Genetic gain of Al tolerance and contribution of agronomic traits on Al tolerance in the early stage of sorghum breeding program

ABSTRACT

Genetic gain (GG), heritability and contribution of the agronomic traits on Al tolerance are precious information for selection strategy in the breeding of Al-tolerant sorghum. The objectives of this study were (i) to estimate the GG of Al tolerance in sorghum and (ii) to determine the direct effect of agronomic traits on Al tolerance through path analysis. Evaluation of agronomic characters used F₂, and F₃ sorghum progenies in field experiment and screening of Al tolerance used the hematoxylin-staining method. Three sorghum populations showed the low GG of Al tolerance (GG = 0.558–1.108). This result indicates that high allocation of progenies in the early stages of the Al-tolerant breeding program and high selection differential (sd) of Al tolerance should be applied to obtain a higher gain of Al tolerance. Selection pressure for early maturity (sd = ?2.942) and short plant height (PH) (sd = ?38.165) resulted in lower improvement of GG for Al tolerance. The high dry weight and tall PH provided a more genetic contribution to the advancement of Al tolerance. Based on the overall path analysis data, the increase of plant biomass, the significant number of progenies in the early stage of breeding and strong sd of Al tolerance would be more appropriate to improve the Al tolerance in sorghum.     

Smooth bromegrass seed yield and yield component responses to seeding rates and row spacings in two climates

Successful grass seed production depends on identifying a suitable environment for the species and proper agronomic practices. Previous research on many species has addressed identifying appropriate agronomic practices for grass seed production, but these studies have not evaluated the effects of environment. By conducting the same experiments in Jiuquan, China (a desert climate) and Tongliao, China (a semiarid continental monsoon climate), the effects of environment, seeding rate, row spacing and their interactions were determined for smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss) seed production. Three seeding rates (.3, .5, and .7 g m^?1 pure live seed) and four row spacings (30, 50, 70, and 90 cm) were evaluated over three years. Jiuquan had comparable seed yield (SY) and greater thousand-seed weight (TSW) than Tongliao. Three-year average SY decreased with increased row spacings at both sites. Results suggest that in both climates, successful smooth bromegrass seed production was possible, but greater TSW is predicted for desert climates with good irrigation conditions than in semiarid continental monsoon climates due to greater sunshine duration (574 h compared with 527 h) and low relative humidity during seed development (48% vs. 66%). A seeding rate of .3 g m^?1 and a row spacing of no wider than 30 cm appears to be adequate for smooth bromegrass seed production in these research locations and in similar ecological regions around the world.     

Correlations of yield and quality traits between immature and mature seed stages of edamame soybean

Breeding programs must harvest edamame soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] at the immature (R6) stage for yield and quality determinations, and at the mature (R8) stage for seed-source purposes. If correlations of important breeding traits between the R6 and R8 stages were strong, breeders could perform indirect selection, at least during early stages in the breeding process, thus saving resources and time. The objective of this research was to estimate correlation coefficients between the R6 and R8 stages of edamame for key traits, including yield, texture, protein, mineral, and soluble sugar content. Three edamame lines and a conventional cultivar were grown at two Arkansas locations for 3 years. Correlation coefficients were strong and positive between the R6 and R8 stages for protein (r = 0.74), iron (r = 0.73), and texture (r = 0.72), and moderate and positive for yield (r = 0.67), sucrose (r = 0.58), and calcium (r = 0.57). In conclusion, breeders could perform indirect selection for high yield, soft texture, and high protein and sucrose contents using mature seeds.     

Searching a spring wheat mutation resource for correlations between yield,grain size,and quality parameters

To broaden genetic variation, an irradiated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) M₅ population was generated in the background of spring wheat cv. Almaken. This resource was used to measure components of productivity, including grain number and grain weight (GW) per main spike, GW per plant (GWP), 1000-grain weight (TGW), grain size and grain shape, and some quality parameters. Some mutant lines, mostly in the 200-Gy-dosed germplasm, had 2–4 times higher grain iron and zinc concentrations and 7–11% higher protein content relative to the parent line. Some irradiated lines had significantly larger TGW, and grain area (GA), length, and width than the parent, cv. Almaken. The largest GA and grain length (GL) were 30–40% greater than those of the parent. Correlations for Zn concentration versus GA = 0.191, p ? 0.01, grain protein content (GPC) versus GA = 0.128, p ? 0.05, GPC versus GL = 0.113, p ? 0.05, and GPC versus grain width = 0.191, p?0.001 were observed in 200 Gy-dosed mutants. In 100 Gy-dosed mutants, correlations for Fe concentration versus GWP = 0.302, p ? 0.001 and Fe concentration versus TGW = 0.153, p ? 0.01 were found. The mutant lines showed the capacity to biofortify wheat grain without negatively impacting on crop productivity and this population offers promising donors for improving grain parameters such as GA, length, and width and quality. The data presented showed how the genetic variation generated through radiation could be used to test the linkage between various important grain parameters.     

Analysis on genetic contribution of agronomic traits to total sugar in flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

To uncover the genetic contributions of agronomic traits to content of total sugar (TS) and find indicator traits for indirect selection on TS in the flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.), multivariable conditional analysis was conducted based on a genetic model containing additive–dominance and their interactions with environments. Fourteen cultivars (or breeding lines) and derived 41 F₁ crosses were grown at four locations in Yunnan province, China. Significant phenotypic contribution to TS was detected for six agronomic traits, plant height (PH), girth of stem (GS), internode length (INL), number of leaves (NL), length of middle leaves (LML) and width of middle leaves (WML). There was large contribution of additive effects due to each of the five agronomic traits (PH, GS, INL, LML and WML). The contribution ratio of dominance effect was high due to PH. By serving as high contributor of additive effects to TS and having high ratios of additive variance to phenotypic variance, INL and PH could be used as indicative agronomic traits for selecting breeding lines with suitable TS. Among the six agronomic traits, PH had the highest contribution to dominance effects of TS for most F₁ crosses, and could be used for selecting the crosses with suitable TS.     

甘肃大豆地方品种农艺性状的分布模式

在田间播种、调查和考种的基础上,对甘肃省160余个大豆农家品种进行研究,获得其株高、分枝数、主茎节数、单株荚数、花序荚数、单株粒数等农艺性状值,分析了地理上由北向南、由西向东各地区大豆地方品种农艺性状的分布模式及与所在地纬度之间的关系。结果表明,甘肃大豆品种的农艺性状由北向南、由西向东呈3种分布模式:(1)增减,是西东向大豆单株荚数等性状的主要分布模式;由北向南仅花序荚数呈递减分布。(2)弧形,开口向上的弧形是由北南向大豆主茎节数等性状的主要分布模式。(3)不规则,由北向南单株产量和百粒重呈不规则分布。由北向南、由西向东甘肃大豆农家品种主要农艺性状的分布与其所在地区纬度成正相关。可见,甘肃大豆农家品种依农艺性状的分布较为复杂,这可能与甘肃省地理条件复杂多样有关,但主要决定因素是所在地区的纬度。本研究揭示了地理条件复杂地区的大豆农艺性状分布规律和模式,对指导甘肃大豆引种、栽培和育种具有重要意义。     

Wheat Straw Burial Improves Physiological Traits,Yield and Grain Quality of Rice by Regulating Antioxidant System and Nitrogen Assimilation Enzymes under Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation

Wheat straw burial has great potential to sustain rice production under alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation. A field experiment was conducted with three wheat straw burial treatments, including without straw burial (NSB), with light straw burial of 300 kg/hm² (LSB) and dense straw burial of 800 kg/hm² (DSB), as well as three AWD regimes: alternate wetting/moderate drying (AWMD), alternate wetting/severe drying (AWSD) and alternate wetting/critical drying (AWCD). The rice growth and grain quality were higher in LSB and NSB than those in NSB under the same AWD regime. The AWMD × DSB treatment resulted in the highest yield, brown rice rate, milled rice rate, amylose content and protein content. Conversely, the AWCD × NSB treatment led to the lowest yield, brown rice rate, milled rice rate, amylose content and protein content. The active absorption area and nitrate reductase activity of roots were higher in the AWMD × DSB treatment than those in the AWCD × NSB treatment, as the former increased organic carbon and nitrogen contents in the rhizosphere, whereas the latter reduced their availability. Total soluble protein content and glutamine synthetase activity were greater in the AWMD × DSB treatment than those in the AWCD × NSB treatment. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were higher in the AWMD × DSB treatment compared with the AWCD × NSB treatment, leading to the amelioration of oxidative cell injury, as shown by a lower malonaldehyde level. This study suggested that farmers should implement AWMD irrigation after leaving the straw residues in the field, followed by deep tillage to improve soil quality and mitigate the drought stress cycles of AWD. This approach can improve rice growth and grain quality and alleviate the problems of disposal of straw residues and water scarcity for sustainable rice production.     

Temporal progress and control of tomato spotted wilt virus in flue-cured tobacco

Tomato spotted wilt virus causes tomato spotted wilt (TSW), a disease that results in economic losses on several crops including tobacco in the southeastern United States. The effect of imidacloprid (IMD) applied as a pre-transplant soil drench alone, in combination with acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), or followed by a foliar application of ASM immediately after transplanting on TSW incidence and severity on tobacco was quantified in studies conducted in North Carolina from 2006 to 2008. Pre-transplant IMD application in combination with ASM provided the greatest reduction in TSW incidence and severity; however other treatments provided economically efficacious controls when TSW incidence was <30% in a field. From these results, TSW incidence was classified as Low (<10%), Moderate (11-20%), High (21-30%), or Very High (>30%), classes corresponding to different control recommendations, and subsequently used for modeling temporal TSW progress in a field. The temporal progress of TSW was modeled with data collected from 23 tobacco fields in North Carolina from 2006 to 2008. Cumulative degree-days (DD) and the average class of TSW incidence observed in a field for 5 seasons before the one that data were collected were significant variables (P < 0.05) for explaining the temporal progress of TSW incidence. DD based on four temperature thresholds (10.5, 18.0, 20.0, and 26.0 °C) were investigated, resulting in four models. Models were validated with data collected in 2009 and the model in which DD were calculated based on the threshold of 10.5 °C had a higher predictability (R² = 0.70) than the other three models. The 26 °C DD model had the poorest predictability (R² = 0.33). These models are currently being validated in North Carolina and the other flue-cured production states of the southeast United States as a tool for implementing disease control recommendations.     

Dry direct-seeding of rice for mitigating greenhouse gas emission: field experimentation and simulation

Conventional puddled transplanted rice (TPR) is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG), particularly methane, causing global warming. Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a feasible alternative to mitigate methane emission, besides saving water and labor. A 2-year field experiment was carried out to quantify GHG mitigation and water- and labor-saving potentials of the DSR crop compared to TPR in three villages in Jalandhar district of Punjab, India. The InfoRCT simulation model was used to calculate the emission of CO₂ besides CH₄ and N₂O in different districts of Punjab, India. Total global warming potential (GWP) in transplanted rice in various districts of Punjab ranged from 2.0 to 4.6 t CO₂ eq. ha^?1 and in the DSR it ranged from 1.3 to 2.9 t CO₂ eq. ha^?1. Extrapolation analysis showed that if the entire area under TPR in the state is converted to DSR, the GWP will be reduced by 33 %, and if 50 % area is converted to DSR the GWP will be reduced by 16.6 % of the current emission. The DSR crop saved 3–4 irrigations compared to the transplanted rice without any yield penalty. Human labor use also reduced to 45 % and tractor use to 58 % in the DSR compared to TPR.     

Effects of plastic-hole mulching on effective rainfall and readily available soil moisture under soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis>) cultivation

Plasticulture is becoming popular to control soil temperature and increase water-use efficiency in rain-fed agriculture. Non-perforated plastic mulching reduces effective rainfall by preventing infiltration, while perforated plastic mulching (plastic-hole mulching) increases effective rainfall by enhancing infiltration; both mulching control soil temperature. The comparative performance of these mulching is not, however, well investigated yet. So, a field experiment was conducted by cultivating soybean (Glycine max) under non-perforated plastic mulching (hereafter denoted by P), plastic-hole mulching (hereafter denoted by PH) and bare soil to investigate soil temperature, effective rainfall, total readily available soil moisture (TRAM), soil-moisture extraction pattern (SMEP) and yield of soybean. The mulching treatments reduced soil temperature by 2 °C at 5 cm depth compared to the bare treatment and created a favorable environment for soybean growth under high air temperature during summer in Japan. The PH treatment increased effective rainfall by as much as 9% of total rainfall compared to the P treatment. The SMEP in the 0- to 30-cm soil profile revealed that soil moisture was consumed, mostly, from the upper soil layer in the bare treatment, while in the P and PH treatments, soil-moisture consumption occurred both from the upper and from the lower soil layers. Consequently, the P and PH treatments provided greater TRAM (57.3 and 54.0 mm) than the bare treatment (48.0 mm), indicating that mulching contributed increasing soil-moisture availability in the root zone. The mulching treatments augmented plant height, number of nodulations per plant, and seed and biomass yields; the PH treatment produced the maximum seed yield.     

Genetic analysis of important antioxidant compounds in cabbage (Brassiaca oleracea var. capitata L.)

The paucity of research on development of antioxidant-rich hybrids in cabbage by utilizing combining ability estimates, gene action, and heterosis motivated us to undertake this study. We made 60 crosses between 5 cytoplasmic male-sterile lines and 12 male-fertile testers during the summer of 2015, as per the line × tester design. The seedlings of all the parents and 60 F₁ crosses, along with three checks, were transplanted during the Rabi (winter) season of 2015–2016 and evaluated using a randomized complete-block design. Combining ability, gene action, and heterosis were determined for different antioxidant compounds. Experimental results revealed that the range of cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) [parents = 1.26–7.33 and hybrids = 0.04–6.54 μmol trolox/g], ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) [parents = 1.65–4.76 and hybrids = 0.16–4.67 μmol trolox/g], β-carotene (parents = 0.44–2.29 and hybrids = 0.04–1.89 μg/100 g), and chlorophyll-a (parents = 0.71–4.08 and hybrids = 0.19–3.08 mg/g f.w.) for hybrids was lower than that of the parents because of outbreeding depression. The parental lines 6A, 208A, 83-5-8, and Sel-5-83-6 were found to be good general combiners for most of the antioxidant compounds studied. Based on the mean performance, specific combining ability effects and heterosis, five hybrid combinations viz., 9A × KIRC-8 for CUPRAC and FRAP; 208A × C-122 for ascorbic acid; 6A × Chhaki-2 for total carotenoids and β-carotene; 831A × Chhaki-2 for chlorophyll-a; and 6A × 83-5-8 for chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll content, were most promising. The ratio of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) variances, i.e., [2 σ²g/(2σ²g + σ²s)], which reflects the relative importance of GCA versus SCA, was less than unity for different antioxidant compounds, which implied that for these traits, nonadditive gene effects were more important than additive effects. The numerical values of range for contribution of lines × testers interaction for different traits (41.47–70.18%) were found to be higher than the individual contribution of lines (11.24–47.22%) and testers (8.31–21.76%). Hence, heterosis could be exploited for developing antioxidant-rich hybrid cabbage.     

Quality and germination capacity of seed material harvested from an Arrhenatherion meadow

Arrhenatherion meadows are an endangered type of semi‐natural grassland in Europe, and their conservation and restoration is an important policy objective. Recent research has led to development of techniques for harvesting seed material from regional donor sites and strategies for re‐establishment of species‐rich grassland, but their practical application requires that consumers are guaranteed sufficient seed quality of directly harvested material. Methods for the evaluation of purity, thousand seed weight (TSW) and germination capacity were developed and tested, a pre‐condition to define the optimal seeding rate for this vegetation type (2000–3000 seeds m^?2). The assessment was based on seed obtained by two harvesting techniques: on‐site threshing (OST) and seed stripping (SS). Materials from both methods obtained 63% pure seeds. The TSW differed significantly between harvesting methods: the OST provided greater seed weight (1·057 g) than the SS (0·84 g). Two trials were implemented to define criteria for the germination capacity test. Organic growing media obtained the best and most homogenous results in a first comparative germination test. In the second trial, different dormancy‐breaking treatments were compared, each with and without pre‐chilling, namely: addition of potassium nitrate (KNO₃), addition of gibberellic acid (GA3) and without addition of chemicals (WA). The germination capacity of the treated variants KNO₃, GA3 and pre‐chilling was lower than that for WA. The harvesting method significantly influenced quality and quantity of the seed material, whereas the substrate and dormancy‐breaking treatments had no effect.     

Confirmation of SSR Markers and QTL for Seed Calcium Content and Hardness of Soybean

Seed calcium content and hardness constitute determining characteristics of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] texture affecting soyfood quality. Molecular markers linked to these traits will accelerate breeding of soybeans for the soyfood market through the use of marker-assisted selection (MAS). Confirmation of linked markers and validation of quantitative trait loci (QTL), prior to their application through MAS, are the keys. The objectives of this study were to confirm previously reported QTL for calcium content and seed hardness and investigate the relationship between these traits. Evaluation of seven recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations with different genetic backgrounds, grown in two Arkansas locations for 2 years, showed inconsistent correlations between these traits. In general, a positive correlation was found in most of the populations and correlation was significant in six populations. Combined data showed a positive correlation between calcium content and seed hardness (r = 0.23 – 0.49). Furthermore, previously reported QTL for calcium content and/or hardness were evaluated in six different sub-populations and stable markers across environments were identified for potential use in MAS. Based on our results, markers Satt267 and Sat_345 on chromosome 1, Sat_288 on chromosome 7, Sat_228, Satt341, and Sat_392 on chromosome 8, Satt547 on chromosome 16, and Satt002 on chromosome 17, are reliable for calcium content selection; whereas, Satt267, Satt680, Satt341, and Sct_010 on chromosomes 1, 7, 8, and 19, respectively, can be used for selection for seed hardness. Findings of this research will facilitate MAS for seed calcium content and hardness in breeding programs aimed at improving food-grade soybeans.     

Management Effects of Disease-Suppressive Rotation Crops on Potato Yield and Soilborne Disease and Their Economic Implications in Potato Production

Soilborne potato diseases are persistent problems in potato production. Use of disease-suppressive rotation crops, such as Brassica spp. (mustards, rapeseed) and sudangrass, has shown potential for management of soilborne diseases and enhanced yield in various crop production systems. However, how to best implement these crops into productive potato cropping systems has not yet been determined. In this research, potential disease-suppressive crops were evaluated under four different types of production management (as a cover crop, green manure, harvested crop-residue incorporated, and harvested crop-residue not incorporated) in potato rotation field trials, and their effects on disease, yield, and economic viability determined. Mustard blend, sudangrass, and rapeseed rotations reduced the tuber disease black scurf (by 16–27 %) and increased yield (by 6–11 %) relative to a barley rotation control, but only mustard blend consistently reduced common scab (by 11 %). All rotation crops managed as green manures produced lower disease (by 15–26 %) and higher yields (by 6–13 %) than other management practices. Overall, the combination of mustard blend managed as a green manure was most effective, reducing scurf by 54 % and increasing yield by 25 % relative to a soybean cover crop. The use of mustard or rapeseed as a harvested crop with incorporation provided the best economic return, increasing net income by more than $860/ha relative to the standard barley rotation, but mustard blend grown as a green manure or non-incorporated harvest crop also substantially increased net income ($600 to $780/ha).     

Effect of foliar application of oligochitosan with different molecular weight on growth promotion and fruit yield enhancement of chili plant

Oligochitosan (OC) is effective biostimulant on growth promotion and elicitation against disease infection for plants. However, the range of OC molecular weight that exhibits the most effective activity is not fully understood and requires further investigation. In this study, OCs with different weight average molecular weight (Mw) were prepared by gamma Co-60 irradiation degradation of chitosan in solution and the effect on growth promotion and enhancement of fruit yield of chili plant (Capsicum frutescens L.) by foliar application of OCs particularly with Mw of 7.8, 5.0, and 2.5 kDa was investigated. Chili plants, cultivated in a greenhouse were sprayed with OC concentration of 50 mg/L for three times. Results indicated that among treatments, OC with 2.5 kDa proved to be the best, which increased the shoot fresh weight by 71.5%, shoot dry weight by 184%, total chlorophyll content by 12%, and fruit fresh weight by 49.8% for the control. Thus, OC with low Mw (2.5 kDa) that can be suitably produced on large scale by gamma Co-60 ray irradiation degradation of chitosan solution is potentially promising to apply as a biostimulant to enhance chili fruit yield significantly.     

Efficacy of Seed Aging and Gibberellin Treatments for Manipulating Apical Dominance,Tuber Set and Size Distribution of cv. Shepody

The cultivar Shepody has excellent early processing qualities and produces above average tuber yields but sets relatively few tubers that often become excessively large relative to market demand. Optimizing tuber set and size of Shepody for seed and frozen processing markets currently entails adjusting in-row spacing and vine kill date. However, arresting tuber growth by vine killing for size control sacrifices yield potential. Aging seed by storing at 12, 22, and 32°C for 80-, 450-, and 900-degree days, or gibberellin (GA) treatments, were evaluated as more direct approaches for modulating stem number (apical dominance), tuber set, and size distribution relationships. Shepody proved to be inherently resistant to high temperature-induced age-priming treatments. In contrast to other cultivars studied previously, age-priming Shepody seed during storage had no effect on plant emergence and the resulting increases in stem number, tuber set, and associated decreases in average tuber weight were marginal. By contrast, GA applied as seed dip or spray effectively hastened plant emergence, reduced apical dominance, increased tuber set, and decreased average tuber size. The magnitude of these GA-induced effects depended on concentration and application technique (seed dip versus spray). For frozen processing, GA applied as a seed dip at 1 mg L^-1 added an additional tuber per plant and decreased average tuber size by 15% without affecting U.S. No. 1 tuber yields and gross returns; however, 2 and 3 mg L^-1 GA decreased U.S. No. 1 tuber yields and crop value by an average of 16 and 14%, respectively. Spray applications of 2–6 mg L^-1 GA also reduced U.S. No. 1 tuber yield and frozen processing value. Conversely, the increase in tuber set (1.5 tubers plant^-1) and associated 25% reduction in average tuber weight induced by 2 mg L^-1 GA applied as either dip or spray increased gross crop values on a seed contract by 25 and 38%, respectively. The differential efficacies of dip versus spray applications of GA on tuber set and size distribution were likely attributable to differences in GA deposition on the seed. Applying low concentrations of GA to cut seed of Shepody as either a dip (1–2 mg L^-1) or spray (2 mg L^-1) effectively modulated tuber set and size to significantly increase gross returns for seed, and to better satisfy the needs of processors for more moderate size tubers.     

Manipulating Stem Number, Tuber Set and Size Distribution in Specialty Potato Cultivars

Manipulating seed physiological age is an effective method to alter tuber set and size distribution for many cultivars. However, cultivars Cal White, Red La Soda, Chieftain, Yukon Gold, and Satina were largely insensitive to high temperature-induced age-priming treatments. Gibberellins (GA) also have potential for altering tuber set and size development. When applied to cut seed of the five cultivars, GA hastened plant emergence, increased stem and tuber numbers per plant, and decreased average tuber size. The optimum concentration of GA for shifting tuber size distribution to maximize crop value without decreasing total yield depended on cultivar. Total yields decreased substantially in all cultivars with 10 mg L^?1 GA but lower concentrations (0.5–4 mg L^?1) either increased yields of Red La Soda, Yukon Gold, Chieftain and Satina by 11, 13, 15, and 24 %, respectively, or had no effect (Cal White). GA-induced increases in tubers per hectare ranged from zero (Cal White, Satina) to 36 % (Chieftain) and associated increases in yields of premium priced creamer size potatoes (C size; 10–66 g, 28–51 mm diameter) ranged from 0 to 140 %, depending on cultivar and length of the growing season. Increases in total crop values ranged from 7 to 30 % (Chieftain) with the optimum concentrations of GA, which also varied by cultivar. Effective use of GA to alter tuber size distribution for increased value depends on cultivar, concentration, and harvest timing.     

Identification and validation of QTLs for cold tolerance at the booting stage and other agronomic traits in a rice cross of a Japanese tolerant variety,Hananomai, and a NERICA parent,WAB56-104

In Africa, cold temperatures occur in the highlands of East and Southern Africa and in some areas of the Sahel region of West Africa leading to substantial rice yield losses. Cold tolerance (CT) at booting stage on basis of spikelet fertility after cold water irrigation was evaluated using F₂ population derived from a cross between temperate japonica, Hananomai, and tropical japonica, WAB56-104. Two Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for CT were detected on chromosome 8 and 10 with enhanced effects on the trait coming from Hananomai and WAB56-104 allele, respectively. The QTLs explained 30% and 33% of phenotypic variation in spikelet fertility, respectively. CT was negatively correlated with panicle number (r = ?0.35, p < 0.01) and positively correlated with panicle weight (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Selected BC₁F₄ and BC₁F₅ genotypes having homozygous alleles for both CT QTLs exhibited higher spikelet fertility under cold stress. The identified QTLs will be useful in the development of cold-tolerant varieties for production in high altitude areas through marker-assisted selection.     

Crop establishment method and irrigation schedule effect on water productivity,quality, economics and energetics of aerobic direct-seeded rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

Rice is cultivated through transplanting of seedling in submerged field which is a cumbersome, labour intensive and water-guzzling practice. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of crop establishment methods and irrigation schedules on water productivity, economics and energetics of aerobic direct-seeded rice at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India, during Kharif 2012–2013. The experiment was laid out in split plot design, keeping combinations of two tillage system (no-tillage and conventional tillage) and two methods of sowing (uni-directional and bi-directional) in main plots and four irrigation schedule [(30, 45, 60 and 75 mm CPE (cumulative pan evaporation)] in sub plots. Aerobic direct-seeded rice sown after conventional tillage gave significantly higher grain yield than no-till with 15.4 % higher water expense efficiency. The energy gain and net monetary returns were 13.2 and 21.2 % higher in conventional sown crop than no-till, respectively. Bi-directional sowing resulted in 26.5 % higher grain yield than uni-directional with no effect on quality traits of grains. The net energy gain and net monetary returns were 26.5 thousands MJ/ha and 125.3 $/ha higher from bi-directional sown crop than uni-directional sown crop. Crop irrigated at 30 mm CPE schedule resulted in significantly higher grain yield than that irrigated at 45, 60 and 75 mm CPE. The energy gain, energy use efficiency and net returns were also maximum at 30 CPE schedule than at 45, 60 or 75 CPE. However, brown, milled and head rice recoveries were statistically at par between irrigation scheduling at 30 and 45 mm CPE but significantly better than 60 and 75 mm CPE. Bi-directional sowing with conventional tillage and irrigation at 30 CPE is an energy efficient and economical viable technique for direct-seeded rice.     

Comparative effectiveness of different infiltration models in estimation of watershed flood hydrograph

The present study aims to evaluate performance of different infiltration models, namely initial and constant rate, soil conservation service (SCS) curve number and Green–Ampt in simulation of flood hydrographs for the small-sized Amameh Watershed, Iran. To achieve the study purpose, the infiltration rates were measured using rainfall simulator in work units acquired through overlaying topography, land use, drainage network and soil hydrologic group maps. All parameters of the study infiltration models were determined with the help of the Infilt. software package. The performances of the models in simulation of the observed output hydrographs from the entire watershed were ultimately evaluated for 28 rainfall–runoff events in the HEC-HMS environment. The different components of the observed and estimated hydrographs including time to peak, runoff volume, peak discharge, discharge values and peak time deviation were compared using relative error (RE), coefficient of determination (R²), peak-weighted root mean square error (PWRMSE) and Nash–Sutcliffe (NS) criteria. The general performance of estimations was also qualitatively assessed using scatter plot and distribution of study variables around standard lines of 1:1 slope. The results revealed that the SCS infiltration model with PWRMSE = 0.61 m³ s^?1 and NS = 0.53 performed better than initial and constant rate model with PWRMSE = 1.1 m³ s^?1 and NS = 0.54, and Green Ampt model with PWRMSE = 1.35 m³ s^?1 and NS = 0.29 in estimation of flood hydrograph for the Amameh Watershed.