Recent advancements in the breeding of sorghum crop: current status and future strategies for marker-assisted breeding.

Sorghum is emerging as a model crop for functional genetics and genomics of tropical grasses with abundant uses, including food, feed, and fuel, among others. It is currently the fifth most significant primary cereal crop. Crops are subjected to various biotic and abiotic stresses, which negatively impact on agricultural production. Developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient cultivars can be achieved through marker-assisted breeding. Such selection has considerably reduced the time to market new crop varieties adapted to challenging conditions. In the recent years, extensive knowledge was gained about genetic markers. We are providing an overview of current advances in sorghum breeding initiatives, with a special focus on early breeders who may not be familiar with DNA markers. Advancements in molecular plant breeding, genetics, genomics selection, and genome editing have contributed to a thorough understanding of DNA markers, provided various proofs of the genetic variety accessible in crop plants, and have substantially enhanced plant breeding technologies. Marker-assisted selection has accelerated and precised the plant breeding process, empowering plant breeders all around the world.

Determination of cadmium accumulation in grains and other plant organs of sorghum varieties.

This research was carried out under greenhouse conditions to examine the Cd accumulation in the organs of some sorghum varieties at the end of cadmium treatment (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 mg kg-1). At the end of a 130-day growing period, the Cd concentrations accumulated in the roots, stems, leaves, and grains of the plants were examined. In the 3 cultivars used in the study, the highest Cd concentration was found in the root of the plants. Unlike Akdari variety, higher cadmium concentrations were detected in the leaves of Beydari and Ogretmenoglu than their stems. While the Cd concentration in the grains of Akdari variety was 4.97 mg kg-1, it was measured as 0.17 mg kg-1 in Beydari and 0.78 mg kg-1 in Ogretmenoglu. The grain/root translocation factor (TF) was determined as 0.48 in Akdari, 0.01 in Beydari, and 0.15 in Ogretmenoglu. It was found that Akdari variety carried more Cd to its grains; so, this variety is not suitable as it poses a risk in human and animal nutrition. On the other hand the Beydari variety was found to transfer the least Cd, which makes it more suitable. Since Ogretmenoglu removed more Cd from the soil than other varieties, it is promising in terms of phytoremediation.

Determining the performance of alfalfa population collected from a narrow agroeceological zone of Turkey / Determinação da população de alfafa coletada em uma estreita zona agroecológica da Turquia

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to determine the yield and quality characteristics of some alfalfa village populations cultivated by producers in Bingol province of Turkey. Alfalfa seeds were obtained from 23 different locations in 2015. A three replicated, randomised complete block designed field trial was established in 2016 including these genotypes and four registered varieties. As a result of three year trials, it was determined that the populations obtained from the villages of Servi, Mutluca, Garip, Sarıçiçek-1 and Bagliisa produced highest green herbage and hay yields. When we compare the quality results, Kumgecit, Küçüktekören and Şenköy-1 populations stands out in terms of crude protein ratio. Highest crude protein yield was obtained from Servi population. In terms of relative feed value, it was observed that the varieties were better qualfied than the populations. It is concluded that the populations of Servi, Mutluca, Garip, Sarıçiçek-1 and Bagliisa can be used in breeding studies especially to obtain genetic progress in yield of alfalfa for feed and bioenergy production. For the genetic improvement of current genotypes with higher crude protein ratio, Kumgecit, Küçüktekören and Şenköy-1 populations can be used as a source. This study showed that, East Anatolia region is not just live-conserving highly diversified species but also covering special intra-species genetic diversity in microclimatic zones of Turkey to be used to improve the global forage and bioenergy cropproduction.

RESUMO: Este estudo foi realizado para determinar as características de rendimento e qualidade de algumas populações de alfafa cultivadas por produtores na província de Bingol, na Turquia. As sementes de alfafa foram obtidas de 23 locais diferentes em 2015. Em 2016, foi estabelecido um ensaio de campo com três repetições, aleatórias e desenvolvido em bloco, incluindo esses genótipos e quatro variedades registradas. Com o resultado de testes de três anos, determinou-se que as populações obtidas nas aldeias de Servi, Mutluca, Garip, Sarıçiçek-1 e Bagliisa produziam maiores colheitas de forragem verde e feno. Quando comparamos os resultados de qualidade, as populações Kumgecit, Küçüktekören e Şenköy-1 se destacam em termos de proporção de proteína bruta. O maior rendimento de proteína bruta foi obtido da população de Servi. Em termos de valor relativo de ração, observou-se que as variedades eram mais qualificadas do que as populações. Conclui-se que as populações de Servi, Mutluca, Garip, Sarıçiçek-1 e Bagliisa podem ser utilizadas em estudos de melhoramento, especialmente para obter progresso genético no rendimento de alfafa para produção de ração e bioenergia. Para o aprimoramento genético dos genótipos atuais com maior proporção de proteína bruta, as populações Kumgecit, Küçüktekören e Şenköy-1 podem ser usadas como fonte. Este estudo mostrou que, a região da Anatólia Oriental não é apenas espécies altamente diversificadas conservadoras de vida, mas também abrange diversidade genética intraespécie especial em zonas microclimáticas da Turquia, a ser usada para melhorar a produção global de forragem e bioenergia.