Effect of selection for pollen grain size on various traits in common bean

Summary Selection among microgametophytes usually exploits variation in pollen grain germination. Studies of variation in pollen grain size in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) suggested that selection for size might lead to changes in sporophytic traits. To determine whether microgametophytic selection based on size would affect pollen grain size in subsequent generations or sporophytic traits that were correlated with pollen grain size, pollen grains from three crosses were separated into two size categories by sieving and then used to pollinate cv. Diacol Calima. Selection resulted in changes in pollen grain diameter for pollen from F₁, F₂ and F₃ plants for all crosses. In vitro germination indicated no differences between vigor of large and small grains, but extraction and sieving reduced germinability. F₁ seed from two of the crosses with size-selected pollen varied in weight according to pollen grain size, but in subsequent generations, the effect disappeared. Both size categories of selected pollen resulted in F₂ progeny with reduced numbers of seeds per pod as compared to controls, suggesting that the size selection process may have resulted in indirect selection for traits reducing seed set. The overall results suggested that genes determining pollen grain size in bean have little or no effect on sporophytic traits such as seed size and seed yield.     

Inheritance in seed size of alfalfa: Quantitative analysis and response to selection

Seed size in alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) has been positively correlated with seedling vigour and early growth, but there were few published reports on inheritance or selection for this trait. The objective of this research was to estimate components of genetic variance for inheritance of alfalfa seed size and determine the most efficient selection method. Components of genetic variance were estimated on seed and pollen plants of ‘BIC-7-WH’ and their progeny arranged in a North Carolina Design II mating design under controlled environmental conditions. Three selection methods, differing in parental control and selection pressure, were used to determine selection response. The seed parent genotype had a major role in determining alfalfa seed size, but the genotype of the seed had no influence. For genetic studies, pollen and seed parent effects on seed size should be measured on seed harvested from progeny plants. Seed size was controlled by additive and non-additive components of genetic variance. Heritability for seed size was 41.3%. Selection for seed size was effective and a significant shift for larger and smaller seed was attained after one cycle of selection.     

种粒大小选择对大豆种间杂交后代性状的影响

以两种类型大豆种间杂交组合Ｆ２至Ｆ４为材料,研究种粒大小集团选择效应及对其他性状的影响。表明：种粒大小是一个重要性状,大豆种间杂交后代随着向大粒方向选择,植株变矮,茎秆增粗,倒伏性降低,分枝数减少,产量性得以改善。在Ｆ２根据植株体表现进行种粒大小的分组定向选择,这种趋势能够有效地保持到高代。     

Comparison of some selection procedures and objectives in faba beans (Vicia faba L.). I. direct and index selection for seed yield

Summary Starting with two heterogeneous F₂ populations, each based on 20 cross combinations, different selection procedures were applied for four consecutive selection cycles. Three of the selection procedures involved seed yield per plant (SYP): (i) direct selection for SYP (DSY); (ii) indexselection for SYP (ISY) with plant length, the ratio of the vegetative top to plant length, end of grain filling and duration of the generative stage as auxiliary characters and finally; (iii) independent culling levels selection (ICL) for the index described above and crude protein content. For ICL-selection the attention is focussed on SYP in this paper.For all three selection procedures, predicted and realized responses were calculated and expressed as percentage of a corresponding non-selected population. The intensities of selection differed over selection methods and generations, mostly due to practical constraints.As far as predicted responses are concerned, ISY-selection seemed to be slightly superior to DSY-selection and DSY-selection to ICL-selection. This order may partly be due to differences in selection intensity. However, none of the predictions was very accurate, but the predictions of ICL-selection seemed to be the most accurate. This has been ascribed also to the relative mild selection intensity applied in ICL-selection. It is concluded that a decision in favour of a complicated selection procedure like index selection based on predicted responses only cannot be defended. As far as realized responses are concerned, DSY-selection seems to be slightly superior to the other two selection procedures, as it is the only procedure that resulted in a more or less stable positive response to selection.The auxiliary characters, especially plant length, showed a marked correlated response to all three selection procedures. In case of direct selection for SYP this seemed paradoxical with the inefficiency of index selection, but, it may reflect the differences in the genuine genotypic correlations and the estimated genotypic correlations.     

Indonesian mungbean landraces II. Comparison of performance,components of variance and selection for grain yield under wide row-spacing in monoculture and when intercropped with maize

Summary The possibility of testing mungbean for grain yield in monoculture in single wide-spaced row plots as an alternative to selection in intercropping with maize was investigated. Results indicated no significant genotype x planting pattern interactions and genetic correlation coefficients between grain yields in the two planting patterns were, in most cases, close to unity. It was concluded that, as far as the mungbean component in the mixture is concerned, yield selection in either of the two planting patterns is justified. Effects of single-plant and progeny selection on mungbean characteristics were also studied empirically. Lines derived from single-plant selection in monocropping or intercropping showed differences in yield, number of pods per plant and seed weight. Except for seed weight, no differential effects of progeny selection in monoculture or intercropping were observed for any characteristic.     

Inter-genotypic plant competition in wheat under single seed descent breeding

Summary The effects of inter-genotypic competition were studied in wheat under conditions of single seed descent in the glasshouse. Four genotypes were grown mixed in diallelic combinations of two, making six mixtures and four component (pure) stands. It was found that genotypic differences in most cases over-rode initial effects of phenotypic differences in seed size, and played a dominant role in determining what plants, if any, were eliminated from the mixtures.Low genotypic competitive ability accounted for 8 to 14% losses, in a single generation, in representation in the population through failure to produce at least one fertile tiller. Howerver, under single seed descent where artificial selection assures retention if even only one seed is produced, the loss of weak competitors was slower than it might have been under natural selection in the field.     

Decentralized-participatory plant breeding: an example of demand driven research

It is widely recognized that conventional plant breeding has been more beneficial to farmers in high-potential environments or those who can profitably modify their environment to suit new cultivars, than to the poorest farmers who cannot afford to modify their environment through the application of additional inputs and cannot risk the replacement of their traditional, well known and reliable varieties. As a consequence, low yields, crop failures, malnutrition, famine, and eventually poverty still affect a large proportion of humanity. Participatory plant breeding (PPB) is seen by several scientists as a way to overcome the limitations of conventional breeding by offering farmers the possibility to choose, in their own environment, which varieties suit better their needs and conditions. PPB exploits the potential gains of breeding for specific adaptation through decentralized selection, defined as selection in the target environment, and is the ultimate conceptual consequence of a positive interpretation of genotype × environment interactions. The paper describes a model of PPB developed by The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas and used successfully in several countries in West Asia and North Africa. Genetic variability is generated by breeders, selection is conducted jointly by breeders, farmers, and extension specialists in a number of target environments, and the best selections are used in further cycles of recombination and selection. Technically, the process is similar to conventional breeding, with three main differences. Testing and selection take place on-farm rather than on-station, key decisions are taken jointly by farmers and the breeder, and the process can be independently implemented at a large number of locations. The model also incorporates seed production. Farmers handle the initial phases, multiplying promising breeding material in village-based seed production systems. The PPB model is flexible; it can generate populations, pure lines, and eventually mixtures of pure lines in self-pollinated crops; as well as hybrids, populations, and synthetics in cross-pollinated crops. PPB has several advantages. New varieties reach the release phase much faster than in conventional breeding, and are better suited to farmers’ needs and willingness to invest in inputs and management. Release and seed multiplication activities concentrate on varieties known to be farmer-acceptable. These advantages are particularly relevant to developing countries where large investments in plant breeding have not yielded returns, and many “improved” varieties developed through conventional breeding are not adopted by farmers. PPB also ensures that biodiversity is maintained or increased because different varieties are selected at different locations. In addition to the economical benefits, participatory research has a number of psychological, moral, and ethical benefits, which are the consequence of a progressive empowerment of the farmers’ communities; these benefits affect sectors of their life beyond the agricultural aspects. In conclusion, PPB, as a case of demand driven research, gives voice to farmers, including those who have been traditionally the most marginalized such as the women, and elevates local knowledge to the role of science.     

Evaluation of Pedigree and Single Seed Descent Selection Methods for Cultivar Development in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Three crosses of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) were used to assess the effectiveness of two selection procedures in cowpea. The selection procedures were pedigree selection (PD) and single seed descent selection (SSD). Lines developed through each procedure were yield tested and selected at F₆ and F₇ for PD and SSD, respectively. The selected lines for both procedures were compared at F₈ for grain yield per plant (YLD), number of pods per plant (NPO), and pod development period (PDP), in two locations. Lines developed through both procedures differed more in their population means than in the performance of their top 10% or highest yielding lines. There was no consistent relationship between magnitude of genetic variability and percentage of superior lines obtained from each procedure. Both procedures have been effective in producing superior genotypes for yield and number of pods. The PD method produced superior transgressive segregants in two out of the three crosses for PDP. SSD allowed a more rapid generation than PD.     

8个格木天然林种源苗期生长差异与早期选择

为研究格木不同天然种源家系苗的生长差异,选出相对速生的优良种源,本研究对8个格木天然林种源、110个家系1年生的苗高和地径等生长量指标进行测量,结合各家系的种子表型性状进行方差分析、多重比较、相关性分析和聚类分析。结果表明:不同种源的格木苗期生长量差异显著,具备种源选择的基础;不同种源的苗期生长量差异主要来源于种源内,具备从优良种源内选择优良家系的基础;苗期生长量与种子大小、种子厚和千粒重等性状呈极显著正相关关系,大粒、饱满种子可作为优良种源和家系选择的初选参考指标。初步选出浦北、北流种源作为格木优良种源。本研究为格木速生种源及家系的早期选择提供依据。     

Selection for seed set capacity uncorrelated with flower heteromorphism in Primula vulgaris Hudson

Within-line pollinations were used when measuring the seed set of plants from seven early generation inbred lines of Primula vulgaris. One high seed setting plant and one low seed setting one were selected from each line and the seed set was evaluated on the offspring from selfings and within-line pollinations of these plants. Regression of offspring on parents for seed set was studied. The slope was estimated to be 0.17 ± 0.08, equivalent to an estimated heritability of around 34%. No significant differences in the slope of regression between the two reproduction methods (selfings or within-line pollinations) were detected. The realized improvement through one cycle of selection of high seed setting single plants in this early generation inbred material of P. vulgaris was 23.7%. Analysis of the seed set of within-line pollinated clones from late generation inbred lines of P. vulgaris revealed that only limited within-line variation remained after removal of the effects of the heteromorphic incompatibility system. It was concluded that selection of high seed setting single plants during early generations of inbreeding is efficient for improvement of seed set in future inbred lines of P. vulgaris to be used for hybrid seed production.     

偃麦草引种驯化

偃麦草为禾本科偃麦草属牧草,从新疆伊犁草原采集野生种子进行人工栽培驯化,获得成功。在良好的耕作条件下,加上人工选择的结果,使得种性有所改变,象经济性状、生物学特性等日趋向着人们需求的方向变异。植株变得高大,产量提高,化学成分等亦有变化。每亩干草产量200～300kg,种子20～30kg;饲用价值高,含粗蛋白质11.05%,粗脂肪3.53%;适口性好,各类家畜均喜食;除用作放牧及饲草外,还可用作水土保持。     

Using molecular markers for detecting domestication, improvement, and adaptation genes

Development of statistical tests to detect selection (strictly speaking, departures from the neutral equilibrium model) has been an active area of research in population genetics over the last 15 years. With the advent of dense genome sequencing of many domesticated crops, some of this machinery (which heretofore has been largely restricted to human genetics and evolutionary biology) is starting to be applied in the search for genes under recent selection in crop species. We review the population genetics of signatures of selection and formal tests of selection, with discussions as to how these apply in the search for domestication and improvement genes in crops and for adaptation genes in their wild relatives. Plant domestication has specific features, such as complex demography, selfing, and selection of alleles starting at intermediate frequencies, that compromise many of the standard tests, and hence the full power of tests for selection has yet to be realized.     

Selection for Seed Yield in Lolium perenne L.*

Components of seed yield were estimated for each set of 100 plants derived from six varieties of Lolium perenne. Significant differences between the varieties were found for all components of seed yield, but the range was broader within each variety. An indirect selection of seed yield using the character seeds per spike produced a selection response similar to that obtained by direct selection on high seed yield per plant. A direct and indirect selection of characters estimated in small, drilled plots of topcross off-springs (F₁) was less successful than the selection based on the single plants. Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the single plants and their offsprings did not show significant agreement for seed yield. But altogether the results indicated that the increase of seed yield/area was about 6 % when 10 % of the best plants were selected.     

Indirect selection for persistence and seed yield in large-leaved white clover

High persistence and seed yield are important targets in white clover breeding but their assessment is expensive. The efficiency of indirect selection for these traits performed on characters recorded during a medium-term dry matter (DM) yield evaluation was verified for large leaved populations in separate experiments for medium-term (three-year) and long-term (fourth and fifth year) DM yield (Trial 1) and seed yield (Trial 2). The best results were provided by stolon density observed at the end of the third cropping year for prediction of long-term yield, and by the product of number of heads times number of florets per head assessed prior to mowing in Trial 1 for prediction of seed yield in Trial 2. Indirect selection was about as efficient as direct selection in these cases. Predictions of persistence from three-year or third year DM yield, and seed yield from single seed yield components in Trial 1 were less accurate.     

Selection for Seed Yield Production of Egyptian Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) C. V. Fahl

Modified mass and family selection for seed yield production of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) c.v. ‘Fahl’ were applied for two generations. Two hundred plants (5 % intensity of selection) were selected for seed yield in the first season, 1985/86. In the second season, 1986/87, selection between and within half-sib families was practiced. In addition, equal parts of seeds from each of the 200 selected plants were bulked to form the C₁ modified mass selection; after establishing, the same procedure was adopted to form the C₂ generation. The cycles 1 and 2 of half-sib families and modified mass selection along with the base population family were evaluated for forage and seed yields. The realized gains from modified mass selection were 6.03 and 9.51 % for fresh forage yield, 5.57 and 10.86 % for protein yield and 13.23 and 16.19 % for seed yield in cycles 1 and 2, respectively, over the base population. The realized gain from family selection in cycle 2 as a percentage of the base population mean amounted to 11.32, 13.35, 17.47 and 3.15% for forage, protein, and seed yield and seed index, respectively. The broad sense heritability, as estimated from the variance components was 89.63, 63.03, and 76.67 % for dry forage, seed yield and seed index, respectively. Although, all these five traits (fresh, dry, protein, and seed yield and seed index) had positive correlation with each other, weak correlations were found between seed yield and forage yields. Furthermore, close associations were found among forage yield traits.     

Effects of plot size and selection intensity on efficiency of selection in the first clonal generation of potato

To improve efficiency of selection in first year clones, investigations were carried out on the use of two-plant plots instead of one-plant ones. Extended plot size did reduce the environmental variance of characters connected with tuber yield, but had only a slightly positive effect on the selection result, as was concluded from a comparison between the first and the second clonal generation. Only lowering selection pressure in the first year clones seems to be a solution for optimizing selection efficiency, as could be concluded by comparing simulated selection percentages of about 5%, 20% and 50%.Owing to genotype × harvest time-interaction for the majority of traits important to either seed or ware potatoes, assessments at both harvest times are necessary for proper evaluation.     

Genetic improvement of soybean varieties released in India from 1969 to 1993

Summary Soybean is an important oilseed crop in India and varieties with high yield potential are being developed since 1969. This study was conducted to assess the impact of breeding on yield and plant characteristics during the last 25 years. A 3-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate forty three soybean varieties belonging to two different selection cycles and representing most of the varieties developed in the domestic breeding programme of India from 1969 to 1993. Varieties resulting from selection cycle 1 showed 4 times higher seed yield and harvest index as compared to the farm traditional variety Kalitur. This yield increase was due to an increase in biomass, pods plant^–1, mean seed weight and longer seed filling duration, but a reduced plant height and improved lodging tolerance, less seeds pod^–1 and early flowering and maturity dates. The varieties of selection cycle 2 showed 19% higher seed yields and 16% increase in harvest index over selection cycle 1 accompanied by longer seed filling duration, more seeds pod^–1 and reduced plant height. The annual genetic gain in seed yield of soybean varieties released in India from 1969 to 1993 was approximately 22 kg ha^–1.     

Comparison of some selection procedures and objectives in faba beans (Vicia faba L.). II. Selection for crude protein content

Summary Starting with two heterogeneous F₂ populations, each based on 20 cross combinations, different types of selection were applied for four consecutive selection cycles. Three of the selection procedures involved crude protein content (CP) and are presented in this paper. They were selection for high CP (HP), selection for low CP (LP) and independent culling levels selection for high CP and an index for seed yield per plant (ICL). For ICL-selection the attention is focussed on CP in this paper.For all three selection procedures, predicted and realized responses were calculated and expressed as percentage of a corresponding random population. The selection intensities (i) differed over selection procedures and generations. Differences in i between HP and LP within generations were mostly of minor interest. The response to HP-selection was slightly higher than to ICL-selection, but this may be due to the higher selection intensity exerted with the former method.HP-and LP-selection showed some remarkable differences, which were interpreted as a tendency towards partial dominance of high over low protein content. The total response to HP-selection gradually increased, whereas LP-selection yielded the total response largely after only one cycle of selection. The predicted response showed a tendency towards overestimation in the case of HP-selection and to underestimation in the case of LP-selection.Selection for high protein yield through CP seems to be feasible, although improvement of yield stability may eventually be more necessary. As no consistent correlation, either positive or negative, between SYP and CP could be detected, selection for either of these characters may be considerd independently of selection for the other one.     

Selection by seed weight improves traits related to seedling establishment in Panicum coloratum L. var. makarikariense

Selection for heavy seed was implemented to overcome establishment problems in Panicum coloratum var. makarikariense. A collection covering the genetic diversity of the species available in Argentina was used as a base population (BP), and two cycles of recurrent phenotypic selection to increase seed weight were performed. Seedlings, obtained from seeds from each cycle and the BP, were further evaluated in the greenhouse. An increase of 17% in mean seed weight was obtained after two cycles of recurrent selection. No differences in germination or emergence were detected among the selected materials and the BP. However, seedlings from selected materials were taller and showed higher leaf elongation rate, adventitious roots elongation rate and total growth rate than that from BP. This research also revealed that in P. coloratum var. makarikariense, more vigorous seedlings can be selected from genotypes that produce heavier seeds.     

Seed Shattering of Cañahua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen)

Cañahua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) is a semi‐domesticated relative of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) with high nutritious quality. It is tolerant to frost, drought, saline soils and pests. One seed yield limitation is seed loss during the maturity stages. Two greenhouse experiments in Denmark and field experiments in Bolivia were carried out to determine seed shattering in landraces and cultivars with different growth habits. 15–21 % of the seed shattering in the fields took place whilst the plants still were flowering and 25–35 % during physiological maturity. Seed shattering varied between locations on the Bolivian Altiplano. Cañahua types with the semi‐prostrate growth (‘lasta’) had the highest seed shattering rate in the greenhouse experiments. The Umacutama landrace had lower seed shattering (1 %) than the cultivar Kullaca (7.2 %) both of the ‘lasta’ type. Under field conditions, the cultivar Illimani with the erect growth (‘saihua’) had the highest seed shattering rate (6.4–33.7 %) at both locations and at four different sowing dates. The Umacutama had the lowest rate (0.5–1.5 %). There were no significant differences between plants of the ‘lasta’ and the ‘saihua’ types. The landrace had significantly less seed loss than the cultivars. However, in the greenhouse, the landrace yield was approximately 25 % lower than the yields of the cultivars. In general, cañahua cultivars had higher yield compared to landraces, but also a higher seed shattering rate. Landraces may be used in breeding programmes to develop high‐yielding cultivars with reduced seed shattering.