Dynamic QTL mapping revealed primarily the genetic structure of photosynthetic traits in castor (Ricinus communis L.).

High photosynthetic efficiency is the basis of high biomass and high harvest index in castor (Ricinus communis L.). Understanding the genetic law of photosynthetic traits will facilitate the breeding for high photosynthetic efficiency.

Evaluation of two wild castor (Ricinus communis L.) accessions for cadmium tolerance in relation to antioxidant systems and lipid peroxidation.

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of toxicity of cadmium (Cd) on growth, tolerance index (TI), antioxidant activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in two contrasting wild castor accessions (16-024 and S2-4) via hydroponic experiment (0 and 100 mg/L Cd). The results showed that Cd significantly reduced the growth rate, seedling height, root length, and shoot length of the castor accessions compared to the control, with the Cd effect being more severe in S2-4 than in 16-024. In addition, biomass response including the root and shoot fresh weight and root dry weight decreased in both accessions compared to the control.

SRAP analysis of the genetic diversity of wild castor (Ricinus communis L.) in South China.

Castor bean is an important seed oil crop. Castor oil is a highly demanded oil for several industrial uses. Currently, castor bean varieties suffer from low productivity and high risk of insect pests and diseases.

RcPAL, a key gene in lignin biosynthesis in Ricinus communis L.

Background: Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important seed oil crop. Castor oil is a highly demanded oil for several industrial uses.

Adaptive Genetic Differentiation and Solar Radiation in Wild Emmer Wheat, Triticum dicoccoides.

Background: Microgeographic studies of molecular markers could reveal the nature and dynamics of genetic diversity and the evolutionary driving forces shaping evolution.

Methods: The microclimatic genetic divergence of wild emmer wheat associated with solar radiation was investigated, in the present study, using multiple types of molecular markers including allozyme, amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), simple sequence repeat (SSR), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). The studies included two climatic microniches: (1) sunny between oak trees; and (2) shady under the canopies of oak trees.

Divergent Evolutionary Patterns of NAC Transcription Factors Are Associated with Diversification and Gene Duplications in Angiosperm.

NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC) proteins constitute one of the biggest plant-specific transcription factor (TF) families and have crucial roles in diverse developmental programs during plant growth. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed both conserved and lineage-specific NAC subfamilies, among which various origins and distinct features were observed. It is reasonable to hypothesize that there should be divergent evolutionary patterns of NAC TFs both between dicots and monocots, and among NAC subfamilies.

Solar Radiation-Associated Adaptive SNP Genetic Differentiation in Wild Emmer Wheat, .

Whole-genome scans with large number of genetic markers provide the opportunity to investigate local adaptation in natural populations and identify candidate genes under positive selection. In the present study, adaptation genetic differentiation associated with solar radiation was investigated using 695 polymorphic SNP markers in wild emmer wheat originated in a micro-site at Yehudiyya, Israel. The test involved two solar radiation niches: (1) sun, in-between trees; and (2) shade, under tree canopy, separated apart by a distance of 2-4 m.