Somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of five multipurpose cassava landraces extensively integrated in African cropping system

Successful development and adoption of transgenic cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties in Africa depend on in vitro regeneration of landraces because of their agronomic value and amenability to genetic modification. The study investigated somatic embryogenesis from axillary bud and immature leaf-lobe explant and regeneration via shoot organogenesis in five cassava landraces. Landraces exhibited significant (P < 0.05) differences in frequencies of primary somatic embryo production, number of embryos per explant, and frequency of secondary embryos. The frequency of primary somatic embryogenesis ranged from 7.8 to 14.5%, whereas the number of embryos per explant varied from 5.3 to 10.6. However, only frequency of primary somatic embryos and number of embryos per explant showed significant (P < 0.05) differences when immature leaf lobe was used as explant. The frequency of primary somatic embryogenesis ranged from 42.7 to 49.2%, whereas number of embryos per immature leaf-lobe explant varied from 9.5 to 15.2 per explant. Secondary embryogenesis was cultivar-independent in the case of immature leaf-lobe explant. Cyclic and green (mature) embryogenesis showed no significant (P < 0.05) landrace differences in both axillary bud and immature leaf-lobe explants. Shoot regeneration from cotyledon of somatic embryos had significant (P < 0.05) landrace differences. The mean shoot-bud formation frequency of axillary bud and immature leaf-lobe explants was 51.4% and 37.2%, respectively. Root formation was efficient, with greater than 70% of shoots forming root in all landraces. Similarly, landrace differences were detected for the survival of acclimatized regenerated plants, with a mean of 94.7% for both explants. In conclusion, somatic embryos were produced from immature leaf and axillary bud explants of the landraces and the embryos were converted to plantlets via shoot organogenesis.     

BMC ecology image competition 2017: the winning images

For the fifth year, BMC Ecology is proud to present the winning images from our annual image competition. The 2017 edition received entries by talented shutterbug-ecologists from across the world, showcasing research that is increasing our understanding of ecosystems worldwide and the beauty and diversity of life on our planet. In this editorial we showcase the winning images, as chosen by our Editorial Board and guest judge Chris Darimont, as well as our selection of highly commended images. Enjoy!     

A GIS-aided two-phase grey fuzzy optimization model for nonpoint source pollution control in a small watershed

A method for allocating allowable ranges of total nitrogen (TN) load to nonpoint (diffuse pollution) sources in a watershed has been developed by adopting the two-phase grey fuzzy optimization approach. Competing goals of water quality management authorities and TN load dischargers at nonpoint sources such as paddy field, upland crop field, and residential area are described with linear imprecise membership functions including interval numbers. TN load discharged from each cell of the nonpoint sources is assumed to be transported along with surface, subsurface, and river flow under the conventional first-order kinetic removal with respect to distance. The travel length of the load is estimated with a digital elevation model in a geographic information system (GIS). Uncertainty of river discharge and self-purification coefficients appearing in the TN transport model is also expressed with interval numbers. The GIS-aided grey fuzzy optimization model developed here is applied to the Seimei River watershed, Japan. By solving the optimization model, the allowable load represented by an interval number at each cell is procured, which would be a scientific base for effluent control regarding nonpoint sources in the area.     

QTL analysis of resistance to powdery mildew in hop (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Humulus lupulus</Emphasis> L.)

Hop with powdery mildew [HPM: caused by Podosphaera macularis (Wallr.) U. Braun & S. Takam.] results in significant losses in hop production by reducing yield and quality. One means of increasing yield and quality is the production of resistant hop lines. Breeding for resistance can be significantly improved and accelerated by use of marker-assisted selection. The objective of this preliminary study was to identify QTLs and markers for genetic resistance to HPM. A bi-parental mapping population between the resistant line “Newport” and susceptible line ‘21110M’. Phenotypic data was scored under controlled greenhouse conditions. Significant differences among offspring were observed and disease resistance did not follow a distinct binomial distribution, suggesting quantitative genetic control. Genotyping-by-sequencing resulted in approximately 375 K SNP markers, which were filtered down to 2263 markers mapped to 10 linkage groups. Interval Mapping identified four QTLs with one on linkage group 1 and three located on linkage group 6. Composite interval mapping identified three QTLs, all located on linkage group 6. Mixed linear models identified 15 markers associated with expression of resistance to HPM. Three of these 15 SNPs were also identified in QTL-CIM analysis. Evaluation of the scaffolds containing the significant SNP markers identified seven putative genes—several of which appear involved in disease resistance in other plant species. The SNP markers identified in this study still require validation in unrelated populations prior to implementation in breeding programs.     

Evaluation of grain yield and related agronomic traits of quality protein maize hybrids in Southern Africa

Maize is the major staple food in southern Africa with human consumption averaging 91 kg capita^?1 year^?1, and normal maize is nutritionally deficient in two essential amino acids: tryptophan and lysine. Despite the development of quality protein maize (QPM) with high tryptophan and lysine, stunting and kwashiorkor remain high in sub-Saharan Africa due to lack of high yielding and adapted QPM varieties. This study aimed at evaluating a new generation of QPM varieties for yield and related agronomic traits. Before the QPM varieties were validated on-farm, they were simultaneously selected on-station under five different management conditions. In the 2014/2015 season, 10 elite QPM varieties were selected from on-station trials based on high grain yield and stability, and were compared with the best commercial check varieties on-farm. During the 2015/2016 season, some poorly performing QPM varieties were dropped while new ones were added, resulting in 12 elite QPM varieties being evaluated on-farm. Analysis of variance for the 2014/2015 season showed non-significant hybrid × management condition interaction. Mean grain yields across management conditions ranged from 1.5 to 4 t ha^?1 and were higher under mild stress (2.3–5.5 t ha^?1) compared to random stress conditions (1.1–2.9 t ha^?1). Broad sense heritability estimates were low to moderate (11–69%), and thus could still permit effective selection of better genotypes. Yield advantage ranged from 12 to 25% across the 2 years, suggesting effective genetic gains in QPM breeding. QPM hybrids CZH132044Q, CZH142238Q and CZH142236Q were stable and high yielding. Promotion of such QPM hybrids may help reduce protein energy malnutrition.     

Resistance screening of breeding lines and commercial tomato cultivars for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne incognita</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. javanica</Emphasis> populations (Nematoda) from Ethiopia

Soil and root samples were collected from major tomato growing areas of Ethiopia during the 2012/2013 growing season to identify root-knot nematode problems. DNA-based and isozyme techniques revealed that Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica were the predominant Meloidogyne species across the sampled areas. The aggressiveness of different populations of these species was assessed on tomato cultivars Marmande and Moneymaker. The two most aggressive populations of each species were selected and further tested on 33 tomato genotypes. The resistance screening and mechanism of resistance was performed after inoculation with 100 freshly hatched (<24 h) second-stage juveniles (J2). Eight weeks after inoculation the number of egg masses produced on each cultivar was assessed. For the resistance mechanism study, J2 penetration and their subsequent development inside the tomato roots were examined at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after inoculation. On both cultivars Marmande and Moneymaker all M. incognita and M. javanica populations formed a high number of egg masses indicating highly aggressive behaviour. Populations from ‘Jittu’ and ‘Babile’ for M. incognita and ‘Jittu’ and ‘Koka’ for M. javanica were selected as most aggressive. None of the 33 tomato genotypes were immune for these M. incognita and M. javanica populations. However, several tomato genotypes were found to have a significant effect on the number of egg masses produced indicating possible resistance. For M. javanica populations there were more plants from cultivars or breeding lines on which no egg masses were found compared to M. incognita populations. The lowest number of egg masses for both populations of M. incognita was produced on cultivars Bridget40, Galilea, and Irma while for M. javanica it was on Assila, Eden, Galilea, Tisey, CLN-2366A, CLN-2366B and CLN-2366C. Tomato genotypes, time (weeks after inoculation) and their interaction were significant sources of variation for J2 penetration and their subsequent development inside the tomato roots. Differential penetration was found in breeding lines such as CLN-2366A, CLN-2366B and CLN-2366C, but many of the selected tomato genotypes resistance for the tested M. incognita and M. javanica populations were expressed by delayed nematode development. Therefore, developing a simple screening technique to be used by local farmers or extension workers is crucial to facilitate selection of a suitable cultivar.     

Regional differences in aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) seedling response to an established nursery protocol

New Forests - In seedling-based reforestation operations, seed source is known to be an influential variable affecting outplanting success. Adaptive variation among seed sources may also be an...     

Modeling of the Contour Water Flooding Technology in Microcosms

Eurasian Soil Science - The results are presented of modeling the “contour water flooding” biotechnology aimed at cleaning heavily petroleum-polluted agrosoddy-podzolic soils (Albic...     

Isotopic Composition of Carbon in Humus Acids of Albic Retisols and Luvic Chernozems

Eurasian Soil Science - Carbon isotope ratios in soil organic matter are often used in paleoecological research for reconstructing climate and plant communities (type of photosynthesis). The...     

Relationships between the Size of Aggregates,Particulate Organic Matter Content,and Decomposition of Plant Residues in Soil

Eurasian Soil Science - The distribution of total organic matter (Corg), particulate organic matter (CPOM), and potentially mineralizable organic matter (C0) in mega- (10–5 and 5–2 mm),...