Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje
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Genetic characterization of maize landraces using SSR markers: Insights for breeding applications
This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of traditional maize landraces and identify promising germplasm for breeding by performing molecular characterization of 31 maize landraces and 5 testers using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Of the 33 SSR primers initially tested, four were excluded due to monomorphism or low amplification efficiency, while the remaining 29 revealed a total of 139 alleles, with an average of 4.8 alleles per locus. The highest number of alleles (7) was observed with primers phi087 and phi080, whereas four primers (umc1265, umc1282, phi075, and umc1310) each detected the lowest number (3). Genetic distance analysis based on the Nei method revealed a high level of variability. Among the landraces, genetic distances ranged from 0.11 (AN2249 vs. AN2047) to 1.97 (AN1509 vs. AN1267). Population AN1509 exhibited the highest average genetic distance (1.643), suggesting strong divergence potential, while AN1945 had the lowest (0.478), indicating greater genetic similarity. For the five testers (L217, L73B013, L255/75-5, F2, and Polj17), genetic distances ranged from 0.43 between L217 and L73B013 to 1.54 between L217 and L255/75-5. Intermediate values were observed for F2 vs. L255/75-5 (0.64), Polj17 vs. L255/75-5 (0.57), and Polj17 vs. F2 (0.74), reflecting their differing genetic backgrounds and pedigrees. These results align with the known pedigree and origin of the testers. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) explained 35.9% of the total variation across the first two axes and revealed clear differentiation between the testers and most local populations. Population structure analysis (K=4) grouped the genotypes into four distinct clusters. The testers formed a homogeneous group, while the local populations exhibited greater intra-population diversity. These findings highlight the broad genetic base of the maize landraces and identify highly divergent genotypes. Among them, AN1509, with its pronounced genetic divergence, stands out as a valuable resource for future breeding programs
Overview and diversity of fungi of the genus Aspergillus section Nigri on maize and small grains
The presence of filamentous fungi with toxigenic ability from the Aspergillus genera is frequently found in maize kernels, and this can lead to decay and mycotoxin contamination of the kernels. In this study, we morphologically and molecularly characterized 45 isolates of Aspergillus section Nigri originating from maize and small grains (wheat, triticale, and spelt) in Serbia. Based on morphological traits, they were classified into two morpho groups. Representative isolates from both morpho groups were further molecularly characterized through sequencing of ITS, CaM and RPB2 genes in order to compare species composition, which could affect specific mycotoxicological risks. Morpho GroupI was molecularly identified as Aspergillus welwitschiae and morpho GroupII as Aspergillus tubingensis. Phylogenetic analysis of the CaM gene revealed that the Serbian Aspergillus welwitschiae isolate belongs to the H8 haplotype, while A. tubingensis isolates clustered into two subclusters. This is the first report of A. tubingensis as the causal agent of black mold of small grains (wheat, triticale and spelt) in Serbia. This distribution underscores the ecological preferences of species within the genus Aspergillus Section Nigri across various agricultural products. It emphasizes the importance of comprehending their occurrence, distribution, aggressiveness and potential for mycotoxin production in food safety assessments
Exploring Trends in Maize Breeding: A Comprehensive Literature Analysis through Text Mining
The analysis of maize inbred lines of varius cycles of selection
The evaluation of combining abilities is an important stage in the development of highyielding
maize hybrids. This study was focused on inbred lines derived from the populations
BSSS and BSCB1. The aim of the study was to observe combining abilities, heterosis and
variability of inbred lines and their hybrids. According to the analysis of results gained on the
number of kernels per row, highly significant positive values of general combining ability
(GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were observed at the locations Zemun Polje and
Kraljevci during the two-year investigation. The dominant gene action prevailing in
inheritance was established in inbreds derived from synthetic BSSS and in the parental
inbreds of the elite hybrid. This was shown by the GCA to SCA ratio that was less than unit.
Additive variance was greater than non-additive one in inbreds derived from the synthetic
BSCB1 and inbreds of the elite hybrid The highest, i.e. the lowest average number of kernels
per row was determined in the hybrid ZPL2 x B73, i.e. the hybrid B90 x B91, respectively. At
the same time, the highest heterosis was established in the hybrid B90 x B91. The inbred
B73(C5) derived from the synthetic BSSS was the best general combiner, which shows that it
can be used in breeding programmes designed to increase the number of kernels per row. The
inbred B97(C9) derived from the synthetic population BSCB1 expressed high GCA values
A diagnostic guide for Fusarium root rot of soybean
Fusarium root rot of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is caused by various Fusarium species and is associated with significant yield losses in the United States and Canada (Ontario). This diagnostic guide focuses on isolating common Fusarium species, including F. acuminatum, F. graminearum sensu lato, F. oxysporum species complex, F. proliferatum, and F. solani species complex, from diseased soybean roots collected from commercial fields affected by seedling diseases. Additionally, the guide provides an overview of Fusarium root rot symptoms and management, along with methods for isolation, morphological and molecular identification, long-term storage, and pathogenicity testing of Fusarium isolates
A sustainable strategy for utilization of corn silk as agricultural waste with the conservation of maize biodiversity—establishing a comprehensive framework for ecological balance and economic sustainability
Corn silk (CS) (Stigma maydis) has been utilized in traditional medicine (TM) globally
for generations due to its antioxidant, antidiabetic, diuretic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory
properties. CS contains polyphenols, polysaccharides, protein, fiber, alkaloids, minerals, and
vitamins, which explains these therapeutic benefits. CS, a major corn-processing byproduct, is
routinely discarded, wasting valuable bioresources. Using CS to generate functional and healthpromoting
value-added products would shift agricultural waste toward zero-waste production,
saving the environment and growing the agro-economy. Interconnecting a sustainable approach
for agricultural waste utilization with the preservation of corn biodiversity is essential for
creating a holistic framework that supports both ecological balance and economic viability. By
exploring innovative methods for recycling agricultural byproducts, researchers can develop
strategies that reduce waste while promoting the conservation of diverse corn varieties, ensuring
a resilient agricultural system for future generations.
CS from different corn hybrids will be tested for bioactive compounds (primarily
phenolic compounds). The compounds with the highest antioxidant, antibacterial, diuretic, and
anti-diabetic properties will be marked, and capsules with health-promoting properties will be
created. Our research aims to resolve the problem of a lack of studies regarding the effect of corn
silk genotype and maturity stages during harvest on the biochemical composition, extractability
of the bioactive components and health-promoting potential of corn silk extracts. Optimizing the
extraction process to maximize the yield of active components for the production of dietary
supplement capsules with health-promoting properties is crucial for ensuring the costeffectiveness
of the production process. On the other hand, focusing on defining a green
extraction protocol is essential for obtaining eco-friendly, sustainable solutions in light of current
green transition trends. The project goals are to provide more detailed answers related to the
mechanisms of the diuretic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antioxidative effects of CS extracts,
i.e. to determine which compounds or groups of compounds act separately, synergistically or
antagonistically, enabling health-promoting benefits on human health
Validacija molekularnih markera za Kunitz tripsin inhibitor protein kod soje (Glycine max L. Merr.)
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major source of plant proteins, but its use is restricted by anti-nutritional factors such as the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI). Eliminating KTI improves protein digestibility and reduces processing costs in food and feed production. This study aimed to use simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in marker-assisted selection (MAS) for KTI-free soybean genotypes developed at the Maize Research Institute “Zemun Polje” (MRIZP). The new breeding line L003, derived from a cross between the standard line L584 and the KTI-free cultivar ‘Laura,’ was analyzed. Fifty-two F₈ seeds were screened with SSR markers Satt228 and Satt409, and the observed results were validated by detecting possible KTI protein by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). In all L003 plants, homozygosity for the KTI-null genotype was observed by both SSR markers. Biochemical analysis showed the absence of the 21.5 kDa KTi protein band in L003, while the control genotype ‘Lidija’ with the dominant allele (TiTi) expressed KTI. Those results demonstrate a strong correlation between SSR marker profiles and the presence of KTI protein. Our results showed that both Satt228 and Satt409 are reliable tools for foreground selection in MAS, supporting the efficient development of KTI-free soybean cultivars. These results promote breeding strategies to develop nutritionally improved soybean varieties for food and feed industries without the necessity of thermal inactivating KTI.Soja (Glycine max L.) predstavlja jedan od glavnih izvora proteina, ali njena upotreba je ograničena prisustvom antinutritivnih faktora kao što je Kunitz tripsin inhibitor (KTI). Eliminacija KTI poboljšava svarljivost proteina i smanjuje troškove prerade u proizvodnji hrane i stočne hrane. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je korišćenje mikrosatelitskih (SSR) markera u selekciji pomoću molekularnih markera (MAS) za genotipove soje bez KTI, razvijene u Institutu za kukuruz „Zemun Polje“ (MRIZP). Analizirana je nova oplemenjivačka linija L003, dobijena ukrštanjem standardne linije L584 i sorte ‘Laura’ bez KTI. Pedeset dva F₈ semena linije L003 su analizirana pomoću markera Satt228 i Satt409, a rezultati su potvrđeni detekcijom KTI proteina poliakrilamidnom gel elektroforezom (PAGE). Kod svih biljaka linije L003 oba SSR markera su potvrdila homozigotnost za KTI. Biohemijska analiza pokazala je odsustvo proteinske trake od 21,5 kDa kod L003, dok je kontrolni genotip ‘Lidija’ sa dominantnim alelom (TiTi) ispoljio prisustvo KTI. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju na snažnu korelaciju između SSR profila i prisustva KTI proteina, kao i korišćenje Satt228 i Satt409 markera kao pouzdanih alati za MAS u efikasnom razvijanju KTI-slobodnih sorti soje. takođe, navedeni rezultati unapređuju strategije oplemenjivanja usmerene na dobijanje nutritivno poboljšanih sorti soje za prehrambenu i stočarsku industriju, bez potrebe za termalnom inaktivacijom KTI
Research trends in maize breeding: A global perspective from bibliometric and topic modelling approaches
Maize breeding has undergone significant changes over the past two decades, primarily driven by the rapid development of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Alongside genomic selection, which has already been implemented in commercial breeding programs, highly sophisticated tools for prediction, decision-making, data integration, and interpretation now form the foundation of the modern approach to maize breeding. To understand the impact of latest technologies on maize breeding, we conducted a comprehensive literature analysis by applying Bibliometric science mapping and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). We formulate the following search query to retrieve the publications from the Web of Science Core Collection: ALL: ("artificial intelligence" OR "machine learning" OR "deep learning" OR "neural network" OR "AI" OR "ML "OR "genomic prediction") AND ALL: ("maize" OR "corn") AND ALL: ("breeding" OR "genetic improvement" OR "selection"). After the detailed article selection and data preparation, 480 publications of 1.643 search results were used as the input for the analysis. The overall trend of the advanced maize breeding literature showed that the number of publications increased during the observed time-span (2010-2024) with the annual growth rate of 32.8%. In total, 60 countries are active in the field of advanced maize breeding with the high degree of the international collaboration. The top five countries according to the number of publications were: China, USA, Mexico, Germany and Brazil. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) analysis revealed fifteen topics, indicating three main domains influencing advanced maize breeding; i) genetics and genomics; ii) computer science and machine learning; and iii) phenotyping and sensing. The analysis provides important information regarding the future direction of maize breeding and highlights anticipated developments associated with the integration of novel technological advancements