A critical step to maximize the usefulness of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in plant breeding is the identification and validation of candidate genes underlying genetic associations. This is of particular importance in disease resistance breeding where allelic variants of resistance genes often confer resistance to distinct populations, or races, of a pathogen. Here, we perform a genome-wide association analysis of rice blast resistance in 500 genetically diverse rice accessions. To facilitate candidate gene identification, we produce de-novo genome assemblies of ten rice accessions with various rice blast resistance associations.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–associated degradation (ERAD) plays key roles in controlling protein levels and quality in eukaryotes. The Ring Finger Protein 185 (RNF185)/membralin ubiquitin ligase complex was recently identified as a branch in mammals and is essential for neuronal function, but its function in plant development is unknown. Here, we report the map-based cloning and characterization of Narrow Leaf and Dwarfism 1 (NLD1)

Increasing planting density is a key strategy to enhance maize yields^1-3. An ideotype for dense planting requires a ‘smart canopy’ with leaf angles at different canopy layers differentially optimized to maximize light interception and photosynthesis^4-6, amongst other features. Here, we identified leaf angle architecture of smart canopy 1 (lac1), a natural mutant possessing upright upper leaves, less erect middle leaves and relatively flat lower leaves.

Seed dormancy in wild cowpea may be useful in breeding cultivated cowpea with pre-harvest sprouting resistance. A previous study identified a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for seed dormancy, Sdp1.1+ , using the population of the cross between cultivated cowpea ‘JP81610’ and wild cowpea ‘JP89083.’ However, the molecular basis of seed dormancy in cowpea is not yet known. In this study, we aimed to finely map the locus Sdp1.1+ and identify candidate gene(s) for it.

Blast disease caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most devastating rice diseases. Disease resistance genes such as Pi-ta or Pi-ta2 are critical in protecting rice production from blast. Published work reports that Pi-ta codes for a nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat domain protein (NLR) that recognizes the fungal protease-like effector AVR-Pita by direct binding.

The identification of drought stress regulatory genes is essential for the genetic improvement of maize yield. Deoxyribonucleic acid binding with one finger (Dof), a plant-specific transcription factor family, is involved in signal transduction, morphogenesis, and environmental stress responses. In present study, by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and gene co-expression network analysis, 15 putative Dof genes were identified from maize that respond to drought and rewatering.

Seed vigor is an important trait in crop breeding; however, the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms governing this trait in rapeseed remain largely unknown. In the present study, vigor-related traits were analyzed in seeds from a doubled haploid (DH) rapeseed (Brassica napus) population grown in 2 different environments using seeds stored for 7, 5, and 3 years under natural storage conditions.

Abiotic stresses limit the quantity and quality of rice grain production, which is considered a strategic crop in many countries. In this study, a meta-analysis of different microarray data at seedling stage was performed to investigate the effects of multiple abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, cold situation, high temperature, alkali condition, iron, aluminum, and heavy metal toxicity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium deficiency) on rice. Comparative analysis between multiple abiotic stress groups and their control groups indicated 561 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), among which 422 and 139 genes were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively.

Strigolactones (SLs) are a new class of plant hormones that play a significant role in regulating various aspects of plant growth promotion, stress tolerance and influence the rhizospheric microbiome. GR24 is a synthetic SL analog used in scientific research to understand the effects of SL on plants and to act as a plant growth promoter. This study aimed to conduct hormonal seed priming at different concentrations of GR24 (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 µM with and without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation in selected aerobic rice varieties (CR Dhan 201, CR Dhan 204, CR Dhan 205, and CR Dhan 207),

Peppers (Capsicum spp.) rank among the most widely consumed spices globally. Fruit color, serving as a determinant for use in food colorants and cosmeceuticals and an indicator of nutritional contents, significantly influences market quality and price. Cultivated Capsicum species display extensive phenotypic diversity, especially in fruit coloration.