Genetic nature of low capsaicin content in the variant strains induced by grafting in Capsicum annuum L.

Summary The genetic nature of low capsaicin content in variant strains induced by grafting was elucidated by crossing the G₅S₂₃ strain with the two cultivars, Yatsubusa (Capsicum annuum L. var. fasciculatum Ilish) and Spanish Paprika (C. annuum L. grossum Sendt) originally used for grafting. Decreased capsaicin synthesis was a stable characteristic for at least several generations from G₅S₁₆ to G₅S₂₃ and was transmitted to the progenies of crosses. This fact shows that the decreased capsaicin synthesis is a genetic trait in the graft-induced variant strains. The genetically dependent characteristic of pungency of the G₅S₂₃, Yatsubusa and Spanish Paprika were analysed by High Perfomance Liquid Chromatography measurement and tasting assay.Cross experiment between the G₅S₂₃ strain, hot parent Yatsubusa and sweet parent Spanish Paprika showed that pungent and sweet for pungency chracteristics are generally controlled by at least two pairs of genes. Although segregation of capsaicin content and pungency was clearly demonstrated in F₂ progenies from reciprocal crosses between the G₅S₂₃ strain and Spanish Paprika, F₂ progenies from reciprocal crosses between G₅S₂₃ and Yatsubusa were all hot and did not develop low capsaicin plants.     

Cytoplasmic relatedness of apple landraces and cultivars: a molecular analysis

Summary Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity has been determined in apple landraces and cultivars, based upon restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) for several mitochondrial genes. Our analysis includes three cultivars, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Delicious, which represent the various patterns of mtDNA polymorphisms previously described (Ishikawa et al., 1992). A total of five RFLPs were detected, allowing classification of the apple genotypes into four cytoplasmic groups: GroupI, Golden Delicious-type; GroupII, McIntosh-type; GroupIII, Delicious-type; and Group IV, Dolgo Crab-type. European landraces and cultivars were assigned to Groups I, II, and III, while chinese crab apples were placed in either Group III or IV.     

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.     

Inheritance of firmness in raw cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit

Summary Inheritance of raw cucumber fruit texture (Magness-Taylor Fruit Pressure Tester firmness) was investigated over a 4-year period from 1971–1974. Results from 2 separate but related experiments suggested that firmness was quantitatively inherited with sufficient additive effects to permit gain from selection. In a selection study within 4 F₂ populations derived from crosses between firm (Chipper and Gy3) and soft (Mincu and Green F) fruit type cultivars, variation among and within F₃ and F₄ families was significant but overall family means were not significantly higher than the high parent in any of the 4 crosses. Narrow sense heritability estimates for fruit texture were 0.80 in the Mincu × Chipper population and 0.77 in the Green F × Chipper, Mincu × Gy3, and Gy3 × Green F crosses. In a separate experiment, generation means analysis was used to assess the mode of gene action in 2 crosses: Green F × Chipper, and Gy3 × Green F. Additive genetic effects accounted for 98.8% and 99.3% of the total genetic variation within each cross, respectively.Scientific Journal Series Paper No. 9794.     

Relationship between allelic variation of Glu-1 and Gli-1/Glu-3 prolamin loci and gluten strength in hexaploid wheat

Summary Allelic variation of prolamin loci was examined in the F₂ from crosses between the hexaploid wheat varieties: Cajeme 71, Yécora 70, Ablaca, Anza, Pané 247 and Axona. Different allelic blocks for gliadins and LMW glutenin subunits were determined in Gli-1, Gli-2 and Glu-3 loci. A percentage of recombination of 1.5 ± 0.3 was determined between Gli-A1 and Glu-3 in the F₂ progeny of Yécora 70 x Axona. A significant positive association was found between gluten strength, measured by SDS-sedimentation volume, and the prolamins coded by Anza Gli-D1/Glu-D3 loci and Yécora 70 Gli-A1/Glu-A3 loci. Interactions between non homeologous loci Glu-1 and Gli-1/Glu-3 were also found.     

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.     

The influence of genotype and environment on seed and embryo development in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) after crossing with Hordeum bulbosum L.

Summary Seed and embryo development was studied in crosses between H. bulbosum and the barley genotypes VK 16032, Vada and Vogelsanger Gold and subsequently the F₁ and F₂ progenies from VK 16032 x Vada and VK 16032 x Vogelsanger Gold. Both seed and embryo development are strongly influenced by the barley genotype. Favourable environmental conditions can promote seed and embryo development in genotypes with existing good characters. Dominant inheritance for good seed development and incomplete dominance for large embryos is evident. Linkage between small embryo size and winter habit exists in Vogelsanger Gold.     

Inheritance of seed coat colour in broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

Summary The inheritance of the seed coat colours violet, spotted, brown, green, red, black and beige was investigated in a 10×10 diallel cross between broad bean (Vicia faba L. major) lines. Spotted seed colour was dominant over any uniform seed coat colouring. Brown was dominant over black, green and normal (beige colour). Black and red seed parents behaved as recessive in all F₁ progenies. A 3 (coloured): 1 (normal) segregation ratio was observed in the F₂ of crosses of violet, brown, black, red and spotted seed coat parents to nornal seed coloured parents. Green x beige gave a segregation ratio of 9:7 in F₂. When two parents with different seed coat colour were involved in a cross, the F₂ showed a typical digenic segregation ratio thus demonstrating two unlinked and sometimes epistatic loci.Segregation of a multiallelic series at two loci explains all segregation ratios observed for seed coat colour in broad bean.     

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.     

Monosomic analysis of fertility restoration in common wheat ‘Prof. Marchal’

Summary In common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) a monosomic set of Chinese Spring and male-sterile Janus (with cytoplasm of T. timopheevi Zhuk.) were used to determine the chromosomal location of Rf-genes in Professeur Marchal. As revealed by test cross data, a major gene cofeerring fertility restoration was present in Prof. Marchal on chromosome 1B. A significant deviation towards sterility was observed in some fest cross progenies. Chromosome 1B of Chinese Spring appeared to carry a dominant restoring gene, which caused partial restoration of fertility.     

Development of a triticale resistant to the greenbug: An historical perspective

Summary A greenbug [Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)] resistant strain of rye (Secale cereale L.) Insave F.A. from Argentina was crossed with Chinese Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and also with Elbon and Balbo cultivars of common rye. Juvenile plants of the primary wheat X rye hybrid were treated with colchicine. Partially fertile amphidiploids were obtained that are resistant to greenbug Biotypes B and C. F₁ and F₂ populations of seedling plants derived from crosses of Insave F.A. with Elbon and Balbo rye were tested for reaction to the greenbug to determine the genetic basis of inheritance. The results confirmed previous reports that resistance in Insave F.A. is conditioned by a single dominant gene.Deceased     

Genetic control of low temperature tolerance in germination of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Summary Cultivars tolerant to low temperature during the germination and emergence stages and carriers of the grain quality standards demanded by consumers are needed to increase the success of irrigated common bean in Southern Minas Gerais State. To study the genetic mechanisms controlling these traits and assess the possibility of generating the desirable materials, a diallel cross involving ten cultivars including introductions and pure lines from the breeding program of ESAL was carried out. Speed of germination of the F₂ generation from the crosses was assessed under laboratory conditions at 12°C. The diallel analysis was carried out using Griffing's method IV (1956) and predictions of the cross potential were made by the methodology developed by Jinks & Pooni (1986). The results indicated that the parents differed in germination speed at low temperatures with Small White, A-488 and Rio Vermelho being the most tolerant and Carioca, ESAL 591 the most sensitive. No effect of the reciprocal crosses was observed either for germination percentage or germination speed. The parents A-488, Small White and Rio Vermelho showed the greatest general combining ability. Additive genetic effects predominated for both traits. Our results suggest that cold tolerance can be bred successfully into commercially acceptable cultivars.     

Genetic analysis of hexaploid wheat,Triticum aestivum using intervarietal chromosome substitution lines—protein content and grain weight

Summary The 21 intervarietal chromosome substitution lines of the cultivar Hope in Chinese Spring were used to analyse the genetic differences between the two cultivars Hope and Chinese Spring in grain protein content and grain weight.Only one chromosome of Hope, 5D, significantly influenced grain protein content of Chinese Spring. Its influence was of only minor effect and was to decrease protein content expression of Chinese Spring. It has been postulated that the genetic control of protein content, in this instance, is most likely due to many genes each of small effect.Five chromosomes of Hope influenced the 1000 grain weight value of normal Chinese Spring, all increasing its expression. Chromosomes 1A, 4A and 5B were of major effect and 3A and 6A of comparatively minor effect. A minimal estimate of five genes determines the difference in grain size between these cultivars. The possible evolutionary significance of the contribution of the A genome of bread wheat to grain size determination is discussed. On the basis of certain findings of this study, proposals are made for breeding for increased grain size in hexaploid wheat.     

Effect of genetic blends of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) of different Plant architecture on apothecia production of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and white mold infection

Summary The determinate Phaseolus vulgaris L. cvs Dark Red Kidney Charlevoix, and near-isogenic Great Northern Nebraska 1 were grown in blends with the indeterminate GN Nebraska 1 in white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) disease field nurseries. A critical difference between Charlevoix and indeterminate GN Nebraska 1 is that the latter has a greater leaf area closer to the soil surface, and this is associated with increased numbers of apothecia beneath the canopy and higher disease severity. White mold infection and apothecia number/m² beneath the canopy of the blends containing Charlevoix were significantly reduced in comparison with the severely infected, homogeneous, indeterminate GN Nebraska 1. A reduction of white mold infection for the indeterminate GN Nebraska 1 was not observed in blends grown under severe or moderate white mold incidence, but did occur under slight incidence in blends containing 65% and 75% Charlevoix.No significant difference for seed yield occurred between the blends and homogeneous cultivars planted in four experiments under severe, moderate, slight and zero white mold incidence, respectively, except in Experiment 1 under moderate white mold incidence, the blend of 50% indeterminate GN Nebraska 1 and 50% Charlevoix exceeded the yield of the indeterminate GN Nebraska 1. Mean weight of white (GN Nebraska 1) and red seed (Charlevoix) increased and decreased, respectively, in some blends due to the more vigorous growth of the indeterminate GN Nebraska 1.Published as Paper No. 5341, Journal Series, Nebraska Agric. Exp.t Station. Research was conducted un under Project 20–3.     

Karyotypes and chromosome association in aneuploid varieties of Japanese garden iris,Iris ensata Thunb

Summary Karyotypes, chromosome association and pollen fertility of aneuploid varieties (2n=25), Ochibagoromo, Matsusakatsukasa and Isehomare in Iris ensata were analysed and compared with those of eu-diploid varieties (2n=24), Shishinden, Kachô and Asahimaru. The somatic chromosome complement of the aneuploid varieties consisted of 11 pairs and 3 singles of chromosomes and that of the eu-diploid varieties 12 pairs of chromosomes. The singles of chromosomes in the aneuploid varieties had similarity with one another and with a pair of chromosomes in the eu-diploid varieties. The high frequency of normal association was present in the eu-diploid varieties, and this indicated that 12 pairs of chromosomes had full homology between each other. In contrast, the mean chromosome association per cell in an aneuploid variety Ochibagoromo was 4.615_I+10.067_II+0.077_III+0.005_IV, indicating that the chromosome complement of this variety consisted of 11 pairs and 3 singles and that these singles had partial homology among them. The eu-diploid varieties exhibited high pollen fertility due to their regularity of chromosome association; the aneuploid varieties considerably lower fertility, i.e. 28.2% for Ochibagoromo, 31.8% for Isehomare and 43.8% for Matsusakatsukasa. The primary cause for the low fertility of these varieties seemes to be the partial homology among 3 single chromosomes. Finally, the origin and the development of the aneuploid varieties were discussed.     

Chromosomal location of powdery mildew resistance genes in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) 3. Gene Pm22 in cultivar Virest

Summary Common wheat cultivar Virest possesses mildew resistance which is different from resistances expressed by currently documented mildew resistance genes, detected by response to eleven differential wheat powdery mildew isolates. F₂ populations from hybrids of the 21 Chinese Spring monosomic lines with Virest revealed one major dominant gene, located on wheat chromosome 1D. The new gene is designated Pm22. Italian cultivars Elia, Est Mottin, Ovest and Tudest also showed the disease response pattern corresponding to Virest.     

Genetic analysis of resistance of three melon lines to Sphaerotheca fuliginea

Summary The inheritance of resistance of three melon lines to Sphaerotheca fuliginea race 1 has been studied. Negro possesses one dominant gene for resistance. Resistance in Amarillo is mainly controlled by one gene, and resistance in Moscatel Grande seems to be controlled by two genes. These four genes are different from each other and allelism tests showed that the gene present in Negro is different from those described before in PMR5, PI 124111 and PI 124112. The main gene present in Amarillo is different from those carried by PMR5 and PI 124111 and the two genes carried by Moscatel Grande are different from the one present in PMR5.     

Structure of variation among morphological and physiological traits in three pearl millet composites

Summary The plant breeder's task of improving and stabilizing many plant traits simultaneously is complicated by interrelationships that occur among the traits. Factor analyses were conducted on three phenotypically diverse pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] composites to describe the structure of relationships among yield, morphological, and physiological traits. Approximately 1000 S₀ spaced-plants from each composite were evaluated for 20 traits, and random samples of 289 S₁ progenies from each composite were evaluated for 18 of these traits. Factors extracted in S₀ and S₁ populations identified unique sets of traits that were interrelated along axes of (a) biological yield, (b) panicle size, (c) dry matter partitioning and (d) compensation between number and size of seeds. Several plant traits had large loading coefficients on the Biological Yield and also, but with opposite signs, on the Dry Matter Partitioning factor. The traits having large loading on these two factors differed between space-planted and normal-density stands, showing that environmental conditions contributed to the associations observed among traits. Correlations of S₁ with parental S₀ factor scores for the Biological Yield, Panicle Size and Seed Paramters factors produced significant correlation coefficients, indicating that these trait complexes had a genetic basis. The implications of these results for millet breeding are discussed.     

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.     

Study of the parentage of grape cultivars by genetic interpretation of GPI-2 and PGM-2 isozymes

Summary Two highly variable enzyme systems of glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) and phosphoglucomutase (PGM) were used to investigate the parentages of grape cultivars. Of 35 parent/offspring combinations that we investigated, 30 combinations gave alleles in the offspring which were presented in the reported parents, whereas 5 combinations gave alleles in the offspring which were not extractable from the reported parents. The Gpi-2 genotype of Hiro Hamburg and the Pgm-2 genotype of Pione indicated that Koshu Sanjaku and Cannon Hall Muscat may not have been the paternal parent respectively. The Gpi-2 genotype of New Niagara and the Gpi-2 and Pgm-2 genotypes of Beniyamabiko indicated that Niagara and a hybrid from DxK151 x Delaware may not have been the maternal parent respectively. The Gpi-2 genotype of Cannon Hall Muscat grown in Japan indicated that this cultivar may not have originated as a tetraploid sport of Muscat of Alexandria.