Inbreeding and incompatibility in Trichogramma nr. brassicae: evidence and implications for quality control

Inbreeding effects and incompatibility relationships were examined in strains of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma nr brassicae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) from southeastern Australia. Crosses between strains provided weak evidence of incompatibility in a few cases. However sex ratio in crosses within strains tended to be more female-biased than in crosses between strains. Inbreeding was imposed for four generations (F>0.59) of sib mating. The fitness of inbred strains was compared to that of outbred strains generated by crossing the inbred strains. No effects of inbreeding were found for any of the four female traits examined (fecundity, body length, head width and hind tibia length), indicating that T. nr. brassicae is not subjected to inbreeding depression. Inbreeding effects were also not found for male mating success as expected for the haploid sex. There were differences among strains for all traits apart from fecundity, indicating heritable variation. Strain differences for fitness measures were uncorrelated with wasp size. The potential use of inbreeding in the quality control of Trichogramma for mass-release is discussed. Inbreeding may be a useful tool in minimising the effects of laboratory adaptation, thereby extending the useful life of a strain.     

An assessment of macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups as water quality indicators in the Buffalo River, eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The aim of this paper was to investigate the potential for using functional feeding groups (FFGs) as indicators of water quality conditions in rivers, using the Buffalo River, South Africa, as a specific example. Multivariate classification and ordination techniques were used to investigate species and FFG distributions in relation to a number of physico-chemical variables at 16 sites from the headwaters to the estuary of the Buffalo River.Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) of species composition ranked most of the sites sequentially down the river, irrespective of water quality conditions. Ordination of FFGs from a set of riffle samples collected in mid-late summer showed only weak relationships between FFG distribution and water quality changes, except where variables changed sequentially down the river (e.g. pH and temperature). Individual species responses to water quality gradients were examined for nine riffle-dwelling species representing diverse FFGs. Following correspondence analysis of a matrix of environmental variables and species frequencies, some species showed strong associations with defined ranges of some variables. In particular, Adenophlebia auriculata (Leptophlebiidae, Ephemeroptera) from the headwater sampling site, was associated with low pH and low temperature. Simulium damnosum occurred under conditions of high turbidity, while Afronurus harrisoni was found under high concentrations of potassium, ammonium and nitrite ions.We conclude that although there was a distinct headwaters fauna in the Buffalo River, and sequential downstream changes in species composition, most FFGs (apart from shredders) were represented down the whole length of the river. FFG classifications are therefore unlikely to provide useful indications of water quality conditions in the Buffalo River.Using a categorical approach to classifying water quality variables, and by applying correspondence analysis to the resulting matrix, we recognised nine species that could be used to define water quality. These indicator species can be used to define tolerance ranges of the fauna for water quality conditions in different parts of the Buffalo river.     

Advanced backcross QTL analysis: a method for the simultaneous discovery and transfer of valuable QTLs from unadapted germplasm into elite breeding lines

Advanced backcross QTL analysis is proposed as a method of combining QTL analysis with variety development. It is tailored for the discovery and transfer of valuable QTL alleles from unadapted donor lines (e.g., land races, wild species) into established elite inbred lines. Following this strategy, QTL analysis is delayed until the BC2 or BC3 generation and, during the development of these populations, negative selection is exercised to reduce the frequency of deleterious donor alleles. Simulations suggest that advanced backcross QTL analysis will be effective in detecting additive, dominant, partially dominant, or overdominant QTLs. Epistatic QTLs or QTLs with gene actions ranging from recessive to additive will be detected with less power than in selfing generations. QTL-NILs can be derived from advanced backcross populations in one or two additional generations and utilized to verify QTL activity. These same QTL-NILs also represent commercial inbreds improved (over the original recurrent inbred line) for one or more quantitative traits. The time lapse from QTL discovery to construction and testing of improved QTL-NILs is minimal (1–2 years). If successfully employed, advanced backcross QTL analysis can open the door to exploiting unadapted and exotic germplasm for the quantitative trait improvement of a number of crop plants.     

Genetics of seedling and adult plant resistance to net blotch (Pyrenophora teres f. teres) and spot blotch (Cochliobolus sativus) in barley

Net blotch (caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres) and spot blotch (Cochliobolus sativus) are important foliar diseases of barley in the midwestern region of the USA. To determine the number and chromosomal location of Mendelian and quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling resistance to these diseases, a doubled haploid population (Steptoe/Morex) was evaluated to the pathogens at the seedling stage in the greenhouse and at the adult plant stage in the field. Alleles at two or three unlinked loci were found to confer resistance to the net blotch pathogen at the seedling stage depending on how progeny exhibiting an intermediate infection response were classified. This result was corroborated in the quantitative analysis of the raw infection response data as 2 major QTL were identified on chromosomes 4 and 6M. A third QTL was also identified on chromosome 6P. Seven QTL were identified for net blotch resistance at the adult plant stage and mapped to chromosomes 1P, 2P, 3P, 3M, 4, 6P, and 7P. The 7 QTL collectively accounted for 67.6% of the phenotypic variance under a multiple QTL model. Resistance to the spot blotch pathogen was conferred by a single gene at the seedling stage. This gene was mapped to the distal region of chromosome 1P on the basis of both qualitative and quantitative data analyses. Two QTL were identified for spot blotch resistance at the adult plant stage: the largest QTL effect mapped to chromosome 5P and the other mapped to chromosome 1P near the seedling resistance locus. Together, the 2 QTL explained 70.1% of the phenotypic variance under a multiple QTL model. On the basis of the chromosomal locations of resistance alleles detected in this study, it should be feasible to combine high levels of resistance to both P. teres f. teres and C. sativus in barley cultivars.     

Theobroma cacao L.: a genetic linkage map and quantitative trait loci analysis

A genetic linkage map of Theobroma cacao (cocoa) has been constructed from 131 backcross trees derived from a cross between a single tree of the variety Catongo and an F1 tree from the cross of Catongo by Pound 12. The map comprises 138 markers: 104 RAPD loci, 32 RFLP loci and two morphologic loci. Ten linkage groups were found which cover 1068 centimorgans (cM). Only six (4%) molecular-marker loci show a significant deviation from the expected 11 segregation ratio.The average distance between two adjacent markers is 8.3 cM. The final genome-size estimates based on two-point linkage data ranged from 1078 to 1112 cM for the cocoa genome. This backcross progeny segregates for two apparently single gene loci controlling (1) anthocyanidin synthesis (Anth) in seeds, leaves and flowers and (2) self-compatibility (Autoc). The Anth locus was found to be 25 cM from Autoc and two molecular markers co-segregate with Anth. The genetic linkage map was used to localize QTLs for early flowering, trunk diameter, jorquette height and ovule number in the BC₁ generation using both single-point ANOVA and interval mapping. A minimum number of 2–4 QTLs (P<0.01) involved in the genetic expression of the traits studied was detected. Coincident map locations of a QTL for jorquette height and trunk diameter suggests the possibility of pleiotropic effects in cocoa for these traits. The combined estimated effects of the different mapped QTLs explained between 11.2% and 25.8% of the phenotypic variance observed in the BC₁ population.     

Use of the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model in QTL mapping for adaptation in barley

The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model has emerged as a powerful analytical tool for genotype x environment studies. The objective of the present study was to assess its value in quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. This was done through the analysis of a large two-way table of genotype-by-environment data of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain yields, where the genotypes constituted a genetic population suitable for mapping studies. Grain yield data of 150 doubled haploid lines derived from the Steptoe x Morex cross, and the two parental lines, were taken by the North American Barley Genome Mapping Project (NABGMP) at 16 environments throughout the barley production areas of the USA and Canada. Four regions of the genome were responsible for most of the differential genotypic expression across environments. They accounted for approximately 50% of the genotypic main effect and 30% of the genotype x environment interaction (GE) sums of squares. The magnitude and sign of AMMI scores for genotypes and sites facilitate inferences about specific interactions. The parallel use of classification (cluster analysis of environments) and ordination (principal component analysis of GE matrix) techniques allowed most of the variation present in the genotype x environment matrix to be summarized in just a few dimensions, specifically four QTLs showing differential adaptation to four clusters of environments. Thus, AMMI genotypic scores, when the genotypes constituted a population suitable for QTL mapping, could provide an adequate way of resolving the magnitude and nature of QTL x environment interactions.Ignacio Romagosa was on sabbatical leave from the University of Lleida and the Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries, Lleida, Spain, when this study was conducted     

Sediment quality assessment in the delta of rivers Rhine and Meuse based on field observations,bioassays and food chain implications

The quality of sediment was assessed in 46 sites in the delta of the rivers Rhine and Meuse (The Netherlands) by means of physical-chemical analysis, field observations on the macrobenthic community structure, accumulation studies and bioassays using Chironomus riparius, Daphnia magna and Photobacterium phosphoreum. The results of chemical analyses were classified using national criteria for sediment quality. Results of field studies and bioassays were classified using criteria derived from research in reference areas or based on data from literature. Risk assessment was carried out according to the sediment quality triad and by means of multi criteria analysis (MCA). The Triad approach was used to demonstrate causal relations between effects on the macrozoobenthos community structure, effects demonstrated in bioassays and sediment pollution. This was done by making a comparison of sediment contamination levels with toxicity data from literature for the test organisms of the bioassays. Using the MCA method, for each site a numerical value was derived for total environmental risk in the present situation, based on observed effects. In this way, a relative risk ranking of all sites was realized. The MCA values for the present situation were also compared with MCA scores based on estimated risks after remediation in 1995, in order to set priorities for sites where remediation is expected to cause a significant reduction in environmental risk. In most of the 46 sites studied so far, the macrofauna community was poorly developed, judged by a low number of benthic species, low abundances and a high dominance of species regarded as relatively tolerant to chemical pollution. In bioassays high sediment toxicity was demonstrated for 24 sites. Using the sediment quality triad approach, 25 sites were identified as areas where pollution can be held responsible for the effects observed in the field. From a comparison of contaminant concentrations in different types of food with maximum tolerable risk levels, and the application of a bioaccumulation model it was concluded that the sediment pollution also implies high risks for plant-, benthos- or fish-eating birds (secondary poisoning of top predators). In the Nieuwe Merwede highest MCA risk scores were found for shallow parts where highly polluted sediments are found. It is concluded that the sediment quality triad and the MCA provide additional information which can be used to establish priorities for remedial action. Based on an ecotoxicological evaluation of the improved quality of new sediments that will be deposited after removal of the polluted sediments in the Nieuwe Merwede, it is concluded that in this upstream part of the Rhine delta remedial action will be effective.     

Genetic analysis of agronomic traits in a cross between sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and its presumed progenitor (S. robustum Brandes & Jesw. ex Grassl)

Saccharum robustum Brandes & Jesw. ex Grassl has been suggested as the immediate progenitor species of cultivated sugarcane (S. officinarum L.) [4]. Chromosome pairing and assortment in these two species were previously studied by genetic analysis of single-dose DNA markers in parents in and 44 F₁ progeny of a cross between euploid, meiotically regular 2n=80S. officinarum LA Purple andS. robustum Mol 5829 [2]. This same population was subsequently clonally propagated and evaluated in replicated trials for quantitative traits important to sugarcane breeders. Numbers of stalks, tasseled stalks, and stalks with smut, and the average diameter of two stalks were determined one day prior to harvest. At harvest, plant material from each plot was weighed and evaluated for pol (sucrose content) and fiber percentages. Clones were significantly different (P<0.01) for all traits analyzed. Associations of 83 single-dose arbitrarily primed PCR genetic markers with quantitative trait loci (QTL) of recorded traits was determined by single-factor ANOVA, and multiple regression. QTL analysis revealed markers significantly (P<0.05) associated with the expression of each trait analyzed. Markers associated with QTL after multiple regression were tested for digenic linear × linear epistatic interactions. The various multilocus models explained between 23% and 58% of the total phenotypic variation and 32% and 76% of the genotypic variation for the various traits. Digenic interactions were uncommon. Implications for marker-assisted selection in sugarcane and sugarcane domestication are discussed.     

Detection of mining impacts on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities: Results of a disturbance experiment and the design of a multivariate BACIP monitoring programme at Coronation Hill,Northern Territory

Abstract Multivariate methods for the detection of impacts on communities are: (i) explored in the context of a disturbance experiment at a site of previous uranium mining in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory; and (ii) applied to the design of a monitoring programme for a proposed mining development at nearby Coronation Hill. The disturbance experiment in Rockhole Mine Creek used a gravity-fed redirection of polluted water from the mine adit to create a point-source pollutant. Weekly samples of the macroinvertebrate communities were taken both before and after disturbance at the control and‘impact’ site, as part of a multivariate BACIP (Before-After-Control-Impact-Pairs) design. The results of the experiment show that the multivariate approach provided high sensitivity in detecting impacts on the community, with little difference in sensitivity between species and family level analyses. A simple procedure for deleting those taxa that show poor discrimination between pristine and presently disturbed areas further increased the sensitivity of the tests. In addition to the BACIP analyses, robust ordination of the community data suggested a time/treatment interaction effect. Application of the multivariate BACIP approach also was explored using baseline data for benthic communities from the South Alligator River near Coronation Hill. The method provides high statistical power for monitoring; a relatively small change in community dissimilarity would be detectable in a programme with 5 years of observations before and after commencement of mining. A robust ordination of the yearly samples for the control and potential-impact sites showed that, although samples varied along identifiable gradients over time, the two areas changed in parallel so that the difference between the areas was approximately constant over years. This result demonstrates that the multivariate BACIP approach can provide relative constancy of pre-impact difference values, a key requirement of BACIP designs that is difficult to satisfy using abundance data for a single species.     

纯系间数量性状主基因差异的遗传分析

将Ｅｌｓｔｏｎ模型应用于存在主基因差异的系间杂交的分离世代分析,提出利用似然函数分析数量性状的尺度效应、主基因分离比例以及主基因效应和微基因效应的方法,并应用于水稻遗传实验,结果表明,半矮秆籼稻品种南京１１号带有的隐性矮秆主基因,效应大约为４０－５６ｃｍ,微基因效应以加性为主,且主、微型基因存在显著互作,但互作和微基因效应均远小于基因效应。