Genetic diversity among 20 Azerbaijani grape (Vitis vinifera L.) accessions was assessed using 10 Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers to elucidate relationships among samples and identify a convenient marker for determining genetic diversity. Based on the polymorphic information parameters such as PIC, EMR, MI, and RP were critically analyzed for utilizing these ISSR primers for genetic variability and 4 ISSR (UBC 811, UBC 812, UBC 815, UBC 857) markers were selected for future germplasm management. The total number of identified bands varied between 2-5. The maximum PIC value was observed in UBC 857 (0.478). Among genotypes, Ag oval kishmish and Yumru kishmish cultivars had the closest genetic similarity index (0.913), while Ag oval kishmish and Marandi, Yerli Muskat and Yabani uzum 1, Yerli Muskat and Yumru kishmish cultivars had the most distant genetic similarity index (0.406). These findings highlight both the complexity of grapevine genetic structure and the value of ISSR markers for detecting non-obvious relationships.

Elaeis guineensis is a tropical oil plant with the highest oil yield per unit area in the world. The Tenera hybrid is the most valuable variety for cultivation compared to the parent varieties Dura and Pisifera. It is difficult to select for the morphological characteristics of the oil palm cultivar in oil palm seedlings at the nursery stage; thus, the development of a molecular marker is necessary. In the present study, a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker was developed that yields 159-bp and 195-bp fragments specific for female and male parents, respectively. Sequence alignment revealed that the 159-bp fragment has a 36-bp deletion. Molecular characterization of the fragments reveals that the sequence is identical to the ALBINO3-like protein 2 (EgALB3.2) and is localized on chromosome 16 of the E. guineensis genome with expression noted in the kernel/endosperm of Tenera fruits only. These markers help in the selection of oil palm hybrids codominantly expressing both fragments; thus, heterozygous individuals can be distinguished from homozygous individuals. The SCAR-specific marker could therefore be used to distinguish oil palm hybrids from their parents by PCR. Moreover, these specific SCAR primers can be used directly to identify the oil palm hybrids without the need for postprocessing steps, and the specific fragments can be detected using an automated sequencer and real-time PCR. This marker-assisted selection is sensitive and suitable for the identification of oil palms in breeding programs.

Pigmented rice is reported have high levels of bioactive compounds, it suitable for functional food. Additionally, it has been reported that pigmented rice extract has the potential as an anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer agent. In Indonesia, pigmented rice is less favored by local farmers due to low public demand (limited awareness) and cultivation difficulties (prone to falling and susceptible to pests), which could lead to the extinction of the plant. Qualitative and quantitative characterization can serve as the basis for plant breeding. This study aims to analyze the morpho-agronomic traits of several pigmented rice accessions from Central Java and East Java, thus providing a source of information for local farmers in the pigmented rice breeding process. Morpho-agronomic traits observed include qualitative and quantitative characters. The grouping and its relationship between 22 rice accessions were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA)-biplots and dendrogram clustering analysis based on Unweighted Pair Group Method Using Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA). The results showed the characteristics influencing the variation of Indonesian pigmented rice, especially from East Java and Central Java, out of 22 accessions, such as leaf color, shoot color, and tiller number. The grouping based on their morpho-agronomic characters showed that there were two main clusters. Twenty out of 22 rice accession grouping in cluster 1 with diverse pigmented rice pigment type. Meanwhile, cluster 2 consists of IR Ngawi Hitam and Wojaloka. These two accessions are classified as black rice. Our findings are valuable for breeding programs, especially in rice.

The development of rice seedlings stressed by drought and salt is shown by different morphometric and colorimetric traits. These distinctions can be used to understand the response of plants to challenging conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of image-based phenotyping in the early testing of rice plants and observe how the plants respond to both drought and salinity. A stress tolerance index with multivariate analysis was used for the selection of the most important traits. The experiment consisted of 2 factors, namely the degree of environmental stress and rice genotype. Furthermore, the degree of environmental stress comprised normal (NaCl and PEG 0%), drought (10% PEG), salinity (60 mM NaCl), as well as a combination of moderate drought and salinity (5% PEG + 30 mM NaCl). The results showed that both morphometric (area, convex hull, bounding area, perimeter, centermassy) and colorimetric (CIVE, VARI, RGBVI, MGRVI, NDI, GLI, NGRDI) can be used as selection characters.

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• Geometric image-based phenotyping and physiological analysis for validation of rice salinity tolerance screening under artificial pot conditions
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  BMC Plant Biology.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Yield assessment of F6 generation tomato lines under irrigated and drought environments based on stress tolerance index
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• Integration of gamma irradiation breeding from doubled haploid and systematic screening to develop adapted rice mutants under salinity stress
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• Optimizing hydroponic salinity screening: a novel approach using image-based phenotyping for double haploid rice selection
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  Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef

Rice blast, caused by the pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is a highly destructive disease of rice that leads to significant reductions in crop yield each year and poses a serious threat to rice production worldwide. Utilizing R genes to develop resistant varieties continues to be the most cost-effective and efficient approach for managing rice blast. Molecular screening of important blast resistance genes of rice and their allelic diversity were assessed in forty eight wild and local rice genotypes of Bangladesh using ten previously synthesized gene-based SSR markers. A varying range between 18.7% to 87.5% was seen in the genetic frequencies of ten key blast resistance genes. Fourteen genotypes possessed maximum eight blast resistance genes while, nine of the genotypes had seven blast resistance genes. Nine genotypes contained six blast resistance genes and five genotypes had a minimum of two blast resistance genes. At least five positive pieces of the predicted product size were occupied by thirty-five genotypes, among total forty eight genotypes. These findings are important for identifying and incorporating functional resistance genes from Bangladeshi local germplasms into the elite cultivars by using marker-assisted selection and providing better resistance to blast. Marker analysis of resistant and susceptible genotypes using ten RAPD showed that, markers OPA 5, OPF 9 and OPH 18 clearly differentiate resistant genotypes BAU dhan-3 from susceptible genotypes BRRI dhan 28 and BRRI dhan 29 indicating the potentiality of these markers to identify blast resistant rice genotypes and use in marker assisted breeding (MAB) to develop blast resistant high yielding rice varieties in Bangladesh.

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• Genetic diversity and identification of blast resistance genes through SSR markers in Bangladeshi aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces
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  Ecological Genetics and Genomics.2026; 39: 100481.     CrossRef

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) gene-edited (GEd) crops have demonstrated significant potential to enhance global food security in the face of escalating climate challenges and rapid population growth. Since 2019, for regulatory purposes, the United States (U.S.) and several other countries have recognized transgene-free, genome-edited lines as equivalent to conventionally bred varieties. Notably, the first genome-edited food product, Calyno™ soybean oil, was commercialized in the U.S. and marketed as a non-genetically modified organism (GMO) item. Recently, regulatory frameworks, such as the enactment of the Precision Breeding Law in the United Kingdom, the European Union’s New Genomic Techniques (NGT) legislation, and the repeal of the SECURE Rule in the United States, have further established guidelines permitting the use of genome-edited lines in agriculture similar to with conventionally bred crops, provided that these lines are free of transgenic elements. In Korea, researchers and policymakers are actively engaging in discussions to establish a preliminary review committee for GEd crops to align regulatory practices with international trade standards. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate two gene-edited rice lines for generational stability in terms of molecular characteristics, focusing on edited nucleotide sequences, gene expression, target phenotypes, the presence of transgene elements, and potential off-target effects across multiple generations. Additionally, several technical challenges in nucleotide editing tracing emerged during the evaluation process that warrant further attention. The findings presented in this study are expected to offer valuable insights for shaping the regulatory framework in Korea for CRISPR-based gene-edited crops.

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• CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Genome Editing for Enhancing Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Rice: An Omics Guided Perspective
  Mahavir Joshi, Pari Panwar, Smile Sharma, Bharat Sagar, Sukhminderjit Kaur, Manikant Tripathi
  Molecular Biotechnology.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef

Carbohydrates and genetic factors influence cell division in citrus fruits from ovule cultures. Here, we investigated the effects of various carbohydrate sources (sorbitol, maltose, galactose, and lactose) on cell proliferation, somatic embryogenesis, and plant regeneration in three Citrus unshiu cultivars (‘Miyagawa wase’ [MW], ‘Haryejosaeng’ [HW], and ‘Nankan 20 gou’ [NW]), and one C. reticulata cultivar (‘Ootaponkan’ [PM]). In PM, carbohydrate sources did not affect proliferation; MW showed a significant but marginal increase in media containing 300 mM mannitol. It also proliferated well in media supplemented with 300 mM sorbitol and a mixture of galactose and lactose. NW achieved the best rate with 100 mM mannitol and 146 mM lactose, whereas HW proliferated well with 100 mM mannitol alone. Phylogenetic analysis using 18 citrus varieties showed distinct genetic differences among the cultivars, suggesting that the differences in regeneration capacities in different carbohydrate sources could be attributed to their genetic differences. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing tissue culture protocols for mandarin varieties and may enhance the efficiency of citrus breeding and tissue culture applications.

Rice yield is severely affected by phosphorus (P) deficiency, and plants have evolved various strategies to cope with this limitation. While some rice genotypes are adapted to low phosphate (Pi) availability, others remain sensitive to Pi deficiency. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a hydroponically cultivated population of 190 North Korean (NK) rice plants to identify genes associated with phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and Pi deficiency tolerance. The rice plants were grown in Yoshida nutrient media with either full (10 mg/L) or low-P (1 mg/L) concentrations for 40 days. The phenotypic response to Pi deficiency was assessed at the seedling stage, followed by an evaluation of eight agricultural traits: chlorophyll content (SPAD), shoot length (SL), shoot fresh weight (SFW), shoot dry weight (SDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), and tiller number (TN). The GWAS analysis revealed a total of 166 significant lead SNPs, with six located near known genes for Pi deficiency tolerance: OsTre6P and OsPT3 for RL, OsGH3.12 for SPAD, OsCPK30 for SL, OsWRKY74 for RSL, and OsPT10 for RSL and RRFW. An additional six lead SNPs were identified as novel genes. The haplotypes of 12 candidate genes showed significant differences in the phenotypic values of the corresponding traits. In conclusion, both known and novel genes identified in this GWAS have significant impacts on Pi deficiency tolerance in the NK rice population.

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• Transcription factors in phosphorus utilization: enhancing crop productivity and stress resilience
  Manli Zhao, Yan Sun, Chenxi Fu, Siji Wang, Jianbo Shen, Sanyuan Tang, Lingyun Cheng
  Planta.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Genome-wide association study identifies loci and candidate genes for root traits in rice grown in Brazil
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  Crop Design.2025; 4(2): 100095.     CrossRef
• Genetic Exploration of β-glucan and Cellulose Synthesis in Barley
  Sehyun Choi, Young-Mi Yoon, Jin-CheonPark, On-SookHur, Changsoo Kim
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(2): 159.     CrossRef
• RiceSNP-ABST: a deep learning approach to identify abiotic stress-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms in rice
  Quan Lu, Jiajun Xu, Renyi Zhang, Hangcheng Liu, Meng Wang, Xiaoshuang Liu, Zhenyu Yue, Yujia Gao
  Briefings in Bioinformatics.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Eight rice genotypes, including Binam, Hashemi, Deylamani, TH1, Hasani, Saleh, IR75479-199-3-3, and Gohar, were crossed in a line tester mating design to generate breeding populations, assess the general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA) and identify suitable combinations for yield. 23 genotypes (15 F1s and eight parents) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Rice Research Institute of Iran during the 2020 cropping season. Analysis of variance revealed significant genotype effects and GCA and SCA mean square values for all the investigated traits, which indicated the genetic diversity of the parental genotypes and the importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of the studied traits. Results indicated that additive gene action controlled plant height. Meanwhile, non-additive gene action controlled panicle length, number of panicles per plant, heading date, hundred-grain weight, number of grains per panicle, and grain yield. Effects of general combining ability were significant for the panicle length, the number of panicles per plant, heading date, hundred-grain weight, number of grains per panicle, and plant height in all testers. Hasani and Saleh's genotypes demonstrated to be good general combiners for early maturity. Gohar was the best specific combiner to enhance yield components. Hashemi×Gohar was identified as the best combination for improving grain yield and reducing the number of days to heading. The predominance of non-additive types of gene actions related to grain yield and its components suggested that selecting the best plants should be postponed to advanced generation.

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• Combining ability and gene action analysis for growth and precocity in kola (Cola nitida (Vent) Schott. & Endl.)
  Abraham Akpertey, Paul Kwasi Krah Adu-Gyamfi, Esther Anokye, Alfred Arthur, Daniel Nyadanu
  Euphytica.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in Iranian local rice genotypes for yield, and some agronomic traits
  Mostafa Modarresi
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• Characterization of Iranian rice genetic resources for key grain quality traits
  Mostafa Modarresi
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• Assessing genetic potential of direct seeded rice for yield and its component traits in upland conditions of Western Himalayas
  Surbhi Patyal, DP Pandey, Kumar Sanu, Arshia Prashar, Nijit Chauhan
  ORYZA- An International Journal on Rice.2026; 63(1): 27.     CrossRef

The genetic control of rice resistance has been extensively studied, but how the resistance mechanism is genetically controlled has received less attention. This study revealed that the rice resistance mechanism toward brown planthopper was genetically controlled by several genes with several mendelian patterns. The tolerance mechanism is controlled by three complementary genes; this is confirmed by QTL analysis, whereas the Antibiosis is controlled by three separate loci on chromosomes 2, 8, and 11. The antixenosis was controlled by polygenic, but detected locus only on chromosome 3, with minor effects.

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• ‘Drimi9ho’, A Lodging Tolerance with Mid-late Maturing, Improved White-backed Planthopper (Sogatella furcifera) and Cultivation Stability
  Jae-Ryoung Park, Eun-Gyeong Kim, Yoon-Hee Jang, Kyung-Min Kim
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 493.     CrossRef

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a premier global crop, celebrated not only for its economic importance but also as a fundamental “well-being food” that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants. This review highlights the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 and next-generation precision tools, such as base and prime editing, on modern tomato breeding. Beyond functional genomics, we focus on the strategic engineering of tomato to maximize productivity through fruit size optimization and the biofortification of high-value metabolites (e.g., GABA, lycopene, and vitamins). Furthermore, we examine recent advances in developing multi-stress resilience against both biotic and abiotic challenges. A significant emphasis is placed on re-designing plant architecture and developmental traits to tailor tomato varieties for future agricultural systems, particularly indoor and vertical farming. By advanced delivery methods, CRISPR technologies offer unprecedented potential to accelerate the development of “smart” tomato, ensuring sustainable agriculture and global food security in a changing climate.

Cotton fiber development is a complex process regulated by multiple networks that involve various transcription factors (TFs). Recent studies (2020-2025) have elucidated the roles of TFs through silencing and overexpression experiments in cotton plants. We conducted a literature search in NCBI using the keywords ‘transcription factor, fiber elongation, cotton plant’ to identify relevant studies. This review focuses on studies published between 2020 and 2025 that were selected for review. We discussed various TFs and molecular mechanisms leading to altered fiber length. The research works included various analyses of transcription factors, genes, proteins, and metabolites as well as fiber quality results. The reviewed data highlight the complexity of fiber development networks, which involve extensive crosstalk among regulatory pathways. Despite the complexity, many novel TFs, modules, and tandems that participate in fiber elongation have been found. Their positive or negative regulatory roles in fiber formation stages promote a more profound understanding of fiber initiation and elongation.

In this study, molecular-genetic analyses were carried out to identify resistance to yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) samples. Yellow rust is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat worldwide, causing significant yield losses and posing a serious threat to global food security, particularly under changing climatic conditions. The disease is also highly prevalent in Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where wheat is a staple crop and ensuring stable production is of strategic importance. A total of 68 wheat genotypes were examined and genotyped using 42 highly polymorphic DNA markers. Based on the obtained phenotypic and genotypic data, association analysis was performed using the TASSEL and STRUCTURE programs. To identify genetic associations, GLM (General Linear Model) and MLM (Mixed Linear Model) statistical models were applied. The analysis revealed that the following markers showed significant and reliable associations with yellow rust resistance: Barc0187 (p=0.0040), Gwm340 (p=0.0043), Barc008 (p=0.0132), and Gwm111 (p=0.0147). These markers are recommended as reliable molecular indicators for identifying yellow rust-resistant genotypes and for improving marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies in future wheat breeding programs.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.), a valuable medicinal plant with economic importance, serves as a source of both therapeutic compounds and vegetable oil for human use. Genome editing techniques have been widely applied to improve key agronomic traits in various species. Therefore, this study aims to develop an efficient method for seed sterilization and protoplast isolation in milk thistle. For seed sterilization, seed treated with hydrogen peroxide for either 4 hours or 7 hours with ethanol and detergent showed more sufficient to sterilize seed of milk thistle for in vitro growth than ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, and chlorine gas. For protoplast isolation in milk thistle, high-yielding, viable protoplasts were successfully isolated from the leaves of 21-day-old plants using a 2 hours enzymatic treatment containing 2% Viscozyme^® L, 1% Celluclast^® 1.5 L, and 1% Pectinex^® Ultra SP-L. Additionally, transient expression of green fluorescent protein was observed following polyethylene glycol-mediated transfection. Therefore, the seed sterilization and protoplast isolation methods developed in this study can facilitate in vitro culture, gene function analysis, and genome editing aimed at improving agronomic traits in milk thistle.

Amylopectin branch-chain length distribution is a key determinant of rice starch functionality and eating quality, yet the genetic basis underlying specific chain fractions remains incompletely understood in diverse germplasm. In this study, amylopectin fine structure was quantified in 137 accessions of the Korean Rice Core Selection (KRICE_Core) using HPAEC-PAD, and genome-wide association studies were conducted with 2.1 million high-quality SNPs under the FarmCPU model. The short-chain distribution (SCD, DP 6-12) varied from 26.85% to 37.20%, whereas the intermediate-chain distribution (ICD, DP 12-24) ranged from 52.57% to 61.04%, and the two fractions showed a strong inverse correlation. GWAS identified two major loci on chromosomes 4 and 6, with the chromosome 6 region showing exceptionally strong association signals and co-localizing with Os06g0229800 (SSIIa). Haplotype analysis of SSIIa detected five non-synonymous SNPs defining five haplotypes. Hap1 and Hap5 were associated with increased SCD and reduced ICD, whereas indica-related haplotypes (Hap2-Hap4) showed the opposite trend, indicating that SSIIa allelic variation quantitatively shifts the balance between short and intermediate chain fractions. In a panel of 113 Korean-bred cultivars, Hap1 and Hap5 together accounted for > 99% of genotypes, suggesting strong directional selection for japonica-type SSIIa alleles during Korean breeding. These findings provide robust molecular targets for designing rice varieties with tailored starch architecture and cooking qualities.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice poses significant health risks to consumers. This study aimed to reduce Cd accumulation in the elite Vietnamese rice variety TBR225 (TBR225) by editing the Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein 5 (OsNRAMP5) gene using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR- associated 9 (Cas9) technology. We successfully generated OsNRAMP5 knockout mutants through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Sequencing analysis revealed various mutation types, including deletions, insertions, and substitutions, all resulting in premature stop codons or frameshift mutations. Three homozygous, transgene-free mutant lines were selected for further analysis. These lines exhibited significantly reduced Cd accumulation in roots (78.4-84.5%), shoots (72.3-83.8%), and grains (50.5-66.0%) compared to wild-type plants when exposed to different Cd concentrations. Importantly, the OsNRAMP5 mutations did not adversely affect major agronomic traits, including growth time, plant height, tiller number, grain yield, or amylose content. Additionally, the accumulation of essential micronutrients such as Fe and Zn remained unaffected in the mutant lines. Our results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated OsNRAMP5 editing as an effective strategy for developing low-Cd accumulating rice varieties without compromising agronomic performance or nutritional quality. This approach could significantly contribute to enhancing food safety in regions facing Cd contamination challenges.

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• Genome editing in rice: toward climate-resilient, nutrient-rich yields
  Xin Huang, Wenshu He, Ludovic Bassie, Paul Christou, Teresa Capell
  Trends in Plant Science.2026; 31(7): 925.     CrossRef
• CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Multi-Stress Resilience and Prospects for Agricultural Sustainability
  Abdul Malik, Nur Ardiyana Rejab, Muhamad Afiq Aziz
  Journal of Crop Health.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Engineering Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants Using CRISPR Cas: From Molecular Targets to Physiological Resilience
  Komal Sharma, Upma Bhatt, Vineet Soni
  Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.2026; 26(2): 4593.     CrossRef
• Exploring Flooding Challenges, Causes, and Mitigation Strategies in Rice
  Abdoul-Razak Oumarou Mahamane, Junior S. Kamara, Moise Hubert Byiringiro, Alpha Sow, Khaled F. M. Salem
  International Journal of Genomics.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Liebig Review: Essential and Beneficial Elements in the Regulation of Cadmium Uptake and Tolerance in Crop Plants
  Maria Manzoor, Karl Hermann Mühling
  Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Genome Editing for Enhancing Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Rice: An Omics Guided Perspective
  Mahavir Joshi, Pari Panwar, Smile Sharma, Bharat Sagar, Sukhminderjit Kaur, Manikant Tripathi
  Molecular Biotechnology.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Harnessing breeding and biotechnological innovations for global food security under climate change
  Obaid Ur Rehman, Feifei Zhu, Xinjuan Hu, Xiangru Xu, Muhammad Uzair, Jiangya Qian, Sajid Fiaz, Shuhao Huo
  Functional & Integrative Genomics.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef

Coix lacryma-jobi L. is a cereal crop belonging to the Poaceae family, valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and ornamental uses. Among its varieties, two prominent landraces, C. lacryma-jobi var. kiboa and var. tapol, are cultivated for their distinct grain morphologies and favorable agronomic traits. However, despite its economic importance, detailed cytogenetic and molecular phylogenetic studies remain limited. This study presents a cytogenetic and molecular phylogenetic analysis of C. lacryma-jobi L. var. kiboa and tapol. Partial cytogenomic characterization on the 45S and 5S rDNA loci as well as Arabidopsis- type telomeric repeats using pre-labeled oligomer probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (PLOP-FISH) technique confirmed a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 20 in both varieties. The 45S and 5S rDNA loci were localized on the nucleolar organizer region (NOR) of the short arm of chromosome 1 and the long arm of chromosome 4, respectively, indicating conserved chromosomal arrangements. Additionally, Arabidopsis-type telomeric repeats were detected at the terminal regions of all chromosomes. Chromosome sizes ranged from 2.98 ± 0.07 to 3.74 ± 0.11 μm in var. kiboa and from 3.42 ± 0.08 to 4.12 ± 0.05 μm in var. tapol. Phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS4) genes revealed a close genetic relationship between the two varieties, supporting their shared evolutionary lineage. These findings enhanced our understanding of adlay genetic diversity and provide foundational insights for plant breeding improvement, conservation strategies, and future genomic research.

To determine the lethal dose (LD) and growth-reducing dose (GR), the exposures were from gamma activity rates such as low activity rate by multipurpose panoramic 70 Ci and high activity rate by Gamma Cell 3 kCi. The study material was sourced by Cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co) with variant doses, i.e., 10Gy, 20Gy, 30Gy, 40Gy, 50Gy, and 60Gy for each gamma activity rate. The study was performed at the Center for Isotope and Radiation Application, National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (CIRA-NNEA). Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests and analysis of variance. The lethal dose (LD₅₀) and growth reduction (GR₅₀) were identified based on regression analysis. The analysis of variance revealed that highly significant differences among irradiation treatments in number of leaves, survival rate, and plant height. A linear regression model was developed to determine the mean LD₅₀ and GR₅₀ of Super Napier grass. The highest variability of mutants was observed in gamma-ray irradiated mutants with lethal doses (LD₅₀). LD₅₀, 35.82Gy-55.71Gy, at a low activity rate (Multipurpose panoramic irradiator 70 Ci) is higher than the high activity rate (Gamma Cell 3 kCi), 28.98-28.99. In general, the survival rate of Super Napier grass decreased along with increasing irradiation dose. The generated LD₅₀ and GR₅₀ were identified as optimal dosages for the radiosensitivity of Super Napier grass. This study becomes preliminary mutagenesis breeding to generate genetic diversity of grass, specifically in Super Napier grass.

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) is a nutrient-rich tropical legume with considerable potential to improve food security in tropical regions. However, breeding programs for purple-podded winged bean remain limited due to insufficient information on key genetic parameters. This study aimed to assess heritability, expected genetic gain, trait correlations, and path analysis in advanced purple-podded winged bean lines. Ten breeding lines derived from crosses of Indonesian landraces were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Traits observed included days to flowering, days to harvest, fruit set, pod width, pod length, pod weight, pod weight per plant, number of seeds per pod, and yield potential. The results revealed high broad-sense heritability (>0.5) for all traits, with the highest values observed for pod length (0.96), pod width (0.95), and fruit set (0.90). Expected genetic gain was highest for fruit set (35.20%), pod weight per plant (34.44%), and yield potential (34.44%). Correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationships between days to flowering and days to harvest (r = 0.90), while yield potential showed a perfect correlation with pod weight per plant (r = 1.00). Path analysis revealed positive direct effects of fruit set (0.478) and pod weight (0.310) on pod weight per plant, whereas number of seeds per pod had a negative direct effect (-0.429). Genotypes MNN 1122 and PLB 2324 exhibited the highest yield potentials (8.58 and 7.63 t ha^-1, respectively). These findings provide important genetic insights for the development of high-yielding purple-podded winged bean varieties.

Triticum aestivum L., commonly known as wheat, has long been considered one of the most important crops worldwide. Over the past 20 years, there has been a notable increase in domestic demand for wheat in South Korea, raising interest in locally grown varieties. In recent years, an expansion in reclaimed land areas has prompted extensive research into crop breeding and varietal improvement for salt tolerance. As part of this research effort, salt-tolerant mutant individuals selected through gamma radiation mutation were used as experimental materials to study the temporal gene expression profiles related to salt response in "Urimil" varieties following salt treatment. In this study, physiological analyses were conducted by measuring the changes in the Na⁺ and K⁺ contents, as well as the K⁺/Na⁺ ratios, in plant leaves as indicators of salt response. RNA-Seq was used to analyze gene expression patterns post-salt treatment across different time points. Furthermore, gene ontology compartmentalized the genes into biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components. Finally, the wheat reference genome was compared with the experimental and control groups to identify non-synonymous SNPs that could induce changes in protein expression. This analysis aimed to investigate the mechanisms of salt tolerance in wheat and to identify candidate genes for further research.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an important Philippine crop, valued both as culinary ingredient and as alternative medicine. Its bioactivity is mainly attributed to organosulfur compounds such as alliin and allicin, with other metabolites such as phenolic compounds also playing a role. Despite this, limited biochemical data exist on Philippine garlic varieties. This study aimed to characterize 12 garlic accessions collected from Ilocos Norte by determining their alliin content and total phenolic content (TPC). Alliin was quantified through high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) densitometry, while TPC was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Results revealed differences in both alliin content and TPC, with “Ilocos Pink” consistently exhibiting the highest values (32.84 mg/g FW of alliin; 0.4985 mg GAE/g FW of TPC), suggesting strong potential for bioactivity. In contrast, “Miracle” (19.78 mg/g FW of alliin; 0.1806 mg GAE/g of TPC) and Tan Bolters (20.07 mg/g FW of alliin; 0.1658 mg GAE/g of TPC) had the lowest values for both alliin content and TPC. These findings highlight the varietal differences among accessions, providing a baseline for further studies on their bioactivity, breeding, and post-harvest utilization. This research underscores the importance of characterizing local garlic varieties to strengthen their competitive value and to promote their utilization in specialized applications.

Patchouli is a plant that produces essential oil. One problem with patchouli is that production remains low due to virus attacks. To address this issue, virus-free seedlings can be produced through tissue culture. This measure requires examining the effectiveness of patchouli regeneration in vitro through histological observations and acclimatization, in as much as effective propagation supports healthy seedlings. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal propagation for Aceh patchouli via in vitro propagation, through histological observation. It investigated the optimal acclimatization for patchouli to assist patchouli adaptation. The study was carried out in several stages, starting from shoot multiplication, root induction, and acclimatization. Shoot multiplication was carried out on MS medium supplemented with BAP : 0.25 mg/L, 0.50 mg/L, 0.75 mg/L, 1.00 mg/L, 1.25 mg/L, and 1.50 mg/L. Root induction was carried out on MS medium supplemented with NAA : 0 mg/L, 0.2 mg/L, 0.4 mg/L, 0.6 mg/L, and 0.8 mg/L. Finally, the acclimatization was performed on compost under covering treatment. The results demonstrated that the best shoot multiplication, taking place in 6.3 days, was obtained through the 0.25 mg/L BAP treatment. This treatment resulted in the highest shoot proliferation, with a mean of 68.5 shoots per explant, as well as the greatest shoot height (5.1 cm). The best root induction was obtained from NAA 0.2 mg/L, producing a plant length (18.27 cm), plant height (9.60 cm), root length (8.67 cm), and plant fresh weight (1.49 g). During the acclimatization stage, the 12-day covering treatment produced the best seedlings, as evinced by plant length (25.8 cm), shoot height (19.5 cm), root length (7.9 cm), fresh weight (1.85 g), leaf width (3.0 cm), and a survival rate of 100%.

Microalgae offer a sustainable platform for biotechnology due to their rapid growth and ability to accumulate high-value metabolites such as lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. This study investigates the biochemical and morphological responses of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus incrassatulus across different growth phases and under nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deficiency. Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the taxonomic status of both species. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) revealed species-specific surface structures and elemental composition. S. incrassatulus exhibited a compact, granular morphology, while C. vulgaris showed a smoother, colonial structure. EDS analysis demonstrated higher potassium and phosphorus levels in C. vulgaris, whereas S. incrassatulus presented elevated calcium and magnesium contents. Biochemical profiling indicated a metabolic shift during the stationary phase, with reduced protein synthesis and increased lipid and carbohydrate accumulation. Under nitrogen deficiency, C. vulgaris achieved the highest lipid content (53.68%), while S. incrassatulus reached 45.86%. Carbohydrate accumulation was also prominent during the stationary phase, with values of 49.18% for C. vulgaris and 47.99% for S. incrassatulus. Protein content was highest in the exponential phase and declined under nutrient stress. Elemental analysis via Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) confirmed species-specific macronutrient and trace element profiles, supporting EDS data. These findings highlight the adaptive biochemical and structural traits of the two microalgae species, reinforcing their potential in biofuel production, sustainable agriculture, bioremediation, and environmental applications. Future work should focus on optimizing cultivation conditions and exploring genetic approaches to maximize metabolite yields for industrial-scale applications.

Cotton is a globally important fiber crop, but many elite cultivars are recalcitrant to in vitro regeneration. We developed a callus-mediated plant regeneration protocol for the local G. barbadense L. cultivar Surkhan-106. Sterilized seeds were germinated in vitro, and hypocotyl and cotyledon explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with various auxin/cytokinin combinations. Robust callus induction was achieved from hypocotyl explants within 2–3 weeks. Somatic embryogenesis was induced from callus after approximately 12–14 weeks on medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), kinetin, and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Embryogenic callus was periodically subcultured to prevent browning, and torpedo-stage somatic embryos were matured on hormone-free medium. These embryos germinated into plantlets within 10–15 days on MS medium. The entire regeneration cycle, from seed to plantlet, was completed in about 4–5 months. Hypocotyl explants showed significantly higher callus formation frequency (85%) and regeneration efficiency than cotyledon explants (60%) (ANOVA, p < 0.05). This study establishes the first efficient callus-based regeneration system for Surkhan-106, an important Uzbek cotton variety. The optimized protocol can facilitate rapid clonal propagation and genetic transformation of Surkhan-106 and other recalcitrant cotton cultivars, accelerating breeding programs for improved stress tolerance and yield.

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• Molecular and physiological indicators of heat tolerance in upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.)
  Abrorjon Y. Kurbonov, Mohigul Abdullayeva, Feruza F. Mamedova, Muxammad-Latif M. Nazirov, Naima Sh. Khojaqulova, Sanjar Sh. Djumaev, Yashin Babayev, Sayfulla Boboyev
  Journal of Plant Interactions.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Molecular Characterization of Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Naturally Colored and Elite Upland Cotton Germplasm
  Abrorjon Y. Kurbonov, Feruza F. Mamedova, Sanjar Sh. Djumayev, Mukhammad Latif M. Nazirov, Naima Sh. Xojakulova, Maftuna U. Makhmudova, Ozod S. Turaev
  Journal of Natural Fibers.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef

This research attempted to validate novel molecular markers linked to high antioxidant traits using an F₂ population and a local Thai rice population. We performed total flavonoid content, total phenolic content (TPC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays to assess the antioxidant capacities of rice populations. In the F₂ (“Pathum Thani 1”דHawm Mali Daeng”) population, these traits exhibited a quantitative distribution with high heritability (82.7%–98.3%) and high genetic advance (66%–94%). In validation using 10 molecular markers, OsRc and In1-Rc displayed polymorphism in parent cultivars and in bulked segregant analysis. However, only OsRc had strong associations with TPC (R² = 52.2%, p < 0.001) and FRAP (R² = 43.0%, p < 0.001), whereas In1-Rc featured no significant associations (R² ≤ 0.1%). When verified in Thai rice cultivars, OsRc could discriminate red pericarp rice cultivars with high antioxidant properties from white pericarp cultivars with low antioxidant activity, confirming its efficiency in selecting antioxidant traits in rice. These findings indicate that OsRc is a functional marker for selecting rice lines with high antioxidant activity, thereby facilitating early-stage genotyping in rice breeding programs.

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• Genome-wide association study of antioxidant compounds and antioxidant activity in a panel of Thai rice cultivars
  Saranyu Thaworn, Phanomsak Tomjai, Teerapong Buaboocha, Supachitra Chadchawan, Monnat Pongpanich, Chanita Paliyavuth, Waraluk Kasettranan
  Euphytica.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef

Mungbean is one of the prominent pulse crops in Indonesia since the mungbean seeds are highly nutritious and has become an important part of the diet for the community. The black-seeded mungbean highly nutritious as it contains high anthocyanin content. We have developed a black-seeded mungbean lines that need to be evaluated for drought tolerance. Drought tolerance is important as mungbean is usually cultivated during the drought-prone dry season that leads to total loss. This study aimed to (1) determine the effectiveness of drought tolerance indices to select drought tolerance in black-seeded mungbean, (2) reveal the drought indices most suitable to select drought-tolerant, high- yielding black-seeded mungbean lines. This study was conducted during dry season in the Field Laboratory of Universitas Nusa Cendana. A Split-Plot design was employed, consisting of irrigation frequencies as the main plot and mungbean genotype as the sub- plot treatments. The main plot consisted of three levels, i.e. irrigation every day (I₁), every four days (I₂), and every seven days (I₃), and the subplot consisted of 23 mungbean genotypes. Seed yields under non-stress and stress conditions were used to calculate the drought indices. The data were subjected to ANOVA, PCA and correlation analysis. There were significant variations in seed yields among genotypes under different drought indices. The indices MP, GMP, STI, HARM, MRP, SSI, YSI, MSTIK1, and MSTIK2 are suitable for selection of drought-tolerant, high-yielding mungbean lines. V9.HT, V10.HT, V11.HT, V16.HT, V18.HT, V19.HT, V20.HT, V22.HT were potential for further evaluation as promising drought tolerant, high yielding varieties.

Foxglove aphid (FA), Aulacorthum solani Kaltenbach, is a notable economic pest of soybean plants causing deformation of leaves, the transmission of viruses, and significant yield losses. Host plant resistance is considered the most environment-friendly and economic approach to insect-pest management. However, studies on the activities, biology, and management of FA are still limited. This review article will focus on current knowledge on the prospect of utilizing host plant resistance in the management of FA based on molecular and genetic studies. The soybean plant’s resistance against FA is conferred by the presence of the resistance to Aulacorthum solani gene (Raso). Currently, two Raso genes with NB-ARC domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing gene (NBS-LRR) were proposed to confer resistance against FA biotypes in Japan and Korea. The use of soybean Williams 82 sequence assembly in these studies showed the chromosome position of identified QTL/genes where they were fine-mapped. In exploring this existing knowledge, we suggest identifying more resistant soybean cultivars and new Raso genes and then combining the R genes in resistant cultivars to produce plants with active defense responses across different biotypes of FA. Furthermore, we recommend an aphid whole-genome sequence study to understand FA adaptation to soybean and biotype.

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• Courtship and Mating Behavior of the Aphid Parasitoid Praon volucre: Effects of Host Association and Behavioral Lateralization
  Maria C. Boukouvala, Demeter Lorentha S. Gidari, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos
  Insects.2026; 17(2): 192.     CrossRef

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a fundamental crop worldwide, playing a crucial role in ensuring food security for human beings. Understanding the genetic diversity of wheat cultivars and developing genetic passports through DNA fingerprinting is essential for preventing varietal duplication enhancing breeding diversity and protecting breeders' rights globally. This study investigated the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and allelic frequencies of 32 Uzbekistan bread wheat cultivars using 66 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Unique marker alleles were identified and used to develop genetic passports for the cultivars. The results showed that the primers Barc181, Wmc522, Wmc407, Wms18, Cfa2201, Wms294, Cfd76, Wmc73, Wmc486, Cfa220, Wmc314, And Wms495 are reliable SSR markers for assessing genetic polymorphism in Uzbek wheat cultivars.

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• Genetic analysis of fusarium wilt resistance in Upland cotton germplasm ( Gossypium hirsutum L.)
  Naim N. Khusenov, Jurabek K. Norbekov, Umid A. Boykobilov, Zebo S. Yuldosheva, Ilyos S. Normamatov, Abdusalom Kh. Makamov, Mirzakamol S. Ayubov, Mukhtor M. Darmanov, Akmal M. Asrorov, Zabardast T. Buriev, Maftuna U. Makhmudova, Ozod S. Turaev, John Z. Yu,
  Journal of Plant Interactions.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef

Hops are dioecious, with only female plants cultivated for resin production and primarily used in brewing. Therefore, early sex identification at the seedling stage is crucial for breeding and cultivation. Molecular marker-assisted selection facilitates rapid and reliable sex identification of hops. We developed molecular male markers by leveraging sequence information from male-specific regions in a designated public database. To assess the accuracy of sex identification using the newly generated markers, we performed PCR analysis on four cultivars of hops with known sexes. Seventy-eight percent of the tested PCR primers correlated with the male sex phenotype. Following optimization, four primer pairs were successfully converted into male-specific PCR markers.