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Background: In view of developing early maturing groundnut that fit in high intensity multiple cropping system the present study was taken up to introgress early maturing traits in the well-established high yielding varieties. Methods: VRI 8, CO 7, ICGV 07222 and VRI 6 were takenas the variety to be improved and as a source for early maturity and male parent in the study viz., VRI 3, Chico, ICGV 91114 and ICGV 93468 were used. A crossing program was designed using these parent materials and selected crosses were forwarded to the next F2 generation and their backcross populations were also generated. The data recorded were subjected to Generation mean analysis and association analysis. Result: With consideration of early maturity and high pod yield the genotypes F2 of CO 7 × Chico and ICGV 07222 × Chico and B2 of ICGV 07222 × Chico recorded high mean values for the traits. The presence of duplicate epistasis was observed for, days to accumulation of 25 flowers (DTF) and days to maturity. This indicates that, inter-mating the selected segregating generations could result in the accumulation of favourable genes. The trait pod yield per plant exhibited positively significant correlation with days to accumulation of 25 flowers, days to maturity in all the crosses and the trait days to accumulation of 25 flowers is positively correlated to days to maturity. Thus, the trait - days to accumulation of 25 flowers is the major selection factor for early maturity in groundnut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate changes and the cost of irrigation water in semi-arid areas seriously reduce the availability of water for irrigation. The optimal allocation of water resources to irrigation and limit water overexploitation are necessary in these regions. A field trial aimed to evaluate irrigation regimes (60, 80, and 100% based on field capacity, abbreviated as FC60, FC80 and FC100) and organic fertilizer (0, 15, and 30 t ha-1 farmyard manure, abbreviated as FYM) on two rapeseed varieties (Hydromel and Nathalie) in the semi-arid region of Qazvin, Iran. The highest lateral growth (branch number) was observed in the Hydromel cultivar with the application of 15 and 30 t ha-1 farmyard manure (FYM30 and FYM15) under FC100 and FC80 conditions. Comparison of lateral growth between the cultivars showed that Nathalie cultivar was less affected by FYM and irrigation. The chlorophyll content decreased under FC60; however, no significant difference was observed between FC80 and FC100. The maturity of Nathalie was earlier than that of Hydromel. However, the use of FYM significantly extended the days to maturity in Hydromel. Although the silique length of the Nathalie cultivar was 13% less than Hydromel, this component significantly decreased in Hydromel under water deficit conditions (FC80 and FC60). The highest number of siliques was recorded in the Hydromel under FYM30+FC100 and FYM30+FC80. The 60% irrigation regime caused a significant reduction in the number of siliques. Although the seed yield of Hydromel was higher than that of Nathalie, the stability of the seed yield in Nathalie was more evident under FC80 and FC60. Overall, the obtained results showed that the Hydromel variety can produce an acceptable yield under FYM30+FC80 and save 20% in water consumption. The results indicated that the 60% irrigation regime was a stressful deficit irrigation and cannot be recommended for this semi-arid region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted during kharif 2018, rabi 2018-19 and kharif 2019 at Dr. NTR College of Agricultural Engineering, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh to study the influence of drip fertigation on maize growth parameters. The experiment was laid out in split plot design consisting of three irrigation levels (0.6 ETc (I1), 0.8 ETc (I2) and 1.0 ETc (I3)) and four nitrogen levels consisting of fertigation levels (80% RDN (N1), 100% RDN (N2), 120% RDN (N3) and Manual application (N4) on sandy clay loam soil. A drip fertigation system with venturi assembly was designed and fertigation date and quantity of nitrogen in each fertigation were calculated and applied. The results shown that, in all the seasons, the plant height at all the stages of observation, drip fertigation at 120% RDN (N3) recorded tallest plant height followed by N2, N4 and N1. The lowest days for maturity was observed in I1 treatment followed by I2 and I3 during kharif 2018. During rabi 2018-19, the lowest days for maturity was observed in I1 treatment followed by I2 and I3. During kharif 2019, the lowest days for maturity was observed in I1 treatment followed by I2 and I3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, a study at Oilseed research station in Tandojam was conducted to analyze growth and yield across eight sunflower genotypes: Corolla, Melbour, Vulgare, Turkish, Samson-30, Sputnik, HO-1, and Parson. Using a randomized complete block design with triple repetitions, noteworthy variations were discovered in days to blooming and maturity, plant stature, flower head diameter, seed count per head, seed yield, and 100-seed weight, emphasizing the distinct performance of each genotype. Advanced genotypes like Sputnik and HO-1 required more days to flower, with Parson and Sputnik showing the latest maturity. Turkish plants were notably taller, while Parson had the shortest stature. Parson and HO-1 stood out with larger flower head diameters and higher 100-seed weights, and Parson also led in seed yield, suggesting their high breeding value. However, positive correlations among various growth and yield parameters underscore the potential of these genotypes in breeding programs aimed at improving sunflower yields. This concise analysis highlights the diversity and breeding prospects within sunflower genotypes, offering valuable insights for future genetic improvement efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to apply selection indexes in situations in which F2 populations and their parents are evaluated simultaneously in field trials to predict population genotypic values and selecting the best populations. Fifteen F2 soybean populations were evaluated for number of days to flowering and to maturity and grain yield. The data was analyzed using restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction (REML/BLUP) to obtain genotypic effects, variance components and accuracies. Four selection methods were compared: genotypic values of the F2 populations (gF2), combined index with the mean genotypic value of parents and F2 population (Ia) and two indexes that add (to gF2 and to Ia) and consider genetic variability within populations (Ib and Ic). The index Ia presented a result similar to that obtained with the gF2 selection method. Selection indexes (Ib and Ic) based on several sources of information were more efficient than selection based on gF2 values only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bean is one of the most important legumes produced and consumed worldwide because it is a highly valuable food for the human diet. However, its production is mainly carried out by small farmers, who obtain average grain yields below the potential yield of the species. In this sense, numerous mapping studies have been conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with yield components in common bean. Meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis is a useful approach to combine data sets and for creating consensus positions for the QTL detected in independent studies. Consequently, the objective of this study was to perform a MQTL analysis to identify the most reliable and stable genomic regions associated with yield-related traits of common bean. A total of 667 QTL associated with yield-related traits reported in 21 different studies were collected. A total of 42 MQTL associated with yield-related traits were identified, in which the average confidence interval (CI) of the MQTL was 3.41 times lower than the CIs of the original QTL. Most of the MQTL (28) identified in this study contain QTL associated with yield and phenological traits; therefore, these MQTL can be useful in common bean breeding programs. Finally, a total of 18 candidate genes were identified and associated with grain yield within these MQTL, with functions related to ubiquitin ligase complex, response to auxin, and translation elongation factor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic selection (GS) has revolutionized breeding strategies by predicting the rank performance of post-harvest traits via implementing genomic prediction (GP) models. However, predicting pre-harvest traits in unobserved environments might produce serious biases. In soybean, days to maturity (DTM) represents a crucial stage with a significant impact on yield potential; thus, genotypes must be carefully selected to ensure latitudinal adaptation in this photoperiod-sensitive crop species. This research assessed the use of daylength for predicting DTM in unobserved environments (CV00). A soybean dataset comprising 367 genotypes spanning nine families of the Soybean Nested Association Mapping Panel (SoyNAM) and tested in 11 environments (year-by-location combinations) was considered in this study. The proposed method (CB) returned a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 5.2 days, a Pearson correlation (PC) of 0.66, and the predicted vs. observed difference in the environmental means (PODEM) ranged from −3.3 to 4.5 days; however, in the absence of daylength data, the conventional GP implementation produced an RMSE of 9 days, a PC of 0.66, and a PODEM range from −14.7 to 7.9 days. These results highlight the importance of dissecting phenotypic variability (G × E) based on photoperiod data and non-predictable environmental stimuli for improving the predictive ability and accuracy of DTM in soybeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background High-throughput phenotyping and genomic selection accelerate genetic gain in breeding programs by advances in phenotyping and genotyping methods. This study developed a simple, cost-effective high-throughput image analysis pipeline to quantify digital images taken in a panel of 286 Iran bread wheat accessions under terminal drought stress and well-watered conditions. The color proportion of green to yellow (tolerance ratio) and the color proportion of yellow to green (stress ratio) was assessed for each canopy using the pipeline. The estimated tolerance and stress ratios were used as covariates in the genomic prediction models to evaluate the effect of change in canopy color on the improvement of the genomic prediction accuracy of different agronomic traits in wheat. Results The reliability of the high-throughput image analysis pipeline was proved by three to four times of improvement in the accuracy of genomic predictions for days to maturity with the use of tolerance and stress ratios as covariates in the univariate genomic selection models. The higher prediction accuracies were attained for days to maturity when both tolerance and stress ratios were used as fixed effects in the univariate models. The results of this study indicated that the Bayesian ridge regression and ridge regression-best linear unbiased prediction methods were superior to other genomic prediction methods which were used in this study under terminal drought stress and well-watered conditions, respectively. Conclusions This study provided a robust, quick, and cost-effective machine learning-enabled image-phenotyping pipeline to improve the genomic prediction accuracy for days to maturity in wheat. The results encouraged the integration of phenomics and genomics in breeding programs.

Common bean is one of the most important legumes produced and consumed worldwide because it is a highly valuable food for the human diet. However, its production is mainly carried out by small farmers, who obtain average grain yields below the potential yield of the species. In this sense, numerous mapping studies have been conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with yield components in common bean. Meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis is a useful approach to combine data sets and for creating consensus positions for the QTL detected in independent studies. Consequently, the objective of this study was to perform a MQTL analysis to identify the most reliable and stable genomic regions associated with yield-related traits of common bean. A total of 667 QTL associated with yield-related traits reported in 21 different studies were collected. A total of 42 MQTL associated with yield-related traits were identified, in which the average confidence interval (CI) of the MQTL was 3.41 times lower than the CIs of the original QTL. Most of the MQTL (28) identified in this study contain QTL associated with yield and phenological traits; therefore, these MQTL can be useful in common bean breeding programs. Finally, a total of 18 candidate genes were identified and associated with grain yield within these MQTL, with functions related to ubiquitin ligase complex, response to auxin, and translation elongation factor activity.

Applieation of maeronutrients in less amount along with improper applieation method(s) are the major faetors for low yield. Experiments were designed with the objeetives to determine the optimum rate of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) along with suitable applieation method to minimize nutrients losses. The experimental site was New Developmental Farm of the University of Agrieulture Peshawar and experiments were eondueted for two eonseeutive years i.e. 2010-11 and 2011-12. After analysis, the results indieated that both N and K signifieantly affeeted days to phenology (anthesis and maturity). Days to phenology inereased linearly with inerease in rate of N and K and more days to phenology were reeorded when both were at their highest rates. Similarly plant height, leaf area/tiller, flag leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area duration, grain yield, N uptake by grains and straw were inereased with inereasing level of N and K and attained maximum value when N and K was applied at the rate of 180 and 90 Kg/ha, respeetively. Nutrients applieation method signifieantly affeeted plant height, leaf area/tiller, flag leaf area, grain yield and N uptake by straw and grains with maximum values for these traits were reeorded when nutrients (N and K) were applied in sueh a eombination that 15% nutrients were supplied through foliar and 85% through soil applieation. Applieation methods had a non-signifieant effeet on days to phenology, leaf area index and leaf area duration. It is eoneluded from the results that applieation of N and K at the rate of 180 and 90 Kg/ha respeetively in sueh a way that 15% is applied through foliar spray and 85% through soil applieation improved growth, yield and N uptake of wheat erop under the semi-arid elimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic selection (GS) has revolutionized breeding strategies by predicting the rank performance of post-harvest traits via implementing genomic prediction (GP) models. However, predicting pre-harvest traits in unobserved environments might produce serious biases. In soybean, days to maturity (DTM) represents a crucial stage with a significant impact on yield potential; thus, genotypes must be carefully selected to ensure latitudinal adaptation in this photoperiod-sensitive crop species. This research assessed the use of daylength for predicting DTM in unobserved environments (CV00). A soybean dataset comprising 367 genotypes spanning nine families of the Soybean Nested Association Mapping Panel (SoyNAM) and tested in 11 environments (year-by-location combinations) was considered in this study. The proposed method (CB) returned a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 5.2 days, a Pearson correlation (PC) of 0.66, and the predicted vs. observed difference in the environmental means (PODEM) ranged from −3.3 to 4.5 days; however, in the absence of daylength data, the conventional GP implementation produced an RMSE of 9 days, a PC of 0.66, and a PODEM range from −14.7 to 7.9 days. These results highlight the importance of dissecting phenotypic variability (G × E) based on photoperiod data and non-predictable environmental stimuli for improving the predictive ability and accuracy of DTM in soybeans.

A study was conducted at Shaheed Z. A. Bhutto Agricultural College Dokri, for estimation of proper row space effects on economic yield and its components. Four genotypes of winter wheat, viz; T.J-83, Sarsabz, TD-I and Kiran-95 were included in this study. The row spacing i-e; 15 cm, 22 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm were managed. The studied traits were taken on days to initial heading, days taken to maturity, stature length (cm), number of tillers plant-1, main peduncle length in (cm), seeds spike-1, 1000 seed weight (g), straw weight plant-1 (g), seed yield plant-1 (g) and harvest index (%). The results revealed that significant differences were observed for genotypes between the row spaces and their interaction in studied parameters. The 30 cm row space was more effective for most of the traits including seed yield. The maximum seed yield plant-1, main peduncle length, seeds spike-1 and 1000 seed weight shown by Sarsabz under 30 cm row space. The poor performance of studied genotypes was noted at 15 cm row space. Similarly row space of 30 cm set more tillers plant-1 by Sarsabz over rest of the cultivars. The interaction between genotypes at 30 cm space proved a good combination and Sarsabz showed superiority over rest of the genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-throughput phenotyping and genomic selection accelerate genetic gain in breeding programs by advances in phenotyping and genotyping methods. This study developed a simple, cost-effective high-throughput image analysis pipeline to quantify digital images taken in a panel of 286 Iran bread wheat accessions under terminal drought stress and well-watered conditions. The color proportion of green to yellow (tolerance ratio) and the color proportion of yellow to green (stress ratio) was assessed for each canopy using the pipeline. The estimated tolerance and stress ratios were used as covariates in the genomic prediction models to evaluate the effect of change in canopy color on the improvement of the genomic prediction accuracy of different agronomic traits in wheat. Results: The reliability of the high-throughput image analysis pipeline was proved by three to four times of improvement in the accuracy of genomic predictions for days to maturity with the use of tolerance and stress ratios as covariates in the univariate genomic selection models. The higher prediction accuracies were attained for days to maturity when both tolerance and stress ratios were used as fixed effects in the univariate models. The results of this study indicated that the Bayesian ridge regression and ridge regression-best linear unbiased prediction methods were superior to other genomic prediction methods which were used in this study under terminal drought stress and well-watered conditions, respectively. Conclusions: This study provided a robust, quick, and cost-effective machine learning-enabled image-phenotyping pipeline to improve the genomic prediction accuracy for days to maturity in wheat. The results encouraged the integration of phenomics and genomics in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ethiopia, the average yield of potato is far below the potential due to different problems like in low soil fertility. Hence, this research was done to evaluate the effects of blended NPS fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of potato. The study was conducted at Abaso Kotu, Dessie Zuria district, Ethiopia, during dry season of 2015. The experiment was consisted a factorial combination of two late maturing potato varieties (Belete and Local) and six NPS fertilizer rates (0:0 (T1), 111:89.7:0 (T2), 111:89.7:16.52 (T3), 55:89.7:16.52 (T4), 111:44.85:8.26 (T5) and 55:44.85, 8.26 (T6)) kg ha-1 and Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was used. The highest potato plant height was recorded on 111: 89.7:16.52 (T3) kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rate. Belete variety supplied with 111: 89.7:16.52 (T3) kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rate recorded the maximum days (124.3) to maturity of potato. Similarly, Belete variety recorded the higher biomass than local variety. The 111:89.7:16.52 (T3) kg ha-1 and 55.5:89.7:16.52 (T4) kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer rates showed the highest above ground biomass and underground biomass of potato, respectively. The highest average tuber number per hill, tuber weight per hill, marketable, unmarketable and total tuber yield were recorded on potato which was applied with 55.5: 89.7:16.52 (T3) kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rate. It is concluded that 55.5:89.7:16.52 (T4) kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer rate application is recommended for the production of potato varieties at Abaso Kotu, Dessie Zuria District Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, the average yield of potato is far below the potential due to different problems like in low soil fertility. Hence, this research was done to evaluate the effects of blended NPS fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of potato. The study was conducted at Abaso Kotu, Dessie Zuria district, Ethiopia, during dry season of 2015. The experiment was consisted a factorial combination of two late maturing potato varieties (Belete and Local) and six NPS fertilizer rates (0:0 (T1), 111:89.7:0 (T2), 111:89.7:16.52 (T3), 55:89.7:16.52 (T4), 111:44.85:8.26 (T5) and 55:44.85, 8.26 (T6)) kg ha-1 and Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was used. The highest potato plant height was recorded on 111: 89.7:16.52 (T3) kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rate. Belete variety supplied with 111: 89.7:16.52 (T3) kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rate recorded the maximum days (124.3) to maturity of potato. Similarly, Belete variety recorded the higher biomass than local variety. The 111:89.7:16.52 (T3) kg ha-1 and 55.5:89.7:16.52 (T4) kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer rates showed the highest above ground biomass and underground biomass of potato, respectively. The highest average tuber number per hill, tuber weight per hill, marketable, unmarketable and total tuber yield were recorded on potato which was applied with 55.5: 89.7:16.52 (T3) kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer rate. It is concluded that 55.5:89.7:16.52 (T4) kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer rate application is recommended for the production of potato varieties at Abaso Kotu, Dessie Zuria District Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Atmospheric CO2 concentration has continuously been increasing during the past century and it is expected to increase from current 384 ppm to 550 ppm in 2050. This increase is expected to increase global temperature by 1.4 to 5.8 oC which can have major effects on crop plants. Since both CO2 and temperature are among the most important environmental variables that regulate physiological and phenological processes in plants, it is critical to evaluate the effects of CO2 and air temperature on the growth and yield of key crop plants. Warming of Earth's atmosphere can increase dark respiration and photorespiration in C3 plants. Rate of photosynthesis is affected by temperature, Therefore, rate of biochemical reactions, morphological reactions, CO2 and energy exchange with the atmosphere could be affected by temperature. Increase in CO2 concentration causes further yield improvement in C3 plants (Such as wheat, rice and soybeans) in comparison with C4 plants (Such as corn, sorghum and sugarcane). In general, increasing CO2 concentration affects plant processes in two ways:direct effect on physiological processes in plant and indirect effect by changes in temperature and rainfall. Studying climate change effects including increase in temperature and CO2 concentration can help understanding adaptation strategies to reach higher and sustainable crop yields. Therefore, the objective of this research was to examine the effects of temperature and CO2 changes on days to maturity, irrigation water requirement, and yield in soybean under irrigation conditions of Gorganusing SSM-iLegume-Soybean model. Materials and methods: The model SSM-iLegume-Soybean simulates phenological development, leaf development and senescence, crop mass production and partitioning, plant nitrogen balance, yield formation and soil water and nitrogen balances. The model includes responses of crop processes to environmental factors of solar radiation, temperature and nitrogen and water availability. The soybean model was used to run different scenarios including combination of -1, -2, -3, -4, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 oC changes in temperature and CO2 concentration of 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700 ppm. Actual weather data in Gorgan (latitude 37 degrees 45 minutes north, longitude 54 degrees 30 minutes east) of 1980 to 2009 was used as baseline climate and then changed to obtained future temperature climates. To account for direct effect of CO2 concentration, two model parameters of radiation use efficiency and transpiration efficiency coefficient were changed for higher CO2 concentration (350 ppm as current conditions). Increasing CO2 concentration from 350 to 700 ppm will increase radiation use efficiency by 23% and transpiration efficiency coefficient by 37%. By running the model for each year under each scenario, output of the model recorded and analyzed using response surface method in SAS. Results and discussion: Decreasing temperature increased days to maturity from 130 to 175 days. However, increase in temperature from 1 to 6 oC decreased days to maturity from 130 to 115 days due to higher development rate. No effect of CO2 on phenological development was assumed. At each temperature, increasing CO2 concentration from 350 to 700 ppm, decreased irrigation water requirement by 30 to 40 mm which is a result of reducing stomata conductance and increase in transpiration efficiency. Temperature increase from 3 to 8oC also decreased irrigation water requirement by 90 mm due to shortening growing season and irrigation number. Decrease in temperature more than 2oC decreases crop yield by 10 to 20 g m-2, but increase in CO2 concentration will compensate this decrease. Increasing temperature by 2 to 3 oC will increase crop yield by 20 g m-2. Increase in temperature from 3 to 8 oC decreases crop yield from 400 g m-2 to 500 g m-2. Yield reduction due to this temperature rise will occur later as a result of increase in CO2 concentration. Conclusion: The effect of temperature and CO2 concentration were studied in soybean by SSM-iLegume-Soybeanmodel. The results indicated that yield reduction increase in CO2 concentration postpones the negative effect of higher temperature on soybean yield. On the other hand, super-optimal temperatures will decrease positive impact of increase in CO2 concentration. Therefore, with regard to the effect the following strategies proposed: improve in irrigation method, development of drought and high-temperature tolerant cultivars, increase in water use efficiency, early sowing and development of longer-duration cultivars.

Hydroponics is a technology that can contribute to fulfilling demand for vegetables year-round even where normal agricultural practices cannot be undertaken. However, it is still in its nascent stage and crop production techniques for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) have not been standardized. Moreover, effect of organic concoction in conjunction with nutrient solution on qualitative and quantitative parameters of plant needs to be established. An experiment was carried out to examine the effect of Hoagland Nutrient Solution (HNS) and jeevamrut (made from 10 kg cow dung plus 10 L cow urine added to 100 L of water plus 2 kg jaggery, prepared filtered, boiled, sugarcane juice which is concentrated and cooled to produce jaggery blocks plus 2 kg of flour and a small amount of soil fermented for 7 days) on growth, yield and quality of lettuce using Nutrient Film Technique compared to grow bags. Treatment with Hoagland Nutrient Solution+5% application of jeevamrut in Nutrient Film Technique increased numbers of leaves, root length, leaf area and yield by 40, 34, 24 and 24%, respectively, over the control (fertigation with Hoagland Nutrient Solution in grow bags). The water used for hydroponics was 22 times less compared to grow bags. Growing lettuce in hydroponics fertilized with Hoagland Nutrient Solution+5% application of jeevamrut using the Nutrient Film Technique produced good quality lettuce with higher yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since sesame accessions differ significantly in many morphological and phenotypical traits, some of these traits could be suitable for direct selection for resistance to Fusarium wilt and charcoal rot diseases. Forty-eight sesame accessions that originated from different countries were screened for their reaction to infection by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. sesami (FOS) and Macrophomina phaseolina (MPH), the Fusarium wilt and charcoal rot pathogens, respectively, in 2005 and 2006. The level of infection and seed yield were measured. Number of branches and days to maturity as morphological traits and seed color as phenotypical trait, which represent some of the diversity among the accessions, were tested for possible correlation with infection percentage. We found that 57, 67 and 67% in 2005, and 77, 77 and 62% in 2006 of the accessions resistant to FOS, and 68, 77 and 64% in 2005, and 80, 76 and 60% in 2006 of the accessions resistant to MPH had a medium branch number, medium maturity and creamy seed colour. According to the analysis of regression, branch number and seed colour were significantly correlated with infection percentages by FOS and/or MPH. Therefore, these traits may be used for direct selection of sesame accessions that are resistant to Fusarium wilt and charcoal rot disease. However, no significant correlations were found between days to maturity and infection percentage by both fungi. Linear regression between infection percentage and three groups of branch number and seed colour indicated that the accessions with medium branch number and creamy or white seed colour were the only covariate which significantly correlated with the infection percentage by FOS and/or MPH.

The article discusses research on the application of seed-row potash to spring wheat grown on soils with high available potassium levels. The researchers conducted two experiments at numerous locations across western Canada from 1990 to 1994 to determine the response of hard red spring (CWRS) wheat to seed-row applied K fertilizers. The results bring into question the benefit of seed-row K fertilizer application to CWRS wheat production on K-sufficient soils in western Canada.

Genetic variations in germplasm and genotype × environment interaction (G × E) are important for crop improvement. The objectives were to explore genetic variation in Jerusalem artichoke germplasm and to evaluate G × E interaction for inulin content. Seventy-nine accessions of Jerusalem artichoke were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with two replications for three seasons. Significant variation in inulin content (55.3-74.0% dry weight) was observed and the genotypes with high inulin content could be identified although there was intermediate G × E interaction. Genotypes were also significantly different for days to maturity, fresh tuber yield, biomass and harvest index and G × E interactions for these traits were also significant. The correlation between inulin content and days to maturity was not significant ( r = −0.20), whereas inulin content and fresh tuber yield were significantly associated ( r = 0.22). JA 37 and CN 52867 are promising for high yield and inulin content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two soybean recombinant inbred line populations, Jinpumkong 2 × SS2-2 (J × S) and Iksannamulkong × SS2-2 (I x S) showed population-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for days to flowering (DF) and days to maturity (DM) and these were closely correlated within population. In the present study, we identified QTLs for six yield-related traits with simple sequence repeat markers, and biological correlations between flowering traits and yield-related traits. The yield-related traits included plant height (PH), node numbers of main stem (NNMS), pod numbers per plant (PNPP), seed numbers per pod (SNPP), 100-seed weight (SW), and seed yield per plant (SYPP). Eighteen QTLs for six yield-related traits were detected on nine chromosomes (Chrs), containing four QTLs for PH, two for NNMS, two for PNPP, three for SNPP, five for SW, and two for SYPP. Two highly significant QTLs for PH and NNMS were identified on Chr 6 (LG C2) in both populations where the major flowering gene, E1, and two DF and DM QTLs were located. One other PNPP QTL was also located on this region, explaining 12.9% of phenotypic variation. Other QTLs for yield-related traits showed population-specificity. Two significant SYPP QTLs potentially related with QTLs for SNPP and PNPP were found on the same loci of Chrs 8 (Satt390) and 10 (Sat_108). Also, highly significant positive phenotypic correlations ( P < 0.01) were found between DF with PH, NNMS, PNPP, and SYPP in both populations, while flowering was negatively correlated with SNPP and SW in the J × S ( P < 0.05) and I × S ( P < 0.01) populations. Similar results were also shown between DM and yield-related traits, except for one SW. These QTLs identified may be useful for marker-assisted selection by soybean breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenological performance in relation to yield of five modern varieties of wheat 'Sourav', 'Pradip', 'Sufi', 'Shatabdi' and 'Bijoy' were evaluated under two growing environments; one is normal growing environment (sowing at November 30) and the other is post anthesis heat stressed environment (sowing at December 30). In case of late seeding, the varieties phased a significant level of high temperature stress that also significantly affected the required days to germination, booting, anthesis, maturity of all varieties including the yield as compared to normal sowing treatment. The temperature during the grain filling or grain maturing period was near 23°C in case of normal seeding and it was near about 28°C to 30°C and sometimes reached above this range in the later period of late seeded treatment. In the normal sowing treatment the germination period was lower than the late sowing treatment as during that time the temperature was higher as compared to late sowing condition where temperature was lower. Days to anthesis and booting decreased due to late sown heat stress condition regardless the cultivars. These phenological characteristics under heat stressed condition led the wheat cultivars to significantly lower the grain yield as compared to normal condition. Due to heat stress, the yield reduction was 69.53% in 'Sourav', 58.41% in 'Pradip', 73.01% in 'Sufi', 55.46% in 'Shatabdi' and 53.42% in 'Bijoy'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering is an important stage in plant development and crucial for adaptation of plant species to different environments. Two soybean mapping populations were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for days to flowering (DF) and days to maturity (DM) by genotyping simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Single-factor analysis of variance detected association of phenotypic data with SSR markers in each population. DF QTLs were identified on four chromosomes (chrs.); two QTLs located on chrs. 2 and 13 with Satt041 and Satt206 in the Jinpumkong 2 × SS2-2 population and other two DF QTLs were detected on chrs. 6 and 19 with Satt100 and Satt373 in the Iksannamulkong × SS2-2 population. The major QTLs associated with Satt100 explained 30.3% of maximum phenotypic variation. Especially, all DF QTLs included QTLs for DM, except Satt206 on chr. 13. Moreover, two additional DM QTLs were mapped on chrs. 10 and 11 with Satt243 and Satt359, respectively. DF QTL on chr. 2 with Satt041 was the newly identified QTL only in the Jinpumkong 2 × SS2-2 population and explained 10.3% of the phenotypic variation. The single locus of Satt100 on chr. 6 and Satt373 on chr. 19 were located on soybean genomic regions of the known flowering gene loci E1 and E3, respectively. These population-specific QTLs (Satt100 and Satt373) are the major QTLs for flowering time, putatively, they may be related to maturity QTLs with large effect. Additionally, these QTLs are valuable for marker-assisted approaches and could be widely adopted by soybean breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chickpea is an indeterminate species, which continues to flower and set new pods over a long period under wet and cool growing conditions, resulting in excessive canopy development and delayed maturity. We hypothesized that the chickpea''s long season requirement could be reduced through introgression of short internode, double podding and early flowering. Four populations E100Ym/CDC Anna, 272-2/CDC Anna, 298T-9/CDC Anna, and 298T-9/CDC Frontier were developed to test this hypothesis with the first parents of each cross being the donor of the short internode, double podding and early flowering traits, respectively. Also, the donor parents E100Ym, 272-2 and 298T-9 were intercrossed. Segregating populations of F2 to F3:6 generations were then evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions. When expressed well, double podding significantly reduced time to maturity as compared to the single podding counterparts. The best double podding lines were about 1 week earlier maturing than the early parent and standard checks. Days to flowering (DF) was positively associated with days to maturity (DM) (r =0.44, P <0.001), and partial path analysis revealed that DF contributed to DM mainly via days to first pod maturity (DFPM). In the two early flowering populations 298T-9/CDC Anna and 298T-9/CDC Frontier, DF determined about 32% of the variation in DFPM. Conversely, the short internode trait had an undesirable effect, in that all the short internode segregants were too late to mature. In conclusion, the alleles for double podding and early flowering may be used to improve early maturity in chickpea and subsequently minimize the risks associated with the production of this crop in environments where the growing conditions allow excessive crop canopy development, as in the Canadian prairies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A direct comparison of microspore culture and anther culture was made in Brassica napus using F crosses of Regent (canola) by Golden (rapeseed), and their reciprocals, as well as a hybrid between Reston and a highly embryogenic, canola-quality breeding line (G231) as donor plants. The study confirmed that microspore culture can be ten times more efficient than anther culture for embryo production. Embryo yields from cultures initiated from the Reston x G231 were four-fold greater than those initiated from the Regent x Golden crosses, and significant differences were also detected among cultures initiated from the different Regent x Golden crosses. These results illustrate the influence that donor plant genotype has on embryo production. However, superior embryogenic potential among donor material was not always coincident with superior plant production. The average haploid-todiploid ratio in microspore-derived regenerates was 2∶1 for the population obtained from the Regent x Golden crosses but 1∶1 for the Reston x G231 cross. For both types of material, the frequency of diploids increased upon repeated cycles of explanting. A field study showed that there were no differences between the populations of anther-derived and microspore-derived spontaneous diploid and doubled haploid lines, with respect to the days required for them to flower or to mature. The information is valuable for canola breeding programs considering the use of haploidy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]