Publications

Hazai szilva és kökénygenotípusok jellemzése mikroszatellit markerekkel

Simple Sequence Repeat and S-Locus Genotyping to Assist the Genetic Characterization and Breeding of Polyploid Prunus Species, P. spinosa and P. domestica subsp. insititia

Abstract Polyploid Prunus spinosa (2 n = 4 ×) and P. domestica subsp. insititia (2 n = 6 ×) represent enormous genetic potential in Central Europe, which can be exploited in breeding programs. In Hungary, 16 cultivar candidates and a recognized cultivar ‘Zempléni’ were selected from wild-growing populations including ten P. spinosa , four P. domestica subsp. insititia and three P. spinosa × P. domestica hybrids (2 n = 5 ×) were also created. Genotyping in eleven simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci and the multiallelic S -locus was used to characterize genetic variability and achieve a reliable identification of tested accessions. Nine SSR loci proved to be polymorphic and eight of those were highly informative (PIC values ˃ 0.7). A total of 129 SSR alleles were identified, which means 14.3 average allele number per locus and all accessions but two clones could be discriminated based on unique SSR fingerprints. A total of 23 S-RNase alleles were identified and the complete and partial S -genotype was determined for 10 and 7 accessions, respectively. The DNA sequence was determined for a total of 17 fragments representing 11 S-RNase alleles. ‘Zempléni’ was confirmed to be self-compatible carrying at least one non-functional S-RNase allele ( S J ). Our results indicate that the S -allele pools of wild-growing P. spinosa and P. domestica subsp. insititia are overlapping in Hungary. Phylogenetic and principal component analyses confirmed the high level of diversity and genetic differentiation present within the analysed accessions and indicated putative ancestor–descendant relationships. Our data confirm that S -locus genotyping is suitable for diversity studies in polyploid Prunus species but non-related accessions sharing common S -alleles may distort phylogenetic inferences.

Origin and dissemination of the pollen‐part mutated <i>S</i>_C haplotype which confers self‐compatibility in apricot (<i>Prunus armeniaca</i>)

• In China, its centre of origin, apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is self-incompatible. However, most European cultivars are self-compatible. In most cases, self-compatibility is a result of a loss-of-function mutation within the pollen gene (SFB) in the SC haplotype. Controlled pollinations performed in this work revealed that the cross 'Ceglédi óriás' (S8S9) × 'Ceglédi arany' (SCS9) set well, as expected, but the reciprocal cross did not. • Apricot S8, S9 and SC haplotypes were analysed using a multilevel approach including fruit set evaluation, pollen tube growth analysis, RNase activity assays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and DNA sequencing of the S-RNase and SFB alleles. • SFB 8 was revealed to be the first known progenitor allele of a naturally occurring self-compatibility allele in Prunus, and consequently SC = . The first intron of SC-RNase is a phase one intron, indicating its more recent evolutionary origin compared with the second intron. Sequence analysis of different cultivars revealed that more single nucleotide polymorphisms accumulated in SC-RNase than in SFBC. New methods were designed to allow high-throughput analysis of S genotypes of apricot cultivars and selections. • S-RNase sequence data from various sources helped to elucidate the putative origin and dissemination of self-compatibility in apricot conferred by the SC haplotype.

Simple Sequence Repeat Markers Reveal Hungarian Plum (Prunus domestica L.) Germplasm as a Valuable Gene Resource

The hexaploid European plum ( Prunus domestica L.) is an economically important fruit species with limited information on its genetic structure. Our objective was to fingerprint 55 cultivars using seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to estimate the polymorphism level and determine allelic variation and genetic relationships among local and international cultivars. The primer pairs amplified a total of 135 alleles ranging from six to 27 alleles per locus, displaying high polymorphism. All genotypes were clearly distinguished with the seven SSRs used in this study. In a neighbor-joining cluster analysis, cultivars belonging to the same species did not group together. Foreign modern cultivars clustered together, and Hungarian landraces positioned distantly from those. STRUCTURE analysis indicated three genetically distinct groups of the studied genotypes. Each cluster of Hungarian landrace cultivars received strong bootstrap support (89% to 100%). Most genotypes kept under identical name showed different DNA fingerprints. A principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the information provided by the dendrogram and clarified the origin of ʻFehérszilva’. Our results confirmed the potential of the application of SSR markers in plum breeding.

Effects of low temperature stress on ferritin or aldose reductase overexpressing transgenic tobacco plants

The alfalfa ferritin overproducing CaMVF9 transgenic tobacco and the alfalfa aldose reductase overexpressing ALR1/9 line showed higher Fv/Fm ratios than SR1 plants during ROS generating low temperature stress. The chlorophyll content of CaMVF9 and ALR1/9 lines proved to be much more favourable than that of SR1 plants whereas there was no difference in the electrolyte leakage. Activities of all the tested antioxidant enzymes (POD, CAT, APX, GR, GST) in the leaves were significantly higher in CaMVF9 and ALR1/9 lines, the malondialdehyde content was significantly lowered in the transgenic lines. The antioxidant enzyme systems induced through several redox-signalling mechanisms have simultaneously contributed to the greater tolerance of CaMVF9 and ALR1/9 lines. Acta Biol Szeged 46(3-4):97-98 (2002)

Self-incompatibility in pears (Pyrus communis L., Pyrus serotina Rehd. and Pyrus ussuriensis) Review

Self-incompatibility system and allele pool of three different pear species, European pear (Pyrus communis), Japanese pear (P. serotina) and Chinese pear (P ussuriensis) are displayed. Several inconsistencies and the absence of the harmonization of three different allele series are revealed in the European pears. By collecting data from several reports eight incompatibility groups of Japanese pear cultivars could be established. A self-compatible genotype is analysed in details and shown to be a stylar-part mutant. As Japanese pear was the first fruit tree species from which S-ribonucleases were identified, the history of S-genotyping from the beginning to the latest achievements and technical developments can be also monitored from the experiments enumerated. In Chinese pears, seven S-alleles and one incompatibility group could be identified.

Non-TIR-NBS-LRR resistance gene analogs in apricot (<i>Prunus armeniaca</i>L.)

Antioxidant capacity, total phenolics and mineral element contents in fruits of Hungarian sour cherry cultivars

Several epidemiological studies revealed that the consumption of antioxidant compounds and the risk of atherosclerosis, increased blood pressure or cancer are inversely proportional. Fruits of sour cherry contain a wide range of antioxidant compounds including melatonin, perillyl alcohol, ellagic acid, several flavonoids, polyphenolics, and anthocyanins. This study was carried out to survey the antioxidant power and mineral element content of seven commercial sour cherry cultivars and three cultivar candidates and to assess the influence of some external conditions on fruits' functional properties. Our analysis revealed nearly 5- and 2-fold differences between the lowest and highest antioxidant capacities and total phenolics content, respectively. Some cultivars (`Kántorjánosi' and ‘Újfehértói fürtös') and cultivar candidates (D, 'Petri' and 'Éva') showed outstanding antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content; in addition, mineral element content in fruits of the ‘Újfehértói fürtös' cultivar was also favourable. Redox parameters of fruits were influenced by the cultivation plot or fruit positions within the canopy in about half of the cultivars tested. Genetic background of cultivars forms the decisive factor in determining fruits' antioxidant capacity, although external factors may have also sizeable modifying effects. Enhanced functional properties of the fruit may also be further increased through breeding programs since considerable variation exists within the tested germplasm.

Retraction Note to: Simple Sequence Repeat and S-locus Genotyping to Explore Genetic Variability in Polyploid Prunus spinosa and P. insititia

Foliar application of zinc and its effect on greenhouse grown cucumber

The experiment was conducted to examine the effect of the foliar application of zinc on yield and crop quality and on fruit mineral composition of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus cv. Mustang) which were grown in peat in containers under unheated conditions and were not showing visible signs of zinc deficiency.&#x0D; In the trial the following 3 treatments were set up in 4 replications: Znl = 0.35 g/litre Zn, as foliar fertilizer; Zn2 = 0.7 g/litre Zn, as foliar fertilizer, control = no foliar fertilization. Foliar fertilization was applied 5 times with 10 day intervals. After their planting out the plants were fertigated daily with water soluble complex fertilisers. Fruits were harvested twice a week, 16 times in all, and were divided into three quality classes (class I, class II and substandard). Shoot length of the plants (plant height) was measured on 3 occasions. Zinc content of the fruits and leaves was analysed at two times.&#x0D; From the results of the trials it can be concluded that the 0.35 g/litre Zn (0.35 mg/ml) foliar fertilisation had beneficial effect on cucumber both in terms of yield and quality. Under the conditions of the experiment (daily fertigation through drip irrigation) the effect of a more concentrated foliar application of zinc seemed less beneficial.&#x0D; The zinc content of the fruits showed no evident increase in response to foliar fertilization, while a significant increase was seen in the leaves, particularly with the more concentrated Zn treatment. This indicates that in the case of cucumber zinc, through its assimilation in vegetative parts, has an indirect effect on fruit development.

Optimization of RNA isolation from stone fruits at different ripening stages

This study was conducted to select the most appropriate RNA isolation method that can be used successfully in case of stone fruits. The changing pattern of gene expression during the ripening process of stone fruits may elucidate the molecular background of several phenotypical or phytochemical alterations present among different genotypes. Our laboratory aims to study the expression of genes encoding for enzymes that catalyze crucial steps in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. RNA isolation from fruit mesocarp is a challanging task due to high levels of sugars and polyphenolics accumulating during fruit development. Therefore, at first, the optimal techniques eligible for RNA isolation from fruit tissues at different ripening stages must be selected. Our study compares three different RNA isolation protocols and describes their potential applicability according to different fruit species and ripening stages.

Self-(in)compatibility and fruit set in 19 local Moroccan apricot (<i>Prunus armeniaca</i>L.) genotypes

SummarySelf-compatibility and fruit set were assessed in 19 local apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes identified in four different oasis ecosystems in southern Morocco. Observations on pollen tube growth, as well as examinations of the fruit-set percentages obtained after self-pollination in the field, established the compatibility of their pollen. Fourteen genotypes from different geographical origins were self-compatible, with fruit set percentages ranging from 14.8 – 42.2%, whereas five were self-incompatible, with no fruit set. Consequently, almost all the local apricot genotypes propagated by seed in oasis ecosystems in southern Morocco proved to be self-compatible. In addition, the fruit-set percentages after open-pollination showed high variability among genotypes from the same oasis, among locations, and in the 2 years of study, with medium-to-high fruit set percentages for all genotypes, ranging from 11.9 – 30.1%. Self-compatibility has therefore been identified for the first time, not only in Moroccan apricot genotypes, but also in the North African Prunus gene pool.

LC–MS based metabolic fingerprinting of apricot pistils after self-compatible and self-incompatible pollinations

LC-MS based metabolomics approach revealed that putative metabolites other than flavonoids may significantly contribute to the sexual compatibility reactions in Prunus armeniaca. Possible mechanisms on related microtubule-stabilizing effects are provided. Identification of metabolites playing crucial roles in sexual incompatibility reactions in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) was the aim of the study. Metabolic fingerprints of self-compatible and self-incompatible apricot pistils were created using liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry followed by untargeted compound search. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed 15 significant differential compounds among the total of 4006 and 1005 aligned metabolites in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Total explained variance of 89.55% in principal component analysis (PCA) indicated high quality of differential expression analysis. The statistical analysis showed significant differences between genotypes and pollination time as well, which demonstrated high performance of the metabolic fingerprinting and revealed the presence of metabolites with significant influence on the self-incompatibility reactions. Finally, polyketide-based macrolides similar to peloruside A and a hydroxy sphingosine derivative are suggested to be significant differential metabolites in the experiment. These results indicate a strategy of pollen tubes to protect microtubules and avoid growth arrest involved in sexual incompatibility reactions of apricot.

Három körösztyén leány. Az első magyar nyelvű dráma. Közreadja Dömötör Adrienne

Identification, isolation and bioinformatic analysis of squalene synthase-like cDNA fragments in Botryococcus terribilis AICB 870 strain.

Interaction of Antagonistic Micro-Organism and Fusarium Strains on Root of Seedlings of Wheat Cultivars

APRICOT SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY SHOWS MORE COMPLEX PICTURE THAN BELIEVED: AN URGE FOR HARMONIZATION

DNA-based S-genotyping of Japanese Plum and Pluot Cultivars to Clarify Incompatibility Relationships

Diploid japanese plum ( Prunus salicina Lindl.) cultivars are commonly self-incompatible. To date, 14 incompatibility alleles ( S -alleles) have been identified and labeled with alphabetical ( S a - S n ) and 5 with numeric codes ( S 1 , S 3 - S 6 ). We applied polymerase chain reaction amplification of the S -RNase alleles with degenerate and allele-specific primers in 10 japanese plum cultivars and two pluots of unknown incompatibility alleles. Besides DNA sequencing, an additional method for the exact length determination of the first intron region was used for the first time for S -genotype japanese plums. The S 3 -allele was shown to correspond to S k in the alphabetic nomenclature, S 4 to S c , S 5 to S e , and S 6 to S f . The S 5 -allele-specific primer can be used as a reliable marker for self-compatibility in japanese plum. ‘Black Amber’, ‘October Sun’, ‘TC Sun’, and ‘Super Giant’ share the S b S c genotype, which was confirmed by test crosses. These cultivars belong to the widest incompatibility group currently known in japanese plum. An additional incompatibility group ( S c S h ) was established, including ‘Green Sun’ and ‘Queen Rosa’, a cultivar formerly known as a universal donor. By incorporating all previous and recent results, a table was assembled including 49 cultivars assigned to I–VII incompatibility groups, to the self-compatible group and to the group O of unique genotypes. These data may considerably contribute to further growing and breeding activities.