Recent advances in molecular marker techniques: Insight into QTL mapping,GWAS and genomic selection in plants

Recent advances in sequencing technology have brought several novel platforms for marker development and subsequent genotyping. The high-throughput and cost effective marker techniques have changed the entire scenario of marker applications. The huge genotypic data obtained with next generation sequencing (NGS) also demands analytical tools, statistical advances, and comprehensive understanding to cope with breeding applications. In the present review, we discussed different available marker techniques, their strengths, and limitations. Emphasis was given on software tools, analytical pipelines, workbenches, and online resources available for marker development. Comparison of SNP genotyping involving complexity reduction techniques like GBS, RRL, RAD, and array-based platforms were presented in a view to describe suitability for specific purposes. We found that genotyping by whole genome re-sequencing has great potential, and could be a routine application in the near future with continuously decreasing cost of sequencing. Microsatellites, still a valuable option for breeders, have also advanced with NGS. Here a catalogue of tools for microsatellite evaluation in short sequence reads was provided. The most common applications of molecular marker like QTL mapping, genome-wide association mapping (GWAS), and genomic selection were highlighted. The present review will be helpful for the effective utilization of available resources and for the planning of crop improvement programs employing molecular marker techniques.     

Comparative field performance of some agricultural crops under a canopy of Populus deltoides and Ulmus wallichiana

The performance of maize, beans and sunflower was evalu-ated under a canopy of Populus deltoides and Ulmus wallichiana at Fac-ulty of Agriculture, Wadura. The germination, growth and yield of the three...     

Nitrogen Mineralization as Influenced by Different Organic Manures in an Inceptisol in the Foothill Himalayas

Nitrogen-use efficiency can be enhanced through an understanding of the nitrogen (N) mineralization behavior of organic sources. An incubation study was conducted to assess the impact of organic manures on N mineralization. The manures, farmyard manure (FYM), Leucaena leucocephala, and poultry manure, were applied to the soil alone or along with urea. There was a rapid increase in the amount of mineral N released with a peak appearing either at 14 days (+urea treatments) or 21 days (manure only) of aerobic incubation. Thereafter the net N mineralized decreased gradually and levelled off beyond day 56. Overall the cumulative net N mineralized after 98 days of incubation was in the order urea > Leucaena + urea > poultry manure + urea _> FYM + urea > Leucaena > poultry manure > FYM > zero N. The potentially mineralizable N (N₀) was lower in treatments where urea was not applied.     

Rejuvenating soybean(Glycine max L.) growth and development through slight shading stress

The impact of increased shading stress on agronomic traits, photosynthetic performance and antioxidants activities in leaves of two soybeans cultivars(D16 and E93) was studied. Soybean seedlings were grown in pots and exposed to no shade(S0), slight shade(S1), moderate shade(S2), and heavy shade(S3). Our findings showed that under the S3 in both cultivars, leaf fresh weight(LFW), specific leaf area(SLA) and leaf thickness decreased significantly, accompanied by a reduction in photochemical parameters including the maximum quantum yield(F_v/F_m) and electron transport rate(ETR). Furthermore, compared to S0, S1 significantly increased the ETR, sucrose content and the activity of catalase(CAT) in both D16 and E93 cultivars while S2 and S3 decreased the activity. However, under all treatments of shading stress, the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and peroxidase(POD) were lowered in both cultivars. Such morphological and physiological plasticity to adapt S1 compensates for the decrease in biomass and leads to seed weight compared to that obtained with an amount of normal light. Through configuring the space in the intercropping systems, S1 could be helpful for optimum growth and yield. Redesigning photosynthesis through S1 for the intercropping systems could be a smart approach.     

Comparison of sustainable forest management (SFM) trends at global and country levels: case study in Iran

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is an integral component of sustainable development. Iran is a Near East country with low forest cover. Iran uses 7 criteria and 65 indicators for regional and national monitoring of forest management. We evaluated the status of SFM in Iran, and a location imaging in its path towards SFM was provided by existing validation data and library references for the Criteria and Indicators (C&I) adopted in the Near East, We identify challenges and opportunities associated with SFM in Iran. Although the information to evaluate the trend of SFM in Iran was incomplete, we compiled some information on the basis of C&I. Comparison of some indicators with the values for the rest of the world revealed that the situation in Iran is very different. Although some indicators revealed a better situation in Iran, Iran lags the rest of the world in the implementation of SFM. Iran, like many countries, is trying hard to find ways to sustainably use its forests. Not all C&I for assessment of SFM in Iran have been determined or defined. However, a consistent and comprehensive framework of criteria and indicators to monitor progress towards SFM is being applied. Defining some C&I is still at an early stage.     

Crop photosynthetic response to light quality and light intensity

Under natural conditions, plants constantly encounter various biotic and abiotic factors, which can potentially restrict plant growth and development and even limit crop productivity. Among various abiotic factors affecting plant photosynthesis, light serves as an important factor that drives carbon metabolism in plants and supports life on earth. The two components of light(light quality and light intensity) greatly affect plant photosynthesis and other plant's morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters. The response of plants to different spectral radiations and intensities differs in various species and also depends on growing conditions. To date, much research has been conducted regarding how different spectral radiations of varying intensity can affect plant growth and development. This review is an effort to briefly summarize the available information on the effects of light components on various plant parameters such as stem and leaf morphology and anatomy, stomatal development, photosynthetic apparatus, pigment composition, reactive oxygen species(ROS) production, antioxidants, and hormone production.     

The Effect of Irrigation Management and Nitrogen Fertilizer On Grain Yield and Water-use Efficiency of Rice Cultivars in Northern Iran

Gesunde Pflanzen - Alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWDI) is a water-conserving strategy in rice fields. An experiment, conducted as a split-split plot design and based on...     

套作对大豆苗期茎秆纤维素合成相关糖类物质转化的影响及其与叶片光合的关系

【目的】从纤维素合成相关糖类物质转化的角度,阐明玉米大豆套作模式下,大豆苗期茎秆光形态建成的机理。【方法】在大豆单作和玉米大豆套作两种种植模式下,以强耐荫大豆南豆12和弱耐荫大豆南032-4为试验材料,对叶片光合速率和茎秆总碳、纤维素、可溶性糖、蔗糖、β-1,3-葡聚糖等含量进行测定和分析。【结果】与单作相比,套作大豆由于受到玉米荫蔽,苗期光合速率显著降低,但材料间对套作的反应程度不同,强耐荫大豆南豆12受套作荫蔽的影响程度相对较小,在套作下表现出较强的光合能力;套作显著降低了大豆叶片和茎秆的总碳含量,但南豆12的降低幅度显著低于南032-4。相关分析表明叶片光合速率与叶片和茎秆的总碳含量、茎秆的纤维素含量均呈极显著正相关（r=0.952,0.935,0.825,P＜0.01）,说明荫蔽通过影响大豆叶片的光合速率,减少了光合产物的积累和向茎秆中的分配,导致大豆植株茎秆纤维素含量降低;强耐荫大豆南豆12在荫蔽下的光合速率较高,光合产物积累较多,适合套作种植。在整个苗期,虽然套作大豆茎秆可溶性糖含量均显著低于单作,但β-1,3-葡聚糖和蔗糖含量在大豆出苗后30-51 d却表现为套作显著高于单作,且在套作模式下,两个大豆糖类物质转化率差异显著;同一种植模式下,强耐荫大豆南豆12茎秆可溶性糖、蔗糖和β-1,3-葡聚糖的含量和转化率均显著或极显著高于南032-4。对纤维素沉积方式分析表明,同一大豆材料,单作模式下茎秆纤维素快速累积时间和累积速率要高于套作;同一种植模式下,强耐荫大豆南豆12纤维素快速累积时间要短于南032-4,但差异较小,而累积速率要高于南032-4,最终导致南豆12的茎秆纤维素含量显著高于南032-4。【结论】套作荫蔽降低了大豆叶片的光合能力,减少了光合产物向茎秆的运输量和茎秆填充物的含量,改变了茎秆纤维素的沉积方式,使得纤维素的含量降低;而强耐荫性大豆南豆12在套作模式下能保持较高光合能力和茎秆纤维素合成能力,具有较强的抗倒伏性。