Utilizing VSWIR spectroscopy for macronutrient and micronutrient profiling in winter wheat.

This study explores the use of leaf-level visible-to-shortwave infrared (VSWIR) reflectance observations and partial least squares regression (PLSR) to predict foliar concentrations of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur), micronutrients (boron, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, aluminum, and sodium), and moisture content in winter wheat. A total of 360 fresh wheat leaf samples were collected from a wheat breeding population over two growing seasons. These leaf samples were used to collect VSWIR reflectance observations across a spectral range spanning 350 to 2,500 nm.

Genetic trends in the Kenya Highland Maize Breeding Program between 1999 and 2020.

Optimization of a breeding program requires assessing and quantifying empirical genetic trends made through past efforts relative to the current breeding strategies, germplasm, technologies, and policy. To establish the genetic trends in the Kenyan Highland Maize Breeding Program (KHMP), a two-decade (1999-2020) historical dataset from the Preliminary Variety Trials (PVT) and Advanced Variety Trials (AVT) was analyzed. A mixed model analysis was used to compute the genetic gains for traits based on the best linear unbiased estimates in the PVT and AVT evaluation stages.

Genetic trends for yield and key agronomic traits in pre-commercial and commercial maize varieties between 2008 and 2020 in Uganda.

Estimating genetic gains is vital to optimize breeding programs for increased efficiency. Genetic gains should translate into productivity gains if returns to investments in breeding and impact are to be realized. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic gain for grain yield and key agronomic traits in pre-commercial and commercial maize varieties from public and private breeding programs tested in (i) national performance trials (NPT), (ii) era trial and, (iii) compare the trends with the national average.

The effect of cycles of genomic selection on the wheat (T. aestivum) genome.

We documented changes in the wheat genome attributed to genomic selection including loss of diversity, and changes in population structure and linkage disequilibrium patterns. We conclude that training and prediction populations need to co-evolve instead of the use of a static training population. Genomic selection (GS) is widely used in plant breeding to shorten breeding cycles.

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Novel Genetic Loci for Quantitative Resistance to Septoria Tritici Blotch in Wheat ( L.).

Septoria tritici blotch, caused by the fungus , poses serious and persistent challenges to wheat cultivation in Ethiopia and worldwide. Deploying resistant cultivars is a major component of controlling septoria tritici blotch (STB). Thus, the objective of this study was to elucidate the genomic architecture of STB resistance in an association panel of 178 bread wheat genotypes.

Genetic diversity, SNP-trait associations and genomic selection accuracy in a west African collection of Kersting's groundnut [Macrotyloma geocarpum(Harms) Maréchal & Baudet].

Understanding the mechanisms governing complex traits variation is a requirement for efficient crop improvement. In this study, the molecular characterization, marker-trait associations and the possibility for genomic selection in a collection of 281 Kersting's groundnut accessions were carried out. The diversity panel was phenotyped using an Alpha lattice design with two replicates in two contrasting environments.

The value of early-stage phenotyping for wheat breeding in the age of genomic selection.

Genomic selection using data from an on-going breeding program can improve gain from selection, relative to phenotypic selection, by significantly increasing the number of lines that can be evaluated. The early stages of phenotyping involve few observations and can be quite inaccurate. Genomic selection (GS) could improve selection accuracy and alter resource allocation.

Identification of quantitative trait loci associated with nitrogen use efficiency in winter wheat.

Maintaining winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity with more efficient nitrogen (N) management will enable growers to increase profitability and reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with nitrogen loss. Wheat breeders would therefore benefit greatly from the identification and application of genetic markers associated with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).

Genome-wide association studies for yield-related traits in soft red winter wheat grown in Virginia.

Grain yield is a trait of paramount importance in the breeding of all cereals. In wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), yield has steadily increased since the Green Revolution, though the current rate of increase is not forecasted to keep pace with demand due to growing world population and increasing affluence.

Quantitative trait loci associated with soft wheat quality in a cross of good by moderate quality parents.

Information on the genetic control of the quality traits of soft wheat () is essential for breeding. Our objective was to identify QTL associated with end-use quality. We developed 150 F4-derived lines from a cross of Pioneer 26R46 × SS550 and tested them in four environments.

Genotyping-by-Sequencing-Based Genetic Analysis of African Rice Cultivars and Association Mapping of Blast Resistance Genes Against Magnaporthe oryzae Populations in Africa.

Understanding the genetic diversity of rice germplasm is important for the sustainable use of genetic materials in rice breeding and production. Africa is rich in rice genetic resources that can be utilized to boost rice productivity on the continent. A major constraint to rice production in Africa is rice blast, caused by the hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae.

Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Rice Resistance Genes Against Magnaporthe oryzae Isolates from Four African Countries.

Rice blast disease is emerging as a major constraint to rice production in Africa. Although a traditional gene-tagging strategy using biparental crosses can effectively identify resistance (R) genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL) against Magnaporthe oryzae, the mapping procedure required is time consuming and requires many populations to investigate the genetics of resistance. In this report, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to rapidly map rice genes conferring resistance against eight M.

Optimizing Training Population Data and Validation of Genomic Selection for Economic Traits in Soft Winter Wheat.

Genomic selection (GS) is a breeding tool that estimates breeding values (GEBVs) of individuals based solely on marker data by using a model built using phenotypic and marker data from a training population (TP). The effectiveness of GS increases as the correlation of GEBVs and phenotypes (accuracy) increases. Using phenotypic and genotypic data from a TP of 470 soft winter wheat lines, we assessed the accuracy of GS for grain yield, Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) resistance, softness equivalence (SE), and flour yield (FY).

Genomic selection for wheat traits and trait stability.

Based on the estimates of accuracy, genomic selection would be useful for selecting for improved trait values and trait stability for agronomic and quality traits in wheat. Trait values and trait stability estimated by two methods were generally independent indicating a breeder could select for both simultaneously. Genomic selection (GS) is a new marker-assisted selection tool for breeders to achieve higher genetic gain faster and cheaper.

Genomic Prediction of Gene Bank Wheat Landraces.

This study examines genomic prediction within 8416 Mexican landrace accessions and 2403 Iranian landrace accessions stored in gene banks. The Mexican and Iranian collections were evaluated in separate field trials, including an optimum environment for several traits, and in two separate environments (drought, D and heat, H) for the highly heritable traits, days to heading (DTH), and days to maturity (DTM). Analyses accounting and not accounting for population structure were performed.

Unlocking the genetic diversity of Creole wheats.

Climate change and slow yield gains pose a major threat to global wheat production. Underutilized genetic resources including landraces and wild relatives are key elements for developing high-yielding and climate-resilient wheat varieties. Landraces introduced into Mexico from Europe, also known as Creole wheats, are adapted to a wide range of climatic regimes and represent a unique genetic resource.

Identification of milling and baking quality QTL in multiple soft wheat mapping populations.

Two mapping approaches were use to identify and validate milling and baking quality QTL in soft wheat. Two LG were consistently found important for multiple traits and we recommend the use marker-assisted selection on specific markers reported here. Wheat-derived food products require a range of characteristics.

Joint linkage QTL analyses for partial resistance to Phytophthora sojae in soybean using six nested inbred populations with heterogeneous conditions.

Partial resistance to Phytophthora sojae in soybean is controlled by multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL). With traditional QTL mapping approaches, power to detect such QTL, frequently of small effect, can be limited by population size. Joint linkage QTL analysis of nested recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations provides improved power to detect QTL through increased population size, recombination, and allelic diversity.

Novel quantitative trait loci for partial resistance to Phytophthora sojae in soybean PI 398841.

Phytophthora root and stem rot caused by Phytophthora sojae Kaufmann and Gerdemann is one of the most severe soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] diseases in the USA. Partial resistance is as effective in managing this disease as single-gene (Rps gene)-mediated resistance and is more durable.

Variation for resistance to kernel infection and toxin accumulation in winter wheat infected with Fusarium graminearum.

Host resistance is the main way to control Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat. Despite improved levels of resistance to infection and spread in vegetative tissue, the toxin deoxynivalenol (DON) can still accumulate to unacceptable concentration levels. In this study, our objectives were to assess the genetic variation for resistance to kernel infection (RKI) and resistance to toxin accumulation (RTA) and their role in controlling DON.

Polygenic inheritance of canopy wilting in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.].

As water demand for agriculture exceeds water availability, cropping systems need to become more efficient in water usage, such as deployment of cultivars that sustain yield under drought conditions. Soybean cultivars differ in how quickly they wilt during water-deficit stress, and this trait may lead to yield improvement during drought. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic mechanism of canopy wilting in soybean using a mapping population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between KS4895 and Jackson.