MOAflow: how re-design a pipeline with Nextflow streamlines data analysis

Authors: Jacopo Tartaglia, Mario Giorgioni, Luigi Cattivelli and Primetta Faccioli.

Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have dramatically reduced the time and cost required to generate genomic data. As sequencing is no longer a limiting factor, increasing attention must be paid to optimizing the analyses of the large-scale datasets produced. Efficient processing of such data is essential to reduce computational time and operational costs. In this context, workflow management systems (WMSs) have become key instruments for orchestrating complex bioinformatic pipelines. Among these systems, Nextflow has emerged as one of the most widely adopted solutions in bioinformatics. [...]

Population genomics uncovers loci for trait improvement in the indigenous African cereal tef (Eragrostis tef)

Authors: Maximillian R. W. Jones, Worku Kebede, Abel Teshome, Aiswarya Girija, Adanech Teshome, Dejene Girma, James K. M. Brown, Jesus Quiroz-Chavez, Chris S. Jones, Brande B. H. Wulff, Kebebew Assefa, Zerihun Tadele, Luis A. J. Mur, Solomon Chanyalew, Cristobal Uauy & Oluwaseyi Shorinola.

Tef (Eragrostis tef) is an indigenous African cereal that is gaining global attention as a gluten-free “superfood” with high protein, mineral, and fibre contents. However, tef yields are limited by lodging and by losses during harvest owing to its small grain size (150× lighter than wheat). [...]

Defying Death: A Multi-Omics Approach to Understanding Desiccation Tolerance and Senescence in Eragrostis nindensis

Authors: Christine F. Madden, Brett Williams, Sagadevan Mundree, Sébastien Acket, Eric Ruelland, Henk W. M. Hilhorst and Jill M. Farrant.

Eragrostis nindensis is a resurrection grass capable of surviving near-complete desiccation. We compared non-senescent leaf tissue (NST) and senescent leaf tissue (ST) to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of desiccation tolerance and senescence. NST recovered fully after drying, while ST failed to regain viability. Integrated transcriptomic (using RNA-Seq), lipidomic (using LC-MS), and ultrastructural (Transmission Electron Microscopical) analyses revealed that NST maintain RNA processing, protein folding, and translational activity during desiccation. [...]

Neglected and underutilized crops of Africa:

Diversity and distribution

Authors: Zerihun Tadele, Lea Jäggi, Lorena Ramirez-Gonzales and Simeo Sumuni.

Neglected and underutilized crops (NUC) refer to domesticated plant species that have been used for long time for their food, feed, fiber, oil, or medicinal properties, but have been reduced in importance over time. These crops are also known as orphan, abandoned, lost, underused, local, minor, traditional, alternative crops. Due to multiple dietary benefits and their resilience to extreme environmental conditions, NUC are considered as crops of the future. In general, NUC plays key role in the food and nutrition security of small-scale farmers and consumers in the developing world. [...]

Neglected and underutilized crops of Africa:

Challenges and opportunities

Authors: Lorena Ramirez-Gonzales, Simeo Sumuni, Lea Jäggi and Zerihun Tadele.

Neglected and underutilized crops (NUCs) refer to domesticated plant species that have been used for a long time for their role in food, feed, fiber, oil or medicine, but have lost importance over time. These crops are also known as orphan, abandoned, lost, underused, local, minor, traditional, and alternative crops. Due to multiple dietary benefits and their resilience to extreme environmental conditions, NUCs are considered Crops of the Future. In general, NUCs play a key role in the food and nutrition security of smallholder farmers and consumers in Africa. [...]