Zum Einfluß von Saatzeiten, Saatstärken und Sorten auf agronomische Merkmale von Winterweizen in einem System mit geringer Betriebsmittelzufuhr von außen

The influence of sowing date, seed rate, and variety on agricultural characteristics of winter wheat in a low external input system
Growth conditions of winter wheat in agricultural low external input systems, e.g. ecological agriculture, are very different compared to conventional agriculture (mineral nutrition, impact of diseases, competition of weeds). In 1986, 1987, and 1988 the influence of sowing date and seed rate on crop development and grain production was studied with two varieties of winter wheat in field experiments in Northern Hessia.
Drilling after the first decade of October decreases grain yield of both varieties significantly. The decrease was due to poor emergence, low plant densities, and low grain weights. Tillering could not compensate low plant densities, presumably because of low mineralization of nutrients in cold soils during respective growth stages.
Variation of seed rate (350, 500, and 650 viable seeds/m²) had little influence on grain yield. Low plant densities and low numbers of ears per nr after sowing in the end of October could not be improved satisfactorily by increased seed rates.
The ability of varieties of winter wheat to compensate unfavourable growth conditions due to "late" sowing varies considerably. Cultivars which are able to develop a high plant density seem to be more suitable for delayed sowing dates, as compared to varieties which own a high grain weight.
Further investigations concerning wheat production are needed to optimize agricultural low external input systems. Especially sandy soils with quick response to increased ambient temperature, and sites with favourable growth conditions in late autumn and early spring should be considered.     

云南籽粒苋种质资源的表型多样性分析

为了系统分析云南籽粒苋种质资源的表型遗传多样性.采用遗传多样性指数、主成分分析、相关分析和聚类分析对104份云南籽粒苋种质资源的30个表型性状进行研究.结果 表明,遗传多样性指数最高的质量性状和数量性状分别是主花序形状(1.68)和主花序长度(2.07).前10个主成分累计贡献率达到73.944％,单株鲜体重与第3、第...     

Relationship Between Productivity and Phosphate Requirement as a Parameter of Selection in Medicago rigidula (L.) Allioni

Among one hundred lines of Medicago rigidula (L.) Allioni, fifteen (5 high-producing, HP, 5 intermediate-producing, IP, and 5 low-producing, LP) were chosen as experimental material because of their different dry-matter production when grown at 0.5 mg L^-1 of P₂O₅ in hydroponic solution (critical level). The aim of this work was to evaluate the response to selection with respect to dry-matter yield (DMY), made at 0.5 mg L^-1 of P₂O₅ and to check if superior lines could also be isolated when plants were grown at 20 and 200 mg L^-1 of P₂O₅. Results show that HP lines were also superior with respect to DMY (g/plant) at the higher phosphorus concentrations. Highly-productive line selection in M. rigidula can also be achieved when plants are grown at a critical level of phosphorus in the nutrient solution. Phosphate content in the dry matter produced and phosphatase activity were also analysed. Plants of the more-productive lines were characterized by lower phosphate content per unit dry matter and by a higher phosphatase activity.     

Penetrance of creeping-rootedness in clonal progenies of lucerne and observations on underground morphology of plants differing for this character

Elaeis oleifera or ‘caiaué’, a close relative of oil palm (E. guineensis), has some agronomic traits of great interest for the oil palm genetic breeding such as slow growth, oil quality (mostly unsaturated) and disease resistance. An analysis of a Brazilian oil palm germplasm collection was carried out using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers with the objective of understanding the genetic variation of ‘caiaué’ accessions collected in the Amazon Forest in the last two decades. A sample of 175 accessions obtained along the Amazon River Basin was analyzed and compared to 17 accessions of oil palm from Africa. Ninety-six RAPD markers were used in the analysis, of which fourteen were shown to be specific to oil palm, while twelve were specific to ‘caiaué’. Results showed that the Brazilian ‘caiaué’ accessions studied have moderate levels of genetic diversity as compared to oil palm accessions. The data allowed the establishment of similarity groups for ‘caiaué’ accessions, which is useful for selecting parental plants for population breeding. Cluster analysis showed that, in general, genetic similarities are not correlated to geographical distances, but consistent with geographical dispersal along the Amazon River network. AMOVA showed that most of the genetic variation is found within populations, as expected for anallogamous and long-lived perennial species. The study provides important information to define strategies for future collection expeditions, for germplasm conservation and for the use of E. oleifera in breeding programs. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genomic variation and genetic relationships in Ipomoea spp.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to develop genetic fingerprints and analyse genetic relationships among 29 Ipomoea accessions from different geographical locations around the world, including unique wild species, and reproducible profiles were obtained for all accessions using random decamer primers. The primers generated 46 polymorphic markers, one primer alone having 10 products, enabling the discrimination of all 29 accessions. A high level of genetic variability in sweet potato collections was suggested by the degree of polymorphism. Half of the Japanese land races were closely related while accessions from Papua New Guinea and The Philippines were distinct and exhibited the greatest genetic diversity. The wild species Ipomoea gracilis and Ipomoea tiliacea formed a group distinct from the cultivated sweet potato. The wild tetraploid accession K233 and the species Ipomoea trifida were progressively more related genetically to the cultivated sweet potato and are the probable progenitors of Ipomoea batatas, and may be suitable as germplasm for genetic enhancement. RAPDs proved to be useful for sweet potato systematics and should be valuable for germplasm management, gene tagging and efficient choice of parents in breeding programmes.     

The taxonomic characterisation of annual Beta germplasm in a genetic resources collection using RAPD markers

Summary Annual beets in the genus Beta section Beta represent an important genetic resource. Representative accessions of annual beets from a beet germplasm collection were analysed using RAPD to assess the patterns of variation and relationships among them. Using arbitrary primers, markers showing variation across accessions were identified. A dendrogram of similarity was produced using these molecular markers. All the accessions analysed were classified into three major groups corresponding to species or subspecies macrocarpa, adanensis and maritima. Macrocarpa was shown to be the most divergent group in this section. Using RAPD molecular markers, it was possible to ascribe an accession to one of three taxonomic groups and overcome much of the confusion encountered when morphological traits are used for identification. The group of maritima was found to be more polymorphic than either the group of macrocarpa or adanensis at both accession and subspecies levels.     

The effectiveness of evaluating wild species: searching for sources of resistance to bruchid beetles in the genus Vigna subgenus Ceratotropis

A species level germplasm collection representing 76% of known taxa in the genus Vigna subgenus Ceratotropis was evaluated for resistance to two species of bruchid beetles, Callosobruchus chinensis and C. maculatus. Seven taxa consisting of 29 accessions were found to be resistant to C. chinensis and 4 taxa consisting of 24 accessions were found to be resistant to C. maculatus. This compared with no resistant accessions being found in several hundred landrace accessions of mungbean, V. radiata var. radiata, in the same subgenus. Sometimes resistance was found in all accessions of a particular taxon, such as complete resistance to both C. chinensis and C. macualtus in V. umbellata. Other taxa showed intra taxon variation for resistance such as V. reflexo-pilosa andV. minima. The levels and patterns of resistance among taxa were diverse. The results suggest that various factors cause resistance to bruchid in the subgenus Ceratotropis. While the number of eggs laid on seeds generally reflected seed size, one small seeded cultivar of V. mungo var. mungo, black gram, had an unusually high number of eggs laid per seed. No correlation was found between seed size and levels of resistance. The species level germplasm collection, which reflects the core collection concept in trying to maximize genetic diversity in a limited number of accessions, has enabled a large number of potentially useful sources of resistance to bruchid beetles to be found efficiently. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Evaluation of a lucerne germplasm collection in relation to traits conferring grazing tolerance

Summary A collection of 90 accessions of different germplasm groups from the Medicago sativa complex was evaluated at Lodi, Italy, for dry-matter yield, time to anthesis, height of regrowth, plant diameter, stem density, vegetative recovery after winter, and presence of deep-set crown and ability to spread with creeping roots or rhizomes, these latter characters possibly contributing to grazing tolerance. The germplasm groups proved rather distinct for these traits, but all included types potentially suitable for grazing. Interesting types combining deep-set crown and high yield occurred mainly in subsp. x varia and materials originated from artificial crosses involving at various extent the subspecies falcata, sativa and x varia. Though belonging to subsp. sativa, mielga wild populations from Spain had aerial traits similar to those of the long-dormant, low-yielding subsp. falcata. Deep-crowned plants had greater plant diameter than shallow-crowned plants, and could be categorised into four distinct top-growth models according to their habit and vigour. One of these models combined spreading ability with high yield. The about 150 plants selected for their combination of deep crown, wide diameter, and good yield were characterised by a branch-rooted system. There was general correspondence between top-growth and root morphology of each model. Of the four deep-crowned models, three had rhizomes, with wide range of underground development and morphology, while the fourth had creeping roots. The latter model was the most rare among the examined accessions, never appearing in either cultivated or wild subsp. sativa. The implications of the results on the development of grazing-tolerant lucerne varieties are discussed.     

Chloroplast microsatellite variations in tetraploid alfalfa

Four chloroplast simple sequence repeat (cpSSR) loci were identified in alfalfa (lucerne), Medicago sativa L. The occurrence of allelic variation at these loci was evaluated in 100 plants from 10 populations of tetra‐ploid alfalfa, belonging to four Italian ecotypes and to an Italian (‘Lodi’) and an Egyptian (‘Iside’) variety. Twenty‐four different alleles were identified, four of which were exclusive to the ‘Iside’ variety. The genetic relationship among plants and among populations was analysed by computing an analysis of molecular variance and an unweighted pair group means analysis clustering. This analysis allowed clear separation of the ‘Iside’ variety from Italian germplasm and the recognition of close relationships within the Italian populations. The data presented suggest that cpSSR analysis of tetraploid alfalfa could be used for germplasm polymorphism analysis.     

Genetic diversity in apricot, Prunus armeniaca, aimed at improving resistance to plum pox virus

Plum Pox Virus, a non-persistent virus transmitted by aphids, causes serious damage to stone fruits. The apricot tree is very sensitive and in order to breed apricot cultivars resistant to Plum Pox Virus and establish breeding strategies, genetic diversity based on 10 enzymatic systems, six of which were polymorphic, has been studied. The plant material studied, 94 accessions, included the most important apricot cultivars grown in PPV-affected areas. Genetic diversity is high and showed important differences between the three geographical groups studied (North African, European and North American). The North American group was very diverse and allozymes can be used to identify three subgroups. Some North American PPV-resistant cultivars were very distant from the rest of the cultivars, mainly due to the presence of rare alleles found in an Asian apricot related species. These results support the hypothesis that Asian-related species might be the origin of PPV resistance within the North American cultivars. Three North American cultivars have been considered as putative donors of PPV resistance to the European cultivars because of their agronomic behaviour, chilling requirements and distance from European cultivars. However, to increase the genetic variability of the European group and thereby to favour recombination, the study of Asian apricot resources is also recommended.     

A definition of the optimal allocation of effort in conservation of plant genetic resources-with application to sample size determination for field collection

Summary A criterion was presented to define the most efficient strategy for the exploration and maintenance of plant genetic resources. All of the three factors composing the efficiency. i.e., multiplicity of target populations. the amount of expenses, and goodness for individual populations of the conservation manipulation adopted, were incorporated in the present criterion. Sample size per target population for field collection was investigated on the basis of this criterion, leading to the conclusion that the number of visited populations rather than sample size per population determines the overall efficiency of a collection project as a whole. Without any particular reason, intensive sampling for a limited number of populations is not logical. A sample size as small as ten plants per site or population was estimated reasonable to cover a large target area.     

Intersubgeneric Crossability in the Genus Glycine Willd.

In intersubgeneric crosses between wild perennial Glycine species of submenus Glycine and soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merr., of subgenus Soja, all the putative hybrid pods aborted from 9 to 30 days after pollination (DAP). Spraying of 70 ppm gibberellic acid on hybridized gynoecia facilitated pod retention. Fluorescence microscopy revealed normal pollen germination and pollen tube growth in all the intersubgeneric crosses except in the G. cyrtoloba × G. max cross.     

Heritability and gain from selection for field resistance against multiple root-knot nematode species (Meloidogyne incognita race 1 and M. javanica) in carrot

Heritability and gain from selection of traits associated with field resistance to multiple root-knot nematode species were estimated in carrot (Daucus carota L.). Experimental plots were uniformly and simultaneously infested with Meloidogyne incognita race 1 and M. javanica. Forty-seven half-sib families derived from the cv. ‘Brasília’ were evaluated for: (1) percentage of commercial roots with non-galling symptoms (%RNG); (2) percentage of commercial roots with gall symptoms (%RGS) and (3) percentage of non-commercial roots (%NCR). The cultivars ‘Brasília’ (resistant), ‘Carandaí’ (intermediate) and ‘Nova Kuroda’ (susceptible) were employed as standards. Broad-sense heritability estimates were 61.9 % for %RNG; 30.6 % for %RGS and 67.9 % for %NCR. However, the gains from selection were very small for all traits. The genotypic correlation between %RGS and %NCR was –0.38 and the correlation between %RNG and %RGS was 0.13. Selection on increasing %RNG resulted in a negative correlated response on %NCR (genotypic correlation = –0.99) indicating repulsion phase linkage(s) between the genetic factor(s) controlling these traits. The phenotypic correlation of –0.88 between %RNG and %NCR suggested that incomplete penetrance and dosage effects might be involved in the expression of these traits. Selection of superior genotypes (i.e. high %RNG, low %RGS, and low %NCR) can be achieved. ‘Brasília’ was among the genotypes selected for the following cycle of recombination reinforcing the notion that this cultivar is one of the most promising sources of stable, wide-spectrum field resistance to Meloidogyne species in D. carota. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Variation in Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis (Michaux) MacMillan): A potential perennial grain legume

Illinois bundleflower, Desmanthus illinoensis (Michaux) MacMillan, is an herbaceous perennial legume native to the central and southeastern USA. It has been identified as a potential perennial grain legume. To describe variation among natural populations for agriculturally desirable characteristics, 141 accessions of D. illinoensis and one of D. leptolobus were evaluated in common garden plantings established in 1988 and 1990. Characteristics showing diversity among populations included seed yield, plant height, growth habit, days to maturity, 100 seed weight, and shatter resistance. Eight characteristics were analyzed by principal components and cluster analysis. The resulting four clusters accounted for 56% of the variation among accessions. One cluster was distinctive in having plants with vigorous, prostrate first year growth, poor winter hardiness, and large seed. Three accessions also had indehiscent legumes useful for breeding shatter resistance. There appears to be sufficient variation to support genetic improvement of agricultural characteristics of Illinois bundleflower. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Sample size for collecting germplasms from natural plant populations in view of the genotypic multiplicity of seed embryos borne on a single plant

Summary A method to collect germplasms from natural plant populations (collection sites) has been investigated for the numbers of plants and seeds per plant to be sampled. It is derived that in predominantly selfing populations the success of sampling is primarily determined by the number of plants rather than seeds per plant, since the genotypes of seed embryos produced on a highly selfing plant are highly homozygous and homogeneous. The number of plants, however, does not need to be large. The drawback of a shortage in the plant number can be avoided by collecting sufficient seeds from each plant. Computations for some probable situations lead to the conclusion that a few plants per population may be enough if the plants bear a few hundred seeds each and are not highly selfing. This sample size is much smaller and more practicable than those proposed previously.     

Simple sequence repeats for genetic analysis in pear

The development of highly informative DNA markers, such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), is essential for breeding to select agronomically important traits and for genetic studies in pear. We developed SSR markers by using two approaches, RAHM (random amplified hybridization microsatellites) and 5' anchored PCR methods. Segregation analysis of the SSRs revealed that amplified fragments were derived from the same loci, using 3 sets of progenies from crosses between pear varieties. Genetic diversity was characterized using 32 varieties, including 10 from Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia), 9 from Chinese pear (P. bretschneideri, P. ussuriensis), 10 from European pear (P. communis) as well as 3 wild relatives (P. calleryana). Diversity of SSR genotypes was observed among species as well as within species and 65 putative alleles were detected. The use of seven SSR markers was sufficient to differentiate between all of the 32 varieties. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genetic and phenotypic correlations in plantain-banana euploid hybrids

The objective of this work was to determine intraclass correlations for growth and yield traits, as well as associations between them, in segregating hybrids. Diploid, triploid and tetraploid hybrids were obtained from triploid-diploid crosses between plantains and bananas. These hybrids were evaluated as plants and as ratoon crops on a humid forest site. Significant differences between ploidy within crosses were observed for most traits. The tetraploids were taller, had longer production cycles but a shorter fruit filling time, and heavier bunches than the diploids. There were significant differences between clones of the same ploidy within crosses. Hence, individual selection within ploidy will be effective for the improvement of plantain. Most of the bunch and fruit traits were positively and significantly associated, especially at the tetraploid level. Selection for large fruit at the diploid and tetraploid levels may lead to heavy fruits, thereby resulting in hybrids bearing heavy bunches. Significant and positive correlations between plant height and bunch weight at the tetraploid level suggest that selection of dwarf plantains with heavy bunches may be difficult.     

Inheritance of peroxidase isozymes in mulberry (Morus spp.)

Summary Electrophoretic variants of peroxidase in mulberry (Morus spp.) were demonstrated by thin-layer gel isoelectric focusing. Of these variants, three isozyme band groups were found to be controlled by codominant alleles at a single locus. The gene symbol Px ₁ was given to this locus, with alleles Px ₁ ¹ and Px ₁ ² assigned to the A6-A7-A8 and A7-A8-A9 band groups, respectively. The A6-A7-A8-A9 band group proved to be controlled by the Px ₁ ¹ and Px ₁ ² heterozygote.Additional experiments showed that among the three banding types, there were no statistically significant differences in leaf blade length, leaf blade width, length-width ratio of leaf blade, internode length, phyllotaxis, leaf shape, tree vigor and resistance to powdery mildew, but there were significant differences in leafstalk length.