Oats (Avena sativa L.) are cultivated worldwide for food and feed. Recently, there has been a growing interest in oats in South Korea owing to their nutritional and feed value. To support efficient breeding and genetic resource management, this study evaluated seven agronomic traits of 506 Avena accessions collected globally with two Korean oat varieties as standards. Seven agronomic traits – days to heading (DTH), plant height (PH), plant type, dehulling characteristics, 1,000-grain weight (TGW), seed length, and seed width (SW) – were evaluated over two to three years under Korean spring conditions. An augmented design was employed due to a lack of seeds and the field, and environmental bias was adjusted using Best Linear Unbiased Predictions. Statistical analyses revealed a strong positive correlation between TGW and SW and a moderate positive correlation between PH and DTH. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified that the first two principal components (PCs) explained 66.88% of the total variance, and that PC1 and PC2 were highly correlated with grain characteristics. K-prototype clustering analysis classified the 506 oat genetic resources into four distinct clusters based on the results of PCA, rather than their geographical origins. Cluster analysis indicated that Clusters 1 and 3 have potential for forage oat breeding, particularly in fodder use, whereas Clusters 2 and 4 may be valuable for grain-use oat breeding in South Korea. This study provides a comprehensive phenotypic assessment of oat germplasm obtained globally under Korean spring conditions and provides a useful foundation for germplasm management, cultivar development, and future genetic research.

Jhum cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice, which continues to support the livelihood of indigenous communities in Northeast India while also serving as an important on-farm conservation of crop genetic resources. In Mon district of Nagaland, over 93% of the population depends on jhum for subsistence. This study documents traditional rice cultivation practices, associated cultural values, socio-economy and conservation status of landrace rice under jhum farming systems. Rice germplasm collection and semi-structured personal interviews were conducted across 24 villages, involving 120 farmers in 8 administrative blocks of Mon district. Results from this study document the critical role of traditional jhum cultivation in livelihood generation and socio-cultural life of the Konyak community living in Mon district. The study resulted in the collection of 147 traditional rice accessions. Some of the landrace rice were linked with cultural practices, medicinal uses and ritual significance. Rice such as ‘Vumchong’ and ‘Wang-tsahyan’ holds deep historical and ceremonial importance. Pests and diseases pressure, limited external inputs and climatic factors were some concerns that influence rice production. However, farmers continue to safeguard their unique germplasm through traditional methods of seed selection and preservation. This research underscores rich genetic diversity conserved through traditional agricultural practice and the urgent need for conservation, participatory breeding and policy interventions.

In Australia, Sorghum bicolor is frequently produced under dryland cropping systems, making these crops particularly susceptible to stress. Sorghum also contains the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin, a toxic metabolite which is a major concern where sorghum is grown as livestock forage. The wild Australian relatives of S. bicolor, including species within the Chaetosorghum and Stiposorghum subgenera, contain minimal concentrations of dhurrin compared to domesticated sorghum. As the core biosynthetic enzymes are conserved, they provide a valuable comparative system to explore differences in the regulation of dhurrin biosynthesis. This study examined the transcriptional and metabolic response of Sorghum macrospermum to nitrogen resupply following nitrogen-limiting growth. Over a 48-hour time-course, changes in nitrate and dhurrin accumulation, and expression of key genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, dhurrin biosynthesis, and candidate transcriptional regulators were measured. In S. macrospermum, dhurrin accumulation and upregulation of the biosynthetic gene SmCYP79A1 occurred in root tissues from 12 to 48 hours post-resupply. Very low dhurrin levels and negligible SmCYP79A1 expression were observed in leaves and stems. Notably, nitrate levels remained stable over time, suggesting distinct nitrogen management strategies. Candidate regulators previously implicated in dhurrin biosynthesis in S. bicolor were not detected in the roots of S. macrospermum, indicating that different regulatory mechanisms drive the root-specific response. These findings highlight the evolutionary divergence in nitrogen and dhurrin regulation between domesticated and wild sorghum species. They further highlight S. macrospermum as a potential genetic resource for developing low-cyanide and nitrogen-use efficient sorghum with improved resilience to suit dryland cropping systems.

Saccharum barberi is regarded as a sugarcane germ plasm resource of potential value. Tissue culture serves multiple purposes in breeding-related research for sugarcane. The response to tissue culture varies considerably among sugarcane genotypes; however, the influence of genetic differences on the tissue culture performance of S. barberi had not been previously investigated. This study evaluated the genotypic variation in tissue culture response among six accessions of S. barberi. Seven parameters were assessed to determine the tissue culture performance: callus induction frequency (CIF), embryogenic callus ratio, embryogenic callus induction frequency, callus regeneration frequency, callus regeneration coefficient, overall regeneration frequency (ORF) and overall regeneration coefficient (ORC). Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed among the S. barberi genotypes for all parameters. The broad-sense heritability ranged from 80.77% to 93.10%, indicating that genetic differences were the primary source of genotypic variation. ORF exhibited the highest diversity among the parameters, with a genotypic coefficient of variation up to 70.06%. Pansahi was identified as the most amenable genotype to tissue culture, demonstrating superior performance in both callus induction and plant regeneration. CIFs at different induction periods were strongly positively correlated with both ORF and ORC, particularly during the first week, suggesting that CIF may serve as a promising early predictor of overall regeneration competence. This study is the first to report the effect of genotypic variation on callus induction and plant regeneration of S. barberi, and the findings will be valuable for future research involving tissue culture in this species.

Noug (Guizotia abyssinica L.) is among the key oilseed crops of Ethiopia and India and is valued for its tolerance to drought, with its very nutrient-dense oil being rich in essential fatty acids, protein and minerals. Despite the economic potential of noug, its production is limited by biological factors such as self-incompatibility, seed shattering, parasitic weeds and disease susceptibility. This review consolidates advances in the past decade, highlighting the transition from conventional breeding to the application of genomic tools. We critically assess how the development of self-compatible lines, transcriptome sequencing and linkage mapping are being used to produce improved germplasm. There is, however, a huge gap between research products and farmer-preferred variety development. This review suggests an integrative approach that brings genomics, phenomics and participatory breeding to realize the faster generation of high-yielding, durable noug cultivars. This is an important strategy to ensure that noug is a sustainable crop that ensures food security and financial empowerment of Ethiopian smallholder farmers.

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) constitute a genetic resource for plant breeding, food security and sustainable agriculture, especially in the context of climate change and an increasing global population. As part of the ‘Conservation and Sustainable Management of Turkey’s Steppe Ecosystems’ project, a multi-species action plan (MSAP) was developed for the Karacadağ Steppe, a representative dryland grassland ecosystem in Southeastern Türkiye. This participatory, landscape-scale plan is intended for a dryland ecosystem that is home to numerous wild grass and legume species. The MSAP targets six key CWR taxa. Field-based ecological assessments and stakeholder consultations identified three core conservation zones – oak forest glades, honey forest glades and valleys – where overlapping species and shared threats enable integrated habitat protection. The plan addresses urgent challenges typical of dryland grassland systems, including early-season overgrazing and climate-driven drought, by proposing adaptive, community-led strategies for the long-term in situ conservation. This model demonstrates the feasibility and value of multi-species approaches to dryland biodiversity conservation, offering actionable insights for regional and global CWR protection frameworks. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the importance of inclusive, evidence-based planning for in situ conservation and present a replicable model for other dryland regions.

Late-phase graft incompatibility and subsequent yield reduction pose significant threats to sustainable nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) production in India, primarily due to the widespread use of wild Myristica species as rootstocks. Accurate rootstock authentication at the seedling stage is critical to prevent these long-term losses, but current methodologies are insufficient. This study develops novel chloroplast DNA (cpDNA)-based markers for species authentication and phylogenetic analysis in Myristica. Utilizing a comparative chloroplast genomics approach, we identified hypervariable regions to create robust sequence length polymorphism markers. Marker validation across 33 diverse Myristica accessions, including all major Indian cultivated germplasm, revealed a unique 25 bp deletion in the ycf4-cemA region. This deletion serves as a highly reliable diagnostic marker to differentiate cultivated nutmeg from wild rootstock species. The validated markers were successfully used to authenticate rootstocks in both commercial nurseries and established plantations, offering a critical tool to prevent long-term graft incompatibility. Intraspecific variation within M. fragrans cultivars was observed in the rpoB_trnC-GCA, trnS-UGA_psbZ and trnR-ACG_rrn5S intergenic spacer regions. UPGMA clustering distinctly separated the Myristica accessions into three discrete phylogenetic groups. Beyond rootstock management, the identified M. fragrans-specific marker can reliably authenticate nutmeg in commercial products, distinguishing it from potential adulterants like M. magnifica and M. andamanica. Furthermore, we report a species-specific marker for the endemic and IUCN red-listed vulnerable species, M. andamanica, which will be invaluable for its precise identification and conservation efforts. Our research provides an invaluable, easy-to-use toolkit for Myristica germplasm management, breeding programs and quality control of nutmeg products.

Genebanks worldwide play a crucial role in the long-term conservation and accessibility of wide diversity of plant genetic resources (PGR). These resources are essential for addressing current and future challenges related to climate change and biodiversity loss, thereby contributing to agricultural production and sustainability. Enhancing the efficiency of genebanks requires implementing a quality management system that ensures data transparency, as well as the documentation and standardization of processes. This study proposes a set of 10 mandatory and 38 optional genebank metrics specifically designed for collections of orthodox seeds. These metrics define a set of basic parameters that are easy to calculate and collectively serve as a valuable tool for improving genebank management, enhancing performance, fostering transparency and promoting collaborations among institutions. Fourteen institutions engaged in the long-term conservation of PGR were consulted in the development of the proposed metrics. This work lays the foundation for the establishment of a widely accepted set of genebank metrics within the global genebank community. Further research and iterative development are necessary to formulate comprehensive metrics applicable to other ex situ conservation methods (such as cryopreservation, in vitro and field conservation) as well as in situ conservation strategies (including genetic reserves and on-farm conservation).

Stagnant flooding (SF) is a unique and prolonged flooding condition characterized by standing water levels of 25–50 cm that persist for extended periods, sometimes throughout the entire crop duration. Most Sub1 introgressed rice varieties, while effective against flash flooding, remain susceptible to SF due to restricted shoot elongation. Tolerance to SF in the elite O. sativa genetic pool is very rare. This study represents the first comprehensive evaluation of interspecific pre-breeding populations developed from crosses between the tolerant African rice landrace GERVEX 2674 (Oryza glaberrima) and three sensitive O. sativa elite breeding lines. The populations were assessed under controlled and SF conditions across three seasons in Nigeria. GERVEX 2674 and its better-performing progenies exhibited moderate elongation and a higher number of tillers under SF, resulting in higher grain yield and plant survival under SF stress. Moderate elongation and high tillering ability were identified as key adaptive traits for maintaining higher productivity under SF. QTL analysis revealed 20 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) across nine chromosomes, with minor effects associated with key agronomic traits such as grain yield, survival percentage, days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of panicles and tillers. A key QTL identified for days to 50% flowering qdtf-12 explaining 10.5% of observed phenotypic variation. The best-performing lines from these interspecific pre-breeding populations showed strong promise for further utilization in breeding for improved SF tolerance in O. sativa.

The genus Populus (poplar) plays a major ecological role and is one of the fastest-growing woody species worldwide. Consequently, it serves as a model for genetic studies in woody plants. Identifying superior clones requires assessing genetic diversity, for which cytogenetic and karyotypic studies are essential. This study investigated 40 clones from 10 species. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were observed among clones for most chromosomal traits, indicating considerable karyotypic diversity. The base chromosome number was x = 19, with both diploid (2n = 2x = 38) and triploid (2n = 3x = 57) ploidy levels present. The clones P. euramericana var. vernirubensis (P. canadensis var. vernirubensis): 1(16) and P. nigra var. 63/135: 20(5) exhibited the most symmetric and most asymmetric karyotypes, respectively. The clones P. canadensis var. vernirubensis: 1(16) and P. caspica: (35) possessed the largest and smallest chromosomes, respectively. Quantitative analysis revealed that while individual chromosome volume was similar between ploidy levels (0.56–0.65 µm3 in triploids vs. 0.52–0.81 µm3 in diploids), the total chromosomal volume per cell was significantly greater in triploids (31.92–37.05 µm3) than in diploids (19.76–30.80 µm3). This ∼1.4-fold increase closely matched the theoretical 1.5-fold expectation based on chromosome number, indicating strict genomic additivity. Principal component analysis identified four main components: intra-chromosomal symmetry, chromosome length, inter-chromosomal symmetry and ploidy level. Cluster analysis grouped the 40 clones into 19 distinct classes, with different clones from the same species often classified separately, highlighting extensive intra-specific karyotypic diversity. The study demonstrates that triploid clones maintain diploid-scale chromosome dimensions, suggesting their possible phenotypic superiority stems from stable genome duplication rather than structural change, making them predictable candidates for breeding.

The northeast region of India, part of the Indo–Burma biodiversity hotspot, is a vital reservoir of genetic diversity for agricultural crops, particularly rice. Chakhao, the black scented rice of Manipur, India is celebrated for its mild nutty flavour, distinctive aroma and high anthocyanin content. This study evaluated 22 economically significant Chakhao landraces using DUS characterization, along with biochemical and molecular profiling. Key findings revealed low amylose content (3.4–6.97%) and diverse grain types, predominantly short to medium slender. Anthocyanin concentrations varied widely, with certain genotypes surpassing 350 mg/100 g – levels even higher than those found in blueberries. Notably, landraces such as Chakhao_Bn-4, Chakhao_Ch-2, Chakhao_Cp-1 and Chakhao_IE-1 exhibited exceptional anthocyanin content (>390 mg/100 g), making them excellent candidates for future breeding programs. These lines also score the highest (9 – dark purple) in decorticated grains colour, a key trait for geographical indication (GI) status. Anthocyanin-related traits such as were the primary contributors to phenotypic diversity in the first three principal components, while structural and developmental traits influenced subsequent components. The study also revealed a striking lack of similarity in groupings based on morphological versus molecular data, as indicated by a low Baker’s Gamma correlation coefficient (0.034). Multivariate analysis integrating both data types highlighted substantial genetic and phenotypic diversity, reinforcing the necessity for comprehensive conservation strategies. The recent GI status of Chakhao has boosted global interest in Chakhao, prompting an initiate crop improvement program utilizing these landraces to drive economic resilience in marginal farming communities.

The medicinal significance of Phlomis olivieri Benth. and the unknown diversity among its distinct populations prompted the investigation. The primary objective of the study was to analyse the components of essential oils (EOs) derived from the above-ground parts of 10 wild populations of P. olivieri Benth. (Lamiaceae) originating from different regions of the Iranian plateau. The EOs were subjected to analysis using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 20 compounds were identified in the oils, with a relatively high content variation. The major components of the EO were (E)-caryophyllene (2.51–54.48%), germacrene D (6.25–53.51%), spathulenol (4.38–23.41%), bicyclogermacrene (3.97–16.41%), α-pinene (0.07–11.32%), caryophyllene oxide (0.28–9.57%) and germacrene B (2.21–9.13%). To assess chemical variability, the EO components were categorized using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), which revealed two main clusters. HCA of the EO data revealed two main clusters, and principal component analysis corroborated this grouping. Identifying compounds such as isospathulenol, (2E)-2-dodecen-1-ol and undecanal in this species for the first time adds to its chemical profile. Furthermore, the discovery of a substantial presence of (E)-caryophyllene and germacrene D in select populations underscores the high chemical diversity among these populations.

Dryland agriculture faces escalating constraints from water deficit, heat stress and soil salinity, necessitating the harnessing of adaptive diversity beyond modern wheat cultivars. Wild wheat relatives (WWRs) within the Triticeae harbour key dryland-adaptive traits, including deep, plastic root systems, osmotic adjustment, Na+/K+ homeostasis and heat-responsive photosynthesis, all of which are critical for maintaining yield stability under water-limited conditions. This review synthesizes recent advances in pangenomics, genome-wide association studies, speed introgression (genome-scale introgression under speed breeding) and genome editing, which enable more precise mining and deployment of WWR alleles while reducing linkage drag and improving selection efficiency. Importantly, we integrate biological constraints with conservation and policy considerations, highlighting how fragmented ex situ representation, limited phenotyping capacity in dryland regions, and complex access-and-benefit-sharing frameworks under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol, and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture constrain the practical utilization of WWR diversity. By identifying underexplored WWR and allied taxa (e.g., Aegilops searsii and Elymus spp.), priority trait categories, and target dryland agroecosystems, this review provides a unified conservation-to-breeding framework that advances beyond previous syntheses and repositions WWR from genetic reservoirs to deployable resources for climate-resilient wheat improvement.

The Genebank Standards for Plant Genetic Resources recommend that genebanks periodically monitor the change in viability of their stored germplasm to ensure timely regeneration. The Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) has been recording germination data on orthodox seeds from tropical grain crops, stored under long-term storage (−20°C), for 40 years. Real-time viability data, collated from germination tests carried out on seedlots which had been in storage for a minimum of 20 years, from six agriculturally important grain crops (Sorghum bicolor, Phaseolus vulgaris, Glycine max, Vigna radiata, Cajanus cajan and Vigna angularis) was analysed by probit analysis. For each species independently, a common loss in viability was observed for all seedlots showing a consistent decline in viability during storage; with observed longevity estimates (σ; time for viability to fall by 1 NED/probit) of 17.4, 30.7, 33.2 49.6, 48.8, 63.5 and years for Vigna angularis, Cajanus cajan, Phaseolus vulgaris, Glycine max, Sorghum bicolor, and Vigna radiata, respectively. Common values of σ were subsequently used to determine species-specific viability monitoring intervals, based on the results of the last germination test. Dynamic monitoring intervals are a cost-efficient strategy that will avoid the over-use of seed through too frequent viability monitoring whilst still ensuring the timely regeneration of material. With funding shortfalls often reported as the main contributing factor to regeneration and viability testing backlogs, the ability for genebanks to maximise cost-efficiencies, where possible, is paramount to secure the genetic integrity of stored germplasm; particularly as collections continue to grow.

Plant viruses cause considerable damage in agriculture through high losses in yield or productivity, and quality of crops. Unfortunately, there are few direct control mechanisms in place for viruses and very few protocols for eliminating them due to the wide diversity of viruses. Some viruses of clonal crops are easily removed through meristem culture, but many others are more intricately associated with the meristematic cells or localized in the plant genome where they pose significant risks to plant health and productivity, thus require eradication. Viruses such as Yam Mosaic Virus (YMV) and Yam Mild Mosaic Virus (YMMV) damage the economic and food security benefits provided by the tropical clonal crops. This report presents an overview of the viral challenges of tropical clonal crops. It also provides information on the state of current knowledge of various sanitation options available against viruses affecting the clonal crops. This report provides a reference to genebanks for early accurate detection and elimination of viruses among in vitro-grown tropical plants which, is a major step towards the improvement of the quality of clonal germplasm stored or distributed by the concerned genebanks. The information brought to light in this report could lead to technical refinement of the existing procedures or creation of new protocols for virus-infected germplasm.

This study examines fodder quality traits of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don (Seabuckthorn) populations across the Western Himalayas of India, emphasizing their significance in domestication and sustainable utilization of indigenous fodder tree. In Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand regions, foliage of H. salicifolia serves as essential winter forage for livestock and is incorporated into local tea formulations. Fifty female genotypes were selected for evaluation from ten distinct geographical locations. Analysis of variance highlighted significant variability among the populations, with Badya population demonstrating the highest leaf fresh weight. In contrast, the Kardang population exhibited optimal values of leaf dry weight and total ash content. Sansha population was characterized by the highest leaf dry matter, crude protein and nitrogen levels, whereas the Jankichatti population showed the highest crude fibre content, and Sissu had the highest nitrogen-free extract value. Significant positive correlations were identified between leaf fresh weight and leaf dry weight (0.613), and between dry matter content and crude protein (0.458), indicating the potential to enhance these traits in breeding programs aimed at improving fodder quality. Accessions were grouped into two primary clusters, and leaf dry matter was the dominant factor influencing fodder quality variability, explaining 85.272% of the total variance. These findings will inform targeted breeding strategies and agricultural practices intended to augment the nutritional profile of this vital fodder resource. Moreover, the study underscores the potential of H. salicifolia as both a livestock forage and a viable component of agroforestry systems, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in the Western Himalayas.

Delphinium luteum is an endangered species characterized by unique yellow flowers. Although its utilization in breeding has historically been limited, it possesses valuable genetic traits. In this study, we performed interspecific hybridization between the orange-red flowered D. nudicaule and D. luteum to create novel flower colours and analyze pigment inheritance. The crossing of genetically fixed hybrid lines resulted in progenies segregating for red-purple, red, orange and yellow flowers. Notably, red-purple flowers, a novel trait absent in both parents, were produced. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that these red-purple flowers accumulated complex anthocyanins derived from pelargonidin, cyanidin and delphinidin, whereas D. nudicaule contained only pelargonidin-based anthocyanins. This suggests that D. luteum complemented the flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase and flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase genes that are non-functional in D. nudicaule. Conversely, yellow progenies accumulated no anthocyanins, suggesting a pigmentation phenotype similar to D. luteum. These results demonstrate that D. luteum is a promising genetic resource for introducing novel flower colours and expanding the phenotypic diversity of Delphinium through traditional breeding.

Shanlan upland rice, as a unique local rice germplasm resource in Hainan comprises abundant genetic diversity. One hundred and sixty two Shanlan upland rice accessions collected from diverse ecological regions in Hainan were systematically characterized based on 11 agronomic traits. The rich genetic diversity was confirmed by phenotypic data from two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). Coefficient of variation ranged from 14.11% to 46.04% in 2023 and from 11.45% to 44.82% in 2024, with panicle-related traits (number of primary branches, grain number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, grain number of secondary branches and grain number per main panicle) exhibiting particularly high variation. Correlation analysis revealed highly significant synergistic effects among yield-related traits. Cluster analysis of the 162 accessions consistently classified them into five major groups across both growing seasons. Through grain number per main panicle and seed setting rate investigation, three excellent resources were selected that demonstrated stable and superior performance in both seasons. Notably, Line 69 exhibited outstanding “large panicles with high seed-setting rate,” producing 261.4 and 305 grains per main panicle in 2023 and 2024, respectively, with seed-setting rates reaching 93.79% and 90.07%. This study presents phenotypic data for Shanlan upland rice, offers high-quality breeding materials for subsequent research, and lays a theoretical groundwork for conserving and exploiting Hainan’s rice resources.

Since collecting and conservation efforts for plant genetic resources began in earnest a century ago, genebanks and stored accessions have proliferated, irrationally so. Many smaller national genebanks are falling considerably short of their mandates to conserve diversity and promote its use. Combined and functioning as intended, the International Treaty, the Crop Trust and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault create the context in which these genebanks could safely and positively transition to focus on facilitating experimentation and use by their farmers. There is precedent for a creative approach in the massive distribution of seeds to farmers in the U.S. in the 1800s that enabled the introduction, spread and adaptation of many crops. Progress will require resolution of the Treaty’s ‘access and benefit-sharing’ impasse, which could be advanced by an embrace of the Treaty’s provisions, more collaboration for conservation, and a facilitated shift in focus to the distribution and use of genetic resources, especially by smaller genebanks and for ‘opportunity crops’ of primary interest to developing countries.