Seed size in the cultivated potatoes

The three main groups of cultivated potatoes were studied (diploids (2n=24), Andigena (2n=48) and Tuberosum (2n=48)). Seed weights were measured as mg per 100 seeds. In the tetraploids, but not in the diploids, there is a regression of seed weight on seed number per berry with b=–7 mg per 100 per 100 seed, implying nutritional competition between seeds. This effect accounts for very little variation between samples however. Tetraploid seeds are about 30% larger than diploid seeds but there is much overlap between the two groups; genetic control of seed number appears to be predominantly bi-parental, of seed size predominantly maternal, but there are exceptions. Tuberosum seed is slightly larger than Andigena seed and the difference is attributable to the decline in fertility that occurred during the evolution of the former Group. There is no evidence of increase of seed size correlated with selection for plant vigour; experiments with sieved seed of different size grades showed that genetic differences independent of seed size overwhelmingly controlled plant vigour but that there was a transient maternal effect of seed size apparent in the young seedlings and disappearing later in life. General conclusions are: that seed size in the cultivated potatoes is determined by ploidy, by genetic factors (mostly maternal) and by maternal nutritional effects; and that it offers no correlations with plant characters that might be useful to the plant breeder.     

Seed Size and Water Potential Effects on Water Uptake, Germination and Growth of Lentil

Seed size is an important parameter for plant growth and yield. The effects of seed size and water potential on seed water uptake, germination and early growth of lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik. cvs. Jor-1 and Jor-2) were investigated. Rate of water uptake by seed size (small, medium and large) from solutions containing different water potentials (0, –0.5 and –1.0 MPa, as polyethylene gly-col-8000) was higher in large than in medium or small seeds of both cultivars, regardless of water potential. Rate of water taken into seeds was higher in Jor-2 than in Jor-1. Decreasing water potential (more stress) had adverse effects on rate of water uptake by seeds in both cultivars. In another experiment, with lentils grown in a greenhouse at different soil metric potentials (–0.03, –0.15 and –0.30 MPa), seed size or cultivar had no effects on germination percentage (GP), but GP was reduced as soil water potential decreased (more stress), in greenhouse soil, shoot dry matter (SDM), root dry matter (RDM), plant height, total root length (TRL) and number of primary branches per plant of 35-day-old plants from large seeds were larger than those of plants from medium and small seeds of both cultivars. Increasing soil water deficit progressively decreased each of these traits. Plants from large seeds had higher SDM, RDM and TRL than those from small seeds at intermediate soil water potential (–0.15 MPa) in comparison with the control (–0.03 MPa) or severe (–0.30 MPa) soil water potentials. Larger seeds produced larger plants than smaller seeds, and this appeared to be more pronounced under intermediate than well-watered or more severe water-stressed conditions. Faster early growth of plants from larger seeds may be advantageous in establishing plants under semiarid conditions.     

早熟无限结荚习性大豆子粒生长特征

大豆产量潜力受到基因型和环境条件的制约。一种基因型的密度、植株分布决定其对太阳辐射、水分和养分的利用,进而高产的形成。当群体生长所需外界要素之一不能满足时,植株间形成竞争。产量的区域间及年际间差异与这种株间竞争关系密切,最终表现为单位面积内一个或多个产量构成因子的差异,如株荚数、荚粒数、或单粒重(籽粒大小)。本研究探讨籽粒大小在调节不同密度、行距条件下产量差异及年际间产量差异的作用。多点试验表明,籽粒大小在不同节位上及不同籽粒数的荚间差异不大。然而在2粒或3粒荚内,荚基部粒比中部及顶部粒小10%,而且子叶细胞体积差异不大。在改变源库、增强光照或遮阴条件下,籽粒大小发生变化。籽粒大小与子叶细胞数相关。籽粒大小是可塑的,但即使底部节位荚较顶部节位提前15~20 d鼓粒,籽粒大小在所有节位间差异不大,所以籽粒大小与子叶细胞数的关系仍值得探讨。     

Bilateral polyploidization inDactylis glomerata L. subsp.lusitanica: occurrence,morphological and genetic characteristics of first polyploids

Summary InDactylis glomerata L. subsp.lusitanica, triploid and tetraploid plants were obtained by bilateral sexual polyploidization in crosses between diploid parents known to produce 2n gametes. The polyploid and diploid progeny were compared for allozyme diversity (allele number and heterozygosity), phenological (pollen fertility, inflorescence emergence date), cellular (stomatic cell size) and morphological characters (vegetative biomass, seed weight, total seed number per plant, panicle number and seed number per panicle length) in four contrasting growing conditions. Stomatal cell size and the total number of alleles were significantly lower in diploids than in polyploids which sometimes recovered more than two distinct alleles at a locus via 2n gametes possessing heterozygous loci. Pollen fertility was similar in diploids and tetraploids, but significantly lower in the triploids. Seed weight was significantly higher in polyploids, although the average number of seeds per panicle length and the total number of seeds was higher in the diploid sibs. No phenological differences occurred among ploidy levels whereas such differences were observed inDactylis in all the natural areas of sympatry between diploids and their related polyploids. Our results provide evidence for an instantaneous effect of polyploidization on certain traits and suggest that natural selection would act subsequently on several other traits to allow the establishment of new polyploids.     

Genetic control of alfalfa seed yield and its components

Seed yield is of little agronomic importance in alfalfa (lucerne) but is critical in the marketing of varieties. In order to develop breeding criteria, the quantitative genetics of seed yield components must be studied. The objective of this study was (1) to evaluate combining ability for seed yield and its components and (2) to estimate the genetic control of these same characters. A 7 × 7 diallel mating design, including reciprocals, among parents from different varieties, and a 7 × 7 factorial design within the ‘Flamande’ population were evaluated. In the diallel design, where the progenies were evaluated over two growing seasons, a high genotype effect was found for seed yield and its components while genotype × year interaction was only significant for seed yield per plant. General combining ability (GCA) effects explained most of the variation due to genotype effect. Specific combining ability (SCA) and reciprocal effects were only significant for seed yield per plant. ‘Europe‐1’, ‘Rival‐5’ and ‘Medalfa‐7’ were the most promising parents, conferring the highest GCA for most of the characters evaluated, especially for seed weight per inflorescence. In the factorial design, seed weight per pod was the only character for which the year effect was not significant. Male and female effects were significant for all characters and these effects were larger than the male × female interaction variance for all the characters. These results were stable over the 2 years for most characters. Additive variance was larger than dominance variance, for all traits. This resulted in high narrow‐sense heritabilities, especially for seed yield per plant, seed weight per inflorescence and number of seeds per pod. Seed weight per inflorescence and number of seeds per inflorescence were highly correlated with seed yield per plant among the full‐sib (FS) families, in both experiments. Increase in seed yield potential in alfalfa could be achieved by the use of seed weight per inflorescence as a selection criterion.     

Evaluation of the physiological quality of wheat seed as influenced by high parent plant growth temperature

To examine the effect of high temperature during seed development and maturation on seed quality of wheat, seeds of four heattolerant and two heat-sensitive wheat genotypes obtained normal and high temperature growing conditions were tested for quality. High parent plant growth temperature during seed development and maturation resulted in poor seed quality. The effect of parent plant growth temperature on seed germination and speed of germination was inconsistent between heat tolerant and heat-sensitive wheat genotypes. Seed vigor as indicated by seed density, conductivity of seed leachates, seedling dry weight, production of normal seedlings, seed reserve utilization efficiency, and seedling emergence were reduced in all wheat genotypes due to higher parent plant growth temperature but heat-sensitive wheat genotypes were affected more than the heat-tolerant genotypes.     

The Influence of Plant Water Stress on Net Photosynthesis and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The effect of plant water stress on net photosynthesis, leaf growth, yield and yield-related components were investigated in a single experiment in order to determine in which way water deficits affect sunflower yields.
Sunflower plants, grown under controlled temperature regimes, were stressed during budding, anthesis and seed filling by withholding water until the leaf water potential reached -1600 and -2000 kPa. Leaf area of unstressed plants significantly exceeded that of plants under severe stress during all growth stages investigated. The CO₂ uptake rate per unit leaf area as well as the total uptake rate per plant, significantly diminished with stress, while this effect drastically increased during the reproductive phase of the plant. Although this resulted in significantly smaller heads and kernels, it did not affect the number of seeds borne in the inflorescence. Severe stress during anthesis and seed filling resulted in more empty kernels. Moderate and severe stress during budding significantly lowered both grain and oil yields while plants that experienced moderate stress during anthesis and seed filling significantly outyielded those under severe stress.     

种子休眠与萌发综述

种子休眠是高等植物中显花植物(即裸子植物和被子植物)经过长期进化而获得的一种对环境条件及季节性变化的生物学适应。休眠的种子可以在不适宜幼苗生长的情况下阻止种子的萌发,减少子代在恶劣环境萌发的的风险,一定程度上保障了种群的延续。本综述重点介绍种子休眠的类型、外界环境因素与母体环境因素以及植物激素对种子休眠与萌发的影响,并介绍了休眠的进化,各种不同类型的休眠在系统发生树上的分布,以期在阐明种子休眠机制的基础上提出一些解决生产过程中种子休眠问题的方法与路径,并为破坏严重的野生植物资源的保护,引种栽培提供理论依据。     

种子萌发及其调控的研究进展

大多数有花植物通过有性生殖和产生种子繁衍后代, 种子的成功萌发和正常成苗决定植物物种的繁衍与生存。种子萌发容易受到机械伤害、病害和环境胁迫的影响, 是植物生活周期中最重要和最脆弱的阶段, 对于一年生和二年生植物则更为重要。种子萌发是一个复杂的多步骤过程, 在这个过程中静止的干燥种子迅速恢复代谢活性, 完成胚伸出周围结构的细胞事件, 以及为随后的幼苗生长做准备。本文综述了近年来种子萌发及其调控的研究进展, 主要包括种子萌发过程中的重要生理事件, 与种子萌发有关的蛋白合成、翻译后修饰和蛋白质组, 以及植物激素对种子萌发的调节。此外, 我们还提出了种子萌发的能量刺激假说, 此假说为回答植物学、农学和园艺学中的两个基本问题, 即胚怎样从它的周围结构中伸出完成萌发？胚的伸出怎样被阻断以至于种子被维持在休眠状态？以及减少禾谷类作物种子和粮食生产中发生的穗萌现象提供了新的研究思想。     

Effect of Simulated Lodging on Soybean Yield

Soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merr.) grain yields may be reduced when the plants lodge. The magnitude of yield reduction is dependent on the growth stage at which lodging occurs. The stage of plant development most vulnerable to yield reduction from lodging has not been conclusively determined. The objective of this two-year study was to determine soybean yield reduction caused by simulated lodging at three stages of reproductive development: the onset of flowering (R1), beginning pod (R3) and beginning seed (R5). At each developmental stage the plants were lodged at either 45° or 90°. A natural lodging control and an artificially maintained erect treatment were included.
The 1976 results indicated no yield differences due to any of the lodging treatments. In 1977, yields were significantly reduced for the R3 lodging treatments. Soybeans lodged 90° at the R1, R3, and R5 growth stages yielded 2.63, 1.88 and 2.26 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. The natural lodging and erect treatments yielded 2.73 and 2.43 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively.
Lodging treatments applied at the R1 stage produced plants with a two-year average of 30% of their seeds on the main stems, compared to 62% of the seeds on the main stems for the R5 stage treatments. The percentage of seeds on the main stem was 69% on the erect plants, as compared with 45% on the 90° lodged plants. In 1977, lodging treatments also reduced pods per plant, seeds per plant, 100 seed weight and seed weight per plant.     

Phenotypic variation within a Hungarian landrace of runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.)

Summary A landrace seed lot of runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.), obtained from the Budapest region, Hungary, was separated into five seed groups according to seed coat colour. 131 plants were grown randomly, and observed for 27 morphological and physiological characters. The collected data were analysed by ANOVA.Numerical taxonomy of the data employed Principal Components Analysis to generate scatter diagrams and Cluster Analysis to generate dendrograms, both before and after removing data on the four anthocyanin colour characters (seed coat, calyx, stem and flower colour) as these characters are probably controlled by a single major gene. The progenies from the five distinct parental seed groups showed much overlap in characteristics, indicating that they were not distinct lines but comprised a largely panmictic population.Some character associations were detected: plants from white seeds matured significantly later than those from black seeds, plants from white seeds with a few dark spots produced seeds significantly heavier than average, whereas those from white or black seeds produced significantly lighter seeds, although the average seed yield per plant did not differ significatly.     

A shattering-resistant mutant of Papaver bracteatum Lindl.: characterisation and inheritance

Summary Papaver bracteatum is a potential crop for the codeine industry. Seed shattering prevailing in the species is a major problem which reduces the seed yields. A spontaneous mutant with capsules having no pores of dehiscence was isolated in an experimental field. The seed yields of this shattering-resistant mutant are lower than in plants with normal capsules but the thebaine content of the capsules from the mutant is higher. The mutation is monogenic dominant; it can be used for breeding cultivars for dual purpose-thebaine and seeds.     

Association analysis of yield and fibre quality characters in interspecific population of cotton (Gossypium spp.)

Seed cotton yield and fibre quality are controlled by polygenes and highly influenced by the environment. Hence, selection merely based on yield is not effective. In order to enhance the yield potential of the cotton varieties, an understanding of the relationship among different characters is of more importance. Knowledge on the direct contribution of different characters to yield would be highly important for formulating a selection programme. Correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out using 62 progenies of an interspecific backcross population (Gossypium hirsutum L. var. KC 3 x Gossypium barbadense L. var. Suvin) x KC 3. Genotypic correlation studies revealed that number of bolls per plant, boll weight, number of sympodia per plant, number of seeds per boll, seed index, lint index, days to first flowering, and plant height have a significant positive association with seed cotton yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis showed that number of bolls per plant contributed maximum direct effect to seed cotton yield per plant followed by boll weight and lint index. The highest positive indirect effect on seed cotton yield per plant was also observed through number of bolls per plant. This indicated that seed cotton yield per plant was highly influenced by number of bolls per plant directly and indirectly. Thus, a greater emphasis should be given to number of bolls per plant, boll weight, and lint index for increasing seed cotton yield per plant.     

Durum Wheat under Mediterranean Conditions as Affected by Seed Size

This study was carried out in order to determine the effect of seed size on the growth and yield of durum wheat. Four field experiments, composed of six durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) varieties and three seeding sizes were conducted in north‐east Spain in 2000 and 2001 in randomized complete block designs. The growth of seedlings was dramatically affected by seed size. Large seeds produced greater plot stands, but the plants had fewer tillers, leaves and spikes and less green area and dry weight than plots from small seeds. Grain yield was 16 % greater in plots from large seeds, which resulted in greater biomass, green area index, spikes per m² and heavier kernels than in plots from small seeds. Kernel weight was the yield component most related to grain yield in the three seed sizes. The percentage of yield variation explained by kernel weight increased as the weight of kernels increased. This was a consequence of the use of larger seeds, the same effect being observed when the comparison was made between varieties with different kernel weights. Selection for heavy kernel varieties may help to improve the yield of durum wheat in Mediterranean environments similar to that prevailing in north‐east Spain.     

Effect of Water Stress on Yield Components in Guar

This study was undertaken to measure the effect of water stress on yield and yield components in guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba [L.] Taub.) grown under water-stressed and water-optimal field conditions. Fifteen guar germplasms were grown in irrigated and dryland tests at Lubbock, TX on an Amarillo loam (fine-loamy, mixed thermic Aridic Paleustoll). Plants in each germplasm were hand harvested at maturity and data recorded for number of racemes/plant, pods/plant, seeds/pod, weight/100 seeds and g/seed/plant. We found differences among germplasms for yield components under both dryland and irrigated conditions. Germ-plasms responded statistically the same in both moisture levels. Among three pre-selected cultivars, water use efficiency did not differ statistically. Our analyses indicated that the component of yield most affected by water stress was number of pods/plant. Seed weight, seeds/pod, and racemes/plant each had progressively smaller effects on seed yield.     

The Influence of Row Spacing and Seeding Rate on Seed Yield and Yield Components of Forage Turnip (Brassica rapa L.)

The effects of four row spacings (17.5, 35.0, 52.5 and 70.0 cm) and five seeding rates (50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 viable seeds m^?2) on seed yield and some yield components of forage turnip (Brassica rapa L.) were evaluated under rainfed conditions in Bursa, Turkey in the 1998–1999 and 1999–2000 growing seasons. Plant height, stem diameter, pods/terminal raceme, total pods/plant, seeds/pod and primary branches/plant were measured individually. The number of plants per unit area was counted and the lodging rate of the plots was scored. The seed yield and 1000‐seed weight were also determined. Row spacing and seeding rate significantly affected most yield components measured. The number of plants per unit area increased with increasing seeding rate and decreasing row spacing. Plant height was not greatly influenced by row spacing and seeding rate, but higher seeding rates reduced the number of primary branches and the stem diameter. The number of pods/main stem was affected by row spacing and but not by the seeding rate. Also, the number of seeds per pod was not affected by either the row spacing or the seeding rate. In contrast, the number of pods per plant clearly increased with increasing row spacing, but decreased with increasing seeding rate. The plots seeded at narrow row spacings and at high seeding rates were more sensitive to lodging. Seeding rate had no significant effect on seed yield in both years. Seed yield was similar at all seeding rates, averaging 1151 kg ha^?1. However, row spacing was associated with seed yield. The highest seed yield (1409 kg ha^?1) was obtained for the 35.0‐cm row spacing and 200 seeds m^?2 seeding rate combination without serious lodging problems.     

Seed yield and its components in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) cultivars

Summary Seed yield performance and effect on seed yield of morphological traits such as seeds/panicle, seed weight, seeds/branch, branches/2nd node, branches/panicle, fertile tillers/plant and panicle length were evaluated in 13 cultivars of smooth bromegrass in a spaced-plant nursery. Wide variation was observed between and within cultivars for seed yield and traits. Highly significant correlation coefficients were found among traits and seed yield. Path analysis showed that specifically seeds/panicle and seed weight had strong direct effect on seed yield. It was concluded that seeds/panicle and seed weight were primary selection criteria for seed yield in smooth bromegrass.     

Improved seed yield in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) from two generations of phenotypic selection

Two generations of recurrent phenotypic selection for seed yield per plant under controlled pollination were carried out to combine improved seed yield with improved forage grass performance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Selected and unselected varieties (AberDartand AberElan respectively) and control varieties were grown for seed in pots in a glasshouse experiment and in two field plot experiments over 5 harvest years. Seed yield components and seed yield were measured. Significant improvements in seed yield of the selected AberDart over the unselected AberElan were observed both in individual plants grown in the glasshouse and in field plots. Detailed observations of the individual components of seed yield showed that the increased seed yield of AberDart can be attributed to a higher proportion of ovules forming seeds (% seedset), greater seed number per tiller and more reproductive tillers per plant. This improvement in seed yield of AberDart was also observed when it was grown in field plots with AberElan, experimental selection lines and commercial varieties. AberDart produced more seeds per tiller than the other commercial varieties and selection lines studied. The implication of this approach for the breeding of perennial ryegrass varieties that combine good agronomic performance and acceptable seed yields is discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Seed set of ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus Loz.). Variation between clones and enhancement of seed production through the application of plant growth regulators

Summary Ulluco, Ullucus tuberosus, is a tuber crop plant with a reduced ability to produce botanical seed. This paper discusses problems related to the botanical seed set of ulluco. Ten clones of this species were studied, and the number of seeds per plant was recorded. Enhancement of seed production was attempted by the application of three growth regulators; gibberellic acid, CCC, and a synthetic cytokinin, 6-benzylamine purine. Seed set ability was shown to vary between the clones, and the application of plant growth regulators did not enhance seed production. Variation in fruit weight was observed. Because of genetic variation between clones in their ability to set seed, it is proposed that there is a possibility of breeding ulluco using botanical seeds. However, methods for improving the yield of botanical seed need to be developed.