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It should be the ultimate goal of any theory of evolution to delineate the contours of an integrative system to answer the question: How does life (in all its complexity) evolve (which can be called mega‐evolution)? But how to plausibly define 'life'? My answer (1994–2023) is: 'life' sounds like a noun, but denotes an activity, and thus is a verb. Life (L) denotes nothing else than the total sum (∑) of all acts of communication (transfer of information) (C) executed by any type of senders–receivers at all their levels (up to at least 15) of compartmental organization: L = ∑C. The 'communicating compartment' is better suited to serve as the universal unit of structure, function and evolution than the cell, the smallest such unit. By paying as much importance to communication activity as to the Central Dogma of molecular biology, a wealth of new insights unfold. The major ones are as follows. (1) Living compartments have not only a genetic memory (DNA), but also a still enigmatic cognitive and an electrical memory system (and thus a triple memory system). (2) Complex compartments can have up to three types of progeny: genetic descendants/children, pupils/learners and electricians. (3) Of particular importance to adaptation, any act of communication is a problem‐solving act because all messages need to be decoded. Hence through problem‐solving that precedes selection, life itself is the driving force of its own evolution (a very clever but counterintuitive and unexpected logical deduction). Perhaps, this is the 'vital force' philosopher and Nobel laureate (in 1927) Henri Bergson searched for but did not find. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to identify efficiency of recurrent selection program to improve maize population. This program was applied to var. Buhooth 106 with var. 5012 Using RGCA with the inbred Zm7 for the production of RSCA. The recurrent selection program was implemented for four consecutive seasons (2020 - 2021) at the Fields Station of the College of Agriculture - University of Anbar. In the spring season 2020, 100 top crosses were obtained from both varieties and progeny. During the fall season 2020, an experiment was carried out to compare the top crosses of each variety RGCA and RSCA using a 10 × 10 partially balanced lattice design.. Six genotypes from each genetic population as well as Buhooth 106 and 5012 and Zm7 inbreds). The genotype-S1-2 RSCA achieved the lowest female flowering period for females 61.50 days, the highest number of rows per ear 17.80 rows, and the highest grain yield 177.82 g. The genotype-S1-3 RSCA achieved the highest leaf area 0.593 m² and the highest number of kernels per row 43.11 kernel. The broad sense heritability of the traits of the number of rows and the number of kernels in the row and the yield of the plant reached 53.23%, 73.85% and 41.94%, respectively, and high genetic advance for kernels per row and grain yield of 4.79 and 15.52 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross between two different orchid species is a way to improve the horticultural performance of the hybrids. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) is a method of molecular markers that could be used to analyze genetic diversity among parents and their hybrid progenies. The purpose of this study was to examine the genetic diversity of the parent species of Vanda dearei and Vanda celebica, the hybrid progenies of (♀ Vanda dearei x ♂ Vanda celebica)-cross and the hybrid progenies of their reciprocal cross. DNA amplification using 5 ISSR primers, namely UBC 810, UBC 815, UBC 834, UBC 835, and UBC 880, produced 60 DNA bands with a size of 200-2800 bp, with the percentage of polymorphism ranging from 81.8%-100% and the percentage of monomorphism as much as 0%-18.2%. Analysis of genetic diversity showed that the genetic diversity among hybrid progenies of (♀ V. dearei x ♂ V. celebica) was 8%. In comparison, those among hybrid progenies of its reciprocal cross (♀ V. celebica x ♂ V. dearei) were 13%. In conclusion, deploying V. celebica as a female parent and V. dearei as a male parent will most likely produce higher diversity among its progenies, compared to the reciprocal cross. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freesia belongs to the family Iridaceae and is one of the most popular bulbous species that can be used both as a cut flower and as a pot flower, depending on the situation. This study was carried out to produce new, high-quality offspring by intervarietal hybridization between five commercial cultivars of freesia hybrids. Eighteen morphometric traits, which were mostly related to flower organs, were evaluated on twelve progenies and five parental plants in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications (2014-2018). The assessments were based on instructions of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The highest heritability of broad-sense traits was related to the outer segmental width of the perianth and the inner segmental width and length of the perianth. The lowest heritability was related to the length of stem between the first and second flowers. The number of flowers and buds had the most significant, positive correlation with spike length (r=+0.75). Likewise, the strongest positive, significant correlation was observed between the length of the inner and outer segments of the perianth (r=+0.79). Superior progenies consisted of the 20A hybrid, with a white color, which originated from the parental cross P1×P5. The 3A hybrid, with a yellow color, was obtained from the parental cross P2×P5, and the 28P hybrid, with a reddish brown color, was obtained from the parental cross P4×P5. These progenies were superior in terms of important traits such as plant height, branch number of the peduncle, spike length, number of buds and florets, compared to the parents. Thus, intervarietal hybridization in this research was proved as an effective way to generate new phenotypic variations of freesia hybrids, thereby providing opportunities to produce new plant materials for breeding purposes and release new cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stationary immigration has a limited effect over the asymptotic behavior of the underlying branching process. It affects mostly the limiting distribution and the life-period of the process. In contrast, if the immigration rate changes over time, then the asymptotic behavior of the process is significantly different and a variety of new phenomena are observed. In this review we discuss branching processes with time non-homogeneous immigration. Our goal is to help researchers interested in the topic to familiarize themselves with the current state of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turnip rape, Brassica rapa L. var. sabsp. Campestris (L.) A.R.Clapham belongs to the large cabbage family (Brassicacea). Spring turnip rape among other oilseeds of the Brassicacea family occupies an important place and can be highly productive in the Northern regions of the European part, in the arid zones of the Lower Volga region, in the northern forest-steppe and subtaiga regions of Western and Eastern Siberia, where the longer growing season sometimes hinders rapeseed to achieve its full potential. Spring turnip rape ripens 13-15 days earlier than rapeseed; it is less heat- and drought-sensitive. However, interest in industrial cultivation of spring turnip rape appeared in the 70s of the last century after the creation of non-erucic and low-glucosinolate varieties, with the oil equivalent to olive oil in its fatty acid composition. Spring turnip rape has been bred at V.S. Pustovoyt All-Russian Research Institute of Oils Crops (VNIIMK) since 1982. The yellow-seeded varieties, Vostochnaya, Yantarnaya, and Zolotistaya, were created. The objective of this research was to find a new promising breeding material for creating varieties of 000-type spring turnip rape from heterogeneous populations of the available VNIIMK varieties. To obtain a new source material, we used the pedigree method, followed by an assessment of the progeny of elite plants isolated from Yantarnaya and Zolotistaya. The result of our six-year efforts was four new promising samples No. 815, 844, 816, and 820, which exceed the standard variety, Zolotistaya, in seed yield by 10-14%. The oil content of seeds of the isolated samples varied from 47.8 to 48.6%, and exceeded the standard variety by 0.3-0.7% in three of them. Promising cultivars either had the same or lower weight of 1000 seeds (2.4-3.0 g), in comparison with Zolotistaya. All selected samples of turnip rape were characterized by a low glucosinolate content in seeds - 13.5-14.5 µmol g-1, and the fatty acid composition corresponded to the requirements for high-quality salad oils with erucic acid levels of 0.04-0.20% and a high content of oleic acid - 65.8-67.4%. After additional assessment, the best variety will be submitted for the State test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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'CLM04' (Reg. no. CV‐155, PI 692953) is a high‐yielding, early‐maturing, and short‐stature Clearfield (BASF Corporation) medium‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar developed by the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center (RREC) in Stuttgart, AR, and approved for release by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Experimental Station in January 2019. It was derived from the cross 'RU1202168'/'Jupiter' made at RREC in spring 2013 and advanced as F4 bulk of a single progeny row 14P54617 at the RREC in summer 2014. From 2015 to 2019, CLM04 was evaluated in 51 statewide and regional replicated trials. The Clearfield medium‐grain cultivar 'CL272' as well as conventional medium‐grain cultivars 'Jupiter' and 'Titan' served as checks. Grain yield of CLM04 was 9.58 Mg ha−1 compared with 9.17 Mg ha−1 for CL272, 9.97 Mg ha−1 for Jupiter, and 10.15 Mg ha−1 for Titan. CLM04 has an average height of 107 cm which is 10, 9, and 5 cm taller than Jupiter, Titan, and CL272, respectively. CLM04 reached 50% heading 5 d later than Titan at 87 d from emergence, which is similar to CL272 and Jupiter, which mature at 85 and 87 d, respectively. CLM04 is moderately resistant to leaf blast and susceptible to sheath blight, bacterial panicle blight, kernel smut, and false smut. Core Ideas: CLM04 is a Clearfield medium‐grain cultivar developed by the University of Arkansas.CLM04 is a high‐yielding, early‐maturing, and short‐stature cultivar.CLM04 is adapted to rice growing conditions throughout Arkansas and the mid‐South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple trait introgression is the process by which multiple desirable traits are converted from a donor to a recipient cultivar through backcrossing and selfing. The goal of this procedure is to recover all the attributes of the recipient cultivar, with the addition of the specified desirable traits. A crucial step in this process is the selection of parents to form new crosses. In this study, we propose a new selection approach that estimates the genetic distribution of the progeny of backcrosses after multiple generations using information of recombination events. Our objective is to select the most promising individuals for further backcrossing or selfing. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a case study has been conducted using maize data where our method is compared with state-of-the-art approaches. Simulation results suggest that the proposed method, look-ahead Monte Carlo, achieves higher probability of success than existing approaches. Our proposed selection method can assist breeders to efficiently design trait introgression projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris yellowspot (IYS) disease in onion (Allium cepa L.) is caused by onion thrips (Thrips tabaci L.) vectored Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV). The absence of cultivars that are resistant/tolerant to thrips and/or IYS is a challenge for onion bulb and seed production worldwide. To measure selection progress for reduced/delayed IYS symptom expression in onion breeding lines after two selection cycles, selections were performed in 2011 on previously evaluated lines that exhibited a reduced symptom expression after one selection cycle. Selected plants from each line were massed in a cage and the resulted progenies were evaluated in 2013 and 2014 along with their original populations and a susceptible check--'Rumba'. In some comparisons, the selection progress for delayed/reduced IYS symptom expression was observed for some breeding lines. Plants of most selected breeding lines exhibited less disease expression than plants of 'Rumba'. For some selections, a low disease severity was observed even with a relatively high number of thrips per plant. These results suggest that further improvement might be achievable with additional cycles of selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlations between quantitative traits, which determine yield in the vine cultivar Bolgar and F1 progeny of the hybrid combination Bolgar x Russalka 1 have been investigated through Path analysis. It has been found that there are no highly significant traits for the formation of yield from this cultivar, for which the correlation coefficients, direct and total indirect influences have positive values. Positive correlations have been reported between the two parent cultivars and F1 progeny for the traits: shoot and fruiting shoot fertility coefficient, cluster width, total number of shoots, fruiting shoots and clusters. All studied fertility coefficients in the cultivar Bolgar exert positive direct influences, determined by moderate correlations, on the seedlings from F1 progeny. The correlations of the other traits and the influence of separate parent cultivars have positive or negative values, which can be used in the selection of valuable elite forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to study the biological effect of four plant powders of (Nigella sativa. Cyperusrotundus. Cuminumcyninum and pimpinellaanisum) against cowpea weevil Callosobruchusmaculatus which is one of legumes stored pests. Results showed that N. sativa seeds powder was more effective that other plants on different biological aspects of the insect that the number of laid eggs by the females feed on cowpea seeds treated with 0.5 gm of powder /5mg of N.sativa, Cyperusrotundus, C. cyninum andpimpinellaanisum, seeds reached to 9.3, 13.3, 50.3 and 51.7 egg respectively. Compared with 120.2 egg for control.Plants powders have the same rhythm of effect on the averge number of adult emerged from females feed on treated cowpea seeds which reached to 1.0,10.7, 29.0 and 34.7 adult of N.sativa, Cyperusrotundus, pimpinellaanisum and C.cyninum at 0.5gm /5gm respectively while it reached to 95.3 adulat in control. The first generation progeny of the adults feed on cowpea seeds treated with plant powders of N. sativa, Cyperusrotundus C.cyninumand Pimpinellaanisum reached to 98.7,76.2 and 67.4%respectively.while it reached to 0.0% in control. Results of plant powder have also the same rhythm of effect on loss weight percentage of cowpea seeds after (35) days which reached to 1.07, 8.0, 12.33 and 14.53% for the powders of N. sativa, Cyperusrotundus, C.cyninum Pimpinellaanisumat 0.5gm/5 gms respectively compared with 32.87% in control. There is no effect on cowpea seed germination treated with the above plant powders that was 90, 90, 93.3 and 93.3% respectively compaired with 96.6% in control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrocybe aegerita is a cultivated edible mushroom in numerous countries, which also serves as a model basidiomycete to study fruiting body formation. Aiming to create an easily expandable customised molecular toolset for transformation and constitutive gene of interest expression, we first created a homologous dominant marker for transformant selection. Progeny monokaryons of the genome-sequenced dikaryon A. aegerita AAE-3 used here were identified as sensitive to the systemic fungicide carboxin. We cloned the wild-type gene encoding the iron-sulphur protein subunit of succinate dehydrogenase AaeSdi1 including its up- and downstream regions, and introduced a single-point mutation (His237 to Leu) to make it confer carboxin resistance. PEG-mediated transformation of protoplasts derived from either oidia or vegetative monokaryotic mycelium with the resulting carboxin resistance marker (CbxR) plasmid pSDI1E3 yielded carboxin-resistant transformants in both cases. Plasmid DNA linearised within the selection marker resulted in transformants with ectopic multiple insertions of plasmid DNA in a head-to-tail repeat-like fashion. When circular plasmid was used, ectopic single integration into the fungal genome was favoured, but also gene conversion at the homologous locus was seen in 1 out of 11 analysed transformants. Employing CbxR as selection marker, two versions of a reporter gene construct were assembled via Golden Gate cloning which allows easy recombination of its modules. These consisted of an eGFP expression cassette controlled by the native promoter PAaeGPDII and the heterologous terminator Tnos, once with and once without an intron in front of the eGFP start codon. After protoplast transformation with either construct as circular plasmid DNA, GFP fluorescence was detected with either transformants, indicating that expression of eGFP is intron-independent in A. aegerita. This paves the way for functional genetics approaches to A. aegerita, e.g., via constitutive expression of fruiting-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) hybrids can be a good germplasm for obtaining new tomato inbred lines. The present study was aimed to investigate the stability of commercial F1 hybrids under climatic conditions of highlands, to estimate genetic parameters, and evaluate the breeding potential of F1 hybrids based on the agronomic performance of its F3 progeny. We employed a breeding scheme based on pedigree selection for the obtainment of 49 F3 families. Significant differences were found in most of the traits evaluated in both F1 and F3 generations, while in the F2 population only one variable showed significant differences. Heritability ranged from 0.07 to 0.29 for F1, and from 0.16 to 0.45 for F3. Most of the F1 hybrids exhibited values of stability across seasons in at least one trait. However, 'Loreto' and 'Reserva' only exhibited a high stability for yield. Genetic gains ranged from -8.40 to 72.95. Yield per plant was the traits with the highest gain. Based on genetic gains obtained by the F3 progeny, we concluded that 'Cid', 'Espartaco' and 'Loreto' have a high breeding potential for yield and other traits, which could be exploited by public tomato breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the low availability of avocado rootstocks with resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, it is necessary to search for genotypes that offer resistance and that could be used as commercial rootstocks. The objective of this study was to select progeny from the genotypes of Mexican race avocado plants that are resistant to P. cinnamomi. Seedlings from 12 avocado genotypes were placed in containers inoculated with a mycelial suspension of P. cinnamomi. Signs of disease in the upper part of the seedlings were registered every 3 days for 8 weeks using a visual scale of damage severity. The x2 test (P < 0.009) showed significant differences among the genotypes evaluated, with 'Todo el Anõ' being the most resistant, as demonstrated by its rating of 70% asymptomatic seedlings, followed by 'Plátano' with 40%. The most susceptible genotypes were 'María Elena', 'Silvestre', and 'Hass', with 100% mortality. Seedling inoculation facilitated the detection of resistance to P. cinnamomi. 'Todo el Anõ' showed resistance toward P. cinnamomi. Therefore, individuals of its offspring could be recommended for use as rootstocks after confirming their resistance with a second evaluation, as well as performing tests in multiple localities to demonstrate their productive behavior after grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands, the causal pathogen of phytophthora root rot (PRR) of chestnut, is one of the main obstacles to growth of american chestnut [Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Bork.] in the southern part of its distribution. To facilitate introgression of PRR resistance of chinese chestnut (C. mollissima Blume) into a C. dentata genetic background, we assessed the disease resistance of 10 interspecific hybrid families derived from potentially resistant C. mollissima cultivars. Hybrid progeny were inoculated with P. cinnamomi in the nursery and assessed for root lesion severity after 1 year of growth. Asymptomatic plants were transplanted to a P. cinnamomi-positive orchard and evaluated for survival midway through the following growing season. During the nursery experiment, 8 of 10 hybrid families were not significantly different from susceptible C. dentata controls for average disease resistance scores. However, multiple asymptomatic individuals were identified in each of the eight families. Two of the 10 hybrid families were not significantly different from the resistant C. mollissima and C. henryi controls. In the P. cinnamomi-positive orchard, the prescreened hybrid families displayed a greater proportion of survivors than backcross families that had not been prescreened for P. cinnamomi resistance. Hybrid plants that have survived 2 years of growth in P. cinnamomi-infested potting media and soils represent an important step toward the production of genetically diverse chestnut populations in the southeastern United States that combine the PRR resistance of C. mollissima with the morphology and local adaptation of C. dentata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a vector of the pathogen (Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum) that causes zebra chip in potato. The insect and the disease are managed solely through insecticide applications. One of the primary insecticide chemistries used to suppress the psyllid includes various formulations of neonicotinoid (group 4A) insecticides and their frequent use across Southwest U.S., where potato psyllids and zebra chip are prevalent, has raised concerns of widespread insecticide resistance. Potato psyllids collected from California and the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas have been previously shown to be resistant to these insecticides, but the psyllid susceptibility to neonicotinoid insecticides across Southwest U.S. has not been established. To test the extent of neonicotinoid resistance, we collected potato psyllids from Colorado, New Mexico, and from two major potato-producing regions of Texas. We exposed immature progeny of these field-collected potato psyllids to several doses of two neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. Survival of the psyllids was compared to a control colony of B. cockerelli , which was collected prior to widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides and was known to be susceptible to them. Our results indicated that the psyllids were resistant to both insecticides. The degree of resistance depended on the geographic location of each psyllid population and on the insecticide, with imidacloprid resistance most prominent in psyllids from LRGV. These outcomes emphasize the need to diversify and integrate tactics used to suppress the psyllids and lessen dependence on insecticides to manage the insect and the disease. Highlights • Potato psyllids across the Southwest are resistant to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. • Origin of the psyllids had an effect of degree of resistance. • Resistance ratios were particularly high for imidacloprid. • Resistance to neonicotinoids should be considered in management programs for potato psyllid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, to breed endophyte (Epichloë uncinata)‐infected festololium (x Festulolium Aschers.et Graebn.), we backcrossed endophyte‐infected Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) to festulolium. To prevent self‐pollinated plants being mixed with the progeny, we used polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based DNA marker sets distinguishing between Lolium and Festuca species. In the first backcrossing (F1 development), 20 of the 21 progeny plants showed Festuca‐specific band patterns and were endophyte‐infected. We developed six maternal lines (BC1 development) by backcrossing six selected F1 plants. More than 97% of plants from five maternal lines had novel Festuca‐specific band patterns which their maternal parents lacked. However, only 54% plants of the maternal line F1–18 exhibited novel Festuca‐specific band patterns. F1–18 showed Festuca‐specific band patterns with almost all tested DNA marker sets, and its f ratio (the ratio of Festuca‐specific region to the whole genome) was 31.1%, indicating that F1–18 had an almost complete set of the Festuca genome. Because paternal backcrossing festulolium parents were amphidiploids, an f ratio of approximately 25% corresponds to a complete set of the Festuca genome. We found that it was difficult to evaluate BC2 hybridity using the same DNA marker sets because very few DNA markers were distinctive. In total, we bred and selected at least 146 true BC1 hybrids and endophyte‐infected plants using DNA markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The various soil samples were collected to find EPNs from the cultivated regions of district Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total number of 620 soil samples were collected and proceed for baiting by using Galleria mellonella larvae (Greater wax moth). Out of which only15 samples (2.4%) yielded EPNs. Eight samples (1.3%) contained Steinernema sp. from Meerut University, Bajaut, Bhatjevda, Kharkhauda, Lalsana, Dorli and Sevaya while Heterorhabditis sp. was recovered from seven samples (1.1%) from Meerut University and Kaili. The appearance of EPNs in the soils of surveyed fields indicated, Importance of EPNs in regulating the population of soil insect pests or even those insects which undergo pupation in the soil. In vivo production of virulent entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema sp. isolates 13S and 5S and Heterorhabditis sp. isolates 17H, 19H and 20H) out of surveyed samples were investigated to obtain optimum progeny production at different inoculums by using larvae of Galleria mellonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the growing demand of the soybean consumer market, cultivars increasingly early, productive and resistant to biotic and abiotic stress are sought. Several populations are obtained in soybean breeding programmes, but progeny are selected without being weighted for their respective population effect. As a consequence, progeny originating from high‐merit populations may be discarded too early. Given this scenario, this study proposes to employ the selection index with progeny and population effect via best linear unbiased prediction (SIPP‐BLUP) for the genetic selection of early and productive soybean progeny. A total of 180 progeny derived from three populations were evaluated for yield‐related traits. Genetic gains from selection, Spearman correlation and coincidence index were used to check the efficiency of the models with and without the population effect. The SIPP‐BLUP index achieved greater selection accuracy and was efficient in the identification and future selection of early soybean progeny. Therefore, this study demonstrates that soybean breeding programmes should consider the population effect via SIPP‐BLUP in progeny selection to obtain future lines that really contribute to genetic gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining ability for resistance of potato to late blight (LB) was analyzed by testing segregating seedling progenies obtained from a full diallel crossing design between 3 potato parent cultivars with different levels of LB resistance and a North Carolina Mating Design II with the same resistant parents as females crossed to 2 LB susceptible male parents, against a complex race of P. infestans. Artificial inoculation was conducted under greenhouse conditions in Dalat, Vietnam at 1500 m above sea level. Percentage of foliage infection was recorded visually at 5 days intervals until 25th day after inoculation when the susceptible check was totally destroyed. General combining ability effect was significant and predominant, indicating that in the inheritance of resistance to LB, additive gene actions are more important. Specific combining ability was significant only for crosses between resistant parents, but insignificant for those between resistant and susceptible parents. In almost all cases, no significant reciprocal effect was found. Cultivar C88 was the best general combiner for resistance to LB. There were evidences that 1) the major genes R1, R3a and Rpi-blb1 alone are not enough to condition a good level of resistance to the isolate used; 2) the resistance of C88 was plausibly mostly due to presence of the gene R2, which is probably the main genetic factor of the durable resistance of this cultivar and, 3) the resistance to LB in potato seems background dependent, the background being the set of nuclear factors (major or minor genes) whose expression collectively affects the resistance level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introgression for yield and its component traits in pigeonpea was studied in the BC1F2 and F3 populations derived from an interspecific cross between Cajanus scarabaeoides (ICP 15683) and C. cajan (ICPL 20329). In both the populations, a wide range of variation was observed for different traits, viz. fruiting branches per plant, pods per plant and yield per plant. The BC1F2 derivatives recorded mean superiority of 100%, 94% and 45.9%, while F3 derivatives recorded superiority of 57%, 31% and 15% over the recurrent parent ICPL 20329 for fruiting branches per plant, pods per plant and seed yield per plant, respectively. Seed yield per plant had highly significant and positive association with pods per plant and fruiting branches per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful storage of harvest is a matter of utmost importance in the Sudano-Guinean agro-ecological zone where intense cultivation takes place only once a year. Poor and rudimentary drying/storage methods, high relative humidity as well as inaccessibility to the chemical pesticides leave stored maize at the mercy of insect and fungal attack. Insect attack favours secondary attack by fungi; both leading to a fall in the nutritional, sanitary and organoleptic qualities of the stored maize. Thus, poor peasant farmers are left with the choice of locally available botanicals as alternatives to chemical pesticides. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to determine the insecticidal efficacy of essential oils from the leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides and Cupressus sempervirens together with their 50/50 binary combination against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, and the fungi: Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus flavus on stored maize. Insect mortality and progeny inhibition and the inhibition of fungal invasion were evaluated. Pesticidal activities of both essential oils increased with ascending dose of application. 200 μL/kg of the binary combination caused 100% mortality within 14 days and it completely inhibited progeny production in the weevil. The mixture of the two oils showed additive effects against the weevils and fungi. The two essential oils in isolation significantly inhibited fungal spore invasion in 21 days of storage although A. flavus was less susceptible than R. stolonifer. Therefore both plants could provide active botanical pesticides against S. zeamais and fungal pests in stored maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, insecticidal efficacy of different local diatomaceous earth (DE) deposits obtained Central Anatolian Region in Turkey and commercial DE deposit (German origin), Silicosec® were evaluated against substantial pest on stored grain as Tribolium confusum du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) at five different concentrations of 100, 300, 500, 900 and 1500 ppm on stored paddy. Mortality of the exposed adults was assessed after 7, 14 and 21 days of exposure. Also progeny productions were assessed after 65 days The tests were carried out at 25±1 °C temperature, 55±5% R.H. under dark conditions. The most effective DE in a short time were assessed AG2N-1 which caused 97% mortality of T. confusum adults at 1500 ppm concentration after 7 days of exposure in paddy. Complete mortality of T. confusum adults was recorded on AG2N-1 at 900 ppm for 14 days and treatments of AG2N-1, BGN-1, CBN-1 for 21 days at 500, 900 and 1500 ppm respectively whereas 87% mortality rate was determined for 21 days exposure of Silicosec® at the highest concentrations on paddy. In conclusion, this study indicated that Turkish DE deposits, AG2N-1, BGN-1 and CBN-1 had high insecticidal efficacy in comparison with the commercial Silicosec® and would have potential to be used against insects in the pest management of stored paddy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment of 4 years' duration was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of combining the mating disruption (MD) formulation Dismate ZETA (9Z,12E-tetradecadienyl acetate), with the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor against the Indianmeal moth Plodia interpunctella in a chocolate factory. The experimental period began early in 2011 and ended in late 2014. Begane Dismate dispensers were placed in the facility from 2011 to 2014 and H. hebetor was released in 2014. Pheromone-baited traps were used to monitor the flight activity of the male moths and oviposition Petri dish cups were placed to assess the progeny production of P. interpunctella females. Following the start of MD, a decrease in the number of P. interpunctella males caught in monitoring traps was observed from 2011 to 2013. A further decline in the moth population was noted in 2014, when MD was combined with the release of parasitoids. The presence of larvae in the oviposition cups was occasionally observed throughout the monitoring period, from 2011 to 2014. This study demonstrates that the combined system of MD and parasitoids is an effective and reliable technique that can be used to successfully control P. interpunctella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insecticidal efficacy and persistence of Nigerian raw diatomaceous earth (DE) were evaluated in the laboratory on cowpea against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The raw DE was applied to 1.5 kg lots of cowpea seeds at 0 (untreated control), 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg, and a commercial DE formulation (Protect-It®) applied at 1000 mg/kg was included in the test as positive (treated) control. The treated cowpea seeds were kept under ambient laboratory conditions (26 - 34°C and 24 - 93% RH. Bioassays were conducted on samples taken from each treatment at the day of storage and every 30 d for 6 consecutive months. Adult C. maculatus were exposed for 3 and 5 d to the samples and adult mortality was assessed over this exposure interval and progeny production and seed damage were assessed after additional 30 d. On freshly treated cowpea, both the raw DE and Protect-It® were highly effective against C. maculatus causing 100% adult mortality following 5 d of exposure. In general, the raw DE was less persistent on cowpea providing complete adult mortality only for two months. Protect-It® on the other hand was stable over the 6- month period of storage causing 95.8 to 100% adult mortality. None of the treatments completely inhibited progeny production after 2-3-moths storage period. The results of this study indicated that Protect-It® may provide suitable protection for 6 months against C. maculatus, but the raw DE in its present state is not suitable for long-term protection against this insect pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Performance of four S. frugiperda genotypes was evaluated in sequential feedings of non-Bt and Bt maize. • Resistant heterozygous S. frugiperda genotypes outperformed their susceptible counterparts. • The advantage was additive depending on number of resistance alleles in the insects. • The advantage was greater for the resistant heterozygotes feeding on Bt plants first and then moved to non-Bt plants. Abstract We simulated larval feeding behavior in seed blends of non-Bt and Bt maize to determine if seed blends create more favorable conditions for heterozygous-resistant insects over their Bt-susceptible counterparts. Survival, growth, development, and progeny production of four genotypes of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda , Bt-susceptible (aabb), Cry1A.105 heterozygous resistant (Aabb), Cry2Ab2 heterozygous resistant (aaBb), and Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2 heterozygous resistant (AaBb), were evaluated in eight feeding sequences (Seq 1–8) of non-Bt and MON 89034 Bt maize leaf tissue expressing the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins. We report variation in the performance of the four genotypes across the feeding sequences and biological parameters measured. Three heterozygous genotypes generally outperformed the susceptible genotype in larval survival, pupation rate, pupal weight, and progeny production. The performance was greater for Aabb over aaBb, AaBb over Aabb or aaBb, in two of the feeding sequences. The findings of this study could have important implications in assessing the risk of seed blends as refuge plantings for Bt crop resistance management where resistance in the target pest is not functionally recessive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We tested whether rice plants can recognize and record natural variation in their growth environments and thus control flowering in their progeny. • We found that the progeny of mother plants of both cultivars grown in a cool climate flowered significantly earlier than the progeny of mother plants grown in a warm climate. • This transgenerational effect was partially explained by water temperatures during the vegetative growth stage. Abstract Flowering date reflects the adjustment of a plant’s growth period to a given environment. This is true of rice, which is a major food source around the world. We tested whether rice plants can recognize and record natural variation in their growth environments and thus control flowering in their progeny. We grew seedlings of two japonica cultivars from the same seed stock at two locations, in cool and warm climates, in Japan until they produced seeds. We then tested their progeny at the same locations. The progeny of mother plants of both cultivars grown in a cool climate flowered significantly earlier (by 1 to 6 days) than the progeny of mother plants grown in a warm climate. This transgenerational effect was partially explained by water temperatures during the vegetative growth stage. This is the first study to show the effect of transgenerational effect of natural environments on flowering date in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Detailed approach how to perform Zebrabow experiments. • Method on quantifying clonality. • Guide on troubleshooting the common problems with this technique. Abstract Labelling cells and following their progeny, also known as lineage tracing, has provided important insights into the cellular origins of tissues. Traditional lineage tracing experiments have been limited to following single or small groups of cells with classic techniques such as dye injections and Cre/LoxP labelling of cells of interest. Brainbow is a fluorescent dependent, lineage tracing technique that allows a broader visualization and analysis of multiple cells within a tissue, initially deployed to examine lineages within neural tissues. This technique has now been adapted to zebrafish (Zebrabow) and takes advantages of the imaging capabilities that this system provides over other animal models. In this paper we shall describe how Zebrabow is performed as well as some guides on some of the common pitfalls encountered when using this labelling strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately aging trees is critical for understanding tree demography and tree responses to environmental change. Given the proliferation of studies aimed at understanding the effects of climate and disturbance on forest ecosystems, it is important to understand the tradeoffs between field-based age estimates and precise dendrochronological techniques. We assessed the accuracy of age estimates from node counts in the field against precise tree-ring counts at the root-shoot boundary, in 1279 ponderosa pine and 1268 Douglas-fir seedlings sampled from across three study regions in the western U.S. We also assessed the accuracy of age estimates from bud-scar counts in the field against node counts and precise tree-ring counts in a subset of 757 seedlings from the Northern Rockies. Node counts systematically underestimated ring counts by an average of 4.1 years, with bias increasing with tree age. At annual, ±1-, ±2-, and ±5-yr precision, the accuracy of node counts was 5%, 15%, 29%, and 74% across all regions and species, respectively. Similar results were found for bud scars. Given the magnitude of the bias between field-based methods and ring counts, it is critical to select appropriate aging methods, based on the precision required to answer specific ecological questions. To improve the accuracy of field-based age estimates in these species, we provide a tool for correcting for the bias when precise dendrochronological aging is not feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to study the genetics and nature of gene action of resistance to watermelon bud necrosis orthotospovirus (WBNV) in watermelon. The experimental materials comprised of two resistant (BIL‐53 and IIHR‐19) and one susceptible (IIHR‐140) parents. Each of the resistant parents was crossed with the susceptible parent to develop six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) to study genetics. The results of segregation in F2 and backcross progenies suggested that resistance is governed by a major dominant gene along with other background minor genes in both the crosses. BIL‐53 was found to possess higher degree of resistance with simple inheritance and hence may be of interest to breeders. Simple selection can be effective for improving the trait in the cross BIL‐53 × IIHR‐140 as additive gene action is prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the inheritance of resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. tracheiphilum (Fot) in cowpea lines. Resistant and susceptible cowpea lines were crossed to develop F1, F2 and backcross populations. Reaction to Fot was evaluated in 2015 and 2016 using seed soak and modified root‐dip inoculation methods. The expression of resistance reaction in the F1 and segregation in F2 generations indicated the role of dominant gene controlling Fot in cowpea. These results were further supported by the result of backcross (BC1P1F1 and BC1P2F1) progeny tests. The backcross of F1 with the resistant parent produced progeny that were uniformly resistant, whereas backcross of F1 with the susceptible parent produced progeny that segregated into 1:1 ratio. The F2 segregation ratio in the reciprocal cross showed no evidence of maternal effect in the inheritance of the resistance. Allelism test suggests that the gene for resistance in TVu 134 was the same in TVu 410 and TVu 109‐1. We also identified an SSR marker, C13‐16, that cosegregated with the gene conferring resistance to Fot in cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The peach root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne floridensis (MF), infects majority of available nematode‐resistant peach rootstocks which are mostly derived from peach (Prunus persica) and Chinese wild peach (P. davidiana). Interspecific hybridization of peach with its wild relative, Kansu peach (P. kansuensis), offers potential for broadening the resistance spectrum in standard peach rootstocks. We investigated the inheritance of resistance to MF in segregating populations of peach (‘Okinawa’ or ‘Flordaguard’) × P. kansuensis. A total of 379 individuals from 13 F2 and BC1F1 families were challenged with a pathogenic MF isolate “MFGnv14” and were classified as resistant (R) or susceptible (S) based on root galling intensity. Segregation analyses in F2 progeny revealed the involvement of a major locus with a dominant or recessive allele determining resistance in progeny segregating 3R:1S and 1R:3S, respectively. Testcrosses with a homozygous‐susceptible peach genotype (‘Flordaguard’ or ‘UFSharp’) confirmed P. kansuensis as a source of new resistance and the heterozygous allelic status of P. kansuensis at the locus conferring resistance to MF. We propose a single‐locus dominant/recessive model for the inheritance of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare results obtained by mate selection accounting for different components in the objective function (OF), including functions related to genetic variability of the future progeny, using Nile tilapia and coho salmon real datasets. A total of 8782 Nile tilapias (NP) from five generations and 79,144 coho salmon (CS) from eight generations were used to optimize different OF accounting for coancestry of parents, expected genetic merit, inbreeding and components associated to genetic variability of the progeny. The candidates for selection were the superior animals of the last generation, corresponding to 281 males for NP population and 328 males for CS population, to be mated with 179 and 440 superior females, respectively. Candidate males were allowed to be mated with a maximum of four females. Different functions related to genetic variability of the progeny were tested in the mate selection and we observed that it was possible to increase the genetic variability or produce more uniform progeny, for both species studied. In addition, some OFs also allowed increasing the number of outstanding superior progeny. The tested OF were effective in optimizing the genetic gain and keeping the coancestry and inbreeding at controlled rates, while reducing or increasing the genetic variability of progeny, depending on the purpose of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fraxinus mandshurica is one of the ancient relict fora species originated from the Tertiary period, which is mainly produced in the eastern mountains in Northeast China. It has an important scientific value for studying the Tertiary flora and the Quaternary glacial climate. In order to make rational use of the natural genetic resources of F. mandshurica, and to increase the scientific and technological added value of improved varieties, this study used the method of positional observation of fixed standard fields to discuss the genetic variations of tree height and DBH of the natural populations and its open-pollinated progenies, systematically analyze the heritability and genetic gains in growth characters based on the analysis of progeny test, growth dynamic and heredity effects. The populations with good growth, strees resistance and adaptability were selected. The results showed that there were extremely significant difference in the growth characters among the natural populations, and the coefficients of variance for tree height (22. 99%) were smaHer, while the coefficients of variance for DBH (41.37%) were larger. On the other hand, there were extremely significant diferences in the growth characters among the open-poHinated progenies, and the interaction between these progenies and the blocks was significant. Meanwhile, the growth characters had strong heritability, high genetic gain, and remarkable heredity effects. The heritability of tree height and DBH were 0. 825 and 0. 781, and the genetic gains were 15.16% and 25. 85%, respectively. Therefore, Shanhetun (SHT) and Xinglong (XIL) were determined to be excellent natural populations both in the growth, resistance and adaptation with growth traits as the min evaluation index, which could be widely applied in the advanced generation improvement breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested two methods for non-destructive assessment of wood density of Scots pine standing trees: one based on penetration depth of a steel pin (Pilodyn) and the other on micro-drilling resistance (Resistograph). As a benchmark we used wood density data from x-ray analysis (SilviScan). We assessed in total 622 trees of 175 full-sib families growing in a single progeny test. Pilodyn was applied with bark (PIL) and without bark (PILB). Raw Resistograph drilling profiles (RES) were adjusted (RESTB) in order to eliminate increasing trend caused by needle friction. Individual narrow-sense heritability of benchmark SilviScan density (DEN; 0.46) was most closely approached by that of adjusted RESTB (0.43). Heritabilities were lower for unadjusted RES (0.35) as well as for PIL and PILB (both 0.32). Additive genetic correlations of the benchmark DEN with RES, RESTB, PIL and PILB were 0.89, 0.96, 0.59 and 0.71, respectively. Our results suggest that Resistograph is a more reliable tool than Pilodyn for wood density assessment of Scots pine; however, we highly recommend adjusting Resistograph drilling profiles prior to further analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the spectrum of genetic variation for seed yield per plant and its component traits in the four selection procedures [PS(EF), PS(HY), SSD and RBP] each with 20 progenies of GJG 0315 x ICCV 96029 cross in F5 generation in Desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic differences for all the characters with a wide range of variation. Out of the total 6 cases studied in F5, PS(EF) in 2 cases; SSD in 3 cases and PS(HY) in 1 cases were better for depicting the widest phenotypic range and maximum coefficient of variation irrespective of characters. Moderate to high heritability and genotypic co-efficients of variation coupled with high expected Genetic Advance as per cent of mean was observed for number of branches per plant by PS(HY) and RBP and for 100-seed weight in PS(EF), PS(HY) and SSD of this cross which indicated the predominant role of additive gene action in the expression of these traits in respective breeding schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a primary pest of stored wheat. Many authors studied its development on this cereal. The wheat is commonly stored together with other grain, especially barley, rye, oats and triticale. The objectives of this study are to assess the feeding preferences for the small grains (wheat, barley, rye, oat and triticale) and to evaluate their susceptibility/resistance to progeny production of R. dominica. The mean survival rate of R. dominica adults, progeny emergence and amounts of insect-damaged grains and dockage in various small grain species were determined. Also, influence of R. dominica feeding on chemical properties (moisture protein and ash contents in grains) was found out. The influence of the grain species on the development of R. dominica was significant. The highest mortality of parents and the lowest progeny counts in oats, while triticale is very suitable for development of R. dominica, much more then wheat, as a primary host. The biggest amount of damage kernals and dust were found in triticale. The contents of moisture, protein and ash in the grain has been changed due to feeding of R. dominica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viability and state of the prooxidant and antioxidant systems of Plantago major seed progeny from cenopopulations growing for a long time at the East-Ural Radioactive Trace (EURT) has been estimated. Radiation doses of maternal plants have been calculated using our empirical data in ERICA Tool. The absorbed dose rates for plantain in the EURT zone varied from 19 to 157 μGy/h, which is 178-1455 times higher than the background values. These relatively low levels of chronic irradiation did not cause a significant decrease in the survival rate of P. major seed progeny; the rate of root and leaf growth decreased only in seedlings from the most polluted cenopopulation. A prooxidant shift was revealed in seedlings from the EURT zone. Given the same regime of enzyme protection (SOD, CAT, and POX) against active oxygen forms, the average rate of accumulation of secondary products of lipid peroxidation (MDA) was 3.3 times higher in impact samples than in background samples. The level of prooxidant shift in impact samples is not linearly related to dose rates that are classified as low doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A quantitative method, based on SPME GC‐MS, for the quantification of volatile compounds derived from lipoxygenase pathway, considered the most important for the aroma of high‐quality olive oil, was developed. The method was used to study the variation within the extra virgin olive oils from 67 cultivars of the Tuscan olive germplasm conserved at “Santa Paolina” experimental farm (Follonica, Italy). A great variability was observed among the 67 cultivars both for the total amount of volatile compounds and for the different ratios between the groups of volatile compounds from common precursors. The aim was to obtain basic information on the characteristics and the quality of the oils obtainable from nonwidely cultivated olive varieties. These data can support the reintroduction in the production chain of old autochthonous varieties and for exploitation in breeding programs as a source of positive characters to transmit to the progeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an association analysis for seven key traits related to flowering, stem form and growth in Eucalyptus cladocalyx, a tree species suitable for low rainfall sites, using a long-term progeny trial with 49 open-pollinated maternal families in the southern Atacama Desert, Chile. The progeny trial was carried out in an arid environment with a mean annual rainfall of 152 mm. Simple sequence repeats (SSR) from a full consensus map of Eucalyptus were used for genotyping 245 individual trees. Twenty-three significant marker-trait associations were identified, explaining between 5.9 and 23.7% of the phenotypic variance. The marker EMBRA101 located on LG10 at 56.5 cM was concomitantly associated with diameter at breast height and tree height. Nine SSR were significantly associated with stem forking and stem straightness, explaining between 5.9 and 14.8% of the phenotypic variation. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a SSR-based association mapping analysis for stem form traits in Eucalyptus. These results provide novel and valuable information for understanding the genetic base of key traits in E. cladocalyx for breeding purposes under arid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual reproduction in heterostylous populations may be vulnerable to demographic conditions because of the small number of mating types in populations. Here, we investigate mating and fertility under natural and experimental conditions in tristylous Lythrum salicaria L., an invasive species that exhibits a wide range of floral morph ratios and demographic contexts. We grew 147 open-pollinated seed families from six populations with different morph structures to estimate intermorph mating (d). In a field experiment, we used progeny ratios from 47 spatially isolated individuals to estimate d, and measured the intensity of pollen limitation experienced by the morphs. The M- and S-morphs experienced high rates of d, regardless of population size or morph ratio. Estimates for the L-morph revealed low levels of intramorph mating in three dimorphic and two trimorphic populations, but near complete intramorph mating in a monomorphic population. Despite high levels of intermorph mating in the field experiment, the morphs experienced significant pollen limitation of fruit and seed set, but this did not differ in intensity among the morphs. Our field experiment demonstrates that although plant isolation was associated with pollen limitation of seed set, “long-distance” bee-mediated pollen flow served to maintain intermorph mating. Tristyly in L. salicaria is remarkably robust to the demographic variation associated with colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disproportionate high intake of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the diet is considered as a major human health concern. The present study examines changes in the hepatic gene expression pattern of adult male zebrafish progeny associated with high levels of the n-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (ARA) in the parental diet. The parental generation (F0) was fed a diet which was either low (control) or high in ARA (high ARA). Progenies of both groups (F1) were given the control diet. No differences in body weight were found between the diet groups within adult stages of either F0 or F1 generation. Few differentially expressed genes were observed between the two dietary groups in the F0 in contrast to the F1 generation. Several links were found between the previous metabolic analysis of the parental fish and the gene expression analysis in their adult progeny. Main gene expression differences in the progeny were observed related to lipid and retinoid metabolism by PPARα/RXRα playing a central role in mediating changes to lipid and long-chain fatty acid metabolism. The enrichment of genes involved in β-oxidation observed in the progeny, corresponded to the increase in peroxisomal β-oxidative degradation of long-chain fatty acids in the parental fish metabolomics data. Similar links between the F0 and F1 generation were identified for the methionine cycle and transsulfuration pathway in the high ARA group. In addition, estrogen signalling was found to be affected by parental high dietary ARA levels, where gene expression was opposite directed in F1 compared to F0. This study shows that the dietary n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio can alter gene expression patterns in the adult progeny. Whether the effect is mediated by permanent epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression in developing gametes needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dastarcus helophoroides Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae), an important parasitoid of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) ( Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) (Motschulsky)) in Asia, is being evaluated for biocontrol of ALB in the United States. We assessed the responses of D. helophoroides to its native host, ALB, and a non-target surrogate, emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in their respective host plant substrates. Dastarcus helophoroides successfully located, parasitized, and developed on both species. Host-substrate did not affect adult oviposition; however, oviposition did not always result in host parasitism as this is completed by planidial first instar larvae. First instars parasitized significantly more ALB hosts than EAB larvae naturally infesting the cambium tissues of their host sticks, and significantly more progeny was produced from ALB than from EAB. Parasitoid egg to adult development was significantly faster on ALB than on EAB hosts. Adults emerging from EAB were nearly 18% smaller on average than adults emerging from ALB. Prolonged development and smaller body sizes of D. helophoroides emerging from EAB may indicate this species is not likely to be an optimal host and that frass packing behaviors of EAB may reduce its risk of parasitism by D. helophoroides . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In breeding Norway spruce, selection for improved growth and survival is performed at age 10-15 years in order to optimize genetic gain per year. We investigated whether a selection based on wood traits such as density and grain angle, measured under bark in the field at the same age would be informative enough with respect to structural quality traits of sawn boards. To achieve this objective, a sawing study was conducted on the butt logs of 401 trees from a 34-year-old Norway spruce progeny trial situated in southern Sweden. Stem discs were excised from the top of the logs and radial profile data of grain angle, and wood density was recorded for specific annual rings. The sawn and dried boards were assessed for structural traits such as twist, board density, bending stiffness (static modulus of elasticity, sMoE) and bending strength (modulus of rupture, MoR). Additive genetic correlations (ra) between single annual ring density measurements and board density, sMoE and MoR were consistently strong (ra> 0.7) for annual rings 5-13. Genetic correlations of similar magnitude between grain angle and board twist were estimated for all investigated annual rings (from 2 to around 26 under bark). Consequently, it was found that indirect selection for wood density and grain angle at the tree age 10-16 years would result in more genetic gain per year than selection at later ages. This makes it feasible to perform simultaneous selection of progeny in the field for both growth and wood traits at similar ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Natural tetraploid loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) living in the Changjiang River basin and adjacent area in China has been considered a true genetic tetraploidy (4n = 100) with four sets of homologous chromosomes. Here, we reported its further supporting evidence provided by the cold‐shock androgenesis. Viable androgenetic progeny appeared when eggs were cold‐shocked at 3°C for 60 min, starting 5 min after fertilization with sperm of natural tetraploid males, although the survival rate was significantly lower than control group. The majority (87%) of androgenetic embryos were diploid (2n = 50) and all‐paternal inheritance was verified in larval stage by microsatellite genotypes. Microscopic observations confirmed the elimination of both egg nucleus and second polar body from a fertilized egg, followed by the cleavage exclusively with sperm nucleus. Thus, the appearance of normal diploid androgenetic progeny from sperm of natural tetraploid loach revealed the presence of four chromosome sets in tetraploid males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen-mediated transgenic flow of herbicide resistance occurs bidirectionally between transgenic cultivated rice and weedy rice. The potential risk of weedy traits introgressing into hybrid rice has been underestimated and is poorly understood. In this study, two glufosinate-resistant transgenic rice varieties, hybrid rice (F1), and their succeeding generations (F2–F4) were planted for 3 years in field plots free of weedy rice adjacent to experimental weedy-rice fields. Weedy-rice-like (feral) plants that were both glufosinate-resistant and had red-pericarp seed were initially found only among the F3 generations of the two glufosinate-resistant transgenic hybrid cultivars. The composite fitness (an index based on eight productivity and weediness traits) of the feral progeny was significantly higher than that of the glufosinate-resistant transgenic hybrid (the original female parent of the feral progeny) under monoculture common garden conditions. The hybrid rice progeny segregated into individuals of variable height and extended flowering. The hybrid rice F2 generations had higher outcrossing rates by pollen reception (0.96–1.65%) than their progenitors (0.07–0.98%). The results show that herbicide-resistant weedy rice can rapidly arise by pollen-mediated gene flow from weedy to transgenic hybrid rice, and their segregating pollen-receptive progeny pose a greater agro-ecological risk than transgenic varieties. The safety assessment and management regulations for transgenic hybrid rice should take into account the risk of bidirectional gene flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seedlessness is one of the important traits in citrus breeding. Male sterility derived from Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) has been used in Japanese citrus breeding programs to obtain seedless cultivars. The efficiency of seedless cultivar breeding would be improved by developing a selection marker linked to seedlessness. In this study, we performed QTL mapping in ‘Okitsu No. 46’ × ‘Okitsu No. 56’ (O46-O56) crosses for the number of pollen grains per anther (NPG) and apparent pollen fertility (APF), two traits used as an index of male sterility, and detected a candidate QTL for NPG (MS-P1) on linkage group 8 with a significant LOD score (7.31) and 47% of variance explained. The QTL for APF (MS-F1) was detected on linkage group 6 with a significant LOD score (5.71) and 63.6% of variance explained. The role of both MS-P1 in reducing NPG and MS-F1 in decreasing APF were confirmed with the ‘Okitsu No.46’ × ‘Kara’ (O46-K) cross. Pedigree analysis inferred that both MS-P1 and MS-F1 in ‘Okitsu No. 46’ were derived from kunenbo (Citrus nobilis) through hassaku (C. hassaku) and ‘Sweet Spring’. Cytoplasm analysis revealed that both male-sterile ‘Sweet Spring’ and ‘Okitsu No. 46’ have cytoplasm derived from Kishu (C. kinokuni hort. ex Tanaka), but the cytoplasm of male-sterile kunenbo and hassaku were derived from other varieties rather than Kishu. These results suggest that MS-P1 and MS-F1 primarily reduce the NPG and decrease APF, but their expression requires a cytoplasm derived from Kishu. These findings will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of male sterility in citrus and help to develop a DNA marker for seedless breeding in citrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-breeding is a method of producing progeny with better resistance to pathogens. Resistance to pathogens usually involves pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. Class II chitinase is an example of a defensive PR protein in plants. The class II chitinase in chilli is coded by the CaChi2 gene. In this study, we crossed susceptible with resistant chilli cultivars, analysed the F1 resistance response against pathogenic F. oxysporum, and analysed the level of CaChi2 gene expression in the F1. Data were collected using disease severity index (DSI) determination and gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR (quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction). Results showed that the DSI of F1 was not significantly different from the resistant ancestor. The relative CaChi2 expression level of F1 was higher than the susceptible ancestor but not significantly different from the resistant ancestor. We concluded that the F1 can be categorised as resistant to F. oxysporum, and the CaChi2 gene is involved in the molecular defense response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hanwoo cattle are an important food source in Korea and their supply can have a major impact on meat availability for Korean consumers. The Hanwoo population was 1.8 million head in 2005 and gradually increased to 2.6 million in 2015. Per capita beef consumption has also increased, to 11.6 kg per year in 2015, and is expected to continue to increase. Because intramuscular fat percentage is a critical contributor to meat quality, Hanwoo cattle are fed a high-energy corn-based diet for long fattening periods. Long fed diet causes significant alterations in fat percentage in the loin muscle and other areas of the carcass. However, these long feeding periods increase feeding costs and beef prices. Recently, there has been increased Korean consumer demand for lean beef which has less fat, but is tender and priced more reasonably. These consumer demands on the Korean beef industry are driving differing beef production systems and also changes to the beef grading methodology. Korean government has made a significant investment to select bulls with favorable production traits using progeny testing. Progeny tested bull semen has been disseminated to all Hanwoo farmers. A beef traceability system has been employed for all cattle breeds in Korea since 2009. Hanwoo cattle are ear-marked with a 12-digit identification number from birth to slaughter. This number allows traceability of the management history of individual cattle, and also provides information to consumers. Traceability including management information such as herd, farm, year of birth, and carcass data can determine estimated breeding values of Hanwoo. For a sustainable Hanwoo industry, research scientists in Korea have attempted to develop feeds for efficient fattening periods and precision feeding systems based on genetic information for Hanwoo cattle. These initiatives aim to Korean consumer demands for beef and provide more precision management in beef production in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]