Analysis of residuals for stability assessment of rice genotypes

The analysis of residuals computes general adaptabilities (GAs) and specific adaptabilities (SAs) of genotypes similar to combining ability analysis. The residual analysis is simple and robust being based on the first-degree statistics, and is assumption-free. A unique statistic of ratio of variances (VR) of residuals for individual genotypes allows comparing their stability. The residuals analysis of genotype × environment (GE) interactions was performed for grain yield (t ha^?1) of 25 rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes, including two developed by marker-assisted selection for root traits quantitative trait loci (QTL), tested across 16 sites. Results were compared with the linear regression analysis for (i) full set of 16 sites showing adequacy of linear model and (ii) subset of nine-poor sites showing inadequacy of linear model. There was agreement between the two analyses for situation (i) but not for situation (ii) when the regression analysis fails because of nonlinearity but the residual analysis retains its validity.     

Evaluation of 'quick and dirty' DNA extraction methods for marker-assisted selection in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Six simple methods for extracting DNA from rice seedlings were evaluated for marker‐assisted selection (MAS). The assessment of each method was based on PCR amplification of SSR markers, DNA yield and purity, time and cost. Based on these criteria, two methods were selected as being superior to other methods. The best two methods included the standard method developed at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), which utilizes a sodium dodecyl sulfate extraction buffer followed by chloroform/isoamyl alcohol extraction and a previously published method using sodium hydroxide and Tris. These two methods produced nearly identical PCR amplification results. The sodium hydroxide method is considerably simpler, quicker and cheaper than the standard IRRI method, and may be particularly useful for many applications of MAS or high‐resolution mapping. This method was also adapted into an effective high throughput method utilizing 96‐well plates emphasizing its versatility.     

Trade-offs between on-farm varietal diversity and highly client-oriented breeding — a case study of upland rice in India

On-farm varietal diversity is now highest in marginal agricultural environments because, unlike the case in more favourable areas, modern varieties have not been a sufficiently attractive option for farmers to replace their landraces. However, the continued survival of landraces on farm is dependent on the continuing failure of plant breeding to provide better alternatives. Highly client-oriented breeding can produce suitable modern varieties for areas that were dominated by landraces. We examine here the case of the adoption of two upland rice varieties in three states in eastern India, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Orissa, where our surveys had confirmed low adoption of modern varieties in the upland ecosystem. The two new upland varieties were readily accepted by farmers who rapidly adopted them on large proportions of their land. On-farm diversity is maintained by the need to trade-off among varieties but once a variety with overall superiority was found this incentive was removed. The new varieties from the client-oriented breeding did not have weaknesses that farmers had to trade-off against their landraces so they were more likely to replace them. They also replaced older modern varieties. Farmers had previously maintained them along with landraces because they had to trade-off the higher yield of Kalinga III against the more stable yield of landraces or the higher yield of Vandana against the higher gain quality of the landraces. Only mean count per household could be used to test the significance of the differences between individual years. In all states, this revealed a significant reduction in landrace diversity with the adopting farmers when the addition of the two new varieties was not considered. Trends across years for mean varietal count, total count and Shannon–Wiener index showed a significant decline in Orissa, irrespective of whether the two new varieties were included in the analysis or not. In Jharkhand there was a significant decline only for mean count when the new varieties were not included. In Orissa, it was possible to test if rare landraces were as readily replaced as more common ones. Landrace replacement was unmitigated by increasing rarity yet the most rare landraces have the highest priority for genetic conservation. Some landraces were completely replaced by the farmers in the sample despite a diverse variety portfolio being a risk-reducing strategy in a region where there is a high risk of crop failure. There was little environmental heterogeneity in the marginal, drought-prone areas to slow this decline. The new varieties had an impact on the farming system because sometimes farmers brought additional upland into cultivation. They also introduced these varieties into more favourable, medium land. The strategy of releasing two new upland varieties met with some success in maintaining diversity.     

Growth,symbiosis, productivity,and profitability of soybean at varying planting methods and nitrogen levels

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different planting methods (Happy Seeder sowing, Straw Chopper + Zero Tillage sowing, and conventional sowing) and nitrogen (N) levels (0%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of recommended N) on the emergence, growth, symbiotic parameters, productivity, and profitability of soybean sown after wheat harvest. Growth and symbiotic parameters were significantly better under Happy Seeder sowing and Straw Chopper + Zero Tillage sowing than conventional sowing. The seed yield, nutrient uptake, and economic returns were significantly higher under Happy Seeder sowing than other methods. The growth parameters, symbiotic parameters, biological, straw, and seed yields were increased significantly up to 100% recommended N level. The nutrient uptake increased significantly up to 100% recommended N level. Therefore, sowing with Happy Seeder after combine harvested wheat along with 100% recommended N would best optimize soybean yield and profitability.     

基于DNDC模型模拟江汉平原稻田不同种植模式条件下温室气体排放

稻田被认为是温室气体CH_4和N_2O的主要排放源之一。湖北省江汉平原地区水稻常年种植面积约8×105 hm2,占湖北省水稻种植面积的40%左右。研究江汉平原地区稻田温室气体排放特征,对于评估区域稻田温室气体排放以及稻田温室气体减排具有重要意义。目前,DNDC模型已被广泛应用于模拟和估算田间尺度的温室气体排放,DNDC模型与地理信息系统(Arc GIS)结合,可进行区域尺度的温室气体排放模拟与估算。本研究以湖北省典型稻作区江汉平原为研究区域,运用DNDC模型模拟和估算江汉平原稻田区域尺度的温室气体排放。设置大田定点观测试验,监测中稻-小麦(RW)、中稻-油菜(RR)、中稻-冬闲(RF)3种种植模式下稻田温室气体CH_4和N_2O的周年排放特征。通过田间观测值与DNDC模拟值的比较进行模型验证,并利用获取DNDC模型所需的气象、土壤、作物及田间管理等区域数据,模拟江汉平原稻田不同种植模式下温室气体CH_4和N_2O的排放量。田间试验表明,江汉平原稻田RW、RR和RF模型的CH_4排放通量为-2.80~39.78 mg·m-2·h-1、-1.74~42.51 mg·m-2·h-1和-1.57~55.64 mg·m-2·h-1,N_2O周年排放通量范围分别为0~1.90 mg·m-2·h-1、0~1.76mg·m-2·h-1和0~1.49 mg·m-2·h-1;CH_4排放量RW和RR模式显著高于RF模式,N_2O排放量为RF显著低于RW和RR模式。模型验证结果表明,不同种植模式温室气体排放实测值与模拟值比较的决定系数(R2)为0.85~0.98,相对误差绝对值(RAE)为8.29%~16.42%。根据DNDC模型模拟和估算的结果,江汉平原区域稻田CH_4周年的排放量为0.292 9 Tg C,N_2O周年的排放量为0.009 2 Tg N,不同种植模式稻田CH_4排放量表现为RWRRRF,N_2O排放量表现为RWRFRR,增温潜势(GWP)表现为RWRRRF。不同地区稻田CH_4排放量表现为监利县荆门市公安县天门市仙桃市洪湖市松滋市汉川市潜江市石首市荆州市江陵县赤壁市嘉鱼县,N_2O排放量表现为监利县荆门市公安县洪湖市仙桃市天门市汉川市潜江市松滋市荆州市江陵县赤壁市石首市嘉鱼县。本研究结果表明DNDC模型能较好地应用于模拟江汉平原稻田温室气体排放,RR和RF模式相比RW模式可有效减少温室气体CH_4和N_2O的排放。     

稻鸭、稻鱼复合生态系统土壤微生物多样性特征分析

21世纪以来,由于其良好的生态环境效应、及市场对绿色安全稻米的需求,稻田种养复合生态系统的应用范围不断扩大,模式多种多样,在我国南方地区主要以稻田养鸭、养鱼、养虾为主。同时对稻田种养复合生态系统的机理及其效应也进行了较为广泛的研究。相关研究表明:稻鸭共生可利用鸭子的活动、觅食产生中耕除虫的效果[1,2],减少农药对环境的污染;稻鸭共生有利于稻田通风透光,改善水稻群体结构;提高土壤肥力[3~5];还能减少稻田中的产甲烷菌数量,减少甲烷排放[6~9]等方面作用。然而对于稻田养鸭、养鱼后对土壤微生物数量及多样性方面的研究还很少,甘德欣等[10]研究表明稻田养鸭后能增加土壤微生物的数量,但对土壤微生物     

不同施氮处理下转Cry2A*基因水稻根系特性

为探究转Cry2A*基因水稻品系根系特性,为抗虫转基因水稻的栽培调控提供技术支撑,通过盆栽试验,以常规粳稻与其转Cry2A*基因水稻品系、常规籼稻与其转Cry2A*基因水稻品系为试验材料,探究施氮、不施氮处理下转Cry2A*基因水稻品系的根系特性。结果表明：转Cry2A*基因水稻品系的根长、根表面积、根体积在成熟期不施氮处理下显著低于亲本对照,在施氮处理下与亲本对照无显著差异;KY（Cry2A*）的根系活跃吸收面积在花期显著高于亲本对照,而MH86（Cry2A*）的根系活跃吸收面积与其亲本对照无显著差异;与不施氮处理相比,施氮能显著提高KY（Cry2A*）的根直径,对MH86（Cry2A*）的根直径无显著影响。本研究结果表明,转Cry2A*基因水稻根系特性与其亲本之间存在一定差异,且这种差异在不施氮处理条件下更为明显。     

Feeding potential of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptolaemus montrouzieri</Emphasis> against the mealybug <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phenacoccus solenopsis</Emphasis>

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an exotic species native to the USA, damaging cotton and other plant families. The feeding potential of different development stages of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, a biological control agent against mealybugs, was investigated on different development stages of P. solenopsis. Fourth instar grubs and adults of C. montrouzieri were the most voracious feeders on different instars of mealybug. The number of 1^st instar nymphs of mealybug consumed by 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th instar larvae and adult beetles of C. montrouzieri was 15.56, 41.01, 125.38, 162.69 and 1613.81, respectively. The respective numbers of 2^nd and 3^rd instar nymphs of mealybug consumed were 11.15 and 1.80, 26.35 and 6.36, 73.66 and 13.32, 76.04 and 21.16, 787.95 and 114.66. The corresponding figures for adult female mealybugs were 0.94, 3.23, 8.47, 12.71 and 73.40, respectively. The results indicate that C. montrouzieri has the potential to be exploited as a biocontrol agent in North India; inoculative releases of 4^th instar larvae and adults may provide instant control of P. solenopsis. Field experiments should be conducted to determine the efficiency of the ladybird on this mealybug.     

鄂南丘陵棕红壤水土流失及硼损失特征

通过对鄂南第四纪红色粘土发育的棕红壤的人工模拟降雨试验,建立了不同覆盖水平下地表径流和硼流失的数学模型。研究表明;土壤含水量与产流时间呈显著负相关,径流的产生与入渗速度主要受叶面积的影响,土壤容重对径流与淋溶作用影响不大;没有覆盖的土壤径流和硼流失量明显高于有植被覆盖的土壤,当叶面积指数接近和大于１时,累计径流量和累积硼流失量将趋于稳定;增加植被覆盖度,合理密植是减少水溶态硼流失,保持水土的重要措     

Number of crosses and population size for participatory and classical plant breeding

In the breeding of self-pollinating crops, crossing creates variation upon which selection is exerted. If the value of crosses cannot be predicted then this uncertainty means that many crosses need to be made. However, since there is a limit to the capacity of a breeding programme, more numerous crosses result in each cross having a small population size, fewer progenies in later generations and a lower probability of recovering good genotypes from each cross. Published theory on the optimum number of crosses in a plant breeding programme, for a predominantly self-pollinating crop, usually assumes that all crosses are equal value. This overestimates the number of crosses required. When the optimum size of a population in a favourable cross is considered, theory predicts that very large populations are desirable. The required population size is even larger if linkage of loci controlling different traits is also considered. Hence, in an inbreeding crop, one possible strategy is to select a small number of crosses that are considered favourable and produce large populations from them to increase the probability of recovering superior genotypes. In an out breeding crop, the analogy is a few composites with large population sizes. This low-cross-number strategy is ideally suited to the particular constraints and advantages of participatory plant breeding. Such an approach, although not essential, may still be advantageous in classical breeding. When a breeding programme is based on few crosses, which parents are chosen is crucial and farmer participatory methods are highly effective in narrowing the choice. Modified bulk population breeding methods, and recurrent selection are desirable strategies in the participatory plant breeding of self-pollinating crops when combined with a low-cross-number approach. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.