Heritabilities and genetic variation for preharvest sprouting in progenies of Clark's Cream white winter wheat

Summary Preharvest sprouting resistance is a major breeding criterion in many regions where white wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is produced. Availability of genetic sources of sprouting resistance should significantly advance this goal. Objectives of the present investigation were to determine heritabilities and genetic variation of sprouting resistance in progeny of six susceptible genotypes and Clark's Cream, a cultivar with excellent sprouting resistance. Sixty-five randomly selected F₂:F₃ lines from the six parental combinations were evaluated in blocks-within-replication designs at two locations during 1984–85. Falling number, -amylase activity, and sprouting percentage in simulated rain were usually more favorable in F₂:F₄ grain than in grain of the susceptible parents and frequently equalled levels in grain of the resistant parent. Broad sense heritability estimates were moderate to high for falling number and -amylase activity, low to moderate for visual sprouting, and inconsistent for embryo germination in ABA. Phenotypic correlations with sprouting were significant most often for falling number and least often for the agronomic traits, days to heading and kernel weight. We concluded that increased preharvest sprouting resistance is an attainable objective when genetic sources of strong resistance and appropriate selection criteria, such as sprouting after simulated rain, are used.     

Gibberellic acid effects on germination and α-amylase activity of winter wheats

Summary Sensitivity to GA in non-Gai genome winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars was investigated to determine magnitude of variation of the trait, its association with other traits, and effects of geographical location of production. -Amylase enzyme activity was measured before and after treatment with gibberellic acid in 18 cultivars grown at one location and in five cultivars grown at six locations. Dye-labeled starch and agar-starch media procedures were used for the first and second experiments, respectively. -Amylase activity differed significantly among the 18 cultivars after germination in water, germination in GA, and in absolute and relative sensitivity to GA. Cultivars that reacted similarly to GA had some common ancestors in their pedigrees, and -amylase activity and sensitivity to GA were significantly negatively associated with seed weight. -Amylase activity differed between tall and semi-dwarf cultivars in the second experiment, but not in the first experiment. The magnitude of variation in -amylase activity and its relationship to preharvest sprouting susceptibility of the cultivars suggested that the trait can be modified to improve seed dormancy. Significant interactions between cultivar responses to GA and geographical location of grain production suggested that selection should be carried out in several environments.Contribution no. 81-162-j, Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS 66506, USA.     

Inheritance of late maturity α-amylase in wheat

Summary Two wheat cultivars that consistently show high levels of grain -amylase at harvest ripeness, in the absence of preharvest sprouting, were crossed with a control, low -amylase cultivar, and F₁, F₂ and BC₁ populations were developed. Grain of these populations was analysed for -amylase activity at harvest ripeness. Distribution and segregation patterns were consistent with control at a single locus with high -amylase the recessive allele. This mode of inheritance would make it extremely difficult to differentiate homozygous low -amylase lines from heterozygotes (low -amylase phenotype but carriers of high -amylase) and has important implications for wheat breeders. High -amylase, termed late maturity -amylase, was not linked with the awned inhibitor gene, B2, located on the long arm of chromsome 6B.     

Expression of late maturity α-amylase in wheat containing gibberellic acid insensitivity genes

Summary Two wheat cultivars, Spica and Lerma 52, which consistently produce high levels of -amylase during the later stages of grain development (late maturity -amylase), were crossed with a set of four near-isogenic lines carrying the tall (rht) allele or one of the dwarfing genes Rht1, Rht2 or Rht3 (GA-insensitive alleles). The F₁ and F₂ populations were developed and analysed for grain -amylase and plant height. The Rht3 gene exhibited the strongest influence on plant height and strongly inhibited new -amylase synthesis during the later part of grain ripening. By comparison, Rht1 and Rht2 had a less pronounced effect but still significantly reduced the expression of late maturity -amylase. These observations suggest that gibberellic acid is involved either directly or indirectly in this phenomenon. The implications of the effect of dwarfing genes on expression of late maturity -amylase are discussed in relation to cultivar improvement and to the identification and control of high -amylase germplasm.     

Polymorphisms of α-amylase activity in barley landraces and cultivars from China

Summary -Amylase activity was assayed by measuring reducing power equivalent for 80 accessions of cultivated barley, Hordeum vulgare L., representing major barley growing areas of China. Replications were applied at two different levels of the experiment and enzyme activity was assayed on four consecutive days starting on the 6th day after germination. The area under the curve formed by connecting the four data points was integrated as the measurement of -amylase activity. The results established that there was extensive variation in -amylase activity in cultivated barley; about three-fold difference existed among accessions assayed. Comparisons were also made between six- and two-rowed, and between covered and naked barleys. The results showed that high -amylase activity was not necessarily associated with six-rowed type, and that covered barleys were slightly higher in -amylase activity than naked ones.     

On the problem of pre-harvest sprouting of wheat

Summary The problem of pre-harvest sprouting in wheat is very intricate. New concepts in breeding for resistance to pre-harvest sprouting regard many components such as -amylase production potential, response to gibberellic acid and inhibition in the bracts as important as dormancy. In the research work carried out at The University of Sydney's Plant Breeding Institute, we found varietal differences for each of these components. We also developed criteria for screening breeding material for these components. The implications of our findings in planning efficient breeding programmes to evolve varieties with multiple resistance to pre-harvest sprouting have been discussed briefly.     

Development of hard white winter wheats for a hard red winter wheat region

Summary Hard white winter wheat (HWWW) occupies a very limited area of the USA, but its purported advantages suggest that its production in the major hard red winter wheat (HRWW) region may be feasible. Objectives of our investigations were to develop experimental HWWW lines that combined desirable attributes-grain yield, functional grain quality, and resistance to preharvest sprouting-in single genotypes for comparison with popular cultivars in the major US RHWW region. Forty-four lines from seven parental combinations were tested in randomized complete block designs at three Kansas locations during the 1981–82 and 1982–83 seasons. Agronomic traits, grain yield, grain quality, and preharvest sprouting were measured. Plant characteristics and grain yield were similar in the HWWW experimental lines and the HRWW check cultivar, Newton. Mean grain SDS-sedimentation value and grain protein content of most experimental lines equaled or exceeded that of the check. Dough mixing times frequently were shorter for the experimental lines than for the check cultivar, whereas loaf volumes were greater. Falling number usually was similar in all geneotypes, but -amylase was higher in field-harvested grain of white lines than the check; both measures were more favorable than grain trade standards. We concluded that production of high yielding, high quality hard white winter wheat genotypes is feasible in the US breakbasket.Contribution no. 84-349-J, Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA.     

Correlation between α-amylase gene expression and seedling vigor in rice

Summary This report examines the relationship between seedling vigor, -amylase enzyme activity and -amylase mRNA accumulation in ten varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown at two temperatures (15°C and 30°C). A significant, positive correlation was observed between seedling vigor, -amylase enzyme activity, and the accumulation of mRNA from one rice -amylase gene (RAmy1A) at both temperature regimens. The results of this study support previous experiments which have correlated -amylase enzyme activity to seedling vigor. We have extended this correlation to the expression of one of ten genes that comprise the rice -amylase multigene family. These results suggest that the expression of -amylase gene RAmy1A is an important, and possibly rate-limiting factor in determining seedling vigor in rice.     

Utilization of tom thumb source of pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in a wheat breeding programme

Summary Segegating populations of the cross Tordo (a spring white-grained Tom Thumb derivative) and Tr 454-16 (a spring white-grained Sonora-Gabo derivative) were studied for plant height, apparent -amylase synthesis (AAS) and response to gibberellic acid. Means, variances and heritabilities for these characters were computed and their association was studied by computing correlation coefficients. Plant height showed high heritability while AAS and response to GA₃ showed moderate heritability. Plant height was positively correlated with AAS and response to GA₃. The results pointed out the importance of using Tom Thumb as a source of pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in a wheat breeding programme, particularly in areas where wheat breeding is restricted to evolving white-grained cultivars.     

Germplasm improvement for preharvest sprouting resistance in Chinese white-grained wheat: An overview of the current strategy

Most modern white-grained wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars in China lack sprouting resistance. Some white grain varieties showed lower preharvest sprouting percentage in different years. Tolerance to sprouting in most cultivars comes from the varieties, Wanxian White, Fulingxuxu White, Suiningtuotuo, and Yongchuan White. The α-amylase inhibitor gene under a wheat genetic background inhibited α-amylase activity and delayed sprouting. The falling number of six suspected sources, out of 835Chinese leading varieties since 1950', was independent of late maturityα-amylase. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Spike-based and seed-based selection for preharvest sprouting resistance in wheat

Summary The utility of spike- and seed-based mass selection techniques for improving preharvest sprouting resistance in heterogeneous wheat (Triticum spp.) populations was evaluated. Sorting seed by size improved selection efficiency in some cases, putatively by physiological synchronization. Progeny testing, as well as changes in frequency of red-kernelled types, indicate effectiveness of both spike- and seed-based mass selection for reduced preharvest sprouting. Differential effectiveness of mass selection, in populations segregating for dormancy from different sources, is consistent with previous work on mechanisms of dormancy from these sources. These results are of value to improvement of preharvest sprouting resistance in large, heterogeneous wheat populations.     

中国小麦品种穗发芽抗性差异的研究

利用收获时种子发芽率和面粉降落值法，于2000—2002年2个小麦种植年度，研究了黄淮、北部、长江中下游、西南冬麦区和东北春麦区1950年以来的781个主要推广品种和新品系的穗发芽抗性。结果表明，小麦穗发芽抗性测定值在年度间极显著或显著正相关，不同年代小麦品种的穗发芽抗性差异较大。1990年以来育成品种的穗发芽抗性与20世纪80年代相近，但明显弱于50、60以及70年代。黄淮、西南和春小麦3个麦区种子发芽率低于2%的高抗品种数分别占各自麦区供试总数的1.7%、4.5%和5.7%，而长江中下游和北部2个冬麦区的种子发芽率都在10%以上；东北春麦区品种的抗性较强，种子发芽率平均为11.2%。利用等电聚焦电泳从发芽率和降落值均偏低的品种中鉴定出异源2号、蜀万24、蜀万761、陕160、孟县4号、京411、京9428、鉴26、燕大1817、农大45、衡水6404、晋麦5号、8号、鄂麦14和克辉等15个携带迟熟α-淀粉酶基因的品种，分布在5个不同麦区。对这些品种及其亲本进行SSR分子标记分析，发现有些与其亲缘关系密切的品种，却不携带迟熟α-淀粉酶基因。上述结果说明，该基因在我国五大小麦产区均有分布，但具该基因的品种数量少，占供试品种数的1.9%，通过育种程序容易选择出不携带该基因的小麦品种。     

Genotypic and exogenous factors affecting shoot regeneration from anther callus of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Summary The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting the regeneration capacity of linseed anther culture. Four different environmental conditions in a phytotron were tested with regard to their effects on anther donor plants of cv. Hella. Anther response and shoot regeneration from anther callus was maximal when donor plants were grown in a 16 hrs-day at 14°C day/8°C night temperature. Anthers of four linseed genotypes were cultured on different media. Maximum shoot regeneration was achieved when the induced calli were transferred onto a modified N6 medium containing zeatin (1 mg l^-1). Most of the calli regenerated shoots in the second subculture on regeneration media. Shoots were rooted on modified B5 or MS media containing NAA (0.1 mg l^-1). Cytological examinations of incubated anthers and root tips of regenerated plants indicated that the anther calli were derived from microspores.Abbreviations B5 Gamborg's (1975) medium - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - 2,4D dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - N6 Chu's (1978) medium - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - MS Murashige & Skoog's (1962) medium - ZEA zeatin     

Profiles of Trinexapac-ethyl- and ABA-induced heat-stable proteins in embryonic axes of wheat seeds

Treatment of plants with abscisic acid (ABA) can enhance resistance to environmental stresses in general and to preharvest sprouting in particular. Inhibitors of gibberellin (GA) synthesis have been reported to enhance the metabolic activity or effectiveness of ABA. Wheat seeds(Triticum aestivum L., cv. Bet Hashita) were soaked for 2 h in100 μm ABA, in 1250 ppm trinexapac-ethyl (TE, anacylcyclohexanedione-based GA synthesis inhibitor), or in a combination of the two. After drying, seeds were imbibed 24 h in water and the protein in heat-stable extracts from embryos was examined. Treatment with ABA alone increased expression of dehydrin and of a 37 kDa protein. Treatment with TE more than doubled protein concentration in the embryo and enhanced expression of dehydrin and of proteins weighing 37, 20, and15 kDa. Combined treatments of TE and ABA led to enhanced expression of dehydrin and of a 15 kDa protein. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

水稻穗上发芽生理生化及颖壳扫描电镜观察

对易萌和不易萌水稻（Oryza sativa ssp.japonica）品种进行扫描电镜观察、穗上发芽1~4d水稻的α-淀粉酶活性和内源激素含量测定。结果表明：易萌品种穗上发芽过程中α-淀粉酶活性较高;IAA、GA1+3、ZR含量也高于不易萌的品种;而ABA含量低于不易萌品种。GA1+3/ABA比值含量的变化与GA1+3含量变化基本一致。扫描电镜观察显示：易萌品种水稻颖壳外表面细胞排列疏松,茸毛较多且孔洞大,萌发孔也大,体现其机械阻力小,易吸水。说明水稻穗上发芽与α-淀粉酶活性,内源激素含量及颖壳结构有关。     

α-Tomatine and other steroidal glycoalkaloids in fruits of tomato lines resistant to the glasshouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westw.)

Summary The total steroidal alkaloid compositions of the mature-harvested fruits of the tomato cultivar Allround (Lycopersicon esculentum), of the species L. hirsutum glabratum, resistant to the glasshouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), and of four resistant lines were determined by capillary gas chromatography. The contents of -tomatine in the red-ripe fruits of Allround and in those of the lines were low (5 mg/kg fresh weight). The green-mature fruits of the wild species had a high content (3390 mg/kg fresh weight) of -tomatine. The total alkaloid profiles of Allround and of the lines were similar. Comparison of flame ionisation detector response with thermoionic detector response indicated that in addition to tomatidine, the aglycone of -tomatine, a small amount of one other steroidal alkaloid might be present in Allround and in the lines. The wild species contained five compounds which possibly are steroidal alkaloids.The safety level of -tomatine in tomatoes is discussed. It was concluded that, in respect of the glycoalkaloids of the mature-harvested fruits, the resistant tomato breeding lines are as safe for human cosumption as the standard cultivar.     

Genetic variability of preharvest sprouting – the South African situation

Preharvest sprouting resistance is a major breeding criterion in many regions. Screening for preharvest sprouting tolerance is difficult owing to the low heritability of the trait and its tendency to be expressed as a quantitatively inherited character. The screening procedure used currently at the ARC-Small Grain Institute is designed to assess variation of sprouting in intact heads. Five winter wheat cultivars were crossed in a complete diallel fashion. The objectives of the study were to determine the genetic variability of sprouting resistance in the progeny of five winter wheat cultivars, including Elands, a cultivar with excellent sprouting resistance. The preharvest sprouting response and α-amylase activity of these cultivars and their ensuing progeny were compared. Elands was identified as contributing positively towards preharvest sprouting tolerance in various combinations. Elands also had the best overall combining ability for the improvement of sprouting tolerance.     

Evaluation of methods for the assessment of malting quality in barley breeding

Summary Methods for assessing malting quality in barley breeding were evaluated for their precision, including variation between different batches, analysts and barley samples. The barley characters measured were grain moisture, ground grain moisture (two methods), grain weight, steep moisture, malt moisture (two methods), malt yield, malt nitrogen, malt soluble nitrogen, Kolbach index, malt diastatic power, malt -amylase, malt -glucanase, wort refractive index, hot water extract, extract yield, wort reducing sugars, wort total carbohydrates, wort -amino nitrogen and wort total nitrogen. The value of these measurements in barley breeding is discussed.     

Einfluß eines variierten N-Angebots auf α-Amylase-Aktivität, primäre Dormanz und Auswuchsresistenz von Weichweizen (Triticum aestivum L.), Roggen (Secale cereale L.) und Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack)

Influence of Varying N-Fertilization Rates on α-Amylase Activity, Primary Dormancy and Resistance to Pre-Harvest Sprouting in Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), Rye ( Secale cereale L.) and Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack)
Pre-harvest sprouting, induced by unfavourable ecological conditions, can affect the grain growers success considerably. Positive correlations are reported between resistance to pre-harvest sprouting and primary dormancy. Genotypes with a short dormancy period have a high pre-harvest sprouting risk. In the case of a premature germination of caryopses in the head of grain a hydrolysis of intact starch granules caused by the endoenzyme α-amylase takes place in the endosperm.
Negative correlations between falling number and protein content are reported, however, it is unknown, if a varying N-application influences pre-harvest sprouting rates, dormancy periods and amylase activity. For this reason, both greenhouse and field trials were conducted with different N-fertilization rates and (additional in the greenhouse) a rain simulation treatment.
High amounts of α-amylase a few days post anthesis are opposed to small enzyme activities in mature kernels. Stratificating temperatures and germination inducing precipitations at the same time are inducing pre-harvest sprouting and a high α-amylase activity especially in rye and triticale. It seems as if N-deficiency reduces the possibility of pre-harvest sprouting, on the other hand high N-rates increase the enzymes' activity and promote germination processes in the kernel. Effects of N-fertilization on dormancy are not known.
In the discussion of reasons for an increase of α-amylase activity in sprouted grain caryopses, changes in the relation of the phytohormones gibberellic acid (promoter of enzyme activities) and abscisine acid are mainly presumed.     

Doubled haploid production in winter wheat and triticale genotypes,using the Hordeum bulbosum system

Summary An attempt was made to produce doubled haploids on 16 winter wheat and six spring and winter triticale genotypes thought to carry genes for interspecific incompatibility. The potential for haploid production was maximized by the use of Hordeum bulbosum genotypes selected for high crossability on crossable wheat genotypes, the use of two post-pollination applications of gibberellic acid and by the pollination of immature florets.A low frequency of seed was set on both the wheat and the triticale genotypes, having mean seed sets of 0.20 per cent and 0.27 per cent respectively. Although the frequency of embryos (seed quality) was high, doubled haploid production was further limited by poor embryo differentiation and regeneration. Haploid plantlets were obtained from the wheat cultivars Moulin and Renard, although successful chromosome doubling and doubled haploid production was achieved in Moulin only.