Female fertility of potato (Solanum tuberosum ssp. tuberosum) dihaploids

Summary Results of testcrosses and seed set data of the dihaploid breeding program at the Potato Research Institute in Gross Lüsewitz, Germany, indicate that the low level of female fertility could hinder success in crossing work. With the objective to reveal major components of female fertility, the behavior of 47 outstanding potato dihaploids (S. tuberosum ssp. tuberosum, 2n=2x=24) was assessed in testcrosses over a period of 3 years. Analysis of variance was carried out for the traits: number of seed per berry (S/B), number of intact seed per berry (IS/B), and number of non-germinable seed per berry (NGS/B). Significant sources of variation included cross combinations, years, and cross combination-year interactions. More than 20 S/B were obtained in 25.4% of all cross combinations performed over 3 years using up to three pollinators. Berry set was not correlated to seed set, but was in general determined by the pollinator used. The number of seedless berries (SLB/F) was related to neither total berry set nor seed production. The trait S/B remained stable over different years, and thus it deemed to be most useful as a measure of the level of female fertility in practical breeding work. Selection for female fertility in early generations of a breeding program is recommended to avoid limitations in the production of variability via sexual recombination.     

AFLP analysis of Solanum phureja DNA introgressed into potato dihaploids

Introgression of Solanum phureja DNA into S. tuberosum dihaploids was analysed by the use of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Five dihaploids, derived from crosses between S. tuberosum cv. Pentland Crown and two different S. phureja pollinators (IVP48 and EC90) were investigated by use of 17 AFLP primer pairs. Also 30 dihaploids, derived from pollination of five different S. tuberosum seed parents with S. phureja IVP101, were investigated for the presence of S. phureja‐specific markers. In total approximately 680 and 850 AFLP products were detected in the diploid S. phureja clones and in the tetraploid S. tuberosum genotypes, respectively. A total of 68 S. phureja IVP48‐specific markers were detected, while the total number of S. phureja IVP101‐specific markers was in the range of 72‐96, depending on the S. tuberosum seed parent. Introgression of DNA in the S. tuberosum cv. Pentland Crown dihaploids, after pollination with S. phureja IVP48 and S. phureja EC90, was demonstrated by the detection of 14 of 68 IPV48‐specific markers in the dihaploids. However, no DNA introgression was found in any of the 30 S. tuberosum dihaploids derived from S. phureja IVP101. Hence, S. phureja IVP101 is regarded as an excellent pollinator in the production of S. tuberosum dihaploids in potato breeding programmes because of the high yield of dihaploids per 100 berries, and because no introgression of DNA into the S. tuberosum dihaploids was evidenced.     

Crossability between tritordeum and triticale

Seed set over three years in crosses between three tritordeums used as female parents and four triticale lines, showed that there are significant differences in crossability attributable to both parents and that most of these differences are consistent over the three years. When used as the female parent tritordeum line HT67 had an average seed set of 29.62%, tritordeum line HT9 an average of 12.73%, and tritordeum line HT31 an average of only 6.58% averaged over the four triticales lines used as pollinators. These data show genotype effect that is highly significant (P < 0.001) both for tritordeum and triticale genotypes and highly significant (P < 0.001) female ×year, male × year and female × pollinator interactions. The behaviour of F₁ tritordeum hybrids when crossed with one of the triticale pollinators supports the conclusion that the parents' crossability behaviour is genetically controlled. Analysis of segregation ratio of F₂ hybrids plants from high and low crossability tritordeum genotypes crossed with the same triticale pollinator genotype is consistent with 9:3:3:1 ratio. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The occurrence of 2n-pollen and the origin of sexual polyploids in dihaploid roses (Rosa hybrida L.)

Haploidisation by in situ parthenogenesis of 4x R. hybrida resulted in the production of some dihaploid roses (2n=2x=14) able to produce viable pollen. A cytological study of microsporogenesis revealed that, although the first meiotic reductional division occurred normally, the second (equational) division was characterised by frequent abnormalities which concerned spindle formation and led to unreduced gametes of First Division Restitution (FDR) type. Analysis of the hybrid progeny of a parthenogenetically derived male fertile dihaploid plant revealed a selective advantage of the 2n-pollen, especially in the case of an hybridization with a tetraploid female parent. Moreover, crosses carried out among dihaploid partners always resulted in hybrids with ploidy levels≥ 3x. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Intraspecific somatic and sexual hybridisation between dihaploid lines of Solanum tuberosum L.: evaluation of morphological traits and resistance to late blight Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary in the foliage

Intraspecific tetraploid somatic and sexual hybrid plants have been resynthesised following protoplast fusion and by sexual crosses between two dihaploid potato (Solanum tuberosum) lines each possessing complementary agronomic traits. The dihaploid PDH 40 possesses good tuber shape and yield but has foliage susceptibility to late blight (Phytophthora infestans). On the other hand, the dihaploid PDH 727 possesses resistance to blight in the foliage but has a low yield of small and irregular shaped tubers. Since it was only possible to use a partial selection strategy based on culture media to facilitate recovery of somatic hybrid plants-further morphological and esterase isozyme based characterisations were performed to identify somatic hybrid plants from amongst the non-hybrid plant material. When the blight resistance of both the intraspecific somatic and sexual hybrid plants was assessed there was no significant difference in the mean resistance value and it was intermediate between those of their parents. However, the range of resistance was much wider among the sexual hybrids than among the plants derived from somatic fusion. An assessment of tuber yield between tetraploid sexual and somatic hybrids showed no significant difference and it was higher than that of either parent value. The implication of these results in the context of potato genetics and breeding is discussed.     

棉花诱导长柱头杂交制种及配套技术研究

旨在减少棉花杂交制种用工,提高棉花杂交制种工效,降低棉花杂交种子生产成本。采用GA₃溶液诱导棉花长柱头,不去雄直接授粉;采用小型强磁高速电动机作为动力,研制小型田间快速采粉器,同时研制与采粉器配套使用的简易授粉器。通过多年的研究,研制出一种新的杂交棉制种新方法,即用100 mg/kg浓度的GA₃溶液,处理8~18天母本的幼蕾,每花点滴量150~200 μL,开花当天,不去雄父本花粉直接授予母本伸长的柱头上;研制出与之相配套的棉花快速采粉器和低温贮能式授粉器,操作简便,田间采粉速度快,授粉效率高,生产的杂交种子纯度在95%以上,符合国家良种要求。该研究将稳定的诱导技术与采粉器和授粉器结合应用于棉花杂交制种,可节省大量用工,综合提高制种工效30%以上。     

Comparison of diploid and tetraploid potato families derived from Solanum phureja x dihaploid S. tuberosum hybrids and their vegetatively doubled counterparts

Summary To determine whether in potatoes the tetraploid level is preferable to the diploid level, especially regarding tuber yield, four diploid (2n=2×=24) Solanum phureja x dihaploid S. tuberosum hybrid parents and their vegetatively doubled, tetraploid (2n=4×=48) counterparts were intermated, which resulted in two F₁ hybrid families at both levels of ploidy. The parents and clones of the F₁ families and their offspring were used in crosses in such a way that in addition Sib₁, Sib₂, F₁×Sib₁, BC₁ and Sib₁×Sib₁ families were produced. Of the first clonal generation of the 12 2 x families and their 12 counterpart 4 x families two tubers per clone were planted in three replications in a field experiment at Sturgeon Bay in 1969; of the parents six tubers were planted in each replication. Data were recorded on 16 characters, including plant height at four different times.The ANOVA's showed significant clone effects within each family for all characters. Computed from all family means as well as from the family means per ploidy level, differences due to family were also significant for all characters except one.As at the 2 x level and at the 4 x level of ploidy the mean phenotypic correlations between characters were of similar magnitude, it is concluded that they are independent of ploidy level.With the exception of eye depth, the mean coefficient of variation was greater at the 2 x than at the 4 x level of ploidy, indicating the greatest response to selection for those characters at the 2 x level. From the differences in family means between the 4 x and the 2 x level of ploidy it was apparent that the 4 x families generally had significantly taller plants, later maturity, fewer tubers, higher mean tuber weight, more tuber yield and more dry matter yield than their counterpart 2 x families. In contrast, the 4 x parents had on the average shorter plants, lower mean tuber weight, much lower tuber yield and lower dry matter yield than their 2 x counterparts.The phenotypic correlation and Spearman's rank correlation between the family means of the 2 x and the 4 x level of ploidy were positive for almost all characters and significant for nearly half of them.From the results it is concluded that 1. in potatoes the 4 x level of ploidy is preferable to the 2 x level, and 2. the performance of 4 x families is predictable from the performance of their counterpart 2 x families.Based on results mentioned in the literature and on the present results, a continued use of S. tuberosum dihaploids in potato breeding needs to be dissuaded.     

Some aspects of cross-pollination in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) 1. Pollen concentration in the field as influenced by variety,diurnal pattern,weather conditions and level as compared to the height of the pollen donor

Summary For the large-scale production of hybrid seed the cross-fertilizing capacity of wheat must be increased. Breeding good pollinators is, therefore, a necessity. Five spring wheat varieties were examined for differences in pollen shedding capacity under normal field conditions. The examination was carried out by collecting pollen on object slides every hour from 06.00 till 20.00 h during flowering. In general, the variety Peko proved to be the best shedder of pollen, while Opal was the worst. Gaby, Jufy I and Orca were intermediate. Consistent results were hard to obtain mainly due to varying weather conditions.It was established that pollen is released throughout the whole period of daylight. The maximum release of pollen, however, occurred from 08.00 till 11.00 h. A less pronounced and much smaller peak was noticed from about 15.00 till 18.00 h. Most pollen appeared to be released at a temperature of 16–20°C and a relative humidity of 70–75%. Although there seems to be some relationship between the diurnal pattern of the pollen release and the indicated values of these meteorological factors, one cannot say that the former is entirely determined by the latter.It has been suggested in the literature that a male-sterile parent that is shorter than its pollinator would be most likely to produce good seed set in the hybrid wheat seed production field. Investigations showed that a greater concentration of pollen was found below the ear level of pollinator plants than at or above ear level.     

Heterosis in growth and photosynthetic rate in hybrids of cotton

Summary The intraspecific (Gossipium hirsutum) and interspecific (G. hirsutum x G. barbadense) F₁ hybrids of cotton were found to exhibit a high degree of heterosis in the production of fruiting branches, number of bolls (fruits), yield of seed cotton and photosynthetic rates over the parent plants. The developing bolls of the hybrids had significantly higher weights than their parents until the 20th day after anthesis. The patterns of leaf area development among interspecific hybrids differed when compared with the parent plants. The photosynthetic rates of the hybrids were comparable with those of maize and sorghum and much higher than the average rate reported so far for the cotton plant.     

杂交小麦抗坏血酸过氧化物酶基因克隆及其在种子老化中的潜在功能分析

以BS型二系杂交小麦BS1453/11GF5135及其BS1453(母本)、11GF5135(父本)的种子为材料,在BS1453/11GF5135中通过同源克隆获得抗坏血酸过氧化物酶基因TaAPX。该基因包含一个832 bp的ORF,共编码277个氨基酸。通过进一步生信分析预测miRNA与TaAPX基因的互作关系,发现TaAPX基因可能受miR396等抗逆及种子活力相关miRNAs的调控。另外通过蛋白互作预测分析,发现APX蛋白主要与氧化还原相关的酶互作反应。通过对不同老化时间的父母本及杂交种的胚进行qPCR及酶活性分析,发现TaAPX基因在杂交种及亲本中的表达趋势是先被诱导上调表达,后下调表达,但杂交种子内TaAPX基因的表达量在第7天才开始下降,而亲本种子内TaAPX基因的表达量在第5天开始下降,且miR396与TaAPX互为拮抗作用。随着老化时间的延长,亲本种子内APX酶活性表现为下降趋势,杂交种子内APX酶活性在第3天呈短暂下降趋势,随后上升,第9天开始下降,表明在老化条件下杂交种子内APX酶清除体内过氧化物的能力高于亲本,即杂交种抗老化能力高于其父母本,且TaAPX基因对种子...     

Seed productivity test of CMS lines of Japanese bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) possessing the cytoplasm of a wild species, A. galanthum Kar. et Kir.

In a previous study, we developed male sterile lines of Japanese bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) possessing the cytoplasm of a wild species, A. galanthum Kar. et Kir., by backcrossing. To evaluate seed productivity of the male sterile lines in practise, they were crossed with the male fertile line, cultivar 'Kujyo', using honeybees as pollinators under field conditions. The number of florets and seeds per inflorescence, seed set and seed germination of the material were investigated. Although variation was observed among the male sterile lines, there were several lines having seed productivity equal to cultivar 'Kujyo'. Our data demonstrate that the male sterile lines of A. fistulosum possessing the cytoplasm of A. galanthum are useful as seed parents for the commercial F seed production of A. fistulosum.     

Parthenogenetic monohaploids (2n=x=12) from Solanum tuberosum L. and S. verrucosum Schlechtd. and the production of homozygous potato diploids

Summary Dihaploid and dihaploid derived clones of Solanum tuberosum and diploid genotypes of S. verrucosum produced 85 viable monohaploids by female parthenogenesis. All were induced using diploid S. phureja clones, homozygous for embryo spot, as pollinator. Frequency of S. tuberosum monohaploids per 100 berries was rather constant in three successive years (14, 17 and 17 respectively). No male and female fertility was found in flowering monohaploids.Colchicine-induced chromosome doubling yielded homozygous s. tuberosum diploids with low pollen quality but good seed fertility.Two diploid self-incompatible species (S. multidissectum and S. berthaultii) produced no monohaploids. The presence of genes for female parthenogenesis in some dihaploids is discussed.     

Effect of floral morphology on pollination in Brassica rapa L

Summary Flower structure, especially the anther–stigma separation (ASS), is well known to affect pollination efficiency, and thus to potentially increase or decrease seed production in crops. Therefore, investigating the relationship between flower characteristics and pollination ability is crucial to a full understanding of mechanisms to improve F₁ seed production in Brassica rapa. We used image analysis to measure three flower characteristics: short stamen height (SSH); long stamen height (LSH); and pistil height (PH) in seven cultivars. We calculated the ratio of PH to LSH as an index of anther–stigma separation (ASS). We investigated the number of pollen grains (NPG) deposited on the stigma and the seed-set percentage (SSP) under open-pollination and self-pollination conditions (with and without insects, respectively). Nested ANOVA indicated significant differences between the seven cultivars in the floral characteristics except for PH. Moreover, much larger variation was observed in NPG and SSP than in floral characteristics. Although stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that plants with relatively high PHs produced more seed under self-pollination, the number of seeds that resulted from self-pollination did not affect seed production because of incompatibility. Therefore, the effect of the spatial position of pistils on the F₁ seed production was low. Possibly other factors such as the total pollen production and visiting times of pollinators were important factors in the low yields observed in some cultivars     

The occurrence of 2 n eggs in the dihaploids derived from Rosa hybrida L.

Dihaploid derivatives of 4x Rosa hybrida L. obtained through parthenogenesis induced by irradiated pollen significantly produce 2n eggs,often accompanied by gametes with higher ploidy levels (3x and 4x). The gamete ploidy level distribution depends on the originating genotype. The ploidy level of the male parent affects the maternal /paternal ratio in the endosperm, which can be involved in the counter-selection of triploid genotypes resulting from the crosses made between dihaploid and 4x Rosa hybrida.The observed segregation ratios of flower doubleness in triploid progenies of dihaploids × R. wichuraïanasuggest that the relevant locus could be positioned far from the centromere.     

Transmission of resistance to common scab from the diploid to the tetraploid level via 4x-2x crosses in potatoes

Summary Diploid potato clones selected for their reaction to common scab and their ability to produce 2n male gametes were used in a series of crosses to a susceptible tetraploid female parent (cv. Shepody). In addition, two tetraploid clones were also selected for their reaction to common scab and crossed with Shepody as a female parent. Results indicated that resistance to common scab can be effectively transmitted from the diploid to the tetraploid level via 4x-2x crosses. Diploid parents producing 2n pollen via either first division or second division restitution can be used to transmit scab resistance. A relatively small proportion of resistant individuals could be recovered from susceptible x susceptible crosses in both 4x-2x and 4x-4x combinations. The data support a previously developed hypothesis that scab resistance is relatively simply inherited.     

杂交水稻产量及农艺性状杂种优势分析

为探讨杂种优势与双亲值、双亲一般配合力（GCA）、组合特殊配合力（SCA）、双亲遗传距离的关系,利用10个不育系和10个恢复系,按不完全双列杂交配制100个组合,对杂交水稻产量及农艺性状的杂种优势进行了分析,探索杂种优势的预测方法。结果表明：杂种一代的超亲优势和对照优势主要体现在穗长、每穗总粒数、每穗实粒数几个性状上,其具有正向超亲优势组合的比例分别达到61.0%、66.0%和53.0%,具有正向对照优势的比例分别为62.0%、78.0%和79.0%,结实率性状具有正向对照优势的比例也达到58.0%。杂种优势与父母本值、父母本平均值、高亲值、低亲值及父母本差值都有较为密切的关系,超亲优势与高亲值在8个性状上都极显著相关;对照优势与母本值、父母本平均值、高亲值都呈显著或极显著正相关。杂种优势与SCA和亲本的GCA效应值密切相关,特别是对照优势与SCA和双亲的GCA都呈显著或极显著正相关,同时与父母本的GCA之差和之和都有较大的关系。杂种优势与遗传距离的关系比较复杂,当遗传距离在5~5.5范围内,双亲的距离越远,杂种优势越强。     

Improvement of large-seeded common bean cultivars under sustainable cropping systems in Spain

Approaches are needed to broaden the genetic base and improve earliness and yield potential of large-seeded beans under sustainable cropping systems. The objective of this research was to develop adapted dwarf bean populations having a commercial seed quality and yield suitable for the production in the South of Europe. The original base populations were produced from crosses between genotypes within each Mesoamerica, Nueva Granada and Peru races, and between Peru and Nueva Granada, and Mesoamerica and Nueva Granada races. Visual mass selection for plant performance was practised in the F₂ and F₃ generations. In the F₄ and F₅, single plants were harvested under two cropping systems (sole cropping and intercropping with maize). From F₄, selection was based on precocity, combined with seed yield and seed commercial type. The F_4:7 selected lines from each original population were compared with their parents and five checks at four environments and two cropping systems. Differences among environments, populations, parents and checks were observed for all traits. Under intercropping with maize, there was a 50% reduction in seed yield. Yield of parents and checks belonging to Andean South American races, intraracial (Nueva Granada × Nueva Granada) and interracial (Nueva Granada × Peru) populations, was higher than that of those of Middle American origin. Intraracial crosses within large-seeded Andean South American (Peru race) and Middle American gene pools (Mesoamerica race) did not produce lines yielding more than the highest yielding parent. Only two large-seeded lines selected from crosses between small- and large-seeded gene pools out-yielded the best parent and check cultivar.     

Breeding behavior of yield components and hollow heart in tetraploid-diploid vs. conventionally derived potato hybrids

Summary A factorial mating design with six 4x cultivars as stylar parents mated to three groups of pollen parents (4x cultivars, 4x high protein selections, and 2x S. phureja) was used to study breeding behavior of yield, tuber set, marketable yield and hollow heart in potatoes. Mean yield for the 4x-2x hybrids was equivalent to that of their cultivar parents although yield components, tuber set and average tuber size, were greater and less, respectively, than the cultivar parents. High estimates of general combining ability were found in both pollen and stylar parents for yield, tuber set, marketable yield, number of marketable tubers and hollow heart in all three hybrid populations. Specific combining ability estimates were significant only for yield and hollow heart. Frequency of white-fleshed 4x-2x progeny of five heterozygous yellow-fleshed 2x phureja genotypes was used to confirm cytological identification of a first division restitution mechanism operative in the 2x parents. Although three of these phureja genotypes generated high-yielding progeny, two others produced 4x-2x progeny with mean yield similar to that of hybrids among 4x cultivars.Scientific journal series article 11,601 of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Chemical induction of apomictic seed formation in maize

Summary Silks of 18 maize (Zea may L.) F₁ hybrids were treated with different combinations of 9 growth regulators, colchicine, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for the purpose to induce apomixis (agamospermy) in 1988 and 1989. Hybrid K301 × K303 gave the highest (0.36%) average frequency of seed induction among the hybrids. The most effective treatments were DMSO, gibberellic acid plus 6-benzyl aminopurine (6-BA), and DMSO plus methanesulfonic acid. Individually, the highest frequency of seed induction was 1.4% for hybrid K731×K306 when treated with -naphthalene acetic acid (NAA)-zeatin mixture. The frequency of seed induction seemed to depend partially on the interaction between chemicals and hybrids. Cytological observation of root-tip cells indicated that the majority of the seeds obtained were diploid, some were mixoploid, and a few were haploid. Diploid plants from induced seeds from the same parent were morphologically uniform and resembled the parent. Variations in plant and ear heights were comparable to those of the hybrid parent. Cytological and morphological investigations suggested that the chemically induced seeds originated mainly from somatic tissue but occasionally came from reduced cells in the embryo sac, leading to haploids. The results showed that chemical induction of adventitious embryony in maize hybrids is possible, but the more effective chemicals, their concentrations, and ways of application for increasing the frequency of seed induction need to be explored for practical use.     

Evidence of a partial reproductive barrier between wild and cultivated pearl millets (Pennisetum glaucum)

Summary The occurrence of seed malformation in association with reduced thousand grain weight and germination ability has been observed in crosses between cultivated female plants and wild male plants. A survey of 16 cultivated accessions (P. glaucum subsp. glaucum) and 11 wild accessions (P. glaucum subsp. monodii) ranging over the whole species diversity showed this postzygotic incompatibility was general, but its intensity varied greatly with the cultivated female accession used and very little with the wild male parent origin. About 15% of the 123 cultivated x wild crosses observed gave normal seeds. Seed malformation has never been observed in crosses between cultivated accessions and appeared independent of genetic distances between the parents. The reciprocal crosses between wild female plants and cultivated male plants gave normal-looking seeds with good germination but consistently reduced thousand grain weight. Both seed malformation and seed small size are an expression of a genetic imbalance. These slight reproductive barriers seem to have been built during the domestication process.Abbreviation ICRISAT International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics