Identification of PCR-based markers linked to the powdery-mildew-resistance gene Pl1 from Malus robusta in cultivated apple

The availability of molecular markers linked to mildew resistance genes would enhance the efficiency of apple-breeding programmes. This investigation focuses on the identification of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers linked to the Pl₁ gene for mildew resistance, which has introgressed from Malus robusta into cultivated apples. The RAPD marker technique was combined with a modified ‘bulked seg-regant analysis’ mapping strategy. About 850 random decamer primers used as single primers or in combinations were tested by PCR analysis on the basis of resistant and susceptible DNA pools. Selected primers producing RAPD fragments were applied in an additional selection step to M. robusta and genotypes representing intermediate breeding stages of the breeding population 93/9, for which a 1:1 segregation could be observed for the resistance trait. Seven RAPD markers, all representing introgressed DNA sequences from M. robusta, were identified and arranged with the Pl₁ locus in a common linkage group. The two most tightly-linked RAPD markers, OPAT20₄₅₀ and OPD2₁₀₀₀ were mapped with a genetic distance of 4.5 and 5 cM, respectively, from the Pl₁ gene. Both markers are suitable for marker-assisted selection in apple breeding. The polymorphic DNA fragment OPAT20₄₅₀ was cloned and sequenced, and longer primers for the generation of a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker have been constructed; this marker was easier to score than the original RAPD marker.     

Epistasis in Maize (Zea mays L.) III. Comparison of Single and Three-Way Crosses for Forage Traits

The importance of epistasis for forage performance and quality traits was studied in early maturing European maize (Zea mays L.) breeding materials. Sixty-six three-way crosses (3W), 33 of the flint x (dent · dent) and 33 of the dem × (flint · flint) type, were compared with the mean of their respective non-parental single crosses () using data obtained in six environments. For each of the 11 traits examined, at least 6 out of the 66 three-way crosses displayed significant (P < 0.05) epistatic deviations, calculated as – 3W. Averaged over crosses and environments, epistatic deviations were highly significant (P < 0,31] for 8 trails, but of minor importance except for grain yield. In general, the variance of epistatie deviations was appreciably smaller than the variance of genotype × environment interactions. Highly significant correlations occurred among epistatie deviations for silking date, dry matter content of ear, and dry matter yield of grain and stover. The reliability of predicting the performance of three-way crosses from 2W as opposed to assessing them directly was investigated as a function of the number of test environments. Disturbing e fleets of epistasis on prediction only became important under intense testing (> 3 or 4 environments), With fewer test environments, both procedures were almost equivalent, due to a smaller influence of genotype × environment interaction on the values, Epistasis is concluded to be of minor importance with regard to the optimum type of hybrid for forage use.     

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

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

Marker assisted polycross breeding to increase diversity and yield in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Summary In this study, the application of molecular markers to optimise genetic diversity in a polycross breeding program of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was evaluated. The genetic diversity among 98 potential parental plants from three maturity groups (early, intermediate and late flowering) was investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. For each maturity group, two polycrosses of six parental plants with contrasting levels of genetic diversity were composed. Average genetic diversity among parents selected for narrow polycrosses was 36% lower than among parents selected for wide polycrosses. Diversity within first generation synthetic progenies (Syn1) was proportional to the diversity within the respective parental polycrosses. However, differences were less pronounced with Syn1 progenies from narrow polycrosses showing 16% reduced diversity when compared to Syn1 progenies from wide polycrosses. Multivariate analyses allowed for a clear separation of the six Syn1 progenies based on AFLP markers and demonstrated their genetic distinctness. Evaluation of dry matter yield, date of ear emergence and stem length of Syn1 and Syn2 progenies showed progenies from wide polycrosses to be constantly higher yielding when compared to progenies from narrow polycrosses. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in variability for the two morphological traits between progenies of narrow- and wide polycrosses. The results presented here provide evidence for an efficient application of molecular markers to select genetically diverse polycross parents which resulted in an average yield increase of 3.8%.     

Basics of effective erosion control in German agriculture

Present research in Germany on water, wind, and tillage erosion is examined. Existing soil‐protection strategies, laws, and guidelines are outlined. These are the result of extensive scientific investigations and the adoption of existing international knowledge. The most common methodologies currently used in Germany are reviewed. They allow an estimation of the water‐ and wind‐erosion risks as well as methods for their reduction. The results enable an aim‐orientated, site‐specific, risk‐adequate approach to implementing control measures in an easily understood framework. The most important remaining research problems are explained.     

Retention of xenon in quartz and Earth's missing xenon

The reactivity of xenon with terrestrial oxides was investigated by in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction. At high temperature (T > 500 kelvin), some silicon was reduced, and the pressure stability of quartz was expanded, attesting to the substitution of some xenon for silicon. When the quartz was quenched, xenon diffused out and only a few weight percent remained trapped in samples. These results show that xenon can be covalently bonded to oxygen in quartz in the lower continental crust, providing an answer to the missing xenon problem; synthesis paths of rare gas compounds are also opened.     

Involvement of mammalian Mus81 in genome integrity and tumor suppression

Mus81-Eme1 endonuclease has been implicated in the rescue of stalled replication forks and the resolution of meiotic recombination intermediates in yeast. We used gene targeting to study the physiological requirements of Mus81 in mammals. Mus81-/- mice are viable and fertile, which indicates that mammalian Mus81 is not essential for recombination processes associated with meiosis. Mus81-deficient mice and cells were hypersensitive to the DNA cross-linking agent mitomycin C but not to gamma-irradiation. Remarkably, both homozygous Mus81-/- and heterozygous Mus81+/- mice exhibited a similar susceptibility to spontaneous chromosomal damage and a profound and equivalent predisposition to lymphomas and other cancers. These studies demonstrate a critical role for the proper biallelic expression of the mammalian Mus81 in the maintenance of genomic integrity and tumor suppression.