Regulation of Carotenoid Biosynthesis and Degradation in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from Seedlings to Harvest.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the commercially important leafy vegetables worldwide. However, lettuce cultivars vary widely in their carotenoid concentrations at the time of harvest. While the carotenoid content of lettuce can depend on transcript levels of key biosynthetic enzymes, genes that can act as biomarkers for carotenoid accumulation at early stages of plant growth have not been identified. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis was performed on the inner and outer leaves of the six cultivars at different developmental stages to identify gene-to-metabolite networks affecting the accumulation of two key carotenoids, ß-carotene and lutein. Statistical analysis, including principal component analysis, was used to better understand variations in carotenoid concentration between leaf age and cultivars. Our results demonstrate that key enzymes of carotenoid biosynthesis pathway can alter lutein and ß-carotene biosynthesis across commercial cultivars. To ensure high carotenoids content in leaves, the metabolites sink from ß-carotene and lutein to zeaxanthin, and subsequently, abscisic acid needs to be regulated. Based on 2-3-fold carotenoids increase at 40 days after sowing (DAS) as compared to the seedling stage, and 1.5-2-fold decline at commercial stage (60 DAS) compared to the 40 DAS stage, we conclude that the value of lettuce for human nutrition would be improved by use of less mature plants, as the widely-used commercial stage is already at plant senescence stage where carotenoids and other essential metabolites are undergoing degradation.

Host Suitability of Lettuce and Bean Germplasm for Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica Isolates from Spain.

Meloidogyne spp. are an important threat to horticulture and cause substantial yield losses. Plant resistance is an alternative control method for chemical nematicides. This study highlights the host suitability of the lettuces cultivars Grand Rapids and Salinas 88 and the beans cultivars Aporé, Cornell 49242, Macarrão Atibaia and Ouro Negro to four Meloidogyne incognita and seven M. javanica isolates from Spain in a pot experiment. Moreover, the response of these cultivars to increasing M. incognita densities (Pi) was assessed in a plastic greenhouse. The lettuce cultivar Regina 71 and the bean cultivar Bolinha were included as susceptible standards for comparison. It was found that Grand Rapids and Salinas 88 lettuces were resistant to the most nematode isolates in the pot experiment but were classified as slightly and moderately resistant, respectively, in the plastic greenhouse at increasing Pi. Regarding the beans, Aporé was resistant to the majority of the Meloidogyne isolates whereas Macarrão Atibaia and Ouro Negro were slightly resistant and Cornell 49242 was susceptible in the pot experiment. In the plastic greenhouse, Aporé was the only cultivar able to effectively suppress the nematode reproduction irrespective of Pi, while Ouro Negro became less resistant as Pi increased. These results play an important role in enhancing the effective and ecofriendly Meloidogyne management strategies.

Thermal disruption of the food matrix of biofortified lettuce varieties modifies absorption of carotenoids by Caco-2 cells.

Amongst green leafy vegetables, new varieties of lettuce enriched in lutein and ß-carotene are being developed to provide increased supply of dietary carotenoids. We investigated the effect of lettuce genotypes (varieties) and thermal treatments on lutein and ß-carotene bioaccessibility to the micellar fraction (and also carotenoid bioavailability) using a human Caco-2 cell model system. Carotenoid absorption by mammalian cells is not correlated with initial carotenoid concentration in fresh lettuce leaves. While thermal treatment of lettuce leaves increases carotenoid availability, resulting in higher lutein and ß-carotene absorption, disruption of the food matrix by prior cooking results in reduced carotenoid levels and transfer to the micellar fraction. Unless the food matrix is disrupted through breeding or post-harvest treatments, absorption of carotenoids from biofortified lettuce remains similar to lettuce cultivars with low carotenoid levels. Genetic improvement programs for biofortified lettuce varieties need to focus on increasing the carotenoid bioavailability from the food matrix.

New insights into tomato microRNAs.

Cultivated tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, is one of the most common fruits in the global food industry. Together with the wild tomato Solanum pennellii, it is widely used for developing better cultivars. MicroRNAs affect mRNA regulation, inhibiting its translation and/or promoting its degradation. Important proteins involved in these processes are ARGONAUTE and DICER. This study aimed to identify and characterize the genes involved in the miRNA processing pathway, miRNA molecules and target genes in both species. We validated the presence of pathway genes and miRNA in different NGS libraries and 6 miRNA families using quantitative RT-PCR. We identified 71 putative proteins in S. lycopersicum and 108 in S. pennellii likely involved in small RNAs processing. Of these, 29 and 32 participate in miRNA processing pathways, respectively. We identified 343 mature miRNAs, 226 pre-miRNAs in 87 families, including 192 miRNAs, which were not previously identified, belonging to 38 new families in S. lycopersicum. In S. pennellii, we found 388 mature miRNAs and 234 pre-miRNAs contained in 85 families. All miRNAs found in S. pennellii were unpublished, being identified for the first time in our study. Furthermore, we identified 2471 and 3462 different miRNA target in S. lycopersicum and S. pennellii, respectively.

Reação de genótipos de batata-doce a nematóides de galhas em condições de temperatura elevada / Reaction of genotypes of the sweet potato to nematode galls in high temperature conditions

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a reação de genótipos de batata-doce oriundos de sementes botânicas quanto a nematóides de galhas (M. incognita raça 2 e M. javanica) em condições de temperatura elevada. Para cada espécie de nematóides, foi instalado um experimento utilizando o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três repetições. Foram avaliados 25 genótipos dos quais 20 são famílias de meios-irmãos (oriundo de um campo de policruzamento); cinco cultivares (Amanda, Ana Clara, Bárbara, Duda e Marcela) e a cultivar de tomate Santa Clara, suscetível aos nematóides. A classificação da resistência foi feita pelo Índice de Reprodução (IR%), no período mais quente do ano (janeiro/fevereiro), sobre condições temperatura média do solo de 26 ºC na região Sul do Estado do Tocantins. Avaliou-se também o número médio de galhas por sistema radicular, tamanho médio das galhas e posicionamento das galhas. Em condição de temperatura elevada, a espécie M. javanica foi mais agressiva do que M. incognita raça 2, originando galhas em maior número e de maior tamanho, principalmente nas raízes secundárias. Os genótipos BDFMI-16, BDFMI-78, Bárbara e Marcela são resistentes a M. incognita raça 2. Para o isolado M. javanica, o genótipo BDFMI-04 e BDFMI-16 e as cultivares Amanda e Duda são classificados como muito resistentes. O genótipo BDFMI-16 resistente a M. incognita raça 2 e M. javanica é promissor para uso no Estado do Tocantins ou então compor programas de melhoramento cujo objetivo é desenvolver genótipos resistentes às duas espécies de nematóides.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of sweet potato genotypes derived from botanical seed gall nematode (M. incognita race 2 and M. javanica) in high temperature conditions. For each species of nematodes, an experiment was conducted using completely randomized design with three replications. Were evaluated 25 genotypes of which 20 are half-sib families (coming from a field polycross); five cultivars (Amanda, Ana Clara, Barbara Duda and Marcela) and tomato cultivar Santa Clara, susceptible to nematodes. The classification was made by the resistance Rendering Index (IR%), the hottest period of the year (January/February) on average soil temperature conditions of 26 ° C in the southern region of the State of Tocantins. Also evaluated the mean number of galls per root system galled average size and positioning of the gall. Under high temperature condition, the species M. javanica was more aggressive than M. incognita race 2, causing galls in greater numbers and larger, especially in the secondary roots. Genotypes BDFMI-16, BDFMI-78, and cultivars Barbara and Marcela are resistant M. incognita race 2. To isolate M. javanica, the genotype BDFMI-04 and BDFMI-16 and cultivars Amanda and Duda are classified as very resistant. Genotype BDFMI 16 resistant M. incognita race 2 and M. javanica is promising for use in the State of Tocantins and then compose breeding programs aimed at developing genotypes resistant to both nematode species.

Identificação de linhagens avançadas de alface quanto à resistência a Meloidogyne javanica / Identification of advanced lineages of lettuce resistant to Meloidogyne javanica

Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, avaliar o comportamento de linhagens de alface quanto à resistência ao nematoide das galhas Meloidogyne javanica, identificando a provável existência de linhagens homozigotas para o caráter. Foram utilizados como tratamentos cinco linhagens F4 e seis linhagens F5, juntamente com as testemunhas 'Grand Rapids' (resistente) e 'Regina 71' (suscetível), além da cultivar de tomateiro Santa Clara. A semeadura foi feita em bandejas de poliestireno expandido, sendo o substrato infestado com ovos de M. javanica, na proporção de 30 ovos cm-3 de substrato. Aos quarenta e sete dias após a infestação, cada planta foi avaliada individualmente quanto aos seguintes caracteres: índice visual de galhas, número de ovos, fator de reprodução e índice de reprodução. Cada linhagem foi comparada com as testemunhas 'Regina 71' e 'Grand Rapids', para cada característica, através do teste de Dunnett (5 por cento), obtendo-se a significância em relação a cada uma das testemunhas, permitindo a classificação de cada linhagem como homozigota resistente, homozigota suscetível ou segregante. Pelos resultados obtidos conclui-se que seis linhagens (AFX 018C 002 23 15, AFX 018C 002 23 22, AFX 018C 005 42 20, AFX 018C 005 44 22, AFX 018C 005 44 28 e AFX 022B 010 31) foram consideradas homozigotas resistentes para as características avaliadas, podendo ser utilizadas como novas fontes de resistência ao M. javanica em programas de melhoramento de alface.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the behavior of lettuce lineages as for resistence to nematode from the Meloidogyne javanica root-knots, identifying probable existence of homozigote lineages for the characteristics. Five F4 and six F5 lineages were used as treatments together with the controls 'Grand Rapids' (resistent) and 'Regina 71' (susceptible), apart from the Santa Clara tomato plant cultivar. The sowing was done over expanded polystyrene trays with the substrate infested by M. javanica eggs in the proportion of 30 eggs cm-3 of substrat. At 47 days after infestation, each plant was evaluated individually as for the following characteristics: visual level of root-knots, number of eggs, level and factor of reproduction. Every lineage was compared to the 'Regina 71' and 'Grand Rapids' for each characteristic, through Dunnett (5 percent) test, obtaining the significance in relation to each control, allowing the classification of each lineage as resistant homozigote, susceptible homozigote or segregated. The results obtained showed that six lineages (AFX 018C 002 23 15, AFX 018C 002 23 22, AFX 018C 005 42 20, AFX 018C 005 44 22, AFX 018C 005 44 28 and AFX 022B 010 31) were considered resistant homozigote for the evaluated characteristics, and maybe being used as new sources of resistance to M. javanica in lettuce breeding program.

Combining ability of summer-squash lines with different degrees of parthenocarpy and PRSV-W resistance.

The aim was to assess heterosis in a set of 16 summer-squash hybrids, and evaluate the combining capacity of the respective parental lines, which differed as to the degree of parthenocarpy and resistance to PRSV-W (Papaya Ringspot Virus-Watermelon strain). The hybrids were obtained using a partial diallel cross design (4 × 4). The lines of parental group I were 1 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-01-01-bulk, 2 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-03-10-bulk, 3 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-01-04-bulk and 4 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-05-01-bulk, and of group II, 1' = ABX-037G-77-03-05-04-08-bulk, 2' = ABX-037G-77-03-05-02-11-bulk, 3' = Clarice and 4' = Caserta. The 16 hybrids and eight parental lines were evaluated for PRSV-W resistance, parthenocarpic expression and yield in randomized complete-block designs, with three replications. Parthenocarpy and the resistance to PRSV-W were rated by means of a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = non-parthenocarpic or high resistance to PRSV-W, and 5 = parthenocarpic or high susceptibility to PRSV-W. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were important in the expression of parthenocarpy and resistance to PRSV-W. Whereas estimates of heterosis in parthenocarpy usually tended towards a higher degree, resistance to PRSV-W was towards higher susceptibility. At least one F(1) hybrid was identified with a satisfactory degree of parthenocarpy, resistance to PRSV-W and high fruit-yield.

Combining ability of summer-squash lines with different degrees of parthenocarpy and PRSV-W resistance

The aim was to assess heterosis in a set of 16 summer-squash hybrids, and evaluate the combining capacity of the respective parental lines, which differed as to the degree of parthenocarpy and resistance to PRSV-W (Papaya Ringspot Virus-Watermelon strain). The hybrids were obtained using a partial diallel cross design (4 x 4). The lines of parental group I were 1 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-01-01-bulk, 2 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-03-10-bulk, 3 = ABX-037G77-03-05-01-04-bulk and 4 = ABX-037G-77-03-05-05-01-bulk, and of group II, 1' = ABX-037G-77-03-05-04-08-bulk, 2' = ABX-037G-77-03-05-02-11-bulk, 3' = Clarice and 4' = Caserta. The 16 hybrids and eight parental lines were evaluated for PRSV-W resistance, parthenocarpic expression and yield in randomized complete-block designs, with three replications. Parthenocarpy and the resistance to PRSV-W were rated by means of a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 = non-parthenocarpic or high resistance to PRSV-W, and 5 = parthenocarpic or high susceptibility to PRSV-W. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were important in the expression of parthenocarpy and resistance to PRSV-W. Whereas estimates of heterosis in parthenocarpy usually tended towards a higher degree, resistance to PRSV-W was towards higher susceptibility. At least one F1 hybrid was identified with a satisfactory degree of parthenocarpy, resistance to PRSV-W and high fruit-yield.

heterose e capacidade combinatória de linhagens de tomateiro ricas em acilaçúcares / Heterosis and combining ability of acylsugar-rich tomato lines

Com o presente trabalho, objetivou-se estimar a capacidade combinatória de linhagens de tomate ricas em acilaçúcares (AA) quando cruzadas com linhagens com baixo teor de acilaçúcares e estudar a expressão da heterose nos híbridos obtidos. O experimento foi realizado no campo da HortiAgro Sementes Ltda, localizada em Ijaci-MG. O material genético foi constituído de seis híbridos experimentais em esquema de dialelo parcial, constituído de três genitores masculinos (grupo I, com altos teores de acilaçúcares) e dois genitores femininos (grupo II, com baixos teores). Foram avaliadas as características: massa média de fruto (g fruto-1) e produção por hectare (t ha-1). As linhagens TOM-687 e TOM-688 (ricas em AA e resistentes a pragas) apresentaram estimativas positivas dos efeitos de capacidade geral de combinação, para massa média de frutos, e estimativas negativas, para produção, o que significa que elas contribuíram positivamente para aumento no tamanho do fruto, mas reduziram a produtividade dos híbridos. Já a linhagem TOM-689, ao contrário das duas anteriores, contribuiu para reduzir o tamanho do fruto, mas contribuiu para aumentar a produtividade dos híbridos. Os híbridos obtidos do cruzamento de linhagens com altos teores de acilaçúcares mostraram-se competitivas quando comparadas a híbridos comerciais encontrados no mercado. As melhores combinações híbridos foram obtidas quando as linhas com altos teores de acilaçúcares foram cruzadas com a linhagem elite TOM-684.

The objective of this work was to assess heterosis and combining ability of tomato lines with high acylsugar (AS) content (group I) and lines with low AS (group II) used to produce AS-rich tomato hybrids. The trial was carried out at the seed production station of the HortiAgro Sementes Ltda., at Ijaci-MG. The genetic material consisted of six experimental hybrids obtained from crosses between three male parents with high AS (group I) and two female parents with low AS (group II). Average fruit weight (g fruit-1) and total yield (t ha-1) were the traits assessed. The AS-rich pest-resistant lines TOM-687 and TOM-688 showed positive estimates of general combining ability for average fruit mass and negative for yield, increasing fruit size, and reducing the yield of the hybrids. Unlike the two previous lines, TOM-689 presented negative estimates for fruit mass and positive for fruit yield. The data showed that it is feasible to get competitive hybrids from lines with AS sugar content. The best hybrids were produced when these lines were crossed with TOM-684.

Capacidade de combinação de linhagens elite de pimentão (Capsicum annuum L.) / Combining ability among lines of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade de combinação de linhagens elite de pimentão (Capisicum annuum L.), identificar combinações híbridas superiores quanto à qualidade de frutos, e inferir sobre os modos de ação gênica envolvidos na expressão dos caracteres relacionados à qualidade dos frutos. Para isto, foram realizados cruzamentos dialélicos para obtenção de híbridos, sendo analisados segundo o esquema dialélico parcial tipo North Carolina II, estimando-se a capacidade geral (CGC) de cada genitor dentro de cada grupo, bem como as capacidades específicas (CEC) de combinação para cada combinação de genitores. Os híbridos experimentais apresentaram heterose para diâmetro de fruto e profundidade de inserção de pedúnculo. A característica profundidade de inserção do pedúnculo é condicionada, predominantemente, por alelos recessivos. Os melhores híbridos, com perspectivas para uso comercial foram F1 (L-3436 x L-004), F1 (L-3513 x L-004) e F1 (L-3509 x L-004). Foram obtidos valores positivos de heterose padrão variando de 1,47 a 30,04 por cento para diâmetro de fruto, de 2,57 a 83,71 por cento para profundidade de inserção do pedúnculo, em relação à cultivar híbrida F1 Magali-R.

The work had the aim to evaluating the combining ability among sweet pepper breeding lines, identify superior hybrids for fruit quality, and to infer on the mode of gene action involved in the expression fruit quality. North Carolina-II scheme partial diallel crosses were obtained, to estimate general combining abilities (GCA) of parental lines and specific combining abilities (SCA) of parental combinations. There was evidence for heterosis among experimental hybrids for fruit diameter and insertion depth of the peduncle. Peduncle insertion depth is conditioned, predominantly, by recessive alleles. Experimental hybrids with commercial potential were F1 (L-3436 x L-004), F1 (L-3513 x L-004) and F1 (L-3509 x L-004). Heterosis values relative to the standard cultivar Magali-R-F1 ranged from 1.47 percent to 30.04 percent for fruit diameter and 2.57 percent to 83.71 percent for insertion depth of the peduncle.

Avaliação técnica e econômica da produção de duas cultivares de alface tipo crespa em função de lâminas de irrigação / Technical and economical evaluation of the production of two crisped type lettuce cultivars as a function of irrigation depths

Objetivou-se, com o presente trabalho, a avaliação técnica e econômica da produção de duas cultivares de alface tipo crespa em função de lâminas de irrigação, cultivadas sob ambiente protegido, na região de Lavras, MG. O experimento foi instalado em casa de vegetação, com delineamento em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de duas cultivares de alface, Verônica e Hortência, e quatro lâminas de irrigação, 75, 100, 125 e 150 por cento de reposição de água, sendo a lâmina de 100 por cento correspondente à tensão da água no solo de 15 kPa. Os resultados permitiram concluir que as duas cultivares apresentaram a mesma tendência com relação ao consumo de água, durante o ciclo de produção (eficiência de uso de água média de 152,27 kg ha-1 mm-1); maiores produtividades (total e comercial) foram obtidas com a aplicação da lâmina de irrigação de 240 mm (121,2 por cento de reposição de água); a máxima produtividade comercial, 33.225 kg ha-1, foi estimada com a aplicação da lâmina de 244,9 mm (123,7 por cento de reposição de água); a lâmina economicamente ótima foi estimada em 244,2 mm, resultando em uma produtividade comercial praticamente igual à máxima física.

The present work had as aim the technical and economical evaluation of the production of two crisped type lettuce cultivars as a function of irrigation depths, cultivated under protected environment in the region of Lavras, MG. The experiment was set up inside greenhouse with randomized block outline in 2 x 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of two lettuce cultivars, Verônica and Hortência, and four irrigation depths, 75, 100, 125 and 150 percent of water replacement, being the depth of 100 percent corresponding the tension of water in the soil of 15 kPa. The results enabled to conclude that the two cultivars of lettuce presented the same trend with regard to water consumption throughout production cycle (water use efficiency medium of 152.27 kg ha-1 mm-1); higher yields (total and commercial) were obtained with the application of the irrigation depth of 240 mm (121.2 percent of water replacement); the maximum commercial yield, 33,225 kg ha-1, was estimated from the application of the depth of 244.9 mm (123.7 percent of water replacement); the economical optimum depth was estimated in 244.2 mm, resulting a commercial yield practically equal to the physical maximum.

Yield and post-harvest quality of tomato hybrids heterozygous at the loci alcobaça, old gold-crimson or high pigment.

The effects of the fruit ripening mutant gene alcobaça (alc) and color development mutants, old gold-crimson (ogc) and high pigment (hp), on yield and post-harvest quality of tomato fruits were investigated. Five tomato hybrids were obtained by crossing near isogenic lines with Flora-Dade background [Flora-Dade (alc+/alc+ ogc+/ogc+ hp+/hp+), TOM-559 (alc/alc ogc+/ogc+ hp+/hp+), TOM-591 (alc/alc ogc/ogc hp+/hp+), TOM-593 (alc/alc ogc+/ogc+ hp/hp), and TOM-589 (alc/alc ogc/ogc hp/hp)] with the pollen parent line Mospomorist (alc+/alc+ ogc+/ogc+ hp+/hp+). Hybrid fruit was harvested at the breaker stage and stored on shelves at 15oC and 60% relative humidity for 16 days, and then evaluated for firmness, development of red color, and carotenoid contents. The different genotypic combinations at the loci alc, ogc and hp had no effect on fruit yield. The alc+/alc hybrid genotype significantly increased fruit firmness and significantly delayed the development of red color in maturing fruit. Simultaneous usage of ogc+/ogc and hp+/hp promoted an increase in the red color and lycopene content of alc+/alc hybrids, but did not have any additional effect on fruit firmness.

Inheritance of resistance to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica in lettuce.

Resistance to the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp. would be a valuable attribute of lettuce Lactuca sativa L. cultivars grown in tropical regions. The looseleaf lettuce 'Grand Rapids' is resistant to both M. incognita and M. javanica. Resistance to M. incognita has a high heritability, under the control of a single gene locus, in which the 'Grand Rapids' allele, responsible for resistance (Me), has predominantly additive gene action, and has incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. We studied the inheritance of the resistance of 'Grand Rapids' (P(2)) to M. javanica in a cross with a standard nematode-susceptible cultivar Regina-71 (P(1)). F(1)(Regina-71 x Grand Rapids) and F(2) seed were obtained, and the F(2) inoculated, along with the parental cultivars, with a known isolate of M. javanica to evaluate nematode resistance. A high broad sense heritability estimate (0.798) was obtained for gall indices. Class distributions of gall indices for generations P(1), P(2), and F(2) were in agreement with theoretical distributions based on a monogenic inheritance model for the range of assumed degrees of dominance between approximately -0.20 and 0.20. M. javanica resistance appears to be under control of a single gene locus, with predominantly additive gene action. Whether or not the Grand Rapids allele imparting resistance to M. javanica is the same Me allele imparting resistance to M. incognita remains to be determined.