Within and between genotypes variation in crude protein content of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Summary A study of sources of variation in protein content within and between genotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris L. was carried out.The results show that bean to bean variation is large within a plant but that it is not due to systematic effects within pods or between nodes in determinate varieties. Pod to pod variation within nodes does occur. For indeterminate varieties, with large numbers of nodes, the protein content of seeds decreases with increasing node number from the base to the top of the plant. Plant to plant variation may be large, but depends on the genotype used. There is a large range of variability present within the species and selection for high protein content should be effective.     

Factors affecting genotypic and environmental variance for crude protein content in cereals

Summary The effects of N fertilizer, irrigation and location on genotypic and environmental variances of barley and wheat varieties were studied in a series of trials. Genotypic variance for crude protein content, as well as for grain yield, tended to be higher under high N fertilizer rate (80 kg N/ha). The effect of N fertilizer rate on environmental variance varied with variety and location. Increase in crude protein content resulted in decrease in environmental variance for only a few of the varieties tested. The effect of quantity of irrigation water on genotypic and environmental variance for crude protein content was small.This work has been carried out under Research Contract No. 1037/GS with the International Atomic Energy Agency.     

Development of a seedling screening test for predicting relative grain protein content in oats

Summary Growth room experiments were conducted to study associations of grain protein content with properties of seedling leaf sections of oats (Avena sativa L.) using (1) 10 cultivars differing genetically in grain % protein, and (2) 10 populations of a single high protien cultivar (Hinoat) differing phenotypically in grain % protein. These populations, which were derived from a nitrogen fertilizer experiment, had grain protein concentrations which varied over the whole range displayed by the high and low protein cultivars when the latter were tested in a conventional field trial.Seedling leaf % protein was closely associated with grain % protein in both (1) and (2). Chlorophyll content per unit leaf area and leaf dry weight per unit leaf area were significantly higher in the high than in the low protein cultivars, and were significantly higher in all the Hinoat populations than in the low protein cultivars.Excised seedling leaf sections were placed on filter paper moistened with 1 ppm kinetin solution and kept in the dark at 25°C. After 96 h chlorophyll content per unit leaf area was again significantly higher in the high protein cultivars and in all the Hinoat populations than in the low protein cultivars, and the consequent differences in leaf colour were then readily visible. Absolute amounts of chlorophyll lost per unit leaf area were similar in all cultivars and populations, but the low protein cultivars showed a greater proportional loss (as % of initial content). A colour scale was used to visually rate the senesced leaf sections. The visual rating allowed the rapid separation of the high and low protein cultivars, and there was no significant variation in the ratings of the Hinoat populations.It is suggested that this procedure may be useful in the early selection phases of protein breeding programs for screening large populations rapidly at the seedling stage to detect genetic differences in potential grain protein content.Contribution No. 438 from Ottawa Research Station.     

Environmental and genetic variation for protein content in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Summary There is a considerable amount of variation in the protein content of wheat kernels. This variation may be induced by environmental factors, but can also be attributed to genetic differences. Within a genotype the correlation between grain yield and grain protein content can be either close to zero, positive, or negative. depending on the fertility level. Between genotypes this correlation is strongly negative. It is argued that the negative inter-genotypic correlation is largely a consequence of the high harvest-index of high yielding varieties. Breeding methods to alleviate the negative yield-protein content relationship are given.     

Genotypic variation in polyphenol content of barley grain

The polyphenol content in pearl barley, which is highly correlated to a browning reaction after heat treatment, was investigated using 1,347 cultivated barley varieties (H. vulgare) and two wild accessions (H. vulgare subsp. spontaneum) collected from different areas of the world. The polyphenol content in the cultivated barley shows a wide variation ranging from 0.19 to 0.75 mg/g with a nearly normal frequency distribution. The polyphenol content in the hulless varieties from Japan and Korea was low. On the other hand, the polyphenol content in wild barley was about two times higher than the average value recorded in cultivated barley. Based on HPLC analysis, five lowest-polyphenol content local varieties do not represent proanthocyanidin-free mutants. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Studies on the amylose content and gelatinisation temperature in certain local cultivars and induced grain shape mutants in rice

Summary Ninety local cultivars and 124 induced grain shape mutants were screened for their amylose content and gelatinisation temperature as indexed by the alkali disintegration patterns. The amylose content was high in most of the local cultivars and ranged from 19.2 to 32.0% and from 12.3 to 33.2% in the mutants. Wide variation was also observed for the alkali disintegration values and most of the varieties had low alkali values. A positive but low correlation between alkali values and amylose content and a negative correlation between alkali values and protein content was observed. The preliminary studies suggest that the amylose content at different milling levels increased with an increase in the level of milling. Some of the local cultivars and induced mutants were found to be superior with high amylose and high gelatinisation temperature and could be utilized in breeding programmes directed towards improving the cooking quality of high yielding varieties.     

Frequency of control plots in screening nurseries for protein content

Summary Correlation coefficients were calculated in two seasons, between protein content of control plots of Kyperounda durum wheat and Athenais barley sown at distances of from 0.6 m to 68.4 m. Simple correlation coefficients were high (0.737, 0.710 and 0.311) and significant at the 1% level of probability for plots 0.6 m apart, but decreased rapidly with increasing distances between plots. The correlation in four nurseries was significant for plots 7.2 m, 4.2m, 4.2 m and 1.8 m apart. It was concluded that a control plot provides a fairly good measure of the protein content of adjacent plots.This work has been carried out under Research Contract No. 1037/GS with the International Atomic Energy Agency.     

Linkage between tolerance to high soil acidity and genetically high protein content in the kernel of wheat,Triticum aestivum L. and its possible use in breeding

Summary The winter wheat variety Atlas 66 has both the characteristics high protein content in the kernel and tolerance to high soil acidity. In a group of 121 F₄ lines, all derived from crosses with Atlas 66, a correlation coefficient of 0.39 was found between the two traits. A comparable group of 49 advanced generation lines, reselected for high protein content behaved similar, with a correlation coefficient of 0.37.The frequency distribution over the different categories of tolerance to soil acidity was tested within F₃ and F₄ populations of each two crosses between an Atlas 66-derived high-protein selection and a HRWW-variety. Both crosses slightly differed in frequency distribution but there were no differences between F₃ and F₄ distribution curves of one cross combination.Samples of varieties were tested, each sample having a phenotypically different protein content. The results indicated that protein content per se did not influence the level of tolerance to soil acidity. So it is concluded that although the two characteristics are genetically different they are linked to a certain extent.Individual regression lines were calculated for separate groups of F₄ selections derived from one cross combination. Two groups deviated from the majority and general pattern in that they showed a negative correlation between high protein and better tolerance. One of them differed significantly. A hypothesis is suggested to explain these exceptions.It is possible to screen lines for tolerance to high soil acidity in order to select within segregating populations for high protein content in the kernel, provided that positive selection is applied and that one of the parents combines both characteristics.     

Genetic and environmental variation in protein content of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Summary The inheritance of protein content in rice was studied in the six possible hybrid populations among four varieties: Calrose from the USA, Ku Jung Do from Korea, and Kitaminori and Isao Mochi from Japan. Each population consisted of 100 random lines.Standard unit heritabilities for the correlation of F₂ panicle values with F₃ hill-plot protein values were not significantly different from zero, and variance component heritabilities for F₃ hill-plots were low. Among the F₃ populations significant genetic variation for protein content was observed in the crosses of Ku Jung Do × Calrose, and Kitaminori × Calrose. Genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental estimates of correlations among protein content, kernel weight, heading date, and plant height were examined. High protein content was significantly correlated with light kernels, early heading, and short stature.Low protein heritabilities were tentatively attributed to genotype × year interaction, to an environmental gradient affecting protein content in the field, and to within-line segregation for the early generations tested. It was suggested that selection for protein content be deferred until later generations. However, selection for high protein content may in some cases be incompatible with selection objectives for other traits.     

Nondestructive assessment of protein content in single seeds of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

The potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to detectwithin-plant differences for seed protein content was investigated. Fourhundred and fifty-one single seeds were scanned by NIRS using a specialadapter. After non-destructive NIRS scanning, the seeds were analysed forprotein content by the Dumas combustion method and a calibrationequation was developed. A validation set of 117 additional seeds fromthree individual plants from the cultivars Bristol, Lirajet and Maplus wasanalysed for protein content both by NIRS and combustion. The coefficientof determination between NIRS and combustion values in the validation setwas 0.94, with a standard error of performance (SEP) of 0.77% and aratio of the SEP to the standard deviation (SD) of the validation set of0.28. The coefficient of variation (CV) for seed protein content inindividual plants, as determined by the combustion method, was 11.7%for Bristol, 8.9% for Lirajet, and 9.5% for Maplus. The comparison ofsuch variation with the standard error (SE) of NIRS analysis, defined as thecombination of the SE of the combustion method and the SEP of NIRScalibration equation, revealed that the maximum explainable variance withinindividual plants that can be detected using NIRS analysis of proteincontent in single seeds was 0.86 for Bristol, 0.83 for Lirajet, and 0.85 forMaplus. These results demonstrated that NIRS is a powerful tool fornon-destructive assessment of within-plant variation for seed protein contentin rapeseed.     

Lowering seed gossypol content in glanded cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lines

Cottonseed is a rich source of high quality protein, but its value as an animal feed is limited by gossypol, a toxic polyphenolic compound contained in glands located throughout the plant. This compound helps protect the plant from pests. Totally glandless varieties have been developed, but not adopted as these plants are left vulnerable to pests. This study describes a breeding strategy to decrease the levels of gossypol in the seed while maintaining a high enough concentration of toxin in vegetative plant parts to offer protection from pests. Preliminary studies indicated that crosses between varieties with different gland densities and distributions produced a range of glanding patterns. By selecting within the resulting progeny, we have identified F₇ generation progeny that have <0.30% total gossypol in the seed, while still possessing glands at critical locations on the vegetative plant parts. These new lines will be a valuable source of germplasm for developing low seed gossypol varieties. Seed from these varieties would provide a new source of inexpensive protein for animal feeding rations.     

Coagulable protein in potato: Screening method and prospects for breeding

Summary From tubers of 34 varieties of Solanum tuberosum, extracts were prepared and analysed for crude protein and coagulable protein by the Kjeldahl method. Content of coagulable protein was 0.37–1.24%. From the same material, juice was prepared with a juice centrifuge and analysed for coagulable protein by the Kjeldahl and microbiuret method. The average amount of coagulable protein in the juice was 81.8% of the total coagulable protein. The correlation coefficient between coagulable protein in the juice and total coagulable protein was 0.956. The correlation coefficient between Kjeldahl and microbiuret data for coagulable protein in the juice was 0.956. Analysis of tuber juice by the microbiuret method is recommended as a rapid screening technique for coagulable protein.Relationships between protein data of the 34 varieties and earliness, yield and content of dry matter were analysed statistically. Content of coagulable protein in fresh material correlated with content of dry matter (rs=–0.756), yield of fresh potatoes (r=–0.615) and earliness (r=–0.361) but not significantly with yield of dry matter (rs=–0.309). Coagulable protein in dry matter correlated with fresh yield (r=–0.525), but not significantly with content of dry matter (r=–0.260), yield of dry matter (r=–0.131) and earliness (r=–0.054). Path coefficient analysis showed that 67% of the variation in coagulable protein in fresh material was statistically determined by earliness, content of dry matter, fresh yield and content of uncoagulable protein in fresh material, whereas only 34% of the variation in content of coagulable protein in dry matter was determined by these components. A high content of coagulable protein in fresh or dry matter can be combined with early maturity and with high yield of dry matter. Coagulable protein in dry matter seems to be a more suitable criterion of selection than coagulable protein in fresh material.     

Variations in the protein content of wheat and its influence on the sedimentation value and the baking quality

The value of the Zeleny test as an indirect determination method of the baking quality of wheat has been assessed by studying the correlation of the results of this method as compared to the direct methods of determination. A number of wheat varieties of different baking quality was involved in the investigations.In addition the influence of differences in protein content of the grains on the baking quality of these varieties was studied. This influence has appeared to be not the same for all the varieties tested.In some cases there is also a difference between the reaction of the Zeleny test and the reaction of the baking test on changes in the protein content.     

离子束介导大豆DNA导入小麦的蛋白质含量稳定分析

摘要：为了提高小麦蛋白质含量,采用离子束介导法将大豆（Glycine max）豫豆23号的基因组DNA导入小麦（Triticum aestivum L.）品种中育5号和淮阴9628。获得T1代高蛋白含量（>15%）单株114株,蛋白质含量最高达21.44%,显著提高了小麦蛋白质含量。从T1到T3代连续单株选择,获得了16个遗传上基本稳定的T3代株系。结果表明,离子束介导的大豆基因组导入是小麦高蛋白含量改良的可行途径。     

Changes in wheat seed storage protein fingerprint due to soil mineral content

Wheat seed storage protein fingerprint is used to determine the gluten protein pattern in studies aimed at improving flour quality. Wild wheat with high seed protein content is used extensively in wheat breeding programs. Although the wild wheat growth and protein content may be influenced by environmental conditions, the gluten-protein pattern is generally considered as indicative of a genotype, without the superimposition of environmental influences. The effects of soil type, habitat, and deficiencies of N, P, K and S on seed storage protein composition were examined in nine accessions of wild wheat (Triticum turgidum var. dicoccoides) and three varieties (two T. aestivum and one T. durum). Soil from ten natural habitats of the wild wheat that had not previously received any fertilizers or manures was sampled and used to grow wheat in a greenhouse. Seed storage protein composition was characterized by SDS-PAGE. Although deficiencies in soil nutrient caused variations in the seed storage proteins, the genotype was the main factor determining the seed storage protein composition. Seed storage protein composition of genotypes varied when grown under different mineral nutrient conditions. Only one genotype was stable showing almost identical protein patterns under all growing conditions studied without any qualitative change in fingerprint pattern. In the other genotypes, as well as the cultivars, the seed storage protein was affected at least to some extent by the soil. The ‘soil effect’ is summarized in terms of three main quantitative changes in the seeds: 1 – the relative amounts of the high-molecular-weight proteins; 2 – the relative amounts of proteins in the range of 45 and 65 kD; 3 – the percentage distribution of the HMW glutenin and other groups of seed storage proteins. The soild induced also qualitative differences in the composition of seed storage proteins, mostly in those of 45–65 kD. These differences were observed whenever a deficiency of S, N, P, K or Mg was identified. Therefore, in breeding programs that use seed storage protein fingerprints of wild wheat germplasms should be exercise caution when the germplasms selected from wild habitats. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Correlated response to recurrent selection for groat-oil content in oats

Summary One hundred random oat (Avena sativa L.) lines from a base (C₀) and each of three populations (C₁, C₂, and C₃) improved for groat (caryopsis) oil content by phenotypic recurrent selection were evaluated for correlated changes in several unselected agronomic traits. In addition, the parents of the base population and four check varieties were evaluated for the same traits. Phenotypic recurrent selection for high groat-oil content resulted in no significant correlated response in mean expression of any trait. Mean grain yield, biomass, groat yield, and harvest index of the improved populations were equal or superior to the mean of the parents and, with the exception of harvest index, equivalent to the mean of the check varieties. Mean test weight and seed weight of all populations were lower than for parents or check varieties. Selection for high groat-oil content caused a decline in genotypic variance for test weight and groat fraction, but reductions in genotypic variance for heading date and plant height may have resulted from culling for good agronomic type. Broad-sense heritability remained moderate to high for all traits except groat fraction. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients revealed negative, though mostly nonsignificant, relationships between groat-oil content and several traits, which may reflect a purported bioenergetic limitation to increasing groat-oil content in oats. Oil yield, however, was positively correlated with grain and groat yield, groat fraction, biomass, and harvest index. Results suggest that development of high-oil oat cultivars with current levels of production traits via phenotypic recurrent selection is possible.Journal Paper no. J-13038 of the Iowa Agric. and Home Econ. Exp. Stn., Ames, IA 50011. Project 2447.     

Differences in reciprocal crosses of maize inbred lines diverse for protein content

Summary Forty-two crosses and their reciprocals in maize (Zea mays L.) involving inbred lines highly diverse for protein content were evaluated in four environments. Data were recorded on crude protein content of grain, protein yield, grain yield, 1000 kernel weight, dry matter content of ear at harves,, days to 50% slking, plant height, ear height, and early vigor. No significant variation due to reciprocal differences was observed for protein content and early vigor. For all other traits the variance component due to reciprocal x environment interactions was significant while the variance component due to reciprocal differences was significant only for kernel weight, dry matter content of ear, plant height, and ear height. The variance components due to nuclear differences and their interactions with environments were always highly significant and larger than the components due to reciprocal differences and reciprocal x environment interactions. The instability and low magnitude of reciprocal differences indicated that it might be difficult to exploit them commercially. However, seeing the presence of reciprocal differences for most of the traits studied, the evaluation of breeding materials for these differences seems to be important.The research work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Sonderforschungsbereich 142.     

Increased anthocyanin content in purple pericarp × blue aleurone wheat crosses

Due to their antioxidant activity, anthocyanins are of increasing interest for nutritionists, food scientists and plant breeders. Anthocyanins in wheat grains are expressed in either the pericarp or aleurone layer. Previous studies revealed that different anthocyanins are present in wheat varieties carrying genes for either the purple pericarp or the blue aleurone trait. Progeny from crosses between red‐, purple‐ and blue‐grained wheat varieties were selected over several cycles for grain colour by visual scoring. Bulked F₅ grains were evaluated for their total anthocyanin content by UV‐VIS spectrophotometry and HPLC‐MS. The results demonstrate that it is possible to increase the anthocyanin content by the combination of the different genetic backgrounds for purple pericarp and blue aleurone, even though the majority of progeny were within the range of the purple‐ and blue‐grained check varieties. Visual scoring for grain colour is efficient, reliable and fast for selection in early breeding generations. Advanced breeding lines with high anthocyanin content can be identified by simple extraction methods and spectrophotometric measurements.     

稻米粒重和粗蛋白含量的相关性研究

本试验以单粒微量测定方法，研究稻米粒重和蛋白质含量的关系，并从开花时间来分析粒重和蛋白质含量的变化规律。四个品种粒重变幅分别是15.2-21.0mg、14.6-22.0mg、13.4-18.2mg、11.2-18.2mg；粗蛋白含量变幅较大，分别是4.5%-16.0%、4.0%-17.0%、7.8%-19.3%、8.3%-23.2%。四个品种第二天开花的小穗数量最多，占总小穗数的36.51%-48.59%,其糙米平均粒重最轻，粗蛋白含量最高，其次为第一天开花的小穗数较多，其糙米平均粒重最大，粗蛋白含量最低。四个品种变化趋向一致。粒重与粗蛋白含量呈负向变化趋势，这可能与淀粉和蛋白质积累的方式和时间不同有关。     

Selection for protein content in soybean from single F<Subscript>2</Subscript> seed by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Soybean seed averages about 40% protein and is a dominant source of protein in animals and human foods. Increasing protein in soybeans is a goal in soybean breeding programs. Initial selection for protein among progeny from breeding populations is often based on non-destructive Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy analysis of a 5 g or more seed sample in the F₃ or later generations. NIR spectroscopy analysis for protein on single F₂ seed would allow selection at the earliest possible time and improve selection efficiency for protein content; however this practice has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to test effectiveness of NIR spectroscopy analysis of single F₂ seeds to select for increased protein content from two populations developed from high and average protein content parents. F₂ seeds from a single F₁ plant of each population showed a normal distribution with transgressive segregation for protein concentration. In both populations, F₃ seeds produced from plants from single F₂ seeds with either low or high protein content were analyzed for protein by NIR spectroscopy. Protein means and ranges of F₃ seed selected from high protein F₂ seeds were higher in protein than F₃ seed from low protein F₂ seeds which produced low means and ranges in protein content. This shows that analysis of single F₂ seed for protein content using NIR spectroscopy was effective in selecting for increased protein in the F₃ generation. Analysis of single F₂ seeds from breeding populations will improve breeding efficiency for protein in soybean breeding programs.