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Search Results (647)

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Keywords = important agronomic trait

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19 pages, 6389 KB  
Article
Morphological and Molecular Insights into Genetic Variability and Heritability in Four Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Cultivars
by Dilrabo K. Ernazarova, Asiya K. Safiullina, Madina D. Kholova, Laylo A. Azimova, Shalola A. Hasanova, Ezozakhon F. Nematullaeva, Feruza U. Rafieva, Navbakhor S. Akhmedova, Mokhichekhra Sh. Khursandova, Ozod S. Turaev, Barno B. Oripova, Mukhlisa K. Kudratova, Aysuliw A. Doshmuratova, Perizat A. Kubeisinova, Nargiza M. Rakhimova, Doston Sh. Erjigitov, Doniyor J. Komilov, Farid A. Ruziyev, Nurbek U. Khamraev, Marguba A. Togaeva, Zarifa G. Nosirova and Fakhriddin N. Kushanovadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101195 - 3 Oct 2025
Abstract
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a widely cultivated and economically important fruit crop with increasing consumer demand worldwide. Nowadays, in Uzbekistan, strawberry cultivation surpasses that of many other fruits and vegetables in terms of production volume. However, most genetic studies have [...] Read more.
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a widely cultivated and economically important fruit crop with increasing consumer demand worldwide. Nowadays, in Uzbekistan, strawberry cultivation surpasses that of many other fruits and vegetables in terms of production volume. However, most genetic studies have focused on a limited set of cultivars, leaving a substantial portion of varietal diversity unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability and heritability among selected strawberry cultivars, as well as correlations between certain valuable agronomic traits, using molecular and statistical approaches. Polymorphism analysis was performed, using 67 gene-specific SSR markers, through PCR, and allele variations were observed in 46.3% of the markers analyzed. Among them, 31 markers displayed polymorphic bands, identifying fifty alleles, with one to four alleles per marker. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA 11 software, while statistical evaluations included AMOVA (GenAIEx), correlation (OriginPro), and descriptive statistics based on standard agronomic methods. Additionally, the degree of cross-compatibility and pollen viability among the cultivars were studied, and their significance for cultivar hybridization was analyzed. The highest fruit weight was observed in the Cinderella cultivar (26.2 g), and a moderate negative correlation (r = −0.688) was found between fruit number and fruit weight. These findings demonstrate the potential of molecular tools for assessing genetic diversity and provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing improved strawberry cultivars with desirable agronomic traits. Full article
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13 pages, 2846 KB  
Article
Whole Genome Re-Sequencing Reveals Insights into the Genetic Diversity and Fruit Flesh Color of Guava
by Jiale Huang, Xianghui Yang, Chongbin Zhao, Ze Peng and Jun Chen
Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101194 - 3 Oct 2025
Abstract
Guava (Psidium guajava L.), a perennial species native to tropical regions of the Americas, holds significant economic value and plays an important role in the global fruit industry. Although several reference genomes have been published, population-level genomic studies remain limited, hindering genetic [...] Read more.
Guava (Psidium guajava L.), a perennial species native to tropical regions of the Americas, holds significant economic value and plays an important role in the global fruit industry. Although several reference genomes have been published, population-level genomic studies remain limited, hindering genetic improvement efforts. In this study, we conducted whole genome re-sequencing of 62 guava accessions, primarily from Southern China and Brazil. A total of 4,887,006 high-quality SNPs and 731,469 InDels were identified for population genomic analyses. Phylogenetic and population structure analyses revealed subgroupings that largely corresponded to geographic origins. The data indicated that extensive hybridization between accessions from Brazil and or within China has contributed to the development of many dominant commercial varieties. Genetic diversity analyses showed that Brazilian accessions exhibited higher nucleotide diversity and more rapid linkage disequilibrium decay than those from China. Environmental factors and artificial selection likely imposed selective pressures that shaped guava’s adaptability and agronomic traits. A preliminary genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified PgMYB4 as a candidate gene potentially associated with fruit flesh color. These findings provide novel insights into the genetic diversity, population history, and domestication of guava, and lay a valuable foundation for future breeding and improvement strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2))
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18 pages, 3197 KB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Molecular Mechanism of Cyanogenic Glycoside Synthesis in Flax
by Xixia Song, Jinhao Zhang, Lili Tang, Hongmei Yuan, Dandan Yao, Weidong Jiang, Guangwen Wu, Lili Cheng, Dandan Liu, Lie Yang, Zhongyi Sun, Caisheng Qiu, Jian Zhang, Liuxi Yi and Qinghua Kang
Agronomy 2025, 15(10), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15102327 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying cyanogenic glycoside accumulation in flax. As an important oil and fiber crop, the nutritional value of flax is compromised by the toxicity of cyanogenic glycoside. To clarify the key genetic regulators and temporal patterns [...] Read more.
This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying cyanogenic glycoside accumulation in flax. As an important oil and fiber crop, the nutritional value of flax is compromised by the toxicity of cyanogenic glycoside. To clarify the key genetic regulators and temporal patterns of cyanogenic glycoside biosynthesis, transcriptomic sequencing was performed on seeds from high- and low-cyanogenic glycoside flax varieties (‘MONTANA16’ and ‘Xilibai’) at three developmental stages: bud stage, full flowering stage, and capsule-setting stage. A total of 127.25 Gb of high-quality data was obtained, with an alignment rate exceeding 87.80%. We identified 31,623 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which exhibited distinct variety- and stage-specific expression patterns. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering demonstrated strong reproducibility among biological replicates and revealed the seed pod formation stage as the period with the most significant varietal differences, suggesting it may represent a critical regulatory window for cyanogenic glycoside synthesis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that DEGs were primarily involved in metabolic processes (including secondary metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism), oxidoreductase activity, and transmembrane transport functions. Of these, the cytochrome P450 pathway was most significantly enriched at the full bloom stage (H2 vs. L2). A total of 15 LuCYP450 and 13 LuUGT85 family genes were identified, and their expression patterns were closely associated with cyanogenic glycoside accumulation: In high-cyanogenic varieties, LuCYP450-8 was continuously upregulated, and LuUGT85-12 was significantly activated during later stages. Conversely, in low-cyanogenic varieties, high expression of LuCYP450-2/14 may inhibit synthesis. These findings systematically reveal the genetic basis and temporal dynamics of cyanogenic glycoside biosynthesis in flax and highlight the seed pod formation stage as a decisive regulatory window for cyanogenic glycoside synthesis. This study provides new insights into the coordinated regulation of cyanogenic pathways and establishes a molecular foundation for breeding flax varieties with low CNG content without compromising agronomic traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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51 pages, 1102 KB  
Article
Genetic Parameters, Prediction of Genotypic Values, and Forage Stability in Paspalum nicorae Parodi Ecotypes via REML/BLUP
by Diógenes Cecchin Silveira, Annamaria Mills, Júlio Antoniolli, Victor Schneider de Ávila, Maria Eduarda Pagani Sangineto, Juliana Medianeira Machado, Roberto Luis Weiler, André Pich Brunes, Carine Simioni and Miguel Dall’Agnol
Genes 2025, 16(10), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16101164 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Paspalum nicorae Parodi is a native subtropical grass species with promising agronomic attributes, such as persistence, drought and cold tolerance, and rapid establishment. However, the species remains underutilized in breeding programs due to the absence of well-characterized germplasm and limited studies on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Paspalum nicorae Parodi is a native subtropical grass species with promising agronomic attributes, such as persistence, drought and cold tolerance, and rapid establishment. However, the species remains underutilized in breeding programs due to the absence of well-characterized germplasm and limited studies on its genetic variability and agronomic potential. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters, predict genotypic values, and identify superior ecotypes with desirable forage traits, integrating stability and adaptability analyses. Methods: A total of 84 ecotypes were evaluated over three consecutive years for twelve morphological and forage-related traits. Genetic parameters, genotypic values, and selection gains were estimated using mixed models (REML/BLUP). Stability was assessed through harmonic means of genotypic performance, and the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was applied to identify ecotypes with balanced performance across traits. Results: Substantial genetic variability was detected for most traits, particularly those related to biomass accumulation, such as total dry matter, the number of tillers, fresh matter, and leaf dry matter. These traits exhibited medium to high heritability and strong potential for selection. Ecotype N3.10 consistently showed superior performance across productivity traits while other ecotypes, such as N4.14 and N1.09, stood out for quality-related attributes and cold tolerance, respectively. The application of the MGIDI index enabled the identification of 17 ecotypes with balanced multi-trait performance, supporting the simultaneous selection for productivity, quality, and adaptability. Comparisons with P. notatum suggest that P. nicorae harbors competitive genetic potential, despite its lower level of domestication. Conclusions: The integration of REML/BLUP analyses, stability parameters, and ideotype-based multi-trait selection provided a robust framework for identifying elite P. nicorae ecotypes. These findings reinforce the strategic importance of this species as a valuable genetic resource for the development of adapted and productive forage cultivars in subtropical environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Forage)
14 pages, 2279 KB  
Article
Development of KASP Molecular Markers and Candidate Gene Mining for Heat Tolerance-Related Traits in Gossypium hirsutum
by Zhaolong Gong, Ni Yang, Shiwei Geng, Juyun Zheng, Zhi Liu, Fenglei Sun, Shengmei Li, Xueyuan Li, Yajun Liang and Junduo Wang
Genes 2025, 16(10), 1154; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16101154 - 28 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background: High-temperature stress is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting cotton production. Identifying genetic loci and genes for heat tolerance is crucial for breeding heat-tolerant varieties. Methods: Given the complexity of heat tolerance phenotypes in cotton, this study, which focused [...] Read more.
Background: High-temperature stress is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting cotton production. Identifying genetic loci and genes for heat tolerance is crucial for breeding heat-tolerant varieties. Methods: Given the complexity of heat tolerance phenotypes in cotton, this study, which focused on resource materials, identified an A/C SNP mutation at position 5486185 on chromosome D06 within the heat tolerance interval through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of natural Gossypium hirsutum populations. Results: A total of 308 resource materials were identified and evaluated for their heat tolerance phenotypes over two years of field research. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) molecular markers were developed on the basis of the D06-5486185 SNP to characterize the heat tolerance phenotypes of these 308 resource materials. Genotyping for heat tolerance-related traits and agronomic traits was also performed. Materials with the C/C haplotype at position D06-5486185 presented increased heat tolerance (higher pollen viability (PV), leaf area (LA), chlorophyll (Chl) and number of bolls on the third fruit branch (FB3) and a lower number of dry buds (DBs) and drop rate (DR)) without negatively impacting key yield traits. This locus is located in the intergenic region of two adjacent bZIP transcription factor genes (GH_D06G0408 and GH_D06G0409). Expression analysis revealed that the expression levels of these two genes were significantly greater in heat-tolerant accessions (C/C type) than in sensitive accessions and that their expression levels were significantly correlated with multiple heat-tolerant phenotypes. Conclusions: In summary, this study developed a Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) marker associated with heat tolerance in G. hirsutum and identified two key heat tolerance candidate genes. These results provide an efficient marker selection tool and important genetic resources for the molecular breeding of heat-tolerant G. hirsutum, laying an important foundation for further establishing a molecular marker-assisted breeding system for heat tolerance in G. hirsutum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Research on Crop Stress Resistance and Quality Traits)
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21 pages, 8425 KB  
Article
Water Deficit During Pod Development Affects Eco-Physiological Traits, Growth, and Yield in Pea Varieties Under Greenhouse Conditions in Tropical Highlands
by Diego Alejandro Gutiérrez-Villamil, Oscar Humberto Alvarado-Sanabria and Javier Giovanni Álvarez-Herrera
Crops 2025, 5(5), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5050065 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 33
Abstract
Water deficit during reproductive development is one of the main constraints on pea (Pisum sativum L.) productivity in tropical highlands. In this study, five varieties with contrasting leaf architectures were evaluated under controlled greenhouse conditions, with and without water deficit applied from [...] Read more.
Water deficit during reproductive development is one of the main constraints on pea (Pisum sativum L.) productivity in tropical highlands. In this study, five varieties with contrasting leaf architectures were evaluated under controlled greenhouse conditions, with and without water deficit applied from the time of pod formation. Key ecophysiological variables, including leaf area index (LAI), radiation extinction coefficient (k), interception efficiency (RIE), radiation use efficiency (RUE), and water use efficiency (WUE), along with yield components, were measured. Deficit significantly reduced biomass, RUE, and yield, although the harvest index (HI) remained relatively stable. Varieties with the afila gene showed greater stability in LAI and WUE, but lower biomass accumulation. Correlation analyses revealed that, under optimal conditions, yield was closely associated with structural and functional traits, a relationship that weakened under stress. These results demonstrate the importance of integrating morphophysiological characteristics into breeding and agronomic management programs to develop more efficient and resilient varieties under water deficit conditions in the high tropics. Full article
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21 pages, 6852 KB  
Article
Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Accessions from Kazakhstan
by Alibek Zatybekov, Yuliya Genievskaya, Shynar Anuarbek, Mukhtar Kudaibergenov, Yerlan Turuspekov and Saule Abugalieva
Diversity 2025, 17(9), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090664 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 204
Abstract
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a key legume crop of global economic and nutritional importance, yet its cultivation in Kazakhstan is constrained by a narrow genetic base and exposure to stress-prone environments. To characterize the diversity available for breeding and conservation, 27 [...] Read more.
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a key legume crop of global economic and nutritional importance, yet its cultivation in Kazakhstan is constrained by a narrow genetic base and exposure to stress-prone environments. To characterize the diversity available for breeding and conservation, 27 accessions (22 kabuli and 5 desi) were evaluated for phenotypic and molecular diversity to assess its potential for use in breeding programs. Seven agronomic traits were assessed, including plant height, the first pod’s height, the number of main stems per plant, and seed yield components. The collection showed considerable variability across traits, with the plant height ranging from 37 to 75 cm and hundred-seed weight ranging from 21 to 42 g. Strong positive correlations between the number of fertile nodes, number of seeds per plant, and yield per plant (r > 0.83) highlighted their utility as indirect selection criteria. Genotyping with 28 SSR markers revealed 110 alleles (mean 3.9 ± 0.4 per locus) with moderate polymorphism (PIC = 0.493 ± 0.089). Loci CaM00495 and TAI71 were highly informative (PIC > 0.804), while two accessions showed low polymorphism, indicating genetic uniformity. Population structure analysis grouped accessions into four highly admixed clusters. Overall, Kazakh chickpea germplasm exhibits substantial phenotypic and genetic diversity under optimal conditions, providing valuable preliminary data for selecting parental lines for future breeding programs, which should include targeted stress screening to evaluate resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Plant Diversity in the Anthropocene)
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16 pages, 1660 KB  
Article
Mechanism of Enzyme Activity Regulation and Strain-Specific Response of Lentinula edodes Cultivation Adaptability Under Peach Wood Substrate
by Ning Jiang, Hao-Ran Dong, Long Tian, Tai-Zeng Xin, Shou-Xian Wang, Yu Li, Mei-Na He and Hai-Long Yu
J. Fungi 2025, 11(9), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11090684 - 20 Sep 2025
Viewed by 201
Abstract
The resource utilization of peach wood as agricultural waste holds significant importance for the sustainable development of the edible fungi industry, yet its regulatory effects on the physiology and safety of Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) remain unclear. This study selected four [...] Read more.
The resource utilization of peach wood as agricultural waste holds significant importance for the sustainable development of the edible fungi industry, yet its regulatory effects on the physiology and safety of Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) remain unclear. This study selected four L. edodes (F2, 0912, N5, and 215) and systematically analyzed their cultivation adaptability across five peach wood substrate proportions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%). Results indicated that while high peach wood proportions inhibited laccase activity and delayed mycelial growth, high carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase activity formed a critical compensatory effect, ultimately enhancing total yield. Peach wood improved production through strain-specific mechanisms. F2 increased via single mushroom weight gain, while N5 relied on xylanase-driven primordia differentiation to boost mushroom numbers. Adding peach wood significantly increased crude protein, crude lipid, and total polysaccharide in F2, maintaining normal agronomic traits and increasing secondary mushroom proportion. Safety risks focused on arsenic accumulation, with 80% peach wood causing F2 to exceed control levels, albeit remaining far below the national standards. This study is among the first to elucidate peach wood’s temporal enzyme regulation for the maintenance of L. edodes yield. Future optimization through peach wood pretreatment and low arsenic strain selection could provide technical support for the high value utilization of agricultural waste. Full article
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31 pages, 924 KB  
Review
Soilless Growing Media for Cannabis Cultivation
by Matěj Malík and Pavel Tlustoš
Agriculture 2025, 15(18), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15181955 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Standardized pharmaceutical-grade cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. increasingly relies on soilless systems for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance. This review examines the role of inert and semi-inert growing media in indoor cannabis production, focusing on their physical properties, agronomic performance, and sustainability. A [...] Read more.
Standardized pharmaceutical-grade cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. increasingly relies on soilless systems for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance. This review examines the role of inert and semi-inert growing media in indoor cannabis production, focusing on their physical properties, agronomic performance, and sustainability. A systematic literature search was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, emphasizing peer-reviewed original research, experimental trials, and relevant review articles. Evaluated substrates include rockwool, coconut coir, peat-based blends, perlite, vermiculite, expanded clay, foamed glass, phenolic foam, and biochar. Findings show that substrate selection strongly affects vegetative growth, rooting, and flower yield, while cannabinoid concentrations remain primarily genotype-driven under stable environmental and nutritional conditions. Substrate-specific traits such as aeration, water-holding capacity, and nutrient buffering significantly influence biomass production and resource-use efficiency. Rockwool remains the industry standard due to its uniformity and compatibility with fertigation systems, but renewable alternatives like coconut coir and biochar are gaining traction. This review underscores the importance of substrate selection in cannabis cultivation and identifies research gaps in genotype-specific responses and the development of sustainable growing media. Full article
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12 pages, 2069 KB  
Article
GmSWEET46 Regulates Seed Oil and Protein Content in Soybean
by Dezhi Han, Huiyi Su, Qiuzhen Lai, Wei Li, Wencheng Lu and Tianxiao Lv
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2198; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092198 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 286
Abstract
Seed oil and protein contents are critical agronomic traits that determine soybean quality. However, the key loci and corresponding genes controlling these quality traits remain to be elucidated. Here, we performed bulked segregant analysis by sequencing (BSA-seq) using an F4 population derived from [...] Read more.
Seed oil and protein contents are critical agronomic traits that determine soybean quality. However, the key loci and corresponding genes controlling these quality traits remain to be elucidated. Here, we performed bulked segregant analysis by sequencing (BSA-seq) using an F4 population derived from a cross between the cultivars Heinong 35 (HN35) and Dengke 3 (DK3). A major soybean oil and protein quantitative trait locus (QTL) designated as q-OP18 was identified on chromosome 18, and the sugar transporter gene GmSWEET46 was further cloned. Haplotype analysis revealed that a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the sixth exon of GmSWEET46 results in an amino acid change between HN35 and DK3 and is associated with seed oil and protein content, suggesting its important role in determining seed quality in soybean. GmSWEET46 is expressed during the early stages of seed and pod development and localizes to the plasma membrane, indicating its potential function as a sugar transporter. Further studies demonstrated that GmSWEET46 can regulate seed protein content, oil content, and seed size in Arabidopsis and soybean. Collectively, this study provides a novel locus and gene for regulating soybean seed traits and offers valuable resources for the breeding of high-quality and high-yielding soybean cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Molecular Breeding and Genetics—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 1642 KB  
Article
Genetic Variability, Broad-Sense Heritability, and Selection of Superior Genotypes for Fruit Improvement in Platonia insignis
by Suzane Sá Matos Ribeiro, Sérgio Heitor Sousa Felipe, Givago Lopes Alves, Priscila Marlys Sá Rivas, Juliane Maciel Henschel, Lúcio Rafael Rocha de Moraes, Luís Carlos Ferreira Reis, José Ribamar Gusmão Araújo, Marcos Vinícius Marques Pinheiro, Diego Silva Batista and Thais Roseli Corrêa
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(3), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16030108 - 15 Sep 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Platonia insignis Mart. is a native Amazonian fruit tree with considerable agro-industrial potential, yet it remains underutilized due to limited domestication efforts and the absence of breeding programs or improved genetic lines. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters based on morpho-agronomic fruit [...] Read more.
Platonia insignis Mart. is a native Amazonian fruit tree with considerable agro-industrial potential, yet it remains underutilized due to limited domestication efforts and the absence of breeding programs or improved genetic lines. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters based on morpho-agronomic fruit traits and to identify superior genotypes from natural coastal populations in the Brazilian Amazon. Thirteen genotypes were evaluated for 16 biometric and compositional traits. Genetic parameters were estimated using REML/BLUP (Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) procedures, and a rank–sum selection index was applied to identify elite individuals. The results revealed substantial phenotypic and genetic variability, with broad-sense heritability values ranging from moderate to high for key traits, including longitudinal fruit diameter (0.81), fruit fresh mass (0.66), and seed fresh mass (0.75). Selection accuracy was high (≥0.96) across most traits, indicating strong experimental reliability. Genotypic correlations highlighted favorable associations among traits related to pulp yield, sugar content, and seed reduction. Six superior genotypes (G7, G1, G6, G3, G2, and G4) exhibited optimal profiles for fruit quality and productivity. These findings provide a strong foundation for breeding strategies and support the genetic conservation and domestication of P. insignis as a native species of high economic and ecological importance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)
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20 pages, 4263 KB  
Article
Comparative Assessment of Remote and Proximal NDVI Sensing for Predicting Wheat Agronomic Traits
by Marko M. Kostić, Vladimir Aćin, Milan Mirosavljević, Zoran Stamenković, Krstan Kešelj, Nataša Ljubičić, Antonio Scarfone, Nikola Stanković and Danijela Bursać Kovačević
Drones 2025, 9(9), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9090641 - 13 Sep 2025
Viewed by 543
Abstract
Monitoring wheat traits across diverse environments requires reliable sensing tools that balance accuracy, cost, and scalability. This study compares the performance of proximal and UAV-derived NDVI sensing for predicting the key agronomic traits in winter wheat. The research was conducted at a long-term [...] Read more.
Monitoring wheat traits across diverse environments requires reliable sensing tools that balance accuracy, cost, and scalability. This study compares the performance of proximal and UAV-derived NDVI sensing for predicting the key agronomic traits in winter wheat. The research was conducted at a long-term NPK field experiment on Haplic Chernozem soils in Rimski Šančevi, Serbia, using UAV multispectral imagery and a handheld proximal sensor to collect NDVI data across 400 micro-plots and six phenological stages. The UAV-derived NDVI achieved a higher mean value (0.71 vs. 0.60), lower coefficient of variation (29.2% vs. 33.0%), and stronger correlation with the POM readings (R2 = 0.92). For trait prediction, the UAV-based NDVI reached R2 values up to 0.95 for grain yield and 0.84 for plant height, outperforming the POM (maximum R2 = 0.94 and 0.83, respectively), and it showed superior temporal consistency (average R2 = 0.74 vs. 0.64). Although the POM performed comparably during mid-season under controlled conditions, its sensitivity to operator handling and limited spatial resolution reduced robustness in more variable field scenarios. A cost–benefit analysis revealed that the POM offers advantages in affordability, ease of use, and deployment in small-scale settings, while UAV systems are better suited for large-scale monitoring due to their higher spatial resolution and data richness. The findings highlight the importance of selecting sensing technologies based on biological context, operational goals, and resource constraints, and suggest that combining methods through stratified sampling may improve the efficiency and accuracy of crop monitoring in precision agriculture. Full article
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22 pages, 2411 KB  
Article
Morphometric, Phenological, and Nutritional Characterization of Five Wild Bean Species from Durango, Mexico
by Denisse Téllez-Mazzocco, Yolanda Herrera-Arrieta, Gabriel Alejandre-Iturbide, Miguel Mauricio Correa-Ramírez, Marlon Rojas-López and Kalina Bermúdez-Torres
Diversity 2025, 17(9), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090645 - 12 Sep 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
The taxonomic complexity of the genus Phaseolus requires a detailed characterization of traits that highlight species diversity. This study evaluated five wild bean species throughout their life cycle, analyzing 20 qualitative and 18 quantitative morphometric variables as well as phenological traits such as [...] Read more.
The taxonomic complexity of the genus Phaseolus requires a detailed characterization of traits that highlight species diversity. This study evaluated five wild bean species throughout their life cycle, analyzing 20 qualitative and 18 quantitative morphometric variables as well as phenological traits such as days, along with recording phenological data such as the number of days from germination to seed maturity. The nutritional composition was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify the functional groups of organic compounds in the seed coat and embryo. Significant differences were observed among species, including distinct germination forms that may affect environmental adaptation and flower colors potentially linked to pollinator interactions. Morphological and phenological diversity was documented, along with variation in seed and embryo protein, polysaccharide, and lipid content. Three species were identified as being the most suitable with agronomic potential for crop improvement: P. vulgaris, P. leptostachyus, and P. acutifolius, while P. coccineus and P. leptostachyus stood out for their nutritional profiles and potential contributions to food security. The results underscore the importance of integrating morphological, phenological, and nutritional data to better understand Phaseolus diversity and inform conservation and breeding strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)
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22 pages, 2064 KB  
Review
Advances in Functional Genomics for Watermelon and Melon Breeding: Current Progress and Future Perspectives
by Huanhuan Niu, Junyi Tan, Wenkai Yan, Dongming Liu and Luming Yang
Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091100 - 11 Sep 2025
Viewed by 564
Abstract
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and melon (Cucumis melo) are globally important cucurbit crops, with China being the largest producer and consumer. Traditional breeding methods face difficulties in significantly improving yield and quality. Smart breeding, which combines genomics, gene editing, and [...] Read more.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and melon (Cucumis melo) are globally important cucurbit crops, with China being the largest producer and consumer. Traditional breeding methods face difficulties in significantly improving yield and quality. Smart breeding, which combines genomics, gene editing, and artificial intelligence (AI), holds great promise but fundamentally depends on understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling important agronomic traits. This review summarizes the progress made over recent decades in discovering and understanding the functions of genes that control essential traits in watermelon and melon, focusing on plant architecture, fruit quality, and disease resistance. However, major challenges remain: relatively few genes have been fully validated, the complex gene networks are not fully unraveled, and technical hurdles like low genetic transformation efficiency and difficulties in large-scale trait phenotyping limit progress. To overcome these and enable the development of superior new varieties, future research priorities should focus on the following: (1) systematic discovery of genes using comprehensive genome collections (pan-genomes) and multi-level data analysis (multi-omics); (2) deepening the study of gene functions and interactions using advanced gene editing and epigenetics; (3) faster integration of molecular knowledge into smart breeding systems; (4) solving the problems of genetic transformation and enabling efficient large-scale trait and genetic data collection (high-throughput phenotyping and genotyping). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources and Genetics Improvement of Watermelon and Melon)
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13 pages, 8290 KB  
Article
Construction and Phenotypic Characterization of a Recombination Inbred Line (RIL) Population from a Melo-agrestis Melon Hybrid
by He Liu, Jianquan Wang, Shoujun Cao, Yongjie Guo, Qinghua Shi and Xiaoyu Yang
Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091087 - 9 Sep 2025
Viewed by 406
Abstract
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an economically important horticultural crop worldwide, while its production is continuously endangered by powdery mildew (PM), a fungal disease mainly caused by Podosphaera xanthii, due to the insufficiency of disease resistant germplasms. Here, a melon recombinant [...] Read more.
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an economically important horticultural crop worldwide, while its production is continuously endangered by powdery mildew (PM), a fungal disease mainly caused by Podosphaera xanthii, due to the insufficiency of disease resistant germplasms. Here, a melon recombinant inbred line (RIL) population that consisted of 188 independent individuals was obtained through the crossing of ‘SN-1’ (C. melon L. ssp. melo) and ‘YJM’ (C. melon L. ssp. agrestis), two parents with contrasting PM resistance, followed by 7-round selfings. Comprehensive phenotypic investigation revealed substantial variations in key agronomic traits among these RILs, such as stem diameters of 3.7~12.6 mm and internode lengths of 1.6~12.2 cm at the anthesis stage, as well as peduncle lengths of 0.5~9.5 cm and soluble solid content of 1.6~17.4% at the maturation stage. Particularly, 95 RILs, of which 60 and 35 belonged to thin-peel and netted types, respectively, were identified to be highly resistant to P. xnathii infection, providing new germplasms for melon improvement. Altogether, the generation of this melo-agrestis RIL population, together with the phenotypic observations, lays a solid foundation for mechanistic investigation of the traits with economic importance and could contribute to future breeding programs of melon cultivars with PM resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources and Genetics Improvement of Watermelon and Melon)
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