Brassica napus is an important oilseed crop, commonly grown worldwide for multiple purposes. A planned multi-locational experiment evaluated the morphophysiological and biochemical attributes of 80 Brassica napus genotypes. Data on various yield and oil-related parameters were evaluated for genetic variability, correlation (r), and broad-sense heritability (h²BS). The analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant variations among the genotypes for all studied traits. Plant height showed a positive correlation with erucic acid (0.290) and glucosinolate (0.264), while secondary branches revealed a positive association with seed yield (2.90). Principal component analysis indicated the first five principal components (PCs) contributed up to 73% of total variation, with the first PC representing the highest percentage of variation. The biplot suggests the genotypes Faisal canola, Diamond canola, AS-333, and HMU-1621B can be beneficial in breeding programs to develop new accessions with improved seed yield and oil-related attributes of Brassica.

Keywords: Biplot, genetic diversity, heritability, oil contents, PCA

Key findings: Eighty accessions, screened for yield and related traits, indicated the genotypes Faisal canola, Diamond canola, AS-333, and HMU-1621B exhibited the highest yield and fatty acid content.

Yield losses from stem borer (Lophobaris piperis Marsh) attacks have reached up to 72%. Currently, information on the preference and intensity of stem borer attacks on the black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is limited. This study represents the first effort to develop stem borer-resistant black pepper cultivars through inter-varietal hybridization. An assessment of stem borer preferences among 29 F1 hybrids and their five parental cultivars commenced under laboratory conditions. The F1 hybrids displayed a range of resistance levels, resulting from crosses between highly preferred and less preferred black pepper varieties. Among the 29 F1 hybrids, three were highly resistant, 12 were resistant, 10 were moderately resistant, two were moderately susceptible, one was susceptible, and one was highly susceptible. These findings provide a promising material for developing resistant black pepper cultivars that support integrated pest management strategies and promote environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), stem borer (Lophobaris piperis), damage intensity, inter-varietal hybridization, preference, resistance, susceptible

Key findings: The F1 hybrids production with various resistant categories came through hybridization among the preferred and less preferred black peppers (P. nigrum L.) cultivars. Three and 12 F1 hybrids attained categories as highly resistant and resistant, respectively, which can undergo studies for developing resistant cultivars in black pepper.

The following study sought to determine yield stability and quality traits in the vegetative generation of highly productive protoclones chosen through clonal selection in promising grape (V. vinifera L.) genotypes. In determining the degree of variability for various quantitative and qualitative traits, growing the selected protoclones of grapevines occurred under various environmental conditions. The newly identified clonal forms proved genetically more stable and homogeneous than their parental genotypes for phenotypic traits, and the degree of variability in their vegetative populations was much lower. The results further enunciated the relative stability of yield and quality parameters of highly productive clones, showing chief association with the clonal breeding.

Keywords: Grape (V. vinifera L.), promising populations, genetic variability, stability, yield and quality traits, quantitative and qualitative variables

Key findings: The newly identified clonal forms of the grape (V. vinifera L.) appeared genetically more stable and homogeneous than their parental genotypes for phenotypic traits. The degree of variability in their vegetative population was much lower, and the clonal selection was successful.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production on acidic drylands needs optimization through breeding to develop drought-resistant cultivars. The rice cultivar Inpago-5 showed moderate tolerance to drought stress. However, further enhancing this tolerance can proceed by precise gene editing of the DREB (dehydration-responsive element binding) gene, utilizing the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats) /Cas9 system. The presented study aimed to engineer the single-guided RNA (sgRNA) targeting the DREB gene in rice cultivar Inpago-5 using the CRISPR/Cas9 approach. The use of the pRGEB32 plasmid harboring the Cas9 gene helped facilitate the cloning of sgRNA-DREB through the Golden Gate cloning technique and heat shock transformation. The sgRNA-DREB confirmation succeeded through colony PCR (polymerase chain reaction), followed by plasmid isolation and subsequent validation using PCR with specific primers and sequencing primers targeting the pRGEB32 vector. The latest analysis revealed the pRGEB32-sgDREB_sg1 and pRGEB32-sgDREB_sg2 transformed bacteria proliferated on LB+Kanamycin selection media, indicating successful insertion of sgRNA-DREB into the pRGEB32 plasmid. The verification through colony and plasmid PCR with specific primers confirmed the presence of a 425-bp amplicon. Sequencing data showed the correct insertion of sgRNA-DREB sequences at the designated site.

Keywords: Rice (O. sativa L.), cultivar Inpago-5, plant breeding, CRISPR/Cas9, gene editing

Key findings: The gene encoding rice (O. sativa L.) drought tolerance DREB4 succeeded integration into the pRGEB32 vector, with the sgRNA-DREB accurately inserted at the targeted site.

Heterosis and inbreeding depression are key considerations in potato breeding, particularly in regions with limited resources. Heterosis (F₁) and inbreeding depression (F₂) investigations ensued in 2022–2024 in eight different potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) hybrids generated from true potato seeds in Abbottabad and Battakundi, Pakistan. A randomized complete block design experiment transpired with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the potato hybrids for all traits, except the tuber germination percentage, signifying a substantial level of genetic variability. The Cardinal × Roko hybrid has demonstrated exceptional hybrid vigor for the number of medium tubers plot^-1, with high estimates of relative heterosis (61.78%), heterobeltiosis (61.78%), and standard heterosis (86.01%). The negative inbreeding depression observed for all studied traits, ranging from –0.364% to –187.67%, indicates inbreeding has significantly impacted the performance of hybrids. The noted positive correlations among potato traits provide valuable insights for breeding programs. Results concluded the cross combinations, Cardinal × Roko and Kuroda × Burna, exhibited significant and high heterotic values for the number and weight of medium tubers plot^-1, while desirable negative heterosis for days to maturity. It confirms these crosses have strong potential for release as new potato hybrids. Further evaluation of these hybrids in future breeding strategies can probe ultimate potential for resilience, yield, and other important traits.

Keywords: Potato, true potato seed, heterosis, inbreeding depression, Cardinal × Roko, Kuroda × Burna

Key findings: Given the heterotic effects, the hybrids’ cross combinations demonstrated superior mean performance for the evaluated traits compared with their parental cultivars. Cardinal × Roko and Kuroda × Burna were the best crosses due to the high number and weight of medium tubers plot^-1, positive heterosis, and desirable negative heterosis for days to maturity. Additionally, Battakundi has become a valid ideal environment for potato cultivation and future breeding programs.

The success of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) breeding depends on understanding the combining ability effects of the inbred lines. The study aimed to evaluate the general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and heterotic effects in yellow maize for various traits. Ten inbred lines’ crossing with three testers used the line-by-tester mating scheme. The resulting 30 F₁ hybrids underwent evaluation against two check genotypes in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during the kharif growing season of 2021 at the Cereal Crop Research Institute (CCRI), Nowshehra, Pakistan. Significant heterotic and combining effects were evident for the studied traits. Inbred lines YL-02 and YL-06 showed significant positive GCA for ear length, 100-grain weight, and grain yield. The F₁ hybrids YL-02 × YD-04 (8209.6 kg ha^-1) and YL-01 × YL-07 RC (6979.6 kg ha^-1) revealed maximum grain yield and significant positive SCA effects, indicating potential for yield improvement. Estimates of SCA were greater than GCA for all the studied traits, signifying the importance of the non-additive gene action in the inheritance of studied traits. Based on combing ability effects and yield performance, the F₁ crosses YL-02 × YD-04 and YL-01 × YL-07 RC are desirable for future breeding programs.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), hybrids, mean performance, combining ability, heterosis, heterobeltiosis, grain yield, gene action.

Key findings: The maize (Z. mays L.) inbred lines YL-01, YL-02, and YL-06 emerged with desirable and significant GCA effects. The F₁ hybrids YL-02 × YD-04 and YL-01 × YL-07 RC exhibited with significant SCA effects and maximum grain yield. These parents and hybrids could be beneficial in future hybridization programs of yellow maize.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most widely cultivated cereal worldwide, a staple food for 40% of the world’s population that contributes 20% of total dietary requirements. Yellow dwarf viruses are viruses affecting the grain yield and its quality and damaging the cereal crops economically. Yellow dwarf viruses are the most economically important plant viruses impacting cereal production worldwide, which include viruses from the genus Luteovirus BYDV-PAV, MAV, and Polerovirus CYDV-RPV. The Cereal Yellow Dwarf Virus (CYDV-RPV) is one of the most dangerous YDV viral species. Barley/cereal yellow dwarf viruses cause yellow dwarf disease, which is a continuous risk to cereal crop production globally. These viruses cause leaf yellowing and stunting, resulting in yield reduction of up to 80%. They are the most critical viral diseases of cereals worldwide. They have a wide host range, which includes wheat, barley, oats, and over 150 grass species. These viral infections have the potential to spread epidemics in Uzbekistan’s wheat fields during specific seasons and play a crucial role in the epidemiological process. Using the KibrayT1 isolate of the CYDV-RPV strain, the following study aimed to determine the prevalence of CYDV-RPV in wheat fields in the District of Kibray, Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan. The use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction succeeded in making the diagnosis.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), cereal yellow dwarf virus (CYDV), RT-PCR, CP gene, phylogenetic analysis, KibrayT1

Key findings: The CYDV-RPV isolate detection was successful by RT-PCR in wheat (T. aestivum L.). The determination of the nucleotide sequence of the coat protein gene prevailed in this isolate. The phylogenetic analysis revealed its close relatedness to the Jordan CYDV-RPV isolate ‘Jordon’ (HQ206716.1).

Based on the Central Statistics Agency, Indonesia, rice (Oryza sativa L.) production decreased by 2.63 million tons (7.75%) in 2019 compared to 2018, and that could refer to the decrease in rice-growing areas. Therefore, the rice crop area requires enhancement by the utilization of suboptimal tidal swamp lands. However, the heavy iron content in swamp lands is a limiting factor to rice growth. The study aimed to select the iron stress-tolerant rice genotypes by using the effective SSR markers. The arrangement of treatments was a factorial (4×4) completely randomized design with six replications. The first factor was four rice strains (Siam Saba, Siam Tanggung, lNPARI 34, and Ciherang), and the second factor was two iron concentrations (0 and 1,600 ppm) of sulfate heptahydrate solution. The ISC analysis showed the rice genotype Siam Saba appeared to be tolerant to Fe2SO4 stress (1,600 ppm). The SSR marker amplification revealed the primers RM8213, RM252, and RM335 proved more informative and can be effective for genetic studies.

Keywords: FRO gene, genetic study, growth traits, iron tolerance, rice (O. sativa L.), SSR markers, swamp lands

Key findings: The concerned study produced the tangible information on the rice (O. sativa L.) strains resistance to iron stress based on physiological and genetic characteristics. This information will help the breeders in designing breeding strategies for developing iron-tolerant genotypes for cultivation on tidal swamp lands.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing has become a common technology for gene manipulation in plant gene research and crop improvement. Studies have developed technologies with Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression of genome-editing machinery to generate transgene-free plants with an edited locus. This study examined the combined effect of short-term (three-day) antibiotic selection and heat treatment (24 hours at 37 °C) on genome editing efficiency in two different systems. Both systems targeted the same two genes, PDS and MAR1, in tobacco. The first system employed developmental regulator genes (DRs) inducing shoot formation to select plants with transient foreign gene expression. The other relied on phytohormone-induced shoot formation. The DRs, including the cytokinin-producing ipt gene, induced tobacco shoot formation after Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression. The combined treatment and heat treatment alone reduced the shoot formation, but the three-day selection alone did not. Interestingly, the combined treatment elevated the percentage of transgene-free mutant shoots to 7.6% as compared to 1.2% with heat treatment alone in ipt-induced shoots. In the shoots induced by the externally added phytohormone, the percentages of transgene-free mutant shoots were 2.8%, 5%, and 7.7% after three-day antibiotic selection alone, heat treatment alone, and the combined treatment, respectively.

Keywords: Genome editing, transgene-free, mutation, heat treatment, antibiotic selection

Key findings: The study investigated the impact of combining three-day antibiotic selection and 24-hour heat treatment on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in a model plant, tobacco. The combined treatment significantly increased the percentage of transgene-free mutant shoots compared with individual treatments, regardless of shoot induction modes: transient expression of morphogenic inducer or optimized phytohormones in a medium.

Summary: The use of silicon is an option for reducing the adverse effects of water deficit conditions. Dendrobium nobile Lindl. is a native orchid from Lampung, Indonesia, and one of the most widespread ornamental members of the family Orchidaceae. It contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which are beneficial as antiviral compounds. Characterization succeeded in determining the potential variations in its genetic stability and phytochemical properties through DNA nucleotide sequence polymorphism analysis using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The presented research involved eight accessions of D. nobile collected from the Liwa Botanical Garden, West Lampung, Indonesia. The screening used five primers, viz., OPA-01, OPA-07, OPN-07, OPC-16, and OPD-08. The study revealed a PIC value (≥ 0.3), indicating that these molecular markers were more informative. The amplification process produced 107–134 DNA bands, including 17 polymorphic bands ranging from 200–1000 bp. The polymorphism rate for each primer ranged from 0.31 to 0.40. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the accessions into two clusters with coefficient values at >0.85 and >0.9, while similarity indices were 0.33 and 0.55, respectively. The accessions’ further dividing into two subclusters comprised subcluster I (D2, D5, D1, D7, D4, and D8) and subcluster II (D3), based on habitat differences and environmental factors linked to their domestication. The PCR-RAPD proved more effective in characterizing the genetic stability in relation to antiviral phytochemicals.

Keywords: Dendrobium nobile Lindl., Orchidaceae, genetic stability, phytochemical and antiviral properties, RAPD, polymorphism

Key findings: The RAPD technique was evidently more effective in characterizing the genetic stability related to antiviral properties of the Dendrobium nobile accessions in Lampung, Indonesia.