ALBERT

Notes: Abstract The ability of plant types to release mineral K from little weathered gneiss for a mixture of particle size fractions of less than 10 mm, as well as for two separated size fractions (2 mm〈D〈5 mm, and 1 mm 〈D〈2 mm) were compared in pot experiments with maize (Zea mays L. cv. ND60), pak-choi (Brassica campestrisL. ssp.chinensis (L.) Mokina. var. cammunis Tsen et Lee, cv. Wuyueman) and two alfalfa cultivars (Medicago sativa L. cv. Asta and Haifei). Release of mineral K was significantly stimulated by maize, pak-choi and ryegrass, implying a direct mobilization of mineral K by plant roots. The net release of mineral K was greatly influenced by plant species. Among these, the more profound release of mineral K was observed with maize and ryegrass. Besides, the mobilization of mineral K was negatively correlated with the particle size of gneiss. The difference in net release of K from gneiss between two size fractions decreased in the order: maize 〉 ryegrass 〉 pak-choi.

Notes: Abstract The decomposition rates of different plant parts of maize (Zea mays L.; Gramineae), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.; Leguminosae] and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.; Compositae) were studied in soils with different physicochemical characteristics, and their contribution to nutrient availability was assessed. Litter decomposition rates were affected by plant species, plant part, and soil characteristics. In site A (SiCL soil), loss of litter mass was highest in soybean followed by sunflower and maize. In site B (Loam soil), loss of litter mass for soybean and sunflower was almost the same, while for maize it was lower. Nutrient release was high when their soil concentration was initially low. The higher the initial concentration of a nutrient in a plant part the greater its release rate. Nutrients, especially N, released from maize litter mass will be available to successive crops for a longer period than for soybean and sunflower, and are unaffected by soil texture. Nutrients are easily removed from sunflower and soybeans and are more likely to be lost through leaching than nutrients from maize.

Notes: Summary The resistance to tuber soft rot caused byErwinia carotovora ofSolanum tuberosum x S. tarijense andS. tuberosum (+) S. commersonii hybrids and their backcrosses is reported. A number of resistant diploid sexual hybrids and tetraploid/hexaploid somatic hybrids were selected. Backcross progenies were obtained through 2x×4x crosses involving a resistant diploid hybrid and tetraploidS. tuberosum, and through 4x×4x crosses between a resistant somatic hybrid andS. tuberosum. The hybrids showed high variability interms of resistance to tuber soft rot. The resistance of progeny from 2x×4x backcrosses was similar to that of the parental sexual hybrid. By contrast, the resistance of genotypes deriving from 4x×4x backcrosses was reduced compared with the resistant somatic hybrid. In general, tuber characteristics of the backcross hybrids improved considerably as compared with their parents, and tuber yield per plant was good.

Notes: Summary Long-day-adaptedSolanum phureja clones were assessed for resistance to blackleg caused byErwinia carotovora subsp.atroseptica under field and controlled environmental conditions over two years. In the field, twenty-two of the twenty-three clones ofS. phureja assessed were as resistant to blackleg as the commercial cultivar Ailsa, the most resistant control, and were significantly (P〈0.001) more resistant than the intermediate and susceptible cultivars Wilja and Estima, respectively. Under controlled environmental conditions, resistance in commercial cultivars was more easily overcome. However, 18 of the 21S. phureja clones assessed were significantly more resistant to blackleg than these cultivars.

Notes: Abstract AFLP® markers generated by CNG methylation sensitive (PstI/MseI) and CNG methylation insensitive (EcoRI/MseI) enzyme combinations and AFLP markers collected from hypomethylated (PstI/MseI) and hypermethylated (m PstI/MseI) regions were compared for their polymorphism information content, sampling variance and patterns of genetic diversity in a representative sample of 33 inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.). We demonstrate that the mean polymorphism information content generated by sets of PstI/MseI and m PstI/MseI markers (0.38) is significantly higher than by sets ofEcoRI/MseI markers (0.33). Also the sampling variance highlighted the distinctive nature of the (m) PstI/MseI markers: to achieve a mean standard deviation of 5% in the estimation of genetic distance among the 33 inbreds, the PstI/MseI and m PstI/MseI marker sets (135 and 129 markers, respectively) are clearly smaller than the EcoRI/MseI marker set (173 markers). A further minimizing of the sampling variance of AFLP data in the estimation of genetic similarities was obtained by reducing marker information redundancy by selecting markers evenly distributed over each chromosome: a set of only 106 AFLP markers, sampled conditionally on their genetic map position, was required for a mean standard deviation of 5% in the estimation of genetic distance among the 33 inbreds.

Notes: Abstract Under controlled field conditions, a Solanum backcross population segregated for resistance to Phytophthora infestans. The population (`BCT') had been derived previously by crossing the Solanum tuberosum dihaploid USW2230 × Solanum berthaultii PI473331 to obtain the hybrid M200-30, and then backcrossing the hybrid to the S. tuberosum dihaploid HH1-9. Resistance was assessed from analyses of epidemics in small plots of each individual genotype, and data were recorded as area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The parents of the original cross (USW2230 and a selection from PI473331) were not included in the test, but the hybrid was incompatible and HH1-9 was compatible with the tester strain of P. infestans (US-8 lineage). Somewhat more than half of the progeny also were incompatible with the tester strain, indicating the presence of an R gene. This gene segregated from the S. berthaultii parent and mapped 4.8 cm from the RFLP marker TG63 on chromosome 10. We deduce that the R gene is not R-1, R-2, R-3, R-6, or R-7 and is probably not R-4, R-5, or R-10. Among the remaining, compatible progeny, there was a wide range of quantitative resistance. All were more resistant than the susceptible cultivar Superior, and most individuals were much more resistant than the moderately resistant cultivar Kennebec. AUDPC values among the sub-population of compatible genotypes ranged from about 400 to 1500 units the first year and from 400 to 1760 units the second year. At least five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected in this sub-population in both 1997 and 1998, including one detected through segregation of alleles from both the hybrid parent and the recurrent S. tuberosum parent. A model of main and epistatic effects explained 56% and 66% of the variation observed for quantitative resistance to late blight in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Several of the QTLs for late blight resistance were located in regions of the genome to which QTLs for late maturity have previously been mapped.

Notes: Abstract Using AFLP markers, a linkage map was constructed based on a recombinant inbred population of barley derived from a cross between a leaf rust susceptible line, L94, and a partially resistant line, 116-5. The constructed map showed a similar marker distribution pattern as the L94 × Vada map. However, it contained more large gaps, and for some chromosome regions no markers were identified. These regions are most likely derived from L94 because 116-5 was selected from the progeny of a cross of L94 × cv. Cebada Capa. Five QTLs for partial resistance to isolate 1.2.1. were mapped on the L94 × 116-5 map. Three QTLs were effective in the seedling stage, jointly contributing 42% to the total phenotypic variance. Three QTLs were effective in the adult plant stage, collectively explaining 35% of the phenotypic variance. Evidence for two additional linked minor-effect QTLs effective in the adult plant stage was also uncovered. The major-effect QTL, Rphq3, was the only one that was effective in both developmental stages. Moreover, Rphq3, was also identified in the L94 × Vada population, being effective to two rust isolates. The other QTLs were detected in either of the two populations, providing evidence for the existence of many loci for partial resistance to leaf rust on the barley genome. To date, 13 QTLs for partial resistance have been mapped, therefore, a strategy of accumulating many resistance genes in a single cultivar, resulting in a high level of partial resistance, is feasible.

Notes: Abstract Optimization of Acidothermus cellulolyticus endoglucanase (E1) gene expression in transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was examined in this study, where the E1 coding sequence was transcribed under control of a leaf specific promoter (tomato RbcS-3C) or the Mac promoter (a hybrid promoter of mannopine synthase promoter and cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter enhancer region). Average E1 activity in leaf extracts of potato transformants, in which E1 protein was targeted by a chloroplast signal peptide and an apoplast signal peptide were much higher than those by an E1 native signal peptide and a vacuole signal peptide. E1 protein accumulated up to 2.6% of total leaf soluble protein, where E1 gene was under control of the RbcS-3C promoter, alfalfa mosaic virus 5′-untranslated leader, and RbcS-2A signal peptide. E1 protein production, based on average E1 activity and E1 protein accumulation in leaf extracts, is higher in potato than those measured previously in transgenic tobacco bearing the same transgene constructs. Comparisons of E1 activity, protein accumulation, and relative mRNA levels showed that E1 expression under control of tomato RbcS-3C promoter was specifically localized in leaf tissues, while E1 gene was expressed in both leaf and tuber tissues under control of Mac promoter. This suggests dual-crop applications in which potato vines serve as enzyme production `bioreactors' while tubers are preserved for culinary applications.

Notes: Abstract Complementarity in the distribution of tree and crop root systems is important to minimise competition for resources whilst maximising resource use in agroforestry systems. A field study was conducted on a kaolinitic Oxisol in the sub-humid highlands of western Kenya to compare the distribution and dynamics of root length and biomass of a 3-year-old Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. ex R. Br. (grevillea) tree row and a 3-year-old Senna spectabilis DC. (senna) hedgerow grown with Zea mays L. (maize). Tree roots were sampled to a 300 cm depth and 525 cm distance from the tree rows, both before and after maize cropping. Maize roots were sampled at two distances from the tree rows (75–150 cm and 450–525 cm) to a maximum depth of 180 cm, at three developmental stages. The mean root length density (Lrv) of the trees in the upper 15 cm was 0.55 cm cm−3 for grevillea and 1.44 cm cm−3 for senna, at the start of the cropping season. The Lrv of senna decreased at every depth during the cropping season, whereas the Lrv of grevillea only decreased in the crop rooting zone. The fine root length of the trees decreased by about 35% for grevillea and 65% for senna, because of maize competition, manual weeding, seasonal senescence or pruning regime (senna). At anthesis, the Lrv of maize in the upper 15 cm was between 0.8 and 1.5 cm cm−3. Maize root length decreased with greater proximity to the tree rows, potentially reducing its ability to compete for soil resources. However, the specific root length (m g−1) of maize was about twice that of the trees, so may have had a competitive uptake advantage even when tree root length was greater. Differences in maize fine root length and biomass suggest that competition for soil resources and hence fine root length may have been more important for maize grown with senna than grevillea.

Notes: Abstract The virulence spectra of 50 Rhynchosporium secalis isolates from a population in the Western Cape province of South Africa were determined, and 21 races were detected when evaluated against 17 differential cultivars. The virulence spectrum of the R. secalis population shows considerable variation, and carries unnecessary virulence genes which is quite unexpected, since chiefly susceptible barley cultivars are grown in the south Western Cape. The two most prevalent races, namely races 4 and 7 had three and four virulence genes respectively. Both race 4 and 7 were virulent on the most susceptible cultivars, West China, Steudelli, C.I.8618 and C.I.2226. Considering the resistance genes reported for the cultivars Atlas 46, Turk, and C.I.3515 which showed no susceptible cultivar-pathogen interaction, it would appear that the Rh-Rh3-Rh4 complex is primarily involved in conferring resistance to the local R. secalis isolates

Notes: Abstract Wheat-barley translocations were identified by genomicin situ hybridization (GISH) in backcross progenies originating from in vitro regenerated wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Chinese Spring) × barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Betzes) hybrids. The regenerated hybrids were pollinated with the wheat line Martonvásári 9 kr1. Five translocated wheat-barley chromosomes were recovered among 51 BC2F2 progeny from the in vitro regenerated wheat × barley hybrids. All were single breakpoint translocations with the relative positions of the breakpoints ranging from the centromere to about 0.8 of the relative arm length. Of the four translocations with intercalary breakpoints, three were transfers of terminal barley segments to wheat chromosomes; one was a transfer of a terminal wheat segment to a barley chromosome. Because of the absence of diagnostic N-bands, the identity of three barley segments could not be determined; in one translocation the barley chromosome involved had a NOR so it must have been 5H or 6H, and the centric translocation was 4HS.2BL. Following selfing, homozygotes of four translocations were selected. The experiment suggests that in vitro culture conditions are conducive for major genome rearrangements in wheat-barley hybrids.

Notes: Abstract Morphological features of the cereal ear, including awns, alter pre-harvest sprouting damage by changing the rate of water absorption during rainfall. In this paper, the potential for wheat (Triticum sp.) arid barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) waxes to reduce sprouting by increasing water repellency of the mature ear has been examined. Six barley F2 populations segregating for different non-glaucous single-gene mutants controlling waxes on ears were examined. Water repellency was assessed by measuring both the contact angle of a water drop placed on the lemma surface (internal angle) and by repetitive weighings of whole ears during their exposure to simulated rainfall. The lemma of glaucous (wild type) lines had larger water drop contact angles, an indication of poorer spread of water over the surface. In simulated rainfall, ears of the glaucous lines showed a clear reduction of wetting (20–30% less) and, after 72 h of wetting, their in-ear sprouting was reduced by 50 to 65%. When pre-wet, the glaucous ears also shed water more readily when shaken to simulate the combined effect of wind and rainfall. To reduce pre-harvest sprouting of barley it may be possible to screen visually for ears that are more glaucous but a more specific screen would be to select for lemma water drop contact angle since it is a good indicator of ear wettability and so allows differences in surface properties to be assessed. For bread wheat (T. aestivumL.), as for barley, the more glaucous the ear, the greater the water drop contact angle and the more tubular surface wax coverage seen in scanning electron microscope images. In addition, surface wax amount apparently affected in-ear wettingin lines of durum wheat, (T. turgidum L.). Possible genetic relationships between waxy/waxless genes in wheat and barley are suggested with the aim, ultimately, of altering ear glaucousness to give increased water repellency and a reduction of in-ear sprouting of wheat.

Notes: Abstract Marker-assisted selection (MAS) for resistance genes (R-genes), identified using molecular markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, is now possible in many crops. MAS can be used to pyramid several R-genes into a single host genotype. However, this may not provide durable genetic resistance because the pathogen is exposed to a full homozygous pyramid during hybrid seed production and to a full heterozygous pyramid in the resultant hybrid. Alternative gene deployment strategies that generate genetic variability were analysed, for hybrid cereal cultivars of pearl millet, maize, sorghum and rice, using maintainer lines (B-lines) with two smaller complementary pyramids. An F1 seed parent, produced on two such B-lines, can be used to produce a three-way hybrid. All target loci are heterozygous for resistance alleles in the F1 seed parent, and the pathogen is exposed in the hybrid to a host population that is heterogeneous and heterozygous for alleles at the resistance loci targeted by MAS. Alternatively, single-cross hybrids can be made on seed parents that are maintained by two B-lines that differ for the complementary resistance gene pyramids. In a cross-pollinated crop, the B-lines are allowed to intermate to produce a synthetic B-line. In an inbreeding crop, the B-lines are equivalent to a two-component multiline variety. In inbreeding crops, because there is no intermating between the B-line components, the resultant synthetic seed parents have a higher frequency of genotypes with resistance alleles (R-alleles) at several resistance loci. However, in both cross-pollinated and inbreeding crops the genotypic structure in the hybrids is almost the same. All alternatives to a single-cross hybrid having a full pyramid produce hybrid cultivars having lower frequencies of resistance alleles. The frequency of genotypes having R-alleles at several loci increases greatly in both seed parent and hybrid when the overall frequency of R-alleles in the maintainer lines increases. This is simply done by adding a maintainer line that has a full pyramid or by the component lines having overlapping pyramids.

Notes: Abstract A comparison of anther and microspore culture efficiency for green doubled haploid plant production was undertaken using 17 F1 crosses with potential agronomic performance. Green doubled haploid plants were produced from all F1 crosses by anther and microspore cultures, although there was a great variation among crosses. On average, anther culture resulted in a production of green plant twice that of isolated microspore culture (30 and 14 greenplants/100 anthers, respectively).The effect of microspore culture density on green plant regeneration was studied with the cultivars Igri, Reinette and Hop which have a high, medium and low androgenic response. The highest number of dividing microspores was obtained at a density of 2.4 ×105 viable microspores/ml for the three cultivars. However, the optimal density for the percentage of embryos/dividing microspores and greenplants/103 microspores depended on the cultivar. The highest number of green plants/103microspores was produced at 1.2 × 105 viable microspores/ml for cv. Igri and 2.4 × 105 for cultivars Reinette and Hop. Percentage of green plants/total plants was raised when the culture density was increased up to 6.0 × 105 viable microspores/ml, especially for cv. Reinette. Six regeneration media differing in maltose concentration, organic nitrogen and type of auxin were assayed with embryos from cultivar Reinette. Media without organic nitrogen containing 31 g l-1maltose and the auxins IAA or NAA produced more vigorous green plants.

Notes: Abstract Isolates of Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium sp., Rhizoctonia solani, Stemphylium sp., Thielaviopsis basicola, and Verticillium dahliae were cultured on potato–dextrose agar (PDA), barley-sand and alfalfa-sand substrates in petri-dish or in column microcosms. N-mineralization by fungi and fungal-feeding nematodes in combination or fungi alone was assessed. Numbers of Aphelenchus avenae or Aphelenchoides composticola supported by the fungi were measured every 7 days. Times for full colonization of the substrates by fungi ranged from 5 to 15 days. Rhizoctonia solani and B. cinerea on PDA supported the largest A. avenae and A. composticola populations, respectively. Penicillium sp. was a nonhost for A. composticola and A. avenae. Rhizoctonia solani, B. cinerea, V. dahliae, and F. oxysporum supported significantly more nematodes than the other four fungal species. The ranked order of fungi based on the amount of N mineralized in columns free of nematodes was A. alternata (with a rate of 0.052 μg N/g-sand per day), Stemphylium sp., V. dahliae, T. basicola, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum, R. solani, and Penicillium sp. (with a rate of 0.0045 μg N/g-sand perday). The presence of A. avenae resulted in significant increases in mineral N, compared to nematode-free columns colonized by F. oxysporum, R. solani, and T. basicola alone. The presence of A. composticola resulted in significant increases in mineral N, compared to nematode-free columns colonized by A. alternata, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum, and R. solani alone. There was more mineral N incolumns in the presence of A. composticola than A. avenae in most cases.

Notes: Abstract The effect of light and exogenously supplied sucrose on NO3 − uptake was studied in 9-day-old intact C3 (barley) and C4 (corn) seedlings. The seedlings used were uninduced for nitrate uptake system (i.e. had never seen nitrogen during germination and growth) and were exposed to continuous light for 3 days to avoid any diurnal variation and to load the seedlings fully with photosynthates. The uptake assay was conducted either in light or in darkness. Prior to assay, seedlings were treated with darkness or light for 24 h. Accordingly, four sets of seedlings, i.e. pretreated with light and assayed in light (LL); pretreated and assayed in darkness (DD); pretreated with light and assayed in darkness (LD); and pretreated with darkness and assayed in light (DL) were formed. Barley exhibited 55% higher NO3 − uptake than corn during light (LL) and 91% higher during darkness (DD). Shifting barley seedlings from light to dark (LD) or dark to light (DL) for uptake assay, did not affect NO3 − uptake, i.e. in LD the uptake was similar to LL and in DL it was similar to DD. However, in corn, the light conditions during the assay determined the uptake regardless of the conditions during the period preceding the assay. One percent sucrose in the medium increased NO3 − uptake by 31% in barley and 70% in corn during light (LL). The corresponding increase during darkness (DD) was 38% in both barley and corn. Removal of the corn residual endosperm decreased NO3 − uptake by 40% during darkness. Etiolated seedlings (those having never seen light) of both barley and corn were able to take up significant amount of NO3 − during darkness. Externally supplied sucrose in the assay medium of etiolated seedlings increased the NO3 − uptake to about 4 and 2 fold in barley and corn, respectively. The data presented here provide evidence that: 1. In intact seedlings, light per se is not obligatory for NO3 − uptake and that the carbohydrate supply may mimic light. 2. Light affected the NO3 − uptake differently in barley and corn.

Notes: Abstract Somatic hybridization can be used to induce genetic variability in plastidial and mitochondrial genomes, and transfer multiple uncloned genes across sexual barriers. Somatic hybrids were produced between a dihaploid clone of the common potato, S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum, and the wild sexually incongruent diploid species S. commersonii. Fusion products were selected on the basis of callus growth and regeneration in vitro. Genome composition of putative somatic hybrids was determined by flow cytometric analysis of nuclear DNA content, RAPD analysis, and Southern analysis with probes specific to organellar DNA. All regenerated fusion products proved to be hybrids based on RAPD analysis. Seventy per cent of somatic hybrids were (near) tetraploids, 22% (near) hexaploids and 8%(near) octoploids. A high correlation was found between the nuclear DNA content determined by flow cytometry and the number of chloroplasts in stomata guard cell pairs. Somatic hybrids inherited the parental plastids in a random manner. On the contrary, they preferentially inherited the mitochondrial DNA fragments of S. tuberosum. The majority of them had a rearranged mitochondrial genome with fragments from both parents. Hybrids were highly vigorous and morphologically more similar to the cultivated than to the wild parent, produced tubers on long stolons under long photoperiod conditions, showed a high degree of flowering, but did not produce pollen. In addition, somatic hybrids were generally more resistant to frost and Verticillium wilt than the cultivated parent, indicating the introgression of relevant resistance genes from the wild species into the genetic background of S. tuberosum.

Notes: Abstract Decentralized selection, defined as selection in the target environment, has been used to emphasize favorable interactions when significant genotype by environment interactions exist. However, crop breeding based on decentralized selection can still miss its objectives if it does not utilize the farmers' knowledge of the crops and the environment, and it may fail to fit crops to the specific needs and uses of farmers' communities unless it becomes participatory.One cycle of decentralized participatory selection was conducted in eleven locations in Syria. 208 barley entries (fixed lines and segregating populations) were planted unreplicated in two research stations and in the fields of nine Syrian (host) farmers, where they were managed (except planting) by the farmers themselves. Visual selection was conducted by a breeder at all locations and by the host farmers on their own fields and on both stations. In five farm locations, there was also a one-time group selection by neighboring farmers.Host farmers were able to handle the large number of entries making observations during the cropping season using different scoring methods. They did not use the performance of entries on station for their final selection and used a higher selection pressure than the breeder. In their own fields, they selected about one tenth the number of entries selected by the breeder, while on station the farmers selected, on average, about half the number of lines selected by the breeder. For some broad attributes, such as modern germplasm versus landraces, selection was mostly driven by environmental effects. Selection for other attributes was partly environmentally driven and partly based on individual farmers preferences.Selection preferences were similar for fixed or segregating populations. There was wider diversity among farmers' selections in their own fields than among farmers' selections on research stations and among breeder's selections, irrespective of where the selection was conducted. Larger kernels, higher grain yield and biomass, and taller plants (particularly in environmentally stressed locations) were the characteristics most frequently used as selection criteria by both breeder and farmers.Entries selected by the farmers yielded as much, and in one case significantly more, than those selected by the breeder.Decentralized-participatory selection was significantly more efficient in identifying the highest yielding entries in farmers' fields than any other type of selection. There was also evidence suggesting that the breeder was more efficient in selecting higheryielding entries in the research station in a high rainfall area, while the farmers were more efficient in selecting under stress conditions. The results suggest that farmers can handle selection choices among a large number of lines, and because farmers' selections are at least as high yielding as breeder's selections, it is possible to transfer the responsibility of selection to farmers in their fields.

Notes: Abstract The chloroplast DNA of Solanum acaule (109 accessions) and S. albicans (9 accessions) was investigated by restriction endonuclease analysis. Unexpectedly, all the accessions analyzed had C type chloroplast DNA in common. This suggested that S. acaule originated from a species with C type chloroplast DNA. DraI restriction digestion revealed further differentiation of C type chloroplast DNA into 8 types. The DraI polymorphism indicated the province of Salta in Argentina and the nearby regions to be a center of diversity for S. acaule. Surprisingly, S. albicans as well as S. acaule both ssp. acaule and ssp. punae, from Peru were virtually indistinguishable, although by morphology and/or cytology all three taxa are easily distinguished.

Notes: Abstract Distinct parental cytoplasms were combined in symmetric tetraploid hybrids of potato by somatic cell fusion. This allowed, in the presence of nearly isogenic nuclear genomes, to estimate the contribution of mitochondrial (mt) and chloroplast (cp) genomes to starch content. Analysis of mt-cp configurations in the complete gene pool of german potato cultivars [2n=4x], in a reciprocal dihaploid population [2n=2x],in di-haploid fusion parents [2n=2x] and in their respective hybrids [2n=4x] made visible the effects of different cytoplasmic backgrounds and mitochondrial subgenomic rearrangements. Genotypes identified by markers as cytoplasm Wγ were associated with cytoplasmic male sterility. Evaluation of cytoplasmic types leads to the conclusion, that in starch content the ‘wild type’ cytoplasms Wα and Wγ have a significant advantage to other cytoplasmic types(Tβ, Wδ, Sε).This results from the experiments with a reciprocal population, 180 di-haploids, and from cultivar comparisons. In hybrids an interaction between starch content and different mt-cp combinations could be found. In general the highest field performance, measured in starch content and yield was associated with such cytoplasmic configurations which appeared to a high frequency within a population, when the segregation process was completed. This fact is explained by a selection advantage of clones with optimized organellar segregation already during in vitro phase. PCR markers for cytoplasm differentiation are actualized on a website, http://www.flg.tum.de/pbpz/mm/mt/hybrid.html

Notes: Abstract Heat tolerant mutants were obtained in two commercial potato cultivars, `Kufri Jyoti' and `Kufri Chandramukhi' through in vitro mutagenesis of in vitro propagated plantlets. Gamma-irradiated (20 and 40 Gy) shoots were micropropagated for three cycles (M1V3). A large number of the micropropagated shoots produced microtubers at 28 °C. Microtubers induced at high temperature had distorted shape but showed normal germination in field. Under stress conditions of high temperature, the frequency of chlorophyll variants increased in the gamma irradiation-derived material, however, nearly 40% of the plants had normal leaf tissue, whereas control plants showed completely damaged leaves.

Notes: Abstract Formal plant breeders could contribute much to collaboration with farmers for improving crop varieties for local use. To do so outside researchers must have some understanding of local selection practices and their impact on crop populations in terms of the genetic theory underlying plant breeding. In this research we integrated methods from social and biological sciences to better understand selection and its consequences from farmers' perspectives but based on the concepts used by plant breeders. Among the households we worked with, farmers' selection practices were not always effective yet they understood the reasons for this and had no expectations for response to selection in some traits given the methods available to them. Farmers' statements, practices and genetic perceptions regarding selection and the genetic response of their maize populations to their selection indicate selection objectives different than may be typically assumed, suggesting a role for plant breeder collaboration with farmers.

Notes: Abstract The inhibitory effect of light on the growth of plantscorrelates with a decrease of free IAA content in their tissues andmight be mediated through changes of IAA metabolism. In different partsof Zea mays L. seedlings (roots, mesocotyls and coleoptiles)that respond to light with a different growth rate, the effect of lighton the formation of IAA metabolites was examined in feeding experimentswith 14C-IAA. In all tissues, IAA was taken up andmetabolised mainly into six compounds, four of them were tentativelyidentified as IAA-1-O-glucose (IAGlc), IAA-myo-inositol, indoleacetamide and IAA-aspartate (IAAsp). IAA was metabolised most slowly inthe roots. In coleoptiles and mesocotyls, IAGlc was the most abundantmetabolite, except for mesocotyls in the light. In roots, a relativelylarge amount of IAA was also metabolised into IAAsp. Light stimulatedthe rate of IAA metabolism in all tissues, but its effect on theconversion of IAA was exceptionally high in mesocotyls. In mesocotyltissue the conversion into IAAsp was greatly stimulated by light.Conversely, the content of IAGlc in mesocotyls was decreased by light.Since light inhibited mesocotyl growth significantly and specifically,it is possible that the high capacity of mesocotyls to synthesise IAAspin the light may have caused a depletion of free IAA, which then led toan inhibition of growth. In mesocotyls from the light-grown plants IAAconjugated into IAGlc was probably used for IAAspbiosynthesis.

Notes: Abstract Carbon 14-labelled indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was fed to segments of shoots of Zea mays seedlings grown in light or dark to find the effect of light on IAA metabolism. The seedling parts coleoptile, with enclosed leaf, and mesocotyl were also used to examine differences in IAA metabolism between tissue types. The rate of metabolite formation as a function of time ranging from 1 to 12 hours was determined. Light did not significantly influence the amount of IAA taken up, but significantly increased its rate of metabolism and greatly increased the content of amide conjugates formed. There were also differences in metabolism depending on tissue type. In all tissues, IAA was metabolized mainly into six compounds. Four were tentatively identified as IAA-glucose (IAGlc), IAA-myo-inositol} (IAInos), indole acetamide (IAAm) and IAA-aspartic acid (IAAsp). 1-O-IAA-D-glucose (1-O-IAGlc) was the first conjugate formed and, except for mesocotyls in the light, it was the most abundant conjugate in maize tissue. In mesocotyl tissue the conversion of IAA into IAAsp was greatly stimulated by light, and the biosynthesis of IAAsp exceeded that of IAGlc. Since light strongly inhibited the growth of the mesocotyl, it is possible that the stimulation of IAAsp synthesis by light causes depletion of free IAA with resultant inhibition of mesocotyl growth.

Notes: Abstract The effect of indole-3-acetic acid or kinetin on the weight and numberof microtubers formed was studied on single node cuttings of sevendifferent potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars as well astransgenic lines harbouring rolB or rolC genes undercontrol of the patatin class I (B33) promoter. Plants were cultivatedin vitro in the dark on solidified MS medium containing 1 to8% sucrose with or without phytohormones. Most of thenontransformed potato cultivars and transgenic lines responded tohormone application by an increase in tuber yield. Auxin and cytokininacted differently: IAA increased predominantly the tuber size whilekinetin increased the number of tubers. RolC transformantsdisplayed an altered response to sucrose and especially to auxin. Thedegree of phytohormone effect on tuberisation parameters depended onsucrose content of the medium and potato genotype.

Notes: Abstract Genetic diversity in 79 European accessions of the Barley Core Collections was surveyed using isozyme electrophoresis. A total of 26 alleles were observed at the ten isozyme loci. All loci were polymorphic except Pgd-1 which was monomorphic. The comparison of the results with those of previous studies indicates that most of the alleles occurring in the European Barley are also observed in this set of the European Barley Core Collections. Only five alleles (Est-1 Al; Est-5 Ag, Te; Pgi-1 C and Ndh-2 B) were absent. Nine of 26 alleles were rare alleles, which were detected only in one or two accessions. Moreover, most of rare alleles were detected in 6-rowed winter barley. It is very important to include rare alleles for maximising the genetic variations in core collections. In the set of European Barley Core Collection, 6-rowed barley contained larger diversity than 2-rowed barley; winter type contained larger diversity than spring type. The cluster analysis separated 79 accessions into three major groups. Group I is more complex and comprised 2-rowed spring, 2-rowed winter and 6-rowed winter barley. In this group, 18 accessions in the cluster A and 14 accessions in the cluster B possessed identical genotypes as judged from the ten isozyme data. Principal coordinate analysis could not clearly separate the spring cultivars from the winter barley lines, as well as not separate 2-rowed from 6-rowed barley.

Notes: Abstract Genetic characterization of germplasm is important for setting objective guidelines for conservation. One common problem found in genebanks is determining the value of populations with insufficient or unreliable data regarding their geographic origin. In this study, a genetic analysis based on RAPD markers was conducted to characterize a `mystery' population of Solanum sucrense, a polysomic tetraploid potato (2n=4x=48), for which adequate documentation was lacking. The comparative analysis of genetic similarities between this mystery population and each one of 30 other S. sucrense populations in the genebank revealed that all populations within this species, including the mystery population, are significantly different from being duplicates, and are therefore worthy of separate conservation. RAPD markers also distinguished the mystery population from closely related tetraploid species S. oplocense, S. gourlayi and S. tuberosum ssp. andigena, suggesting that it is also not a duplicate of a population of these species. If RAPDs can clearly differentiate populations within highly heterogeneous tetraploids like S. sucrense, they should be generally useful for determining germplasm organization within potato species.

Notes: Abstract Both rhizobox and field experiments were conducted to investigate nutritional interactions between peanut and maize in intercropping systems for Fe acquistion. Field observations indicated that Fe deficiency chlorosis symptoms in peanut grown in monoculture were more severe and widespread compared to those of peanuts intercropped with maize. This indicated a marked improvement in the iron nutrition of peanut intercropped with maize in the field and was further studied. In experiments with rhizoboxes, roots of maize and peanut were either allowed to interact with each other or prevented from making contact by inserting a solid plate between the root systems of the two species. A field experiment for four cropping treatments were examined: peanut grown separately in monoculture, normal peanut/maize intercropping, peanut/maize intercropping with solid plates between the root systems of the two crop species and peanut/maize intercropping with 30 μm nylon nets between the root systems. The results show that the chlorophyll and HCl-extractable Fe concentrations in young leaves of peanut in the intercropping system with unrestricted interactions of the roots of both plant species were much higher than those of peanut in monoculture. In the nylon mesh treatment, the beneficial effects of the maize extended to row 3. The improvement of Fe nutrition in the intercropping system got reduced but not diminished completely in the treatment with nylon net. It is suggested that the improvement in the Fe nutrition of peanut intercropped with maize was mainly caused by rhizosphere interactions between peanut and maize.

Notes: Abstract Two field experiments were conducted in the Jordan Valley to evaluate potato response to N fertigation. Nitrogen as ammonium sulphate was supplied through irrigation water (fertigation) at rates of 0, 35, 70 and 105 mg N l-1. Soil N application treatment equivalent to the fertigation treatment of 70 mg N l-1 was included. 15N labelled ammonium sulphate was used to evaluate the N recovery and utilization efficiency. Yield increased by the N rate. The soil N application gave higher yield than the zero N and lower than the fertigated treatments. The increase in yield was due to the increase in the size of the tubers. The specific gravity was the highest with the zero N. The index ratios of potato tubers were similar with all treatments. The N derived from fertilizers by both tubers and shoots, increased with the N rate regardless of the method of application. The soil application treatments had fertilizer utilization as high as the fertigation treatments and produced total tuber yield not significantly different from that obtained by the fertigation treatment with similar rate. This might be attributed to the poor fertilizer distribution in the root zone in the fine textured soil. The low value of the fertilizer utilization of the plant receiving the 15N in the preceding season suggested possibilities of rapid transformation and immobilization by the soil microorganisms.

Notes: Abstract Fifteen field trials were conducted to evaluate soil mineral N measurement as a means for quantifying the total N supply to forage maize and so to form the basis for fertilizer recommendations on a crop-specific basis. In every trial, 4 rates of cattle manure N (nominally 0, 80, 160, 240 kg N per ha) and 4 rates of ammonium nitrate (0, 50, 100, 150 kg N per ha) were factorially combined. Soil mineral N measurements were made before manure application, at the time of maize drilling, 7-10 weeks after drilling and after harvest. Measurements on control treatments which received no manure or ammonium nitrate showed extensive net mineralisation of soil N (mean 140 kg N per ha) in the 7-10 weeks after drilling followed by a decrease due to crop uptake, and probably net immobilisation, of approximately the same amount by harvest. This net mineralisation was probably the reason why only one trial showed a significant dry-matter yield response to ammonium nitrate. Results indicated that , to be useful for N recommendations, soil mineral N measurements should be taken 7-10 weeks after drilling. Only if the amount of mineral N at this time is less than expected crop N offtake should fertilizer N be applied. A mean of around 64% of the N applied in ammonium nitrate could be accounted for in soil mineral N after harvest of the maize, although this was reduced to 24% in the single trial where a dry-matter response to ammonium nitrate was recorded.

Notes: Abstract Integrated soil management with leguminous cover crops was studied at two sites in the northern Guinea savanna zone of northern Nigeria, Kaduna (190 day growing season) and Bauchi (150 days). One-year planted fallows of mucuna, lablab, and crotalaria were compared with natural grass fallow and cowpea controls. All treatments were followed by a maize test crop in the second year with 0, 30, or 60 kg N ha−1 as urea. Above ground legume residues were not incorporated into the soil and most residues were burned early in the dry season at the Kaduna site. Legume rotation increased soil total N, maize growth in greenhouse pots, and dry matter and N accumulation of maize. Response of maize grain yield to 30 kg N ha−1 as urea was highly significant at both sites and much greater than the response to legume rotation. The mean N fertilizer replacement value from legume rotation was 14 kg N ha−1 at Kaduna and 6 kg N ha−1 at Bauchi. W ith no N applied to the maize test crop, maize grain yield following legume fallow was 365 kg ha−1 higher than natural fallow at Bauchi and 235 kg ha−1 higher at Kaduna. The benefit of specific legume fallows to subsequent maize was mostly related to above ground N of the previous legume at Bauchi, where residues were protected from fire and grazing. At Kaduna, where fallow vegetation was burned, maize yield was related to estimated below ground N. The results show that legume rotation alone results in small maize yield increases in the dry savanna zone.

Notes: Summary To prevent the loss of important genetic information cultivars are conserved in several collections of gene banks. In principal, there are two options for the medium to long-term storage of potato cultivars: storage as in vitro plantlets or microtubers and storage of meristems or shoot-tips in liquid nitrogen. In the Braunschweig potato cultivar collection, 360 cultivars are maintained under slow-growth conditions. Ten microplantlets of each cultivar are stored in test tubes containing filter paper bridges and 5 ml Murashige and Skoog (MS) liquid medium. The cultures were maintained at 10°C with a light intensity of 2 klux and 16 hours-day and can be stored under these conditions up to three years. Two hundred and forty-five cultivars are cryostored in liquid nitrogen. About 300 trimmed shoot-tips of each cultivar are incubated in MS-Towill-medium and then transferred into the cryoprotective solution. After an incubation time of about 2 hours trimmed shoot-tips fixed on an aluminium foil were put in cryo vials and stored in a container. The survival rate of the thawed, trimmed shoot-tips varies from 55%–100%. More important for a gene bank, however, is the plant regeneration. The average regeneration of all cultivars is about 40%.

Notes: Summary Microtubers can be stored longer, transported and handled easier than plantlets, but they have some disadvantages related to long dormancy. Dormancy, number of sprouts per tuber and loss of microtubers under different storage temperatures were studied. Microtubers of four genotypes originated from different tuberization treatments (photoperiod combinations) were observed. We found that dormancy depended on cultivar and — in some cases — on the photoperiod treatment applied during tuberization. Generally, the dormacy was long and was greatly elongated by low storage temperature. One of the photoperiod treatments shortened while the other treatment prolonged the rest-period compared to the control, maybe due to a change in temperature accompanying the change in daily light (photoperiod combination). Besides, these treatments affected the number of sprouts per tuber. There was no significant difference in duration of dormancy between different tuber-size groups, but the loss increased significanctly with a decrease in tuber size. Based on this information we can use microtubers more effectively in the seed potato production programme.

Notes: Summary Shoot regeneration was investigated on explants from different leaves and leaflets of three potato cultivars Posmo, Folva and Oleva. Explants were excised from glasshouse grown plants and grown for 6 days on callus induction medium with indole-3-acetic acid or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Explants were then transferred to auxin free shoot regeneration medium with gibberellic acid and 6-benzyladenine or zeatin. By using the optimum combinations and concentrations of plant growth regulators and by excision of explants from particular regions of proximal leaflets from newly unfolded leaves, shoot regeneration frequencies of 97.0% were obtained for cv. Posmo and 32.1% for cv. Folva. Shoot regeneration frequency of cv. Oleva was very low and could not be improved by the different treatments.

Notes: Abstract Late blight caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans is the most important fungal disease in potato cultivation worldwide. Resistance to late blight is controlled by a few major genes (R genes) which can be easily overcome by new races of P. infestans and/or by an unknown number of genes expressing a quantitative type of resistance which may be more durable. Quantitative resistance of foliage to late blight was evaluated in five F1 hybrid families originating from crosses among seven different diploid potato clones. Tuber resistance was evaluated in four of the families. Two of the families were scored for both foliage maturity and vigour. The five families were genotyped with DNA-based markers and tested for linkage with the traits analysed. QTL (quantitative trait locus) analysis identified at least twelve segments on ten chromosomes of potato having genes that affect reproducibly foliage resistance. Two of those segments also have major R genes for resistance to late blight. The segments are tagged by 21 markers that can be analyzed based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) with specific oligonucleotide primers. One QTL was detected for tuber resistance and one for foliage vigour. Two QTLs were mapped for foliage maturity. Major QTL effects on foliage and tuber resistance to late blight and on foliage maturity and vigour were all linked with marker GP179 on linkage group V of potato. Plants having alleles at this QTL, which increased foliage resistance, exhibited decreased tuber resistance, later maturity and more vigour.

Notes: Abstract A relationship between quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detected for in vitro and greenhouse growing conditions was studied in a backcross population of 155 genotypes derived from a haploid potato (Solanum tuberosum) and a diploid wild species (S. berthaultii). Both plant height and tuberization earliness were characterized under two growing conditions. Main-effect QTLs and QTLs identified only through interaction were detected for each of the traits. For traits associated with plant height as well as for traits associated with early tuberization, the most significant QTL detected for greenhouse cultivated plants was also found when the population was grown in vitro. The most significant QTL for earliness of tuberization in vitro, which was located on chromosome 8, coincides with that detected for sucrose concentration in leaf exudate. The absence of a S. berthaultii allele was associated both with a higher amount of sucrose in the exudate and with earlier in vitro tuber formation. Epistasis was found to have a significant effect on all traits investigated. The QTL model that included main-effect QTLs and all significant interactions explained 83–88% of the total genetic variance for each of the developmental traits. The possibility of using an in vitro system combined with marker-assisted selection for preliminary selection of early tuberizing clones is discussed.

Notes: Abstract Field resistance to Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of foliage and tuber blight in cultivated potatoes, earliness (maturity) and vigour, were examined in a diploid segregating potato population grown in replicated trials over three consecutive growing seasons. A genetic linkage map of this population was constructed in parallel using PCR-based SSR, AFLP and CAPS markers. Analysis of the trait scores alongside the marker segregation data allowed the identification of regions of the genome which were significantly correlated with components of the respective characters. The most significant associations for all four traits were with marker alleles on potato linkage group V originating from the male (susceptible) parent. In the case of foliage resistance to late blight, the positions of the majority of the effects, which were located on eleven of the twelve potato linkage groups, have been detected in previous [16] and parallel studies [21]. The absence of Solanum demissum-derived R genes for hypersensitive response to late blight and the co-localisation of QTL for resistance, vigour and earliness suggest that developmental and/or physiological factors play a major role in determining the level of foliage resistance in this population. In contrast with previous findings, a negative correlation was found between foliage and tuber blight resistance.

Notes: Abstract Two barley quality characters of specific interest to whisky distillers are fermentability and production of the ethyl carbamate precursor, epi-heterodendrin. The former is a quantitative trait, while the latter may be determined by a single Mendelian genetic factor. Molecular markers have been used to map, to barley chromosome 5(1H), the locus responsible for epi-heterodendrin synthesis and the inheritance of this character and a closely linked microsatellite have been followed through the pedigrees of several contemporary cultivars. Six loci, which affected fermentability in random inbred lines from a barley cross, have been mapped to chromosomes 2(2H), 3(3H) and 7(5H). This would permit the use of molecular markers in a breeding programme, to select barleys best suited for distilling. In addition, one of the loci related to fermentability mapped to an area of the genome indicated, by a previous study, to affect the activity of β-amylase, a character likely to influence fermentability. Molecular markers may, therefore, be powerful tools in exploring the contribution and detecting the mode of action of the genetical components influencing malt whisky distilling.

Notes: Abstract The proteolytic activity present in the extracellular preparation (ECP) from suspension media of infective structures of the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans was partially characterized. The proteolytic activity was analyzed in gelatin-containing SDS-PAGE. A discrete band of digested gelatin was visualized at approximately 45 kDa in ECPs from zoospores and germinating cysts media. Treatment of ECP with the protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) or incubation at 100°C for 5 min completely abolished the proteolytic activity in the zymograph assay. When microinjected in potato leaves, ECP induce localized necrosis within 24 h post inoculation. This necrosis appeared in potato and was not visible in two non-host plants. Moreover, the necrosis seems to be dependent on active host metabolism. Treatments of ECP with Proteinase K, PMSF and boiling inhibited their ability to induce the necrotic response. These results suggest a correlation between, proteolytic and necrosis-inducing activities in ECP. A preliminary characterization with protease inhibitors suggests that the ECPs contain serine protease(s).

Notes: Abstract Inheritance of resistance to Stenocarpella macrospora (Earle) Sutton (syn. Diplodia macrospora Earle) ear rot of maize was studied among selected maize populations in the mid-altitude (1280 m) agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Diallel analysis among the populations showed significant values for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects at 5% and 1% levels respectively. Variance components of GCA and SCA on Stenocarpella ear rot were 0.019 and 0.627 respectively, indicating that non-additive genes play major roles in the inheritance of Stenocarpella ear rot resistance. The GCA and SCA effects were relatively dependent on the materials involved in the evaluations. Generation mean analysis was used on five selected parent inbreds (2 resistance and 3 susceptible crossed to give P1, P2, F1, BC1, BC2 and F2 generations). Estimates of the six parameters on ear rot indicate that dominance gene effects made the major contribution to variation in ear rot of maize in the crosses studied. The magnitude and significance of the estimates for digenic effects in the crosses suggest that epistatic gene effects are present and important in the basic mechanism of Stenocarpella ear rot inheritance in the populations studied. Additive effects have only minor importance in the total variation.

Notes: Abstract Physiological and molecular research on resistance responses of Solanum tuberosum cultivars and partially resistant Solanum species to Phytophthora infestans requires a reliable resistance test that can be used in the laboratory. Laboratory tests performed on detached leaves and intact plants were compared with field tests for similarity of late blight reactions. Detached leaves from field-grown plants were as resistant as detached leaves from climate chamber-grown plants when challenged with P. infestans. However, detached leaves incubated in covered trays at high relative humidity were more susceptible than detached leaves kept in open trays or leaves on intact plants. The incubation conditions of detached leaves in covered trays rather than detachment itself appeared to affect the resistance expression. Detached leaves of some wild Solanum genotypes became partially infected, whereas intact plants were completely resistant when inoculated. Inoculation of leaves on intact plants, however, resulted in lower infection efficiencies. These limitations should be taken into account when choosing the appropriate inoculation method for specific purposes. For resistance screening, laboratory tests proved to be a good alternative for field tests. The ranking of resistance levels for twenty plant genotypes was similar under laboratory and field conditions.

Notes: Abstract The genetic basis of resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis DC. f.sp. hordei Marchal) was analyzed using doubled haploid barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) lines from the cross Harrington/TR306. Based on infection types observed after inoculation with defined single-conidium isolates, the lines were classified into four groups. The observed phenotypic ratio fit a two-locus model. The two putative loci were mapped relative to molecular markers. One coincided with the previously mapped dMlg locus on chromosome 4. Based on the observed infection types, Harrington carries the Mlg resistance allele, and TR306 carries a second locus on chromosome 7 (5H); this was tentatively designated Ml(TR). It is the first reported race-specific powdery mildew resistance gene located on that chromosome. These two loci were also detected by simple interval mapping of disease severity data from naturally infected field plots. Composite interval mapping with the first two resistance loci as co-factors detected an additional locus on chromosome 6, with a minor effect on resistance. Finally, superimposing the race-specific classification onto the field data provided evidence for a minor-effect locus on chromosome 7 (5H). The Mlg locus had the largest effect, the Ml(TR) locus had an intermediate effect and the other two loci had very small effects. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrated approach to identifying and mapping resistance loci using classification data from inoculated experiments and quantitative data from field experiments.

Notes: Abstract Strong resistance to accumulation of potato leafroll virus (PLRV) was identified in a clone of the diploid potato species Solanum phureja (cv. ‘Egg Yolk’, clone 5010) using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The resistance is expressed very strongly in leaf tissue (virus could not be detected in leaves of some plants although other tissues were infected) but less strongly in petiole and stem tissue of infected plants. The titre of PLRV in leaves of S. phureja (5010) is approximately 2%, or less, of the titre in S. tuberosum cv. Maris Piper. The pattern of virus accumulation in different tissues of S. phureja (5010) and the distribution of virus-infected cells in phloem bundles suggest that this resistance is different to a similar form of resistance to PLRV accumulation previously identified in clones of Solanum tuberosum. Plants of S. phureja (5010) were transformed with the coat protein gene of potato leafroll virus (PLRV). Transgenic lines of S. phureja (5010) expressing transgene RNA transcript were no more resistant to aphid-borne infection with PLRV or to virus accumulation than were non-transgenic lines.

Notes: Abstract A half-diallel was made between five six-rowed Nordic spring barleys to study the genetics of resistance to net blotch. Twenty-five doubled-haploid (DH) lines from each cross and the parents were sown in hill plots in Finland in 1997 and 1998. The plots were artificially inoculated with Pyrenophora teres Drechs. f. teres Smedeg. and assessed for resistance to net blotch. There were statistically significant differences in resistance of the five parents to net blotch. General combining ability (GCA) of the parents and specific combining ability (SCA) effects in the progeny were statistically significant in both years, but GCA effects predominated. Evidence for additive epistasis was minimal. Progeny of a particular cross were less resistant to net blotch than the better parent. The most resistant progeny were derived from the cross between the two most resistant parents, Pohto and WW7977, and resistance was governed by at least eleven effective factors. Narrow sense heritability estimates for resistance to net blotch were high during both years (0.84–0.99). It appears that net blotch resistance of progeny from crosses can be largely predicted from reactions of the parents. Quantitative resistance to net blotch can be further advanced by identification and incorporation of superior parents, from a screening such as reported here, into a recurrent selection breeding programme.

Notes: Abstract This study was designed to investigate the strength of attachment of plant seedling roots to the soil in which they were grown. The study also assessed the effects of differing soil textures and differing soil matric potentials upon the strength of the root:soil attachment. A device for growing roots upon a soil surface was designed, and was used to produce roots which were attached to the soil. In order to quantify root:soil adhesion, roots of maize seedlings, grown on the soil surface, were subsequently peeled off using a universal test machine, in conjunction with simultaneous time-lapse video observation. To clarify the partitioning of energy in the root:soil peeling test, separate mechanical tests on roots, and on two adherent remoulded topsoil balls were also carried out. The seedling root was characterised by a low bending stiffness. The energy stored in bending was negligible, compared to the root:soil adhesion energy. The mechanical properties of two adherent remoulded topsoil balls were a decrease of the soil:soil adhesion energy as the soil:soil plastic energy increased. These two parameters were therefore interdependent. Using a video-camera system, it was possible to separate the different processes occurring during the root:soil peeling test, in particular, the seed:soil adhesion and the root:soil soil adhesion. An interpretation of the complex and variable force:displacement curves was thus possible, enabling calculation of the root:soil interfacial rupture energy. At a given suction (10 kPa), the results of the peeling test showed a clear soil texture effect on the value of the root:soil interfacial rupture energy. In contrast, for the same silty topsoil, the effect of the soil water suction on the value of the interfacial rupture energy was very moderate. The root:soil interfacial rupture energy was controlled mainly by a product of microscopic soil specific surface area and the macroscopic contact surface area between the root and the soil. Biological and physical interactions contributing to root:soil adhesion such as root:soil interlocking mechanics were also analysed and discussed.

Notes: Abstract Responses of a range of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes to boron (B) deficiency were studied in two experiments carried out in sand culture and in the field at Chiang Mai, Thailand. In experiment 1, two barley genotypes, Stirling (two-row) and BRB 2 (six-row) and one wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotype, SW 41, were evaluated in sand culture with three levels of applied B (0, 0.1 and 1.0 μM B) to the nutrient solution. It was found that B deficiency depressed flag leaf B concentration at booting, grain number and grain yield of all genotypes. In barley Stirling, B deficiency also depressed number of spikes plant-1, spikelets spike-1 and straw yield. However, no significant difference between genotypes in flag leaf B concentration was found under low B treatments. Flag leaf B concentration below 4 mg kg-1 was associated with grain set reduction and could, therefore, be used as a general indicator for B status in barley. In experiment 2, nine barley and two wheat genotypes were evaluated in the field on a low B soil with three levels of B. Boron levels were varied by applying either 2 t of lime ha-1 (BL), no B (B0) or 10 kg Borax ha-1 (B+) to the soil prior to sowing. Genotypes differed in their B response for grain spike-1, grain spikelet-1 and grain set index (GSI). The GSI of the B efficient wheat, Fang 60, exceeded 90% in all B treatments. The B inefficient wheat SW 41 and most of the barley genotypes set grain normally (GSI 〉80%) only at the B+. In B0 GSI of the barley genotypes ranged from 23% to 84%, and in BL from 19% to 65%. Three of the barley with severely depressed GSI in B0 and BL also had a decreased number of spikelets spike-1. In experiment 3, 21 advanced barley lines from the Barley Thailand Yield Nursery 1997/98 (BTYN 1997/98) were screened for B response in sand culture with no added B. Grain Set Index of the Fang 60 and SW 41 checks were 98 and 65%, respectively, and GSI of barley lines ranged between 5 and 90%. One advanced line was identified as B efficient and two as moderately B efficient. The remaining lines ranked between moderately inefficient to inefficient. These experiments have established that there is a range of responses to B in barley genotypes. This variation in the B response was observed in vegetative as well as reproductive growth. Boron efficiency should be considered in breeding and selection of barley in low B soils.

Notes: Abstract Evaluation of the salt tolerance of crop cultivars under field conditions is greatly complicated by the typical temporal and spatial variability of soil salinity. We obtained the grain yield – salinity response functions of 124 barley genotypes by growing them in ten salinity treatments imposed by a Triple Line Source Sprinkler (TLS) system during five consecutive years. Additional objectives were to ascertain the consistency and reproducibility over years of these functions, to quantify the deleterious effects of saline sprinkling irrigations, and to assess correlations between salinity tolerance and leaf sap salt concentration. The consistency and reproducibility of the response functions within and between years were adequate (only 8% of the response functions were discarded for statistical reasons). The Y m (grain yield without salinity) and the EC50 (the EC e that reduces yield by 50%) estimates were not correlated (P 〉 0.05) suggesting that the most productive genotypes were not necessarily less salinity tolerant. Y m was positively and significantly (P 〈 0.01) correlated with Y6 and Y12 (fitted grain yields at EC e values of 6 dS m-1, and 12 dS m-1, respectively), indicating that it is a useful statistic in the selection of barley genotypes most productive under medium and high salinities. Foliar salt uptake due to saline sprinkling irrigations decreased the EC50 by around 50% as compared with the salinity tolerance obtained with surface irrigation systems. No consistent relationships were found between either Y m or EC50 and the leaf sap osmotic potential, Cl, Ca, Na and K concentrations. They could not therefore be used in screening for salinity tolerance of barley. On the basis of the evidence from the present study, Y m is the best statistic for predicting the most productive barley genotypes in salt-affected soils.

Notes: Abstract In calcareous soils the dynamics of phosphorus is controlled by calcite and iron oxides such as goethite which strongly retain P and consequently maintain low P concentrations in soil solution. Plants can drastically change chemical conditions in the rhizosphere, in particular by releasing H+ or OH− or by excreting organic anions. By modifying the dissolution/precipitation and desorption/adsorption equilibria, roots can influence the mobility of soil P. The aim of this work was to test whether H+ or OH− release can induce the mobilization of P in the rhizosphere of maize and rape supplied with NO3-N or NH4-N and grown on synthetic phosphated calcite or goethite as sole source of P. With P-calcite, the mobilization of P was generally related to the acidification of the rhizosphere. With P-goethite, rhizosphere acidification induced some increase of DTPA-extractable Fe and hence dissolution of goethite. Rhizosphere P was concomitantly depleted but the mechanisms involved are less clear. The difference in behavior of the two species is discussed.

Notes: Abstract Many soils of southern Africa are severely N deficient, but inorganic fertilizers are unaffordable for most subsistence farmers. Rotations and intercrops of legumes with crops may alleviate N deficiency through biological N2 fixation and redistribution of subsoil N to the surface. We monitored soil inorganic N dynamics for two seasons in a gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp.] – maize (Zea mays L.) intercrop in the unimodal rainfall area of southern Malawi. One maize crop per year was grown with or without interplanted gliricidia, in factorial combination with three rates of N (0, 24 or 48 kg N ha-1). Application of gliricidia prunings increased (p 〈 0.001) topsoil (0 to 20 cm) inorganic N at the end of the dry season and during the early rains. Differences between plus and minus gliricidia treatments were less when total inorganic N to 1-m depth was summed. A greater proportion of the total inorganic N to 1-m depth occurred in the topsoil (0 to 20 cm) when gliricidia was present, suggesting that redistribution of subsoil N to the surface accounted for part of the N increase by gliricidia. Gliricidia lowered (p 〈 0.05) subsoil water content during drier periods. Gliricidia plots accumulated more (p 〈 0.01) ammonium-N during the dry season. Nitrate-N remained constant during the dry season but rose rapidly in gliricidia plots after the onset of rains. A 2-factor model including preseason inorganic N and anaerobic N mineralization potential accounted for 84% of the variability in maize yields for the two seasons' data combined. The combination of preseason inorganic N and potential N mineralization appears to provide a good estimate of N supply to maize in systems receiving both organic and inorganic sources of N.

Notes: Abstract The genetic basis of salt tolerance was examined in selected salt tolerant and sensitive material from a sample of accessions previously assessed for variability in salinity tolerance. The North Carolina Model 2 Design and analysis was followed, tolerance being assessed in 10-day-old seedlings grown in salinized solution culture at control (0 mM), 60 mM and 80 mM NaCl concentrations). Salinity tolerance was shown to be under the control of genes with additive and non-additive effects, with broad and narrow sense heritability estimates being approximately 0.7 and 0.4 over all treatments.

Notes: Abstract Media have been developed for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from immature inflorescences and immature scutella of elite cultivars of wheat, barley and tritordeum. For wheat and tritordeum inflorescences, regeneration from embryogenic calluses induced on medium with picloram was almost twice as efficient as regeneration from cultures induced on 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The addition of zeatin at 5 or 10 mg l−1 to regeneration media had a positive effect on regeneration. For scutella, the highest frequencies of embryogenesis (85%) and regeneration (50%) was obtained using an induction medium containing 2 mg l−1 of 2,4-D and half concentration of aminoacids. The morphogenetic capacities of 19 different cultivars of wheat, barley and tritordeum were compared, and clear differences were found both between explants and genotypes. In wheat, embryogenic capacity from inflorescences (average of 92%) was higher than from immature scutella (average of 62%). However, shoot regeneration from scutella was clearly higher than from inflorescences (averages of 63%, and 18% respectively). Frequencies of regeneration in wheat and barley varied widely among the cultivars tested and in both species no difference was found between spring and winter varieties.

Notes: Abstract The cultivated potato has over 200 extant wild relatives many of which contain genes valuable for disease resistance, hardiness, processing and agronomic traits. Crossability of these wild species directly with the cultivated potato is complicated by several reproductive phenomena such as stylar and ploidy barriers and Endosperm Balance Numbers (EBN). However, a systematic analysis of crossability with many of these wild relatives has never fully been examined. Reciprocal crosses were made between cultivated potato and over 400 wild potato accessions; stylar barriers and 2n gamete production were examined as was the fertility of many of the putative hybrids. Generally, the seed/fruit ratio increased the more closely related the species were to the cultivated potato. However, a few crosses were successful in spite of predicted failure due to ploidy or EBN differences.

Notes: Abstract The possible presence of vertical resistance to late blight conferred by R genes in Argentine wild Solanum species, which presumably have not evolved under the pressure of the fungus, was investigated. Solanum microdontum, S. commersonii and S. chacoense clones were tested in the greenhouse and with detached leaves in the laboratory after inoculation with a complex race and a non-virulent race of Phytophthora infestans. Two progeny tests were carried out to assess the performance of contrasting parents in regards to their resistance. A varying frequency of incompatible clones was detected among the species, with S. microdontum having the higher proportion of clones yielding incompatible reactions both in the laboratory and in the greenhouse. S. chacoense and S. commersonii showed a small but still considerable frequency of incompatible clones. The progeny tests confirmed the presence of R genes in a S. commersonii cross and their absence in a S. chacoense cross. The unexpected presence of R genes, its evolutionary significance and the consequences on the use of these species in breeding is discussed.

Notes: Abstract Seed of seven cultivars of two-rowed barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) and F2 seed from a half-diallel set of crosses among the cultivars were malted in two years to obtain data on diastatic power (DP), alpha-amylase activity (αAA), beta- amylase activity (βAA) and malt nitrogen (N) content. Embryo and endosperm genetic effects on the traits were studied by using a genetic model including genotype × environment interaction for malting quality characters. Variation of the four malting quality traits was affected by gentic effects and environmental interaction. Performance of DP and βAA was mainly controlled not only by endosperm dominance effects but also by embryo genotype × environment interaction and endosperm dominance × environment interaction. Variation of αAA and malt N content was controlled by both embryo and endosperm genetic effects, but the embryo dominance and endosperm additive effects contributed a major part to the total genetic effects. Significant interaction variances (embryo additive × environment and dominance × environment and endosperm dominance × environment) were also observed for αAA and malt N content. Diastatic power was related positively to βAA. Malt N content was associated positively with DP, largely because of the relationship between malt N and βAA. No obvious phenotype association between DP and αAA was found. General narrow-sense heritabilities of αAA and malt N content were 26.1% and 27.8%, respectively.

Notes: Abstract Thirty-two unimproved landraces of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) based on single plant selections in SE Finland were studied. Some of the lines still had ancient features, e.g., rachis brittleness in the tip of the spike. The lines showed 17 different and 16 unique hordein patterns and three lines showed more than one pattern, suggesting heterozygosity, and six different residual grain protein patterns. The three enzyme activities (α-amylase, β-amylase and β-glucanase) of grains germinated aseptically for 120 h were determined. The average activity levels were high compared with a standard of five global barleys and with those determined previously in wild barley (H. vulgare ssp. spontaneum (Koch) Archers et Graebn.) grown in Finland. The ssp. spontaneum sample of 257 accessions showed significantly (P〈0.001) less variation in β-amylase and significantly (P〈0.001) lower mean activity of all three enzymes. The high variation of these chemotypes indicates great potential variation of possible use by breeders has been lost by the disappearance and displacement of local barleys with commercial cultivars since 1950 in Finland before which barley cultivation and adaptation to the local environment had occurred over more than 3000 years. Selection for currently preferable plant characteristics in the descendants of the cross of HA52 (a landrace selection) × Adorra discriminated the hordein pattern of HA52 not being directly selected. The best landraces outyield the standard cultivars especially when there was no lodging. Top yield and small grains appeared to be associated characteristics under the environmental selection pressure, conflicting with the man-made regulations of the EU.

Notes: Abstract The potato crop originated in the Andean highlands where numerous farmer's varieties and non-cultivated wild species exist. An Andean potato collection is held in trust at the International Potato Center (CIP) to preserve the biodiversity of this crop and ensure the supply of germplasm for potato improvement worldwide. A core collection representing the biodiversity of the Andean potato germplasm is under construction using morphological, molecular, and geographic data. One of the eight cultivated potato species, Solanum phureja, has been genotyped using the RAPD technique. A protocol suitable for large germplasm collection genotyping has been developed to process numerous samples at reasonable costs. From 106 RAPD primers evaluated, we have selected 12 primers yielding 102 polymorphic markers, which unambiguously discriminated all 128 accessions but 2 that are possible duplicates. The S. phureja germplasm collected throughout the Andean countries appears to have a homogeneous genetic constitution. There was no clear geographic pattern as indicated by cluster analysis of the RAPD data. A sub-group of 20 accessions has been identified on the basis of the marker data and selected to maximize molecular (RAPD) variance and polymorphism. The probability of capturing equal amounts of marker polymorphism in this sub-group of 20 accessions by random sampling is less than 40%. This set accessions represents our first group of accessions that may constitute a core of the S. phureja collection. This tentative core will be challenged for diversity content by alternate markers and agronomic traits. Hence, the methodology for sampling less than 10% of the base collection, proposed for core collections by Brown (1989), can be based on molecular marker data provided cost-efficient fingerprints are developed.

Notes: Abstract Field trials were conducted on two soil types for seven years (1988–1994) to investigate grain yield response of maize to crop residue application as influenced by varying rates of applied and residual N and P fertilizers. Yearly application of N and P fertilizers at both one-half and full recommended rates resulted in grain yield increases of more than 500 and 1100 kg ha-1, respectively over application of only crop residue. Moreover, grain yield responses due to residual N and P fertilizers applied only during the first year were found to be comparable to the yearly applications of these fertilizers. Rainfall and soil type have exerted considerable influences on the grain yield response obtained in this study. Grain yield exhibited a corresponding decrease with decreasing rainfall. Grain yield increases on Typic Pellustert were relatively higher than on Typic Ustorthent.

Notes: Abstract In many parts of Central America long fallow periods are no longer feasible due to increasing land pressures. Farmers in northern Honduras have developed and diffused from farmer-to-farmer a maize cropping system using velvetbean (Mucuna spp.) as a short-term fallow. High total annual rainfall in a bimodal distribution is favorable to the system because it allows the completion of two rainfed cropping cycles annually. The first season is dedicated to the production of the mucuna crop and the second season is dedicated to maize. Soil pH and exchangeable Ca were not reduced during a 15-year period of continuous mucuna use. Soil organic matter, infiltration, and porosity increased with continuous mucuna use. Maize yields in fields with continuous rotation of mucuna were on average double those obtained without mucuna. The mucuna system was more profitable than the existing alternative bush-fallow system due to higher returns to land and labor resulting from higher yields, lower weeding and land preparation costs, and reduced risk of drought stress. The relative profitability of the mucuna system was also enhanced by seasonally high maize prices during the second season when maize is harvested in the mucuna system. Relatively easy access to land through inexpensive land ownership and land rental markets has made it possible for even small-scale farmers to dedicate land to the mucuna system. Land-use intensity is increasing in the region, however, as land is converted to pastures for cattle production. The opportunity costs of keeping land in the mucuna system, while also accessing land for first-season maize and other crops, are also increasing. These experiences remind us that a viable livelihood is the primary factor in farmers' decision making about adoption particular components of farming systems.

Notes: Abstract The distribution of GA20 and GA20-13-O-glucoside was examined in mature caryopses of Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Himalaya. It was shown by GC-MS that GA20-13-O-glucoside is localized mainly in the embryo-containing part of the grain. In order to study the reconversion of GA20-13-O-glucoside during early germination, the glucoside pool of cv. Himalaya was [17-D2]-labelled by feeding [17-D2]GA20. The metabolites of [17-D2]GA20-13-O-glucoside were quantified by GC-MS during germination on the basis of doubly labelled standards. As soon as 6 h after incubation an increase of [17-D2]GA20 could be observed, followed by an increase of [17-D2]GA1 after 12 h, showing that the enzymes of the late GA metabolism are present before de novo biosynthesis started.

Notes: Abstract A total of 16,251 barley accessions including 6,026 naked barley have been collected over the whole country in China. Among them 8,865 were landraces, 1,035 bred lines and 6,351 foreign accessions. The agroecological distribution, classification and characterization of agricultural traits, abiotic stress tolerance, disease and pest resistance of the collection are described.

Notes: Abstract The expression of freezing tolerance was characterized in interspecific somatic hybrids between S. tuberosum (tbr) and two cold-hardy wild species, S. brevidens (brd) and S. commersonii (cmm). The nonacclimated freezing tolerance (NA) and acclimation capacity (ACC, increase in freezing tolerance in response to low nonfreezing temperature), two main genetic components of freezing tolerance, were evaluated separately. In contrast to cmm, which exhibited excellent NA and ACC, the freezing tolerance of brd was mainly due to ACC. However, the ACC of brd was only moderately expressed in the somatic hybrids. The NA of cmm was also suppressed in combination with tbr genomes. However, with acclimation, some of the tbr (+) cmm somatic hybrids achieved freezing tolerance comparable to pure hardy species such as brd used in this study. Analysis of chloroplast DNA type by RFLP markers revealed no significant difference in ACC between somatic hybrids carrying chloroplasts from either tbr or cmm. The reasons for the reduced expression of freezing tolerance from either the brd or cmm parent and the utilization of these somatic hybrids in breeding programs are discussed.

Notes: Abstract Winterhardiness is a basic trait for successful winter survival barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop. Freezing tolerance, a fundamental component of winterhardiness, is based on an inducible process known as hardening or cold acclimation that occurs when plants are exposed to low non-freezing temperatures. In the recent years, many temperature-dependent genes specifically expressed during hardening have been isolated. Current data on relationship between gene expression and cold tolerance are mostly based on plants grown and hardened under environmentally controlled conditions and, usually, over a short period of time. In order to verify whether variations in the molecular response to cold are likely to be of significant adaptive value under natural environments, we have followed the accumulation of several COR genes ( pt59, pao86 and paf93) and proteins (COR14a and COR14b) during the 1996/97 and 97/98 winter seasons in barley cultivars with contrasting winterhardiness capacity grown under field conditions. In the 1996/97 experiment, a winter cultivar Onice and a spring cultivar Gitane were tested for the accumulation of the cold-regulated genes and proteins. The ability of the plants to promote a strong molecular response to cold was found to be associated with the winterhardiness capacity of the two cultivars. This result was further tested in the winter season 1997/98 using 10 barley varieties. All winter cultivars showed high accumulation of the cold-regulated proteins COR14a and COR14b, while some variations for this character were detected in the spring cultivars suggesting that the selection for winter survival has been effective to fix the high COR14 accumulation capacity. We conclude that a high level of COR14 may be a component the winter survival capacity of barley.

Notes: Abstract Two contrasting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars: Kepin No.7 (salt sensitive), and Jian 4 (salt tolerant) were grown in a hydroponics system containing 120 mol m-3 NaCl only and 120 mol m-3 NaCl with 1.0 mol m-3 Si (as potassium silicate). Compared with the plants treated with salt alone, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in plant leaves and H+-ATPase activity in plant roots increased, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in plant leaves decreased significantly for both cultivars when treated with salt and Si. The addition of Si was also found to reduce sodium but increase potassium concentrations in shoots and roots of salt-stressed barley. Sodium uptake and transport into shoots from roots was greatly inhibited by added Si under salt stress conditions. However, Si addition exhibited little effect on calcium concentrations in shoots of salt-stressed barley. Thus, Si-enhanced salt tolerance is attributed to selective uptake and transport of potassium and sodium by plants. The results of the present study suggest that Si is involved in the metabolic or physiological changes in plants.

Notes: Abstract Low phosphorus (P) availability in soils and diminishing P reserves emphasize the need to create plants that are more efficient P users. Knowledge of P efficient germplasm among the existing cereal varieties may serve as the basis for improving soil P use by selection and breeding. We had identified some cereal cultivars (winter wheat: Kosack and Kraka; winter barley: Hamu and Angora; spring barley: Canut, Alexis, Salka, Zita;) which differed (p〈0.05) in P depletion from thin slices (0.2 mm) of the rhizosphere soil under controlled conditions. In the present study, the same cultivars were studied under field conditions at three levels of P supply (no-P, 10 and 20 kg P ha-1) and the differences in P uptake as found in the previous work were confirmed. Under both conditions, the variation between the cultivars was greatest in soil without P fertilizers (no-P) for about 30 years. The variation in P uptake with most cultivars disappeared when 10 kg P ha-1 was applied. Root development did not differ between the cultivars much, but there was wide, consistent variation in their root hairs, regardless of growth media (solution, soil column and field). Increase in soil P level reduced the length of root hairs. The variation in root hairs between the cultivars was largest in no-P soil. When 10 kg P ha-1 was applied, the root hair lengths did not differ between the cultivars. Barley cultivars with longer root hairs depleted more P from the rhizosphere soil and also absorbed more P in the field. The relationship between root hairs and phosphorus uptake of the wheat cultivars was less clear. The wide variation in P uptake among the barley cultivars in the field and its relationship to the root hair development confirms that root hair length may be a suitable plant characteristic to use as criterion for selecting barley cultivars for P efficiency, especially in low-P soils.

Notes: Abstract The population dynamics of the brown rot bacterium Ralstonia (Pseudomonas) solanacearum in surface water of two selected water-areas were monitored over a two-year period. In some cases during summer, high bacterial numbers (up to 106 cfu l−1) were observed. In a host plant survey a few plants of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) were found to be a natural host of the bacterium when plants were growing with their roots in contaminated water. The significance of U. dioica in the epidemiology of the brown rot bacterium is not yet known and subject to further investigation. Pathogenicity of R. solanacearum to stinging nettle (U. dioica) and bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) was demonstrated in a greenhouse experiment.

Notes: Abstract PCR-based methods were developed for the detection and quantification of the potato pathogen Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea (S. subterranea) in peel, tuber washings and soil. A partial sequence was obtained for S. subterranea ribosomal DNA and specific PCR primers (Sps1 and Sps2) were chosen from the internal transcribed spacer regions. These primers amplified a 391 bp product from S. subterranea DNA but did not amplify DNA from potato or a range of soil-borne microbes, including related species. Diluted S. subterranea DNA was detected at a concentration equivalent to 25×10−5 cystosori or 1 zoospore per PCR. Amplification was detected from peel and washings of infected and apparently healthy tubers, but not from peel of Scottish classified seed potatoes or axenically micropropagated potatoes. A rapid method for extracting S. subterranea DNA from soils was developed. This yielded DNA pure enough for PCR within 3 h and facilitated the detection of 1–5 cystosori per gram of soil. A PCR quantification technique was developed involving comparison of product ratios obtained after co-amplification of S. subterranea DNA along with an internal standard (competitor DNA fragment). This quantitative technique was also adapted for use in soil. PCR detection of S. subterranea in soil was considerably more sensitive than previously reported immunoassays and was quicker and easier than conventional bait plant bioassays. Such an assay could be useful for developing disease risk assessments for field soils and seed potato stocks and for future studies on the ecology and control of S. subterranea.

Notes: Abstract Napier grass strips are gaining some acceptance in Southeast Asia as a vegetative means of soil erosion control, due to the relative ease of establishment and management. In addition, the napier grass strips aid productivity of agroforestry systems by providing mulch or by being fed to livestock. In this paper, a bioeconomic comparison of different ways of utilising the napier grass cuttings is undertaken. The three uses examined for the cuttings were: as mulch in the alley areas, sold as fodder, and fed to animals with manure applied back to the system. The analysis linked the soils-oriented SCUAF model with economic and animal component models. SCUAF was parameterized using field data based on farmer interviews and field visits. Farmer interviews and field visits were conducted at Claveria, Misamis Oriental to gather additional data regarding costs and returns associated with animal production, and also to obtain the farm gate price of napier. Predicted biophysical results produced by the SCUAF model showed that application of napier grass cuttings, back into the system, directly as mulch or indirectly as animal manure resulted in higher maize and napier yields, lower soil erosion rates, and less of a reduction in soil mineral nitrogen and soil labile carbon levels. The comparison was made with the case where napier was sold off-farm as fodder. Cost-benefit analysis showed that higher economic returns were gained when napier grass cuttings were fed to animals, rather than applied directly as mulch. This economic benefit was attributed to the draught and transport services rendered by the animal and to a change in the value of the animals. This analysis highlights the value of utilizing animals within a napier grass strip system for control of erosion.

Notes: Abstract Grey leaf spot of maize, (Zea maydis L.) (Cercospora zeae-maydis) Tehon and Daniels, is one of the most destructive leaf diseases of maize. The distribution and severity of grey leaf spot has increased over the past 10 to 15 years. The United States and South Africa are main areas where research on the disease has been concentrated. The research results have provided valuable and significant insight into pathogen epidemiology and allowed an integrated management system to be developed. However, management options are a result of the agricultural system under which maize is produced. The pathogen survives only on maize, so crop rotation and stubble management are major factors in disease management, but resistant hybrids offer the best option for economic control. Many other factors, such as soil fertility, plant density, irrigation and chemical control, can significantly influence a grey leaf spot epidemic, although a single management practice will not control the pathogen effectively.

Notes: Summary Creation from 4x hybrid clones from protoplast fusion of 2x clones of potato was evaluated. Besides combined nuclear genomes, composition of the cytoplasm significantly influenced the phenotypic traits of hybrid clones. To ascertain the influence of parental cytoplasm on the success of protoplast fusion and regeneration of hybrid plants, data from 74 fusion combinations of 50 dihaploid clones were analyzed. The majority of dihaploid breeding clones belonged to the cytoplasm types Wα, Tβ and Wγ. When the closely related mt types α, β and γ were used, fusion combinations had a better combining ability compared with more distantly related cytoplasms δ and ⃛. Fusions containing the same mitochondrial type (homofusions) were not superior to closely related mitochondrial types. However, homofusions of cytoplasm type Wα yielded significantly more hybrids than homofusions of type Tβ. In general, parental cytoplasm types had little impact on the fusion combining behaviour. Thus the cytoplasm type of the fusion parents is not a suitable marker for predicting the combining ability in protoplast fusion experiments.

Notes: Summary Neotuberosum clones with differing levels of resistance toFusarium coeruleum andFurarium sulphureum, and putative resistance toPhytophthora infestans, were selected and used in crosses with Tuberosum clones. The resulting progenies were assessed for their resistance to each of these pathogens and for breeders' preference. There was little correlation between disease scores for the twoFusarium species (r=0.21 and 0.34 for the Neotuberosum and hybrid clones respectively), indicating that resistance to each species is distinct. Statistical analyses revealed differences between the Neotuberosum parents and between the Tuberosum parents for all traits, but the Neotuberosum differences for late blight were not significant (P=0.10–0.05) when tested against the interaction between the two sets of parents. The interaction was significant forF. coeruleum and breeders' preference, but notF. sulphureum. No reciprocal differences were found. The only statistically significant correlation between traits for the 72 progenies was a small one (r=0.33; P=0.01–0.001) between the twoFusarium species; for all other pairs of traits r was less than 0.10. It is concluded that there are good prospects for combinding resistances to the twoFusarium species from different sources and also for achieving high levels of other desirable characteristics.

Notes: Summary Alate green peach aphids,Myzus persicae (Sulzer), tested in a flight chamber during their maiden flight period displayed behaviours ranging from repeated trivial flights to settling on the plants. The interaction of alate vector density and PVYn spread was dichotomous, virus spread was significantly related to vector density in some trials but virus spread was nil or limited and not significantly dependent on vector density in others. The green peach aphid colony used in these experiments provided a mixture of active and highly active alate populations. Results suggest that inactive and active vectors came from the active and highly active alate populations, respectively. Therefore, winged aphids within a species cannot all be attributed the same vector efficiency unless known to originate from the same population. At a 15% inoculum level the intercept for the regression model for the spread of PVYn was 5.03% indicating that there is a significant probability of propagation at aphid densities as low as one. However, over the range of aphid densities tested, the rate of spread per aphid was low, 0.08%, suggesting that reinfection of newly infected plants or movement interference between aphid vectors rapidly became important factors negatively affecting virus spread. Although these results cannot be directly transferred to field conditions they provide confirmation that lowM. persicae numbers can transmit unacceptable levels of mosaic and that low inoculum levels are required to decrease the risk of transmission by the small aphid numbers which cannot be realistically controlled.

Notes: Summary Offspring were produced from a cross between two long-day-adaptedSolanum phureja clones which carried resistance to tuber soft rot (Erwinia carotovora subsp.atroseptica). In tests carried out on the produce of field-grown plants raised from tubers, over fifty per cent of the 173 offspring were found to be highly resistant. Assessments were also carried out of tuber yield, mean tuber weight, tuber number, shape, regularity, flesh colour, texture of the steamed flesh, fry colour, after-cooking blackening, sprout length after storage and overall dormancy. There were statistically significant differences between clones for all characters (P〈0.001). Twelve of the clones were selected on the basis of high resistance, yield, tuber weight, regularity of shape and absence of after-cooking blackening. The value of resistant long-day-adapted diploid material for commercial breeding is discussed.

Notes: Summary Virulence of 12Fusarium oxysporum isolates was determined on three potato cultivars Late Harvest, BP1 and Kimberley Choice. The production of fusaric acid by the 12F. oxysporum isolates was also determined. The aim of the study was to determine whether a correlation exists between fusaric acid production and virulence ofF. oxysporum isolates. Late Harvest was the most tolerant and BP1 the most susceptible cultivar. Virulence ranking, order of theF. oxysporum isolates with the different cultivars corresponded with the mean of value of the ranking order for all three cultivars. A correlation was found between virulence of isolates and fusaric acid production except for Late Harvest. Fusaric acid production may play a major role in the development of dry rot in potato tubers.

Notes: Abstract A molecular marker map, including Mlo mildew resistance, of the spring barley cross Derkado (Mlo-resistant) × B83-12/21/5 (Mlo-susceptible) was scanned for yield QTLs to determine whether the association of Mlo resistance with reduced yield was due to linkage or pleiotropy. Over the mapped portion of the genome of the cross, the QTL with the greatest effect upon yield was located within a 22 cM region between mlo and the simple sequence repeat HVM67 on chromosome 4(4H). The association of Mlo resistance with lower yield was therefore due to a repulsion linkage. Analysis of yield component characters revealed QTL alleles for reduced grain number and earlier heading date in the same region, also associated with Mlo resistance. Genotyping of a range of cultivars and sources of Mlo resistance with the HVM67 simple sequence repeat showed that the Derkado HVM67 allele was rare as it was found only in one other cultivar and four land-races or sources of disease resistance. Grannenlose Zweizeilige, the source, and Salome, the carrier of Mlo resistance in Derkado, have the same HVM67 genotype, although Salome was a mixture of two genotypes. The entire mlo-HVM67 chromosomal segment from Grannenlose Zweizeilige is therefore thought to have been transmitted to Derkado, possibly through joint selection for Mlo resistance and early heading. L92, synonym EP79, was another source of Mlo resistance with the same HVM67 allele as Derkado but recombination must have occurred during the breeding of Atem as it possesses a different HVM67 allele which is present in all the other Mlo sources and cultivars surveyed. Abbreviations: GN, grains per main stem ear; HD, heading date; MSTGW, thousand grain weight derived from GN and MSY; MSY, yield of grain on the main stem; PY, yield of grain from the whole plot; sCIM, simplified compound interval mapping; SIM, simple interval mapping; SPY, single plant yield; S-SAP, sequence-specific amplification polymorphism; TGW, thousand grain weight derived from bulk of plot seed; TN, number of fertile stems per plant.

Notes: Abstract Potato tubers have been successfully used for high-level production of a recombinant single-chain Fv (ScFv) antibody. Ubiquitous high-level expression was achieved under control of the CaMV 35S promoter through retention of the scFv protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. Recombinant antibodies accumulated up to 2% of total soluble tuber protein. After 1.5 years of tuber storage at 4 °C still half of the amount of scFv present in freshly harvested tubers was detectable. Its specific activity did not decrease during tuber storage. Recombinant protein could be efficiently purified from crude extracts by affinity chromatography.

Notes: Abstract Nitrate-nonutilizing (nit) mutants were used to determine vegetative compatibility among 34 isolates of Verticillium dahliae from cotton, potato, olive, eggplant, chrysanthemum and tomato from 12 sites in Israel. Based on the formation of complementary heterokaryons, 33 isolates were assigned to two vegetative- compatibility groups (VCGs): one VCG contained 15 isolates from cotton, eggplant, chrysanthemum and olive; and the other VCG contained 18 isolates from potato, olive and cotton. The status of an additional isolate from tomato, which was compatible with both VCGs, remained unclear. In a limited pathogenicity test with 10 isolates, two (from tomato and eggplant) were pathogenic on tomato, eggplant and cotton; most isolates from cotton were pathogenic on cotton and eggplant only; and one from cotton was non-pathogenic. Fewer isolates were pathogenic on tomato than on cotton or eggplant. The diversity of vegetative compatibility found in our V. dahliae collection is comparable to that found in studies of American populations.

Notes: Abstract Setosphaeria turcica is the causal agent of northern corn leaf blight, a foliar maize disease of worldwide economic importance. In Europe, its severity increases. To investigate the pathogen's population-genetic structure in central Europe, a total of 80 isolates was sampled in Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, and Hungary and investigated with 52 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The mating type of the isolates was determined in testcrosses. Among the 73 isolates from maize there were 26 different RAPD haplotypes. All isolates with identical haplotype are considered clonemates. The haplotype shared by most members was represented by 22 isolates from Germany, Switzerland, and France, indicating high fitness and substantial migration. Only a single clone had members in both southeastern Austria and southwestern Switzerland, suggesting that the Alps constitute a major barrier for this pathogen. Several haplotypes differed by only one or two RAPD bands from the predominant haplotype and may have arisen by mutation. Few other clonal lineages were detected. The evolution of some haplotypes could not be explained by mutation alone. Sexual recombination may rarely occur. In population samples from Germany, Switzerland, and France, mating type MAT2 was predominating, while most isolates from Austria and Hungary had MAT1. Seven isolates from Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), an alternative host of S. turcica, were clonemates and very different in RAPD haplotypes from all isolates collected from maize.

Notes: Abstract We selected three crop production practices; crop rotation, tillage and phosphorus fertilization, all known to affect arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) development, to study early AM intraradical colonization in maize. Half of the plots were planted during the first year with either a host (maize, Zea mays L.) or a non-host (canola, Brassica napus L.) crop, and all of them with maize for the second year. Tillage and P fertilization treatments were applied to the plots in the second year. Mycorrhiza development in maize was measured in pot culture bioassays conducted before planting and after harvest of the previous and the subsequent crops, and in the field during the second crop season. Previous cropping of a soil with canola (Brassica napus L.), a non-host plant species, delayed mycorrhiza development of maize in a bioassay conducted with that soil in comparison with a previous cropping cycle with maize (Zea mays L.) or with the original plant species in the field site, bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leys.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The delay in mycorrhiza development after cropping with canola was also observed in samples taken from the field and in a bioassay, both conducted at the beginning of the subsequent cropping cycle. Tillage had, on average, little effect on intraradical colonization either in the field or in the bioassays. Phosphorus fertilization also had little effect on mycorrhiza development in the field. Crop rotation with a non-host had the strongest effect on intraradical mycorrhiza development of the three practices studied.

Notes: Abstract A knowledge of plant interactions above and below ground with respect to water is essential to understand the performance of intercrop systems. In this study, a physically based framework is proposed to analyse the competition for soil water in the case of intercropped plants. A radiative transfer model, associated with a transpiration-partitioning model based on a modified form of the Penman-Monteith equation, was used to estimate the evaporative demand of maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum ( Sorghum vulgare R.) intercrops. In order to model soil–root water transport, the root water potential of each species was calculated so as to minimise the difference between the evaporative demand and the amount of water taken up by each species. A characterisation of the micrometeorological conditions (net radiation, photosynthetically active radiation, air temperature and humidity, rain), plant water relations (leaf area index, leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, sap flow measurements), as well as the two-component root systems and water balance (soil–root impacts, soil evaporation) was carried out during a 7-day experiment with densities of about 4.2 plant m-2 for both maize and sorghum. Comparison of the measured and calculated transpiration values shows that the slopes of the measured versus predicted regression lines for hourly transpiration were 0.823 and 0.778 for maize and sorghum, respectively. Overall trends in the variation of volumetric water content profiles are also reasonably well described. This model could be useful for analysing competition where several root systems are present under various environmental conditions.

Notes: Abstract To determine the optimum selection environment for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) targeted at low-input, stress environment, barley lines were selected for high yield under stress (YS), high yield under non-stress (YNS), or average yield in stress and non-stress conditions (YA) during three breeding cycles (cohorts) of three years each. The lines were then tested in a total of 21 year-location combinations with average grain yields ranging from 0.35 to 4.86 t ha-1. Yield under stress of the YS lines was between 27% and 54% higher than that of the YNS lines, with the top YS lines yielding under stress between 16% and 30% more than the top YNS lines. Realized heritability was between 0.35 and 0.67 when selection was conducted under stress and was significant in all three cohorts. By contrast, selection under non-stress gave a significant response in only one cohort, and its efficiency in improving yield under stress was significantly lower than selection under stress. The best YNS line ranked only 19th for yield under stress. The highest-yielding lines under stress were not only selected under stress, but were also landraces collected in very dry areas (〈 250 mm total annual rainfall). This confirms earlier findings and supports the idea that the most effective way to improve productivity of crops grown in less-favored areas is to use locally adapted germplasm and select in the target environment(s).

Notes: Abstract Transfer of T-DNA from Agrobacterium tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes to cells of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is demonstrated following the inoculation of immature embryos and immature embryo-derived callus. Agrobacterium T-DNA vectors containing the C1/Lc anthocyanin-biosynthesis regulatory genes, the gusA gene or a synthetic green fluorescent protein gene (sgfp-S65T) were constructed from original binary vectors. The visual T-DNA markers were used as cell-autonomous reporters of early Agrobacterium-mediated transformation events in the wheat and barley cells. This localization of the transformed cells revealed a non-random distribution throughout each embryo and callus piece.

Notes: Abstract In order to integrate the outcomes of interspecific somatic fusion experiments in breeding schemes, it is important to understand factors involved in the variability observed among regenerated plants. With such a purpose in mind, a population of Solanum commersonii (+) S. tuberosum somatic hybrids was examined by means of discriminant and cluster analyses. Data were collected on 56 hybrids with different ploidies and on the two diploid parents grown in a greenhouse. The ploidy group was used as discrimination criterion. Three significant canonical variables were extracted by discriminant analysis; they were mainly correlated with the number of leaflets and stems, degree of flowering, plant height, and leaf length. After cluster analysis carried out with the significant canonical variables, parental and hybrid clones were grouped in 7 clusters. In the canonical space of reduced dimensions, patterns of morphological variation depended mainly on ploidy level and non-additive gene interactions. Hybrids were in general more similar to the cultivated than to the wild species, suggesting a good chance of fast introgression of useful traits from S. commersonii into the S. tuberosum genetic background.

Notes: Abstract The estimation of soil water reserves is essential for irrigation management. The usual way of calculating these reserves, held between the soil moisture content at field capacity and the classical limit of −1.5 MPa considered as the lower limit of available water, over the rooting depth of the crop, does not correspond with the real behaviour of crops as regards their ability to extract soil water and should be only considered as the apparent available water (AAW). Measurements of moisture profiles made using a neutron probe soil moisture meter from 1970 until 1991 on unirrigated crops at the INRA Agronomy Station at Toulouse-Auzeville, France, on a deep silty clay soil with a high water holding capacity have enabled us to define the water extraction capacities of maize ( Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), soya bean (Glycine max L. Merr.), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The results show, not only that all the crops can extract soil water from beyond −1.5 MPa in the surface layers to varying degrees and depths, depending on the crop, but also that deeper down, AAW is not fully used, as the moisture profile gradually returns to field capacity. Of the five crops studied, maize extracts the most water from the top 0.5 m, removing 150% of AAW. This amount falls rapidly lower down, reaching nil at 1.6 m. Conversely sunflower extracts less near the surface, but uses all AAW up to 1.2 m, and still extracts 85% of AAW at 1.6 m. Sorghum is somewhat comparable to sunflower, but with a lower use over the entire profile. Soya bean exhibits strong extraction to 1.0 m, and then much less at depth. As to wheat, its extraction capability is quite high near the surface, and then falls steadily with depth where it is still 30% of AAW at 1.6 m. Soil moisture measurements realised on a bare soil during several successive years were used to fix the maximum soil evaporation and to suggest the contribution of crops in soil water depletion from uppermost layers. The water extraction capacities have been modelled and introduced into the model EPICphase, a modified version of the model EPIC, adapted for irrigation management. Four parameters have been introduced to simulate: (1) the rooting pattern of the crop (parameter α), (2) the degree of involvement of deep layers (parameter p), (3) the fraction of AAW beyond which crop transpiration is affected (parameter t) and (4) the intensity of extraction beyond the limit of −1.5 MPa as a function of soil depth (parameter d). Calibrated on the basis of the driest year since 1970 for each crop, the model was then validated under unirrigated conditions, and then tested on irrigated maize plots. Under unirrigated conditions, the simulations correctly reproduced the water extraction by the five crops, both in an extremely dry year and in a wet year. The observed differences between simulations and observations were found mostly at about 0.1 m depth, and were due to lack of precision of moisture measurements with the neutron probe. From 0.2 to 0.6 m the simulations have a tendency to overestimate the extraction. These differences are explained by water fluxes which are especially high in these layers because of the processes of evaporation from the soil and plant transpiration, which are difficult to simulate with precision. Below 0.6 m, a more stable zone where water movements are of minor importance, the simulations are very precise. For irrigated maize, the results show a very good fit between simulation and measurement, indicating that these water extraction capacity figures could be used for irrigation management provided that the rules for exploitation of the water reserves are well established.

Notes: Abstract The effect of varied light intensity (50 – 600 μmol m-2 s-1) on the rate of phytosiderophore release was studied under zinc (Zn) deficiency using a bread (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Aroona) and a durum wheat cultivar (Triticum durum Desf. cv. Durati) differing in zinc (Zn) efficiency and under iron (Fe) deficiency using a barley cultivar (Hordeum vulgare L. Europe). Plants were grown under controlled environmental conditions in nutrient solution for 15 days (wheat plants) or 11 days (barley plants). Phytosiderophore release was determined by measuring capacity of root exudates to mobilize copper (Cu) from a Cu-loaded resin. With increasing light intensity visual Zn deficiency symptoms such as whitish-brown lesions on leaf blade developed rapidly and severely in wheat, particularly in the durum cultivar Durati. In wheat plants supplied well with Zn, increases in light intensity from 100 to 600 μmol m-2 s-1 did not clearly affect the rate of phytosiderophore release. However, under Zn deficiency increases in light intensity markedly enhanced release of phytosiderophores in Zn-deficient Aroona, but not in Zn-inefficient Durati. When Fe-deficient barley cultivar Europe was grown first at 220 μmol m-2 s-1 and then exposed to 600 μmol m-2 s-1 for 24 and 48 h, the rate of release of phytosiderophores was enhanced about 4-fold and 7-fold, respectively. Transfer of Fe-deficient plants from 600 to 50 μmol m-2 s-1 for 48 h reduced the rate of release of phytosiderophores by a factor of 7. The effect of light on phytosiderophore release was similar regardless of whether the rate of phytosiderophore release was expressed per plant or per unit dry weight of roots. The results demonstrate a particular role of light intensity in phytosiderophore release from roots under both Zn and Fe deficiency. It is suggested that in the studies concerning the role of phytosiderophore release in expression of Zn or Fe efficiency among and within cereals, a special attention should be given to the light conditions.

Notes: Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different mesh sizes on the recovery of root length and biomass and to determine whether the degree of recovery was influenced by plant species and sample location. Sieves of 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 and 0.25 mm (4.0, 1.0, 0.25 and 0.06 mm2) mesh sizes were used to recover and measure the root length and biomass of Zea mays L. (maize) at 0–15 cm and 30–45 cm depths and of Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. ex R. Br. (grevillea) at the same depths 1.0 m and 4.5 m from a line of grevillea trees. At 0–15 cm, the coarser sieves (sum collected with 2.0 and 1.0 mm sieves) recovered approximately 80% of the total root biomass measured, but only 60% of the root length. The proportion of total maize root length and biomass recovered by the coarser sieves decreased with soil depth. The proportion of total grevillea root length recovered by the coarser sieves was similar at the two soil depths, but increased slightly with distance from the tree line. The ≥ 0.5 mm sieves recovered between 93 and 96% of grevillea and maize root biomass and between 73 and 98% of their root length, depending on the sample location. Roots passing through the 0.5 mm sieve, but recovered by the 0.25 mm sieve were about 20% of total maize root length and grevillea root length at 1.0 m from the tree line but 〈 5% of the total grevillea root length at 4.5 m from the tree. Roots passing through the 0.5 mm sieve but recovered by the 0.25 mm sieve contributed only slightly to root biomass. Although the ≥ 0.5 mm sieves provided adequate measurements of root biomass, the ≥ 0.25 mm sieves were required for accurate measurement of fine root length. There was no universal correction for root length and biomass underestimation when large sieve sizes were used because the proportions of length and biomass recovered depended on the plant species and on soil depth and distance from the plant.

Notes: Abstract Denitrification and total N losses were quantified from an irrigated field cropped to maize and wheat, each receiving urea at 100 kg N ha-1. During the maize growing season (60 days), the denitrification loss measured directly by acetylene inhibition-soil cover method amounted 2.72 kg N ha-1 whereas total N loss measured by 15N balance was 39 kg ha-1. Most (87%) of the denitrification loss under maize occurred during the first two irrigation cycles. During the wheat growing season (150 days), the denitrification loss directly measured by acetylene inhibition-soil cover and acetylene inhibition-soil core methods was 1.14 and 3.39 kg N ha-1, respectively in contrast to 33 kg N ha-1 loss measured by 15N balance. Most (70-88%) of the denitrification loss under wheat occurred during the first three irrigation cycles. Soil moisture and NO 3 - -N were the major factors limiting denitrification under both crops. Higher N losses measured by 15N balance than C2H2 inhibition method were perhaps due to underestimation of denitrification by C2H2 inhibition method and losses other than denitrification, most probably NH3 volatilization.

Notes: Abstract Rhizotrons allow the examination of spatial and temporal in situ root development. Permanent rhizotron installations provide 2-D images of whole root profiles, but their immobility limits the number of soil-plant systems that can be studied. Our objectives were to develop a portable rhizotron and color scanning system for studying the development of whole root systems. Potato root development was monitored in an irrigated experiment at Othello, WA. Covered, rectangular hollow boxes with a transparent glass face were installed perpendicular to planted potato rows, and a seed piece was planted in the soil adjacent to the glass. Rooting in the hill furrow topography was measured at 2 to 4 week intervals. Images of roots growing along the glass face are captured with five scans with a portable, color scanner and a portable computer. Image thresholding discriminated roots from soil using primary color values, color intensity differences, color proportions, or overall intensity. Seasonal patterns of computed root lengths by image analysis were comparable to manual tracing. Primary roots extended to 15 cm from the seed piece prior to shoot emergence, 21 days after planting. Lateral roots began to develop shortly thereafter. Potato roots extended to depths of 60 cm by 4 to 6 weeks after planting, and maximum root density in the hill and furrow was observed by tuber initiation to early tuber bulking. Temporal and spatial trends were similar to previous results using destructive sampling. The method has promise for studying the root growth and development of field-grown plants.

Notes: Abstract Diploid families of Tuberosum hybrids as well as Tuberosum-wild species F1 hybrids were generated to select 2n-egg producing genotypes of different genetic backgrounds. Plants were selected if they produced more than four seeds per berry after pollination with tetraploid males (2x⋅ot4x-crosses). From the nine families of Tuberosum hybrids that were derived from one or two 2n-egg producing parents, 12 out of 82 (15%) 2n-egg producing plants were selected. From the 32 families of Tuberosum-wild species F1 hybrids, 21 of 274 (8%) 2n-egg producing plants were selected. The level of 2n-egg formation was estimated in 25 selected diploid hybrids and five control clones (three high, one moderate and one low 2n-egg producers) on the basis of seed set following 2x⋅4x-crosses using 13 tetraploid males in four crossing years. Besides the effect of the diploid 2n-egg producing female on the seed set following 2x⋅4x-crosses (P = 0.0001), there was a significant effect of the tetraploid male (P = 0.0001), whereas the effect of the crossing year (P = 0.0688) was less significant. On the basis of differences in the seed set following 2x⋅4x-crosses as compared to the control clones for low, moderate and high level of 2n-egg formation, the level of 2n-egg formation in two of the newly selected hybrids was classified as very high, four were high, sixteen were moderate and three were low. The significance of the selected hybrids for the genetic analysis of various restitution mechanisms of 2n-egg formation is discussed.

Notes: Abstract With the aim of examining crossability of durum wheat with maize, two sets of durum wheat genotypes and a set of D-genome chromosome substitution lines of the durum wheat variety ‘Langdon’ were crossed with maize, and followed by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) treatment in detached-tiller culture. In crosses of 25 durum wheat genotypes (breeding lines) with maize, percent frequencies of embryo formation increased from 1.4% to 2.8% by adding silver nitrate to the detached-tiller culture solution. In crosses of 32 durum wheat genotypes (advanced lines and varieties) with maize using the silver nitrate addition, frequencies of embryo formation ranged from 0.0% to 15.8%; seven genotypes showing more than 6.0% embryo formation frequency were related in their pedigrees. In crosses of a set of chromosome substitution lines with maize, higher frequencies of embryo formation were obtained in substitution lines with chromosomes 1D, 3D, 4D and 7D. These results suggest that 1) adding silver nitrate to the 2,4-D treatment increases overall frequency of embryo formation but is not effective enough to induce the development of seeds and embryos from all durum wheat genotypes, and 2) some D-genome chromosomes substituted in a durum wheat genetic background may enhance crossability with maize in combination with homoeologous chromosomes of durum wheat.

Notes: Abstract Spanish barleys constitute a germplasm group of particular interest for breeding purposes, as Spain has been proposed as a possible centre of origin of the crop. The Spanish National Germplasm Bank (Banco Nacional de Germoplasma, BNG), holds a collection of about 2000 barley accessions, mostly landraces collected in Spain prior to extensive introduction of modern varieties. The objective of this work is to create a core collection of barleys representative of old barley genotypes grown in Spain. The core collection will be constituted by three groups of germplasm: successful old varieties (15); entries in common with previously existing barley core collections (15); and 2-row (8) and 6-row (122) entries from the BNG, for a total of 160 entries. Entries were allocated by stratified sampling in agro-ecological uniform zones of barley cultivation in Spain. Classification of agro-ecological regions for barley was based on historical yield records for Spanish provinces. The number of entries for each region was determined in proportion to the logarithm of historical barley acreage. Final choice of accessions within provinces tried to maximize the diversity and avoid duplications by looking at passport data, and to agronomic evaluation data available for a group of about 900 accessions.

Notes: Abstract Microsatellite (SSR) profiles from 65 wheats and 135 barleys have been generated, involving 14 and 22 loci, respectively. The wheat and barley varieties were chosen to represent the bulk of the area sown to these crops in the UK over the past 70 years. The profiling identified genotypic mixtures in some seed samples. Null alleles were common in wheat, but rare in barley. We describe attempts to increase the efficiency of data acquisition. High resolution agarose gel electrophoresis was unable to satisfactorily resolve 1–2 repeat unit differences in the common size range for SSR loci, and was therefore unsuitable for mass screening of allelic variants. Multiplex PCR was very dependent on the choice of primer combinations and seldom produced amplifications as consistently as when primer pairs were used individually. Background (non-specific) amplification was common to many primer pairs, and this hindered the use of both multiplex PCR and multiple sample loading. Sequential sample loading was the most effective strategy, although this was the least time-efficient of the measures used.

Notes: Abstract A methodology to quantify N fertilizer requirement for a barley crop is proposed. The method consists of establishing a relationship between barley N demand (DEM) and an index of soil N supply (NS). NS values were obtained adding the inorganic N, i.e, (N-NO- 3 + N-NH+ 4, (Ni), measured just before planting in the soil to an index of soil N mineralization (Nor): NS = Ni + Nor Soil organic matter (SOM) was selected as an index of Nor: Nor = 25.9 + 17.9 (SOM) R2; = 0.89; p 〈 0.01 and Ni was measured in a soil extract obtained with KCl (1N). Ns values were related to both grain yield (Y) and N accumulated in the above ground biomass of barley (AB) grown under greenhouse conditions. The following relationships were obtained: Y = 0.81 + 0.99 (NS) - 0.0002 (NS)2 R2 = 0.77; p 〈 0.01 AB = -0.006 + 0.002 (NS) - 0.000003 (NS)2 R2 = 0.84; p 〈 0.01 A graphic relationship was established between DEM and NS, in order to extrapolate the greenhouse results to field conditions. Using this relationship, AB was converted from g N pot-1 to kg N ha-1, and NS from μg g-1 of N in the soil to kg ha-1.

Notes: Abstract Considerable resources have been expended promoting hedgerow intercropping with shrub legumes to farmers in the Philippine uplands. Despite the resources committed to research and extension, persistent adoption by farmers has been limited to low cost versions of the technology including natural vegetation and grass strips. In this paper, cost-benefit analysis is used to compare the economic returns from traditional open-field maize farming with returns from intercropping maize between leguminous shrub hedgerows, natural vegetation strips and grass strips. An erosion/productivity model, Soil Changes Under Agroforestry, was used to predict the effect of erosion on maize yields. Key informant surveys with experienced maize farmers were used to derive production budgets for the alternative farming methods. The economic incentives revealed by the cost-benefit analysis help to explain the adoption of maize farming methods in the Philippine uplands. Open-field farming without hedgerows has been by far the most popular method of maize production, often with two or more fields cropped in rotation. There is little persistent adoption of hedgerow intercropping with shrub legumes because sustained maize yields are not realised rapidly enough to compensate farmers for establishment and maintenance costs. Natural vegetation and grass strips are more attractive to farmers because of lower establishment costs, and provide intermediate steps to adoption. Rural finance, commodity pricing and agrarian reform policies influence the incentives for maize farmers in the Philippine uplands to adopt and maintain hedgerow intercropping.

Notes: Abstract Data from a Brazilian Inga/maize/bean alleycrop experiment are used to illustrate patterns of variation between and within crop rows and their possible effects in the determination of a sampling strategy. Three methods for the determination of sample sizes in agroforestry experiments are compared: the combined plant technique, the formula of Snedecor and Cochran and variance component estimation. Results show that variability in the edge rows was generally greater than variability in the inner rows and suggest three sampling strata – one for each of the two edge rows and the third for the inner rows. For all three sampling methods a sample size greater than ten plants per stratum per block gave little extra precision. Increasing the number of blocks improves precision and may permit a smaller sample size per row to achieve the same precision. The comparison of different methods of sample size determination shows that variance component estimation is the most flexible and efficient approach.

Notes: Abstract To study genetic variation in crossability, 80 barley accessions of diverse geographic origin consisting of 50 wild barleys (H. vulgare ssp. spontaneum or ssp. agriocrithon) and 30 cultivated barleys (H. vulgare ssp. vulgare) were crossed as the male parent with a highly crossable wheat variety, Shinchunaga. Crossabilities, expressed as the percentage of pollinated florets giving embryo-containing caryopses, ranged from 0% to 68.6%. Barley accessions from East Asia had generally a low crossability, while barley accessions from other regions exhibited a wider range of crossability including highly crossable genotypes. No significant difference in mean crossability was found between wild and cultivated barleys. To estimate the number and location of barley genes controlling the crossability, doubled haploid lines derived from the cross between the barley varieties Steptoe and Morex were crossed as the male parent with wheat. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using molecular markers identified four QTL. These were mapped to the centromeric regions of chromosomes 2H, 3H and 5H and the short arm of chromosome 7H. The QTL on chromosomes 3H and 5H had larger effects than those on chromosomes 2H and 7H. The four QTL collectively explained 35.4% of the total variance under a multiple QTL model. Relationships of the QTL identified in the present study with previously reported crossability genes of barley and wheat are discussed.

Notes: Abstract In eastern Canada, the use of fertilizer N has been identified as the most energy-consuming component of maize (Zea mays L.) grain production. As the economic and environmental costs of excessive N fertilization rise, there is an increased emphasis on selection of hybrids with greater N use efficiency (NUE; defined as the ratio of the amount of 15N recovered in grain or stover dry matter to the amount of fertilizer 15N applied to the soil in this study). Using an 15N-labelling approach, a field study was conducted on a tile-drained Brandon loam soil (Typic Endoaquoll) on the Central Experimental Farm at Ottawa, Canada (45°22′ N, 75°43′ W) in 1993 and 1994. Fertilizer N uptake and partitioning within the plant in relation to dry matter changes were monitored during development of a current stay-green maize hybrid and an older early-senescing hybrid grown with three fertilizer N levels (0, 100, 200 kg N ha-1). Dry matter, N concentration and15 N atom% enrichment of plant components were determined at five growth stages. The current stay-green hybrid, ‘Pioneer 3902’ had greater NUE than the old early-senescing hybrid, ‘Pride 5’, which was associated with 24% more dry matter production and 20% more N uptake during grain fill for Pioneer 3902. There was no indication of greater allocation of N to the grain in Pioneer 3902. Our data suggest that prolonged maintenance of green leaf area for photosynthate production during grain fill and the ability to take up available soil N later in grain filling are characteristics of maize hybrids with greater NUE.

Notes: Abstract Cultivation of forest and grassland soils induces heavy changes in soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics. To better predict the effect of cultivation, there is a need to describe which organic pools are affected and to which extent. We used a chronosequence of thick humic forest soils converted to maize cultivation for 40 yr in southwest France. The dynamics of soil carbon was investigated through particle-size fractionation and the use of 13C allowed to distinguish forest-derived organic matter and new crop-derived organic matter. This partitioning of soil carbon by size on one hand and by age on the other provided a precise description of carbon turnover. The level towards which tend the organic pools under cultivation showed that the decay rates of soil carbon were one order of magnitude higher under cultivation than under forest. SOM can thus be considered as deprotected under cultivation. All size fractions appeared to be deprotected to the same extent. A progressive transfer of silt-sized C to clay-sized C was nevertheless suspected and attributed to the decreasing stability of fine silt-sized microaggregates with cultivation. SOM furthermore contained some very stable C present as silt-sized and possibly clay-sized particles. The turnover times of maize-derived organic matter was the same as that observed in similar soils cultivated for centuries. This indicated that the new conditions induced by cultivation were reached in the very first years after forest clearing and that the high initial SOM content and high mineralization rate of initial organic matter did not affect the dynamics of newly incorporated carbon.

Notes: Abstract We conducted a field experiment to test the hypothesis that improved phosphorus nutrition occurs in maize plants with rapid arbuscular (AM) mycorrhizae development at early developmental stages and that this also is reflected in dry matter allocation and final yield. A split-split plot design was used with previous crop (Zea mays L.-maize and Brassica napus L.-canola), tillage practices (no-tillage or conventional tillage) and P fertilization (5 levels) as factors chosen to modify mycorrhizae development at early developmental stages of maize. Previous cropping with canola resulted in decreased shoot-P concentration and shoot growth of maize at early stages. No-tillage resulted in higher shoot-P concentration but lower shoot weight than conventional tillage. Greater shoot-P uptake was related to a rapid intraradical development of mycorrhizae (previous crop of maize) or rapid connection to a mycorrhizal mycelium network (no-tillage treatments). Maize yield and harvest index were lower after cropping with canola. The yield for conventional tillage was higher than that for no-tillage but the harvest index was lower. The hypothesis was supported at early stages of maize growth by the effect of previous crop but not by results of tillage, because an unknown factor reduced growth in the no-tillage system. The hypothesis was supported at maturity by increased biomass allocation to grain relative to total shoot weight in treatments with greater shoot-P concentration at early stages.

Notes: Abstract Historically, destructive root sampling has been labor intensive and requires manual separation of extraneous organic debris recovered along with the hydropneumatic elutriation method of separating plant roots from soils. Quantification of root system demographics by public domain National Institute of Health (NIH-Image) and Root Image Processing Laboratory (RIPL) image processing algorithms has eliminated much of the labor-intensive manual separation. This was accomplished by determining the best length to diameter ratio for each object during image analyses. Objects with a length to diameter ratio less than a given threshold are considered non-root materials and are rejected automatically by computer algorithms. Iterative analyses of length to diameter ratios showed that a 15:1 ratio was best for separating images of maize (Zea mays L.) roots from associated organic debris. Using this threshold ratio for a set of 24 soil cores, a highly significant correlation (r2 = 0.89) was obtained between computer image processed total root length per core and actual root length. A linear relationship (r2 = 0.80) was observed between root lengths determined by NIH-Image analyses and lengths determined independently by the RIPL imaging system, using the same maize root + debris samples. This correlation demonstrates that computer image processing provides opportunities for comparing root length parameters between different laboratories for samples containing debris.

Notes: Abstract The spatial distribution of root length density (RLD) is important because it affects water and nutrient uptake. It is difficult to obtain reliable estimates of RLD because root systems are very variable and heterogeneous. We identified systematic trends, clustering, and anisotropy as geometrical properties of root systems, and studied their consequences for the sampling and observation of roots. We determined the degree of clustering by comparing the coefficient of variation of a simulated root system with that of a Boolean model. We also present an alternative theoretical derivation of the relation between RLD and root intersection density (RID) based on the theory of random processes of fibres. We show how systematic trends, clustering and anisotropy affect the theoretical relation between RLD and RID, and the consequences this has for measurement of RID in the field. We simulated the root systems of one hundred maize crops grown for a thermal time of 600 K d, and analysed the distribution of RLD and root intersection density RID on regular grids of locations throughout the simulated root systems. Systematic trends were most important in the surface layers, decreasing with depth. Clustering and anisotropy both increased with depth. Roots at depth had a bimodal distribution of root orientation, causing changes in the ratio of RLD/RID. The close proximity of the emerging lateral roots and the parent axis caused clustering which increased the coefficient of variation.