Incorporation of AMMI stability value and grain yield in a single non-parametric index (GSI) in bread wheat

In order to determine stable bread wheat genotypes with high grain yield via a single parameter, field experiments were conducted with 20 genotypes for 4 consecutive years in two different conditions (irrigated and rainfed) in a completely randomized block design with three replications in each environment. Combined analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for the GE interaction indicating the possibility of selection for stable entries. The results of additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis revealed 10% of total variability was justified by the GE interaction which was 2.5 times more than that of genotypes. Ordination techniques displayed high differences for the interaction principal components (IPC1, IPC2 and IPC3), exhibiting that 83% of the GE sum of squares was justified by AMMI1, AMMI2 and AMMI3, i.e., 3.77 times more than that explained by the linear regression model displaying the relative efficiency of AMMI1 model in comparison with regression model. AMMI stability value (ASV) discriminated genotypes G6, G9, G14, G15, G17 and G18 as the stable entries. As stability per se is not a desirable selection criterion, because the most stable genotypes would not necessarily give the best yield performance, hence, simultaneous consideration of grain yield and ASV in a single non-parametric index entitled: Genotype Selection Index (GSI), discriminated G6 and G17 with general adaptability and high grain yield for rainfed and irrigated conditions which was in agreement with the results of biplot analysis.     

Genetic variation and environmental effects on agronomical and commercial quality traits in the main European market classes of dry bean

Repeated testing of diverse commercial classes of beans over time and space and selection for a minimal degree of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) is a common feature of all plant breeding programs. The GEI effect limits the accuracy of yield estimates and complicates the identification of specific genotypes suited for specific environments. The purpose of this work was to study GEI on yield of the main European dry bean market classes by the site regression (SREG) and multiple trait data by genotype–trait (GT) methods, which graphically displayed the interrelationships among traits and facilitated visual comparison of genotypes. Sixty-seven genotypes of common bean, grown in three different sites in northwestern Spain during the 2001 and 2002 growing seasons, were evaluated for yield, two phenological and four commercial seed traits. Interactions between GEI and yield were established using a SREG analysis model to generate a genotype–GEI (GGEI) biplot. The GGEI biplot revealed GEI as a major source of bean yield variation and the different growing sites served to discriminate among the genotypes. This method provided information on the three growing sites: Lugo was identified as the location that best represents the target environment for seed yield; Pontevedra was the location showing the greatest yield stability and León separated the genotypes clearly although as this was not consistent over other sites, León was not representative of an average environment. Each site was represented by a group of genotypes, which showed a superior performance. Large-seed genotypes of the favada market class were best suited to the Lugo site. Commercial seed traits (seed coat fraction, water absorption, crude protein content and seed weight) and days to maturity showed wide variation, as indicated by the relative length of their vectors in the GT plot. Genotypes with the highest yield showed the highest protein content and the poorest seed coat quality and were the latest to flower, while the genotypes that exhibited a high seed coat fraction had the poorest water absorption capacity. The results presented in this work permitted the identification of optimal adapted dry bean genotypes for each bean producing area. These high-yielding genotypes with a good commercial seed quality merit special attention as they could have potential applications for the development of breeding strategies.     

The nature of the relationship of electronic capacitance meter readings to pastures on offer in short swards

The residual standard deviations and distribution of residuals around five models were used to investigate the relationship between recordings from an electronic pasture probe and dry matter harvested from annual pastures (predominantly subterranean clover) at low levels of green feed on offer. Pasture material harvested was that considered to have the greatest influence on the probe i.e., within 5 cm of it.
The following conclusions were drawn. When measuring short dense green pastures yielding up to 3000 kg dry matter ha^-1 the model best describing the relationship is a split line. Curvilinear models are better than a linear model; however, both single linear and curvilinear models give biased estimates particularly near the middle and at the lower end of the range.
The best fitted model is discussed in terms of the structure of the sward and the probe.     

Correlating the fineness and residual gum content of degummed hemp fibres

It is well known residual gum exists in degummed or retted hemp fibres. Gum removal results in improvement in fibre fineness and the properties of the resultant hemp yarns. However, it is not known what correlation if any exists between the residual gum content in retted hemp fibres and the fibre fineness, described in terms of fibre width in this paper. This study examined the mean width and coefficient of variation (CV) of fibre width of seventeen chemically retted hemp samples with reference to residual gum content. The mean and CV of fibre width were obtained from an Optical fibre diameter analyser (OFDA 100). The linear regression analysis results show that the mean fibre width is directly proportional to the residual gum content. A slightly weaker linear correlation also exists between the coefficient of variation of fibre width and the residual gum content. The strong linear co-relation between the mean of fibre width and the residual gum content is a significant outcome, since testing for fibre width using the OFDA is a much simpler and quicker process than testing the residual gum content. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reinforces the OFDA findings. SEM micrographs show a flat ribbon like fibre cross-section hence the term “fibre width” is used instead of fibre diameter. Spectral differences in the untreated dry decorticated skin samples and chemically treated and subsequently carded samples indicate delignification. The peaks at 1370 cm⁻¹, 1325 cm⁻¹, 1733 cm⁻¹, and 1600 cm⁻¹ attributed to lignin in the untreated samples are missing from the spectra of the treated samples. The spectra of the treated samples are more amine-dominated with some of the OH character lost.     

Identification of traits to improve the nitrogen-use efficiency of wheat genotypes

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer represents a significant cost for the grower and may also have environmental impacts through nitrate leaching and N₂O (a greenhouse gas) emissions associated with denitrification. The objectives of this study were to analyze the genetic variability in N-use efficiency (grain dry matter (DM) yield per unit N available from soil and fertilizer; NUE) in winter wheat and identify traits for improved NUE for application in breeding. Fourteen UK and French cultivars and two French advanced breeding lines were tested in a 2 year/four site network comprising different locations in France and in the UK. Detailed growth analysis was conducted at anthesis and harvest in experiments including DM and N partitioning. Senescence of either the flag leaf or the whole leaf canopy was assessed from a visual score every 3-4 days from anthesis to complete canopy senescence. The senescence score was fitted against thermal time using a five parameters monomolecular-logistic equation allowing the estimation of the timing of the onset and the rate of post-anthesis senescence. In each experiment, grain yield was reduced under low N (LN), with an average reduction of 2.2 t ha⁻¹ (29%). Significant N × genotype level interaction was observed for NUE. Crop N uptake at harvest on average was reduced from 227 kg N ha⁻¹ under high N (HN) to 109 kg N ha⁻¹ under LN conditions while N-utilization efficiency (grain DM yield per unit crop N uptake at harvest; NUtE) increased from 34.0 to 52.1 kg DM kg⁻¹ N. Overall genetic variability in NUE under LN related mainly to differences in NUtE rather than N-uptake efficiency (crop N uptake at harvest per unit N available from soil and fertilizer; NUpE). However, at one site there was also a positive correlation between NUpE and NUE at LN in both years. Moreover, across the 2 year/four site network, the N × genotype effect for NUpE partly explained the N × genotype effect for grain yield and NUE. Averaging across the 16 genotypes, the timing of onset of senescence explained 86% of the variation in NUtE amongst site-season-N treatment combinations. The linear regression of onset of senescence on NutE amongst genoytpes was not significant under HN, but at three of the four sites was significant under LN explaining 32-70% of the phenotypic variation amongst genotypes in NutE. Onset of senescence amongst genotypes was negatively correlated with the efficiency with which above-ground N at anthesis was remobilized to the grain under LN. It is concluded that delaying the onset of post-anthesis senescence may be an important trait for increasing grain yield of wheat grown under low N supply.     

Use of foliar symptoms and plant height to predict yield loss in potatoes due to metribuzin injury

A model to predict yield loss due to metribuzin injury was developed using data from four experiments involving postemergence applications of metribuzin to numerous cultivars and breeding selections. Two explanatory variables, plant height proportion (PHR), defined as injured/uninjured, and percent foliar injury (FI), were used to predict yield loss. Three multiple regression models, including linear, quadratic, and a linear-log were considered and evaluated. Acceptance of the best model was based on comparison of fit as indicated by Residual Mean Squares, Adjusted R², and Predicted Sums of Squares. The best fit was for a linear-log model utilizing percent foliar injury and a natural log transformation of the plant height proportion (injured/uninjured). The predictive model was statistically validated by utilizing residual analysis on an independent data set. The model can be used to simply and quickly predict yield losses due to metribuzin injury     

Stratification of SADC regional sorghum testing sites based on grain yield of varieties

We applied sequential retrospective (SeqRet) pattern analysis to stratify sorghum variety testing sites according to their similarity for yield discrimination among genotypes using historical grain yield data from 147 multi-environment trials (METs). The trials were conducted at 38 sites in 10 countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region during 1987/1988–1992/1993 and 1999/2000. The analysis for the 6 years 1987/1988–1992/1993, covering 34 sites, clustered these sites into 6 major groups with a model fit of R² = 0.75. With additional data from the year 1999/2000, the SeqRet pattern analysis delivered a very similar clustering of the 34 sites, with the additional four sites in 1999/2000 properly classified with appropriate site groups (R² = 0.74). The results suggest that future sorghum variety testing could be restricted to a few representative sites selected from within each of the six identified site-groups.     

Stratification of sorghum hybrid testing sites in southern Africa based on grain yield

Sequential retrospective (SeqRet) pattern analysis technique was applied to classify sorghum hybrid testing sites in accordance with their similarity for yield differentiation among genotypes. Historical grain yield data from 150 multi-environment trials (METs) conducted at 23 sites in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region during 1987/1988–1992/1993 was used. The sites were clustered into six major environment groups in the SADC region with a model fit of R² = 68%. Analysis of these 6 years’ data together with additional data from 1999/2000 stratified the 23 sites in the same six major groups (R² = 69%), the additional five sites in 1999/2000 classified with appropriate site groups. These results suggest that future sorghum hybrid testing could be cost-effectively conducted in a few representative sites selected from within each of the six identified site groups.     

Influence of leaf position that correspond to whole plant severity and diagrammatic scale for white spot of corn

The main objective of this research is to determine the influence of leaf position on corn plants with white spot caused by Pantoea ananatis, which better represents the infection on the whole plant. A diagrammatic scale to quantify the severity of the disease was elaborated and validated. For scale elaboration, the minimal and maximal limits of the disease severity observed in the field were considered, and intermediate levels followed logarithmic increments according to the Weber–Fechner stimulation law. The scale has nine classes: 0.1, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32 and 64%. For scale evaluation, a severity evaluation for white spot was performed by 10 raters with no experience in disease evaluation. Initially, severity estimation was performed without a scale for 41 leaves with different levels of severity. Afterward, the same raters used the proposed diagrammatic scale. Through linear regression to compare the actual and estimate severity values, the raters’ accuracy and precision were analyzed. Satisfactory accuracy and precision were achieved when estimation was performed with a diagrammatic scale. To determine the best leaf disease severity evaluation, correlation and regression analyses were performed with 25 plants of five genotypes, for a total of 284 leaves analyzed. Results analysis leads us to conclude that the severity of white spot on corn plants significantly correlates with the disease mean severity of leaves 0 and -1, i.e., a leaf of the corn ear and the one immediately below it. This scale provided good levels of accuracy and precision (a mean R² of 94%), with errors concentrating around 10%. Raters presented increased reproducibility (R² > 90% in 82% of cases) of severity estimates. The proposed diagrammatic scale is considered adequate to estimate the severity of white spot in corn for germplasm evaluations, for epidemiological studies and for evaluation of control strategies for this disease.     

Ecophysiological traits in maize hybrids and their parental inbred lines: Phenotyping of responses to contrasting nitrogen supply levels

Maize (Zea mays L.) breeding based primarily on final grain yield has been successful in improving this trait since the introduction of hybrids. Contrarily, understanding of the variation in ecophysiological processes responsible of this improvement is limited, especially between parental inbred lines and their hybrids. This limitation may hinder future progress in genetic gain, especially in environments where heritability estimation is reduced because grain yield is severely affected by abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to analyze the genotypic variation between inbred lines and derived hybrids in the physiological determinants of maize grain yield at the crop level, and how differences among hybrids and parental inbreds may effect contrasting responses to N stress. Special emphasis was given to biomass production and partitioning during the critical period for kernel number determination. Phenotyping included the evaluation of 26 morpho-physiological attributes for 6 maize inbred lines and 12 derived hybrids, cropped in the field at contrasting N supply levels (N₀: no N added; N₄₀₀: 400 kg N ha⁻¹ applied as urea) during three growing seasons. Tested genotypes differed in the response to reduce N supply for most measured traits. Grain yield was always larger for hybrids than for inbreds, but N deficiency affected the former more than the latter (average reduction in grain yield of 40% for hybrids and of 24% for inbreds). We also found (i) a common pattern across genotypes and N levels for the response of kernel number per plant to plant growth rate during the critical period, (ii) a reduced apical ear reproductive capacity (i.e., kernel set per unit of ear growth rate) of inbreds as compared to hybrids, (iii) similar RUE during the critical period and N absorption at maturity at low N levels for both groups of genotypes, but enhanced RUE and N absorption of hybrids at high N supply levels, and (iv) an improved N utilization efficiency of hybrids across all levels of N supply. Results are indicative of a more efficient use of absorbed N by hybrids than by parental inbreds. Larger grain yield of hybrids than of inbreds at N₀ was associated to (i) enhanced dry matter accumulation due to improved light interception during the life cycle and (ii) enhanced biomass partitioning to the grain.     

Kinetics of organosolv delignification of fibre crop Arundo donax L

Kinetics of ethanol–alkali delignification of fibre crop Arundo donax L. (giant reed) has been studied. The improved approach for determination of the reaction rate constants by accurate quantification of lignin fractions with different reactivity during standard procedure of graphical differentiation was applied. Following to a simplified model, the delignification process was considered as a complex of n-parallel irreversible first-order reactions with similar final product and analysed as a multi-component reaction system. Three kinetically distinguishable lignin fractions of A. donax were revealed and quantified in proportion of approximately 61, 23 and 16% (as initial, bulk and residual lignin, respectively) and their effective degradation rate constants were determined for different pulping conditions. The proportion of lignin fractions was different from that reported for wood, but close to another crop—wheat straw, where the initial lignin fraction was also found as a major fraction (about 90%). The values of apparent activation energy were estimated respectively as 64, 89 and 96 kJ mol⁻¹, and were generally within the range of those reported for wood kraft and organosolv pulping. The simulation of ethanol–alkali delignification using found kinetic parameters showed the high reproducibility of experimental data on lignin removal, providing thereby the adequate test on validation of the suggested kinetic approach. The data reproducibility was substantially higher in comparison with conventional consecutive kinetic model (sum of square residuals (SQR) 0.0036 versus 0.0856).     

Evaluation of salt-tolerant genotypes of durum wheat derived from in vitro and field experiments

The performance of selected salt-tolerant genotypes of durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.], derived from field and in vitro assessment methods, was evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions. Eight durum wheat genotypes comprising three salt-tolerant genotypes and one salt-sensitive genotype selected from each of the methods were used. This study was conducted under both saline and non-saline field conditions as well as under greenhouse condition with salinized solution culture at 0 mM (control), 75 and 150 mM NaCl (concentrations) using supplemental Ca²⁺. Days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, 1000 grain weight, number of spikes per m², grain yield and harvest index were recorded in the field experiments. Plant dry weight, Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ accumulated in the hydroponically grown seedlings were measured 20 days after salinity treatments. In spite of the smaller range of genotypes used by the in vitro screening method, tolerant genotypes screened by the in vitro method (ITGs) performed comparably with those of the field-derived tolerant genotypes (FTGs) for grain yield under saline field conditions. Field salinity significantly reduced (P < 0.01) means of all traits averaged on eight tested genotypes. In vitro salt-tolerant genotypes Dipper-6 and Prion-1 produced the highest dry weight and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio under salt stress conditions (150 mM NaCl) in the greenhouse. Although dry matter correlated with the grain yield (R² = 0.37), the regression coefficient was higher for shoot K⁺/Na⁺ ratio (R² = 0.44). Dipper-6 (ITG) and Prion-1 (ITG) genotypes have been ranked superior while Massara-1 (ISG) was inferior for salt tolerance in the regression analysis. However, based on grain yield reduction Ajaia/Hora/Jro/3/Gan (FTG) and PI40100 (ITG) were the most tolerant having 58% and 60% reduction, respectively.     

Response of carbon isotope discrimination and oxygen isotope composition to mild drought in slow- and fast-wilting soybean genotypes

Drought restrains soybean (Glycine max L. [Merr.]) growth and production, but few tools are available to evaluate differences in drought tolerance among soybean genotypes. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C) and oxygen isotope composition (δ¹⁸O) have been used as surrogate measures of water-use efficiency (WUE) and transpiration, respectively. This three-year study evaluated drought effects during reproductive stages on five fast- and five slow-wilting genotypes under fully irrigated conditions and two levels of drought severity. Leaves and seeds were analyzed for Δ¹³C, and seeds were analyzed for δ¹⁸O. The Δ¹³C values generally decreased in both leaves and seeds with decreasing water availability (i.e., higher WUE). In contrast, as water availability decreased, the δ¹⁸O values generally increased, indicating decreased transpiration, but δ¹⁸O values were not consistent between wilting groups or among genotypes within wilting groups across years. Values of Δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O from seed were positively correlated for the fully-irrigated and the mild-drought levels, which is consistent with increased WUE being associated with decreased transpiration. For the fully-irrigated and mild-drought levels grain yield was also negatively correlated with Δ¹³C. The results indicate that Δ¹³C measurement is a promising tool in identifying drought-tolerant soybean genotypes and in understanding the relationship between WUE and transpiration.     

Determinants of barley grain yield in a wide range of Mediterranean environments

Barley grain yield in rainfed Mediterranean regions can be largely influenced by terminal drought events. In this study the ecophysiological performance of the ‘Nure’ (winter) × ‘Tremois’ (spring) barley mapping population (118 Doubled Haploids, DHs) was evaluated in a multi-environment trial of eighteen site–year combinations across the Mediterranean Basin during two consecutive harvest years (2004 and 2005). Mean grain yield of sites ranged from 0.07 to 5.43 t ha⁻¹, clearly dependent upon both the total water input (rainfall plus irrigation) and the water stress index (WSI) accumulated during the growing season. All DHs were characterized for possessing molecular marker alleles tagging four genes that regulate barley cycle, i.e. Vrn-H1, Vrn-H2, Ppd-H2 and Eam6. Grain yield differences were initially interpreted in terms of mean differences between genotypes (G), environments (E), and for each combination of genotype and environment (GE) through a “full interaction” ANOVA model. Variance components estimates clearly showed the greater importance of GE over G, although both were much lower than E. Alternative linear and bilinear models of increasing complexity were used to describe GE. A linear model fitting allelic variation at the four genes explained genotype main effect and genotype × environment interaction much better than growth habit itself. Adaptation was primarily driven by the allelic constitution at three out of the four segregating major genes, i.e. Vrn-H1, Ppd-H2 and Eam6. In fact, the three genes together explained 47.2% of G and 26.3% of GE sum of squares. Grain yield performance was more determined by the number of grains per unit area than by the grain weight (phenotypic correlation across all genotypic values: r = 0.948 and 0.559, respectively). The inter-relationships among a series of characters defining grain yield and its components were also explored as a function of the length of the different barley developmental phases, i.e. vegetative, reproductive, and grain filling stages. In most environments, the best performing (adapted) genotypes were those with faster development until early occurrence of anthesis. This confirmed the crucial role of the period defining the number of grains per unit area in grain yield determination under Mediterranean environments.     

The competitive ability of different chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes against Polygonum aviculare under field conditions

Polygonum aviculare L. is a troublesome weed in chickpea cultivated in the Mediterranean environment of Central Italy. A 2-year field study was carried out to evaluate the competitive ability and the yield response of different chickpea genotypes against P. aviculare. Experimental treatments consisted in six chickpea genotypes (Alto Lazio, C1017, C133, C134, C6150 stable lines and cultivar Sultano) cultivated in weed-free conditions and with P. aviculare at four densities (4, 8, 16, 32 plants m⁻²). The competitive ability of chickpea against P. aviculare was assessed on the basis of (i) the relative biomass total (RBT); (ii) the competitive balance index (Cb), and (iii) the competitive index (CI). The chickpea seed yield in weed-free conditions ranged from 2.6 to 2.1 t ha⁻¹ of DM and was higher in C6150 and Sultano. P. aviculare caused an average chickpea seed yield loss of 14, 46, 74 and 88% at the density of 4, 8, 16, 32 plants m⁻² compared to the weed-free crop. The relationship between the P. aviculare density and the percentage of chickpea yield loss was described by the rectangular hyperbola model with the asymptote constrained to 100% maximum yield loss. The estimated coefficient I (yield loss per unit density as density approaches zero) was lower in C133, Sultano, and C1017. RBT was higher than 1 in all chickpea genotypes at 4 plants m⁻² of P. aviculare, while at higher P. aviculare densities it was similar to 1 suggesting that there is no resource use complementarity between chickpea and the weed. Generally, at the density of 50 plants m⁻² the chickpea crop was more competitive than P. aviculare at 4 plants m⁻² (Cb > 0), equally competitive at 8 plants m⁻² (Cb = 0), and less competitive at 16 and 32 plants m⁻² (Cb < 0). No chickpea genotype achieved the objective of combining a high seed yield potential and a great competitive ability against P. aviculare. C6150 and Sultano had a high seed yield production in weed-free conditions, but they were poorly competitive against P. aviculare at intermediate and high weed infestation, while C1017 showed a satisfactory level of Cb and CI at all P. aviculare densities although its seed yield was the lowest in weed-free conditions. However, the results suggest that, from an agronomical point of view, P. aviculare plant density should be less than 4 plant m⁻² in order to prevent severe chickpea seed yield loss in field conditions.     

玉米基因型磷效率与相对根系性状的最优回归模型及育种学启示

以33个不同玉米基因型为材料,在低磷和高磷两个供磷水平下,分析玉米基因型磷效率与多个相对根系性状的关系,建立最优回归方程。结果表明,相对总根重和相对须根数对磷效率的回归系数显著,建立磷效率与相对总根重和相对须根数二者的最优回归模型为Y=-0.224-0.576X₂+1.780X₃,R²=0.880(p<0.05);相对表层根重对磷效率的回归系数显著,建立磷效率与相对表层根重的最优回归模型为Y=-0.235+1.136X1,R²=0.653(p<0.05);相对须根数和相对表层根重可以作为培育高磷效率玉米基因型的改良目标性状。     

Value of a rising-plate meter for estimating herbage mass of grazed perennial ryegrass-white clover swards

A rising-plate meter was used in a double sampling technique to measure the herbage mass of rotationally grazed perennial ryegrass-white clover swards over a period of 2 years. The meter was calibrated by developing a linear regression between meter reading and herbage dry matter mass as measured by cutting 0·2-m² quadrats to ground level. There was a strong relationship between meter reading and herbage mass, and correlation coefficients were consistently 0·2 or above. The calibration regression was normally constant for extended periods, especially over the winter and spring. The relationship was more variable over the summer but appeared to follow a pattern that was to some extent repeatable between years. The slope of the regression (kg DM ha^-1 cm^-1) was 312 and 267 in the two winters and reached values of 800 and 452 in the two summers. The calibration relationship was adequately described by a linear model over the winter and spring but there was a tendency for a curved relationship in mid-to late summer. The standard pooled regression found with winter ryegrass-clover swards was not applicable to the more erect prairie grass, and the standard regression overestimated slightly the yield of heavily grazed swards. There was no evidence of a difference in relationship between irrigated and non-irrigated swards over the summer. The individual meter readings could be used to develop a useful diagrammatic picture of the changes that occurred in sward structure as the pastures were subjected to different managements and this could be used to illustrate problem areas in pasture management. The meter was useful in overcoming the problem of variability of herbage mass within paddocks and could give precise estimates of herbage mass, especially when it was possible to use a pooled regression encompassing a large number of calibration cuts. In these cases the meter could be used to detect differences of about 8%.     

Morpho-physiological traits associated with maize crop adaptations to environments differing in nitrogen availability

The use of genotypes with improved performance for nitrogen (N) capture and use would be of great benefit through reducing production costs and pollution risks in maize cropping. The identification of morpho-physiological traits responsible for a better behavior in a target N environment is useful for cultivar selection, and become crucial for maize breeding improvement. This study analyzed, in a set of Argentinean commercial hybrids of maize, the grain yield (GY) variability in response to soil N availability at several locations representative of the main maize production region of Argentina during 2003–2004 growing season. The objectives of this work were to: (i) detect environmental groups for GY responses, (ii) identify morpho-physiological traits that were associated to winner genotypes in each detected environmental group, and (iii) assess genetic correlations between those traits. To generate more variation in soil N availability two N-fertilizer rates were applied in each experimental site (0 and 250 kg N ha⁻¹, except for Balcarce where only 250 kg N ha⁻¹ was tested). Morpho-physiological traits included in the analysis were related to N and radiation capture, use and partitioning, plant architecture, and leaf senescence. Grain yield components were also included. As expected, environment (E) effect explained the higher portion of GY variation (i.e., 82%), but genotype (G) and G × E interaction (GE) also significantly contributed (i.e., 9% each). Three environmental groups for GY were identified according to N availability. Morpho-physiological traits related to resource capture, use, and partitioning during the post-silking period are proposed as desirables for broad adaptation. In turn, a high N partitioning to grains after silking was associated with good hybrid behavior under high N availability and warm climate. On the other hand, a better grain yield performance when N became more limited appeared strongly related to an efficient canopy to sustain resource capture up to maturity. More studies are required in a wide range of environments to confirm identified traits and underlying physiological mechanisms. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the existence of differences in ideal plant-type for environments differing in N availability to be considered in maize breeding programs.     

Genotypic variation in linear rate of grain growth and contribution of stem reserves to grain yield in wheat

Grain growth in wheat depends on current photosynthesis and stem water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). In semiarid regions with terminal drought, grain filling in wheat crops may depend more on stem WSC content than on current assimilates. Reduction in grain yield under drought is attributed to shorter duration of linear grain growth despite increased contribution of stem reserves to grain yield. The amount of stem reserves is measured either by changes in stem dry weight (indirect method) or by stem WSC content (direct method). Genotypic variation in the rate and duration of linear grain growth and in percent contribution of stem reserves to grain yield has not been evaluated in wheat. The objectives of this study were: (i) to quantify the relationship between the direct and indirect measurement of stem reserves during and across the grain-filling period and (ii) to measure the extent of genotypic variation in rate and duration of linear grain growth and in percent contribution of stem reserves to grain yield. Dry weight, WSC content and grain yield of the main stem were measured at 10-day intervals in 11 diverse wheat genotypes under well-watered and droughted-field conditions across 2 years. Drought reduced stem WSC content from 413 to 281 mg and grain yield from 4.6 to 2.5 t ha⁻¹. Stem WSC content and dry weight were positively correlated. Genotypic differences in linear rate of grain growth were significant in well-watered (ranging from 48.9 to 72.4 mg spike⁻¹ day⁻¹) and in droughted-field (ranging from 33.2 to 59.9 mg spike⁻¹ day⁻¹) conditions. Drought, on average, reduced the linear rate and duration of grain growth by 20 and 50%, respectively. Reduction in linear rate ranged from 13 to 43%. The amount of current assimilates and stem reserves contributed to grain yield was reduced, respectively, by 54 and 11% under drought. Genotypic differences in percent contribution of stem reserves to grain yield were significant in well-watered (ranging from 19.1 to 53.6%) and in droughted-field (ranging from 36.6 to 65.4%) conditions. The wheat genotypes responded differently to drought. Main spike grain yield was reduced by 43% under drought due to 26 and 11% reduction in grain weight and number of grains, respectively. Grain yield was correlated with linear grain growth under well-watered (r = 0.96) and droughted (r = 0.83) conditions. The genotypic variation observed indicates that breeding for a higher rate of linear grain growth and greater contribution of stem reserves to grain yield should be possible in wheat to stabilize grain yield in stressful environments.     

Genotype × environment interactions for shoot fly resistance in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench): Response of recombinant inbred lines

Sorghum shoot fly (Atherigona soccata) is a serious pest that destabilizes the performance of sorghum cultivars and ultimately reduces sorghum production in many parts of the world. Identifying sorghum genotypes with stable resistance to shoot fly is important as it helps to reduce the cost of cultivation and stabilizes yields. In the present study, our objective was to identify stable shoot fly resistant genotypes among 385 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of a cross between a susceptible parent and a resistant parent. We evaluated this set of RILs in eight environments over three years (2006-2008) for shoot fly resistance and component traits. Non-significant genotype-environment (G × E) linear component and significant pooled deviation for deadheart percentage indicated that the performance of genotypes was unpredictable over the environments. However, five lines had deadheart percentages much less than the population mean with regression coefficient (bi) values close to unity, and non-significant deviation from regression, indicating that they have stable shoot fly resistance and are well adapted to all the environments. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis partitioned main effects into genotype, environment and G × E interacts with all the components showing highly significant effects (p < 0.001). Environment had the greatest effect (69.2%) followed by G × E interactions (24.6%) and genotype (6.2%). Low heritability and high environmental influence for deadheart percentage suggested that shoot fly resistance is a highly complex character, emphasizing the need for marker assisted selection. We observed transgressive variation in the RIL population for all the traits indicating the contribution of alleles for resistance from both resistant and susceptible parents. Since the alleles for shoot fly resistance are contributed by both resistant and susceptible parents, efforts should be made to capture favourable alleles from resistant and susceptible genotypes.