Genetic Resources

Assessment of phenotypic diversity of Ñuña, a local common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from the northern Andes in Peru

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ñuña is a local type of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivated in the Andean region of Peru. It stands out for its ability to expand and burst when roasted; however, its phenotypic diversity has not yet been fully explored. This study determined the phenotypic variability of Ñuña conserved in the Germplasm Bank of the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation of Peru. The analysis considered qualitative and quantitative traits, using multivariate statistics and comparison of means. Results revealed high phenotypic variability in both qualitative and quantitative traits. In qualitative traits, Multiple Correspondence Analysis found that the dark and light colours of the seed heads contributed most significantly to the variability of the accessions. Phylogenetic hierarchical analysis formed four clusters, representing 37% (I), 4% (II), 7% (III), and 52% (IV) of the accessions, respectively. For quantitative traits, Principal Component Analysis showed no discrimination between regions of origin but indicated a highly positive correlation between leaf length and width, and between pod length and width, as well as seed length, width, thickness and weight. Hierarchical analysis of quantitative characters also formed four clusters, representing 22% (A), 16% (B), 30% (C), and 31% (D) of the accessions, respectively. These clusters, analyzed for means comparison, showed significant differences (p < 0.05) with higher values in cluster B for pod length and width, and seed length, width, thickness and weight. Understanding the variability of the qualitative and quantitative traits of Ñuña is crucial for future genetic improvement studies aimed at achieving cultivars with desirable characteristics.

Overview of germplasm collecting activities for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in Sudan from 2002 to 2022

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

From 2002 to 2022, the Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Research Centre (APGRC) in Sudan conducted 56 collecting missions for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) in Sudan. These missions aimed to conserve the country’s crop genetic diversity and covered different states and almost all ecological zones within the country, from the desert in the north to the high-rainfall savannah in the far south. Different farming systems were included, such as rain-fed, irrigated and flood-irrigated systems. The most covered states were West Darfur in the far west followed by South Kordofan in the western-central region. A total of 7,720 PGRFA accessions were collected encompassing diverse crops and plant species within different plant groups. Cultivated varieties made up 90% of the whole collection, while crop wild relatives accounted for 8%, and range plants represented the remaining 2%. Cereals were the most collected group (48%), followed by vegetables (17%). The least represented groups were range plants, medicinal plants and fibre crops. Sorghum was the most represented crop in the collection with 2,481 accessions, followed by pearl millet with 1,022 accessions. Hundreds of accessions of cowpea, okra, sesame and other crops were also collected. A total of 181 accessions of natural range plants were collected from selected states. The materials collected during these germplasm collecting missions will be conserved at the APGRC genebank, characterized and evaluated for different traits. Further germplasm collection activities may be carried out in the future to address any identified gaps.

Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern Syria

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Throughout history, many plant species have been used as natural medicines to prevent and treat human diseases. Due to its geographical location, climate, and history, Syria contains a remarkable diversity of medicinal plants. However, in recent years a prolonged period of conflict has resulted in widespread ecosystem destruction, human population displacement, and disruption of farming practices. Although poorly documented this is believed to have resulted in a significant decline in medicinal plant populations. ex situ conservation initiatives, the locations of medicinal plants exposed to deterioration were identified from the results of a questionnaire. Seeds from seven species: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), wild thyme (Thymus capitatus L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), caper (Capparis spinosa L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. BR.) were collected for the establishment of ex situ collections in the future. We discuss the potential for recovery initiatives to protect and conserve these species and to support the sustainable use of medicinal plant genetic resources in Northern Syria. Such endeavours are vital for the continued well-being of the Syrian population and humanity as a whole.