灌溉施肥对冬小麦土壤氮素盈亏的影响

通过田间小区试验，研究了灌溉和施肥对冬小麦生育期间0～400cm土壤硝态氮累积、移动特征及小麦产量的影响，并对0～200cm土壤氮素的盈亏、氮肥利用率、残留率及损失率进行了表观估算，旨在为小麦的氮素利用与推荐施肥提供理论依据。结果表明，0-400cm硝态氮累积量随着施氮量的增加而显著增加。施氮量对0～100cm土体硝态氮累积量有显著影响，施氮与灌水对200cm以下土壤中的硝态氮累积都有影响，同时水氮交互作用不容忽视。施氮并结合灌水可以显著提高冬小麦籽粒产量，施氮而不灌水也有一定的增产作用。0～200cm土壤氮素的表现盈余主要出现在小麦拔节～灌策期间，表观亏缺主要在播种～拔节期及灌策～收获期。相同灌水量下，氮肥利用率随施氮量的增加显著降低，而损失率增加。施氮130kg／hm^2、灌水60mm处理的氮肥利用率最大，为25．7％。从硝态氮累积量、产量及氮肥利用率等方面考虑，本试验比较合理的肥水配比应为施氮130kg／hm^2，灌水60mm。     

不同氮源配施对豫北高产小麦花后氮代谢及土壤硝态氮的影响

为探索不同氮源配施对小麦花后氮代谢及土壤硝态氮积累的影响,在大田条件下,以矮抗58为材料,研究了5个肥料处理（100%无机氮、25%有机氮＋75%无机氮、50%有机氮＋50%无机氮、75%有机氮＋25%无机氮、100%有机氮）对小麦旗叶和籽粒中GS活性、游离氨基酸含量、氮素利用效率、产量、籽粒蛋白质积累量及0~100 cm土壤各层硝态氮含量的影响。结果表明,与纯施无机氮和纯施有机氮相比,三种配施处理均能显著提高小麦叶片和籽粒的GS活性及游离氨基酸含量,显著提高籽粒产量、籽粒蛋白质积累量和氮素利用效率,其中以50%有机氮＋50%无机氮处理的籽粒产量（11 124.08 kg·hm^-2）、蛋白质积累量（1 231.70 kg·hm^-2）和氮素利用效率（46.381 g·g^-1）最高。随着有机氮施入比例的提高,收获期各土层中硝态氮的含量逐渐下降。与纯施无机氮相比,不同氮源配施在获得较高产量的同时减少了硝态氮对地下水的污染。综合分析认为,5个肥料处理以有机、无机等氮量配施效果最佳,是豫北的环保型施肥方法。     

秸秆还田配施氮肥对麦田氮素平衡和籽粒产量的影响

为明确秸秆还田配施不同水平氮肥下麦田的氮素平衡状况,在夏玉米秸秆全部还田的基础上设置了不同的氮肥处理,测定了小麦植株全N含量、土壤硝态氮含量、氮肥氨挥发量和籽粒产量,分析了麦田不同土层硝态氮含量和积累量的变化趋势以及施氮量对氮素利用效率和麦田氮素平衡的影响。结果表明,小麦植株氮含量、植株氮素总积累量、籽粒产量均随施氮量的增加而显著增加;施加氮肥使氮素养分利用率、氮肥偏生产力显著降低。与播种时期土壤硝态氮含量相比,成熟期硝态氮含量降低,且施氮处理下土壤硝态氮含量、硝态氮积累量高于不施氮处理;硝态氮积累量主要分布在麦田土壤表层,与施氮量成正相关关系。施氮量为0、160、220、280kg·hm~(-2)时,硝态氮淋失量分别为5.04、13.10、17.10、37.26kg·hm~(-2)。氮肥的氨挥发速率在施肥后第一天达到最高,随后逐渐降低,遇到降雨或灌溉迅速降低至不施氮处理的氨挥发水平,氮肥氨挥发量与施氮量及时间存在正相关关系。160、220、280kg·hm~(-2)施氮量处理下,氮肥氨挥发量分别为0.65、0.77、1.01kg·hm~(-2)。从麦田氮素平衡来看,不施氮肥处理耗竭土壤氮素资源;施氮量为160kg·hm~(-2)时,有消耗土壤氮的风险;施氮量为220kg·hm~(-2)时,氮素投入与氮素输出保持平衡;施氮量为280kg·hm~(-2)时,有大量氮素损失到环境中的风险。为有效控制氮素淋溶和氨挥发损失,兼顾产量和节约生产成本,该区推荐施氮量为220kg·hm~(-2)。     

豫北高地力条件下施氮量对冬小麦花后氮代谢特征及产量的影响

为探讨施氮量对高地力条件下冬小麦花后氮代谢特征及产量的影响,以矮抗58为供试材料,采用大田试验法,研究了0、150、200、250和300 kg.hm-2施氮水平对小麦花后旗叶和籽粒GS活性、游离氨基酸含量、籽粒产量和蛋白质含量及小麦成熟后0-100 cm土壤各层硝态氮积累量的影响。结果表明,施氮量达200 kg.hm-2时能够显著提高旗叶和籽粒中GS活性及游离氨基酸含量,但与250和300 kg.hm-2的施氮量处理间差异不显著;小麦成熟后随着施氮量的增加,0~100 cm土层内硝态氮的残留量上升,小麦成穗数增加,千粒重下降,籽粒蛋白质含量提高;小麦产量在施氮200 kg.hm-2时为最高,在施氮300 kg.hm-2时最低,说明在高地力条件下,小麦实现高产的适宜施氮量为200 kg.hm-2。     

施磷对旱地小麦土壤水分、干物质累积和转运的影响

为探明旱地小麦最佳施磷量和施磷方式,在山西省闻喜县进行了施磷量(P2O5)为75、112.5、150kg·hm-2和施磷土层深度为20、40cm的田间试验,分析了不同处理对旱地麦田土壤水分、干物质累积与转运的影响。结果表明,随着施磷量的增加,小麦花前0~100cm土层的土壤水分含量提高,且40cm土层施磷较20cm土层施磷效果显著;小麦各生育时期单株干物质量增加,且40cm土层施磷条件下差异显著。施磷150kg·hm-2时,40cm土层施磷较20cm土层施磷,小麦花前叶片和茎秆+茎鞘的干物质量增加,成熟期茎秆+茎鞘干物质量显著降低,籽粒干物质量及其所占比例增加。随施磷量的增加,小麦花后干物质累积量及其对籽粒的贡献率均显著增加,且40cm土层施磷较20cm土层施磷效果显著。施磷条件下,花后干物质累积量与小麦越冬-孕穗期土壤水分含量关系密切,与孕穗期土壤水分含量尤为密切。40cm土层施磷150kg·hm-2有利于提高旱地麦田孕穗期前0~100cm土层土壤水分含量,促进小麦茎秆+茎鞘中的干物质向籽粒转运和花后干物质累积及其对籽粒的贡献率,从而提高籽粒产量。     

基于土壤硝态氮时空分布的玉米氮肥施用分析

研究了不同施氮水平对玉米产量、氮肥效应、氮素平衡以及对环境的影响。结果表明,施氮量为225kg／hm^2（处理N3）时,产量最高达8378．02kg／hm^2,比对照（处理N00）增产29．78％,达极显著水平;土壤剖面硝态氮浓度曲线呈波浪状变化趋势,40em土层附近出现一个累积峰;适量施氮有利于土壤无机氮平衡,过量减产施氮（N;）使氮素损失高达230．53kg／hm^2,氮素利用率降至10．47％;兼顾玉米产量、经济效益和生态效益的最高施氮量为249．06kg／hm^2。     

休闲期覆膜与施氮量对旱地小麦水氮利用效率和籽粒产量的影响

为探寻旱地小麦休闲期覆盖下的适宜施氮量,在旱地小麦休闲期覆盖与不覆盖条件下,分别设置75、150和225kg·hm-2三个施氮量,分析了休闲期覆盖配施氮肥对旱地小麦水氮利用效率和籽粒产量的影响。结果表明,休闲期覆盖显著提高播种至孕穗期0~300cm土壤蓄水量,其中播种期土壤水分增加70~81mm,其蓄水保墒效果可延续至孕穗期,进而提高了小麦产量和水分利用效率。休闲期覆盖促进了小麦植株对氮素的吸收和积累,增加了植株花前氮素转运量、花后氮素积累量以及籽粒氮素积累量,提高了氮素收获指数和氮素生产效率。休闲期覆盖配施氮素150kg·hm-2时,蓄水、增产和水分高效利用、氮素积累与转运的效果最好。     

长期施肥对氮素利用以及土壤剖面氮素分布、积累的影响

依托28年长期定位试验，采集不同施肥处理土壤剖面样品，测定土壤硝态氮含量，结合产量计算氮素利用效率。结果表明，长期施肥显著增加玉米子粒产量、地上部总吸氮量及氮收获指数。化肥+有机肥(NPKM)处理产量最高，较单施化肥(NPK)处理提高8.7%。各处理硝态氮含量随着土层的加深均呈先降低后升高的趋势，硝态氮主要积累在0～100 cm土体，NPK、NPKM处理硝态氮积累量占比高于55%。因此，有机肥替代部分化肥可显著提高子粒产量，增加氮素利用效率，减少氮素淋溶。     

灌水与施磷对小麦氮素积累运转及水分利用效率的影响

为探讨小麦产量形成过程中灌水与施磷的作用,以黄淮南部高产麦田主导小麦品种百农207和豫麦49-198为供试材料,在大田多年定位试验条件下,研究了灌水与施磷对冬小麦干物质积累、转运及水分利用效率的影响。结果表明,与不施磷(P0)相比,施磷条件(P1,150 kg·hm~(-2))下小麦花后干物质积累量、营养器官氮素转运量、籽粒产量和水分利用效率均显著提高,其中百农207和豫麦49-198花后干物质积累量分别增加132.9%和105.9%,花后营养器官氮素转运量分别增加65.3%和51.2%,籽粒产量分别提高76.9%和51.8%,水分利用效率提高55.1%和29.2%。灌水有利于小麦花后营养器官氮素转运量及籽粒氮素积累,提高籽粒产量。与不灌水(W0)相比, W1(拔节水)和W2(拔节水+开花水)条件下百农207花后营养器官氮素转运量分别增加14.1%和17.7%,籽粒产量分别提高15.3%和28.8%;豫麦49-198氮素转运量分别增加40.1%和58.9%,籽粒产量分别提高22.8%和16.8%。水、磷对小麦籽粒产量的影响存在一定的互作效应。百农207和豫麦49-198籽粒产量分别以W2P1和W1P1处理最高,较W0P0处理分别提高116.3%和69.1%。综合考虑,施用磷肥150 kg·hm~(-2)结合灌水1～2次既能实现小麦高产,又能维持较高的水分利用效率。     

施氮量对玉米产量和氮素利用效率及土壤硝态氮累积的影响

采用田间试验研究不同施氮量对两个玉米品种子粒产量、土壤硝态氮累积量及氮素利用率的影响。结果表明,玉米产量随施氮量增加显著提高,当施氮量高于200kg/hm2时玉米产量不再增加,高氮处理地上部分秸秆生物量出现下降趋势。0～100cm土层硝态氮累积量随氮素输入量的增加显著增加。不同玉米品种对氮素的吸收利用影响硝态氮在土壤中的累积,植株氮积累量存在差异。密植型玉米先玉335总吸氮量高于平展型玉米辽单28,土壤硝态氮的累积量也显著低于后者。不同氮肥水平的氮肥利用率为28.38%～35.33%,高氮处理氮肥利用率最低。本试验条件下,中氮处理水平基本能够满足作物生长的需求。综合产量、氮肥利用效率和土壤硝态氮累积情况,确定合理施氮量应控制在200kg/hm2左右。     

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.

---

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.

---

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.