Comparative transcriptome profiling and co-expression network analysis uncover the key genes associated with pear petal defense responses against infection.

Pear brown rot and blossom blight caused by seriously affect pear production worldwide. Here, we compared the transcriptomic profiles of petals after inoculation with using two pear cultivars with different levels of sensitivity to disease (Sissy, a relatively tolerant cultivar, and Kristalli, a highly susceptible cultivar). Physiological indexes were also monitored in the petals of both cultivars at 2 h and 48 h after infection (2 HAI and 48 HAI).

Global Transcriptome Analysis of the Peach () in the Interaction System of Fruit-Chitosan-.

The peach ( L.) is one of the most important stone-fruit crops worldwide. Nevertheless, successful peach fruit production is seriously reduced by losses due to the causal agent of brown rot.

DNA Barcoding and Fertilization Strategies in subsp. , a Local Endemic Plant of Crete with High Medicinal Value.

Herein, we applied DNA barcoding for the genetic characterization of subsp. (Lamiaceae; threatened local Cretan endemic plant) using seven molecular markers of cpDNA. Five fertilization schemes were evaluated comparatively in a pilot cultivation in Crete.

Grapevine Trunk Diseases in Greece: Disease Incidence and Fungi Involved in Discrete Geographical Zones and Varieties.

A three-year survey was conducted to estimate the incidence of grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) in Greece and identify fungi associated with the disease complex. In total, 310 vineyards in different geographical regions in northern, central, and southern Greece were surveyed, and 533 fungal strains were isolated from diseased vines. Morphological, physiological and molecular (5.

Genetic and Epigenetic Responses of Autochthonous Grapevine Cultivars from the 'Epirus' Region of Greece upon Consecutive Drought Stress.

Within the framework of preserving and valorizing the rich grapevine germplasm of the Epirus region of Greece, indigenous grapevine ( L.) cultivars were characterized and assessed for their resilience to abiotic stresses in the context of climate change. The cultivars 'Debina' and 'Dichali' displayed significant differences in their response to drought stress as judged by morpho-physiological analysis, indicating higher drought tolerance for Dichali.

Wild and cultivated olive tree genetic diversity in Greece: a diverse resource in danger of erosion.

The genetic relationships between Greek wild olive tree populations and cultivars were investigated. A total of 219 wild genotypes and 67 cultivar genotypes were analyzed by employing 10 SSR markers. Data evidenced that the wild populations exhibited high levels of genetic diversity and exclusively host 40% of the total number of alleles detected.

First reports of , and (Tylenchomorpha) from Greece and further records of four other nematode species.

Nematode samplings in various areas and crops of Greece were carried out and the recovered nematode species were characterized using morphological and molecular data. Seven species of plant-parasitic nematodes were recovered, three of which are reported for the first time in Greece, including , and . Four other recovered species had already been reported in Greece, including , , and .

Physiological Responses of Two Olive Cultivars to Salt Stress.

The olive tree ( L.) is the main fruit tree in most of the arid and semi-arid regions of Tunisia, which is where the problem of salinity is more pronounced. Salinity is one of the main factors that affects the productivity of olive trees, so the objective of this experiment was to study the effects of salinity on the photosynthesis, water relations, mineral status, and enzymatic activity of two cultivars of L.

Classification of olive cultivars by machine learning based on olive oil chemical composition.

Extra virgin olive oil traceability and authenticity are important quality indicators, and are currently the subject of exhaustive research, for developing methods to secure olive oil origin-related issues. The aim of this study was the development of a classification model capable of olive cultivar identification based on olive oil chemical composition. To achieve our aim, 385 samples of two Greek and three Italian olive cultivars were collected during two successive crop years from different locations in the coastline part of western Greece and southern Italy and analyzed for their chemical characteristics.

Complete genome sequence of a carlavirus identified in grapevine (Vitis sp) in Greece.

Using high-throughput sequencing, we identified a novel carlavirus sequence in a 28-year-old 'Kotsifali' grapevine sample collected in Heraklion (Crete, Greece). Using RT-PCR and 5'/3' RACE together with Sanger sequencing, the complete genome sequence of 8299 nt was confirmed and found to contain five open reading frames (ORFs) but to lack an ORF6, which is present in some members of the genus Carlavirus. The novel sequence is most similar to those of two carlaviruses infecting caper, and taking into account the ICTV nomenclature, we propose the name "grapevine carlavirus 1" for this new virus.

Identification and genetic diversity of grapevine virus L in Greece.

In this study, grapevine virus L (GVL) was identified for the first time in Greece through the application of high-throughput sequencing of total RNA from grapevine samples. Further investigation of the prevalence of GVL in Greek vineyards by RT-PCR revealed its presence in 5.5% (31/560) of the tested samples, which originated from six viticultural areas of the country.

Incidence and Epidemiology of Citrus Viroids in Greece: Role of Host and Cultivar in Epidemiological Characteristics.

Viroids represent a threat to the citrus industry and also display an intricate matter for citrus tristeza virus (CTV) control as most of the commercial citrus rootstocks that are resistant/tolerant to CTV appear to be highly susceptible to viroid infection. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of the viroid's incidence and distribution, along with the assessment of unexplored epidemiological factors leading to their occurrence, are necessary to further improve control measures. Herein, a large-scale epidemiological study of citrus viroids in five districts, 38 locations and 145 fields in Greece is presented, based on the analysis of 3005 samples collected from 29 cultivars of six citrus species.

Components of TOR and MAP kinase signaling control chemotropism and pathogenicity in the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae.

Filamentous fungi can sense useful resources and hazards in their environment and direct growth of their hyphae accordingly. Chemotropism ensures access to nutrients, contact with other individuals (e.g.

Crop Wild Relatives: A Valuable Source of Tolerance to Various Abiotic Stresses.

Global climate change is one of the major constraints limiting plant growth, production, and sustainability worldwide. Moreover, breeding efforts in the past years have focused on improving certain favorable crop traits, leading to genetic bottlenecks. The use of crop wild relatives (CWRs) to expand genetic diversity and improve crop adaptability seems to be a promising and sustainable approach for crop improvement in the context of the ongoing climate challenges.

Analysis of Wine-Producing L. Biotypes, Autochthonous to Crete (Greece), Employing Ampelographic and Microsatellite Markers.

ssp. (domesticated grapevine) includes thousands of cultivars, which are classified according to their main uses, as wines, fresh fruits or dried raisins and sultanas since ancient times. Evidence showed that Crete grapevine cultivars and winemaking date back to 2300 BC.

Molecular diagnostics for monitoring insecticide resistance in the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis.

Background: Insecticide resistance has emerged in various western flower thrips (WFT) populations across the world, threatening the efficiency of chemical control applications. Elucidation of insecticide resistance mechanisms at the molecular level provides markers for the development of diagnostics to monitor the trait and support evidence-based resistance management.

Results: TaqMan and Droplet Digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) diagnostics were developed and validated, against Sanger sequencing, in individual and pooled WFT samples respectively, for the G275E mutation (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α6 gene, nAChR α6) associated with resistance to nAChR allosteric modulators, site I (spinosyns); L1014F, T929I, T929C and T292V mutations (voltage-gated sodium channel gene, vgsc) linked with pyrethroid resistance; and I1017M (chitin synthase 1 gene, chs1) conferring resistance to growth inhibitors affecting CHS1 (benzoylureas).

Identification and complete genome sequencing of a divergent olive virus T isolate and an olive leaf yellowing-associated virus isolate naturally infecting olive trees in Greece.

Several new full genome sequences of olive viruses came to light recently via high-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis. In this study, total RNA HTS analysis of two Greek olive trees revealed the presence of an olive virus T (OlVT) isolate and an olive leaf yellowing-associated virus (OLYaV) isolate. The full viral genome of OlVT isolate (50Ch) is composed of 6862 nucleotides encoding for three proteins (replicase, movement protein, and capsid protein) with typical betaflexiviruses' genomic features.

Effect of explant type (leaf, stem) and 2,4-D concentration on callus induction: influence of elicitor type (biotic, abiotic), elicitor concentration and elicitation time on biomass growth rate and costunolide biosynthesis in gazania (Gazania rigens) cell suspension cultures.

Gazania rigens (L.) Gaertn. (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant with high ornamental potential and use in landscaping.

Next-generation molecular diagnostics (TaqMan qPCR and ddPCR) for monitoring insecticide resistance in Bemisia tabaci.

Background: Insecticide resistance has developed in several populations of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci worldwide and threatens to compromise the efficacy of chemical control. The molecular mechanisms underpinning resistance have been characterized and markers associated with the trait have been identified, allowing the development of diagnostics for individual insects.

Results: TaqMan and Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) assays were developed and validated, in individual and pooled whitefly samples, respectively, for the following target-site mutations: the acetylcholinesterase (ace1) F331W mutation conferring organophosphate-resistance; the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) mutations L925I and T929V conferring pyrethroid-resistance; and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc) A2083V mutation conferring ketoenol-resistance.

First Report of Hooper, 1961 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Greece.

Longidorid nematodes comprise more than 500 species, and and are the most diversified, prevalent, and cosmopolitan genera within plant-parasitic nematodes. The genus comprise a group of species, some of which are vectors of plant viruses. New sampling for needle nematodes was carried out in a grapevine area in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, and one nematode species of () was recovered.