Prediction of heterosis for grain yield in rice using 'key' informative EST-SSR markers

This study was undertaken to assess the comparative potential of 25 Expressed Sequence Tag derived simple sequence repeats (EST-SSRs) and 25 genomic SSRs in the prediction of grain yield heterosis using a set of nine cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines and 32 restorer lines of rice. EST-SSRs and genomic SSRs exhibited an average Polymorphism Information Content value of 0.37 and 0.45, respectively. The coefficient of marker polymorphism among parental lines with respect to a set of hypervariable EST and genomic SSRs was correlated with standard heterosis for grain yield of six public bred rice hybrids. EST-SSRs gave a better correlation (r = 0.75) as compared with genomic SSRs (r = 0.09). When 10 'key' informative EST-SSR markers which showed a higher positive correlation with grain yield heterosis were validated in a new set of 14 experimental hybrids, the markers exhibited a higher correlation (r = 0.79), indicating the predictive value of these EST-SSRs. We recommend these 10 'key' informative EST-SSR markers for analysis of genetic diversity of parental lines and prediction of heterosis in hybrid rice breeding programmes.     

Impact of drip fertigation on arecanut–cocoa system in humid tropics of India

A 5-year field trial was conducted on a laterite soil to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertigations in arecanut sole and arecanut–cocoa land use systems at Vittal, India. Arecanut registered similar yield levels in sole and arecanut–cocoa cropping situations (3,022–3,117 kg ha^?1). Fertigation of 75 % NPK, vermicompost extract (VCE) 20 % N and VCE (10 and 20 % N)+25 % NPK registered the same yield levels (3,029–3,375 kg ha^?1). Dry bean yield of cocoa was at par with fertigation of 75 % NPK and 20 % N VCE + 25 % NPK (291–335 kg ha^?1). Fertigation @ 75 % NPK increased the yield of cocoa by 52 % over VCE alone. The productivity per unit area (kg ha^?1) was significant and higher by 12 % in arecanut–cocoa system (3,450) than arecanut sole (3,090). Productivity was similar to fertigation of 75 % NPK, 20 % N VCE and VCE (10 or 20 % N) + 25 % NPK (3,316–3,665 kg ha^?1). Leaf nutrient status of arecanut and cocoa indicated lower levels of N and K and above normal levels of Ca, Mg and micronutrients. The results indicate that drip fertigation increases the productivity, but precision application of N and K is required for sustaining the yields.     

Marker‐assisted introgression of bacterial blight and blast resistance into IR 58025B,an elite maintainer line of rice

IR 58025A is a very popular wild‐abortive cytoplasmic male sterile (WA‐CMS) line of rice and is extensively used for hybrid rice breeding. However, IR 58025A and many hybrids derived from it possess mild aroma (undesirable in some parts of India) and are highly susceptible to bacterial blight (BB) and blast diseases. To improve IR 58025A for BB and blast resistance, we have introgressed a major dominant gene conferring resistance against BB (i.e. Xa21) and blast (i.e. Pi54) into IR 58025B, the maintainer line of IR 58025A. An introgression line of Samba Mahsuri (i.e. SM2154) possessing Xa21 and Pi54 genes in homozygous condition and fine‐grain type was used as donor parent, and backcross breeding strategy was adopted for targeted introgression of the resistance genes. PCR‐based molecular markers tightly linked to Xa21 and Pi54 were used for selection of BB‐ and blast‐resistant lines, while closely linked markers were used for identification of backcross‐derived plants devoid of Rf4 and aroma. At BC₂F₅, four backcross‐derived lines possessing resistance against BB and blast, devoid of aroma, high yield, short plant stature, long‐slender grain type and with recurrent parent genome recovery ranging from 88.8% to 98.6% were selected and advanced for further evaluation. The improved versions of IR 58025B, viz. SB54‐11‐143‐9‐44‐5, SB54‐11‐143‐9‐44‐98, SB54‐11‐143‐9‐44‐111 and SB54‐11‐143‐9‐44‐171, behaved as perfect maintainers when test‐crossed with WA‐CMS lines. Agronomically superior lines of improved IR 58025B are being converted to CMS line through backcrossing for developing high‐yielding and biotic stress‐resistant rice hybrids.     

In vitro adventitious shoot regeneration for effective maintenance of male sterile niger Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.)

A rapid and efficient method of in vitro plant regeneration for large scale propagation of male sterile plants of niger (Guizotia abyssinica) was developed. Leaf segments from mature plants were cultured on Murashige & Skoog's basal medium (MS) supplemented with N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) and kinetin individually and in combination with low concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); and -Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Prolific direct adventitious shoot regeneration occurred on most of the media tested. The best response in terms of frequency of shoot regeneration and the number of shoots per leaf explant was observed on medium supplemented with 2.22 M BA. Transfer of shoot bud clusters to fresh medium with same composition promoted further multiplication of the shoot buds, while medium with reduced BA concentration (0.89 M) facilitated shoot elongation. Shoots that were rooted on half-strength MS medium gelled with 0.2 or 0.4% agar and supplemented with 4.9 M IBA survived with a frequency of 61.36% on transfer to ex vitrum conditions. Field evaluation of the regenerants revealed the genetic stability of the plantlets and are being used in breeding of experimental hybrids.