Breed characteristics associated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">LEP</Emphasis> gene polymorphisms in Holstein cattle

Genotyping of the leptin gene locus (LEP) (SNP: R25C, Y7F, and A80V) has been performed in the animals from two groups in the Holstein cattle herd. Groups 1 and 2 included the fourth to seventh lactation cows and the heifers, respectively. The objective of the surveys was to study the Holstein cattle polymorphisms of the leptin gene associated with the productive longevity according to the related literature data. It has been ascertained that the LEP gene (SNP: R25C, Y7F, and A80V) polymorphism in the Holstein animals determines the certain breed characteristics that can be used for introduction to marker assisted selection. (Particularly, a low (0.04–0.15) frequency of occurrence of the F allele is typical for the LEP-Y7F SNP; as for SNP LEP-A80V, a low frequency of occurrence (0–0.14) is typical for the homozygous animals with the VV genotype when compared to a rather high frequency of occurrence (0.36–0.45) in the heterozygous animals).     

Founder effect and genogeography of <Emphasis Type="Italic">CV</Emphasis>- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">BL</Emphasis>-mutations in black-and-white cattle

The results are obtained by simultaneous diagnostics of mutant CV- and BL-alleles. Five groups of animals–carriers and noncarriers of mutations are identified. In Russia the mutant CV-alleles are met more frequently because of the intensive use of their carriers. While elimination of BL-allele was started earlier due to developed methods, the diagnostics of CV-mutations has been undertaken later. Propagation of missense-mutations in the world and the Russian Federation has been occurring through the breeding bulls and cows–carriers. Initially spermobanks and, afterwards, cows were reserves for the diagnosed BLand CV-mutations.     

Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">GH</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">DGAT1</Emphasis> gene polymorphism on feeding qualities of bull calves

The aim of this paper is to study effects of GH and DGAT1 gene polymorphisms on feeding qualities of Hereford and Limousin bull calves bred in conditions of the Cis-Ural steppe zone. SNPs of genes GH and DGAT1 are investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The studied population of animals was assessed by defining the allele frequency and animal genotype occurrence for the studied gene SNPs, indicators of the actual and expected heterozygosity, and Pearson’s test. A study of polymorphism C214G of gene GH revealed that genotype LL prevails in Hereford and Limousin animals, 47.37 and 57.7%, respectively, while frequency of allele L is higher in Limousin bull calves (0.731). A study of polymorphism K232A of gene DGAT1 gene in both the populations showed absence of genotypes AA, which can be related to the low number of the studied animals. Expected heterozygosity indicators of gene GH are higher than the observed ones, and the observed heterozygosity is higher for DGAT1. The number of efficient alleles for the studied genes is higher for Hereford bull calves. In general, according to Pearson’s test, both the studied populations are in equilibrium. There is a significant effect of GH gene polymorphism on live weight gain rates at the end of sagination and total and average daily weight gains during animal raising.     

Effect of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">PGR</Emphasis> Genotype on Economically Valuable Traits in Animals of the Holstein Breed

Genotyping for locus PGR (progesterone receptor gene) of the Holstein servicing bulls (World Wide Sires) was carried out. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of this locus are given. Significant (P < 0.05) superiority of the homozygous genotype AA of locus PGR was found in relation to the heterozygous genotype AG for several economically valuable traits: PTAM (predicted transmitting ability for milk, 380 points), PL (productive life, by 1.3 months), and FE (feed cost–feeding efficiency index, 37 points). Significant superiority (P < 0.05) of the homozygous genotype GG over the heterozygous genotype AG for the PL trait was also found, by 1.2 months. The obtained data can be used for marker-dependent breeding.     

Likely threat of the spread of race UG99 of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Puccinia graminis</Emphasis> f. sp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">tritici</Emphasis> on wheat in southeastern Russia

In 2013 and 2014, a Ug99 race virulent to the resistance gene Sr31 was revealed on spring bread wheat fields in Saratov oblast and its inoculum was collected under conditions of stem rust epiphytoties (with the fungus Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici acting as an agent). In March to April 2015, when a set of soft wheat lines was artificially inoculated in a climatic chamber, the virulence of the collected inoculum to gene Sr31 was confirmed, and four monopustular clones were isolated. Based on the isolated monopustular clones of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, an assessment for resistance of four lines of spring soft wheat to novel Sr-gene combinations was made.     

Use of molecular markers of potato golden nematode resistance genes <Emphasis Type="Italic">H1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">GRO1</Emphasis>

By means of DNA markers of potato golden nematode resistance genes H1 and Gro1, 109 Russian- and foreign-bred potato varieties are assessed. A sufficiently high level of coincidence of the presence of marker alleles with phenotypic resistance of potato varieties is revealed. However, not all resistant forms have specific amplification products. The use of DNA markers of only two genes H1 and Gro1 will not make it possible to completely replace mass laboratory testing, but it will make it possible to select potato forms resistant to this parasite by a simple and reliable method in a shorter time and thereby to considerably reduce the number of genotypes in the sample for further breeding.     

Genetic diversity of genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Malus</Emphasis> Mill. for scab resistance genes

The results of molecular genetic analysis of wild species and varieties of genus Malus Mill. for loci of monogenic scab resistance are presented. Dominant allele of gene Rvi6 was identified in varieties of M. robusta 43199, M. hupehensis, and M. floribunda. Locus Rvi4 was detected in genotypes of M. robusta v. persicifolia, M. asiatica 2343, M. sieversii 13280, M. niedzwetzkyana 13279, M. purpurea 2392, M. orientalis 41623, M. orientalis 29476, M. orientalis 29 460, M. spectabilis v. albi plena, and M. spectabilis v. rubra plena. Gene Rvi5 in the test collection of wild species is absent.     

Distribution of Fungi from the Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> Link. on Cereals

The species composition of fungi from the genus Fusarium was studied, and the frequency of occurrence on cereals was determined. Populations of Fusarium spp. were represented by widespread species F. culmorum, F. heterosporum, F. sporotrichioides, F. oxysporum, F. nivale, F. graminearum, F. avenacеum, F. gibbosum, F. sambucinum, F. moniliforme, etc. The dynamics and frequency of occurrence of Fusarium spp. has made it possible to characterize the state of the species of fungi in a wide range of climatic areas of cereal cultivation in the Russian regions. The prevalence of the genus Fusarium was caused by the cultivars’ susceptibility to micromycetes. The frequency of occurrence of Fusarium species isolated from roots was steady, and, on the ears, it depended on the influence of weather conditions during the growing season of plants. The study of the intraspecific variability of fungi from the genus Fusarium has revealed a significant difference in signs of toxicity and pathogenicity depending on biotic and abiotic factors. More than 50% of strains from the genus Fusarium possessed low pathogenicity but had severe toxicity to wheat seedlings. Most strains of F. sporotrichiodes, F. culmorum, and F. sambucinum were highly pathogenic (from 36.4 to 55.6%) and toxic (from 55.6 to 81.3%). High adaptability to preservation in the soil and on the roots of weeds and crop residues of most crops expressing pathogenic and toxic activity was conductive to the widespread Fusarium spp.     

Characteristics of interspecific hybrids between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleurotus ostreatus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. eryngii</Emphasis>

In this study, three species of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus osturatus, P. eryngii and P. cornucopia) were crossed together in order to aggregate benefit special attributes to the genotype (s). The monokaryon of each of these species was prepared. Then, the monokaryons of two species were placed at 5 mm distance from each other to produce dikaryon. The results showed that, from among 700 crosses, only the crosses of eryngii and osturatus monokaryons were grown toward each other and produced clamps (dikaryons). Four produced hybrids were noted H₁, H₃₂, H₁₁ and H₄₀. The spans of produced hybrids were prepared; then, they were grown into sterile media and attributions of hybrids were studied. The results indicated that H₁₁ hybrid was an appropriate hybrid in terms of the number of days until growing, number of days until the observation of the first pin and the days from planting to harvest. However, H₄₀ was the best hybrid based on cap diameter, dry and fresh weight of fruit body, yield and biomass. It is expected that these interspecific hybrids employ for future oyster mushroom breeding programs.     

Study of intracellular ion composition of yeast <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis> biomass

The ionic composition of the of the intracellular content of the alcohol yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae R. 1039 biomass was studied for confirmation of their use perspectiveness as a mediator to enable the management the mineral content of food in the manufacture of food and feed additives. The ionic composition of the obtained extracts were identified using the method of capillary electrophoresis. It is found that the quantitative ion content in the cell extracts depends on the concentration of the nutrient medium. When the yeast S. cerevisiae R. 1039 was cultivated on the medium with the soluble solids concentration of 30%, the intracellular ion content in the extracts was 1.3 times higher than when the yeast was cultivated on 12% wort by increasing the concentration of chlorides, sulfates, formates, potassium ions, and calcium. The yield of the yeast S. cerevisiae R. 1039 biomass increased 1.6 times per unit of volume of the medium with increase of the soluble solids concentrations from 12% to 30%.     

Formation of the hypersensitivity response due to the expression of <Emphasis Type="Italic">FeSOD1</Emphasis> gene in tomato when it is inoculated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora infestans</Emphasis>

The activity of antioxidant enzymes and ultrastructural changes in tissues inoculated with P. infestans isolate have been studied in the previously developed independent transgenic lines of tomato with FeSOD1 gene and control plants. It is shown that the activity of superoxide dismutase is significantly higher in transgenic plants than that in control plants (nontransgenic plants). Chlorosis and obvious changes in tissue turgor were observed when the control tomato plants were inoculated, which indicates irreversible damages and unimpeded progression of infection. At the same time, the transgenic lines were characterized by the formation of clearly limited zones of damaged cells that rapidly arrested the infection. In addition, the damages differed from those in nontransgenic plants: the cells along the edges of the infection site were smaller and had heavy invaginations of the cell wall. The contacts between the cells were disrupted in this zone, but they were preserved in undisturbed zones of the tissue. Thus, the expression of the FeSOD1 transgene promotes the emergence of the resistance to P. infestans in tomato transgenic plants.     

Diversity of Dagestan barleys for the duration of the period between shooting and earing stages and alleles in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ppd-H1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ppd-H2</Emphasis> loci

The duration of the shooting–earing period of 265 barley samples from Dagestan was studied. During the 3 years of study at the Dagestan Experimental Station of VIR (Derbent), fast-ripening samples k-15008 and k-15013 were identified. Evaluation of spring forms in the northwestern region of the country made it possible to identify sample k-15027, which had a high rate of development over 2 years. It was found that Dagestan barleys are strongly influenced by growing conditions; that is, they have a high rate of response. Vernalization temperatures, short photoperiod, and high temperatures during the growing season contribute to fast barley ripening. Using molecular markers, the allelic diversity of genes Ppd-H1 and Ppd-H2, which are involved in the control of the duration of the shooting–earing period, was investigated. Most samples of local forms of barley carry dominant allele Ppd-H2, which causes early earing under short photoperiod. Translocation of the studied barley group to unusual conditions of northwest Russia leads to significant delay in plant development.     

Identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Habrobracon hebetor</Emphasis> Populations Using RAPD Markers

It was found that food preferences and conditions of breeding of Habrobracon hebetor laboratory populations vary considerably. In this regard, it is necessary to identify populations within the studied species using DNA markers: an effective and reliable means for assessing the genetic differences between samplings of this insect species. A molecular genetic analysis of two different geographic populations of the Habrobracon hebetor entomophage (from Krasnodar, Russia, and Chimkent, Kazakhstan) was carried out using RAPD markers; 21 RAPD primers were tested for specificity to H. hebetor DNA. Five RAPD primers (OPA05, OPA10, OPB01, OPB04, and UBC519) were identified that have high specificity and the ability to differentiate H. hebetor populations. DNA markers that are specific for the Krasnodar and Chimkent entomophage populations and that can clearly identify them were revealed: for the Krasnodar population, RAPD markers with a molecular weight of 550 bp (UBC 519); 500 and 700 bp (OPA05); 1100, 1200, and 1300 bp (OPA10); 220 and 800 bp (OPB04); and 880 bp (OPB01); for the Chimkent population, 400, 600 and 1200 bp (UBC519); 600 and 950 bp (OPA10); and 800 bp (OPB01). It is concluded that these RAPD primers can be used for identification and differentiation of other H. hebetor populations.     

New strain of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia unijuga</Emphasis> mosaic virus revealed in the Amur oblast

A mosaic disease caused by a virus with isometric particles with a diameter of 28–30 nm has been revealed on a wild vetch species Vicia unijuga in the Amur oblast. The thermal inactivation point (TIP) of the pathogen is 73°C, longevity in vitro (LIV) is up to 3 days, and dilution endpoint (DEP) is 10^?5. Virions contain one capsid protein with molecular mass 19 kD. The antigenic relationship between the isolate and brome mosaic virus and earlier identified V. unijuga mosaic virus, a representative of the genus Bromovirus, is determined. The pathogen has been identified as a new strain of this bromovirus. The virus is easily transmitted to cultivated legumes, causing considerable damage.     

Genetic diversity analysis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plantago ovata</Emphasis> and some of its wild allies using RAPD markers

Plantago ovata, commonly called as the 'desert Indian wheat' is a cultivated and economically important plant of the genus Plantago, a large genus containing ~200 species. It yields Psyllium (Isabgol) which has several health benefits and applications in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. In view of the genetic uniformity, detection of variability has remained a challenge in this species as the plant lacks inherent variability and has a narrow genetic base. During the present study, Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to determine genetic relationship and detect whatever little hidden variation exists in this species and some of its wild allies. Limited genetic variability was observed in P. ovata whereas; extensive genetic variability was seen in its wild allies. The genetic distances among different accessions of P. ovata and different species of Plantago, were used to generate a dendrogram.     

The Relationship between Drought Tolerance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Laurus nobilis</Emphasis> L. and Environmental Factors in Conditions of the Southern Coast of Crimea

The present studies have shown Laurus nobilis L. to be a drought tolerant species. When the plant was first subjected to dehydration, the rate of net photosynthesis decreased from Pn = (8–10) to –1 μmol/(m² s) and to –3 μmol/(m² s) during the second dehydration before it was subsequently irrigated. The rewatering on August 5 and August 8 promoted a sharp burst of this parameter, but the Pn value was restored to its original level only after August 8. Soil drought caused a drop in a rate of transpiration from 65–70 to 10 mg/(m² s). Watering soil up to a 15% moisture level brought an increase in E = 25 mg/(m² s), but only the second watering managed to fully restore it to the initial value. Apical growth of the plants was closely correlated with soil moisture. As the soil moisture was reduced to W = 15–5%, the terminal growth reached a saturation point and started to plateau. Watering the soil up to W = 15% promoted apical growth by 4 mm. Reducing soil moisture to W = 3–4% caused a complete cessation of the growth. Subsequent watering to W = 27–28% led to a gradual and complete recovery of turgor and an increase in the growth rate up to 6–8 mm per day. The surface response functions Pn = f(I, W) and E = f(I, W) allowed us to determine conditions and levels of potential maximums and boundaries of the areas of optimum photosynthesis and transpiration: optimum Pn = 8–9 μmol/(m² s) with I = 900–1400 μmol/(m² s) and W = 17–24% and the optimum E = 25–35 mg/(m² s) with I = 1000–1400 μmol/(m² s) and W = 16–24%.     

CNP Ratio and Dose Regulated Production of Water Chestnut <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trapa</Emphasis>: Social and Environmental Implications

Water chest nut Trapa is a minor fruit crop and potential carbon sequester of atmospheric carbon. Mass production of water chest nut using a vast number of unused small water bodies and derelict waters is a win-win-win-win strategy toward mitigation of global warming, nutritional security, empowerment and resource utilization. Growth performance of Trapa was conducted in small culture units using different CNP ratios (25:02:01; 101:08:01; 290:01:01) at a fixed dose (0.2 kg/tank) of mixed manure with different doses (100, 200, 400, 600 g) of optimal CNP ratio (101:08:01) during the life cycle of Trapa. The total number of fruits and the wet weight of Trapa in different dose treatments ranged from 56 to 192 and from 258 to 379 g/tank. Yield of Trapa remained maximum when CNP ratio was 101:8:1 at 200 g/tank and the dosage was 200 g/tank with the optimal CNP ratio (134 g) and then declined with further rise in fertilizer dose. The proximate analysis of Trapa revealed the highest phosphorus content in all the tissues (fruit, leaf, and root) of Trapa grown in the CNP ratio of 101:08:01. Of the total amount of carbon in Trapa, contribution was maximum by the fruit (38–41%), followed by leaf (27–35%) and root (23–32%) in different ratio treatment. The C content of harvested Trapa grown in different CNP ratios (Table 4) was higher in fruit (38–41%) followed by leaf (27–35%) and root (23–32%) among tissues. The amount of C observed in control (32%) increased by 6% in 25:02:01 (34%) which was higher than remaining two treatments (31%). Dry weight or total carbon content of water chestnut tended to rise with increasing levels of phosphate of water from the dosage of 100 to 200 g with optimal CNP ratio and declined thereafter. A direct relationship between the dry weight or carbon content of Trapa and the total carbon content or phosphate to total carbon ratio of water was established. However, the carbon content remained between 27–32% in all the three tissues of Trapa culture when cultured in different dose treatments. It is reasonable to conclude that water chestnut may be promoted for mass cultivation using the recommended culture protocol that would help trapping atmospheric carbon, provide nutritional security and employment generation and resource utilization.     

Antioxidant content and growth at the initial ontogenesis stages of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Passiflora incarnata</Emphasis> plants under the influence of biostimulant Albit

The aim of this study was to determine the accumulation of antioxidants at аn early stage of development of organs of P. incarnata L. plants grown in greenhouses (medicinal aromatic plants were used for comparison), as well as to evaluate the effect of biostimulant Albit. The use of amperometric and biochemical methods made it possible to measure and evaluate the total antioxidant content in aqueous extracts of leaves of aromatic plants with sedative effects compared to aqueous extracts of P. incarnata L. leaves. The latter are characterized by a lower level of antioxidant accumulation. Seed treatment with biostimulant Albit and foliar treatment of aerial parts of the P. incarnata L. plant increased the total antioxidant content and the content of carotenoids, chlorophylls a and b, and the yield of aerial parts of the plant by 10–15%. The findings suggest that the P. incarnata L. plants grown in greenhouses can be used to create antioxidant herbal remedies.     

Introduction of grain cowpea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna unguiculata</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">cylindrical</Emphasis> (L.) Verdc.) in the Lower Volga

Introduction of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrical (L.) Verdc.) in the Lower Volga region is the possibility of using this culture for agricultural production, fodder production, and expanded range of food products. Selection for earliness in the model population of cowpea should be accompanied by the identification of genotypes with high intensity of biomass accumulation in the shoots-flowering interphase period.