Inheritance of taste characters and fruit size and number in a diploid Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) population

We investigated the variability and inheritance of taste components and fruit size and number in a seedling population of diploid Actinidia chinensisPlanch. We found significant variation in all characters measured. Narrow-sense heritability estimates were high for vitamin C content, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content (SSC), fruit weight and dry matter content (DM), but low for glucose content, quinic acid content, and fruit number per vine. The genetic correlations between sugars (except myo-inositol), acids (except quinic acid), TA, vitamin C content, SSC and DM tended to be positive and moderate to high. However, correlations between these characters and fruit weight tended to be negative and moderate to high. The standardised coefficients () of multiple regression showed that SSC was highly dependent on the levels of fructose content, sucrose content and TA. Estimates of relative selection efficiencies (E) suggested that selection using SSC could be an efficient and convenient alternative to direct selection for improvement of sugar levels in kiwifruit. However, selection strategies based on SSC need to take account of its moderate negative correlation with fruit weight. Male and female parents useful for improving acid and sugar composition and fruit size were identified. One family was outstanding, as it combined large fruit size with high levels of SSC and DM.     

Genetic mapping and QTL analysis of fruit and flower related traits in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) using recombinant inbred lines

A set of 224 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a narrow cross between two fresh eaten types (S94 (Northern China type) × S06 (Northern European type)) (Cucumis sativus L.) was used to construct a genetic linkage map. With the RILs a 257-point genetic map was constructed including 206 SRAPs, 22 SSRs, 25 SCARs, 1 STS, and three economically important morphological markers (small spines (ss), uniform immature fruit color (u), dull fruit skin (D)). The seven linkage groups covered 1005.9 cM with a mean marker interval of 3.9 cM. The ss locus was linked to D and u, and they were all on Linkage group 6. The RIL map contained a total of 51 sequence-specific markers, which made possible the comparison of molecular linkage maps developed in different laboratories. Using the F_6:7 derived families, a total of 78 QTLs were detected with relatively high LOD scores (2.9–84.4) for nine fruit-related traits (fruit weight, length, and diameter, fruit flesh thickness, seed-cavity diameter, fruit-stalk length, fruit pedicel length, length/diameter and length/stalk ratio) and three flower-related traits (first flower node, first female flower node and female flower ratios). Several sequence-anchor markers (CSWCT25, CS30, CMBR41, CS08 etc.) were closely linked with some QTLs for fruit weight, fruit length, fruit flesh thickness and sex expression, which can be used for the future marker-assisted selection to improve the fruit traits in cucumber breeding. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. X. J. Yuan and J. S. Pan contributed equally to this investigation.     

Inheritance of resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae and genetic correlations with fruit characters in a diploid Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) population

Bacterial canker of kiwifruit, caused by a virulent strain of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), has resulted in serious damage to kiwifruit industry worldwide. The variability and inheritance of resistance to Psa and fruit characters in a disconnected factorial mating population of diploid Actinidia chinensis Planch were investigated. Significant variation in all characters was found, and this appeared to be under polygenic control. Results indicated the extent and nature of genetic variation in Psa resistance available in our breeding gene pool. Estimates of narrow-sense heritability were moderate-high to high for Psa resistance, fruit weight, dry matter content (DM) and soluble solids contents (SSC), but low for fruit number per vine. The moderate-high heritability for Psa resistance indicated a genetic control of the observed variation, and selection for Psa resistance could be possible. Psa resistance had a high negative genetic correlation with fruit number per vine, but a moderate positive correlation with fruit weight, DM and SSC. The results implied that yield penalty of Psa resistance might exist in kiwifruit. Thus, selection strategies based on Psa resistance need to take account of its negative correlation with fruit number per vine. Male and female parents useful for improving Psa resistance and fruit characters simultaneously were identified. Two full-sib families were outstanding, as they combined high degrees of resistance to Psa with high yield components and reasonable amounts of DM and SSC.     

Genetic mapping of QTLs for horticulture traits in a F2-3 population of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

An extensive genetic linkage map was constructed for bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) via the study of F₂ progenies derived from two cultivated inbred lines (gynoecia Z-1-4 and 189-4-1). The map included 194 loci on 11 chromosomes consisting of 26 EST-SSR loci, 28 SSR loci, 124 AFLP loci, and 16 SRAP loci. This map covered 1005.9 cM with 12 linkage groups. A total of 43 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), with a single QTL associated with 5.1–33.1 % phenotypic variance, were identified on nine chromosomes for 13 horticulture traits by analyzing the F_2-3 families and the genetic linkage map. The 13 horticulture traits which were investigated in three environments included female flower ratios (FFR), first female flower node (FFFN), fruit length, fruit diameter, flesh thickness, fruit shape, fruit pedicel length, fruit length pedicel ratios, fruit weight (FW), fruit numbers per plant (FPP), yield per plant (YPP), stem diameter (SD), and internodes length (IL). One QTL cluster region was detected on Lg-5 which contained the most important QTLs for YPP, FPP, FFFN, FFR, and FW with high contributions to phenotypic variance (5.8–25.4 %).     

猕猴桃辐射诱变育种研究初报

为了给猕猴桃辐射诱变育种提供参考借鉴,用60Co-γ射线处理2个猕猴桃品种幼芽并在大龄成株上进行高位嫁接,每株砧木树嫁接30~50个芽,连续几年选择有益突变体扩繁,对选育的新品系进行性状调查测定。在用25 GY处理的后代嫁接枝条中,最终选育出2个各具特色的新品系：‘和平辐照1号’和‘红阳大果’。新品系的物候期与对照相同,而形态性状则出现程度不同的变化。‘红阳大果’的丰产性能得到改善。从果实品质方面看,2个新品系的总糖含量和维生素C含量均比对照显著增加。‘红阳大果’的可溶性蛋白含量亦比对照显著增加。适宜猕猴桃幼芽60CO-γ射线辐射育种的剂量在25~50 GY之间。大龄砧高位密接技术有效地解决了需要大群体选择少数有益突变的问题。60Co-γ射线辐射处理猕猴桃幼芽与大龄砧高位密接相结合是一条快速选育猕猴桃新品种的有效新途径。     

Sex modification in Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa

Summary The aim of the trial was to determine whether growth regulators and injuries could affect sex expression in the cultivated kiwifruit. Growth substances (NAA, BAP, GA, ethephon, ABA, TIBA, and CCC) were applied at 1% concentration in lanolin (w/w) to shoots of 17-year old plants of the staminate clone Matua and the pistillate clone Hayward. Injuries consisted in shoot defoliation or removal of a ring of phloematic tissue from the laterals. Both the application of growth regulators and injuries were done about 5 weeks before anthesis. In the pistillate clone, no treatment resulted in overcoming pollen grain sterility; ABA and GA mereased the stigma-style number as well as the density of papillae on the stigma surface. A positive correlation was found between stigma-style number and pedicel length (r=0.660). In the staminate clone, pollen grain viability was significantly altered by treatment; the highest (79.2%) and lowest (10.3%) values were recorded for ABA and GA, respectively. A negative correlation was found between pollen grain viability and pedicel length (r=–0.648). As a general rule, treatments which depressed pollen grain viability allowed the development of a variable number of styles. About 20 styles were consistently produced when GA was applied; the gibberellin-caused feminization of kiwifruit was confirmed in a repeated trial. The data collected also suggest that sex expression can be slightly changed by injuries; contrariwise, rather good results can be achieved by using a growth regulator earlier in the season or before flower initiation.     

Candidate traits for index selection in choice of oil palm ortets for clonal propagation

Summary The objective of the study was to examine the usefulness of: principal component scores (PC), factor analysis cum stepwise regression identified traits (FASR) and selected traits based on their higher heritabilities and genetic correlations to the objective traits (HGC); as selection traits in a desired gains selection index (Yamada et al., 1975) to improve objective traits (oil yield, kernel oil yield, height increment, bunch index and leaf area ratio) as compared to those based on all the observed traits (AO); in selecting oil palm ortets for cloning.Based on the required selection intensities (i^*) to achieve the desired gains AO indices having smaller i^*'s were most efficient followed by PC, HGC and FASR indices. Expected selection response (1/i^*), however, is expected to increase with additional selection traits. As such HGC (bunch number, kernel to fruit and mesocarp to fruit) and FASR (mesocarp to fruit, fresh fruit bunch yield, fruit to bunch and average bunch weight) indices would be useful as they achieved expected selection responses close to AO indices with a small number of traits and would also minimise the contribution of highly correlated traits to sampling errors. The results also suggested considering selection indices for only two objective traits-oid yield and kernel oil yield-instead of all five objective traits in which case screening of impracticably large populations is needed to obtain desired genetic gains.     

Variability and inheritance of flowering time and duration in Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit)

We investigated the variability and inheritance of flowering in a seedling population of diploid Actinidia chinensis Planch. We found considerable variation in time to reach 50% flowering (D50) and flowering duration (FD). D50 was highly heritable (h ² > 0.85) suggesting that this trait would respond well to selection in this population, whereas FD was greatly affected by the environment (h ² < 0.20). The results also showed that the flowering times of male vines were more sensitive to the environment than those of female vines. However, significant specific combining ability (SCA) effects could be achieved by targeting specific bi-parental combinations for breeding and selection of flowering time. The diversity in flowering traits among males will facilitate the selection of male pollinizers that coincide in flowering time with present or future female cultivars. The possibility of breeding female cultivars with a short flowering period to improve the consistency of fruit maturity at harvest is discussed.     

Comparative study on vegetative,reproductive and qualitative traits of seven diploid and tetraploid watermelon lines

Seven tetraploid watermelon lines developed by colchicine treatments were compared with their diploid counterpart for plant, flower, fruit, seed and qualitative characteristics. Tetraploid genotypes attained statistically higher vine thickness (8.04 mm), leaf area (298.9 cm²) and chlorophyll content (55.6) while internode length and chlorophyll fluorescence was similar to their corresponding diploid. Both pistillate and staminate flower organs (pedicel, anther, ovary, stigma, petals) were larger in tetraploid plants; however, the percent increase in flower components varied across the tetraploid lines. Fruit weight and total sugar content (^∘Brix) in both ploidy fruits was similar. Rind thickness in fruits varied significantly and averaged 12.7 and 17.2 mm in diploid and tetraploid fruits, respectively. Tetraploid genotypes showed sterility, yielded lower number of seed per fruit (37.9), and tetraploid seed was larger and thicker than diploid seed. Overall β-carotene (0.89), lycopene (1.16), fructose (5.43%) and glucose (2.38%) contents were higher in tetraploid than diploid fruits.     

Heritability and genetic advance in recombinant inbred lines of tef (Eragrostis tef)

Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of the tef cross Kaye Murri × Fesho were evaluated for nine quantitative traits at three locations in the central highlands of Ethiopia during the 1998/99 main season in order to estimate the genetic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability and genetic advance expected from selection. Highly significant differences were obtained among the RILs for all traits studied. Grain yield, panicle weight and yield per panicle showed a relatively high GCV (12–16%). A comparatively high heritability was obtained from days to heading (31%) followed by panicle length (25%) and grain yield (23%). Moderate amounts of heritability values were obtained for panicle weight and yield per panicle. High genetic advance as percent of the mean were obtained from grain yield (16%), yield per panicle (12%) and panicle weight (10%) at5% selection intensity, which indicated the possibility of improving these traits. Several RILs were identified that have exceeded the better yielding parent at all locations. Grain yield showed a strong positive association (r = 0.26–0.70) with shoot biomass, lodging index, panicle length, plant height, panicle weight and yield per panicle. Overall, the present results showed a) the availability of genetic variance for some useful traits in the RILs for exploitation through selection, b) the existence of significant genotype × location interaction that indicated the need to test inbred populations in more environments, and c)the availability of superior inbred lines for further breeding work. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

软枣猕猴桃种质资源果实品质、表型性状多样性及主成分分析

为更好的分析、评价软枣猕猴桃种质资源多样性,对70份种质资源果实的15个性状指标进行了相关性及主成分分析。结果表明,种质间各性状变异幅度较大,类型丰富。相关性分析结果表明,一些果实性状间存在显著或极显著相关;主成分分析结果表明各性状的贡献率分散,性状变异具有多向性。其中,第1主成分主要由果实质量、果实纵径、横径、侧径及果梗长决定,第2主成分主要由果皮颜色、表皮光滑度及果形指数决定,第3主成分主要代表可溶性糖含量、可溶性固形物及维生素C含量,第4主成分反映了果实可滴定酸含量情况。因此在软枣猕猴桃育种改良过程中,第1主成分增大时有利于增大果实大小,第3主成分增大时有利于提高果实品质。     

Genetic linkage map construction and location of QTLs for fruit-related traits in cucumber

A 173‐point genetic linkage map of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), consisting of 116 SRAPs, 33 RAPDs, 11 SSRs, 9 SCARs, 3 ISSRs, and 1 STS, was constructed using 130 F₂ progeny derived from a narrow cross between line S94 (Northern China open‐field type) and line S06 (greenhouse European type). The seven linkage groups spanned 1016 cM with a mean marker interval of 5.9 cM. Using the F₂ population and its F₃ derived families, a total of 38 QTLs were detected on five linkage groups with an LOD threshold of 3.0 for nine fruit‐related traits: fruit weight, length, and diameter, fruit flesh thickness, seed‐cavity diameter, fruit‐stalk length, fruit pedicel length, length/diameter and length/stalk ratio. Of the identified QTLs, fsl4.3 for fruit‐stalk length explained the largest portion of phenotypic variation (r² = ～30%). Several QTLs were detected in the same linkage region in different generations and different seasons. Additionally, several QTLs for various fruit traits were mapped to the same or neighbouring marker intervals, suggesting they are possible character associations for controlling cucumber fruit development.     

Estimating genetic effects in maternal and paternal half-sibs from tetraploid-diploid crosses in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Musa</Emphasis> spp.

Ploidy manipulations and interspecific crosses have allowed considerable genetic progress in Musa breeding, but estimation of genetic parameters for parental selection remains a major challenge. This study aimed to determine the components of genetic variance and the relative contribution of genetic effects to phenotypic variation of yield and phenological traits in secondary triploid hybrids from tetraploid–diploid crosses. The hybrids were evaluated in two consecutive growth cycles on a tropical forest site. Non-genetic effects accounted for a large fraction of the variation observed for most traits, except bunch weight. Partitioning of genetic variance into additive and dominance components confirmed the predominant role of additive genetic effects on the expression of bunch weight, fruit filling time, fruit length, plant height, and number of leaves while primarily non-additive effects accounted for suckering behavior and fruit circumference. Maternal general combining ability (GCA) effects accounted for the additive genetic variation in plant height and number of leaves, suggesting that selection for these traits should be carried out in tetraploid clones. Conversely, paternal GCA effects were the primary causes of genetic variation for fruit filling time, bunch weight, and fruit length, suggesting that these characters should be selected for in diploid clones. Specific combining ability (SCA) effects were observed for all traits, except fruit filling time, suggesting that additional genetic gain could be achieved through recombinative heterosis for these traits.     

彭泽鲫生长性状的遗传参数估计

为深入了解彭泽鲫(Carassius auratus var. pengzesis)生长性状的遗传变化规律,并以此为基础制定彭泽鲫合理的育种方案。以九江市水产研究所培育的彭泽鲫23个全同胞家系的个体为实验材料,测量这些家系中1冬龄个体的生长性状（总长、体长、体高、体厚、体重）,并用动物模型对数据进行遗传分析。结果表明：彭泽鲫1冬龄总长、体长、体高、体厚、体重5个性状的遗传力分别为0.64±0.17、0.51±0.16、0.79±0.18、0.57±0.16、0.65±0.17,均属于高水平遗传力。这5个性状之间表型相关(0.79~0.94)和遗传相关(0.95~1.00)均较高。采用个体选育或者个体选育与家系选择法相结合的方法对彭泽鲫进行遗传改良都能获得较好的遗传进展,且对某一生长性状进行选育时,其他性状也会得到间接改良。     

Flower and fruit characters in a kiwifruit hermaphrodite

The dioecious genus Actinidia includes the kiwifruit, A. deliciosa. Currently, the kiwifruit industry is based predominantly on a single female cultivar, 'Hayward', with up to 13% of the orchard canopy in commercial blocks in New Zealand consisting of unfruitful males vines, necessary as pollinizers. The development of hermaphrodite cultivars became a possibility with the identification of inconstant males, which carry a mixture of staminate flowers and bisexual flowers, the latter developing into small fruits containing seeds. This paper describes a hermaphrodite vine, obtained as a rare variant among the progeny from a cross between 'Hayward' and an inconstant (fruiting) male. Testing of pollen from all flowers in one season and measurement of fruit characters after self-setting demonstrated this seedling is completely hermaphroditic, carrying only bisexual flowers, with no restriction on selfing. Although it does not have commercial potential, it will be used as a parent. Perceived benefits from the development of hermaphrodite cultivars include increased productivity, improved pollination, simplified vine management and therefore substantial cost savings. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Natural variation in fruit abscission-related traits in apple (Malus)

Abscission or retention of ripening fruit is a major component of seed dispersal strategies and also has important implications for horticultural production. Abscission-related traits have generally not been targeted in breeding efforts, and their genetic bases remain mostly unknown. We evaluated 144 Malus accessions representing wild species, domestic cultivars, and hybrids for abscission-related traits. We found that seasonal timing of fruit abscission in wild species and hybrids showed a broad distribution similar to that seen for domestic cultivars, and that internal ethylene concentration at the time of abscission varied by over three orders of magnitude. Wild species, domestic cultivars, and hybrids all included representatives that showed abscission of fruit prior to substantial production of ethylene, as well as accessions that retained fruit for a significant period of time following ethylene production. For all accessions that retained fruit, fruit removal resulted in abscission of the pedicel, and exogenous ethylene promoted abscission, suggesting that the abscission zone was functional. Our results suggest important roles for mechanisms independent of fruit ethylene production in abscission.     

Quantitative trait loci for fruit size and flowering time-related traits under domestication and diversifying selection in cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

In cucumber, the genetic basis of traits under domestication and/or diversifying selection is not well understood. Here, we reported QTL mapping for flowering time and fruit size-related traits with segregating populations derived from a cultivated × wild cross. Phenotypic data of flowering time (FT), fruit size (FS), fruit number (FN) and fruit weight per plant (FW) were collected in multiple environments. QTL analysis identified 19 QTL for these traits. We found that the major-effect QTL FT1.1 played an important role in regulating flowering time in cultivated cucumber, whereas the minor-effect QTL FT6.3 contributed to photoperiod sensitive flowering time during domestication. Two novel consensus FS QTL, FS1.4 and FS2.3, seem to be the targets of selection during breeding for the US processing cucumber. All other FS QTL were co-localized with previously detected QTL using populations derived from cultivated cucumbers, suggesting that they were under selection during both initial domestication and subsequent improvement. Results from this study also suggested that the wild cucumber is a useful resource for capturing positive transgressive segregation and novel alleles that could be explored in cucumber breeding.     

Breeding two base populations of perennial ryegrass

Summary A program designed to develop two base populations of perennial ryegrass was initiated in 1985 in Galicia. Multitrait mass selection by a base index was practised in two genetic resources groups of wild Galician populations. Plants selected were intercrossed and the two resulting base populations (F and G) were evaluated in two locations at the spaced plant level and in plot trials with the aim of estimating the genetic parameters and the possibilities for future breeding. The two populations did not show significant differences from commercial cultivars. Production characters had low heritabilities (0.01–0.32) in both locations. Seasonal yields had medium to high family heritabilities (0.36–0.73). For the economic traits chosen, the expected genetic advances were important in both populations for summer and autumn growth in Mabegondo and spring and summer-autumn dry matter yield (1^st and 3^rd year) in Puebla de Brollón. Expected genetic advance for early spring growth was 0.62 in population F. In the autumn of 1991 equal numbers of plants, selected at each location by combined family and mass selection from each of these populations, were planted in two polycrosses with the aim of improving the genetic basis and adaptation of these populations.     

Correlation of isoenzyme polymorphism and Bayoud-disease resistance in date palm cultivars and progeny

Summary Seedlings of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), obtained from seven cultivars crossed with two males, were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for esterase (EST), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), endopeptidase (ENP) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) polymorphisms. Eleven, eight, five and two phenotypes were revealed for the enzymes tested, respectively. Seedlings of F₁ populations derived from Bayoud (Fusarium)-resistant and low fruit quality cultivars were characterized by a high electrophoretic polymorphism, when compared with progenies of Bayoud-susceptible and high fruit quality cultivars. In almost all cases, the most frequent electrophoretic phenotypes scored for each enzyme in different F₁ populations, were similar to those of the corresponding parent cultivars. Heterozygous phenotypes have been found for, at least, 3 loci; Got-2, Est-1 and Enp, indicating that such loci could be used to screen for hybrid seedlings. The expected Mendelian segregation of allozymes has been observed for these 3 loci, in many F₁ populations. It seems that progenies of Bayoud-resistant cultivars are characterized by a high level of electrophoretic polymorphism. The estimation of this index and the search for genetic linkage with segregating allozymes, may be biochemical criteria useful as an aid in distinguishing date palm seedling populations derived from Bayoud-resistant cultivars and suitable for breeding programs.     

Genetic variation for seed dormancy in Cuphea laminuligera and Cuphea lanceolata

Summary Various Cuphea species are adapted to temperate climates and characterized by caprylic, capric, and lauric acid-rich seed oils. These fatty acids are solely commercially available from palm kernel and coconut oils; thus, there is considerable interest in Cuphea as an alternative source of these fatty acids. Cuphea is a genus of undomesticated species characterized by seed dormancy and seed shedding. Our goal is to eliminate these domestication barriers in a few species with agronomic potential. Our objective was to survey existing Cuphea laminuligera and C. lanceolata germplasm for genetic variation for seed dormancy (germination percentage after a certain seed storage period). Recurrent half-sib family selection was practiced in various open-pollinated and synthetic populations. Half-sib family seed were evaluated for germination percentages at 26° C after various seed storage periods. There was significant genetic variation among families in every population. Additive genetic variance, half-sib family-mean heritability, and expected selection response magnitudes depended on the length of the seed storage period within a given population. Estimates of these parameters were significantly greater for longer seed storage periods within a population. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.00 to 0.79. Expected half-sib family selection responses ranged from 0.0 to 23.9%. Our study demonstrated there is substantial genetic variation for seed dormancy in C. laminuligera and C. lanceolata.