Genetic analyses of phenological traits of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)

Heritability of flowering and leafing date of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) were estimated based on half-sib family and parent-offspring regression analyses. Narrow sense heritabilities of flowering date ranged from 0.68 to 0.88 based on half-sib analyses and from 0.89 to 0.95 based on parent-offspring regression analyses. The narrow sense heritability of leafing date was 0.75 based on half-sib analyses and 0.60 from parent-offspring regression analysis. First leafing date was highly correlated with flowering date (r =0.59–0.78), suggesting that first leafing date could be used to select for flowering date in seedlings long before the onset off lowering. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Major flowering time gene and polygene effects on chickpea seed weight

The effect of the major flowering gene (PPD) on seed weight of chickpea was studied on 450 F₃ families from reciprocal crosses between a small‐seeded, early‐flowering (PPD/PPD) type and a large‐seeded, late flowering (PPD/PPD) cultivar. F₄ progeny tests were carried out to determine the PPD genotypes of each individual F₃. The effects of the PPD gene and the polygenes on mean seed weight were both significant. Genetic correlations between time to flowering and seed weight were positive and relatively high, suggesting that in certain genetic backgrounds it might be difficult to breed early‐flowering cultivars without compromising seed weight.     

Response of rice varieties to short-day treatment

Summary Synchronisation of flowering was effected in fifty rice varieties, ranging from early to very late duration, by giving 8 light hours photoperiod to 30 days old seedlings for 20 days. The results showed that the later the type, the greater was its response to photoperiod and regression value of photoperiod response over the normal duration of the varieties was approximately 1.0.     

Pre-selection for juvenile period,flowering and picking time in apple seedlings

The length of the juvenile period was found to be associated with the degree of juvenility (degree to which seedlings show juvenile symptoms) and with the time leaf buds break in spring. The time of bud break was also related to time of flowering; bud break and juvenility were not interrelated. The observations suggest that preselection on the basis of a low degree of juvenility and early bud break together would substantially increase the proportion of early-bearing and, to a smaller extent, that of early-flowering seedlings in the selected material. The shift towards earlier flowering was not accompanied by an advance of the date at which flowering ended, at least when the selection limit is based on the progeny mean. The degree of leaf fall (colour) during autumn appeared to be closely related to the time the fruits become picking ripe; no significant relation existed between this parameter and juvenility or bud break. The degree or time of leaf fall (colour) is a possible pre-selection criterion of the time of picking.     

Genetic variability and heritability estimates for hardseededness and flowering in balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum Savi) populations

Suitability of annual pasture legume species like balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum Savi) in southern Australian farming systems depends on their hardseededness and time to flowering. Late maturing varieties with increased rate of hardseed breakdown, particularly in the late summer—early autumn period are desirable to ensure reliable regeneration in permanent pastures. Two half-sib family balansa clover populations were used to estimate heritability for the rate of breakdown of hardseededness and time to flowering. High narrow-sense heritability estimates (90.5–96.1%, rate of hardseed breakdown; 85.9–94.5%, time to flowering) were obtained, and were mainly attributed to additive gene effects. There was no relationship between rate of hardseed breakdown and time to flowering in Group1 half-sib family, which indicated that selection for both traits could be undertaken independently. In half-sib family Group 2 the relationship between the two traits suggested the possibility of selecting late maturing cultivars with increased rate of hardseed breakdown. Significant differences in time to flowering and rate of hardseed breakdown both within and between the two half-sib family groups suggested that phenotypic recurrent selection would be effective in improving the traits in these populations.     

Aspects of unconscious selection and the evolution of domesticated plants

Summary Unconscious selection may be defined as non-intentional human selection. The term was introduced by Darwin and its modern concept was developed by C.D. Darlington. Unconscious selection, or automatic selection as it is sometimes called, could have been responsible for most of the differences that distinguish domesticated seed crops from their wild progenitors, including loss of natural dispersal mechanisms, even and rapid seed germination, larger propagules, simultaneous ripening, and loss of mechanical protection as well as changes in the breeding system. Some differences, such as those in seed or fruit colors, may have developed from conscious selection at an early time. For unconscious selection to operate in the development of domesticated plants there would have to have been a deliberate planting of seeds by people.     

The delay of flowering time in almond: a review of the combined effect of adaptation,mutation and breeding

Regulation of flowering time in almond, as in other Prunus species, is a complex process involving both chill and heat requirements. Following exposure to appropriate consecutive periods of cold and warm temperatures, the buds break dormancy and sprout or flower depending on bud type. To maximize flowering and subsequent vegetative growth and fruit set, chilling and ensuing warm temperature requirements have to be fully satisfied. Because of its potential for very early flowering, flowering time in almond is a major determinant of its adaptation to new environments. In colder regions, Late-flowering is often necessary to avoid frost damage during and just after flowering. Consequently, the selection of delayed flowering times remains an important objective in almond improvement programs. Flowering time is considered a quantitative though highly heritable trait. In addition, a dominant gene (Late flowering, Lb), originally identified in a spontaneous mutation of the Californian almond cultivar ‘Nonpareil’, was also described. The objective of this review is a comparative analysis of the effects of regional adaptation, breeding and mutation on the delay of flowering time in new almond cultivars. Findings indicate that the adaptation of almonds from the Mediterranean basin to colder regions in Northern Europe and America has been mainly achieved through delayed flowering. These adapted late-flowering cultivars have usually been developed by selecting desired quantitative genes within each regional germplasm. Additional progress thus appears achievable with a more comprehensive understanding of the quantitative and qualitative genetics controlling this trait. The use of molecular markers for the early selection of genes conferring late flowering, including both spontaneous mutations as well as unique regional germplasm, should allow development of even later cultivars including ultra-late cultivars flowering as into April.     

Comparative Effects of NaCl and Polyethylene Glycol on Germination, Emergence and Seedling Growth of Cowpea

Seeds of Paceño and Cuarenteño cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) were tested for salt and drought tolerance at germination, seedling emergence and early seedling growth in NaCl and PEG‐8000 solutions of different osmotic potentials (0, ?0.2, ?0.4, ?0.6, and ?0.8 MPa). Daily and final germination and emergence percentage, as well as germination and seedling emergence rate, and seedling growth were recorded under controlled conditions. Results showed that germination and emergence rate were delayed by both solutions in both cultivars, with differences between cultivars among growth stages, given that cultivar Cuarenteño, showed a higher germination rate than Paceño in NaCl, but Paceño was less affected by NaCl and PEG solutions at the emergence stage. Sodium chloride had a lesser effect on both cultivars in terms of germination rate, emergence rate and the final germination and emergence percentage than did PEG‐8000. This conclusively proves that the adverse effect of PEG‐8000 on germination, emergence and early seedling growth was due to the osmotic effect rather than the specific ion. Seedling growth was reduced by both stresses, but NaCl usually caused less damage than PEG to cowpea seedlings, suggesting that NaCl and PEG acted through different mechanisms.     

Comparative Effects of Salt and Water Stress on Seed Germination and Early Embryo Growth in Two Cultivars of Sweet Sorghum

In semiarid regions of the Mediterranean basin, water and salinity stresses restrict crop establishment. The effects of salt and water stress on seed germination and early embryo growth (radicle and shoot growth) were investigated in laboratory in two cultivars of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] – cv. ‘90‐5‐2′ and cv. ‘Keller’ – to verify how these stresses may limit crop growth during the very early stages of growing season. Six water potentials (ψ) of the imbibition solution (from 0 to ?1.0 MPa) in NaCl or polyethylene glycol (PEG) for salt and water stress tests, respectively, were studied. Daily germination was recorded, and radicle and shoot lengths and dry weights (DWs) were measured 2 days after initial germination. Seed germination was reduced (8–30% lower than control) by water stress at ψ 相似文献   

Accelerated flowering of strawberry seedlings

For shortening the life-cycle of strawberry plants a combination of seed- and plant treatment was applied to seeds and resulting seedlings of the varieties Climax, Jucunda and Deutsch Evern.Of the seed treatments applied, a cold treatment of 16 days at 3–5°C produced a very bad germination. A treatment with H₂SO₄ 96% gave a more rapid germination and a considerably higher percentage of germination.Seedlings with three trifoliate leaves cannot be induced to flower by short-day treatment. For an effective short-day treatment of Deutsch Evern at least five and with Climax and Jucunda at least seven trifoliate leaves should be formed prior to short-day treatment. The freshly harvested seed from seedlings forced to rapid flowering has normal germination power.Through a combination of sulfuric acid treatment of the seed and a short-day treatment of the seedlings as soon as the latter have become sensitive, the life-cycle can be shortened from 18–24 months to 8–9 months.

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Publikatie 175     

The possibilities of early selection for forcing ability and productivity in tulips

Summary The long breeding cycle and the slow vegetative reproduction of tulips (Tulipa sspp.) seriously restrict the activities of private breeders. The research programme of the Institute is aimed at the development of methods of early selection on such characteristics as productivity, forcing ability and disease susceptibility, which would enable breeders to work more efficiently.Observations in seedling populations and comparisons between very small bulblets of commercial clones and mature, flowering bulbs of the same clones led to some provisional criteria for selection.Time of germination was found to be maternally determined and as such unsuitable for selection purposes. On the other hand sprout development appeared to be a useful criterion for selection on forcing ability while the degree and mode of reproduction of the bulblets showed some promise as a criterion for productivity. These criteria are being tested in a few large seedling populations.     

Bayesian threshold analysis of breeding values,genetic correlation and heritability of flowering intensity in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus cladocalyx</Emphasis> under arid conditions

In the dry regions of Chile, prolific flowering from forest plantation is particularly advantageous for honey production, in order to supplement the erratic flowering in native plants. Eucalyptus cladocalyx is a species suitable for areas with low water availability and their flowers provide a reliable source for the production of honey. The aim of this study was to examine the heritability of flowering intensity in 49 open-pollinated families of E. cladocalyx in southern Atacama Desert, Chile, with the view to the selection for prolific flowering, but with minimal impact on precocious flowering. The Bayesian variance component estimation model was assumed using the Gibbs sampling algorithm. Threshold models were fitted to flowering data (bi-character model). Flowering intensity was found to be highly heritable (posterior mean: h ² = 0.48; and credible interval: 0.41–0.56). The posterior mean of the genetic correlation between flowering precocity and intensity was positive (r = 0.45) and according to the credible interval (0.341–0.542), it was significantly different from zero, indicating that selection on breeding values of early flowering at age three, would have significant and positive impact on flowering intensity 5 years later (or in 8-year-old trees). These results are important for the start of a small-scale breeding program for the species in southern Atacama Desert. The genetic variability found in these breeding populations may be used for breeding purposes in regions where arid environmental conditions are limiting to the establishment of eucalypts trees.     

Breeding for resistance to yellow disease of hyacinths. I. Investigations on F1's from diallel crosses

Summary Analysis of an incomplete diallel design with 14 hyacinth cultivars for resistance to yellow disease showed a significant GCA and a heritability of 0.75. A correlation appeared to exist between flowering date and degree of resistance to yellow disease, early flowering seedlings being generally less resistant. Of 1440 seedlings 69 were selected as resistant on the basis of absence of leaf symptoms. The results of the selection appeared to be in agreement with the breeding value (GCA) of the parent cultivars. The possible influence of chromosome numbers on the degree of resistance to yellow disease is discussed.     

早果、矮化、抗逆苹果砧木Y系的选育研究

为选育具有本土适应性的苹果矮化砧木,以中国原生的种质资源——野生晋西北山定子为试材,通过田间观察和综合评价,以其实生苗为自根砧嫁接苹果品种,以早花、早果为筛选指标进行初选,以连续开花和结果性能、耐旱性、抗寒性、接穗品种果实品质为主次顺序筛选指标,进一步逐级筛选,进行复选,以八棱海棠为自根砧,复选出的植株自根砧萌蘖苗为中间砧嫁接苹果品种,以矮化性、植株生长势、连续开花和结果性能、耐旱性、抗寒性、接穗品种果实品质为主次顺序筛选指标逐级筛选,进行决选。结果表明,以初选出的砧木群体(定名为Y系)作为自根砧的嫁接植株,早花早果特性和连续开花结果能力极为突出,矮化性状明显,抗寒、抗旱性较强;以决选出的4个优系为中间砧的嫁接植株,除具有Y系嫁接植株基本特性外,果实品质较好。Y系是具有较强的矮化、开花结果、抗寒、抗旱性能的苹果砧木群体,具有很大的苹果矮化砧木选育潜力;4个优系的矮化、开花结果、耐旱、抗寒性能较强,其中,Y-1(原名Y-B030)为矮化砧木,Y-2(原名Y-B094)为极矮化砧木,Y-3(原名Y-B007)为半矮化砧木,均已通过区试及品种审定。     

Inheritance and relationships of important agronomic traits in almond

The inheritance of 16 important agronomic traits and its relationship were studied for four years in a population of 167 almond [P. dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] seedlings obtained from a cross between the French selection ‘R1000’ (‘Tardy Nonpareil’ × ‘Tuono’) and the Spanish cultivar ‘Desmayo Largueta’. For some traits (blooming and leafing date) descendants segregated between the value of both progenitors, meanwhile for others the mean of the offspring was lower (bloom density, productivity and ripening date) or higher (in-shell/kernel ratio and double kernels). As expected, kernel bitterness and self-incompatibility behaved as monogenic traits. Some important correlations between traits were detected. The implications of the transmission and the correlation of these traits in the breeding programmes are discussed.     

A model describing the flowering of single plants, and the heritability of flowering traits of Dimorphotheca pluvialis

In the development of new crops such as Dimorphoteca pluvialis (L.) Moench, improvement of flowering synchronisation is an important breeding objective. The flowering of single plants of Dimorphotheca pluvialis could be described by a logistic curve obtained by the regression of cumulative number of open flowers on time. The curve is characterised by three parameters, corresponding with the total number of flowers produced by the plant, the rate of flowering development and the day at which peak bloom is reached. From these parameters two other characteristics were derived, i.e., onset of flowering and duration of flowering. The use of the flowering model for selection for improved flowering synchronisation is discussed. Heritabilities of flowering traits were estimated using parent-offspring regression and variance components analyses. Onset of flowering and date of peak bloom showed high (>0.69), and total number of flowers moderate to high (0.30–0.90) heritability values, indicating that for these traits considerable progress may be expected from mass selection, particularly in the early selection generations. Duration of flowering showed low to moderate values (0.25–0.45), and methods other than mass selection (e.g. family selection) should be considered. Determination of phenotypic and genetic correlations revealed only an additive genetic correlation between date of peak bloom and duration of flowering (r _A = 0.80 and 0.69 for 1993 and 1994, respectively), suggesting the possibility of indirect selection for curtailed duration of flowering by means of selection against late date of peak bloom. Duration of flowering, total number of flowers and onset of flowering were not correlated. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Heritability and predicted gain from selection in components of crop duration in divergent chickpea cross populations

Genetic analysis of ten quantitative traits related to crop duration in chickpea was carried out using three F ₂ sib-populations; 272-2 × CDC Anna, 298T-9 × CDC Anna and 298T-9 × CDC Frontier. F ₃ and F ₄ families from these populations were further evaluated for traits found important in the initial study. Also, 112 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of chickpea cross ICCV 2 × JG 62 were evaluated for days to flowering, days to maturity and reproductive period. An analysis of the F ₂ population data using the mixed model approach revealed that the additive component of variance was significant for days to flowering, days to first podding and days to first pod maturity, while dominance genetic variance was significant for morphological components of crop duration such as height to first pod and height at flowering. Comparatively high heritability estimates (39–48%) were obtained for days to flowering, days to first pod maturity, percent pod maturity at four months after planting and days to maturity based on offspring-parent (F ₄ and F ₃ generations) regression and/or analysis of variance for the RIL population. The predicted gain from selection as a percentage of the population mean was low (5% or less) for these key components of crop duration owing to the low variability detected within the populations, the exception being percent pod maturity. To maximize gain from selection in these traits, it is therefore, essential to increase genetic variability among the progenies, potentially through multi-parent crosses that may involve gene introgression from across desi and kabuli types of chickpea and from wild progenitors.     

The Inheritance of Components of Fruiting Season, Yield and Vigour in Short-Day Strawberries and the Relationship between Pistillate Flowers and Flowering Time

The study was designed to provide information on the inheritance of the fruiting period in strawberries and to ascertain whether pistillate seedlings differed in any important respects from their hermaphrodite sibs. Seven short-day genotypes, covering the full range of outdour cropping seasons in the UK, were crossed in a half-diallel without selfs and the seedlings grown in the field. Six plant characters, components of fruiting season, yield and vigour, were analysed and each one was found to be heritable with the additive genetic component contributing more towards the overall genetic variance than the non-additive component. There was more variation for flowering time than for maturation time but both characters are important when breeding for an extended season. The pistillate cultivar‘Pandora’ contributed both the latest flowering and slowest fruit maturation to its progeny and an association was found between late flowering and pistillate flowers, suggesting a possible linkage. This will limit the usefulness of‘Pandora’ as a parent when breeding late-fruiting strawberries.     

Early Generation Selection for Grain Yield in Narrow-Leaf Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

Experiments were undertaken to identify an efficient method of selection for yield in early segregating generations of narrow-leaf lupin crosses. A first series of experiments involved simulation of F₂ populations with mixtures of ten cultivars and advanced breeding lines. The performance of genotypes in mixtures sown at different densities was compared with their monoculture [commercial density) yields m the same and the following year. These comparisons provided a basis for assessing the value of different planting designs and different selection criteria in early generation selection for yield. Correlated monoculture yield responses to simulated selection for single plant yield were similar for the honeycomb design and standard selection procedures at both low and commercial densities. These responses were much higher than that for grid selection in a low density population. Correlated monoculture yield responses to selection for other plant characters were substantial only for flowering time and number of pod bearing branches under certain conditions. These responses were greatest for selection in a low density mixture and in the year following selection. A procedure involving selection of the earliest flowering plants and selection within this group of plants with the highest number of pod bearing branches should be an effective approach to early generation yield selection in the narrow-leaf lupin.     

Early Generation Selection for Grain Yield in Narrow-Leaf Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

Experiments were conducted with early segregating generations of a selected narrow-leaf lupin cross to determine the effectiveness of selection for yield based on alternative criteria. F2 plants were selected on the basis of seed yield and several other yield-related characters to generate separate F3 populations. Randomly selected plants from each population were grown over the summer (off-season) in a glasshouse to generate F4 populations. Analyses of relationships between F2 plant measurements and F3 progeny mean yields revealed significant correlations only for those characters with the highest heritabilities - flowering time, 100 seed weight and harvest index. However, selection for the earliest flowering F2 plants followed by selection within this group of plants with the highest number of pod bearing branches would result in the greatest increase in F3 mean yield. The F2-derived F4 populations with the highest seed yields were those obtained by selection for total plant dry weight, number of pod bearing branches and number of pods per plant. Improvement in commercial crop yield should therefore be obtained through selection in early generations for those characters contributing to the greatest number of pods per unit area. A scheme involving selection for early flowering and high number of pod bearing branches in the F2 combined with replicated yield tests in the F4 is proposed.