Biology subjects

Bustos-Korts, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Bustos-Korts, D..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

A hierarchical Bayesian model for dynamic phenotypes in multi-environment trials with genotype by environment interaction

New phenotyping tools produce longitudinal phenotypes that describe plant growth and development. Estimates for the parameters that describe the dynamics of such longitudinal phenotypes can be incorporated as predictors in models for static target traits like yield and biomass. Within a hierarchical Bayesian context, we present a differential equation (DE) model for log-logistic growth in longitudinal traits for sets of genotypes across multiple environments. The DE parameters coincide with a midpoint, a slope, and an asymptote at the end of growth and development, i.e., final biomass. Each DE parameter in our hierarchical model results from contributions of genotype, environment, and G x E. This formulation allows one to assess and quantify the genotype-specificity of the DE parameters. When none of the DE parameters in our model requires a G x E term, the dynamic parameters characterizing the particular trait will be useful features for inclusion in prediction models for yield or biomass. We fitted a DE model to APSIM-simulated longitudinal wheat biomass data and quantified the contribution of genotype, environment and G x E to the phenotypic variation in the DE parameters. Only the upper asymptote showed clear G x E. Estimates for genotypic and G x E parameters within the DE parameters were used to characterize genotypes. Estimates for environmental and G x E effects formed inputs for environmental characterization.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Complementary approaches to dissect late leaf rust resistance in an interspecific raspberry population

Over the last ten years, global raspberry production has increased by 47.89%, based on the red species (Rubus idaeus). However, the black raspberry species (Rubus occidentalis), although less consumed, is resistant to one of the most important diseases for the crop, the late leaf rust caused by Acculeastrum americanum fungus, to which the red ones are susceptible. In this context, genetic resistance is the most sustainable way to control the disease, mainly because there are no registered fungicides for late leaf rust in the crop in Brazil. Therefore, the aim was to understand the genetic architecture that controls resistance to late rust in raspberries. For that, we used an interspecific diversity panel between the cited above species, two different statistical approaches to associate the phenotypes to the markers (GWAS and copula graphical models), and two phenotyping methodologies from the first to the seventeenth day after inoculation (high-throughput phenotyping with a multispectral camera and traditional phenotyping by disease severity scores). Our findings indicate that a locus of higher effect possibly controls the resistance to late leaf rust, as both GWAS and the network suggested the same marker. Furthermore, a candidate defense-related gene cluster is close to this marker. Finally, the best stage to evaluate for disease severity is thirteen days after inoculation, confirmed by both traditional and high-throughput phenotyping. Although the network and GWAS indicated the same higher effect genomic region, the network identified other different regions complementing the genetic control comprehension.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2021

Physiological and genetic drivers underpinning canopy development are associated with durum wheat yield in rainfed environments

New durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. Durum) cultivars with improved adaptation to variable rainfall environments are required to sustain productivity in the face of climate change. Physiological traits related to canopy development underpin the production of biomass and yield, as they interact with solar radiation and affect the timing of water use throughout the growing season. This study explored the temporal canopy dynamics of durum wheat using a nested-association mapping population evaluated for longitudinal normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measurements. Association mapping was performed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for time-point NDVI and spline-smoothed NDVI trajectory traits. Yield effects associated with QTL for canopy development were investigated using data from four rainfed field trials. Four QTL associated with slower canopy closure, improved yield in specific environments, and notably, were not associated with a yield penalty in any environment. This was likely due to optimised timing of water-use and pleiotropic effects on yield component traits, including spike number and spike length. Overall, this study suggests that slower canopy closure is beneficial for durum wheat production in rainfed environments. Selection for traits or loci associated with canopy development may improve yield stability of durum wheat in water limited environments.

genetics↗