Effect of supplemental nitrogen on true potato seed weight

The effect on true potato seed (TPS) weight of supplemental nitrogen (N) applied during seed development was investigated using crosses DTO-33 × R128.6 (“A” produced in the field) and Atzimba × R128.6 (“B” produced in the field and in a screenhouse). Dry weights of tops and tubers of the mother plants were also measured in the screenhouse. The response to supplemental N (0-240 kg/ha) in 100-TPS weight of cross A and B from the field was positive and linear. In the screenhouse, where higher total N (0-1200 kg/ha) was applied, the responses in 100-TPS weight and dry weight of tops and tubers were curvilinear, with maximum levels at 800, 1000 and 400 kg/ha, respectively. The 100-TPS weight of cross B was 40% higher in the field than in the screenhouse. In the field, increased frequency of supplemental N applications increased 100-TPS weight of large and medium berries of cross B, but had no effect on seed from small berries nor on seed from any berries of cross A. In the screenhouse, increased application frequency decreased tuber dry weight and increased dry weight of tops, but had no effect on 100-TPS weight. It was concluded that supplemental N must be applied during seed development and at higher total levels than those required for optimum tuber yields in order to maximize 100-TPS weight. The lower seed weight from the screenhouse suggests that other environmental factors (e.g., temperature) present during growth of the mother plant can affect the weight of the resultant TPS.     

Development of a molecular marker for self‐compatible S4′ haplotype in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) using high‐resolution melting

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) has stylar gametophytic self‐incompatibility, which is controlled by the multi‐allelic S‐locus and encompasses the highly polymorphic genes for the S‐ribonuclease (S‐RNase) and S‐haplotype‐specific F‐box (SFB), which are female and male determinants, respectively. The self‐compatible mutant SFB4′ corresponds to an allele variant of SFB4 and presents a frameshift mutation. Even though male‐determinant molecular markers can discriminate between SFB4 and SFB4′ alleles, the methods required are laborious, time‐consuming and expensive, and not suitable for massive analysis and integration into breeding programmes. Our aim was to develop molecular markers for the evaluation of self‐compatibility alleles in sweet cherry, that could be used as a high‐throughput screening strategy to identify SFB4 and SFB4′ alleles, based on a marker for male determinacy. Our results were consistent using primers flanking the mutation responsible for the SFB4′ allele. We designed a specific molecular marker and confirmed it in sweet cherry commercial varieties. This new molecular marker is feasible for self‐compatibility alleles in the male determinant in sweet cherry‐assisted breeding programs.