AFLP marker associations with agronomic and fiber traits in cotton

DNA markers linked with major QTL contributing to traits of importance will be a useful tool for cotton (Gossypium spp.) genetics and breeding. We crossed four photoperiod-sensitive accessions of cotton, G. hirsutum L., with a cultivar, selected day-neutral plants and backcrossed four times to each of the four photoperiod-sensitive accessions, selecting day-neutral plants at each generation. The day-neutral plants from the first cross and the four backcross generations were advanced to the F₆. These 20 day-neutral lines and four cultivars were grown in two environments at Mississippi State, MS and scored for seven agronomic and fiber quality traits. They were also scored for AFLP markers using a bulk sample of leaves from each of 24 lines. More than 50 AFLP markers were associated with the seven traits with fewer markers associated with fiber than agronomic traits. However, one to four markers were associated with 22–93% of the phenotypic variability of each of the seven traits. The results suggest that selected markers could be used in marker assisted selection (MAS) in crosses designed to use alleles from exotic accessions or cultivars to develop elite breeding lines for cotton improvement.     

Genetic effects of introgression genomic components from Sea Island cotton (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gossypium barbadense</Emphasis> L.) on fiber related traits in upland cotton (<Emphasis Type="Italic">G</Emphasis>. <Emphasis Type="Italic">hirsutum</Emphasis> L.)

The germplasm with exotic genomic components especially from Sea Island cotton (Gossypium barbadense L. Gb) is the dominant genetic resources to enhance fiber quality of upland cotton (G. hirsutum L., Gh). Due to low efficiency of phenotypic evaluation and selection on fiber quality, genetic dissection of favorable alleles using molecular markers is essential. Genetic dissection on putative Gb introgressions related to fiber traits were conducted by SSR markers with mapping populations derived from a cross between Luyuan343 (LY343), a superior fiber quality introgression line (IL) with genomic components from Gb, and an elite Upland cotton cv. Lumianyan#22 (LMY22). Among 82 polymorphic loci screened out from 4050 SSRs, 42 were identified as putative introgression alleles. A total of 29 fiber-related QTLs (23 for fiber quality and six for lint percentage) were detected and most of which clustered on the putative Gb introgression chromosomal segments of Chr.2, Chr.16, Chr.23 and Chr.25. As expected, a majority of favorable alleles of fiber quality QTLs (12/17, not considering the QTLs for fiber fineness) came from the IL parent and most of which (11/12) were conferred by the introgression genomic components while three of the six (3/6) favorable alleles for lint percentage came from the Gh parent. Validation of these QTLs using an F₈ breeding population from the same cross made previously indicated that 13 out of 29 QTLs showed considerable stability. The results suggest that fiber quality improvement using the introgression components could be facilitated by marker-assisted selection in cotton breeding program.     

Identification of quantitative trait loci across interspecific F2, F2:3 and testcross populations for agronomic and fiber traits in tetraploid cotton

The most widely grown tetraploid Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense differ greatly in yield potential and fiber quality and numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been reported. However, correspondence of QTLs between experiments and populations is poor due to limited number of markers, small population size and inaccurate phenotyping. The purpose of the present study was to map QTLs for yield, yield components and fiber quality traits using testcross progenies between a large interspecific F₂ population and a commercial cotton cultivar as the tester. The results were compared to these from its F₂ and F_2:3 progenies. Of the 177 QTLs identified from the three populations, 65 fiber QTLs and 51 yield QTLs were unique with an average of 8–12 QTLs per traits. All the 26 chromosomes carried QTLs, but differed in the number of QTLs and the number of QTLs between fiber and yield QTLs. The congruence of QTLs identified across populations was higher (20–60 %) for traits with higher heritabilities including fiber quality, seed index and lint percentage, but lower (10–25 %) for lower heritability traits-seedcotton and lint yields. Major QTLs, QTL clusters for the same traits and QTL ‘hotspots’ for different traits were also identified. This research represents the first report using a testcross population in QTL mapping in interspecific cotton crosses and provides useful information for further comparative analysis and marker-assisted selection.     

Breeding potential of maize germplasm populations to improve yield and predominant heterotic pattern in Northeast China

Increasing the frequency of favorable alleles in elite germplasm is necessary for germplasm improvement and innovation in maize (Zea mays L.) breeding programs. Jidan27 (Si287 × Si144), an elite commercial single cross hybrid that represents the predominant heterotic pattern Chinese Sipingtou × Stiff Stalk Synthetic, has been widely cultivated in the Northeast China Corn Belt. However, the use of the hybrid Jidan27 has been hampered gradually due to its low yield potential, lack of resistance to lodging, and considerable incidence of head smut disease. Previous studies have evaluated yield potential of exotic populations, but few have considered using these germplasms as donors with favorable alleles to overcome these deficiencies in the hybrid Jidan27. In the present study, 12 exotic populations from CIMMYT and the U.S. and three semi-exotic populations were investigated as sources of favorable alleles to increase yield and lodging resistance, and reducing head smut susceptibility of the hybrid Jidan27. The performance of a set of 30 inbred × populations crosses, the hybrid Jidan27, and the two parental inbred lines Si287 and Si144 was evaluated in three locations for 2 years. Two populations, BS10(FR)C10 and Pop43, were identified as the best donors of favorable alleles lacking in the hybrid for improving the target traits. Further, BS13(S)C7 and Cpop.16 were also found to be better choices for improving grain yield and head smut resistance of the hybrid. These results suggest that the elite exotic germplasms evaluated here could provide useful genetic variability to improve other Chinese Sipingtou × Stiff Stalk Synthetic crosses related to Si287 × Si144 that are widely grown in Northeast China.     

陆地棉早熟基因来源的遗传分析

棉花早熟性相关的性状多为复杂的数量性状,是由多个基因和环境共同作用的结果,其遗传基础研究比较困难。利用连锁作图和关联分析方法,对目标性状进行基因定位,找出与性状相关联的位点,为解析复杂性状的基因来源提供了新的手段。本文分别以早熟亲本新陆早8号和新陆早10号为母本,以陆地棉标准系TM-1为父本构建F₂作图群体,利用在亲本间筛选出的多态性SSR引物,通过JoinMap 3.0软件构建了2张遗传图谱,以Win QTLCart 2.5复合区间作图法在F₂~F_2:3中定位到控制全生育期、苗期、蕾期、花铃期和霜前铃数等早熟性相关性状的37个QTL。控制早熟性的有利等位基因多来自早熟祖先611波和金字棉。多数性状在两类材料中由不同的基因控制,且以加性遗传为主。在由43个陆地棉品种材料构成的自然群体中通过关联分析检测到54个与这些早熟性相关性状极显著关联的位点。研究表明连锁作图和关联分析的检测结果具有较高的可比性。本研究为早熟陆地棉聚合改良以及分子标记辅助育种打下了基础。     

Association analysis of fibre traits in Gossypium arboreum accessions

Advances in the use of diploid Asiatic species in cotton breeding require an understanding of the relatedness and ancestry of diploid cotton accessions, and identification of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with agronomically important phenotypic traits, for example, fibre quality. Fifty‐six Gossypium arboreum germplasm accessions introduced from nine regions of Africa, Asia and Europe were evaluated for eight fibre characters (lint percentage, lint colour, elongation, micronaire, strength, 50% span length, 2.5% span length and maturity%) and genotyped with 98 SSR markers. When viewed across all accessions most of the SSR markers were polymorphic. Population structure analysis identified six main clusters for the accessions which corresponded to different geographic regions, indicating agreement between genetic and predefined populations. The general linear model method was used to disclose marker–trait associations. Marker–trait associations were investigated by fitting single marker regression models for phenotypic traits on marker band intensities with correction for population structure. This paper illustrates the potential of association mapping in diploid cotton, because existing phenotypic data, a modest number of SSR markers, and a pioneering statistical analysis, identified interesting associations.     

Mining of favorable marker alleles for flag leaf inclination in some rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.) accessions by association mapping

Flag leaf angle (FLA) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the important traits affecting F₁ seed production by mechanization. To elucidate the genetic mechanism of FLA and mine favorable marker alleles for F₁ seed production in rice, we performed a genome-wide association study using phenotypic data over 2 years and genotypic data of 262 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers collected from 441 rice accessions. We detected seven SSR marker loci associated with FLA and four loci were novel. The four newly found loci were RM6266 on chromosome 3, RM348 on chromosome 4, RM258 on chromosome 10 and RM7303 on chromosome 11. We found a total of 27 favorable alleles, of which four, i.e., RM348-130 bp, RM7303-90 bp, RM258-180 bp, and RM4835-230 bp, had phenotypic effects larger than 10°. Nine combinations, which increased FLA by 45.7°–94.7° through pyramiding the favorable alleles contained in seven typical accessions, were predicted.     

Mining Elite Sea-Island Cotton Germplasm Based on Phenotyping and SSR Markers

[Objective] An elite germplasm resource of sea-island cotton with outstanding traits was mined in order to accelerate the breeding process of new varieties. [Method] The core collections of sea-island cotton germplasm consisted of 178 accessions were used as experimental materials in this study. Analyses of variability and diversity were performed through detecting phenotypic data of six main breeding-targeted traits, including boll weight, boll number per plant, lint percentage, fiber length, fiber strength, and micronaire. The elite germplasm of sea-island cotton was selected according to 10% optimal sampling strategy based on the phenotypic value of each trait. The 120 pairs of polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers were used to analyze the polymorphism of 178 accessions of the core collections. Then, we conducted the population structure and clustering analysis based on the genotyping results. According to the results of cluster analysis, the primary elite germplasm was further selected, and the final elite germplasm of sea-island cotton was identified. [Result] The results showed that there was a high variability and abundant genetic diversity in the 6 studied traits. In 178 accessions of sea-island cotton, 262 alleles were detected by 120 pairs of SSR primers, with an average of 2.18 loci. The average polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.067 8-0.630 0, with an average of 0.296 0, showing moderate polymorphism. The cluster analysis showed that the core collection of sea-island cotton was divided into six groups. twenty-three elite germplasm resources of sea-island cotton were identified based on phenotypic value and cluster analysis of SSR markers. [Conclusion] The germplasm of sea-island cotton can be analyzed and evaluated based on the phenotyping and SSR markers, and then the elite germplasm of sea-island cotton can be identified. These results provided the material basis for the genetic breeding of sea-island cotton, as well as the important reference and basis for the mining and identification of crop elite germplasm.     

Identifying QTL for fiber quality traits with three upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) populations

Cotton fiber quality was quantitative trait, controlled by multiple genes. Identification of stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) effectively contributing to favorable fiber quality traits would provide the key basis for marker-assisted selection used in molecular breeding projects. Three upland cotton F₂ populations were established with a common parent Chinese cultivar Yumian 1 and three American commercial cultivars/lines (Acala Maxxa, CA3084 and TAM94L-25), each of which had unique fiber quality characteristic that was favorable economically. Three whole genome genetic maps were constructed with 323, 302 and 262 SSR loci for population (Yumian 1 × Acala Maxxa), (Yumian 1 × CA3084), and (Yumian 1 × TAM 94L-25) respectively, spanning 1,617.2, 1,639.9 and 1,441.4 cM. Based on these genetic maps and three generation phenotypic data of fiber quality traits (F₂, F_2:3 and F_2:4), 77 QTL were detected, including 19 for fiber length, 14 for fiber uniformity, 17 for micronaire, 10 for fiber elongation, and 17 for fiber strength. Among these QTL, 46 QTL were significant QTL and 31 were putative QTL, including that one QTL (qFL05.1) and four QTL (qFL23.1, qFM06.1, qFM06.2 and qFE25.1) were detected across three and two populations respectively; two QTL qFL10.1 (Yumian 1 × TAM 94L-25) and qFL15.1 (Yumian 1 × Acala Maxxa) were detected in three generations; qFM23.1, qFE18.1 and qFS21.2 detected in population (Yumian 1 × CA3084), qFE10.1, and qFS10.2 detected in population (Yumian 1 × TAM 94L-25), and qFS15.1 detected in population (Yumian 1 × Acala Maxxa), were all detected in two generations. Alleles underlying these stable QTL were valuable candidate gene for fine mapping, cloning, and favorable gene pyramiding projects. Our study also verified that QTL mapping of fiber quality traits using multiple populations with a common parent had higher efficiency compared to single population crossed with two parents and favorable alleles contributed to QTL effect could be conferred by parents with inferior fiber quality traits.     

Genetic effects and genetic values of fiber properties in F2 and F3 hybrids between germplasm lines and high yield cultivars

Utilization of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm for genetic improvement of fiber properties requires determination of genetic effects in the germplasm lines. A study was designed to analyze genetic populations derived from multiple crosses between nine germplasm lines as male parents and five cultivars and elite breeding lines as female parents to determine genetic values of fiber properties. Parents and F₂ populations were planted at 2 field sites in 2010 and 2011 with 4 and 3 replicates, respectively, and parents and F₃ populations were planted at 2 field sites in 2011 with 3 replicates. Lint yield and seven fiber properties were analyzed by an additive and dominant model with genotype by environment interaction effects. Significant additive and dominant effects were identified for both lint yield and fiber properties. Germplasm lines JC60, JC65, JC186, and SP205 were good general combiners for micronaire, elongation, strength, 50 % span length, short fiber content, and fineness. Six to fifteen crosses were detected with favorable heterozygous dominant effects for lint yield and diverse fiber traits, which suggest useful heterosis of these hybrids. Favorable additive correlations were identified between fiber properties such as micronaire versus 50 % span length (?0.57), micronaire versus fineness (0.82), strength versus 50 % span length (0.54), strength versus short fiber content (?0.69), and 50 % span length versus short fiber content (?0.78) while unfavorable additive correlations were not identified among fiber properties. These results indicated potential of simultaneous genetic improvement for these multiple properties in breeding populations derived from these germplasm lines.     

Identification of salt tolerance‐improving quantitative trait loci alleles from a salt‐susceptible rice breeding line by introgression breeding

To improve salt tolerance of two elite rice varieties, Ce258 and Zhongguangxiang1 (ZGX1), two sets of introgression lines (ILs) each comprising 200 BC₁F₁₀ lines derived from a common donor, IR75862, and two recipient parents, Ce258 and ZGX1, were used for mapping of QTLs for four salt tolerance‐related traits at the seedling stage. Although the three parents were susceptible to salt, the two IL populations showed transgressive segregations for salt tolerance with 12 and 8 salt tolerance ILs in the Ce258‐ILs and ZGX1‐ILs. Eighteen main‐effect QTLs were identified for the four traits in the two IL populations, and the IR75862 alleles at most loci showed increased and decreased salt tolerance in the ZGX1 and Ce258 backgrounds, suggesting overwhelming genetic background effects on QTL detection for salt tolerance. The qDSS11 simultaneously detected in the two backgrounds was validated in a F₂ population derived from a salt tolerance line and ZGX1. Our results indicated that salt tolerance‐enhancing allele could be identified in the elite susceptible breeding lines and that introgression of the favourable alleles could facilitate the development of superior lines with greater salt tolerance levels.     

中国野生大豆群体农艺加工性状与SSR关联分析和特异材料的遗传构成

选用204对SSR标记对全国野生大豆群体(174份代表性样本)的基因组扫描,采用TASSEL软件的GLM (general linear model)方法对百粒重、开花期、成熟期、干豆腐得率、干豆乳得率和耐淹性性状值关联分析,解析与性状关联位点的优异等位变异,鉴别出一批与农艺、加工性状关联的优异等位变异及携带优异等位变异的载体材料;进一步分析极值表型材料的遗传构成。结果表明: (1)累计51个位点(次)与性状关联,有些标记同时与2个或多个性状相关联,可能是性状相关的遗传基础;关联位点中累计16位点(次)与连锁分析定位的QTL一致;(2)与地方品种群体和育成品种群体的关联位点比较,发现野生群体关联位点只有少数与之相同,群体间育种性状的遗传结构有明显差异。(3)与多性状关联的位点其等位变异对不同性状的效应方向可相同可不同,如GMES5532a-A332对百粒重和耐淹性的相对死苗率都是增效效应,而GMES5532a-A344对百粒重是减效效应,对相对死苗率是增效效应;(4)极值表型材料间的遗传构成有很大差异。表型值大的材料携带较多增效效应大的位点等位变异,例如N23349的百粒重是9.08 g,含有4个增效效应较大的位点等位变异;表型值小的材料携带较多减效效应大的位点等位变异,如N23387的百粒重是0.75 g,含有4个减效效应较大的位点等位变异。关联作图得到的信息可以弥补连锁定位信息的不足,尤其是全基因组位点上复等位变异的信息为育种提供了亲本选配和后代等位条带辅助选择的依据。     

Association mapping identifies markers related to major early‐maturating traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Association mapping is a promising tool to identify genes for quantitative traits. A total of 172 upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) accessions were assessed. The panel was phenotyped for four major early‐maturating traits across multiple environments and genotyped using 331 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The gene diversity of the 331 markers averaged 0.40 (range: 0.04–0.78), and the polymorphism information content (PIC) averaged 0.34 (range: 0.04–0.75). Thirty‐nine significant markers related to early‐maturating traits were simultaneously detected in at least two environments. Among the 39 markers, 11 for seed period (SP), seven for bud period (BP), six for flower and boll period (FBP), and 15 for growth period (GP). These markers were stable and could be used for marker‐assisted selection (MAS). Favourable alleles for SP, BP, FBP and GP were explored. These alleles can be directly used in MAS to improve cotton early maturity. This study lays the foundation for analysing the genetic mechanisms underlying early maturity, as well as the use of MAS to target traits in cotton.     

Assessing the breeding potential of day-neutral converted racestock germplasm in the Pee Dee cotton germplasm enhancement program

The primitive, upland cotton landrace collection represents one of the untapped genetic resources in cotton breeding programs. Efforts to utilize these resources have been slow, but the development of day-neutral converted germplasm lines offers tremendous potential for broadening the genetic base in upland cotton. Using topcross hybrids involving elite germplasm from the unique Pee Dee germplasm enhancement program, we evaluated the breeding potential of a select number of day-neutral converted racestocks. The mean performance of parental lines and F₂ topcross hybrids along with genetic effect estimates indicate that day-neutral converted germplasm lines decreased agronomic performance while increasing fiber quality performance. Results suggest that crosses between day-neutral converted racestocks and elite Pee Dee germplasm lines result in new allelic combinations associated with improved fiber quality performance that interact in a non-additive way. However, it appears that converted racestocks transmit negatively correlated alleles for agronomic performance and fiber quality. These negatively correlated allelic combinations present a major challenge for cotton breeding programs. Future efforts that incorporate DNA based selection methods to identify and fix introgressed segments from converted racestocks and their offspring should enhance the use of the genetic variation present in the primitive racestock germplasm accessions.     

中国栽培和野生大豆农艺及品质性状与SSR标记的关联分析 II. 优异等位变异的发掘

在前文研究已检出与农艺品质性状显著关联的SSR位点的基础上, 本文进一步对与性状关联位点的等位变异作解析, 通过将携带某等位变异的所有材料表型均值与携带无效等位基因(null allele)材料表型均值做比较, 估计等位变异的潜在表型效应增量(减量), 进一步利用该信息估计位点增效(减效)等位变异的平均效应, 鉴别出一批农艺品质性状优异位点、等位变异及携带优异等位变异的载体材料。发现在栽培及野生种质中检出的优异等位变异有同、有异、有互补性。发现关联位点正、负效应等位变异均值间有差异, 可根据育种目标性状选择要求, 选取适合的位点及相应等位变异。同一标记位点可与多性状关联, 其等位变异在不同性状间各有其表型效应的方向和大小; 等位变异在相关性状效应上方向、大小的异同解释了性状间正、负相关的遗传原因。关联作图得到的信息可以弥补家系连锁法QTL定位信息的不足, 并直接利用等位变异信息进行亲本选拔、组合选配及后代等位条带辅助选择以提高育种成效。     

F1代法检测棉铃虫种群对Bt棉的抗性等位基因频率变化

 在具有室内高抗Bt棉棉铃虫品系的前提下,F₁代法是检测棉铃虫对Bt棉抗性等位基因频率的最简捷、快速的生物测定方法。2010－2012年采用F₁代法检测了河北省邱县棉铃虫田间种群对Bt棉的抗性等位基因频率变化。结果表明,2010－2012年采集的122、141及124头田间雄虫中,分别有32、22及43头携带抗性基因,抗性等位基因频率分别为0.131(95%置信限CI:0.101～0.162)、0.078(95% CI:0.034～0.122)及0.199(95% CI:0.124～0.274)。2012年采用带毒饲料法测定河北邱县等4个地区Bt棉田间棉铃虫对Cry1Ac的抗性。结果表明,河北邱县棉铃虫种群的抗性最高(抗性倍数RR为19.2倍）,明显高于湖北荆州、湖北枣阳和安徽萧县种群的抗性（RR为4.9～9.3倍)。该地区长期大面积种植转单价Bt棉导致田间棉铃虫抗性进化,需要尽快采取有效的抗性治理措施。     

Comparison of two crossing and four selection schemes for yield, yield traits, and slow rusting resistance to leaf rust in wheat

The most important breeding objectives in crop improvement are improving grain yield, grain quality, and resistances to various biotic and abiotic stresses. The objectives of our study were to compare two crossing and four selection schemes for grain yield, yield traits, and slow rusting resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia recondita) based on additive genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum), and to identify the most efficient crossing and selection methodologies in terms of genetic gains and cost efficiency. Segregating populations were derived from 18 simple crosses and the same number of top (three-way) crosses. Half of the crosses were derived from Yecora 70 and the other half from Veery #10 as the common leaf rust susceptible parents. The four selection schemes were: pedigree, modified bulk (F₂ and F₁-top as pedigree, selected lines in F₃, F₄, F₂-top, F₃-top as bulk; and pedigree in F₅ and F₄-top populations), selected bulk (selected plants in F₂, F₃, F₄, F₁-top, F₂-top and F₃-top as bulk; and pedigree in F₅ and F₄-top populations), and nonselected bulk (bulk in F₂, F₃, F₄, F₁-top, F₂-top and F₃-top; and pedigree in F₅ and F₄-top populations). A total of 320 progeny lines, parents and checks were tested for grain yield, other agronomic traits and leaf rust resistance during the 1992/93 and 1993/94 seasons in Ciudad Obregon (Sonora State, Mexico) which represents a typical high yielding irrigated site. The influence of the type of cross and the selection scheme on the mean grain yield and other traits of the progenies was minimal. The selection of parents was the most important feature in imparting yield potential and other favourable agronomic traits. Moreover, the highest yielding lines were distributed equally. Progeny lines derived from Veery #10 crosses had significantly higher mean grain yield compared to those derived from the Yecora 70 crosses. Furthermore, a large proportion of the highest yielding lines also originated from Veery #10 crosses. Mean leaf rust severity of the top cross progenies was lower than that of the simple cross progenies possibly because two parents contributed resistance to top cross progenies. Mean leaf rust severity of the nonselected bulk derivatives was twice that of lines derived from the other three schemes. Selected bulk appears to be the most attractive selection scheme in terms of genetic gains and cost efficiency. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Introgressing resistance to bacterial and viral diseases from the middle American to Andean common bean

The genetic base of cultivars within market classes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is narrow. Moreover, small- and medium-seeded Middle American cultivars often possess higher yield and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses than their large-seeded Andean counterparts. Thus, for broadening the genetic base and breeding for higher yielding multiple stress resistant Andean cultivars use of inter-gene pool populations is essential. Our objective was to determine the feasibility of introgressing resistance to Been common mosaic virus (BCMV, a potyvirus), and the common [caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (Xcp) and X. campestris pv. phaseoli var. fuscans (Xcpf)] and halo [caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (Psp)] bacterial blights from the Middle American to Andean bean, using gamete selection. Also, we investigated the relative importance of the use of a landrace cultivar versus elite breeding line as the last parent making maximum genetic contribution in multiple-parent inter-gene pool crosses for breeding for resistance to diseases. Two multiple-parent crosses, namely ZARA I = Wilkinson 2 /// ‘ICA Tundama’ / ‘Edmund’ // VAX 3 / PVA 773 and ZARA II = ‘Moradillo’ /// ICA Tundama / Edmund // VAX 3 / PVA 773 were made. From the F₁ to F₅ single plant selection was practiced for resistance to the common and halo bacterial blights in both populations at Valladolid, Spain. The parents and F₅-derived F₆ breeding lines were evaluated separately for BCMV, and common and halo bacterial blights in the greenhouse at Filer and Kimberly, Idaho in 2001. They were also evaluated for the two bacterial blights, growth habit, seed color and 100-seed weight at Valladolid in 2002. All 20 F₁ plants of ZARA I were resistant or intermediate to common and halo bacterial blights in the greenhouse, but their F₂ and subsequent families segregated for both bacterial blights. Segregation for resistant, intermediate, and susceptible plants for common bacterial blight occurred in the F₁ of ZARA II. Simple correlation coefficient for common bacterial blight between the F₁ and F₁-derived F₂ families was positive (r = 0.54 P < 0.05) for ZARA II. From the F₂ to F₅ the number of families resistant to both bacterial blights decreased in both populations. Only four of 20 F₁ plants in ZARA I resulted in seven F₆ breeding lines, and only one of 32 F₁ plants in ZARA II resulted in one F₆ breeding line resistant to the three diseases. None of the selected breeding lines had seed size as large as the largest Andean parent. The use of elite breeding line or cultivar as the last parent making maximum genetic contribution to the multiple-parent inter-gene pool crosses, relatively large population size in the F₁, and simultaneous selection for plant type, seed traits as well as resistance to diseases would be crucial for introgression and pyramiding of favorable alleles and quantitative trait loci (QTL) of interest between the Andean and Middle American beans.     

QTL mapping for agronomic and fibre traits using two interspecific chromosome substitution lines of Upland cotton

CS‐B14Sh and CS‐B22Sh are cotton interspecific chromosome substitution (CS)‐B lines, in which a pair of short arms of chromosome 14 and chromosome 22 were introgressed from Gossypium barbadense doubled‐haploid line 3‐79 with the background of Gossypium hirsutum line TM‐1, respectively. These two CS‐B lines were crossed with TM‐1, and segregating progenies (F₂ and F_2:3, respectively) were obtained. Phenotypic data of lint yield, yield‐related traits and fibre‐quality traits were collected from two trials. In the cross CS‐B14SH X TM‐1, QTL for boll weight (BW), lint percentage (LP), fibre upper half mean length (UHML), micronaire reading (MIC), and fibre breaking tensile strength (STR) were repeatedly detected. Alleles from 3‐79 decreased BW and MIC, but increased UHML and STR. In the cross CS‐B22Sh X TM‐1, QTL for BW, LP, UHML, MIC, STR, fibre elongation (EL),seed weight(SW), node of first fruiting branch (NFB) and fibre uniformity index (UI) were repeatedly detected, and alleles from 3‐79 decreased UHML, UI and STR, but increased NFB, SW, MIC and EL. QTL clusters were found in both populations.     

Genetic control of somatic embryogenesis in cotton petiole callus cultures

Summary Three commercial varieties (Acala SJ-5, Coker 312 and Paymaster 303) and three exotic accessions (T1, T25 and T169) of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were tested for ability to undergo somatic embryogenesis. Sections of split petiole were cultured on 3 media and evaluated for embryogenesis after 180 days. Embryogenic T25 and Coker 312 plants were selected and crossed in a diallel with non-embryogenic Acala SJ-5, Paymaster 303, T1 and T169 plants. F₁, F₂ and BC₁ populations were generated and tested for embryogenesis on a medium of MS salts and vitamins (1962) plus (per liter) 4.0 mg NAA, 1.0 mg Kn, 30 g glucose, 100 mg myo-inositol, 2.0 g Gelrite and 0.75 g MgCl₂. Segregation for both occurrence and magnitude of embryogenesis was observed, suggesting the action of more than one gene.