10 research outputs found
Genetic studies of new grains improved with quality traits
No full textIn a global context increasingly focused on sustainability and food quality, the search for sustainable and nutrient-rich raw materials is gaining growing interest. In cereal cultivation, worldwide researchers are shifting their focus to ancient cereals and wild species of domesticated crops. Among these, Aegilops caudata, a wild species, represents a promising genetic resource due to its nutritional characteristics that make it valuable for wheat improvement. Specifically, Aegilops caudata has been used to create amphiploid lines useful for studying qualitative traits such as β-glucan content, a key compounds for human health. Chapter I of this thesis analyzes a key gene in β-glucan synthesis, the cellulose synthase CslF6 gene, by determining the gene sequence and protein structure in Ae. caudata, highlighting evolutionary differences compared to other grass species and examining how variations in the amino acid sequence may influence the β-glucan content. Comparative analysis with other monocots revealed significant similarities with the wheat genome, with variations in amino acid motifs within the catalytic portions of the polypeptide chain, suggesting potential unique functional adaptations for Ae. caudata.
Chapter II explores the role of the CslF6 gene in β-glucan synthesis, the total β-glucan content, the glycosidic linkages within the β-glucan structure, and the profile of major oligosaccharides in bread and durum wheat genotypes, wild parental species (Aegilops caudata and Dasypyrum villosum), and their hybrids. The analysis of CslF6 gene expression revealed a correlation between gene expression and β-glucan accumulation. The results indicate that wild species, such as Ae. caudata and Dasypyrum villosum, have a higher β-glucan content compared to wheat, and hybrids show a significant increase in β-glucan levels. Additionally, through glycomics analysis, the study highlighted differences in the monosaccharide composition of the cell wall and the glycosidic linkages in the analyzed genotypes, providing new tools for the selection of wheat lines with high β-glucan content.
Chapter III shifts the focus on two important wheat qualitative traits: protein content (GPC) and yellow index (YI), which are critical for pasta production. The study, conducted on 144 tetraploid wheat accessions (Triticum turgidum L.), identified superior alleles associated with these qualitative traits through a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). The analysis identified several association regions (QTLs) between SNP markers and the traits considered (GPC and YI). Bioinformatics analysis revealed candidate gene sequences co-localized within these QTL regions. Notably, a key gene involved in nitrogen metabolism, Glutamine synthetase 2 (GS2), and a key gene for carotenoid biosynthesis, Phytoene synthase 1 (Psy-A1), were identified. Furthermore, the analysis led to the identification of new haplotypes, contributing to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms controlling protein content and yellow color in wheat, facilitating the development of superior wheat varieties.
These three studies, while addressing different aspects of wheat genetics and its wild relatives, are interconnected within a research framework aimed at improving the nutritional and qualitative traits of wheat. The exploration of the CslF6 gene and its role in β-glucan biosynthesis, alongside the characterization of qualitative traits such as protein content and yellow index, contributes to a deeper understanding of the genetic potential of wheat species, particularly those from wild genotypes such as Ae. caudata. The information obtained from this research offers new opportunities for the selection and development of more nutritious, sustainable, and consumer-oriented wheat varieties worldwide
Effect of mineral and organic fertilization on desi and kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum l.): Plant growth and production, hydration properties, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity
No full textComposting is a strategic technology to convert organic waste into environmentally friendly soil improvers, mitigating the pressure on landfills and contributing to sustainability. This research evaluates the effects of different doses of mineral/organic fertilizers on two chickpea types: desi and kabuli. A randomized block design with three replications and six conditions was adopted: non-fertilized control, two mineral fertilizations (M1, M2), and three organic fertilizations (B1, B2, B3). M1 and B1 provided for comparable NPK amounts. Fertilization and variety significantly influenced plant growth and production, and seed hydration. Fertilization had a lower influence on bioactive compounds. The highest seed yields were obtained with M2 (30–40–100 kg ha−1 of N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively. An addition of 40 kg ha−1 of P2O5 (M1) had no effect on seed yield. B1 (10 Mg ha−1 of Bio Vegetal) and M1 led to the same yield, which did not increase using higher doses of green compost. Mineral and organic fertilizations favored hydration and swelling of chickpeas. Desi chickpea showed a significantly higher seed yield but a lower seed weight than kabuli. Organic fertilization, combined with the recovery of peculiar chickpeas, which are more productive and richer in bioactive compounds, promotes a more sustainable food system
Maize Yield Response, Root Distribution and Soil Desiccation Crack Features as Affected by Row Spacing
No full textPlant density is among the most critical factors affecting plant yields and resource use efficiency since it drives the exploitation of the available resources per unit area, root distribution and soil water losses by direct evaporation from the soil. Consequently, in fine-textured soils, it can also affect the formation and development of desiccation cracks. The aim of this study, carried out on a sandy clay loam soil in a typical Mediterranean environment, was to investigate the effects of different row spacings of maize (Zea mais L.) on yield response, root distribution and the main features of desiccation cracks. The field experiment compared bare soil and soil cropped with maize using three plant densities (6, 4 and 3 plants m−2), obtained by keeping the number of plants in a row constant and varying the distance between the rows (0.5–0.75–1.0 m). The highest kernel yield (16.57 Mg ha−1) was obtained with the greatest planting density (6 plants m−2) with a row spacing of 0.5 m; significantly lower yields were recorded with spacings of 0.75 and 1 m, with a decrease of 8.09% and 18.24%, respectively. At the end of the growing season, soil moisture in the bare soil was on average 4% greater in comparison to the cropped soil and was also affected by row spacing, decreasing with the decrease in the inter-row distance. An inverse behaviour was observed between soil moisture and both root density and desiccation crack size. Root density decreased to the increase in soil depth and to the increase in distance from the row. The pluviometric regime occurred during the growing season (total rainfall of 343 mm)-resulted in the formation of cracks of reduced size and with an isotropic behaviour in the bare soil, whereas in the cultivated soil, the cracks were parallel to the maize rows and increased in size with decreasing inter-row distance. The total volume of the soil cracks reached a value of 135.65 m3 ha−1 in the soil cropped with a row distance of 0.5 m, and was about ten times greater in comparison to the bare soil and three times greater in comparison to a row spacing of 1 m. Such a volume would allow a recharge of 14 mm in the case of intense rainy events on soil characterised by low permeability
Study of variability of β-glucan in wheat genotypes
No full textWheat is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide, used for the
production of bread and pasta. To improve the quality of wheat-based foods,
several breeding programs have been carried out, focusing on the content of
proteins, pigments, antioxidants and, more recently, fiber.
In the last years the attention of cereal markets has started to focus on
the beneficial properties of the non-digestible components of starch
contained in different cereals. In fact, dietary fiber has a significant
impact on the health of the human intestinal flora and has been recognized
as a potential pharmaceutical preventative agent for chronic dietary
diseases, if taken in appropriate doses.Among the fiber, β-glucans and
arabinoxylans, whose structural properties affect the digestibility and
fermentation of food, are the most represented in wheat.
The main objective of this research was to study the variability of βglucans in wheat to identify genes involved in its controlling and
accumulation.
A phenotypic characterization for β-glucan content of different genetic
material including the CerealMed collection and tritordeum genotypes was
accomplished. The CerealMed collection included 190 tetraploid wheat
genotypes selected within the Global Durum Wheat Panel (GDP).
The quantification of β-glucans was carried out using the Mixed-Linkage βGlucan Assay Kit (Megazyme International Ireland Ltd, Wicklow, Ireland)
based on the method approved by McCleary and Codd (1991) in two
environments in order to find genetic loci involved in the trait.
B-glucan content showed low variability among the genotypes of the
CerealMed collection. In particular, β-glucan amount ranged from 0.2% to
0.6%, with mean value of 0.37%, in line with what already observed in wheat
genotypes. Large variability was observed among the set of tritordeum
genotypes, and four lines were identified as best candidate for crossing
with durum wheat genotypes. β-glucan content varied from 0.52% to 2.08%
with four lines showed up to 2%. Therefore, screening of breeding lines,
modern varieties, "ancient" varieties, tetraploid wild genotypes and
Tritordeum for β-glucan content can be the key to identify useful genotypes
to be adopted in interspecific transfer programs for grain quality
improvement
Is the CslF6 gene involved in the accumulation of (1,3;1,4)-β-D-glucan in wheats, their wild relatives and their hybrids?
No full textMixed linkage (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan (MLG) is a well-recognized bioactive carbohydrate and dietary fibre with expanding applications in food industry. The MLG are small components of the cell wall of vegetative tissues of cereals synthetized by members of the Cellulose Synthase-Like genes (Csl). Within the family, the CslF6 has been the major contributor in wheat. It is of significant health and economic benefits to enhance MLG content in wheat, a staple grain with naturally low MLG levels. This study investigated the role of CslF6 gene in MLG synthesis and analysed total MLG contents, cell wall monosaccharide, glycosidic linkage composition, and profile of major comprising oligosaccharides of MLG in various wheat genotypes, their wild relatives (Aegilops caudata and Dasypyrum villosum), and hybrids between them. We observed a relationship between CslF6 gene expression and MLG accumulation across the different wheat lines. While Aegilops caudata and Dasypyrum villosum exhibited higher MLG content than other genotypes, hybrid breeding led to an increase in MLG content by 24.4% in durum wheat and 43.3% in T. aestivum. Variations in the ratios of major oligosaccharides released from MLG by lichenase treatment and in the compositions of cell wall monosaccharides and glycosidic linkages were also found. This study demonstrates that HPAEC-PAD and GC–MS-based glycomics are invaluable tools to assist breeders in selecting high MLG lines.QC 20250120</p
Durum Wheat Response to Organic and Mineral Fertilization with Application of Different Levels and Types of Phosphorus-Based Fertilizers
No full textThe use of green compost is a suitable technology to recycle organic waste into environmentally friendly soil improvement mitigating the pressure on landfills and contributing to sustainability. Among the major nutrients, phosphorus (P) stands at a significant position for seed and fruit quality, photosynthesis, and metabolic function in plants. This work evaluates the effects of different doses of mineral/organic fertilizers on two durum wheat cultivars: Anco Marzio and Vespucci. The fertilization trials compared one unfertilized control test and six treatments performed with different types of fertilizers (four minerals and two organics, based on green compost). Grain yield, compared with the unfertilized control, increased with the mineral fertilization by 125.5% for Anco Marzio and 136.42% for Vespucci, while organic fertilization alone determined an increase of 25.52% and 30.92% for Anco Marzio and Vespucci, respectively. The contribution of a higher dose of phosphorus (140 kg ha−1), combined with nitrogen and potassium, favored a further increase in grain production (+9.34%), compared with 100 kg ha−1. The content of chlorophylls and carotenoids was highly increased (5%) in both the cultivars by all kinds of phosphate fertilization, whereas an increase in the phosphate content of caryopses resulted in Anco Marzio across the two years but not in Vespucci. Among the two cultivars of durum wheat, Vespucci produced a greater quantity of grains but with a less vitreous consistency and poorer in proteins than Anco Marzio. The fertilization management also influenced the wheat behavior to stripe yellow rust attack by showing the highest index severity with the compost-based fertilization. The best management of fertilizers associated with the use of more phosphorus-use-efficient genotypes, are essential for improving quality and for the development of a sustainable agriculture
Effect of Mineral and Organic Fertilization on <i>desi</i> and <i>kabuli</i> Chickpea (<i>Cicer arietinum</i> L.): Plant Growth and Production, Hydration Properties, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity
No full textComposting is a strategic technology to convert organic waste into environmentally friendly soil improvers, mitigating the pressure on landfills and contributing to sustainability. This research evaluates the effects of different doses of mineral/organic fertilizers on two chickpea types: desi and kabuli. A randomized block design with three replications and six conditions was adopted: non-fertilized control, two mineral fertilizations (M1, M2), and three organic fertilizations (B1, B2, B3). M1 and B1 provided for comparable NPK amounts. Fertilization and variety significantly influenced plant growth and production, and seed hydration. Fertilization had a lower influence on bioactive compounds. The highest seed yields were obtained with M2 (30–40–100 kg ha−1 of N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively. An addition of 40 kg ha−1 of P2O5 (M1) had no effect on seed yield. B1 (10 Mg ha−1 of Bio Vegetal) and M1 led to the same yield, which did not increase using higher doses of green compost. Mineral and organic fertilizations favored hydration and swelling of chickpeas. Desi chickpea showed a significantly higher seed yield but a lower seed weight than kabuli. Organic fertilization, combined with the recovery of peculiar chickpeas, which are more productive and richer in bioactive compounds, promotes a more sustainable food system
Exploring Aegilops caudata: A Comprehensive Study of the CslF6 Gene and β-Glucan
No full textIn the quest for sustainable and nutritious food sources, exploration of ancient grains and wild relatives of cultivated cereals has gained attention. Aegilops caudata, a wild wheatgrass species, stands out as a promising genetic resource due to its potential for crop enhancement and intriguing nutritional properties. This manuscript investigates the CslF6 gene sequence and protein structure of Aegilops caudata, employing comparative analysis with other grass species to identify potential differences impacting β-glucan content. The study involves comprehensive isolation and characterization of the CslF6 gene in Ae. caudata, utilizing genomic sequence analysis, protein structure prediction, and comparative genomics. Comparisons with sequences from diverse monocots reveal evolutionary relationships, highlighting high identities with wheat genomes. Specific amino acid motifs in the CslF6 enzyme sequence, particularly those proximal to key catalytic motifs, exhibit variations among monocot species. These differences likely contribute to alterations in β-glucan composition, notably impacting the DP3:DP4 ratio, which is crucial for understanding and modulating the final β-glucan content. The study positions Ae. caudata uniquely within the evolutionary landscape of CslF6 among monocots, suggesting potential genetic divergence or unique functional adaptations within this species. Overall, this investigation enriches our understanding of β-glucan biosynthesis, shedding light on the role of specific amino acid residues in modulating enzymatic activity and polysaccharide composition
Effects of mineral and organic fertilization with the use of wet olive pomace on durum wheat performance
No full textPurpose Despite durum wheat accounts for only 5% of the global wheat production, it represents an economically important species, as a basic food and primary source of daily caloric intake in the Mediterranean basin area. By-products of agricultural processing, such as pomace, can be used to increase soil fertility, as they are indeed a source of important nutrients useful for crop growth.
Method The present research was carried out on durum wheat, as part of a long-term experiment. The study aimed at assessing the effects of mineral and organic fertilization with the use of wet olive pomace on a 3-year trial with crops grown in succession (fava beansâwheatâspelt). A split-plot experimental design with three replicates was used. The cultivars (Aureo and Vespucci) were assigned to the main plots and the seven fertilization treatments to the sub-plots.
Results Our result showed that supplying wet olive pomace as soil improver was not sufficient to significantly improve soil fertility compared to the unfertilized control. However, when 60 kg haâ1 of nitrogen was supplied in coverage before tillering, in addition to 70 Mg haâ1 of wet olive pomace yield an increase of 66% in Aureo cv and of 222% in Vespucci cv, in comparison to the unfertilized crop.
Conclusion The best management of fertilizers, associated with the use of more nitrogen-use-efficient genotypes, is essential for the development of a sustainable agriculture
Genome-wide association study for protein and color content in a tetraploid wheat collection
No full textGrain protein content (GPC) and yellow index (YI) are the most important quality traits to measure the quality of tetraploid wheats that benefit the pasta consumers. The main objective of this study was to characterize GPC and YI using 144 different accessions of tetraploid wheats (Triticum turgidum L., 2 n = 4x = 28; AABB genome) constituted by several subspecies and evaluated in southern Italy for 2 years (2019 and 2022) and in central Chile during 2021 in order to identify new useful superior alleles. SNPs marker, suitable for genome-wide association study (GWAS) were 3924. GWAS was carried out using the Mixed Linear Model (Q+K) which identified 22 marker-trait associations for both traits analyzed, representing 10 and 12 regions associated with grain protein content and yellow index, respectively. QTL linked to GPC were detected on chromosomes 2 A, 3 A, 5 A, and 7 A, while QTL for YI were localized on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 3 A, 4B, 6 A, 6B, 7 A, reflecting their complex genetic nature. The phenotypic variation (R2) explained, ranking from 8.1 % to 8.6 % for GPC and from 8.2 % to 11.6 % for YI content. In addition, one gene involved in nitrogen metabolism, the glutamine synthetase 2 (GS2) on chromosome 2 A, and the main gene involved in the synthesis of carotenoid pigments, the phytoene synthase 1 (Psy-A1) on chromosome 7 A were identified as key candidate genes regulating these two quality traits. Finally, the identification of new haplotypes improves our understanding of the genetic mechanisms controlling protein and color traits in tetraploid wheat and facilitate the development of superior wheat varieties in the future
