Publications by authors named "Bettina Heider"

Article Synopsis
  • The hexaploid sweetpotato has an unclear genetic origin, and this study identifies two main progenitors, a diploid closely related to Ipomoea aequatoriensis and a tetraploid likely of I. batatas 4x.
  • The research used genetic evidence and phylogenetic analysis, revealing that sweetpotato likely developed from crosses between these progenitors, followed by whole-genome duplication.
  • Key genes selected during sweetpotato's evolution are linked to root formation, genome stability, resistance, and nutrient transport, providing insights for future crop improvement.
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Biochemical characterisation of germplasm collections and crop wild relatives (CWRs) facilitates the assessment of biological potential and the selection of breeding lines for crop improvement. Data from the biochemical characterisation of staple root, tuber and banana (RTB) crops, i.e.

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Article Synopsis
  • * Researchers sequenced and analyzed the chloroplast genomes of 107 sweetpotato cultivars, finding high similarity with wild species and being able to distinguish cultivars from wild relatives through phylogenetic analysis and specific genetic markers.
  • * The findings underline the advantages of using chloroplast genetic markers over traditional nuclear markers in studying sweetpotato's evolution and genetic structure, providing insights into its development and diversity.
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Crop wild relatives of sweetpotato [ series (Choisy) D. F. Austin] are a group of species with potential for use in crop improvement programs seeking to breed for drought tolerance.

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Roots, tubers, and bananas (RTB) are vital staples for food security in the world's poorest nations. A major constraint to current RTB breeding programmes is limited knowledge on the available diversity due to lack of efficient germplasm characterization and structure. In recent years large-scale efforts have begun to elucidate the genetic and phenotypic diversity of germplasm collections and populations and, yet, biochemical measurements have often been overlooked despite metabolite composition being directly associated with agronomic and consumer traits.

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Sweet potato (, Lam.) is an important root vegetable in developing countries. After its domestication in Neotropical America, human migration led to the distribution of the sweet potato plant throughout the world.

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Understanding the distribution of crop genetic diversity in relation to environmental factors can give insights into the eco-evolutionary processes involved in plant domestication. Yam beans ( Rich. ex DC.

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Article Synopsis
  • Crop wild relatives of sweetpotato have valuable traits for breeding, but challenges like species classification and limited germplasm access hinder their use.
  • Researchers compiled geographic data on these wild relatives and assessed germplasm collections, finding that many species are underrepresented and could enhance crop traits.
  • Prioritizing collection efforts and improving conservation methods is essential for better utilization of these genetic resources in sweetpotato breeding.
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Crop wild relatives have a long history of use in potato breeding, particularly for pest and disease resistance, and are expected to be increasingly used in the search for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Their current and future use in crop improvement depends on their availability in ex situ germplasm collections. As these plants are impacted in the wild by habitat destruction and climate change, actions to ensure their conservation ex situ become ever more urgent.

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In 2010, yam beans in a field trial in Peru showed viral disease symptoms. Graft-transmission and positive ELISA results using potyvirus-specific antibodies suggested that the symptoms could be the result of a potyviral infection. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) were extracted from one of the samples and sent for high-throughput sequencing.

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