Lowland Rice Genotypes Evaluation for Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Rice is important crop for world population, including Brazil. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield limiting nutrients in rice production under all agro-ecological conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate N responses to 12 lowland rice genotypes. Soil used in the experiment was a Gley humic according to Brazilian soil classification system and Inceptisol according to USA soil taxonomy classification. The N rates used were 0 mg kg^?1 (low) and 300 mg kg^?1 (high) of soil. Plant height, straw yield, grain yield, panicle density, 1000 grain weight, and root dry weight were significantly increased with the addition of N fertilization. These growth, yield, and yield components were also significantly influenced by genotype treatment. Grain yield had significant linear or quadratic association with shoot dry weight, panicle number and 1000 grain weight Based on grain efficiency index genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient and inefficient in N use. The N efficient genotypes were ‘BRS Tropical’, ‘BRS Jaçanã’, ‘BRA 02654’, ‘BRA 051077’, ‘BRA 051083’, ‘BRA 051108’, ‘BRA 051130’ and ‘BRA 051250’. Remaining genotypes fall into moderately efficient group. None of the genotypes were grouped as inefficient in N use efficiency.     

Nitrogen Leaching Of Spring Wheat Genotypes (Triticum Aestivum L.) Varying In Nitrogen-Related Traits

Efficient use of nitrogen (N) by wheat crop and hence prevention of possible contamination of ground and surface waters by nitrates has aroused environmental concerns. The present study was conducted in drainage lysimeters for three years (1998–2000) to identify whether spring wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) that differ in N-related traits differ in N leaching and to relate parameters of N use efficiency (NUE) with parameters of N leaching. For this reason two spring wheat cultivars (‘Albis’ and ‘Toronit’) and an experimental line (‘L94491’) were grown under low (20 kg N ha^?1) and ample N supply (270 kg N ha^?1). The genotypes varied in parameters of NUE but not in N leaching. Grain yield of the high-protein line (‘L94491’) was, on average, 11% lower than that of ‘Toronit’ but among genotypes had significantly higher N in the grain (%), grain N yield, and N harvest index. Nitrogen lost through leaching was considerably low (0.42–0.52 g m^?2) mainly due to low volume of percolating water or the ability of the genotypes to efficiently exploit soil mineral N. There were no clear relationships between N-related genotype traits and N leaching, but across all treatments significantly negative correlations between volume of leachate and the amount of N in the total biomass and grain N yield existed.     

Predicting grain yield and protein content in winter wheat at different N supply levels using canopy reflectance spectra

A field experiment using a split-plot randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out to determine relationships between spectral indices and wheat grain yield （GY）, to compare the performance of four vegetation indices （VIs） for GY prediction, and to study the feasibility of VI to estimate grain protein content （GPC） in winter wheat. Two typical winter wheat （Triticum aestivum L.） cultivars ＇Xuzhou 26＇ （high protein content） and ＇Huaimai 18＇ （low protein content） were used as the main plot treatments and four N rates, i.e., 0, 120, 210, and 300 kg N ha^-1, as the sub-plot treatments. Increasing soil N supply significantly increased GY and GPC （P ≤ 0.05）. For the two cultivars combined, significant and positive correlations were found between four VIs and GY, with the strongest relationship observed when using the green ratio vegetation index （GRVI） at mid-filling. Cumulative VI estimates improved yield predictions substantially, with the best interval being heading to maturity stage. Similar results were found between VI and grain protein yield. However, when using cumulative VI, GPC showed no significant improvement. The strong relationship between leaf N status and GPC （R2 =0.9144 for ＇Xuzhou 26＇ and R2 = 0.8285 for ＇Huaimai 18＇） indicated that canopy spectra could be used to predict GPC. The strong fit between estimated and observed GPC （R2 = 0.7939） indicated that remote sensing techniques were potentially useful predictors of grain protein content and quality in wheat.     

Genetic analysis of resistance to Fusarium wilt disease,yield and yield-related traits of pigeonpea (Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp.)

ABSTRACT

Understanding the genetic control of Fusarium wilt resistance is crucial in pigeonpea breeding programme. This study aimed to study the gene action controlling Fusarium wilt resistance, yield and yield components and select promising crosses possessing resistance to Fusarium wilt along with important agronomic yield traits. Six lines were crossed with four testers in a line x tester mating design. For Fusarium wilt reaction, F₁’s progenies were evaluated in a sick field having inoculums of Fusarium wilt at one location for two seasons and in a pot as well. The F₁’s and parents were evaluated for yield and yield components at two locations for two seasons using a row-column design with two replications. Results indicated that parents and crosses had highly significantly difference for yield and important agronomic traits. General combining ability (GCA) effects of lines and testers were also significant. Specific combining ability (SCA) was also significant for some crosses. Non-additive gene action was more important than additive gene action except for days to maturity and plant height. Crosses ICEAP 00932?×?TZA 2439 and ICEAP 00932?×?TZA 197 displayed small effects of SCA for Fusarium wilt and large SCA for most of yield traits and should be used for integrated disease management.     

玉米苗期根系对氮胁迫反应的配合力分析

研究利用7个玉米自交系,采用NC-Ⅱ设计,分析了玉米苗期根系性状对氮胁迫反应的配合力及遗传参数变化。结果表明,在2个氮水平下,玉米苗期根系性状的一般配合力、特殊配合力都存在显著的基因型差异,而且不同的基因型在氮胁迫下的反应也不尽相同。高氮下,根系性状除轴根长以外均以非加性遗传为主;氮胁迫下,除轴根数以外的根系性状以加性遗传为主。2个氮水平下,根干重、总根长和侧根长的广义遗传力均较高;与高氮处理相比,在低氮胁迫下,根系性状的广义遗传力表现为下降趋势,根干重、总根长和侧根长的狭义遗传力有上升的趋势。     

Genotypic Differences in Dry Bean Yield and Yield Components as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilization and Rhizobia

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume worldwide and nitrogen (N) is most yield limiting nutrients. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate response of 15 dry bean genotypes to nitrogen and rhizobial inoculation. The N and rhizobia treatments were (i) control (0 kg N ha^?1), (ii) seed inoculation with rhizobia strains, (iii) seed inoculation with rhizobia strains + 50 kg N ha^?1, and (iv) 120 kg N ha^?1. Straw yield, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N and rhizobial treatments. Grain yield, straw yield, number of pods m^?2, and grain harvest index were significantly influenced by year, nitrogen + rhizobium, and genotype treatments. Year × Nitrogen + rhizobium × genotype interactions were also significant for these traits. Hence, these traits varied among genotypes with the variation in year and nitrogen + rhizobium treatments. Inoculation with rhizobium alone did not produce maximum yield and fertilizer N is required in combination with inoculation. Based on grain yield efficiency index, genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). NUE defined as grain produced per unit N applied decreased with increasing N rate. Overall, NUE was 23.17 kg grain yield kg^?1 N applied at 50 kg N ha^?1 and 13.33 kg grain per kg N applied at 120 kg N ha^?1.     

NITROGEN RATES AND ITS TIME OF APPLICATION INFLUENCE DRY MATTER PARTITIONING AND GRAIN YIELD IN MAIZE PLANTED AT LOW AND HIGH DENSITIES

Best nitrogen (N) management practices are most important for increasing maize (Zea mays L.) productivity and profitability in Northwest Pakistan. Field experiments were performed at the New Developmental Research Farm of NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar during summer 2002 and 2003. Factorial experimental treatments were two plant densities (D₁ = 60,000 and D₂ = 100,000 plants ha^?1) and three N rates (N₁ = 60, N₂ = 120 and N₃ = 180 kg N ha^?1) as main plots, and six split N applications in different proportions at different growth stages of maize (cv. ‘Azam’) in two equal, three equal, three unequal, four equal, five equal and five unequal splits at sowing and with first, second, third, and fourth irrigation at two week intervals as subplots. Application of the higher N rate (180 kg ha^?1) with 4 to 5 splits significantly increased leaf, stem, ear, and total plant dry weight at silking and physiological maturity as well as grain yield plant^?1 at both low and high plant densities. Variation in dry matter partitioning and grain yield in maize due to fluctuation in the rainfall data of the two years suggests zonal specific effective N management practices for sustainable maize production in different agro-ecological zones of Northwest Pakistan.     

Nitrogen and phosphorus requirements of different wheat plant types under dryland and irrigated conditions 1

The wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant type in major producing areas of the U.S. is changing rapidly from tall cultivars to high‐yielding semidwarf cultivars. Objectives of experiments were to determine if nitrogen and phosphorus nutritional requirements differ between traditional tall cultivars and modern semidwarf cultivars under dryland and irrigated conditions. ‘Larned’, a tall cultivar; ‘Newton’, a semidwarf cultivar; and ‘Plainsman V, a high‐protein semidwarf cultivar, were grown with all combinations of three nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 84, and 168 kg N/ha) and two phosphorus fertilizer levels (0 and 90 kg P₂O₅/ha) at Colby, Kansas for two years. Three levels of irrigation—dryland, limited irrigation, and full irrigation—were applied. Grain yields were highest with 84 kg N/ha under dryland and with 168 kg N/ha under irrigation. Phosphorus increased grain yield under dryland conditions one year, but had no effect under irrigated conditions. Cultivar X nutrition interactions from differential yield responses to fertility levels occurred under the dryland and limited irrigation regimes one year. Grain protein content was increased by nitrogen fertilization under all regimes both years and was decreased only by phosphorus fertilization under dryland conditions one year. Cultivar X nitrogen interactions for grain protein occurred under all irrigation regimes. We concluded that nutrient requirements do not differ between tall and semi dwarf wheat culti‐vars under any irrigation regime. Raising the recommended level of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, should be considered for all cultivars, both tall and semidwarf.     

Combining ability of yield and yield components among Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae-compatible and Striga-resistant sorghum genotypes

ABSTRACT

Use of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars with partial resistance to Striga spp. and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae (FOS) represents a novel strategy to control Striga. This study aimed to identify the nature of gene action controlling grain yield and yield components and to select promising sorghum crosses possessing both FOS compatibility and Striga resistance, along with good combining ability effects. One-hundred hybrids, developed from pairwise matings among 10 FOS compatible, high-yielding female lines and 10 Striga-resistant male lines, were evaluated with and without FOS inoculation. The F₁s were field evaluated at three locations in Tanzania known for their severe Striga infestation, using an alpha lattice design with two replications. General (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) variances were significant for grain yield per plant, hundred-seed weight, plant height, flowering time and the number of Striga plants. The study demonstrated FOS inoculation to be an effective means of controlling Striga. Families 675?×?672, AS435?×?3993 and 4643?×?AS436 displaying large SCA effects for grain yield, and 4567?×?AS429, 3424?×?AS430 and 3424?×?AS436 with small SCA effects for Striga counts should be useful genetic resources for breeding and integrated Striga management.     

Use of GGEbiplot methodology and Griffing's diallel method for genetic analysis of partial resistance to phoma black stem disease in sunflower

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to estimate the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for partial resistance to phoma black stem and to identify the most promising combination for the selection of improved breeding lines. The response of five parental genotypes and their F1 hybrids to a phoma black stem isolate (MA6) were evaluated in a diallel programme under controlled growth chamber conditions. Significant GCA and SCA indicate that both additive and non-additive gene effects contributed in the inheritance of partial resistance to phoma black stem, however, the Baker ratio showed that the additive genetic effects were more important than nonadditive ones. It is recommended that the GGEbiplot methodology could be an excellent tool for visualizing entry by tester (diallel) data. By using this technique to analyse black stem severity data, interaction among the sunflower genotypes in providing partial resistance to phoma black stem was clearly identified. Based on GGEbiplot presentation and Griffing's diallel analysis, the mutant line ‘M6-54-1’ showed the largest GCA, indicating contribution towards partial resistance, and the genotype B454/03 presented the smallest GCA, indicating contribution towards susceptibility. Our results show that the F1 hybrids ‘SDR18×B454/03’ and ‘M6-54-1×B454/03’ showing heterosis for partial resistance to phoma black stem come from the crosses between a susceptible genotype ‘B454/03’ and two partially resistant genotypes (SDR18 and M6-54-1), originated from different breeding programmes. We conclude therefore that these genotypes possess at least some different resistance genes, which were expressed in the hybrids and led to the observed effects.     

Variability in European Maize (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zea mays</Emphasis> L.) Landraces under High and Low Nitrogen Inputs

An European maize (Zea mays L.) landrace core collection (EMLCC) was formed with samples from several countries. Evaluation of the EMLCC may contribute to broad the genetic base of maize breeding programs. The objective of this study was to assess the variability of EMLCC under low nitrogen (N) in relation to high N input. Eighty-five landraces of the EMLCC, grouped in four maturity groups, and three check hybrids were evaluated for response to low (0 kg ha⁻¹) and high (150 kg ha⁻¹) N in Spain and Greece. Five plant size traits (plant height, ear height, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area index), two grain traits (1000-kernel weight and grain yield), and two agronomic traits [growing degree units (GDU) and lodging] were studied. Overall means of plant size and grain traits increased when genotypes were grown at 150-N relative to 0-N input. The relative increase for grain traits was smaller in landraces than in hybrids. This suggests that landraces had lower grain yield response to N supply compared to hybrids. Linear regressions of plant size traits on GDU indicated that vegetative development was primarily associated with flowering lateness. The maturity group was the main source of variation for all traits. Landrace variability within maturity groups was significant for all traits across environments, despite significant landrace × environment interactions. Estimates of genetic and genotype × environment variances, and heritabilities at both high and low N inputs were not significantly different from each other. However estimates were generally larger at high N. Genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients between the two N levels were very high for all traits.     

NITROGEN NUTRITION ON LEAF CHLOROPHYLL,CANOPY REFLECTANCE,GRAIN PROTEIN AND GRAIN YIELD OF WHEAT VARIETIES WITH CONTRASTING GRAIN PROTEIN CONCENTRATION

Wheat cultivars (‘AC Barrie’, ‘Brook Field’, ‘Hoffman’, and ‘Norwell’) with different protein concentrations were compared under four nitrogen (N) levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha^?1) in an environment-controlled greenhouse, and the same experiment with an additional N level (200 kg N ha^?1) was repeated in the field in 2007. In the greenhouse experiment, application of 100 kg N ha^?1 resulted in significantly greater grain yield due mainly to higher number of grains per spike and heavier mean grain weight; in the field study, the 150 kg N ha^?1 treatment produced the greatest yield (P<0.01) primarily due to more number of grains per spike. Crude grain protein percentage was increased significantly with each increment of N up to the highest level; however, protein yield (kg ha^?1) increased significantly with fertilizer up to 150 kg N ha^?1. Leaf chlorophyll contents were increased linearly with increment of N levels up to 150 kg ha^?1 both in the greenhouse and field trials while leaf area indices continued to increase up to the highest application rate (200 kg N ha^?1). Canopy reflectance, expressed as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), attained maximum value with 150 kg N ha^?1 in the field experiment. Among the varieties tested, “Hoffman” out-yielded other three varieties due to heavier grain weight. Although highest grain and/or plant crude protein content were recorded in ‘AC Barrie’, it was the variety ‘Hoffman’ that produced the highest total protein (kg ha^?1) with largest NDVI and leaf area index (LAI) values.     

UPLAND RICE GENOTYPES EVALUATION FOR PHOSPHORUS USE EFFICIENCY

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors in crop production in Brazilian Oxisols. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate 20 upland rice genotypes at low (25 mg P kg^?1) and high (200 mg P kg^?1) P levels applied to a Brazilian Oxisol. Grain yield and yield components were significantly influenced by P level and genotype treatments. There was a significant interaction between P level and genotype treatments in relation to grain yield, indicating genotypes responded differently under two P levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified into efficient, moderately efficient and inefficient groups. The efficient genotypes in utilizing P were ‘BRA052053’, ‘BRS Primavera’, ‘BRA052015’, ‘BRA052023’, ‘BRA01506’, ‘BRA052045’, ‘BRA032033’, ‘BRA01596’ and ‘BRA052034’. Remaining genotypes were classified as moderately efficient in P use efficiency. None of the genotypes were fall into inefficient group. Grain yield was significantly and positively related with shoot dry weight, panicle number, grain harvest index, 1000-grain weight and had a negative and significant correlation with spikelet sterility. Grain weight was having maximum contribution in total rice plant weight comparing to root and shoot, indicating improvement in harvest index of modern Brazilian upland rice cultivars by breeding.     

Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Lowland Rice Genotypes under Field Conditions

Rice is staple food for more than 50% of the world's population. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for lowland rice production around the world. Two field experiments were conducted at two locations for two consecutive years to evaluate N-use efficiency of 12 lowland rice genotypes. Growth, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N as well as genotype treatments. Location?×?year?×?genotype and location?×?year?×?N interactions were significant for most of the growth, yield, and yield components, indicating influence of these factors on yield and yield components. Overall, the most N-efficient genotypes measured in terms of grain yield were BRA 031032, BRA 031044, and BRA 02654 and the most inefficient genotypes were BRS Jaçana, BRS Fronteira, and BRA 02674. Genotypes had linear and quadratic responses to added N in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha^?1. Nitrogen significantly influenced plant height, shoot dry weight, panicle number, and 1000-grain weights. Nitrogen-use efficiency (kg grain per kg N applied) varied from 33 to 49 kg grain per kg N applied, with an average value of 40 kg grain per kg N applied. The genotype BRA 031044 produced the greatest N-use efficiency, and the lowest N-use efficient genotype was BRS Fronteira. There was a significant linear association between N-use efficiency and grain yield.     

Influence of Zn nutrition on the productivity,grain quality and grain biofortification of wheat under conventional and conservation rice–wheat cropping systems

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate influence of zinc (Zn) application on productivity, grain biofortification and grain quality of wheat planted under plough tillage (PT) and zero tillage (ZT) systems. Zn was delivered as soil application (10 kg ha^?1), foliage spray (0.025 M) and seed priming (0.5 M) in wheat planted under PT and ZT systems. ZT had higher total soil porosity, total soil organic matter, soil organic carbon and soil microbial biomass carbon than PT. Zn application, by either method, improved grain yield, grain Zn and grain quality in both tillage systems. The grain Zn concentration was 72% and 59% higher with soil-applied Zn in ZT wheat during 2016–2017 and 2017–2018, respectively, compared with no Zn. However, Zn seed priming was the most effective in improving wheat grain yield in both tillage systems. Foliage and Zn soil application were better in improving the indices of Zn use efficiency of Zn. In conclusion, Zn seed priming was the most effective method in improving the wheat grain yield, whereas soil Zn application in ZT and foliar applications in PT were the most effective for grain Zn biofortification. However, Zn soil application was the most cost-effective method of Zn application.     

COURSE OF DRY MATTER AND NITROGEN ACCUMULATION OF SPRING WHEAT GENOTYPES KNOWN TO VARY IN PARAMETERS OF NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY

Field experiments were conducted for two years to compare and identify bread spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes which make the most efficient use of nitrogen (N). Such information is required for breeding strategies to reverse the negative relationship between yield and protein content. Three Swiss spring wheat cultivars (‘Albis’, ‘Toronit’, ‘Pizol’) and an experimental line (‘L94491’) were grown without (N0; 0 kg N ha^?1) and with high fertilizer N [(NH₄NO₃); (N1; 250 kg N ha^?1) supply on a clay loam soil with low organic matter content. Biomass and nitrogen accumulation in biomass as well as the leaf growth and senescence patterns (SPAD) were investigated in an attempt to explain the physiology of growth and N translocation of these genotypes. The pre-anthesis accumulation of biomass and N in the biomass depended on genotype only at N1 in 2000. In this year, conditions were less favorable for the pre-anthesis accumulation of biomass and N, which was, on average, 10 and 20% lower, respectively, of the total than in 1999. The contribution of pre-anthesis assimilates to the grain yield (CPAY) was higher in 1999 for all genotypes (36.9%) compared to 2000 (13.5%) except ‘Toronit’. Between anthesis and maturity the climate influenced the genetic variability of some N use efficiency components: N translocation efficiency (NTE) and dry matter translocation efficiency (DMTE). NTE was higher in 1999 (68.1%) compared to 2000 (50.7%); 1999 was a year in which the post-anthesis period was drier and warmer than usual. ‘Toronit’ produced the highest biomass by maturity due mainly to greater and longer lasting green leaf area after anthesis. ‘Albis’ performed relatively well under low input conditions, with considerable amounts of N being re-translocated to the seeds at maturity (NHI), whereas ‘Pizol’ accumulated in grains N as high as for ‘L94491’. In a humid temperate climate breeding for greater N uptake and partitioning efficiency may be a promising way to minimize N losses and produce high phytomass and grain yields. Using high protein lines as selection material and combining them with high biomass genotypes may lead to high protein contents without decreasing yield.     

陕A群、陕B群选育的玉米自交系氮效率评价

为阐明不同类型玉米自交系氮效率差异特征,筛选氮高效的玉米自交系,以陕A群、陕B群选育的33份玉米自交系为材料,以4份骨干自交系(‘郑58’、‘昌7-2’、‘PH6WC’和‘PH4CV’)为对照,调查了2种施肥条件下[0 kg(N)·hm?2、180 kg(N)·hm?2]玉米自交系的穗位叶SPAD值、叶面积、干物质积累量、叶片、茎秆和籽粒氮含量等生理指标。利用主成分分析和模糊隶属函数,采用逐步回归分析方法建立最优回归方程,筛选耐低氮性综合评价指标。结果表明:穗位叶SPAD值、吐丝期绿叶面积、吐丝期茎干重、吐丝期叶干重和籽粒氮含量,可作为玉米自交系耐低氮能力的第2性状筛选指标。以产量作为第1性状指标,可将37份玉米自交系划分为14份高产氮高效型,5份低产氮高效型,15份低产氮低效型和3份高产氮低效型。以耐低氮能力综合值D值筛选,将37份玉米自交系可分成3种类型,其中耐低氮能力较强的15份(D值≥0.5),耐低氮能力中等的15份(0.35≤D值0.5),耐低氮能力较差的7份(D值0.35)。综合分析,2种施氮条件下,‘KB215’、‘KB417’、‘KA225’、‘KB081’和‘L123098-2’5份玉米自交系具有吐丝期绿叶面积大,吐丝期茎叶干重、籽粒氮含量高和籽粒产量高,耐低氮能力强的特点。因此,强化育种环境的选择压力,实施低氮选择策略,可有效提高玉米种质对氮肥的利用效率。     

Response of Wheat Cultivars to Nitrogen and Sulfur for Crop Yield,Nitrogen Use Efficiency,and Protein Quality in the Semiarid Region

ABSTRACT

The effects of nitrogen (N at 0, 100 and 180 kg N ha-1) and sulfur (S at 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg S ha-1) on crop yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and amino acid composition of two bread wheat cultivars, ‘Shehan’ and ‘Enkoy,’ grown in Andisols and Cambisols in randomized blocks with three replications were evaluated. Both cultivars responded significantly (P < 0.05) to N and S applications and S application with N improved the NUE by 28%. The yield increase for the two cultivars by N and S application ranged between 0.8 to 2.4 Mg ha^?1. The N concentration increased significantly from N0 to N2 in both cultivars. Sulfur fertilization increased the concentration of cysteine and methionine by 27% and 14%, respectively, as compared to N alone. The grain yield, NUE, N, and S uptake, and the S-amino acid concentration of ‘Enkoy’ were significantly higher than ‘Shehan’ cultivar.     

谷子两系杂交组合的杂种优势及亲本配合力分析

为了解谷子两系杂种优势的亲本配合力遗传基础,本研究利用5个不育系和8个恢复系按NCII不完全双列杂交组配40份(5×8)杂种F₁,对11个谷子主要农艺性状的杂种优势及配合力进行分析。结果表明,谷子两系杂交组合在穗长、穗粗、千粒重、分蘖性、单穗重、单穗粒重和产量7个性状中存在广泛的超亲优势,但除千粒重外,其余性状的显著超亲组合数较少。杂交组合的单穗重和单穗粒重与产量极显著相关,且相关系数较高。对优异亲本进行筛选发现,A2和R3为一般配合力(GCA)较好亲本,A1、A2为GCA产量效应优异亲本,A1×R3、A2×R8、A3×R5、A3×R7和A5×R1为产量特殊配合力(SCA)效应较优组合。对产量强优势组合的配合力进行分析,发现优异的两系杂交组合中包含至少1个GCA较高的亲本或拥有较高的SCA。本研究结果为谷子优异两系杂交组合的亲本选配提供了一定的理论依据。     

Assessment of nitrogen uptake and utilization in drought tolerant and Striga resistant tropical maize varieties

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important food crop in the Guinea savannas of Nigeria. Despite its high production potential, drought, Striga hermonthica parasitsim, and poor soil fertility particularly nitrogen deficiency limit maize production in the savannas. Breeders at IITA have developed drought- and Striga-tolerant cultivars for testing, dissemination, and deployment in the region. Information on the response of these cultivars to N fertilization is, however, not available. This study evaluated grain yield, total N uptake (TNU), N uptake (NUPE), N utilization (NUTE), and N use efficiency (NUE) of selected maize cultivars along with a widely grown improved maize cultivar at two locations in the Guinea savannas of northern Nigeria. Maize grain yield increased with N application. The average grain yield of the maize cultivars was 76% higher at 30, 156% higher at 60, and 203% higher at 120 kg N ha^?1 than at 0 kg N ha^?1. This suggests that N is a limiting nutrient in the Nigerian savannas. Five drought-tolerant cultivars produced consistently higher yields when N was added at all levels. These cultivars had either high NUPE or NUTE confirming earlier reports that high N uptake or NUTE improves maize grain yield. The study also confirms earlier reports that maize cultivars that are selected for tolerance to drought are also efficient in uptake and use of N fertilizer. This means that these cultivars can be grown with application of less N fertilizer thereby reducing investment on fertilizers and reduction in environmental pollution.