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Fusarium head blight (FHB) is the predominant disease in oat in Norway caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. It causes yield loss, reduced seed quality, reduced germination ability and accumulation of deoxynivalenol (DON). The FHB resistance is quantitative, and most genes have small effect. Markers with verified effect in the breeding program could further enhance the resistance breeding. This study aims to use a large and diverse population of 541 lines to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated to FHB resistance in a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and verify their effect in independent breeding material. The material has been tested in six environments over three years and two locations in spawn inoculated and mist irrigated disease trials. The traits tested were germination ability and DON accumulation. A total of 15 significant QTL‐regions were detected across 12 different linkage groups. Haplotypes for each region was constructed and the effect of the alleles in each environment was calculated, which identified the most likely resistant and susceptible alleles. Five QTL‐regions were validated showing consistent effect in the GWAS population and the breeding material. Stacking of the resistant alleles of these regions from zero to five showed significant decrease in DON values and increased germination ability. The haplotype information of a set of historical and modern Nordic varieties were analysed, and the results could be used to select parents for future crossings. The validated haplotypes from this study can be used either to do marker assisted selection (MAS) or improve genomic prediction models in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing demand for vegetable oil and protein requires breeding efforts to enhance the yield of oilseed rape. This can be achieved by reducing seed cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content. The objective of the study was to analyse seed yield and important agronomic traits of two distinct bulks of genotypes from two crosses, with low (6%) and high seed lignin content (10%). The two genotype bulks were formed by mixing seeds of 12 doubled haploid lines with either low or high lignin content. The genotypes were selected from two large doubled haploid populations based on lignin content, flowering time and plant height. The bulks were field‐tested in replicated yield trials. Seed quality analysis confirmed significant differences in seed lignin content between the two bulks. Seed oil content was moderately higher in the low lignin bulks of both crosses. Seed, oil and protein yield in both crosses were moderately to significantly higher in the low lignin bulks. Further breeding for reduced fibre content will help increase seed oil and protein content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) infections can cause significant reduction in soybean yield and seed quality. Identifying SMV resistance genes in soybean and accordingly breeding resistant soybean varieties is an important approach to control soybean loss caused by SMV. Here, whole genome resequencing was performed on a pair of near‐isogenic line (NIL), one resistant (R) line and one susceptible (S) line to SC3, from Qihuang‐1 (resistant to SC3, RSC3Q) × Nannong 1138‐2 (susceptible to SC3, rSC3Q). Based on the distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and InDels in each chromosome, the RSC3Q was mapped to a region between 27.4 and 29.8 Mbp in chromosome 13. Comparing the sequence and transcriptome data between R line and susceptible lines (S line and Willams82) to SC3, three RSC3Q candidate genes (Glyma13g25950, Glyma13g25970 and Glyma13g26380) were identified. Silencing Glyma13g26380 in Qihuang‐1 increased the accumulation of SMV at 6 and 24 hpi. Subsequently, the SMV concentration in silenced plants decreased to the same level as that of the control. Thus, Glyma13g26380 is involved in the early resistance response of Qihuang No. 1 to SC3. These results provide a basis for elucidating the soybean resistance mechanism against SMV and breeding more resistant soybean varieties against SMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed longevity is a very important characteristic controlling seed quality. However, the mechanism underlying this characteristic is poorly understood. In this study, 'FH7185', a storable rice variety, the germination rate of which was 66.63%, much higher than the control after artificial ageing under relative humidity 88% and 42°C for 21 days. Different methods were applied to reveal the involvement of proteins during ageing of rice seeds. In total, 35 differential proteins were identified from 2D‐PAGE, and 3,719 proteins from iTRAQ analysis. A comparison of these two methods showed that not all protein types could be detected on the 2D‐PAGE gels, and the dynamic range was somewhat limited. So the comprehensive proteome map from the iTRAQ analysis was used to identify the quantitatively regulated proteins that played roles in seed longevity, and found that the most marked change was the increased abundance of many metabolic enzymes, especially the ones involved in α‐linolenic acid metabolism in the embryos during ageing. OsLOX2 and OsLOX3 had a negative effect on seed longevity, which were lower in FH7185 than the control. The dehydrogenase (LOC_Os07g44430) which played a major catalytic role in lipid peroxidation, also changed significantly during ageing. Therefore, OsLOX2, OsLOX3 and Loc_OS 07G44430 may be involved in the regulation of seed longevity with a synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequence characterized amplified region ( SCAR) markers that are highly desirable in crop breeding for marker-assisted selection ( MAS) are routinely analysed by gel-based methods that are low-throughput, time-consuming and laborious. In this study, we showed a rapid and convenient method for analysis of SCAR markers in a gel-free manner. Seven SCAR markers, linked to rust resistance genes ( Sr24, Sr26 and Sr31) and seed quality traits ( Pina, Pinb and Glu-D1) in wheat ( Triticum aestivum), were amplified on a real-time PCR machine using custom reaction mixture. Subsequently, melting curve analysis was performed, to assess the specificity of amplicons. Using the amplicon-specific melt-profiles, the presence/absence of SCAR markers was analysed in fifteen genotypes and five F2 populations. Unlike the fluorescence-based in-tube detection methods, the present method used the amplicon-specific melt-profiles to evaluate the status of the SCAR markers, thus eliminating the need for gel-based analysis. Results also showed feasibility of multiplex analysis of two markers with well-separated melting profiles. Overall, the approach is a rapid, convenient and cost-effective method for high-throughput screening of SCAR markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed quality for both germination in the next generation and for human consumption is adversely affected due to preharvest sprouting in peanut. It also makes seeds more vulnerable to infection by a number of pathogens. Therefore, it is desirable to have 2-3 weeks of fresh seed dormancy ( FSD) in the peanut varieties. In this context, one F2 population was developed from a cross between non-dormant ( ICGV 00350) and dormant ( ICGV 97045) genotypes. Phenotyping of this population showed control of the trait by two recessive genes. In parallel, genotyping of the population with Diversity Arrays Technology ( DArT) and DArT-seq markers provided a genetic map with 1152 loci covering a map distance of 2423.12 cM and map density of 2.96 cM/loci. Quantitative trait locus ( QTL) analysis identified two major QTLs, namely qfsd-1 and qfsd-2 explaining 22.14% and 71.21% of phenotypic variation, respectively. These QTLs, after validation in different genetic backgrounds, may be useful for molecular breeding for FSD in peanut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of cyto-sterility sources on morphology and yield attributes in F1 has well been studied in different crops, but not on the seed quality of hybrid. Six cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines, viz. Ogura, Siifolia, Erucoides, Moricandia, Tournefortii and Oxyrrhina, which represent six different sources of CMS, were pollinated by a single maintainer line ('Pusa Bold') to check whether CMS sources have any marked effect on seed quality. Seeds were collected in 2007-2008 ( rabi season: October-April) from CMS maintenance plot and kept in ambient storage for next 3 years. The results indicated that CMS/cyto-sterility sources influenced the seed quality parameters in fresh seed as well as after storage. Per cent germination (as means over the storage period) was recorded up to 89.00, 88.25 and 87.88 in Moricandia, Ogura and Oxyrrhina systems, respectively, and it was significantly different from Tournefortii and 'Pusa Bold' (70.13 and 74.38, respectively). The CMS sources also had pronounced effect on other seed quality traits, viz. root and shoot length and seedling dry matter, and Ogura and Moricandia (green) performed better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growing need for vegetable protein in Central European agriculture, there is interest in producing food-grade soybeans, which are higher in seed protein and sucrose content and have a larger seed size than conventional soybeans. As protein content of conventional soybean is often below 400 g/kg, either high-protein or food-grade donors were crossed with adapted genotypes in order to increase their protein level. After divergent selection for protein content, lines were evaluated for seed quality characters across three environments in Austria. The objectives of this research were to determine the roles of genetic background and the selection for protein content on food-grade soybean traits. While seed protein content of adapted parents was between 395 and 420 g/kg, its range was from 410 to 490 g/kg for the high-protein and from 390 to 450 g/kg for the food-grade lines, respectively. However, food-grade populations were superior in seed size and sucrose content and revealed different correlation patterns between quality traits as compared to high-protein populations, which demonstrates their usefulness for developing soybeans with improved quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary seed dormancy in oilseed rape is a phenomenon that allows seeds to survive in the soil for many years without germination. Following soil cultivation, dormant seeds may germinate in subsequent years, and they are the main reason for the occurrence of volunteer oilseed rape plants in successive crops. Inheritance of secondary dormancy may be related to seed longevity ( SL) in the soil. Genetic reduction in secondary dormancy and SL could provide a mean to reduce the frequency of volunteer plants and especially the dispersal of transgenic oilseed rape. The aim of the present study was to analyse secondary dormancy, germination rate and SL of 28 black-seeded winter oilseed rape cultivars using in vitro laboratory tests. The material was tested in field experiments at six different locations in Germany in 2008/2009. Significant effects of the genotype and the location on all traits were found. Heritability was high for secondary dormancy (0.97) and moderate for germination rate (0.70) and SL (0.71). Results indicate that a selection for low secondary dormancy would be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 3 figures and 1 table Abstract In food-grade soybeans for human nutrition, sucrose content is a character of interest apart from protein, because sucrose affects flavour and other soy-food properties. As determination of sucrose content through separative or enzymatic methods is not suitable for analysing large numbers of samples, the objective of this research was to develop near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) calibrations for rapid screening of breeding lines for sucrose. Conventional soybean samples have a sucrose content of 30-60 g/kg, whereas high-sucrose reference samples are lacking. Therefore, both natural and artificial (additional sucrose added) reference samples with a sucrose content of up to 140 g/kg were combined, and a NIRS calibration model was developed (cross-validation R2 = 0.969) for sucrose. Utilizing wavelength ranges with homogeneous performance in both natural and artificial samples, a prediction model was obtained, which suggests a stable performance of the calibration over a wide range of sucrose concentrations. Thus, identification of high-sucrose soybean introgressions should be possible in appropriate segregating populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to estimate the level of variation among and within 33 local populations belonging to seven Italian common bean landraces, by analysing the polymorphism of seed storage proteins, simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers. The nutritional seed quality of the landraces studied was also investigated. Results showed that the landraces retain a considerable level of heterogeneity. Use of both biochemical and molecular approaches provided a picture of the genetic diversity of each landrace. Cluster analyses based on Nei's genetic distances and Jaccard's similarity index as defined by SSR and AFLP markers, respectively, showed that all populations clustered into two groups corresponding to the Andean and the Mesoamerican gene pools. Knowledge of the genetic structure of a landrace is fundamental in elaborating strategies, which involve the local farmers, allowing us to improve and, at the same time, safeguard the genetic integrity of landrace genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hull thickness is an important component of seed quality, which effects dehulling ability, feed or food nutritional aspects and cooking times. A breeding objective in Lupinus angustifolius crop improvement is to reduce hull thickness and a rapid screening method is needed to efficiently screen genotypes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging using infrared illumination at 980 nm was used to compare hull thickness of genotypes of four lupin species. OCT-derived hull layer thickness correlated highly with actual hull thickness determined by environmental scanning electron microscopy ( r = 0.90) and allowed reliable distinction between mutant (thin-hulled) and parent genotypes of L. angustifolius. The imaging could clearly penetrate lupin seed to a depth of approximately 200 μm. The use of OCT to measure hull thickness has the advantage that it is rapid and non-destructive and should be very useful in selecting thin hull lines of lupins and other species on a single seed basis in germplasm or progeny from crosses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The diversity of nutritional and culinary traits in 21 populations of common bean from the Basilicata region was studied for three consecutive harvests (1995–97). The results were compared with the six commercial cultivars widely grown in the region. Some populations deserve particular attention since they had large seeds, high protein content, low trypsin inhibitor levels and short cooking time. The cluster analysis showed that 18 populations clustered in two main groups and that the bush populations were clearly distinguishable from the climbing ones. When phaseolin type and some plant morphological traits were added to the nutritional and culinary traits to classify these populations, it was observed that they resembled the race Peru (Andean gene pool). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collection consisting of 293 entries of tetraploid and hexaploid Ethiopian wheat was investigated for diversity of endosperm texture, seed color, kernel texture, flour color, gluten quality, seed size, and protein content. All characters, except gluten quality, showed high levels of diversity. Significant differences in protein content and gluten quality occurred among districts, and among provinces. Regional differences were also observed for seed size and flour color. The average estimate of diversity of these characters for Ethiopia was high (&Hsline; = 0.77). Some of the characters showed clinical variations, and others, localized concentrations. Entries with combinations of good quality characters were observed, and their possible use as source materials in wheat breeding is discussed. A gene center for quality breeding was identified in Southern Ethiopia, and the participation of centers of diversity in the evaluation and utilization of genetic resources is considered as a very important tool in genetic conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doubled haploid production from crosses between barley (Hordeum vzilgare L.) and H. bulbosum L. is a well established technique for inducing homezygosity. One problem which occurs using certain barley cultivars is premature seed degeneration In this paper, a post-pollination spray of gibberellic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid that delays the onset of senescence is described The technique improved the number of high quality seeds to more than 75% of the seed set. This improvement should result in increased survival of embryos for culture and subsequent plant regeneration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noug (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.), a member of the Compositae family, is grown as an oilseed crop in Ethiopia. The crop grows best on poorly drained, heavy clay soils. This study investigates the genetic variability of agronomic and seed quality characteristics of 241 noug germplasm collections from different parts of Ethiopia evaluated in a field test at Ghinchi, near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1992. The maturity of the noug accessions ranged from 132 to 168 days. Seed oil contents ranged from 39.8 to 46.9% with linoleic acid being the major fatty acid of the oil (76.6% of total fatty acids). The results of this field study indicated that genetic differences for maturity existed among the noug accessions. Oil content variation was continuous, without clear separation of accessions into oil content groups. It is concluded that the genetic variation observed among these accessions could be utilized in a breeding programme to develop high-yielding, well-adapted, high-oil-content noug cultivars for production in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven pairs of near-isogenic lines (glandless vs. glanded) and the recurrent parents were used to determine the effects of the dominant glandless gene from ‘Hai 1’ (Gossypium barbadense) on agronomic, fibre, and seed characters in Upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, backgrounds. The results showed that there were no apparent linkage associations of the glandless gene on most agronomic, fibre and seed characters of Upland cotton, except for seed quality. The glandless line derived from ‘Liaomian 7’ had significantly more protein (489.6 g/kg), and that from H237 had significantly more oil (362.4 g/kg) and had the largest oil index (2.70 g) and protein index (3.03 g). The gossypol content of seed in dominant glandless lines in Upland cotton was very low (<0.04 g/kg). Therefore, it is suggested that the glandless gene can play an important role in breeding glandless or low seed-gossypol Upland cotton cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]