Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) is the most damaging rice-infecting virus in Africa. However, few sources of high resistance and only a single major resistance gene, RYMV1, are known to date. We screened a large representative collection of African cultivated rice (Oryza glaberrima) for RYMV resistance. Whereas high resistance is known to be very rare in Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), we identified 29 (8%) highly resistant accessions in O. glaberrima. The MIF4G domain of RYMV1 was sequenced in these accessions. Some accessions possessed the rymv1-3 or rymv1-4 recessive resistance alleles previously described in O. glaberrima Tog5681 and Tog5672, respectively, and a new allele, rymv1-5, was identified, thereby increasing the number of resistance alleles in O. glaberrima to three. In contrast, only a single allele has been reported in O. sativa. Markers specific to the different alleles of the RYMV1 gene were developed for marker-assisted selection of resistant genotypes for disease management. In addition, the presence of the dominant susceptibility allele (Rymv1-1) in 15 resistant accessions suggests that their resistance is under different genetic control. An allelism test involving one of those accessions revealed a second major resistance gene, i.e., RYMV2. The diversity of resistance genes against RYMV in O. glaberrima species is discussed in relation to the diversification of the virus in Africa.

Unraveling the genetic diversity held in genebanks on a large scale is underway, due to advances in Next-generation sequence (NGS) based technologies that produce high-density genetic markers for a large number of samples at low cost. Genebank users should be in a position to identify and select germplasm from the global genepool based on a combination of passport, genotypic and phenotypic data. To facilitate this, a new generation of information systems is being designed to efficiently handle data and link it with other external resources such as genome or breeding databases. The Musa Germplasm Information System (MGIS), the database for global ex situ-held banana genetic resources, has been developed to address those needs in a user-friendly way. In developing MGIS, we selected a generic database schema (Chado), the robust content management system Drupal for the user interface, and Tripal, a set of Drupal modules which links the Chado schema to Drupal. MGIS allows germplasm collection examination, accession browsing, advanced search functions, and germplasm orders. Additionally, we developed unique graphical interfaces to compare accessions and to explore them based on their taxonomic information. Accession-based data has been enriched with publications, genotyping studies and associated genotyping datasets reporting on germplasm use. Finally, an interoperability layer has been implemented to facilitate the link with complementary databases like the Banana Genome Hub and the MusaBase breeding database. Database URL: https://www.crop-diversity.org/mgis/

QTLs for partial resistance to Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) in rice were mapped in two populations of doubled-haploid lines (DHLs) and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the same cross but evaluated for different resistance criteria (virus content and symptom severity). An integrative map was used to compare the two genetic maps and a global analysis of both populations was performed. Most of the QTLs previously identified in DHL population were confirmed with increased significance and precision. As many recent studies evidenced the role of eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIF) of 4E and 4G families in plant susceptibility to RNA viruses, we checked if these genes co-locate with QTLs of resistance to RYMV. Their systematic in silico identification was carried out on the rice genome and their physical locations were compared to QTL positions on the integrative map. In order to confirm or not the co-locations observed, the analysis was completed by evaluation of near-isogenic lines, QTL fine mapping and sequencing of candidate genes. Three members from eIF4G family could be retained as reliable candidates whereas eIF4E genes, commonly found to govern resistances in other plant/virus interactions, were discarded. Together with the recent identification of an eIF(iso)4G as a major resistance gene, data suggests an important role of genes from eIF4G family in rice resistance to RYMV but does not exclude the contribution of factors different from the translation initiation complex.

The devastating threat of black leaf streak disease caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis on plantain production in West Africa spurred the development of resistant hybrids. The goal of this research and development (R&D) undertaken was assessing the development and dissemination of two plantain hybrids PITA 3 and FHIA 21 bred in the 1980s by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA, Nigeria) and the Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA, Honduras), respectively. In Côte d’Ivoire, plantain growers selected PITA 3 and FHIA 21 based on their improved agronomic characteristics and, between 2012 and 2016, they were massively propagated and distributed to farmers in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo under the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAAP) coordinated by the West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF). In 2016, the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique in Côte d’Ivoire included the hybrids in the improved cultivar directory. This R&D activity illustrates how three decades of crossbreeding, selection, and distribution led to local acceptance. It also highlights how a CORAF-led partnership harnessed CGIAR research for development. The dissemination and acceptance of these plantain hybrids will enhance the sustainable intensification in plantain-based farming systems across the humid lowlands of West and Central Africa.

RESUME Objectif : Parmi les principales cultures vivrières qui contribuent à la sécurité alimentaire en Côte d'Ivoire, la banane plantain occupe une place de choix. Cependant, la production reste toujours faible à cause de l'utilisation de variétés traditionnelles à faible rendement et aux mauvaises pratiques agricoles appliquées par les producteurs. Cette étude se propose d'identifier des variétés locales performantes pour accroire les rendements Méthodologie et résultats : Pour apporter une solution à ces problèmes, plusieurs variétés locales de banane plantain ont été collectées dans les zones de production de bananiers en Côte d'Ivoire. Une diversité élevée de variétés de banane plantain a été observée à l'Est du pays. L'évaluation agronomique en station de recherche a permis de sélectionner de nombreux génotypes qui présentent des potentialités agronomiques intéressantes (haut rendement, tolérance aux maladies, précocité, etc.). Parmi ces variétés, 10 ont fait l'objet d'une sélection participative dans deux zones agro-écologiques différentes de la Côte d'Ivoire. Les résultats de cette évaluation ont permis de sélectionner 6 (CNRA-PLA-3, CNRA-PLA-4, CNRA-PLA-15, CNRA-PLA-7, CNRA-PLA-18 et CNRA-PLA-9) parmi les 10 variétés par les producteurs eux-mêmes. Ces variétés ont été choisies par les producteurs sur la base de leur rendement élevé, leur précocité et leur tolérance à la cercosporiose noire. Conclusion et application des résultats : La présente étude a permis de mettre en évidence 6 variétés locales productives de banane plantain à la suite d'une sélection participative. Ces variétés peuvent être conseillées aux producteurs pour accroître ainsi les productions afin d'assurer la sécurité alimentaire des populations. Mots clés : Banane plantain, rendement, tolérance, sélection participative, Côte d'Ivoire Diversity and participatory selection of high-yielding local plantain varieties in Côte d'Ivoire ABSTRACT Objective: Among the main food crops that contribute to food security in Côte d'Ivoire, plantain occupies a place of choice. However, the production is still low due to the use of traditional varieties with low yield and poor agricultural practices applied by the producers. This study aims to identify performant local plantain varieties to increase the yield. Methods and Results: To provide a solution to these problems, several local varieties of plantain have been collected in plantains production areas in Côte d'Ivoire. A high diversity of plantain varieties has been observed in the east of the country. The agronomic evaluation in research station allowed to select many genotypes with interesting agronomic potential (high yield, tolerance to diseases, precocity, etc.). Among these varieties, 10 were used for participatory selection in two different agro-ecological areas in Côte d'Ivoire. The results of this evaluation allowed the producers to select 6 (CNRA-PLA-3, CNRA-PLA-4, CNRA-PLA-15, CNRA-PLA-7, CNRA-PLA-18 and CNRA-PLA-9) among the 10 varieties. These varieties have been chosen by the producers...

to be limited in comparison with the number of publications that report genetic linkage between markers and genes of interest. This may be explained by the delay observed in the theoretical development of a methodology and its practical outputs or absence of information on the methodology used (Collard and Mackill, 2008). Van Damme et al. (2011) hypothesize that it may result from a lack of access to the information in some developing countries and these authors therefore developed a database that synthesizes all the markers available for MAS in 19 species. Rice, the staple food of half of the world's population, has two cultivated species, Oryza sativa that originated from Asia and is cultivated worldwide, and Oryza glaberrima, which is endemic to Africa. Oryza sativa is high yielding, but lacks sources of resistance to some strains of rice diseases and insect pests specific to African rice-cropping agro-ecosystems. Conversely, O. glaberrima is low yielding, shatters spontaneously and has few panicle branches, but often constitutes a source of resistance to African pests and diseases. Some of its 'rustic' characteristics were successfully transferred into

Prediction of firmness by puncture force for boiled plantain

The Black Leaf Streak Disease (BLSD) is one of main parasitic constraints of the agro-industrial plantations of banana in the world. Caused by a fungus ascomycete (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet), the losses of yield are up to 50 %, without of resistant cultivars and effective management. This study relative to the level of the disease has been conducted in 12 industrial plantation in 6 production area: Aboisso, GrandBassam, Dabou, Agboville, Azaguié and Tiassalé; for a total surface of 2576 ha. The observations concerned the ranks of Youngest Leaf Spotted (YLS), of the Youngest Leaf Necrosed (YLN), the Number of Standing Leaves (NSL) and the gap between the Youngest Leaf Spotted and the Number of Standing Leaves. The results showed that chronic re-infestation of industrial plantation during the last five years, except CDBCI Tiassalé-Songon in 2011 European Scientific Journal January 2016 edition vol.12, No.3 ISSN: 1857 -7881 (Print) e -ISSN 1857 38 and 2012. An acceptable level of re-infestation was observed in 2012 on other plantations, with the rank of YLS greater than or equal to 3, except BATIA Tiassalé and CDBCI Azaguié. The internal inoculum pressure (YLS) varied a lot from one plantation to another and from one year to another. Except plantation SBMK Aboisso and BATIA Tiassalé, other plantations had at least one value of the rank of the top YLS or equal to 8, during the study indicating a relatively low severity of the BLSD. RésuméLa maladie des raies noires (MRN) est une des principales contraintes parasitaires des plantations agro-industrielles de banane dessert dans le monde. Causée par un champignon ascomycète (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet), les pertes de rendement dues à cette maladie foliaire peuvent dépasser 50 %, en absence de cultivars résistants et de lutte efficace. Cette étude, portant sur le niveau de la maladie, a été menée dans 12 plantations industrielles réparties en 6 bassins de production : Aboisso, Grand-Bassam, Dabou, Agboville, Azaguié et Tiassalé ; pour superficie totale 2576 ha. Les observations ont porté sur les rangs de plus jeune feuille touchée (PJFT), de la plus jeune feuille nécrosée (PJFN), le nombre de feuilles érigées (NFE), l'écart entre la plus jeune feuille touchée ( IntroductionLa maladie des raies noires (MRN) due au champignon Ascomycète (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet) est la principale contrainte fongique affectant les bananiers après la reconversion variétale liée à la maladie de Panama (Lassoudière, 2012). En effet l'industrie bananière n'a dû son salut qu'au remplacement de la variété Gros Michel (sensible à l'agent causal de la maladie de Panama Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) par des variétés du groupe sinensis (Lassoudière, 2012). Initialement connue sous une forme dite jaune, relativement moins agressive (M. musicola Leach), la maladie des raies noires possède un spectre d'hôtes plus large puisqu'elle attaque avec succès les cultivars du groupe plantain, lesquels sont résistants à M. musicola (Fullerton, 1994). Elle est responsable de l...