Root Morphology of Maize and Its Relationship to Root Lodging

Crown root traits of maize ( Zea mays L.) such as number and diameter are the most easily accessible root traits. Their impact on root lodging resistance is little documented. We evaluated 28 flint x dent hybrids at one location for 2 years for crown root traits and for lengths of internodes. Plants were grown at normal and at supraoptimal density. A maximum number of crown roots was observed at the fifth and sixth nodes, above ground internodes 8-10 had maximum lengths. After a cool wet year maximum internode length or numbers of roots per node were found at higher tiers. A supraoptimal plant density caused an increase in lengths and a decrease in root numbers at upper internode and node levels. Crown root morphology and histology were studied at normal plant density in one growing season. From the lowest to the highest node level, root diameters increased steadily, whereas the number of late (large) metaxylem vessels in crown roots showed a strong increase at upper nodes. The diameters of metaxylem vessels increased already strongly at lower node tiers. All data were correlated with the root lodging counts from 42 hybrid tests in northern and southern Germany. In the warm year, at normal plant density, length of internodes 6 and 8 were correlated significantly positively with root lodging in about 25 % of all cases. Number of metaxylem vessels in roots at node 6 were significantly negatively correlated with root lodging in more than 20 % of all cases. Specific morphological and histological traits seem to indicate root lodging. However, their expression depends to a great extent on environment which lessens their value for selection.     

高粱镰孢菌茎腐病研究进展

高粱镰孢菌茎腐病是世界高粱产区普遍发生的真菌病害。镰孢菌在高粱苗期侵染根部,开花期侵染茎基部,导致病株生长势弱,籽粒灌浆不饱满或穗梗折断,茎秆腐烂,严重的引起植株倒伏,造成减产。同时,适宜镰孢菌侵染为害的环境胁迫因子将加重茎腐程度。文章综述了高粱镰孢菌茎腐病的病原菌种类、症状与危害、侵染发病规律、抗病品系筛选、抗病性鉴定方法如SNPs标记等和综合防治等方面的研究进展,旨在促进抗病品种选育,为高粱镰孢菌茎腐病综合防治提供理论依据,为高粱产业可持续发展提供技术支撑。     

Variation in inheritance of resistance to sorghum midge, Stenodiplosis sorghicola across locations in India and Kenya

Sorghum midge [Stenodiplosis sorghicola (Coquillett)] is an important pest of grain sorghum, and host plant resistance is one of the important components for the management of this pest. We studied the inheritance of resistance to this insect involving a diverse array of midge-resistant and midge-susceptible genotypes in India and Kenya. Testers IS 15107, TAM 2566, and DJ 6514, which were highly resistant to sorghum midge in India, showed a greater susceptibility to this insect in Kenya. The maintainer lines ICSB 88019 and ICSB 88020 were highly resistant to sorghum midge in India, but showed a susceptible reaction in Kenya; while ICSB 42 was susceptible at both the locations. General combining ability (GCA) effects for susceptibility to sorghum midge for ICSA 88019 and ICSA 88020 were significant and negative in India, but such effects were non-significant in Kenya. The GCA effects of ICSB 42 for susceptibility to sorghum midge were significant and positive at both the locations. The GCA effects were significant and positive for Swarna, and such effects for IS 15107 and TAM 2566 were negative at both the locations. GCA effect of DJ 6514 were significant and negative in India, but non-significant and positive in Kenya; while those of AF 28 were significant and positive during the 1994 season in India, but significant and negative in Kenya. Inheritance of resistance to sorghum midge is largely governed by additive type of gene action. Testers showing resistance to sorghum midge in India and/or Kenya did not combine with ICSA 88019 and ICSA 88020 to produce midge-resistant hybrids in Kenya. Therefore, it is essential to transfer location specific resistance into both parents to produce midge-resistant hybrids.     

Identification of quantitative trait loci for resistance to bending-type lodging in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Bending-type lodging is one of the most important factors affecting the yield and grain quality of rice. This study identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for physical strength of the upper culms, and evaluated QTL effects on lodging resistance. In 2010 and 2011, QTLs for breaking strength, length, and diameter of the top three internodes were identified by analyzing chromosomal segment substitution lines (CSSLs) developed from ‘Koshihikari’ and ‘Kasalath’. The QTL analysis indicated that ‘Kasalath’ had two types of QTLs: one to strengthen specific internodes and one to simultaneously improve the physical strengths of plural internodes or the top three internodes. A QTL for breaking strengths of the top three internodes (bsuc11) was detected on chromosome 11 in both years. This QTL did not overlap with that for internode length. To evaluate the effects of bsuc11 on lodging resistance, this study selected three CSSLs with bsuc11 and analyzed the breaking strengths of the top three internodes after heading and the pushing resistance of the lower part. Internodes of ‘Koshihikari’ showed decreased breaking strengths after grain filling, while those of CSSLs with bsuc11 did not show this decrease in breaking strength. The pushing resistance of the lower part at the fully ripe stage was the same in ‘Koshihikari’ and CSSLs with bsuc11. These results suggested that bsuc11 could be a target to improve the physical strength of the upper culms to resist bending-type lodging, and that the physical strengths of upper and lower parts are controlled by different genetic factors in rice.     

贵州省不同年代糯高粱品种（系）农艺性状演变分析

以贵州省不同年代酿酒用糯高粱品种（系）为研究对象,采用随机区组试验设计,对其农艺性状、产量构成以及抗性差异进行分析,结果表明：随着年代更替,贵州省酿酒用糯高粱单产逐步提高。新品种（红缨子、黔高8号）较老品系（黑壳糯、红壳糯）平均单产增幅25%以上;穗粒数、穗粒重增加显著,增幅分别为51.7%、62.7%;主穗一、二级枝梗数增加幅度分别为19.8%、62.7%;株高降低24.9%,茎粗增加9.5%;节间数增加0.9个,节间长缩短13.3cm;单株叶面积和叶面积指数增加显著;倒伏率、发病率下降显著,成穗率明显提升。各指标相关性分析显示,产量与穗粒数、穗粒重,穗粒数与主穗一、二级枝梗数呈极显著正相关;产量与株高、倒伏率极显著负相关,与茎粗正相关,相关系数分别为-0.981、-0.970和0.928,株高、茎粗与倒伏率相关显著,相关系数分别为0.964和-0.910;产量与叶面积指数正相关,与发病率显著负相关。总的结果表明,主穗一、二级枝梗数的增加提高了糯高粱的穗粒数,植株株高的降低、茎粗的增加促进了抗倒性的提升,抗病性的提升保证了后期叶片光合作用的持续进行,最终提高了糯高粱产量。     

大豆产量和产量构成因子及倒伏性的QTL分析

随机选取中豆29×中豆32重组自交系群体中165个家系作为2年田间试验材料,分析大豆单株产量、产量构成因子及倒伏性等性状的相关性和遗传效应,并检测各性状QTL。结果表明,38个与产量、产量构成因子及倒伏性状等有关的QTL,主要集中在C2、F和I连锁群。表型相关分析结果与QTL定位结果一致。在F连锁群上,2年均检测到倒伏QTL qLD-15-1,解释的表型变异超过20%,与百粒重和分枝荚数QTL分别位于相同和相邻标记区间,表明产量相关性状与倒伏性存在一定的关联。在I连锁群上,每荚粒数QTL和二、三、四粒荚数QTL不仅于同一位置,解释的表型变异为32%~65%,并且2个年份均重复出现,每荚粒数和四粒荚数QTL与二、三粒荚数QTL的增效基因分别来自不同的亲本。这4个粒荚性状QTL的共位性与表型相关分析结果一致,证实每荚粒数和四粒荚数与二、三粒荚数分别由不同的机制调控,对于育种上探讨以改良大豆粒荚性状为途径提高大豆产量,提供了重要依据。     

The association of culm anatomy with lodging susceptibility in modern spring wheat genotypes

Selection for lodging resistant cultivars in cereal breeding programs is difficult due to the challenge of screening for this trait under natural field conditions. The identification of easily measurable culm traits related to lodging resistance would simplify the selection process. The present study was conducted to determine if differences in culm anatomy exist among modern wheat genotypes differing in lodging susceptibility, and to determine the association between culm characters and lodging. From a 2-year field study conducted in Edmonton, Alberta, 13 spring wheat cultivars were chosen based on predetermined susceptibility to artificially induced lodging. Morphological and anatomical culm measurements were made visually and with an environmental scanning electron microscope. Genotypes differed (P < 0.05) for plant height, number of internodes per culm, basal internode length and diameter, culm wall thickness and the number of vascular bundles, but not for adventitious root frequency, lumen diameter or sclerenchyma ring thickness. Mean genotype field scores for artificially induced lodging were correlated (P < 0.05) with plant height (r= 0.51) and the length of the fourth basal internode (r= 0.51). Short, wide basal internodes and thick culm walls were characteristic of three lodging tolerant genotypes: Kohika, Sapphire and Olso. Nevertheless, despite such apparent genotype specific association between culm anatomy and field lodging, general applicable associations were not observed for most traits. The most practical and easily selectable trait for lodging resistance within a wheat breeding program remains plant height. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Identification of quantitative trait loci associated with resistance to foliar diseases in sorghum [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis> (L.) Moench]

Forage sorghum cultivars grown in India are susceptible to various foliar diseases, of which anthracnose, rust, zonate leaf spot, drechslera leaf blight and target leaf spot cause severe damage. We report here the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conferring resistance to these foliar diseases. QTL analysis was undertaken using 168 F₇ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of a cross between a female parental line 296B (resistant) and a germplasm accession IS18551 (susceptible). RILs and parents were evaluated in replicated field trials in two environments. A total of twelve QTLs for five foliar diseases on three sorghum linkage groups (SBI-03, SBI-04 and SBI-06) were detected, accounting for 6.9–44.9% phenotypic variance. The morphological marker Plant color (Plcor) was associated with most of the QTL across years and locations. The QTL information generated in this study will aid in the transfer of foliar disease resistance into elite susceptible sorghum breeding lines through marker-assisted selection.     

Heritability and genetic advance in recombinant inbred lines of tef (Eragrostis tef)

Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of the tef cross Kaye Murri × Fesho were evaluated for nine quantitative traits at three locations in the central highlands of Ethiopia during the 1998/99 main season in order to estimate the genetic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability and genetic advance expected from selection. Highly significant differences were obtained among the RILs for all traits studied. Grain yield, panicle weight and yield per panicle showed a relatively high GCV (12–16%). A comparatively high heritability was obtained from days to heading (31%) followed by panicle length (25%) and grain yield (23%). Moderate amounts of heritability values were obtained for panicle weight and yield per panicle. High genetic advance as percent of the mean were obtained from grain yield (16%), yield per panicle (12%) and panicle weight (10%) at5% selection intensity, which indicated the possibility of improving these traits. Several RILs were identified that have exceeded the better yielding parent at all locations. Grain yield showed a strong positive association (r = 0.26–0.70) with shoot biomass, lodging index, panicle length, plant height, panicle weight and yield per panicle. Overall, the present results showed a) the availability of genetic variance for some useful traits in the RILs for exploitation through selection, b) the existence of significant genotype × location interaction that indicated the need to test inbred populations in more environments, and c)the availability of superior inbred lines for further breeding work. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A quantitative trait locus influencing tolerance to Phytophthora root rot in the soybean cultivar ‘Conrad’

‘Conrad’, a soybean cultivar tolerant to Phytophthora root rot (PRR), and ‘OX760-6-1’, a breeding line with low tolerance to PRR, were crossed. F₂ derived recombinant inbred lines were advanced to F₆ to generate a population through single-seed descent. This population was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing PRR tolerance in ‘Conrad’. A total of 99 simple sequence repeat (SSR), or microsatellite, markers that were polymorphic and clearly segregated in the F₆ mapping population were used for QTL detection. Based on the data of PRR in the field at two planting locations, Woodslee and Weaver, for the years 2000 and 2001, one putative QTL, designated as Qsatt414-596, was detected using MapMaker/QTL. Qsatt414-596 was flanked by two SSR markers from the linkage group MLG J, Satt414 and Satt596. Satt414 and Satt596 were also detected to be significantly (P < 0.005) associated with PRR using the SAS GLM procedure and were estimated to explain 13.7% and 21.5% of the total phenotypic variance, respectively.     

Genetic mapping and QTL analysis for sugar yield-related traits in sugarcane

Genetic improvement of sugar content in sugarcane would benefit from the availability of sufficient DNA markers and a genetic map. Genetic linkage maps were constructed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for seedling brix (SB), brix (B), sucrose percent in juice (SUC), stalk number (SN), stalk length (SL), stalk diameter (SD), internodes (INT), number of green leaves (NGL), at three crop cycles across seven environments in a segregating population with 207 individuals derived from a bi-parental cross of sugarcane elite cultivars. Linkage analysis led to the construction of eight linkage groups (LGs) for Co86011 and sixteen LGs for CoH70. The combined length of the two linkage maps was 2606.77 cM distributed over 24 LGs. 31 QTLs were identified: 2 for SB, 7 for B, 6 for SUC, 4 for SN, 1 for SL, 3 for SD, 6 for INT and 2 for NGL at LOD scores ranging from 2.69 to 4.75. 7 QTLs (22 %) had stable effect across crop year and locations. Markers from parents were found to be associated with both positive and negative effect on all of the traits analyzed. The most important QTLs intervals identified in this study using single-dose marker, were qB2, qSUC2, qINT2 and qB2, qSUC2, qSL2, qINT2 located between SSR markers UGSM31₅₄₈ and UGSM31₆₄₉. These QTLs could be put into use in marker assisted breeding.     

大豆倒伏性及其相关性状的QTL分析

利用来自中豆29×中豆32的165个重组自交系F₁₀进行2年田间试验, 以复合区间作图法检测与大豆倒伏及形态性状有关的QTL。结果表明, 2年分别检测到25个和19个与大豆倒伏及茎杆性状和根系性状有关的QTL, 分布于A2、C1、C2、D1a、F、G、I和L连锁群, 可解释4.4%~50.1%的表型变异。在F连锁群上, 2年均检测到倒伏主效QTL(qLD-15-1)和株高主效QTL(qPH-15-2);G连锁群和L连锁群上分别有1个主茎节数QTL和2个根重QTL在2个年份重复出现。在倒伏QTL的附近检测出株高、根重、茎叶重、茎粗、主茎节数和分枝数QTL, 表明植株地上部和地下部性状与抗倒性普遍关联;QTL定位结果与表型相关分析一致, 反映了这些形态性状表型相关的遗传特性。部分性状QTL存在共位性, 但是未在2个年份稳定表达。     

去除分蘖对甜高粱倒伏的影响

甜高粱一般具有分蘖的习性,在生产上,作为糖料作物或能源作物栽培时,通常都掰去部分分蘖。倒伏一直是影响中国甜高粱高产稳产的主要因素。为了了解去除分蘖对甜高粱倒伏的影响,采用自然生长和去除分蘖处理,对3个甜高粱品种的与倒伏相关的农艺性状进行了调查研究。研究表明,自然生长(CK)有28.8%~52.0%的分蘖成穗率。与自然生长(CK)相比,去除分蘖使倒伏率、总茎数、株高、重心高度、倒伏系数有所降低,茎粗、抗折力、主茎秆鲜重有所增加,节间长度缩短。株高、主茎秆鲜重、5~7节长度差异没有达到显著水平,而其他性状的差异均达到显著或极显著水平。与倒伏率的相关性方面,株高、茎粗、重心高度、主茎秆鲜重、1~4节长度均达到极显著水平,5~7节倒伏系数达到显著水平。分析认为,去除分蘖降低了田间总茎数,从而降低了植株之间在生长空间上的竞争,使植株高度、重心高度降低,主茎秆鲜重、茎粗增加,下部节间缩短,抗折力增加,抗倒伏性提高。     

Association analysis of sugar yield-related traits in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.)]

Association mapping is widely used for detecting QTLs in higher plants. In the present study a synthetic sorghum population containing 119 representative samples, including 43 sweet and 76 grain sorghum accessions originating mainly from China, USA and India, were genotyped using 51 simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) of pair-wise loci and population structure were analyzed, followed by association analysis of SSR loci and 3 sugar yield related traits using the TASSEL general linear model program. Results showed that: (i) different degrees of LD occurred among syntenic markers and also among nonsyntenic markers, indicating historical recombination among sorghum linkage groups; (ii) significant LD extended up to 7.31 cM; (iii) the collection of accessions was composed of three subgroups; (iv) four marker loci were associated with stalk sugar concentration, fresh stalk weight and stalk juice weight measured in different growing environments and could be used, therefore, in future marker assisted breeding programs. Several loci were also associated with two or more traits simultaneously, which might be due to tight linkage between different genes affecting these traits and/or pleiotropy. In addition, some associated markers were located close to QTLs previously mapped in family-based linkage mapping analyses.     

Inheritance of resistance to fruit rot (Phytophthora parasiticaDast.) in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Summary Fruit rot disease caused by Phytophthora parasiticaDast. is a limiting factor in tomato production in Himachal Pradesh. 30 to 60 per cent fruits are damaged by this disease. Crosses were made between EC 54725 (Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium), a small tyuited type, resistant to fruit rot and four highly susceptible tomato commercial cultivars (Gola, Sioux, S12, and Lalmani). Studies of F₁'s, F₂'s and back crosses indicated that EC 54725 carries a dominant gene imparting resistance to fruit rot.     

Introgression of low temperature tolerance and red rot resistance from Erianthus in sugarcane

Eighteen clones involving Erianthus, as one of the parents, were evaluated in a randomised block design under sub-tropical conditions of Karnal (Haryana, India). Fifteen characters, which contribute towards stalk yield and juice-quality, were studied. The growth of these clones was monitored during peak winter months of December and January. Significant variability existed among the clones for all the traits studied, except for pol % in juice at 10-month crop age, indicating potentiality of the clones to select desirable types. Nine clones showed significant increase in stalk length during winter months over the better standard Co 1148. Whereas 6 clones developed more number of leaves than Co 1148. Both these characters showed high genetic variability, high heritability and hence, high expected genetic gain. Path analysis revealed that these traits contributed about 16%, 5% and 4% to the total genetic variability in juice quality traits (pol % and CCS %), stalk yield and CCS yield, respectively. Growth in winter months has resulted in an increase in stalk yield and CCS yield. This may help in reducing the yield gap between tropical and sub-tropical regions. Majority of clones showed resistance to red rot disease (major disease of sugarcane in sub-tropical region). Hence, hybridization of Erianthus with sugarcane has resulted in introgression of genes for cold tolerance and red rot resistance. As Erianthus is known for its hardiness, resistance, of these clones, to other abiotic and biotic stresses is to be ascertained. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Mapping QTLs in breeding for drought tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.)

Summary Grain yield in the maize (Zea mays L) plant is sensitive to drought in the period three weeks either side of flowering. Maize is well-adapted to the use of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) to identify a tight linkage between gene(s) controlling the quantitative trait and a molecular marker. We have determined the chromosomal locations of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting grain yield under drought, anthesis-silking interval, and number of ears per plant. The F₃ families derived from the cross SD34(tolerant) × SD35 (intolerant) were evaluated for these traits in a two replicated experiment. RFLP analysis of the maize genome included non-radioactive DNA-DNA hybridization detection using chemiluminescence. To identify QTLs underlying tolerance to drought, the mean phenotypic performances of F₃ families were compared based on genotypic classification at each of 70 RFLP marker loci. The genetic linkage map assembled from these markers was in good agreement with previously published maps. The phenotypic correlations between yield and other traits were highly significant. In the combined analyses, genomic regions significantly affecting tolerance to drought were found on chromosomes 1,3,5,6, and 8. For yield, a total of 50% of the phenotypic variance could be explained by five putative QTLs. Different types of gene action were found for the putative QTLs for the three traits.     

种植方式对杂交籼稻植株抗倒伏特性的影响

为探讨机械化播栽方式对杂交籼稻植株抗倒伏能力的影响,以F优498为材料,在大田进行了以种植方式为主区、穴苗数为副区的裂区试验,种植方式包括机直播、机插和手插3种,穴苗数分低苗和高苗2个处理。在齐穗后30 d,调查植株茎鞘物理性状、力学和抗倒伏特性,并分析茎鞘性状与抗倒伏特性的相关性。结果表明: (1)不同种植方式之间水稻倒伏指数差异极显著,手插稻最低,机插稻最高,机直播稻介于二者之间。这种差异主要与节间折断弯矩有关,N₁–N₄节间折断弯矩与节间粗度和厚度、秆型指数、比茎重、节间干重、断面模数和弯曲应力都呈显著或极显著正相关,与节间长度呈显著或极显著负相关;基部节间的植株折断弯矩变异较小,且低位节间的弯曲力矩显著高于高位节间,这是水稻植株基部第1、第2节间易倒伏的主要原因。(2)手插稻基部节间短,茎粗壁厚,秆型指数、茎鞘充实度和弯曲应力高,最终表现为植株折断弯矩和抗倒伏能力强;机插稻群体大,个体生长受抑制,倒伏指数大。为构建合理的群体结构,以机械化播栽稻每穴3~4苗、手插稻每穴2苗,有利于相对实现高产与抗倒的协调。     

春播谷子成熟期抗倒伏性研究

试验以长谷4号、长生13和晋谷21为材料,在成熟期（乳熟期、蜡熟期和完熟期）测定7个性状指标,分析其与倒伏性的关系。结果表明,3个品种的倒伏指数均以黄熟期最大,乳熟期最小;从基部第2节间~第6节间,倒伏指数依次增加,抗倒伏性依次降低。相关性分析表明,基部第2节间倒伏指数与重心高度和单株穗鲜重呈显著正相关,与株高、单株鲜重和基部第2节间长度呈正相关,与基部第2节间直径和基部第2节间机械强度呈负相关,但都未达到显著水平。通径分析结果表明,各性状对倒伏指数的直接影响从大到小排序为：基部第2节间机械强度、单株鲜重、重心高度、株高、基部第2节间直径、基部第2节间长度和单株穗鲜重。由研究结果可见,基部第2节间机械强度和重心高度可作为评价谷子成熟期抗倒伏性的通用指标,对选育抗倒伏谷子新品种具有重要指导意义。     

QTL analysis of salt tolerance in Sorghum bicolor during whole-plant growth stages

To study the salt tolerance genetics of sorghum, 181 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were used to locate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying salt stress adaptability. Six traits, namely, plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), total biomass (TB), stem fresh weight (SFW), juice weight (JW) and Brix, were investigated under normal and salt stress conditions in two years. A total of 53 QTLs for the six traits under both conditions and their corresponding salt tolerance index (STI) were detected and phenotypic variation explained (PVE) ranged from 4.16% to 20.42%. Six of the QTLs, qTB6, qSFW9, qJW9, qBrix2, qBrix10 and qSTI-Brix9, were the main effect QTLs controlling salt tolerance and had a PVE more than 10%. qSFW9 and qJW9 colocalized in the same marker interval as SB5069-UGSM18 and had PVEs of 17.70% and 14.20%, respectively, with positive effects from L-Tian. QTL clusters controlling PH, TB, STI-TB, SFW and JW were consistently mapped in the marker interval of Xcup19-SB4177 on chromosome 7. These locations might serve as target sites for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in improving salt tolerance of sorghum.