The aim of this study was to compare traditional hierarchical clustering techniques and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) with the model-based Bayesian cluster analyses in relation to subpopulation differentiation based on breeding history and geographical origin of apple (Malus×domestica Borkh.) cultivars and landraces. We presented the use of a set of 10 microsatellite (SSR) loci for genetic diversity structure analyses of 273 apple accessions from national genetic resources. These SSR loci yielded a total of 113 polymorphic SSR alleles, with 5-18 alleles per locus. SSR molecular data were successfully used in binary and allelic input format for all genetic diversity analyses, but allelic molecular data did not reveal reliable results with the NTSYS-pc and BAPS softwares. A traditional cluster analysis still provided an easy and effective way for determining genetic diversity structure in the apple germplasm collection. A model-based Bayesian analysis also provided the clustering results in accordance to traditional cluster analysis, but the analyses were distorted by the presence of a dominant group of apple genetic resources owing to the narrow origin of the apple genome. PCoA confirmed that there were no noticeable differences in genetic diversity structure of apple genetic resources during the breeding history. The results of our analyses are useful in the context of enhancing apple collection management, sampling of core collections, and improving breeding processes.

• MeSH
• alely MeSH
• Bayesova věta MeSH
• chov MeSH
• DNA rostlinná genetika   MeSH
• genetická variace * MeSH
• genetické lokusy MeSH
• genetické markery * MeSH
• genom rostlinný * MeSH
• Malus genetika   MeSH
• mikrosatelitní repetice MeSH
• shluková analýza MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DNA rostlinná MeSH
• genetické markery * MeSH

Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs), as potential sources of new genetic variants, are being extensively studied to identify genotypes that will be able to confer resistance to biotic stresses. In this study, a collection of barley wild relatives was assessed in the field, and their phenotypic variability was evaluated using a Barley Description List, reflecting the identified ecosites. Overall, the CWRs showed significant field resistance to various fungal diseases. To further investigate their resistance, greenhouse tests were performed, revealing that several CWRs exhibited resistance against Fusarium culmorum, Pyrenophora teres, and Puccinia hordei G.H. Otth. Additionally, to characterize the genetic diversity within the collection, DNA polymorphisms at 21 loci were examined. We successfully employed barley-specific SSR markers, confirming their suitability for identifying H. spontaneum and even H. marinum, i.e., perennial species. The SSR markers efficiently clustered the investigated collection according to species and ecotypes, similarly to the phenotypic assessment. Moreover, SSR markers associated with disease resistance revealed different alleles in comparison to those found in resistant barley cultivars. Overall, our findings highlight that this evaluated collection of CWRs represents a valuable reservoir of genetic variability and resistance genes that can be effectively utilized in breeding programs.

• Klíčová slova
• FHB, genetic resources, net blotch, resistance breeding, rust, wild barley,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

This study examines the impact of environmental conditions on the growth, yield, and biochemical composition of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) across two locations in Central Europe over three consecutive growing seasons (2019-2021). Significant variations in meteorological conditions, including temperature fluctuations and rainfall, were observed between two locations: Austria (AT) and the Czech Republic (CZ). The study highlights the role of these environmental factors in influencing morphological traits such as plant height, leaf dimensions, and 1000-seed weight (TSW), as well as nutritional and bioactive compound content. Buckwheat plants in Austria generally exhibited higher mean values for plant height and TSW compared to the Czech Republic, with significant variability observed across varieties and years. In terms of nutritional quality, crude protein content ranged between 12.56 and 14.71% dw, with the highest protein levels linked to cooler, low-rainfall conditions. The study also investigated phenolic compounds, particularly rutin, which showed a significant increase in content in 2021, likely due to extreme weather conditions. Varieties such as Sweden-1, Tempest, and Zamira exhibited stable, high rutin levels across all years. Overall, this research highlights the complexity of environmental influences on the agronomic and nutritional traits of buckwheat and provides valuable insights for future breeding programs aimed at improving yield and nutritional value under changing climatic conditions.

• Klíčová slova
• common buckwheat, environment, genetic resources, metabolomic profiling, minor cereal,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Genomic selection is an attractive strategy for apple breeding that could reduce the length of breeding cycles. A possible limitation to the practical implementation of this approach lies in the creation of a training set large and diverse enough to ensure accurate predictions. In this study, we investigated the potential of combining two available populations, i.e., genetic resources and elite material, in order to obtain a large training set with a high genetic diversity. We compared the predictive ability of genomic predictions within-population, across-population or when combining both populations, and tested a model accounting for population-specific marker effects in this last case. The obtained predictive abilities were moderate to high according to the studied trait and small increases in predictive ability could be obtained for some traits when the two populations were combined into a unique training set. We also investigated the potential of such a training set to predict hybrids resulting from crosses between the two populations, with a focus on the method to design the training set and the best proportion of each population to optimize predictions. The measured predictive abilities were very similar for all the proportions, except for the extreme cases where only one of the two populations was used in the training set, in which case predictive abilities could be lower than when using both populations. Using an optimization algorithm to choose the genotypes in the training set also led to higher predictive abilities than when the genotypes were chosen at random. Our results provide guidelines to initiate breeding programs that use genomic selection when the implementation of the training set is a limitation.

• Klíčová slova
• Malus domestica, GenPred, Genomic Prediction, Shared Data Resource, genomic selection, germplasm, population combination, training set design,
• MeSH
• fenotyp MeSH
• genom MeSH
• genomika metody   MeSH
• genotyp MeSH
• jednonukleotidový polymorfismus MeSH
• Malus * genetika   MeSH
• modely genetické MeSH
• selekce (genetika) MeSH
• šlechtění rostlin MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Genetic monitoring of populations currently attracts interest in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity but needs long-term planning and investments. However, genetic diversity has been largely neglected in biodiversity monitoring, and when addressed, it is treated separately, detached from other conservation issues, such as habitat alteration due to climate change. We report an accounting of efforts to monitor population genetic diversity in Europe (genetic monitoring effort, GME), the evaluation of which can help guide future capacity building and collaboration towards areas most in need of expanded monitoring. Overlaying GME with areas where the ranges of selected species of conservation interest approach current and future climate niche limits helps identify whether GME coincides with anticipated climate change effects on biodiversity. Our analysis suggests that country area, financial resources and conservation policy influence GME, high values of which only partially match species' joint patterns of limits to suitable climatic conditions. Populations at trailing climatic niche margins probably hold genetic diversity that is important for adaptation to changing climate. Our results illuminate the need in Europe for expanded investment in genetic monitoring across climate gradients occupied by focal species, a need arguably greatest in southeastern European countries. This need could be met in part by expanding the European Union's Birds and Habitats Directives to fully address the conservation and monitoring of genetic diversity.

• MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• genetická variace MeSH
• klimatické změny * MeSH
• zachování přírodních zdrojů * metody   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

Mitigating loss of genetic diversity is a major global biodiversity challenge1-4. To meet recent international commitments to maintain genetic diversity within species5,6, we need to understand relationships between threats, conservation management and genetic diversity change. Here we conduct a global analysis of genetic diversity change via meta-analysis of all available temporal measures of genetic diversity from more than three decades of research. We show that within-population genetic diversity is being lost over timescales likely to have been impacted by human activities, and that some conservation actions may mitigate this loss. Our dataset includes 628 species (animals, plants, fungi and chromists) across all terrestrial and most marine realms on Earth. Threats impacted two-thirds of the populations that we analysed, and less than half of the populations analysed received conservation management. Genetic diversity loss occurs globally and is a realistic prediction for many species, especially birds and mammals, in the face of threats such as land use change, disease, abiotic natural phenomena and harvesting or harassment. Conservation strategies designed to improve environmental conditions, increase population growth rates and introduce new individuals (for example, restoring connectivity or performing translocations) may maintain or even increase genetic diversity. Our findings underscore the urgent need for active, genetically informed conservation interventions to halt genetic diversity loss.

• MeSH
• biodiverzita * MeSH
• genetická variace * genetika   MeSH
• lidské činnosti MeSH
• rostliny genetika   MeSH
• zachování přírodních zdrojů * metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• metaanalýza MeSH

Restricted range size brings about noteworthy genetic consequences that may affect the viability of a population and eventually its extinction. Particularly, the question if an increase in inbreeding can avert the accumulation of genetic load via purging is hotly debated in the conservation genetic field. Insular populations with limited range sizes represent an ideal setup for relating range size to these genetic factors. Leveraging a set of eight differently sized populations of Galápagos mockingbirds (Mimus), we investigated how island size shaped effective population size (Ne), inbreeding and genetic load. We assembled a genome of M. melanotis and genotyped three individuals per population by whole-genome resequencing. Demographic inference showed that the Ne of most populations remained high after the colonisation of the archipelago 1-2 Mya. Ne decline in M. parvulus happened only 10-20 Kya, whereas the critically endangered M. trifasciatus showed a longer history of reduced Ne. Despite these historical fluctuations, the current island size determines Ne in a linear fashion. In contrast, significant inbreeding coefficients, derived from runs of homozygosity, were identified only in the four smallest populations. The index of additive genetic load suggested purging in M. parvulus, where the smallest populations showed the lowest load. By contrast, M. trifasciatus carried the highest genetic load, possibly due to a recent rapid bottleneck. Overall, our study demonstrates a complex effect of demography on inbreeding and genetic load, providing implications in conservation genetics in general and in a conservation project of M. trifasciatus in particular.

• Klíčová slova
• conservation genetics, demographic inference, genetic diversity, genetic load,
• MeSH
• genetická zátěž * MeSH
• genom * MeSH
• genotyp MeSH
• hustota populace MeSH
• inbreeding * MeSH
• ostrovy MeSH
• Passeriformes * genetika   MeSH
• populační genetika * MeSH
• zachování přírodních zdrojů MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Ekvádor MeSH
• ostrovy MeSH

Abies guatemalensis Rehder, an endangered conifer endemic to Central American highlands, is ecologically vital in upper montane forests. It faces threats from habitat fragmentation, unsustainable logging, and illegal Christmas tree harvesting. While previous genetic studies on mature trees from eighteen populations showed high within-population diversity and limited among-population differentiation, the genetic impact of recent anthropogenic pressures on younger generations has yet to be discovered. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies for this vulnerable species. We sampled 170 young trees (< 15 years old) from seven populations across Guatemala. Seven microsatellite markers were used to analyse genetic diversity, population structure, and recent demographic history. Moderate levels of genetic diversity were observed within populations (mean Shannon diversity index = 4.97, mean Simpson's index = 0.51, mean allelic richness = 11.59, mean observed heterozygosity = 0.59). Although genetic structure broadly aligned with mountain corridors, substantial admixture patterns suggest historical connectivity across all populations. Most populations showed evidence of recent bottlenecks (p < 0.05) and inbreeding. The results suggest a potential decline in genetic diversity and increased population structuring (ΦST = 0.274, p < 0.01) over the past decades compared to the previous study on old trees. The observed genetic patterns indicate ongoing impacts of habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic pressures on A. guatemalensis. Conservation efforts should prioritise expanding effective population sizes and facilitating gene flow, particularly for isolated populations. While restoration efforts may be logistically easier within mountain ranges, genetic evidence suggests that increasing overall population connectivity could benefit this species. Management strategies should implement systematic seed collection protocols to maintain genetic diversity in future populations. These findings highlight the urgent need for conservation measures to preserve remaining genetic diversity and promote connectivity among A. guatemalensis populations.

• Klíčová slova
• Conservation, Gene flow, Genetic bottleneck, Guatemalan fir, Inbreeding, Overexploitation,
• MeSH
• ekosystém * MeSH
• genetická variace * MeSH
• jedle * genetika   MeSH
• mikrosatelitní repetice * genetika   MeSH
• ohrožené druhy * MeSH
• populační genetika MeSH
• zachování přírodních zdrojů MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Guatemala MeSH

Four broodstocks of European huchen (Hucho hucho) from: Poland, Germany, Slovakia, and Ukraine were investigated using ten microsatellite DNA loci. Microsatellite DNA analysis was successfully applied for the first time in the Polish broodstock of this fish species. The genetic variation and genetic distance between these broodstocks were evaluated. In addition, we examined the potential effects of a genetic bottleneck on the genetic variation of the broodstocks. The European huchen broodstocks exhibited moderate genetic diversity (PIC = 0.405-0.496 and I = 0.831-1.047) with the exception of German broodstock which presented higher genetic diversity (PIC = 0.590 and I = 1.254). Observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity across the investigated loci in all broodstocks ranged from 0.434 to 0.686 and from 0.452 to 0.650, respectively. Overall, the studied broodstocks were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE); however, from 8 to 42% of the loci deviated from HWE in each stock. The Garza-Williamson index (M = 0.146-0.279) and values of the heterozygosity excess revealed a reduction of genetic variation in all studied broodstocks because of the founder or bottleneck effect. The analysis of genetic differentiation (Fst) and Nei's genetic distance between pairs of broodstocks revealed that Polish and Ukrainian broodstocks of European huchen were characterized by the closest genetic distance. In contrast, the highest genetic divergence parameters (Fst and Nei's distance) were observed among German, Slovak, and Ukrainian broodstocks.

• Klíčová slova
• Broodstocks, Conservation, Genetic distance, Genetic diversity, Hucho hucho, Microsatellite DNA,
• MeSH
• chov * MeSH
• genetická variace * MeSH
• genotyp MeSH
• mikrosatelitní repetice MeSH
• populační genetika MeSH
• Salmonidae genetika   MeSH
• sekvenční analýza DNA MeSH
• zachování přírodních zdrojů * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Německo MeSH
• Polsko MeSH
• Slovenská republika MeSH
• Ukrajina MeSH

The intensification of agricultural practices and urbanisation are widespread causes of biodiversity loss. However, the role of artificial habitats in genetic rescue is an aspect that is not well understood. Implementing genetic rescue measures to improve gene flow and maintain a viable population of keystone species is a crucial prerequisite for promoting diverse and resilient ecosystems. Landscape fragmentation and modern agricultural methods have caused the decline and the isolation of the remnant colonies of the endangered European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) throughout its range. However, the artificial habitat, such as airport fields with regular grass mowing, provides suitable conditions for this grassland specialist. We measured home range size and genetic variation of seven souslik colonies in western Slovakia. Based on the 6904 ddRAD SNPs, we found significantly higher individual heterozygosity in colonies on airports compared to colonies on pastures. This indicates a potential for higher fitness of individuals from airport colonies, which can serve as a source for evidence-based translocations. Such an intervention can preserve the genetic diversity of small and isolated populations in the region. We emphasize that conservation management strategies would be strengthened including a specific focus on human-made grassland habitats.

• MeSH
• biodiverzita MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• genetická variace * MeSH
• jednonukleotidový polymorfismus MeSH
• letiště * MeSH
• ohrožené druhy MeSH
• Sciuridae genetika   MeSH
• tok genů MeSH
• zachování přírodních zdrojů metody   MeSH
• zemědělství * metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH