Evaluation of environments for preliminary testing of maize for yield and stover digestibility

Summary The identification of environments suitable for selection should enable plant breeders to test reliably a larger number of genotypes with given resources. This research was undertaken to evaluate discrimination ability (DA) and prediction ability (PA) of eight environments involving two locations. Eckartsweier (Eck) 1 and Voelkenrode (Voe); 2 yer. 1984 (84) and 1985 (85); and two harvests, silage harvest (I) and later (II). It was based on dry matter yield of plant (PDMY), ear (EDMY) and stover (SDMY) and on in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) of stover of 12 inbred lines and their 66 diallel crosses in maize (Zea mays L.). Linear regression coefficient of the performance of genotypes in an environment on that averaged across all environments and its degree of determination were used as measures of the DA and PA of environments, respectively. In hybrids, the DA of environments differed significantly for all traits except SDMY and ADL. Environment Eck851 showed better PA (0.63) than other environments for PDMY, EDMY, IVDOM, NDF, and ADF. Among the 12 two-environment combinations. EckI was a better predictor for PDMY, EDMY, IVDOM and NDF (PA0.80). The more productive environments showed better DA and PA for PDMY and FDMY than less productive ones. For IVDOM and NDF the first harvest provided better discrimination and prediction than the second harvest. In inbred lines the DA of environments differed significantly for EDMY only. In the present study, PA and DA seemed to be functions of the environments, PA was improved by combining two environments, and some environments seemed to be suitable for preliminary selection of genotypes for such diverse traits as yield and digestibility.     

Variation and covariation of silage maize digestibility estimated from digestion trials with sheep

Summary Variation and covariation for agronomic and digestibility traits of silage maize are reported from a compilation of 22 years of experiments with standard sheep. Genotype effects of DOM and DCF were highly significant, even when genotypes were nested in earliness groups or brown-midrib hybrids discarded (Table 2). The genetic variance of crude fiber content was low, but the variance of the DCF was high. The genetic variance of DOM was about 4 times lower than genetic variance of DCF, but broad sense heritability of DOM was higher because of lower residual variance (Table 3). Genetic correlations between grain or crude fiber content and DOM had similar absolute values, 0.65, so each of these two traits was an important but not the unique determinant of silage maize quality. There was no correlation between DCF and grain or crude fiber content. Yield was not related to DOM or DCF within each group of earliness, allowing some quality improvement without agronomic drift (Table 4). Except for late hybrids, most of DOM differences between groups of earliness came from lowering of minimum value, while maximum values were similar. It was the contrary for DCF, with similar minimum values for all groups (Table 5). There was no obvious correlation between year of registration of hybrids and DOM or DCF, but extra new variation seemed obtained only for low values (Figs 1, 2; Table 6). IVDOM according to the APC process was a poor predictor of DOM, especially when brown-midrib hybrids and earliness effects were discarded; but because heritability of this trait was similar to DOM heritability, such enzymatic processes could probably be used to avoid drift towards poor DOM with hybrids bred for higher stalk strength.Abbreviations APC Amylase Pepsine Cellulase solubility - DDM sheep digestibility of dry matter - DOM sheep digestibility of organic matter - DCF sheep digestibility of crude fiber - DM dry matter - IVDCW in vitro digestibility of cell wall - IVDDM in vitro digestibility of dry matter - IVDOM in vitro digestibility of organic matter - NIRS near infra-red reflectance spectroscopy - NDF neutral detergent fiber - bm₁-brown-midrib-1 allele, bm₃-brown midrib-3 allele     

Condensed tannins in birdsfoot trefoil: Genetic relationships with forage yield and quality in NC-83 germplasm

Summary Genetic relationships of condensed tannins (CT) with other forage quality parameters have not been adequately studied in birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). The objectives were to bidirectionally select for CT concentration in birdsfoot trefoil to determine selection response and to create populations for examination of genetic relationships of CT with forage quality parameters, principally lignin. High-and low-tannin parental clones were selected from NC-83 birdsfoot trefoil germplasm and intercrossed to produce Syn₁ populations. Herbage samples, harvested for two years at two locations, were analyzed from high-tannin, low-tannin, and parental populations for CT concentration, herbage yield, and forage quality parameters. The mean condensed tannin concentrations in the high-and low-tannin populations were 69.3±0.8 and 21.1±0.8 g catechin equivalent (CE) kg^-1 dry matter (DM) compared with 36.4±0.8 g CE kg^-1 DM in the parental population. The selection response exhibited a quadratic relationship, with selection for increased CT concentration more effective than for reduced CT concentration. Compared with the parental population, acid detergent lignin (ADL) was higher, and crude protein (CP) and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) concentrations were lower for the high-tannin population and the converse was true for the low-tannin population. Lignin concentration was positively correlated with CT concentration (r_g=0.66 P0.01).Abbreviations ADF acid detergent fiber - ADL acid detergent lignin - CP crude protein - CT condensed tannins - IVDDM in vitro digestible dry matter - NDF neutral detergent fiber - NIRS near infrared reflectance spectroscopy     

我国常用玉米自交系秸秆品质性状及其相关分析

利用近红外反射光谱法对我国91份常用普通玉米自交系和11份高油自交系秸秆的体外干物质消化率（IVDMD）、粗蛋白（CP）、粗脂肪（EE）、可溶性糖（WSC）、酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）、酸性木质素（ADL）、中性洗涤纤维（NDF）7个品质性状进行了分析评价,以探讨秸秆品质性状间的关系以及影响秸秆品质的主要成分。结果表明,各品质性状变异较大,各性状自交系间差异均达极显著水平,IVDMD及其相关品质的含量近似正态分布。不同品质性状变异程度不同,其中WSC含量变异最大,变异系数达33.15%。IVDMD与NDF、ADF、ADL呈极显著负相关,与WSC、EE含量呈极显著正相关,与CP含量显著正相关。影响秸秆品质的性状依次是IVDMD、ADF、NDF、WSC、ADL、CP和EE含量。根据青贮玉米育种的要求,筛选出5份IVDMD和WSC含量高、NDF、ADF含量低的自交系。     

Genetic basis of nutritional content of stover in maize under low nitrogen conditions

The effect of two different nitrogen treatments on five traits associated with yield and nutrient composition of stover were evaluated using a set of 213 F_2:3 families derived from two elite inbred lines Huang-C and Xu178. Evaluation of the phenotypes expressed under the two nitrogen conditions showed that low nitrogen conditions could increase acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and decreased crude protein content (CP), crude fat content (CF), and stover yield (SY), thereby negatively affecting the digestibility and quality of silage maize. Twenty-eight quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified affecting the five measured traits under two nitrogen conditions, including four for ADF, five for NDF, five for CP, four for CF, and three for SY. Several QTL associated with ADF or NDF were detected under same nitrogen conditions, and were localized to the same chromosomal regions, especially the QTL qADF6 and qNDF6, qADF10 and qNDF10, were only detected under low nitrogen condition. These results suggested that ADF and NDF perhaps were controlled by several common genes, and that the nutritional content of stover may be influenced by additional genetic mechanisms when grown under conditions of low nitrogen.     

Genetic variation, heritability and genetic correlations for forage quality and yield traits of Mediterranean tall fescue germplasm

Higher ruminant intake potential and in vivo digestibility as indicated by lower neutral and acid detergent fibre (NDF and ADF), respectively, and higher crude protein (CP), may be valuable targets in tall fescue breeding. Some 105 full‐sib families from a diallel cross of Mediterranean parent germplasm were grown in a heated greenhouse simulating the temperature pattern of a Mediterranean environment, to estimate genetic parameters for NDF, ADF, CP and dry matter (DM) yield in one autumn and one winter harvest. Family x harvest interaction was large for NDF and ADF, moderate for CP and absent for DM yield. Additive genetic variance was mostly larger than specific genetic variance, and tended to be small for quality traits and large for DM yield. Narrow‐sense heritability was low for CP and ADF in autumn and moderate to fairly high in the remaining cases. Predicted gains per selection cycle never exceeded 5% for quality traits while being greater than 10% for DM yield. An inverse genetic correlation between DM yield and any quality trait emerged in the presence of sizeable genetic variation.     

Heritabilities of nutritive quality factors and interrelationships with yield in selected progenies of tall fescue

Nine polycross (PX) and nine different self (S₁) progenies were randomly chosen from 43 selected tall fescue genotypes and evaluated for in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin of whole plants, leaf blades and stems (stem plus leaf sheath) at each of four harvest dates in 1991 and 1992. Significant variation for all whole‐plant and leaf quality traits occurred among the PX progenies at the May harvest. Variation among S₁ progenies was significant for almost all of the stem traits. Genetic variance components for both progeny groups were significant for almost all of the traits, confirming the presence of additive genetic variation. Heritability estimates on a progeny‐mean basis ranged from medium to high for almost all the traits of the whole‐plant and the leaf and stem fractions. The results suggest that spring would be the time at which direct selection for high IVDOM or low fibre content would be successful and that selection for leaf or stem quality traits improves whole‐plant quality. Selection for quality traits in the summer or in the autumn would be difficult since no significant genetic variability was found.     

Quantitative trait loci mapping of forage stover quality traits in six mapping populations derived from European elite maize germplasm

Four forage maize stover quality traits were analysed including in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and digestibility of NDF (DNDF). We mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) in three DH (doubled haploid) populations (totally 250–720 DH lines): one RIL population (358 lines) and two testcross (TC) populations, based on field phenotyping at multiple locations and years for each. High phenotypic and genotypic correlations were found for all traits and significant (p < .01) at two locations, and NDF was negatively correlated with the other traits. QTL analyses were conducted by composite interval mapping. A total of 33, 23, 32 and 25 QTL were identified for IVDOM, NDF, WSC and DNDF, respectively, with three, four, five and two major QTL for each. Few consistent QTL for IVDOM, WSC and DNDF were detected in more than two populations. This study contributed to the identification of key QTL associated with forage maize digestibility traits and is beneficial for marker‐assisted breeding and fine mapping of candidate genes associated with forage maize quality.     

近红外光谱技术与常规方法检测紫花苜蓿品质的对比研究

从黑龙江省国家牧草产业技术体系绥化综合试验站的试验田中采集的10 种（每种取7 个样品）紫花苜蓿样品分别采用近红外光谱技术和常规化学测定法,对其含有的粗蛋白（CP）、中性洗涤纤维（NDF）、酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）、脂肪（FAT）、灰分（ASH）、干物质（DM）成分进行了测定,并将测试结果用SPSS 软件进行配对T值分析比较,结果表明：两种方法的X ± S 相近,|t|<0.05,P>0.05,差异不显著。分别计算两种方法的标准偏差（S）和相对标准偏差（RSD）,发现近红外分析方法的值均小于常规化学分析方法。试验结果表明：基于与常规化学方法的比较,近红外方法可以作为一种新的检测方法被使用,值得广泛应用于各种牧草饲养品质的测定与推广。     

Effects of Soil Moisture Deficit on Forage Quality, Digestibility, and Protein Fractionation of Kura Clover

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.) is a persistent rhizomatous forage legume with great potential for permanent pastures. The effects of a soil moisture deficit on forage quality, digestibility and protein fractionation of two cultivars of Kura clover (Endura and Rhizo) were investigated in this study for 1 year. The responses of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) were also characterized. Stands of each species were field‐grown and submitted to two soil water regimes promoting soil moisture deficits and well‐watered (i.e. control) conditions. There were no interactions between species and soil water regimes. Soil moisture deficit increased acid detergent fibre (ADF) but reduced acid detergent lignin (ADL) content and consequently increased forage digestibility. It had only minor effects on protein content and fractionation. Species varied for most parameters measured. Kura clover generally had the lowest neutral detergent fibre (NDF), ADF and ADL contents, and consequently the greatest digestibility (83.9 %). Species also differed in their crude protein fractionation. Kura clover and red clover had a lower proportion of non‐protein nitrogen (NPN; A fraction) and a greater proportion of true protein (B fraction) (30.9 and 64.5 %, respectively) than alfalfa (36.4 and 57.4 %, respectively). Kura clover also had the lowest proportion (i.e. 4.7 %) of acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP; C fraction) of all species tested. Endura Kura clover often had a higher forage quality than Rhizo. This study confirms that Kura clover produces high‐quality forage and provides the first estimates of protein fractionation in this species.     

The measurements of acid detergent fibre in rapeseed by visible and near-infrared spectroscopy

Visible and near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) calibrations for acid detergent fibre (ADF) in intact rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) were performed for two different sample volumes (10 ml, 500 seeds approximately; and 1 ml, 50 seeds approximately). The inclusion of brown and yellow‐seeded cultivars in this work has allowed the whole range of ADF currently described in the literature for this character to be covered. Chemometric techniques have been used for developing calibration equations for both procedures when measuring the two different seed sample volumes. On the basis of the coefficient of determination in the cross‐validation (R²cv) obtained for the 10 and 1 ml assays (0.80 and 0.73), and SECV/SEL ratios (2.30 and 2.57), respectively, both equations showed an accuracy sufficient for screening purposes in an ADF range from 6.80 to 13.46% dry wt, which is presented in this work.     

Agronomic Factors in Evaluating Forage Crops II. Predicting Fiber Components (NDF, ADF, ADL) from Crop Leafiness

The relationship of the stage-to-stage changes in alfalfa herbage leaf percentage and the corresponding changes in fiber components represented by neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) was tested in alfalfa crop diverse in stand and canopy ages, stages of maturity harvested across seasons in two separate years. Regression analyses showed that for all fiber components, leaf percentage consistently provided highly significant linear relationships for predicting herbage fiber content; NDF (r²= 0.915), ADF (r²= 0.937) and, ADL (r²= 0.851). These were highly comparable with the application of the mean stage by weight (MSW) system for predicting NDF (r²= 0.946), ADF (r²= 0.891) and ADL (r²= 0.841) thus indicating the practical use of leaf percentage as a good alternative approach for predicting fiber content of the alfalfa crop.     

我国玉米骨干自交系秸秆纤维品质分析

通过对我国20世纪60年代以来应用广泛的27份骨干亲本自交系的秸秆纤维成分研究,结果显示自交系秸秆纤维品质中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、纤维素(CELLU)、半纤维素(HCELLU)和木质素(ADL)平均含量分别为47.657%、24.551%、21.096%、20.906%和3.776%;不同自交系间秸秆NDF、ADF、CELLU和ADL含量呈显著或极显著差异,HCELLU无显著差异性;各纤维组分含量之间具有显著或极显著相关性;不同年代间自交系秸秆纤维品质NDF、ADF、CELLU、和HCELLU含量有相似的变化规律,即20世纪90年代初至今各组分含量较高;ADL含量在不同年代自交系秸秆中含量变化不大。     

东乡野生稻与普通栽培稻中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维等含量的对比研究

为研究不同种类、不同生育时期水稻植株细胞壁化学组分变化规律,应用Van Soest法对普通栽培稻与东乡野生稻在不同生育时期的植株NDF、ADF等含量进行了研究。结果表明,NDF、ADF、ADL含量（％）的平均值变化范围分别是55.63～71.70、31.98～49.61、2.68～5.71,其中以蜡熟期的东野各含量为最高,以抽穗期的协青早B各含量最低。在同一生育时期,不同种类水稻的NDF、ADF含量（除抽穗期的NDF）有显著性差异（P<0.05）,以东野的含量为最高,秀水110其次,以协青早B含量为最低。在同一种类水稻中,不同生育时期的水稻NDF、ADF含量差异均达到显著性水平（P<0.05）,以抽穗期的含量为最低,乳熟期其次,至蜡熟期含量达到最高峰。     

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Digestibility of Whole-Crop Pea and Pea–Cereal Mixture Silages Grown in South-western Quebec

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) and neutral detergent fibre (IVNDFD) digestibilities of silages made from whole‐crop pea [Pisum sativum L. (PS)], pea–wheat [Triticum aestivum L. (PW)], pea–barley [Hordeum vulgare L. (PB)] and pea–oat [Avena sativa L. (PO)] mixtures harvested 8 weeks (H8) and 10 weeks (H10) after seeding. Forty‐five days after ensiling, all forages were well ensiled as indicated by low pH and low water‐soluble carbohydrate content and high lactic acid concentration. Regardless of forage type, crude protein (CP) and IVNDFD were higher while starch and acid detergent lignin were lower in H8 than H10. However, harvest date had no effect on neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fibre of the silages. Within each harvest date, CP was higher while NDF was lower for PS than pea–cereal silages. Differences in CP and fibre fractions between the pea–cereal mixture silages were not consistent for the two harvest dates. The IVDMD of PS was higher than that of the three pea–cereal mixture silages in H8 but was only higher than that of PB in H10. For the pea–cereal mixtures, IVDMD was higher for PO than PB and PW in H8 and was higher for PB than PW in H10. It was concluded that silage from pea monoculture had similar forage yields and a generally higher nutritive value than silages from pea–cereal mixtures.     

Induced polygenic variation and genetic architecture in Indian mustard

Summary The F₁ seed obtained from an eight-parent diallel (excluding reciprocals) in Indian mustard was treated with 100 Kr of gamma rays, grown and selfed to obtain F₂M₂. The mean was decreased in the majority of the crosses in an irradiated set whereas the coefficient of variation increased. Combining ability analysis revealed the change in relative ranking of the parents and crosses and suggested the genotype-specific responses to irradiations. Components of combining ability and heterosis were also changed considerably. In some cases irradiation resulted into an increase in additive genetic variance.     

Spring Cereals for Forage and Grain Production in a Cool Maritime Climate

Newfoundland's climate is marginal for agricultural production. The availability of locally grown cereal grain and high‐quality forage are major limitations to successful animal agriculture in this region. Here, our overall objective was to compare several spring cereal species for both annual forage and grain production in Newfoundland's cool Maritime climate. Several varieties of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), wheat (Triticum aesitivum L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.)–cereal mixtures for forage yield and quality, as well as grain yield and maturity, were compared in field trials on the east and west coasts in both 1999 and 2000. Barley headed earliest, yielded greatest forage dry matter, had lowest forage protein and acid detergent fibre (ADF) percentages, and had neutral detergent fibre (NDF) mean values greater than those of pea–cereal mixtures, but less than those of oats and wheat. Forage harvested from pea–cereal mixtures was similar to that of barley for yield, ADF and NDF, while P and protein percentage were much greater. Barley matured 10–15 days earlier than both wheat and oats. In general terms, all three spring cereals exhibited similar grain yield potential. Oats tillered less, but compensated by producing more kernels spike^?1. Days to maturity for cereal grains in western Newfoundland were roughly similar to those reported for the Maritime provinces of Canada. Yield and maturity results for both forage and grain production suggest that eastern Newfoundland is a unique agro‐ecoregion in North America, and agronomic recommendations specific to other regions may not be applicable in this region.     

Evaluation of Near Infra-red Reflectance Spectroscopy for Predicting Grain and Stover Quality Traits in Maize

The prediction of grain and stover quality parameters in maize {Zea mays L.) by near infra-red reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was studied. A total of 110 grain and 135 stover samples originating from different genotypes and environments were assayed. Calibration equations for content of crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), starch (ST), and water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in grain were obtained by multiple linear regression of known manual values on NIRS data from the odd numbered samples. Calibrations for CP, acid detergent fibre (ADF), in vitro digestible organic matter according to the Tilley & Terry (IVDOM-T & T) and the gas production (IVDOM-Gp) method, respectively, and metabolizable energy (ME) in stover were developed analogously. Equations were validated with the evennumbered .samples and for ME additionally with the 1584 stover samples from an experiment with 66 F₁ hybrids tested in six environments. The coefficients of multiple determination (R²) of the prediction equations ranged from 0.80 for IVDOM-Gp and ME in stover to 0.94 for CP in grain. Standard errors of calibration (SEC) and prediction (SEP) were in most cases not higher than commonly reported for conventional manual assays. With regard to the correct ranking of hybrids, prediction equations for ME applied well to stover samples from other environments with one exception. We concluded that NIRS can evaluate the quality traits investigated to a similar degree to that of conventional methods of analysis. Since NIRS is simple and safe to operate and allows rapid screening of several quality traits simultaneously, it should be particularly attractive for breeding purposes.     

Potassium Management for Brown Midrib Sorghum × Sudangrass as Replacement for Corn Silage in the North-eastern USA

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in brown midrib (BMR) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) × sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense Piper) hybrids (SxS) as a replacement for silage corn (Zea mays L.) in the north‐eastern USA. Recent studies suggest it is suitable for both rotational grazing and as a hay crop and could compete with corn harvested for silage in years when wet spring conditions prevent the timely planting of corn. However, little is known about its suitability as forage for non‐lactating cows that require low potassium (K) forages to prevent health problems. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of K fertilizer management (0, 112 or 224 kg K₂O ha^?1 cut^?1) under optimum N management (112–168 kg N ha^?1 cut^?1) on yield, quality and K concentrations of BMR SxS over a 2‐year period. Field trials were established on a fine loamy, mixed, active, mesic Aeric Fragiaquepts with medium K‐supplying capacity and characteristic of a large region in New York. Potassium application did not affect dry matter yields in either of the 2 years. Averaged over 2 years, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) significantly increased with K addition with similar but non‐significant trends observed in each of the years individually. The digestibility of NDF was unaffected by K application. Crude protein (CP) concentrations showed a significant decrease with K application in 2002 and similar trends were observed in 2003, although differences were not significant at P ≤ 0.05. The changes in NDF and CP did not significantly impact forage quality expressed as milk production per megagram of silage. Potassium application increased forage K concentration up to 13 mg K kg^?1 dry matter (in the first cut in 2003). Forage Ca and Mg concentrations decreased with K addition except for the first cut in 2002 where differences between 112 and 224 kg K₂O ha^?1 treatments were not significant. Without K addition in the 2‐year period, K concentrations in the forage decreased from 23 g kg^?1 for the first cutting in 2002 to 15 g kg^?1 for the second cut in 2003. Low K forage was obtained for all second‐cut forage unless 224 kg K₂O ha^?1 cut^?1 had been added. First‐cut forage was suitable only when no additional K had been applied. These results suggest low K BMR SxS forage can be harvested from initially high K soils without loss in dry matter yield as long as no additional K is added.     

不同肥料配施对青贮玉米产量和品质的影响

采用“3414”最优回归设计,研究了不同施肥处理对青贮玉米品种‘大京九26号’的产量和营养品质的影响。结果表明,适量增施氮肥对提高青贮玉米鲜重产量和干物质产量的作用大于磷钾肥,并显著提高粗蛋白(CP)含量,对改善酸性洗涤性纤维(ADF)、中性洗涤性纤维(NDF)和脂肪(Fat)含量均有有益作用;钾肥对改善青贮玉米营养品质的作用较小;磷肥的增施对营养品质改善不利;在14个处理中,以N₂P₁K₂处理的综合表现较好。本研究结果为冀西北地区高产、优质青贮玉米的栽培技术的制定奠定理论基础。