Stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Erikss. & E. Henn.), is a major disease in wheat (Triticum aestivium L.). However, in recent years it occurs rarely in Nebraska due to weather and the effective selection and gene pyramiding of resistance genes. To understand the genetic basis of stem rust resistance in Nebraska winter wheat, we applied genome-wide association study (GWAS) on a set of 270 winter wheat genotypes (A-set). Genotyping was carried out using genotyping-by-sequencing and ∼35,000 high-quality SNPs were identified. The tested genotypes were evaluated for their resistance to the common stem rust race in Nebraska (QFCSC) in two replications. Marker-trait association identified 32 SNP markers, which were significantly (Bonferroni corrected P 0.05) associated with the resistance on chromosome 2D. The chromosomal location of the significant SNPs (chromosome 2D) matched the location of Sr6 gene which was expected in these genotypes based on pedigree information. A highly significant linkage disequilibrium (LD, r2) was found between the significant SNPs and the specific SSR marker for the Sr6 gene (Xcfd43). This suggests the significant SNP markers are tagging Sr6 gene. Out of the 32 significant SNPs, eight SNPs were in six genes that are annotated as being linked to disease resistance in the IWGSC RefSeq v1.0. The 32 significant SNP markers were located in nine haplotype blocks. All the 32 significant SNPs were validated in a set of 60 different genotypes (V-set) using single marker analysis. SNP markers identified in this study can be used in marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and to develop KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) marker for the Sr6 gene.

Stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Erikss. & E. Henn.), is a major disease in wheat (Triticum aestivium L.). However, in recent years it occurs rarely in Nebraska due to weather and the effective selection and gene pyramiding of resistance genes. To understand the genetic basis of stem rust resistance in Nebraska winter wheat, we applied genome-wide association study (GWAS) on a set of 270 winter wheat genotypes (A-set). Genotyping was carried out using genotyping-by-sequencing and ∼35,000 high-quality SNPs were identified. The tested genotypes were evaluated for their resistance to the common stem rust race in Nebraska (QFCSC) in two replications. Marker-trait association identified 32 SNP markers, which were significantly (Bonferroni corrected P 0.05) associated with the resistance on chromosome 2D. The chromosomal location of the significant SNPs (chromosome 2D) matched the location of Sr6 gene which was expected in these genotypes based on pedigree information. A highly significant linkage disequilibrium (LD, r2) was found between the significant SNPs and the specific SSR marker for the Sr6 gene (Xcfd43). This suggests the significant SNP markers are tagging Sr6 gene. Out of the 32 significant SNPs, eight SNPs were in six genes that are annotated as being linked to disease resistance in the IWGSC RefSeq v1.0. The 32 significant SNP markers were located in nine haplotype blocks. All the 32 significant SNPs were validated in a set of 60 different genotypes (V-set) using single marker analysis. SNP markers identified in this study can be used in marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and to develop KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) marker for the Sr6 gene.

Background: The object of this work was to evaluate of the hepatic effects of the herbicides glyphosate-Roundup® by different doses in both sexes of albino rats. Methods: Forty animals divided into four groups with ten animals for each (both sexes) were treated orally with vehicle (controls) and 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg bwt of glyphosate-Roundup® (treated groups) for 15 days daily. Results: The most conspicuous changes occurred on the liver treated groups due to glyphosate toxicity were the increase of enzymes activities of ALT and AST, cellular infiltration, many signs of nucleus degeneration, focal necrosis, rarified cytoplasm, disorganization of cellular organelles, and deposition of lipid droplets. The increase in the amount of collagenous fibers and the number of the mast cell were also observed. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the administration of glyphosate-Roundup® in different doses may cause adverse effects on the histopathological, ultrastructure, and biochemical alternations on the liver of the albino rats.

Background: The object of this work was to evaluate of the hepatic effects of the herbicides glyphosate-Roundup® by different doses in both sexes of albino rats. Methods: Forty animals divided into four groups with ten animals for each (both sexes) were treated orally with vehicle (controls) and 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg bwt of glyphosate-Roundup® (treated groups) for 15 days daily. Results: The most conspicuous changes occurred on the liver treated groups due to glyphosate toxicity were the increase of enzymes activities of ALT and AST, cellular infiltration, many signs of nucleus degeneration, focal necrosis, rarified cytoplasm, disorganization of cellular organelles, and deposition of lipid droplets. The increase in the amount of collagenous fibers and the number of the mast cell were also observed. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the administration of glyphosate-Roundup® in different doses may cause adverse effects on the histopathological, ultrastructure, and biochemical alternations on the liver of the albino rats.

Background: The object of this work was to evaluate of the hepatic effects of the herbicides glyphosate-Roundup® by different doses in both sexes of albino rats. Methods: Forty animals divided into four groups with ten animals for each (both sexes) were treated orally with vehicle (controls) and 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg bwt of glyphosate-Roundup® (treated groups) for 15 days daily. Results: The most conspicuous changes occurred on the liver treated groups due to glyphosate toxicity were the increase of enzymes activities of ALT and AST, cellular infiltration, many signs of nucleus degeneration, focal necrosis, rarified cytoplasm, disorganization of cellular organelles, and deposition of lipid droplets. The increase in the amount of collagenous fibers and the number of the mast cell were also observed. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the administration of glyphosate-Roundup® in different doses may cause adverse effects on the histopathological, ultrastructure, and biochemical alternations on the liver of the albino rats.

Background: The object of this work was to evaluate of the hepatic effects of the herbicides glyphosate-Roundup® by different doses in both sexes of albino rats. Methods: Forty animals divided into four groups with ten animals for each (both sexes) were treated orally with vehicle (controls) and 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg bwt of glyphosate-Roundup® (treated groups) for 15 days daily. Results: The most conspicuous changes occurred on the liver treated groups due to glyphosate toxicity were the increase of enzymes activities of ALT and AST, cellular infiltration, many signs of nucleus degeneration, focal necrosis, rarified cytoplasm, disorganization of cellular organelles, and deposition of lipid droplets. The increase in the amount of collagenous fibers and the number of the mast cell were also observed. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the administration of glyphosate-Roundup® in different doses may cause adverse effects on the histopathological, ultrastructure, and biochemical alternations on the liver of the albino rats.

IN vitro propagation techniques were studied to establish a protocol for rapid and mass production of Rosa spp. cv. Eiffel Tower, an important and endangered cultivar. Several experiments were conducted through a two-stage procedure: multiplication stage and rooting of microshoots stage. For multiplication, the best results were obtained when nodal segments were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP at 1mg/l and/or Kinetin at 0.5 mg/l. The highest shoots number (3.17 shoots/explant) was obtained when 0.5 mg/l BAP was added to the medium. Kinetin at 0.5 mg/l produced the highest shoot number/explant (3.67 shoots), and shoot length (3.67 cm). The interaction between BAP at 1 mg/l plus kinetin at 0.5 mg/l gave the highest shoot number/explant (4 shoots). For rooting, the best interaction effect on rooting percentage (61.00%), highest number of roots/shoot (5.12) and root length (3.33 cm) were observed when the shoots were cultured on hormone-free MS medium and pH level was adjusted to 5.5. Moreover, adjusting the medium pH to 5.5 formed roots faster in 17.67 days followed by medium with pH level 4.5 (18 days). The medium with pH at 5.5 supplemented with 50 g/l sucrose produced the highest significant value of rooting (85%) and enhanced root formation in 7.5 days. The rooted plantlets were transplanted into the potting substrate and successfully acclimatized in the laboratory then transferred to the field with a survival rate of 55%. After 6 month, the plantlets reached ~ 22 cm in length and 5.50 leaves/plant

IN vitro propagation techniques were studied to establish a protocol for rapid and mass production of Rosa spp. cv. Eiffel Tower, an important and endangered cultivar. Several experiments were conducted through a two-stage procedure: multiplication stage and rooting of microshoots stage. For multiplication, the best results were obtained when nodal segments were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP at 1mg/l and/or Kinetin at 0.5 mg/l. The highest shoots number (3.17 shoots/explant) was obtained when 0.5 mg/l BAP was added to the medium. Kinetin at 0.5 mg/l produced the highest shoot number/explant (3.67 shoots), and shoot length (3.67 cm). The interaction between BAP at 1 mg/l plus kinetin at 0.5 mg/l gave the highest shoot number/explant (4 shoots). For rooting, the best interaction effect on rooting percentage (61.00%), highest number of roots/shoot (5.12) and root length (3.33 cm) were observed when the shoots were cultured on hormone-free MS medium and pH level was adjusted to 5.5. Moreover, adjusting the medium pH to 5.5 formed roots faster in 17.67 days followed by medium with pH level 4.5 (18 days). The medium with pH at 5.5 supplemented with 50 g/l sucrose produced the highest significant value of rooting (85%) and enhanced root formation in 7.5 days. The rooted plantlets were transplanted into the potting substrate and successfully acclimatized in the laboratory then transferred to the field with a survival rate of 55%. After 6 month, the plantlets reached ~ 22 cm in length and 5.50 leaves/plant

IN vitro propagation techniques were studied to establish a protocol for rapid and mass production of Rosa spp. cv. Eiffel Tower, an important and endangered cultivar. Several experiments were conducted through a two-stage procedure: multiplication stage and rooting of microshoots stage. For multiplication, the best results were obtained when nodal segments were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP at 1mg/l and/or Kinetin at 0.5 mg/l. The highest shoots number (3.17 shoots/explant) was obtained when 0.5 mg/l BAP was added to the medium. Kinetin at 0.5 mg/l produced the highest shoot number/explant (3.67 shoots), and shoot length (3.67 cm). The interaction between BAP at 1 mg/l plus kinetin at 0.5 mg/l gave the highest shoot number/explant (4 shoots). For rooting, the best interaction effect on rooting percentage (61.00%), highest number of roots/shoot (5.12) and root length (3.33 cm) were observed when the shoots were cultured on hormone-free MS medium and pH level was adjusted to 5.5. Moreover, adjusting the medium pH to 5.5 formed roots faster in 17.67 days followed by medium with pH level 4.5 (18 days). The medium with pH at 5.5 supplemented with 50 g/l sucrose produced the highest significant value of rooting (85%) and enhanced root formation in 7.5 days. The rooted plantlets were transplanted into the potting substrate and successfully acclimatized in the laboratory then transferred to the field with a survival rate of 55%. After 6 month, the plantlets reached ~ 22 cm in length and 5.50 leaves/plant

Climatic changes affect agriculture and alter cultivated land area worldwide. Among which, low-temperature has a general negative impact on plant growth and productivity especially on tropical and subtropical species. To assess the effect of cold stress on banana, two global cultivated varieties (i.e. Grand Nain and Williams) were used for in vitro physio-biochemical evaluation. Cold stress was performed at constant 5 °C for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, to assess the changes in the pool of proline, total phenolics, total soluble carbohydrates, K+ and Ca+ 2 ions as well as the photosynthesis related pigments chlorophyll and carotenoids). Significant differences between cultivars and among exposure times were found in most of the studied traits. Results indicated that cold-stressed plants were capable to enhance their cold tolerance by over-accumulation of cryoprotectants, particularly under extended cold stress. Importantly, Williams showed more tolerance than Grand Nain by accumulating higher amounts of total phenolics, total soluble carbohydrates, higher concentrations of K+ and Ca+ 2 ions as well as more content of the photosynthetic pigments, compared to Grand Nain. Meanwhile, Grand Nain produced greater amounts of proline than Williams. These findings suggest that compatible solutes increased in relation to cold tolerance mechanisms which modulate chilling-induced oxidative damage in banana. These imperative mechanisms could be utilized as important tools and selectable markers for cold tolerance screening in banana genotypes which could be helpful in breeding programs.