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Large-seededness can increase grain yield in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] if larger kernel size more than compensates for the associated reduction in kernel number. The aim of this research was to investigate kernel filling characteristics associated with the high kernel weight of KS115 germplasm and consider implications for grain yield improvement. Germplasm with a twofold range in potential kernel size was grown in two field experiments. In both experiments, a large-seeded hybrid based on KS115 yielded significantly more grain than a normal-seeded hybrid with the same female parent. Genotypic differences in final kernel weight were associated with both an increased rate and extended duration of kernel filling. A high kernel filling rate was associated with a high rate of increase in kernel water content and kernel volume, which resulted in large maximum water content and volume per kernel. The long kernel filling duration of KS115-based germplasm was associated with an extended duration of the period of rapid water uptake into the kernel following the onset of rapid dry mass accumulation in the grains. For this particular germplasm, this was likely due to the presence of large ovaries before fertilization. Because of a trade-off between potential kernel weight and number, prolonged duration, rather than an increased rate of kernel filling, appeared to be the main mechanism through which large-seededness of KS115 could increase grain yield. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2009.06.0294

Aims: Maternal overweight and obesity in pregnancy are known to increase the risk of a range of complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study estimates the population‐level contribution of maternal overweight and obesity to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Data derived from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Maternal and Perinatal Data Collection were analysed. A total of 24 161 women who had a singleton birth in 2009–2015, with maternal weight and height information available, were included. In this study, the association between risk factors and outcomes was investigated using multilevel regression modelling. Based on model predictions under various hypothetical maternal weight scenarios, the number and proportion of adverse perinatal outcomes that could be potentially prevented were estimated. Results: Maternal overweight and obesity were associated with increased risks of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre‐eclampsia, caesarean delivery, preterm birth (PTB), large for gestational age (LGA) and admission to the special care nursery or neonatal intensive care unit (SCN/NICU). The estimated proportions of adverse pregnancy outcomes attributable to overweight and obesity in pregnancy are 29.3% for GDM, 36.2% for pre‐eclampsia, 15.5% for caesarean delivery, 21.6% for longer antenatal stay in hospital (≥2 days), 16.3% for extreme PTB, 25.2% for LGA and 6.5% for SCN/NICU admission. Conclusions: Maternal overweight and obesity contribute to a large proportion of obstetric complications and adverse outcomes in the ACT. Effective intervention strategies to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in pregnant women could have significant beneficial effects on pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]