Morphologische und agronomische Merkmale autochthoner annueller Medicago-Arten in Marokko

Morphological and agronomic characteristics of autochthonous annual Medkago species in Morocco
Autochthonous annual Medicago species were collected on non-alkaline soils and evaluated as to their potential agricultural use. 411 Medicago ecotypes were found at 108 sites. With increasing rainfall and altitude of collecting sites, a decrease was recorded in the length of sprouts, in sward height, in leaf size, and in dry matter yield. High rainfall regions were found to select late flowering ecotypes. All Medicago ecotypes tested showed broad intraspecific variation in seed yield, leaf size and seed weight. Coumestrol content of leaves at flowering was generally low; on average 115 ppm of dry matter. No relationship was found between collection sites and coumestrol content. In a field trial comparing 112 ecotypes with nine introduced cultivars at two contrasting sites, thirty ecotypes proved to be better adapted to local conditions than the cultivars.     

Performance of intersubspecific alfalfa hybrids in sward versus space planted plots

Intersubspecific hybrids between Medicago sativa subsp. sativa and subsp. falcata show biomass yield heterosis in space planted plots. Relative biomass yield of alfalfa is known to differ in space planted versus sward plots, although the magnitude of the difference is variable. The objective of this study was to determine if and how much of the biomass yield heterosis observed in space planted alfalfa hybrids was retained in sward planted plots. Two falcata genotypes (WISFAL-6 and PI502453-1) and three elite sativa genotypes were crossed in a diallel mating design. Progeny were transplanted into space-planted plots and harvested three times per year or drilled into sward plots harvested four times per year. Hybrids of WISFAL-6 with the sativa genotypes produced as much first harvest biomass yield as intra-sativa hybrids in space-planted plots and more in sward plots. Yield in subsequent harvests was lower than intra-sativa hybrids in sward plots only. Hybrids of PI502453-1 with sativa were generally lower yielding than intra-sativa crosses. A moderate correlation was observed between biomass yield in space planted and sward plots. Heterosis expression in swards was lower than that in spaced planted nurseries for progeny of both falcata genotypes. The increased plant-to-plant competition in swards is the likely cause of the loss of heterosis.     

Variation within and among Ladino white clover ecotypes for agronomic traits

Summary One set of 285 genotypes from three landraces and one natural population and a second set of 165 genotypes from two landraces and one natural population were evaluated in separate trials. Variation among populations was mostly accounted for by the difference between landrace and natural population genotype groups, the former showing features related to higher seed yield and short-term aerial dry matter (DM) yield and to lower persistence, cold tolerance and protein content. Compared to variance among ecotypes, that within ecotypes was never lower and it was at least four-fold higher for important traits such as aerial and total (aerial plus stolon) DM yield, stolon density, production of seed heads and cold tolerance. Landraces and natural populations showed similar levels of intra-population variation for all traits except cold tolerance, for which landraces tended to somewhat greater variation. Trait associations were less definite at the genotype level than what previously found in terms of mean values of the ecotypes. This finding and the relatively high broad sense heritability which was observed for all components of DM and seed yield can support the breeding activity on this clover. The level of variation and of heritability found for protein content do not suggest the routine evaluation of this trait in breeding programmes.     

Selection for yield in Lolium perenne. II. performance of spaced plant selections under competitive conditions

Summary The performance of six lines of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) which had been selected for three generations for production under spaced plant conditions were assessed under increasing levels of competition, namely spaced plants, drills, miniplots and large sown plots. Successful selection for yield under spaced plant conditions was not accompanied by comparable production patterns in the alternative managements. The extreme situation occurred in swards where a significant decline in production was encountered. Negative or no relationships were found in the establishment year between spaced plant production and yield in the alternative conditions whereas in the first harvest year positive correlations occurred between spaced plants, drills and miniplots and only the latter with plots. These varying patterns of performance are considered in relation to the prediction of sward behaviour and the appropriate environment for selection.INIA. CRIDA 01, La Coruna, Spain.     

Progress in improving aluminium tolerance in the perennial grass,phalaris

Aluminium (Al) tolerance of 11 cultivars, breeding populations and accessions of the perennial grass, phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), was investigated in low ionic strength nutrient solutions. The populations were chosen to determine whether a program to improve the tolerance of phalaris to acid soils had resulted in improved Al tolerance. Populations derived by backcrossing genes from a more Al-tolerant species, P. arundinacea L. (AT populations), were significantly more Al tolerant than populations based on pure P. aquatica. Smaller levels of improvement in Al tolerance had also been achieved within P. aquatica through a combination of selection in Al solutions and at acid soil field sites. The response of roots and shoots to Al stress was similar. Some differences in ranking were obtained depending on whether Al tolerance was defined by actual growth in Al solution or growth relative to the zero Al treatment. Performance in nutrient solution containing Al was highly correlated with second year yield and persistence at a field site with acid soil high in Al to depth. Actual root dry weight in nutrient solution containing Al gave a slightly higher correlation with the field data than root weight relative to the zero control. A tendency for root dry weight to segregate in the presence of Al was observed in some P. aquatica populations but not in the AT populations. It was concluded that a significant improvement in the Al tolerance of phalaris has been achieved through a program to introgress genes from P. arundinacea into P. aquatica.     

Yield components,harvest index and plant type in relation to yield differences in field pea genotypes

Summary The effectiveness of yield components, harvest index and morphological characteristics as selection criteria among four field pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes was examined. Genotypes were grown at a wide range of plant populations (9 to 400 plants m^-2) to maximise environmental diversity.Both biological and seed yields approximately doubled from 9 to 100 plants m^-2. This response flattened from 100 to 400 plants m^-2. Differences among the genotypes were found only at 225 and 400 plants m^-2. Analysis of the yield components highlighted the plasticity and large genotype by environment interactions of field peas. The numbers of pods per plant and peas per pod were maximised when each genotype was grown as spaced plants, but the low plant numbers meant seed yields per unit area were at their lowest.Genotypic differences for plant harvest index (PHI) were also only found at 225 and 400 plants m^-2. Broad sense heritability estimates indicated that direct selection for PHI was not feasible. The inference from the yield component and PHI results was that alternative selection criteria such as physiological or morphological characteristics may be necessary for improved yield potential. Classification of each genotype indicated that low seedling vigour may be a positive attribute for crop plants of semi-leafless and conventionally leafed field peas. Selection based on any single plant attribute is unlikely to lead to dramatic improvements in the yield potential of field peas. Selection should be based on plant characteristics rather than on differences in yield components.     

Importance of P uptake efficiency versus P utilization for wheat yield in acid and calcareous soils in Mexico

There are large agricultural areas in the world where wheat yields are limited by low phosphorus (P) availability. Breeding for P uptake and P utilization efficiency may reduce this problem. This study was conducted to determine the contribution of P uptake and utilization efficiency to grain yield of selected spring wheat genotypes in different environments. Thirty-eight semidwarf spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes were grown in two experiments in Mexico, each on an acid Andisol under rainfed conditions and on a calcareous Aridisol with irrigation, without (−P) and with 35 kg P per ha fertilized (+P). Without P fertilization, grain yield ranged from 0.8 to 4.6 t ha⁻¹ in the acid soil and from 2.4 to 5.2 t ha⁻¹ in the calcareous soil. With P fertilization, this range was even larger. Under conditions of P deficiency, i.e. in the acid soil at −P and +P (high P adsorption) and calcareous soil at −P (P-depleted soil), P uptake explained 71–100% of the variation in grain yield, and was highly correlated with grain yield (r=0.79–0.95). In contrast, at +P in the calcareous soil, P utilization efficiency explained 60–63% of the variation in grain yield. Here, low grain P concentration was related to high grain yield (r=−0.40 to −0.59). In the calcareous soil, the harvest index was correlated with grain yield, irrespective of the P level. In the acid soil, post-anthesis P accumulation was important. It was positively correlated with grain yield, whereas in the calcareous soil, no post-anthesis-P accumulation occurred. Here, grain P accumulation at maturity was completely determined by translocation of pre-anthesis shoot P. We conclude that the combination of improved P uptake and P utilization efficiency in the same genotypes requires selection under both high and low-P conditions.     

水稻耐低磷种质资源的筛选、鉴定指标

选用3个耐低磷水稻基因型99011、508和99112及1个低磷敏感基因型99056，采用土培试验，分别进行了苗期及全生育期水稻耐低磷指标的统计分析和磷营养含量的研究。结果表明，在供试土壤有效磷含量为2～4 mg/kg的土壤上，水稻苗期耐低磷筛选的适宜磷用量为35 mg/kg，全生育期鉴定以50 mg/kg为宜。苗期筛选以相对分蘖率为主要指标     

Genotypic variation for root pulling resistance in potato and its relationship with yield under water-deficit stress

Summary An extensively distributed root system may reduce the probability of crop failure during periods of restricted water supply. A quantitative measure of root distribution in the soil profile, i.e. pulling resistance of roots (PR), was tested at two moderately droughted tropical field sites. A total of 250 genotypes were evaluated for PR, 45 days after planting and for tuber yield at harvest at separate sites and years. The need to use genotypes adapted to a specific location for comparisons, across sites or seasons was shown by the results of a random analysis of variance model partitioning across site-season, location, and year effects for PR and tuber yield.A combined PR and growth analysis on 31 early-maturing clones, 7 of which had tubers at the time of sampling, gave significant correlations between PR and root length, dry weight of pulled and residual roots, plant height, number of stems, and in the case of the 7 genotypes with tubers, tuberlet weight and number. A regression model to predict PR based on growth analysis data is presented. Neither tuberlet weight nor number contributed significantly to the prediction once root characters and vigour-related characters were incorporated. Variation for PR among clones was significant and the means ranged from 0 kg/plant to 37 kg/plant during the 3 trials. High PR was evident in both early and late maturing clones. Drought resistance (DR), defined as high yielding ability and high PR under water deficit conditions, of the clones Huinkul and MS-35.22.R was superior to that of the high-yielding and adapted LT-7 check, while moderate levels of DR were confirmed for the clones BR-63.15, Cruza 27, Haille, and MEX-21. Tuber yield and PR under moderate drought were significantly correlated (r=0.569^***), which suggests that the PR method can be utilized to assist in the selection of high-yielding, drought resistant, potato genotypes adapted to tropics.     

Genetic variation in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) populations for mottle virus resistance

Summary Highly significant and continuous variation in the degree of injury due to cocksfoot mottle virus (CfMV) infection was found among clones of 7 cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) populations, taken at random among surviving plants in 9 year old swards. Broad sense heritabilities for CfMV injury ranged from 0.52 to 0.91 within populations, and genotypic correlations between CfMV injury and total DM-yield ranged from –0.46 to –0.88. The relationship between CfMV injury and DM-yield could be described by a second degree curve. CfMV injury was to some extent genotypically correlated in the positive direction with crude protein content and digestibility, and negatively with crude fiber content, especially in the first cut. Artificial infection of plants from the original populations with CfMV in a simulated sward experiment, did not reveal any significant differences between populations in tolerance towards CfMV infection. Infection caused a 54.5% increase in the number of dead plants per plot, relative to uninfected plots, but only a 4.5% reduction in dry matter yield. There is a clear tendency that synthetic populations selected for high yield are less tolerant towards CfMV infection than unselected or low yielding populations. The resistance found in these cocksfoot populations is a sort of tolerance, and the results indicate that the level of tolerance can be increased by selection.     

Response to conventional and organic environment of thirty-six lentil (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lens culinaris</Emphasis> Medik.) varieties

Thirty-six lentil varieties were evaluated under organic and conventional environment for three consecutive years in order to see whether the promising genetic material for an organic plant breeding program are different from those of a conventional system. The genetic material studied originated from various countries. In the conventional trial plots standard cultural practices (P mineral fertilization & pest control) were applied throughout the growing season, while in the organic ones no fertilizers or pest agrochemicals were applied. Significant regression, but of low value, between grain yield ranking and earliness or harvest index ranking was detected. Combined ANOVA indicated significant differences between genotypes, years, environments and genotype × environmental interactions (GEI). It was observed that under conventional management most of the genotypes had a higher yield compared to the organic one. The mean grain yield ranking of the genotypes in each of the environments revealed that some of the genotypes occupied the same ranking position at both the organic and the conventional environment (non-crossover GEI), while others exhibited a significant alteration in their ranking (crossover GEI) under the two environments. Crossover GEI and non-cross over GEI revealed two types of lentil varieties. Varieties with specific adaptation and varieties with broad adaptation. It was concluded that grain yield was in general higher when lentil varieties were grown under a conventional environment compared to the grain yield produced under an organic environment. Yet, there are lentil genotypes with a higher yielding ability under the organic management and therefore should be targeted by the breeder.     

Studying the effect of environmental variables on the genotype × environment interaction of tomato

Genotype × environment interaction (GEI) affects marketable fruit yield and average fruit weight of both hybrid and open-pollinated (OP) tomato genotypes. Cultivars vary significantly for marketable fruit yield, with hybrid cultivars having, on average, higher yield than OP cultivars. However, information is scanty on environmental factors affecting the differential response of tomato genotypes across environments. Hence, the aim of this research was to use factorial regression (FR) and partial least squares (PLS) regression, which incorporate external environmental and genotypic covariables directly into the model for interpreting GEI. In this research, data from an FAO multi-environment trial comprising 15 tomato genotypes (7 hybrid and 8 OP) evaluated in 18 locations of Latin America and the Caribbean were analyzed using FR and PLS. Environmental factors such as days to harvest, soil pH, mean temperature (MET), potassium available in the soil, and phosphorus fertilizer accounted for a sizeable portion of GEI for marketable fruit yield, whereas trimming, irrigation, soil organic matter, and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers were important environmental covariables for explaining GEI of average fruit weight. Locations with relatively high minimum and mean temperatures favored the marketable fruit yield of OP heat-tolerant lines CL 5915-223 and CL 5915-93. An OP cultivar (Catalina) and a hybrid (Apla) showed average marketable fruit yield across environments, while two hybrids (Sunny and Luxor) exhibited outstanding marketable fruit yield in high yielding locations (due to lower temperatures and higher pH) but a sharp yield loss in poor environments. Two stable hybrid genotypes in high yielding environments, Narita and BHN-39, also showed high and stable yield in average and low yielding environments.     

Variation for dry matter yield,seed yield and other agronomic traits in Ladino white clover landraces and natural populations

Summary A set of Ladino white clover ecotypes including the last available landraces and some natural populations collected from old permanent meadows, together with some white clover varieties of various origins, were evaluated as monocultures for dry matter (DM) and seed yield assessed in separate field experiments. Other agronomic traits were also recorded. The best performing variety, Espanso, was significantly outyielded by some ecotypes for DM and seed production. Compared to landraces, natural populations yielded on average far less seed but as much DM and tended towards higher persistence indicating that domestication of the native Ladino at the farm level only improved seed yield of the crop. Natural populations showed, besides lower values of most seed yield components, a distinct canopy architecture characterized by smaller leaves, longer internodes and denser stolons. Seed weight proved the best character discriminating between the two ecotype groups. Significant variation for most traits was found both among landraces, in which it was mostly relatable to differences among provenances, and among natural populations. The relations between the main multivariate patterns of phenotypic variation and a set of environment collecting variables suggested that evolutive adaptation to different agronomic practices was a major determinant of the overall variation found in landraces. Evidence is provided that a relevant part of the variation observed among ecotypes for some important traits could be genetic.Abbreviations DM dry matter - DMY dry matter yield - NRH number of ripe heads - NFH number of florets per head - PL petiole length - LS leaf size - IL internode length - NS number of stolons - PRO protein content - SY seed yield - TSW thousand seed weight - NSF number of seeds per floret - PCA principal components analysis - PC principal component     

Genetic variability of Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntz based on AFLP analysis and host-parasite interaction

AFLP analysis was used to estimate genetic variability within and among 14 populations of Striga asiaticaL. Kuntze collected from different locations within the Republic of Benin. The mean within-population genetic distances ranged from 0.028 to 0.038, while the mean among-population genetic distances ranged from 0.019to 0.088, with an assumed minimum genetic distance of0.01 in each case. Intra- and inter-population variation was reflected by a highly significant R² of 0.61for the regression of geographic distance versus genetic distance. Interactions of the different Strigapopulations with susceptible host genotypes, 8338-1 (Zea mays) and CK60B (Sorghum bicolor),indicated a high degree of host-specialization, with CK60B failing to support growth of the parasite from any of the populations. The various Striga populations also exhibited different degrees of virulence on susceptible host plants. Our results support the hypothesis that different populations of this parasite may well be considered and treated as ecotypes in plant breeding programs developing resistance to S. asiatica. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Differential responses of bread wheat characters to high temperature

Summary Agronomic and yield data were collected from two trials each containing 16 bread wheat genotypes, planted two years under late sowing conditions of high temperature (above 30° C) and one year under a normal sowing time environment. The aim was to study the character response and yield correlations with yield components and other characters under high temperature conditions with full irrigation. The results show that yield, seeds per spike, biomass, and plant height are more thermo-sensitive than spike number per square meter, 1000 kernel weight, and test weight. The grain-filling rate was more temperature-sensitive than days to anthesis and duration of grain-filling. Simple phenotypic correlation analysis indicated that yield was highly and positively correlated with seeds per spike, biomass, and harvest index (HI), independent of seasons and genotypes under high temperatures. The seeds per spike accounted for variation of yield ranging from 35.2 to 78.1%. Effect of earliness on the yield under high temperature was highly dependent on the temperature regime during the heading stage. Grains per spike, biomass, HI, and test weight could be considered potential selection criteria for yield under high temperature. Analysis of yields under normal and late sowing conditions failed to reveal any association between the yield potential in normal sowing date and the performance of varieties under high temperature.     

Influence of Slight Shading, Sward Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Nutritive Value of Lolium multiflorumo Lam.

In a two year factorial field trial the influence of slight shading (daylight reduced by 27 %), row spacing (15 and 30 cm respectively) and N fertilization (60 and 120 kg* ha^?1*cut^?1 respectively) on yield and nutritive value of Lolium multiflorum (Lam.) was investigated. Three cuts were taken in the seeding year and four in the full harvest year. Shading reduced DM yield by 4 % at low and 16 % at high level of N fertilization. Higher amount of N fertilizer increased yield by 28 % without and 12 % with shading. Row spacing was of minor importance; on average wider spacing decreased yield by 9 %. Increasing N fertilization and shading had the same effects on nutritive value: crude protein (CP), nitrate content and protein/energy ratio (P/E) went up, whereas energy value (NEL) went down. Compared to the effects of shading or N fertilization, the influence of sward density on nutritive value was small. The effect of shading and high fertilization on nutritive value was similar in both years. However for vegetatively grown forage in the seeding year shading caused P/E values and nitrate contents too high for an adequate ruminant feeding which was already evident at low level of N fertilization; also increased supply of N fertilizer without shading deteriorated the nutritive value. On the other hand forage of the full harvest year (at reproductive stages) showed too high P/E values only in shaded and highly fertilized plots. Therefore N fertilization ought to be limited at periods when the grass only grows vegetatively and/or light intensity is low, like e.g. in autumn. None of the experimental treatments had any marked effect on the fibre content of the forage (ADF) in the seeding year; in the full harvest year, however, when plants grew reproductively, shading as well as higher N fertilization increased ADF content. There was no significant correlation between ADF and NEL for vegetatively grown plants but a close relation for plants which were at reproductive stages.     

Analysis of a site x year experiment with timothy polycross progeny

Summary Results from a cooperative breeding programme with timothy for the northern areas of Scandinavia are presented. The main aim of the programme was to identify genotypes for synthetic populations that are high yielding, adapted over the whole area and stable over years. A polycross comprising 12 genotypes from each of five sites within the region was formed. The subsequent 60 half-sib families and four reference varieties were then compared under sward conditions at the same sites. The trials lasted for three years and results for total dry matter yields are presented.Significant differences in yield between lines were found. There were also significant two and three factor interactions between lines, sites and years. A new two-step procedure is presented to select the genotypes to make up a synthetic variety. Firstly, a superiority measure (Q-value) is used to select a group of genotypes that are high yielding and stable over sites and years. Secondly, the GxE part of the Q-value is split into two terms. One measures adaptation to predictable environmental conditions. The other one measures stability to unpredictable changes in the environment. A plot of these two measures provides a tool for discarding unstable or poorly adapted genotypes. The statistical properties of the selection parameters are discussed.     

Inheritance of conditional dormancy in over-summering buds of Phalaris aquatica L.

Summary The relative ability of the underground buds of a Mediterranean perennial grass species to break dormancy in response to summer rain was compared between individual plants and between half-sib families in two experiments with broadly-based breeding populations under different environmental conditions. Significant genetic variation was found in summer regrowth activity in both experiments. The narrow-sense heritability of the ratio of new to old, dead tillers after summer rain under spaced plant conditions at a relatively cool site was 0.40±0.16. Under sward conditions at a warm site, the narrow-sense heritability of an index of summer regrowth potential on a half-sib family mean basis was 0.36±0.08. Summer regrowth activity was negatively but weakly correlated with flowering time (r_g=–0.22), and strongly positively correlated with early autumn herbage yield (r_g=0.79). Summer regrowth activity was not genetically correlated with seedling size or herbage yield in the second or third growing seasons. These correlations are different in sign or magnitude from those observed in collections of Mediterranean ecotypes from which the breeding populations were derived by crossing to Australian cultivars and recurrent selection for vigour and persistence. The correlations in Mediterranean populations therefore are not due to pleiotropic effects; they can be altered by recombination. Phenotypic variance relative to the population mean was considerable in both experiments, and hence the level of the responsiveness of dormant buds to summer rainfall should be manipulable readily by selection. The possible effects of altered responsiveness on long term survival and productivity in several different environments are discussed.     

Analysis of the yield potential and yield components of F1 and F2 hybrids of crosses between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and spelt (Triticum spelta L.)

Summary Crosses of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum and Hordeum vulgare ssp. agriocrithon) with Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare were used to select high yielding grain types under dryland Mediterranean conditions. No special difficulties were faced in making the crosses, in eliminating the brittle rachis genes from the grain types or in selecting 6-rowed types in crosses between 2-rowed wild barley and 6-rowed ssp. vulgare varieties. Brittle rachis genotypes, present in the segregating populations were used in developing self-reseeding permanent pastures for dry areas. The best selections were tested in seven trials during 1989–92 and some of them outyielded their parents and also the best improved check variety by 13–22%. Indications for transgressive segregation were obtained for grain yield, straw yield, total biological yield, harvest index and volume weight. The crude protein content of some of the selections was significantly higher than that of the checks. For breeding programs aiming at large seeds, special ssp. spontaneum lines should be used as parents. High grain yield was positively correlated with high straw yield, total biological yield, earliness in heading date, high harvest index and negatively with volume weight. It was concluded that unexploited useful genes, even when not directly observed in wild barley, could be transfered easily into high yielding genotypes by breeding.