Nonparametric phenotypic stability analysis in advanced barley (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hordeum vulgare</Emphasis> L.) genotypes

The development of genotypes with adaptation to a wide range of environments is one of the most important goals of plant breeding programs. In order to compare nonparametric stability measures and to identify promising high-yield and stable barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), 20 barley genotypes selected from the Iran/ICARDA joint project and grown in nine environments during 2009-11 in Iran. Four nonparametric statistical tests of significance for genotype × environment (GE) interaction and 10 nonparametric measures of stability were used to identify stable genotypes in nine environments. Results of nonparametric tests of G×E interaction (Kubinger, Hildebrand, and Kroon/ Laan) and a combined ANOVA across environments, indicated the presence of both crossover and non-crossover interactions. Also, only TOP and rank-sum values were positively associated with high yield. Thus, in the simultaneous selection for high yield and stability, only the rank-sum and TOP methods were useful in terms of the principal component analysis results, and correlation analysis of nonparametric stability statistics and yield. According to these stability parameters (TOP and rank-sum), three genotypes (G13, G12, and G17) were the most stable for grain yield. The results also revealed that based on nonparametric test results, stability could be classified into three groups, according to agronomic and biological concepts of stability.     

Interpreting genotype × environment interactions for durum wheat grain yields using nonparametric methods

The objective of this study was to compare nonparametric stability procedures and apply different nonparametric tests for genotype × environment (G × E) interactions on grain yields of 15 durum wheat genotypes selected from Iran/ICARDA joint project grown in 12 environments during 2004–2006 in Iran. Results of nonparametric tests of G × E interaction and a combined ANOVA across environments indicated the presence of both crossover and noncrossover interactions, and genotypes varied significantly for grain yield. In this study, high values of TOP (proportion of environments in which a genotype ranked in the top third) and low values of sum of ranks of mean grain yield and Shukla’s stability variance (rank-sum) were associated with high mean yield. The other nonparametric stability methods were not positively correlated with mean yield but they characterized a static concept of stability. The results of correlation analysis indicated that only TOP and rank-sum methods would be useful for simultaneous selection for high yield and stability. These two methods identified lines Mrb3/Mna-1, Syrian-4 and Mna-1/Rfm-7 as genotypes with dynamic stability and wide adaptation. According to static stability parameters, the genotypes 12A-Mar8081 and 19A-Mar8081 with lowest grain yield were selected as genotypes with the highest stability.     

Parametric and nonparametric measures of phenotypic stability in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

A combined analysis with three parametricand two nonparametric measures to assess G × E interactions and stability analyses toidentify stable genotypes of linseed across18 environments in Ethiopia wereundertaken. The combined analysis ofvariance for environments (E), genotypes(G) and G × E interaction was highlysignificant (p<0.01), suggestingdifferential responses of the genotypes andthe need for stability analysis. Theparametric stability measures ofcoefficient of variability and thestability variance showed that R12-N10D wasthe most stable genotype, whereascultivars' superiority measure indicatedChilalo to be the most stable cultivar.Like most of the parametric methods, thenon-parametric measures revealed thatR12-N10D had the smallest changes in ranksand thus was the most stable genotype incontrast to R12-D24C, which was unstableand the lowest yielder. A comparison of thefive stability measures showed that thecoefficient of variability, stabilityvariance and variance of ranks were similarin assessing the relative stability of thegenotypes, whereas cultivars' superioritymeasure deviated from the others. Thestability variance and variance of rankswere significantly rank correlated, andwere the best in determining thecomparative stability of linseed genotypes.The coefficient of variability was alsorelatively better than the cultivar'ssuperiority measure. Further studies ofrepeatability tests are, however, needed todetermine the best methods. The stabilitystatistics generally identified R12-N10D,followed by Chilalo, as the most stablevarieties, whereas R12-D24C and R11-M20Gwere the least stable varieties.     

Genotype × environment interaction for yield and reaction to leaf spot infections in groundnut in semiarid West Africa

Capitalizing on the yield potential in available groundnut germplasm, and high stability of kernel yield are important requirements for groundnut producers in semiarid environments. Forty-seven groundnut genotypes were evaluated from 2003 to 2005 at 4 locations representative of the Guinea and Sudan savanna ecologies in Ghana. The objectives were to assess genotypic differences in reaction to early and late leaf spot infections under natural field conditions, assess the extent of genotype × environment (G × E) interaction for kernel yield, and determine the relationship between yield potential and yield stability. Genotypes differed significantly in their reaction to leaf spot infections indicated by the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). Genotypic AUDPC was negatively correlated with maturity period (P < 0.01), with kernel yield (P < 0.05) at each of the 3 locations in the Guinea savanna ecology but not in the Sudan savanna ecology and with each of four stability parameters (P < 0.05). High or low yielding genotypes were grouped based on Dunnett’s test at P < 0.10. High yielding groups had significantly low AUDPC, high biomass, high partitioning of dry matter for kernel growth, and were later in maturity compared to low yielding genotypes. Significant G × E interaction effect for kernel yield was dominated mainly by the lack of correlation among environments variance (76–78%) relative to the heterogeneity of genotypic variance component (22–24%). Stability of yield assessed through the among-environment variance, Wricke’s ecovalence, and Finlay-Wilkinson regression coefficient revealed that genotypes in the higher yielding group were relatively unstable compared to the low yielding group. Indicated by the Kataoka’s index of yield reliability, however, relatively unstable genotypes in the high yielding group are expected to be more productive even under assumptions of high risk aversion (P = 0.75–0.95) compared to the more stable, low yielding genotypes. The findings indicate that deploying these recently developed germplasm in semiarid regions in West Africa provides a better match to farmers’ risk-averse strategies compared with the use of existing earlier maturing cultivars.     

Comparison of parametric and non-parametric methods for selecting stable and adapted durum wheat genotypes in variable environments

Twenty parametric and non-parametric measures derived from grain yield of 15 advanced durum genotypes evaluated across 12 variable environments during the 2004–2006 growing seasons were used to assess performance stability and adaptability of the genotypes and to study interrelationship among these measures. The combined ANOVA and the non-parametric tests of Genotype × environment interaction indicated the presence of significant crossover and non-crossover interactions, and of significant differences among genotypes. Principal component analysis based on the rank correlation matrix indicated that most non-parametric measures were significantly inter-correlated with parametric measures and therefore can be used as alternatives. The results also revealed that stability measures can be classified into three groups based on static and dynamic concepts of stability. The group related to the dynamic concept and strongly correlated with mean grain yield of stability included the parameters of TOP (proportion of environments in which a genotype ranked in the top third), superiority index (P _i) and geometric adaptability index. The second group reflecting the concept of static stability included, Wricke’s ecovalence, the variance in regression deviation (S ² _di), AMMI stability value, the Huehn’s parameters [S _i⁽¹⁾, S _i⁽²⁾], Tennarasua’s parameter [NP_i⁽¹⁾], Kang’s parameter (RS) and yield reliability index (I _i) which were not correlated with mean grain yield. The third group influenced simultaneously by grain yield and stability included the measures S _i⁽³⁾, S _i⁽⁶⁾, NP_i⁽²⁾, NP_i⁽³⁾, environmental variance (S ² _xi), coefficient of variability and coefficient of regression (b _i). Based on the concept of dynamic stability, genotypes G6, G4, and G3 were found to be the most adapted to favorable environments, whereas genotypes G8, G9, and G12 were more stable and are related to the concept of static stability.     

Genotype × environment interactions for tea yields

Several methods were used to evaluate phenotypic stability in 20 tea (Camellia sinensis) genotypes, many of which are cultivated widely in East Africa. The genotypes were evaluated for annual yields at two sites over a six year period. Data obtained were used to compare methods of analysis of G × E interactions and yield stability in tea. A standard multi-factor analysis of variance test revealed that all first order interactions (genotypes × sites; genotypes × years; sites × years) as well as second order interactions (sites × genotype × years) were significant. Regression analysis was used to assess genotype response to environments. Regression coefficients (b_i) obtained ranged from 0.78 to 1.25. Deviations from regression (S²d) were significant (p < 0.05) from 0.0 for all the test genotypes. Analysis for sensitivity to environment change (SE² _i) revealed that the test genotypes differed in their level of sensitivity. The hierarchical cluster analysis method was used to assemble the test genotypes into groups with similar regression coefficients (b_i) and mean yield, which proved useful for the identification of high yielding genotypes for breeding purposes as well as for commercial exploitation. Rank correlation between yield and some stability parameters were significant. Mean yield was significantly correlated to b_i (r = 0.80^***) and SE² _i(0.74^***) which is an indication that selection for increased yield in tea would change yield stability by increasing b_i and SE² _i leading to development of genotypes that are specifically adapted to environments with optimal growing conditions. Genotypes differed in response to years and sites. As stand age increased, genotype yields generally increased though annual yield fluctuations were more pronounced in some genotypes than others. This response was not consistent across the sites for all genotypes indicating the need to test clones at multiple sites over longer periods of time. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Diallel analyses reveal the genetic control of resistance to ascochyta blight in diverse chickpea and wild Cicer species

Ascochyta blight is a major fungal disease affecting chickpea production worldwide. The genetics of ascochyta blight resistance was studied in five 5 × 5 half-diallel cross sets involving seven genotypes of chickpea (ICC 3996, Almaz, Lasseter, Kaniva, 24B-Isoline, IG 9337 and Kimberley Large), three accessions of Cicer reticulatum (ILWC 118, ILWC 139 and ILWC 184) and one accession of C. echinospermum (ILWC 181) under field conditions. Both F₁ and F₂ generations were used in the diallel analysis. The disease was rated in the field using a 1–9 scale. Almaz, ICC 3996 and ILWC 118 were the most resistant (rated 3–4) and all other genotypes were susceptible (rated 6–9) to ascochyta blight. Estimates of genetic parameters, following Hayman’s method, showed significant additive and dominant gene actions. The analysis also revealed the involvement of both major and minor genes. Susceptibility was dominant over resistance to ascochyta blight. The recessive alleles were concentrated in the two resistant chickpea parents ICC 3996 and Almaz, and one C. reticulatum genotype ILWC 118. The wild Cicer accessions may have different major or minor resistant genes compared to the cultivated chickpea. High narrow-sense heritability (ranging from 82% to 86% for F₁ generations, and 43% to 63% for F₂ generations) indicates that additive gene effects were more important than non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of the trait and greater genetic gain can be achieved in the breeding of resistant chickpea cultivars by using carefully selected parental genotypes.     

Genetic basis of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) resistance and grain yield in desi and Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under unprotected conditions

A series of half-diallel crosses involving early, medium and late maturity desi and kabuli type chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes with stable resistance to Helicoverpa pod borer, along with the parents, were evaluated at two locations in India to understand the inheritance of pod borer resistance and grain yield. Inheritance of resistance to pod borer and grain yield was different in desi and kabuli types. In desi type chickpea, the additive component of genetic variance was important in early maturity and dominance component was predominant in medium maturity group, while in the late maturity group, additive as well as dominance components were equally important in the inheritance of pod borer resistance. Both dominant and recessive genes conferring pod borer resistance seemed equally frequent in the desi type parental lines of medium maturity group. However, dominant genes were in overall excess in the parents of early and late maturity groups. In the kabuli medium maturity group, parents appeared to be genetically similar, possibly due to dispersion of genes conferring pod borer resistance and susceptibility, while their F₁s were significantly different for pod borer damage. The association of genes conferring pod borer resistance and susceptibility in the parents could be attributed to the similarity of parents as well as their F₁s for pod borer damage in kabuli early and late maturity groups. Grain yield was predominantly under the control of dominant gene action irrespective of the maturity groups in desi chickpea. In all the maturity groups, dominant and recessive genes were in equal frequency among the desi parental lines. Dominant genes, which tend to increase or decrease grain yield are more or less present in equal frequency in parents of the early maturity group, while in medium and late maturity groups, they were comparatively in unequal frequency in desi type. Unlike in desi chickpea, differential patterns of genetic components were observed in kabuli chickpea. While the dominant genetic component was important in early and late maturity group, additive gene action was involved in the inheritance of grain yield in medium duration group in kabuli chickpea. The dominant and recessive genes controlling grain yield are asymmetrically distributed in early and medium maturity groups in kabuli chickpea. The implications of the inheritance pattern of pod borer resistance and grain yield are discussed in the context of strategies to enhance pod borer resistance and grain yield in desi and kabuli chickpea cultivars.     

Performance stability of maize genotypes across diverse hill environments in Nepal

The national maize improvement program in Nepal regularly receives elite maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes from CIMMYT and other countries and tests them for their performance stability in highly diverse environments. Studies were conducted on research stations and farmers’ fields at five sites in three years to determine performance stability of exotic maize genotypes. Replicated on-station and on-farm studies were conducted using 25 and 10 genotypes, respectively, including a local check and an improved check (Manakamana-3), in 2004–2006. We analyzed grain yield, days to flowering, plant and ear height, plant population, husk cover, and plant and ear aspect. Stability and genotype superiority for grain yield was determined using genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis that compares among a set of genotypes with a reference ‘ideal’ genotype, which has the highest average value of all genotypes and is absolutely stable. Several genotypes produced significantly higher grain yield than the local check. Four genotypes (‘Across9942 × Across9944’, ‘Open Ended White Hill Population’, ‘Population 44C10’ and ‘ZM621’), that produced significantly higher grain yield than the improved check, also had other agronomic traits (days to flowering, plant and ear height, number of ears, resistance to leaf blight, plant and ear aspect and husk cover tightness) equal to or better than the improved check. GGE-biplot analysis showed that Across9942 × Across9944 and ZM621 were the most superior genotypes in the on-station and on-farm trials, respectively. The findings from this study provide new information on the stability of the maize genotypes that are also adapted to other regions of the world. Such information could be useful for maize improvement program for the highlands in Nepal and other similar environments.     

Repeatability of different stability parameters for grain yield in chickpea

The presence of genotype × environment (GE) interactions in plant breeding experiments has led to the development of several stability parameters in the past few decades. The present study investigated the repeatability of these parameters for 16 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes by correlating their estimates obtained from extreme subsets of environments within a year and also over years. Based on the estimates of response and stability parameters within each trial, the ranking of genotypes in the low-yielding subset differed from that in the high-yielding subset. This indicates poor repeatability for response and stability parameters over the extreme environmental subsets. The estimates of mean yield and stability parameters represented by ecovalence, W²_i, were consistent over years, whereas those of response parameters (b_i, and S²_i) showed poor repeatability. Our results suggest that single-year results for yield and stability can be used effectively for selecting cultivars with stable grain yield if tested in a wider range of environments.     

Effect of recombination in the maize breeding population with exotic germplasm on the yield stability

A little knowledge exists about the probability that recombination in the parental maize populations will enhance the chances to select more stable genotypes. The synthetic parent maize population ((1601/5 × ZPL913)F₂ = R₀) with 25% of exotic germplasm was used to assess: (i) genotype × environment interaction and estimate stability of genotypes using nonparametric statistics; (ii) the effect of three (R₃) and five (R₅) gene recombination cycles on yield stability of genotypes; (iii) relationship among different nonparametric stability measures. The increase of mean grain yield was significant (P < 0.01) in the R₃ and R₅ in comparison to the R₀, while it was not significant between R₃ and R₅. Analysis of variance showed significant (P < 0.01) effects of environments, families per set, environment × set interaction, family × environment interaction per set on grain yield. The non-significant noncrossover and significant crossover (P < 0.01) G × (E) interactions were found according to Bredenkamp procedures and van der Laan-de Kroon test, respectively. The significant (P < 0.01) differences in stability were observed between R₀-set 3 and R₅-set 3 determined by S_i⁽³⁾ S_{i}^{(3)} , R₃-set 1 and R₅-set 1 determined by S_i⁽³⁾ S_{i}^{(3)} (P < 0.05), and R₀-set 3 and R₅-set 3 determined by S_i⁽⁶⁾ S_{i}^{(6)} (P < 0.05). The significant parameters were those which take into account yield and stability so the differences could be due to differences in yield rather than stability. Findings can help breeders to assume the most optimum number of supplementary gene recombination to achieve satisfactory yield mean and yield stability of maize genotypes originating from breeding populations.     

Introgression of resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) from Solanum pinnatisectum into S. tuberosum using embryo rescue and double pollination

In order to investigate the agricultural potential of the genus Vicia, and identify traits associated with productivity and responsiveness to environment, 34 undomesticated Mediterranean accessions representing Section Narbonensis (V. johannis, V. narbonensis) and V. sativa were grown in five contrasting environments in northern Syria (growing season rainfall: 76–290 mm).Highly significant genotype × environment interactions were observed for all traits. For most of the components of yield, accession mean performance (productivity)was highly correlated with responsiveness across environments (r = 0.59–0.96), as defined by joint linear regressions. Thus high yielding genotypes tended to be relatively more productive than low yielding genotypes under conditions that favoured high yields. Regression analysis revealed that mean site yields were positively correlated to rainfall (r = 0.85) and its attendant effect on growing season length as measured by cumulative season temperature and phenology (r = 0.59–0.81).In order to examine yield related traits independently of taxonomy, genotypes were grouped into three categories using K-means clustering based on productivity and responsiveness of seed, hay and biological yield. Highly productive/responsive genotypes were tall with high harvest index, large seeds and low fecundity (seeds and pods per plant), whereas unproductive/unresponsive plants tended to be short, highly fecund, with small seeds and low harvest index. Principal components analysis showed that responsiveness, in terms of seed, hay and biological yields, was closely related to phenological plasticity. Thus highly productive/responsive genotypes were able to start flowering earlier than unproductive/unresponsive genotypes in early environments, but significantly later in late, higher rainfall environments. Plant growth habit was also related to yield responsiveness. In environments with little biomass production the proportion of erect plants was high in all three categories. In more favourable, high biomass environments, the proportion of erect plants in unproductive/unresponsive genotypes fell dramatically, but was unchanged among productive/responsive genotypes. We suggest that for unproductive/unresponsive genotypes competition for light is increased under optimal growth conditions. We argue that the optimal combination of fixed and responsive traits in high yielding genotypes results in a `compound interest-type' response to more favourable environments. Highly productive and responsive genotypes can capture resources more effectively than their low yielding counterparts, leading to a positive relationship between performance and responsiveness for most components of yield. Differences in productivity and responsiveness for seed, hay and biological yield reflected Vicia taxonomy, increasing in the following order from low to high: V. johannis, V. sativa, the small seeded V. narbonensis (salmonea, jordanica, affinis) V. n. var. narbonensis, and finally V. n. var.aegyptiaca. V. n. var. aegyptiaca showed the most agricultural potential, since the taxon contained all the properties of productive/responsive genotypes listed above, yielding >1 t/ha under extremely arid conditions (104 mm),and >2.5 t/ha on 290 mm rainfall, confirming its potential for dry environments. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Evaluation of foliage yield and leaf quality traits in Chenopodium spp. in multiyear trials

Stability of foliage yield and its quality components has not been investigated in vegetable chenopods due to their underutilized status. The objectives of the present study were to assess genotype-environment interactions (GEI), determine stability of yield and quality components and to compare different parametric and non-parametric stability parameters. The present study reports for the first time the effect of genotype and environment on foliage yield and three leaf quality traits viz. carotenoid, ascorbic acid and protein content in different species of Chenopodium. Twenty accessions comprising four species were tested in a randomized block design with three replications across four environments. For all the four traits the largest sum of squares was accounted for by the genotypes, followed by GEI and environments. Highest foliage yield of 16.02 q/ha was obtained from C. album PRC 9804, while the lowest was from C. album CHEN 63/80 (4.01 q/ha). Many indigenous accessions of C. album (PRC 9801, IC 107299, ‘Chandigarh’, ‘local’ and ‘NEFA’) were unstable both for foliage yield and most of the quality traits. Most of the exotic accessions of C. giganteum were both stable and high yielding, thus, reflecting the potential of these accessions for future breeding programs/variety release.     

Stability of performance in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) genotypes in Iran

The development of genotypes, which can be adapted to a wide range of diversified environment, is the ultimate goal of plant breeders in a crop improvement program. In this study, several stability methods were used to evaluate the genotype by environment interaction (GE) in 11 lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) genotypes. The genotypes were evaluated for grain yield at 4 different locations for 3 years in semi arid areas of Iran. The testing locations have different climatic and edaphic conditions providing the conditions necessary for the assessment of stability. A combined analysis of variance, stability statistics, rank correlations among stability statistics and yield stability statistic were determined. Significant differences were detected between genotypes and their GE interactions. Different univariate stability parameters were used to determine stability of the studied genotypes. The level of association among the parameters was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. The different stability statistics which measured the different aspects of stability was substantiated by rank correlation coefficient. Rank-correlation coefficients between yield and some stability parameters were highly significant. Genotypes mean yield (Mean) was significantly correlated to the Lin and Binns stability parameter PI (r = 0.93^{* *}í) and desirability index Di (r = 0.89^{* *}í). A principal component analysis based on rank correlation matrix was performed for grouping the different stability parameters studied. In conclusion, based on most stability parameters, the genotypes G2, G5 and G9 were found to be the most stable. Results from rank correlation and principal component analysis showed that the stability variance (σ_i ²) was strongly correlated with Wricke's ecovalance, stability parameters of Plaisted and Peterson, and Plaisted.     

Genotype × environment interactions for seed yield in rainfed winter safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) multi-environment trials in Iran

Evaluation of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) is an important component of the variety selection process in multi-environment trials. The objectives of this study were first to analyze GEI on seed yield of 18 spine safflower genotypes grown for three consecutive seasons (2008–2011) at three locations, representative of rainfed winter safflower growing areas of Iran, by the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, and second to compare AMMI-derived stability statistics with several stability different methods, and two stability analysis approaches the yield-stability (Ysi) and the GGE (genotype + genotype × environment) biplot that are widely used to identify high-yielding and stable genotypes. The results of the AMMI analysis showed that main effects due to genotype, environment, and GEI as well as first six interaction principle component axes (IPCA1 to 6) were significant (P < 0.01). According to most stability statistics of AMMI analyses, genotypes G5 and G14 were the most stable genotypes across environments. According to the adjusted stability variance (s²), the high-yielding genotype, G2, was unstable due to the heterogeneity caused by environmental index. Based on the definition of stable genotypes by regression method (b = 1, S _d ²  = 0), genotypes G11, G9, G14, G3, G12 and G13 had average stability for seed yield. Stability parameters of Tai indicated that genotype G5 had specific adaptability to unfavorable environments. The GGE biplot and the Ysi statistic gave similar results in identifying genotype G2 (PI-209295) as the best one to release for rainfed conditions of Iran. The factor analysis was used for grouping all stability parameters. The first factor separated static and dynamic concepts of stability, in which the Ysi and GGED (i.e., the distance from the markers of individual genotypes to the ideal genotype) parameters had a dynamic concept of stability, and the other remaining parameters had static concept of stability.     

Adaptation and environmental sensitivity of mungbean genotypes evaluated in the international mungbean nursery

Summary Yield data from the 5th–12th international mungbean nursery (IMN) trials conducted at 23 sites in 15 countries were analyzed by conventional stability analysis—regression of genotype mean on the environmental index, and by segmented regression analysis—fitting separate linear regressions in low yielding and high yielding environments. The gene pool base concept allows comparison of genotypes from different IMN trials grown in different years and sites. A very high positive linear relationship was observed between the regression coefficient and the average yield of cultivars, indicating that high yielding cultivars were less stable across environments. When data points of the regression of genotype mean and site mean for VC 1973A, a high yielding and widely adapted cultivar, were examined, the relationship appeared not to be linear. The segmented regression analysis improved the coefficient of determination (r²) and the genotypes were grouped based on regression coefficients in high yielding and low yielding environments. Different categories of genotypes suitable for high input environments, widely adaptable genotypes, and highly stable genotypes were identified.Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Article 23208.     

Characterization of resistance of cassava genotypes to bacterial blight by evaluation of leaf and systemic symptoms in relation to yield in different ecozones

Twenty-two improved and local cassava genotypes were evaluated for their bacterial blight symptom types in reaction to infection by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis under field conditions in the forest, forest savanna transition and wet savanna zones of Togo. High genotype × environment interactions in development of each symptom type were observed. Combining data on environments and genotypes, spot, blight and wilt symptoms were positively correlated. Analysing genotype reactions across environments, indications for independent mechanisms of resistance on leaf and stem level, varying by genotype, were found. Genotypes Main27 with resistance to spot and blight symptoms and TMS4(2)1425 with resistance to wilt symptoms are recommended to breeders to introgress their resistance characteristics. Significant negative correlations were generally observed between blight and wilt symptom development and root yield across ecozones, with blight being more important under lower, and wilt under higher inoculum pressure. Genotypes TMS30572, CVTM4, TMS92/0429 and TMS91/02316 showed low spot, blight and wilt symptoms combined with high root yield across ecozones.     

Fusarium wilt of chickpea: physiological specialization, genetics of resistance and resistance gene tagging

Chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is one of the major yield limiting factors in chickpea. The disease causes 10–90% yield losses annually in chickpea. Eight physiological races of the pathogen (0, 1A, 1B/C, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) are reported so far whereas additional races are suspected from India. The distribution pattern of these races in different parts of the world indicates regional specificity for their occurrence leading to the perception that F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris evolved independently in different regions. Pathogen isolates also exhibit differences in disease symptoms. Races 0 and 1B/C cause yellowing syndrome whereas 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 lead to wilting syndrome. Genetics of resistance to two races (1B/C and 6) is yet to be determined, however, for other races resistance is governed either by monogenes or oligogenes. The individual genes of oligogenic resistance mechanism delay onset of disease symptoms, a phenomenon called as late wilting. Slow wilting, i.e., slow development of disease after onset of disease symptoms also occurs in reaction to pathogen; however, its genetics are not known. Mapping of wilt resistance genes in chickpea is difficult because of minimal polymorphism; however, it has been facilitated to great extent by the development of sequence tagged microsatellite site (STMS) markers that have revealed significant interspecific and intraspecific polymorphism. Markers linked to six genes governing resistance to six races (0, 1A, 2, 3, 4 and 5) of the pathogen have been identified and their position on chickpea linkage maps elucidated. These genes lie in two separate clusters on two different chickpea linkage groups. While the gene for resistance to race 0 is situated on LG 5 of Winter et al. (Theoretical and Applied Genetics 101:1155–1163, 2000) those governing resistance to races 1A, 2, 3, 4 and 5 spanned a region of 8.2 cM on LG 2. The cluster of five resistance genes was further subdivided into two sub clusters of 2.8 cM and 2.0 cM, respectively. Map-based cloning can be used to isolate the six genes mapped so far; however, the region containing these genes needs additional markers to facilitate their isolation. Cloning of wilt resistance genes is desirable to study their evolution, mechanisms of resistance and their exploitation in wilt resistance breeding and wilt management.     

Breeding potential of Solanum tuberosum–S. commersonii pentaploid hybrids: fertility studies and tuber evaluation

Twenty-one (near) pentaploid hybrids between sexually incompatible Solanum commersonii [2x(1EBN)] and cultivated S. tuberosum [4x(4EBN)] were characterized for tuber traits and fertility. A number of genotypes resembled the S. tuberosum type in terms of stolon length and eye depth and produced tubers under long day conditions. Tuber yields were not as high as expected, probably due to lack of adaptation of the S. commersonii genome to the environmental conditions in southern Italy (on average 325 g·pt⁻¹ and 285 g·pt⁻¹ in 2003 and in 2004, respectively). Compared to 2004, in the summer of 2003, characterized by extremely high temperatures, hybrids gave a higher tuber yield than the S. tuberosum control, suggesting that in our environmental conditions the wild S. commersonii genome, rather than resulting in heterosis for tuber yield, provides better adaptation to harsh environments. Although aneuploidy has often been associated with reduced fertility, several hybrids were fertile in crosses with S. tuberosum when used as female parents. In particular, the average berry set and number of seeds per berry were 38.2% and 31.8%, respectively. Based on significant relationships between ploidy levels and all yield and fertility data measured, the presence of extra chromosome affected the parameters considered: tuber yield in 2003 and 2004, percentage of fruit set, number of seeds per berry and number of seeds per pollinated flower. Regression analysis also indicated that “Residuals” were significant for all parameters measured. Therefore, additional factors (e.g. the genetic makeup of hybrids) may be key to fertility and yield.     

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.