Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract Phenotypic traits with discriminatory capacity have been studied in recent years. However, scientific studies often employ experimental plots of varying sizes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the optimal plot size for the evaluation of phenotypic traits in soybean seedlings. Two blank trials were conducted, each consisting of 120 basic experimental units. Each basic experimental unit consisted of a single plant grown in a pot, which was evaluated during the juvenile stage. Coefficients of variation and optimal plot sizes were estimated using a segmented linear model with plateau response, a segmented quadratic model with plateau response, and the modified maximum curvature method. Model fit quality was assessed based on the adjusted coefficient of determination, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Plot size recommendations were obtained, but there are variations in the optimal plot size for the different traits evaluated in two soybean cultivars.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract This study evaluated genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and trait associations among gladiolus genotypes at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, India, from 2022 to 2024. The study implemented a randomized block design with three replications. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences among genotypes, with genotypic effects most contributing to the total variance. Phenotypic variation exceeded genotypic variation, although environmental influence was minimal. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for cormel weight per hill (94.56%, 206.55%), cormel number per hill (91.73%, 189.62%), plant height (87.39%, 41.23%), spike length, and rachis length, indicating additive gene action and scope for direct selection. Correlation and PCA analyses confirmed strong associations among key traits and clear genotype differentiation, with G. callianthus being distinct. Promising genotypes included Rose Supreme, Chirag, Snow Princess and Dhanvantri. These findings provide a foundation for targeted breeding to develop improved cultivars with enhanced yield and floral quality and guide future research.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The development of high-yielding and stable cultivars necessitates a comprehensive understanding of genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects through multi-trial experiments (MTEs). In this study, the grain yield performance, stability, and adaptability of newly developed barley genotypes were assessed across eight locations in Iran over two cropping seasons (2020-2022) using GGE biplot analysis. Analysis of variance of the grain yield data revealed significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction. The GGE biplot analysis identified two mega-environments, with Ardabil, Arak, and Tabriz being the most discriminating and representative test sites. Based on the “which-won-where” and “mean vs. stability” views, genotypes G5, G17, and G18 were identified as high-yielding, stable, and ideal candidates. Genotype G17 exhibited specific adaptability to Hamedan, Miandoad, and Karaj, whereas G5 and G18 were best adapted to Jolgeh Rokh, Mashhad, Tabriz, Ardabil, and Arak. These genotypes warrant further on-farm evaluation prior to their potential commercial release.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract Plant breeding programs often involve several segregating populations that must be selected for multiple traits. This study aimed to identify tropical wheat populations combining earliness and high grain yield (GY) using univariate and multivariate best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)-based models within a stage-wise approach. Fifty-six F₂ and F₃ populations were evaluated in two environments for days to heading (DH) and GY. In the first stage, two modeling strategies were used: a univariate and multivariate model per generation. Genetic parameters and empirical genotypic values were estimated and used in the second stage for combined selection across generations. Both strategies yielded similar results in terms of genetic gains, genotype selection, and ranking, likely due to the low correlation between the traits. Populations 4H, 2F, 2D, 2A, 2E, 3E, 1G, 3A, 3B, 2G, 3F, 1D, and 1B were selected for earliness and yield and will be advanced to derive superior inbred lines.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The study evaluated the performance of yerba mate progenies in southern Brazil. It assessed the commercial biomass yield (in kilograms per plant) of 58 open-pollinated progenies. The experimental design followed a randomized block structure, with 10 replications, three plants per plot, and spacing of 3 m × 1.5 m. Data were collected at 18-month intervals from 2019 to 2023. In the individual deviance analyses, significant progeny effects were observed using the Likelihood Ratio Test at a 5% probability level. These individual analyses indicated satisfactory performance of the yerba mate progenies, and the selection of superior trees led to substantial gains for the breeding of the species. However, in the joint analysis across sites and harvests, none of the effects were statistically significant.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract Molecular markers are pivotal in rice breeding as they enable gene pyramiding to improve yield and disease resistance. This study reports the development and validation of Single Nucleotide Amplified Polymorphism (SNAP) markers targeting qTSN4 (yield), xa5, and Xa21 (bacterial leaf blight resistance) genes. An EF1-a primer was integrated as an internal control in multiplex PCR to enhance assay precision and distinguish allele absence from PCR failure. An annealing temperature of 60 °C and an internal control primer concentration of 0.5 µM were optimal. While the xa5-based SNAP marker failed to distinguish alleles in the tested lines, qTSN4- and Xa21-based markers successfully differentiated the parental genotypes, confirming their applicability in marker-assisted gene pyramiding. These markers were validated in 72 BC1F1 plants and showed consistent Mendelian 1:1 segregation for qTSN4 and Xa21. Markers were used to select 18 plants with positive alleles A for qTSN4 and C for Xa21.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract Soil salinity severely limits crop productivity, especially in fruit crops such as banana. While most studies focus on protein-coding genes, small open reading frames (sORFs) are emerging as potential regulators of salinity stress responses. This study aimed to investigate the transcriptional response of sORFs in M. acuminata cv. Mas under salinity stress using RNA sequencing and NanoString validation. Transcriptomic analysis was performed on banana plantlets treated with 0 mM and 300 mM NaCl to assess gene expression under control and high salinity conditions. A total of 136 differentially expressed sORFs were identified, including 131 annotated and 5 novel sORFs. Gene Ontology analysis showed their enrichment in oxidoreductase activity, ion transport, and photosynthesis, while KEGG analysis highlighted roles in tryptophan metabolism and MAPK signaling. These findings reveal the potential regulatory functions of sORFs in banana salinity stress responses and underscore their potential as targets for developing salinity-tolerant cultivars.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract Common bean yield (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is severely limited by diseases caused by root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli (Fop). This study assessed co-infection effects by these phytopathogens in 73 F₈ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the ‘IAC-Tybatã’ × ‘Branquinho’ cross to identify genotypes with dual resistance. Plants received three treatments: control (water), Fop (root immersion in 1.0 × 10⁶ conidia mL⁻¹ suspension), and M. incognita (5,000 eggs/plant) + Fop. Co-infected plants developed significantly more pronounced vascular discoloration compared to plants inoculated with Fop alone. While 76.8% of Fop-inoculated RILs showed mild-to-moderate symptoms, 86.3% of co-infected RILs exhibited moderate-to-severe discoloration. Six RILs (1, 5, 8, 25, 31 and 47) showed dual resistance, displaying mild Fop symptoms and minimal nematode gall formation. The identification of these resistant genotypes is a critical breeding objective for developing common bean cultivars with enhanced protection against these damaging co-occurring pathogens.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the border effect in wheat agronomic trials in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Experiments were conducted in three environments using 16 cultivars in plots of five rows (two outer rows as the border area). The traits evaluated were plant height (PH), grain yield (GY), hectoliter weight (HW), and thousand-kernel weight (TKW). Data from the useful, border, and total plot areas were analyzed separately and, in a split-plot-in-space design using a mixed-model approach. The experimental precision and reliability in selection were similar among the areas. Differences were found among cultivars for all traits, except GY. A border effect was observed only for PH and GY traits. The use of a border area is recommended in wheat trials. However, the total plot area may also be used for evaluation, as the experimental accuracy and reliability of selection are comparable to evaluation using the useful plot area.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The common bean cultivar IAC 2560 Nelore has an indeterminate type II growth habit, a normal 80-day cycle, a mean 1000-seed weight of 290 grams, and a yield potential of 5,508 kg ha-1. It is resistant to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum physiological races 81, 465, and 479.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The cultivar IAC 2561 Tiger is a colored pinto-type common bean, derived from the cross IAC Tigre × Vibrante, has a type II indeterminate growth habit, a mean 1000-seed weight of 350 grams, an average 85-day cycle, and a yield potential of 3,978 kg ha-1.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The cultivar IAC 2459 Navy, belonging to the white bean group, has small seeds, a 1000-seed weight of 160 grams, an average 80-day cycle, cooking time of around 23 minutes, 20% protein content, resistance to anthracnose, and yield potential of 3,785 kg ha-1.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The MGS Catucaí Pioneira cultivar stands out for its yield, rust resistance, and beverage quality. Evaluated over four harvest seasons in ten municipalities of southern Minas Gerais, it demonstrated excellent agronomic performance and a sensory profile with floral and sweet notes, making it suitable for both mechanized and non-mechanized production systems.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract BRS TR013 is a wheat cultivar developed by Embrapa. It is the first soft wheat variety recommended for Wheat Growing Region 4 of Brazil under irrigated conditions. It features an early growth cycle, reduced plant height, moderate resistance to lodging, and high grain yield potential.

Resumen en Inglés:

Abstract The common bean cultivar IAC 2358 Unamax is characterized by a black seed coat and indeterminate type II growth habit. It has a 90-day growth cycle, mean 1000-seed weight of 260 grams, yield potential of 3,391.67 kg ha-1, and tolerance to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and Fusarium oxysporum.