Mung bean is vulnerable to bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.), resulting in low quality and losses worldwide. Developing resistant cultivars is the most effective, economical, and eco-friendly way to protect mung bean seeds from the damage of bruchids. Previously, we identified two gene loci that are tightly linked with bruchid resistance, which makes new cultivar development possible using molecular assisted selection (MAS). In the present study, marker-assisted backcross (MABC) breeding was employed to introgress the bruchid resistance gene VrPGIP2 locus from the donor parent V2802 into a popular cultivar, Kamphaeng Saen 1. Markers VrBR-SSR013 and DMB-SSR158 were used for foreground selection, and phenotypic selection was used for background selection. Three advanced inbred lines (R67-11, R67-22, and R92-15) carrying the resistance gene VrPGIP2 were developed from the BC₃F₆ population. Further analysis showed that the line R67-22 performed best; it was highly resistant to bruchids and showed excellent agronomic traits in the field. Therefore, R67-22 could be further evaluated in large-scale trials for release as a variety.

Background: Colletotrichum camelliae is an important fungal disease in tea plants (Camellia sinensis), and NLR gene family play a central role in plant disease resistance recognition. Analyzing the expression characteristics and regulatory network of NLR genes in tea plants in response to anthracnose infection can provide a theoretical basis for exploring key genes for tea plant resistance to anthracnose and elucidating the molecular mechanisms of disease resistance. Method: Using the tea tree reference genome Shuchazao 2 as the material, CsNLR genes were identified based on NB-ARC (Pfam ID: PF00931) and LRR (Pfam ID: PF00560) conserved domains; Conduct bioinformatics analysis using TBtools, MEME, and MEGA; Using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to detect the expression changes of CsNLR in the common variety Sucha 120 and the purple variety Ziying 2 after anthracnose infection, and constructing a protein prediction association network. Result: A total of 158 CsNLR genes were identified, and their physicochemical properties, phylogenetics, gene structure, and cis element analysis revealed differentiation among family members. The promoters generally contain stress and hormone response elements; CsNLR is highly expressed in roots, stems, and mature leaves. After 4 days of inoculation with anthracnose infection, the expression trends of CsNLR in the two tea tree varieties were opposite, with Sucha 120 upregulated and Ziying 2 downregulated; The predicted protein association network shows CsNLR as the central node of the network, with 77 CsNLR proteins were included in the predictive functional association network, and there were differences in the connectivity of different members. Conclusions: The CsNLR identified in this study is a potential NLR resistant gene for anthracnose in tea plants, laying the foundation for subsequent functional verification of disease resistant genes and analysis of resistance mechanisms.

Brassica napus L. is a member of the family Cruciferae. This species is also referred to as "rape," “oilseed rape," "rapa," "rappi," and "rapeseed." It is the third most important source of edible oil globally after soybean and palm oil. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) analysis has proven to be a powerful tool to reveal the genetic mechanisms of seed weight regulation in this species. We identified and compiled a comprehensive list of 1,905 candidate genes associated with seed weight regulation in Brassica napus. Five candidate genomic regions with 204 seed weight–related genes were identified, including 21 differentially expressed genes from transcriptomic analysis. A CRISPR/Cas mutant library targeting silique- and seed size-related genes was generated in rapeseed, indicating a potential role of BnaHRDs in their development. DEGs were involved in developmental processes, cell division, and nutrient storage, indicating their role in regulating seed size in Brassica napus. HB1 and HAIKU2 also regulate seed weight by controlling endosperm proliferation through the IKU pathway. A total of 1,643 SNP markers were aligned to the pseudochromosomes of Brassica napus using BLAST to identify significant hits. Furthermore, BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT1 (BZR1) is an important regulator of seed growth acting through maternal tissues. TDZ treatment enhanced both cell size and number. Plant hormones, including auxin, gibberellin (GA), and brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathways, have been reported to regulate seed size. Transcription factors including LEC2, WRI1, FUS3, MYB30, and ABI3 were active during early seed development, while LEC1, LEC2, ABI3, and FUS3 remained active during seed maturation. Physiological processes play a key role in yield variation and the selection of high-yielding genotypes. Currently, marker-assisted selection and transgenic approaches are commonly used in rapeseed breeding. Temperature and light are key environmental factors affecting oil production in rapeseed. The integration of genetic engineering, molecular marker technologies, and conventional selection is expected to be a key approach for improving high-oil-content rapeseed. These limitations highlight the need for further studies on rapeseed applications.

Brassica napus L. (rapeseed), a member of the family Brassicaceae, is the world’s third most important oilseed crop for edible oil production, after soybean and palm. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping is a powerful strategy for dissecting the genetic basis of seed weight. In this review, Previous studies summarized a total of 1905 candidate genes associated with seed weight in Brassica napus. Five candidate genomic regions harboring 204 seed-weight-related genes were identified, among which 21 genes were characterized as differentially expressed genes via transcriptomic analysis. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) mutant libraries targeting genes related to silique and seed size have been constructed in Brassica napus, revealing that BnaHRD genes play critical roles in seed development. These differentially expressed genes are involved in developmental processes, cell division. and nutrient storage, supporting their functions in seed size regulation. SHB1 and HAIKU2 modulate endosperm proliferation through the IKU pathway, thereby affecting seed weight. BZR1 (brassinazole-resistant 1) acts as a master regulator of seed growth via maternal tissues. Thidiazuron (TDZ), a cytokinin analogue, simultaneously promotes cell proliferation and cell expansion, thereby increasing cell number and cell size. Multiple phytohormone signaling pathways, including auxin, gibberellin (GA), and brassinosteroid (BR), as well as transcription factors such as LEC2, participate in the regulatory network of seed size. Here, we review current advances in the genetic and molecular regulation of seed size and discuss future perspectives for rapeseed breeding.