海南岛东南沿海地区不同森林类型林地凋落物现存量和养分特征

为揭示热带沿海地区不同森林类型凋落物现存量及其养分元素储存能力的差异,选取林地相邻、生境条件基本一致的青皮林和木麻黄林为研究对象,设置随机样地,采集未分解层、半分解层、已分解层凋落物样品,测定凋落物层现存量和主要养分元素含量、储量及其释放率。结果表明：（1）木麻黄林凋落物层现存量为29.49 t/hm²,是青皮林的2倍,2种林型不同分解层表现为：已分解层>半分解层>未分解层;（2）2种林型不同分解层养分元素含量基本遵循C>N>Mg>K>P的变化模式,随着凋落物分解,青皮林各养分元素含量逐级降低,木麻黄林则因养分元素不同而异,可能因凋落物C含量流失过多出现损失速率大于分解释放养分速率而造成半分解层N、P、Mg的含量相对增加,但均在已分解层含量最低;（3）木麻黄林凋落物层养分储量值为8448.23 kg/hm²,是青皮林的2倍,各分解层凋落物养分元素的储量依次为C>N>Mg>K>P,与养分元素含量变化规律一致,而养分释放率从未分解层（-1.79%、-0.97%）到半分解层（0.65%、1.23%）呈现增加趋势。总之,同一立地条件下,不同林型的凋落物现存量、养分含量及其储量的差异可能与植物叶片生物学特征、微环境条件、微生物种群及活性不同有关。     

不同林龄澳洲坚果园凋落物与土壤养分的关系

对桂西南地区3个龄级(6、8、10 a)的澳洲坚果(Macadamia ternifolia)经济林的凋落物组成和土壤养分的变化进行研究。结果表明:凋落物量的大小为落叶(3 202.48 kg/hm~2)落果(830.24 kg/hm~2)枯枝(427.13 kg/hm~2)落花(246.49 kg/hm~2),总量为4 706.34 kg/hm~2,凋落物叶的含量占68.05%;凋落物每年养分归还量表现为落叶(1 416.46 kg/hm~2)落果(367.22 kg/hm~2)枯枝(188.92 kg/hm~2)落花(109.02 kg/hm~2),养分含量表现为碳(1 953.55 kg/hm~2)氮(72.81 kg/hm~2)钾(50.17 kg/hm~2)磷(5.08 kg/hm~2),碳占主体,达93.84%。随着林龄的增长,土壤养分含量平均表现出全碳(58.03 g/kg)全氮(6.88 g/kg)全钾(5.77 g/kg)全磷(0.24 g/kg),不同的土壤养分随凋落物养分回归具有差异性,土壤碳、氮都与凋落物氮呈负相关,而与凋落物磷和钾呈正相关;土壤磷与凋落物氮呈负相关,而与凋落物碳和钾呈正相关;土壤钾与凋落物氮和钾呈负相关,而与凋落物碳和磷呈正相关。因而凋落物是澳洲坚果园土壤肥力培育需要考虑的重要因素之一。     

海南橡胶林落叶特征研究

以海南幼龄和成龄橡胶林为对象,采用野外凋落框收集和关联分析等方法,研究2019年5月至2020年4月海南儋州区域橡胶林落叶特征和影响橡胶落叶的主要气候因子。研究结果表明:(1)海南橡胶林落叶产量呈"双峰"型动态变化,当年7月出现小峰,翌年3月出现最高峰;翌年2—4月为集中落叶期,该时期幼龄和成龄林分别占全年落叶总产量的73.04%和70.61%;成龄林落叶产量显著高于幼龄,增幅为14.77%。冗余分析表明,月均温度与月落叶产量呈极显著负相关关系,解释度为49.9%,贡献率为58.6%;(2)幼龄和成龄林间落叶C、N、P、K、Ca、Mg含量月动态变化趋势相似,各元素含量在秋冬季呈下降趋势,而冬春季出现养分富集的现象,年均含量在成龄和幼龄林间差异不显著;(3)落叶养分归还量月动态与落叶产量动态变化相似,受落叶月产量影响较大,而归还量受落叶产量和养分含量共同影响,落叶归还量表现为C>N>K、Ca>Mg>P,成龄显著高于幼龄,各元素增幅分别为16.3%、17.1%、16.7%、27.4%、15.3%和17.7%;(4)幼龄林各元素养分利用效率总体高于成龄林,其中幼龄钾素养分利用效率显著高于成龄(P<0.05);(5)月均温度是影响2019—2020年海南儋州橡胶林落叶格局的主要气候因子。该研究成果可为海南橡胶割胶制度以及养分管理提供技术支撑。     

海南橡胶林落叶特征研究

以海南幼龄和成龄橡胶林为对象,采用野外凋落框收集和关联分析等方法,研究2019年5月至2020年4月海南儋州区域橡胶林落叶特征和影响橡胶落叶的主要气候因子。研究结果表明:(1)海南橡胶林落叶产量呈"双峰"型动态变化,当年7月出现小峰,翌年3月出现最高峰;翌年2—4月为集中落叶期,该时期幼龄和成龄林分别占全年落叶总产量的73.04%和70.61%;成龄林落叶产量显著高于幼龄,增幅为14.77%。冗余分析表明,月均温度与月落叶产量呈极显著负相关关系,解释度为49.9%,贡献率为58.6%;(2)幼龄和成龄林间落叶C、N、P、K、Ca、Mg含量月动态变化趋势相似,各元素含量在秋冬季呈下降趋势,而冬春季出现养分富集的现象,年均含量在成龄和幼龄林间差异不显著;(3)落叶养分归还量月动态与落叶产量动态变化相似,受落叶月产量影响较大,而归还量受落叶产量和养分含量共同影响,落叶归还量表现为C>N>K、Ca>Mg>P,成龄显著高于幼龄,各元素增幅分别为16.3%、17.1%、16.7%、27.4%、15.3%和17.7%;(4)幼龄林各元素养分利用效率总体高于成龄林,其中幼龄钾素养分利用效率显著高于成龄(P<0.05);(5)月均温度是影响2019—2020年海南儋州橡胶林落叶格局的主要气候因子。该研究成果可为海南橡胶割胶制度以及养分管理提供技术支撑。     

滦河流域沙区冬小麦合理施肥技术研究

栾河流域沙区土壤沙化现象严重 ,提高冬小麦种植效益 ,有助于扩大冬小麦种植面积及治沙用沙。而合理施肥技术是改善沙区冬小麦增产不增收的有效手段之一。作者于 1997～ 1999年在河北省滦县农业试区进行了冬小麦土壤养分限制因子与高产高效施肥指标试验研究。结果表明 ,在滦河流域沙区 ,氮和钾是冬小麦产量的土壤养分限制因子 ,限制因子对冬小麦产量的效应 N>K2 O。提出优化施肥指标 ,即单施化肥时 ,N、K2 O用量分别为 2 97.6～ 313.7kg/ hm2 和 170 .7～ 179.0 kg/ hm2 ;每公顷施用 30 t有机肥时 N、K2 O用量分别为 2 93.4～ 312 .8kg/ hm2 和15 1.5～ 15 9.2 kg/ hm2 。     

葡萄树养分吸收特性研究

[目的]了解葡萄树生物量、养分含量及累积量的年周期变化规律,以期在葡萄生产中更好地进行养分管理。[方法]试验选取陕西省扶风县新集村7年树龄的葡萄园为试验果园,在不同生育阶段对葡萄树进行刨根、肢解试验。[结果]结果显示,葡萄树生物量年增加12.4 t/hm2,浆果产量18 t/hm2。年周期内葡萄树体总吸氮量为97.1 kg/hm2,主要在新梢旺长期和果实膨大期,分别占吸收总量的39.0%和30.5%。年周期内葡萄树磷素吸收量为33.1 kg/hm2,浆果膨大期果树吸收磷素量较大,达15.4 kg/hm2,占总吸收量的47%。生长期内葡萄树体共吸收钾素140.52 kg/hm2,其中新梢旺长期和果实膨大期需钾量较大,分别吸收钾素38.59和64.29 kg/hm2,占全年总吸收量的27.5%和45.8%。[结论]该试验每形成1 000 kg经济产量需要N、P2O5、K2O量分别为4.05、1.84、7.80 kg,基于试验研究的推荐施肥量N-P2O5-K2O为129.5-55.1-175.6 kg/hm2(产量18 t/hm2)。     

不同年龄橡胶树胶乳矿质养分的流失

以开割橡胶无性系PR107为材料,研究2a中不同月份8个年龄段(6～28a)的橡胶树干胶中矿质养分N、P、K、Ca、Mg的含量及流失情况,同时分析了树龄及不同季节对橡胶树胶乳养分流失量的影响。结果表明:(1)在一年中的不同季节,不同树龄PR107胶乳中矿质养分含量及流失总量大小顺序为:NKPMgCa。其中,N素平均流失量在15.19(8a)～41.28(22a)g/株/a;P素平均流失量为3.11(6a)～8.90(22a)g/株/a;K素平均流失量为10.09(8a)～28.40(22a)g/株/a;Ca素平均流失量为0.246(8a)～0.720(22a)g/株/a;Mg素平均流失量为1.68(6a)～5.49(22a)g/株/a。(2)季节因素和橡胶树年龄对胶乳矿质养分的流失具有极显著的影响。橡胶树年龄不同,或在一年中的不同季节,胶乳中矿质元素百分含量和干胶产量均不同,最终导致胶乳中矿质元素的流失量存在差异。     

茶树凋落物的分解及对土壤中元素迁移的影响

本文通过室内培养和田间定位试验,研究了茶树凋落物的分解及对土壤中元素迁移的影响。结果表明,茶树凋落物分解释放矿质元素的速率为盐基元素>Mn>Fe>Al,其中尤以3月以前为最大;茶树凋落物的分解能使土壤固相中的盐基元素和其它矿质元素迁移至液相,其迁移顺序为Ca、Mg>Na>K>Al,在降水较多情况下将导致土壤中钙、镁元素的明显下移,甚至淋失。因而茶树凋落物既对茶树营养有着十分重要的意义,又对土壤酸化有着十分重要的作用。     

热带滨海台地典型森林类型凋落物及土壤有机碳特征

以海南岛滨海台地5种典型森林植被为研究对象,利用标准地调查法对不同森林类型土壤有机碳含量、有机碳密度及单位面积有机碳储量的垂直分布特征进行比较分析,同时对不同森林类型凋落物及土壤表层细根的碳含量、碳密度和单位面积碳储量进行对比分析。结果表明:5种森林土壤有机碳含量介于1.79~10.60 g/kg之间,且随着土层深度的增加而降低;表层土壤(0~10 cm)有机碳密度和单位面积碳储量分别介于0.79~1.47 kg/m2和7.9~14.67 t/hm2之间;桉树林(2.11 t/hm2)和木麻黄林(1.73 t/hm2)凋落物单位面积碳储量高于其他3种林分;5种类型森林土壤表层细根单位面积碳储量介于0.29~0.47 t/hm2之间,木麻黄林最高(0.47 t/hm2),大叶相思林最低(0.29 t/hm2)。     

施钾对春玉米产量、养分吸收及分配的影响

通过连续两年田间试验,研究吉林省中部玉米主产区施钾对春玉米产量、养分吸收、转运、分配及钾肥利用率的影响。结果表明,施用钾肥可显著提高春玉米产量,在一定施钾范围内,春玉米产量随施钾量的增加而增加,当施钾量超过90 kg/hm2后产量不再增加,根据玉米产量(y)和施钾量(x)拟合,得出最佳施钾量为82.9~86.6 kg/hm2。施钾肥可提高干物质最大积累速率和积累总量、养分最大吸收速率和吸收总量,提前干物质最大积累速率和养分最大吸收速率出现的时间。施钾可提高春玉米氮、磷、钾养分向子粒的转运量及转运率,施钾量30~90 kg/hm2范围内抽雄期养分积累量与子粒转运量和转运率呈正比,当施钾量超过90 kg/hm2后,氮、磷、钾养分转运出现负效应。钾素农学利用率和偏生产力随着施钾量的增加而下降,钾肥当季回收率以施钾量90 kg/hm2处理最高。在吉林省中部玉米主产区,适宜施钾量为82.9~86.6 kg/hm2。     

Pharmacokinetics of Marine-Derived Drugs

Marine organisms represent an excellent source of innovative compounds that have the potential for the development of new drugs. The pharmacokinetics of marine drugs has attracted increasing interest in recent decades due to its effective and potential contribution to the selection of rational dosage recommendations and the optimal use of the therapeutic arsenal. In general, pharmacokinetics studies how drugs change after administration via the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). This review provides a summary of the pharmacokinetics studies of marine-derived active compounds, with a particular focus on their ADME. The pharmacokinetics of compounds derived from algae, crustaceans, sea cucumber, fungus, sea urchins, sponges, mollusks, tunicate, and bryozoan is discussed, and the pharmacokinetics data in human experiments are analyzed. In-depth characterization using pharmacokinetics is useful for obtaining information for understanding the molecular basis of pharmacological activity, for correct doses and treatment schemes selection, and for more effective drug application. Thus, an increase in pharmacokinetic research on marine-derived compounds is expected in the near future.     

La pourriture fongique des tubercules de pomme de terre en atmosphère contrôlée

Résumé Fusarium culmorum et, dans une moindre mesure,F. avenaceum, F. sambucinum, Colletotrichum coccodes etCylindrocarpon sp. ont été isolés de tubercules entreposés en atmosphère contr?lée (AC) et atteints de pourriture grave. Des expériences d'inoculation de tubercules avec 10 espèces ou variétés fongiques et conservation en AC à 8 et 10°C ont montré que: 1) les champignons non pathogènes en atmosphère normale (ex.:Cylindrocarpon sp.) le devenaient en AC, 2) ceux qui étaient faiblement pathogènes en atmosphère normale étaient nettement plus virulents en AC (ex.:F. culmorum), 3) les espèces ou variétés virulentes en conditions d'air normales (Fusarium sulphureum etPhoma exigua var.foveata) ne provoquaient pas de pourriture plus grave en AC et leur activité pouvait même être légérement freinée.

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Summary The extensive rotting of tubers which occurred during storage trials in controlled atmospheres has led to a mycological and pathological study of the rots. The most frequently isolated species wasFusarium culmorum althoughF. avenaceum, F. Sambucinum, Coletotrichum coccodes and aCylindrocarpon sp. were also present. Tubers of cvs Bintje and Ulla were inoculated with 19 isolates of 10 fungal species or varieties associated with rotting of stored tubers (Table 1). The tubers were incubated at 8 or 10°C in normal or controlled (2% O₂:1% CO₂, 2% O₂:6% CO₂, 2% O₂:12% CO₂, 6% O₂:6% CO₂) atmospheres and the extent of rotting was determined a month later (Tables 2 and 3 and Fig. 2). Species which were weakly virulent in a normal atmosphere (variousFusarium spp. andPhoma exigua var.exigua) were clearly more aggressive in the controlled atmosphere and this was especially evident in the case ofF. culmorum. Species ot pathogenic in a normal atmosphere under experimental conditions (Colletotrichum coccodes, Cylindrocarpon sp.,Phoma eupyrena) caused rotting in the controlled atmosphere. The two species which were virulent in a normal atmosphere (F. sulphureum andP. exigua var.foveata) were also virulent in the controlled atmosphere and in some cases the extent of rotting was even less. As a general rule, rotting caused by weakly virulent fungi was greater in both cultivars in the controlled than in a normal atmosphere.

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Zusammenfassung Eine starke F?ulnis von in Kontrotrollierter Atmosph?re gelagerten Kartoffelknollen veranlasste eine mykologische und pathologische Untersuchung. Der am h?ufigsten isolierte Pilz warFusarium culmorum. F. avenaceum, F. sambucinum, Colletotrichum coccodes undCylindrocarpon sp. wurden ebenfalls bestimmt. Neunzehn St?mme von 10 Pilzsorten oder-Arten welche bei Lagerf?ulnis vorkommen (Tab. 1) wurden auf Knollen der Sorten Bintje und Ulla inokuliert. Die Lagerung wurde bei 8 oder 10°C under Normalbedingungen oder kontrollierter Atmosph?re durchgeführt (2% O₂:1% CO₂, 2% O₂:6% CO₂, 2% O₂:12% CO₂, 6% O₂:6% CO₂). Der F?ulnisgrad (Abb. 1) wurde nach einem Monat bonitiert. Die Ergebnisse sind in den Tabellen 2 und 3 dargestellt und in der Abb. 2 illustriert. Unter in Normalbedingungen nur schwach virulente Arten (verschiedeneFusarien undPhoma exigua var. exigua) waren deutlich aktiver in kontrollierter Atmosph?re. Dies was besonders der Fall fürF. culmorum. Pilze, die im Versuch unter Normalbedingungen nicht pathogen waren (Colletotrichum coccodes, Cylindrocarpon sp., Phoma eupyrena), haben unter kontrollierter Atmosph?re Sch?den verursacht. Hingegen werden die beiden unter Normalbedingungen sehr pathogenen Arten (F. sulphureum undP., exigua var.foveata), durch kontrollierte Atmosph?re wenig beeinflusst. Es wurde sogar in einigen F?llen eine gewisse Verringerung des F?ulnisbefalls beobachtet. Ganz allgemein haben die getesteten kontrollierten Bedingungen die Entwicklung der Pilzf?ulnis an beiden Kartoffelsorten gef?rdert, speziell durch Pilzarten, welche unter Normal-bedingungen wenig Sch?den verursachen.

     

Marine Pharmacology in 2016–2017: Marine Compounds with Antibacterial,Antidiabetic, Antifungal,Anti-Inflammatory,Antiprotozoal, Antituberculosis and Antiviral Activities; Affecting the Immune and Nervous Systems,and Other Miscellaneous Mechanisms of Action

The review of the 2016–2017 marine pharmacology literature was prepared in a manner similar as the 10 prior reviews of this series. Preclinical marine pharmacology research during 2016–2017 assessed 313 marine compounds with novel pharmacology reported by a growing number of investigators from 54 countries. The peer-reviewed literature reported antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antituberculosis, and antiviral activities for 123 marine natural products, 111 marine compounds with antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities as well as affecting the immune and nervous system, while in contrast 79 marine compounds displayed miscellaneous mechanisms of action which upon further investigation may contribute to several pharmacological classes. Therefore, in 2016–2017, the preclinical marine natural product pharmacology pipeline generated both novel pharmacology as well as potentially new lead compounds for the growing clinical marine pharmaceutical pipeline, and thus sustained with its contributions the global research for novel and effective therapeutic strategies for multiple disease categories.     

Effects of Micronutrient Deficiencies on Human Health: Its Status in South Asia

SUMMARY

Vitamin A, iodine, and iron deficiencies affect large numbers of people worldwide. A deficiency of one or more of these micronutrients adversely affects the physical and mental abilities of humans. South Asia contains a high percentage of these individuals, not just because of its large population, but also the prevalence of deficiency is higher there than in many other parts of the world. The reasons for the high rates of deficiency in South Asia are many, but they include inadequate availability of micronutrient-rich foods, sub-optimal dietary habits, and high rates of infection. Across the region, national plans vary from (a) increasing availability of appropriate foods, (b) introducing new dietary behaviors, (c) improving health status, and (d) directly addressing deficiency through intervention programs. The extent to which each of the countries is making progress toward the goals of these plans can help in understanding the priorities for future efforts to address micronutrient malnutrition. This article discusses the adverse effects of micronutrient deficiencies in humans with special reference to South Asia.     

Irrigation but not N fertilization enhances seedhead density in plains rough fescue ( F estuca hallii)

Plains rough fescue ( F estuca hallii) is an important forage grass species in western Canada. Seed for use in pastures and ecological restoration is in high demand but supply is limited because F. hallii is an erratic seed producer. Seed producers require an understanding of the factors that influence flowering and seed set in this species. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the flowering and growth of F. hallii in a native rough fescue prairie in Alberta, Canada. Irrigation had a strong positive effect on seedhead density, whereas fertilization had limited effects on growth and reproduction of F. hallii. These results demonstrate that under field conditions, available moisture is likely to be a key factor driving flowering and seed production in F. hallii.     

Management of Soil Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Rice-Wheat Cropping System

Summary

Within the last three decades, the rice-wheat cropping system has triggered, and with time, aggravated soil micronutrient deficiencies in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). This has largely been due to the shift from an earlier rice and wheat monoculture with low yielding, long duration indigenous varieties, to an intensive rice-wheat rotation cropping system with short duration modern high yielding varieties on the same piece of land. The problems related to micronutrient deficiency in the IGP are more due to the size of its available pools in the soil rather than its total contents and are greatly influenced by crop management, or rather its mismanagement. Deficiency of zinc is widespread in the IGP, but with the extensive use of zinc sulfate, zinc deficiency has reduced in some areas of the region. Meanwhile, the deficiency of Fe, Mn and B has increased in the IGP. Deficiency of Cu and Mo is location specific and can limit rice and wheat yields. The adoption and spread of the rice-wheat system in permeable coarse textured soils, particularly in the western IGP, not only caused iron deficiency in rice but also resulted in the emergence of manganese deficiency in wheat. In highly calcareous and acidic soils, boron is the next limiting micronutrient in crop production after zinc. Bumper rice and wheat harvests in the past decade, the declining use of organic manures in the region and except for the widespread use of zinc sulfate, a general lack of awareness amongst farmers on micronutrient deficiency problems has contributed to micronutrients limiting rice and wheat yields in the IGP. Approaches to alleviating micronutrient deficiencies include matching the crop removals of the micronutrients with its replenishments through their respective external carriers, supplementation through organic sources and mobilization/utilization through cultivation of micronutrient efficient crop cultivars. Identification of efficient micronutrient carriers and finding the optimum rate, mode and time of its application is important in ameliorating the micronutrient deficiencies. This article reviews the extent of micronutrient deficiency and discusses various management options available to reduce micronutrient deficiency induced crop yield reduction for rice and wheat in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.     

Marine Drugs Regulating Apoptosis Induced by Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)

Marine biomass diversity is a tremendous source of potential anticancer compounds. Several natural marine products have been described to restore tumor cell sensitivity to TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced cell death. TRAIL is involved during tumor immune surveillance. Its selectivity for cancer cells has attracted much attention in oncology. This review aims at discussing the main mechanisms by which TRAIL signaling is regulated and presenting how marine bioactive compounds have been found, so far, to overcome TRAIL resistance in tumor cells.     

Biochemical and morphological characterization of potato clones differing in their resistance to late blight

Summary Morphological and biochemical parameters that could be involved in resistance to late blight were studied in non-infected and in infected potato hybrids resulting from a cross betweenSolanum phureja, resistant toPhytophthora infestans, and a susceptibleSolanum tuberosum. Some morphological differences between resistant and susceptible hybrids, indicating a positive correlation between stem diameter and phloem thickness in the stem and resistance toP. infestans, were observed. The lignin content in the leaves of the resistant hybrid rose upon infection byP. infestans. In the leaves of the susceptible hybrid, a diminution of the lignin content could be observed upon infection byP. infestans. In the same context, peroxidasic activity raised upon infection byP. infestans in both resistant and susceptible hybrids. Further characterization of the hybrid clones based on the polymorphism of peroxidases was attempted using isoelectric focusing.     

Applied Biotechnology to Combat Late Blight in Potato Caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora Infestans</Emphasis>

Potato is an important crop, grown worldwide. It suffers from many pests and diseases among which late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, is the worst. The disease is still causing major damage in many potato production areas and control is only possible by applying fungicides frequently. The knowledge on the molecular biology and genetics of the interaction between the plant and the oomycete is developing rapidly. These are relevant fields of study, currently dominated by the discovery of many resistance genes and numerous effector proteins and the analysis of their specific mode of action. These studies may yield essential information needed for the development of durable resistance. The long-term and worldwide effort to breed for resistance so far has had little effect. A novel breeding approach may change this. It is based on cisgenic modification (CM) consisting of marker-free pyramiding of several resistance genes and their spatial and temporal deployment yielding dynamic varieties that contain potato genes only. It is envisioned that this CM approach with potato’s own genes will not only prove societally acceptable but may also result in simplifications in the legislation on use of the CM approach. Various parties in the potato research arena intend to cooperate in this novel approach in a number of developing countries where potato substantially contributes to food security. The use of resources such as land, water and energy improves when the effect of late blight is markedly reduced.     

Resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Potato virus Y</Emphasis> in a Multitrait Potato Breeding Scheme without Direct Selection in Each Generation

In an experimental breeding scheme to improve late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and white potato cyst nematode (Globodera pallida) resistance of tetraploid potato over three generations of crossing and selection, 15 clones survived the final selection, and these were derived from 15 great-grandparents. There was no direct selection for resistance to Potato virus Y (PVY), but 14 out of the 15 great-grandparents were resistant to PVY and three had extreme resistance. Thirteen of the 15 descendants had PVY resistance and one extreme resistance. This was within the range expected for a random (unselected) sample from the genotypes of the great-grandparents. Hence, we found no evidence for any positive or negative association between PVY resistance and the attributes selected. The conclusion is that laborious selection is not required in every generation when many parents have PVY resistance, including some with more than one copy of a PVY resistance gene or resistance at more than one locus. However, in the future, determining the major virus resistance genes present in potential parents in each generation using diagnostic molecular markers would prevent susceptible × susceptible crosses being made and maximise the number of resistant × resistant ones.