Wild wheat adaptation in different soil ecosystems as expressed in the mineral concentration of the seeds

Wild emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccoides, grows naturally in several habitats in northern Israel. The assumption that a genotype is better adapted to the `native' soil from which it was collected than to other soils, was tested. Each of nine T. dicoccoides accessions from nine different habitats and three wheat cultivars was sown in soils taken from all habitats, and grown in a greenhouse over 3 years. To enhance the biological nutrition absorption forces from the soil, three common wheat cultivars were added to the wild genotypes. No interaction in grain yield between wild wheat genotype and soil type was found within experiments. Soil type was the main factor that affected development and yield. Seed nutrient ability (SNA) of each soil was defined as the mineral element content in the seeds, averaged over all genotypes. Multiple regression analysis revealed diversity between the SNA related to growth and yield of the genotypes. Total seed yield per plant of each accession was related to several SNAs, and mainly to S and K, R² = 0.5–0.85. The spikelet number per spike was determined by N and Na in five accessions and by Ca in the other four (R² = 0.39–0.93).Heading date was affected mainly by the genotype, and the soil effect exhibited Fe and P dependence. A genotype-habitat adaptation exhibited by yield components was related to yield quality rather than to yield quantity. When a mineral nutrient is deficient in a natural soil, natural selection leads to establishment of plants that store a higher concentration of that nutrient in the seed, for the benefit of the succeeding generation. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

新型水稻57H突变体的发掘与表征

在正常型水稻的发育种子中,谷蛋白与醇溶蛋白在胚乳细胞内质网被合成后,作为主要储藏蛋白质分别被蓄积成液泡型蛋白体与内质网衍生型蛋白体。一些57H变异导致57 kD谷蛋白前体高量增加与成熟型谷蛋白显著减少,是关于水稻储藏蛋白蓄积的基因突变。本研究采用SDS-PAGE技术,从水稻种质资源中,发现并获得2个57H突变体。种子全蛋白的SDS-PAGE分析显示, 这2个突变体兼具57 kD多肽链大量增加与13 kD多肽链缺失的性状,但并没有成熟型谷蛋白等其它储藏蛋白性状的变化;谷蛋白电泳与免疫印染分析显示它们中高量增加的多肽链是57 kD谷蛋白前体;醇溶蛋白电泳分析显示它们中缺失的多肽链是13 kD醇溶蛋白。这些结果表明所得的2份突变体具有与已报道57H突变体不同的性状。它们可能含有关于储藏蛋白质合成表达的未知遗传信息,是全面阐明储藏蛋白合成蓄积遗传调控机制的有用素材。     

Temperature effects on seed germination and expression of seed dormancy in wheat

Because preharvest sprouting decreases quantity and quality of wheat grain, researchers need effective protocols to assess response to preharvest sprouting conditions. The aim of this study was to determine which temperature gives the greatest difference in seed germination and expression of seed dormancy in 10 spring wheat genotypes. The genotypes were grown in the field near Swift Current, Saskatchewan in 2000 in a randomized complete block with four replicates. Seed samples were harvested at approximately 25% moisture content (wet weight basis) and dried to 12% moisture content with minimal after-ripening. Germination was under controlled environment at temperatures of 10, 15, 20 and 30 °C in darkness. A weighted germination index (WGI) was calculated. The analysis of WGI, for each temperature, showed highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) genotype effects on germination. Most genotypes decreased in WGI (increased dormancy) as temperature was increased from 10 to 30 °C. The greatest differences in seed germination tended to be at 15 °C and 20 °C. The level of seed dormancy depended on the genotype and germination temperature. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Quantitative trait loci influencing grain protein content in tetraploid wheats

Seed storage protein content of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) has an important effect on nutritional value and pasta-making characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine by association with genetic markers the number, chromosomal location, and magnitude of effect of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling protein concentration in kernels. A set of 65 recombinant inbred lines (RIs) was developed by single seed descent from a cross between cultivated durum wheat cv. ‘Messapia’ (low protein content) and accession MG4343 of the wild tetraploid wheat var. dicoccoides (high protein content). This population was characterized for eight morphological, six storage protein, one isozyme and 124 RFLP loci. Field trials were conducted in one location in 1993 and two locations in 1994. QTLs were mapped by regression analysis on each marker locus for each location and for the average across environments. A total of six putative QTLs were located on chromosome arms 4BS, SAL, 6AS, 6BS and 7BS. The number and size of QTLs detected varied across environments. The marker with the highest r² value per QTL in each environment and across environments was chosen for a multiple linear regression analysis, which explained 49.2- 56.4% of the phenotypic variation for protein content. Only some of the markers were found to be negatively associated with plant grain yield and/or seed weight in one or two of the environments.     

The effects of cis-trans ABA on embryo germination and seed dormancy in wheat

Pre-harvest sprouting of wheat grain can cause economic losses especially in cultivars with low levels of seed dormancy. The aim of this study was to determine genotype differences in embryo sensitivity to germination in response to exogenous (+/–) cis-trans ABA treatments at different concentrations. Six white and four red seed-colored bread wheat genotypes that differed in dormancy were grown in a field near Swift Current, Saskatchewan in 2000 as a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The seed samples from this experiment were germinated in a controlled environment at 20 °C without light. The exogenous ABA treatments were 0 μM – whole seed (control), 0 μM-embryos, 25 μM – embryos and 50 μM – embryos. The ABA experiment was a factorial design with four randomized complete blocks with four ABA treatments in all combinations with the ten genotypes. A weighted (by day) germination index (WGI) was calculated for each genotype in each ABA treatment. Genotypes differed in response to ABA. The genotypes, ABA concentration and genotype by ABA concentration interaction effects were significant (p ≤ 0.05). Excised embryos showed significantly decreased dormancy in most of the experimental genotypes. The addition of exogenous ABA enhanced embryo dormancy of most genotypes. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Seed proteins of the wild and the cultivated Amaranthus species

The 13–21% variation in seed protein content was observed in wild and cultivated forms of amaranth. Seed proteins of amaranth are highly nutritive and composed presumably of easily digestable albumins and globulins (over 50% of total protein); of 20.8% alkali-soluble proteins-glutelins with similar nutritive value and only of 12% alcohol-soluble proteins-prolamins which are lacking in essential amino acids. The results of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (buffer pH being 3.2) indicate that seed proteins of amaranth are heterogeneous and compose of 38 bands which, by their electrophoretic mobility, can be tentatively assigned to four zones: A, B, C and D. By their protein patterns all Amaranthus species were assigned to 7 biotypes. The cytogenetic and electrophoretic comparison enabled us to determine the degree of diversity among amaranth forms studied. The phylogenetic relationship between A. paniculatus L. and A. hybridus L. was confirmed. A relationship was also supposed between these two species and A. lividus L. and between A. powellis L. and A. deflexus L. which by their electrophoretic patterns belong to the same biotype. A taxonomic classification of 5 samples whose classification has not been done yet was performed, as well as of cultivars Elbrus and Progress which were assigned to specious A. edulis L. It was confirmed that the method of electrophoretic analysis of seed storage proteins is very promising for detecting the phylogenetic relationship between Amaranthus species. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Factors affecting haploid production in wheat using the Hordeum bulbosum system. 3. Post-fertilization effects on embryo survival

Summary An investigation was made of factors affecting the frequency of development of fertilized ovules following wheat x Hordeum bulbosum hybridizations. Seed survival, a term used here to represent the relationship between seed set and fertilization, was shown to vary between the wheat genotypes tested, but was unrelated to the crossability genes present within the wheat genotype. A high seed survival was obtained in crosses involving the variety TH3929 and the single chromosome substitution line, Chinese Spring (Hope 5B). Chinese Spring showed a poor seed survival. Some influence of the H. bulbosum genotype on seed survival was detected. The two environmental factors studied, namely the post-pollination application of gibberellic acid and the ambient temperature, were both shown to affect seed survival. The application of gibberellic acid immediately after pollination or 1 and 2 days after pollination improved seed survival, although the extent of the response was dependent upon the number and timing of the application(s). A genotype-dependent response to the ambient temperature was observed, TH3929 showing a slight but insignificant reduction and Chinese Spring a significant improvement in seed survival with an increase in temperature from 20°C to 26°C. The physiological processes which may be influenced by GA and the ambient temperature and may thereby affect seed survival are discussed.     

甘肃小麦部分种质高分子量麦谷蛋白亚基(HMWGS)遗传变异分析

应用十二烷基磺酸钠——聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳（SDS-PAGE）方法,分析了372份甘肃小麦种质的高分子量麦谷蛋白亚基（high molecular weight glutenin subunit,HMWGS）组成,以了解甘肃省小麦种质的遗传变异。研究表明,供试的甘肃省小麦种质可检测到20种HMW亚基变异类型和36种HMW亚基组合类型。地方品种的HMW亚基组合类型较少,而且以Null、7＋8和2＋12模式为主,育成品种的HMW亚基变异类型比地方品种丰富,以1、7＋8和2＋12三种变异类型的出现频率为最高。供试材料HMW-GS的品质评分在4～12分之间,平均得分为7.0,所筛选出的一批含优质亚基组合的种质可供育种工作进一步利用。     

Positive effect of the high-molecular-weight glutenin allele, Glu-D1d, on the bread-making quality of common wheat

The seed storage proteins of wheat flour are the determinants of bread‐making quality. Many cultivars having good bread‐making quality carry the Glu‐D1d allele responsible for the development of glutenin, a major seed storage protein. The Glu‐D1d allele was introduced into four leading Japanese wheat cultivars by recurrent backcrossing and the quality of these near‐isogenic lines (NILs) was evaluated by the sodium dodecyl sulphate sedimentation value of their flour. The values for the NILs were significantly higher than for the corresponding recipient cultivars. However, the values did not reach the level of the cultivar that had been used as the donor of the Glu‐D1d allele.     

水稻种子蛋白质含量及组分在品种间的变异与分布

采用近红外光谱技术测定分析了351份不同类型水稻品种(系)糙米中的蛋白质含量,结果显示粗蛋白含量在9.3%~17.7%之间,平均为12.4%;籼稻平均蛋白质含量为13.2%,比粳稻高约1个百分点。蛋白质含量低的粳稻品种明显偏多,表现出明显的遗传不平衡现象。现有生产上主栽品种稻米蛋白质含量大多处于中等水平,而高蛋白粳稻种质极少。但仍有部分蛋白质含量极高或低的种质,如饲料稻、早籼稻和一些籼粳交后代品系蛋白质含量较高,而部分粳稻和外来籼稻品种中的蛋白质含量较低。因此可以从一些地方品种、外来品种以及籼粳交后代中筛选到极端类型的种质,为遗传育种提供研究的原材料。SDS-PAGE分析结果显示不同类型水稻间各贮藏蛋白组分具一定差异。     

Wheat Seed Presoaking for Improved Germination

Seed presoaking improves wheat germination under marginal moisture conditions. The duration of seed presoaking was studied at The University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, using 10 wheat varieties. Seed presoaking beyond 12 h does not improve germination further, and beyond 21 h, germination rate is drastically reduced.     

Changes in the genetic structure of wheat germplasm accessions during seed rejuvenation

Changes in the genetic structure of wheat accessions caused by interspecific competition during periodic seed rejuvenation at a gene-bank were studied. Electrophoretic patterns (Acid-PAGE) of gliadin storage proteins were used to discriminate bread from durum wheat and to identify bread-wheat genotypes. Bread wheat shows high selective advantage over durum wheat and its frequency increased up to 100% after seven rejuvenation cycles. The number of bread-wheat genotypes identified in each entry varied from five to 13, but only a few prevailed and these were different in each accession. In most cases, bread wheat was already present in the field sample collected, but at low frequency. In one case, ‘seed flow’ was thought to have occurred at a very low rate among neighbouring plots. The implication of these findings for genetic resources conservation are: 1. Mixtures of wheat species within the same germplasm accession must be avoided; 2. Only in some cases are low planting densities effective in reducing competition; and 3. The genetic structure of accessions in the gene banks must be monitored.     

Genetic mapping within the wheat D genome reveals QTL for germination, seed vigour and longevity, and early seedling growth

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling germination, seed vigour and longevity, and early seedling growth were identified using a set of common wheat lines carrying known D genome introgression segments. Seed germination (capacity, timing, rate and synchronicity) was characterized by a standard germination test, based either on the 1 mm root protrusion (germination sensu stricto) or the development of normal seedlings. To quantify seed vigour, the same traits were measured from batches of seed exposed for 72 h at 43°C and high (ca. 100%) humidity. Seed longevity was evaluated from the relative trait values. Seedling growth was assessed both under non-stressed and under osmotic stress conditions. Twenty QTL were mapped to chromosomes 1D, 2D, 4D, 5D, and 7D. Most of the QTL for germination sensu stricto clustered on chromosome 1DS in the region Xgwm1291–Xgwm337. A region on chromosome 7DS associated with Xgwm1002 harboured loci controlling the development of normal seedlings. Seed vigour-related QTL were present in a region of chromosome 5DL linked to Xgwm960. QTL for seed longevity were coincident with those for germination or seed vigour on chromosomes 1D or 5D. QTL for seedling growth were identified on chromosomes 4D and 5D. A candidate homologues search suggested the putative functions of the genes within the respective regions. These results offer perspectives for the selection of favourable alleles to improve certain vigour traits in wheat, although the negative effects of the same chromosome regions on other traits may limit their practical use.     

Genome-wide association study reveals loci associated with seed longevity in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Seed longevity could significantly determine seed regeneration cycle and greatly affect wheat production. With the 90 K chip assays, a genome-wide association study was performed to identify seed longevity-related markers and loci in common wheat. Seed germination ratios (GR) under artificially ageing of 166 wheat accessions across three environments were evaluated to assess seed longevity. Totally, 23 longevity-related loci were identified in the study, explaining 6.7%–11.4% of the phenotypic variations. Of these, QlgGR.cas-1A and QlgGR.cas-2B.2 were deemed as stable loci associated with wheat seed longevity. Fifteen loci were found overlapped with known quantitative trait loci or genes. Besides, QlgGR.cas-1A, QlgGR.cas-2B.2, QlgGR.cas-3D.1, QlgGR.cas-3D.2, QlgGR.cas-4A.2, QlgGR.cas-5A.1, QlgGR.cas-5A.2 and QlgGR.cas-6A.1 were colocated with seed dormancy-related loci. Significant additive effects were obtained for seed longevity by pyramiding favourable alleles. Several candidate genes were found involved in signal transduction and stress resistance pathways by sequencing analysis of significantly longevity-related molecular markers. These results might provide new sights into the genetic architecture of seed longevity.     

Wheat pollen dispersal under semiarid field conditions: potential outcrossing with Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum

Isolation distance is the main barrier to crop-to-crop gene-flow. A 3-year study assessed the maximum potential outcrossing under field conditions between two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) and between wheat and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). Outcrossing was measured by seed set on emasculated recipient plants placed at four sides with different distances from a 3 m × 3 m T. aestivum (cultivar Chinese Spring) pollen source. Frequencies of seed set at 0 m distance were 45% (37–56%) for T. aestivum cultivars and 18% (5–30%) with T. turgidum. These values agree with hybridization in non-limiting pollen conditions measured by manual crosses in greenhouse. The number of pollen grains and the outcrossing frequencies decreased at increasing distances influenced by the prevailing wind direction. Under semiarid conditions of this assay, viable pollen was found 14 m from the pollen source, with a maximum distance of 8 m at which cross-pollination decreases below 1%. Ambient conditions affect pollen viability, hybridization and pollen dispersal. Data presented in this paper emphasize the major role played by environmental conditions in outcrossing. Data obtained in one area may therefore not coincide with the prevailing situation in different locations and climates.     

Effects of preharvest sprouting on the genetic structure of durum wheat 'landraces'

Preharvest sprouting that occurs in wheat might affect seed viability and cause genetic erosion during periodical rejuvenation of durum wheat accessions in a gene bank. Two durum wheat landraces (MG 7713 and MG 7805) that had been rejuvenated for several years and did show a high percentage of presprouted seeds in the lot from the fourth rejuvenation cycle were identified. The frequency of durum and bread wheat genotypes and the distribution of the two species in three seed classes (ungerminated seeds, seeds with swollen embryo and germinated seeds) were studied. The modified phenol test was used to identify durum and bread wheat seeds and the genotypic frequencies within each species were assessed on the basis of acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns of gliadin storage proteins. In these two landraces, durum wheat was more susceptible to preharvest sprouting than bread wheat and the frequency of bread wheat seeds significantly increased over the three rejuvenation cycles examined. Despite this, preharvest sprouting did not cause significant changes in the genotypic frequencies observed within species or loss of some genotypes that could not be attributed to susceptibility to sprouting.     

Allelic variation in high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit Loci of Glu-1 in Japanese common wheats

Seed storage proteins of 131 Japanese Norin wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties were fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine allelic make-up in varieties at each of three loci that control high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin subunits. Three alleles were identified at the Glu-A1 locus, six at the Glu-B1 locus and five at the Glu-D1 locus. Twenty-four different, major glutenin HMW subunits were identified and each contained three to five subunits and seventeen different glutenin subunit patterns were observed for 19 subunits in the 131 Japanese Norin varieties. Fourteen alleles were identified by comparison of subunit mobility with that previously found in hexaploid wheat. Japanese Norin varieties showed a specific pattern of allelic variation in glutenin HMW subunits, different from that of Chinese and other country common wheats in allelic frequency at Glu-1 loci. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

RL4137 contributes preharvest sprouting resistance to Canadian wheats

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) causes significant economic losses due to a reduction in grain functionality, grain yield and viability of seed for planting. Genetic resistance to PHS reduces these losses. Development of PHS resistant cultivars is complicated by the effects of genotype, environment, kernel diseases and spike morphological factors. RL4137 has consistently exhibited high levels of resistance to PHS over years and environments. The mean PHS scores of Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat cultivars with RL4137 in their ancestry are lower than that of CWRS wheat cultivars without. RL4137 has two mechanisms for PHS resistance, one associated with kernel color and the other not associated with kernel color. RL4137 was the source of PHS resistance in white wheats HY361, AC Vista, Snowbird, Kanata, and Snowstar, all of which had significantly lower PHS scores than the white-seeded check, Genesis. Known DNA markers relating to PHS were used to compare haplotypes with and without RL4137 in the ancestry. Coefficients of parentage also demonstrated the relationship. Because cultivars that have RL4137 in their ancestry were grown on about 77% of the spring wheat area for 2003–2007, RL4137 continues to contribute to protecting market grade from preharvest sprouting.     

水稻种子蛋白质含量及组分在品种间的变异与分布

采用近红外光谱技术测定分析了351份不同类型水稻品种(系)糙米中的蛋白质含量,结果显示粗蛋白含量在9.3%~17.7%之间,平均为12.4%;籼稻平均蛋白质含量为13.2%,比粳稻高约1个百分点。蛋白质含量低的粳稻品种明显偏多,表现出明显的遗传不平衡现象。现有生产上主栽品种稻米蛋白质含量大多处于中等水平,而高蛋白粳稻种质极少。但仍有部分蛋白质含量极高或低的种质,如饲料稻、早籼稻和一些籼粳交后代品系蛋白质含量较高,而部分粳稻和外来籼稻品种中的蛋白质含量较低。因此可以从一些地方品种、外来品种以及籼粳交后代中筛选到极端类型的种质,为遗传育种提供研究的原材料。SDS-PAGE分析结果显示不同类型水稻间各贮藏蛋白组分具一定差异。     

Mineral element concentrations in grains of Chinese wheat cultivars

Investigations on concentration of mineral elements including Fe and Zn in wheat grains are important for human health. Two hundreds and sixty-five cultivars and advanced lines were collected and sown at Anyang experimental station of the Institute of Crop Science of the Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences in season 2005–2006 to evaluate the genetic variation of major mineral element concentrations in wheat grain. Twenty-four selected cultivars were also planted at seven representative locations in seasons 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 to evaluate the effects of genotype, environment, and genotype by environment interaction on mineral element concentrations. The 265 genotypes displayed a large variation for all mineral elements investigated including Fe and Zn, ranging from 28.0 to 65.4 mg kg⁻¹ and 21.4 to 58.2 mg kg⁻¹ for Fe and Zn, with mean values of 39.2 and 32.3 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Jimai 26, Henong 326, and Jingdong 8 displayed high Fe and Zn concentrations, and Jimai 26 and Henong 326 also displayed high concentrations of Cu, Mg, K, P, and protein content. Jingdong 8 is the most promising leading cultivar for increasing Fe and Zn concentrations. All mineral element concentrations including Fe and Zn were largely influenced by environment effects. Production of high Fe concentration can be best secured at Jiaozuo and Jinan, and high Zn concentration can be best secured at Jinan and Xuzhou, since samples from these locations in the two seasons are characterized by high Fe or Zn concentration, compared with the other locations. High and significant genotype by environment interaction effects on all mineral element concentrations were also observed, with ratios of genotype by environment to genotype variances all larger than 1.20. Grain Fe concentration was highly significant and positively correlated with that of Zn, indicating a high possibility to combine high Fe and Zn traits in wheat breeding. It also indicated strong positive correlations between concentrations of Fe, Zn, and protein content.