Screening for resistance to broomrape (Orobanche cernua) in cultivated sunflower

Racial evolution of sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cernua) has been very rapid in Spain during recent years, in which resistance has been overcome several times and there has been an important increase in areas infested with this parasitic angiosperm. In order to find resistance to a highly virulent population of sunflower broomrape that could be used directly in breeding programmes, three different sets of cultivated plant material composed of 429 entries were tested by artificial inoculation. All evaluated inbred lines from Moden, Canada, were fully susceptible. Out of the 240 P.I. accessions tested, only 10 segregated for resistance to broomrape, the rest being susceptible. From the 160 USDA breeding lines evaluated, 5% were resistant and 19% segregated for resistance to O. cernua. These lines traced back mainly to crosses of RHA 274 and RHA 801 with Russian, Turkish and Romanian hybrids. The origin of P.I. accessions that segregated for resistance were primarily derived from the former USSR and from Romania.     

R-41, a sunflower restorer inbred line, carrying two genes for resistance against a highly virulent Spanish population of Orobanche cernua

The inheritance of resistance to a highly virulent population of sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cernua) has been studied in R-41, a Spanish sunflower restorer inbred line. Using the cytoplasmic male-sterile inbred line HA-89 (cms; very susceptible to this population of broomrape) as a female parent, progenies of the cross with R-41, i.e. Fl, F2 and BC1 to both parents, as well as the parental lines, were analysed for their reaction to the broomrape population EC-94. The goodness of fit of the observed vs expected segregation ratios indicated that the inheritance of resistance to broomrape in line R-41 is conferred by two independent dominant genes.     

Resistance to Sunflower Rust and its Inheritance in Wild Sunflower Species

Resistance to the prevailing races of sunflower rust, Puccinia hehanthi Schw., is lacking in the commercial hybrids (Helianthus annuus L.). The objective of this study was to identify new sources of resistance to the four North American rust races in wild Helianthus species, and to determine their mode of inheritance. Seventy-eight accessions of H. annuus L., H. argophyllus Torrey and Gray, and H. petiolans Nutt. were evaluated in the greenhouse. Resistance to races 1, 2, 3, and 4 was observed in 25, 28, 15, and 26% of the plants, respectively, and 10% of the plants were resistant to all four races. Seven accessions that had a high percentage of resistant plants to all the four races were selected and one resistant plant from each accession was crossed with susceptible inbred line HA89. Three to four F₁ plants resistant to all four races from each cross were backcrossed with HA89. F₁ plants from PI-413118 × HA89 and PI 413175 × HA89 were resistant to all four races. The PI 413023 × HA89 F₁ plants were 100 % resistant to races 3 and 4 and segregated in a 3: 1 resistant (R) to susceptible (S) ratio to races 1 and 2. The other four F₁ combinations segregated 3R: IS ratios to all four races. Bc₁F₁ progenies revealed that plants from PI 413048, PI 413037, PI 413038, and PI 413171 used in the crosses possessed two dominant genes in heterozygous condition for resistance to each of the four races, whereas plants from PI 413023 possessed two dominant genes in heterozygous condition for resistance to each of races 1 and 2, and one dominant resistance gene in homozygous condition for each of races 3 and 4. Plants from PI 413118 and PI 413175 carried a single dominant gene in homozygous condition for resistance against each of the four races.     

Reproductive behaviour and broomrape resistance in interspecific hybrids of sunflower

Interspecific hybrids and backcross generations between the wild perennial species Helianthus resinosus, Helianthus paucifiorus, Helianthus laevigatus, Helianthus nuttallii ssp. nuttallii T. & G. and Helianthus giganteus, resistant to broomrape (Orobanche cernua) and susceptible inbred lines were obtained to study crossability to cultivated sunflower and the transmission and expression of resistance to this parasitic weed. Conventional crosses with all the species tested were successful except for the crosses with diploid H. giganteus, for which embryo rescue techniques were needed to overcome hybrid incompatibility. Pollen viability and seed set were highest for F₁ hybrids with hexaploid species and lowest for those with the diploid H. giganteus. We evaluated F₁, BC₁F₁, some BC₂F₁ plants and the wild and cultivated parents. The wild species and interspecific hybrids were resistant to broomrape infection except for H. nuttallii, which showed segregation, indicating that the resistance is dominant. The crossability and resistance of F₁, and back-cross generations of species with different ploidy levels indicate that the transfer of broomrape resistance to cultivated sunflower is feasible.     

A Greenhouse Method to Assess Sunflower Resistance to Sclerotinia Root and Basal Stem Infections

A method was developed to assess sunflower resistance to sclerotinia root infections in greenhouses. Some of the genotypes were also tested in the field to validate the greenhouse testing method. Efficiency of this method was also tested in a diallel cross. The susceptibility could be assessed by the final percentage of dead plants or by the time required to reach a given threshold of attack (threshold latency parameter). The correlation coefficients between susceptibility assessed in the field and with the greenhouse method were significant. The diallel cross analysis indicated that only additive effects are important. Correlation for susceptibility to sclerotinia wilt, between parental lines and the mean of their hybrids, was significant. It is concluded that breeding programmes for increase of resistance to sclerotinia root and basal stem attacks, using the described testing method, should be effective.     

Variation in Reaction of Faba Bean Lines to Different Accessions of Orobanche crenata Forsk.

Three pot experiments were earned our to investigate the variation among geographic accessions of Orobanche crenata Forsk. in their ability to attack different stocks of Vicia faba L. Orobanche accessions were quite different in their influence on the performance of genetic lines of the host. However, host parasite relationships appeared to be dependent upon environmental conditions. The usefulness or host genotypes for differentiating between parasite accessions was rather limited. The number of Orobanche shoots per host plant does not appear 10 be a precise indicator of host tolerance although it has been frequently used for this purpose.     

Genetics of Resistance in Vicia sativa L. to Orobanche crenata Forsk.

The genetics of resistance of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) to broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) was studied for two years by using the P₁, P₂, F₁, BC¹, BC₂, F₂ F₃, and F₄ generations obtained from crosses between resistant and susceptible lines. Resistant lines were selected by screening a world collection m a naturally infested plot. Resistance was tested both under field and greenhouse conditions. The best index to measure resistance was the number of emerged broomrapes per host plant. The results fit the additive-dominance model. The main component of the variation was additivity; dominance and interaction effects seemed to depend on the environment. When dominance is expressed, a low number is dominant over a high number of broomrapes per host plant.     

Variation of resistance to broomrape (Orobanche ramosa) in tomatoes

Summary Twenty five tomato cultivars and one accession of wild tomato were evaluated for their resistance to branched broomrape (Orobanche ramosa) infestation. Tomato cultivars were found different in their resistance to Orobanche based on different growth parameters. Total Orobanche number, haustoria development and number of emerged Orobanche shoots were all different between tomato cultivars. Differences in the growth and fruit yield among tomato cultivars were also found in response to Orobanche infestation. Ranking tomato cultivars for Orobanche resistance indicates the existence of different resistance mechanisms in these cultivars. Relatively high to moderate levels of resistance were obtained in Tiny Tim, Acora, Castler, Pomodora, Orient, Red Alert and the accession LA 1478 of L. pimpinellifolium. The cultivar Tiny Tim showed the highest level of resistance for all measured parameters and in all experiments.     

Evaluation of different microsatellite motifs for analysing genetic relationships in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A total of 16 different simple sequence repeat motifs and an M13 repeat sequence were used as hybridization probes in order to examine the molecular relationships between two German inbred and eight North American sunflower lines of known pedigree, and to determine the suitability of the individual short tandem repeats for genetic analyses and their occurrence in the sunflower genome. Only the oligonucleotides (ACA)₆, (CAT)₆, (CATA)₅, (GACA)₄ and (GATA)₄ proved to be well suited for the generation of scorable fingerprinting patterns, while the other (microsatellite) sequences were either too abundant or too rare. Although different levels of polymorphism were present in hybridizations with the different simple sequence repeats (SSRs), a clear separation of the German material from the USDA Hnes was feasible not only by evaluating 20 probe-enzyme combinations, but also by combining every individual probe with four different restriction enzymes. In the American material, the expected relationships could be proved with the single exception of a line that did not group in accordance with its pedigree.     

Origin and Fate of Aneusomaty in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Chromosomal variability in Helianthus annuus was studied during the ontogenetic cycle of the plant. Aneusomaty originates during embryo development, progressively decreases in the course of plant growth and disappears at pre-meiosis. A number of aberrant mitoses with lagging chromosomes were found in all embryonic stages examined; by contrast, mitoses never showed aberrations in the shoot apices of plants.     

Inheritance of resistance to phomopsis (Diaporthe helianthi) in sunflower

The inheritance of resistance of sunflower to phomopsis (Diaporthe helianthi) was studied on 10 inbred lines representing a range of resistance and susceptibility levels, and 25 hybrids from a factorial cross of these lines. Analyses of observations over a 3-year period, of semi-natural infection (presence of stem lesions greater than 5 cm) on the hybrids indicated that additive gene control was predominant, with no significant interactions between parental effects. Correlations between infection of parental lines and the mean of their hybrids were not always significant, with certain inbreds which appeared quite susceptible giving hybrids with good levels of resistance. In order to predict hybrid values, it appears necessary to determine the general combining abilities of parental lines. Some inbreds gave very high levels of resistance, others gave very high levels of susceptibility. A test measuring the rate of extension of D. helianthi mycelium on leaves was significantly correlated with the results of natural infections. In particular, it permitted distinction of the most susceptible genotypes, and thus could be used in first generations of breeding to eliminate the most susceptible plants.     

Breeding for Sclerotinia resistance in sunflower: A modified screening test and assessment of genetic variation in current germplasm

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is one of the most devastating pathogens of sunflower (Helianthus annuus), causing yield losses up to 100%. This study was conducted to (1) screen sunflower lines for their reaction to Sclerotinia using artificial infection by a modified leaf test, and (2) identify the most suitable trait for screening against Sclerotinia resistance. A set of 85 inbred lines was screened in three environments by infecting the leaves with mycelium and covering them with plastic bags containing water. Susceptibility was assessed by leaf lesion, petiole score, stem rating, stem lesion and diseased stems. The test proved to be effective and practicable, with an infection rate of up to 99%. All scoring traits were strongly correlated with each other and effective in differentiating among susceptible and resistant lines. Although petiole score had the highest heritability, its association with leaf length hampers its utilization as a scoring trait. Stem lesion was a good predictor of mid-stalk rot and can be recommended as a reliable trait for screening sunflower lines against Sclerotinia based on its high heritability estimate (h²= 0.59) and close correlations with other traits measured after artificial and natural infection.     

Genetic Diversity for Adult Plant Resistance to Leaf Rust (Puccinia recondita) in Near-Isogenic Lines and in Indian Wheats

Variation for adult plant resistance in near-isogenic wheat lines carrying Lrl4b, Lrl4ab and Lr30 in a ‘Thatcher’ background indicated the possible presence of novel adult plant resistance genes effective against the Indian leaf rust population. Sixty-one wheats released for cultivation in India were grown in isolated nurseries. Each nursery was separately inoculated with one of four leaf rust pathotypes which had been selected to aid identification of resistance effective only in the adult plant stage. Seven distinct response groups were recognised and a minimum of six sources of adult plant resistance were postulated. In a group of 14 wheats, resistance was explained on the basis of the seedling response genes that were identified. Similar results for two years with pathotype 77-1 gave support to the reliability of field tests. Adult plant resistance (APR) sources were either race-specific or effective against all pathotypes used. Seedlings of cultivars with APR showed susceptible reactions. The possible presence of Lr34 in Indian wheats and its role in durable leaf rust resistance are discussed.     

Thresholds for leaf expansion and transpiration response to soil water deficit in a range of sunflower genotypes

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) crop in southern Europe suffers from intense and frequent periods of water deficit. Minimisation of water loss in response to water deficit is a major aspect of drought tolerance and can be achieved through the lowering of either leaf area expansion rate or transpiration per unit leaf area (stomatal conductance). During three greenhouse pot experiments, leaf expansion (LE) and transpiration (TR) rates were monitored as the soil dried progressively for about 15 days. This study aimed to quantify the response of these two physiological processes to water deficit, expressed as the fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW): response thresholds (onset of decline) were estimated on 25 sunflower genotypes from different generations of selection history. From these relationships, the thresholds below which LE and TR started to decrease from the control were calculated: little change was observed until FTSW was close to 0.6 for leaf expansion and 0.4 for daily transpiration. Variability in the response of all genotypes for expansion and transpiration control was better described using specific thresholds for each genotype rather than generic thresholds for sunflower. The ranking of genotypes was found to be unaffected for transpiration rate control, but this was not the case for leaf expansion. Identified response thresholds were not mutually correlated, suggesting that sunflower controls leaf expansion and transpiration rate independently. Neither was correlated with the release date of the genotype, suggesting that these traits were not subject to selection within evaluation environments.     

抗白粉病兼抗赤霉病小麦新品种(系)的抗病性鉴定和利用评价

白粉病采用自然病圃鉴定。赤霉病采用人工接种和自然病圃相结合的方法鉴定。结果表明：供试的66份小麦品种(系)中，对白粉病免疫的品种(系)有贵农21、贵农775、三属麦、92R178、92R149、A552，高抗的品种(系)有斯燕93-1、JYP-1、JYP-2、JYP-3、小白冬、C39、兴麦17等；对赤霉病没有免疫的品种(系)，多数品种(系)不抗赤霉病，只有JYP-1的抗赤霉病性比苏麦3号略强，92R149、92R178、毕麦10号、80(107)、小白冬、黔麦14、黔麦早2号和JYP-3的抗赤霉病性与苏麦3号近似，其中JYP-1、92R149、92R178、小白冬、JYP-3为白粉病和赤霉病的兼抗性抗源。     

Intergeneric Transfer (Rye to Wheat) of a Gene(s) for Russian Wheat Aphid Resistance

An octoploid triticale was derived from the F, of a Russian wheat aphid-resistant rye, ‘Turkey 77’, and ‘Chinese Spring’ wheat. The alloploid was crossed to common wheat, and to ‘Imperial’ rye/‘Chinese Spring’ disomic addition lines. F₂, progeny from these crosses were tested for Russian wheat aphid resistance and C-banded. A resistance gene(s) was found to be associated with chromosome arm IRS of the ‘Turkey 77’ rye genome. A monotelosomic IRS (‘Turkey 77’) addition plant was then crossed with the wheat cultivar ‘Gamtoos’, which has the 1BL.1RS ‘Veery’ translocation. Unlike the IRS segment in ‘Gamtoos’, the ‘Turkey 77’-derived 1 RS telosome did not express the rust resistance genes Sr31 and Ar26, which could then be used as markers. From the F, a monotelosomic 1 RS addition plant that was also heterozygous for the 1BL. 1 RS translocation was selected and testerossed with an aphid-susceptible common wheat, ‘Inia 66’ Meiotic pairing between the rye arms resulted in the recovery of five euploid Russian-wheat-aphid-resistant plants. One recombinant also retained Sr31 and Lr26 and was selfed to produce translocation homozygotes.     

Heredity of Resistance to Botrytis cinerea in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Measured by Artificial Infections

Genetic Variability for Some Brewing Quality Characters in Barley Malting and brewing quality of six different barley genotypes and their F1 hybrids were investigated in a diallel cross programme. Plants were grown in pots in a randomized block design with four replications. General and specific combining abilities were determined for 1000 grain weight, percentage of proteins of the grain, percentage of water uptake, and, after micromalting, for β-glucanase and α-amylase activities. Significant general and specific combining abilities were observed for all the traits studied. 1000 grain weight, percentage of proteins and water uptake have been found to be essentially controlled by genetic additive effects, while enzymatic activities of malt have been found to be mostly controlled by dominance effects. ‘Karl’ has interesting characteristics for all traits and general combining abilities, except for 1000 grain weight, and has been introduced in a three-way cross programme with ‘Plaisant’ and ‘Clarine’, also showing interesting values for malting quality and productivity.     

The Influence of Plant Developmental Stage on Expression of Resistance to leaf Rust (Puccinia recondita) in Two Near Isogenic Lines of Wheat

Cultivar ‘Thatcher’, and ‘Thatcher’ lines with Lr 21 and Lr 22 were studied against a number of races of Puccinia recondita for seedling and adult plant reaction. The study has established that Lr 21 and Lr 22 are genes effective against P. recondita at adult plant stage. It has also shown that these genes confer resistance against all races when plants are inoculated at boot leaf stage.     

玉米不同基因型气孔阻力的变化及其与光合,蒸腾作用的关系

在田间条件下，研究了生产上广泛应用的１７个玉米自交系的气也阻力及其与光合速率，蒸腾速度的关系，主要结果是；１．不同自交系之间ＲＳ具有显著的差异，相关最大可达２．３倍以上．２．ＲＳ随生育进程的推延而增大；３．ＲＳ同ＰＨ，ＴＲ及ＷＵＥ在玉米生长的主要阶段存在极显著的指池数关系，而在某一特定的生育期则表现出极显著的直线关系；４．ＲＳ与ＰＨ，ＴＲ，ＷＵＥ及Ｒ的相关度从大到小依次是ＴＲ－ＰＨ－ＷＵＥ－Ｒ，５     

The Level of Field Resistance to Bremia lactucae in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Cultivars Carrying the Resistance Gene Dm11

Forty-one lettuce cultivars (butterhead type), carrying race-specific resistance gene Dm11 in combination with some others, were studied for field resistance to Bremia lactucae. Significant differences in the level of field resistance were revealed. Most of the cultivars under study were highly susceptible under field conditions. There are evident relationships between combinations of race-specific Dm genes and field resistance. The cultivars with gene combinations Dm2, Dm3 and Dm11 are susceptible. A very high level of field resistance was detected in the cultivars with combination of genes Dm5/8, Dm6 and Dm16 (cvs. ‘Celia’, ‘Katanga’ and ‘Musette’). This is in close link with their Lactuca serriola origin and a high level of field resistance in progenitors.