Analysis of spring bread wheat varieties (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> L.) using microsatellite markers

The genetic polymorphism of 62 genotypes of spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of different ecological and geographical origin has been studied for 13 microsatellite loci using SSR-markers. A cluster analysis has revealed samples for use in hybridization that are most genetically distant from the varieties of selection in Primorsky krai. Lines 161 and 168, which combine the resistance to spike and grain fusarium with a high productivity, were developed with the involvement of the selected varieties, Long 98-4081 (China) and Primorskaya 39 (Russia, Primorsky krai).     

Screening and identification of antagonistic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces</Emphasis> spp. against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clavibacter michiganensis</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">michiganensis</Emphasis> from tomato rhizosphere

The objectives of our present study were to isolate antagonistic Streptomyces from tomato rhizosphere, and evaluate the potential strain for the biological control of bacterial canker of tomato. One hundred and seventy strains of isolated from tomato rhizosphere were tested for antibiosis activity against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis on double-layer agar. Sixty-three isolates showed antibiosis activity with diameter of an inhibition zone ranging from 1.0–6.5 cm. Fifteen Streptomyces strains had strong antibiosis activity against C. m. subsp. michiganensis with diameter of the inhibition zone above 4.0 cm on double-layer agar. Especially, the strain named Z-L-22 showed the strongest antibiosis activity with 6.5 cm inhibition zone. The fermentation filtrate also showed a high inhibition activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptomyces scabies, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Morphological, physiological and biochemical tests combined with 16S rDNA sequence analysis were carried out to identify the strain Z-L-22. Characteristics of the Z-L-22 were similar to those of Streptomyces setonii, and the 16S rDNA sequence showed 99.4% homology to S. setonii. Based on the polyphase taxonomic views, the Z-L-22 was identified as S. setonii.     

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.     

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.     

Allelopathic effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thymus kotschyanus</Emphasis> on seed germination and initial growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bromus tomentellus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trifolium repens</Emphasis>

The allelopathic influence of aqueous extracts of Thymus kotschyanus on Bromus tomentellus and Trifolium repens germination (%), germination speed, and seedling growth (length, fresh and dry weight) was examined. It was noted that aqueous extracts had a considerable inhibitory effect on target plant germination, and the effect at 50%, 75%, and 100% concentration was found to be significantly higher than that at lower concentrations (5% and 25%) and control treatment (distilled water). Seedling length in addition to fresh and dry weights was also reduced significantly over control. The inhibitory effect was increased as the extract concentration was increased. B. tomentellus showed a higher sensitivity against T. kotschyanus in allelopathic effects compared to T. repens, which indicates that B. tomentellus planted in rangelands with leaf litter of T. kotschyanus will be adversely affected in terms of its germination, growth, and ultimately low forage production.     

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.     

Expression analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">RUS1</Emphasis> and construction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">RUS1</Emphasis> plant expressing vector

RUS1 was one of the disease resistance gene analogs obtained from Setaria italica Beauv. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis result showed that RUS1 gene could be induced by Uromyces setariae-italicae and had relation to the resistance response of Setaria italica Beauv. against Uromyces setariae-italicae infection. Promoter sequence of RUS1 was obtained by the method of Genome Walking, and its length was 675 bp. RUS1 promoter and pCAMBIA1300 vector were fused to construct RUS1::GUS vector. GUS histochemical staining result showed that promoter could activate gene expression. RUS1 gene (including the promoter sequence) was obtained through PCR amplification and then fused with pCAMBIA1300 vector to construct pCAMBIA1300:RUS1 plant expressing vector. The research laid a foundation for gene functional identification of RUS1.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Activity of the photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidant enzymes in leaves of transgenic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum lycopersicum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nicotiana tabacum</Emphasis> plants,with <Emphasis Type="Italic">FeSOD1</Emphasis> gene

Introduction of the FeSOD gene enhanced the stability of the photosynthetic apparatus of plants to the action of oxidative stress caused by UV irradiation. The expression of Arabidopsis thaliana FeSOD gene, targeting the enzyme in chloroplasts due to a signal sequence, leaded to significant changes in ultrastructure of cell subcompartments of tobacco and tomato leaves. The activity of superoxide dismutase in leaves of transgenic tomato plants exceeded the value of activity of this enzyme of control plants. Transgenic tobacco plants showed increasing in SOD activity compared with control non-transgenic tobacco. The activity of AP in the leaves of transgenic tobacco and tomato plants was similar with that of control non-transgenic plants, but activity of one accession of transgenic tomato, which is also characterized by high values of SOD activity, exceeded the value of control plant. Differences in ultrastructural organization of chloroplasts in the cells of transgenic and control tobacco and tomato plants have been manifested in a strong enlargement in the size of plastoglobuli. These distinctions were evident especially in the cells of the leaf parenchyma of transgenic tomato as well as transgenic tobacco. Also, a quantity of starch grains in the plastids of guard cells was increased. Chloroplasts in the cells of leaf parenchyma in transgenic plants contained less a starch grains than in wild-type plants.     

Study of biochemical composition of seeds and green beans of vegetable cowpea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna Ung.</Emphasis> ssp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sesquipedalis</Emphasis>)

The article presents the results of investigation of the variability of biochemical parameters of seeds and green beans of vegetable cowpea accessions (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc.) introduced for use in breeding. Variations of biochemical parameters of seed quality and green beans (such as protein, fat, ash content, fiber, NFES) were established. New data on the fractional composition of proteins (albumins, globulins, prolamins, glutelins) from seeds and green beans were obtained. These data are of great importance for the evaluation of the starting material and the formation of a breeding program and the selection of rational strategies of individual selection from the source populations.     

Studies on isolated microspore embryoid induction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. annuum</Emphasis> L.

A system to improve isolated microspore embryoid induction rate of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was studied in this paper. The results showed that low-temperature pretreatment, growth regulators combinations, activated carbon concentrations, and preculture temperatures were critical factors affecting embryoid formation of isolated pepper microspores in vitro. One day after pretreatment of the buds at 4°C, the anthers that differentiated and developed into embryos were cultured in double-layer medium system for one week at 7°C and then went on culturing at 28°C in darkness. All the seven genotypes of the tested pepper responded to this protocol. The embryoid induction rate of the best genotype increased from 81.11% to 147.22%. This protocol can be used as a potential tool for producing doubled haploid plants for pepper breeding.     

Monitoring cotton (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gossypium hirsutum</Emphasis> L.) germination using ultrahigh-resolution UAS images

Examination of seed germination rate is of great importance for growers early in the season to determine the necessity for replanting their fields. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of using unmanned aircraft system (UAS)-based visible-band images to monitor and quantify the cotton germination process. A light-weight UAS platform was used, which carried a consumer-grade red, green, and blue camera stabilized by a built-in gimbal system. In order to obtain ultrahigh image resolution during the germination stage, the UAS platform was flown at an altitude of approximately 15–20 m above ground. By applying the structure-from-motion (SfM) algorithm, the images were rectified and orthographically mosaicked with a ground sampling distance of approximately 6–9 mm/pixel. A novel solution was then developed for calculating the average plant size and the number of germinated cotton plants according to the leaf polygons extracted from the orthomosaic images. By using the estimated number of germinated cotton plants, the plant density and the cumulative germination rate can also be estimated in a straightforward manner using field-specific parameters. An assessment of the proposed solution was conducted by comparing the estimated number of the germinated cotton plants against ground observation data collected from six cotton row segments. The results demonstrated that the average estimation accuracy achieved 88.6% in terms of identifying the number of the germinated cotton plants. The accuracy may be further improved if images with near infrared band are employed.     

Photoperiod sensitivity and molecular marking of genes <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ppd</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vrn</Emphasis> in connection with breeding alternative-habit wheat varieties

The response of wheat varieties and breeding lines to vernalization and photoperiod in pot experiments is studied and tested by means of allele-specific markers for genes Ppd and Vrn. These markers effectively predict the degree of photoperiod sensitivity of plants to vernalization, which attests to the expediency of using them in breeding practice.     

Assessment of salt tolerance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops</Emphasis> L. from the VIR collection

The effect of high NaCl concentrations on accumulation of biomass and change in content of sodium and potassium ions in 17 accessions of nine species of Aegilops L. is studied. Three salt-tolerant accessions (Ae. tauschii k-677 and 674 and Ae. cylindrica k-676) containing the D genome and having a high K/Na ratio are identified.     

Genotoxic impact of cadmium on root meristem of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia faba</Emphasis> L.

Genotoxic studies with reference to pollution biomonitoring is a recent approach and can be used for maintenance of crop productivity. Effect of the cadmium chloride in the pure germ line of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) were evaluated in relation to the chromosomal abnormalities and rate of cell division. Seeds grown in the nutrient medium for 48 hrs containing different concentrations of cadmium chloride (control, 0.05 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.2 mM, 0.4 mM and 0.8 mM) showed different genotoxic effects such as polyploidy, multipolarity, chromosomal bridge with fragments, lagging chromosome and micronuclei. Relative division rate (RDR) was decreased with increasing cadmium concentration while relative abnormality rate (RAR) increased suggesting that cadmium may cause genetic changes in pure germ line and produce irrepairable damage in root meristem. Therefore, combining plant bioassays and root analysis of Cd⁺⁺ content would allow us to define phytotoxicity thresholds in plants.     

Increase of resistance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arabidopsis thaliana</Emphasis> plants to phytopathogenic fungi expressing hevein-like peptides from weed plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stellaria media</Emphasis>

It is shown that constitutive hyperexpression of new hevein-like peptides from the weed plant chickweed (Stellaria media)in mouse-ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants leads to a substantial increase of their resistance to phytopathogenic fungi Botrytis cinerea and Bipolaris sorokiniana. Thus, common chickweed peptides can play a definite role in protecting this weed plant and be useful as a new genetic tool for producing plants resistant to fungal diseases.     

Ameliorating Nickel Stress by Jasmonic Acid Treatment in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zea mays</Emphasis> L.

Plants need various micro and macronutrients for their growth and metabolism. Of these nickel (Ni) plays a role of micronutrient but causes adverse effects when present above optimum level. To combat such situations plants possess different growth regulators. Jasmonates are a class of plant growth regulators modulating various growth and physiological responses in plants. Aiming to evaluate the effect of nickel and jasmonic acid on growth and antioxidant enzymes Superoxide distmutase (SOD), Catalse (CAT), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR), seeds of Zea mays L. were sown in field after giving presowing treatment of NiSO₄ · 6H₂O (8 mM), jasmonic acid JA (10^–6, 10^–8 and 10^–10 M) alone and JA (10^–6, 10^–8 and 10^–10 M) in 1: 1 combination with NiSO₄ · 6H₂O (8 mM) in plant conservatory, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India. Plants of each treatment group were then subjected to spraying treatment with the respective treatment solutions at regular intervals of 22 days up to 66 days after sowing (DAS). The present findings signified reduced growth with Ni treatment but co-application of JA alleviated the effect of nickel through activity of antioxidant enzymes.     

Expression of special genes inhibited by powdery mildew (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Blumeria graminis</Emphasis> f. sp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">tritici</Emphasis>) in wheat germplasm N9436

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most important fungal diseases in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Wheat germplasm N9436 is resistant to powdery mildew. In the present study, a backward subtracted cDNA library was constructed with cDNA from N9436 leaves inoculated by Blumeria graminis as the driver and cDNA from uninoculated N9436 leaves as the tester. A total of 120 positive clones were randomly chosen from the SSH-cDNA library and were amplified with sp6 and t7 primers to examine the insert size. After screening the repeated and redundant sequences, 59 expressed sequence tags (EST) were acquired. Nucleic acid and protein homology search were performed using the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) program with the default settings at NCBI website (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). BlastX results in nr-protein database revealed that 23 ESTs were highly homologous with known proteins involved in primary metabolism, energy metabolism, transport, signal transduction, and disease resistance and defenses. BlastNr results showed that 47 and 10 ESTs had high identities with known Unigene and function-unknown ESTs, respectively, and two ESTs matched none in the nr-database. Twenty-one ESTs were both in the nucleic acid and protein databases, including seven ESTs associated with powdery mildew resistance. Among them, one was responsible for signal transduction and six for systemic acquired resistance (SAR) system.