Impact of elevated CO2 concentration on inter-subspecific hybrid rice cultivar Liangyoupeijiu under fully open-air field conditions

Hybrid rice cultivar plays an important role in rice production system due to its high yield potential and resistance to environmental stress. Quantification of its responses to rising CO₂ concentration ([CO₂]) will reduce our uncertainty in predicting future food security and assist in development of adaptation strategies. Using free air CO₂ enrichment (FACE), we measured seasonal changes in growth and nitrogen (N) uptake of an inter-subspecific hybrid rice cultivar Liangyoupeijiu grown under two levels of [CO₂] (ambient and elevated by 200 μmol mol⁻¹) and two levels of N fertilization in 2005–2006. Average across the 2 years, FACE increased crop growth rate similarly by 22%, 24% and 23% in the periods from transplanting to panicle initiation (PI), PI to heading and heading to maturity, which was mainly attributed to an increase in green leaf area index rather than the greater net assimilation rate. Grain yield increased greatly under FACE as a result of similar contributions by panicle number per unit area, grain number per panicle and individual grain yield. Final aboveground N acquisition showed a 10.4% increase under FACE, which resulted from enhanced N uptake at both vegetative and reproductive growth stages. Compared with previous FACE studies on final productivity of two inbred japonica cultivars, inter-subspecific hybrid cultivar appears to profit more from elevated [CO₂], which mainly resulted from its greater enhancement in photosynthetic production during reproductive growth due to a lack of N limitations late in the season.     

Seasonal changes in the effects of free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) on phosphorus uptake and utilization of rice at three levels of nitrogen fertilization

Over time, the relative effect of elevated [CO₂] on the photosynthesis and dry matter (DM) production of rice crops is likely to be changed with increasing duration of CO₂ exposure. However, there is no systemic information on interactive effects of elevated [CO₂] and nitrogen (N) supply on seasonal changes in phosphorus (P) nutrient of rice crops. In order to investigate the interactive effects of these two factors on seasonal changes in plant P concentration, uptake, efficiency and allocation, a free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiment was conducted at Wuxi, Jiangsu, China, in 2001–2003. A japonica cultivar with large panicle was grown at ambient or elevated (ca. 200 μmol mol⁻¹ above ambient) [CO₂] and supplied with three levels of N: low (LN, 15 g N m²), medium (MN, 25 g N m²) and high N (HN, 35 g N m² (2002, 2003)). The MN level was similar to that recommended to local farmers. FACE significantly increased shoot P concentration (dry base) over the season, the average responses varied between 7.3% and 16.2%. Shoot P uptake responses to FACE declined gradually with crop development, with average responses of 57%, 51%, 37%, 26% and 11% on average during the growth periods from transplanting to early-tillering (Period I), early-tillering to mid-tillering (Period II), mid-tillering to panicle initiation (Period III), panicle initiation to heading (Period IV) and heading to grain maturity (Period V), respectively. Seasonal changes in shoot P uptake ratio (i.e., the ratio of shoot P uptake during a given growth period to final shoot P acquisition at grain maturity) responses to FACE followed a similar pattern to that of shoot P uptake, with average responses of 19%, 14%, 3%, −5% and −16% in Periods I, II, III, IV and V of the growth period, respectively. As a result, FACE enhanced shoot P uptake by 33% at grain maturity. P allocation patterns among above-ground organs were not altered by FACE before heading, but it was modified after heading, with a shift in P allocation patterns towards vegetative organ. FACE resulted in the significant decrease in P-use efficiency for biomass across the season and P-use efficiency for grain yield and P harvest index at grain maturity. Generally, there were no interactions between [CO₂] and N supply on above P nutrient variables measured. Data from this study has important implications for P management in rice production systems under future elevated [CO₂] conditions.     

Yield formation of CO2-enriched hybrid rice cultivar Shanyou 63 under fully open-air field conditions

Hybrid indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars play an important role in rice production system due to its heterosis, resistance to environmental stress, large panicle and high yield potential. However, no attention has been given to its yield responses to rising atmospheric [CO₂] in conjunction with nitrogen (N) availability. Therefore we conducted a free air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiment at Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China (119°42′0′′E, 32°35′5′′N), in 2004–2006. A three-line hybrid indica rice cv. Shanyou 63 was grown at ambient and elevated (ca. 570 μmol mol⁻¹) [CO₂] under two levels of supplemental N (12.5 g Nm⁻² and 25 g Nm⁻²). Elevated [CO₂] had no effect on phenology, but substantially enhanced grain yield (+34%). The magnitude of yield response to [CO₂] was independent of N fertilization, but varied among different years. On average, elevated [CO₂] increased the panicle number per square meter by 10%, due to an increase in maximum tiller number under enrich [CO₂], while productive tiller ratio remained unaffected. Spikelet number per panicle also showed an average increase of 10% due to elevated [CO₂], which was supported by increased plant height and stem dry weight per tiller. Meanwhile, elevated [CO₂] caused a significant enhancement in both filled spikelet percentage (+5%) and individual grain weight (+4%). Compared with the two prior FACE studies on rice, hybrid indica rice cultivar appears to profit much more from elevated [CO₂] than japonica rice cultivar (ca. +13%), not only due to its stronger sink generation, but also enhanced capacity to utilize the carbon sources in a high [CO₂] environment. The above data has significant implication with respect to N strategies and cultivar selection under projected future [CO₂] levels.     

High-temperature-tolerant mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) lines produce better yields when exposed to higher CO2 levels

Increasing global air temperatures, along with rising CO₂ levels, are causing concerns about reducing available freshwater resources and altering cropping patterns. They may influence overall growth and production pattern of crop plants. These likely changes would become major limiting factors for future sustainable food production largely in the tropics and subtropics. Thus, understanding physiological responses hold the key to determining the functional relationship between the environment and crop performance. We explore here the impact of rising CO₂ on the growth and yield traits of a few selected high-temperature (HT)-tolerant mungbean lines, which we earlier screened for HT tolerance using a physiological assay under managed growth conditions. The HT-tolerant lines grown under elevated CO₂ levels (550 and 700 μL L^?1) showed a considerable improvement in growth rates (13.5%, 67.8%, and 46.5% in plant height, leaf area, and total dry matter, respectively) and pod and seed yield (48.7% and 31.7%, respectively), compared to local checks under the same environments. Interestingly, the symptoms of accelerated pod maturity were also observed in most of these lines. The outcome of the study would undoubtedly open up opportunities for increased yield potentials of legumes under the conditions of the warming climate and elevated levels of carbon dioxide.     

Effect of CO2 Concentration,Temperature and N Fertilization on Biomass Production of Soybean Genotypes Differing in N Fixation Capacity

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that elevated CO₂ concentration [CO₂]-induced enhancement of biomass production of soybean is greater in a genotype that has a higher nitrogen (N) fixation capacity. Furthermore, we analyzed theinteractive effects of N fertilization, temperature and [CO₂] on biomass production. Three genetically related genotypes: Enrei (normally-nodulating genotype), Kanto 100 (supernodulating genotype), and En1282 (non-nodulating genotype) were grown in pots, with or without N fertilizer for two years (2004, 2005). They were then subjected to two different [CO₂] (ambient and elevated (ambient + 200 ?mol mol-¹)) × two temperature regimes (low,high (low + 4~5ºC)). Top dry weight at maturity was the greatest in the elevated [CO₂] × high temperature regime, irrespective of genotype and N fertilization. The [CO₂] elevation generally enhanced N acquisition and dry matter production during the vegetative growth stage, and the enhancement was more pronounced in the nodulating genotypes (Enrei and Kanto 100) than in the non-nodulating genotype (En1282), indicating that N supply through N fixation contributes to elevated [CO₂]-induced biomass production in soybean. However, the relative responsiveness ofbiomass production to elevated [CO₂] was not necessarily higher in the supernodulating genotype than the normally-nodulating genotype. The N utilization efficiency to produce biomass was inferior in the supernodulating genotype than in the normally-nodulating and non-nodulating genotypes. These results did not fully verify the hypothesis that elevated [CO₂]-induced enhancement of biomass production of soybean is greater in a genotype with a higher N fixation capacity.     

Characterizing leaf gas exchange responses of cotton to full and limited irrigation conditions

Plant responses to water deficit need to be monitored for producing a profitable crop as water deficit is a major constraint on crop yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate physiological responses of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) to various environmental conditions under limited water availability using commercially available varieties grown in South Texas. Soil moisture and variables of leaf gas exchange were measured to monitor water deficit for various varieties under different irrigation treatments. Lint yield and growth variables were also measured and correlations among growth parameters of interest were investigated. Significant differences were found in soil moisture, leaf net assimilation (A_n), stomatal conductance (g), transpiration rate (T_r), and instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE_i) among irrigation treatments in 2006 while no significant differences were found in these parameters in 2007. Some leaf gas exchange parameters, e.g., T_r, and leaf temperature (T_L) have strong correlations with A_n and g. A_n and WUE were increased by 30–35% and 30–40%, respectively, at 600 μmol (CO₂) m⁻² s⁻¹ in comparison with 400 μmol (CO₂) m⁻² s⁻¹. Lint yield was strongly correlated with g, T_r, WUE, and soil moisture at 60 cm depth. Relative A_n, T_r, and T_L started to decrease from FTSW 0.3 at 60 cm and FTSW 0.2 at 40 cm. The results demonstrate that plant water status under limited irrigation management can be qualitatively monitored using the measures of soil moisture as well as leaf gas exchange, which in turn can be useful for describing yield reduction due to water deficit. We found that using normalized A_n, T_r, and T_L is feasible to quantify plant water deficit.     

Effects of Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Silica Deposition in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Panicle

Abstract

The effects of elevated carbon dioxide concentration ([CO₂]) on silica deposition on husk epidermis of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Akitakomachi) during the flowering stage were investigated in this study. The study was motivated by the concept that the rice yield maybe affected by global warming as a result of elevated [CO₂] environment since sterility of rice is related to the panicle silica content that influences transpiration, and elevated [CO₂] could affect plant transpiration. Silica deposition analysis was focused on the flowering stage of the rice crop grown hydroponically under two [CO₂] conditions: 350 μmol mol-¹ (ambient) and 700 μmol mol-¹ (elevated). Silica deposition on the husk epidermis from three parts of the panicle at four flowering stages were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer (EDX). The results demonstrated that elevated [CO₂] significantly suppressed silica deposition on the husk epidermis at the lower part of the panicle, and at the early flowering stage when 1/3 of the panicle emerged from the leaf sheath. In the transverse section analysis of the husk, silica deposition on the husk epidermis under elevated [CO₂] was less than that under ambient [CO₂] at the late flowering stage. The less silica deposition observed on the husks at the late flowering stage under elevated [CO₂] might be related to the suppressed transpiration from the panicle by elevated [CO₂] found in a previous study.     

Simulation of the effects of genotype and N availability on rice growth and yield response to an elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration

The objective of this study was to identify physiological processes that result in genotypic and N fertilization effects on rice yield response to elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations ([CO₂]). This study conducted growth and yield simulations for 9 rice genotypes grown at 4 climatically different sites in Asia, assuming the current atmospheric [CO₂] (360 ppm) and elevated [CO₂] (700 ppm) using 5 levels of N fertilizer (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 g m⁻² N fertilizer). A rice growth model that was developed and already validated for 9 different genotypes grown under 7 sites in Asia was used for the simulation, integrating additional components into the model to explain the direct effect of [CO₂] on several physiological processes. The model predicted that the relative yield response to elevated [CO₂] (RY, the ratio of yield under 700 ppm [CO₂] to that under 360 ppm [CO₂]) increased with increasing N fertilizer, ranging from 1.12 at 4 g m⁻² N fertilizer to 1.22 at 20 g m⁻² N fertilizer, averaged overall genotypes and locations. The model also predicted a large genotypic variation in RY at the 20 g N treatment, ranging from 1.08 for ‘WAB450-I-B-P-38-HB’ to 1.41 for ‘Takanari’ averaged overall locations. Combining all genotypes grown at the 5N fertilization conditions, a close 1:1 relationship was predicted between RY and the relative [CO₂] response in spikelet number for crops with a small number of spikelets (less than 30,000 m⁻²) under the current atmospheric [CO₂] (n = 18, r = 0.89^***). In contrast, crops with a large number of spikelets under the current atmospheric [CO₂] showed a significantly larger RY than the relative [CO₂] response for spikelet number per unit area. The model predicted that crops with a larger number of spikelets under the current atmospheric [CO₂] derived great benefit from elevated [CO₂] by directly allocating increased carbohydrate to their large, vacant sink, whereas crops with a smaller number of spikelets primarily required an increased spikelet number to use the increased carbohydrate to fill grains. The simulation analyses suggested that rice with a larger sink capacity relative to source availability under the current atmospheric [CO₂] showed a larger yield response to elevated [CO₂], irrespective of whether genotype or N availability was the major factor for the large sink capacity under the current [CO₂]. The model predicted that the RY response to nitrogen was brought about through the N effects on spikelet number and non-structural carbohydrate accumulation. The genotypic variation in RY was related to differences in spikelet differentiation efficiency per unit plant N content. Further model validation about the effects of [CO₂] on growth processes is required to confirm these findings considering data from experimental studies.     

Effects of free air carbon dioxide enrichment and nitrogen supply on growth and yield of winter barley cultivated in a crop rotation

The increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration [CO₂] has been demonstrated to stimulate growth of C₃ crops. Although barley is one of the important cereals of the world, little information exists about the effect of elevated [CO₂] on grain yield of this crop, and realistic data from field experiments are lacking. Therefore, winter barley was grown within a crop rotation over two rotation cycles (2000 and 2003) at present and elevated [CO₂](375 ppm and 550 ppm) and at two levels of nitrogen supply (adequate (N2): 262 kg ha⁻¹ in 1st year and 179 kg ha⁻¹ in 2nd year) and 50% of adequate (N1)). The experiments were carried out in a free air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) system in Braunschweig, Germany. The reduction in nitrogen supply decreased seasonal radiation absorption of the green canopy under ambient [CO₂] by 23%, while CO₂ enrichment had a positive effect under low nitrogen (+8%). Radiation use efficiency was increased by CO₂ elevation under both N levels (+12%). The CO₂ effect on final above ground biomass was similar for both nitrogen treatments (N1: +16%; N2: +13%). CO₂ enrichment did not affect leaf biomass, but increased ear and stem biomass. In addition, final stem dry weight was higher under low (+27%) than under high nitrogen (+13%). Similar findings were obtained for the amount of stem reserves available during grain filling. Relative CO₂ response of grain yield was independent of nitrogen supply (N1: +13%; N2: +12%). The positive CO₂ effect on grain yield was primarily due to a higher grain number, while changes of individual grain weight were small. This corresponds to the findings that under low nitrogen grain growth was unaffected by CO₂ and that under adequate nitrogen the positive effect on grain filling rate was counterbalanced by shortening of grain filling duration.     

Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration on morphology of leaf blades in Chinese yam

ABSTRACT

The effects of elevated carbon dioxide concentration on the morphology of leaf blades in two Chinese yam lines under different temperature conditions were determined. Plants were grown under two [CO₂] levels, ambient (about 400 µmol mol^?1) and elevated (ambient + 200 µmol mol^?1) in the daytime, and two mean air temperature regimes, approximately ambient temperature (22.2°C) and high temperature (25.6°C). The palisade layer was thicker under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in both temperature regimes, and the whole yam leaf blade was thicker under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in the approximately ambient temperature regime. The numbers of chloroplasts per palisade cell and spongy cell as well as per unit profile area of palisade cell, number of starch grains per chloroplast, profile area of the starch grain, and starch-to-chloroplast area ratio in both palisade and spongy cells were higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in both temperature regimes. Furthermore, the stomatal density on the abaxial side of the leaf blade in Chinese yam was greater under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] under both temperature regimes, and stomatal-pore length was higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in the approximately ambient temperature regime. These results indicate that elevated [CO₂] positively affects the photosynthetic apparatus. The results of this study provide information for understanding the response characteristics of the leaf blade under elevated [CO₂] and a possible explanation for the positive photosynthetic responses of Chinese yam to elevated [CO₂] in our previous study.

List of Abbreviations:[CO₂]: carbon dioxide concentration     

The impact of free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) and nitrogen supply on grain quality of rice

Because CO₂ is needed for plant photosynthesis, the increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration ([CO₂]) has the potential to enhance the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.), but little is known regarding the impact of elevated [CO₂] on grain quality of rice, especially under different N availability. In order to investigate the interactive effects of [CO₂] and N supply on rice quality, we conducted a free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) experiment at Wuxi, Jiangsu, China, in 2001–2003. A long-duration rice japonica with large panicle (cv. Wuxiangging 14) was grown at ambient or elevated (ca. 200 μmol mol⁻¹ above ambient) [CO₂] under three levels of N: low (LN, 15 g N m²), medium (MN, 25 g N m²) and high N (HN, 35 g N m² (2002, 2003)). The MN level was similar to that recommended to local farmers. FACE significant increased rough (+12.8%), brown (+13.2%) and milled rice yield (+10.7%), while markedly reducing head rice yield (−13.3%); FACE caused serious deterioration of processing suitability (milled rice percentage −2.0%; head rice percentage −23.5%) and appearance quality (chalky grain percentage +16.9%; chalkiness degree +28.3%) drastically; the nutritive value of grains was also negatively influenced by FACE due to a reduction in protein (−6.0%) and Cu content (−20.0%) in milled rice. By contrast, FACE resulted in better eating/cooking quality (amylose content −3.8%; peak viscosity +4.5%, breakdown +2.9%, setback −27.5%). These changes in grain quality revealed that hardness of grain decreased with elevated [CO₂] while cohesiveness and resilience increased when cooked. Overall, N supply had significant influence on rice yield with maximum value occurring at MN, whereas grain quality was less responsive to the N supply, showing trends of better appearance and eating/cooking quality for LN or MN-crops as compared with HN-crops. For most cases, no [CO₂] × N interaction was detected for yield and quality parameters. These data suggested that the current recommended rates of N fertilization for rice production should not be modified under projected future [CO₂] levels, at least for the similar conditions of this experiment.     

Effects of planting system,plant density and flower removal on yield and quality of hybrid seed in cotton

Seedling transplanting and plastic mulching are widely adopted intensive planting systems in cotton production in China. Manual removal of early- or late-season flowers may improve seed quality without sacrificing yield through the compensatory growth of cotton plants. Two experiments were conducted, in Yellow River Valley in China from 2002 to 2003, to test if the intensive systems and flower removal can be used for enhancing hybrid seed production. Results in the first experiment show that yields of seed cotton and seed, and seed quality parameters averaged across three plant densities (2.25, 3.00 and 3.75 plants/m²), were significantly improved by either transplanting or plastic mulching relative to conventional planting. The improvements in yield and quality in two intensive planting systems were mainly attributed to longer and earlier flowering period. Transplanted plants did not differ significantly from mulched plants in seed yield, seed maturity and percentage germination, but transplanting decreased lint percentage and increased seed index relative to mulching. In terms of seed yield and quality, the optimum plant density for each planting system was 3.00 plants/m². At the optimum plant density, seed yields averaged across two years for transplanting and mulching systems were 31.3% and 32.6% higher than for conventional planting system, respectively. Flower removal did not significantly affect seed yield, but removal of late-season or both early- and late-season flowers significantly improved seed quality. It was concluded that transplanting or plastic mulching, low plant density (3.00 plants/m²), and removal of late-season or both early- and late-season flowers can be integrated to enhance yield and quality of hybrid seed of cotton.     

Evaluation of the Effect of Photosynthesis on Biomass Production with Simultaneous Analysis of Growth and Continuous Monitoring of CO2 Exchange in the Whole Plants of Radish,cv Kosena under Ambient and Elevated CO2

Abstract

The effects of elevated CO₂ (approximate doubling of atmospheric CO₂ concentration) on the rate of photosynthesis estimated from continuous monitoring of CO₂ exchange in whole plants were investigated in radish cv. Kosena accompanied with simultaneous analysis of growth for 6 days from 15 to 21 days after planting (DAP). The elevated CO₂ increased the dry weights of hydroponically grown radish plants by 59% at 21 DAP.

The increase in dry weight was due to a combined effect of increased leaf area and increased photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area. Leaf area and the photosynthetic rate were increased by elevated CO₂ by 18-43% and 9-20%, respectively, during 15 to 21 DAP. Namely, an increase in the rate of photosynthesis is accompanied by an increase in leaf area, both having a significant effect on biomass production.     

Forage soybean performance in mediterranean environments

Livestock producers are interested in growing forage soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in summer and ensiling alone or in mixtures with corn or sorghum. Four row spacings (20, 40, 60, and 80 cm), four seeding rates (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg seeds per hectare) and four harvesting stages for forage production (V₅, R₂, R₄, and R₆) were evaluated under irrigated conditions in a randomized split–split plot design with three replications in three different locations in Turkey with Mediterranean-type climate in 2004 and 2005. Dry matter (DM) yield was significantly reduced with increased row spacings in all locations. There was no significant difference between 20, 40, or 60 cm row spacings while 80 cm provided the lowest yield. Increased seeding rates (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg seeds per hectare) generally increased DM yield, although the most suitable row spacing varied by location. DM yield was significantly affected by harvest maturity increasing with advancing maturity in all locations. DM constituent plant components were generally unaffected by row spacing and seeding rate but harvest maturity did significantly affect DM partitioning. As expected, leaf blade fractions decreased continually as plant maturity increased, while stem and flower plus pod fraction increased from V₅ to R₆. In general, row spacing and seeding rate did not significantly affect crude protein, degradable protein, and in vitro dry matter digestibility of soybean forage, but all decreased significantly with advancing maturity. These studies demonstrated soybeans managed for forage in a Mediterranean-type environment can average of 9.3 and 11.3 t ha⁻¹ dry matter yield at R₄ and R₆ stages, respectively, while averaging 13.3% crude protein, 8.2% degradable protein, and 60.6% in vitro dry matter digestibility.     

Determining Selection Gains and Discriminating Environments via GGE Biplots

Abstract

Genetic variation is the basis for meaningful selection; thus, the use of locations that discriminate or result in greater variation among genotypes, for a trait or trait package should promote accurate selection of superior genotypes. The objectives of this study were to quantify the gains by selection in discriminating locations using superior parents for single or multiple-trait populations. GGEbiplot software was used to identify two levels (high and low) of discriminating locations for each of three distinct populations of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Populations were obtained by crossing parents recommended by a least squares means analysis for each population criteria, which included parents/populations selected for: (a) lint yield; (b) fiber micronaire, length, strength, uniformity, and elongation; and (c) lint yield, lint percent, fiber micronaire, length, and strength. F₂ plants in 2003 and F_2:3 plants in 2004 were planted in the high and low discriminating locations for each selection criteria. Heritability estimates (h²) were calculated by regressing the F_2:3 plants on their F₂ parents. Genotypic variance was greater among F_2:3 progeny in discriminating environments compared with non-discriminating environments, regardless of population criteria. Heritability was greater in the population containing fiber traits compared with yield. The results of this study suggest that using discriminating locations during the selection phase of a breeding program can increase genotypic variance and enhance selection accuracy.     

Combining ability analysis to identify suitable parents for heterosis in seed cotton yield,its components and lint % in upland cotton

Combining ability and heterosis were studied in a 6 × 6 diallel cross to see the nature of gene action in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) during 2002 to 2004. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among all the F₁ and F₂ hybrid means and their respective six parental values for all the traits examined. In both generations, the mean squares due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were also highly significant. SCA genetic variances were greater than GCA and more important for the traits, i.e. boll weight, boll number and seed cotton yield per plant, showing the predominance of non-additive gene action. Lint % in both generations and boll weight in F₂s only were controlled by additive type of gene action due to maximum GCA variances. Cultivar CIM-1100 was found to be the best general combiner and its utilization produced valuable hybrids with desirable SCA in both generations. F₁ and F₂ hybrids, viz., CIM-1100 × CRIS-9, CIM-1100 × FH-682, CIM-1100 × BH-36 and CIM-109 × CIM-1100 as high × low and low × high parents performed well in SCA determination, outstanding mean performance and heterosis. Better SCA effects associated with useful heterosis were more pronounced for yield traits. In F₁ hybrids, maximum heterosis was observed for seed cotton yield followed by boll number, boll weight and lint %. The heterosis over better parent was +3.13 to +65.63% for bolls per plant, +0.75 to +24.40% for boll weight, +0.82 to +115.22% for seed cotton yield and +0.27 to +3.88% for lint %. Involvement of CIM-1100 in most of the F₁ and F₂ hybrids resulted in the synthesis of superior genotypes for most of the traits studied. Inbreeding depression was elevated in good performing hybrids and was the highest for seed cotton yield. Highest yielding F₁ hybrids yielded lesser in the subsequent generation due to over-dominance and inbreeding depression, whereas moderate yielding F₁ hybrids were found more stable even passing through process of segregation due to additive gene action. The combined performance of F₁ and F₂ hybrids could be a good indicator to identify the most promising populations to be utilized either as F₂ hybrids or as a resource population for further selection.     

Production Ecophysiology of Hungarian Green Pepper Under Elevated Air CO2 Concentration

SUMMARY

Production, dry matter (including reproductive) allocation, photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency and carbon and nitrogen responses of a Hungarian sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) under continuous elevated CO₂ concentrations are reported. Plants were grown in open top chambers under a temperate-continental climate in Hungary from plantation at ambient (350 μmol mol^?1) and elevated (700 μmol mol^?1) CO₂ concentrations. The CO₂ assimilation responses of the green pepper plants grown in high CO₂ from plantation until final harvest reflected down-regulation of their photosynthesis. The integrated and combined effect of the increased net CO₂ assimilation rate and the unchanged rate of transpiration resulted in higher WUE at elevated CO₂ concentrations in the high CO₂ plants than in the control ones grown at ambientCO₂. However, the improved water use efficiency in the high CO₂ plants was not followed by an acclimation in C-trans-location and C-allocation to the reproductive organs in the required degree. This was reflected in a slightly increased overall plant production and higher reproductive allocation, but was not accompanied by an increased fresh or dry berry mass production. The acclimation discussed may be of advantage for plant growth in a high CO₂ environment with restricted water availability. We did not find worthy statistical difference between the yield mass of the control and elevated CO₂, although the dry matter production parameters of the high CO₂ plants had statistically not significantly higher values.     

Atmospheric CO2 enrichment changes the wheat grain proteome

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Triso) was grown in a free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) field experiment in order to gain information on CO₂-induced effects on grain composition and quality at maturity. A proteome analysis was performed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and protein identification was done with mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). In elevated CO₂ (526 μl l⁻¹), an increase of 13.5% in grain yield was observed relative to 375 μl l⁻¹ at a low level of significance (P = 0.528). Total grain protein concentration was decreased by 3.5% at a high level of statistical significance. Most importantly, a number of statistically significant changes within the grain proteome were observed, as the levels of 32 proteins were affected by elevated CO₂: 16 proteins were up-regulated and 16 were down-regulated. Our experiment demonstrates that high-CO₂ can markedly affect the proteome of mature wheat grain. The potential role of the proteins, changed in response to CO₂ enrichment, is discussed as some may affect grain quality. For the task of selecting cultivars resistant to CO₂-induced quality loss, we propose to consider the proteins affected by elevated CO₂ identified in this work here.     

Effects of elevated CO2 concentration on growth and photosynthesis of Chinese yam under different temperature regimes

Chinese yam (‘yam’) was grown at different carbon dioxide concentrations ([CO₂]), namely, ambient and elevated (ambient + 200 μmol mol^?1), under low- and high-temperature regimes in summer and autumn, separately. For comparison, rice was also grown under these conditions. Mean air temperatures in the low- and high-temperatures were respectively 24.1 and 29.1 °C in summer experiment and 20.2 and 24.9 °C in autumn experiment. In summer experiment, yam vine length, leaf area, leaf dry weight (DW), and total DW were significantly higher under elevated [CO₂] than ambient [CO₂] in both temperature regimes. Additionally, number of leaves, vine DW, and root DW were significantly higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in the low-temperature regime. In autumn experiment, tuber DW was significantly higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in the high-temperature regime. These results demonstrate that yam shows positive growth responses to elevated [CO₂]. Analysis of variance revealed that significant effect of [CO₂] × air temperature interaction on yam total DW was not detected. Elevated-to-ambient [CO₂] ratios of all growth parameters in summer experiment were higher in yam than in rice. The results suggest that the contribution of elevated [CO₂] is higher in yam than in rice under summer. Yam net photosynthetic rate was significantly higher under elevated [CO₂] than under ambient [CO₂] in both temperature regimes in summer. Elevated [CO₂] significantly affected on the rate in yam but not in rice in both experiments. These findings indicate that photosynthesis responds more readily to elevated [CO₂] in yam than in rice.     

Effects of plant density and nitrogen and potassium fertilization on cotton yield and uptake of major nutrients in two fields with varying fertility

As the most important cultural practices for cotton production, the single effects of plant density and [nitrogen (N) and potassium (K)] fertilization on yield and yield components are well documented but their combined effects on Bt cotton are poorly understood. Using a split–split plot design with four replications, we conducted a two-year field experiment in two fields, one with lower fertility and the other with higher fertility, in the Yellow River Valley of China. The aim was to evaluate both the individual and combined effects of plant density and nitrogen and potassium fertilization on yield, yield components and uptake of major nutrients. The main plots were assigned to plant density (4.5 and 7.5 plants/m²), while nitrogen (0 and 240 kg N/ha) and potassium fertilization (0 and 150 kg K/ha) were assigned to the sub- and sub–subplots. Lint yield was improved with high plant density (7.5 plants/m²) in the lower fertility field, particularly without N and K application, but not in the higher fertility field. Nitrogen or K application also increased lint yield, and a combination of high plant density, N and K application further improved lint yield in the lower fertility field, while only K application increased lint yield in the higher fertility field. Lint percentage was not affected by any of the variables studied. Thus, the yield increase due to plant density, fertilization or their combinations was attributed to increases in boll number or boll weight. The ratio of seed cotton to stalk (RSS) was linearly correlated with harvest index, and thus can be a simple indicator of dry matter allocation to reproductive structures. Increased yield due to plant density and fertilization was mainly attributed to the enhanced biological yield in the lower fertility field, while the yield increase due to K fertilization was mainly due to increased RSS in the higher fertility field. The plants used approximately equal N and P to produce 100 kg lint in both fields, but the uptake of K to produce 100 kg lint in the higher fertility field was about 21% more than that in the lower fertility field. Ratios of N:P:K were 1:0.159:0.604 in the lower fertility field and 1:0.159:0.734 in higher fertility field. This study suggests that K fertilization was extremely important for maintaining high yield, although luxury consumption occurred in the higher fertility field; N was applied more than required in the highly fertile field, and increased plant density would be beneficial to cotton yield in the lower fertility field.