The Dilemma and Way Out of China’s Participation in the Development of Marine Genetic Resources in ABNJ from the Perspective of BBNJ

The fifth intergovernmental negotiations on marine BBNJ(Biodiversity beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction)concluded in August 2022,in which there are still major differences regarding access to marine genetic resources,management,and technology transfer.China’s participation in the development of marine genetic resources in ABNJ(areas beyond national jurisdiction)has many dilemmas,which are linked to the difficulties faced in advancing the BBNJ negotiations.The following countermeasures are proposed at the institutional and practical levels respectively:clarifying the legal attributes and applicability of the principles of marine genetic resources;establishing mechanisms for access,management,environmental impact assessment and benefit sharing of marine genetic resources;and using the“Blue Partnership”to build a governance mechanism for marine genetic resources to achieve mutual benefits.

Genetic Resources,Breeding Programs in China,and Gene Mining of Peach:A Review

Research on peach genetic resources and breeding has achieved remarkable progress in recent decades,especially in China.In this review,we first described the geographic distribution,ecology,phenotypes,and genetic diversity of peach landraces and wild relatives in China.We also discussed the almond.Subsequently,breeding programs of peaches in China are summarized,including breeding history,breeding targets,breeding institutes,elite breeding materials,breeding solutions,and domestically bred representative cultivars.Furthermore,we reviewed the genes or loci that have been mined using both linkage mapping and genome wide association study(GWAS)as well as the evolutionary genetics and domestication history of the peach.Finally,we gave our perspectives and suggestions for future breeding in terms of breeding material selection and breeding technology innovation.

Study on Dynamic Information of Animal Genetic Resources in China

The dynamic information of 331 animal genetic resources in 17 important animal genetic resource provinces (regions) was analyzed. According to the population inbreeding coefficient, combining with the information of population dynamic change trend and cross degree, these genetic resources for threatened degrees were classified. The results indicated that the population size of 138 breeds had increased, 147 breeds had decreased, 3 breeds were constant, 7 breeds (or varieties) were extinct, 9 breeds (or varieties) were critically endangered and needed urgently conserve, 50 breeds (or varieties) were endangered and should be conserved. We put forward a conservation and utilization plan for animal genetic resources.

Interspecific Chromosome Substitution Lines as Genetic Resources for Improvement,Trait Analysis and Genomic Inference

The genetic base that cotton breeders commonly use to improve Upland cultivars is very narrow.The AD-genome species Gossypium barbadense,G.tomentosum,and G.mustelinum are part of

Research Progress on Genetic Diversity of Cultivated Soybean Germplasm Resources in China

In this paper,by analyzing the genetic diversity of cultivated soybean germplasm resources in China,the environmental and genotypic factors that affect the genetic diversity of cultivated soybean germplasm resources were explored to further expand the genetic basis of the existing germplasm resources of cultivated soybean in China. Moreover,research progress on genetic diversity of cultivated soybean in China was summarized,which not only revealed the geographical characteristics of genetic diversity of cultivated soybean in China,but also proposed direction for research of genetic diversity of soybean.

The Evaluation Criteria of Some Botanical Quantitative Characters of Peach Genetic Resources

There were two peach descriptors systems： one from IPRGI in 1980 and the other from China in 1990. The former had only reference cultivars without quantity grades; the latter had only a list of some eharacteristics. This makes it difficult sharing of genetic resource information for breeders. To describe the main quantitative characteristics, a new system was established. Ten characteristics of 346-476 peach cultivars were investigated from 1986 to 2002 in the National Peach Genetic Collection in Zhengzhou City, China. These characteristics and their coefficients of variation were as follows： flower diameter 19.55%, vertical diameter of fruit 14.24%, cheek diameter of fruit 10.36%, suture diameter of fruit 11.44%, stone length 19.04%, stone width 10.86%, stone thickness 11.19%, leaf length 7.9%, leaf width 10.55%, and leaf stalk length 19.03%, respectively. Grade index and reference cultivars were given by statistical data for peach description. These grade indexes were recorded on 1-5 grades, and the third grade as a middle one occupied 39% or more of the distribution. In general, two reference cultivars for each grade were chosen, one is USA cultivar and the other is Chinese cultivar. This paper tried to use them as the reference cultivars, which are planted or used widely by Chinese breeders.

Intellectual Property Rights on Plant Genetic Resources:Perspective from Economics

Given the existence of transaction costs,the location of property rights is an important factor in determining the incentives for efficient levels of investment at various levels of the industry.This paper applies some of the economic theories of property rights and industrial structure to the issues concerning the conservation of biodiversity.Although the expansion of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) systems into the area of genetic resources has increased private investment in R&D process of the agriculture,it does not generate enough incentives for in situ conservation of biodiversity.To solve this economic inefficiency,farmers'rights and other design of incentives and institutional arrangement should be reconsidered.

Industry Development and Genetic Resources Protection of Animal Husbandry in the World Selenium Capital Enshi Prefecture

Agricultural genetic resource is an important component of agricultural intellectual property. The protection of livestock genetic resources is related to sustainable development of animal husbandry and biodiversity. Enshi Prefecture enjoys a reputation of ＂world selenium capital＂, and has the important animal genetic resources of Enshi yellow cattle, Enshi black pig, Enshi horse-head goat, Jingyang chicken, Enshi bee, silkworm, etc. The prefecture is the best place for natural selenium-euriched livestock products. This paper introduces genetic resources and industry of animal husbandry in the prefecture, analyses the countermeasures of genetic resources protection and industry development, and further puts forward some constructive suggestions.

Conservation and Utilization of Crop Genetic Resources in Malaysia： Mardi＇s Effort

Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute （MARDI） is the country＇s major custodian of the nation＇s crops genetic resources. It has a global responsibility in the conservation of genetic resources of banana, sweet potato and citrus, and national responsibility for the conservation of crops, such as rice, tropical fruits and some herbs and medicinal plant species. MARDI rice seed genebank at Seberang Prai in the state of Penang was established in 1984 and currently holds 12,770 registered rice accessions, of which 53% are of local origin. In addition, MARDI also conserves genes in the field, mostly for underutilized tropical fruit genetic resources. At present, about 168 species of underutilized, rare and wild tropical fruit species consisting of about 2,000 accessions, the largest in the country, are being conserved. The species include ＂kuini＂ （Mangifera odorata）, ＂bacang＂ （Mangifera foetida）, ＂binjai＂ （Mangifera caesia）, ＂cerapu＂ （ Garcinia praniana）, ＂rambai＂ （Baccaurea motleyana）, ＂asam gelugor＂ （ Garcinia atroviridis）, ＂terap＂ （drthocarpus odoratissimus） and ＂pulasan＂ （Nephellium rambutan-ake）. The accessions are mostly conserved ex situ in field genebanks located at the various MARDI stations throughout the country. Although the conservation of the various crop species genetic resources is important, the real challenge is enhancing its utilisation. The main objective of the paper was to share and disseminate information related to works conducted and strategies opted by MARDI on the conservation and utilization of crop genetic resources. Information on species of crops that are available in MARDI＇s genebank was also highlighted together with brief information of some of the associated traits of significant importance posses by those genetic resources.

Historical and Traditional Notes on Collecting Crop Genetic Resources in Central Part of Calabria Region

A collecting expedition has been carried out in the central part of Calabria region, south Italy; it has been concentrated on Reventino, Serre, Occitan and Albanian areas that were covered in certain coinciding sites in the past. In totality, 50 accessions belonging to 14 taxa were collected from 8 collecting sites, representing mainly highly variable old landraces of vegetables and cereals and, especially, of pulses; most of them that appear severely threatened by genetic erosion are still cultivated, at certain level, by old farmers and directly used by their families. A comparison of the results of the previous missions that have been carried out in Calabria region that preserve valuable crop genetic resources on farm shows the large degree of genetic erosion for all crops collected. The results stressed the need to conserve a considerable amount of material endangered and the necessity of our ongoing care for their preservation either on farms or ex situ in genebanks. The complementarity of both conservation methods is needed.

Evaluation of Emmer Wheat Genetic Resources Aimed at Dietary Food Production

Emmer wheat cultivated by organic farmers is used as a component of some bio （organic） food products. Its positive influence on consumer health is caused by grain composition. With the aim of selecting varieties or landraces for their possible further use we tested selected emmer wheat accessions maintained in the Czech Gene Bank. In the set of 8 emmer wheat accessions, the main grain components, bread making characteristics and contents of health supporting chemical substances such as total dietary fibre content and its components, content of total polyphenols plus catechin and ferulic acid contents, vitamins of the B group and E plus total content of carotenoids were evaluated by standard methods. Tests of bread making quality confirmed a very well known fact that emmer wheat grain is much more suitable for other purposes as whole grain mixtures, cereal pure, etc. than for bread preparation. The results indicate the possibilities to select emmer wheat genotypes differing in grain composition and containing compounds with positive effects on human health. Among the tested emmer wheat accessions the Rudico variety had a complex of positive characteristics such as content of total dietary fibre, total polyphenol content with prevailing catechin and the highest amount of B group vitamins such as B 1, B2, niacin, pantothenic acid and B6.

Characteristics of Genetic Resources of Kazakh Horse

In order to understand the characteristics of genetic resources of Kazakh horses in Xinjiang,their body size,phenotypes and coat colors were investigated and analyzed using the methods of resources survey and body size measurement. The results showed that the coat color of Kazakh horses in Xinjiang is very rich,covering more than 90% of the world＇s horse coat colors. The influencing factors of Kazakh horse body size data might include the environment and geographical distribution of Kazakh horses. The gap between Xinjiang Kazakh horse and Kazakhstan Kazakh horse was relatively large,which was related to the degree of breeding.There were some differences in the appearance of Kazakh horses between Altay and Ili regions with different ecological environment. The Kazakh horses in Altay were relatively strong in size,well developed in coat and long hair,long and dense in fuzz in winter,and rich in coat color. But the Kazakh horses in Ili were compact in size,less in coat than those in Altay,and have a single coat color.

Botanical Assessment of Forest Genetic Resources Used in Traditional Cosmetic in Togo （West Africa）

In the current context of REDD＋ opportunities, it is important to evaluate forest genetic resources for local communities＇ benefits. The aim of this ethnobotanical survey with an emphasis in cosmetopoeia--by referring to the word pharmacopoeia--was to explore, investigate, collect and identify natural resources used in traditional cosmetic in Togo for that purpose. The specific objectives were （i） to inventory plant species used as cosmetic in Togolese ethnocultural groups, and （ii） to describe their biological forms for their sustainable use. Based on ethnobotanical approach, this survey identified through multistage sampling design and semi-structured interview, 177 plant species belonging to 167 genera and 59 families with 82.45% dicotyledonous and 17.55% monocotyledonous species. According to life forms, these species were distributed as ligneous （56.50%） and herbaceous （43.50%）. The computation of Whittaker＇s Index of Association led to three communities of ethnic groups. The explanatory effect of the ethnic based-tradition was significant and confirmed by Monte Carlo permutation test （P = 0.0020） after 499 permutations under split-plot constraints. This first outline confirmed ethnobotany as a viable tool in search for plant genetic resources in cosmetic industries. These findings could be incorporated into future conservation management plans of forest genetic resources in Togo and other tropical countries.

Fhe Future of TRIPS and the Trade in Genetic Resources

Since its entry into the WTO ten years ago, China has been increasingly involved in building new rules to make multilateral trading systems more development- oriented. In the past decade, both developing and developed WTO member nations have debated whether the TRIPS agreement should expand its definition to cover new areas such as genetic resources and traditional knowledge. This article argues that although the genetic resources-based market is huge, developing countries have benefited little from it. Specifically, the current market mechanism and system provide little incentive to developing countries to protect biodiversity. Expanding TRIPS to cover new areas such as genetic resources and traditional knowledge can make multilateral trade fairer and more balanced and will enable developing members to better protect biodiversity.

The Future Protection and Utilization of the Marine Biological Genetic Resources beyond the National Jurisdiction--Analysis based on TRIPS Agreement

Intellectual property system gives rise to international concern in the context of development and protection of the marine biological genetic resources beyond the national jurisdiction. The core argument is whether can be current international intellectual property system plays an active role for balancing the respective benefits to make sure resolve this special area issue. The Agreement On Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Right （TRIPS Agreement） provides basic requirements to international intellectual property application. This paper is intended to examine the feasibility of TR1PS clauses in the above context and then some suggestions are put forth.

Forest Reproductive Material and Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources in Croatia

Conservation of genetic diversity of forest tree species represents the foundation for sustainable forest management and preservation of natural structure of forest stands in Croatia. Diversity of geographical regions in Croatia has generated various ecological conditions and thus diverse forest communities which are directly affected by habitat degradation, various anthropogenic effects like pollution of air and water, excessive use of certain more valuable species of forest trees and by the increasing impact of global climatic changes. The need for conservation of genetic diversity is related to the species pertaining to social broadleaves—the prevailing species in terms of economic utilization as Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) and Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Among the conifers Silver Fir (Abies alba) is the most endangered species, with more than 70% of its population being seriously damaged. Other native coniferous species must be preserved from a decrease in genetic diversity as well. Conservation of the noble broadleaves should encompass a larger number of species from various genera (Fraxinus, Alnus, Ulmus, Prunus, Juglans, Castanea, Sorbus, Acer, Malus, Pyrus, Tilia). These are partially endangered because of their exposure to different pests and diseases, as well as by permanent exploitation due to their technical value. Changes in hydrological conditions of rivers have led difficulties in regeneration of the riparian forests and decreased the genetic variability of European Black and White Poplar in their habitats (Populus nigra, P. alba). In Croatia’s Adriatic coastal areas, there is a need for conservation of genetic resources of Dalmatian Black Pine (P. nigra ssp. dalmatica) and Mediterranean Oaks (Quercus ilex, Quercus pubescens). Conservation of genetic diversity of various forest tree species is conducted within the programmes that include in situ and ex situ methods with ensuring quality forest reproductive materials. In Croatia, a total of 125 seed stands have been selected, covering a total area of 3885.53 ha. The ex situ method is implemented by establishment of a total of 50 plots (clonal seed orchards, provenances and progeny trials, clonal archives), covering 114.85 ha.

Candidate genes conferring ethylene-response in cultivated peanuts determined by BSA-seq and fine-mapping

Ethylene plays essential roles in plant growth,development and stress responses.The ethylene signaling pathway and molecular mechanism have been studied extensively in Arabidopsis and rice but limited in peanuts.Here,we established a sand-culture method to screen pingyangmycin mutagenized peanut lines based on their specific response to ethylene(“triple response”).An ethylene-insensitive mutant,inhibition of peanut hypocotyl elongation 1(iph1),was identified that showed reduced sensitivity to ethylene in both hypocotyl elongation and root growth.Through bulked segregant analysis sequencing,a major gene related to iph1,named AhIPH1,was preliminarily mapped at the chromosome Arahy.01,and further narrowed to a 450-kb genomic region through substitution mapping strategy.A total of 7014 genes were differentially expressed among the ACC treatment through RNA-seq analysis,of which only the Arahy.5BLU0Q gene in the candidate mapping interval was differentially expressed between WT and mutant iph1.Integrating sequence variations,functional annotation and transcriptome analysis revealed that a predicated gene,Arahy.5BLU0Q,encoding SNF1 protein kinase,may be the candidate gene for AhIPH1.This gene contained two single-nucleotide polymorphisms at promoter region and was more highly expressed in iph1 than WT.Our findings reveal a novel ethylene-responsive gene,which provides a theoretical foundation and new genetic resources for the mechanism of ethylene signaling in peanuts.

Research advances in genetics and breeding of Populus davidiana Dode in China

In this paper a general introduction is given to research advances in genetics improvement and breeding of Chinese aspen (Populus davidiana Dode) in China. This introduction includes natural distribution and collection, conservation, gene diversity, provenance trial, crossing breeding, vegetative propagation and disease resistant etc. Based on the current situation of forest tree breeding in China, some strategic suggestions concerning the future development of Chinese aspen genetics improvement in China are presented, taking into consideration the existing domestic demands of forestry production and international trends in forest tree breeding.

Genetic diversity center of cultivated soybean(Glycine max) in China——New insight and evidence for the diversity center of Chinese cultivated soybean

Information on the center of genetic diversity of soybean（Glycine max） will be helpful not only for designing efficient strategies for breeding programs, but also for understanding the domestication and origin of this species. Here, we describe an analysis of genetic diversity based on simple-sequence repeat（SSR） variations within a core collection of 2 111 accessions of Chinese soybean landraces. Prior to the diversity assessment, the geographic origin of each accession was mapped. The map was then divided into grids each 2.5° in latitude and 5° in longitude. We found two regions that had higher number of alleles（NA） and greater polymorphic information content（PIC） values than the others. These regions are adjacently located within grid position of 30°–35°N×105°–110°E, which includes the valley of the middle and lower reaches of the Wei River, and the valley of the upper reaches of the Hanjiang River. It was also observed that in many regions, genetic diversity decreased with the increase in distance from the center. Another region, in northern Hebei Province（115°–120°E×40°–42.5°N）, was observed having higher diversity than any surrounding regions, indicating that this is a sub-center of soybean diversity. Based on the presented results, the domestication and origin of soybean are also discussed.