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18 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Half Diallel Analysis for Biochemical and Morphological Traits in Cultivated Eggplants (Solanum melongena L.)

by Debi Rani Datta, Mohd Y. Rafii, Azizah Misran, Mashitah Jusoh, Oladosu Yusuff, Md. Azadul Haque and Muhammed Itopa Jatto

Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1769; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11091769 - 03 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2105

Abstract

Eleven morphologically diverse cultivated eggplant accessions were used for hybridization following half diallel mating design to obtain 55 hybrids. Evaluation of hybrids along with the parents was conducted over two locations followed by randomised complete block design with three replications to study gene [...] Read more.

Eleven morphologically diverse cultivated eggplant accessions were used for hybridization following half diallel mating design to obtain 55 hybrids. Evaluation of hybrids along with the parents was conducted over two locations followed by randomised complete block design with three replications to study gene action and combining ability of 15 morphological and biochemical traits. The analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among the environments and interaction of genotype and environment, except for fruit length to width ratio. Additive gene effects were significant for the inheritance of these traits and expression of these additive genes were greatly affected by environments. The general combining ability (GCA) was greater than their respective specific combining ability (SCA) for all traits except for fruit yield per plant. High values of GCA and SCA effects for characters of interest were dispersed among different genotypes. From this study it was observed that the best parental line was BT15 based on days to first flowering, total number of fruits per plant, total soluble solids and total phenol content. Besides, the parent BM5 showed good general combining ability effects for fruit yield per plant, fruit length and fruit length to width ratio and the parent BB1 performed good general combining ability for fruit diameter, fruit girth and fruit weight. Besides, other parents showed the best performance for only one trait. On the other hand, the hybrid BT6 × BT15 was reported bearing early flowering with high total phenol content and the hybrid BM9 × BB26 has high fruit yield with high soluble solids. Besides, the hybrid BM9 × BB1 has a high fruit diameter and fruit weight. All other hybrids except for these three (BT6 × BT15, BM9 × BB26 and BM9 × BB1) were shown the best performance for only one trait. Hence, based on the desired trait, the hybrid can be selected for future use after large scale evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops)

13 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Resistance Sources of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to Phylotype I Strains of Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex in Benin

by Herbaud Zohoungbogbo, Adonis Quenum, Judith Honfoga, Jaw-Rong Chen, Enoch Achigan-Dako, Lawrence Kenyon and Peter Hanson

Agronomy 2021, 11(8), 1513; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11081513 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

Finding sources of resistance to bacterial wilt (BW) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex is a crucial step toward the development of improved bacterial wilt-resistant tomato varieties. Here, we evaluated new sources of bacterial wilt-tolerant/resistant tomato lines and identified associated phylotype/sequevar of R. [...] Read more.

Finding sources of resistance to bacterial wilt (BW) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex is a crucial step toward the development of improved bacterial wilt-resistant tomato varieties. Here, we evaluated new sources of bacterial wilt-tolerant/resistant tomato lines and identified associated phylotype/sequevar of R. solanacearum strains in Benin. Eighteen F5 lines and five checks were evaluated in two hotspots: the experimental site of the World Vegetable Center, Cotonou Benin, and the Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science of the University of Abomey-Calavi. Experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Data were collected on bacterial wilt incidence, horticultural and fruit traits and yield components. Across the two experiments, the F5 lines showed no wilting, while the local variety ‘Tounvi’ used as susceptible check showed 57.64% wilting. The wilting was due to BW and was associated with sequevars I-14, I-18 and I-31 of phylotype I. AVTO1803, AVTO1955-6 and H7996 were the highest yielding lines with 20.29 t·ha⁻¹, 17.66 t·ha⁻¹ and 17.07 t/ha, respectively. The sources of resistance to BW can be recommended to national agricultural system for dissemination or used in tomato breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops)

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12 pages, 1977 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Multi-Scale Evaluation on Two Locations and Digital Fruit Imaging Highlight Morpho-Agronomic Performances and Antioxidant Properties in Chilli Pepper Hybrids

by Pasquale Tripodi, Massimo Schiavi and Roberto Lo Scalzo

Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 805; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11040805 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2044

Abstract

Chilli pepper is a vegetable crop widely consumed mostly as fresh food or dried as a spice. The nutritional contribution due to the presence of beneficial healthy-related compounds and the versatility of uses have increased its cultivation over the last decade. In Southern [...] Read more.

Chilli pepper is a vegetable crop widely consumed mostly as fresh food or dried as a spice. The nutritional contribution due to the presence of beneficial healthy-related compounds and the versatility of uses have increased its cultivation over the last decade. In Southern European countries chilli production uses established cultivars and/or landraces that are well adapted to specific environments but do not often meet the requirements of the industry, particularly for packaging and processing. In this study, 10 commercial hybrids were evaluated in two diverse environment sites for their productivity and the content of phytochemicals including, carotenoids, capsaicinoids, ascorbic acid and tocopherols. Fruits were assessed using automated tools for the analysis of size, shape and colour parameters. The pepper materials were promising in terms of productivity, whereas a lower level of capsaicinoids and ascorbic acid were detected. Genotype by environment analysis indicated minimal environmental influence on yield, fruit shape, and capsaicinoids. The integration of different sources of phenomics data demonstrates how breeding activities of hybrids have focused on yield and morphology rather than quality linked to phytochemicals content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops)

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14 pages, 692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Tomato Hybrids and Inbred Lines for Fruit Quality Traits

by Ilias D. Avdikos, Rafail Tagiakas, Pavlos Tsouvaltzis, Ioannis Mylonas, Ioannis N. Xynias and Athanasios G. Mavromatis

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 609; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11030609 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3326

Abstract

Tomato is one of the most consumed fruit vegetables globally and is a high dietary source of minerals, fiber, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The tomato is also well known for its nutraceutical chemical content which strengthens human immune systems and is protective against [...] Read more.

Tomato is one of the most consumed fruit vegetables globally and is a high dietary source of minerals, fiber, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The tomato is also well known for its nutraceutical chemical content which strengthens human immune systems and is protective against infectious and degenerative diseases. For this reason, there has been recent emphasis on breeding new tomato cultivars with nutraceutical value. Most of the modern tomato cultivars are F₁ hybrids, and many of the characteristics associated with fruit quality have additive gene action; so, in theory, inbred vigor could reach hybrid vigor. A sum of 20 recombinant lines was released from the commercial single-cross hybrids Iron, Sahara, Formula, and Elpida, through a breeding process. Those recombinant lines were evaluated during spring–summer 2015 under organic farming conditions in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) experimental design with three replications. A sum of eleven qualitative characteristics of the fruit was recorded on an individual plant basis. Results from this study indicated that the simultaneous selection of individual tomato plants, both in terms of their high yield and desired fruit quality characteristics, can lead to highly productive recombinant lines with integrated quality characteristics. So, inbred vigor can reach and even surpass hybrid vigor. The response to selection for all characteristics evaluated shows additive gene action of all characteristics measured. These recombinant lines can fulfill this role as alternatives to hybrid cultivars and those that possess high nutritional values to function as functional-protective food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops)

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17 pages, 2593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Tomato Recombinant Lines in Conventional and Organic Farming Systems for Productivity and Fruit Quality Traits

by Ilias D. Avdikos, Rafail Tagiakas, Ioannis Mylonas, Ioannis N. Xynias and Athanasios G. Mavromatis

Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 129; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11010129 - 11 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2412

Abstract

It is estimated that more than 95% of organic agriculture is based on crop cultivars that were bred for the conventional high-input sector. Most selections were made through conventional breeding programs and lack important traits required under organic and low-input conditions. Hybrids are [...] Read more.

It is estimated that more than 95% of organic agriculture is based on crop cultivars that were bred for the conventional high-input sector. Most selections were made through conventional breeding programs and lack important traits required under organic and low-input conditions. Hybrids are the most common type of cultivars used in tomato because of heterosis. In tomato, continuous selfing enabled homozygosity to exploit favorable additive genes, resulting in the so-called inbred vigor. This paper presented the possibility to express inbred vigor at a level equal to or greater than hybrid vigor in tomato when cultivated under organic low input conditions. The evaluation of the recombinant lines produced through classical reverse breeding from four F₁ single cross hybrids was done at low- and high-input farming systems. The results show that, following the appropriate breeding process in early generation selection and under low-input conditions, it is possible to produce recombinant lines, demonstrating inbred vigor in yield potential and fruit quality. These genetic materials can stand as new dynamic cultivars intended for cultivation in organic, low-input, or high-input conditions, depending on their performance in different farming systems at the later stages of evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops)

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19 pages, 1686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybridization in Peppers (Capsicum spp.) to Improve the Volatile Composition in Fully Ripe Fruits: The Effects of Parent Combinations and Fruit Tissues

by Estela Moreno-Peris, Carles Cortés-Olmos, Mónica Díez-Díaz, M. Carmen González-Mas, Ana de Luis-Margarit, Ana Fita and Adrián Rodríguez-Burruezo

Agronomy 2020, 10(5), 751; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy10050751 - 22 May 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4255

Abstract

Capsicum peppers (Capsicum spp.), especially C. annuum L., are one of the most important vegetables and spices in the world and their fruits are used in a range of food dishes, to provide aroma and flavor. Pungency has been largely studied, while [...] Read more.

Capsicum peppers (Capsicum spp.), especially C. annuum L., are one of the most important vegetables and spices in the world and their fruits are used in a range of food dishes, to provide aroma and flavor. Pungency has been largely studied, while studies on the volatile fraction are more recent and less diverse. A considerable varietal diversity among peppers has been reported in terms of the aroma quality and the qualitative and quantitative variation in the volatile fraction, particularly in fully ripe fruits, which encompass most diverse food applications and aroma profiles. Thus, a study was designed to study the inheritance of the volatile fractions in peppers and to determine if they can be improved by breeding strategies. The volatile fraction of 175 samples of ripe fruits from a diverse collection of peppers, encompassing a range of varietal types and aroma qualities, were isolated by headspace-solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A diverse profile of volatiles including terpenoids, esters, alkanes, and several aldehydes and alcohols, was found among the evaluated accessions. Our findings indicated that, in most cases, hybridization provided higher amounts of total volatiles and a more complex composition, particularly in the pericarp. In addition, the volatile fraction can be inherited from the parents to the offspring, as most individual volatiles in hybrids, especially major volatiles, were present in at least one of the parents, following intermediate (levels between parents) or transgressive (levels higher than the best parent) inheritance. De novo compounds (present in the hybrid, absent in the parents) were found in many samples. Comparatively, placental tissues had higher total and individual volatile levels compared with the pericarp in most parent accessions and hybrids, which must be considered by breeders if this part of the fruit is included in food formulations. By combining parent lines with complementary volatile fractions, hybridization offers a feasible method to improve the volatile composition of ripe fruits in Capsicum peppers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops)

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15 pages, 2168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Silico Identification and Expression Analysis of Nuclear Factor Y (Nf-Y) Transcription Factors in Cucumber

by Lianghai Chen, Yong Zhou, Wei Lai, Lifang Hu, Lunwei Jiang and Shiqiang Liu

Agronomy 2020, 10(2), 236; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy10020236 - 05 Feb 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2567

Abstract

The nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factors (TFs) play vital regulatory roles in diverse developmental processes and responses to abiotic stresses in plants. However, the NF-Y genes remain largely unknown in cucumber. In this study, based on phylogenetic and protein structure analyses, we [...] Read more.

The nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factors (TFs) play vital regulatory roles in diverse developmental processes and responses to abiotic stresses in plants. However, the NF-Y genes remain largely unknown in cucumber. In this study, based on phylogenetic and protein structure analyses, we identified 27 CsaNF-Y members of this gene family in the cucumber genome, including 7 NF-YAs, 13 NF-YBs, and 7 NF-YCs. Their chromosome locations, gene structures, conserved domains, gene duplication, and promoter regions containing stress- and hormone-responsive cis-elements were also analyzed. As reported earlier, RNA-seq data showed that the expression of some CsaNF-Y genes was tissue-specific and varied during fruit development. The qRT-PCR results showed that all the detected CsaNF-Y genes were differentially regulated by drought and salt stress. Taken together, our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of CsaNF-Y genes in the development and abiotic stress response of cucumber and lay the foundation for future crop improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops)

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Review

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16 pages, 3047 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Onion Genetic Improvement

by Christopher S. Cramer, Subhankar Mandal, Suman Sharma, Seyed Shahabedddin Nourbakhsh, Irwin Goldman and Ivette Guzman

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 482; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11030482 - 05 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7930

Abstract

Onions are one of the most important vegetable crops worldwide. However, their production faces many challenges. Genetic improvement is one mechanism to address those challenges. In this review, we discuss recent research pertaining to the diseases Fusarium basal rot and Iris yellow spot, [...] Read more.

Onions are one of the most important vegetable crops worldwide. However, their production faces many challenges. Genetic improvement is one mechanism to address those challenges. In this review, we discuss recent research pertaining to the diseases Fusarium basal rot and Iris yellow spot, the insect pest onion thrips, onion pungency, and dormancy. Recent research for screening onion bulbs for Fusarium basal rot resistance has resulted in improved screening techniques and germplasm exhibiting less disease when inoculated with the disease-causing pathogen. Improved screening methods have resulted in germplasm exhibiting fewer and less severe Iris yellow spot symptoms when onion thrips and conducive environmental conditions are present. Onion germplasm with less and differing compositions of epicuticular wax on their leaves have shown a nonpreference for thrips feeding and have the potential for developing thrips tolerant cultivars. Conventional breeding efforts and genetic manipulation of the genes producing alliinase and lachrymatory factor synthase has resulted in low pungency, tearless onions. In long-day onions, an annual generation time has been achieved by artificially breaking bulb dormancy early while ensuring proper vernalization has been completed. Genetic improvement of these and many other onion traits will continue and result in better production in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops)

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13 pages, 1551 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Horseradish Breeding for Improved Root Quality and Yield in Illinois, USA

by Stuart Alan Walters

Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 175; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11010175 - 18 Jan 2021

Viewed by 2405

Abstract

Horseradish cultivars are highly heterozygous clones and are maintained through asexual propagation, using root cuttings. For many years, horseradish was believed to be sterile and therefore impossible to improve by traditional sexual crosses. Prior to the 20th century, the only way to improve [...] Read more.

Horseradish cultivars are highly heterozygous clones and are maintained through asexual propagation, using root cuttings. For many years, horseradish was believed to be sterile and therefore impossible to improve by traditional sexual crosses. Prior to the 20th century, the only way to improve horseradish was to select and plant root cuttings from the most desirable plants. Moreover, the development of new improved horseradish cultivars has also been somewhat limited by the lack of viable seed resulting from low fertility of horseradish flowers. However, in Illinois, USA, a horseradish breeding program was initiated in the 1950s to develop additional cultivars to widen the genetic base of the few cultivars being grown at the time. In more recent years, the proven cross breeding technique has been primarily used to obtain new genotypes of horseradish, since it is more efficient in producing new improved cultivars, compared to the polycross method that had been previously used for decades to obtain new genetic combinations. Since horseradish is a minor specialty crop with very little available information regarding breeding procedures, this review was developed to provide a better understanding of pollination barriers and methods for fertility improvement, traditional breeding procedures and cultivar development, and traditional breeding achievements and limitations. The development of new horseradish cultivars is essential for the sustained success of the Illinois, USA industry since it provides growers with a continuous supply of new selections that have increased vigor, outstanding root quality, and high yields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops)

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