Genus Citrus L. (Family: Rutaceae), thrives best in tropical/sub-tropical climates, finds a perfect ecosystem in Meghalaya (home for National Citrus Gene Sanctuary), a North-Eastern Indian State. This state harbors rich diversity of Citrus species; however, they are under severe threat due to anthropogenic activities. Hence, present study was undertaken during 2021–22 to explore, collect, characterize and document Citrus species diversity for their conservation and posterity use. Total of 57 accessions belonging to 13 different Citrus species were collected and 48 traits (16 quantitative and 32 qualitative) were recorded for each accession, using IPGRI descriptors (1999). Garo and Khasi hills are hotspots for Citrus diversity, harboring a significant number of citrus species. Notably, South Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills emerged as critical regions for the conservation of wild Citrus species, particularly C. indica in South Garo Hills. Most species exhibited large leaf length (>75 mm), whereas, wild species C. latipes had smaller leaves (29.7 mm). Cluster analysis formed the dendrogram by using jaccard’s similarity index based UPGMA method with six clusters and showed higher levels of complexity between Citrus species at inter and intra-cluster levels. PCA analysis explained about 73.3% cumulative genetic variation present among them and the first three PCs as 37.7, 20.5 and 15.1%, respectively. Fruit-related traits (size, shape, colour, apex shape, surface texture, rind thickness, axis, pulp colour and firmness) were identified as diagnostic character for distinguishing different Citrus species or major Citrus fruit groups and also useful for field identification during exploration trips and curators in Genebank management.

Ensuring seed viability over decades is a central challenge in ex situ conservation of plant genetic resources. Standard germination tests, while effective, are destructive and fail to detect early molecular damage that precedes viability loss. RNA integrity has emerged as a promising biomarker due to the inherent vulnerability of mRNA to oxidative degradation in the dry state. In this study, we identified and validated seed-stored mRNAs in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), a major crop species extensively represented in global germplasm collections, and investigated transcript degradation patterns in seeds conserved for up to 30 years. Using a comparative genomics approach, we identified 107 P. vulgaris orthologs of long-lived rice mRNAs, many encoding proteins involved in RNA stabilization, oxidoreductase activity, and primary metabolism. Thirty transcripts were validated by RT-qPCR, and the integrity of nine was assessed using paired primers targeting 5′ and 3′ regions. Degradation followed a consistent 5′→3′ pattern, particularly in longer transcripts, and correlated strongly with germination power. Predictive performance varied across transcripts: PSMA4, SMP1, and TRA2 consistently showed strong correlations with viability, whereas others were less informative. The ΔΔCq metric improved resolution by detecting degradation asymmetry. Samples included a genetically diverse panel of conserved, regenerated, and artificially aged accessions, enhancing applicability to real-world genebank conditions. Artificial aging intensified degradation signatures and mirrored patterns observed in naturally aged seeds. Altogether, our results indicate transcript integrity as a molecular biomarker for seed viability, supporting the development of robust molecular tools to inform decision-making and regeneration planning in long-term germplasm conservation.

Legumes are key to improving food security due to their nutritional value. In Togo, however, the diversity of local legumes, particularly Kersting’s groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum), is rapidly declining. The ethnobotanical survey aimed to assess the geographical distribution, varietal diversity, uses, and sociodemographic characteristics of Kersting's groundnut producers in the five administratives regions and four big agroecological zones of Togo. Semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and field visits were conducted. A total of 238 producers were identified across 132 villages. Descriptive statistics, correlation and correspondence analysis were used to explore relationships between varietal diversity, socio-demographic factors, and regional uses. The crop was found to be most prevalent in northern Togo, particularly the Kara region (60.5%), which belongs to the dry savannah zone. In contrast, production is almost nonexistent in the coastal and subequatorial southern regions. Most producers were women (56.7%), and 47% reported having no formal education. The number of varieties grown per household was positively correlated with farming experience. Varietal preferences varied by gender and ethnic group. While consumption and sale remain the primary motivations for cultivation, ritual and medicinal uses were significantly associated with ethnic groups and regions. These findings underscore the combined influence of ecological conditions and ethnocultural heritage on varietal distribution. They offer a valuable basis for developing strategies to conserve and promote Kersting’s groundnut in Togo.

Snapmelon is an indigenous crop of Indian origin that has contributed resistance genes against major melon diseases. Despite its importance, Snapmelon is an under-utilized crop, and its cultivation may be limited due to its very short post-harvest life, fruit-bursting on maturity and very thin pericarp that is unsuitable for long-distance transportation. Studies on the inheritance of melon fruit bursting are scanty, and according to the available literature, it is due to complementary gene action. The inheritance of fruit bursting in Snapmelon in our work was studied through an inter-botanical cross between Snapmelon (IC632170, bursting fruit type) and Chandalak melon (Kashi Madhu, non-bursting fruit type). F2 and backcross populations were developed, and all three populations were evaluated for fruit bursting under polyhouse conditions for two seasons. Chi-square analysis indicated non-significant deviations from the expected 3:1 Mendelian ratio for non-bursting: bursting type fruits in the F2 population, suggesting the monogenic control of fruit bursting. The backcross with parent Kashi Madhu exhibited 1:0 (non-bursting: bursting) ratios, while the backcross with parent IC632170 revealed 1:1 (non-bursting: bursting) ratio. Selective genotyping in the F2:3 population of Kashi Madhu x IC632170 using 86 polymorphic Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers revealed the association of the marker CMCT505 for fruit bursting at maturity. Knowledge on the genetic basis of fruit bursting is crucial for designing effective breeding strategies aimed at developing non-bursting Snapmelon varieties suitable for commercial cultivation and improved post-harvest handling.

Jhum cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice, which continues to support the livelihood of indigenous communities in Northeast India while also serving as an important on-farm conservation of crop genetic resources. In Mon district of Nagaland, over 93% of the population depends on jhum for subsistence. This study documents traditional rice cultivation practices, associated cultural values, socio-economy and conservation status of landrace rice under jhum farming systems. Rice germplasm collection and semi-structured personal interviews were conducted across 24 villages, involving 120 farmers in 8 administrative blocks of Mon district. Results from this study document the critical role of traditional jhum cultivation in livelihood generation and socio-cultural life of the Konyak community living in Mon district. The study resulted in the collection of 147 traditional rice accessions. Some of the landrace rice were linked with cultural practices, medicinal uses and ritual significance. Rice such as ‘Vumchong’ and ‘Wang-tsahyan’ holds deep historical and ceremonial importance. Pests and diseases pressure, limited external inputs and climatic factors were some concerns that influence rice production. However, farmers continue to safeguard their unique germplasm through traditional methods of seed selection and preservation. This research underscores rich genetic diversity conserved through traditional agricultural practice and the urgent need for conservation, participatory breeding and policy interventions.

Noug (Guizotia abyssinica L.) is among the key oilseed crops of Ethiopia and India and is valued for its tolerance to drought, with its very nutrient-dense oil being rich in essential fatty acids, protein and minerals. Despite the economic potential of noug, its production is limited by biological factors such as self-incompatibility, seed shattering, parasitic weeds and disease susceptibility. This review consolidates advances in the past decade, highlighting the transition from conventional breeding to the application of genomic tools. We critically assess how the development of self-compatible lines, transcriptome sequencing and linkage mapping are being used to produce improved germplasm. There is, however, a huge gap between research products and farmer-preferred variety development. This review suggests an integrative approach that brings genomics, phenomics and participatory breeding to realize the faster generation of high-yielding, durable noug cultivars. This is an important strategy to ensure that noug is a sustainable crop that ensures food security and financial empowerment of Ethiopian smallholder farmers.

The medicinal significance of Phlomis olivieri Benth. and the unknown diversity among its distinct populations prompted the investigation. The primary objective of the study was to analyse the components of essential oils (EOs) derived from the above-ground parts of 10 wild populations of P. olivieri Benth. (Lamiaceae) originating from different regions of the Iranian plateau. The EOs were subjected to analysis using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 20 compounds were identified in the oils, with a relatively high content variation. The major components of the EO were (E)-caryophyllene (2.51–54.48%), germacrene D (6.25–53.51%), spathulenol (4.38–23.41%), bicyclogermacrene (3.97–16.41%), α-pinene (0.07–11.32%), caryophyllene oxide (0.28–9.57%) and germacrene B (2.21–9.13%). To assess chemical variability, the EO components were categorized using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), which revealed two main clusters. HCA of the EO data revealed two main clusters, and principal component analysis corroborated this grouping. Identifying compounds such as isospathulenol, (2E)-2-dodecen-1-ol and undecanal in this species for the first time adds to its chemical profile. Furthermore, the discovery of a substantial presence of (E)-caryophyllene and germacrene D in select populations underscores the high chemical diversity among these populations.

Shanlan upland rice, as a unique local rice germplasm resource in Hainan comprises abundant genetic diversity. One hundred and sixty two Shanlan upland rice accessions collected from diverse ecological regions in Hainan were systematically characterized based on 11 agronomic traits. The rich genetic diversity was confirmed by phenotypic data from two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). Coefficient of variation ranged from 14.11% to 46.04% in 2023 and from 11.45% to 44.82% in 2024, with panicle-related traits (number of primary branches, grain number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, grain number of secondary branches and grain number per main panicle) exhibiting particularly high variation. Correlation analysis revealed highly significant synergistic effects among yield-related traits. Cluster analysis of the 162 accessions consistently classified them into five major groups across both growing seasons. Through grain number per main panicle and seed setting rate investigation, three excellent resources were selected that demonstrated stable and superior performance in both seasons. Notably, Line 69 exhibited outstanding “large panicles with high seed-setting rate,” producing 261.4 and 305 grains per main panicle in 2023 and 2024, respectively, with seed-setting rates reaching 93.79% and 90.07%. This study presents phenotypic data for Shanlan upland rice, offers high-quality breeding materials for subsequent research, and lays a theoretical groundwork for conserving and exploiting Hainan’s rice resources.