ALBERT

Description:    A genomic DNA library enriched with GA/TC repeats from Camelina sativa variety Calena has been analysed. After sequencing of about 200 randomly selected clones, approximately 60 % of them showed to contain simple or compound microsatellites with a high number of repeats. Among all microsatellite markers analysed 15 primer pairs amplified polymorphic fragments. Forty C. sativa accessions of different origin were genotyped with 15 microsatellite markers that generated 134 alleles with an average of 8.93 alleles per locus . The observed heterozygosity (Ho) among the accessions ranged from 0.0 to 0.15 with an average of 0.0370, whereas the average of expected heterozygosity (He) among accessions was 0.2769. The analysis of the average total heterozygosity (H T  = 0.651), the intrapopulation genetic diversity (H S  = 0.260), the interpopulation genetic diversity (D ST  = 0.391) and the coefficient of genetic differentiation among populations (G ST  = 0.574) demonstrated that 57.4 % of the genetic diversity is among the accessions, while 42.6 % resides within them. Phylogenetic tree of the 40 C. sativa accessions was constructed based on Nei’s genetic distance. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram shows, except for CAM108 and CAM170, a clear discrimination among C. sativa accessions grouping them in five subgroups. ANOVA analysis indicates significant differences in some biochemical and agronomic parameters among the C. sativa accessions grouped according to Nei’s genetic distance. The result of the Tukey HSD test demonstrated that the A4 subgroup showed a significant higher TWS and linoleic acid (LA) content, while the subgroup A1 showed a significant higher linolenic and lower LA content compared to the remaining groups. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9913-8 Authors Antonella Manca, Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, IBBA-CNR, Via Bassini 15, 20133 Milan, Italy Paola Pecchia, Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, IBBA-CNR, Via Bassini 15, 20133 Milan, Italy Sergio Mapelli, Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, IBBA-CNR, Via Bassini 15, 20133 Milan, Italy Piernicola Masella, Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, IBBA-CNR, Via Bassini 15, 20133 Milan, Italy Incoronata Galasso, Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, IBBA-CNR, Via Bassini 15, 20133 Milan, Italy Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    In situ population studies of wild relatives of crops are crucial for the conservation of plant genetic resources, especially in regions with high genetic diversity and a risk of local extinction. Ethiopia is the center of origin for sorghum, yet little is known about the genetic structure of extant wild populations. Using 9 Simple Sequence Repeat loci, we characterized 19 wild populations from five regions, 8 local cultivar populations from three regions, and 10 wild sorghum accessions from several African countries. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study to date of in situ wild sorghum populations in Africa. Genetic diversity corrected for sample size was significantly greater in the wild populations in situ than in local cultivars or the accessions. Approximately 41 % of the genetic variation in the wild plants was partitioned among populations, indicating a high degree of differentiation and potential value for germplasm conservation, and the average number of migrants (N m ) per generation was 0.43. Cluster analyses showed that some wild populations were grouped by geographic region, whereas others were not, presumably due to long-distance seed movement. Four wild populations from disjunct regions formed a unique cluster with an Ethiopian accession of subsp. drummondii and probably represent a weedy race. STRUCTURE and other analyses detected evidence for crop-wild hybridization, consistent with previous molecular marker studies in Kenya, Mali, and Cameroon. In summary, in situ wild sorghum populations in Ethiopia harbor substantial genetic diversity and differentiation, despite their close proximity to conspecific cultivars in this crop/wild/weedy complex. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9921-8 Authors Asfaw Adugna, Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Allison A. Snow, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA Patty M. Sweeney, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA Endashaw Bekele, Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Evans Mutegi, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Eight species of the genus Asparagus , members of the group of European species closely related to A. officinalis , were analysed using internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers, as well as cytological observations of their hybrids, to study their phylogenetic relationships and the possibility of broadening the narrow genetic base of cultivated varieties. Phylogenetic analysis using ITS data revealed two major clades: clade I consisting of A. acutifolius and clade II (referred to in this study as the ‘ officinalis group’) comprised of sequences derived from species closely related to A. officinalis ; but the different species within the ‘ officinalis group’ could not be clearly separated. In contrast, cluster analysis of EST-SSR marker data showed six major clades and clearly separated each population, grouping most of the genotypes from each population together. That is, EST-SSR markers were found to be more informative than ITS markers about the relationships within the ‘ officinalis group’, indicating that EST-SSR markers are more useful than ITS sequences for establishing phylogenetic relationships at the intrageneric level. All the crosses carried out at the same ploidy level were successful. The high crossability, together with the regular meiotic behaviour and high pollen and seed fertility observed in the interspecific hybrids analysed, suggest relatively close relationships between the species studied. We conclude that the group of species classified in the ‘ officinalis group’ are in the primary gene pool, indicating that these species could be used to increase the genetic diversity of the cultivated species. In addition, the tetraploid landrace “Morado de Huétor” could be employed as a bridge to generate new cultivated germplasm. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9918-3 Authors P. Castro, Dpto de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales Edificio C5 2ª planta, 14071 Córdoba, Spain J. Gil, Dpto de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales Edificio C5 2ª planta, 14071 Córdoba, Spain A. Cabrera, Dpto de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales Edificio C5 2ª planta, 14071 Córdoba, Spain R. Moreno, Dpto de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales Edificio C5 2ª planta, 14071 Córdoba, Spain Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The genus Corylus, a member of the birch family Betulaceae, includes several species that are widely distributed throughout temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The development of microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) for non-coding regions of the chloroplast genome and their higher sequence variation compared with coding regions has provided a higher resolution tool for the study of cultivars and closely related taxa. Chloroplast polymorphisms provide a marker system to evaluate the genetic structure of plant populations. This study investigated genetic diversity in three cultivars and 32 genotypes of Corylus avellana L. from Portugal: 13 wild genotypes and 19 Portuguese landraces. Four of ten cpSSR loci were polymorphic, with diversity indices ranging from 0.111 to 0.244. Eleven chlorotypes were detected, and their relationships were analyzed using a network model. Haplotype A was most frequent in landraces and cultivars. Four chlorotypes (H, I, J and L) were found only in wild hazelnuts. The diversity of chlorotypes in the wild hazels, and the limited number reported in cultivars, suggests that northern Portugal was a refuge for hazel during the last ice age. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9919-2 Authors S. Martins, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal F. Simões, Molecular Biology Group (GBM)/Genetic Resources, Ecophysiology and Plant Breeding Unit, INRB, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 22, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal D. Mendonça, Molecular Biology Group (GBM)/Genetic Resources, Ecophysiology and Plant Breeding Unit, INRB, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 22, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal J. Matos, Molecular Biology Group (GBM)/Genetic Resources, Ecophysiology and Plant Breeding Unit, INRB, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 22, 1649-038 Lisbon, Portugal A. P. Silva, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal V. Carnide, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Genetic diversity among 19 Triticum aestivum accessions and 73 accessions of closely related species was analyzed using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Forty-four out of 497 SSR markers were polymorphic. In total 274 alleles were detected (mean 6.32 alleles per locus). The polymorphic information content (PIC) of the loci ranged from 0.3589 to 0.8854 (mean 0.7538). The D genome contained the highest mean number of alleles (6.32) followed by the A and B genomes (6.13 and 5.94, respectively). The correlation between PIC and allele number was significant in all genome groups (0.7540, 0.7361 and 0.7482 for A, B and D genomes, respectively). Among the seven homologous chromosome groups, genetic diversity was lowest in group 7 and highest in group 5. In cluster and principal component analyses, all accessions grouped according to their genomes were consistent with their taxonomic classification. Accessions with the A and D genomes were clustered into two distinct groups, and AABB accessions showed abundant genetic diversity and a close relationship. Triticum durum and T. turgidum were clustered together, consistent with their morphological similarity. Cluster analysis indicated emmer is closely related to hexaploid wheat. Compared with common wheat, higher genetic variation was detected in spelt, T. aestivum subsp. yunnanense and subsp. tibetanum . In addition, a close genetic relationship between T. polonicum and T. macha was observed. The results of the clustering and principal component analyses were essentially consistent, but the latter method more explicitly displayed the relationships among wheat and closely related species. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9907-6 Authors Yajuan Wang, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi, China Changyou Wang, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi, China Hong Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi, China Zhongna Yue, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi, China Xinlun Liu, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi, China Wanquan Ji, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi, China Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The berries of eight plants of Vitis cinerea Engelm. ex Millardet growing in the mountains of the southern region of the State of Mexico, Mexico, during 2008–2010 (three seasons) were characterized according to the IPGRI descriptor. In addition, the fruit phenolics, total and reducing sugars and total soluble solids (TSS) were determined. Plant 169 produced over 100 fruits per bunch, with a berry weight of 0.32 g; these fruits presented an increased TSS value (20.4°B). The fruit phenolic content was increased in the berries of all the plants (at least 3 mg g −1 fresh weight) compared with the values reported for the commercial cultivars. Principal components 1 and 2 explained nearly 65 % of the observed variance. According to the biplot analysis, three groups were formed. Plants 169 and 183 were correlated with fruits per bunch, seeds per 10 fruits, the weight of berries per bunch, TSS, total sugars, bunch width and length. Plants 176, 188 and 129 were correlated with phenols, reducing sugars, seed weight in 10 fruits, seed length, the weight of 10 fruits, the weight of 100 seeds, and fruit and seed width. Additionally, plants 148, 180 and 184 were associated with peduncle length. Content Type Journal Article Category Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9908-5 Authors Omar Franco-Mora, Laboratorio de Horticultura, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Fitomejoramiento, Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, C. P. 50000 Toluca, Mexico Sara Aguirre-Ortega, Laboratorio de Horticultura, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Fitomejoramiento, Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, C. P. 50000 Toluca, Mexico Andrés González-Huerta, Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, C. P. 50000 Toluca, Mexico Álvaro Castañeda-Vildózola, Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, C. P. 50000 Toluca, Mexico Edgar Jesús Morales-Rosales, Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, C. P. 50000 Toluca, Mexico Delfina de Jesús Pérez-López, Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Campus El Cerrillo, C. P. 50000 Toluca, Mexico Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Dill ( Anethum graveolens L.) leaf, seed and their essential oil are rich source of antioxidants. The plant is native in Southwest Asia and is cultivated in Europe, India and the United States. This study evaluated the genetic diversity structure of 135 accessions of A. graveolens from different continents, based on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The selected 10 RAPD primers generated a total of 142 highly reproducible bands, among which 89 were polymorphic. Percentage of polymorphism varied from 41.17 % (OPB20) to 92.85 % (OPB15) with an average of 77.74 %. A relatively high genetic diversity was detected among all the accessions with the Nei’s genetic diversity ( H ) values ranged from 0.346 (OPB07) to 0.444 (OPB18) with a mean of 0.401. When estimated for Shannon’s information index ( I ), it has ranged from 0.530 (OPB12) to 0.652 (OPB18), the mean was observed as 0.581. The respective values of H and I were found to be the highest value for primer OPB18. Cluster analysis of RAPD data using UPGMA algorithm based on Nei’s genetic similarity matrix placed the 135 accessions into two main clusters. Although a number of groups can be identified, the clusters show little to no association with the geographic origin of the material. The implication of the results of this study in developing a strategy for the conservation and breeding of dill germplasm are discussed. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9886-7 Authors Sundan Suresh, National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-853 Republic of Korea Jong-Wook Chung, National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-853 Republic of Korea Jung-Sook Sung, National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-853 Republic of Korea Gyu-Taek Cho, National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-853 Republic of Korea Jong-Hyun Park, National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-853 Republic of Korea Mun Sup Yoon, National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-853 Republic of Korea Chung-Kon Kim, National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-853 Republic of Korea Hyung-Jin Baek, National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-853 Republic of Korea Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Variation of high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) in 28 Iranian Aegilops tauschii (2 n  = 2 x  = 14, DD) accessions studied by sodium dodecyl sulphate electrophoresis method (SDS-PAGE). The results showed high variation of HMW-GS in the accessions. The range of frequency in 14 HMW-GS combinations was 3.57–25 % in the accessions. AMOVA showed the molecular variance between the geographic areas was lower than within the geographic areas. According to Nei’s genetic diversity, the highest diversity levels were in Semnan, Golestan and Azarbayjan, on the other hand the lowest levels of diversity were found in Khorasan, Gilan and Mazandaran accessions. Hence, the Caspian Sea South East accessions also Azerbayjan in Iran have more diversity. AMOVA did not show variance between strangulata and tauschii but there was more genetic diversity in ssp. tauschii subspecies in comparison of ssp. strangulata according to Nei’s gene diversity and Shannon information index. It showed Iranian Ae. tauschii have a good potential for bread making quality improvement in bread wheat. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9887-6 Authors Zahra Tahernezhad, Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute, Nabovvat BLVD, Karaj, Iran Zeyn-alabedin Musavi, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Zabol University, Zabol, Iran Mohammad Javad Zamani, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran Mohammad Jafar Aghaei, National Plant Gene Bank of Iran, Karaj, Iran Bahram Rostam Foroudi, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The aim of present study was to explore and document medicinal plants used for the traditional dermatological healthcare management practices by the the Tharu tribal community of Uttar Pradesh. The study was conducted during 2000–2004. Information was gathered from 230 informants residing in 46 villages in Terai region of Indo-Nepal boarder using questionnaires; oral interviews and group discussions. Total 92 medicinal plant species were cited for the preparation of 113 crude drug formulations. Voucher specimens of cited plant species were collected and identified as belonging to 82 genera and 49 families. Thirty-nine medicinal plant species were reported for the first time for dermatological healthcare problems from India. The dermatological healthcare problems managed were cut and wounds, ringworm, leprosy, eczema, scabies, leucoderma, boils, carbuncles, pimples, skin blemishes, spots, eruption, and burns etc. The most commonly and popularly used medicinal plant species for management of dermatological healthcare problems in the study area were Curcuma longa L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Melia azedarach L. It is concluded that dermatological healthcare management practice in the study area depends largely on wildly growing medicinal plant species. There is an urgent need to properly conserve the medicinal plant species growing in this area for human welfare. There is also need for further phytopharmacological studies to provide scientific explanation for the usages of 57 medicinal plant species for which to the best of our knowledge phytopharmacological literatures are not available. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-22 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9826-6 Authors Akhilesh Kumar, Department of Botany, Maharani Lal Kunwari Post Graduate College, Balrampur, 271 201 Uttar Pradesh, India Vimal Chandra Pandey, Department of Botany, Maharani Lal Kunwari Post Graduate College, Balrampur, 271 201 Uttar Pradesh, India Anant Gopal Singh, Department of Botany, Maharani Lal Kunwari Post Graduate College, Balrampur, 271 201 Uttar Pradesh, India Divya Darshan Tewari, Department of Botany, Maharani Lal Kunwari Post Graduate College, Balrampur, 271 201 Uttar Pradesh, India Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The contribution of farmers to the creation and maintenance of genetic diversity is beginning to receive more recognition in developed countries. Although the use of landraces and historic varieties has largely disappeared in countries with industrialized agricultural systems and formal seed markets, certain varieties with particular cultural significance have been continuously cultivated by farmers and other varieties have been preserved ex situ in genebanks. Recently, associations of organic farmers have become involved in the conservation and use of landraces and historic varieties (called farmer varieties in this article) because these varieties possess agronomic and quality traits that they have not found in modern varieties. In this study, eight farmer varieties of bread wheat from Europe selected by participating farmers were evaluated in on-farm trials during 3 years of cultivation. Each variety was grown on each farm, and phenotypic changes in each variety were measured the third year in a replicated split-plot trial on each farm comparing the version of each variety the farmer had multiplied to a sample of each variety from the region of origin. All varieties, including the two modern pureline varieties used as checks, showed statistically significant phenotypic changes over 3 years of multiplication. However, the magnitude of these changes was moderate and did not call into question varietal identity or distinctness. In addition, some traits of putative agronomic and adaptive importance, such as grain weight per spike and thousand kernel weight, did not respond positively to natural selection (environmental conditions and management practices) which suggests the necessity of farmer selection to maintain and improve varietal performance. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-19 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9822-x Authors J. C. Dawson, UMR de Génétique Vegetale, Ferme du Moulon, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France E. Serpolay, INRA SAD Paysage, 65 rue de St. Brieuc, 35042 Rennes, France S. Giuliano, Ecole d’Ingénieurs de Purpan, 75 voie du Toec, 31076 Toulouse, France N. Schermann, INRA SAD Paysage, 65 rue de St. Brieuc, 35042 Rennes, France N. Galic, UMR de Génétique Vegetale, Ferme du Moulon, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France J.-F. Berthellot, Réseau Semences Paysannes Cazalens, 81600 Brens, France V. Chesneau, Réseau Semences Paysannes Cazalens, 81600 Brens, France H. Ferté, Réseau Semences Paysannes Cazalens, 81600 Brens, France F. Mercier, Réseau Semences Paysannes Cazalens, 81600 Brens, France A. Osman, Louis Bolk Institute, 3972 LA Driebergen, The Netherlands S. Pino, Istituto di Genetica e Sperimentazione Agraria, Lonigo, Veneto, Italy I. Goldringer, UMR de Génétique Vegetale, Ferme du Moulon, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    In the present study, analyses of SSR molecular markers were performed to investigate the genetic diversity of 133 tuber mustard cultivars. Eighty-one pairs of SSR primers from a total of 600 in Brassica produced stable amplified bands. In addition, 810 bands were detected among the cultivars, and 724 of those were polymorphic (89.38 %). The average number of bands per locus was 10.0 with a range from 5 to 16. Shannon’s information index for each SSR locus varied from 0.52 to 3.72, with an average of 2.74. The coefficients of genetic similarity in the SSR marker patterns among the 133 cultivars ranged from 0.77 to 0.91, with an average of 0.85. The cluster analysis showed that the cultivars could be classified into six clusters when the genetic similarity was 0.83, with 90.23 % of the cultivars included in Clusters 5 and 6. Principal component analysis was carried based on the SSR data. The results showed that the first three principal components could explain the genetic variation with 85.47, 0.67, and 0.61 %, and the 133 cultivars could be divided into six clusters according to the nearest phylogenetic relationship. It was indicated that the similarity was high and the genetic diversity was narrow among the 133 mustard tuber cultivars. 360 individuals from 24 cultivars were analyzed to reveal the genetic structure and genetic diversity within cultivars. A total of 925 alleles were detected in the 24 cultivars. Estimates of the mean number of alleles ‘A’, the effective allelic number ‘A e ’, the observed heterozygosity ‘H o ’, and expected heterozygosity ‘H e ’ were 6.0, 3.6, 0.64, and 0.37, respectively. An obvious genetic deviation from Hardy–Weinberg expectation was observed both among and within cultivars and a considerable genetic variation was revealed within rather than among cultivars. It is necessary to broaden the genetic basis of the breeding germplasm in tuber mustard. Based on their geographical distributions, the tuber mustard cultivars in this study can be divided into up-Yangtze river, mid-Yangtze river, and down-Yangtze river groups. Genetic diversity was highest in mid-Yangtze river group, followed by up-Yangtze river group, and then down-Yangtze river group. It was presumed that the origin center or genetic diversity center of tuber mustard was mid-Yangtze river, and the crop was transmitted along the Yangtze river in both directions. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9821-y Authors Ping Fang, Department of Life Sciences, Yangtze Normal University, Fuling, 408100 People’s Republic of China Fa-Bo Chen, Department of Life Sciences, Yangtze Normal University, Fuling, 408100 People’s Republic of China Qi-Lun Yao, Department of Life Sciences, Yangtze Normal University, Fuling, 408100 People’s Republic of China Ke-Cheng Yang, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources and Improvement, Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultual University, Yaan, 625014 People’s Republic of China Guang-Fan Zhou, Fuling Agricultural Science Institute of Chongqing, Fuling, 408000 People’s Republic of China Yong-Hong Fan, Fuling Agricultural Science Institute of Chongqing, Fuling, 408000 People’s Republic of China Zhao-Rong Zhang, Fuling Agricultural Science Institute of Chongqing, Fuling, 408000 People’s Republic of China Jin-Juan Shen, Fuling Agricultural Science Institute of Chongqing, Fuling, 408000 People’s Republic of China Hong Zhang, Fuling Agricultural Science Institute of Chongqing, Fuling, 408000 People’s Republic of China Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description: Åsmund Bjørnstad: Vårt daglege brød—kornets kulturhistorie [Our daily bread—the biological and the cultural history of the cereals] Content Type Journal Article Category Book Review Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9829-3 Authors Axel Diederichsen, Plant Gene Resources of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2, Canada Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Diospyros kaki Thunb. originated in Eastern Asia, as evidenced of its culture in China as early as several centuries B.C. In the seventh century, persimmon was introduced to Japan and later, in the fourteenth century to Korea. There is no information about persimmon culture in Europe until the seventeenth century, with the spread over the world occurring in the eighteenth century. The genus Diospyros contains more than 400 species, with levels of ploidy ranging from diploid (2n = 2x = 30) up to nonaploid (2n = 9x = 135). The primary economic crop species is Diospyros kaki Thunb., which is mainly hexaploid (2n = 6x = 90) and includes hundreds of cultivars. Although a relatively recent introduction in Europe, the species has adapted well, and the genetic diversity have been expanded with culture and selection for the past 200 years in the Mediterranean basin. These locally adapted cultivars were evaluated with cultivars from Asian origin in a germplasm collection established at IVIA in Valencia, Spain. In this paper 27 cultivars from the IVIA collection were studied by multivariate analysis, and 37 variables were analyzed using a Principal Components Analysis and cluster analysis following the method UPGMA. Studies on correlations and significance among variables identified the most relevant ones, and thus provided information for a future core collection. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9828-4 Authors J. Martínez-Calvo, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Apartado Oficial 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain M. Naval, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Apartado Oficial 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain E. Zuriaga, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Apartado Oficial 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain G. Llácer, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Apartado Oficial 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain M. L. Badenes, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Apartado Oficial 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Emmer wheat ( Triticum dicoccon Schrank) is still largely cultivated in India, and highly appreciated for the preparation of traditional dishes. Moreover, its nutritional characteristics could justify a development of its cultivation. The perspective of genetic improvement however requires a good knowledge of the genetic diversity existing within the eco-geographic group of Indian emmer wheats. A set of 48 emmer wheat accessions from India including 28 from a local collection and 20 Indian accessions obtained from CIMMYT, Mexico, was assessed for genetic variability using 47 microsatellite (SSR) markers, distributed over all the 14 chromosomes. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 9, with an average of 3.87 alleles per locus. A total of 201 alleles were detected at 52 loci with average polymorphic information content of 0.35 per locus and a mean resolving power of 1. The pair-wise similarity coefficients calculated from binary data matrix based on presence or absence of alleles varied from 0.15 to 0.98, but was greater than 0.5 for most accessions, indicating a high level of similarity. A cluster analysis based on the similarity matrix identified nine distinct accessions and three clusters. All the recently developed commercial varieties were distinctly different from the clusters. Based on the analysis, it appears that Indian emmer wheats are not very diverse. Consequently, there is a need to increase the diversity within the Indian emmer wheat eco-geographic group, by introducing diversity from other eco-geographic groups, or even from other wheat species. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9823-9 Authors Arvindkumar Salunkhe, Genetics Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Agarkar Road, Pune, 411004 India Shubhada Tamhankar, Genetics Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Agarkar Road, Pune, 411004 India Sujata Tetali, Genetics Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Agarkar Road, Pune, 411004 India Maria Zaharieva, Centro Internacional de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT), A. P. 6-641, 06600 Mexico, DF, Mexico David Bonnett, Centro Internacional de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT), A. P. 6-641, 06600 Mexico, DF, Mexico Richard Trethowan, Plant Breeding Institute, University of Sydney, 107 Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty, NSW, Australia Satish Misra, Genetics Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Agarkar Road, Pune, 411004 India Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Twenty two germplasm accessions of Cordia myxa were collected from Rajasthan and established at the field gene bank for conservation and evaluation. Morphological characterization of 10 year-old trees for 17 traits indicated wide variations among the accessions tested. Higher number of flowers per cyme was found in accession ACHM11 and higher pulp:stone ratio in AHCM25. Overall, AHCM22 was found to be a superior germplasm line for most of the horticulturally useful traits among the accessions tested as it had higher percent of fruit set, pulp:stone ratio and fruit weight. High significant positive correlation was obtained between leaf, fruit characters and pulp:stone ratio. However, these characters were found to be negatively correlated with number of flowers per cyme. Out of 50 random decamer primers used for random amplification (RAPD), 25 were polymorphic. Average polymorphism resolved by these markers among these accessions was 69.8% with an average polymorphic information content of 0.43. Genetic diversity revealed by Jaccard’s co-efficient was between 0.44 and 0.94, and three major clusters were identified among these accessions by phylogenetic analysis using NTSYSpc-2.02e software. RAPD markers associated with leaf size and pulp:stone ratio were also identified. This study shows the existence of high genetic diversity among these accessions. Content Type Journal Article Category Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops Pages 305-316 DOI 10.1007/s10722-011-9781-7 Authors P. N. Sivalingam, Central Institute for Arid Horticulture (ICAR), NH-15, SriGanganagar Road, Beechwal, Bikaner, 334006 India Dhurendra Singh, Central Institute for Arid Horticulture (ICAR), NH-15, SriGanganagar Road, Beechwal, Bikaner, 334006 India Sarita Chauhan, Central Institute for Arid Horticulture (ICAR), NH-15, SriGanganagar Road, Beechwal, Bikaner, 334006 India Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864 Journal Volume Volume 59 Journal Issue Volume 59, Number 2

Description:    109 Pyrus accessions including 92 local Chinese accessions of P. bretschneideri were identified genetically using nine microsatellite loci developed from apple and pear. The nine SSR loci revealed 129 alleles in 109 pear accessions and 114 alleles in 92 Chinese white pears. Among the 92 local Chinese accessions of P. bretschneideri , 70 could be differentiated successfully except for 10 sets of synonymous or mutants. For the 92 accessions, the number of putative alleles per locus ranged from seven to 18, with an average of 12.67; the average values of observed heterozygosity and Shannon’s Information index were 0.60 and 1.85, respectively. A phenogram based on the SSR (simple sequence repeat) genotypes was obtained. The 109 accessions clustered into 11 groups based on geographical origin. The European pears and the Asian pears did not form independent two groups, but three P. communis cultivars grouped together independently. The Japanese P. pyrifolia cultivars mingled together with the Chinese P. bretschneideri cultivars, but four P. ussuriensis cultivars except for one (Jianbali) grouped together independently. The results indicated that the relationship of P. bretschneideri cultivars and P. pyrifolia cultivars was much closer than others. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 317-326 DOI 10.1007/s10722-011-9785-3 Authors Luming Tian, Research Institute of Pomology, CAAS/Key Laboratory of Fruit Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Xingcheng, 125100 Liaoning, China Yuan Gao, Research Institute of Pomology, CAAS/Key Laboratory of Fruit Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Xingcheng, 125100 Liaoning, China Yufen Cao, Research Institute of Pomology, CAAS/Key Laboratory of Fruit Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Xingcheng, 125100 Liaoning, China Fengzhi Liu, Research Institute of Pomology, CAAS/Key Laboratory of Fruit Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Xingcheng, 125100 Liaoning, China Jun Yang, Research Institute of Pomology, CAAS/Key Laboratory of Fruit Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Xingcheng, 125100 Liaoning, China Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864 Journal Volume Volume 59 Journal Issue Volume 59, Number 3

Description:    Madagascar has 59 species of Coffea, of which 42 are listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable by criteria of the Red List Category system of the World Conservation Union. In an attempt to assess the conservation value of ex situ collections of Malagasy coffee species, a study was undertaken using the field genebank collections maintained at the Kianjavato Coffee Research Station. Three species were selected for this purpose, C. kianjavatensis, C. montis - sacri, and C. vatovavyensis , and for comparative purposes extant, in situ populations of the same species were studied. Parentage analyses of ex situ propagated offspring of C. kianjavatensis and C. montis - sacri were performed to assess if crossing with other Coffea species maintained in the field genebank is compromising the genetic integrity of the collection. For these three species, higher genetic diversity was observed in the ex situ populations compared to the in situ populations, highlighting the importance of preserving the plants currently in ex situ collections. Parentage analyses of seed-propagated offspring of C. kianjavatensis and C. montis - sacri revealed that cross contamination with pollen from other Coffea species in the ex situ field genebank is occurring. These results have significant implications for the conservation management of wild Coffea species and for the management of ex situ genebanks. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9898-3 Authors Sarada Krishnan, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA Tom A. Ranker, Division of Environmental Biology, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22230, USA Aaron P. Davis, The Herbarium, Library, Art and Archives, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB UK Jean Jacques Rakotomalala, FOFIFA-DRA, P.O. Box 1444, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    A collection of 220 accessions of parsley ( Petroselinum crispum [Mill.] Nyman) was evaluated at two experimental stations (Gatersleben and Quedlinburg, Germany) under natural infection. Widespread origins of tested accessions provide the opportunity for first-time characterization of existence, spreading and level of resistance/susceptibility to the economically important pathogens Septoria petroselini Desm., Plasmopara petroselini Săvul. et O. Săvul. and Erysiphe heraclei DC. ex Saint-Aman causing Septoria blight, downy mildew and powdery mildew respectively throughout the species P. crispum . For each pathogen, accessions free or nearly free of symptoms were found: S. petroselini : free 1, nearly free 25, P. petroselini : free 51, nearly free 22 and E. heraclei : free 166. Eight accessions are free or nearly free of symptoms for all three pathogens: PET36, PET169, PET172, PET177, PET178, PET192, PET212 and PET214. The accession PET16 is free of symptoms for both S. petroselini and P. petroselini . Most of the resistant material comes from Southern and Eastern Europe. There could be a centre for resistances of parsley. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9897-4 Authors F. Marthe, Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural and Fruit Crops-Quedlinburg (ZGO-Q), Julius Kuehn Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany T. Bruchmüller, Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural and Fruit Crops-Quedlinburg (ZGO-Q), Julius Kuehn Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany A. Börner, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research Gatersleben, Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Stadt Seeland, Germany U. Lohwasser, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research Gatersleben, Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Stadt Seeland, Germany Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass) is an obligate outcrossing C 4 perennial prairie grass currently being pursued for the production of lignocellulosic ethanol. Commercial production of switchgrass for bioenergy has increased substantially in the United States. Understanding the degree of native genetic diversity within and among switchgrass populations will facilitate effective germplasm improvement, conservation, and management programs. In this study, the genetic diversity and differentiation among natural and agronomic switchgrass populations were analyzed at the molecular level by using random amplified polymorphic (RAPD) DNA markers. The mean genetic diversity among populations ranged from 0.051 ± 0.136 to 0.243 ± 0.214 and the mean genetic similarity among all the switchgrass populations was 0.775. The clustering pattern of switchgrass populations grouped the individuals based on their sites of origin, with agronomic cultivars predominantly separated into distinct clusters. The grouping of individuals within and across the populations was corroborated by principal component analysis. These results are consistent with previous reports for switchgrass accessions. RAPD DNA markers were suitable for quickly estimating the genetic diversity of native and agronomic switchgrass populations, and suggest that introgression of agronomic genes into natural switchgrass populations and subsequent changes in genetic structure may be detectable. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9903-x Authors Madhugiri Nageswara-Rao, Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee, 252 Ellington Plant Sciences, 2431 Joe Johnson Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996, USA C. Neal Stewart Jr., Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee, 252 Ellington Plant Sciences, 2431 Joe Johnson Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Charles Kwit, Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee, 252 Ellington Plant Sciences, 2431 Joe Johnson Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The preservation of plant genetic resources involves the conservation of the microbial biota associated with them. The presence of culturable bacteria in a series of 16 bean seed batches, corresponding to nine local bean varieties, stored in a germplasm bank was studied by amplifying and sequencing the 16S rDNA. Microorganisms identified in seed lots were classified into three groups: environmental biota (present in all samples), biota characteristic of humans and animals (present in 53 % of samples) and phytopathogenic biota (present in 19 % of samples). Genus diversity ranged between 0.6931 and 2.0942 according to the Shannon–Weaver Index (H’), the sample presenting the highest number of plant pathogenic bacteria being the most diverse. This result suggests that contrary to common practice in diagnostic laboratories, it is necessary to identify all culturable bacteria isolates from each sample. In addition, the fact that potentially phytopathogenic bacteria have been preserved in a genebank should emphasize the importance of rigorous sanitary controls for plant genetic resources. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9902-y Authors Estefanía Trapiello, Laboratorio de Fitopatología, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Carretera de Oviedo s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain Ana J. González, Laboratorio de Fitopatología, Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Carretera de Oviedo s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Jerusalem artichoke is a diversely-utilized crop. Selection for high yield, inulin content and other economically important traits are useful for improving this crop. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate genetic variability for qualitative and quantitative traits among Jerusalem artichoke accessions and to identify different groups of accessions using morphological and agronomic traits. Seventy-nine accessions were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with two replications in the late rainy season 2008, the early rainy season 2009 and the late rainy season 2009 at Khon Kaen University agronomy farm, Thailand. Morphological and agronomic characteristics were evaluated for genetic variations. High variations were found among Jerusalem artichoke accessions for qualitative and quantitative characters, and selection for these characters is possible. High variations were observed for tuber width, number of tubers/plant, biomass, fresh tuber yield and tuber size. Correlation coefficient between fresh tuber yield and tuber size was positive and significant (0.58, P  ≤ 0.01). Improvement of tuber size is a means to improve yield and tuber quality. Based on morphological and agronomic characteristics, Jerusalem artichoke accessions were clustered into four distinct groups (R 2  = 0.88). These groups may be used as parental material to generate progenies for further improvement of this crop. This information will enable breeders to make informed decisions about possible heterotic groups for their breeding programs and germplasm conservation. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9870-2 Authors Ratchanee Puttha, Department of Plant Science and Agricultural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand Sanun Jogloy, Department of Plant Science and Agricultural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand Bhalang Suriharn, Department of Plant Science and Agricultural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand Preeya Puangsomlee Wangsomnuk, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand Thawan Kesmala, Department of Plant Science and Agricultural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand Aran Patanothai, Department of Plant Science and Agricultural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Corvallis, Oregon, preserves more than 800 accessions of hazelnut ( Corylus ), including C. avellana cultivars and representatives of 10 other recognized shrub and tree species. Characterization and study of genetic diversity in this collection require cross-transferable markers, such as trinucleotide microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and universal chloroplast SSR markers. We developed new SSR markers and evaluated 114 Corylus accessions representing 11 species and 44 interspecific hybrids. Eight of 23 SSRs generated easy-to-score alleles in all species and seven were highly polymorphic. For those seven, the average heterozygosity was moderate at 0.49, and mean allele number, genetic diversity and polymorphism information index were high at 11.71, 0.79 and 0.76, respectively. The three most polymorphic SSRs were CaC-C008, CaC-C040 and CaC-C118. Neighbor-joining (NJ) clustering and structure analysis agreed with classical taxonomic analysis and supported inclusion of C. maxima within the large polymorphic species, C. avellana . Analysis also indicated that C. californica is a distinct species rather than a botanical variety of C. cornuta . Six universal cpSSRs were polymorphic in Corylus and generated 21 distinct chlorotypes with an average of 3 alleles per locus. Diversity at these cpSSRs was high and ranged from 0.33 to 0.64, with an average of 0.54. Incongruence in NJ topologies between the nuclear and chloroplast markers could be attributed to chloroplast capture related to hybridization during the ancestral diversification of the genus, or to homoplasy. The phylogeographical relationships among the 21 chlorotypes in the 11 Corylus species support Asia as a refugium where several hazelnut lineages survived during glaciation and from which they continued to evolve after dispersal from Asia through the Mediterranean to Europe, and across the Atlantic and/or the Bering land bridge to North America. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-26 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9857-z Authors Nahla Bassil, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Clonal Germplasm Repository (NCGR), 33447 Peoria Road, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA Paolo Boccacci, Plant Virology Institute, National Research Council (IVV-CNR), UOS of Grugliasco, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 44, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy Roberto Botta, Dipartimento di Colture Arboree, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 44, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy Joseph Postman, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Clonal Germplasm Repository (NCGR), 33447 Peoria Road, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA Shawn Mehlenbacher, Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Agricultural and Life Sciences Bldg., 4017, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The tricepiro “Don René INTA” is an artificial hybrid with 2n = 42 chromosomes, including 14 rye (RR) and 28 wheat (AABB) chromosomes, with introgression of Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkw. et Dewey on chromosome 6A. The aim of this work was to study the spatial distribution of the genomes and chromosomes of rye and wheat in metaphase cells from the root tip of this hybrid. The rye chromosomes were recognized by genome in situ hybridization using total genomic DNA as a probe of rye and wheat DNA as the blocking agent. Two points were determined in each cell: one representing the genomic mean distance of rye chromosomes (G R MD) and the other the genomic mean distance of wheat chromosomes (G W MD). The distance between the rye chromosomes and G R MD and G W MD showed no statistically significant difference, thus indicating that there would be no differential spatial domains for both genomes. The fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of rye chromosomes using the pSc119.2 probe suggested that all chromosome pairs present somatic association in mitotic metaphase. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9875-x Authors Maia Fradkin, Laboratorio de Citogenética y Evolución, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160—Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina María Rosa Ferrari, Física Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina María Isabel Remis, Laboratorio de Genética de la Estructura Poblacional, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina Eduardo José Greizerstein, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Lomas de Zamora, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina Lidia Poggio, Laboratorio de Citogenética y Evolución, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160—Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EGA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), and Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps (Puton), are among the most important insect pests of wheat in North Africa, West and Central Asia. Host plant resistance is the most economical, environmentally friendly and practical means of controlling insect pests. Through field and greenhouse screening, several sources of resistance to Hessian fly, RWA and Sunn pest have been identified in wheat and its wild relatives. To further broaden the genetic base of resistance to these pests, 914 fixed lines of synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) commonly designated as primary synthetic wheat were evaluated for resistance to Hessian fly, RWA and Sunn pest. The initial screenings for RWA and Sunn pest were carried out in the field at Tel Hadya, Aleppo, Syria, and for Hessian fly in the greenhouse at Tel Hadya during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Promising accessions from the initial screening for Hessian fly, RWA and Sunn pest were evaluated for confirmation in replicated trials in the greenhouse and field. Fifteen SHWs showed high levels of resistance to Hessian fly and four showed moderate resistance. A wheat line derived from the cross ( Triticum turgidum / T. dicoccoides ) also showed a high level of resistance to Hessian fly. The level of resistance to RWA in SHW was considerably lower; only one SHW and one durum wheat ‘Altar 84’ exhibited a high level of resistance, while four SHW were moderately resistant. There were 21 SHW genotypes and one durum wheat ‘Langdon’ found resistant to Sunn pest feeding at the vegetative stage. Crosses between these potentially novel resistance sources and elite bread wheat were initiated. Genetic and genomic studies using these accessions are ongoing to identify and characterize the resistance genes and reveal potentially new resistance genes, which will be useful in breeding programs to develop wheat germplasm with multiple resistances to these pests. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9861-3 Authors M. El Bouhssini, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Aleppo, Syria F. C. Ogbonnaya, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Aleppo, Syria M. Chen, USDA-ARS and Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA S. Lhaloui, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Settat, Morocco F. Rihawi, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Aleppo, Syria A. Dabbous, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Aleppo, Syria Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Red–yellow ( Pisum fulvum Sibth. et Sm.) and Ethiopian ( Pisum abyssinicum A. Br.) peas have become of increasing interest to breeders in the last decade, as they have been found to be partially or completely tolerant to various biotic stresses, such as to attack by pea weevil, mildew blight or rust. A trial was carried out at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops at Rimski Šančevi from 2005 to 2007, with 13 accessions each of red–yellow and Ethiopian peas sown at 100 viable seeds m −2 , in plots of 0.5 m 2 . Seed yield per plant in red–yellow pea was significantly and positively correlated with seed number per plant ( r  = 0.881**), pod number per plant ( r  = 0.839**) and number of fertile nodes ( r  = 0.820**). The highest positive correlation among the agronomic characteristics in Ethiopian pea was between number of fertile nodes and number of pods ( r  = 0.937**). Seed yield in Ethiopian pea was highly significantly correlated with number of seeds ( r  = 0.807**), pods ( r  = 0.692*), and fertile nodes ( r  = 0.638*). The results suggest that plant morphology of the progenies between red–yellow or Ethiopian peas and grain-type common pea could not differ significantly from that of individual parents. That means that it could be possible to develop hybrid lines that could keep the desirable morphological traits of grain-type common pea, such as lodging-tolerance and high seed yields, and to make an introgression of a specific resistance from wild pea taxa, especially by back-crosses with the former. However, one must always be aware of unpredicted outcomes as a result of rather different genetic basis of individual seed yield components. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9862-2 Authors Aleksandar Mikić, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia Vojislav Mihailović, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia Miodrag Dimitrijević, Department of Field and Vegetable Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia Sofija Petrović, Department of Field and Vegetable Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia Branko Ćupina, Department of Field and Vegetable Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia Vuk Đorđević, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia Valentin Kosev, Institute of Forage Crops, Pleven, Bulgaria Branko Milošević, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia Živko Jovanović, Institute for Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia Željko Milovac, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Triple staining with the fluorochromes chromomycin A3, distamycin A and 4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (CMA/DA/DAPI) was applied to somatic metaphases and interphase nuclei of 11 taxa of wild chili peppers ( Capsicum ), with 2 n  = 2 x  = 24 ( C. annuum var. glabriusculum , C. cardenasii , C. chacoense , C. flexuosum , C. galapagoense , C. eximium , C. praetermissum and C. tovarii ) and 2 n  = 2 x  = 26 ( C. recurvatum , C. rhomboideum and C. villosum ) to analyse heterochromatin type, amount and distribution in wild members of this genus. Heterochromatic banding patterns allowed the identification of all the taxa examined and contributed to their taxonomic grouping. GC-rich heterochromatin (CMA+/DAPI−) was typical in all taxa; only C. praetermissum possessed also AT-rich (CMA−/DAPI+) and mixed GC- and AT-rich (CMA+/DAPI+) bands. Heterochromatin amount (expressed as % of karyotype length) ranged between 1.72 ( C. chacoense ) and 16.82 ( C. flexuosum ) and was positively correlated with karyotype length in most of the taxa examined. Heterochromatin located mainly at terminal position of chromosomes but intercalary position prevailed in C. flexuosum . Nucleolus organizer regions (NOR)-associated GC-rich heterochromatin was exclusively terminal and included the distal macrosatellite and a small portion on the corresponding arm. In all the taxa analysed, an equilocal heterochromatin distribution in non-homologous chromosomes of karyotype was observed, suggesting concerted evolution of heterochromatin dispersion in Capsicum . Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9867-x Authors Marisel A. Scaldaferro, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba-CONICET, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016GCA Córdoba (Argentina), 5000 Córdoba, Argentina Mauro Grabiele, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba-CONICET, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016GCA Córdoba (Argentina), 5000 Córdoba, Argentina Eduardo A. Moscone, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba-CONICET, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016GCA Córdoba (Argentina), 5000 Córdoba, Argentina Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Pandanus amaryllifolius is cultivated in home gardens in coastal regions of India. Leaves of P. amaryllifolius are scented and exploited commercially by flavour industry. In the present attempt, 40 clonal populations were used for genetic diversity assessment using ISSR and AFLP molecular marker. In ISSR based diversity analysis, out of 38 scorable primers, only one primer showed polymorphism and most of the polymorphic fragments were found in clonal populations from Thailand locality only. In AFLP based diversity analysis all clonal populations from India showed very low genetic distance except Kolkata and Amtala but these populations showed more similarity with Sri Lanka clones and these two localities showed more similarity with Thailand population. Present study confirms that the species has very low level of genetic variation even though it is exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions across peninsular India. Thus, the genome of P. amaryllifolius is said to be highly conserved and remained unaffected through its spread. As per previous report P. amaryllifolius has been introduced in Kolkata, India in 1798 from Indonesia, the similarity is shown by the populations of West Bengal with Thailand population which is close to Indonesia. The populations from Sri Lanka showed similarity with the populations from east and west coast of India suggests that Sri Lanka may be the another source of introduction of P. amaryllifolius in India. Content Type Journal Article Category Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9882-y Authors Kantilal V. Wakte, Department of Botany, University of Pune, Pune, 411 007 M.S., India Rahul L. Zanan, Department of Botany, University of Pune, Pune, 411 007 M.S., India Ajay Saini, Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 411 085 M.S., India Narendra Jawali, Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 411 085 M.S., India Ratnakar J. Thengane, Department of Botany, University of Pune, Pune, 411 007 M.S., India Altafhusain B. Nadaf, Department of Botany, University of Pune, Pune, 411 007 M.S., India Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    An ethnobotanical field study on the traditional uses of wild medicinal and food plants was conducted in three linguistically distinct mountainous communities located at the East End of the Occitan macro-area, in the Western Italian Alps. Interviews with a total of 81 mid-aged and elderly informants were undertaken using standard ethnobotanical methods. The uses of 92 vascular plants belonging to 40 different plant families were recorded. Comparison of the collected data with the ethnobotanical findings of previously conducted studies in other Occitan/Provençal valleys (specifically the Stura and Varaita valleys) has shown that nearly the half of the uses recorded in this study were not reported in other valleys, strongly suggesting a heterogeneous character to Occitan ethnobotany. The specific uses of certain wild plants as famine foods and medicines in this region are highlighted. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9859-x Authors Giulia Mattalia, University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 9, 12060 Pollenzo, Italy Cassandra L. Quave, Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, 550 Asbury Circle, Candler Library 107, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA Andrea Pieroni, University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 9, 12060 Pollenzo, Italy Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Characterization of 15 chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) accessions (6 cultivars, 3 selected lines and 6 landraces) was performed using morphological, agronomic, and technological traits, together with biochemical (seed storage proteins) and molecular markers. Field trials, performed in two different geographical areas of Southern Italy, one in a plain area near Tyrrhenian sea and one in an hilly internal area, revealed a high influence of field location on yield. A wide variation was also registered for technological traits and molecular markers. Microsatellite (SSR) markers grouped chickpea accessions in different clusters, providing useful information on genetic variation and relationships among them, with polymorphic fragments useful to discriminate among all accessions. On the contrary, seed storage protein pattern showed scarce variation resulting very similar among all the accessions considered. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9884-9 Authors Massimo Zaccardelli, CRA-Centro di Ricerca per l’ Orticoltura, Via dei Cavalleggeri 25, 84098 Pontecagnano, SA, Italy Gabriella Sonnante, CNR-Istituto di Genetica Vegetale, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy Francesco Lupo, CRA-Centro di Ricerca per l’ Orticoltura, Via dei Cavalleggeri 25, 84098 Pontecagnano, SA, Italy Angela Rosa Piergiovanni, CNR-Istituto di Genetica Vegetale, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy Gaetano Laghetti, CNR-Istituto di Genetica Vegetale, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy Francesca Sparvoli, CNR-Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Via Bassini 15, 20133 Milan, Italy Lucia Lioi, CNR-Istituto di Genetica Vegetale, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Genetic diversity and population structure of Guinea yams and their wild relatives collected from south and south west Ethiopia were assessed using microsatellite markers. The total number of alleles amplified for the 7 loci studied was found to be 60, with an average of 8.6 alleles per locus. The average expected heterozygosity for the entire population was found to be 64 % indicating that Guinea yams and their wild relatives in the study area display a high level of genetic diversity. Using allelic richness as a measure of genetic diversity the wild forms exhibited greater allelic diversity than the cultigens. Contrary to what is expected in vegetatively propagated crops, none of the seven loci studied showed a significant excess of heterozygotes. In all the comparisons made, a low mean F ST (but significant) has been observed, indicating that the majority of microsatellite diversity in the populations under study was found within rather than between populations. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9856-0 Authors Wendawek Abebe Mengesha, Dilla University, P.O Box 419, Dilla, Ethiopia Sebsebe Demissew, National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University, P.O Box 3434, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia M. F. Fay, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK R. J. Smith, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK I. Nordal, Department of Biology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway P. Wilkin, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari syn. C. mukul Engl. (Burseraceae) is an economically and pharmacologically important slow growing, dioecious, balsamiferous woody, multipurpose shrub heading towards extinction. Commonly known as “Guggul” due to the presence of steroidal compound guggulsterone in the oleo-gum resin, it has been used in treating various ailments and disorders since ancient times (2000 B.C.). Evaluation and confirmation of hypolipidemic effects of guggul based on Ayurvedic text in 1960s provided a new insight into its pharmacological applications. Two bioactive isomers of guggulsterone, E and Z, are responsible for lipid- and cholesterol-lowering activities. Recently, it has been shown to have anti-cancerous activity also. It is found in the dry regions of Indian subcontinent, namely India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Ruthless and unscientific harvesting of oleo-gum resin from the wild, by local populations, for economic benefits with negligible conservation efforts has made this species endangered and has led to its inclusion in Red Data Book of IUCN. Although this plant has many excellent traits, adequate attention has not been focused on its conservation and improvement. Conventional propagation methods i.e., seeds, cuttings and air layering are in place but have many limitations. Therefore, application of modern biotechnological tools needs to be standardized for harnessing maximum benefits from this pharmaceutically important plant. An efficient regeneration system needs to be in place for improvement of this genus through genetic transformation and production of useful metabolites in cell cultures. Studies are in progress for micropropagation through shoot multiplication and somatic embryogenesis, as well as for secondary metabolite (guggulsterone) production in callus cultures and bioreactors. No selected germplasm is available for C. wightii since it is a wild plant. Breeding programs have not yet been started due to lack of systematic cultivation and conservation programs. Moreover, little information has been gathered regarding the genetic variability in this species using RAPD and ISSR markers. No details are available about genetic makeup and QTL linkage maps. Investigations are in progress to search sex linked markers in this dioecious species. Research is also in progress to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying various pharmacological actions of guggul. Since the approval of use of guggul as a food supplement by United States Food and Drug Administration in 1994, an exponential increase in research publications on various aspects of research on guggul have been published. Present communication summarizes the problems, progress made and suggests some future directions of research for this important endangered medicinal plant. Content Type Journal Article Category Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops Pages 1-32 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9854-2 Authors Alpana Kulhari, Centre for Plant Biotechnology, CCS HAU Campus, Hisar, 125004 Haryana, India Arun Sheorayan, Centre for Plant Biotechnology, CCS HAU Campus, Hisar, 125004 Haryana, India Sanjay Kalia, Department of Biotechnology, Block 2, 6th–8th Floor, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, 110003 India Ashok Chaudhury, Department of Bio- and Nanotechnology, Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India Rajwant K. Kalia, Centre for Plant Biotechnology, CCS HAU Campus, Hisar, 125004 Haryana, India Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Showy partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata is used in the USA for cover cropping, ornate flowers in native gardens, honey crop, as an annual reseeding legume for restoration and conservation plantings, and wildlife food. However, its greatest potential may be as a bio-control plant for the control of mole crickets, cactus moth, and additional pest species. The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (USDA, ARS, PGRCU) conserves 36 accessions originating from the USA. Content Type Journal Article Category Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9881-z Authors J. B. Morris, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit, USDA, ARS, 1109 Experiment St., Griffin, GA 30223, USA Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The Fagopyrum cymosum complex is a group of wild perennial buckwheats which includes the diploid species F. megaspartanium Q. F. Chen and F. pilus Q. F. Chen as well as the allotetraploid species F. cymosum (Trev.) Meisn. The flavonoid content in leaves and inflorescences of the accessions of the F. cymosum complex native to Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Hunan, Hubei, and Tibet has been studied by means of the spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that there are significant differences of flavonoid content among different species, different accessions and different plants. The average flavonoid content of leaves of F. megaspartanium is higher than that of F. pilus and of F. cymosum . The average flavonoid content of inflorescences of F. megaspartanium is higher than that of F. pilus . The results also showed that the flavonoid content in inflorescences was significantly higher than that in leaves, and that they have positive relationships to each other. There is a significant difference of rutin content between leaves and inflorescences, but there is no significant relationship to each other. There is also no significant relationship between leaf rutin contents and leaf flavonoid contents, but significant positive relationship between inflorescence rutin contents and inflorescence flavonoid contents. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9878-7 Authors Na Liu, Research Center of Buckwheat Industry Technology, Institute of Plant Genetics and Breeding, School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Baoshan Beilu 116, Guiyang, 550001 People’s Republic of China Friedrich Josef Zeller, Bavarian State Research Centre for Agriculture (LFL), Institute of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, 85354 Freising, Weihenstephan, Germany Qing-Fu Chen, Research Center of Buckwheat Industry Technology, Institute of Plant Genetics and Breeding, School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Baoshan Beilu 116, Guiyang, 550001 People’s Republic of China Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    A descriptor list of 34 phenological and morphological characters was applied to assess the changes of diversity in 57 Nordic spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars released between 1892 and 1994 and to compare their diversity to 22 Nordic landraces. The field observations were conducted at the Nordic Genetic Resource Centre at Alnarp, Sweden, in 2010. Over time the cultivars became shorter, less inclined to lodging, earlier in heading and maturity. The spikes became shorter and denser with more grains per spikelet, and seed shattering of mature spikes decreased. The morphological type of Nordic spring wheat cultivars did not change after the 1960s, although improvements in disease resistances, yield and quality characters still occurred. All recent cultivars represented T. aestivum L. var. lutescens (Alef.) Mansf., characterised by awnless spikes with white glabrous glumes and red grains. Compared to the cultivars, the landraces were generally earlier in heading and maturity, much taller, inclined to lodging and they had looser spikes with less grains per spikelet than cultivars. In some characters such as glume colour and awnedness the landraces showed more diversity within and among the accessions than the cultivars and hence represented more infraspeficic taxa than the cultivars. Nordic landraces seemed adapted to low-input growing conditions. However, for the use in ecological agriculture, they would need improvements, e.g. in reducing seed shattering, lodging and enhancing disease resistances. The role of plant breeding in preserving and developing genetic diversity in Nordic spring wheat with emphasis on Sweden is discussed. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9858-y Authors Axel Diederichsen, Plant Gene Resources of Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada Svein Ø. Solberg, Nordic Genetic Resource Center, P.O. Box 44, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden Simon Jeppson, Nordic Genetic Resource Center, P.O. Box 44, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Wild potato germplasm represents a unique, diverse and accessible resource for disease and pest resistance, along with useful agronomic traits that may be introgressed into the cultivated potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.). Hybridization of diploid wild Solanum species with haploids (2×) of cultivated potato (4×) is generally an effective technique for introducing genetic diversity and desirable traits into potato. However, in this study, hybridization barriers were found in crosses between S. tuberosum haploids and the wild species S. raphanifolium. Male sterility, likely due to nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions, was observed in some haploid tbr ×  S. raphanifolium hybrids. In addition, pollen-pistil incompatibilities were observed in backcross, F2, and reciprocal cross hybridization attempts that failed to produce seed. More crosses were successful when F1 clones were crossed as females to wild clones than to cultivated clones. When crosses were made in the other direction, with F1 hybrids used as male parents, seeds were almost never produced. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9883-x Authors B. N. Weber, Department of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA A. J. Hamernik, USDA/ARS, Vegetable Crops Research Unit, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA S. H. Jansky, Department of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Improved agronomic performance and nutritional profile are among the major objectives in pea breeding, but the narrow gene pool available in pea germplasm has slowed progress. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate 169 diverse pea accessions from Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Australia and Canada for agronomic performance, Mycosphaerella blight resistance and nutritional profile under western Canadian growing conditions. In general, eastern European accessions required less days to flower, had higher protein, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre concentrations in the seeds, compared to western European and Canadian pea accessions, which had better lodging resistance, less days to maturity, higher grain yield and seed weight, greater resistance to Mycosphaerella blight and powdery mildew and higher starch concentration in the seeds. Significant correlations were observed between different traits. Principal component analysis revealed significant variation among traits with the first four principal components explaining 68 % of the total variation. The wide range of variation in agronomic performance, Mycosphaerella blight resistance and nutritional profile detected will provide useful parents for pea breeding. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9871-1 Authors Ambuj Bhushan Jha, Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada Gene Arganosa, Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada Bunyamin Tar’an, Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada Axel Diederichsen, Plant Gene Resources of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2, Canada Thomas D. Warkentin, Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Eighty-seven Phaseolus vulgaris landraces, still cultivated in Calabria (Italy), were investigated in order to study the patterns of common bean genetic diversity in this region, to better understand the evolutionary development of beans in Europe and to properly manage these genetic resources. Four American accessions and five Italian varieties were also included. Different markers, such as 12 microsatellites, seed traits, phaseolins and 100-seed weight were combined with different statistical approaches. For each microsatellite, expected ( H e ) and observed ( H o ) heterozygosities, polymorphism information content (PIC), probability of identity (PI) and homozygosity were calculated. Furthermore, in Calabrian group of bean landraces, total ( N a ) and private ( N pa ) number of alleles, observed ( H o ), expected heterozygosities ( H e ) and allelic richness (AR) were calculated. Genetic distances among landraces were estimated using Nei’s coefficient and a cluster analysis using the UPGMA algorithm was performed. The results clearly indicated that: (1) Calabrian germplasm showed a high level of diversity ( H e  = 0.595); (2) Mesoamerican and Andean gene pools were clearly distinguished in Calabrian germplasm, with the Andean gene pool predominating (83 %); (3) Calabrian landraces were largely hybridized within and between the gene pools. A model-based approach, using the STRUCTURE software, was adopted. Six groups, including 4 of Andean origin and one of Mesoamerican origin were identified. Even more interesting, a small group (8 %) showed a distinct genetic structure, in which interspecific hybridizations with runner bean ( Phaseolus coccineus L.) could have occurred. Nevertheless, a relatively high proportion of Calabrian bean landraces (12.6 %) was derived from intra and interspecific hybridizations. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9879-6 Authors Francesco Mercati, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie per il Monitoraggio Agroalimentare ed Ambientale (Bio.M.A.A.), Università degli Studi “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy Maria Leone, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie per il Monitoraggio Agroalimentare ed Ambientale (Bio.M.A.A.), Università degli Studi “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy Antonio Lupini, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie per il Monitoraggio Agroalimentare ed Ambientale (Bio.M.A.A.), Università degli Studi “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy Agostino Sorgonà, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie per il Monitoraggio Agroalimentare ed Ambientale (Bio.M.A.A.), Università degli Studi “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy Monica Bacchi, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie per il Monitoraggio Agroalimentare ed Ambientale (Bio.M.A.A.), Università degli Studi “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy Maria Rosa Abenavoli, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie per il Monitoraggio Agroalimentare ed Ambientale (Bio.M.A.A.), Università degli Studi “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy Francesco Sunseri, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie per il Monitoraggio Agroalimentare ed Ambientale (Bio.M.A.A.), Università degli Studi “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Salita Melissari, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Thirty five villages randomly selected across ethnic and agro-ecological zones of Benin were surveyed to document the indigenous knowledge associated with the domestication (bringing into cultivation), production and utilization of vegetable Gbolo ( Crassocephalum spp.). The study revealed the existence of different morphotypes (1–4 per village) corresponding to two botanical species ( Crassocephalum rubens (Juss. ex Jacq.) S. Moore) and ( Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S. Moore) found unequally distributed throughout the country. The domestication (bringing into cultivation from the wild) of Gbolo was started in many villages and with some tribes in southern Benin, the vegetable is already being produced in sole cropping for commercial purposes. Regular consumption (49.90 % of responses) and scarcity (20.30 % of responses) were the two main reasons attributed by the interviewees for domestication of the vegetable. The cultural practices recorded were of five categories. The commonest cropping system found was mixed or inter-row cropping (92.31 % of producers) with either vegetable crops (53.85 % of producers) or non-vegetable crops (38.46 % of users). Sauce prepared with either fresh or dried leaves was the main type of preparation of Gbolo and the vegetable was reported to possess special nutritional and medicinal values. For further promotion, important researches directions are suggested. Content Type Journal Article Category Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9901-z Authors A. Adjatin, Laboratory of Agricultural Biodiversity and Tropical Plant Breeding, Faculty of Science and Technology (FAST), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), P.O. Box 526, Cotonou, Benin A. Dansi, Laboratory of Agricultural Biodiversity and Tropical Plant Breeding, Faculty of Science and Technology (FAST), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), P.O. Box 526, Cotonou, Benin C. S. Eze, Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria P. Assogba, Crop, Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Biodiversity Research and Development Institute (IRDCAM), 071 BP 28 Cotonou, Benin I. Dossou-Aminon, Laboratory of Agricultural Biodiversity and Tropical Plant Breeding, Faculty of Science and Technology (FAST), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), P.O. Box 526, Cotonou, Benin K. Akpagana, Laboratory of Botany, Faculty of Sciences (FS), University of Lomé, P.O. Box 1515, Lomé, Togo A. Akoègninou, National Herbarium, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), P.O. Box 526, Cotonou, Benin A. Sanni, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FAST), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), P.O. Box 526, Cotonou, Benin Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Data from microsatellite markers have been extensively used for both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies by determining the level of genetic diversity of natural populations that can widen the gene pool of cultivated plants. Such conservation practices are based on understanding of the between and within population genetic variations and partitioning populations on the basis of geographic origin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of Oryza longistaminata Chev. et Roehr and how this variation is partitioned within and between the eight O . longistaminata populations found in the different geographic regions of Ethiopia using simple sequence repeat markers. Five microsatellite markers in 320 samples generated 64 alleles that revealed the presence of large amount of genetic variability (Ho = 0.225; He = 0.768; Na = 7.375; Ne = 6.565 and P  = 0.744). The F-statistics detected by the microsatellite loci showed Fst = 0.064 and Fis = 0.743 and there was no population in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The genetic diversity results obtained from this data indicated that there are high levels of genetic diversity in the populations of O. longistaminata studied and it is higher within than between populations. Among the eight populations sampled, five populations were identified as priorities for conservation strategies. Thus, national collection and conservation strategies need to consider these populations. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9900-0 Authors Getachew Melaku, Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program Unit, College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Teklehaimanot Haileselassie, Biotechnology Program Unit, College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tileye Feyissa, Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program Unit, College of Natural Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Samuel Kiboi, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    In Mexico and all over the world, the number of studies on the species of the Jatropha genus has increased because of the use of its seed oil to produce biodiesel. However, the knowledge of the taxonomy, distribution, and ethnobotany of these and related species is incomplete. This article presents the distribution of the genus in Mexico according to its internationally accepted taxonomic identity. The distribution is linked to environmental variables such as elevation, climate type, soil, and soil moisture patterns. In addition to showing the current taxonomical knowledge in Mexico, this article discusses its biogeography, its traditional uses and the research lines to follow in further study of the genus. The distribution results show that some species are broadly adapted; as a consequence, they are present in many different environments. Species such as J. dioica , J. curcas , J. cordata , J. cinerea and J. gaumeri are distributed in areas with well defined environmental conditions. However, the distribution of species such as J. riojae has not yet been ascertained. Three areas with high species richness were identified, and they are very important for the study and conservation of the genus. Mexico is a global center of diversity for this genus. Food and medicinal uses have been reported for some species. This article concludes with recommendations for further study to improve the knowledge of this genus in Mexico. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9906-7 Authors J. Fresnedo-Ramírez, Graduate Group in Horticulture and Agronomy, Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, One Shields Ave. Mail Stop 2, 2053 Wickson Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA Q. Orozco-Ramírez, Geography Graduate Group, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The maintenance of plant genetic resources in living plant collections (genebanks) causes costs due to employment of staff, usage of buildings, equipment and consumables. Since this is especially challenging in vegetatively propagated material, studies were performed for the case of garlic, which is one of the major vegetatively maintained crops in the genebank of IPK Gatersleben. Data were recorded to compare various scenarios of the main strategies field maintenance and cryopreservation. A spreadsheet tool was developed to be used for cost assessment and for drawing conclusions concerning the most effective way of maintenance. Field culture is cheaper in the short term, whereas after a break-even point cryopreservation becomes the more efficient storage method in the long term. This break-even point depends on the particular scenario, which is determined by various factors such as field and in vitro multiplication rates of various genotypes, presence of bulbils in a part of the genepool, the sample size of the accessions as well as the number of stored accessions in cryopreservation. The comparative discussion is exemplified for a 1-year field rotation versus cryopreservation using either in vitro plantlets or a combination of bulbils and unripe inflorescence bases as organ sources. For the more expensive use of in vitro plants cryopreservation becomes less costly than field culture only after 13 years, whereas this is the case already after 8–9 years when using a combination of bulbils in winter and inflorescence bases in summer. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9888-5 Authors E. R. Joachim Keller, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany Christine D. Zanke, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany Angelika Senula, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Seeland, OT Gatersleben, Germany Andreas Breuing, Pflanzenhandel Lorenz von Ehren GmbH & Co. KG, Maldfeldstr. 4, 21077 Hamburg, Germany Bernd Hardeweg, Center for Business Management in Horticulture and Applied Research, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany Traud Winkelmann, Institute of Floriculture and Woody Plant Science, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Vitellaria paradoxa C. Gaertn. (shea butter tree) is an indigenous African tree species that is widely distributed in the dry areas of northern and eastern Uganda. The species is widely known for its oil which is used in cooking, cosmetics and traditional medicine. Local folk classification recognises the presence of different ethno-varieties on the basis of fruit and nut characters. In the present study, 176 trees representing 44 ethno-varieties from three farming systems of Uganda were assessed to determine the patterns of morphological variation and establish the congruence between morphological variation and folk classification. The results show high variation in pulp weight (CV = 35.9 %), stem diameter (CV = 28.48 %), fruit weight (CV = 27.81 %) and canopy diameter (CV = 26.69 %). There was a strong positive correlation between pulp and fruit weight (r = 0.963, p  〈 0.001), leaf length and leaf width (r = 0.652, p  〈 0.001) and between petiole length and leaf length (r = 0.788, p  〈 0.001). There was no underlying quantitative morphological structuring among the 44 ethno-varieties. Hierarchical cluster analysis using quantitative morphometric data produced three groups without clear aggregation based on ethnographic or geographic separation. However, a combination with qualitative traits as perceived by farmers provided good congruence with folk classification. Quantitative morphological data alone does not resolve any discrete forms of V. paradoxa that are related to folk classification. There is need to utilise biochemical and molecular markers to unravel the underlying variation for use in selection and improvement of shea butter tree ethno-varieties. Content Type Journal Article Category Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9905-8 Authors Samson Gwali, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda Grace Nakabonge, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda John Bosco Lamoris Okullo, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda Gerald Eilu, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda Philip Nyeko, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda Peter Vuzi, School of Biological Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The Mesoamerican (MA) gene pool of lima bean ( Phaseolus lunatus L.) is widely distributed from northern Mexico to northern Argentina in its wild forms and from the southern United States to the east coast of Brazil in its domesticated forms. This broad distribution and lack of wild accessions of the MA gene pool in many areas of its natural distribution has impeded determining its center of domestication and establishing whether it has a single or multiple centers. To answer these questions, we evaluated 262 accessions of P. lunatus using two intergenic spacers of chloroplast DNA: atpB - rbcL and trnL - trnF . The data were analyzed using a maximum likelihood tree (ML), a haplotype network and two estimators of genetic differentiation ( N ST and G ST ). Nucleotide diversity (π) and haplotype (Hd) were quantified to estimate the percentage of reduction in genetic diversity (%r) as a founder effect. The ML tree and haplotype network indicated the existence of three groups (AI, MI and MII), which was supported by the high values of N ST (0.61–0.80). Values for %r were high (58.67–60.83 %). Existence of Mesoamerican and Andean gene pools was confirmed, with two genetically and geographically distinct groups (MI and MII) within the MA gene pool. We present the first evidence for multiple origins of domestication for the MA gene pool. For MI, we propose western central Mexico as the domestication area and between Guatemala and Costa Rica for MII. We observed a founder effect in the MA gene pool as a result of domestication. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9904-9 Authors R. H. Andueza-Noh, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, C.P. 97200 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico M. L. Serrano-Serrano, Departamento de Biología, Faculta de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Cra30 Cl45, Bogotá, Colombia M. I. Chacón Sánchez, Departamento de Biología, Faculta de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Cra30 Cl45, Bogotá, Colombia I. Sanchéz del Pino, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, C.P. 97200 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico L. Camacho-Pérez, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, C.P. 97200 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico J. Coello-Coello, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, C.P. 97200 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico J. Mijangos Cortes, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, C.P. 97200 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico D. G. Debouck, Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical-CIAT, Km 17 recta Cali-Palmira, Apartado Aéreo, 6713 Cali, Colombia J. Martínez-Castillo, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, C.P. 97200 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    A total of 198 accessions representing 18 species of the genus Cajanus , assembled at the ICRISAT genebank, was characterized for 27 morpho-agronomic traits at ICRISAT farm, Patancheru, India. Newman–Keuls test of significance for mean values indicated significant differences among the species for one or more traits under study. Mean diversity for all traits was maximum in C. scarabaeoides ( H ′ = 0.590 ± 0.010). First three principal components (PCs) captured 84.3 % of total variation among all species. Cluster analysis resulted in three clusters. C. albicans and C. mollis formed Cluster 1; C. cajanifolius , C. crassus and C. platycarpus formed Cluster 2 and C. acutifolius , C. scarabaeoides , C. lineatus and C. sericeus formed Cluster 3. C. platycarpus for extra early flowering (34–40 days); C. scarabaeoides for early flowering (51–118 days); C. albicans for broad pods; C. mollis , C. albicans , C. cinereus for more seeds per pod (〉6) and C. crassus , C. cajanifolius , C. mollis , C. platycarpus and C. albicans for high seed protein (〉30 %) were found as promising sources. Long duration perennial species such as C. crassus , C. mollis and C. albicans are good sources for forage. Five accessions (ICP 15661, ICP 15664, ICP 15666, ICP 15668 and ICP 15671) of C. platycarpus , two accessions (ICP 15653 and ICP 15658) of C. mollis and one accession each of C. acutifolius (ICP 15611), C. albicans (ICP 15620), C. cajanifolius (ICP 15632), C. crassus (ICP 15768), C. lineatus (ICP 15646), C. scarabaeoides (ICP 15922) and C. sericeus (ICP 15760), found as promising for multiple trait combinations are useful in pigeonpea improvement programs. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-21 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9864-0 Authors H. D. Upadhyaya, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Genetic Resources, Patancheru, 502324 Andhra Pradesh, India K. N. Reddy, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Genetic Resources, Patancheru, 502324 Andhra Pradesh, India Sube Singh, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Genetic Resources, Patancheru, 502324 Andhra Pradesh, India C. L. L. Gowda, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Genetic Resources, Patancheru, 502324 Andhra Pradesh, India Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    A set of 77 markers was used to describe the genetic diversity in a group of 58 tetraploid wheat accessions. Analysis was performed using 31 neutral SSR markers, 31 SSR/STS markers linked with reported major stem rust resistance genes and 15 SSR markers linked with QTL identified for resistance to Ethiopian stem rust races of Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. et E. Henn. ( Pgt ),including Ug99. The material consisted of 32 ( Triticum durum s.l. incl. T. aethiopicum Jakubz., Triticum turgidum and Triticum polonicum ) landraces and 22 registered T. durum varieties from Ethiopia that were released 1966–2009 and four T. durum varieties from ICARDA. A total of 720 alleles were detected. Considering the three marker sets, the mean number of alleles was higher for major stem rust resistance gene linked markers (9.9) followed by neutral SSR markers (9.2) and markers linked with QTL for stem rust resistance (8.5). Dendrograms derived from UPGMA analysis grouped the accessions into two major clusters. The principal component analysis based on the combination of the three marker sets formed three groups. The 1st group was composed of all the improved varieties, whereas the 2nd and the 3rd group contained the landraces. All the landraces that formed the 3rd group were susceptible to Ethiopian stem rust races of Pgt including Ug99. The information on the extent of the genetic diversity of the improved varieties obtained in this investigation will be helpful for developing appropriate breeding strategies to broadening the genetic base of durum wheat varieties in further breeding programmes. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9855-1 Authors Jemanesh K. Haile, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany Karl Hammer, Department of Agrobiodiversity, Institute of Crop Sciences, University of Kassel, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany Ayele Badebo, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Debre-Zeit Agricultural Research Centre, P.O. Box 32, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia Miloudi M. Nachit, ICARDA, ICARDA BIGM, Durum Improvement Program, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria Marion S. Röder, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, 06466 Gatersleben, Germany Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) are the major components of glutenins and are important for the end-use quality of wheat. Five novel LMW-GS genes (designated as LMW - Jiachazharen , LMW - Bangdadongmai - 3 , LMW - Jiachaaigan , LMW - Maoyintumai and LMW - Rikezehongmai ) were isolated from Tibetan wheat landraces. The coding regions of LMW - Jiachazharen , LMW - Bangdadongmai - 3 , LMW - Jiachaaigan , LMW - Maoyintumai and LMW - Rikezehongmai were 912, 897, 915, 927 and 906 bp in length, which encoded 302, 297, 303, 307 and 300 amino acid residues, respectively. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences showed that the five novel genes were classified as LMW-m type, with the predicted molecular weights of 32,013.97, 31,622.89, 32,107.07, 32,939.41 and 31,731.64 Da, respectively. The LMW-Jiachazharen, LMW-Jiachaaigan, LMW-Maoyintumai possessed seven cysteine residues, which resulted from a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the G–A transition. However, except for eight conserved cysteine residues, LMW-Bangdadongmai-3 contained an extra one, as the result of a SNP of the T–C transition. In addition, the corresponding five LMW-GS were identified and confirmed by sodium SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF-MS, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the five novel genes were glutenin-like proteins and designated as LMW-m type genes. The five novel genes may be new candidate LMW-GS genes with potential value for wheat quality improvement. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9877-8 Authors Qiuxia Lan, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O.Box 416, Chengdu, 610041 China Bo Feng, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O.Box 416, Chengdu, 610041 China Zhibin Xu, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O.Box 416, Chengdu, 610041 China Guojun Zhao, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O.Box 416, Chengdu, 610041 China Tao Wang, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O.Box 416, Chengdu, 610041 China Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Bambara groundnut an indigenous crop of African origin is drought tolerant and the third most important leguminous crop in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa. In order to assess the level of genetic diversity within a small collection of Ghanaian landraces, molecular analysis was performed using microsatellite markers alongside characterization of morphological features. Genetic distance based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient from the SSR marker analysis ranged from 0.48 to 0.9 among the landraces. 80 individual genotypes were clustered into 17 units with substantial levels of inter- and intra-landrace polymorphism. The analyses of variance from the morphological characterization for all quantitative traits were statistically significant ( p  〈 0.05) except for terminal leaflet width. The first 4 principal components accounted for 41.97, 20.15, 13.39 and 9.81 % respectively of the morphological variations among the landraces. Qualitative traits however accounted for less of these variations. The results of the present study support the availability of high level of polymorphism within the collection of bambara groundnut analysed. This report is useful to crop improvement and germplasm conservation of bambara groundnut in Ghana. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9874-y Authors Aliyu Siise, CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala N/R, Ghana Festo J. Massawe, School of Biosciences, The University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Italy and Spain are the countries with the oldest record of tomato cultivation in Europe and arguably, with the higher number of traditional and heirloom varieties. In this work we evaluated the genetic diversity and structure in a sample of 26 cultivated accessions belonging to four traditional tomato types, Muchamiel and De la Pera from Spain, and San Marzano and Sorrento from Italy. The (GATA) 4 fingerprinting of the 109 genotypes confirmed the ability of this DNA marker to discriminate tomato plants that are otherwise difficult to distinguish. Furthermore, both the estimated population structure and the genetic differentiation statistics were consistent in indicating that subpopulations are more likely to correspond to farmers’ breeding efforts and market specialization than to country-specific groups. Our results provide useful information not only for germplasm description and management but also for current breeding programs in both regions. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9876-9 Authors Santiago García-Martínez, Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, Spain Giandomenico Corrado, Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta, dell’Ambiente e delle Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy Juan José Ruiz, Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, Spain Rosa Rao, Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta, dell’Ambiente e delle Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Cacao ( Theobroma cacao L.) is a significant agricultural commodity in the Dominican Republic, which ranks 11th in the world for cacao exports. To estimate genetic diversity, determine genetic identity, and identify any labeling errors, 14 SSR markers were employed to fingerprint 955 trees among cacao germplasm accessions and local farmer selections (LFS). Comparisons of homonymous plants across plots revealed a significant misidentification rate estimated to be 40.9 % for germplasm accessions and 17.4 % for LFS. The 14 SSRs amplified a total of 117 alleles with a mean allelic richness of 8.36 alleles per locus and average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.67 for the germplasm collection. Similar levels of variation were detected among the LFS where a total of 113 alleles were amplified with a mean of 8.07 alleles per locus and PIC of 0.57. The observed heterozygosity (H obs ) was 0.67 for the germplasm collection and 0.60 for LFS. Based on population structure analysis 43.9 % of the germplasm accessions and 72.1 % of the LFS are predominantly of the Amelonado ancestry. Among these Amelonado, 51.7 % for the germplasm collection and 50.6 % for LFS corresponded to Trinitario hybrid lineage. Criollo ancestry was found in 7.6 and 9.5 % of the germplasm accessions and LFS, respectively. The Contamana, Nacional, and Iquitos backgrounds were also observed in both populations, but the Curaray background was only detected in the germplasm accessions. No Purús or Guiana ancestry was found in either of the populations. Overall, significant genetic diversity, which could be exploited in the Dominican Republic breeding and selection programs, was identified among the germplasm accessions and LFS. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9860-4 Authors Edward J. Boza, C/O USDA-ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158, USA Brian M. Irish, USDA-ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station, 2200 P. A. Campos Ave., Suite 201, Mayagüez, PR 00680, USA Alan W. Meerow, C/O USDA-ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158, USA Cecile L. Tondo, C/O USDA-ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158, USA Orlando A. Rodríguez, Instituto Dominicano de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales (IDIAF), Mata Larga, San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic Marisol Ventura-López, Instituto Dominicano de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales (IDIAF), Mata Larga, San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic Jaime A. Gómez, Confederación Nacional de Cacaocultores Dominicanos, Inc. (CONACADO), Calle Altagracia Saviñon No. 11, Los Prados, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic J. Michael Moore, C/O USDA-ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158, USA Dapeng Zhang, USDA-ARS Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Bldg 001 BARC-West, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Juan Carlos Motamayor, C/O USDA-ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158, USA Raymond J. Schnell, C/O USDA-ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158, USA Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description: Erna Bennett (5 August 1925–3 January 2012) Content Type Journal Article Category Obituary Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9872-0 Authors Peter Hanelt, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Gatersleben, Germany Helmut Knüpffer, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Gatersleben, Germany Karl Hammer, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), 06466 Gatersleben, Germany Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Naturally occurring/spontaneously produced polyploids with six/more genomes are rarely found in Alliums. A hexaploid form of Allium tuberosum with 2n = 48 chromosomes has been isolated for the first time amongst the open-pollinated seedlings of a hypotetraploid plant (2n = 4x = 31); latter being the seed-derived product of a normal tetraploid stock (2n = 4x = 32) growing in Jammu University Botanical Garden. Except for the guard cells and pollen grains that are of increased size, this form compared to its progenitor is dwarf, has smaller leaves and bears inflorescences with few flowers. This plant is also different from its progenitor in having nearly one-fourth (27.8 %) of its pollen mother cells (PMCs) with varying chromosome number viz. 27–64, with the remaining cells having somatic or double the somatic number of chromosomes. To assess the nature of hexaploid form, its chromosomes were studied for morphological details, putative grouping and pairing properties during reduction division. Morphological similarity in the chromosomes of the present cytotype and its progenitor, arrangement of 48 chromosomes in eight groups of six chromosomes each and presence of 21.88 % euploid cells with eight hexavalents pointed towards the autopolyploid nature of the present strain. Regarding the origin of this strain, observation made on the meiosis in the two sex mother cells of the progenitor provides some clues. In the later plant, presence of most of embryo-sac mother cells with 62 chromosomes that showed 31:31 segregations and existence of majority of the PMCs with 31 chromosomes exhibiting erratic segregations indicate that the hexaploid strain has probably originated as a result of the fusion of reduced male (n = 17) and unreduced female gamete (2n = 31). Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9852-4 Authors Geeta Sharma, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India Ravinder N. Gohil, Centre for Biodiversity Studies, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, B.G.S.B. University, Rajouri, 185131 Jammu and Kashmir, India Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Cacao ( Theobroma cacao L.) is the main source for chocolate with an annual production of four million tons worldwide. This Neotropical tree crop was domesticated in Mesoamerica as far back as 3,000 years ago. Knowledge of genetic diversity and population structure in farmer varieties of cacao in the center of domestication is essential for sustainable production of fine-flavored cacao beans and contributes to in situ /on-farm conservation of farmer varieties. Based on 70 single nucleotide polymorphism markers, we analyzed 84 fine-flavored farmer varieties collected from traditional cacao farms in Honduras and Nicaragua. The study also included 31 clones from the international cacao collections to serve as references. The SNP based multilocus matching identified six synonymous groups, including 14 Criollo and two Amelonado varieties. A moderately high level of genetic diversity was observed in these farmer varieties, indicating the possibility to further explore intra-population variation and breed for fine-flavored cocoa. Multivariate analysis showed clustering of the 84 farmer accessions in five genetic groups: ancient Criollo, Amelonado, Trinitario (including Nicaragua Trinitario and Honduras Trinitario) and Upper Amazon Forastero (only one accession). The Honduras Trinitario differed from the Nicaragua Trinitario group. The clustering results largely supported the perceived classification of cacao by local farmers and researchers, which was mainly based on morphological traits. However, the well known traditional variety “Indio” in this region was identified as synonymous with Amelonado. Parentage analysis showed that the variety “Indio” (or Amelonado) contributed more to the Trinitario type farmer varieties, whereas ancient Criollo had less influence. The present study demonstrates the efficacy of using a small set of SNP makers for cacao germplasm characterization, and further depicts the diverse origins and parentage in farmer varieties from Mesoamerica. This information thus will be highly useful for conservation and utilization of cacao germplasm from this region. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9847-1 Authors Kun Ji, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, PSI, SPCL, USDA/ARS, BARC-W, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Bldg. 001, Rm. 223, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Dapeng Zhang, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, PSI, SPCL, USDA/ARS, BARC-W, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Bldg. 001, Rm. 223, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Lambert A. Motilal, Cocoa Research Unit, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, Rep., Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies Michel Boccara, Cocoa Research Unit, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, Rep., Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies Philippe Lachenaud, Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement, Montpellier Cedex 5, France Lyndel W. Meinhardt, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, PSI, SPCL, USDA/ARS, BARC-W, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Bldg. 001, Rm. 223, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The North-eastern region of India is rich treasure of various Citrus species. A vast reservoir of Citrus diversity exists in wild, semi wild form and is found scattered here and there without commercial cultivation and much care. The edaphic and climatic set up as well as the physiographic condition of the region makes it possible to grow a number of species, landraces and probable hybrids of Citrus without any care. But of now with the population increase, changing attitude of the farmers towards some newly introduced cash crops there is genetic erosion of the valuable resources and most of them are in verge of extinction. So, it is the high time for the scientific community to exploit all the rare and endangered resources of Citrus of north eastern region and for their conservation. In addition molecular and morphological characterization of the reported germplasm, evaluation and screening against biotic and abiotic stresses should also be needed to safeguard the existing population of Citrus and for future Citrus improvement programme. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9846-2 Authors T. K. Hazarika, Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants; School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, India Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The discovery of Hordeum spontaneum C. Koch, a wild ancestor of cultivated barley, in Morocco in 1978 led to the proposal of a multicentric origin for this crop, as an alternative to the widely accepted theory of a single centre of domestication in the Fertile Crescent. Since this discovery, we have tested this hypothesis using the most advanced genetic techniques available at the time, from CM-proteins to RFLP and DNA-chloroplast markers. Nowadays, the availability of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers that are spread densely over the barley genome provides us with another powerful tool to give further support for the above. We have used 1,536 SNPs from the Barley Oligo Pool Assay 1 (BOPA1) of Illumina to characterize 107 wild and cultivated barley accessions from the Western Mediterranean, Fertile Crescent, Ethiopia, and Tibet. The results have confirmed that each location of the above-mentioned germplasm groups clusters separately. Analysis of molecular variance enabled us to focus on the chromosomal regions and loci that differentiated these groups of barley germplasm. Some of these regions contain vernalization and photoperiod response genes, some of the so-called domestication genes, as well as the most important quantitative trait locus for flowering time in the Mediterranean region. We have combined these results with other genetic evidence, and interpreted them in the framework of current theories on the onset of the Neolithic revolution in the Mediterranean region, to conclude that neither Ethiopia nor the Western Mediterranean can be ruled out as centres of barley domestication, together with the Fertile Crescent. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9831-9 Authors Ernesto Igartua, Estación Experimental de Aula Dei-CSIC (EEAD-CSIC), Avda Montañana 1005, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain Marian Moralejo, Centro Universitat de Lleida-Institut de Recerca i Tecnología Agroalimentàries (UdL-IRTA), Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain Ana María Casas, Estación Experimental de Aula Dei-CSIC (EEAD-CSIC), Avda Montañana 1005, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain Lluís Torres, Centro Universitat de Lleida-Institut de Recerca i Tecnología Agroalimentàries (UdL-IRTA), Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain José-Luis Molina-Cano, Centro Universitat de Lleida-Institut de Recerca i Tecnología Agroalimentàries (UdL-IRTA), Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    An exploration and collection mission for wild populations of Capsicum was carried out in the fall of 2006 and 2007, in 13 Mexican states and in the U.S. states of Arizona and Texas. The aim of this collection was to expand the number of accessions of wild chile pepper ( Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum and Capsicum frutescens ) that are publicly available for research in plant improvement and for subsequent use in an inquiry into the domestication of C. annuum . While Mexico and the United States National Plant Germplasm System both have germplasm repositories INIFAP—Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales—Agrícolas y Pecuarias and USDA GRIN—United States Department of Agriculture’s Genetic Resources Information Network) with accessions of C. annuum var. glabriusculum , the very limited number available, their age, and/or validity of the information attached to many accessions do not allow for extensive research. Four hundred and sixty-six plants were sampled over two field seasons, of which copies of the collection reside in both UAA and at UC Davis. Given the current environment with the intellectual property of varieties of crop plants and, particularly, the extreme restrictions affecting explorations and the official procuring and sharing of germplasm across national borders, this U.S.—Mexico collaboration is one of the few examples of joint U.S.—Mexico germplasm collection efforts. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9827-5 Authors Kraig H. Kraft, Department of Plant Sciences/MS1, Section of Crop and Ecosystem Sciences, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-8780, USA José de Jesús Luna-Ruíz, Centro de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940 Cd. Universitaria, 20131 Aguascalientes, AGS, Mexico Paul Gepts, Department of Plant Sciences/MS1, Section of Crop and Ecosystem Sciences, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-8780, USA Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The increasing consumers’ request for new speciality wheat derivatives and the possible widening of marketing opportunities is giving to both landraces and old varieties, new chance of on farm survival providing a low cost way to safeguard these important genetic resources. A farmer’s consortium acting in north-western Italy, is attempting the introduction of some old bread wheat landraces in marginal environments of Piedmont and Liguria regions. The reason of this attempt is the local market demand of old bread varieties suitable for the preparation of traditional cakes and biscuits. Three Italian bread wheat landraces, a mixture of durum and bread wheat landraces and three modern varieties were evaluated. The entries were cropped in Val Borbera and Val d’Aveto (Piedmont and Liguria region, respectively) in the same growing season (2009–2010). The high variation of gliadin profile detected within the landraces indicates that all have retained the genetic heterogeneity typical of the old wheat landraces. In consequence of the health-promoting effects of whole grain consumption, eleven nutritional and technological traits of whole flours were investigated. The analysis of collected data revealed appreciable differences among the flours obtained from the landraces and the modern varieties. These differences can be mainly attributed to the intensive breeding carried out on bread wheat in the last century. The results of this study suggest that the old bread wheat landraces could have good chance of survive on farm when their characteristics fulfil the requirements of local communities. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9838-2 Authors Angela R. Piergiovanni, Istituto di Genetica Vegetale-CNR, Via Amendola 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Nematode pathogenicity experiments on Musa host plants were carried out in pot trials. Both the final nematode population densities and percentages root necrosis on different host plants were higher for the Radopholus similis population from Mbarara than for the populations from Namulonge, Ikulwe and Mukono (Uganda). The R. similis population from Mbarara managed to break the resistance of the diploid banana Pisang Jari Buaya, a known worldwide source of resistance to R. similis . The diploid banana hybrid TMB2× 9128-3 and the triploid dessert banana Yangambi km5 showed resistance against the four R. similis populations. These results indicate that differences in pathogenicity among different R. similis populations exist and should be taken into consideration for plantain and banana germplasm enhancement. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9841-7 Authors Carine Dochez, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda Jolly Dusabe, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda Abdou Tenkouano, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda Rodomiro Ortiz, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda Jim Whyte, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda Dirk De Waele, Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement, Department of Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Catholic University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 13, 3001 Leuven, Belgium Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The aim of this study was to compare three tests for the evaluation of the antioxidant potential of eleven plant species traditionally used to cure or to enhance animal and/or human wellbeing. In addition to the ability to modulate the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species the effect of the treatment on cell viability was also considered. In the cell-based experiment DCF (2′,7′dichlorofluorescein diacetate) and in the chemical assays DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt), Pistacia lentiscus exhibited high antioxidant capacity, while Cistus creticus and Euphorbia characias were ineffective in cell-culture and displayed high activity in the chemical assays, and others ( Malva sylvestris , Matricaria chamomilla , Urtica dioica ) showed an opposite trend. Olea europaea ( sylvestris and europaea ) and Umbilicus rupestris displayed highest antioxidant efficacy in both HUVEC and HL-60 cells, and provided also appreciable activity in the chemical assays. The study gives evidence that herbal extracts may have similar antioxidant properties but different effects on cells. Therefore, it is important to combine analytical and biological testing methods in order to measure the antioxidant capacity of natural extracts. Results encourage to explore further the potential nutraceutical and functional properties of Mediterranean plant species related to ethno-botanic traditions for animal health care. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9842-6 Authors Simonetta Bullitta, C.N.R., Istituto per il Sistema Produzione Animale in Ambiente Mediterraneo (ISPAAM), Traversa La Crucca 3, località Baldinca, 07100 Li Punti, Sassari, Italy Giovanna Piluzza, C.N.R., Istituto per il Sistema Produzione Animale in Ambiente Mediterraneo (ISPAAM), Traversa La Crucca 3, località Baldinca, 07100 Li Punti, Sassari, Italy Maria D. I. Manunta, Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Intergeneric hybridizations were produced between Elachanthemum intricatum (Franch.) Ling et Ling and Opisthopappus taihangensis (Y. Ling) C. Shih without emasculation. About 12 and 16 % seed settings were obtained in reciprocal hybridizations. 17 seedlings germinated from 183 seeds from Elachanthemum intricatum (Franch.) Ling et Ling as female parent and 13 seedlings germinated from 109 seeds of Opisthopappus taihangensis (Y. Ling) C. Shih as female parent. 14 and 8 plants survived to maturity respectively. Only one progeny from Elachanthemum intricatum (Franch.) Ling et Ling in these hybridizations was found to be a true hybrid from the morphological characteristics and sequences of nrDNA ITS. The leaves of this new hybrid show some conspicuous intermediate features. The new hybrid has 5–8 mini ray female florets in the outer row of capitula. It is perennial just like its paternal parent ( Opisthopappus ) in contrast to its biennial maternal parent ( Elachanthemum ). Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9850-6 Authors Y. Zheng, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, College of Landscape Architecture, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China J. Shen, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, College of Landscape Architecture, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China Y. M. An, College of Life Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 People’s Republic of China J. Q. Zhang, College of Life Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 People’s Republic of China G. Y. Rao, College of Life Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 People’s Republic of China Q. X. Zhang, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, College of Landscape Architecture, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China H. E. Zhao, Department of Ornamental Horticulture, College of Landscape Architecture, National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    In situ conservation of crop genetic resources is widely recommended but, as yet, no methods have been developed to rank the genetic entities to preserve and the social organisations to involve. The highlands of Madagascar have been identified as a key site for rice, Oryza sativa , genetic diversity. To define conservation strategies, we performed multidisciplinary analysis of rice genetic diversity and factors shaping its distribution in the target region. Along with the indica and japonica rice subspecies of O. sativa , we confirmed the presence of an atypical rice group with a preferential habitat of 1,250–1,750 m. Spatial distribution of genetic diversity was uneven. The most determining factor of this unevenness was the altitude authorising or not the presence of different rice cropping systems and the associated types of varieties. Village and individual farmer’s wealth also had a determining role on the amount of rice diversity they hosted. While molecular variance between villages in a given interval of altitude represented 16 % of the total variance, within-village variance represented more than 75 % of the total, and within-farm variance 70 % of within-village variance. This hierarchical distribution of molecular variance suggests that a small number of samples per scale (altitude interval, village and farm) could allow to capture most of the genetic diversity observed. However, within-variety diversity was also important making ex situ conservation strategies impractical and costly. Implications of the within-variety diversity are discussed in terms of adaptive advantages, evolutionary processes, and need for in situ conservation. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9837-3 Authors Tendro Radanielina, FOFIFA, Ampandrianomby, B.P. 1690, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar Alain Ramanantsoanirina, FOFIFA, Ampandrianomby, B.P. 1690, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar Louis-Marie Raboin, FOFIFA, Ampandrianomby, B.P. 1690, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar Julien Frouin, CIRAD, UMR AGAP, TA-A 108/01, Avenue Agropolis, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France Xavier Perrier, CIRAD, UMR AGAP, TA-A 108/01, Avenue Agropolis, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France Philippe Brabant, AgroParisTech, UMR 0320/8120 Génétique Végétale, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France Nourollah Ahmadi, CIRAD, UMR AGAP, TA-A 108/01, Avenue Agropolis, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Mucuna pruriens L. (Fabaceae) is a popular Indian medicinal plant, which has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic system of Indian medicine for diseases including parkinsonism. The seeds of M. pruriens contain 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (L-dopa) as a major constituent, an intermediate precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine. L-dopa extracted from seeds of Mucuna is more effective as drug than the synthetic counterpart. The plant is widely distributed throughout the India and in other parts of the tropics including Central and South America. The present study was aimed to screen thirty-eight accessions of Mucuna germplasm collected from different geographical regions of India for L-dopa content, an effective drug used for Parkinson’s disease. The L-dopa content in seeds of M. pruriens was quantitatively analyzed by high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) at 280 nm wavelength. Results indicated wide variability among thirty-eight accessions of M. pruriens for seed characters like seed colour, size and shape. The L-dopa content in seeds of M. pruriens ranged between 3.29 and 5.44 % (on dry weight basis) among different germplasm collections augmented from various parts of India. Promising accessions identified having high L-dopa content were IC551549 (5.44 %), IC551514 (5.41 %), IC331536 (5.40 %), IC552857 (5.36 %), IC385844 (5.32 %) and IC439197 (5.32 %). Due to the economic importance of the drug, these promising M. pruriens accessions can be exploited for large scale cultivation for their pharmacological important constituents mainly L-dopa content. Content Type Journal Article Category Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9836-4 Authors Archana P. Raina, Germplasm Evaluation Division, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, 110012 India J. B. Tomar, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station, Ranchi, India M. Dutta, Germplasm Evaluation Division, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, 110012 India Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The gene pool of cultivated Asian rice consists of wild rice ( Oryza rufipogon Griff.), cultivated rice ( O. sativa L.) and a weedy form ( O. sativa f. spontanea ). All three components are widespread in Thailand, frequently co-occurring within fields and providing the opportunity for gene flow and introgression. The purpose to this study is to understand the on-going evolutionary processes that affect the gene pool of rice by analysis of microsatellite variation. Results indicate that O. rufipogon , the wild ancestor of rice, has high levels of genetic variation both within and among populations. Moreover, the variation is structured predominantly by annual and perennial life history. High levels of variation are detected among cultivars indicating Thai cultivated rice has a broad genetic base with only a 20 % reduction in diversity from its wild ancestor. The weedy rice populations reveal varying levels of genetic variation, from nearly as high as wild rice to near zero. Weedy rice is genetically structured into 2 groups. Some populations of invasive weedy rice are the result of hybridization and gene flow between local wild rice and local cultivated rice in the regions of co-occurrence. Other populations of weedy rice are genetically nearly identical to the local cultivated rice. The diversity analysis indicates that the rice gene pool in Thailand is a dynamic genetic system. Gene flow is ongoing among its three main components, first between cultivated and wild rice resulting in weedy rice. Weedy rice in turn crosses with both cultivated varieties and wild rice. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-19 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9839-1 Authors Tonapha Pusadee, Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA Barbara A. Schaal, Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA Benjavan Rerkasem, Lanna Rice Research and Cultural Centre, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand Sansanee Jamjod, Department of Plant Science and Natural Resource, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccon Schrank was one of the founder crops of Neolithic agriculture. Though its cultivation was largely replaced by hexaploid wheats 2000 years ago, pockets of small scale cultivation can still be found. One such area is the Asturias region of Northern Spain, where emmer wheat remains a traditional crop for high value specialist culinary uses, and farmers grow locally adapted landraces. In order to study the diversity of these landraces, we sampled emmer wheat from different regions of Asturias, and genotyped multiple plants from each village using nuclear and chloroplast microsatellites. A high level of variation was observed with markers from both genomes, including a novel chloroplast haplotype. A strong geographic structure was observed in the Asturian emmer wheats in both the chloroplast markers and the nuclear microsatellite data. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9840-8 Authors Fiona J. Leigh, NIAB, The John Bingham Building, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE UK Hugo R. Oliveira, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DZ UK Ian Mackay, NIAB, The John Bingham Building, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE UK Huw Jones, NIAB, The John Bingham Building, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE UK Lydia Smith, NIAB, The John Bingham Building, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE UK Petra Wolters, Crop Genetics, Dupont Experimental Station, P. O. Box 80353, Wilmington, DE 19880-0353, USA Mike Charles, Department of Archaeology, University of Sheffield, Northgate House, West Street, Sheffield, S1 4ET UK Martin Jones, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DZ UK Wayne Powell, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA UK Terence A. Brown, Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK Glynis Jones, Department of Archaeology, University of Sheffield, Northgate House, West Street, Sheffield, S1 4ET UK Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Ginseng is an important medicinal plant, but almost no genomic information is known for it. For the primary step to understand the Panax genome, we inspected the chloroplast genome sequence diversity and used that to infer the evolution of Panax species using them. We inspected a total of 101 intergenic spacers (IGS) covering 44,563 bp (96.8 % of the total IGS) from four Panax species. Diversity was inspected by three steps: gel electrophoresis, high resolution melting (HRM) analysis, and further confirmation by sequencing. Even though low levels of InDel polymorphism were detected by gel electrophoresis, high levels of reproducible polymorphisms were identified by HRM analysis. Sequencing of the HRM-polymorphic spaces and pair-wise multiple sequence alignments revealed up to 247 sequence variations between species. We have identified 62 IGS showing polymorphism between species. Among them, the trnE - trnT , trnT - psbD , ndhF - rpl32 , and rpl14 - rpl16 spaces are more informative for studying the diversity of Panax relatives. Phylogenetic analysis and molecular evolution studies revealed that P. notoginseng is most diverged from the other Panax species, with a nucleotide substitution rate of 0.0039. P. quinquefolius shows a close relationship with P. ginseng and P. japonicus , with a nucleotide substitution rate of 0.0009. Meanwhile, no sequence variation was detected between P. ginseng and P. japonicus . Calculation of molecular clocks revealed that P. notoginseng diverged more than 1.30 million years ago from the other Panax species and then, P. quinquefolius diverged from P. ginseng by migration in the American continent more than 0.29 million years ago. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9844-4 Authors Jun Ha Kim, Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921 Korea Ju-Yeon Jung, Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921 Korea Hong-Il Choi, Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921 Korea Nam-Hoon Kim, Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921 Korea Jee Young Park, Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921 Korea Yi Lee, Department of Industrial Plant Science and Technology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 361-763 Korea Tae-Jin Yang, Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921 Korea Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Sainfoin ( Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial forage legume that possesses beneficial properties in the context of sustainable agriculture. In order to initiate a pre-breeding programme, we have assembled a germplasm collection of O. viciifolia from many geographic regions, as well as a collection of Onobrychis species that might be crossed with O. viciifolia to improve its biological and agronomic properties. The objective of this study was to obtain DNA sequences from a representative sample of these accessions in order to characterise their genetic diversity and to assess the robustness of the Onobrychis taxonomy. Because of potential problems with copurification of tannins and polyphenols from Onobrychis leaf tissue, three methods for DNA extraction were assessed and the most appropriate one identified. DNA sequences were obtained for the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region and the trnH - psbA and trnT - trnL intergenic spacers of the chloroplast genome. Neighbour joining trees were constructed and accessions were assigned to operational taxonomic units. The results indicated that there is substantial genetic diversity among Onobrychis species. Redundancies in species nomenclature were identified, as well as possible overlap between some of the sections into which the Onobrychis genus has been divided. A genetic distinction was apparent between O. viciifolia accessions from western Europe and those from eastern Europe and Asia, reflecting a similar division based on agronomic properties. Recognition of these different though related germplasms will be valuable in the design of breeding programmes for the rational improvement of sainfoin as a forage crop for sustainable agriculture. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9800-3 Authors Christine Hayot Carbonero, Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK Franck Carbonero, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA Lydia M. J. Smith, NIAB, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE UK Terence A. Brown, Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN UK Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Runner bean ( Phaseolus coccineus L.) is traditionally cultivated in Poland for dry seeds. The national collection of runner bean maintained in the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources gathers 152 accessions, which are mainly landraces originated in Poland (68%), Ukraine (17%) and Slovakia (10%). The collection contains valuable genetic resources for bean breeders and research. The aim of this study was to describe the level and structure of genetic diversity of three landraces and two commercial cultivars of runner bean from the national collection in order to assess their genetic potential for breeding. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis included five combinations of selective primers. Analysis of seven genetic diversity parameters reveled fair amount of genetic variation both in landraces and cultivars. High genetic diversity of commercial cultivars relative those of landraces suggests that the breeding process leading to their release was rather moderate and most likely included domestic gene pool of runner bean. Low gene diversity and low Nei’s genetic distance values as well as intergradations among accessions in the PCoA may indicate reduced variability P. coccineus grown in Poland as a result of its migration pathways. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9798-6 Authors M. Boczkowska, National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources, Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Radzików, 05-870 Błonie, Poland Z. Bulińska-Radomska, National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources, Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Radzików, 05-870 Błonie, Poland J. Nowosielski, National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources, Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Radzików, 05-870 Błonie, Poland Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most produced and consumed food crops in the Republic of Congo. To assess the diversity and understand the traditional management of its cultivars in the department of Bouenza, twenty-one villages randomly selected from nine ethnic zones were surveyed using participatory rural appraisal. Altogether, 86 land races cultivars were recorded and further grouped into 36 types based on their agronomic and culinary characteristics. The number of cultivars accessed varied from 6 to 21 per village (13 on average) and from 1 to 11 (4 on average) per household. Their distribution and extent analysis revealed some worrying rates of cultivar loss in the range of 7.41–66.67% (32.06% on average) per village. The reasons of cultivars abandonment, the folk nomenclature and the traditional cutting supply system and planting techniques were documented and their importance in terms of genetic resources conservation and utilisation are discussed. Twenty farmers’ cultivar preference criteria were identified and prioritised. Their relative importances were examined across ethnic groups. Among them, the most important were yield, taste, cossette quality and root size which account for 72.39% of the total responses. The study revealed that most of the farmers did not consider the importance of the sexual reproduction in the cultivar diversification and the impact of cassava mosaic disease on the productivity of the infested plants. Awareness efforts and extension of the study to other cassava production zones were recommended for food security needs in Congo. To clarify synonym, morphological classification and molecular analysis were also suggested. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9803-0 Authors G. R. Kombo, Centre de Recherches Agronomiques de Loudima (CRAL), BP 309, Nkayi, Congo A. Dansi, Laboratory of Agricultural Biodiversity and Tropical Plant Breeding, University of Abomey-Calavi, BP 526, Cotonou, Benin L. Y. Loko, Laboratory of Agricultural Biodiversity and Tropical Plant Breeding, University of Abomey-Calavi, BP 526, Cotonou, Benin G. C. Orkwor, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), PMB 7006, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria R. Vodouhè, Bioversity International, Office for West and Central Africa, 08 BP 0932, Cotonou, Benin P. Assogba, Institut de Recherche et de Développement sur la Biodiversité des plantes Cultivées Aromatiques et Médicinales (IRDCAM), 071 BP 28, Cotonou, Benin J. M. Magema, Food and Agriculture Organization, BP 972, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    A total of 106 samples taken from natural Argentinean populations of the weedy Solanum elaeagnifolium (subgenus Leptostemonum ) were studied cytologically to understand the impact of the different ploidy levels in its distribution and origin. Classical Feulgen staining was employed to determine mitotic chromosome numbers in all samples. 2C nuclear DNA content was determined by means of PI flow cytometry in eight samples of different ploidy levels. Principal component analysis and GIS tools were employed to compare altitude, annual precipitation and annual mean temperature among accessions. Three cytotypes were found: diploid (2n = 24) which is widespread, tetraploid (2n = 48) centered in western and southern Argentina, and hexaploid (2n = 72) which predominates in central Argentina extending as well to the east. The annual precipitation is significantly different between tetraploids and hexaploids. Cx-values ranged from 1.231 to 1.275 pg, with statistical differences (of about 24.5–50.9 Mbp, p  ≤ 0.05) among accessions. Diploids are the most widespread cytotype and have adapted to a number of very different habitats. Tetraploids live in arid or semi-arid regions with a mean annual rainfall less than 500 mm. Hexaploids are successful in colonizing wetter areas, where no tetraploids were found. Thus, the distribution of cytotypes may be associated with habitat differences, particularly soil moisture. The observed cytotype pattern and the differences in DNA content suggest multiple places of origin for the polyploidy of S. elaeagnifolium in Argentina. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9807-9 Authors Marisel Scaldaferro, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, CONICET-UNC, CC 495, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina Franco Chiarini, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, CONICET-UNC, CC 495, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina Federico F. Santiñaque, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia, 3318 Montevideo, Uruguay Gabriel Bernardello, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, CONICET-UNC, CC 495, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina Eduardo A. Moscone, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, CONICET-UNC, CC 495, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    The genetic structure and diversity of eight pairs of rice landraces from in situ (collected in 2007) and ex situ (collected in 1980) conservation programs were studied using 20 pairs of microsatellite markers with high polymorphism. Each pair of rice landraces shares a name and origin and has similar seed and plant traits. The number of alleles detected in the populations from in situ conservation ranged from 43 to 88 with the mean number of alleles per locus ranging from 2.15 to 4.40, while the number of alleles detected in the populations from ex situ conservation ranged from 33 to 65, and the mean of alleles per locus ranged from 1.65 to 3.25. Compared to the ex situ populations, the number of alleles, the number of specific alleles and the genetic diversity index showed a significant increase in the in situ populations. Further, the numbers of specific alleles from in situ populations were 2.1–5.0 times greater than in ex situ populations except for rice landrace ‘Qitougu’. An AMOVA showed that the within-landrace genetic structure differed significantly between in situ and ex situ conservation treatments with differences exceeding 20%. The analysis of genetic similarity reached similar conclusions to those of the AMOVA. Compared with ex situ conservation programs, the rice landraces under in situ conservation programs had more alleles and higher genetic diversity in Yunnan of China. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10722-011-9786-2 Authors Jian-Chang Sun, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi, China Gui-Lan Cao, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Beijing, 100081 China Jing Ma, Institution of Crop Research, Ningxia Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yongning, Ningxia, 750105 China Yao-Feng Chen, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 Shaanxi, China Long-Zhi Han, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Beijing, 100081 China Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    Paspalum notatum is a subtropical grass present throughout America, and one of the main constituents of the natural grasslands in Uruguay. An apomictic autotetraploid (2n = 4x = 40) is the most frequent cytotype. The occurrence of sexual diploids (2n = 2x = 20) has also been reported as well as the occasional presence of apomictic triploids and pentaploids in Argentina. In this study, ISSR (inter simple sequence repeats) molecular markers were used to analyze the genetic variability of 210 P . notatum individuals from a collection from Uruguay. Cytometric analyses and chromosome counts were used to assess the ploidy level of the individuals. All plants from Uruguay analyzed were tetraploid. Intra- and inter-population variability was found both in genomic DNA content and at the genotypic level. Several multilocus genotypes were shared among individuals within populations and among populations over moderate geographical ranges, at the same time, very dissimilar genotypes were found within the same population. Part of the genetic variance among populations can be explained by a broader scale geographic structure which is partly coincident with the traditionally recognized grassland management regions. In spite of the apparently high degree of genetic admixture within populations, groups of related genotypes seem to follow a broader geographical structure in the area under study. These results suggest that an efficient collection strategy for this apomictically reproducing species should include carefully planned intra- and inter-population sampling. A broader scale regional sampling strategy should also be considered although further studies will be required to define genetic structure at this level. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9806-x Authors Rafael Reyno, National Institute of Agricultural Research, INIA Tacuarembó, Route 5, km 386, Tacuarembó, Uruguay Rafael Narancio, National Institute of Agricultural Research, INIA Las Brujas, Route 48, km 10, Canelones, Uruguay Pablo Speranza, Plant Biology Department, School of Agronomy, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay Javier Do Canto, National Institute of Agricultural Research, INIA Tacuarembó, Route 5, km 386, Tacuarembó, Uruguay Beatriz López-Carro, Servicio de Clasificación Celular y Citometría de Fujo (SECIF), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Av. Italia, 3318 Montevideo, Uruguay Pablo Hernández, Plant Biology Department, School of Agronomy, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay Juan Burgueño, Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Km. 36.5 Carr. México-Texcoco, Montecillo, Edo. de México, Mexico Daniel Real, National Institute of Agricultural Research, INIA Tacuarembó, Route 5, km 386, Tacuarembó, Uruguay Marco Dalla Rizza, National Institute of Agricultural Research, INIA Las Brujas, Route 48, km 10, Canelones, Uruguay Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864

Description:    We investigated arsenic (As) accumulation and distribution in four different tissues of maize, leaves, stems, bracts, and kernels. For these analyses, we used 122 elite inbred lines, which were grown in an As-contaminated area in China. The agricultural soil at the study site is highly As-contaminated (11.02 ± 0.95 mg As kg soil −1 ) because of excessive use of As-rich surface water for irrigation. The As concentration in the leaves was significantly positively correlated with that in stems and kernels, and the As concentration in the stems was significantly positively correlated with that in the kernels. In the 122 inbred lines, the highest average As concentration was in the leaves, followed by the stems, the bracts, and then the kernels. The range of As concentrations in leaves, stems, bracts, and kernels of the 122 inbred lines was 0.13–1.48, 0.017–0.145, 0.013–0.131, and 0.0001–0.0408 mg As kg −1 , respectively. The inbred lines with low As concentrations in the kernels perhaps could be used as a parent to select an elite hybrid with low As concentration for decreasing the As damage for people and animal. Content Type Journal Article Category Research Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9792-z Authors Z. H. Liu, College of Agronomy, Key Laboratory of Physiological Ecology and Genetic Improvement of Food Crops in Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, 95 Wenhua Road, Zhengzhou, 450002 China W. H. Li, College of Agronomy, Key Laboratory of Physiological Ecology and Genetic Improvement of Food Crops in Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, 95 Wenhua Road, Zhengzhou, 450002 China H. Y. Qi, College of Agronomy, Key Laboratory of Physiological Ecology and Genetic Improvement of Food Crops in Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, 95 Wenhua Road, Zhengzhou, 450002 China G. L. Song, College of Agronomy, Key Laboratory of Physiological Ecology and Genetic Improvement of Food Crops in Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, 95 Wenhua Road, Zhengzhou, 450002 China D. Ding, College of Agronomy, Key Laboratory of Physiological Ecology and Genetic Improvement of Food Crops in Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, 95 Wenhua Road, Zhengzhou, 450002 China Z. Y. Fu, College of Agronomy, Key Laboratory of Physiological Ecology and Genetic Improvement of Food Crops in Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, 95 Wenhua Road, Zhengzhou, 450002 China J. B. Liu, Institute of Food Crops, Henan Academy of Agricultural Science, Zhengzhou, 450002 China J. H. Tang, College of Agronomy, Key Laboratory of Physiological Ecology and Genetic Improvement of Food Crops in Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, 95 Wenhua Road, Zhengzhou, 450002 China Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Online ISSN 1573-5109 Print ISSN 0925-9864