Effects of dwarfing genes on yield and yield components under irrigated and rainfed conditions in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Summary Near-isogenic tall (no dwarfing gene), semidwarf (Rht1 or Rht2) and dwarf (Rht1 + Rht2 or Rht3) spring wheat lines were evaluated for yield and yield components under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Under irrigated conditions, the dwarf and the semidwarf lines exhibited a significant yield advantage over the tall lines. Under rainfed conditions, the semidwarf lines outyielded the tall as well as the dwarf lines. Percent yield reduction in response to drought stress was highest with the dwarfs and lowest with the tall lines. Dry matter production of the tall lines and that of the semidwarf lines did not differ significantly and both produced significantly more dry matter than the dwarf lines under irrigated as well as rainfed conditions. Plant height and kernel weight decreased with increasing degree of dwarfness while number of kernels per spikelet, harvest index and days to heading increased under both moisture regimes. The dwarfing genes did not have any significant influence on number of tillers/m² and spikelets per spike in either moisture regime.     

Expression of 17 rye (Secale cereale L.) traits in a range of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and bread wheat (T. aestivum L.) genetic backgrounds

Summary Expression of 17 rye traits in 24 bread wheat x rye and 8 durum wheat x rye crosses was studied, using a self-compatible, homozygous, dwarf rye. Rye showed epistasis for hairiness on the peduncle in all the crosses of Triticum aestivum and T. durum wheats with rye. Dark greenness of leaves of rye was expressed in all the durum wheat x rye and in some of the bread wheat x rye crosses. Similarly, absence of auricle pubescence, a rye trait, was expressed in most of the durum wheat x rye crosses but not in the bread wheat x rye crosses, indicating the presence of inhibitors for these traits frequently on the D genome and rarely on the A and/or B genome of wheat. Most of the wide hybrids resembled rye fully or partially for intense waxy bloom on the leaf-sheath and for the absence of basal underdeveloped spikelets. Similarly, most of the amphihaploids resembled rye for the anthocyanin in the coleoptile, stem and node. The presence of some inhibitors on A and/or B genome of wheat was indicated in some of the wheat genotypes for the expression of rye traits viz. intense waxy bloom, anthocyanin in node and absence of basal underdeveloped spikelets. Enhancement in the level of expression of the intensity and length of bristles on the mid-rib of the glume of the hybrids might be due to wheat-rye interaction. Less number of florets/spikelet as in rye showed variable expression in different wheat backgrounds. Some other rye traits like absence of auricles, terminal spikelet and glume-awn were not expressed in the wheat background. The expression of some of the rye genes might have been influenced by their interaction with Triticum cytoplasm and/or the environment.     

Effect of Glaucousness on Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Grain Yield in Durum Wheat

The effect of glaucousness on yield and transpiration efficiency was studied in durum wheat under Mediterranean conditions. Two groups of 16 genotypes, with contrasting glaucousness, were compared over 2 years for flag leaf and kernel carbon isotope discrimination, residual transpiration, specific leaf dry weight, biomass and grain yield. Significantly higher carbon isotope discrimination and lower specific leaf dry weight were noted in the glaucous lines. No significant effect of glaucousness was found on residual transpiration. Glaucous genotypes also exhibited higher grain yield, which was strongly correlated to the carbon isotope discrimination values. Results suggest that glaucousness has a negative effect on transpiration efficiency, which could be related to modifications of leaf energy balance. Higher stomatal conductance, reflected by the high carbon isotope discrimination, could mainly explain the higher grain yield found in the glaucous lines.     

Stability analysis over seasons and locations of multilines of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Summary Three multilines each of Kalyansona and PV 18 varieties of wheat were compared for their stability of yield and agronomic characters and disease resistance against the respective recurrent parents. The experiments were conducted for four years at nine locations.The multilines had more tillers and bolder seeds than the recurrent parents. There were, however, no differences for plant height, ear length and number of spikelets per spike.The genotypes x years x locations interaction was much more important than genotypes x years or genotypes x locations interaction as well as the main effects for genotypes. It is suggested that the number of test locations should be increased while decreasing the number of years.The stability parameters indicated that the multilines had a higher mean yield in the case of Kalyansona multilines whereas the yield of multilines of PV 18 was not significantly inferior to that of the recurrent parent. The regression coefficients were very close to unity except for KSML 3 (b=1.132). The deviations from regression were much larger for the multilines than for the recurrent parents.For rust resistance the multilines were superior over the varieties Kalyansona and PV 18.This is publication No. 9 of the series Studies on multilines in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)     

Photosynthesis,transpiration, resistance to CO2 transfer,and water efficiency of flag leaf of bread wheat,durum wheat and triticale

Summary Net photosynthesis, transpiration, and resistances to CO₂ and water vapour transfer of two cultivars of each of four types (Triticum durum, Triticum aestivum. hexaploid Triticale, octaploid Triticale) were analysed. Hexaploid triticales have the highest net photosynthesis and the best water efficiency. Water efficiency was defined by the CER/transpiration ratio measured under saturating irradiance corresponding to full stomatal opening. Cultivated bread and durum wheat cultivars (Capitole, Champlein, Bidi 17) are characterised by a low CER associated with a large flag leaf area and a high mesophyll resistance. There is a close correlation between CER., flag leaf area, mesophyll resistance and total chlorophyll content.     

Differential tolerance to Fe and Zn deficiencies in wheat germplasm

Tolerance to Fe deficiency of wheat genotypes exhibiting differential tolerance to Zn deficiency is not known, even though the relationship between Fe nutrition and differential tolerance of wheat genotypes to Zn deficiency has been hypothesised frequently. In the present experiment, eight Triticum aestivum and two T. turigidum L. conv. durum cultivars were grown in nutrient solution deficient in either Znor Fe. Three indices of tolerance to nutrient deficiency were compared: relative [(-nutrient/+nutrient) × 100] shoot growth, shoot dry weight under nutrient deficiency and relative shoot/root dry weight ratio. Genotypes Aroona, Excalibur, Stilleto and Trident were classified as tolerant to both Zn and Fe deficiency, while durum wheats Durati and Yallaroi were sensitive to Zn deficiency and moderate to sensitive to Fe deficiency. Genotypes Excalibur, Stilleto and Trident come from the same breeding programme and have the common parent (line MEC3 =Sonora64//TZPP/YAQUI54) that could have been the donor of the genes for tolerance to Zn deficiency. When Fe-deficient, all wheat genotypes were severely chlorotic but kept producing shoot and root dry matter at a relatively high rate, making the relationship between the relative shoot growth and the relative leaf chlorophyll content poor. This is the first report of wheat genotypes exhibiting multiple tolerance to Zn and Fe deficiencies. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Gametocidal properties of RH-531, RH-532, RH-2956, and RH-4667 on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Summary Several chemicals were evaluated for their gametocidal properties to control pollination in hybrid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell.) seed production. In a preliminary study, four chemicals were applied to three cultivars of spring wheat at two application times. RH-532 was the most effective of the four gametocides, reducing fertility to a 0 10% level for all three cultivars.In a second experiment, RH-532 was applied to one cytoplasmic male-sterile and three normal spring wheats at four rates (0.56, 1.12, 2.24, and 4.48 kg/ha) and at two times of application. Alternate strips of pollinator were planted throughout the experiment. All treatments decreased fertility. plant height, and spike length of the three normal wheats. RH-532 did not inhibit spike emergence of two semidwarf cultivars or one of conventional height. Cultivars did not respond similarly to treatments.Yields of cross-pollinated seed were only 1 21% of the normal yield when fertility levels on treated plants reached 0 10%. Hybrid seed content of the harvested seed ranged from 2 55%. On the treated male-sterile line, yield was significantly reduced in comparison with the open-pollinated check. Inhibitory properties of this chemical suppressed the fertilization potential of the female as well as inducing male sterility.The differential response of genotypes to treatments indicates that cultivars should be screened for male and female sensitivity to this chemical. If differential sensitivity is found, breeding and selection to improve this trait may be possible. Different environmental conditions may alter the response of cultivars to this chemical, with less effect on the female structures.Published with the approval of the Director, North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, as journal article No 71a.     

Evidence for a ‘uniculm effect’ in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a mediterranean environment

Summary The concept of the uniculm habit as an important feature of a wheat ideotype for a mediterranean environment was evaluated under field conditions. A uniculm plant produces a single shoot and when sown in a stand exemplifies a non-tillering crop with a fixed density of shoots throughout the growing season. Yield and harvest index of normal tillering spring wheat was compared with that of the same crop surgically detillered throughout the growing season to a constant density of 2 shoots per plant. The use of a biculm, whilst retaining the uniculm principle of a fixed density of shoots throughout the growing season, permitted comparison on a single crop sowing at normal field density.The control plots followed the usual pattern of tillering for the region attaining a maximum of about 4.0 shoots per plant by early spring. Shoot number declined to 2.3 and 2.6 per plant by maturity in 1978 and 1979, respectively.Detillered plots outyielded the controls by 14 per cent in 1978 (2.05 v. 1.80 tonnes ha^-1) and 22 per cent in 1979 (1.84 v. 1.51 tonnes ha^-1). Harvest indices were 0.39 v. 0.35 in 1978 and 0.30 v. 0.24 in 1979 for detillered and control plots, respectively.Higher leaf area indices and better water relations after anthesis in biculm stands indicated more efficient water use when shoot population was controlled at near optimum level. Irrigation at anthesis reduced the difference in yield between detillered and control plots.Although the uniculm principle was demonstrated with biculms in practice control of shoot number will require the use of genetic uniculms.     

Genetic variation for resistance to Fusarium head blight in bread wheat

Summary During a four year period, a total of 258 winter and spring wheat genotypes were evaluated for resistance to head blight after inoculation with Fusarium culmorum strain IPO 39-01. It was concluded that genetic variation for resistance is very large. Spring wheat genotypes which had been reported to be resistant to head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum were also resistant to F. culmorum. The resistant germplasm was divided into three gene pools: winter wheats from Eastern Europe, spring wheats from China/Japan and spring wheats from Brazil. In 32 winter wheat genotypes in 1987, and 54 winter wheat genotypes in 1989, the percentage yield reduction depended on the square root of percentage head blight with an average regression coefficient of 6.6. Heritability estimates indicated that for selection for Fusarium head blight resistance, visually assessed head blight was a better selection criterion than yield reduction.     

Major gene control of tolerance of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to high concentrations of soil boron

Summary The genetic control of tolerance of wheat to high concentrations of soil boron was studied for five genotypes. Each genotype represented one of five categories of response to high levels of boron, ranging from very sensitive to tolerant. Tolerance to boron was expressed as a partially dominant character, although the response of an F₁ hybrid, relative to the parents, varied with the level of boron applied. The F₁ hybrids responded similarly to the more tolerant parent at low B treatments and intermediate to the parents at higher treatments. Ratios consistent with monogenic segregation were observed for the F₂ and F₃ generations for the combinations (WI^*MMC) × Kenya Farmer, Warigal × (WI^*MMC) and Halberd × Warigal. The three genes, Bo1, Bo2 and Bo3, while transgressive segregation between two tolerant genotypes, G61450 and Halberd, suggested a fourth locus controlling tolerance to boron.     

Relationship of Carbon Isotope Discrimination to Water Use Efficiency and Productivity of Barley Under Field and Greenhouse Conditions

This study was conducted to evaluate the application of carbon isotope discrimination (CID) as a selection criterion for improving water use efficiency (WUE) and productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under field and drought‐stress conditions in a greenhouse. A total of 54 genotypes were screened for variability in CID under field conditions, while 23 genotypes were evaluated under water‐deficit conditions in the greenhouse. A survey of leaf CID of 54 genotypes at two field locations showed more than 2.14‰ difference between extreme genotypes. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) genotypic variation was found in WUE and CID that had a negative strong correlation. There was a negative correlation between leaf CID and aerial biomass in the greenhouse and among six‐row genotypes in the field. Correlations between leaf CID across field locations and across irrigation regimes in the greenhouse were significant (experiment 1, r = 0.79 and 0.94 for six‐ and two‐row genotypes), suggesting stability of the CID trait across different environments. Overall, these results indicate the potential of leaf CID as a reliable method for selecting for high WUE and productivity in barley breeding programmes in the Canadian prairies. Further work is currently underway to determine heritability/genetics of leaf CID and application of molecular marker‐assisted selection for the traits in barley breeding programmes.     

Genetic variation in stomatal characteristics and behaviour,water use and growth of five Vicia faba L. genotypes under contrasting soil moisture regimes

Summary Five genotypes of Vicia faba L. with contrasting frequencies were grown in a controlled environment in soil moisture regimes of 100%, 78% and 61% of field capacity. Growth, water use and leaf conductance characteristics were measured. Stomata were more frequent on abaxial than adaxial surfaces, the abaxial/adaxial ratio ranging from 1.12 to 1.34. There were significant (P<0.001) correlations between calculated stomatal conductance, based on measurements of stomatal frequency and length, and leaf conductance measured with a diffusion porometer, in the two higher soil moisture treatments. In the 100% regime only, abaxial stomata opened wider than adaxial. Ranking of the genotypes for leaf conductance and plant transpiration was similar in all three regimes with large leaved types having the lowest conductance and greatest water use efficiency. Growing plants with reduced soil moisture availability improved water use efficiency, the ranking for which was also similar in all treatments. Relative growth rate and net assimilation rate were greatest with full watering, less in the 78% and least in the 61% regime. Leaf area ratio was less affected by available soil moisture and only in some genotypes.     

Physiological responses of six bread wheat and durum wheat genotypes to water stress

Summary The responses of six wheat genotypes to water stress were analysed. Soil moisture (H), leaf water potential (_w), photosynthesis (P_N), stomatal resistance (r_s) and transpiration (T) were measured during a water stress. The genotypes investigated differed in their stress avoidance (_w-H relationship) and their stress tolerance (P_N-_w and r_s-_w relationships). The most important differences observed concern the mechanisms of tolerance at low leaf water potential: two varieties, Haurani 27 and Baalback, can then maintain a high photosynthetic activity. These observations are in agreement with the drought resistance characteristics already known for these genotypes. Possible applications to wheat breeding are considered     

Distribution and allelic expressivity of genes for hybrid necrosis in some elite winter and spring wheat ecotypes

The distribution and allelic expressivity of hybrid necrosis genes (Ne ₁ and Ne ₂) were studied in 21 winter (mostly exotic) and 43 spring type elite wheat genotypes, by crossing them with two known testers, C 306 (Ne ₁-carrier) and HD 2380 (Ne ₂-carrier).Ne ₁ gene was present in one north-west Himalayan winter wheat landrace, Shoure Local, but absent in the other winter as well as spring wheats. Ne ₂ gene was prevalent to a much lower extent in the exotic winter wheat germplasm (31.57%) as compared to the recently developed Indian and Mexican spring wheat semidwarfs (69.80%). This may suggest that breeders have tried to preclude hybrid necrosis by selecting for non-carrier genotypes in the development of exotic winter wheats in contrast to the situation in spring wheats. Based on the degree of expression of hybrid necrosis genes in the F₁ hybrids, the carrier genotypes were characterized with respect to the allelic strength of the hybrid necrosis genes. The 27 non-carrier genotypes of the two ecotypes identified in the present study have a greater potential use in future hybridization programmes so as to overcome the problem of hybrid necrosis. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A comparison of marker-assisted and phenotypic selection for high grain protein content in spring wheat

Wheat grain protein content (GPC) is a primary end-use quality determinant for hard spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and marker-assisted selection (MAS) could help plant breeders to develop high GPC cultivars. Two experiments were conducted using two populations developed by crossing low GPC cultivars (Ember) and (McVey) with (Glupro), which contains a high GPC QTL from Triticum dicoccoides (DIC). In one experiment, MAS and phenotypic selection (PS) were employed to select high GPC genotypes, and the selected genotypes were grown in six North Dakota (ND), USA environments. In a second experiment, molecular markers were used to select BC₂F₂ plants from each marker class for the DIC allele from each population. These plants were twice self-pollinated to produce BC₂F₄ plants, which were grown in single ND and Minnesota (MN) environments. Mean GPC was highest among lines using PS at two environments and not significantly different between MAS and PS in the other four environments. Lines presumably homozygous for DIC alleles had significantly higher GPC than their respective low GPC parents. The phenotypic GPC variation explained by the markers (r ²) was 30% at the ND and 15% at the MN environment. The use of PS was as effective as MAS in selecting for high GPC genotypes and more effective in some environments. This likely can be attributed to PS enabling selection for both the major QTL and other genes contributing to GPC. The use of molecular markers might be more advantageous for transferring the high GPC DIC QTL in a backcrossing program during parent development.     

Relationship between common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) gluten proteins and dough rheological properties

This paper reports the correlation between the rheological properties of bread wheat dough and the types and quantities of endosperm proteins in 28 common wheat cultivars. Different methods were used to analyse the allelic composition of these cultivars and the relative quantities of the different proteins contributing to the gluten structure. Neither dough strength (W) nor tenacity/extensibility (P/L) correlated with allelic composition. Different wheats with the same allelic composition (i.e., with respect to glutenins) showed different rheological properties. The glutenins were the most influential components of W and P/L, especially the high molecular weight (HMW) glutenin subunits and in particular the type x form. These proteins seem to increase W and are the main constituents of the gluten network. The gliadins and low molecular weight (LMW) glutenin subunits appear to act as a “solvent”, and thus modify the rheological properties of the dough by either interfering with the polymerisation of the HMW glutenin subunits, or by altering the relative amounts of the different types of glutenin available. Thus, the protein subunits coded for by the alleles Glu-B1x7 and Glu-D1x5 stabilised the gluten network, whereas those coded for by Glu-B1x17 and Glu-D1x2 had the opposite effect. Dough properties therefore appear to depend on the glutenin/gliadins balance, and on the ratio of the type x and type y HMW proteins. The influence of external factors seems to depend on the allelic composition of each cultivar.     

Levels of phenotypic variation for developmental traits in landrace genotypes of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. Turgidum L. conv. durum (Desf.) MK.) from Jordan

Summary A germplasm collection comprising 132 landrace genotypes of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) ssp. turgidum L. conv. durum (Desf.) MK., from 10 districts in Jordan was evaluated for days to booting (DB), days to heading (DH), days to anthesis (DA), days to maturity (DM), filling period (FP) and grain yield (GY). In spite of the relatively strong genetic (Gr) and phenotypic (Pr) correlation coefficients between the developmental traits, the variation among genotypes was significant. GY was only positively and significantly correlated with DA and FP, while it was negatively correlated with DH. Genotypes with different combinations of early, medium and late developmental traits have been identified. Different combinations of DH and FP may or may not lead to differences in DM and GY. However, genotypes with long FP and medium-late DH gave the highest grain yield. Multiple linear regression of the duration of maturity (M) stage on the duration of booting (B), heading (H) and anthesis (A) stages (M = –260.87 + 2.09 B + 1.23 H + 0.9 A, R ² = 0.92) indicates that it is possible to manipulate the duration of these developmental stages and develop genotypes with high yield potential and early maturity, a highly desirable in drought-prone environments.     

Increased grain protein content and its association with agronomic and end-use quality in two hard red spring wheat populations derived from Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides

Suitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for many food products depends on its unique protein. Elevated grain protein content (GPC) and its quality influences the bread making properties of wheat. The objective of this study was to examine the association of elevated GPC with agronomic and end-use quality in two hard red spring wheat recombinant inbred (RI) populations derived from wild emmer (Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides). The two hard red spring populations (ND683/Bergen and Glupro/Bergen) were developed using a single-seed-descent method. ND683 and ‘Glupro’ are high in GPC (180 g kg^-1), presumably due to the introgression of gene(s) from Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides and ‘Bergen’ is low in GPC (145 g kg^-1). From each of the two populations 12 high- and 12 low-GPC RI lines (F_5:7) were selected for replicated testing at two North Dakota (ND) locations in 1995. In both populations, the high-GPC lines had significantly (p < 0.05) higher values compared to the low-GPC lines for mean GPC and water absorption. Mean grain yield of the high-GPC lines was not significantly different from the low-GPC lines in both populations. In the ND683/Bergen population, the high-GPC lines had significantly (p < 0.05) higher values than the low-GPC lines for mean plant height, days to heading, and flour extraction. GPC was significantly (p < 0.05)and negatively associated with test weight and also significantly (p < 0.01) and positively associated with water absorption in the Glupro/Bergen population. In these populations, results suggested that it may be possible to select lines that combine higher GPC and acceptable yield level, but later in maturity and taller in plant height. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Origin,diversity and utilization of the Cuban germplasm of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Summary Wheat root characters which influence vital plant processes have scarcely been explored for their genetic control. This study was conducted to i) examine the diversity of root traits and associated shoot traits in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars; ii) study the nature of genetic control of selected traits; and iii) examine associations among root and shoot traits. Three experiments were conducted in the greenhouse with plants grown in the vermiculite medium in clear plastic tubes. In the first experiment, 42 spring wheat cultivars were grown for three weeks and measurements were taken on root length, leaf length, root number, leaf number, root dry weight, and top dry weight. In the second study, 15F₁'s originating from a partial diallel mating of six cultivars along with the parents were evaluated for 4 weeks. The data on root length, leaf length, and root number were subjected to diallel analysis according to Griffing's method 4, fixed model. A third experiment consisted of studying 2 F₂ populations with 141 plants per population. In the first study the 42 cultivars exhibited a wide range of variation for all six traits. Diallel analysis revealed significant effects of both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for root length, leaf length, and root number. Parents with high GCA estimates were identified. Significant positive correlation coefficients were found among root and shoot traits. Analysis of F₂'s for root length indicated quantitative nature of inheritance of root length.     

Russian wheat aphid-induced protein alterations in spring wheat

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), has become a perennial, serious pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the western United States. Current methodologies used to enhance RWA resistance in wheat germplasm could benefit from an understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying resistance to RWA. This study was initiated to identify specific polypeptides induced by RWA feeding that may be associated with RWA resistance. The effects of RWA feeding on PI 140207 (a RWA-resistant spring wheat) and Pavon (a RWA-susceptible spring wheat) were examined by visualizing, silver-stained denatured leaf proteins separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparisons of protein profiles of noninfested and RWA-infested Pavon and PI 140207 revealed a 24-kilodalton-protein complex selectively inhibited in Pavon that persisted in PI 140207during RWA attack. No other significant qualitative or quantitative differences were detected in RWA-induced alterations of protein profiles. These results suggest that RWA feeding selectively inhibit synthesis and accumulation of proteins necessary for normal metabolic functions in susceptible plants. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.