不同基因型啤酒大麦品种（系）籽粒灌浆特征及产量性状

以9个不同基因型啤酒大麦品种(系)为供试材料,比较了籽粒灌浆特性及产量性状等指标。结果表明:不同基因型啤酒大麦品种(系)籽粒灌浆过程均呈"S"型曲线变化,开花后天数与千粒重的关系均符合Logistic方程,籽粒灌浆速率变化均呈"慢—快—慢"规律;高秆、旗叶宽大的品种(系)粒重增加时间较早;分蘖能力强或旗叶宽大的品种(系)灌浆速率峰值显现较早,且为单峰,其他品种(系)则为双峰;株高、分蘖能力、旗叶适中的品种(系)保持较高灌浆速率的持续时间较长;在各灌浆特征参数中,最大灌浆速率(Rmax)与产量的灰色关联度最大,平均灌浆速率(R)与千粒重的灰色关联度最大,起始生长势(C0)对前期贡献率的灰色关联度最大。旗叶宽大、分蘖能力和抗旱性较强的品种(系)穗长和穗粒重最大,穗粒数最多,具有一定的产量优势,可作为育种选择目标。0110-16和甘啤7号品种(系)单位面积产量较高,可在生产上推广应用。     

Resistance of Brassicaceae plants to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in northern Australia

Abstract

Brassicaceae plants have the potential as part of an integrated approach to replace fumigant nematicides, providing the biofumigation response following their incorporation is not offset by reproduction of plant-parasitic nematodes on their roots. Forty-three Brassicaceae cultivars were screened in a pot trial for their ability to reduce reproduction of three root-knot nematode isolates from north Queensland, Australia: M. arenaria (NQ1), M. javanica (NQ2) and M. arenaria race 2 (NQ5/7). No cultivar was found to consistently reduce nematode reproduction relative to forage sorghum, the current industry standard, although a commercial fodder radish (Raphanus sativus) and a white mustard (Sinapis alba) line were consistently as resistant to the formation of galls as forage sorghum. A second pot trial screened five commercially available Brassicaceae cultivars, selected for their biofumigation potential, for resistance to two nematode species, M. javanica (NQ2) and M. arenaria (NQ5/7). The fodder radish cv. Weedcheck, was found to be as resistant as forage sorghum to nematode reproduction. A multivariate cluster analysis using the resistance measurements, gall index, nematode number per g of root and multiplication for two nematode species (NQ2 and NQ5/7) confirmed the similarity in resistance between the radish cultivar and forage sorghum. A field trial confirmed the resistance of the fodder radish cv. Weedcheck, with a similar reduction in the number of Meloidogyne spp. juveniles recovered from the roots 8 weeks after planting. The use of fodder radish cultivars as biofumigation crops to manage root-knot nematodes in tropical vegetable production systems deserves further investigation.     

Rejection of dyed field rodent baits by Feral Pigeons and Chukar Partridges

Whole wheat grain bait, treated with sodium fluoroacetate, is used to control field rodents in Israel. However, this bait constitutes a potential primary non-target hazard to seed-eating birds. In the present study black-, red-, green- and yellow-dyed whole wheat and sorghum grains, as well as undyed ones, were offered to feral pigeons,Columba livia, and to chukar partridges,Alectoris chukar, in the laboratory during 4 days. Grains were offered either piled on trays, or scattered. Consumption levels varied significantly (P<0.05) among varieties. The pigeons preferred undyed grain; black and yellow grains were consumed the least. The partridges preferred the undyed and black grains to all the other colored grains. When no undyed alternative was offered, the pigeons preferred red and green, and the partridges — black wheat. The pigeons preferred wheat whole grain, and the partridges — sorghum whole grain. When the pigeons received sorghum, a disliked grain, no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the consumption of the differently dyed grains.     

Fungal invasion and mycotoxin contamination of stored sorghum grain as influenced by threshing methods

Sanitation from harvest to storage is a key factor in eliminating sources of infection and reducing levels of mycotoxigenic fungal invasion, and thereby mycotoxin contamination. This study was conducted at Haramaya University, Eastern Ethiopia to investigate the effects of threshing methods on fungal invasion and mycotoxin contamination of sorghum grain. The methods included threshing on bare ground, cow-dung-painted ground, concrete asphalt and canvas. The threshed grain was kept separately in bags in three replications in a completely randomized design and stored for five months. The results revealed that all the sorghum grain samples taken from different threshing methods were contaminated with both Aspergillus and Fusarium species. There were variations in fungal invasion between samples taken immediately after threshing and stored samples. The level of Aspergillus spp. invasion was much higher in the latter in sorghum grain threshed on bare ground. The concentration of aflatoxin B₁ was gradually increased, whereas the total fumonisin concentration was decreased with the storage duration both in 2013 and 2014. On stored sorghum grain, the highest (1.97 µg kg^?1) and the lowest (0.70 µg kg^?1) mean aflatoxin B₁ concentrations were recorded from sorghum grains threshed on bare ground and on canvas, respectively. Sorghum grain obtained from canvas threshing method had significantly lower mean total fumonisin content (142.5, 54.9 µg kg^?1) than grain from the other methods at threshing. The current work clearly demonstrated the effect that threshing might have on fungal invasion and mycotoxin contamination of sorghum grains. .     

Species of Shootflies Reared from Sorghum in Andra Pradesh,India

Abstract

A total of 13 species of shootflies from two genera, Atherigona and Acritochaeta, were reared over a four-year period from a range of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars showing typical ‘dead heart’ symptoms. Atherigona soccata Rond. was the dominant species (<99% of the flies reared), while the second most common species was Acritochaeta orientalis Schin. An interesting record was Atherigona eriochloae Mall. reared from tillers of ratooned sorghum. Three species as yet undescribed were recorded. More females than males were reared in the course of the study — the sex ratio was 1:1.27. It was concluded that only A. soccata is likely to be important when considering control of damage to sorghum by resistance breeding or the use of insecticides.     

Social science input into IPM

Abstract

Metsulfuron methyl (Ally‐Dupont), a sulphonylurea herbicide, was tested at rates of 0.5–2.0 g a.i./ha for the control of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. in two cultivars of sorghum in pot experiments. There was good to excellent Striga control at 1.0–2.0 g a.i./ha applied either pre‐emergence or post‐emergence to CSH‐1 or N‐13 sorghum. The herbicide was unacceptably toxic to the Striga‐susceptible CSH‐1 cultivar when applied pre‐emergence, thus eroding any benefits of Striga control. In the Striga‐tolerant N‐13 cultivar there were considerable increases in the growth of infected plants. The herbicide was better tolerated from post‐emergence applications by both cultivars, and CSH‐1 plants recovered enough growth from Striga infection to produce grain yields at 1–5 and 2.0 g a.i./ha. Herbicide application at 4 weeks after planting sorghum was less damaging than at 2 weeks. Herbicide safening with 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride did not provide any additional benefits with post‐emergence application. The efficacy of the pre‐emergence herbicide was similar with surface or incorporated application.     

山西高粱品种(系)的花后抗旱性评价

以22份山西历年审定(鉴定、登记)的高粱品种及预登记的高粱品种为参试材料,通过自然干旱(DS)和正常灌溉(NI)两种处理方式,采用大田自然鉴定法,调查农艺性状、品质性状和光合性状3类主要性状指标。结合隶属函数(U)和干旱敏感指数(S)的聚类分析法及热图法对材料进行分类,对抗旱指标进行综合评价。结果表明：在干旱胁迫下,高粱品种除了穗柄伸出长平均增长5.26 cm和单宁含量平均增加0.09%,其余性状指标均出现下降;除净光合速率外,其余性状指标之间均存在一定程度的相关性。利用以上两种方法,筛选出极抗品种3份(S9、S10和S7即晋杂108、晋杂22号和晋杂101),极弱品种1份(S17即晋杂4号)。根据干旱敏感指数计算,主成分分析为9个性状,主成分累计贡献率84.662%,产量和单穗粒重是决定第一主成分的主要性状,贡献率为17.999%。干旱胁迫对高粱品种(系)花后主要性状指标均有显著影响。不同高粱材料间抗旱性差异显著,应用两种抗旱性评价方法,可以较为准确地评价参试高粱品种(系)的抗旱性。产量、单穗粒重、株高和倒二叶叶宽可以作为评价高粱花后抗旱性的主要形态指标。     

Suppressing aflatoxin biosynthesis is not a breakthrough if not useful

Liver‐affecting, carcinogenic aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus spp. are a major problem, especially in the humid developing world where storage conditions are often optimal for the fungi. Peanuts and maize have been transformed with RNAi constructs targeting Aspergillus flavus polyketide‐synthase, an early key enzyme in aflatoxin biosynthesis. Aflatoxin biosynthesis was suppressed in developing immature grain, less so in late maturing grain, and it is doubtful that the technology will be effective in near dry mature grain. The infected grain was still mouldy. As Aspergillus that infects grain preharvest can continue to grow and produce aflatoxin in poorly stored grain, and grain storage insects vector further infections, this technology seems to have little potential utility in the humid tropics. The biotechnological approaches of RNAi directly targeting Aspergillus, coupled with transgenic insecticidal proteins should be far more effective. These biotechnological approaches can be used in tandem with the RNAi against polyketide‐synthase, as well as with irradiation, biocontrol and better grain drying and hermetic dry storage in a controlled atmosphere. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quantifying the effects of fungicides and disease resistance on greenhouse gas emissions associated with wheat production

A method is presented to quantify the net effect of disease management on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per hectare of crop and per tonne of crop produce (grain, animal feed, flour or bioethanol). Calculations were based on experimental and survey data representative of UK wheat production during the period 2004–06. Elite wheat cultivars, with contrasting yields and levels of disease resistance, were compared. Across cultivars, fungicides increased yields by an average of 1·78 t ha^?1 and GHG emissions were reduced from 386 to 327 kg CO₂ eq. t^?1 grain. The amount by which fungicides increased yield – and hence reduced emissions per tonne – was negatively correlated with cultivar resistance to septoria leaf blotch (Mycosphaerella graminicola, anamorph Septoria tritici). GHG emissions of treated cultivars were always less than those of untreated cultivars. Without fungicide use, an additional 0·93 Mt CO₂ eq. would be emitted to maintain annual UK grain production at 15 Mt, if the additional land required for wheat production displaced other UK arable crops/set aside. The GHG cost would be much greater if grassland or natural vegetation were displaced. These additional emissions would be reduced substantially if cultivars had more effective septoria leaf blotch resistance. The GHGs associated with UK fungicide use were calculated to be 0·06 Mt CO₂ eq. per annum. It was estimated that if it were possible to eliminate diseases completely by increasing disease resistance without any yield penalty and/or developing better fungicides, emissions could theoretically be reduced further to 313 kg CO₂ eq. t^?1 grain.     

Resistance against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium graminearum</Emphasis> and the relationship to β-glucan content in barley grains

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum (FG) is a destructive disease impacting barley worldwide. The disease reduces the grain yield and contaminates grains with mycotoxins, such as the trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON). Although the infection mainly affects the grain yield, little is known about its impact on grain structural and biochemical properties. Yet, such information is instrumental to characterize the facets of resistance in the grains. After artificial inoculation of six barley cultivars with FG in a 2 years field test, different levels of symptoms on spikes, of colonisation of grains and of DON content were observed. The infections caused a reduction in grain weight and an average decrease of 10% of the β-glucan content in grains, indicating alterations of grain filling, composition and structure. According to our results, we postulate the presence of two distinct resistance mechanisms in the grain, tolerance to grain filling despite infection as well as the inhibition of mycotoxin accumulation. Differently to wheat, in barley, type IV resistance (tolerance of the grain to infection) is directly linked with type III resistance (resistance against kernel infection). The resistance against toxin accumulation (named type V resistance in wheat) appeared to be independent to all other resistance types. Generally, the resistance was significantly influenced by the environment and by genotype x environment interactions explaining the generally weak stability of resistance in barley. Interestingly, a significant and inverse relationship between DON contamination and β-glucan content in grains suggests that high β-glucan content in grains contributes to type V resistance.     

Competition of sorghum cultivars and densities with Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta)

Field studies were conducted at two locations in southern Queensland, Australia during the 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 growing seasons to determine the differential competitiveness of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) cultivars and crop densities against weeds and the sorghum yield loss due to weeds. Weed competition was investigated by growing sorghum in the presence or absence of a model grass weed, Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta). The correlation analyses showed that the early growth traits (height, shoot biomass, and daily growth rate of the shoot biomass) of sorghum adversely affected the height, biomass, and seed production of millet, as measured at maturity. “MR Goldrush” and “Bonus MR” were the most competitive cultivars, resulting in reduced weed biomass, weed density, and weed seed production. The density of sorghum also had a significant effect on the crop's ability to compete with millet. When compared to the density of 4.5 plants per m², sorghum that was planted at 7.5 plants per m² suppressed the density, biomass, and seed production of millet by 22%, 27% and 38%, respectively. Millet caused a significant yield loss in comparison with the weed‐free plots. The combined weed‐suppressive effects of the competitive cultivars, such as MR Goldrush, and high crop densities minimized the yield losses from the weeds. These results indicate that sorghum competition against grass weeds can be improved by choosing competitive cultivars and by using a high crop density of >7.5 plants per m². These non‐chemical options should be included in an integrated weed management program for better weed management, particularly where the control options are limited by the evolution of herbicide resistance.     

Effects of weather variables on grain mould of sorghum in South Africa

Effects of weather variables of mould development on sorghum grain were studied over three consecutive seasons in South Africa. Five sorghum hybrids planted at different dates ensured developing seeds were exposed to different weather conditions. Incidence of grain mould fungi was determined at harvest by incubating seeds on 2% malt extract agar. Averages of different weather variables (maximum and minimum temperatures, maximum relative humidity, total precipitation and frequency of precipitation) were determined for all permutations of weekly time intervals for a 2-month postflowering period to identify when these variables and pathogen incidence were significantly correlated. Significant correlations were used to develop models to quantify relationships between variables. Significant positive correlations were observed between the incidence of mould fungi and weather 4–6 weeks after flowering in the shorter season hybrid cv. Buster, and 5–8 weeks after flowering in the remaining hybrids. In most hybrids, correlations between the incidence of grain mould pathogens, including Alternaria alternata , Curvularia spp. ( C. lunata and C. clavata ), Fusarium spp. ( F. proliferatum and F. graminearum ), and Drechslera sorghicola , and average minimum temperature, total rainfall and frequency of rainfall were significant ( P =  0·05). In four hybrids, models showing a linear relationship between the logarithm of pathogen incidence and minimum temperature, and in one hybrid, between pathogen incidence and rainfall frequency, were developed. Depending on the hybrid, models that used minimum temperature as predictor described 60–82% of variation in the incidence of pathogens. Frequency of rainfall explained 93% of the variation in pathogen incidence in one sorghum hybrid genotype. Evaluation of the models using an independent data set yielded average prediction errors near zero, indicating that the models were acceptable.     

Major Gene and Polygenic Resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus)

The most common and effective way to control phoma stem canker (blackleg) caused by Leptosphaeria maculans in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is through the breeding of resistant cultivars. Race specific major genes that mediate resistance from the seedling stage have been identified in B. napus or have been introgressed from related species. Many race specific major genes have been described and some of them are probably identical in B. napus (allotetraploid AACC) and the parental species B. rapa (diploid AA). More work is needed using a set of well-characterised isolates to determine the number of different major resistance genes available. In some B. napus cultivars, there is resistance which is polygenic (mediated by Quantitative Trait Loci) and postulated to be race non-specific. Many of these major genes and Quantitative Trait Loci for resistance to L. maculans have been located on B. napus genetic maps. Genes involved in race specific and polygenic resistance are generally distinct.     

Nature of resistance to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. parasitism in some Sorghum vulgare (Pers.) cultivars

Ten Sorghum vulgare (Pers.) cultivars varying in tolerance to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. parasitism were grown with or without Striga infection. Endodermal thickening, pericycle lignification and silica crystal deposition were studied microscopically and measured for infected and non-infected sorghum cultivars. Although differences in the root character measurements were statistically significant they were not closely related to the response of the plant to infection. Low stimulant producing cultivars showed low or medium root cell thickening. The cv. Framida had both low stimulant production and high root cell thickening and was the best of the tolerant cultivars. High stimulant producing, tolerant cultivars generally showed heavy or intermediate cell thickening. The high stimulant producing, susceptible cultivar Debaikri also showed intermediate root cell thickening.‘Antibiosis', measured by the content of phenolic compounds in the plant, was then studied. Varietal differences in quality and quantity of phenolic substances in the roots and shoots of sorghum cultivars infected or non-infected with Striga were observed. Infection increased total phenolic contents in both shoot and root extracts. Differences in the total phenolic content in the shoot of non-infected cultivars did not reflect tolerance to Striga infection. The total phenolic acid content of the root extracts was closely related to the response of the host plant to Striga infection, tolerant cultivars having greater total phenolic acid content than susceptible ones.     

Conservation tillage systems for sorghum production under semi‐arid conditions in India

Abstract

Field research was conducted near Hyderabad, India, during 1981 and 1982 to investigate zero‐tillage and reduced‐tillage systems for production of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) under semi‐arid tropical conditions. Part of the investigation compared post‐seeding hand weeding and herbicide treatments for weed control efficacy. The results showed that shallow pre‐seeding tillage was just as effective as deep cultivations in producing high sorghum fodder and grain yields provided weeds were controlled after crop emergence. Both tillage regimes were more effective than a no tillage regime which received only a mixture of glyphosate and 2,4‐D prior to seeding. Post‐seeding weed control practices were essential to maintain high fodder and grain yields of sorghum. Hand weeding and inter‐row blade harrowing were more effective than atrazine applied pre‐emergence or 2,4‐D applied post‐emergence.     

Excision of the Candystripe1 transposon from a hyper-mutable Y1-cs allele shows that the sorghumY1 gene controls the biosynthesis of both 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins and phlobaphene pigments

The 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins produced in sorghum leaves in response to Colletotrichum sublineolum have chemical structure similarities to the 3-deoxy flavonoids that are precursors of phlobaphene pigments. Phlobaphenes are commonly observed in the pericarp of mature sorghum grains, while synthesis of 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins is a site-specific response to infection with C. sublineolum. We have taken a genetic approach to investigate the possible overlap between the two sub-branches of flavonoid biosynthesis in sorghum that lead to phlobaphenes and 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins. A sorghum line with a functional y1 gene synthesizes 3-deoxyanthocyanidins as well as phlobaphenes. However, a progenitor line with the mutable Y1-candystripe (Y1-cs) allele shows variable levels of biosynthesis of these compounds. The Y1-cs allele carries a copy of the Candystripe1 (Cs1) transposable element in the y1 gene. We demonstrate here that the variability in the expression of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins produced in individual mesocotyls of hyper-mutable Y1-cs plants is a function of the activity of the y1 gene. TheCs1 insertion in the Y1-cs allele blocks y1 function, while excision of Cs1 out of they1 locus restores the gene to a functional state. The combined molecular and biochemical characterization of sibling plants confirms that the allelic state of the y1 gene is completely correlated with the production of phytoalexins in response to fungal infection. These results provide support for the idea that the y1 gene regulates the biosynthesis of both 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins and phlobaphene pigments in sorghum.     

Effect of growth stages of chickpea on the genetic resistance of Ascochyta blight

Ascochyta blight (AB, Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Lab.) is one of the most important foliar disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), globally. Chickpea is attacked by AB at any growth stage in cool and humid weather depending on the inoculum availability. However, the disease epidemics are most prominent during the flowering and podding growth stages. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of growth stages of chickpea on the genetic resistance of AB and use this information in a resistance breeding program. Two susceptible and two moderately resistant chickpea cultivars were spray inoculated at seedling (GS1), post-seedling (GS2), vegetative (GS3), flowering (GS4) and podding (GS5) growth stages with A. rabiei conidial suspension under controlled environment conditions. Irrespective of crop cultivars the incubation period (IP) was shorter in GS1, GS4 and GS5 and was significantly extended in GS2 and GS3. Symptom development was delayed significantly in moderately resistant cultivars. The AB severity 10 days after inoculation ranged between 7 and 9 on susceptible cultivars and 3 and 5 on moderately resistant cultivars. Further the correlation coefficient of disease severity between GS1, GS4 and GS5 was highly significant (r = 0.95) indicating that, evaluation for resistance to AB can be done at GS 1 (seedling stage), and or GS4 (flowering stage) to GS5 (podding stage) growth stages of chickpea. This supports the evaluation for AB resistance using 10-day-old-seedlings in controlled environment at ICRISAT and adult plant field screening at hot-spot locations in Dhaulakuan and Ludhiana in India.     

Pest status and control of blister beetles in West Africa

Abstract

During recent years, blister beetles have gained importance in species diversity and as pests of food crops in West Africa. Among the 97 species reported, Psalydolytta fusca Oliv, and P. vestita Duf. are economically important beetle species. Beetle abundance is generally associated with the flowering of crops in a region. Regular intensive weeding and early crop establishment are recommended for pest management in food crops. Global pest control strategies are discussed in the context of subsistence agriculture.     

Post-Harvest Fungal Ecology: Impact of Fungal Growth and Mycotoxin Accumulation in Stored Grain

Grain quality after harvest is influenced by a wide variety of abiotic and biotic factors and has been studied as a stored grain ecosystem. Important factors include grain and contaminant mould respiration, insects and mites, and the key environmental factors of water availability and temperature. Interactions between these factors influence the dominance of fungi, particularly mycotoxigenic species. Studies have shown that growth, mycotoxin production, competitiveness and niche occupation by mycotoxigenic species are influenced by the presence of other contaminant moulds and environmental factors. This has been demonstrated for both Fusarium culmorum and deoxynivalenol production, Aspergillus ochraceus/Penicillium verruscosum and ochratoxin production and Fusarium section Liseola and fumonisin production. Interactions between mycotoxigenic spoilage fungi and insects do occur but have not been studied thoroughly. Some insects disseminate mycotoxigenic species, others are known to use spoilage moulds as a food source, while others avoid certain fungal species. Thus, a more holistic ecological view is needed when considering management approaches to long-term-safe storage of cereal grains after harvest.