Resumen Introducción. Las regiones cultivables a menudo carecen de nutrientes suficientes en el suelo, por lo que es necesario utilizar fertilizantes. Sin embargo, el uso excesivo de fertilizantes puede dañar el medioambiente, la salud humana y la seguridad alimentaria. Los reguladores de crecimiento naturales derivados de plantas son respetuosos con el medioambiente y tienen un precio razonable. Las fitohormonas jasmonato de metilo (MeJA) y ácido salicílico (SA) son cruciales para mejorar la biomasa vegetal, la calidad, la productividad y la resistencia a tensiones ambientales. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto foliar de MeJA y SA sobre la calidad y la producción de frutos de cultivares de tomate en condiciones de invernadero. Materiales y métodos. La prueba se llevó a cabo en la Universidad de Diyala, Irak, del 1 de diciembre de 2022 al 5 de junio de 2023. Se evaluaron aplicaciones foliares de 0 mg/L, 200 mg/L de SA y 200 mg/L de MeJA para determinar los efectos sobre calidad de fruto y la producción cultivares de tomate cherry de crecimiento vegetativo indeterminado: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 e IQ2, con un diseño de bloques completos al azar y tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Resultados. El cultivar IQ2 produjo la fruta más pesada (82,13 g), el mayor rendimiento por planta (4,56 kg/planta), el mayor rendimiento total (4,56 t/invernadero) y la mayor acidez titulable (0,62 %). El cultivar LA4013 presentó el mayor número de frutos (612,88 frutos/planta) y el mayor contenido de sólidos solubles totales (2,933 %). La aplicación foliar de SA a 200 mg/L resultó en el índice de clorofila más alto (36,68 SPAD), el mayor número de frutos (373,73 frutos/planta), el mayor rendimiento por planta (3,15 kg/planta) y el mayor rendimiento total (3,93 t/invernadero). Conclusión. Al considerar todas las variables en conjunto, los mejores genotipos fueron IQ2 y LA4013, los cuales resultaron superiores a los demás genotipos en los ensayos de calidad y rendimiento. La aplicación foliar de SA a 200 mg/L mejoró el rendimiento y la calidad de los tomates cherry en condiciones de invernadero.

Abstract Introduction. Arable regions often lack sufficient soil nutrients, which means that fertilizers must be used. However, using fertilizers excessively can harm the environment, human health and food safety. Natural growth regulators derived from plants are environmentally friendly and reasonably priced. The phytohormones methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) are crucial for enhancing plant biomass, quality, productivity and resistance to environmental stresses. Objective. To evaluate the foliar effect of MeJA and SA on fruit quality and production of colorful tomato cultivars under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods. The trial was conducted at the University of Diyala, Iraq, from December 1, 2022, to June 5, 2023. Foliar applications of 0 mg/L, 200 mg/L SA and 200 mg/L MeJA were evaluated to determine their effects on fruit quality and production of colorful indeterminate cherry tomato cultivars: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 and IQ2. A randomized complete block design was used, with each treatment having three replicates. Results. The cultivar IQ2 produced the heaviest fruit (82.13 g), the highest plant yield (4.56 kg/plant), the highest total yield (4.56 t/house) and the highest titratable acidity (0.62 %). The cultivar LA4013 had the highest fruit number (612.88 fruits/plant) and the highest total soluble solids (2.933 %). The foliar application of 200 mg/L SA resulted in the highest chlorophyll index (36.68 SPAD), the highest fruit number (373.73 fruits/plant), the highest plant yield (3.15 kg/plant) and the highest total yield (3.93 t/house). Conclusion. Considering all variables together, the best-performing genotypes were IQ2 and LA4013, which were superior to other genotypes in quality and yield trials. The foliar application of 200 mg/L SA improved both yield and quality of cherry tomatoes under greenhouse conditions.

ABSTRACT Popcorn is a type of maize (Zea mays L. subsp. everta (Sturtev.) Zhuk.) characterized by its popping ability. Popcorn flakes are considered a snack, but they provide various benefits as a part of the human diet. The study sought to examine the variability of 12 popcorn hybrids in kernel yield, popping traits, essential elements, and their potential bioavailability, after microwave popping. The significant variability among genotypes in the concentration of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn was noticed. Microwave popping decreased phytic acid concentration in flakes of 541/1k, ZP 542/1k, ZP 657/1k, ZP 644/1k, ZP 557/1k, and ZP 686/1k (up to 11.8%), thus improving potential bioavailability of examined essential elements. The lowest molar ratio of phytic acid with essential elements in flakes of ZP 644/1k and ZP 557/1k (to 0.2 for Mg, 2.16 for Ca, 7.06 for Fe, 26.9 for Mn and 5.7 for Zn) pointed that they could be considered as a good source of Mg, Fe, and Zn, while flakes of ZP 542/1k could be a good Ca source (1.58 ratio between phytic acid and Ca). This research pointed that popcorn flakes are a rich source of highly available essential elements, and could also be successfully used for other products, such as flour, meal, etc. This implies that genotypes of popcorn maize could be introduced to the biofortification programs, reaching the significance of staple food.

ABSTRACT Armyworm (Spodoptera litura) is the main leaf-damaging pest of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants. The research aims to assess the resistance response of soybean advanced lines against S. litura, evaluate their agronomic performance, and select the best genotypes based on multiple traits. The research was conducted in Malang, Indonesia. The evaluation for armyworm resistance was based on the free-choice test (FCT) and no-choice test (NCT). Each study utilized a randomized complete block design with 38 soybean genotypes and four replicates. The results showed that the NCT exerted a higher intensity of leaf damage and greater insect pest pressure compared to the FCT. Two soybean genotypes (G17 and G19) consistently demonstrated resistance to S. litura in both the FCT and NCT. Soybean seed yield has a significant positive correlation with plant height, number of filled pods, number of nodes, and number of branches, thus those characters could be used as indirect selection criteria for soybean yield. The selection based on GT Biplot revealed that G38 (resistant-control variety) and G17 had the best performance for resistance to S. litura, but did not exhibit significantly high seed yield. In contrast, G16 exhibited high yield performance but susceptibility to S. litura. The G36 was the best performer for the number of filled pods, number of nodes, number of branches, plant height, and 100-seed weight, despite being relatively less resistant to S. litura. G17 and G19 are promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding and armyworm-resistant soybean varieties.

ABSTRACT Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) is one of the important diseases in corn (Zea mays L.) plants in Indonesia and causes yield losses about 27% to 90%. One of the controls to suppress TLB is using resistant cultivars. This study aims to evaluate the resistance of hybrid corn genotypes to TLB and determine its effect on the epidemic components of the disease. There are four hybrid corn genotypes HCG11, HCG12, HCG13, and HCG14 that were tested with comparison cultivars used are P36, PAC339, NK8103, BISI18, and Anoman. Observation of TLB severity was carried out when plants were 60, 70, 80, and 90 d after plant. The study was prepared using a randomized group design consisting of nine treatments and repeated three times. The observational data were statistically analyzed and continued with least significant different (LSD) test. Analysis of disease progression models in the field was carried out based on goodness of fit tests, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and path analysis. The results showed that only the HCG11 genotype showed a somewhat resistant reaction to TLB disease with disease severity of 33.94%, significantly lower than the comparison cvs. PAC339, BISI18, and Anoman in the 5% LSD test. The epidemic component of the disease also showed that the HCG11 genotype had the lowest AUDPC value and infection rate with the highest protection index against TLB disease. Path analysis showed that relative humidity, temperature, precipitation, and wind speed had a significant effect on the progression of TLB disease.

ABSTRACT Jambu is important nationally and internationally for its dietary and medicinal use, notably for espilanthol. Despite its versatility, breeding work is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate aerial traits and estimate genetic parameters in jambu accesses to support a breeding program. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Universidade Federal da Amazônia, Capitão Poço campus. The treatments included 172 genotype clones from seven municipalities in the Northeast mesoregion, obtained from a farmer’s market. Seedlings were cloned and transplanted after three weeks. The design was completely randomized with three replications and 20 cm × 20 cm spacing. At harvest, genotypes were manually removed and taken to the Campus Agricultural Engineering Laboratory to measure 17 aerial part traits. Variance components, genotypic values, and genetic parameters were estimated using REML/BLUP methodology. Genetic and phenotypic correlation matrices and selection gains of 75, 50, and 25% of the genotypes were calculated. Significant genetic variance and high heritability were observed for traits such as plant fresh mass, leaf fresh mass, and stem fresh mass, which are favorable for selection. Indirect selection can enhance leaf and capitula mass without significantly increasing stem diameter. Selecting 50% of the population yields good selection gains without compromising genetic variability.

RESUMO Devido à alta importância do milho como cultura de subsistência e do melhor uso dos recursos hídricos em região semiárida, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar o potencial agronômico, a heterose e a heterobeltiose em diferentes categorias genéticas de híbridos de milho na região semiárida, sob condições de cultivo em sequeiro e irrigação com águas residuais. Foram avaliados 10 genótipos de milho, e suas 45 combinações híbridas, além de cinco genótipos como testemunhas, em regime de sequeiro e sob irrigação com água residuária. Estimou-se a altura da planta, altura da espiga e a produtividade de grãos. Observou-se heterose e heterobeltiose positivas em ambos os ambientes para os híbridos H1, H13, H16, H32, H35, H5, H8 e H9. Os genótipos P2, P3 e P9 mostraram-se como potenciais genitores para criação de novas variedades híbridas de milho no semiárido sergipano. Observou-se maiores desempenhos em regime irrigado com água de reuso, apresentando-se como uma excelente estratégia para a produção de milho em região semiárida. Os híbridos formados pela combinação de variedade × híbrido intervarietal [F1(P1 × P2), F1(P1 × P5)], variedade × híbrido simples [F1(P2 × P6), F1(P2 × P9), F1(P5 × P7) e F1(P5 × P10)], híbrido intervarietal × híbrido simples [F1(P1 × P6) e F1(P1 × P9)] e híbrido duplo [F1(P1 × P10)] sinalizam novas opções de cultivo em região semiárida.

ABSTRACT Considering the high importance of maize as a subsistence crop and the need for optimal use of water resources in semi-arid regions, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic potential, heterosis, and heterobeltiosis within different genetic categories of maize hybrids grown in a semi-arid region in Sergipe, Brazil, under rainfed and wastewater irrigation systems. Ten maize genotypes, their 45 hybrid combinations, and five commercial genotypes as controls were evaluated based on plant height, ear height, and grain yield. Positive heterosis and heterobeltiosis were found under both growing environments for hybrids H1, H13, H16, H32, H35, H5, H8, and H9. Genotypes P2, P3, and P9 were identified as potential parents for the development of new hybrid maize varieties for growing in the semi-arid region of Sergipe. Better agronomic performance was found for the wastewater irrigation system, indicating an excellent strategy for maize production under semi-arid conditions. The hybrids formed by the combination of variety × intervarietal hybrid [F1 (P1 × P2), F1 (P1 × P5)], variety × single hybrid [F1 (P2 × P6), F1 (P2 × P9), F1 (P5 × P7), and F1 (P5 × P10)], intervarietal hybrid × single hybrid [F1 (P1 × P6) and F1 (P1 × P9)], and double hybrid [F1 (P1 × P10)] indicate promising hybrid candidates for maize crops in semi-arid regions.

ABSTRACT The early seedling stage is one of the most vulnerable and critical growth stages in the plant life cycle and determines the final plant stand and yield. Corn hybrids have distinct degrees of drought tolerance, and exploiting this characteristic is important to enhance agricultural production in many tropical regions of the world. Fourteen corn hybrids commonly grown in the central-western region of Brazil, in Cassilândia, Mato Grosso do Sul, were assessed for drought tolerance during the early plant growth stage. Plants were grown in the Plant Ecophysiology Laboratory under non-stressful (control) and stressful (moderate drought) conditions for 28 days. Drought stress was induced with an -0.30 MPa iso-osmotic solution prepared with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). The emergence rate, seedling length, and seedling dry matter were measured, and then drought tolerance indexes were calculated. Our results showed that root length is an important morphological trait for plant adaptation to drought stress conditions. Therefore, plant breeding programs should select corn genotypes with longer roots to develop commercial hybrids with superior performance under limited soil water availability. The corn hybrids FS 575 PWU, GNZ 7757 VIP3, LG 36745 PRO4, and MG 545 PWU have greater tolerance to drought stress and are the most suitable genotypes to be grown in conditions of low soil water availability. The AG 8088 PRO2 corn hybrid has greater susceptibility to drought stress and should not be recommended for cultivation in conditions of reduced soil water availability.

Abstract Background The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism (rs4340) is associated with the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). This polymorphism may contribute to a greater propensity for severe HF and excess weight. Objective To evaluate adiposity, cardiac function, and their association with ACE I/D polymorphism in HF patients. Methods Cross-sectional study with ambulatory individuals ≥18 years diagnosed with HF. Genetic analysis was performed using polymerase chain reaction followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined by echocardiography. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index, while adiposity was analyzed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. The adopted significance level was 5% (p < 0.05). Results Seventy-one individuals were included, with a mean age of 55.8 ± 13.0 years, predominantly male (66.2%), with functional class I and II (90.9%), and a median LVEF of 30% (24-40). The prevalence of overweight was 38%, class I obesity was 23.9%, and class II and III obesity was 12.7%, with 50.7% exhibiting excess adiposity as assessed by BIA. A total of 88 D alleles and 54 I alleles of the ACE gene were identified. Regarding ACE genotypes, 38.1% were DD, 47.8% were ID, and 14.1% were II. In the multivariate analysis, the D allele (DD + ID genotypes versus II) was associated with LVEF (PR 0.995; 95% CI 0.991–1.000; p = 0.048) and with the etiology of HF (dilated cardiomyopathy: PR 1.283; 95% CI 1.039–1.583; p = 0.021). No independent association was found with adiposity. Conclusion The presence of the D allele of the ACE polymorphism is associated with LVEF and HF etiology. Despite overweight being prevalent in the sample, no independent associations were found.

Resumo Fundamento O polimorfismo de Inserção/Deleção (I/D) da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) (rs4340) está associado à patogênese da insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Esse polimorfismo pode contribuir para uma maior propensão à IC grave e ao excesso de peso. Objetivo Avaliar a adiposidade, a função cardíaca e sua associação com o polimorfismo I/D da ECA em pacientes com IC. Métodos Estudo transversal com indivíduos ambulatoriais com idade ≥18 anos diagnosticados com IC. A análise genética foi realizada por reação em cadeia da polimerase seguida de eletroforese em gel de agarose. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) foi determinada por ecocardiografia. O estado nutricional foi avaliado pelo índice de massa corporal, enquanto a adiposidade foi avaliada pela análise de Bioimpedância elétrica (BIA), circunferência da cintura, razão cintura-quadril e razão cintura-estatura. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados Setenta e um indivíduos foram incluídos, com média de idade de 55,8 ± 13,0 anos, predominantemente do sexo masculino (66,2%), com classe funcional I e II (90,9%) e FEVE mediana de 30% (24-40). A prevalência de sobrepeso foi de 38%, obesidade classe I foi de 23,9% e obesidade classe II e III foi de 12,7%, com 50,7% apresentando excesso de adiposidade conforme avaliado pela BIA. Um total de 88 alelos D e 54 alelos I do gene da ECA foram identificados. Em relação aos genótipos da ECA, 38,1% eram DD, 47,8% eram ID e 14,1% eram II. Na análise multivariada, o alelo D (genótipos DD+ID versus II) foi associado à FEVE (RP de 0,995; IC de 95% 0,991–1,000; p = 0,048) e à etiologia da IC (cardiomiopatia dilatada: RP 1,283; IC de 95% 1,039–1,583; p = 0,021). Nenhuma associação independente foi encontrada com a adiposidade. Conclusão A presença do alelo D do polimorfismo da ECA está associada à FEVE e à etiologia da IC. Apesar da prevalência do sobrepeso na amostra, não foram encontradas associações independentes.

ABSTRACT Breeding of new cultivars of sugarcane uses several species belonging to the Saccharum complex genus. In this study, a set of 20 genotypes from the Saccharum complex was assessed for their growth promotion during germination using a mixed inoculant containing five selected diazotrophs and their resistance to short heat treatment (52°C / 30 min). The percentage of germination was evaluated, leading to the identification of three response groups. Saccharum officinarum (group I) showed the highest germination percentage, succeeded by Erianthus arundinaceus genotypes (group II) and the other genotypes (group III). The mean germination time (MGT) varied among the genotypes and segregated the growth response into two groups. Saccharum officinarum only required less than 15 days to reach the MGT, whereas the other genera required more than two or three days during the initial growth process. Bacterial counting also differed between the groups, being effective for S. officinarum and other genotypes, improving the colonization of the plants 100–1,000 times higher than the control and heat treatments. Further comparison was made among eight genotypes, including one Saccharum spontaneum(US72-1319), one S. officinarum (IN845), and six E. arundinaceus. This comparison measured biomass accumulation and root parameters. The E. arundinaceus group demonstrated less susceptibility to the heat treatment, resulting in stimulation of the root dry mass of IJ76-381 and root parameters of this genotype, as well as IJ76-364, although not associated to the inoculation treatment. Inoculation applied to US72-1319 and IN845 enhanced only the Shoot/Root ratio.

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the performance of cows for meat production raised in the wetlands of Paraguay, examining five cattle genotypes: Brahman, Brangus, and Nelore, as well as two local breeds at risk of extinction. The main objective is to identify and rank phenotypic variables, including blood, clinical, hair, and health variables, demonstrating causal linkage with the live weight of the cows analyzed. Initially, high correlations were identified between different variables included in this study; then, using advanced Machine learning (ML) techniques and the application of Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), a deeper understanding was provided of the factors strongly associated with adaptability in these environments, and, therefore, the respective zootechnical performance. The association between cattle genotypic components linked with the season of the year proved to be the most influential factor on cattle live weight. Variables such as hair length, hematocrit, phosphatase, phosphorus, creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, protein, cortisol, calcium, and the presence of endoparasites were highlighted, demonstrating their hierarchical importance for animal selection. ML models are effective tools for establishing hierarchies of relevance in complex phenotypic multivariable, which is crucial in breeding programs for different zootechnical species and in special and specific environments like wetlands. Paraguay genotypes Brahman Brangus Nelore extinction blood clinical analyzed Initially then (ML SHAP, SHAP , (SHAP) therefore length hematocrit phosphatase phosphorus phosphokinase creatinine protein cortisol calcium highlighted selection multivariable (SHAP

RESUMO Este estudo foca no desempenho de vacas para produção de carne, criadas nos pântanos do Paraguai, examinando cinco genótipos bovinos; Brahman, Brangus, Nelore, bem como duas raças locais em risco de extinção. O principal objetivo é identificar e classificar variáveis fenotípicas que incluem variáveis sanguíneas, clínicas, de pelagem e saúde, demonstrando ligação causal com o peso vivo das vacas analisadas. Inicialmente, foram identificadas correlações elevadas entre diferentes variáveis incluídas neste estudo, e, então, utilizando técnicas avançadas de aprendizado de máquina e a aplicação de explicações aditivas de Shapley (SHAP), foi proporcionado um entendimento mais profundo dos fatores fortemente associados à adaptabilidade nestes ambientes, e, portanto, o respectivo desempenho zootécnico. A associação entre o componente genotípico bovino ligado à estação do ano mostrou ser o fator influente mais predominante sobre o peso vivo bovino. Variáveis como comprimento do pelo, hematócrito, fosfatase, fósforo, creatina phosphokinase, creatinina, proteína, cortisol, cálcio e a presença de endoparasitas foram destacadas, demonstrando sua importância hierárquica para a seleção animal. Os modelos de ML são ferramentas eficazes para estabelecer hierarquias de relevância em multivariáveis fenotípicas complexas, o que é crucial em programas de melhoramento genético em diferentes espécies zootécnicas, bem como em ambientes especiais e específicos, como os pântanos. carne Paraguai bovinos Brahman Brangus Nelore extinção sanguíneas clínicas saúde analisadas Inicialmente então SHAP, SHAP , (SHAP) portanto zootécnico pelo hematócrito fosfatase fósforo phosphokinase creatinina proteína cortisol destacadas animal complexas zootécnicas específicos (SHAP

ABSTRACT: Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) are of particular economic importance in the highlands of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, by virtue of the number of breweries in the region. However, since the cultivars currently available in the country present poor qualitative attributes and low cone productivity, there is considerable demand for improved genotypes. The results of diallel crossing experiments help to increase our understanding of inheritance processes and the mechanisms controlling the transfer of alleles with additive or non-additive action, thereby allowing breeders to explore the benefits of heterosis. The present study evaluated the general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA, respectively) of four hop genotypes and to obtain F1 hybrids with agronomic traits superior to those of the parents and the ability to adapt to the environmental conditions in the Santa Catarina highlands. Partial diallel crosses were performed using a randomized complete block design involving 14 treatments, namely two male parents (Cascade and Hallertauer), four female parents (Columbus, Chinook, Cascade and Hallertauer) and eight hybrid combinations, with three repetitions each. The results showed that SCA was the predominant controlling mechanism for the manifestation in hybrids of the traits length of the lateral branch, height of insertion of the first cone, plant green mass and cone productivity. Some parental combinations also exhibited high GCA, indicating the presence of favorable alleles with additive action. The best combination was Hallertauer × Cascade, a finding that highlights the importance of choosing parents from different gene pools (American × European) to obtain genetically enhanced hybrids. ABSTRACT Humulus L. L Brazil region However productivity nonadditive non action heterosis GCA respectively F 1 treatments Hallertauer, , Columbus, Columbus (Columbus Chinook each branch American European

RESUMO: O lúpulo (Humulus lupulus L.) possui grande importância econômica no planalto serrano do estado de Santa Catarina, uma vez que existem inúmeras cervejarias nesta região do Brasil. Como as cultivares disponíveis no país carecem de bons atributos qualitativos e apresentam baixa produtividade de cones, existe grande demanda por genótipos melhorados. Os resultados de experimentos de cruzamento dialélico aumentam a compreensão dos processos de herança e dos mecanismos de controle associados à transferência de alelos com ação aditiva ou não aditiva, permitindo assim que os geneticistas explorem os benefícios da heterose. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar as capacidades de combinação geral e específica (CGC e CEC, respectivamente) de quatro genótipos de lúpulo e obter híbridos F1 com características agronômicas superiores às dos genitores e habilidade para se adaptar às condições ambientais do planalto catarinense. Os cruzamentos dialélicos parciais foram realizados em delineamento de blocos casualizados envolvendo 14 tratamentos, i.e. dois genitores masculinos (Cascade e Hallertauer), quatro genitores femininos (Columbus, Chinook, Cascade e Hallertauer) e oito combinações híbridas, com três repetições cada. Os resultados mostraram que a CEC dos genitores foi o mecanismo de controle predominante para a manifestação nos híbridos das características comprimento do ramo lateral, altura de inserção do primeiro cone, massa verde da planta e produtividade de cones. Algumas combinações entre genitores também manifestaram CGC elevada, indicando a presença de alelos favoráveis com ação aditiva. A melhor combinação foi Hallertauer × Cascade e essa descoberta demonstra a importância da escolha de genitores originários de diferentes grupos genéticos (Americano × Europeu) para obter híbridos geneticamente melhorados. RESUMO Humulus L. L Catarina Brasil cones melhorados heterose respectivamente F catarinense 1 tratamentos ie i i.e Hallertauer, , Columbus, Columbus (Columbus Chinook híbridas cada lateral cone elevada Americano Europeu

ABSTRACT Ornamental pepper plants have genetic variability, which can be accessed through morphological and molecular traits. Genotype selection to form the base population for breeding can be performed through the joint analysis of several types of data, providing greater selection accuracy. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the diversity among pepper accessions based on analysis of phenotypic traits and molecular markers and to select the best ones to use as parents in breeding programs. The study was carried out at the Centro de Ciências Agrárias of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Paraíba, Brazil. Sixteen ornamental pepper genotypes were used and characterized for eight quantitative traits, nine qualitative traits, and 18 pairs of microsatellite primers. Simultaneous variable analyses were performed using Tocher’s clustering method, Ward’s clustering algorithm, and the dissimilarity matrix. The clustering methods were efficient in separating the genotypes, identifying genetic variability, and accuracy in the selection through the joint analysis of quantitative, qualitative, and molecular data. Different groups were formed among the genotypes by Tocher’s method (six groups) and Ward’s method (three groups). There is genetic variability among ornamental pepper genotypes considering the joint analysis of quantitative, qualitative, and molecular data. Qualitative traits are important in the identification of genetic divergence among ornamental pepper accessions. The UFPB genotypes 46, 134, 137, 443 and 449, the mini pepper Akamu, and the cultivar Calypso are indicated for selection and can be used to carry out crosses and continue the breeding program. data perspective programs Paraíba Brazil 1 primers Tochers Tocher s Wards Ward algorithm matrix six three groups. . 46 134 137 44 449 Akamu program 4 13

RESUMO As pimenteiras ornamentais apresentam variabilidade genética que pode ser acessada por meio de caracteres morfológicos e moleculares. A seleção de genótipos para formação de população base para o melhoramento pode ser realizada por meio de análise conjunta de vários tipos de dados, proporcionando maior precisão na seleção. Nessa perspectiva, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a diversidade entre acessos de pimenta com base na análise de características fenotípicas e marcadores moleculares e selecionar os melhores para serem utilizados como parentais em programas de melhoramento. O trabalho foi realizado no Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Paraíba, Brasil. Foram utilizados 16 genótipos de pimenteiras ornamentais, e caracterizados quanto a oito caracteres quantitativos, nove qualitativos e 18 pares de iniciadores microssatélites. As análises simultâneas das variáveis foram realizadas usando o método de agrupamento de Tocher, agrupamento do algoritmo de Ward e a matriz de dissimilaridades. Os métodos de agrupamentos foram eficientes na separação dos genótipos, identificando variabilidade genética e precisão na seleção por meio da análise conjunta de dados quantitativos, qualitativos e moleculares. Diferentes grupos foram formados entre os genótipos pelo método de Tocher (seis grupos) e pelo método de Ward (três grupos). Existe variabilidade genética entre os genótipos de pimenteiras ornamentais, considerando análise conjunta de dados quantitativos, qualitativos e moleculares. Características qualitativas são importantes na identificação de divergência genética entre acessos de pimenteira ornamental. Os genótipos UFPB 46, 134, 137, 443 e 449, o mini pimentão Akamu e a cultivar Calypso são indicados para seleção, podem ser utilizados para realizar cruzamentos e dar continuidade ao programa de melhoramento genético. perspectiva Paraíba Brasil 1 quantitativos microssatélites dissimilaridades seis três grupos. . ornamental 46 134 137 44 449 genético 4 13

Abstract Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is involved in homocysteine and folic acid metabolism. Tumour suppressor protein TP53 gene maintains cellular and genetic integrity. To date, no studies associated the MTHFR C677T rs1801133 and TP53 Pro72Arg rs1042522 with CRP levels and methotrexate (a folic acid antagonist) treatment outcomes in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. The present study aimed to investigate whether the MTHFR rs1801133 and TP53 rs1042522 gene variants influences CRP levels and methotrexate treatment outcomes in South African Indian and Caucasian PsA patients. PsA patients (n=114) and healthy controls (n=100) were genotyped for the rs1801133 and rs1042522 using RFLP-PCR. (i) Results for rs1801133 genotyping: Caucasian patients had a higher frequency of the variant T-allele versus healthy Caucasian controls (40% versus 22%; OR=2.31, 95% CI=1.10-4.88, p=0.0379). Patients with the variant CT+TT genotypes had higher median CRP levels at baseline versus wildtype CC genotypes (11.70 (5.3-28.80) mg/mL versus 7.40 (5.00-15.05) mg/mL, p=0.0355). After 6 months of methotrexate treatment median CRP levels between genotypes reduced and remained similar. (ii) Results for rs1042522 genotyping: Indian patients had a higher frequency of the variant Arg-allele versus healthy Indian controls (42% versus 29%; OR=1.75, 95% CI=1.07-2.86, p=0.0275). In conclusion, patients with the MTHFR rs1801133 variant T-allele have elevated CRP levels, which can be ameliorated with methotrexate. (MTHFR metabolism TP TP5 integrity date CT C T rs rs180113 ProArg Pro Arg rs104252 antagonist (PsA n=114 n114 n 114 (n=114 n=100 n100 100 (n=100 RFLPPCR. RFLPPCR RFLP PCR. PCR RFLP-PCR i (i genotyping Tallele allele 40% 40 (40 22% 22 OR231 OR 2 31 OR=2.31 95 CI=1.104.88, CI110488 CI CI=1.10 4.88, 1 10 4 88 CI=1.10-4.88 p=0.0379. p00379 p p=0.0379 . 0 0379 p=0.0379) CTTT TT 11.70 1170 11 70 (11.7 5.328.80 532880 5.3 28.80 5 3 28 80 (5.3-28.80 mgmL mg mL 740 7 7.4 5.0015.05 5001505 5.00 15.05 00 15 05 (5.00-15.05 p=0.0355. p00355 p=0.0355 0355 p=0.0355) similar ii (ii Argallele 42% 42 (42 29% 29 OR175 75 OR=1.75 CI=1.072.86, CI107286 CI=1.07 2.86, 07 86 CI=1.07-2.86 p=0.0275. p00275 p=0.0275 0275 p=0.0275) conclusion rs18011 rs10425 n=11 n11 (n=11 n=10 n10 (n=10 (4 OR23 OR=2.3 9 104 CI=1.104.88 CI11048 CI110 CI=1.1 488 4.88 8 CI=1.10-4.8 p0037 p=0.037 037 11.7 117 (11. 328 5.328.8 53288 53 5. 2880 28.8 (5.3-28.8 74 7. 0015 5.0015.0 500150 500 5.0 1505 15.0 (5.00-15.0 p0035 p=0.035 035 OR17 OR=1.7 072 CI=1.072.86 CI10728 CI107 CI=1.0 286 2.86 CI=1.07-2.8 p0027 p=0.027 027 rs1801 rs1042 n=1 n1 (n=1 ( OR2 OR=2. CI=1.104.8 CI1104 CI11 CI=1. 48 4.8 CI=1.10-4. p003 p=0.03 03 11. (11 32 5.328. 5328 288 28. (5.3-28. 001 5.0015. 50015 50 150 15. (5.00-15. OR1 OR=1. CI=1.072.8 CI1072 CI10 2.8 CI=1.07-2. p002 p=0.02 02 rs180 rs104 n= (n= OR=2 CI=1.104. CI1 CI=1 4. CI=1.10-4 p00 p=0.0 (1 5.328 532 (5.3-28 5.0015 5001 (5.00-15 OR=1 CI=1.072. 2. CI=1.07-2 rs18 rs10 (n OR= CI=1.104 CI= CI=1.10- p0 p=0. 5.32 (5.3-2 5.001 (5.00-1 CI=1.072 CI=1.07- rs1 p=0 (5.3- (5.00- p= (5.3 (5.00 (5. (5.0 (5

ABSTRACT This study investigated the response of arabica coffee plants to the pathogen Pseudomonas coronafaciens pv. garcae using RNA-seq technology. Susceptible and resistant coffee plants were inoculated with the bacteria, and leaf samples were collected at different time points for RNA sequencing. Seven genes related to different defense pathways were chosen for expression quantification in time-course experiments using infected leaves from resistant and susceptible plants, as well as non-infiltrated and water-infiltrated leaves as controls. The results obtained revealed that response mechanisms differ between genotypes and provide insights into the genetic basis of early defense in coffee plants against P. coronafaciens pv. garcae, offering potential strategies for genetic breeding. pv RNAseq seq technology bacteria sequencing timecourse course noninfiltrated non infiltrated waterinfiltrated water controls P breeding

RESUMO: Com o avanço da cafeicultura, múltiplas características devem ser consideradas na seleção de plantas, que devem apresentar um conjunto de atributos favoráveis. O rendimento, definido como a relação de massas entre os frutos maduros e os grãos processados, é um importante componente da produtividade. Este estudo tem como objetivo caracterizar o rendimento ao longo de duas colheitas de 57 clones comercializados em domínio público e 10 cultivares registradas. A análise considera efeitos de genótipos, medições e estimativas de ganhos com a seleção. De acordo com o ciclo de maturação de cada clone, amostras de café cereja foram colhidas considerando um delineamento fatorial inteiramente ao acaso para a caracterização dos efeitos de genótipos, anos e interação genótipo × anos (GA). A secagem, o descascamento e o rendimento foram avaliados individualmente. Apesar dos efeitos significativos da interação GA, os genótipos apresentaram pequenas mudanças no ordenamento de uma medição para a outra. Clones com maior rendimento, entre eles, LB30, BRS1216, LB12, N7, LB10, LB20, BRS3220 e AS5 apresentaram rendimento médio de 25,51% associado a estimativas de ganho de 12,17%. Por outro lado, clones de menor rendimento, como BG180, GJ30, GJ20, AS7, AS10, P42, N1 e P60 tiveram uma média de 19,15% associada a uma redução de 14,02%. A partir da distribuição dos valores, 19,4, 62,7 e 17,9% dos genótipos apresentaram rendimento classificados como alto, médio e baixo, subsidiando o melhor cultivo dos genótipos avaliados. RESUMO cafeicultura plantas favoráveis processados produtividade 5 1 registradas clone GA. GA . (GA) secagem individualmente outra eles LB30 LB BRS1216 BRS LB12 N7 N LB10 LB20 BRS322 AS 2551 25 51 25,51 1217 12 17 12,17% lado BG180 BG GJ30 GJ GJ20 AS7 AS10 P42 P P6 1915 19 15 19,15 1402 14 02 14,02% valores 194 4 19,4 627 62 7 62, 179 9 17,9 alto baixo (GA LB3 BRS121 LB1 LB2 BRS32 255 2 25,5 121 12,17 BG18 GJ3 GJ2 AS1 P4 191 19,1 140 0 14,02 19, 6 17, BRS12 BRS3 25, 12,1 BG1 14,0 BRS1 12, 14,

ABSTRACT: With advancements in coffee cultivation, several traits may be considered in selection of plants, which must exhibit a set of favorable characteristics. The outturn index, defined as the relationship between the mass of mature fruit and processed beans, emerges as a key factor influencing productivity. This study characterized the outturn over two harvests of 57 clones marketed in the public domain and 10 registered cultivars. The analysis considers the effects of genotypes, measurements, and genetic progress achieved through plant selection. According to the maturation cycle of each clone, washed samples of cherry coffee were collected considering a completely randomized factorial design for characterization of the effects of genotypes, years, and the genotype × years (GY) interaction. The drying, peeling, and the outturn index were individually assessed. Despite the significant effects of the GY interaction, genotypes demonstrated minimal alterations in their ranking across measurements. Clones with higher outturn, including LB30, BRS1216, LB12, N7, LB10, LB20, BRS3220, and AS5, exhibited an average outturn of 25.51%, reflecting a gain of 12.17%. Conversely, clones with lower outturn, such as BG180, GJ30, GJ20, AS7, AS10, P42, N1, and P60, had an average of 19.15%, indicating a reduction of 14.02% compared to the general mean. Analyzing the distribution of the outturn values, 19.4%, 62.7%, and 17.9% of genotypes were classified as high, medium, and low outturn, respectively, providing valuable insights for optimal cultivation strategies. ABSTRACT plants characteristics beans productivity 5 1 cultivars measurements clone (GY interaction drying peeling assessed LB30 LB BRS1216 BRS LB12 N7 N LB10 LB20 BRS3220 AS5 AS 2551 25 51 25.51% 1217 12 17 12.17% Conversely BG180 BG GJ30 GJ GJ20 AS7 AS10 P42 P N1 P60 1915 19 15 19.15% 1402 14 02 14.02 mean values 194 4 19.4% 627 62 7 62.7% 179 9 17.9 high medium respectively strategies LB3 BRS121 LB1 LB2 BRS322 255 2 25.51 121 12.17 BG18 GJ3 GJ2 AS1 P4 P6 191 19.15 140 0 14.0 19.4 6 62.7 17. BRS12 BRS32 25.5 12.1 BG1 19.1 14. 19. 62. BRS1 BRS3 25. 12.