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Molecular contribution to selection of intergeneric hybrids between sugarcane and the wild species Erianthus arundinaceus.

Erianthus arundinaceus has great potential as a germplasm source for better ratoonability, vigour, tolerance to environmental stresses, and disease resistance in sugarcane. Many unsuccessful attempts have been made to introduce these characters into modern sugarcane cultivars. We report on significant progress made since molecular tools were implemented. Sequence-tagged PCR, revealing size variation in the 5S rDNA cluster, was performed on intact leaf tissue to identify genuine hybrids six weeks after germination. This early screening of seedlings avoids the loss of genuine hybrids due to competition with selfed progeny. Of 96 crosses made involving female Saccharum officinarum or sugarcane cultivars (Saccharum spp.) and male E. arundinaceus, 26 were fertile producing 1328 seedlings. Thirty-seven genuine hybrids were unequivocally identified but only 19 have survived. Genuine hybrids were produced from only three crosses, all involving S. officinarum as the female parent. Chromosome elimination was observed in all seven hybrids analyzed using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). Very little cross-hybridization was observed between the genomes of the two species after GISH, confirming recent molecular studies which showed that E. arundinaceus is quite distant from the genus Saccharum. The major limitation in the introgression of E. arundinaceus resides now in the apparent sterility of the hybrids.

Chromosomes↗

Assessing hybridization in natural populations of Penstemon (Scrophulariaceae) using hypervariable intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) bands.

Inferences regarding hybridization rely on genetic markers to differentiate parental taxa from one another. Intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers are based on single-primer PCR reactions where the primer sequence is derived from di- and trinucleotide repeats. These markers have successfully been used to assay genetic variability among cultivated plants, but have not yet been tested in natural populations. We used genetic markers generated from eight ISSR primers to examine patterns of hybridization and purported examples of hybrid speciation in Penstemon (Scrophulariaceae) in a hybrid complex involving P. centranthifolius, P. grinnellii, P. spectabilis and P. clevelandii. This hybrid complex has previously been studied using three molecular data sets (allozymes, and restriction-site variation of nuclear rDNA and chloroplast DNA). These studies revealed patterns of introgression involving P. centranthifolius, but were unsuccessful in determining whether gene flow occurs among the other species, and support for hypotheses of diploid hybrid speciation was also lacking. In this study, we were able to fingerprint each DNA accession sampled with one to three ISSR primers and most accessions could be identified with a single primer. We found population- and species-specific markers for each taxon surveyed. Our results: (i) do not support the hybrid origin of P. spectabilis; (ii) do support the hypothesis that P. clevelandii is a diploid hybrid species derived from P. centranthifolius and P. spectabilis; and (iii) demonstrate that pollen-mediated gene flow via hummingbird vectors is prevalent in the hybrid complex.

California↗

A hybrid zone dominated by fertile F1s: maintenance of species barriers in Rhododendron.

Isolating barriers between interbreeding sympatric or parapatric interfertile species are maintained by processes that occur within their hybrid zones. Although the effects of intrinsic selection on hybrid fitness are well known, less is understood about extrinsic fitness variation. At Tiryal Dag, northeast Turkey, Rhododendron x sochadzeae (R. ponticum x caucasicum) forms large populations in which neither segregation nor backcrossing occur, in habitats intermediate between those of its parents. Using single-copy species-specific random amplified polymorphic DNA and inter simple sequence repeat markers, it was determined that most or all R. x sochadzeae plants are F1s, and that there are many separate genets present. Hand pollination and germination experiments showed that R. x sochadzeae plants can produce viable seed of F2s or backcrosses in either direction. Furthermore, adult backcrosses have been observed in habitats atypical for R. x sochadzeae. From this, all non-F1 hybrid derivatives appear to be eliminated in the hybrid zone at Tiryal Dag as a result of postgermination selection. This absence of post-F1 hybrid derivatives apparently prevents introgression. This type of hybrid population is here termed an F1-dominated hybrid zone (F1DZ), and also occurs in Encelia. The observed dominance of F1s within a narrow habitat range is best explained by habitat-mediated superiority of F1s over all other genotype classes. Therefore, habitat-mediated selection against the second hybrid generation might be preventing interspecific gene flow in R. x sochadzeae. F1DZ formation is postulated to require the formation of F1s in quantity, habitat-mediated superiority in F1s, and highly specific habitat conditions.

Environment↗

Genealogical footprints of speciation processes in wild tomatoes: demography and evidence for historical gene flow.

Multilocus studies assessing patterns of nucleotide polymorphism within and among closely related species provide access to genealogical information bearing on demographic and geographic aspects of their speciation history. However, the technical difficulties in obtaining sufficient sequence data have severely limited this approach thus far, especially in outbred plant taxa. We employ the analytical framework of divergence population genetics in testing the isolation model of speciation in three self-incompatible species of wild tomatoes (clade Lycopersicon), in particular the assumption of divergence without gene flow. Based on DNA sequence data for 13 nuclear loci, average levels of silent polymorphism vary more than three-fold among species. We estimate a large effective population size for the ancestral species, quite similar to that of the highly polymorphic L. peruvianum. The other two species, however, exhibit concordant signatures of population-size reduction. These demographic inferences are biologically plausible and consistent with results obtained from standard neutrality tests. While the isolation model cannot be rejected by goodness-of-fit criteria, patterns of intragenic linkage disequilibrium in L. peruvianum are indicative of historical introgression at least in some regions of the genome. Considered jointly with the geographic pattern of postzygotic reproductive isolation, our results suggest that speciation occurred under residual gene flow, implying natural selection as one of the evolutionary forces driving the diversification of tomato lineages.

Base Sequence↗

Introgression molecular analysis of a leaf rust resistance gene from Coffea liberica into C. arabica L.

Leaf rust caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix is the most devastating disease of arabica coffee ( Coffea arabica). Therefore, developing leaf rust-resistant varieties has been a breeding objective of the highest priority in many countries. The purpose of the present work was to gain insight into the mechanism of introgression into C. arabica of a leaf rust resistance gene from C. liberica (i.e. S(H)3 resistance factor) and to identify associated molecular markers. An F(2) progeny (i.e. 101 individuals) derived from a cross between Matari, an arabica accession and liberica-introgressed line S.288, was evaluated for resistance against three different races of H. vastatrix. The progeny segregated for the S(H)3 gene in a 3:1 ratio, as expected for a single dominant gene. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis of a population subset using 80 different primer combinations revealed that at least half of the total polymorphism observed in the population is associated with introgression of C. liberica chromosome fragments. Furthermore, 15 primer combinations generating candidate marker bands associated with the S(H)3 resistance gene were used to analyse the whole F(2) population. A total of 34 marker bands originating from S.288 and attributable to introgression were scored. None exhibited segregation distortion. Linkage analysis revealed only three distinct introgressed fragments corresponding to a total length of 52.8 cM. Twenty-one markers were strongly associated (LOD score >14) with the S(H)3 gene and were grouped together in a single linkage group of 6.3 cM. The results are discussed in relation to the efficient use of genetic resources in arabica breeding.

Basidiomycota↗

Chromosome races with Pliocene origins: evidence from mtDNA.

There are eight distinct chromosomal races of the New Zealand weta Hemideina thoracica. We used mtDNA sequence data to test the hypothesis that these races originated on islands during the early Pliocene (7--4 million years ago). Nine major mitochondrial lineages were identified from 65 cytochrome oxidase I sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of these lineages suggests that they arose at approximately the same time. The geographical distribution of some lineages coincides with areas that were islands during the Pliocene. Overall, hierarchical AMOVA analysis shows that chromosomal races and Pliocene islands describe only 28% and 24%, respectively, of the total current mtDNA variation. However, removing one widespread (A) and one putatively introgressed (F) lineage increases these estimates to 65% and 80%, respectively. Intraspecific sequence divergence was very high, reaching a maximum of 9.5% (uncorrected distance) and GC content was high compared to other insect mtDNA sequences. Average corrected distance among mtDNA lineages supports the Pliocene origins of this level of genetic diversity. In the southern part of the species range there is reduced mtDNA variation, probably related to local extinction of H. thoracica populations from recent volcanic activity and subsequent re-colonization from a leading edge. In contrast, in this southern part there are five chromosome races, suggesting that chromosome races here may be younger than those in the north.

Animals↗

The evolutionary history of the coral genus Acropora (Scleractinia, Cnidaria) based on a mitochondrial and a nuclear marker: reticulation, incomplete lineage sorting, or morphological convergence?

This study examines molecular relationships across a wide range of species in the mass spawning scleractinian coral genus Acropora. Molecular phylogenies were obtained for 28 species using DNA sequence analyses of two independent markers, a nuclear intron and the mtDNA putative control region. Although the compositions of the major clades in the phylogenies based on these two markers were similar, there were several important differences. This, in combination with the fact that many species were not monophyletic, suggests either that introgressive hybridization is occurring or that lineage sorting is incomplete. The molecular tree topologies bear little similarity to the results of a recent cladistic analysis based on skeletal morphology and are at odds with the fossil record. We hypothesize that these conflicting results may be due to the same morphology having evolved independently more than once in Acropora and/or the occurrence of extensive interspecific hybridization and introgression in combination with morphology being determined by a small number of genes. Our results indicate that many Acropora species belong to a species complex or syngameon and that morphology has little predictive value with regard to syngameon composition. Morphological species in the genus often do not correspond to genetically distinct evolutionary units. Instead, species that differ in timing of gamete release tend to constitute genetically distinct clades.

Animals↗

Susceptibility of the Namchi and Kapsiki cattle of Cameroon to trypanosome infection.

Two indigenous Cameroonian taurine cattle breeds (Namchi and Kapsiki) were evaluated for trypanosusceptibility following inoculation with Trypanosoma congolense. The degree of zebu ancestry in the experimental animals was assessed using 6 microsatellite markers which are known to have certain unique alleles which are diagnostic of Bos indicus genetic input. Their response to the infection was compared to that of known trypanotolerant (N'Dama) and trypanosusceptible (Ngaoundere Gudali) cattle. The Namchi and the N'Dama controlled the development and severity of anaemia and parasitaemia better than the Kapsiki and the Gudali. For these parameters, there was no significant difference between the N'Dama and Namachi nor between the Kapsiki and Gudali. Similarly, weight loss showed significant breed variation. The N'Dama lost the least weight and the Kapsiki the most. Zebu introgression in the Namchi was comparable to that in the N'Dama while that of the Kapsiki breed was higher, indicating a high level of cross breeding. From the results, the Namchi are considered trypanotolerant while the Kapsiki are trypanosusceptible. The potential exploitation of the indigenous Namchi cattle is discussed.

Alleles↗

Fine mapping of three quantitative trait loci for late blight resistance in tomato using near isogenic lines (NILs) and sub-NILs.

An earlier study identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) lb4, lb5b, and lb11b for quantitative resistance to Phytophthora infestans (late blight) in a backcross population derived from crossing susceptible cultivated tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum) with resistant L. hirsutum. The QTLs were located in intervals spanning 28-47 cM. Subsequently, near-isogenic lines (NILs) were developed for lb4, lb5b, and lb11b by marker-assisted backcrossing to L. esculentum. Sub-NILs containing overlapping L. hirsutum segments across each QTL region were selected and used to validate the QTL effects, fine-map QTLs, and evaluate potential linkage drag between resistance QTLs and QTLs for horticultural traits. The NILs and sub-NILs were evaluated for disease resistance and eight horticultural traits at three field locations. Resistance QTLs were detected in all three sets of NIL lines, confirming the BC(1) mapping results. Lb4 mapped near TG609, and between TG182 and CT194, on chromosome 4, a 6.9-cM interval; lb5b mapped to an 8.8-cM interval between TG69a and TG413 on chromosome 5, with the most likely position near TG23; and lb11b mapped to a 15.1-cM interval on chromosome 11 between TG194 and TG400, with the peak centered between CT182 and TG147. Most QTLs for horticultural traits were identified in intervals adjacent to those containing the late blight resistance QTLs. Fine mapping of these QTLs permits the use of marker-assisted selection for the precise introgression of L. hirsutum segments containing late blight resistance alleles separately from those containing deleterious alleles at horticulturally important QTLs.

Analysis of Variance↗

Karyotype analysis of Gossypium arboreum x G. bickii by genome in situ hybridization.

By using genome in situ hybridization (GISH) on root somatic chromosomes of allotetraploid derived from the cross Gossypium arboreum x G. bickii with genomic DNA (gDNA) of G. bickii as a probe, two sets of chromosomes, consisting of 26 chromosomes each, were easily distinguished from each other by their distinctive hybridization signals. GISH analysis directly proved that the hybrid G. arboreum x G. bickii is an allotetraploid amphiploid. The karyotype formula of the species was 2n = 4x = 52 = 46m (4sat) + 6sm (4sat). We identified four pairs of satellites with two pairs in each sub-genome. FISH analysis using 45S rDNA as a probe showed that the cross G. arboreum x G. bickii contained 14 NORs. At least five pairs of chromosomes in the G sub-genome showed double hybridization (red and blue) in their long arms, which indicates that chromatin introgression from the A sub-genome had occurred.

Chromatin↗

Tiered tests to assess the environmental risk of fitness changes in hybrids between transgenic crops and wild relatives: the example of virus resistant Brassica napus.

Over the last 20 years, there has been much research aimed at improving environmental risk assessment of transgenic crops. Despite large amounts of data, decisions to allow or prohibit the release of transgenic crops remain confused and controversial. We argue that part of the reason for confusion is the lack of clear definitions of components of the environment that should be protected, and, as a consequence, there is no way to judge the relevance of data collected under the auspices of 'environmental risk assessment'. Although this criticism applies to most aspects of environmental risk assessment of transgenic crops, it is most pertinent to effects that might result from an increase in plant fitness, often referred to as increased weediness. Environmental risk assessment of weediness is regarded as complicated: an increase in the fitness of a transgenic plant compared with non-transgenic counterparts will be the result of an interaction between the altered plant phenotype and an enormous number of environmental variables. This has led to the idea that risk assessment of weediness needs to "understand" these interactions, with the implication that exhaustive data are required. Here we argue that environmental risk assessment of the weediness of transgenic plants need not be complicated. Analysis of the conditions that must be met for increased weediness to occur suggests a series of studies that starts with simple tests in the laboratory under "worst case" assumptions, and becomes increasingly complex and realistic should the simpler studies not indicate negligible risk with sufficient certainty. We illustrate how the approach might work for assessing the risks of increased weediness using the example of possible introgression of a gene for Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) resistance from oilseed rape to certain wild Brassica species.

Brassica↗

Genomic differentiation of Hordeum chilense from H. vulgare as revealed by repetitive and EST sequences.

Hordeum vulgare, cultivated barley, and its wild relative, H. chilense, have several important traits that might be useful for wheat improvement. Here, in situ hybridization and barley expressed sequence tag (EST) markers were used to characterize and compare the chromosomes of H. chilense with those of H. vulgare. FISH with four repetitive DNA sequences, AG, AAG, 5S rDNA and 45S rDNA, was applied to the mitotic chromosomes of H. vulgare, H. chilense and available wheat-H. chilense addition and substitution lines. FISH with the AAG repeat differentiated the individual chromosomes of H. chilense and H. vulgare. The patterns of FISH signals in the two species differed greatly. The 45S rDNA signals were observed on two pairs of chromosomes in both species, while the 5S rDNA signals were observed on four pairs of chromosomes in H. vulgare and on one pair in H. chilense. The AG repeat showed FISH signals at the centromeric regions of all chromosomes of H. vulgare but none of the chromosomes of H. chilense. These results indicate that the chromosomes of the two species are highly differentiated. To study the homoeology between the two species, 209 EST markers of H. vulgare were allocated to individual chromosomes of H. chilense. One hundred and forty of the EST markers were allocated to respective chromosomes of H. chilense using the wheat-H. chilense addition and substitution lines. Twenty-six EST markers on average were allocated to each chromosome except to the chromosome 2H(ch)S, to which only 10 markers were allocated. Ninety percent of the allocated EST markers in H. chilense were placed on H. vulgare chromosomes of the same homo-eologous group, indicating that the expressed sequences of the two species were highly conserved. These EST markers would be useful for detecting chromatin introgressed from these species into the wheat genome.

Chile↗

Effects of cytoplasmic genes on sperm viability and sperm morphology in a seed beetle: implications for sperm competition theory?

Sperm competition theory predicts that sperm traits influencing male fertilizing ability will evolve adaptively. However, it has been suggested that some sperm traits may be at least partly encoded by mitochondrial genes. If true, this may constrain the adaptive evolution of such traits because mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is maternally inherited and there is thus no selection on mtDNA in males. Phenotypic variation in such traits may nevertheless be high because mutations in mtDNA that have deleterious effects on male traits, but neutral or beneficial effects in females, may be maintained by random processes or selection in females. We used backcrossing to create introgression lines of seed beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus), carrying orthogonal combinations of distinct lineages of cytoplasmic and nuclear genes, and then assayed sperm viability and sperm length in all lines. We found sizeable cytoplasmic effects on both sperm traits and our analyses also suggested that the cytoplasmic effects varied across nuclear genetic backgrounds. We discuss some potential implications of these findings for sperm competition theory.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

The cytogenetics and molecular characteristics of a translocated chromosome 1AS.1AL-1DL with a Glu-D1 locus in durum wheat.

Wheat quality depends directly on the grain protein content and protein composition. High and low molecular weight glutenin subunits play an important role in determining the visco-elastic properties of gluten. In an attempt to improve the breadmaking quality of hexaploid triticale, a fragment of wheat chromosome 1D, containing the Glu-D1 allele encoding the 5+10 subunits, was translocated to the long arm of chromosome 1A by Lukaszewski and Curtis. The 1A.1D translocation chromosome was transferred to tetraploid wheat, making the Glu-D1 locus available for the improvement of durum wheat. The goal of this study was to evaluate using cytogenetics and molecular approaches the amount of chromatin introgressed in durum wheat. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with total genomic DNA (GISH) of Aegilops squarrosa L. indicated that the translocated chromosome 1A.1D had a terminal 1DL segment of about 35-40% of the recombinant arm length. Several pairs of microsatellite primers from chromosome 1A and 1D were used to genetically characterize the recombinant chromosome. The mapping data indicated that a 1AL segment, at least 150 cM long, was substituted by a 1DL segment with a minimal length of 72 cM, and that the translocation breakpoint was near the 1A centromeric region. The genetic and physical data highlight a substantial discrepancy between the recombinational and physical map distances. We are using a targeted strategy via the Ph pairing manipulation system to generate small intercalary 1D chromosome segments in a durum wheat background.

Alleles↗

Biochemical and genetic studies of two Heterodera avenae resistance genes transferred from Aegilops ventricosa to wheat.

Two Heterodera avenae resistance genes, Cre2 from Aegilops ventricosa AP-1 and Cre5 from Ae. ventricosa #10, were shown to confer a high level of resistance to the Spanish pathotype Ha71. No susceptible plants were found in the F(2) progeny from the cross between the two accessions of Ae. ventricosa, suggesting that their respective resistance factors were allelic. However, genes Cre2 and Cre5 apparently were transferred to a different chromosomal location in the wheat line H-93-8 and in the 6M(v)(6D) substitution, respectively, as proved by F(2) segregation of their cross progeny. The induction of several defence responses during early infection by the same H. avenae pathotype in resistant lines carrying Cre2 or Cre5 genes was studied. Isoelectrofocusing (IEF) isozyme analysis revealed that peroxidase, esterase and superoxide dismutase activity increased after nematode infection, in roots of resistant lines in comparison with their susceptible parents. Differential induced isoforms were also identified when IEF patterns of resistant lines were compared. A DNA marker, absent in Cre5-carrying genotypes, was found to be linked, thought not very tightly, to the Cre2 gene in the H-93-8 line. The differences observed between the Cre2 and Cre5 genes with respect to their chromosomal location in wheat introgression lines, de-toxificant enzyme induction and behaviour against different pathotypes, suggest they are different H. avenae resistance sources for wheat breeding.

Animals↗

Interspecific hybridization in Daphnia: distinction and origin of hybrid matrilines.

Three coexisting Daphnia species belonging to the D. longispina group (D. galeata, D. hyalina, and D. cucullata) form species-hybrid complexes by producing interspecific hybrids in several lakes in Germany and The Netherlands. To evaluate the genetic consequences of interspecific hybridization, I studied the patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation. The directionality of interspecific hybridization and divergence of hybrids from parental species was tested, using the DNA sequences of a segment of mtDNA. Via the polymerase chain reaction, it was possible to investigate single animals and even single resting eggs. A species-specific marker was established, using restriction patterns of amplified cytochrome b segments. mtDNA genotypes of hybrids revealed unidirectional mitochondrial gene flow for two hybrids, which were investigated by using multiple clones. No evidence for introgression of mtDNA was found. On the basis of a phylogenetic analysis, the species exhibit considerable distinctness, whereas differences between clones within species and between hybrids and maternal species tend to be very low. These results indicate a recent origin of hybrids and suggest that the radiation of the D. longispina group occurred > 5 Mya.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mitochondrial sequence reveals high levels of gene flow between breeds of domestic sheep from Asia and Europe.

Sequence variation present within the mitochondrial genome was used to investigate genetic diversity within sheep breeds from Asia and Europe. Comparison of 2027 bp of sequence from 121 animals revealed 44 phylogenetically informative nucleotide positions and a single insertion/deletion. A total of 57 haplotypes were observed which formed two distinct clades. Type A haplotypes were found in breeds from Asia (India, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Tibet), while type B haplotypes were observed at the highest frequency in breeds sourced from Europe (nine breeds from Austria, Aland, Finland, Spain, and northwestern Russia). The distribution of haplotypes indicates sheep appear to have the weakest population structure and the highest rate of intercontinental dispersal of any domestic animal reported to date. Only 2.7% of the sequence variation observed was partitioned between continents, which is lower than both goat (approximately 10%) and cattle (approximately 50%). Diagnostic restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) tests which distinguish type A and B haplotypes were used to test an additional 223 animals from 17 breeds of European and Asian origin. A mixture of the two lineages was found in every breed except Suffolk and the Indian Garole, indicating introgression has played a major part during breed development and subsequent selection.

Animals↗