Heterosis in landrace-based topcross hybrids of pearl millet across arid environments

This study quantified the magnitude of heterosis in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) topcross hybrids produced by crossing 16 diverse landraces and three high yielding open-pollinating varieties on two homozygous male-sterile lines. Hybrids and pollinators were grown in 12 year ×;location combinations in India that were grouped into three zones. Genetic components of variance quantifying the differences among these hybrids were estimated. The hybrids showed a conspicuous heterosis for grain yield, earliness and biomass yield but not for straw yield. The level and direction of heterosis for time to flowering depended strongly on the earliness of the male-sterile line. In the terminal drought stress zone hybrids made on the early maturing male-sterile line 843A had the highest level of heterosis for grain yield (88%). This was partly due to escape from terminal stress. In the other two zones the heterosis for grain yield was on average 30%. Heterosis for biomass yield and biomass yield per day was on average also positive in all three zones. For all traits, except time to flowering and biomass yield per day, pollinator effects were the only significant source of variation. Differences between hybrids were mostly caused by additive genetic effects. Significant amount of heterosis observed in landrace-based topcross hybrids for grain yield and other productivity-related traits suggested that substantial improvement in pearl millet productivity in and environments can be obtained by topcrossing locally adapted landraces on suitable male-sterile lines. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

普通小麦光合碳同化与产量性状杂种优势的关系

以按照NCII遗传交配设计配制的20个普通小麦杂交种及其亲本为材料,系统测定灌浆初期、中期和后期旗叶的6个光合碳同化相关性状,包括光合速率、气孔导度、胞间CO₂浓度、蒸腾速率、水分利用效率和原初光能转化效率,并与产量性状杂种优势进行相关分析。结果显示,杂种优势值因组合、性状和发育时期不同而差异很大。偏相关分析表明,光合碳同化性状与穗长和有效穗数杂种优势之间没有相关性,但与其他产量性状杂种优势之间存在显著的相关关系,特别是在作物籽粒产量形成最为关键的灌浆中期,光合速率、胞间CO₂浓度、水分利用效率和原初光能转化效率与穗粒数、千粒重、单株产量和主茎穗产量等性状的杂种优势呈显著或极显著正相关,说明较高的光合能力及水分利用效率可能是小麦产量杂种优势形成的重要生理基础之一。     

Heterosis in yield,fiber quality,and photosynthesis of okra leaf oriented hybrid cotton (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gossypium hirsutum</Emphasis> L.)

Leaf shape is an important factor affecting canopy structure, photosynthetic characteristics, and yield. Introducing okra leaf shape is considered an important strategy in cotton heterosis breeding. The objective of the study was to evaluate the heterosis in okra leaf cotton hybrid F₁s, which were developed by crossing two sterile near isolines and three restorer near isolines. A normal leaf check hybrid F₁, Zhongza 29, and four newly developed okra leaf oriented hybrid F₁s, including the super-okra (severely cleft and narrowly lobed leaf), okra (deeply cleft and narrowly lobed leaf), semi-okra (intermediate leaf lobe), and sub-okra (large leaf lobe) hybrids were selected in this experiment. Okra leaf oriented cotton hybrids significantly reduced leaf area index (LAI) (P < 0.0001), thus more light penetrated into the lower canopy. The LAIs for the super-okra and okra hybrids, however, were too small to supply adequate photosynthate, thus resulting in early maturity, short boll filling period, and low yield. As the LAI increases, the semi-okra and sub-okra hybrids showed certain heterosis. The semi-okra hybrid showed 7–12% heterosis over the check hybrid in lint percent, 6–11% in boll weight, 2–147% in canopy light intensity, 1–10% in net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and −3 to 3% in lint yield. As well, all tested okra leaf hybrids improved fiber quality such as micronaire compared with the normal leaf check hybrid. The results suggested that adopting okra leaf parental lines in cotton breeding provided potentials in increasing fiber quality with comparable lint yield.     

Heterosis for yield and related characters in pea

Summary To determine the levels of heterosis in F1 hybrids, four current pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars from southern Australia were used as female parents and crossed with 18 introduced genotypes. The 22 parents, 72 F1 hybrids and, depending on the environment, either 54 or all 72 F2 families were grown in replicated plots in four environments. Grain yield, total dry matter, harvest index, branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, hundred seed weight, plant height, onset of flowering and flowering periods were evaluated. For both the F1 and F2 generation, heterosis was determined as the superiority over the mid-parent and also over the better parent. In addition, the superiority over the best commercial cultivar was calculated. Most hybrids were higher yielding than their mid-parent but were less stable in yield across environments. Four F1 hybrids were significantly higher yielding than the best parent, by up to 26%. There were significant correlations between F1 hybrid and mid-parent value for plant height, pods per plant and hundred seed weight but not for yield. Overall, grain yield heterosis was mainly due to more pods per plant in the hybrids. The level of heterosis for yield in a poor yielding environment was higher than that in a high yielding one. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were important in the expression of all studied traits. The average level of heterosis for grain yield and total dry matter in the F2 population was half of that in F1 hybrids. The low level of inbreeding depression from the F1 to the F2 generation suggested that epistatic gene action also contributed to the expression of grain yield. Some F2 populations maintained the high yield levels of the corresponding F1 hybrids.     

Hybrid breeding for biomass yield in winter triticale: I. Hybrid performance,trait correlations and heterosis

Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) holds great potential as a source for biomass production for industrial applications in Central Europe and hybrid breeding in particular appears promising owing to the higher vigour of hybrids compared to lines. In this study, a set of 178 winter triticale genotypes, including 91 hybrids, their 10 male and 23 female parental lines, as well as 54 varieties were evaluated for biomass yield and other agronomically relevant traits in 2 years at five locations in Germany. We observed a large variation of dry biomass yield as well as significant genotypic variances and high heritabilities for all traits. For the hybrids, a moderate correlation was observed between biomass and plant height and between biomass and grain yield. Mid‐parent heterosis of biomass yield ranged from ?13.6 to 16.5% with an average of 4.8%, and the maximum commercial heterosis was 9.1%. Taken together, our results illustrate the potential of hybrid breeding of triticale for biomass yield to diversify our portfolio of crops for biomass production.     

Heterosis for yield and its physiological determinants in wheat

Heterosis in hybrid wheat varieties produced using a chemical hybridising agent was assessed in field experiments. Hyno Esta and its parents were compared in factorial combinations of four-seed rates (25–300 seeds m^–2) and two nitrogen fertilizer rates (0 and 200 kg N ha^–1) in 2001/02 and again in 2002/03. Hyno Rista and Hyno Renta and their parents were compared at two-seed rates in 2001/02. Hyno Rista and its parents were added factorially to the Hyno Esta experiment in 2002/03, while Hyno Renta and Hybred and their parents were compared at two seed rates in 2002/03. Mid parent heterosis for grain yield was found in three hybrids and two of these showed high parent heterosis. High parent heterosis in Hyno Esta over a range of sowing densities was mostly exhibited in total biomass but also, in one of two years, in harvest index. High parent heterosis in Hyno Renta was associated more with harvest index than with biomass. The heterosis for biomass in Hyno Esta resulted from greater interception of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) than the male parent, with better radiation use efficiency than the female parent. In both seasons Hyno Esta achieved grain numbers per ear at least as high as the high parent for this trait (Audace), and combined this with mean grain weights at least as heavy as the high parent for mean grain weight (Estica). Much of the increased biomass and grain yield in the hybrid came late in the season as high parent heterosis was expressed for both maximum grain filling rate and grain filling duration. Heterosis was higher when nitrogen was applied than when withheld; only greater at lower seed rates when expressed in proportionate terms (e.g. as a percentage of the parents), rather than in absolute terms (e.g. t ha^–1); and greater in the year with the cooler and wetter summer.     

Heterosis in growth and photosynthetic rate in hybrids of cotton

Summary The intraspecific (Gossipium hirsutum) and interspecific (G. hirsutum x G. barbadense) F₁ hybrids of cotton were found to exhibit a high degree of heterosis in the production of fruiting branches, number of bolls (fruits), yield of seed cotton and photosynthetic rates over the parent plants. The developing bolls of the hybrids had significantly higher weights than their parents until the 20th day after anthesis. The patterns of leaf area development among interspecific hybrids differed when compared with the parent plants. The photosynthetic rates of the hybrids were comparable with those of maize and sorghum and much higher than the average rate reported so far for the cotton plant.     

Changes in morphological and physiological traits associated with recurrent selection for grain yield in maize

Summary Experiments were conducted during the growing seasons of 1975 and 1976 to determine changes in morphological and physiological traits associated with recurrent selection for grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.). Four variety hybrids, BSSS(R)CO x BSCB1(R)CO, BSSS(R)C7 x BSCB1(R)C7 [from a reciprocal recurrent selection program involving Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) and Iowa Corn Borer Synthetic #1 (BSCB1)], BS12CO x B14A, and BS12C6 x B14A [from a half-sib selection program involving the open-pollinated variety Alph (BS12) and the inbred tester B14A] were grown at 59 300 and 98 800 plants/ha near Ames, Iowa We obtained data on CO₂-exchange rate (an estimate of photosynthetic rate), grain yield, grain-yield components, flowering dates, maturity traits, light interception and use, shelling percentage, harvest index, and various other plant traits.CO₂-exchange rate did not change appreciably with recurrent selection for yield. Grain yield per hectare and per plant were larger for the improved than unimproved hybrids. Grain-yield components did not change significantly with recurrent selection. Kernel weight of BSSS(R)C7 x BSCB1 (R)C7, however, was larger than that of BSSS(R)C0 x BSCB1(R)C0. Pollen-shed-to-silking interval was shorter for the improved than the unimproved hybrids, and grain-filling duration was longer in C7 x C7 than in C₀ x C₀ of the reciprocal recurrent selection program. Furthermore, improved hybrids were characterized by smaller tassels and more upright canopies. Usually, plant traits and leaf-area-related traits were similar for all hybiids.Although dry-matter productivity was similar for all hybrids, those that were improved by recurrent selection produced more grain per unit leaf area and per unit light interception. Also, BS12C6 x B14A was characterized by a higher harvest index than BS12CO x B14A.We concluded that the source (i.e., photosynthetic capacity) was not limiting grain yield in BSSS(R) x BSCB1(R) and BS12. Increased grain yields that resulted from recurrent selection were consequences of longer grain-filling duration for BSSS(R) x BSCB1(R) and increased translocation of photosynthate from source to sink for both BSSS(R) x BSCB1(R) and BS12.Journal Paper J-8953 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Exp. Stn., Ames, Iowa. Project No. 2152.     

热带水稻光合特性及氮素光合效率的差异研究

在国际水稻研究所（IRRI）农场试验条件下,选用6个不同的热带水稻材料,其中包括2个常规籼稻、2个杂交籼稻和2个新株型稻（NPT）,研究氮肥农学利用率（AE）和氮素光合效率（PNUE）及其相关叶片参数的基因型差异,并探讨了它们之间的关系。结果表明,新株型稻的净光合速率(P_n)大于常规籼稻,杂交籼稻居中。各基因型间的气孔导度(G_s)、胞间CO₂浓度(C_i)、蒸腾速率(T_r)和Ci/Gs的差异趋势不同。不同基因型叶片的氮浓度（N%）和比叶重（SLW）存在一定的差异。常规籼稻的单位叶绿素的净光合速率（P_n/Chl）较NPT低,杂交籼稻为中间类型;叶片净光合速率和单位面积含氮量（Na）之间存在显著的正相关;本研究所选用的热带杂交籼稻的PFP（氮肥偏生产力）和AE比新株型稻和常规籼稻高,两者最低的均为常规籼稻。氮素光合效率与AE间存在显著正相关,表明后期的氮素光合效率对氮肥利用率具有一定的指示和预测作用,这对于判断水稻品种氮肥利用率将具有重要的应用价值。     

不同年代中籼水稻品种的产量与氮肥利用效率

本研究旨在探明中籼水稻在品种改良过程中产量与氮肥利用效率的变化特点。以江苏省近70年来不同年代在生产上广泛应用的12个代表性中籼水稻品种(含杂交稻组合)为材料,依据应用年代将其分为20世纪40—50年代、60—70年代、80—90年代和2000年以后4个类型,设置0 N(全生育期不施氮)、MN(全生育期施氮210 kg hm–2)和HN(全生育期施氮300 kg hm–2)3个施氮量处理,研究其产量、氮肥利用效率及其生理特性。结果表明,随品种应用年代的演进,不同年代中籼水稻品种的产量和氮肥利用效率均获得较大提高。2000年以后的品种(超级稻)产量和氮肥利用效率较高,根系性状和叶片光合特性以及氮代谢相关酶活性强是其重要生理基础。超级稻抽穗后根系氧化力和剑叶光合速率下降的幅度较大可能是导致超级稻结实率较低的一个重要原因。提高灌浆中后期超级稻的根系氧化力和剑叶光合速率,有望提高超级稻的结实率。     

Prediction of heterosis for grain yield in rice using 'key' informative EST-SSR markers

This study was undertaken to assess the comparative potential of 25 Expressed Sequence Tag derived simple sequence repeats (EST-SSRs) and 25 genomic SSRs in the prediction of grain yield heterosis using a set of nine cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines and 32 restorer lines of rice. EST-SSRs and genomic SSRs exhibited an average Polymorphism Information Content value of 0.37 and 0.45, respectively. The coefficient of marker polymorphism among parental lines with respect to a set of hypervariable EST and genomic SSRs was correlated with standard heterosis for grain yield of six public bred rice hybrids. EST-SSRs gave a better correlation (r = 0.75) as compared with genomic SSRs (r = 0.09). When 10 'key' informative EST-SSR markers which showed a higher positive correlation with grain yield heterosis were validated in a new set of 14 experimental hybrids, the markers exhibited a higher correlation (r = 0.79), indicating the predictive value of these EST-SSRs. We recommend these 10 'key' informative EST-SSR markers for analysis of genetic diversity of parental lines and prediction of heterosis in hybrid rice breeding programmes.     

Physiological basis of yield gains in wheat associated with the LR19 translocation from Agropyron elongatum

The physiological and genetic basis of yield improvement in wheat isonly partially understood. Nonetheless, a significant increase in yield andbiomass has been observed in several backgrounds when alien chromatinassociated with Lr19 was introgressed from Agropyronelongatum. Theoretically, higher yield and biomass may be achievedthrough (i) greater interception of incident radiation, (ii) increasedradiation use efficiency, (iii) a more optimal source-sink balance permittinghigher sink demand and/or a higher partitioning of assimilates to yield. Theobjectives of the current study were to evaluate the performance of nearisogenic lines differing in Lr19 to observe the physiological basis ofsuperior performance. Lr19 was associated with increases in yield(average 13%), final biomass (10%) and grain number (15%) in allbackgrounds studied. Differences were not associated with improved lightinterception based on measurements of biomass shortly after canopyclosure, nor with improved radiation use efficiency (RUE) prior to grainfilling based on biomass accumulation rate and direct measurement offlag-leaf photosynthetic rate prior to anthesis. Lr19 was associatedwith an increased partitioning of biomass to spike growth at anthesis(13%), a higher grain number per spike, and higher RUE and flag-leafphotosynthetic rate during grain filling. The mechanism causing increasedpartitioning of assimilates to spikes relative to the rest of the plant in Lr19 isolines was apparently not related to phenology or assimilationcapacity.     

Inheritance of yield components and yield in relation to evidence for heterosis in F1 barley hybrids

Summary Yield components and yield were studied in F₁ barley hybrids produced by hand pollination or male sterility. Grain number exhibited only partial dominance but grain weight showed dominance or overdominance and contributed to the heterotic situation particularly in 2×6-row crosses. For the commercial exploitation of heterosis it is essential that hybrids should be found which show greater dominance for high grain number.     

Carbon assimilation,leaf area dynamics,and grain yield in contemporary earlier- and later-senescing maize hybrids

Maize breeding during the past 50 years has been associated with a delay of leaf senescence, but it is not clear whether this trait is likewise associated with higher grain yield in modern hybrids. Post-silking growth, leaf area dynamics, photosynthetic parameters and yield were compared in modern maize hybrids differing in canopy senescence rate. In the first two experiments, four hybrids were grown in the field at Balcarce, Argentina (37°45′ S, 58°18 W). In spite of differences in chlorophyll retention and photosynthesis of the ear leaf, post-silking growth and grain yield were very similar in all four hybrids while kernel N concentration was lower in the later-senescing hybrids. In a third experiment, a later-senescing (NK870) and an earlier-senescing (DK682) hybrid were grown to analyze the potential photosynthetic contribution of delayed leaf senescence. Leaf area and chlorophyll content were larger in NK870, especially at the lower canopy level (0.75 m above the ground). However, hybrids did not differ for canopy light interception. Because photosynthetic photon flux density below 1 m above the ground was less than 10% of incident radiation and photosynthesis quantum yield did not change during senescence, the potential photosynthetic output of lower leaves below 1 m was very low. Lower leaves of NK870 had N concentrations higher than those needed to sustain photosynthesis at the light conditions below 1 m. Therefore, we show that delayed senescence does not necessarily improve post-silking C accumulation because: (i) canopy light interception is not reduced by senescence except at very late stages of grain filling; (ii) contrasting hybrids show more pronounced senescence differences at canopy levels receiving less than 10% of incident radiation; (iii) delayed senescing hybrids present lower kernel N concentrations while extra N is retained in leaves exposed to a light limiting micro-environment. Delayed senescence at lower canopy levels may be unproductive, at least under non-stressing conditions.     

Heterosis in rice hybrids

Summary One hundred and thirtysix hybrids were developed utilizing four cytoplasmic genetic male sterile lines (V 20A, Zhen Shan 97A, IR 46829A and IR 46830A) and 34 effective restorers. Heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis were found to be significant for grain yield and other yield attributing characters in most of the hybrids. The heterosis for grain yield was mainly due to the significant heterosis for the number of spikelets per panicle, test weight and total dry matter accumulation. Interestingly, it was found that most of the higher yielding hybrids were accompanied by significant negative heterosis for harvest index. Hybrids shorter than the shortest parent and earlier than the earliest parent were not observed; hybrids with intermediate to tall plant height having nonlodging habit could be developed. Eighteen hybrids gave more than 20% grain yield than the standard checks. These were evaluated for their stable and consistent yield performance over four seasons. The results on analysis for stability parameters indicated that the hybrids V 20A × Himdhan and Zhen Shan 97A × Mahsuri were stable over environments.     

Some physiological and photosynthetic characters of rice × sorghum and rice × wheat hybrids

Summary Some photosynthetic characters as-leaf anatomy, leaf photosynthetic rate and CO₂ compensation pointdistinguishing C₃ and C₄ plants and physiological characters as leaf area ratio, nitrogen content, leaf stem ratio and total shoot-to-root and deep root-to-shoot ratios have been studied in rice × sorghum and rice × wheat hybrids. Rice × sorghum 1. has lower values of photosynthetic rate, leaf nitrogen, total root and deep root-to-shoot ratio and CO₂ compensation point as of rice parent where as, rice × sorghym 2. is superior in all these characters. Both hybrids lack kranz anatomy. Though both rice × sorghum hybrids show characters of C₃ rice plant but rice × sorghum 2. has improved drought tolerance and leaf characters in relation to yield. Rice × wheat hybrid have higher assimilatory area and higher total root-to-shoot ratio. Grains of rice × wheat hybrids are identical to rice grain. However, as grains of rice × wheat hybrid does not contain seed coat, it could be exploited as novel rice germplasm after improvement.Abbreviations T CO₂ compensation point - T21 CO₂ compensation point at 21% O₂ - T2 CO₂ compensation point at 2% O₂ - dR/sR deep Root-to-shoot Ratio - LAR Leaf Area Ratio - CER photosynthetic rate - TR/SR Total Root-to-Shoot Ratio     

杂种小麦光合特性的初步研究

对化杀型杂种小麦与普通小麦叶光合特性的比较研究表明，供试杂种小麦上部叶片倒３叶、旗叶一生中比普通小麦对照品种具有较高的叶绿素含量、净光合速率。ＲｕＢＰｃａｓｅ活性和ＲｕＢＰｏａｓｅ活性。杂种小麦叶片与对照相比在叶绿素含量缓解（ＲＳＰ）上优势较小，光合速率高值持续期（ＰＡＤ）和ＲｕＢＰｃａｓｅ含量则不具有优势。这表明，杂种小麦上部叶一生中光合速率的提高受到ＲｕＢＰｃａｓｅ含量的影响较小，而在很大程度     

不同氮效率粳稻品种的冠层特征

探明氮高效水稻品种的冠层特征,对于培育和筛选氮高效品种具有重要意义。以2个氮高效品种武运粳30号和连粳7号及2个氮低效品种扬粳4038和宁粳1号作为材料进行大田试验,观察了两类水稻品种的冠层特征及其与产量和氮肥利用率间的关系。结果表明,与氮低效品种相比,氮高效品种总颖花量、结实率、产量和氮肥利用率较高;氮高效品种抽穗期具有较高的单茎茎鞘重、光合速率、光合氮素利用效率、剑叶厚度、比叶重、中上层冠层的光截获量及冠层顶部比叶氮含量、氮消减系数和光氮匹配度,上述主要冠层特征与产量及氮素籽粒生产效率呈显著或极显著正相关。这些冠层特征可作为筛选和培育氮高效水稻品种以及培育高产高效群体的重要指标。     

Relationship between hybrid performance and genetic diversity based on RAPD markers in wheat, Triticum aestivum L.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were generated from 20 wheat, Triticum aestivum lines. Fifty-four fragments generated by six primers of a 10-mer arbitrary sequence were used to study their potential power in differentiating parents with different characteristics and predicting the yield performance of hybrids produced from these parents. Experimental results showed that the 20 wheat lines were divided into four groups. Group I was characterized by more grains per spike, group II by heavy grains and group III by more spikes per unit area and short plants; group IV was similar to group III but had a much higher biomass yield and grain yield. Hybrids from parents in different groups were generally superior to most hybrids from parents in the same group. Both yield performance and heterosis of hybrids from parents between group I and group III were much better than those of other intergroup hybrids. These results suggest that, based on RAPD markers, it is possible to differentiate wheat lines with different performances and that the classification of parents from these markers is of predictive value for developing superior hybrids. However, genetic distance (GD) based on RAPD markers was not significantly correlated with hybrid performance and heterosis. It appears to be impossible to predict hybrid performance from GD itself.     

不同覆膜栽培方式对玉米光合特性及产量形成的影响

为探索山西晋中地区获得玉米高产稳产的适宜覆膜种植方式,在大田试验条件下研究了4种覆膜方式对玉米叶面积指数、光合速率、蒸腾速率、气孔导度、叶片水分利用效率及籽粒产量的影响。结果表明：与对照相比,不同覆膜栽培方式均可显著提高叶面积指数、净光合速率、气孔导度和叶片水分利用效率,可显著提高花后叶片的蒸腾速率,从而显著提高产量。其中,起垄膜侧种植方式处理的光合特性最佳,产量最高,较对照提高36.2%。籽粒产量与穗行数呈显著正相关,与穗长、行粒数及百粒重呈极显著正相关;抽穗期、灌浆期和成熟期光合参数与籽粒产量的相关性略高于拔节期和大喇叭口期,说明通过提升花后的光合作用能够更有效地提高作物产量。总之,起垄膜侧种植栽培方式有利于玉米提高光合特性和籽粒产量,是一种适合晋中地区玉米生产的覆膜方式。