Expected levels of heterozygosity in autotetraploid progeny populations

Summary A breeding program aimed at improving the seed yield in bean for processing was started. Six parents divergent in a range of agronomical characters were crossed according to diallel mating design. Cluster analysis performed on the composite cross population evidenced divergence between F1 hybrids and to maximize genetic recombination, the most different F1 hybrids were intercrossed. A Factor analysis was performed on 7 morphological and yield-determining traits of 15 hybrids F1 and parents. Three Factors, representing patterns of variables interpreted as productivity per plant, growth factor, and branching-productivity, were extracted. These results evidenced the inverse relationship between seed yield components (seeds/pod, pods/plant, and hundred seed weight): i.e. the selection for either variable is detrimental to the other. It may be possible to break this association if the plant construct assures high sink to satisfy all plant requirements: tall and large plants bearing numerous nodes, leaves and reproductive structures. Moreover, the selection practiced simultaneously on the yield components positively affected the seed yield trait. An index of selection and response to selection were estimated on the segregant populations. The realized gain in seed/yield reached after one cycle of selection (C1) was 6.5 g, about 20% over the base population (C0). The expected gain from selection based on the superior 5% plants in C2 families was 25.5% and approached the realized gain. The result of this paper gives evidence to support that the seed yield can be improved by an adequate selection intensity and selection index can be very useful when it is faced with the improvement of several traits at the same time.     

QTL alleles from a winter feed type can improve malting quality in barley

Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for malting quality traits in barley populations has been the main genetic approach to malting quality breeding. A ‘winter × spring’ doubled haploid barley population ‘Nure’ × ‘Tremois’, where such traits were segregating, has been recently developed. Our objective was to map QTLs for malting quality from 2 years of trials in two contrasting locations. QTLs were found on six chromosomes, with a main cluster on chromosome 1H. For wort viscosity and malt extract, favourable alleles at two loci on chromosome 5H were carried by the winter feeding parent ‘Nure’. Doubled‐haploids with higher quality than the spring malting cultivar ‘Tremois’ showed either a facultative or a winter growth habit and a level of frost tolerance comparable with that of the winter tolerant parent ‘Nure’. Markers and QTLs of quality traits were further validated on a separate set of DH lines, coming from the same cross, by means of marker‐assisted selection. This showed that, at least in the present cross combination, positive contributions to malting quality can be found in winter feed barley.     

Quantitative trait loci for early maturity and their potential in breeding for earliness in Brassica juncea

A doubled haploid population of Brassica juncea, developed from a cross between two parental lines differing for days to maturity, was used to study the efficiency of indirect selection for a primary trait through selection of secondary trait(s) over direct selection for the primary trait when quantitative trait loci information is available for both primary and secondary traits, and applied. Days to maturity was considered as primary trait, while days to first flowering, days to end of flowering, flowering period and plant height were considered as secondary traits. An RFLP linkage map was employed for QTL analysis of maturity and maturity-determinant traits, and a stable QTL B6 simultaneously affecting these two types of traits was identified. This linked QTL explained 11.7% phenotypic variation for days to maturity, 20.7% variation for days to first flowering, 24.3% variation for days to end of flowering and 14.4% variation for plant height. Phenotypic evaluation of maturity and/or maturity-determinant traits, viz. days to first flowering, days to end of flowering and plant height revealed that limited genetic advance for early maturity can be achieved through phenotypic selection of the primary and/or the secondary trait(s). However, the estimates of genetic advance for early maturity based on combined phenotypic evaluation and linked QTL data was found to be, at least, three times higher compared to genetic advance based on phenotypic evaluation only, demonstrating the potential of marker-assisted selection in breeding for early maturity in B. juncea.     

施氮水平对啤酒大麦植株氮素吸收与利用及籽粒蛋白质积累和产量的影响

2004—2006年连续两个生长季,以苏啤3和单2两个啤酒大麦品种为材料,探讨施纯氮0、75、150、225和300 kg hm^-2条件下,啤酒大麦氮素积累和转运、氮素利用及籽粒产量和蛋白质积累的特性。在0~225 kg hm^-2施氮量范围内,啤酒大麦花前植株氮素积累量和转运量均随施氮水平的提高呈上升趋势,但施氮量提高至300 kg hm^-2后,提高幅度变小;而花前氮素转运效率及其对籽粒氮的贡献率则均随施氮水平提高呈单峰曲线变化。籽粒谷氨酰胺合成酶和谷-丙转氨酶活性也随着施氮水平的提高而上升,促进蛋白质积累,提高籽粒蛋白质含量,而当施氮量低于197 kg hm^-2时籽粒蛋白质含量才低于12%,符合啤酒大麦酿造要求。经回归分析,在施氮量为241 kg hm^-2时产量最高。此外,氮肥回收效率以225 kg hm^-2施氮处理为最高,氮素生理利用效率和氮收获指数随施氮量增加而显著降低。综合考虑各项指标,建议在类似本试验条件的啤酒大麦生产区,施氮量以150~197 kg hm^-2为宜。     

The effect of pollen load and pollen grain competition on fertilization success and progeny performance inFagopyrum esculentum

Summary Flowers of cultivated buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) often receive natural pollen loads of fewer than 10 pollen grains. The cultivated varieties also have high genetic variability. These observations raise the question of whether seed production in buckwheat is often limited by pollen delivery, and whether small increases in pollen load could result in gametophytic selection through pollen grain competition. In greenhouse-grown buckwheat plants, embryo sac penetration by pollen tubes was universal with 10 or more pollen grains. However, seed production increased with pollen load up to 30 grains per flower. Larger pollen loads, which intensify selection among gametophytes, resulted in more vigorous progeny. Seedlings produced from high pollen load (15–20 pollen grains) were larger (40% by weight) than those from low pollen load (5 pollen grains). These results are evidence that pollen grain competition can occur in buckwheat with benefits for progeny performance.     

Genetic diversity of wheat gene pool of recurrent selection assessed by microsatellite markers and morphological traits

Abstact An agronomic gene pool of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was constructed through recurrent selection. In present research, 24 wheat SSR markers determining 25 loci on 14 different chromosomes were used to evaluate the gene pool. Thirty parents used as original materials in recurrent selection were also assessed. In total, 115 alleles were detected in gene pool with an average of 4.6, ranging from 2 to 9 alleles per locus. Statistical test showed that genetic diversities had no significant difference between the gene pool and the 30 parents. Principle coordinates analysis revealed that the individuals of the gene pool were mainly divided into three groups, which was consistent with the result of cluster analysis based on genetic distance matrix of the gene pool. Cluster analysis was carried out based on Euclidian distance calculated upon five morphological trait values and the results showed that most individuals were in a group while the others scattered. Correlation analysis of genetic distance matrix and Euclidian distance matrix showed no significant correlation between two matrices. The results suggest that the gene pool is improved after several cycles of selection, while genetic variation is still maintained. Therefore, the gene pool is suitable for further breeding program.     

Efficiency of bunch-planted and single-planted seedlings for selecting superior families in sugarcane

Summary The efficiency of family selection in bunch-planted sugareane seedlings was investigated by planting 40 families (20 proven and 20 experimental) as bunches and as single seedlings in adjoining replicated trials. A replicated trial planted the following year. using stem cuttings from random seedlings of each family. provided an independant estimate of the value of each family.Five methods were used to compare bunch and single planting, namely theoretical and realized gains from selection, correlations between the seedling and evaluation trials, discrimination based on proven cross classes, and discrimination based on production of advanced selections. Overall, bunch planting was inferior to single planting for family selection. It was promising for only one method of evaluation (proven cross classes) but this, combined with the relatively small area required for bunch-planted seedlings, indicates that family selection may be possible in such plantings. The use of a number of methods of evaluation showed that incorrect conclusions were likely if only one method were used, and revealed deficiencies in methods which would otherwise be considered satisfactory. The project provided a basis for the design of more critical experiments.The components of weight of cane, namely number of stalks and weight per stalk, are negatively correlated, and showed different relationships with yield in the seedling and evaluation trials. Weight per stalk was an important component in seedling trials, with number of stalks by far the main component in the evaluation trial which was planted by the commerical method using stem cuttings.Family selection based on number of stalks and sugar content, preceding mass selection, is likely to provide a better selection system than the usual mass selection in bunch-planted seedlings.Families do not express their full genetic potential in original seedlings. whether bunch or single planted: trials planted from stem cuttings give more effective family selection. Furthermore, family selection for the most important characters (net merit grade and weight of sugar) was much more effective in ratoon than in plant crops. These results have important implications for the practical selection program, further experimental work being necessary to specify the most efficient system.     

Employment of hordein subunit polymorphisms in establishing selection criteria for high quality malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Cereal seed storage proteins are encoded by complex multigene families and their subunit profiles are highly related to end-use qualities. Each fraction of albumin and hordein was extracted and its subunit profile was evaluated in related to malt and grain quality parameters. The purpose of this study was to provide selection criteria for high quality malting barley using grain and malt quality parameters and biochemical-genetic information. Grain and malt quality of 13 local adaptability test (LAT) lines were evaluated for malting process. A total of 16 germplasm accessions of high or low seed storage protein content were also evaluated for biochemicalgenetic analysis. The correlation coefficients among quality parameters were analyzed. Several important quality parameters in brewing process showed significant positive or negative correlations. Seed storage protein subunits of albumin and hordein of all tested lines and accessions were evaluated using 12% 1D SDS-PAGE. Scored data of protein subunit’s presence or absence was applied to Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) for statistical analysis and showed specific grouping patterns among tested lines. Clustered lines with subunit information were highly related with agricultural performance and grain and malt qualities. Based on the profiles of seed storage protein subunits, association of hordein subunit of 38, 43, and 65 kDa with high malt scored lines was found. The obtained results would provide improved selection criteria for high quality malting barley in the malting barley breeding program.     

Genetic diversity of the `peruvianum-complex' (Lycopersicon peruvianum (L.) Mill. and L. chilense Dun.) revealed by RAPD analysis

Two lines of hexaploid wheat were crossed and the basic generations of parent, F1, F2 and back-cross were sown in a controlled-environment chamber. FreshF1 and back-cross grains were generated, so the material could be handled either as the standard set of basic generations on a whole-plant basis, or as an extended set on an embryo or endosperm basis. The experiment was repeated. Mature grains were harvested and the starch particle size distribution was analysed in 3284 grains from 111 plants. Means and variances were partitioned into additive, dominance and interaction components. Grains from cross-pollinations had B-granule contents between parental values, rather than of the maternal parent, indicating an involvement of the grain genotype. Quantitative models based on endosperm genotype gave a better fit to the data than those based on embryo genotype. The difference in starch B-granule content between the parents was largely due to additive genes. Dominant genes were also indicated, with the first dose in the triploid endosperm having a large effect while the second dose had little or none. Non-allelic interactions were significant in the second experiment where the use of more types of backcross made them more detectable. There were also small and significant residual effects of the maternal plant in the first experiment, attributed to the vigour of the F1 mother plant and to the cytoplasm of Sunco. Narrow-sense heritability was low, between 0.05and 0.18 depending on the generation. Transgressive segregation was not found, suggesting that all alleles tending to increase the B-granule content were found in the Sunco parent and none in ME71. There was also no detectable heterosis in this character. The results show that breeding and selection for a low B-granule content should be possible but a further reduction will require new and complementary genes. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

苦荞麦主要农艺性状遗传浅析

试验结果分析表明,苦荞麦株高、千粒重等遗传力较高,早代进行选择效果明显;株粒重等遗传力低,应放宽选择标准,增加选择世代。株粒重虽然与产量高度相关,但遗传变异系数较小,直接选择效果差。可通过选择株高、株粒数和千粒重来达到提高株粒重的目的。     

不同功能叶对啤酒大麦籽粒灌浆特性的影响

为明确不同功能叶对啤酒大麦籽粒灌浆特性的影响,采用单因素随机区组设计试验方法,对高产、优质啤酒大麦‘甘啤7号’的籽粒灌浆特性进行了研究,应用Logistic方程对灌浆进程进行了拟合。结果表明：不同光合器官处理下啤酒大麦灌浆进程符合Logistic生长曲线,呈“慢－快－慢”“S”型变化。不同处理对品种12项灌浆参数及麦芽品质均产生影响,但影响的具体参数和影响程度因处理而异。不同处理下产量性状指标筛选率和千粒重变化最大,且呈正相关关系。其中T4处理下,饱满粒(72.17%)和千粒重(42.37 g)与其他处理及CK产生显著差异。为选育高产、优质啤酒大麦,在育种选择实践中应综合考虑形态指标。     

Evaluation of a DNA probe for the quantitative detection of common bacterial blight in common bean and its application in a breeding program

Summary Breeding of Phaseolus vulgaris L. for resistance to common bacterial blight (CBB) can be done with visual evaluations of symptoms to distinguish broad resistance classes, but a more quantitative measure was needed for genetic studies of resistance. A novel method of evaluation was developed by quantifying Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (XCP) in bean leaf tissue infected with CBB using a ³²P-labeled probe and densitometric analysis of hybridization signals. Quantification of bacterial populations using the probe was highly correlated (r=0.98) with the number of colony forming units (CFU) from plate counts of the same leaf samples. The probe was used to follow XCP population dynamics on susceptible (BAT 41) and resistant (OAC 88-1) bean genotypes. OAC 88-1 supported a maximum XCP population which was approximately tenfold less than BAT 41. The probe was also used to study an F₂/F₃ population segregating for resistance. Narrow sense heritability estimates were less for resistance measured on the basis of bacterial populations (0.18–0.26) than on visual scores of symptoms (0.29–0.38). The anticipated response to selection for CBB resistance would be less based on bacterial numbers than based on symptom expression in this population. In breeding for resistance to CBB, selection based on visual symptoms combined with measurements of XCP populations using a DNA probe can be used to develop bean genotypes that are both resistant to symptom development and bacterial multiplication.Abbreviations CBB common bacterial blight - CFU colony forming units - XCP Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli     

A Combined Univariate and Multivariate Approach for Selecting High Performing Genotypes of Vicia faba L.

High performing V. faba genotypes have been successfully selected using an approach that combines the univariate and multivariate biometrical analyses of F|S from two complete 7×7 and 9×9 diallel cross experiments. The method used in the analyses included canonical analysis and cluster analysis of the phenotypic and genetic variance-covariance matrices. All analyses have been applied, to the yield and yield components. Results of analyses provided information on the unit of selection, the selection criteria, and the selection procedure. The choice of an array of F₁S seems to be more efficient than the choice of a single F₂. Among the yield components studied, 100-seed weight is the most important selection criterion which can improve yield most efficiently. The detected importance of the nonadditive genetic effects is that selection after intercrossing random plants from the mixed F₁ progenies of the same array is expected to be more effective than selection after Selfing.     

Improvement of the homogeneity of the barley variety balder

Summary For the improvement of the purity of the Swedish barley variety Balder, a selection within this variety was started at the Plant Breeding Station of the Centraal Bureau at Hoofddorp in 1949.During the period 1950–1954 it appeared that a large number of types occurred which differed more or less distinctly from each other. The differences concerned inclination and colour of the leaves, length of straw, date of heading, stiffness of straw, length and inclination of the ear, earliness, yield capacity, grain- and malting quality.Of about 5,000 lines (progenies of selected ears) of 1950, only one, Balder 50.4 was chosen ultimately in 1954. Already in 1954 the breeder's seed of Balder was obtained by multiplication of selection 50.4.The purpose of the selection, described in this paper, viz. to give the barley variety Balder a sufficient approximation of a pure line, can be considered as being achieved. Certainly there is no indication that a decrease in yield capacity and malting quality occurred.Moreover, in comparison with the original variety Balder, selection 50.4 has distinctly stiffer and somewhat shorter straw, and a little earlier maturity. The attitude of the ear approximates more that of the erectum-type.     

黄淮平原夏大豆品种的主要数量性状对产量稳定性的影响

分析了 13个夏大豆品种的 10个数量性状的稳定性 ,同时采用相关分析法论证了产量稳定性与其他稳定性间的相关关系。分析结果表明 ,大多数品种数量性状的平均表现与环境指数呈显著的线性关系或极显著的线性关系 ;产量的稳定性与单株粒数、单株粒重及株高的稳定性呈显著正相关。单株粒数、单株粒重和株高的稳定性呈显著正相关。单株粒数、单株粒重和株高的稳定性 ,可作为夏大豆稳产性育种的间接选择依据     

Cytological mechanism of 2n pollen formation and unilateral sexual polyploidization in Lolium

Summary Plants of Lolium perenne, L. multiflorum and L. hybridum (331, 51 and 18, respectively) were screened for 2n pollen production. The screening was based on the size differences that are expected to be found between n and 2n pollen of a plant. It was found that 28 plants of perennial ryegrass-belonging to 13 cultivars-produced produced pollen grains of heterogenous size (big and small). The estimated frequency of big pollen grain production was higher than 10% in ten out of 28 plants and in three of them it reached a value of 100%. Eight plants obtained from two 4x × 2x crosses, in which the male parent had been previously identified as producing pollen grains of heterogenous size, was tetraploid. The cytological mechanism of big pollen grain formation observed in three plants consists in the lack of spindle formation and, consequently, of chromosome migration in anaphase II. From these breeding and cytological results, it was concluded that the big pollen grains observed were viable 2n pollen grains. The nuclei of the 2n pollen grains produced by this mechanism are genetically equivalent to those formed by the restitution of the second meiotic division. The value of these gametophytes in a breeding program of Lolium is discussed.     

Aspects of participatory plant breeding for quinoa in␣marginal areas of Ecuador

Summary Field trials were carried out in Ecuador with two indigenous communities, Ninín Cachipata and La Esperanza, to determine farmers’ preferences for quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) cultivars and to improve PPB processes. More women than men participated, reflecting that quinoa, a primarily subsistence crop, is mainly managed by women. Farmers’ field selection criteria for quinoa in the field were mostly based on yield, earliness and plant colour; however only breeders’ measurements of yield and panicle height significantly correlated to farmer selection scores. Older women gave higher scores than younger women or men, apparently due to a concept of no cultivar being without value. Working in same gender pairs improved evaluation richness. INIAP technicians were more discriminating in their evaluations than farmers. They also used additional selection criteria of disease resistance and uniformity. At seed selection, farmers from Ninín Cachipata, where food security is not assured, chose lines based on yield, while farmers from La Esperanza, where resources are less limiting, also considered seed size, colour, saponin content and marketability. Field characteristics were not taken into consideration at seed selection, signifying that farmers are less interested in those characteristics, or that it was difficult for them to correlate field data when presented in tabular form with seed characteristics. Future trials with small farmers should have fewer lines or replications to avoid farmer fatigue during evaluation. Farmers who grow primarily for subsistence in semi-arid environments have more interest in growing quinoa, and more to gain from having improved cultivars; therefore future participatory efforts should focus on them.     

不同基因型啤酒大麦冠层叶片光合特性对产量的影响

为给啤酒大麦高产栽培提供理论依据,采用便携式光合分析系统研究不同基因型啤酒大麦冠层叶片光合速率变化,分析其对产量的影响。研究结果表明,参试基因型中M-22（1）、KH LEDI（4）、Pasadena（15）、Z014J081J（19）、MERIT（20）、Z090M066M（25）等二棱大麦的叶面积指数(LAI)一直较高,其中以美国的新品种之一Z014J081J表现最为突出,平均LAI达2.69;不同基因型啤酒大麦叶面积指数阶段变化与产量呈现一定的正相关关系, 从挑旗期到灌浆末期整个生育阶段的LAI变化与产量的相关性均达到极显著水平;相关分析表明,不同基因型啤酒大麦冠层光合速率阶段变化与产量呈现一定的正相关关系。其中孕穗期、抽穗开花期和灌浆末期的光合速率变化与产量的相关性达极显著水平,相关系数分别为0.5024、0.5360和0.6758。     

Comparative performance of winter and spring malting barleys in semiarid growing conditions

In Europe, during the 1960s, mainly two-rowed spring barley was used for malting. Traditionally, spring malting barley was produced in regions with moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall throughout the growing season. Winter malting barley, on the other hand, was mostly grown in the milder arid and semiarid parts of Europe. Due to global climatic changes and its higher yield, winter malting barley is now increasing in acreage in the traditional spring barley regions. Our study included a comparative analysis of several grain and malt characters of the winter and spring malting barley grown under the agroecological conditions of the Vojvodina Province, Yugoslavia. One thousand grain weight was shown to be approximately the same for both growth habits, whereas winter malting barley proved to have a higher hectoliter mass than the spring one. In those years that were less favorable for spring barley production, winter malting barley had better quality characters, namely a higher fine extract content, a better malt modification, and a lower malt protein content. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The role of selection on the genetic structure of pathogen populations: Evidence from field experiments with Mycosphaerella graminicola on wheat

Summary Coevolution refers to reciprocal genetic changes that occur in two or more ecologically interacting species. In agricultural ecosystems, we are especially concerned with the genetic response of pathogen populations to resistant cultivars produced by plant breeding programs. It would be useful to be able to predict whether disease resistance is likely to be durable or ephemeral before a cultivar is widely grown. Though it may not be possible to predict durability in advance, knowledge of the genetic structure of pathogen populations may prove useful for making predictions about the rate at which pathogens adapt to resistant varieties. Much has been learned about the genetic structure of populations of obligate fungal pathogens such as rusts and mildews, which have become paradigms for plant pathology. We have focused our effort on the population genetics of the less known, non-specialized, necrotrophic pathogens, such as the Septorias of small grains. Our approach has been to use DNA fingerprinting and RFLP analysis to conduct field experiments that elucidate how populations of fungal pathogens adapt in agroecosystems. Our results suggest that mating system may have a greater impact than natural selection on the genetic structure of populations of Mycosphaerella graminicola (anamorph Septoria tritici).