Genome-wide molecular diversity analyses identify wild Cicer as reservoirs of variations for chickpea improvement

Molecular Markers Associated with Genetic Diversity, Stress Tolerance, and Breeding Traits in Theobroma cacao: A Review

This comprehensive review demonstrates that shifting from reactive field evaluation to marker-driven, genomics-assisted precision design provides the definitive molecular framework required to engineer high-yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-proof cacao cultivars, thereby permanently safeguarding the long-term economic sustainability of global cocoa supply chains.

Evaluation of genetic diversity among Kosovo maize landraces by retrotransposon-based IRAP marker

Molecular diversity and population structure of Mediterranean fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm: implications for conservation and climate-resilient breeding.

BACKGROUND The common fig offers significant potential for addressing agricultural challenges, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions of Mediterranean countries and beyond. Its ease of propagation makes it a low-input solution for smallholder farmers. Here, we present a genetic analysis of 351 fig accessions from Mediterranean and underrepresented regions, using 11 polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeats loci to assess genetic diversity and population structure. RESULTS A total of 281 unique genotypes was identified, revealing substantial synonymy within the germplasm. Population STRUCTURE analysis detected three main genetic groups; however, overall structure was weak, with extensive admixture and limited geographic clustering, reflecting long-term human-mediated exchange and clonal propagation. These patterns were consistently supported by Principal Component Analysis and Analysis of Molecular Variance, confirming low genetic partitioning and the predominance of variation within genotypes. Importantly, the inclusion of Italian and, for the first time, Romanian germplasm expands current knowledge beyond existing genomic datasets, providing new insights into previously underrepresented genetic resources. The identification of rare and private alleles further highlights the presence of unique and potentially adaptive variation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that fig germplasm harbors high and largely unstructured genetic diversity shaped by extensive gene flow and vegetative propagation. This study provides a complementary perspective to recent SNP-based analyses, highlighting the practical advantage of SSR markers for detecting clonal variation and for the cost-effective, scalable, and easily comparable management of germplasm collections. The identified diversity supports targeted conservation strategies (on-farm, in situ, and ex-situ) and represents a valuable resource for breeding climate-resilient cultivars in marginal environments. These findings contribute to global efforts aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

New genomic resources and local adaptation GWAS in wild Malus angustifolia reveal genetic regions for enhancing abiotic resiliency in apple

This work used a combination of the latest genome sequencing and resequencing approaches to assemble a high-quality reference genome for Malus angustifolia, a native apple to the Southeastern U.S., and resequence its germplasm to enable genome-wide association study identify regions and structural variants associated with abiotic stress resistance.

Leveraging genomic resources for precision breeding and trait improvement in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Genetic diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f sp ciceris populations affecting chickpea in Morocco