Overview on Current Selectable Marker Systems and Novel Marker Free Approaches in Fruit Tree Genetic Engineering.

Selectable marker genes are useful for recognizing which cells have integrated specific sequences in their genome after genetic transformation processes. They are especially important for fruit trees genetic transformation to individuate putatively genetically modified events, because most of the protocols used to genetic engineer these species are often unsuccessful or with low efficiency. Traditional selectable marker genes, mainly of bacterial origin, confer antibiotics/herbicides-resistance or metabolic advantages to transformed cells.

Establishment of 3D Cultures of Myometrium, Leiomyoma, and Leiomyosarcoma Cells: Advantages and Disadvantages of Two Different Models.

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign, monoclonal, gynaecological tumors in a woman's uterus, while leiomyosarcoma is a rare but aggressive condition caused by the malignant transformation of the myometrium. To overcome the common obstacles related to the methods usually used to study these pathologies, we aimed to devise three-dimensional models of myometrium, uterine leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma cell lines, using two different types of biocompatible scaffolds. Specifically, we exploited the agarose gel matrix in common 6-well plates and the alginate matrix using Bioprinting INKREDIBLE + (CELLINK), a pneumatic extruded base equipped with a system with double printheads, and a UV printer LED curing system.

RNA interference-based strategies to control Botrytis cinerea infection in cultivated strawberry.

Gene silencing of BcDCL genes improves gray mold disease control in the cultivated strawberry. Gene silencing technology offers new opportunities to develop new formulations or new pathogen-resistant plants for reducing impacts of agricultural systems. Recent studies offered the proof of concept that the symptoms of gray mold can be reduced by downregulating Dicer-like 1 (DCL1) and 2 (DCL2) genes of Botrytis cinerea.

Multi-model GWAS reveals key loci for horticultural traits in reconstructed garden strawberry.

The cultivated garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) has a rich history, originating from the hybridization of two wild octoploid strawberry species in the 18th century. Two-step reconstruction of Fragaria × ananassa through controlled crossings between pre-improved selections of its parental species is a promising approach for enriching the breeding germplasm of strawberry for wider adaptability. We created a population of reconstructed strawberry by hybridizing elite selections of F.

Strawberry phenotypic plasticity in flowering time is driven by the interaction between genetic loci and temperature.

Flowering time (FT), which determines when fruits or seeds can be harvested, is subject to phenotypic plasticity, that is, the ability of a genotype to display different phenotypes in response to environmental variation. Here, we investigated how the environment affects the genetic architecture of FT in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and modifies its quantitative trait locus (QTL) effects. To this end, we used a bi-parental segregating population grown for 2 years at widely divergent latitudes (five European countries) and combined climatic variables with genomic data (Affymetrix SNP array).

From by-products to new application opportunities: the enhancement of the leaves deriving from the fruit plants for new potential healthy products.

In the last decades, the world population and demand for any kind of product have grown exponentially. The rhythm of production to satisfy the request of the population has become unsustainable and the concept of the linear economy, introduced after the Industrial Revolution, has been replaced by a new economic approach, the circular economy. In this new economic model, the concept of "the end of life" is substituted by the concept of restoration, providing a new life to many industrial wastes.

Application of Near Infrared Spectroscopy for the Rapid Assessment of Nutritional Quality of Different Strawberry Cultivars.

Strawberry is the most cultivated berry fruit globally and it is really appreciated by consumers because of its characteristics, mainly bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. During the breeding process, it is important to assess the quality characteristics of the fruits for a better selection of the material, but the conventional approaches involve long and destructive lab techniques. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) could be considered a valid alternative for speeding up the breeding process and is not destructive.

The In Vitro Effects of Romina Strawberry Extract on 3D Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Cells.

Leiomyosarcoma is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma derived from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. We tested the effect of Romina strawberry extract treatment on three-dimensional cultured uterine leiomyosarcoma cells. We established 3D cultures in agarose gel, where the cells seeded were able to form spheroids.

QTL analysis for ascorbic acid content in strawberry fruit reveals a complex genetic architecture and association with GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase.

Strawberry ( × ) fruits are an excellent source of -ascorbic acid (AsA), a powerful antioxidant for plants and humans. Identifying the genetic components underlying AsA accumulation is crucial for enhancing strawberry nutritional quality. Here, we unravel the genetic architecture of AsA accumulation using an F population derived from parental lines 'Candonga' and 'Senga Sengana', adapted to distinct Southern and Northern European areas.

Artificial nanovesicles for dsRNA delivery in spray induced gene silencing for crop protection.

Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) is an innovative and eco-friendly technology where topical application of pathogen gene-targeting RNAs to plant material can enable disease control. SIGS applications remain limited because of the instability of dsRNA, which can be rapidly degraded when exposed to various environmental conditions. Inspired by the natural mechanism of cross-kingdom RNAi through extracellular vesicle trafficking, we describe herein the use of artificial nanovesicles (AVs) for dsRNA encapsulation and control against the fungal pathogen, .

The Role of Italy in the Use of Advanced Plant Genomic Techniques on Fruit Trees: State of the Art and Future Perspectives.

Climate change is deeply impacting the food chain production, lowering quality and yield. In this context, the international scientific community has dedicated many efforts to enhancing resilience and sustainability in agriculture. Italy is among the main European producers of several fruit trees; therefore, national research centers and universities undertook several initiatives to maintain the specificity of the 'Made in Italy' label.

Artificial nanovesicles for dsRNA delivery in spray-induced gene silencing for crop protection.

Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is an innovative and eco-friendly technology where topical application of pathogen gene-targeting RNAs to plant material can enable disease control. SIGS applications remain limited because of the instability of RNA, which can be rapidly degraded when exposed to various environmental conditions. Inspired by the natural mechanism of cross-kingdom RNAi through extracellular vesicle trafficking, we describe herein the use of artificial nanovesicles (AVs) for RNA encapsulation and control against the fungal pathogen, Botrytis cinerea.

Functional characterization of MANNOSE-BINDING LECTIN 1, a G-type lectin gene family member, in response to fungal pathogens of strawberry.

The mannose-binding lectin gene MANNOSE-BINDING LECTIN 1 (MBL1) is a member of the G-type lectin family and is involved in defense in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). Genome-wide identification of the G-type lectin family was carried out in woodland strawberry, F. vesca, and 133 G-lectin genes were found.

Towards smart and sustainable development of modern berry cultivars in Europe.

Fresh berries are a popular and important component of the human diet. The demand for high-quality berries and sustainable production methods is increasing globally, challenging breeders to develop modern berry cultivars that fulfill all desired characteristics. Since 1994, research projects have characterized genetic resources, developed modern tools for high-throughput screening, and published data in publicly available repositories.

Organic vs conventional plant-based foods: A review.

Organic farming is characterized by the prohibition of the use of chemical synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, feed additives and genetically modified organisms and by the application of sustainable agricultural technologies based on ecological principles and natural rules. Organic products are believed to be more nutritious and safer foods compared to the conventional alternatives by consumers, with the consequent increase of demand and price of these foodstuffs. However, in academic circles there is much debate on these issues, since there is not a clear scientific evidence of the difference on the environmental impact and on the nutritional quality, safety and health effects between conventional and organic foods.

Branch Numbers and Crop Load Combination Effects on Production and Fruit Quality of Flat Peach Cultivars ( (L.) Batsch) Trained as Catalonian Vase.

Thinning and pruning are expensive cultural practices in peach cultivation, but essential to obtain adequate production. This study evaluated the effects of combining two pruning (four and six scaffold branches) and three thinning (low, medium, and high crop load) levels on yield and fruit quality of four different flat peach cultivars, trained as Catalonian vase in 2017-2018 in Italy. Productive (average fruit weight, plant total production, and fruit circumference), qualitative (fruit firmness and overcolor, Soluble Solids Content, and Titratable Acidity), and nutritional (Total Antioxidant Capacity, and Total Phenol Content) parameters were evaluated.

Game-changing alternatives to conventional fungicides: small RNAs and short peptides.

Fungicide use is one of the core elements of intensive agriculture because it is necessary to fight pathogens that would otherwise cause large production losses. Oomycete and fungal pathogens are kept under control using several active compounds, some of which are predicted to be banned in the near future owing to serious concerns about their impact on the environment, non-targeted organisms, and human health. To avoid detrimental repercussions for food security, it is essential to develop new biomolecules that control existing and emerging pathogens but are innocuous to human health and the environment.

The FveFT2 florigen/FveTFL1 antiflorigen balance is critical for the control of seasonal flowering in strawberry while FveFT3 modulates axillary meristem fate and yield.

Plant architecture is central in determining crop yield. In the short-day species strawberry, a crop vegetatively propagated by daughter-plants produced by stolons, fruit yield is further dependent on the trade-off between sexual reproduction (fruits) and asexual reproduction (daughter-plants). Both are largely dependent on meristem identity, which establishes the development of branches, stolons and inflorescences.

Double-Stranded RNA Targeting Dicer-Like Genes Compromises the Pathogenicity of on Grapevine.

Downy mildew caused by is one of the most devastating diseases of grapevine, attacking all green parts of the plant. The damage is severe when the infection at flowering stage is left uncontrolled. management consumes a significant amount of classical pesticides applied in vineyards, requiring efficient and environmentally safe disease management options.