Genetic Resources

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

Angel Esteban Santa Cruz Padilla — 2025-02-07

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.

Phenotypic characterization of cattle breeds in Southern Ethiopia: Implications for breed differentiation and conservation

Bergene Banjaw — 2025-06-10

This study aimed to characterize and quantify the phenotypic relationship between Gamo and Gofa cattle breeds using nine morphometric measurements and 11 morphological traits. A total of 600 adult cattle (486 females and 114 males) were randomly selected from six purposively chosen districts. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using Statistical Analysis Software. The univariate analysis revealed the morphometric values and morphological characteristics of both cattle breeds but did not show significant variations between them. The majority of the cattle exhibited uniformly patterned coat colour, upward-oriented, straight-shaped horns with black colour, laterally oriented ears with rounded edges, straight face profiles, small hump sizes, short coat hair, and medium tail length. In accordance with the phenotypic similarities observed in the univariate analysis, multivariate analysis also failed to identify significant differences between the two breeds. These results suggest that the two cattle breeds are phenotypically inseparable. However, these phenotypic similarities do not necessarily indicate genetic similarities. Therefore, further genetic characterization is recommended to assess the degree of genetic relationship between the breeds. In the meantime, it is advised to design breed-specific in situ conservation and genetic improvement programmes without separating the cattle breeds.

Morphological and biochemical characterization of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) germplasm grown in Central Ethiopia

Ermias Estifanos — 2025-05-16

Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) shows potential for diverse applications, including as leafy greens, green manure and oilseed feedstock for biofuels. This study evaluated the seed and oil production potential and phenotypic diversity of 49 B. carinata accessions through trials conducted in 2018 at the Holeta and Asela Research Centers in Ethiopia, using a lattice design. Data were collected on phenological, morphological, agronomic and seed quality traits. The analysis revealed significant variability across most traits, except for silique width and oil and protein content at Asela, and main raceme length and total glucosinolate content at Holeta. Combined analysis showed significant genotype-by-location interactions for flowering date, seeds per silique and seed yield per hectare, indicating a strong environmental influence on these traits. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation analyses identified strong positive correlations between leaf traits and phenology, seed yield and seed quality, while oil content was negatively associated with protein and glucosinolate content. Principal component analysis identified five components at Asela and six components at Holeta with eigenvalues greater than one, explaining over 77% of the total variation at both locations. Key traits such as plant height, seed yield and oil content contributed significantly to these principal components. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into three clusters based on distinct trait combinations. Accessions 17545, 21373, 24203 and 24495 consistently performed well across multiple traits across sites, making them strong candidates for breeding programmes focused on improving seed yield and quality in B. carinata.

Genebank Peer Reviews: A powerful tool to improve genebank quality and promote collaboration

Theo van Hintum — 2025-06-24

The conservation of plant genetic resources (PGR) is critical to ensuring global food security and agricultural sustainability. Genebanks play a vital role in ex situ conservation, complementing in situ strategies by preserving crop diversity (incl. their wild relatives) and providing access to biological materials for research, breeding and farming. However, maintaining high conservation standards and ensuring accessibility remains a global challenge. To address this, the ‘Genebank Peer Review’ system was developed as a collaborative quality assessment and improvement mechanism. This system facilitates reciprocal evaluations among genebanks, promoting transparency, capacity building and continuous improvement in conservation practices. Implemented in Europe since 2019, the peer review process involves structured self-assessments, site visits and expert evaluations, culminating in publicly available reports that guide genebanks in enhancing their operations. Feedback from participating institutions highlights the system's effectiveness in fostering knowledge exchange, strengthening professional networks and improving genebank management practices. Despite its success, challenges remain, particularly regarding expert availability and resource constraints. Future efforts should focus on institutionalizing mentorship programmes to sustain and expand the impact of Genebank Peer Reviews and monitor improvements.

Phenotypic traits in natural perennial ryegrass populations and relations to climate conditions at sites of origins across Europe

Silvia Bachmann-Pfabe — 2025-06-19

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is one of the most important forage grass species in temperate climates. However, natural perennial ryegrass populations have been exploited to only a limited extent by breeders. Therefore, 41 ecotypic Lolium perenne populations collected across Europe were studied for their agronomic performance in a 3-year common garden experiment located in north-eastern Germany (Poel Island, Mecklenburg Western Pomerania). Agronomic performances were evaluated on 30 plants per population for 11 traits related to forage value and environmental adaptation. Population means for studied traits were correlated to the values of climate variables at their collection sites. Populations clearly differed in their phenotypic performance, and eight populations originating from Belgium, France and Germany outperformed the other populations by showing the lowest winter damage, strongest spring growth and regrowth capacity after cuts and low disease susceptibility. Specifically, in the first experimental year, trait performances, in particular winter damage, spring growth and heading date, were related to the local climate at the site of origin of populations. Acclimation to the climate conditions at the experimental site might explain why these correlations were less pronounced in the second and third experimental years. The characterized populations might now be considered to improve specific traits in breeding.

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

Ibrahim Mohamed El Tahir — 2025-03-07

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

Munzer Aldarvish — 2025-02-24

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.

Strategies to balance productivity and genetic diversity for the sustainable use of indigenous livestock breeds: A case study of Ethiopia

Amine Mustefa — 2025-06-13

Livestock genetic improvement and conservation approaches follow divergent paths to achieve livestock productivity and genetic diversity, respectively. However, designing a win-win solution is mandatory to secure sustainable utilization of indigenous livestock breeds. To recommend a balanced solution, a systematic review was conducted to summarize the advantages and limitations of both approaches in developing countries using Ethiopia as a case study. Within-breed selection, breed substitution and crossbreeding programmes were implemented to achieve livestock genetic improvement while in situ and ex situ methods were used to maintain the genetic diversity of the indigenous livestock breeds. The genetic improvement approach offers advantages such as increased productivity, climate change mitigation and reduced animal aggression. However, it is also associated with limitations, including genetic erosion, maladaptation, inbreeding, high costs, and longer time requirements. On the other hand, the conservation approach focuses on maintaining genetic diversity, adaptable breeds, unique traits, cultural heritage and market-demanded products. However, maintaining indigenous breeds without genetic improvement is often associated with lower productivity, which hinders food security and income generation for farmers. Therefore, a balanced application of both approaches is recommended to achieve optimal productivity while preserving the genetic diversity of indigenous breeds. To ensure sustainable utilization, it is recommended to identify indigenous livestock breeds through phenotypic, genomic and historical characterization; conduct breed-, sex- and age-specific population censuses; evaluate breeds on station and on farm; delineate conservation areas; implement cryoconservation; and improve husbandry practices.

Across borders – the status and future opportunities for long-term conservation of Nordic animal genetic resources

Ellen-Louisa F. White — 2025-05-28

The genetic diversity of multiple animal species is now declining rapidly, highlighting the need for action to protect and preserve animal genetic resources for the long term. The Nordic countries house a broad range of farm and companion animal breeds and subspecies that play a critical role in environmental sustainability, food safety and security, and human activities. Unfortunately, close to 80% of these breeds and subspecies are either endangered or critically endangered, with population sizes too small to ensure their long-term survival. In addition, almost half of them have either a declining or unknown demographic trend, and many of them suffer from high inbreeding. Emerging pressures such as climate change, infectious diseases and public unrest further threaten the status of the populations, and urgent action is necessary to ensure their future survival. Consequently, efforts for safeguarding the genetic diversity of animal genetic resources (AnGR) with additional in vitro or cryoconservation efforts need further consideration. The Nordic conservation strategies for AnGR have traditionally been based on in vivo or live conservation. Although cryoconservation efforts are in place for some species, the number of donors and doses varies considerably between breeds and species. Due to the increasing demand for additional measures for safeguarding AnGR, this document discusses the status of active AnGR conservation measures in the Nordic countries and emphasize the central role of regional cooperation in ensuring AnGR sustainability and long-term viability. Further, the contributions of cryoconservation in mitigating genetic losses are discussed.