factors that allow it to carry out its pathogenesis mechanism in the urinary tract (UT). The development of morphotypes in UT represents an important feature of UPEC because it is associated with complications in diagnosis of UTI. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of bacterial morphotypes, virulence genes, virulence phenotypes, antibiotic resistant, and phylogenetic groups in clinical isolates of UPEC obtained from women in Sonora, Mexico. Forty UPEC isolates were obtained, and urine morphotypes were observed in 65% of the urine samples from where E. coli was isolated. Phylogenetic group B2 was the most prevalent. The most frequent virulence genes were fimH (100%), fliCD (90%), and sfaD/focC (72%). Biofilm formation (100%) and motility (98%) were the most prevalent phenotypes. Clinical isolates showed high resistance to aminoglycosides and β-lactams antibiotics. These data suggest that the search for morphotypes in urine sediment must be incorporated in the urinalysis procedure and also that clinical isolates of UPEC in this study can cause upper, lower, and recurrent UTI.

Integrated Analysis of the Metabolome and Transcriptome on Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Four Developmental Stages of Cerasus humilis Peel Coloration

Cerasus humilis is a unique dwarf shrub and fruit color is an important trait in the species. In this study, we evaluated the transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of the plant at different developmental stages to elucidate the mechanism underlying color formation. In a metabolomics analysis, 16 anthocyanin components were identified at four developmental stages, and high levels of cyanidin O-syringic acid and pelargonidin 3-O-beta-d-glucoside (callitephin chloride) were correlated with the reddening of the fruit peel. A co-expression analysis revealed that ANS and UFGT play key roles in pigmentation (PCC > 0.82). Additionally, transcriptome data showed that most anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and two MYB transcription factors were significantly up-regulated. QRT-PCR results for these differentially expressed genes were generally consistent with the high-throughput sequencing. Moreover, the overexpression of ChMYB1 (TRINITY_DN21536_c0_g1) in apple calli could contribute to the accumulation of anthocyanin. It was also found that UFGT (TRINITY_DN19893_c1_g5) and ChMYB1 (TRINITY_DN21536_c0_g1) have similar expression patterns. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying anthocyanin accumulation and coloration during fruit peel development, providing a basis for the breeding of anthocyanin-rich C. humilis cultivars.

Growth performance of 6th generation KUB-2 chicken

KUB-2 chicken is an improved local chicken originally from KUB-1 chicken. KUB-2 has been assembled in the Indonesian Research Institute for Animal Production (IRIAP), and it has two sub-populations, namely KUB-2 Balai and KUB-2 kk. KUB-2 has dual purpose functions, for either meat or egg production. For farmers who raise a local chicken to yield meat, growth is an important trait. The study had the objective to evaluate the growth performance of KUB-2 chicken. About 2,540 6th generation KUB-2 chickens, consisting of 1,240 KUB-2 Balai and 1,300 KUB-2 kk were used in the study. Data were analyzed using a t-test. The average ten-week body weight of male and female KUB-2 kk was statistically higher than KUB-2 Balai (P<0.05). The ten-week body weight of KUB-2 Balai and KUB-2 kk chickens were 1,045.91 g and 1,211.80 g for males, and 832.74 g and 956.02 g for females. The feed conversion was 2.81 for KUB-2 Balai and 2.83 for KUB-2 kk chicken. For meat production, KUB-2 kk seemed more profitable compared to KUB-2 Balai since it had higher body weight and similar feed conversion. It also could be yielded at shorter age than KUB-2 Balai for the same body weight.