Mastodawn

Genetic evaluation of flowering, maturity time and productivity in almond (Prunus dulcis): heritability estimates and breeding value predictions

"In this study, genetic parameters for flowering, maturity and productivity, three key complex traits in almond breeding, were estimated using classical methods (midparent-offspring regression and between/within family variance components) as well as a Bayesian linear mixed model."

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12870-026-08458-1 #Almond #PlantBreeding

Genetic evaluation of flowering, maturity time and productivity in almond (Prunus dulcis): heritability estimates and breeding value predictions - BMC Plant Biology

Almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] is a major nut crop with high genetic complexity due to its heterozygosity and self-incompatible origin. In this s

SpringerLink

Alexander J. Stein 4d ago

Grain zinc, iron & protein concentrations in new wheat varieties have declined since the 1960s. Combining agronomic & genetic #Biofortification is key for improving grain nutrient concentrations and addressing micronutrient deficiencies: doi.org/10.1038/s430... #Nutrition #PlantBreeding #Fertilizer

Grain zinc, iron and protein c...

Alexander J. Stein Mar 10

Yield gains up to 24% were seen in field trials of rice plants with an improved version of a newly identified regulator. The discovery could help boost crop yields while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-02... #Rice #Yields #PlantBreeding #Nitrogen #NUE #Fertilizer

Rice gene discovery could cut ...

Rice gene discovery could cut fertiliser use while protecting yields | University of Oxford

Researchers from the University of Oxford, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (Chinese Academy of Sciences) have finally identified the master regulator in plants that balances root and shoot growth when nutrients are limited. In field trials, rice plants with a natural, improved version of the gene had yield increases of up to

Alexander J. Stein Mar 4

In an online survey in Spain (n=500), participants prioritised pesticide reduction when assessing potential benefits of #CRISPR. Two groups emerged: one motivated by environmental #sustainability, the other by health and sensory quality: doi.org/10.1186/s401... #GeneEditing #PlantBreeding #Health

Which traits drive consumer pr...

Which traits drive consumer preferences for gene-edited foods in Spain - Agricultural and Food Economics

This study examines consumer preferences for the potential benefits of CRISPR technology using a best–worst scaling (BWS) approach within an online survey of a representative Spanish sample. The BWS discrete choice experiment focuses on seven key environmental and health-related benefits of CRISPR, using tomatoes as a case study. The selected benefits are derived from science-based information and align with the EU regulatory context, following the European Commission’s 2023 proposal on gene-editing technologies. Estimates from a random parameter logit (RPL) model indicate that pesticide reduction is the most highly valued benefit, followed by water saving and health improvement, thereby highlighting the combined influence of environmental and personal benefits on consumer acceptance of genetically engineered food. The significant standard deviations in the RPL estimates reveal substantial heterogeneity in preferences, which is further examined by identifying two distinct consumer segments. While both segments strongly prioritise pesticide reduction, one is primarily motivated by environmental sustainability outcomes, whereas the other places greater emphasis on health and sensory quality improvements. These findings underscore the need for targeted communication strategies to address distinct consumer concerns, rather than a uniform approach.

SpringerLink

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Megan Lynch (she/her)Feb 28

Here's Mendel's journal article on Hieracium.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1456139/ #Botany #PlantBreeding #Science #History #Brno

Glen L Creasy Feb 15

Estonia's Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture is looking to help breed grapevines to make quality wine in their northern latitudes.

A nice overview of the breeding process, which usually takes decades...

https://news.err.ee/1609940807/work-on-estonia-s-first-ever-wine-grape-variety-underway

#ColdClimate #Viticulture #PlantBreeding #HardyGrapes #Wine #Estonia

Work on Estonia's first-ever wine grape variety underway

While a viable Estonian-grown wine grape is likely to be many years off, it is still feasible.

Eesti Rahvusringhääling | ERR

Megan Lynch (she/her)Feb 24

"Here Gregor Johann Mendel lectured on his discovery in 1865"

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=226439 #ScienceHistory #PlantBreeding #Botany #Brno #Czechia

Megan Lynch (she/her)Feb 23

The State Plant Breeding Institute of the University of Hohenheim is looking for a Research Associate (Postdoc) (f/m/d) to start on 1 May 2026, fixed-term until 30 April 2029, up to EG13 TV-L, scope of employment 100%, subject to final approval of the third-party funded project.

https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/job-openings?tx_unijobs_joboffers%5Bjoboffer%5D=4396&tx_unijobs_joboffers%5Baction%5D=show&tx_unijobs_joboffers%5Bcontroller%5D=Joboffer&cHash=c98a50a5a0d44d370d48b4a89c72babc-research_associate_postdoc_f-m-d-universitaet_hohenheim-stuttgart #PlantBreeding #GradSchool #Germany

Job vacancies: University of Hohenheim

Current job opportunities at the University of Hohenheim

Megan Lynch (she/her)Feb 23

The State Plant Breeding Institute of the University of Hohenheim is looking for two PhD students (f/m/d) to start on 1 May 2026, fixed-term until 30 April 2029, up to EG13 TV-L, scope of employment 65% , subject to final approval of the third-party funded project.

https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/job-openings?tx_unijobs_joboffers%5Bjoboffer%5D=4395&tx_unijobs_joboffers%5Baction%5D=show&tx_unijobs_joboffers%5Bcontroller%5D=Joboffer&cHash=7e91d29ae9cb3331a2b6aee4dbbb250c #PlantBreeding #GradScool #Germany

Job vacancies: University of Hohenheim

Current job opportunities at the University of Hohenheim

Alexander J. Stein Feb 23

#Biofortification is a cost-effective & scalable strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. In 2023, an estimated 177-293 million people consumed zinc-rich rice & wheat (Bangladesh, Pakistan) and vitamin A-rich maize & cassava (Nigeria): doi.org/10.1016/j.cd... #Nutrition #PlantBreeding

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