The effect of seed weight and coleoptile tiller development on seedling vigour in tall fescue,Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.

Summary Two characters, previously shown to influence the rate of seedling growth in tall fescue, were studied in detail in three distinct populations as part of a programme to improve seedling vigour in the species. The effect of seed weight was found to be confined to the very early stages of growth and was apparent in seedling dry matter yield but not in tiller number. The development of a tiller in the axil of the coleoptile, which varied significantly between populations, had a far greater and more permanent effect both in terms of dry matter yield and tiller number. The increase in tiller number attributable to the coleoptile tiller and its derivatives increased geometrically in step with the total tiller number, so that the intitial difference of 28% in the first harvest remained practically unchanged in the subsequent three harvests. Similarly, the percentage difference in dry matter yield between plants with and without a coleoptile tiller remained more or less constant at about 22% from the second harvest onwards.It is concluded that the development of a coleoptile tiller may prove to be a useful selection criterion in the breeding of this species.     

Effect of date of sampling and plant density upon size and digestibility of reproductive tillers of Lolium perenne L.

Summary Evaluation of forage germplasm digestibility is an important factor in screening programmes. The major problems involve the relevance of estimations made in spaced plants to plot performance, the effect of maturity, leaf: stem ratio and the choice of plant organ to be analysed. The use of stems of reproductive tiller proved successful in Lolium multiflorum. In the present experiment the effect of dates of sampling (date 1=28/6; date 2=5/7; date 3=12/7/83) and of plant densities (spaced plants and plots) on the digestibility of reproductive tillers of L. perenne cv. Marta 23 days after ear emergence was evaluated. After harvesting, the following characters were recorded on each tiller: tiller length and diameter, and spike and flag leaf length. Leaf blades and sheaths were then removed, the tillers dried and milled individually, and the in vitro digestibility assessed. The data were analysed by Analysis of Variance, Principal Components Analysis and Numerical Classification followed by a study of how the variables contributed to the derived group structure. Results: I-Plots: digestibility values were 63.4, 60.3 and 56.6% (P<0.01), respectively, for the sampling dates 1, 2 and 3. The Cramer Value (0.41) shows some correlation between tiller size and digestibility. Tillers from date 3 tend to be smaller than the others but the separation is not very clear. II-Spaced plants: digestibility values were 63.2, 60.0 and 60.8%, respectively, for dates 1, 2 and 3. Analysis of variance showed differences (P<0.01) between dates and also between genotypes. The Cramer Value (0.23) shows less correlation between tiller size and digestibility: however, tillers from dates 1 and 3 are clearly separated on the basis of size. Tillers from date 3 being smaller, date 2 tillers are located in between those from dates 1 and 3. III-Plots and single plants combined: Tillers from plots are larger than tillers from spaced plants in sampling dates 2 and 3. The Cramer Value for digestibility (0.14) is the lowest one. The results indicate differences in size and digestibility of reproductive tillers of L. perenne when contrasting situations are being compared, which suggest influence of environmental conditions upon the characters evaluated in the experiment. The differences are sufficiently high so that the use of this technique, when populations of L. perenne with wide variation in flowering dates are being evaluated, is not recommended.     

杂交籼稻机械化种植的分蘖特性

为探明不同播期杂交籼稻机械化种植的分蘖特性及其与产量的关系, 以F优498为材料, 采用二因素裂区设计, 研究了早播与迟播2个处理下机直播、机插、手插3种种植方式的杂交籼稻分蘖发生与成穗特点及各分蘖穗的穗部性状。结果表明: (1) 一次分蘖群对产量贡献大且稳定, 均在58.67%~63.82%之间; 主茎对产量贡献率以机直播最高, 手插最低; 机插和手插二次分蘖群占产量比例均显著高于机直播。(2) 不同种植方式分蘖发生与成穗规律不同, 机直播与机插分蘖发生均属一次高峰型, 手插属二次高峰型。机直播分蘖发生早而快, 一次分蘖群发生在主茎第1~第8叶位, 其中第1~第4叶位分蘖成穗率较高, 二次分蘖成穗以第1、第2叶位为主。机插分蘖发生晚、起点低, 但比较集中, 一次分蘖群以3/0~8/0发生为主, 3/0~6/0分蘖成穗率较高, 二次分蘖群成穗以第3~第5叶位为主。手插秧田与本田均发生分蘖, 分蘖发生叶位数多, 持续时间长, 一次分蘖群发生在主茎第1、第2、第4~第8叶位, 其中第1、第2、第4、第5和第6叶位成穗率较高, 二次分蘖群发生与成穗主要在第1、第2叶位。分蘖成穗叶位数和产量均随播期延迟而减少。(3) 3种种植方式的主茎及中低叶位一次分蘖枝梗数和每穗粒数多, 粒大, 单穗重高; 高叶位一次分蘖和二次分蘖枝梗数和穗粒均较少, 稻穗小。机直播优势叶位为第1~第4叶位, 机插为第3~第6叶位, 手插为第1、第2、第4、第5和第6叶位, 对产量贡献率分别达70.51%、73.83%和76.81%。优势叶位分蘖发生与成穗率高, 稻穗大, 对产量贡献率高, 应优化农艺措施挖掘其增产潜力。     

Adaptation of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to harsh Mediterranean environments

Summary Differences in development of the apex may be the reason for cultivar differences in adaptation of barley to terminal drought in Mediterranean environments. The present study was conducted to identify apical development patterns of barley adapted to terminal drought stressed Mediterranean environments and to determine plant characteristics which can be used as criteria to select for an adapted development. Thirty-five two-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) entries were grown at two sites in northern Syria (Tel Hadya and Breda) in 1988/89. Four apical development patterns were observed: a slow or fast vegetative development, depending on the vernalization requirement, combined with a slow or fast generative development, depending on the daylength response of the crop. Early heading was related to fast generative development. Leaf appearance rates on the main shoot were constant during a major part of the pre-anthesis period, but significant differences were observed among development patterns. Genotypic differences in main shoot tiller number were associated with differences in the onset of tiller appearance and not with differences in tiller appearance rate or final leaf number on the main shoot. Since vernalization requirements and daylength responses are largely independent of terminal drought stress, selection for an adapted phenology can be done in favourable environments. Morphological traits related to these responses (winter growth habit, cold tolerance, plant colour, growth vigour, heading date) can be used as criteria for selection for adaptation to low-rainfall Mediterranean environments.     

Waterlogging Affects Leaf and Tillering Dynamics in Wheat and Barley

The aim of this study was to analyse (i) the crop attributes that determine flowering time (i.e. final leaf number, FLN; and phyllochron, Phy), (ii) the dynamics of tiller appearance and (iii) the synchrony between leaf and tiller appearance in wheat and barley plants exposed to waterlogging. Two experiments were carried out in pots, in which wheat and barley cultivars were exposed to five waterlogging treatments, during different periods throughout the crop cycle, from emergence to maturity. The appearance of leaves and tillers on the main stem was measured twice a week in labelled plants. Waterlogging from emergence to flag leaf appearance significantly delayed time to flowering. The delay was greater when waterlogging occurred at the beginning of tillering, lengthening the period from emergence to flowering 24 % (13–15 days) in barley and 10–15 % (6–10 days) in wheat, as compared to control. Phy was the main attribute explaining the delay in flowering, as FLN was not altered. Waterlogging during the early stages of development reduced tiller appearance rate (TAR) in both species, but this effect was partially counterbalanced by a lengthening of the tillering phase, so the effect on final tiller number at maturity was limited. In conclusion, the exposure of wheat and barley to waterlogging during early stages of development delayed time to flowering and reduce TAR in both species. Waterlogging during more advanced crop stages produced slight effects on tillering dynamics, which would indicate that waterlogging affected structure generation more than mortality.     

A relationship between heading date and in vitro tillering propensity in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Summary In vitro tillers of over 1000 genotypes from nine contrasting Lolium perenne cultivars were cultured on various media containing the synthetic cytokinin, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), in order to determine the effect on tillering. The cultures were assessed after seven weeks for survival, tiller production, size and vigour. Added auxins 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and -napthaleneacetic acid (NAA) had no consistent beneficial effects.A significant relationship was found between in vitro tiller production and cultivar heading date. Genotypes of early-heading, less persistent cultivars produced more tillers than genotypes from late heading more persistent cultivars. This was consistent with the generally higher in vitro tiller production in the biennial species Lolium multiflorum cultured on similar media.     

Tiller Development and Contribution to Yield under Different Moisture Regimes in two Triticum Species

The number of productive tillers is an important yield component in wheat and is affected by water stress and genetic factors. A greenhouse experiment was conducted during spring 1992 at ICARDA, Tel Hadya, Syria, with eight genotypes representing two Triticum species ( Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum and Triticum aestivum L. ssp. aestivum ) under four soil-moisture regimes (95 %, 75 %, 55 %, and 35 % field capacity) to study the effect of water deficit on tiller development and tiller contribution to grain yield. In the highest watering regime appearance of Tiller 1 was delayed in both species. Also Tiller 2 was suppressed in this treatment in durum , while its appearance was delayed in aestivum. In the driest treatment, a majority of the tillers were suppressed and the ones which emerged were delayed. In durum , the heat units required to produce successive leaves on the tillers were higher than that for the main stem and increased with increasing water stress, causing high rate of tiller abortion. In aestivum , each tiller, once produced, developed leaves at the same rate as on the main stem. Phyllochron of tillers as well as main stem was not affected by water stress in aestivum. In aestivum , contribution by tillers to yield was higher than that of durum in all treatments. Results indicate that early appearance of tillers and faster rate of leaf appearance under water stress result in higher tiller survival and greater tiller contribution to final yield. Hence, tiller dynamics under water stress can be used as a selection criterion for breeding for drought tolerance.     

Competitive Interactions between First-year Seedlings of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and Meadow Fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.)

Shoot- and full-competition between first-year seedlings of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) was studied m two separate experiments in a greenhouse. Timothy had a higher competitive ability than meadow fescue and produced more tillers, had a higher shoot weight and a larger leaf area in all strata of the canopy.
Competition for light was important up to the first harvest. The upright growth form of timothy plants during the reproductive phase enabled them to shade the unvernalized and prostrately-growing meadow fescue. Root competition may have been important afterwards. After the first harvest, tiller formation in timothy plants was high, and significantly enhanced when grown with meadow fescue. Meadow fescue produced few new tillers, and its tiller formation was depressed when competing with timothy.     

播栽期对机插超级杂交籼稻分蘖成穗的影响及与气象因子的关系

为探讨不同播栽期对机插超级杂交籼稻分蘖成穗的影响,以F优498和宜香优2115两个超级杂交籼稻品种为材料, 设置3月21日(S1)、3月31日(S2)、4月10日(S3)、4月20日(S4)和4月30日(S5) 5个播期,秧龄均为30 d,移栽期依次为4月21日、5月1日、5月11日、5月21日和5月31日,研究其分蘖发生成穗特点及与气象因子的关系。结果表明,不同播栽期水稻产量差异显著,随着播栽期推迟,产量呈降低趋势,早播S1的产量最高、迟播S5的产量最低。不同播栽期处理下水稻主茎对产量的贡献表现为(S1~S4) < S5,一、二次分蘖总和对产量的贡献表现为(S1~S4) > S5,S1优势蘖位为第3~第6叶,而S2~S5优势蘖位为第3~第5叶。随播栽期推迟,分蘖发生和成穗叶位趋于集中,F优498一次分蘖发生在S1~S4以3/0~7/0为主,而在S5以3/0~6/0为主;宜香优2115 在S1以3/0~7/0为主,在S2~S5以3/0~6/0为主。一次分蘖成穗率在S1以3/0~6/0为主,而在S2~S5以3/0~5/0为主;二次分蘖发生和成穗以第3~第4叶为主。气象因子对分蘖发生和成穗的影响为一、二次分蘖发生率与日平均相对湿度呈显著负相关,而与平均气温日较差、积温、日照时数呈显著或极显著正相关;一次分蘖成穗率与分蘖期日平均相对湿度、平均气温呈显著负相关,与分蘖期平均气温日较差、积温、日照时数呈显著正相关,与幼穗分化期日平均相对湿度呈显著负相关,与抽穗开花期日照时数呈显著正相关。综合看来,成都平原地区机插超级杂交籼稻在4月11日前播种5月11日前移栽有利于产量的提高,在4月21日前播种5月21日前移栽有利于稳产,在4月21日以后播种5月21日后移栽产量显著降低。     

Breeding long coleoptile, reduced height wheats

Semidwarf wheats have the potential to produce high yields when sown and managed under optimal conditions. However, farm yields often fall below this potential because of poor seedling establishment and low early vigour associated with gibberellic acid (GA)-insensitive reducing-height ( Rht) genes contained in these wheats. Australian and overseas wheats containing major and minor Rht genes sensitive to GA were intercrossed to develop three populations. Seedlings sensitive to GA and therefore lacking Rht-B1b ( Rht1) and Rht-D1b ( Rht2) plant height genes were selected for further study. GA- sensitive F4-derived lines were sown in field and glasshouse environments to determine plant height, and then sown at four temperatures to determine coleoptile length. Genetic variation in plant height and coleoptile length was large and significant ( P<0.01) among lines within each population with a number of lines identified as producing plant heights as short as current semidwarf varieties. Transgressive segregation for coleoptile length produced progenies with coleoptiles significantly ( P < 0.05) longer than the longest coleoptile parent in each population. Genotype × temperature interactions for coleoptile length were small thereby resulting in high line-mean heritabilities (h2 = 85–89) for this character. Larger plant-to-plant variation reduced single-plant estimates of heritability for plant height (h2 = 29–31) but heritability was increased (h2 = 68–78) with replication within and over environments. High narrow-sense heritabilities indicate that phenotypic selection should produce modest genetic gain for both characters. Variation in coleoptile length was poorly related to differences in plant height (r2 = 0.00 to 0.04 ns) while selection differentials for plant height were not associated with any change in coleoptile length of the selected groups. When considered together, height and coleoptile length appeared to be largely under independent genetic control among GA-sensitive wheats. These results suggest that GA-sensitive Rht genes could be used to select shorter height, longer-coleoptile wheats with improved establishment and seedling vigour. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

双季晚稻不同类型品种产量及其群体动态特征差异研究

在长江中游双季稻地区(江西上高),以籼粳杂交稻、杂交粳稻、常规粳稻和杂交籼稻4种类型20个具有代表性的品种为材料,采用湿润育秧大苗移栽种植方式,设置各类型品种最适的高产栽培处理,系统比较分析了不同类型水稻品种产量及其构成、茎蘖动态、叶面积动态与组成、光合势、干物质积累、群体生长率和净同化率等方面的差异,以期为双季稻区适宜品种的选用以及高产栽培提供理论依据与技术支撑。结果表明,双季晚稻不同类型品种产量表现为籼粳杂交稻杂交粳稻常规粳稻杂交籼稻,差异极显著。籼粳杂交稻群体产量最高的原因是在保持一定穗数的基础上,极显著增加每穗粒数,进而提高群体颖花量,同时保持稳定的结实率和千粒重。与杂交粳稻、常规粳稻和杂交籼稻群体相比,籼粳杂交稻群体茎蘖数于生育前期稳步增长,在有效分蘖临界叶龄期及时够苗,够苗后增长平缓,高峰苗数量较少、下降平缓,成穗率中等(73.19%左右);群体叶面积指数前期增长较缓,最大值出现在孕穗期,为7.93左右,此后平稳减少,抽穗期叶面积指数、有效叶面积率、高效叶面积率及粒叶比均极显著增高,成熟期仍保持3.85以上;群体干物质积累量有效分蘖临界叶龄期和拔节期少,拔节后干物质积累速度较快,孕穗期、抽穗期、乳熟期和成熟期显著或极显著增高,且生育中后期干物质积累比例高;群体光合势、群体生长率和净同化率表现为"前小,中高,后强"。     

基于图像处理的冬小麦植被覆盖率测定及其遗传解析

植被覆盖率是反映植株生长势的重要生理性状,在旱作地区尤为重要。图像处理技术能够快速有效地对苗期和孕穗期植被覆盖率进行量化分析。以28份山东小麦主栽品种和品系为材料,在240株 m^-2和360株 m^-2密度下,连续2年测定了孕穗前不同发育阶段的植被覆盖率,并利用921个DArT标记和83个SSR标记分析了与植被覆盖率相关的遗传区段。结果表明。不同密度下,冬小麦植被覆盖率在越冬期、返青期和孕穗期存在显著差异,而起身期基本一致。起身期植被覆盖率与春季最高分蘖数、抽穗后群体叶面积指数、单位面积穗数和籽粒产量均呈显著正相关,r = 0.73~0.76 (P<0.01),表明起身期植被覆盖率可用于预测上述性状。共检测出12个遗传区段与植被覆盖率相关联,大部分区段直接参与调控苗期和孕穗期的生长势。10个遗传区段与已报道的苗期性状、产量性状及抗病位点一致,其中5BL、6AS和6BL染色体上携带的植被覆盖率相关遗传区段与已报道的苗期比叶面积和生物量等位点完全相同。建议将植被覆盖率作为生长势量化指标,用于育种选择和遗传研究。     

Crop Management Effects on Pre-and Post-Anthesis Changes in Leaf Area Index and Leaf Area Duration and their Contribution to Grain Yield and Yield Components in Spring Cereals

Seasonal changes in leaf area index (LAI) and leaf area duration (LAD, i.e. LAI integrated over cumulated degree days) have a marked effect on crop productivity. Three case experiments were conducted at Suitia (60°11′N) and Viikki (60°13′N) Experimental Farms, University of Helsinki, Finland, to evaluate the possibilities of accelerating pre-an thesis expansion of leaf area and modifying pre- and post-anthesis LAD in spring cereals through crop management. Effects of time of incorporation of a green manure crop residue into the soil [conventional tillage (autumn ploughing and seed bed preparation in the spring), conservation tillage (sole spring tillage) with and without a green manure crop, common vetch (Vicia saliva I.)]and N fertilizer rate (0, 50, 100kg N ha^?1) on LAI and pre- and post-anthesis LAD in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were studied in exp I; green manuring (common vetch) and N fertilizer rate (0,40, 70,110,150kg N ha^?1) in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), and wheat in exp II; and foliar application of chlormequat chloride (CCC) and ethephon in oat lines (dwarf, naked, modern, landrace) differing in canopy structure in exp III. Time of incorporation of the green manure crop residues into the soil (exp I), green manuring (exp II), N fertilizer rate (exps I and II), and selection for crop growth type (exp III), but not CCC and ethephon, modified LAI and LAD in spring cereals by affecting the rate of pre-anthesis expansion and post-anthesis reduction in leaf area rather than by markedly prolonging the growth period. High rates of N fertilizer accelerated expansion of leaf area, especially prior to stem elongation, and resulted in high pre-anthesis LAD due to enhanced tiller growth (exps I and II) and more tillers per main shoot (exp I). Green manuring increased leaf expansion from the tillering stage most when combined with high N rate, and especially in barley (exp II), but no such effects were found in exp I. Use of a high N fertilizer rate (exps I and II) and green manuring (exp II) also resulted in high post-anthesis LAD. Such modifications enabled higher rates of grain- and head-filling, and in exp I contributed to increased head weight and grain yield. Selection for inherent differences in growth type provided an additional possibility for manipulation of canopy structure and yield formation.     

籼粳杂交稻甬优2640钵苗机插超高产群体若干特征探讨

选用大穗型籼粳杂交稻甬优2640,以国家粮食丰产科技工程实施基地江苏东海、兴化和海安6.4、6.8和7.3 hm2连片超高产攻关方为依托,对籼粳杂交稻钵苗机插超高产群体(13.5 t hm–2左右)和高产群体(12.0 t hm–2左右)系统比较研究,旨在阐明秸秆还田条件下钵苗机插水稻超高产产量构成及其群体特征。结果表明,与高产群体相比,籼粳杂交稻钵苗机插超高产群体表现穗型大、粒数多和群体颖花量高,有效穗数、结实率和千粒重相当;群体茎蘖数生育前期稳步增长,有效分蘖临界叶龄期达适宜穗数,拔节期高峰苗数量少,拔节之后缓慢消减,最终成穗率高;群体叶面积指数有效分蘖临界叶龄期和拔节期较小,孕穗期达最大值(8.5左右),此后平稳减少,成熟期仍保持3.5以上;群体干物质积累量有效分蘖临界叶龄期和拔节期相当,拔节后积累较快,孕穗期、抽穗期和成熟期显著或极显著增高,且生育中、后期干物质积累比例高;群体氮素积累、群体光合势、群体生长率和净同化率表现为"前小,中高,后强"。说明水稻钵苗机插超高产群体生育中、后期具有较强的光合物质生产力和较高的氮素积累量。本文还探讨了秸秆还田条件下水稻钵苗机插超高产栽培关键技术。     

Elevated CO2 increases wheat cer, leaf and tiller development, and shoot and root growth

Whole-plant responses to elevated CO₂ throughout the life cycle are needed to understand future impacts of elevated atmospheric CO₂. In this study, Triticum aestivum L. leaf carbon exchange rates (CER) and carbohydrates, growth, and development were examined at the tillering, booting, and grain-filling stages in growth chambers with CO₂ concentrations of 350 (ambient) or 700 (high) μmol mol^?1. Single-leaf CER values measured on plants grown at high CO₂ were 50% greater than those measured on plants grown at ambient CO₂ for all growth stages, with no photosynthetic acclimation observed at high CO₂. Leaves grown in high CO₂ had more starch and simple sugars at tillering and booting, and more starch at grain-filling, than those grown in ambient CO₂. CER and carbohydrate levels were positively correlated with leaf appearance rates and tillering (especially third-, fourth- and fifth-order tillers). Elevated CO₂ slightly delayed tiller appearance, but accelerated tiller development after appearance. Although high CO₂ increased leaf appearance rates, final leaf number/culm was not effected because growth stages were reached slightly sooner. Greater plant biomass was related to greater tillering. Doubling CO₂ significantly increased both shoot and root dry weight, but decreased the shoot to root ratio. High CO₂ plants had more spikes plant^?1 and spikelets spike^?1, but a similar number of fertile spikelets spike^?1. Elevated CO₂ resulted in greater shoot, root and spike production and quicker canopy development by increasing leaf and tiller appearance rates and phenology.     

Agronomic performance of an IR64 introgression line with large leaves derived from New Plant Type rice in aerobic culture

Aerobic culture is a promising water-saving technology in irrigated rice ecosystems, but the vulnerability of plants to fluctuations in soil moisture constrains leaf expansion and yield. The objective of this study was to examine whether an aboveground architecture with large leaves and reduced tillering is associated with vigorous leaf growth in aerobic rice culture. In a series of field experiments, we evaluated the agronomic performance of an IR64 introgression line, YTH323 (IR84640-11-27-1-9-3-2-4-2-2-2-B), with fewer tillers and larger leaves than IR64, derived from New Plant Type rice, under various water and nitrogen conditions. In flooded culture, YTH323 yielded the same as IR64 and 38% more than IR65564-44-51 (a New Plant Type rice) (9.0 vs. 6.6 t ha⁻¹). In aerobic culture, in contrast, it yielded 81% more than IR64 in slightly dry soils (5.1 vs. 2.8 t ha⁻¹). YTH323 had a higher leaf area index than IR64 and IR65564-44-51 under slightly dry soil conditions and under a range of nitrogen conditions. The higher and more stable yield of YTH323 in aerobic culture was attributable to greater early vigor, high specific leaf area, a high ratio of leaf weight to total biomass, and larger leaves, along with the characteristics of high-yield cultivars such as high responsiveness to fertilizers and good grain filling. We conclude that genetic modification of the aboveground architecture of IR64, a typical tropical lowland rice cultivar, to reduce tiller and leaf number improves adaptation to aerobic culture.     

小麦的叶差距与生长势

一株麦苗的主茎和各分蘖的心叶(-1叶)和它里边的一片叶(-2叶)的长度比率,称为-1/-2叶差距。以叶差距为指标反映分蘖、蘖群和植株的生长势,即叶差距小,表示当时和进一步的生长趋势是增强;叶差距大,则表示减弱。一个蘖群中各个分蘖的生长势,在分蘖期,一般表现为子蘖优势,但也有的蘖群和植株表现为亲蘖优势,这一差异可以考虑用于     

盐胁迫下粳稻品种南粳9108分蘖特性及其与群体生产力的关系

旨在明确盐胁迫下水稻分蘖发生与成穗规律及其优势叶位,为沿海滩涂水稻高产栽培的分蘖合理利用与调控提供依据。以江苏沿海滩涂大面积种植的常规粳稻南粳9108为试材,设置对照(盐浓度0)、中盐(盐浓度0.15%)和高盐(盐浓度0.3%)环境,比较研究盐逆境下水稻分蘖发生与成穗特性及其对群体产量的贡献。结果表明,对照、中盐和高盐处理的两年平均产量(t hm–2)分别为9.7、7.4和4.2;中盐和高盐处理的穗数、每穗粒数、结实率和千粒重均显著低于对照。与对照相比,中盐和高盐处理下拔节、抽穗和成熟期群体茎蘖数和成穗率均较低。对照的分蘖利用以一次分蘖和二次分蘖为主,一次分蘖发生在第3至第7叶位,第4至第6叶位是分蘖发生与成穗的优势叶位,二次分蘖则以1/4和1/5蘖位优势较强;盐胁迫的分蘖利用以一次分蘖为主,第4至第6叶位是分蘖发生与成穗的优势叶位。盐胁迫下各蘖位的穗长、每穗粒数、着粒密度、一次枝粳数及粒数、二次枝粳数及粒数均低于对照。与对照相比,盐胁迫下水稻单株成穗数少、个体和群体生长协调性差、穗型小,最终单株和群体产量低。     

Identification of QTLs for BYDV tolerance in bread wheat

We searched for QTLs involved in tolerance to barley yellow dwarf (BYD), a serious viral disease of small grain cereals in two wheat populations, Opata × Synthetic (ITMI)and Frontana × INIA66 (F × I), for which marker data had previously been generated. The populations were evaluated in replicated field trials under artificial inoculation with a BYDV-PAV-Mex isolate and under disease-free conditions. Disease symptoms (yellowing, dwarfism and biomass reduction) were visually recorded and agronomic traits (number of tillers,height, biomass, yield and thousand-kernel weight) were measured on five plants per plot. Phenotypic data on all evaluated traits showed normal distribution with high correlation between visual estimates and measured values. Heritabilities were mostly moderate to high in the 114 lines of the ITMI population, and from low to moderate in the 117 lines of the F × I population. QTL analyses were based on genetic maps containing 443 loci for the ITMI population and 317 loci for the F × I population. Using composite interval mapping, 22 QTLs in the ITMI population and seven in the F × I population were detected, explaining9.8–43.3% of total phenotypic variation (σ² _P)per agronomic trait in the first population, and 4.1–13.7% in the second. Individual QTLs explained less than 15.8%of σ² _P. In the F × I population a minor QTL explaining 7% of σ² _P for yellowing was detected on the short arm of 7D, linked to leaf tip necrosis, a morphological marker for linked genes Bdv1, Yr18 andLr34. A QTL consistently detected for several traits on 2D in the ITMI population and on the short arm of group 6 chromosome(6S) in F × I explained 10–15% of σ² _P. The large number of QTLs having mostly small effects and the continuous distribution of all evaluated traits confirmed the polygenic nature and complexity of BYD tolerance in wheat. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of moisture stress on leaf appearance,tillering and other aspects of development in Triticum tauschii

Summary A glasshouse study was conducted to describe the dynamics of leaf and tiller appearance of four accessions of T. tauschii (Tt 04, Tt 17, Tt 65 and Tt 74) and to determine the influence of moisture stress (treatments were high and low moisture, imposed seven days after transplanting) on these and other aspects of development in this wild wheat.Under high moisture conditions, accessions differed greatly in flag leaf dimensions, culm length and seed number per spike, the values being lower in Tt 04 than in the other accessions. Low moisture strongly reduced values for these traits, with Tt 04 being least affected, but overall, there was no apparent association between the values obtained for these variables in the high moisture conditions and the effects of moisture stress. For three of the four accessions, final leaf number on the main culm was significantly lower in the low moisture treatment than in the respective control (P<0.05), but the differences between treatments (ca. 0.5 leaves or less) were very small. Maximum tiller number, on the other hand, was strongly reduced by low moisture, and initiation of tillering was inhibited until water was reapplied. There were no apparent after-effects of the moisture regime on the rate of subsequent tiller appearance.The four accessions differed in their leaf appearance rates, giving phyllochron values (117–142° Cd leaf^-1) within the range reported for hexaploid wheat. Low moisture tended to increase phyllochron, but in only one accession was this effect significant. Thus, depending on the accession, low moisture did not affect, or slightly decreased (by ca. 15–20%) the rate of leaf appearance. These effects were similar to those reported for cultivated wheat suggesting that there would be little scope for using these accessions of T. tauschii in breeding for stress tolerance.