Genetic improvement of yield of nitrogen of Lolium perenne pastures

Summary Four varieties of Lolium perenne with similar flowering dates bred over a 30 year period were grown in an orthogonal plot trial with two contrasting harvesting frequencies and three levels of fertiliser (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 t/ha of N annually). In the second harvest year, the nitrogen (N) content of herbage at each harvest was determined and the yields of N calculated. The newest variety (Ba 10761) gave a 20% higher mean annual yield of N than the oldest (S.321). The influence of variety in increasing the ratio of N recovered: N applied was as great or greater than the influence of harvesting frequency or level of applied N. There were small differences between varieties in N content (%N), N content being inversely related to N yield.     

A comparison of five varieties of Lolium perenne with special reference to the relationship between the root and shoot systems

The growth of five varieties of Lolium perenne was compared while growing in nutrient solution. Differences in shoot growth were found to be due to variations in the rate of tiller production rather than the size of tiller. The size of the individual roots varied with the variety, and it was this variation which largely caused differences in the root growth relative to shoot growth. The larger the root relative to shoot growth the greater was the adverse effect of defoliation.     

Genetic variation in leaf epidermal cell size and shape in Lolium perenne

Summary Six diploid perennial ryegrass populations, two diploid F₁ hybrid families and the autotetraploid cv. Tove were grown in a glasshouse and the mean length and mean width of epidermal cells on the abaxial leaf surface of young fully expanded leaves compared. The diploids varied in cell length by 26%, in cell width by 9% and in length: width ratio by 39%. The cells of cv. Tove were 25% longer and 12% wider than those of the highest ranking diploid and the length: width ratio 9% higher. The DNA contents per telophase root-tip cell nucleus of a large-celled and a small-celled diploid population were similar, suggesting that the variation in epidermal cell size among diploids was due to the action of specific genes and not to differences in genome size. The mean epidermal cell dimensions of four of the above populations growing as plots in a field trial employing three levels of fertiliser nitrogen and four harvesting frequencies were measured on three occasions. Varietal ranking in cell dimensions was consistent over the different managements and dates, and agreed well with the glasshouse results. The results indicate that measurements of leaf epidermal cell length and width can be useful aids both in breeding for herbage yield and in distinguishing varieties with similar flowering dates.     

Selection for yield in Lolium perenne. II. performance of spaced plant selections under competitive conditions

Summary The performance of six lines of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) which had been selected for three generations for production under spaced plant conditions were assessed under increasing levels of competition, namely spaced plants, drills, miniplots and large sown plots. Successful selection for yield under spaced plant conditions was not accompanied by comparable production patterns in the alternative managements. The extreme situation occurred in swards where a significant decline in production was encountered. Negative or no relationships were found in the establishment year between spaced plant production and yield in the alternative conditions whereas in the first harvest year positive correlations occurred between spaced plants, drills and miniplots and only the latter with plots. These varying patterns of performance are considered in relation to the prediction of sward behaviour and the appropriate environment for selection.INIA. CRIDA 01, La Coruna, Spain.     

Suspension culture performance in commercial varieties of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Summary Suspension culture performance in commercial varieties of perennial ryegrass was studied to assess the effect of variety on suspension culture response and plant regeneration. 179 suspension cultures were established from embryos of mature seeds of 21 varieties and one breeding population. Of these, 123 suspensions were morphogenic (21 varieties) and 66 suspensions (18 varieties) regenerated green plants. A number of suspension lines, originating from two different suspensions, retained the capacity for green plant formation for almost four years. Replicates performed with seed lots of different ages indicated that suspensions initiated from young seeds (1 year) were of better quality than suspensions initiated from older seeds (2–4 years). Varieties differed in their capacity to form morphogenic suspensions and suspensions capable of regenerating green plants, although the effect of variety was relatively small. It was concluded that responsive genotypes can be found within most varieties of Lolium perenne.     

Genetic Variation for Seed Yield in Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

In perennial ryegrass seed yield is low and unreliable and little is known about the seed-yielding capacity of different cultivars. Therefore, genetic variation for seed yield was studied for therefore, genetic variation for seed yield was studied for three years at two locations. Twelve trials consisting of drilled plots of nine diploid, late-flowering cultivars in four replications were harvested for seed. Significant gentic differences for seed yield and seed weight weight were detected. The ranking of the cultivars for seed yield differed from that for seed weight. The levels of seed yield and seed weight were affected by such environmental factors as year, soil type and crop production year, but interactions of these factors with cultivars were generally not significant. Variation in seed yield was more related to variation in seed number than to variation in seed weight. There were no significant cultivar differences for yield stability. The highest yielding cultivar was superior over a wide range of environments and the seed yield of the poorest cultivar was on average only 64% of that of the best cultivar.     

A possible virus disease in Lolium perenne

Summary Two types of abnormal plants have been observed in clonal plantations of perennial ryegrass. Plants of the first group were characterized in early spring by a dense dwarfed growth of distorted blue-green leaves. Those of the second group became recognizable later in the season, because of their somewhat stunted growth and the yellow, orange or pale-red discoloration of the upper halves of the leaves. No consistent visible pathogen could be detected but when aphids, fed on the abnormal grass plants, were transferred to seedlings of oats and barley, these reproduced typical symptoms of the cereal yellow-dwarf disease. The abnormal ryegrass plants of both groups may contain the same virus. It is suggested that the first group represents plants infected in the preceding year, the last group those infected in the current season. Whether the virus is alone responsible for the damage, still remains to be ascertained.In previous years the disease could be prevented from spreading by using for vegetative propagation only healthy plants. When, however, in 1955 affected plants were also used for the establishment of a clonal field, the number of infected clones ranged from 44 percent in June to 59 percent in October. The total loss of plants amounted to 19%.Clones from plants selected only recently were much more affected than those which had undergone repeated vegetative selection. This indicates that in the latter group the most susceptible clones had been eliminated in the preceding years and that those surviving must have been more resistant.The question whether the disease might to damage to seedlings in rows or in broadcast sowings or might pass over to other crops, requires careful consideration. Possible control measures are discussed.     

Hybrid production in Lolium perenne based on incompatibility

Summary SI-hybrids were produced by crossing 30 partially inbred lines in 3 sets of 5×5 factorial crosses. Annual dry matter yields from 3 successive years and 2 locations were on average 9.5 T/ha for the hybrids compared to 8.9 T/ha for their parental lines, with the best hybrid yielding 10.3 T/ha. Heterosis was up to 20%. Problems and prospects of SI-hybrid production in grasses are discussed.This paper is dedicated to Prof. Dr. F.W. Schnell on the occasion of his 80th birthday.     

Heritability of paraquat tolerance in Lolium perenne L.

Summary Paraquat tolerance has been studied in an experimental population of Lolium perenne. After applying various concentrations of the herbicide, eye assessments of damage were made, and yield responses recorded. There was a quantitative pattern of variation; heritability was studied by analyzing (a) variation within and between families of half-sibs, and (b) the regression of progeny on their female parent. Heritability values were mostly in the range 0.51 to 0.72. It is concluded that it would be possible to increase tolerance to paraquat by selection, and that selection on eye assessment would be almost as effective as selection on yield response.     

Aneuploids of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Summary Aneuploid plants of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) with 2n=15 to 30 chromosomes were obtained by crossing a near-triploid (2n=3x+1=22) with a diploid or on open-pollination with diploids and tetraploids. Aneuploids occurred with a frequency of 83% in near triploid × diploid progeny and 92% on open-pollination with diploid and tetraploid plants. Aneuploid plants with 15 to 18 chromosomes resembled diploids in morphology and those with 19 to 30 chromosomes were akin to tetraploids. Meiotic studies suggested that most aneuploid plants resulted from transmission of aneuploid egg cells (n=8 to 23). Aneuploid plants with 2n=27 to 30 chromosomes in the progeny of 22×14 cross originated from unreduced egg cells. Plants with 19 to 21 chromosomes were recovered only by immature seed culture. Aneuploid plants with 26 to 30 chromosomes and triploids (2n=21) had higher pollen fertility and bigger seeds than plants with 15 to 22 chromosomes.     

Change in agronomic performance of Lolium perenne and Lolium multiflorum varieties in the past 40 years based on data from Belgian VCU trials

By using data of Belgian trials for Value of Cultivation and Use (1963–2007) the change in agronomic performance of ryegrass varieties was quantified. Data included 144 Lolium perenne and 69 Lolium multiflorum candidate varieties, plus ‘Vigor’ and ‘Lemtal’, two varieties which were always included in the Value of Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials. As the genetics of ‘Vigor’ and ‘Lemtal’ have remained identical to those in 1963, these were used as constant standards to measure improvements of new varieties. Dry matter yield (DMY) of ‘Vigor’ and ‘Lemtal’ varied annually but did not show a progressive change, indicating that cultural changes in VCU trials of ryegrasses were small. By expressing DMY, persistency and rust resistance of the candidate varieties relative to Vigor and ‘Lemtal’, the change in agronomic performance due to breeding was determined. DMY increased with 0.3% of ‘Vigor’ and ‘Lemtal’ annually. Persistency showed an annual increase around 0.5% of the standard varieties. Before 1990, rust resistance of ryegrasses varied around 100% relative to ‘Vigor’ or ‘Lemtal’. After 1990, an annual increase of 3.6% against these standard varieties was found.     

Comparison of Progeny-Testing Methods in Lolium perenne L.

From 22 genotypes, selfed (S₁) and testcross progenies were investigated. The latter were generated by i) polycross (PX) and ii) 2 topcrosscs (TC) using cms-inbred lines as a tester. Progenies were tested for annual dry matter yield in 3 successive years, the 3-year average was 76.7 dt/ha for S, and 76.9, 80.1 and 74.5 for PX, TC 1 and TC 2, respectively. Genetic variance was highest for S₁ (20.42), while the average of the 3 tcstcrosses was 12.22. However, the genotype-year interaction variance of S, Was 52.21, being 2–3 times greater than for the 2 topcrosscs. PX progenies were the most stable across years. Predicted response to selection was highest for S₁ (10.4 %). Genetic correlation (r_g) between S₁ and the testcrosses was highest with TC 2 (r_g= 0.5931⁴⁴).     

Comparison of Progeny-Testing Methods in Lolium perenne L.

From 28 genotypes, half-sib families were generated by polycross (PX) and 2 topcrosses (TC). TC-testers were partially inbred cms-lines. Progenies were tested for annual dry matter yield in 3 successive years. The three year average was 80.7, 76.6 and 74.0 dt/ha for TC 1, PX and TC 2, respectively. TC 1 had the highest yielding families and the largest mean in all years. TC 2 revealed the largest range among its families. Genetic variance was highest for TC 2 with 14.02, followed by TC 1 and PX with 12.05 and 10.92. However, genotype × year interaction variance was about 2 and 4 times greater for TC 1 and TC 2 as compared to PX. Genetic correlation between testcross progenies was tightest for PX vs. TC 1 (rg = 0.644⁺⁺), while between the two TC's only rg = 0.307⁺ was observed. Predicted response to selection yielded very similar results for all test-crosses.     

Selection for Seed Yield in Lolium perenne L.*

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

Anther Culture Response in Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

20 diploid clones from 7 varieties, and 10 tetraploid clones from 3 varieties of Lolium perenne were tested in replicated anther culture experiments. Embryos or calluses, were obtained from all clones, and plants were regenerated from all clones except one. The total yield of plants (albino and green plants) ranged from 0 to 61 plants per 100 cultured anthers among genotypes, and there was a general tendency for tetraploic genotypes to be more responsive. Viable green plants were obtained from 5 diploid and 7 tetraploid clones representing 2 and 3 varieties, respectively. Their origin from reduced pollen was confirmed by a haploid chromosome number in some regenerants and by homozygosity for isozyme loci in spontaneously chromosome doubled plants produced from heterozygous diploid donor plants. A large number of the plants were successfully established in the soil. For most donor genotypes, green plants were rare exceptions, but two diploic clones consistently produced 2.3 and 3.8 green plants per 100 cultured anthers, respectively. Estimates of variance components from replicates with greenhouse and field-grown donor plants showed that genotypes accounted for about 73 per cent of the total variation in yield of embryos/calluses, while only 14—15 per cent of the total variation was due to replicates. Hence at present, emphasis should be placed on die selection of high-response genotypes in material of high agronomic potential.     

Fertility and growth in the field of Lolium perenne and Festuca rubra plants regenerated from suspension cultured cells and protoplasts

The effect of regeneration of Lolium perenne and Festuca rubra from embryogenic suspension cells and protoplasts on fertility and growth was evaluated. Embryogenic suspension cultures were either routinely subcultured or cryopreserved and re-established. Phenology, morphology and fertility of regenerated plants were studied for two growing seasons in a replicated field experiment. Most regenerated L. perenne and F. rubra plants showed a delay in inflorescence emergence, a reduced seed yield and differences in morphological traits when compared with seed-grown plants. For L. perenne, performance of plants regenerated from cryopreserved suspension cultures and protoplasts was similar to that of respective plants regenerated from routinely maintained suspension cultures. However, differences in performance were observed for respective regenerants in F. rubra. The phenotypic deviation observed was partly reflected in the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis performed. However, regenerants of both species showing similar, or even superior performance to the seed-grown plants were also found. Embryogenic suspension cells and corresponding protoplasts of L. perenne and F. rubra have the potential for producing fertile, well-performing plants which can be integrated in breeding programs.     

Inheritance of anther-culture response in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Genetic control of the capacity to respond to anther culture in perennial ryegrass was studied in F₁ offspring from crosses between 11 clones selected for anther-culture response (‘inducers’) and 10 clones selected from breeding material on the basis of good agronomic performance. Large differences in anther-culture response were observed between the two types of parent, with inducer clones producing an average of 10.7 green plants per 100 anthers, compared with only 0.3 for breeding clones. Hybrid populations produced an average of 2.2 green plants per 100 plated anthers, which is 7.3 times the response of the breeding material. This improvement was mainly due to a 9.4-fold increase in the percentage of green plants regenerated from hybrid populations to 4.7% compared to an average of 0.5% from breeding clones. Most of the GCA (general combining ability) in the experiment was contributed by the breeding material, constituting 55.8, 100.0 and 36.7% of genetic variation among hybrids for embryo formation, regeneration and green plant percentage, respectively. Any remaining genetic variation among hybrids was predominantly due to SCA (specific combining ability) effects, with percentages of 44.2 and 63.3%, respectively, for embryo and green plant formation. These results are discussed with respect to the possible exploitation of genes controlling anther-culture response for haploid production in breeding programmes of perennial ryegrass.     

Temperature-dependent resistance to crown rust infection in perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne

Differences were found in the expression of resistance of perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne, cultivars to crown rust, Puccinia coronata Corda, when plants were incubated at either 10°C or 25°C. In an extreme example, all the genotypes of ‘Carrick’ were resistant at 10°C but susceptible at 25°C. The variation between cultivars was due both to a general increase in expression of susceptibility and the proportion of plants which became susceptible. A BC₁ line containing a stay‐green gene derived from Festuca pratensis was insensitive to temperature, while a sister line was sensitive.