GENETIKA, Vol

GENETIKA, Vol. 58, No1 (2026)

Vukašin POPOVIĆ, Slobodan VLAJIĆ, Adam TAKAČ

GENOTYPIC VARIATION IN FRUIT AND SEED YIELD COMPONENTS OF EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena L.) UNDER TEMPERATE AGROECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS [Abstract] [Full text]

Hassan Shirafkan AJIRLO, Shahram MEHRI, Hosein SOLIMANZADEH, Saadollah Alizadeh AJIRLO

MYCORRHIZAL RESPONSIVENESS TO DIFFERENT PHOSPHORUS LEVELS ON THE ROOT COLONIZATION, AGRONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND KERNEL QUALITY OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L) [Abstract] [Full text]

Paul Apagu JOHN, Mohammed KABIR, Adetunji Oroye IYIOLA-TUNJI, Iliya MALLAM

GENETIC DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENTIATION OF SOME NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS CATTLE BREEDS AT IGF-1 GENE LOCUS [Abstract] [Full text]

Karanveer KAUR, Ajmer S. DHATT and Jiffinvir Singh KHOSA
GENETIC VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND CHARACTER ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS IN HULL-LESS PUMPKIN (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. styriaca) [Abstract] [Full text]

Shailja J. VYAS and.Anjali KULKARNI

GENOTYPIC ANALYSIS OF THE CSN2 GENE IN CATTLE: VALIDATION OF A1/A2 POLYMORPHISM BY SANGER SEQUENCING [Abstract] [Full text]

Chinedu Endurance MBAH, Oluwatomiwa Jubilee SUNBARE-FUNTO, Oluwatosin Akinola AJIBADE, Yogesh K. AHLAWAT, Olubukola Monisola OYAWOYE

HARNESSING INDIGENOUS PGPR TO ENHANCE SOIL PHOSPHORUS AVAILABILITY AND MAIZE GROWTH [Abstract] [Full text]

Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol. 58, No1(2026), pp. 1-10

UDC 575.630

https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2601001P
Original scientific article

GENOTYPIC VARIATION IN FRUIT AND SEED YIELD COMPONENTS OF EGGPLANT

(Solanum melongena L.) UNDER TEMPERATE AGROECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Vukašin POPOVIĆ*, Slobodan VLAJIĆ, Adam TAKAČ

Department of Vegetable and Alternative Crops, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops,

Novi Sad, Serbia

Abstract

Popović V., S. Vlajić, A. Takač (2026): Genotypic variation in fruit and seed yield components of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under temperate agroecological conditions.- Genetika, Vol 58, No. 1, 1-10.

This three-year field study evaluated fruit and seed yield components in three morphologically distinct eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cultivars Domaci Srednje Dugi (DSD), Chinese Snake-shaped (CS), and Violeta Lunga di Romagna (VLR) under agroecological conditions of northern Serbia. Statistically highly significant differences were recorded among cultivars for all investigated traits, including plant height, fruit morphology, number of fruits per plant, fruit and seed yield per plant and per hectare, and the fruit-to-seed ratio. The VLR cultivar exhibited the highest fruit yield (33.5 t ha⁻¹), primarily due to its large fruit weight, while the DSD cultivar had the highest seed yield (420.0 kg ha⁻¹) and the most favorable fruit-to-seed ratio (67.9 g g⁻¹). Correlation analysis revealed strong interdependencies among yield traits. Fruit yield was positively associated with fruit weight and biomass per seed unit, while seed yield showed negative correlations with both plant height and fruit length. These findings suggest that genotypic variation is a key determinant of yield performance and biomass partitioning in eggplant, with implications for cultivar selection targeting either fruit production or seed efficiency.

Keywords: cultivar variability, fruit morphology, fruit yield, seed yield, Solanum melongena L.

Corresponding author: Vukašin Popović, Department of Vegetable and Alternative crops, Institute of Field and Vegetable crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, Novi Sad, Serbia, Phone No.+381214898100, E-mail: vukasin.popovic@ifvcns.ns.ac.rs

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Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol. 58, No. 1 (2026), pp.11-28

Serbia

UDC 575.630

https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2601011A
Original scientific article

MYCORRHIZAL RESPONSIVENESS TO DIFFERENT PHOSPHORUS LEVELS ON THE ROOT COLONIZATION, AGRONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND KERNEL QUALITY OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L)

Hassan Shirafkan AJIRLO¹, Shahram MEHRI²*, Hosein SOLIMANZADEH³, Saadollah Alizadeh AJIRLO⁴
¹Department of Agriculture, PaM.C., Islamic Azad University, Parsabad Moghan, Iran
²Department of Agriculture, PaM.C., Islamic Azad University, Parsabad Moghan, Iran
³Department of Agriculture, PaM.C., Islamic Azad University, Parsabad Moghan, Iran

⁴Landscape Engineering Dept., Agriculture Faculty, University of Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Ajirlo H. S., S. Mehri, H. Solimanzadeh, S. A.Ajirlo (2026). Mycorrhizal responsiveness to different phosphorus levels on the root colonization, agronomic efficiency and kernel quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L). - Genetika, Vol 58, No.1, 11-28.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key components of sustainable agricultural systems, enhancing nutrient uptake and plant productivity, particularly in phosphorus (P)-deficient soils. This study investigated the interactive effects of three AMF species (Glomus mosseae, G. intraradices, and G. etunicatum), four P application levels (25, 50, 75, and 100 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹), and two peanut cultivars (Goli and NC7) on root colonization, growth, yield, and seed quality under field conditions in the semi‑arid Moghan plain, Iran. A factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed significant interactions between AMF species and P levels across all measured traits. Glomus mosseae achieved the highest root colonization (35.6% at 25 kg P ha⁻¹), but colonization declined with increasing P. Glomus etunicatum consistently enhanced plant height, chlorophyll index, and bush yield across P levels, with a notable 11% yield increase over the control at the lowest P rate. Glomus intraradices showed a positive, P‑dependent response, maximizing oil content and yield at 100 kg P ha⁻¹. Notably, non‑inoculated plants exhibited the highest tissue P concentration at 100 kg P ha⁻¹, indicating a downregulation of the mycorrhizal pathway under high P availability. G. etunicatum also reduced non‑ripened seed numbers, promoting seed maturity. The findings demonstrate that AMF efficacy is species‑ and context‑dependent. G. etunicatum is highly effective under low to moderate P fertility, making it ideal for low‑input systems, while G. intraradices performs best under high P. An integrated nutrient management strategy moderate P fertilization (45–60 kg ha⁻¹) combined with targeted AMF inoculation can optimize peanut productivity, improve seed quality, and promote sustainable soil

Keywords: Arachis hypogaea; Mycorrhiza; Oil content, Phosphorus use efficiency, Yield components

Corresponding author: Shahram Mehri, Department of Agriculture, PaM.C, Islamic Azad University, Parsabad Moghan, Iran, email sh.mehri@iau.ac.ir & sh.mehri2000@gmail.com

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Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol. 58, No.1 (2026), pp.29-41

Serbia

UDC 575.

https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2601029J

Original scientific article

GENETIC DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENTIATION OF SOME NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS CATTLE BREEDS AT IGF-1 GENE LOCUS

Paul Apagu JOHN¹*, Mohammed KABIR², Adetunji Oroye IYIOLA-TUNJI³, Iliya MALLAM⁴

¹Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

²Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

³National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

⁴Department of Animal Science, Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

John P. A., M. Kabir, A. O.Iyiola-Tunji, I. Mallam (2026). Genetic diversity and differentiation of some Nigerian indigenous cattle breeds at IGF-1 gene locus. - Genetika, Vol 58, No.1, 29-41.

A study was conducted to determine the genetic diversity and differentiation in selected indigenous breeds of cattle in Nigeria at Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 gene locus. Ninety-six (96) cattle (n = 24 per breed) were sampled purposively across Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Sokoto States. Blood samples were collected from the animals via jugular venipuncture. DNA was extracted using a DNA purification kit, and quality and quantity were assessed with a NanoDrop-1000 UV spectrophotometer. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotyped for an IGF-1 fragment using PCR–RFLP with the SnaBI restriction enzyme using Zymo Quick DNA ^TMMini prep kit. Data collected were subjected to F Statistics analysis using GenAIEx software package. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) of cattle revealed 61% of within population, 30% of the variance was attributed to among individuals and 9% was due to among population. The TT genotype appeared to be the highest, followed by CT genotype whereas the CC genotype was the least. Complete polymorphism was observed at the IGF-1 gene locus and the gene flow N (nm) over all populations for each locus was (2.595) and within population inbreeding coefficient (F_IS) per population was (0.310). The expected heterozygosity (0.444) and unbiased expected heterozygosity (0.454) also appeared to be preponderant in Sokoto Gudali cattle breed compared to others breeds. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) marker revealed high level of genetic variations and diversity at IGF-1 gene locus among the population of cattle studied.

Keywords: Breed, IGF-1 gene, Cattle, Differentiation, Genetic diversity, Indigenous

Corresponding author: John Paul Apagu, Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria, email johnpaulapagu@gmail.com; pa.john@shestco.gov.ng

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Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol. 58, No1(2026), pp.43-53

Serbia

UDC 575.630
https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2601043K

Original scientific article

GENETIC VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND CHARACTER ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS

IN HULL-LESS PUMPKIN (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. styriaca)

Karanveer KAUR^1*, Ajmer S. DHATT² and Jiffinvir Singh KHOSA³

¹Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India -141 004

²Director of Research, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India -141 004

Abstract

Kaur K., A. S. Dhatt and J. Singh Khosa (2026): Genetic variability, heritability and character association analysis in hull-less pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. styriaca). - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 1, 43-53.

Hull-less pumpkins have been evolved due to a single recessive mutation and their consumption has numerous health benefits. The genetic variation in hull-less pumpkin is limited due to strong selection pressure for particular seed types and its cultivation in narrow geographical region. In this context, we have developed segregating populations from hull-less and hulled cultivars and selected 44 hull-less lines to broaden the genetic base of hull-less pumpkin. In the present study, 46 populations of hull-less pumpkin were characterized in terms of genetic variability, heritability and character association analysis. The morphological and biochemical characterization revealed significant variability for growth habit, quality (except dry matter), fruit, seed and oil yield. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed eleven significant PCs which explained 82.014% of total variation. Cluster analysis performed to assess the patterns of variation and germplasm under investigation, grouped it into five clusters. Growth habit, fruit, seed and oil yield show high positive correlation with other traits.

Keywords: Cluster analysis, Correlation, Mahalanobis D², Oil content, PCA

Corresponding author: Karanveer Kaur, Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India -141 004,email: karnibrar103@gmail.com

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Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol. 58, No.1 (2026), pp. 55-65

Serbia

UDC 575.

https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2601055V
Original scientific article

GENOTYPIC ANALYSIS OF THE CSN2 GENE IN CATTLE: VALIDATION OF A1/A2 POLYMORPHISM BY SANGER SEQUENCING

Shailja J. VYAS¹ and.Anjali KULKARNI²*

¹ Department of Genetics, Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study & Research in Biotechnology and Allied Science (ARIBAS), The Charutar Vidya Mandal (CVM) University, Gujarat, India

²* Natubhai V. Patel College of Pure and Applied Sciences (NVPAS), The Charutar Vidhya Mandal (CVM) University, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Vyas J. S. and.A. Kulkarni (2026): Genotypic analysis of the CSN2 gene in cattle: validation of a1/a2 polymorphism by Sanger sequencing. - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 1, 55-65.

Milk β-casein variants, particularly A1 and A2, have gained attention due to their impact on digestibility and potential health effects. The CSN2 gene, located on bovine chromosome 6, encodes β-casein, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 7 differentiates the A1 (histidine) and A2 (proline) alleles. The A1 variant is associated with the release of β-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), which has been controversially linked to health concerns such as type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while A2 milk is considered easier to digest and more suitable for sensitive consumers. This study aimed to genotype selected cattle breeds for CSN2 variants using PCR and Sanger sequencing. Blood samples were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted via the phenol–chloroform method. A 121 bp region of exon 7 was amplified using gene-specific primers, followed by electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing for SNP detection. Chromatogram analysis revealed three genotypes: A1A1, A1A2, and A2A2, with heterozygotes being most prevalent. Sanger sequencing proved to be a precise, reliable tool for confirming genotypes, especially in distinguishing heterozygous conditions and avoiding ambiguities common in conventional PCR methods. The allele distribution observed aligns with previous findings in both indigenous and exotic cattle breeds and supports the growing emphasis on A2 milk in breeding programs. Future prospects include expanding genotyping across larger herds, studying correlations between β-casein variants and milk production traits, and applying marker-assisted selection (MAS) to establish A2A2-dominant lines, which would enhance both dairy quality and market value for health-focused milk production.

Keywords: β-casein, cattle genotyping, marker-assisted selection, milk quality, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

Corresponding author: Anjali Kulkarni, Natubhai V. Patel College of Pure and Applied Sciences (NVPAS), The Charutar Vidhya Mandal (CVM) University, Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Anand, Gujarat-388120. anjali.kulkarni@cvmu.edu.in

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Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol. 58, No. 1(2026), pp. 67-82

Serbia

UDC 575.633.15

https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2601067M
Original scientific article

HARNESSING INDIGENOUS PGPR TO ENHANCE SOIL PHOSPHORUS AVAILABILITY AND MAIZE GROWTH

Chinedu Endurance MBAH¹, Oluwatomiwa Jubilee SUNBARE-FUNTO¹, Oluwatosin Akinola AJIBADE², Yogesh K. AHLAWAT ^{3, 4, 5}, Olubukola Monisola OYAWOYE^1,2

¹Department of Microbiology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria

²Departments of Microbiology, Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

³Department of biotechnology, University Centre for research and development, Chandigarh

University, Mohali, Punjab, India

⁴Centre for Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and

Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India

⁵Allied Health Sciences, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha,

Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Mbah C. E., O. J. Sunbare-Funto, O. A. Ajibade, Y. K. Ahlawat, O. M Oyawoye (2026). Harnessing indigenous PGPR to enhance soil phosphorus availability and maize growth. - Genetika, Vol 58, No.1, 67-82.

This study investigated indigenous plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from Nigerian soils for their potential to enhance phosphorus availability and promote maize (Zea mays L.) growth. Five bacterial isolates obtained from soil collected at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti field were screened for key plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, ammonia production, and hydrolytic enzyme activities (α-amylase and pectinase). Two promising isolates, IS-4 and IS-5, were selected for molecular identification. Among them, IS-5 showed the strongest overall plant growth-promoting performance, exhibiting moderate phosphate solubilization (PSI = 2.90), the highest IAA production, ammonia production, and pectinase activity. IS-4 was selected as a representative isolate from the preliminary screening. Whole-genome sequencing identified IS-5 as Enterobacter hormaechei OYAS29 and IS-4 as Acinetobacter sp. OYAS30.A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Enterobacter hormaechei OYAS29 on soil phosphorus availability and maize growth. Treatment with OYAS29 slightly increased available phosphorus in soil from 0.4905 ppm in the control to 0.4934 ppm. Inoculated maize plants also showed improved growth compared with the control, including increases in plant height (26.12%), stem girth (30.03%), leaf length (24.78%), root length (39.88%), and total biomass (58.69%). Overall, the results indicate that E. hormaechei OYAS29 has strong potential as an indigenous PGPR for sustainable maize production and improved phosphorus availability in soil.

Keywords: biofertilizer, Indole-3-acetic acid, soil microbiome, sustainable agriculture, whole-genome sequencing

Corresponding author: Chinedu Endurance Mbah, Department of Microbiology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria, email chinedumbah906@gmail.com, mbah.chinedu.181109@fuoye.edu.ng

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