Responses to short-term waterlogging during grain filling in sunflower

Higher than normal rainfall during grain filling of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has been shown to be associated with reductions in grain yield. This yield loss has been variously attributed to low radiation (cloudy weather) or to the increased incidence of diseases. Impaired physiological processes directly linked to transient waterlogging arising from excess rainfall could also reduce yield. The aim of this work was to evaluate the existence and nature of physiological responses to waterlogging in sunflower.     

花生脂肪酸组分的遗传效应研究

采用Griffing列杂交设计模式对花生主要脂肪酸组分进行Hayman遗传分析。结果表明，O／L比值及油酸，亚油酸，棕榈酸，硬脂酸，山嵛酸含量等性状均符合“加性－显性”模型，以加性效应为主并表现部分显性遗传。亲本各性状的显，隐性基因频率，正负效应基因比例，显、隐性基因的方向均不同。O／L比值，油酸，亚油酸，棕榈酸，山嵛酸的遗传力较高，早代即可进行严格选择。鲁花10号和辐8707含有较多控制O／L比值及油酸含量的隐性增效基因，强盗花生和ICG6848含有较多控制亚油酸含量的显性增效基因，因此可作为高O／L比值及高营养品质育种的亲本。     

Effect of temperature variation during grain filling on wheat gluten resistance

The objective was to investigate effects of natural variation in temperature during grain filling on wheat (Triticum aestivum L) gluten quality. Seventeen field trials with four different varieties were conducted during the years 2005–2008. Temperature records were obtained from automatic weather stations located near the field trial sites. The period from heading to yellow ripeness was divided into 20 sub-phases of equal thermal time units, and a last sub-phase comprising the seven days after yellow ripeness. Partial Least Squares Regression was used to relate the temperature records of the different sub-phases to gluten quality analysed by the Kieffer Extensibility test and the SDS sedimentation test.     

光强和温度对球等鞭金藻(Isochrysis sphaerica)生长及其脂肪酸的影响

本研究测定了光照强度为16～58μmol/(m2·s)和15～30℃条件下球等鞭金藻(Isochrysis sphaerica)的生长曲线以及脂肪酸组成和含量.结果表明,在设置的光照强度范围内,光照强度越强,微藻的生长速度越快.光强对各种脂肪酸的含量影响有差异,过低和过高都不利于藻体内多不饱和脂肪酸(Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids,PUFAs)的积累.当光强为24μmol/( m2.s)时二十二碳六烯酸(Docosahexaenoic Acid,DHA,C22:6 n-3)的积累量最高,占总脂肪酸的11.77%.球等鞭金藻的最适生长温度在20—25℃之间,低温条件有利于不饱和脂肪酸的积累.光强20μmol/( m2.s)、温度20℃条件下总不饱和脂肪酸(Total Unsaturated Fatty Acids,TUFAs)含量最高,达64.99%;同样的光强,温度15℃条件下DHA占总脂肪酸的12.19%.可见适宜的光强和温度是利用球等鞭金藻收获PUFAs的关键.     

向日葵下胚轴体细胞胚发生的基因型效应

为了探讨向日葵不同基因型之间体细胞胚发生能力,采用来源于PAC-2和RHA-266的重组自交系(R ILs)、以及来源于LR35×C149和C149×C40杂交的2个F1杂交种、16个F3家系及其亲本为材料,研究了向日葵下胚轴体细胞胚发生率和每块胚数的基因型效应。结果表明,各基因型之间的胚发生率和每块胚数的差异均达0.1%极显著水平,胚发生率的变幅为0~93.77%,而每块胚数变幅在0~10.63之间;两个群体的杂种F1的胚发生率均显著地高于亲本平均值,表现出一定的优势;重组自交系和杂交F1的两个亲本的胚发生率和每块胚数差异均达显著水平。     

Responses of sunflower yield and grain quality to alternating day/night high temperature regimes during grain filling: Effects of timing,duration and intensity of exposure to stress

In order to quantify the effects, at different stages during grain filling, of alternating day/night high temperature regimes on sunflower grain yield and quality, heads were exposed to high temperatures during 7 or 6 days starting either 10–12 days after anthesis (daa, HT1), 18 daa (HT2) or 24 daa (HT3). Also, heads were exposed to high temperatures for periods of 2, 4 or 6 days in each of HT1 and HT2. Temperatures covered a range of mean daily grain temperature of 20–40 °C and peak grain temperatures (i.e., those prevailing during the central 5 h of the daylight period) of 26–45 °C. High temperature stress for periods of 4 days or longer produced significant (p < 0.05) reductions in grain yield and grain quality. Early (HT1) exposure to stress reduced yield by 6%/°C above a mean grain temperature threshold of 29 °C; later (HT2 + HT3) exposures reduced yield by 4%/°C above a threshold of 33 °C. These reductions in yield were attributable to reductions in unit grain weight at all positions (periphery, intermediate, central) on the head, and an increase in the proportion of very small (10–30 mg) grains, termed half-full (HF) grains in this paper. In both full and HF grains, stress in either HT1 or HT2 reduced final pericarp weight, associated with fewer number of cell layers and thinner cell walls in the schlerenchyma. High temperatures reduced both the rate and duration of oil deposition in the grain, with the greatest effects being found with early (HT1) exposures. The unsaturation (oleic acid/linoleic acid) ratio of oil from mature grain was altered only when exposure to heat stress overlapped with the cessation of deposition of storage lipids. The effects of duration and intensity of heat stress on relative (to control) grain yield and oil content could be reasonably summarized using a linear response to cumulative hourly heat load calculated with a base temperature of 30 °C. We conclude that: (i) 4 days of alternating day/night temperatures resulting in mean daily grain temperatures of >30 °C can reduce sunflower grain yield and quality; (ii) the magnitude of these effects is strongly dependent on the timing of exposure and their nature on the grain growth processes active at the time of stress; and (iii) an hourly heat load (base = 30 °C) provides a useful integrative estimator of the effects of exposure to heat stress on grain yield and oil content for a given phase of grain filling.     

甘蓝型油菜主要脂肪酸的主基因+多基因遗传分析

以低芥酸油菜品系APL01与高芥酸品种M083杂交所获得的6个基本世代（P1、P2、F1、B1、B2和F2）为材料，利用主基因+多基因混合遗传模型对油菜主要脂肪酸进行遗传分析，结果表明：棕榈酸和廿碳烯酸均由2对加性-显性-上位性主基因+加性-显性多基因控制，棕榈酸的主基因以显性效应为主，加性效应较小，廿碳烯酸的主基因加性效应与显性效应并重。硬脂酸、油酸、亚油酸和亚麻酸均由2对加性-显性-上位性主基因+加性-显性-上位性多基因控制，硬脂酸的主基因以加性效应为主，显性效应较小，主基因的遗传率为75.00%~92.45%，多基因的遗传率较小；控制油酸的2对主基因的加性效应值分别为14.38和9.92，显性效应值分别为-2.24和-0.44，上位性效应以加加上位为主，主基因的遗传率较大，为81.93%~92.68%，多基因的遗传率较小；控制亚油酸及亚麻酸的主基因加性效应均大于显性效应，上位性效应中以加加上位和显显上位为主。芥酸由2对加性-显性主基因控制，加性效应为-12.27和-8.83，显性效应值较小，分别为0.35和1.69，无上位性效应，也无多基因存在，主基因的遗传率较大，为92.54%~96.72%。     

Nitrogen applications modify seed and oil yields and fatty acid composition of winter mustard

Winter mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is not a common crop in the Southeastern United States. With increased interest in biodiesel production, there has been corresponding interest in mustard in this region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of N fertilization (0, 50, 100, 150 kg N ha⁻¹) on productivity, oil content, and oil composition of winter mustard ‘Pacific Gold’ grown at three locations in Mississippi (Stoneville, and two locations at Verona, namely Verona silt loam (Verona-SL) and Verona clay (Verona-C)). Nitrogen did not affect oil content (percent oil). Seed and oil yields (kg ha⁻¹) increased with N application relative to the unfertilized control. At the Verona-C location, the concentration of oleic acid was higher in the 50 kg N ha⁻¹ treatment. At Stoneville, linolenic acid concentration was higher in the 150 kg N ha⁻¹ and lower in the 100 kg/N ha⁻¹ treatment, while it was not different in the other treatments. Overall, the yield of the fatty acids (FA) palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, arachidic, eicosanoic, behenic, erucic, lignoceric, and nervonic acid increased with higher N rates (100 or 150 kg N/h). The highest yield of FA in the two Verona locations were achieved in the 100 kg N ha⁻¹, while greatest yield of FA at Stoneville was achieved in the highest N rate (150 kg N ha⁻¹). Means of mustard oil yields in our study in the higher fertility treatment ranged from 737 to 1094 kg ha⁻¹. This study demonstrated winter mustard production in Mississippi and possibly other areas in the Southeastern United States can be successful and could provide seed and oil yields comparable to yields from other production areas.     

Genetic variability and diversity for protein and calcium contents in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) in relation to grain color

Analysis of 36 genotypes of finger millet ( Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) with varying seed colors revealed a wide range of protein and calcium contents. White seeded genotypes had higher protein contents, while brown seeded types had a wide range of values. The brown seeded genotype GE 2500 had the highest protein content. Although protein content had significant negative association with calcium content, white seeded types had moderate levels of calcium. The genotypic coefficients of variability were moderate and high for protein and calcium, respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicated their governance by additive gene action. A negative significant correlation was observed between protein content and grain yield. Mahalanobis D 2 analysis grouped the 36 genotypes into eight clusters. Clustering pattern failed to indicate any relationship between genetic diversity and geographic diversity. Based on genetic diversity and performance, the genotypes MS 1168, MS 174 and CO 13 were found to be suitable for use as parents in a hybridization program for improving yield; the genotypes MS 1168, MS 174 and MS 2869 for protein and Malawi 1915 and CO 11 for calcium. Protein and calcium contents contributed less to genetic divergence.     

三角褐指藻 LPAAT基因在酵母中表达对脂肪酸的影响

从三角褐指藻（Phaeodactylum tricornutum）中克隆到1 632bp的溶血磷脂酸酰基转移酶(LPAAT)全长cDNA,其中包含的开放阅读框被命名为PtLPAAT。在毕赤酵母中异源表达PtLPAAT基因,诱导培养45h时随机选取的3个酵母转化子总脂肪酸含量分别提高了2.68%、11.14%、31.28%;诱导培养72h时同样的转化子总脂肪酸含量分别提高11.59%、18.72%、46.63%。用薄层层析法分离48h后的酵母菌体的甘油三酯,并用气相色谱法测定其脂肪酸,结果显示：与非转基因对照菌株相比,其油酸提高了0.9倍、亚油酸提高了5倍。用荧光定量PCR检测发现PtLPAAT基因的表达量随三角褐指藻油脂不断积累逐渐升高。表明在酵母中表达PtLPAAT基因不仅能够明显地提高其脂肪酸含量,而且还能选择性结合不饱和脂肪酸到甘油三酯中。     

Influence of cultivar and cutting date on the fatty acid composition of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of cultivar and season on the fatty acid (FA) composition of the lipids of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Eight diploid cultivars were cut at the same target yield of approximately 2000 kg dry matter ha^?1 between mid‐June and mid‐September. Two cultivars (Barlet and Magella) were harvested during four 2‐week periods and six cultivars (AberGold, Respect, Agri, Herbie, Barezane and Barnhem; cultivars 1–6) during three periods. The concentrations of individual FA were determined by gas chromatography. Barlet had higher concentrations of linolenic acid (C18:3) than Magella, but lower concentrations of linoleic acid (C18:2). Cultivars 1–6 were more variable in their leaf blade and stem proportions than Barlet and Magella. Despite this, there was no difference between cultivars 1–6 in the FA composition of the herbage. On average 0·74 of the FA consisted of C18:3. Higher concentrations of total FA were found in mid‐summer than in early summer. This was related to a high leaf blade proportion in the herbage, indicating that the proportion of leaf and stem of the herbage probably had more effect on lipid concentrations than the season per se in this period. However, in late August and mid‐September, the total FA concentration declined whereas the leaf blade proportion increased. Therefore, in this period environmental factors appeared to have a modifying effect. As consistent differences in the concentration of C18:3 were found among cultivars Barlet and Magella throughout the season, these studies demonstrate opportunities to change the composition of ruminant products through the choice of cultivars of perennial ryegrass.     

Non-destructive prediction of chemical composition in sunflower seeds by near infrared spectroscopy

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was explored as a technique to predict moisture (M), oil and crude protein (CP) content on intact sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus L.). Three hundred samples were scanned intact in a monochromator instrument NIRS 6500 (NIRSystems, Silver Spring, MD, USA). Calibration equations were developed using modified partial least square regression (MPLS) with internal cross validation. Samples were split in two sets, one set used as calibration (n=250) where the remaining samples (n=50) were used as validation set. Two mathematical treatments (first and second derivative), none (log 1/R) and standard normal variate and detrend (SNVD) as scatter corrections were explored. The coefficient of determination in calibration (R_cal²) and the standard error in cross validation (SECV) were 0.95 (SECV: 3.3) for M; 0.96 (SECV: 13.1) for CP and 0.90 (SECV: 22.3) for oil in g kg⁻¹ on a dry weight basis (second derivative, 400–2500 nm). Prediction models accounted for less than 65, 70 and 72% of the total variation for oil, M and CP, respectively. However, it was concluded that NIRS is a suitable technique to be used as a tool for rapid pre-screening of quality characteristics on breeding programs.     

Influence of high temperature during filling period on grain phytic acid and its relation to spikelet sterility and grain weight in non-lethal low phytic acid mutations in rice

Low phytic acid (lpa) crop is considered as an effective strategy to improve crop nutrition. However, the inferior agronomic performance of lpa crops and their environmental growth adaptation have not yet been fully understood. Three rice lpa lines and their corresponding wild-types were used to compare their differences in grain phytic acid (PA) in response to high temperature (HT) and its relation to spikelet sterility and grain weight at a controlled temperature at the filling stage. Results showed that HT caused an increase in grain PA and inorganic phosphate contents, with more substantial increase of PA content for lpa lines compared with corresponding wild-types. This increase in PA content in high temperature-ripened grains was not simply attributed to the reduction in grain weight and relatively enhanced proportion of aleurone-layer fraction to whole grains. Significant increase in PA contents was also detected in milled rice. Moreover, spikelet sterility and grain plumpness of lpa lines were more susceptible to HT stress than those of wild-types. Exogenous PA spraying with an appropriate concentration could increase grain PA content, but it had only a slight contribution to the enhancement of heat-tolerance and injury alleviation for rice exposed to stressful HT.     

玉米子粒油分及不饱和脂肪酸含量的遗传效应

用10个油分及不饱和脂肪酸含量差异较大的优良自交系,按(5×5)配成不完全双列杂交组合,研究玉米子粒油分及不饱和脂肪酸性状的遗传效应。结果表明,油分主要受胚、胚乳、细胞质效应的影响;油酸、亚油酸主要受胚、胚乳、母体效应的控制,3个性状均以加性效应占主导地位。α-亚麻酸的胚效应最小,表现为加性效应且遗传率较高。4个性状胚乳、胚的遗传率均较高,且胚乳遗传率大于胚的遗传率。330、素湾1611、ZOL-1可用于提高油分;ZOL-3、ZOL-4、ZOL-5对提高油分和油酸有极显著效果;ZNL-1、330、1072、ZOL-1、ZOL-5可用于提高亚油酸;ZOL-4可作为提高α-亚麻酸的母本;ZOL-1可以同时提高油分、油酸、亚油酸和α-亚麻酸。相关分析表明,油分与油酸极显著正相关(rP=0.612**);油分与亚油酸(rP=-0.504**)、油分与α-亚麻酸极显著负相关(rP=-0.277**),所有成对性状均以胚乳加性相关最强、胚加性相关次之。     

Fatty acid composition and nutritive value of twelve cultivars of perennial ryegrass

A comparison was made of the fatty acid composition and nutritive value of twelve cultivars of perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) differing in heading date and ploidy level. The cultivars were sown in triplicate plots and three sequential cuts of herbage were taken at 20-d intervals during the late spring and early summer to describe the fatty acid composition and other measurements of nutritive value. Differences between cultivars were recorded for DM content ( P  <   0·01) and concentrations of gross energy, neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) and ash ( P  <   0·05). Diploid cultivars had a higher DM content and concentration of NDF ( P  <   0·01) than tetraploid cultivars whilst late-heading date cultivars had the lower NDF ( P  <   0·05), ADF and ash ( P  <   0·01) concentrations. There was variation between cultivars in fatty acid composition. Diploid cultivars had a higher concentration of C18:0 ( P  <   0·01) and C18:1 ( P  <   0·05) than tetraploid cultivars and late-heading date cultivars had the highest concentrations of total fatty acids, C16:0, C18:2 and C18:3 ( P  <   0·05). This was predominantly due to the cultivar Tyrella which is a diploid, late-heading cultivar. The study showed that some variation exists between perennial ryegrass cultivars in concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may present opportunities to select for this trait, but further research on the developmental stages and degree of leafiness of cultivars is first required.     

Influence of species, cutting date and cutting interval on the fatty acid composition of grasses

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of species, cutting date and cutting interval on the concentration of fatty acids in temperate grasses. The first experiment compared eight species, harvested in late autumn and summer. Levels of individual fatty acids were distinctive for some species, with low levels of C18:1 in Dactylis glomerata L. and high levels of C18:2 in Phleum pratense L. Differences in individual fatty acids could not be used to differentiate fescues and ryegrasses. However, fatty acid profiles could be used to differentiate species when material was managed similarly (i.e. at the same cut). There were large species × cut interaction effects, showing that management factors will be as important as plant breeding in manipulating fatty acid levels. Cultivars belonging to one Lolium perenne L. gene pool were identified as having significantly higher α-linolenic acid and total fatty acids in late-season (November) material.
The second experiment compared three ryegrass species over a growing season, with three or five cuts. All species had high concentrations of fatty acids and a high proportion of α-linolenic acid during vegetative growth (late April). Fatty acid levels declined markedly in all species after this date, recovering by autumn. Kunth Lolium multiflorum Lam. and Lolium  ×  boucheanum had higher levels of total fatty acids and α-linolenic acid in the early and late season when compared with perennial ryegrass. Fatty acid levels (particularly C18:2 and C18:3) declined when the regrowth interval was extended from 20 to 38 d.
These studies demonstrate opportunities to change the composition of ruminant products through breeding and management of grasses for altered levels of fatty acids.     

Effects of high temperature and shading on grain abscisic acid content and grain filling pattern in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

ABSTRACT

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key factor regulating starch biosynthesis genes and is involved in assimilate partitioning to individual spikelets. The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of high temperature and shading during grain filling on grain ABA content and the grain filling pattern of spikelets located at different positions in a panicle. We grew the rice cultivar ‘Koshihikari’ in pots in 2009 under two temperature regimes and two light conditions during grain filling. We periodically measured grain dry weight and grain ABA content (pmol per grain) and concentration (pmol per grain dry weight). Shading increased a grain weight difference between superior and inferior spikelets while high temperature decreased the difference regardless of light condition. High temperature decreased ABA content and concentration in grains. There was a close correlation between mean grain ABA content and mean grain-filling rate averaged over the first half of grain filling.     

Influence of cultivar and cutting date on the fatty acid composition of forage crops for grazing beef production in Argentina

The fatty acid composition and total lipids of various forage crops at different cutting dates and seasons, which are used in forage grazing beef production in Argentina, were determined. Three experiments were carried out at the Agricultural Experimental Station of INTA, Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina Samples of alfalfa from three different cultivars with different dormancy groups (G4‐5, G6‐7 and G8‐9) and samples of ryegrasses Bill, Florida and Queue, wheats Charrua and Guapo, and triticale Don Santiago cultivars were taken at different cutting dates and analysed for total lipids and fatty acid composition. Significant differences on the fatty acid composition, the ratios 18:3n‐3/18:2n‐6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) due to cultivar, cutting date and season were found. Taking into account the importance of 18:2n‐6 and 18:3n‐3 fatty acids as substrates for the conjugated isomers of 18:2n‐6 (CLA) and n‐3 PUFA concentrations in beef, the fatty acid composition of forages needs to be considered in forage grazing beef production systems. Data variation in both total lipids and individual fatty acid proportions in forages should be taken into account to establish the potential to cultivate crops for a higher content of n‐3 PUFA and hence the opportunity to deliver more n‐3 PUFA and CLA into beef.