Whole genome sequencing-based multi-locus association mapping for kernel iron, zinc and protein content in groundnut
Authors: Sagar, U. N., Parmar, S., Gangurde, S. S., Sharma, V., Pandey, A. K., Mohinuddin, D. K., Dube, N., Bhat, R. S., John, K., Sreevalli, M. D., Rani, P. S., Singh, K., Varshney, R. K., Pandey, M. K.
The study used multi‑season phenotyping for iron, zinc, and protein content together with whole‑genome re‑sequencing of a groundnut mini‑core collection to conduct a genome‑wide association study, identifying numerous marker‑trait associations and candidate genes linked to nutrient homeostasis. SNP‑based KASP markers were designed for nine loci, of which three showed polymorphism and are ready for deployment in genomics‑assisted breeding for nutrient‑rich groundnut varieties.
The study integrates genome, transcriptome, and chromatin accessibility data from 380 soybean accessions to dissect the genetic and regulatory basis of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). Using GWAS, TWAS, eQTL mapping, and ATAC-seq, the authors identify key loci, co‑expression modules, and regulatory elements, and validate the circadian clock gene GmLHY1b as a negative regulator of nodulation via CRISPR and CUT&Tag. These resources illuminate SNF networks and provide a foundation for soybean improvement.
The study generated a phenotypic dataset for 550 Lactuca accessions, including 20 wild relatives, and applied an iterative two‑step GWAS using a jointly processed SNP set for cultivated lettuce (L. sativa) and its wild progenitor (L. serriola) to dissect trait loci. Known and novel QTLs for anthocyanin accumulation, leaf morphology, and pathogen resistance were identified, with several L. serriola‑specific QTLs revealing unique genetic architectures, underscoring the breeding value of wild lettuce species.
The study used chlorophyll fluorescence imaging to map non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) gradients along barley leaf axes and found heat stress attenuates NPQ induction, revealing spatial heterogeneity in stress responses. Genome‑wide association and transcriptomic analyses identified candidate genes, notably HORVU.MOREX.r3.3HG0262630, that mediate region‑specific heat responses, highlighting pathways for improving cereal heat resilience.
The study shows that the SnRK1 catalytic subunit KIN10 directs tissue-specific growth‑defense programs in Arabidopsis thaliana by reshaping transcriptomes. kin10 knockout mutants exhibit altered root transcription, reduced root growth, and weakened defense against Pseudomonas syringae, whereas KIN10 overexpression activates shoot defense pathways, increasing ROS and salicylic acid signaling at the cost of growth.
The study examines how the SnRK1 catalytic subunit KIN10 integrates carbon availability with root growth regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Loss of KIN10 reduces glucose‑induced inhibition of root elongation and triggers widespread transcriptional reprogramming of metabolic and hormonal pathways, notably affecting auxin and jasmonate signaling under sucrose supplementation. These findings highlight KIN10 as a central hub linking energy status to developmental and environmental cues in roots.
The study applied Spatial Analysis of Field Trials with Splines (SpATS) and Neighbor Genome-Wide Association Study (Neighbor GWAS) to barley field data, revealing that neighboring genotypes contribute to spatial variation in disease damage. Neighbor GWAS identified variants on chromosome 7H that modestly affect net form net blotch and scald resistance, suggesting that genotype mixtures could mitigate pest damage.
The study evaluated natural genetic variation in non-photochemical quenching and photoprotection across 861 sorghum accessions grown in the field over two years, revealing moderate to high broad-sense heritability for chlorophyll fluorescence traits. By integrating genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) and covariance analyses, the authors identified 110 high-confidence candidate genes underlying photoprotection, highlighting a complex, polygenic architecture for these traits.
Ethylene and ROS Signaling Are Key Regulators of Lateral Root Development under Salt Stress in Tomato
Authors: Rahmati Ishka, M., Zhao, J., Sussman, H., Mohanty, D., Craft, E., Yu, L., Pineros, M., Tester, M., Kawa, D., Mittler, R., Nelson, A., Fei, Z., Julkowska, M. M.
The study examined salt-induced alterations in root system architecture across a diverse panel of wild and cultivated tomato accessions, identifying tolerant varieties with distinct lateral root strategies. By combining Bulk Segregant Analysis of an F2 population with GWAS, the authors pinpointed 22 candidate genes, further narrowing to two key regulators through RNA‑Seq and functional assays involving ethylene and ROS profiling. These findings reveal genetic targets for improving salt resilience in tomato root development.
The study examined how genetic variation among 181 wheat (Triticum aestivum) lines influences root endophytic fungal communities using ITS2 metabarcoding. Heritability estimates and GWAS identified 11 QTLs linked to fungal clade composition, highlighting genetic control of mycobiota, especially for biotrophic AMF. These findings suggest breeding can be used to modulate beneficial root-fungal associations.