甘薯淀粉产量及相关性状的遗传多样性和关联度分析

甘薯[Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.]是加工淀粉和燃料乙醇的重要原料,是目前我国最具开发前景的非粮食类新型能源作物。选育高淀粉产量的能源型甘薯新品种是甘薯育种的重要目标。为了获得准确筛选高淀粉产量育种材料的性状指标,提高甘薯高淀粉产量育种效率,缩短育种周期,本研究利用不同甘薯品种(系)的自然变异,根据淀粉产量、不同生长发育阶段的5个主要农艺性状和3个淀粉合成关键酶活性测定结果,利用相似系数和遗传距离矩阵,以类平均法对国内48份不同淀粉产量甘薯种质资源进行了遗传多样性分析,通过关联度分析研究了淀粉产量与不同时期农艺性状、淀粉合成关键酶活性的相关性。结果表明:48份甘薯种质资源材料在不同时期农艺特征差异较大;不同时期农艺性状的聚类结果中,栽后100 d的农艺性状与淀粉产量关联度最大,淀粉产量与该时期的基部分枝数呈极显著负相关(r=0.428),与干率呈极显著正相关(r=0.423),而与最长蔓长、单株结薯数和单株鲜薯重相关性不显著。48份甘薯种质材料在不同时期的酶活聚类结果差异明显。不同时期的甘薯淀粉合成关键酶活性聚类结果中,栽后50 d酶活聚类与淀粉产量聚类结果关联度最大,淀粉产量与该时期测得的ADPG焦磷酸化酶(ADPG-PPase)活性呈负相关关系(r=0.163),与蔗糖合成酶(SS)活性(r=0.101)、蔗糖磷酸合成酶(SPS)活性(r=0.016)呈正相关,但相关性均未达到显著水平。加之淀粉合成关键酶活性测定步骤繁琐,不适宜作为甘薯高淀粉产量育种早期选择的生理指标。在高淀粉产量育种材料筛选时可于栽后100 d对农艺性状进行综合考察,重点考虑干率较高及分枝数较少的品系。本研究可为甘薯高淀粉产量育种提供一定的理论依据。     

Variation in tuber mineral concentrations among accessions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum</Emphasis> species held in the Commonwealth Potato Collection

The variation in tuber mineral concentrations amongst accessions of wild tuber-bearing Solanum species in the Commonwealth Potato Collection (CPC) was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Selected CPC accessions, representing the eco-geographical distribution of wild potatoes, were grown to maturity in peat-based compost under controlled conditions. Tubers from five plants of each accession were harvested, bulked and their mineral composition analysed. Among the germplasm investigated, there was a greater range in tuber concentrations of some elements of nutritional significance to both plants and animals, such as Ca, Fe and Zn (6.7-fold, 3.6-fold, and 4.5-fold, respectively) than others, such as K, P and S (all less than threefold). Significant positive correlations were found between mean altitude of the species’ range and tuber P, K, Cu and Mg concentrations. The amount of diversity observed in the CPC collection indicates the existence of wide differences in tuber mineral accumulation among different potato accessions. This might be useful in breeding for nutritional improvement of potato tubers.     

马铃薯块茎顶端优势与主茎数及产量组分的相关性

马铃薯块茎产量性状复杂,由多个产量组分构成.为探究马铃薯块茎不同顶端优势类型、植株主茎数和产量组分的相关性,本研究对国际马铃薯中心引进的102份高代品系块茎的发芽情况进行筛选,以12个顶端优势强弱程度不同的马铃薯品系为试验材料,在马铃薯植株盛花期测定主茎数;收获期统计小区产量、小区大薯产量、小区小薯产量、单株产量、单株...     

河北省主栽山药品种矿质养分累积及矿质营养品质差异

  【目的】  比较河北省主栽山药品种的矿质养分累积特性及营养品质的差异,以期为山药生产提质增效制定科学的养分管理措施。  【方法】  田间试验在河北省蠡县进行,供试山药(Dioscorea oppositifolia L.)品种包括棒药、大和白玉、紫药和小白嘴,山药4个品种的施肥量和施肥方法均一致。在成熟期,取样测定了山药地上部、根茎生物量,以及9种矿质元素(氮、磷、钾、钙、镁、铁、锰、铜和锌)含量和累积量。  【结果】  4个主栽山药品种根茎的鲜生物量表现为大和白玉>棒药>紫药>小白嘴,而干生物量表现为紫药>大和白玉>小白嘴>棒药。大和白玉根茎的氮、钙、镁、锰、铜、锌累积量最高,且钾、钙、镁、锰、铜、锌分配系数最高,紫药根茎的磷、钾累积量最高,且氮分配系数较高,磷分配系数最高,棒药根茎的铁累积量及分配系数均为最高。4个山药品种形成1000 kg产量对大量营养元素的需求量均表现为钾>氮>磷,对中量营养元素的需求量均表现为镁>钙,对微量营养元素的需求量均表现为铁>锌>锰>铜。以《中国食物成分表》(标准版)中山药的9种矿质营养品质指标作为参比,对4个供试山药品种的9个矿质营养品质指标进行主成分分析,提取出特征值大于1的主成分3个,累计贡献率为96.77%。其中,第1主成分贡献率为56.45%,主要受钾、锌的影响;第2主成分的贡献率为29.09%,主要受镁、锰的影响;第3主成分的贡献率仅为11.22%,主要受铁的影响。矿质营养品质综合评价结果为大和白玉最优,其次是棒药,小白嘴和紫药分列第3和第4位,但4个品种矿质营养品质均优于《中国食物成分表》(标准版)中的山药品质。  【结论】  大和白玉为矿质营养品质最优品种,且为高锌品种,棒药为高钙、铁品种,土壤中钾、镁、铁、锰和锌含量是影响山药根茎矿质营养品质差异的主要元素。山药生产中,矿质肥料的施用要考虑土壤中矿质元素含量与不同品种的矿质元素需求,进行科学的养分管理,以进一步提升山药矿质营养品质。     

马铃薯品种（系）农艺性状的适应性和稳定性分析

马铃薯的丰产性、适应性和稳定性是马铃薯推广和应用的重要指标,各种环境因子对不同性状的作用有差异,需要在不同的生态区进行品种（系）的筛选与鉴定。为了筛选出广适、高产、稳产和适宜机械化作业的马铃薯品种（系）,本研究通过GGE双标图对马铃薯高代品系和国内主栽品种的产量和植株性状进行分析,同时阐述基因型与环境互作效应对产量性状和植株性状的影响。前期选育的22份高代品系和13份国内主栽品种分别于2020和2021年种植在渭源县、安定区和永昌县三个试点。测量主茎数等8个植株性状和小区产量等9个产量性状,应用联合方差分析进行显著性水平分析,GGE双标图进行适应性、丰产性和稳定性分析以及试点的区分力和代表性评价。应用联合方差分析结果表明,自然株高、绝对株高的基因型效应显著,基因型效应平方和占总变异平方和比为66.63%、56.56%;花序梗长、单株大薯产量的基因型与环境互作效应显著,互作效应平方和占总变异平方和比为27.86%、27.05%;分支数、单株产量的环境效应显著,环境效应平方和占总变异平方和比为55.82%、25.52%。GGE分析结果表明,品种（系）在不同的年份间,产量和稳定性表现总体较为...     

Variation in melon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis melo</Emphasis>) landraces adapted to the humid tropics of southern India

We present here the first comprehensive genetic characterization of melon landraces from the humid tropics of southern India. The genetic diversity among 50 melon landraces collected from 3 agro-ecological regions of southern India (6 agro-ecological sub-regions) was assessed by variation at 17 SSR loci, morphological traits of plant habit and fruit, 2 yield-associated traits, pest and disease resistance, biochemical composition (ascorbic acid, carotenoids, titrable acidity) and mineral content (P, K, Fe, Zn). Differences among accessions were observed in plant and fruit traits. Melon germplasm with high titrable acidity, higher than average amounts of mineral content and resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus, Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, powdery mildew (races 1, 2, 3, 5), Fusarium wilt (races 1, 2), Aphis gossypii and leafminer was recorded in the collection. A high level of genetic variability in melon germplasm was suggested by the SSR analysis. Comparative analysis using SSRs of the genetic variability between Indian melons from north, south, and east regions and reference accessions of melon from Spain, France, Japan, Korea, Iraq, Zambia showed regional differentiation between Indian melon accessions and that Indian germplasm was weakly related to the melon accessions from other parts of the world, suggesting that an important portion of the genetic variability found within this melon collection has not been used yet for the development of new cultivars. Additional collections of acidulus melon germplasm should be made in southern India and adequate management of this important genetic resource is clearly a necessity.     

磷肥分次滴灌施用提高马铃薯群体磷素吸收及磷利用率的作用

【目的】近年来,在内蒙古阴山北麓的马铃薯产量,45000 kg/hm2以上已屡见不鲜,但由于高产马铃薯磷素吸收规律的研究缺乏,磷肥使用不合理导致高产不能持续,磷肥利用率偏低。因此深入研究高产马铃薯群体的磷素营养规律,配合滴灌可为马铃薯持续高产提供科学依据。【方法】采用大田滴灌试验,以克新1号原种为试材,设置当地农户栽培模式与高产创建田生产模式,对2年的试验结果进行分析,研究滴灌条件下高产马铃薯群体磷素吸收、利用和分配特性。【结果】与农户模式相比,高产模式马铃薯单株结薯数(8.2 No./plant)提高了9.3%,商品薯率(96.0%)提高了2.3%;从块茎形成期到块茎膨大期,高产马铃薯群体磷素日积累量达到0.67~0.78 kg/hm2,较农户模式提高了37%,整个生育期马铃薯群体磷素的积累量达到44.3~55.3 kg/hm2,较农户模式高10.0~12.1kg/hm2,磷素转运率达85%~87%,也显著高于农户模式。高产马铃薯1000 kg块茎需磷量为1.95~2.10 kg,磷肥利用率21.6%~23.6%。【结论】在磷肥总量减少的情况下,利用滴灌分6次施用,与农户模式相比,显著提高结薯数量及单薯重,在块茎形成至膨大的关键时期以较快速率持续吸收磷素保证了植株在减量供磷条件下吸收磷素的高效性,分期供磷使磷肥利用率有了明显提高。     

Variations in morphological and agronomic traits among Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) accessions

Jerusalem artichoke is a diversely-utilized crop. Selection for high yield, inulin content and other economically important traits are useful for improving this crop. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate genetic variability for qualitative and quantitative traits among Jerusalem artichoke accessions and to identify different groups of accessions using morphological and agronomic traits. Seventy-nine accessions were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with two replications in the late rainy season 2008, the early rainy season 2009 and the late rainy season 2009 at Khon Kaen University agronomy farm, Thailand. Morphological and agronomic characteristics were evaluated for genetic variations. High variations were found among Jerusalem artichoke accessions for qualitative and quantitative characters, and selection for these characters is possible. High variations were observed for tuber width, number of tubers/plant, biomass, fresh tuber yield and tuber size. Correlation coefficient between fresh tuber yield and tuber size was positive and significant (0.58, P ≤ 0.01). Improvement of tuber size is a means to improve yield and tuber quality. Based on morphological and agronomic characteristics, Jerusalem artichoke accessions were clustered into four distinct groups (R² = 0.88). These groups may be used as parental material to generate progenies for further improvement of this crop. This information will enable breeders to make informed decisions about possible heterotic groups for their breeding programs and germplasm conservation.     

Effects of zinc fungicides and different zinc fertilizer application methods on soluble and total zinc in potato plant shoots

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of fungicides [with or without zinc (Zn)] and different Zn fertilizer application methods (no fertilizer; soil application; shoot application; soil plus shoot application) on the soluble and total Zn in the dry matter of potato shoots. Zinc fertilizer was applied to the shoots at 20 and 45 days after plant emergence (DAE), immediately before plant sampling. At 25 DAE, Zn fungicide increased soluble and total Zn in the fourth leaf. The same occurred, at 45 DAE, with the Zn fertilizer applied to the shoots. It were not observed significant increases on both soluble and total Zn contents in the fourth leaf of plants that received soil Zn fertilization. Even in the leaves with 262 mg Zn kg^‐1, there was no phytotoxicity symptoms. The total Zn concentration at 20 DAE was the best index correlated to potato tuber yield reaching 50.9 mg Zn kg^‐1 in the fourth leaf of plants at the highest marketable tuber yield treatment. Plant nutrient element contents [phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn)] were not affected by the treatments.     

马铃薯产量品质与氮磷钾吸收利用的关系

【目的】分析马铃薯品种(系)产量和品质在不同栽培条件下与养分吸收及利用的关系,为马铃薯科学施肥提供理论基础。【方法】在宁夏固原和甘肃定西开展马铃薯品种(系)田间试验,宁夏收集了76份品种(系),甘肃收集了83份,马铃薯试验均采用当地水肥管理技术。成熟期测定产量及产量构成因素,取样分析马铃薯品质和氮磷钾养分含量,以及土壤有机质和速效养分含量。【结果】两地马铃薯块茎产量差异不显著。将马铃薯产量分为<30 t/hm² (低)、30～45 t/hm² (中)和>45 t/hm² (高) 3个等级,宁夏种植的76个品种(系)中低产、中产、高产的占比分别为27.6%、34.2%、38.2%,甘肃种植的83个品种(系)中的占比分别为15.7%、49.4%、34.9%。随着不同马铃薯品种(系)产量的不断增加,干物质和淀粉含量呈现增加趋势,而蛋白质含量则呈现降低趋势。无论产量水平高低,每生产1 t马铃薯块茎需吸收N 2.9 kg、P 0.5 kg、K 4.0 kg。产量与氮磷钾养分吸收量呈显著正相关,维生素C和蛋白质含量与氮磷...     

Diversity in reproductive characteristics of potato landraces and cultivars for producing true seed

Potato production from true seed, or true potato seed (TPS) is not a new system for this vegetatively propagated crop. Andean farmers have grown potatoes in the cool highlands from true seed for many centuries. TPS appears today as a promising technology in the warm tropics, where diseases impede the production of pathogen-free potato propagules. However, the identification of suitable genetic resources for potato seed production requires the selection of clones that lack antagonism between tuber growth and seed embryo development. Furthermore, the potential TPS parents need to possess characteristics of a sexually propagated crop that is grown for the harvest of its vegetative part, i.e., the tuber. This new process of domestication requires a change in the selection methods, which starts by assessing the potential of available potato clones for both reproductive characteristics and agronomic traits, particularly those of the tuber. Tetraploid landraces and cultivars of the pathogen-tested collection of the Centro Internacional de la Papa were assessed for reproductive and agronomic characteristics during three consecutive years in San Ramón, a Peruvian location in the warm lowland tropics. The clones showed significant variation for all characteristics recorded. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H) was highest for flowering duration (0.617) and intensity (0.600). The lowest H was calculated for bee attraction in this location. The overall H was not significantly affected by the year-to-year variation, but some of the characteristics recorded (e.g. flowers per inflorescence, anther type, style length, plus fruit and berry set) showed distinct H according to the year of assessment. Some of the cultivars with promising TPS traits, as determined by their reproductive characteristics, also had outstanding tuber set, weight and yield. Furthermore, hybrid offspring from the selected clones from the pathogen-tested elite sample, did show high tuber yield with appropriate tuber set and reproductive traits as shown by progeny testing. Hence, the approach followed for identifying parental sources as discussed in this article appears to be appropriate.     

Potato yield and quality under potassium and gypsum levels in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

This work was established to study the effects of sources and levels of potassium (K) along with gypsum and the residual effects of K on growth and yield of two potato (Solanum tubrosum L.) cultivars. Two experiments were conducted under field conditions at the experimental station of “Sao Sebastião do Paraíso”; Southeastern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Tuber quality, yield components, and branches and leaves mineral composition were analyzed. In the first year, using the ‘Monallsa’ cultivar, there were significant effects of treatments on plant height, tuber dry matter, and plant mineral composition. In the second year, using the ‘Achat’ cultivar, the K application plus residual gypsum from the first year reduced plant physiological anomaly known as tuber cracking.     

Late blight and virus host-plant resistances,crossing ability and glycoalkaloids in Nordic potato germplasm*

Old potato cultivars from the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NordGen) and advanced breeding clones from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) were evaluated for susceptibility to Potato Virus Y (PVY) and Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV), foliar and tuber resistance to late blight – caused by Phytophthora infestans – as well as for glycoalkaloid content and crossing ability. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) tests were used for PVY and PLRV screening during two years that were characterized by intensive virus incidence and severity in the field, while foliar and tuber resistances to late blight were assessed under artificial inoculation with an aggressive Swedish isolate of P. infestans. Hybrid seeds were obtained by crossing cultivars such as ‘Kiva’, ‘Sarpo Mira’, ‘Rosamunda’ and ‘Superb’ with SLU advanced breeding clones and a selected clone of Solanum tuberosum Group Andigena. Some cultivars (‘Hårek’, ‘Sarpo Mira’) and breeding clones (04-2662, 04-2085) with late blight resistance did not show virus infection. The α-solanin and α-chaconin contents of some of the old Nordic potato cultivars and breeding clones were similar to the known Dutch table cultivar ‘Bintje’ after 3 years of testing. This research allows identification of promising Nordic potato cultivars and SLU breeding clones for further use in developing germplasm aiming at organic and conventional farming systems.     

陇薯系列高淀粉马铃薯品种的淀粉产量及品质性状综合评价

为了评价高淀粉马铃薯品种的综合品质性状,本研究以甘肃省农业科学院育成的15个马铃薯品种(系)为参试材料,2011-2018年连续8年定点田间试验,测定了块茎产量、营养品质(干物质、淀粉、维生素C、粗蛋白)含量和矿物质元素(钾、钙、铁、锌)含量。结果表明,参试材料的块茎产量和营养品质含量均存在显著的基因型、环境及基因型与环境的互作效应,其中块茎产量、淀粉产量、干物质含量、淀粉含量性状的基因型效应大于环境效应,而营养品质中的维生素C、粗蛋白和还原糖含量的环境效应大于基因型效应。参试材料的块茎产量24 549~50 140 kg·hm^-2,淀粉产量4 271~9 298 kg·hm^-2,干物质含量21.07%~30.18%,淀粉含量14.63%~21.83%,维生素C含量12.20~18.95 mg·100g^-1,粗蛋白含量2.17%~2.71%,还原糖含量0.18%~0.43%,钾含量4 316~5 368 mg·kg^-1,钙含量85.10~138.40 mg·kg^-1,铁含量10.17~24.50 mg·kg^-1,锌含量2.45~3.80 mg·kg^-1。大西洋的衍生品种陇薯8号、陇薯9号、陇薯12号、陇薯14号、L0527-2、L08104-12、LZ111和L1149-2淀粉含量均超过18%,其中,L1149-2总体表现优异,其平均块茎产量50 140 kg·hm^-2、淀粉产量9 298 kg·hm^-2、干物质含量26.75%、淀粉含量19.30%、维生素C含量14.62 mg·100g^-1、粗蛋白含量2.52%、还原糖含量0.28%、钾含量5 297 mg·kg^-1、钙含量138.40 mg·kg^-1、铁含量20.40 mg·kg^-1、锌含量3.20 mg·kg^-1;而陇薯5号淀粉产量及营养品质较差。本研究为合理利用陇薯系列高淀粉马铃薯品种提供了科学依据,对改良高淀粉马铃薯品种产量和品质具有指导意义。     

Effect of location on starch content and tuber texture characteristics in potato breeding lines and cultivars

The texture of boiled potato tubers is one of the most important quality traits. The variation of tuber texture is usually examined in relationship with dry matter or starch content. The objective of the work was to examine variation and stability of texture and starch content in tubers grown in various environments. Both traits were evaluated for the set of potato breeding lines and 10 table potato cultivars. The lines were developed in the program of parental lines carried out in M?ochów Research Center, Poland. The environments were represented by three locations, which differed in cultivation system as well as climatic and soil conditions. The traits were influenced by the effects of genotype, location and their interactions. The effect of location on texture was not explained by the changes in starch content. The calculated stability parameters indicated that unstable expression of both traits was more pronounced and more frequent in breeding lines than in the cultivars. The short period of selection used in the development of the parental lines is not conducive to select potato genotypes with stable expression of quality traits. The starch content was at most moderately related with various characteristics of tuber texture.     

不同滴灌量和施氮量对马铃薯产量和品质的影响

本试验采用裂区设计方案,对"大西洋"马铃薯的水、氮二因素进行了研究,试验结果表明:马铃薯的产量、单株薯重、商品薯率和淀粉含量都随施氮量的增加而呈抛物线趋势变化;其中小水量多次灌水的灌水方式下氮水平为180kg/hm2的处理,其产量、商品薯率和淀粉含量都表现最好,分别为:46216 4kg/hm2、87 56%和17 71%;在小水量多次灌水的灌溉方式下,马铃薯在低氮水平就能达到高产优质,是一种较为理想的滴灌方式。     

Metal concentrations,growth, and yield of potato produced from In Vitro plantlets or microtubers and grown in municipal solid‐waste‐amended substrates

In vitro plantlets or microtubers (in vitro produced tubers) of ‘Spunta’ potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) were planted in a 3 soil: 2 peat moss: 1 sand substrate (by volume) amended with municipal solid waste (MS W) compost at 0, 10, 20, or 30 g 4^‐1 L pot. Three months later, plant growth and tuber yield were evaluated and concentrations of shoot and tuber tin (Sn), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), and iron (Fe) were determined. Amending with MSW resulted in significant increases in concentrations of all tested metals in the substrate. Number of proliferated shoots of plants started from rooted plantlets was greatest at 10 g pot^‐1 MSW, whereas shoot weight of plants started from microtubers was greatest at 10 and 20 g pot^‐1 MSW. Tuber yield of plants started from rooted plantlets or microtubers was greatest at 10 or 30 g pot^‐1 MSW, respectively. In all instances, amending with MSW at 30 g pot^‐1 resulted in significant increases in concentrations of all tested metals in shoots and tubers. Concentrations of shoot Ni and tuber Zn and Fe for plants started from rooted plantlets and concentrations of shoot Fe and tuber As, Cu and Pb for plants started from microtubers increased consistently with increasing MSW percentage of the substrate. Plants started from rooted plantlets produced shoots with sufficient Zn, Mn, and Ni concentrations regardless of the substrate but with toxic Cu content at 30 g pot^‐1 MSW. Plants started from microtubers produced shoots with sufficient Mn and Ni concentrations regardless of the substrate but with low Zn and deficient Cu in unamended substrates. All plants had shoot Fe content higher than the sufficiency range. Although there were significant differences in concentrations of some nutrients among MSW treatments, no symptoms of nutrient toxicity or deficiency were observed. In all instances, tested elements did not accumulate in tubers to levels hazardous to human health. Concentrations of Cd, the most hazardous element, in potato tubers was not high enough to pose a threat to human. Our results indicate that there is a potential use of MSW in satisfying the needs of potato growth with negligible increases in heavy metal concentrations in tubers.     

Genetic Effects on Grain Characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">indica</Emphasis> Black Rice and their Useson Indirect Selections for some Mineral Element Contents in Grains

Complete diallel crosses with Oryza sativa L., six varieties of black rice and one variety of aromatic white rice were conducted to study the seed, maternal and cytoplasmic genetic effects on grain characteristics such as 100-grain weight, length, width and shape and their genetic correlations with Fe, Zn, Mn and P mineral contents in kernels by using the genetic model on quantitative traits of seed in parents and their F₁s and F₂s. The seed genetic effects were found more important than the maternal genetic effects for grain characteristics, and seed additive effects constituted a major part of their genetic effects. The heritabilities of seed effects were high for 100-grain weight, width and shape and moderate for grain length. Single seed selection based on the 100-grain weight, width and shape was advocated in early generations, whereas single plant and seed selection based on grain length were advocated in late generations. Significant genetic correlations including seed additive, dominance, cytoplasmic, maternal additive and dominance between 100-grain weight, length, width and shape and Fe, Zn, Mn and P mineral contents were observed. Indirect selection of grain characteristics may be one of the breeding methods to select for higher contents of Fe, Zn, Mn and P in black pericarp indica rice.     

New source of bacterial soft rot resistance in wild potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum chacoense</Emphasis>) tubers

Bacterial soft rot caused by Pectobacterium and Dickeya species can cause major losses to the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) industry, mostly due to tuber rot in storage. There are few germplasm resources for soft rot resistance breeding. Here, we introduce a resistant diploid wild potato relative, M6, identified with a new disease scoring method. M6 shows a barrier-like resistance mechanism which appears to be a rapid form of wound healing. We found that scoring for this lesion type is correlated with soft rot resistance. This new resource for resistance and the new scoring method can enhance efforts to breed for resistance to bacterial soft rot and improve evaluation efforts.     

Genotypic Differences in Concentration and Bioavailability of Kernel‐Iron in Tropical Maize Varieties Grown Under Field Conditions

Abstract

Iron deficiency is estimated to affect over one‐half the world population. Improving the nutritional quality of staple food crops through breeding for high bioavailable iron represents a sustainable and cost effective approach to alleviating iron malnutrition. Forty‐nine late maturing tropical elite maize varieties were grown in a lattice design with two replications in three locations representing three agroecologies in West and Central Africa to identify varieties with high levels of kernel‐Fe. Bioavailable iron was assessed for some varieties selected for high Fe concentration in kernel and improved agronomic traits using an in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 cell model. Significant differences in kernel‐Fe and ‐zinc concentration were observed among varieties (P < 0.001). Kernel‐Fe levels ranged from 16.8 to 24.4 mg kg^?1, while kernel‐Zn levels ranged from 16.5 to 24.6 mg kg^?1. Environment did not have a significant effect on kernel‐iron and ‐zinc levels, but genotype by environment (G × E) interaction was highly significant. The genetic component accounted for 12% of the total variation in kernel‐Fe and 29% for kernel‐Zn levels. Kernel‐Fe was positively correlated with kernel‐Zn (R ² = 0.51, P < 0.0001). Significant differences in iron bioavailability were detected among selected Fe‐rich varieties grown at one location. Mean bioavailable Fe ranged between 30% below to 88% above the reference control variety. The results indicate that genetic differences exist in kernel‐Fe and ‐Zn concentrations and Fe bioavailability. These differences may be useful in biofortification intervention programs, but additional research is needed to determine the efficacy of iron‐rich maize varieties in alleviating iron deficiency in humans.