The chromosomal location of the embryo plus scutellum alcohol dehydrogenase isozymes in the hexaploid wheat kernel

Summary Analysis of individual parts of Triticum aestivum L. and T. turgidum var. durum kernels showed two classes of alcohol dehydrogenase patterns: 1) A three banded pattern (ADH-1, ADH-2 and ADH-3) for endosperm (Ed) and 2) a seven banded pattern (ADH-F1, ADH-F2, ADH-1, ADH-2, ADH-3, ADH-S1 and ADH-S2) for embryo (E), scutellum (S) and embryo plus scutellum (E+S). The use of nullitetrasomic and ditelosomic series of Chinese Spring wheat allows alcohol dehydrogenase to be associated with arms 4A, 4BL and 4DS.A five subunit forming dimer hypothesis is postulated to explain the newly reported seven isozyme pattern. Subunits , and are coded by chromosome arms 4A, 4BL and 4DS respectively, and the newly postulated and are coded also by chromosome arm 4BL.     

Inheritance of resistance to Russian wheat aphid in barley

Summary The inheritance of resistance to Russian wheat aphid Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), in two resistant barleys, Hordeum vulgare L., ASE/2CM//B76BB and Gloria/Come, was studied in the field and in the greenhouse. The resistant genotypes were crossed with susceptible genotypes Esperanza and Shyri. Resistance reactions of F1, BC1, and F2 plants, and individual F2 plant derived F3 families indicated that resistance in each genotype was controlled by the same single dominant gene.     

Resistance to bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) in winter wheat varieties

Summary In Hungary the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) is the most frequent aphid species in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Estimations of infestation by R. padi as well as measurements of grain yield and thousand-kernel mass were carried out in 26 winter wheat genotypes in conditions of naturally infested and not infested (protected) control plots. The experiment was performed in isolated conditions in two field cages covered by nets. The aphids overwintered on wheat and got into cage, extremely quickly multiplied, therefore there was no need to apply any artificial aphid infestation. Highly significant differences were demonstrated among genotypes in infestation severity of R. padi as well as in losses of grain yield and thousand-kernel mass. The most resistant variety GK Zombor had 25% infestation, and the most susceptible one GK Lili had 79.2%. The reduction of grain yield of the most tolerant genotypes (GK Korány, Downy, Mv 4, Jubilejnaja 50, Mv 8, GK Kincsö and GK Zombor) was 26–33%, and that of thousand-kernel mass was 23–30%. The most sensitive genotypes (GK Lili, GK Örzse, GK Koppány and Mv 13) suffered 58–63% losses in yield, and 40–50% in thousand-kernel mass. A close correlation was found between infestation of R. padi in different wheat genotypes and losses of grain yield (r=0.7572, P<0.001). Also there were tolerance differences among genotypes even within the same level of infestation. The reductions of thousand-kernel mass correlated very closely with the reductions of grain yield (r=0.9212, P<0.001), that makes screening possible by reductions of thousand-kernel mass. These results have found application in breeding. The leaf pubescence of the varieties studied did not generally influence the infestation by R. padi.     

Components of partial resistance to Leptosphaeria nodorum among seven soft red winter wheats

Summary Seven soft red winter wheat cultivars were evaluated for partial resistance to Leptosphaeria nodorum under field conditions. The results demonstrate that resistance is available among cultivars that are adapted to the southeastern U.S. and that resistance is long lasting. Resistant cultivars had longer incubation and latent periods, slower rates of lesion development, and reduced the level of sporulation of L. nodorum. Seedlings of susceptible cultivars sustained severe disease with dew periods as short as 48 hr in greenhouse tests. One resistant cultivar sustained little damage with dew period as long as 144 hr.Latent period was shortest on the second leaf below the flag leaf (F-2 leaf) of all cultivars and longest on the flag leaf which reflected the effect of microclimate and leaf age. The range in length of latent period on the flag, F-1, and F-2 leaves of resistant cultivars was less than that for susceptible cultivars. Differences between cultivars were greatest (up to 6.8 days) for the F-2 leaf. A delay in production of inoculum on the F-2 and lower leaves of resistant cultivars should delay infection of the flag leaf and spike.The greatest differentiation among cultivars for sporulation of L. nodorum was on upper leaves at Feekes growth stage 11.2. Oasis consistently had less sporulation than other cultivars at all sampling dates and leaf positions. The rate of disease progress up the plant (disease severity) and area under the disease progress curve were also least on Oasis.There were significant correlations among components of resistance and associated components suggesting that a single or interrelated mechanisms control expression of resistance. Overall, Oasis was the most resistant cultivar followed by Coker 762 and Coker 747. There cultivars have remained resistant for ten or more years. Stacy was intermediate in resistance and was the most variable of the seven cultivars for the components tested. Holley, Omega 78, and Florida 301 were highly susceptible by all criteria tested. Plant height was not a factor in resistance. The resistant cultivars are mostly later in maturity than the susceptible cultivars. In this study, crop maturity was similar under existing environmental conditions during the two seasons when most data were collected.     

Genes for resistance to stripe rust in four spring wheat varieties

Summary The stripe rust resistant spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties Anza, Glennson 81, Ollanta, and Yecora Rojo gave 1,2,2, and 2-gene segregations, respectively, in hybrids with susceptible Jupateco 73 when inoculated in field conditions at Davis, California USA with Puccinia striiformis West. pathotype CDL-6 and rated at post-heading stage. Intercrosses of these varieties, Anza/Yecora Rojo was not studied, permitted the following conclusions about the genes expressed in adult plants: Anza, one recessive gene; Glennson 81, two dominant genes; Ollanta, two genes, at least one is dominant; and Yecora Rojo; one dominant and one recessive gene, one of which is common with Ollanta. The resistance genes in these varieties, which expressed resistance in the seedling stage, were believed to be effective at the adult stage. Thus, seven resistance genes were identified in the four varieties. The genotypes were designated for the purposes of this study as follows: Anza, YrA YrH; Glennson 81, Yr9, YrJ, Ollanta YrL YrD; and Yecora Rojo, YrC YrD. It was recommended that these and other Yr genes be used as multiple gene complexes to increase durability of resistance to P. striiformis, an organism known to evolve virulence rapidly in field conditions. The demonstrated durability of Anza in California may be a result of its combination of resistance alleles at two loci.     

Genes for resistance to stripe rust in four spring wheat varieties

Summary Four spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties differing in origin and reaction in the seedling stage to pathotype CDL-6 (extant in California) were intercrossed and examined in greenhouse conditions in F₁, F₂, and F₃ generations. Digenic and transgressive segregation was found in all crosses. The four varieties each had infection types (1 immune, 9 susceptible) and putative resistance genes as follows: Anza, IT 7, YrA; Glennson 81, IT 2, Yr9; Yecora Rojo, IT 6, YrC; and Ollanta, IT 4–6, YrL. Anza was classified as susceptible, Yecora Rojo and Ollanta as intermediate in seedling resistance, and Glennson 81 as resistant in the seedling stage.     

On defining a winter wheat

Summary An international survey of wheat breeders and scientists was conducted to determine whether there was a common understanding of the term winter wheat. Response to photoperiod was mentioned by only seven of the 30 survey respondents. It was consequently suggested that it be excluded from any definition. Response to vernalization was mentioned by 28 of the 30 respondents. However, there was considerable variation in the method of quantifying this response and the degree of response necessary for wheat to be called winter. It was concluded that the only objective and internationally consistent definition of winter wheat was a genetic definition based on the complement of Vrn genes a wheat possesses. Varieties not possessing any of the dominant Vrn alleles appear to take a distinctively longer and more variable time to head when grown under non-vernalizing, long day conditions. These are genetically winter wheats.     

Embryo development in two barley genotypes after self pollination and pollination with Hordeum bulbosum L.

Summary Embryo development in vivo was compared in the two barley genotypes VK 16032 and Vogelsanger Gold after self pollination and after pollination with H. bulbosum. Embryo growth in VK 16032 after crossing with H. bulbosum showed a similar growth pattern to that of the self pollinated embryos, although the size increase was smaller. The hybrid embryos continued to grow until day 18 after pollination. The embryos from the cross between Vogelsanger Gold and H. bulbosum ceased to grow 8 days after pollination. Arrested embryo growth with subsequent abortion in Vogelsanger Gold was associated with a very early depletion and break down of the endosperm. Use of barley genotypes less sensitive to the genomic disturbances after crossing with H. bulbosum in combination with genotypes like Vogelsanger Gold is recommended in haploid breeding work.     

Inheritance of resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei) in eleven primitive barley varieties

The inheritance of the powdery mildew resistance of eleven primitive barley varieties was investigated. crosses with varieties with identified resistance genes revealed that at least three different genes are present in a group of six genotypes from Greece (Hor736, Hor847, Hor878, Hor1159, Hor1379 and Hor1873) and one from Turkey (Hor1188). One dominant gene is common to these seve genotypes and in the Greek accessions a second gene is present. The expression of this second gene was respectively dominant in the crosses with Hor736 and Hor1159, recessive in the crosses with Hor878 and Hor1873, and depended on the employed powdery mildew isolate in the crosses with Hor847 and Hor1379. The detected genes differ from the resistance genes of the crossing partners, viz. Ml-al2, Ml-(Ab), Ml-(CP) and Ml-(1402). The accessions from China (Hor824 and Hor4021) each possess two resistance genes which differ from Ml-a12, Ml-(La) and Ml-(CP). The major gene is common to both accessions and is either identical, allelic or closely linked to a gene in the variety Nigrate. The Columbian accession Hor1894 possesses one resistance gene linked to a resistance gene in Nigrate but this gene differs from the Ml-a locus. The variety Palestine (Hor3997) possesses two resistance genes of which one is allelic or closely linked to Ml-(at).     

Physiological responses of six bread wheat and durum wheat genotypes to water stress

Summary The responses of six wheat genotypes to water stress were analysed. Soil moisture (H), leaf water potential (_w), photosynthesis (P_N), stomatal resistance (r_s) and transpiration (T) were measured during a water stress. The genotypes investigated differed in their stress avoidance (_w-H relationship) and their stress tolerance (P_N-_w and r_s-_w relationships). The most important differences observed concern the mechanisms of tolerance at low leaf water potential: two varieties, Haurani 27 and Baalback, can then maintain a high photosynthetic activity. These observations are in agreement with the drought resistance characteristics already known for these genotypes. Possible applications to wheat breeding are considered     

Genetics and histology of powdery mildew resistance in apple

Summary Eight scab-resistant cultivars and selections along with eight commercial apple cultivars were evaluated for powdery mildew resistance in greenhouse and nursery tests. Dayton, Liberty, Delicious and Tolman Sweet were rated moderately resistant to infection in both greenhouse and nursery tests. Segregation of seedlings among 14 progenies for mildew reaction indicated that mildew resistance is polygenically controlled in this material with additive gene effects. Recovery of mildew resistant seedlings from crosses involving a scab-resistant parent(s) suggested that this material can be useful in developing scab- and mildew-resistant apple cultivars. Histological investigations were conducted to describe mildew symptoms of infected leaves.     

Lilium x ‘Black Beauty’—a potential bridging hybrid in Lilium

Summary Lilium Black Beauty, a rare intersectional hybrid previously reported sterile, was re-examined for pollen and ovule fertility. No pollen tubes were detected following incubation of styles pollinated with Black Beauty pollen. However, embryos varying in size from small globular to long boat-shaped and only rarely associated with endosperm, were found in 0.1–1.0% of the ovules in Black Beauty pistils pollinated with Oriental or Aurelian division lilies. Aseptic extraction and culture of these embryos on a nutritive medium resulted in growth, germination, and plantlets. It is apparent that with embryo culture, Black Beauty has unique value as a species bridge in that it accepts pollen of both Oriental and Aurelian lilies, two of the major commercial lily divisions.Scientific Journal Series Paper Number 9197 of the Minnesota Agricultural Experimental Station.     

Genetic and cytogenetic studies with a male sterile mutant of common wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Summary Genetic and cytogenetic studies were done on a male sterile mutant of the wheat variety Probus. Association of the 4A chromosome carrying the ms gene was studied in the F₁ of the male sterile Probus with Chinese Spring ditelo 4AS, with Transec and with line T4AS-DRS respectively. The presumption that the genetic male sterility of the mutant was due to a terminal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4A could be confirmed.Linkage studies showed that the ms gene was at 17 map units from the dwarfing gene (Rht3) of Minister dwarf. This allows selection of short male sterile plants at the seedling stage.     

A comparative study on anther development in male-fertile and male-sterile plants of Pelargonium crispumL'Her. ex Ait.

Summary Anther development of male-fertile and male-sterile plants in Pelargonium crispum was anatomically examined. Three cultivars, i.e., Lemon crispum, Crispum minor and Prince Rupert, were used. Lemon crispum and Crispum minor are male-fertile, whereas Prince Rupert is male-sterile. The tapetum in every cultivar examined behaved like an amoeba. The tapetal cells of the anther form plasmodial masses. Then, the plasmodial masses fuse producing a periplasmodium. The periplasmodium degenerates and finally disappears. There are no differences in tapetal behaviour between fertile and sterile anthers. In the sterile anthers the endothecium and lip cells do not develop sufficiently. Young microspores show normal growth at early stages. After the completion of their cell wall formation, however, the microspores in the sterile anthers lose their cytoplasm and become empty. On the other hand, the microspores in the fertile anthers increase the volume of their cytoplasm and become fertile pollen grains.     

Cytoplasmically controlled cold tolerance in a cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile line of rice

Summary The cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile line, Krishna-A with Kalinga-I cytoplasm was developed in rice through repeated backcrossing the completely pollen sterile F₁ of the cross Kalinga-I/Krishna with the recurrent male parent cv. Krishna. The germination percentage and root-shoot length in Krishna-A at 12°C and 9°C indicated a higher degree of tolerance to low temperature than the cold tolerant female parent Kalinga-I. The high yielding cold tolerant variety Kalinga-I was developed from a cross involving the cold tolerant variety Dunghansali and the high yielding variety IR 8. It is inferred that tolerance to low temperature during germination in Krishna-A was inherited from the cytoplasm of cv. Dunghansali through Kalinga-I besides male sterility. The cytoplasmic control of cold tolerance is reported here for the first time in rice literature. The male sterile line Krishna-A because of its tolerance to low temperature would be suitable for the development of hybrid rice especially for areas where low temperature is a problem during germination.     

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

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

Greenhouse evaluation of red winter wheats for resistance to the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia,Mordvilko)

Summary The Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia, Mordvilko) (RWA) is responsible for significant economic damage to cereal crops in arid and semi-arid environments. In this research 20 red winter wheats originating from Iran were evaluated for resistance to RWA. Leaf rolling, leaf folding, and leaf chlorosis were measured using 0 to 3 scales. An overall mean damage score was calculated as the average of the three measured damage symptoms. Plants from seven central Asian accessions (PI222666, PI222668, PI225226, PI225267, PI225271, PI243630, and PI243642) had mean damage scores significantly lower (p < 0.001) than Stephens wheat (RWA susceptible) and not significantly different from Border oat (RWA resistant). These results are consistent with previous studies which found a high frequency of resistant wheats collected from the central Asian region.     

Determining levels of resistance to Tulip Breaking Virus (TBV) in tulip (Tulipa L.) cultivars

Summary The resistance of seven tulip cultivars to tulip breaking virus (TBV) was studied after mechanical inoculation by determining the number of infected plants and the level of virus in these plants over a period of one and a half years. Three cultivars (Apeldoorn, Kees Nelis and Lustige Witwe) appeared to be susceptible. Four cultivars (Cantata, Juan, Madame Lefeber and Princeps) showed a high degree of resistance. The number of infected plants of the latter cultivars was low and virus could not always be detected in the plants at the different sampling dates. Virus could not be detected in these plants after storage. These results indicate that the virus may disappear from or was not detectable in these plants. The levels of infection found are discussed with respect of its significance in studies of TBV in tulips.     

Pleiotropic association of infection frequency and latent period of two barley cultivars partially resistant to barley leaf rust

Summary Cebada Capa, carrying four to six minor genes for a longer latent period (LP), was crossed to L94 and Vada, carrying no and five to six minor genes for a longer LP respectively. Of each of 68 F3-lines the infection frequency (IF) and the LP of ten just-heading plants were assessed. There appeared to be a strong association between IF and LP, whereby the relationship between IF and LP of both crosses could be described by a single linear regression equation. The data strongly suggest that the genes for increased LP pleiotropically decrease the IF. The possibility of a close linkage between genes for reduced IF and genes for increased LP, although unlikely, could not be excluded.     

Genetics of stem rust resistance in the durum wheat accession ‘Reichenbachii’

Summary Inheritance of seedling reactions to cultures of races TLM and MBCT of Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici was studied in crosses of the resistant durum Reichenbachii with susceptible Marruecos 9623 and DZ04-118. The Chi-square test for goodness of fit was used to analyze segregating populations. Two independent recessive genes appeared to control resistance of Reichenbachii to both TLM and MBCT. Depending upon the cross, the two genes interacted cumulatively to condition immunity or higher levels of resistance than either parent conditioned singly. There was no evidence of maternal influence on the inheritance of resistance. Resistance genes in Reichenbachii were recessive; therefore, breeders should consider the use of relatively large F₂ populations to effectively transfer these genes to cultivars with good agronomic characteristics.