Abstract This article presents maize hybrid UENF 506 16, focusing on its development through reciprocal recurrent selection and its performance in cultivation and use value tests. UENF 506 16 has shown high prolificacy and environmental stability, making it a reliable, recommended choice for cultivation in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Abstract ‘BRS 427 OL’ is a high-yield, runner-type peanut cultivar with high oleic acid content. ‘BRS 427 OL’ is recommended for cultivation in the main peanut-producing regions in Brazil. This cultivar features an intermediate runner growth habit, medium maturity, and large seeds with a pink testa.

Abstract We present an R-based function for defining TPE as GIS-polygons, intended for use in enviromics studies. It offers customizable parameters, such as pixel size, buffer boundaries, and concavity, providing enhanced flexibility for G×E analysis. This tool optimizes genotypic, envirotypic, and spatial assessments, serving as a powerful resource for breeding research.

Abstract The cultivar URNRS22 is characterized by an early cycle, high grain mass per panicle and high grain yield, in addition to high biomass production, showing high stability of grain yield in the tested scenarios in the northwest of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Abstract White oats are considered one of the main winter cereals, due to their diverse purposes and nutritional quality, and accurate recommendation of cultivars is essential to maximize crop yield. The objective of the study was to position white oat genotypes based on estimates of probability of risk in the recommendation. The study was carried out in 23 environments in Brazil between 2014 and 2023, with 44 white oat cultivars. Soil and climate variables were used together with grain yield data to recommend cultivars. Recommendation risk estimates were made. IPR Artemis cultivar showed a higher probability of superior performance for grain yield and FAEM 007 showed greater stability.

Abstract This research outlines the development of a specialized cultivar of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.), designed for dual purposes. The primary goal was to breed a variety well-adapted to specific environmental conditions, with a focus on producing poppy straw rich in morphine for industrial applications. Progeny evaluation was conducted using selection and pedigree methods, with morphological characteristics assessed according to UPOV TG 166/4 guidelines. Six years of selection resulted in the material becoming homogenized and stabilized. The progeny achieved an average morphine content of 1.31% to 1.55%, with the best lines reaching up to 2.00%. These stable lines formed the foundation for the approval process. Following successful evaluations in Slovak state variety trials, the cultivar Senmorteco was officially registered. This variety serves a dual purpose: producing poppy straw for morphine extraction and poppy seeds for food use.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis of resistance to leaf anthracnose (Colletotrichum graminicola Ces.) in tropical maize. Six families, derived from crosses between resistant lines (L04-2 and L23-1) and susceptible lines (L70-2, L71-1, and L95-1), were evaluated for resistance through two experiments. A split-plot design was used, with family effects assigned to the plots and generations to the subplots. Inoculations were performed at growth stages V6 and V7, followed by three assessments at stages V12, R1, and R3, using a grading scale from 1 to 6. Results showed that additive genetic effects predominantly influenced resistance, accounting for up to 99.4% of the phenotypic variation across the six families. Heterosis estimates were consistently high and negative, reinforcing the ability of resistant lines (L04-2 and L23-1) to pass resistance genes to subsequent generations, leading to reduced disease severity.

Abstract Unemat Esmeralda is a spineless pineapple cultivar notable for its resistance to fusariosis. It produces large, conical fruits with creamy-white, juicy flesh. The fruits exhibit a high soluble solids (SS) and an SS-to-total acidity ratio that exceeds fresh market standards, making Unemat Esmeralda an appealing choice for pineapple growers.

Abstract We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of intervarietal hybrids (IH) from a reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) program and determine the optimal number of parents for creating IH. A RRS cycle was conducted, and the top 20 hybrids were selected based on full-sib (FS) evaluation results. Various numbers of S1 progenies were recombined to form improved populations A, B, C, and D. IH populations AB and CD were also created. Evaluations of the IH indicated significant genetic variance among FS progenies, suggesting variability and potential for successful selection. Heterosis estimates were higher with fewer progenies in the parent population. Combining RRS programs with IH production is promising, as it allows for the creation of superior hybrids and continued improvement of heterosis between populations.

Abstract The selection of parent lines is critical to the success of a recurrent selection program. To establish a base population optimized for early flowering and high grain yield in upland rice, a partial diallel cross was performed using five early-flowering and four high-yielding parental lines, generating 19 subpopulations. In the field, the 15 earliest-flowering plants from each F2 subpopulation were selected to develop F2:4 progenies. 152 F2:4 progenies, comprising eight progenies per subpopulation and four control lines, were evaluated using a triple alpha-lattice design (12×13). The traits assessed were days to flowering and grain yield. The lines BRSMG Caçula, BRSMG Relâmpago, and BRSMG Caravera demonstrated strong general combining ability for early flowering. Furthermore, progenies with shorter growth cycle and high grain yield were identified, supported by a negative correlation between these traits. Superior progenies are crossed to form Cycle 1 of the recurrent selection program based on these results.

Abstract The genotype × environment (G × E) interaction is a prevalent phenomenon that can challenge breeding and cultivar recommendation but offers opportunities for gains when the best genotypes are identified and recommended for each site. In this study, conducted in eastern Minas Gerais, Brazil, 46 eucalypt hybrid clones had their wood volume evaluated at contrasting altitudes. The experiments were planted at four different locations, two at high altitudes (> 1000 m asl) and two at low altitudes (<350 m asl), with a complete randomized block design. The high-altitude regions showed superior productivity and a prevalent manifestation of simple G × E interactions, allowing their grouping in a mega environment. Conversely, within the low-altitude environments, we observed a moderate level of G × E interaction, with complex interactions prevailing. Overall, our results highlight that altitude is a major driver of G×E interaction, affecting the selection and recommendation of eucalypt clones.

Abstract Flowering time is a crucial step in the adaptation of annual crops such as oat. The main objectives of this work were to characterize flowering time in oat genotypes of different origins in field experiments, to isolate oat sequences of the flowering regulator gene ELF3, and to analyze the level of ELF3 expression in different oat genotypes. Field data showed that oat genotypes perceived and responded differently to changes in photoperiod and ambient temperature. Oat sequences with high identity to the circadian clock gene ELF3 were successfully cloned and sequenced. The level of ELF3 expression allowed differentiation between early and late flowering oat genotypes. These results support the involvement of ELF3 in the regulation of flowering time in hexaploid oat. Understanding the mechanisms that control flowering time in response to seasonal photoperiod and temperature cues will help to improve oat varieties with superior performance and resilience to climate change.

Abstract Cotton farming plays an important socioeconomic role in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The high cost of seeds and risk of crop failure from irregular rainfall limit the use of transgenic cultivars in the region, especially in family farming. Low-cost transgenic cultivars adapted to the semi-arid region would assist in overcoming these limitations. The aim of this study was to select cotton lines grown under rainfed conditions in northeastern Brazil. Nineteen (19) BGRR® cotton lines were evaluated in Alagoinha, PB, over two years under rainfed conditions. Agronomic and fiber quality traits were evaluated. Individual and joint analyses were carried out, followed by use of a selection index. The selected long-fiber lines are CNPA-SA-2018-4226 and CNPA-SA-2018-4231, and selected medium-fiber lines are CNPA-SA-2018-4254, CNPA-SA-2018-4239, and CNPA-SA-2018-4251, as they combine high yield and fiber quality traits that meet market demands. They have potential in development of cultivars for the region.

Abstract Solanum lycopersicum is highly susceptible to drought, which negatively impacts its production. While traditional genetic improvement focuses on coding genes, small open reading frames (sORFs) offer a new approach. This study aimed to identify and characterise drought-responsive sORFs in MT1 tomato plants exposed to 20 days of drought stress. Using the sORF finder pipeline, 676,611 coding sORFs were identified in the intergenic regions of the S. lycopersicum genome. Detailed analysis revealed 776 coding sORFs with translation potential, including 86 sORFs that shared homology to upstream sORFs. Drought transcriptome analysis revealed 862 differentially expressed genes, including 78 intergenic and 166 annotated sORFs. Gene ontology analysis highlighted the involvement of sORFs in "response to external stimulus" and "response to biotic stimulus" terms while KEGG pathway analysis revealed their involvement in "steroid biosynthesis" and "plant hormone signal transduction" pathways. This study provides insights into the role of sORFs in tomato drought responses.

Abstract This study compared Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and conventional methods in progeny trials of Eucalyptus cloeziana and E. saligna. Two populations, derived from open-pollinated progenies, were evaluated by using a randomized complete block design. Measurements were taken six years after planting for E. cloeziana and three years for E. saligna. The study aimed to assess genetic parameters and select individuals at typical breeding evaluation ages in Brazil. Both methods demonstrated strong alignment, with high correlations in genetic parameters and values at both progeny and individual levels. Correlations exceeded 97% for progenies and 81% for individuals when analyzing the genetic values of diameter at breast height and height. The methods aligned closely under lower selection intensities but diverged under higher selection intensities. While the accuracy of LiDAR can be improved through refinement, the choice between these methods ultimately depends on operational factors such as the availability of skilled labor and equipment.