Background: Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is one of the most common and accurate methods of gene expression analysis. However, the biggest challenge for this kind of examinations is normalization of the results, which requires the application of dependable internal controls. The selection of appropriate reference genes (RGs) is one of the most crucial points in qPCR data analysis and for correct assessment of gene expression. Because of the fact that many reports indicate that the expression profiles of typically used RGs can be unstable in certain experimental conditions, species or tissues, reference genes with stable expression levels should be selected individually for each experiment. In this study, we analysed a set of ten candidate RGs for wheat seedlings under short-term drought stress. Our tests included five ‘traditional’ RGs (GAPDH, ACT, UBI, TUB, and TEF1) and five novel genes developed by the RefGenes tool from the Genevestigator database. Results: Expression stability was assessed using five different algorithms: geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, RefFinder and the delta Ct method. In the final ranking, we identified three genes: CJ705892, ACT, and UBI, as the best candidates for housekeeping genes. However, our data indicated a slight variation between the different algorithms that were used. We revealed that the novel gene CJ705892, obtained by means of in silico analysis, showed the most stable expression in the experimental tissue and condition. Conclusions: Our results support the statement, that novel genes selected for certain experimental conditions have a more stable level of expression in comparison to routinely applied RGs, like genes encoding actin, tubulin or GAPDH. Selected CJ705892 gene can be used as a housekeeping gene in the expression analysis in wheat seedlings under short-term drought. The results of our study will be useful for subsequent analyses of gene expression in wheat tissues subjected to drought.

The phytochemical characteristic analysis of a group of 30 haskap berry genotypes was carried out bearing in mind the concern for the consumption of food with high nutraceutical value that helps maintain good health. Phytochemical fruit composition and antioxidant activity were assessed by the Folin–Ciocalteau, spectrophotometric, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) as well as ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method. Evaluation of antioxidant activity was referred to as the Trolox equivalent. The observed differences in the content of phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C and antioxidant activity allowed us to select genotypes which, due to the high level of the analyzed compounds, are particularly recommended in everyone’s diet. In addition, the analysis of the prospects of increasing the analyzed phytochemical properties, estimated by parameters such as heritability and genetic progress, indicates the effectiveness of breeding in relation to each of the analyzed traits. The results of the presented research can be used in the implementation of future breeding programs for this valuable species.

Wild oat tetraploids of the section Pachycarpa have already been proven to be a rich source of useful genes but have largely been unexploited for Puccinia coronata resistance. In this study, accessions of Avena magna, A. murphyi, and A. insularis gathered from European and North American gene banks were evaluated at the seedling stage for crown rust reaction using the host–pathogen test and six highly diverse and virulent P. coronata isolates. Of the 92 Avena accessions analyzed, 58.7% were resistant to at least one crown rust race. In all, 37% of the tested accessions reacted nonuniformly, which indicated their heterogeneity. The highest level of resistance was observed in three of the accessions, one of which was verified by flow cytometry as being hexaploid and two of which were verified as being tetraploids. The infection profiles of 19 accessions corresponded to resistance determined by the genes Pc14, Pc39, Pc40, Pc48, Pc50, Pc54, Pc55, Pc61, Pc67, Pc68, Pc97, Pc101, or Pc104. The patterns of infection of the remaining resistant A. magna and A. murphyi accessions allowed us to postulate the presence of potentially novel crown rust resistance genes.

The aim of the present study was to identify Avena sterilis genotypes demonstrating a high level of resistance against oat powdery mildew, using host-pathogen tests. The study was conducted on 350 A. sterilis genotypes from different parts of the world. Six single-spore isolates of Blumeria graminis (DC.) f. sp. avenae, which demonstrated different levels of virulence to control lines and cultivars, were used in host-pathogen screening tests. To confirm the resistant response of selected genotypes, 13 other isolates were used. Reactions to the isolates were grouped into three classes: resistant, intermediate, and susceptible. Susceptible cultivars Sam and Fuchs were used as controls to estimate the degree of infection. The results of the screening test showed that 10 genotypes were classified as resistant. The second test based on 13 other isolates revealed that only four of the 10 genotypes were a valuable source of resistance against powdery mildew. The identified genotypes may be used in oat breeding programs to increase the level of resistance against powdery mildew. First, however, further studies aimed at identifying whether this resistance is conditioned by a single gene or combinations of different genes are required.

Powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis DC. f. sp. avenae Em. Marchal. is a deleterious foliar disease of common oat which occurs in many parts of the world. Resistance existing in oat cultivars is broken down by new races of this pathogen and because of this fact there is necessity to look for new and effective sources of resistance to powdery mildew in oat. To identify new potential resistance sources to powdery mildew, a total of 67 oat genotypes from five different species Avena sterilis, A. fatua, A. sativa, A. maroccana and A. murphyi and 20 powdery mildew isolates were investigated for disease reactions. Among tested oat accessions the highest level of resistance was associated with A. maroccana genotypes. Genotypes belonging to species of A. murphi and A. sterilis also showed a good level of resistance. Identified genotypes could be used in oat breeding programmes to improve levels of resistance to powdery mildew.