Temperature-dependent resistance to crown rust infection in perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne

Differences were found in the expression of resistance of perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne, cultivars to crown rust, Puccinia coronata Corda, when plants were incubated at either 10°C or 25°C. In an extreme example, all the genotypes of ‘Carrick’ were resistant at 10°C but susceptible at 25°C. The variation between cultivars was due both to a general increase in expression of susceptibility and the proportion of plants which became susceptible. A BC₁ line containing a stay‐green gene derived from Festuca pratensis was insensitive to temperature, while a sister line was sensitive.     

QTL analysis of crown rust resistance in perennial ryegrass under conditions of natural and artificial infection

Crown rust is an economically devastating disease of perennial ryegrass. Both artificial crown rust inoculations, with the possibility of several selection cycles in one year, as well as marker-assisted selection can be used for more efficient breeding of new resistant cultivars. The objective of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for response to crown rust infection in perennial ryegrass. In order to identify relevant markers for response to crown rust infection, QTL mapping was performed on a ryegrass mapping population which was evaluated for resistance in the field for two years as well as by artificial pathogen inoculations using a detached leaf assessment. The broad sense heritability values for the field, detached leaf and combined assays were 0.42, 0.56, and 0.64, respectively, indicating a good potential for selection for crown rust resistance. A total of six QTLs were identified and mapped to linkage groups (LG) LG1, LG4 and LG5, explaining between 6.8% and 16.4% of the total phenotypic variation.     

Isozyme and quantitative traits polymorphisms in European provenances of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L)

Twenty populations of Lolium perenne originating from a range of habitats in Europe were compared for isoenzyme polymorphisms and agronomically important quantitative traits in order to establish relationships of the levels of diversity with the origin of each population and to assess their suitability to be included in the European core collection of Lolium germplasm. Forty genotypes from each of the twenty populations and each genotype represented by three clonal propagules, were field planted in a fully randomized spaced plant design and fifteen quantitative characters including yield, persistency, reproductive and disease resistence characters were evaluated over a period of two years. Seven putative isozyme loci were assayed to compare the allozyme divergence of populations. The results of the isozyme survey indicate that 71–100% of the loci were polymorphic, 2.3–3.0 alleles/locus and the gene diversity was varying from 0.234–0.410. Of the total allelic diversity 94% remained within populations (H_s) whilst only 6% was distributed among populations (D_st). The differences between populations were determined on the basis of allele frequencies and multivariate analyses of quantitative characters. Populations significantly differed in their allele frequencies at all loci analysed. Random mating was predominant in all populations at most of the loci. The study revealed that the German accession BA 10998 was clearly distinct from the rest both in quantitative characters and allele frequencies. German accession BA 11015 with the lowest gene diversity showed the highest genetic variation for quantitative characters. However, no strict relationship was found between the genetic distance and the geograpical distribution of the populations. Among the quantitative characters, flowering time showed a strong relationship with the type of management practised at the collection site than their place of origin. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Comparison of predicted and observed response to selection in two breeding populations of perennial ryegrass

To predict any genetic response to selection, two breeding populations of perennial ryegrass, consisting of half-sib families, were evaluated as spaced plants from 1987 to 1989 for several agronomical traits. In each population, the best plants selected through a multitrait Smith and Hazel's index were planted in a polycross to produce the second generation half-sib families. Both generations were evaluated together from 1991 to 1993 as spaced plants. The difference between generations was the observed genetic response, which was compared to that predicted. Rust tolerance, aftermath heading and persistence were significantly improved in both populations. In trial plots used to assess the yield, no effect of mass selection was noticed. Thus, it is concluded that mass selection failed to increase productivity but produced some improvements in disease tolerance and aftermath heading.     

高羊茅草坪草生长发育与抗逆效应研究进展

摘 要：高羊茅属于多年生冷季型草坪草,具有较强抗性和适应性,在我国广泛栽培应用。本研究综述了高羊茅国内外研究进展,主要从高羊茅生长发育、栽培技术、抗性效应等方面阐述,并对其发展趋势进行展望,旨在为高羊茅的深化研究与合理利用提供参考。     

Introduction of a self-compatible gene of Lolium temulentum L. to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) for the purpose of the production of inbred lines of perennial ryegrass

Interspecific hybrids between self-compatible species, Lolium temulentum L. and self-incompatible species, L. perenne L. were obtained using embryo rescue. Two cycles of backcrossing of interspecific hybrids with L. perenne were carried out. A 1: 1 segregation ratio of self comatibility and incompatibility was observed in backcross generations. These segregation data confirmed that self-compatibility of L. temulentum was controlled by a single gene. It suggested that the self-compatible gene of L. temulentum could be introduced to self-incompatible plants of L. perenne through interspecific hybridization. It appears that utilization of a self-compatible gene of L. temulentum would be useful for production of inbred lines of L. perenne. The possibility of breeding procedures of perennial ryegrass using a self-compatible gene was discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Seed yield related to crop development and to yield components in nine cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Summary We had previously found differences for seed yield among nine perennial ryegrass cultivars which were not associated with variation for seed weight. To detect the physiological basis of these genetic differences for seed yield, growth analyses were carried out. We related crop development and components of seed yield to seed yield during three years on clay and sandy soil. No significant differences occurred among cultivars for accumulation and partitioning of dry matter or the pattern of tiller production. Seed yield of the cultivars was not associated with ear number or total dry matter yield of the seed crop. Seed yield was more correlated with the number of seeds per unit area than with seed weight. The number of seeds as calculated after harvest from seed yield and seed weight was much lower than the number of seeds as estimated prior to harvest from seed yield components. The number of spikelets differed significantly among the cultivars, but the ranking was different from that for seed yield. The physiological basis of the genetic differences for seed yield is not clear. Implications for breeding perennial ryegrass are discussed.     

The evaluation of arabica coffee cultivars for resistance to coffee berry disease: Some comments

Summary The preselection test as used in the Kenya arabica coffee breeding program was critically examined prior to use in a similar program in Uganda, since the criticism by Van der Graaff (1982) of the an der Vossen et al., scaling technique for measurement of seedling resistance to Colletotrichum coffeanum may alter the interpretation of results.The published data were re-analysed using non-parametric statistical techniques and it is concluded that, despite the criticism, the method appears to give satisfactory results. It is suggested however, that the mode of the distribution obtained by the selection test be considered as a suitable alternative to the mean in the interpretation of results.     

Varietal differences in perennial ryegrass for nitrogen use efficiency in leaf growth following defoliation: performance in flowing solution culture and its relationship to yield under simulated grazing in the field

Varietal differences in rates of NO₃ uptake and remobilization of nitrogen (N) during a cycle of severe defoliation and regrowth were assessed in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) varieties Ba11778, Aberelan, Talbot and Gator. Plants were grown in flowing solution culture for 34 days, prior to a 30 d treatment period, including 21 d of regrowth. Net uptake of NO₃ was measured continuously from solutions maintained automatically at 10 mmol m^-3NO₃.¹⁵ N-labelled NO_{3 3} was supplied to the plants in situ for either 21 h immediately prior to defoliation, or for 7-11 days afterwards, to measure remobilization of N from roots and stubble into the regrowing leaves. The four varieties differed only slightly in total dry matter production over 30 d, but varied substantially in post-defoliation specific growth rate by the leaf fraction. Gator was the lowest ( 0.11 g g^-1 d^-1), Ba11778 the highest ( 0.15 g g^-1 d^-1) and Aberelan and Talbot intermediate in leaf regrowth rate. Varieties did not vary significantly in shoot: root dry weight ratio, but the rate of NO₃ uptake per unit of leaf fresh weight during regrowth was 27% lower in Ba11778 than in Gator. Leaves of Ba11778 and Aberelan had a lower organic N concentration in the dry matter at the end of the regrowth period than Talbot, which, in turn, had a lower concentration than Gator. Varieties differed in amount of leaf dry matter produced per unit of N absorbed by the plants after defoliation, the values (g g^-1 N) being Ba11778 (22.6 ), Aberelan (20.7), Talbot (18.3) and Gator (16.7). More N was remobilized from the roots than from the stubble after defoliation. There were no significant differences among varieties in the amount and rate of N remobilization following defoliation. In earlier field experiments employing frequent cutting to simulate grazing, Ba11778 and Aberelan yielded at least 10% more dry matter annually than Talbot which, in turn, outyielded the amenity variety Gator by a similar amount. Thus the present results are consistent with the hypothesis that the efficiency of N use in leaf growth is an important factor determining genetic variation in productivity under frequent defoliation in the field when the herbage produced consists primarily of leaf. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Identification of molecular markers linked with crown rust (Puccinia coronata f. sp. lolii) resistance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) using AFLP markers and a bulked segregant approach

Crown rust resistance is an important selection criterion in ryegrass breeding. The fungal disease caused by P. coronata causes yield loss and a reduced quality of the fodder crop. Molecular markers were used to unravel the genomic organization of crown rust resistance in a segregating L. perenne population. Two genomic regions involved in crown rust resistance were identified that together explained 35% of the phenotypic variance present. Bulked segregant analysis in combination with AFLP markers was a suitable method to identify DNA markers associated with genomic regions of major effect. One cluster of AFLP markers explained 6.1% of the variance and mapped to linkage group 2, a genomic region known to contain crown rust resistance genes. A second cluster of AFLP markers detected a novel genomic region of major effect that explained 27.7% of the phenotypic variance in crown rust resistance. This cluster was unlinked to the cluster on linkage group 2. Divergent selections performed within the segregating F₁ population on the basis of genotype and phenotype revealed that the markers associated with crown rust resistance identified in this study have potential for marker assisted selection. Selection of plants on the basis of markers was more straightforward than the selection on the basis of phenotype.     

Variation in forage grasses as hosts of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne naasi (Franklin) and selection for resistance in ryegrass

Summary Reactions of 13 grasses to Meloidogyne naasi varied with species; ryegrasses, fescues and their hybrids were generally susceptible and cocksfoot and timothy resistant. Marked variation in host resistance levels occurred between genotypes within cultivars.Selection of single plants, followed by tests on replicate tillers, identified resistant and susceptible genotypes in both Italian and perennial ryegrass cultivars. Resistant plants had few nematode-induced galls and fewer females and eggs than susceptibles. There was more or less continuous variation, with many genotypes intermediate between extremes of resistance and susceptibility. Selected resistant and susceptible genotypes are of use in assessing variation in nematode populations and as controls for breeding and selection programmes.     

Molecular and phenotypic characterization of Chinese wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars for resistance to Fusarium head blight

To identify excellent cultivars resistant to Fusarium head blight (FHB), 104 wheat cultivars were tested by single-flower inoculation using two prevalent pathogens from 2018 to 2020. Agronomic traits were also investigated. Six FHB-resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL), Fhb1, Fhb2, Fhb4, Fhb5, Fhb7 and Qfhb.crc-2D, have been assessed using previously reported DNA markers. A diagnostic marker has been used for Fhb1, and indicative markers linked to the other QTL were used. Results showed that (i) 12 (11.5%) cultivars were resistant to two pathogens in 3 years; among them, ‘Shengxuan 6’, ‘Wanhongbian 759’, ‘Yunong 903’ and ‘Yunong 901’ had good agronomic traits. (ii) Among cultivars with one resistance QTL, the severities of cultivars carrying Fhb1 and Qfhb.crc-2D were 2.2 and 2.8, respectively, whereas those of cultivars with Fhb2 or Fhb7 were 3.6. Among cultivars with two resistance QTL, the severities of cultivars with Fhb1 + Fhb4, Fhb1 + Fhb7 and Fhb4 + Fhb5 were 2.2, 3.0 and 3.6, respectively. The severity of five cultivars possessing three or four resistance QTL was below 2.5. Fhb1 and Qfhb.crc-2D showed better resistance effects than other resistance QTL.     

Evaluation of field resistance of Daucus carota cultivars to Cercospora carotae (carrot leaf spot)

Summary A world collection of 142 cultivars of carrot was tested for resistance to Cercospora carotae in the field. C. carotae infection was observed in all the cultivars. Field resistance was observed in only about 30% of the cultivars, the remainder being highly susceptible.     

Comparison of evaluation methods for selection of resistance to Fusarium head blight in a recurrent selection programme in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The objectives of this study were to compare efficiency of evaluation for resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) under two inoculation methods in a recurrent selection programme. Fifty selected homozygous F₅ fertile lines, from each of five cycles (C0, C1, C2, C3 and C4) of recurrent selection, and two control cultivars were evaluated in a split-plot design in 1995 and 1996 under the soil-surface inoculation with Fusarium graminearum-colonized kernels and the single-floret inoculation with ascospore suspension. Comparison of the two inoculation methods using means, ranges, coefficients of variation, heritabilities and correlations among infected spikelet rate (ISR), reaction index (RI) and disease index (DI) indicated that FHB resistance could be evaluated with similar accuracy and precision using either of the two inoculation methods. Regressions of disease scores in the soil-surface inoculation on disease scores in the single-surface inoculation were positive and highly significant, showing a strong relationship between both inoculation methods for FHB resistance. The percentage of lines with similar performance for FHB disease scores in both inoculation methods was high. The soil-surface inoculation and single-floret inoculation appear to be useful techniques for evaluating numerous individuals of segregating population and screening advanced homozygous lines for FHB resistance in a recurrent selection programme in wheat, respectively.     

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.     

A simple method for the evaluation of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) resistance to Sclerotinia trifoliorum

Sclerotinia crown and stem rot is the most destructive disease on red clover in areas with cool seasons including North America and Europe. An artificial inoculation test in controlled conditions has been developed in order to evaluate resistance to this fungus in individual plants. Measured drops of ascospore suspension were applied to detached clover leaflets and disease severity scored on a visual scale. Clovers from 16 cultivars and 12 ecotypes were tested for resistance to Sclerotinia trifoliorum. The results obtained for cultivar resistance are in agreement with those of other tests described in the literature. Moreover, repeated individual evaluations on detached leaflets from the same plant was successful in detecting genotypic variation within clover populations.     

Evaluation of resistance of apricot cultivars to a Spanish isolate of plum pox potyvirus (PPV)

The resistance of 12 apricot cultivars to the Dideron type Spanish isolate RB3.30 of plum pox potyvirus was evaluated in controlled conditions in an insect‐proof greenhouse. The results of the evaluation demonstrated the resistance of the cultivars ‘Stella’, ‘Stark Early Orange’, ‘Goldrich’, ‘Harcot’, ‘NJA2’, ‘Pandora’ and ‘Avilara’ to the isolate, and the susceptibility of the cultivars ‘A1453’, ‘Bulida’,‘Currot’, ‘Real Fino’ and ‘Canino’     

Inheritance of resistance to whitebacked planthopper,Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) in some rice cultivars

Summary The genetics of resistance to whitebacked planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) in ten resistant cultivars was studied. The reactions of the F₁, F₂ and F₃ populations of resistant varieties with Taichung Native 1, a suspectible check, showed that WBPH resistance is monogenic in nature and governed by dominant gene(s) in Ptb 19 and IET 6288 and recessive gene in eight cultivars viz. ARC 5838, ARC 6579, ARC 6624, ARC 10464, ACR 11321, ARC 11320, Balamawee and IR 2415-90-4-3. Allelic relationship of resistance gene(s) in the test cultivars revealed recessive gene in IR 2415-90-4-3, ARC 5838 and ARC 11324 to be allelic but it was non allelic to the resistance gene in ARC 6624. Cultivars ARC 6579, ARC 11321 and Balamawee have identical gene among themselves but their relationship with IR 2415-90-4-3, ARC 5838, ARC 11324 and ARC 6624 is unknown. The recessive gene in ARC 10464 is non-identical to all other cultivars having the recessive gene except ARC 6624 with which its relationship needs further investigation.     

Genetic markers linked to Striga gesnerioides resistance for the improvement of Ghanaian cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cultivars

The parasitic plant, Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke, is one of the most important constraints of cowpea production and food security in West Africa. Currently, few Striga resistant cowpea varieties have been developed that are well‐adapted to the dry savannah regions of Ghana. While genes conferring resistance to Striga races SG1, SG3 and SG5 have been mapped, the genetic locus of resistance to the race of Striga found in Ghana (SG‐GH) has not been characterized. Here, we report identification of genetic markers linked to SG‐GH resistance and define the relationship of this locus to SG3 resistance in recombinant inbred line populations generated from crosses between Striga resistant IT97K‐499‐35 and the Striga susceptible varieties Apagbaala and SARC‐LO2. The populations were genotyped with five genetic markers associated with SG3 and SG5 Striga resistance genes and a genetic map was developed. Genes conferring resistance to SG‐GH and SG3 mapped 4.2 cM from each other on chromosome Vu11. The identification of genetic markers linked to SG‐GH resistance will facilitate the marker‐assisted development of high‐quality Striga resistant cowpea varieties in Ghana.