Genomic constitutions and flower characteristics of selected Aranda orchid cultivars

Summary Ten Aranda cultivars commercially grown in Singapore were selected to study their genomic constitutions and flower characteristics. Cytological evidence and breeding records of these cultivars showed that they are of three genomic classes. Four of them are diploid with AV genomes (one Arachnis and one Vanda genome), another four are triploid with AVV genomes and the remaining two are tetraploid with AVVV genomes. Sizes of flowers as well as of sepals and petals generally show significant increases from diploid to tetraploid. This trend reflects the increasing influence of Vanda resulting from additional one and two Vanda genomes in triploid and tetraploid respectively as compared to diploid cultivars. Among the three genomic classes, diploid cultivars generally bear less flowers per spray than those of triploid and tetraploid although exceptions may occur. There is no clear trend in the length of inflorescences although diploid cultivars tend to have less compact spray with flowers more distantly spaced out.     

The HMW glutenin suhunit composition of bread-wheat varieties bred in Pakistan

A total of 50 bread-wheat varieties bred in Pakistan were characterized for the composition of the high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS). The glutenin subunits, as revealed by sodium dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were numbered according to Payne's numbering system and, varieties were accordingly assigned theoretical quality scores. All varieties were found to possess either subunit 1 or 2* coded by the A genome. Subunits 17+18 and 7 + 9 of the B genome and 5+10 of the D genome were predominantly found in this set of varieties. The frequency of the appearance of Glu-l alleles in the varieties was different from that seen in other countries, especially in terms of the absence of the ‘null’ form of the A genome and the presence of novel subunits at the Glu-Bl and Glu-Dl loci. The compositions of HMW-GS were generally of good quality, with more than 50% of the varieties achieving quality scores of 9–10 with a high (8.6) average score. The results in this study indicate that wheat varieties bred in Pakistan have a narrow genetic base in terms of HMW glutenin subunits. It appears that the breeders have been selecting wheat genotypes of glutenin subunits associated with good quality without knowing the actual composition of these subunits. The database established on the basis of these results is useful for wheat-improvement programmes aimed at varietal identification and breeding for good quality parameters.     

Genetic analysis of karnal bunt resistance in 14 Mexican bread-wheat genotypes

Fourteen Mexican genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with good to moderate levels of resistance to Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica (Mitra)) were crossed with the highly susceptible cultivar WL711 to determine the genetic basis of resistance. The parents, F₁ F₂ and backcross populations of the 14 crosses were evaluated under artificial epiphytotic conditions during the 1993–94 season for Karnal bunt resistance. The F₁ data suggested that the resistance was dominant to partially dominant over susceptibility. The F₂ analysis of the segregation ratios in the F₂ and backcross generations indicated that the resistance in the wheat genotypes Luan, Attila, Vee #7/Bow, Star, Weaver, Milan, Sasia and Turacio/Chil is controlled by two genes. The resistance in genotypes Cettia, Irena, Turaco, Opata, Picus, and Yaco was found to be conditioned by a single dominant gene. The genotypes with two genes for resistance expressed a higher level of resistance than those with a single gene and, therefore, are better sources of resistance to Karnal bunt.     

Evaluation of soybean cultivars using parametric and nonparametric stability estimates

High and stable yield is a very desirable attribute of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars. Stable yield of a cultivar means that its rank relative to other cultivars remains unchanged in a given set of environments. To characterize 12 soybean cultivars chosen from performance trials, data were obtained from 10 environments (five locations in 2 years). Six stability parameters from four statistical models were derived for each cultivar. Regression coefficients were significantly and positively correlated only with coefficients of variation; they are useful in characterizing whether cultivars responded well in favourable or poor environments. Nassar and Huhn's nonparametric measures, S_i⁽¹⁾ and S_i⁽²⁾, were significantly and positively correlated with Eberhart and Russell's s_di² and Wricke's ecovalence (W_i). The stability measures are useful in characterizing cultivars by showing their relative performance in various environments. Results revealed that high-yielding cultivars also can be stable cultivars. Correlations between stability parameters obtained from individual years over the same set of locations and cultivars were very low and nonsignificant, suggesting that single-year data are not reliable as basis for selection. To provide an additional guide for selection, Kang's rank-sum approach was applied, in which both yield (in rank) and measured nonparametric stability (in rank) were considered. In general, selection for yield only would sacrifice stability to some degree, and selection for stability only would sacrifice a certain amount of yield. The rank-sum approach reconciles the two and appeared to provide a useful means to characterize soybean cultivars.     

Correlations between the stability and adaptability statistics of popcorn cultivars

In plant breeding, correlations between the statistics of stability and adaptability of popcorn cultivars are not yet well understood. Therefore, the objectives of the present experiment was to investigate the correlations between s_di² \sigma_{\rm di}^{2} and b_i \beta_{\rm i} from Eberhart and Russell, ω_i from Wricke, \textS_\texti⁽¹⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(1)} , \textS_\texti⁽²⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(2)} and \textS_\texti⁽³⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(3)} from Huehn, P_i from Lin and Binns and the rank-sum from Kang, and indicate the most reliable method for selecting popcorn cultivars. These statistics were estimated by data of crop yield from 19 Brazilian genotypes under 21 environments and popping expansion under 16 environments. The ω_i, \textS_\texti⁽¹⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(1)} , \textS_\texti⁽²⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(2)} , \textS_\texti⁽³⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(3)} and s_di² \sigma_{\rm di}^{2} were positively and significantly correlated indicating that just one in these five statistics is sufficient for selecting stable genotypes although they were not correlated with the means of crop yield and popping expansion. The b_i \beta_{\rm i} was negatively and significantly correlated with P_i for crop yield indicating that the most adaptable genotypes tend to have the lowest estimates of P_i. Although P_i was not correlated with ω_i, \textS_\texti⁽¹⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(1)} , \textS_\texti⁽²⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(2)} , \textS_\texti⁽³⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(3)} , or s_di² \sigma_{\rm di}^{2} statistics, it displayed positive correlation with the Index 1 (crop yield and popping expansion +  \textS_\texti⁽¹⁾ {\text{S}}_{\text{i}}^{(1)} rank) and Index 2 (crop yield and popping expansion + W_i) indicating that superior popcorn genotypes are also stable. Finally, both P_i and the rank-sum are useful statistics in breeding programmes where crop yield, popping expansion and stability are essential traits for selecting genotypes.     

Differentiation in competitive ability and cold tolerance between diploid and tetraploid cultivars in Lolium perenne

In a diploid grass, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), many autotetraploid cultivars have been released and widely used in many cool temperate countries. In this study, competitive ability and cold tolerance, which seem to be important factors in determining geographical distribution and persistency of this species, were compared between six diploid and five autotetraploid cultivars. The tetraploid cultivars had significantly higher competitive ability and lower cold tolerance than the diploid cultivars. Furthermore, there was no overlap in the two traits between them. These results suggest that chromosome doubling has a larger effect on competitive ability and cold tolerance than does the genetic difference between the populations within a single ploidy level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Leaf rust resistance in selected late maturity, common wheat cultivars from Uruguay

Leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina) is one of the most important diseases of wheat in Uruguay, and breeding for resistance to this disease is a priority for the INIA wheat program. Knowledge of the effective resistance genes present in the germplasm is relevant when selecting for effective and more durable resistance. The leaf rust resistance present in six adapted wheat cultivars that are parents of many advanced lines was studied. Races of P. triticina with different virulence combinations were used to determine which seedling resistance genes might be present in the six cultivars and/or derived lines. Genetic analysis of seedling and adult plant resistance (APR) was conducted on BC₁F₂ and F₃ generations from crosses of four cultivars with the susceptible cultivar Thatcher. The presence of APR genes Lr13 and Lr34 was confirmed with crosses of the four cultivars and Thatcher lines with these genes. A genetic marker associated with Lr34 was used to postulate the presence of this gene in all cultivars. The cultivars and resistance genes postulated to be present were: Estanzuela Calandria Lr3bg, Lr16 and Lr24; Estanzuela Federal Lr10; Estanzuela Halcón Lr10, Lr14a, and Lr16; INIA Tijereta and INIA Garza Lr16, Lr24 and Lr34; and INIA Torcaza Lr10 and Lr24. Only Lr16 and Lr34 remain effective to the predominant pathotypes. Additional ineffective seedling resistance that could not be identified was present in E. Federal, I. Tijereta and I. Torcaza. Unknown APR gene(s) could be present in E. Calandria and E. Federal.     

牧草种及品种鉴定技术的发展现状与应用前景

本文通过概述国内外牧草种及品种鉴定技术的研究与发展现状,分析比较各种鉴定方法的优势与不足,提出我国牧草种及品种鉴定技术的应用需立足现有基础,吸收借鉴先进技术和经验,不断改进与提高,必将有助于我国种子质量标准体系的完善和草地建设的持续顺利发展.     

Variation in seed proteins from mutagen-treated cultivars and selected lines of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp

The storage protein profiles of the seeds of two IITA cowpea cultivars (‘IT84E–124’ and ‘Vita 7’) exposed to three mutagens—sodium azide (NaN₃), ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and ⁶⁰Co gamma rays—and those of 18 selected M₃ lines were investigated by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The total seed protein, globulin and albumin fractions showed differences in number and intensity of subunit bands, but the least differences were found in the albumin fraction. Both high and low molecular weight bands were observed, the highest being 94.5 kDa and the lowest 12.0 kDa.‘Vita T showed less variability compared with ‘IT84E–124’, as indicated by the relative similarity indices (S.I.) of the two cultivars. The lowest S.I. of 0.200 was found among ‘IT84E–124’ lines while the lowest S.I. among ‘Vita T lines was 0.4706. A number of lines with particular traits were found to be characterized by the presence of specific polypeptide bands. This study demonstrates that induced mutation could create additional variability to supplement existing germplasm and that SDS-PAGE is a useful tool for discriminating and estimating genetic similarities among selections.     

Combining ability analysis and association of yield and yield components among selected cowpea lines

The study was carried out to determine combining ability and association of yield and yield components among crosses derived from seven selected cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) parents. Twenty-one hybrids were generated from diallel crosses excluding reciprocals. Hybrids along with seven parents were studied for combining ability and phenotypic correlations for seed yield and eight yield components. The result indicated that the general combining ability (gca) and specific combining ability (sca) were significant for most characters indicating the importance of both additive and non-additive genetic components. Additive gene action was important for eight characters except pod number, whereas non-additive gene action was not important for nodule number and grain yield. Parental lines IT86D-716 and IT81D-985 were found to be good general combiners for grain yield and other traits. The most promising specific combiners for yield and yield components were from crosses including IT87D-697-2 × IT86D-716, IT88D-867-11 × IT86D-716, IT93K-624 × IT87D-697-2, and IT87D-697-2 × IT92KD-405-1. Significant positive phenotypic correlations were observed between seed yield with pod length (POL), number of pods per plant (PON), and number of seeds per pod (SPD). POL, pod number per plant, SPD, and grain yield were identified as the best selection criteria that could be used in cowpea breeding programs.     

Cultivar identification and genetic relationship among selected breeding lines and cultivars in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Twenty two RAPD and 22 ISSR markers were evaluated for their potential use in determination of genetic relationships in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars and breeding lines. We were able to identify six chickpea cultivars/breeding lines by cultivar-specific markers. All of the cultivars tested displayed a different phenotype generated either by the RAPD or ISSR primers. Though ISSR primers generated less markers than RAPD primers, the ISSR primers produced higher levels of polymorphism (% of polymorphic markers per primer) than RAPD primers. A high level of within cultivar homogeneity was observed in chickpea. Cultivars/breeding lines originating from a common genetic background showed closer genetic relationship. Chickpea lines with similar seed type(kabuli or desi) had a tendency to cluster together. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Adaptation and yielding ability of castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) genotypes in a Mediterranean climate

Successful castor (Ricinus communis L.) cropping in Greece depends on the yielding ability and yield stability of the cultivars (hybrids or inbreds) as well as the reliability of production systems. The adaptation and yielding ability of 19 modern castor oil genotypes were studied for 3 years in two sites of Northern Greece. Genotypes combining high seed and oil yield and desirable morphological characteristics were tested for 2 or 3 years, whereas the rest were tested for 1 year only. The growing period in both locations was long enough for ripening the first raceme and a number of secondary racemes depending on the genotypes. The plant height was dependent mainly on the genotypes but also was affected by the site and the year of the experimentation and ranged from 79 to 278 cm. The seed yield varied between 2.5 and 5.0 Mg ha⁻¹, values that are among the highest reported in the literature. The seed yield was higher in the site where plants produced and ripened more secondary racemes. The seed oil content was dependent mainly on the genotype and ranged from 44.5 to 54.2%. The oil yield followed the changes in seed yield. The variation in seed yield between years was low and in most genotypes less than 20%. Results indicate that the castor oil crop was satisfactorily adapted in the area.     

Estimating genetic relationships among historical sources of alfalfa germplasm and selected cultivars with sequence related amplified polymorphisms

Fifteen alfalfa populations consisting of six public cultivars and nine historically recognized sources of alfalfa germplasm in North American cultivars were examined using sequence related amplified polymorphisms (SRAPs). Three bulk DNA samples from each population were evaluated with fourteen different SRAP primer pairs. This resulted in 249 different amplicons, of which over 90% were polymorphic. A dendrogram from the analysis suggests that the public cultivars are quite diverse from all the historical sources of germplasm. The highest mean genetic similarity among the nine original sources of Medicago germplasm was 0.85 between PI 536535 (Peruvian) and 536536 (Indian), while the lowest (0.47) was between PI 560333 (M. falcata) and 536539 (African). The highest mean genetic similarity among the nine original sources of Medicago germplasm and the public alfalfa cultivars was 0.78 between PI 536532 (Ladak) and Vernal, while the lowest (0.59) was between PI 536539 (African) and Oneida. Relationships based on SRAP analysis appear to generally concur with expected relationships based on fall dormancy. This report demonstrates that SRAPs are a promising marker system for detecting polymorphisms in alfalfa.     

Assessment of the uniformity and stability of grapevine cultivars using a set of microsatellite markers

Solidity of microsatellite markers is a key issue for varietal identification, especially when they are used for legal purposes, what includes their probable future use in the distinctness, uniformity and stability testing of new varieties needed for the granting of Plant Breeders’ Rights. Nine grapevine microsatellites (VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD27, VVMD28, ssrVrZAG29, ssrVrZAG62, ssrVrZAG67, ssrVrZAG83 and ssrVrZAG112), which had previously demonstrated its capacity to discriminate any grapevine variety, have been assessed to evaluate its uniformity and stability. 19 varieties were selected, representative of a high diversity for morphological, agronomical, cultural and historical aspects, as well as for microsatellite allele variability. Then, for each variety, uniformity and stability were evaluated through the analysis of 50 plants from each of three different plots, and five plants from each of seven additional plots. Material from 4,137 plants of 229 plots of the 19 varieties was sampled in seven countries. Of 3,654 plants analyzed with the set of nine microsatellites, 3,299 were of the right variety and used for the survey. An average of 172 individual values was studied for each allele of each microsatellite of each variety, and none differences were detected that could not be explained as technical variations, with the exception of several putative chimeras in two varieties. Of the total of 171 variety x microsatellite combinations, only in one combination (‘Merlot’ x VVMD27) the number of off-types exceeded the threshold allowed. The remaining 170 combinations have been found uniform and stable according to internationally accepted rules.     

Physiological attributes associated with yield and stability in selected lines of a durum wheat population

Further increasing yield potential remains one of the main objectives of wheat breeding, even in stressful environments. In general, past genetic gains were associated with increases in harvest index, and future gains should be related to greater biomass. Identifying genetic sources for such improvement may be relevant. Researchers of TRITIMED identified DH lines of durum wheat apparently possessing not only high yield potential but also good yield stability. We aimed to determine physiological attributes responsible for yield and stability among a set of genotypes derived from two parents (Cham 1 and Lahn) and four of the most promising lines of the DH population (2401, 2408, 2410, 2517). Seven field trials were carried out within the Mediterranean agricultural region of the Ebro Valley, under a wide range of conditions (ca 2–10 mg ha⁻¹). In four of these experiments, sub-plots were included with source-sink manipulations imposed after anthesis. Cham 1, a cultivar known for high yields in semi-arid conditions, showed the highest yield potential. Although it showed less yield stability than Lahn, even under the lowest yielding conditions its yield was not significantly lower than that of Lahn. RILs 2408, 2410, 2004 and 2517 slightly outyielded Lahn in high-yielding conditions, but under poorer environments they tended to yield less. Interestingly, yield differences were closely related to their biomass rather than harvest index. Thus yield differences relating to the number of grains per m² were due to differences in spike dry matter at anthesis, reflecting in part genotypic differences in crop growth from jointing to anthesis. In general grain weight did not respond to spike trimming after anthesis, although in two experiments the grain weight of Cham 1 did so. Thus, even the highest-yielding cultivar possessed grains that overall seemed more limited by its constitutive capacity to grow than by the availability of resources to reach this capacity (though occasionally they may be co-limited). Overall, the most interesting feature was the empirical evidence that improvement of biomass within elite material is a worthwhile objective.     

Assessment of genetic diversity in selected breeding lines and cultivars of canola quality Brassica juncea and their implications for canola breeding

AFLP markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of 77 breeding lines from three of the world's major canola qualityBrassica juncea breeding programs from Canada (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Saskatchewan Wheat Pool) and Australia (Agriculture Victoria). The objectives of the paper were to assess the genetic diversity within and between these three breeding programs and to assess genetic diversity of the canola quality germplasm as compared to mustard quality B. juncea. Fifteen lines of mustard quality B. juncea from India, China, Russia and Australia were also included in the investigation. Ten EcoR1/Mse1 based primer pairs generated 751 scorable fragments with an average of 26 polymorphic bands per primer pair (35%). Similarity coefficients were calculated using the Simple Matching coefficient and adendrogram was developed using the UPGMA procedure, resulting in germplasm being partitioned into five main groups. Line specific markers were discovered that have potential in enhancing the efficiency of individual breeding programs using breeding techniques like accelerated backcrossing. Further understanding the genetic diversity within and between programs has implications for future breeding and collaboration within and between the three programs. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Localization ability,latent period and wilting rate in eleven carnation cultivars with partial resistance to Fusarium wilt

Summary The latent periods, wilting rates and percentages of diseased plants were analyzed for 11 carnation cultivars after root and after stem inoculation with race 2 of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianth. There was no conclusive evidence for the presence of an independent extravascular resistance mechanism, except for Lena plants in which, additional to the vascular resistance components, independent root-bound factors causing retardation of the colonization and wilting process were found. A large variation was observed in the ablity of the cultivars to localize the pathogen in the vascular tissue shortly after infection of the xylem. This ability was positively correlated with the latent period, and negatively with the wilting rate and final disease index. In resistant cultivars, secondary compartmentalization of the fungus higher up in the stem was also observed. After stem inoculation, differences among the cultivars in localization ability and wilt-retarding actors could be identified at an early stage by comparing the precentages of non-colonized plants or the percentages of plants lacking vascular discolouration.