Abstract The objective of this work was to determine whether the overexpression of the nuclear Rubisco large subunit (rbcL) improves the drought tolerance of the genetically modified (GM) BRSMG Curinga upland rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar. GM and non-genetically modified (NGM) plants of the same cultivar were compared under the two following water treatments: well watered (WW) and water deficit (WD). The performance of the agronomic traits of GM plants, including grain yield, was superior to that of NGM plants in both treatments. By quantitative polymerase chain reaction, GM plants show a significantly higher expression of the rbcL gene in both WW and WD, as well as a larger amount of abscisic acid. With the RNAseq analysis, almost three times more upregulated genes are identified in GM plants in stage 2 after water restriction, indicating a greater protection against water deficit. The higher expression of genes related to the protection of the cellular metabolism and a series of physiological alterations may be involved in the increase in the drought tolerance of GM rice plants overexpressing the rbcL gene.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar se a superexpressão da grande subunidade nuclear da Rubisco (rbcL) aumenta a tolerância à seca da cultivar geneticamente modificada (GM) BRSMG Curinga de arroz (Oryza sativa) de terras altas. Plantas GMs e não geneticamente modificadas (NGMs) da mesma cultivar foram comparadas nos dois seguintes tratamentos de água: irrigação (WW) e déficit hídrico (WD). O desempenho dos caracteres agronômicos das plantas GMs, incluindo a produção de grãos, foi superior ao das NGMs em ambos os tratamentos. Por reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa, plantas GMs apresentam expressão significativamente maior do gene rbcL, tanto sob WW como sob WD, além de maior quantidade de ácido abscísico. Com a análise de RNAseq, quase três vezes mais genes regulados positivamente são identificados nas plantas GMs no estágio 2 após restrição hídrica, o que indica maior proteção contra o déficit hídrico. O aumento da expressão de genes relacionados à proteção do metabolismo celular e uma série de alterações fisiológicas podem estar envolvidos no aumento da tolerância à seca em plantas de arroz GMs que superexpressam o gene rbcL.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological, phenotypic, and gene expression parameters in genetically modified (GM) rice plants that overexpress the Oryza sativa Vacuolar H+-Pyrophosphatase 1 (OVP1) gene, compared with non-genetically modified (NGM) rice. GM and NGM plants of the BRSMG Curinga cultivar were evaluated in two experiments, in a laboratory and greenhouse, in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. Agronomic traits of interest were estimated, and transcriptome analysis and gene expression quantification were carried out. GM plants showed a 31 and 21% higher number of spikelets per panicle and total number of grains per panicle, respectively, in comparison with NGM plants. Physiological changes occurred during the grain-filling stage, in which GM plants presented a photosynthetic rate and carboxylation efficiency 61 and 89% higher than those of NGM plants, respectively. The overexpression of the OVP1 gene favors the upregulation of some photosynthesis genes and the increase in the number of spikelets and in the photosynthetic rate, but does not favor the increase in grain yield.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros fisiológicos, fenotípicos e de expressão gênica em plantas de arroz geneticamente modificadas (GM) que superexpressam o gene Oryza sativa Vacuolar H+-Pyrophosphatase 1 (OVP1), em comparação ao arroz não geneticamente modificado (NGM). Plantas GM e NGM da cultivar BRSMG Curinga foram avaliadas em dois experimentos, em laboratório e casa de vegetação, no delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Foram estimados caracteres agronômicos de interesse, e realizadas análise de transcritoma e quantificação da expressão gênica. Plantas GM apresentaram número de espiguetas por panícula e número total de grãos por panícula 31 e 21% maiores, respectivamente, em comparação às plantas NGM. Ocorreram alterações fisiológicas durante a fase de enchimento de grãos, em que as plantas GM apresentaram taxa fotossintética e eficiência de carboxilação 61 e 89% mais altas do que as das plantas NGM, respectivamente. A superexpressão do gene OVP1 favorece a indução de alguns genes da fotossíntese e o aumento do número de espiguetas e da taxa fotossintética, mas não favorece o aumento da produtividade de grãos.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar locos de caracteres quantitativos (QTLs) associados à produtividade em uma população segregante de arroz (GYP). Uma população de 245 linhagens puras recombinantes de arroz, do cruzamento 'Epagri 108' (Oryza sativa subsp. indica) x 'IRAT 122' (O. sativa subsp. japonica), foi avaliada em diferentes locais e anos e genotipada por marcadores de polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único (SNPs). Obteve-se um mapa de 1.592,8 cM a partir de 9.831 SNPs, tendo-se identificado 25 QTLs. Os seguintes nove SNPs apresentaram estabilidade entre os diferentes ambientes: M1.37719614 e M6.9563117 para GYP; M4.29340056, M5.25588710, M7.29115624 e M12.4534450 para peso de 100 grãos (HGW); e M1.38398157, M4.28368337 e M7.25991230 para altura de plantas. Seis SNPs não estavam presentes nos blocos de ligação: M6.9563117 e M4.1077080 para GYP; M5.25588710 e M6.8886398 para HGW; e M2.34471005 e M8.5955948 para altura de plantas. Os SNPs M6.9563117 e M5.25588710 foram considerados ambientalmente estáveis e não estiveram presentes em blocos de ligação, o que indica seu alto potencial para uso na seleção assistida por marcadores de produtividade de grãos, em programas brasileiros de melhoramento de arroz.

Abstract The objective of this work was to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with grain yield in a rice segregant population (GYP). A population of 245 inbred recombinant rice lines from the 'Epagri 108' (Oryza sativa subsp. indica) x 'IRAT 122' (O. sativa subsp. japonica) cross was evaluated at different locations and years and genotyped by single nucletide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A map of 1,592.8 cM was obtained from 9,831 SNPs, identifying 25 QTLs. The following nine SNPs showed stability between the different environments: M1.37719614 and M6.9563117 for GYP; M4.29340056, M5.25588710, M7.29115624, and M12.4534450 for 100-grain weight (HGW); and M1.38398157, M4.28368337, and M7.25991230 for plant height (PH). Six SNPs were not present in the linkage blocks: M6.9563117 and M4.1077080 for GYP; M5.25588710 and M6.8886398 for HGW; and M2.34471005 and M8.5955948 for PH. The M6.9563117 and M5.25588710 SNPs were considered environmentally stable and were not present in the linkage blocks, showing their high potential for use in marker-assisted selection for grain yield in Brazilian rice breeding programs.

ABSTRACT: Upland rice is cultivated mostly in Latin America and Africa by small farmers and in areas with risk of dry spells. This study evaluated morphophysiological mechanisms of upland rice associated to drought adaptation. A set of 25 upland rice genotypes were grown in a plant phenotyping platform during 2015 and 2017 under regular irrigation and water restriction. We evaluated morphophysiological traits in shoots (vegetative structures growth, gas exchange, water use efficiency, carboxylation efficiency, water status) and roots (length, surface area, volume and diameter), as well as agronomic traits (grain yield and its components). There was a reduction in grain yield by up to 54 % and 58 % in 2015 and 2017, respectively, under water deficit. Five upland rice genotypes with the best yield performances in both water treatments applied were recommended to the upland rice-breeding program: Bico Ganga, BRS Esmeralda, BRSMG Curinga, Guarani, and Rabo de Burro. In this study, morphophysiological traits associated to drought tolerance concerned the plant high capacity to save water in the leaves, low leaf water potential, high ability to reduce vegetative structures, high water use efficiency, high photosynthetic capacity, and improved capacity to absorb water from drying soil, either by osmotic adjustment or additional investment into the root system. Therefore, we concluded that different secondary traits contributed to drought tolerance and should be evaluated along with grain yield to improve efficiency of breeding selection.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar e validar marcadores de polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único (SNP) relacionados à produtividade de grãos em coleção nuclear de arroz (Oryza sativa). A metodologia de estudos de associação genômica ampla (GWAS) foi aplicada à genotipagem de 541 genótipos por 167.470 SNPs. A produtividade de grãos desses acessos foi estimada por meio da análise conjunta de nove experimentos de campo, realizados em seis estados brasileiros. Quinze SNPs foram significativamente associados à produtividade de grãos e, dos dez SNPs que foram convertidos em ensaios TaqMan, quatro discriminaram os acessos com maior produtividade. Esses marcadores foram utilizados para identificar aceessos de arroz com os alelos favoráveis. Em seguida, os acessos selecionados foram avaliados em experimentos de campo, em ambientes-alvo, para identificar os mais produtivos. Essa triagem reduz o número de acessos avaliados experimentalmente, pois torna possível priorizar aqueles com maior potencial produtivo, o que permite aumentar o número de repetições e, consequentemente, a precisão experimental.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to identify and validate single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers related to grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa) core collection. The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) methodology was applied for genotyping of 541 rice accessions by 167,470 SNPs. The grain yield of these accessions was estimated through the joint analysis of nine field experiments carried out in six Brazilian states. Fifteen SNPs were significantly associated with grain yield, and out of the ten SNPs converted to TaqMan assays, four discriminated the most productive accessions. These markers were used for the screening of rice accessions with favorable alleles. The selected accessions were, then, evaluated in field experiments in target environments, in order to select the most productive ones. This screening reduces the number of accessions evaluated experimentally, making it possible to prioritize those with higher productive potential, which allows of the increase of the number of replicates and, consequently, of the experimental accuracy.

Abstract Genes related to the response to drought stress in leaf and root tissue of drought-susceptible (DS) and tolerant (DT) genotypes were characterized by RNA-Seq. In total, 54,750 transcripts, representative of 28,590 genes, were identified; of these, 1,648 were of high-fidelity (merge of 12 libraries) and described for the first time in the Andean germplasm. From the 1,239 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 458 were identified in DT, with a predominance of genes in categories of oxidative stress, response to stimulus and kinase activity. Most genes related to oxidation-reduction terms in roots were early triggered in DT (T75) compared to DS (T150) suggestive of a mechanism of tolerance by reducing the damage from ROS. Among the KEGG enriched by DEGs up-regulated in DT leaves, two related to the formation of Sulfur-containing compounds, which are known for their involvement in tolerance to abiotic stresses, were common to all treatments. Through qPCR, 88.64% of the DEGs were validated. A total of 151,283 variants were identified and functional effects estimated for 85,780. The raw data files were submitted to the NCBI database. A transcriptome map revealed new genes and isoforms under drought. These results supports a better understanding of the drought tolerance mechanisms in beans.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se incorporar informações genômicas de marcadores SNP (“single nucleotide polymorphism”) na avaliação genética das características “stay-green” (SG), arquitetura de planta (AP), aspecto de grãos (AG) e produtividade de grãos (PG) em feijoeiro-comum via modelos Bayesianos. Estes modelos foram comparados quanto a acurácia de predição e habilidade de estimação da herdabilidade para cada característica. Utilizaram-se informações de 80 cultivares genotipadas para 377 marcadores SNP, cujos efeitos de substituição alélica foram estimados por meio de cinco diferentes modelos Bayesianos: Bayes A (BA), B (BB), C (BC), LASSO (BL) e regressão “ridge” (BRR). Embora as acurácias de predição calculadas por meio de análise de validação cruzada tenham sido similares dentro de cada característica, o modelo BB se destacou para a característica SG, enquanto o modelo BRR foi indicado para as demais. As herdabilidades estimadas para SG, AP, AG e PG foram, respectivamente, 0,61, 0,28, 0,32 e 0,29. Em resumo, os métodos contemplados mostraram-se efetivos e de fácil implementação. O conjunto de marcadores utilizado pode auxiliar na seleção precoce de genótipos promissores, uma vez que a incorporação de informações genômicas aumenta a acurácia de predição do mérito genético estimado.

ABSTRACT: We aimed to apply genomic information based on SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers for the genetic evaluation of the traits “stay-green” (SG), plant architecture (PA), grain aspect (GA) and grain yield (GY) in common bean through Bayesian models. These models were compared in terms of prediction accuracy and ability for heritability estimation for each one of the mentioned traits. A total of 80 cultivars were genotyped for 377 SNP markers, whose effects were estimated by five different Bayesian models: Bayes A (BA), B (BB), C (BC), LASSO (BL) e Ridge regression (BRR). Although, prediction accuracies calculated by means of cross-validation have been similar within each trait, the BB model stood out for the trait SG, whereas the BRR was indicated for the remaining traits. The heritability estimates for the traits SG, PA, GA and GY were 0.61, 0.28, 0.32 and 0.29, respectively. In summary, the Bayesian methods applied here were effective and ease to be implemented. The used SNP markers can help in the early selection of promising genotypes, since incorporating genomic information increase the prediction accuracy of the estimated genetic merit.

Abstract The common bean is characterized by high sensitivity to drought and low productivity. Breeding for drought resistance in this species involves genes of different genetic groups. In this work, we used a SEA 5 x AND 277 cross to map quantitative trait loci associated with drought tolerance in order to assess the factors that determine the magnitude of drought response in common beans. A total of 438 polymorphic markers were used to genotype the F8 mapping population. Phenotyping was done in two greenhouses, one used to simulate drought and the other to simulate irrigated conditions. Fourteen traits associated with drought tolerance were measured to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The map was constructed with 331 markers that covered all 11 chromosomes and had a total length of 1515 cM. Twenty-two QTLs were discovered for chlorophyll, leaf and stem fresh biomass, leaf biomass dry weight, leaf temperature, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight, days to flowering, dry pod weight and total yield under well-watered and drought (stress) conditions. All the QTLs detected under drought conditions showed positive effects of the SEA 5 allele. This study provides a better understanding of the genetic inheritance of drought tolerance in common bean.

Abstract An RNA extraction method with high integrity and purity as well as the selection of adequate reference genes are prerequisites for gene expression analysis. For common bean seeds, there is no well-defined protocol that can be used in a laboratory routine for gene expression analysis. In this study, an extraction protocol for RNA from common bean seeds, which produced material with good integrity for qPCR (RIN ≥ 6.5), was optimized. In addition, 10 reference genes were evaluated under qPCR standard conditions using different tissue samples of common beans. Gene stabilities were analyzed using the delta-CT method, Bestkeeper, NormFinder and geNorm approaches. The genes β-tubulin and T197 were ranked as the most stable among the sample sets evaluated with different tissue samples, while PvAct and Pv18S were the least stable. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating RNA isolation methods and reference gene selection for seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris.

Abstract Angular leaf spot (ALS) and powdery mildew (PWM) are two important fungi diseases causing significant yield losses in common beans. In this study, a new genetic linkage map was constructed using single sequence repeats (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in a segregating population derived from the AND 277 x SEA 5 cross, with 105 recombinant inbred lines. Phenotypic evaluations were performed in the greenhouse to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with resistance by means of the composite interval mapping analysis. Four QTLs were identified for ALS resistance. The QTL ALS11AS, linked on the SNP BAR 5054, mapped on chromosome Pv11, showed the greatest effect (R2 = 26.5%) on ALS phenotypic variance. For PWM resistance, two QTLs were detected, PWM2AS and PWM11AS, on Pv2 and Pv11, explaining 7% and 66% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Both QTLs on Pv11 were mapped on the same genomic region, suggesting that it is a pleiotropic region. The present study resulted in the identification of new markers closely linked to ALS and PWM QTLs, which can be used for marker-assisted selection, fine mapping and positional cloning.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar, por meio da análise de mapeamento associativo, os marcadores moleculares relacionados à produtividade do arroz de terras altas e aos seus caracteres componentes. Foram usadas 113 linhagens e cultivares de arroz de terras altas, da Coleção Nuclear de Arroz da Embrapa, com reduzido vínculo genético entre si. Os seguintes caracteres componentes da produtividade foram avaliados: número de panículas por metro, número de grãos por panícula e peso de 100 grãos. Dos 115 marcadores utilizados, 25 (21,7%) associaram-se significativamente a um ou mais caracteres. Entre os 29 SSR ("simple sequence repeats") colocalizados em QTL ("quantitative trait loci") de produtividade de arroz, 12 foram associados aos caracteres avaliados e considerados como candidatos para uso na seleção assistida por marcadores. Os marcadores NP914540, Q6ZGD1 e Q69JE3, associados ao número de grãos por panícula, ainda não foram anotados no arroz e podem constituir o ponto de partida para estudos de genômica funcional. Entre os marcadores derivados de sequências transcritas, NP914526 e NP914533 destacam-se por pertencer a rotas metabólicas relacionadas ao aumento do potencial produtivo de arroz.

The objective of this work was to identify, through analysis of associative mapping, the molecular markers related to upland rice yield and its component traits. One hundred thirteen lines and cultivars of upland rice, with reduced admixture, from the Rice Core Collection of Embrapa, were used. The following yield component traits were evaluated: number of panicles per meter, number of grains per panicle, and weight of 100 grains. Out of the 115 used markers, 25 (21.7%) were significantly associated with one or more traits. Among the 29 SSR (simple sequence repeats) co-located in yield QTL (quantitative trait loci) in rice, 12 were associated with the evaluated traits and considered candidates for use in marker-assisted selection. The markers NP914540, Q6ZGD1, and Q69JE3, associated with the number of grains per panicle, are not yet annotated in rice and should constitute the starting point for functional genomics studies. Among the markers derived from transcribed sequences, NP914526 and NP914533 stand out for belonging to metabolic pathways related to increased yield potential of rice.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo de duas gerações (RC2F2 e RC2F9) de linhagens de introgressão, desenvolvidas a partir do cruzamento interespecífico entre Oryza sativa e O. glumaepatula, bem como identificar marcadores SSR associados à produtividade. O acesso selvagem RS‑16 (O. glumaepatula) foi utilizado como doador parental no retrocruzamento com a cultivar elite Cica‑8 (O. sativa). Uma série de 114 linhagens de introgressão RC2F1 foi genotipada com 141 locos SSR polimórficos distribuídos ao longo de todo o genoma do arroz. A análise molecular indicou que, em média, 22% do genoma de O. glumaepatula foi introgredida na geração RC2F1. Nove linhagens de introgressão RC2F9 tiveram produção significativamente maior que o genitor Cica‑8, o que mostra uma interação genômica positiva entre o arroz cultivado e a espécie silvestre O. glumaepatula. Sete QTL foram identificados em toda geração RC2F2, com um intervalo de marcadores (4879‑EST20) de grande efeito sobre a produtividade. Os alelos com efeitos positivos sobre a produtividade foram provenientes do genitor cultivado Cica‑8.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield performance of two generations (BC2F2 and BC2F9) of introgression lines developed from the interspecific cross between Oryza sativa and O. glumaepatula, and to identify the SSR markers associated to yield. The wild accession RS‑16 (O. glumaepatula) was used as donor parent in the backcross with the high yielding cultivar Cica‑8 (O. sativa). A set of 114 BC2F1 introgression lines was genotyped with 141 polymorphic SSR loci distributed across the whole rice genome. Molecular analysis showed that in average 22% of the O. glumaepatula genome was introgressed into BC2F1 generation. Nine BC2F9 introgression lines had a significantly higher yield than the genitor Cica‑8, thus showing a positive genome interaction among cultivated rice and the wild O. glumaepatula. Seven QTL were identified in the overall BC2F2, with one marker interval (4879‑EST20) of great effect on yield. The alleles with positive effect on yield came from the cultivated parent Cica‑8.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar os efeitos da macho-esterilidade ou da recombinação manual sobre a variabilidade genética de populações de seleção recorrente de arroz. Foram avaliadas as populações CNA-IRAT 4, com gene de macho-esterilidade, e CNA 12, recombinada manualmente. A variabilidade genética entre os ciclos de seleção foi estimada por 14 marcadores de sequências simples repetidas (SSR). Foram analisadas 926 plantas, incluindo dez genitores e 180 indivíduos de cada um dos ciclos avaliados (1, 2 e 5) da população CNA-IRAT 4, e 16 genitores e 180 indivíduos de cada um dos ciclos (1 e 2) da CNA 12. A análise possibilitou a identificação de alelos não existentes nos genitores nas duas populações, em todos os ciclos, principalmente para a população CNA-IRAT 4. Esses alelos foram resultantes da fecundação indesejada a partir de genótipos que não faziam parte das populações. Os parâmetros da estatística F de Wright (F IS e F IT) indicaram que a recombinação manual amplia a variabilidade genética da população CNA 12, enquanto a macho-esterilidade reduz a de CNA-IRAT 4.

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of male sterility or manual recombination on genetic variability of rice recurrent selection populations. The populations CNA-IRAT 4, with a gene for male sterility, and CNA 12, which was manually recombined, were evaluated. Genetic variability among selection cycles was estimated using14 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 926 plants were analyzed, including ten genitors and 180 individuals from each of the evaluated cycles (1, 2 and 5) of the population CNA-IRAT 4, and 16 genitors and 180 individuals from each of the cycles (1 and 2) of CNA 12. The analysis allowed the identification of alleles not present among the genitors for both populations, in all cycles, especially for the CNA-IRAT 4 population. These alleles resulted from unwanted fertilization with genotypes that were not originally part of the populations. The parameters of Wright's F-statistic (F IS and F IT) indicated that the manual recombination expands the genetic variability of the CNA 12 population, whereas male sterility reduces the one of CNA-IRAT 4.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o potencial produtivo e a interação entre genótipos e ambientes em 550 acessos da Coleção Nuclear de Arroz da Embrapa. O desempenho, a adaptação e a estabilidade produtiva de cada genótipo foram avaliados por meio da metodologia de análise dos efeitos principais aditivos e interações multiplicativas (AMMI), em nove experimentos de campo, realizados em seis Estados, em condição de sequeiro e irrigada, durante três anos agrícolas. Foi realizada a análise por meio de modelos lineares mistos, e as estimativas de componentes de variância foram obtidas pelo método de máxima verossimilhança residual (REML), com aplicação do procedimento de melhor predição linear não viesada (BLUP) para a predição dos valores genéticos dos efeitos aleatórios (EBLUP) associados a cada um dos acessos. O grupo de acessos com melhor desempenho foi o de linhagens e cultivares brasileiras (LCB), conforme o esperado. No entanto, foram identificadas variedades tradicionais (VT) entre os genótipos mais produtivos, o que mostra o potencial deste grupo de germoplasma em contribuir com novas fontes de variabilidade genética para programas de melhoramento. Foram identificados acessos superiores quanto à estabilidade, adaptabilidade e produtividade de grãos, entre os quais destacam-se CA880078, CA840182 e CNA00091.

The objective of this work was to determine the productive potential and the genotype by environment interaction of 550 accessions of the Embrapa's Rice Core Collection. The performance, and yield adaptability and stability of each genotype was evaluated using the additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) approach, in nine field experiments, carried out in six Brazilian states, under dry and irrigated conditions, during three years. The linear mixed model analysis was performed, and the estimates of the variance components were obtained by the residual maximum likelihood (REML), using the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) procedure for the prediction of the genotypic values of random effects (EBLUP) associated with each accession. The group of accessions with better performance was the one of lines and cultivars from Brazil (LCB), as expected. However, traditional varieties (VT) were identified among the best yielding genotypes, which shows the potential of this germplasm group to contribute as a new source of genetic variability to breeding programs. Superior accessions were identified for their stability, adaptability and grain yield, among which CA880078, CA840182 and CNA00091 stand out.