Gene action for surrogate traits of water-use efficiency and harvest index in peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

Low peanut productivity in the semi‐arid tropics is attributed mainly to drought caused by low and erratic rainfall. Genetic improvement in water‐use efficiency (WUE) could potentially lead to improved yield under limited moisture availability. In peanut, WUE is correlated with SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), specific leaf area (SLA), and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C). These traits can be used as surrogates for selecting for WUE. Partitioning of assimilates as measured by the harvest index (HI) has the greatest effect on pod yield. To improve these traits for tailoring peanut genotypes well matched for water‐limited conditions, a good knowledge of genetic systems controlling the expression of these traits is essential. This study was undertaken to work out the gene action for the surrogates of WUE and HI in a 6 × 6 full diallel mating design. Two of the studied surrogates (SCMR and Δ¹³C) for WUE were found to be under the influence of both additive and nonadditive gene effects with preponderance of the former. SLA and HI were controlled by genes that are mainly additive in nature. Selection for these traits can be effective in the early generations. Maternal effects observed for SLA and Δ¹³C are suggestive of the crucial role of selection of female parent in improvement of these traits. The parental lines, TMV 2 NLM (for SCMR, SLA and Δ¹³C) and ICGV 86031 (for SCMR and SLA), were found to be good general combiners each for more than one character. TAG 24 and Chico (for HI) and CSMG 84‐1 (for SLA) were the other good general combiners.     

Gene action for adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew in wheat.

Gene action for adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew was studied using generation mean analyses of parents and of F1, F2, and backcross populations derived from a diallel cross of one susceptible and three adult-plant resistant wheat cultivars. Joint scaling tests showed that an additive-dominance model was sufficient to explain the variability in the expression of adult-plant resistance in one cross, while digenic epistasis was involved in the other five crosses. Additive gene effects were predominant; however, dominance was significant in four crosses, additive x additive interaction was significant in three crosses, additive x dominance interaction was significant in three crosses, and dominance x dominance interaction was significant in one cross. Therefore, selection for adult-plant resistance would likely be most effective in advanced generations derived from crosses among the adult-plant resistant cultivars Redcoat, Houser, and Massey.     

烤烟叶数、叶面积的遗传分析

以叶数较少、叶面积较小的烤烟品种丸叶为母本(P1),以叶数较多、叶面积较大的烤烟品种Coker319为父本,构建了6个世代分离群体,利用植物数量性状主基因+多基因混合遗传模型的联合分离分析方法,分析烤烟杂交组合丸叶×Co-ker319叶数、叶面积的遗传效应。结果表明:烤烟的叶数和叶面积均受2对加性-显性-上位性主基因+加性-显性-上位性多基因(E0)控制,其中叶数遗传以加性效应及显性×显性上位性效应为主,叶面积几种遗传效应差不多,其上位性效应>加性效应>显性效应,叶数和叶面积在B1世代的主基因遗传率分别为36.91%和2.13%,多基因遗传率分别为31.00%和19.53%,B2世代的主基因遗传率分别为51.60%和50.92%,多基因遗传率分别为16.84%和13.26%,F2世代的主基因遗传率分别为42.63%和30.32%,多基因遗传率分别为42.08%和12.18%,叶数和叶面积的主基因遗传率较高,适合在早代选择。     

Maternal effects and generation mean analysis of seed-oil content in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Summary The nature of gene action and of maternal influence governing cottonseed oil attributes were determined with four lines, two each with high and low seed-oil percentage. For this purpose, P1, P2, F0, F1, F2 and alternative sets of BC1 and BC2 generations were analysed in six cross-combinations and their reciprocals. Marginal extents of heterosis for seed-oil percentage were noticeable in F1, with inbreeding depression in F2. Data from reciprocal backcrosses provided evidence in favour of maternal rather than cytoplasmic effects of seed-oil development. Relatively higher extents of heterosis, sizeable inbreeding depression and reciprocally unequal F2 averages were characteristic of the seed index trait, which often showed a reversal of effects from F1 to F2. Reverse reciprocal backcrosses exhibited some differences, including greater resemblance between the types, (A/B)A and (B/A)A, in addition to variable dose effects in seed index. Thus, the differences between F1 seed index values were not due to cytoplasmic influence. Positive heterotic effects for seed-oil index, especially among the backcrosses, ranged between 16.08% and 47.29% over midparent averages. Genetic component estimates from analysis of similar sets of crosses differing only in reciprocal backcrosses, and also from sets of reciprocal crosses between any two parental combinations, were inconsistent. Scaling tests detected presence of epistasis within and between a majority of cross-combinations. Despite reciprocal differences, additive gene effects for seed-oil percentage were significant in 7 out of 24 crosses, representing high x low, low x high and low x low seed-oil parents. Those were, however, accompanied by significant dominance effects of higher order. In crosses involving low seed-oil percentage parents SA1060 and SA229, all six components were detected significant, with opposite effects of dominance and dominance x dominance epistatic components. Significant additive components were also detected for seed index and seed-oil index in 7 and 5 out of 24 crosses, respectively. In the inheritance of seed index and seed-oil index, dominance effects were more important. Epistatic components of additive x additive, and to a lesser extent, those of dominant x dominant were found significant.     

晒晾烟重要农艺性状遗传分析

以8个优良的晒晾烟品种(系)为亲本,配置完全双列杂交,进而利用基于混合线性模型的统计学方法,对晾晒烟株高、叶数、节距、腰叶长、腰叶宽以及茎围6个主要农艺性状进行遗传分析。结果表明,在多数农艺性状遗传中加性效应和显性效应都起重要作用,但所占比例有所不同,腰叶长和叶数主要受加性效应影响,而株高、节距、腰叶宽和茎围性状显性效应起主要作用;6种重要农艺性状狭义遗传率由高到低分别为:腰叶长>叶数>株高>节距>腰叶宽>茎围,其中,腰叶长和叶数狭义遗传率较高,分别为0.35和0.33,适合进行早代选择。另外,估算了供试材料的遗传效应值,并对各亲本及组合的育种利用价值进行了评价。本研究为晒晾烟重要农艺性状遗传改良提供了一定的理论依据。     

Evaluation of inheritance to leaf rust in wheat using area under disease progress curve

Six varieties, Kundan (K), Galvez-87 (G), Trap (T), Chris (C), Mango (M) and PBW-348 (P) along with fast ruster, Agra Local (AL), were screened for seedling reaction and adult pant response to leaf rust. Seedlings of all six varieties were susceptible while adult plants showed lower susceptability response than Agra Local. The F1s among the varieties, and also with Agra Local, showed the values lesser than the respective mid parental values for AUDPC suggesting a polygenic mode of inheritance. ANOVA for combining ability effects indicated variation due to the GCA and SCA effects, which indicated that both additive as well as non-additive type of genetic variances, govern AUDPC. The higher values for the GCA variance over the SCA variance indicated the predominance of an additive component over the dominance component for AUDPC. Significant values for GCA effects indicated that Kundan, Galvez-87 and Trap can be used as good general combiners for AUDPC. The crosses, KxAL, GxAL and TxAL showed significant sca effects for AUDPC, which indicated the predominance of non-additive gene effects in these crosses. Additive x additive and dominance x dominance components of the 5- parameter model were highly significant and contributed maximum extent compared to the additive and dominance components in the cross KxG, while dominance and dominance x dominance components contributed maximum in the remaining crosses. Under such a situation, improvement in the character may be expected through standard selection procedure, which may first exploit the additive gene effects and simultaneously care should be taken to see that the dominance effects are not dissipated, but rather they should be concentrated.     

Analysis of early responses to drought associated with field drought adaptation in four Sahelian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the most important oil and cash crop in the sub-Sahelian tropics. Plant adaptation to drought, i.e. cultivars (cvs) that can maintain yield when water is limited, is a complex phenomenon which is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to identify traits expressed at the early stages of the cycle that could reveal cv differences in drought adaptation in the field. The field productivity of four Sahelian groundnut cvs was assessed during three crop seasons in Bambey (Senegal). The same cvs grown in rhizotrons were subjected to early drought stress and to a desiccation test to assess cell membrane tolerance. Between-cv differences were found with respect to pod yield, biomass production, water use efficiency (WUE), stomatal regulation and cell membrane tolerance. Two strategies to cope with water deficit were identified. The first behaviour was characterised by high rapid water loss, late stomatal closure and low cell membrane damage during drought. These traits are all found in the semi-late Virginia cv 57-422 and, into a lesser extent, in the early Spanish cv Fleur 11. For both cvs, biomass production was boosted under favourable conditions in rhizotrons but the semi-late cv had poor pod yield under end-of-season water deficit conditions. The second strategy involved opposite characters, leading to the maintenance of a higher water status, resulting in lower photosynthesis and yield. This characterised the early Spanish cv 73-30, and also, to some extent, the early Spanish cv 55-437. Earliness associated with high WUE, stomatal conductance and cell membrane tolerance, were the main traits of Fleur 11, a cv derived from a Virginia × Spanish cross, which was able to maintain acceptable yield under varying drought patterns in the field. These traits, as they were detectable at an early stage, could therefore be efficiently integrated in groundnut breeding programmes for drought adaptation.     

烤烟主要农艺性状的遗传与相关分析

利用包括基因型与环境互作的加性-显性遗传模型,对14个烤烟品种(系)及其配制的41个杂交组合在4个环境下的7个农艺性状表现进行遗传分析。结果表明,株高、节距、腰叶宽主要受加性效应控制,叶数、腰叶长受显性×环境互作效应影响最大,茎围以加性×环境互作效应、显性×环境互作效应为主,产量以加性效应、显性×环境互作效应为主。适应当地生态条件的品种（系）具有较高的正向加性效应。许多组合的显性主效应及在各试验点的显性×环境互作效应在方向上不尽一致,杂交组合的选配宜针对特定的生态环境进行。性状相关分析表明,大多数成对性状的各项相关系数为正值,且多以加性遗传相关为主,可利用株高对产量进行间接选择。
     

Inheritance of flag-leaf angle, flag-leaf area and flag-leaf area duration in four wheat crosses

 Flag-leaf angle (FLAngle), flag-leaf area (FLarea) and flag-leaf area duration (FLADuration) are important traits in determining yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Genetic studies on these traits are very few. The objective of this study was to determine the gene action controlling those traits in four wheat crosses. Six generations were available for each cross: parents (P₁ and P₂), F₁, F₂ and backcrosses (BC_(F1×P1) and BC_(F1×P2)). The joint scaling test described by Mather and Jinks was used to test goodness of fit to eight genetic models. Models including additivity, dominance and interallelic interactions best fitted the data for the three traits and the four crosses. Additive effects were most prevalent for FLAngle. They were also significant for FLArea and FLADuration. Dominance and epistatic gene action were also found, but the degree and direction was both trait- and genotype-specific. Heritabilities values were intermediate. Genetic progress, although slow, can be expected when selecting for these traits; however, selection would be most effective if delayed to later generations because of dominance and epistatic effects. Received: 20 April 1998 / Accepted: 14 July 1998     

Mean generation analysis of the damage caused by Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sweet corn ears

Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre) and Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) are the main maize (Zea mays L.) pests in Mediterranean countries. To develop insect-resistant cultivars, it is helpful to know the genetic control of the resistance. Our objective was to determine the genetic control of the resistance to both borers. For each of two crosses (EP59 x P51 and 15125 x EP61), six generations were evaluated (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2). Genetic effects x environment interactions were not significant. For the O. nubilalis resistance traits; both crosses fitted an additive-dominance model. EP59 x P51 had important dominance and additive effects, whereas for 15125 x EP61 we did not detect significant genetic effects, but significant year effects were detected. For S. nonagrioides infestation, both crosses fitted to an additive-dominance model. There were additive effects for most traits in EP59 x P51. The cross I5125 x EP61 showed significant dominance effects for several traits. Resistance to both corn borers fit an additive-dominance model, but genetic effects depend on the cross evaluated. In the resistance to S. nonagrioides, additive effects were important for shank resistance, which is a useful trait for avoiding S. nonagrioides damage on the ear. Early sowings are recommended to make good use of the resistance to both corn borers. In the late sowings, damage is so high that resistant plants are not able to control the pest.     

Gene action for cold tolerance in chickpea

Summary Six crosses were investigated using combining ability and generation mean analyses for reaction to cold tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The combining ability variances revealed the significance of both additive and nonadditive gene effects, with preponderance of additive gene effects. The generation mean analysis revealed the presence of genie interactions in addition to additive and dominance gene effects. Among the interactions, additive×additive and dominance×dominance with duplicate epistasis were present. Cold tolerance was dominant over susceptibility to cold. Selection for cold tolerance would be more effective if dominance and epistatic effects were reduced after a few generations of selfing.Joint contribution from ICARDA and ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics), Patancheru P.O., A.P. 502 324, India. ICRISAT JA No. 1239.     

Efficiency of Generations for Estimating Marker-Associated Qtl Effects by Multiple Regression

Knowledge about the efficiency of generations for estimating marker-associated QTLs is needed for selection. The objective of this paper is to develop a theory to compare the efficiency of segregating generations and testcrosses from the cross of two inbred lines differing in value for a quantitative trait (P(1) X P(2)) for estimating additive, dominance and heterotic effects of QTLs by stepwise regression. An equation that predicts the smallest gene effect in genetic standard deviation units that can be detected with 50% chance at a significance level as a function of the heritability (h(2)) and the recombination frequency (r) of markers was developed for the segregating generations and testcrosses. For estimating additive effects, the most efficient generation was the doubled-haploid (DH) lines; the most inefficient was the North Carolina Design III (NCD III), followed by selfed backcrosses (SB); the selfed families from F(2) individual plants (F(2:3) lines) are inferior to the recombinant inbreds (RI) for low r, but are better than RI for high h(2) and r. Dominance effects are less efficiently estimated than additive effects. The NCD III is better than the SB and the F(2:3) lines for detecting dominance effects. The RI and DH do not estimate dominance effects. The differential heterotic QTL effects of lines P(1) and P(2) when crossed with tester T can be estimated by evaluating testcrosses of individual F(2) plants (F2T), recombinant inbreds (RIT) and double-haploid lines (DHT). The DHT is superior to the other generations. The F2T is better than the RIT for r >/= 0.20, but inferior for r </= 0.1 or low heritability.     

Gene actions for yield and its attributes and their implications in the inheritance pattern over three generations in opium poppy (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Papaver somniferum</Emphasis> L.)

The gene actions for yield and its attributes and their inheritance pattern based on five parameter model have been explored in four single crosses (NBIHT-5 × NBIHT-6, NBIHT-5 × NBMHT-1, NBMHT-1 × NBIHT-6 and NBMHT-2 × NBMHT-1) obtained using thebaine rich pure lines of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) for three consecutive generations. All the traits showed nonallelic mode of interaction, however, dominance effect (h) was more pronounced for all the traits except thebaine and papaverine. The dominance × dominance (l) effects were predominant over additive × additive (i) for all traits in all the four crosses except for papaverine. The seed and opium yield, and its contributing traits inherited quantitatively. The fixable gene effects (d) and (i) were lower in magnitude than nonfixable (h) and (l) gene effects. The estimates of heterosis were also higher in comparison to the respective parents which suggested preponderance of dominance gene action for controlling most of the traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was marginally higher than those of genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. The traits thebaine, narcotine, morphine and opium yield had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. The leaf number, branches per plant and stem diameter showed positive correlation with opium and seed yields. The selection of plants having large number of leaves, branches and capsules with bigger size would be advantageous to enhance the yield potential.     

云南香型软米水稻资源农艺性状遗传效应研究

选取5份云南地方香型软米水稻种质资源和6份自育香型软米保持系按5×6不完全双列杂交设计(NCⅡ)配制成30个组合,采用加性-显性-上位性遗传模型,分析云南香型软米11个农艺性状的遗传效应。结果表明,云南香型软米多数农艺性状的遗传主要受加×加上位性效应、加性×环境效应、显性×环境效应的影响,还存在不同程度的加性效应和显性效应,单株产量受基因加性效应、显性效应、加×加上位性效应、加性×环境效应、显性×环境效应的影响;株高、有效穗的遗传率以普通狭义遗传率为主,其他性状的普通狭义遗传率和互作狭义遗传率均达极显著水平;产量构成性状之间存在不同类型和不同程度的遗传相关,多数性状之间以加×加上位性、加性×环境和显性×环境互作效应显著。     

Epistasis in maize (Zea mays L.)

Summary Three flint and three dent maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines, their possible F₁ crosses, F₂ and backcross progenies, and all possible three-way crosses were evaluated in a three-year experiment for yield, ear moisture, and plant height. The purpose was to estimate genetic parameters in European breeding materials from (i) generation means analysis, (ii) diallel analysis of generation means, and (iii) analysis of F₁ and three-way cross hybrids. Method (i) was based on the F-metric model and methods (ii) and (iii) on the Eberhart-Gardner (1966) genetic model; both models extended for heterotic maternal effects.Differences among generation means for yield and plant height were mainly attributable to dominance effects. Epistatic effects were significantly different from zero in a few crosses and considerably reduced heterosis in both traits. Additive x additive and domiance x dominance effects for yield were consistently positive and negative, respectively. Significant maternal effects were established to the advantage of generations with a heterozygous seed parent. In the diallel analysis, mean squares for dominance effects were greater than for additive effects for yield and plant height but smaller for ear moisture. Though significant for yield and plant height, epistatic variation was small compared to additive and dominance variation. Estimates of additive x additive epistasis for yield were significantly negative in 11 of 15 crosses, suggesting that advantageous gene combinations in the lines had been disrupted by recombination in the segregating generations. The analysis of hybrids supported the above findings regarding the analysis of variance. However, the estimates of additive x additive epistasis for yield were considerably smaller and only minimally correlated with those from the diallel analysis. Use of noninbred materials as opposed to materials with different levels of inbreeding is considered the main reason for the discrepancies in the results.     

Translational research impacting on crop productivity in drought-prone environments

Conventional breeding for drought-prone environments (DPE) has been complemented by using exotic germplasm to extend crop gene pools and physiological approaches that consider water uptake (WU), water-use efficiency (WUE), and harvest index (HI) as drivers of yield. Drivers are associated with proxy genetic markers, such as carbon-isotope discrimination for WUE, canopy temperature for WU, and anthesis-silking interval for HI in maize. Molecular markers associated with relevant quantitative trait loci are being developed. WUE has also been increased through combining understanding of root-to-shoot signaling with deficit irrigation. Impacts in DPE will be accelerated by combining proven technologies with promising new strategies such as marker-assisted selection, and genetic transformation, as well as conservation agriculture that can increase WU while averting soil degradation.     

玉米籽粒性状的遗传模型研究

用１０个遗传上和籽粒形态性状上具有差异的玉米自交系,依多种可能的交配方法获得亲本Ｐ１、Ｐ２、Ｆ１（Ｐ１× Ｐ２）、Ｆ２、Ｂ１（Ｆ１×Ｐ１）、Ｂ２（Ｆ１× Ｐ２）及其相应反交ＲＦ１、ＲＦ２、ＲＢ１、ＲＢ２共１０个种子世代。种植２年。依广义遗传模型建立包括种子胚乳加性、胚乳显性、母体加性、母体显性和细胞质效应的遗传模型,运用种子数量性状的精细鉴别法［１］和混合模型分析法［２,３］,对粒长、粒宽、粒长宽比、粒厚及百粒重作了性状表达遗传机制的鉴别与探讨。单个组合的遗传模型精细测验表明,５个籽粒性状的遗传主要受母体显性和胚乳基因型（包括加性和灵性）的控制,一个组合的粒宽、粒厚和百粒重上还检测到细胞质效应。对２５对 Ｆ１正反交组合世代均值依ＭＩＮＱＵＥ法分析的结果表明,５个籽粒性状的遗传方差中,母体遗传方差占６０％以上,胚乳基因型方差低于４０％,粒长和百粒重还有细胞质效应,约占１０％～３０％。可见,籽粒性状的遗传特点是受多套遗传系统控制,其中以母体基因型的作用最大。     

Inheritance of grain filling duration in spring wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> L. em thell)

To understand the genetic control of grain filling duration (GFD), i.e., the number of days from anthesis to physiological maturity, we studied the F₁, F₂, BC1 and BC₂ generations of six spring wheat crosses from nine varieties/genotypes. Generation mean analysis for gene effects indicated that one or more types of epistasis were significant in all crosses. In each pairing, the F₁ and F₂ means were either intermediate or closer to the mean of the parent having the longer GFD. Our narrow-sense heritability estimate was reasonably high, at 47.67 (based on diallel analysis). This demonstrated that progress could be made from the selection in these crosses for either long or short GFD. The two early varieties that had identical maturity durations differed in their GFD values, indicating that maturity dates are not good criteria when choosing parents for modifying GFD. To utilize favorable additive × additive effects during this selection, we suggest that a single seed descent (SSD) or bulk popula-tion approach be adopted. In comparison, dominance effects would prove quite useful in hybrid wheat breeding programs.     

作物杂种后代基因型值和杂种优势的预测方法

本文提出了利用作物亲本和F_1预测杂种后代基因型值和杂种优势的统计分析方法.该方法运用加性-显性遗传模型,分析双列杂交试验资料,用MINQUE(1)法估算方差分量以及预测遗传效应值.由加性和显性效应预测值可进一步预测F_1,F_2,BC_1,BC_2,等不同世代的基因型值,在预测F_1群体平均优势和群体超亲优势的基础上,可以推导出其它各世代的杂种优势.提出了预测杂种后代保持超亲优势世代数的简单公式,根据杂交组合F_1群体平均优势和双亲相对遗传差异,便可预测该组合能在生产上直接利用的世代数.以棉花六个品种完全双列杂交试验资料为例,分析了各组合F_1和F_2的基因型值、超亲优势和保持5％超亲优势的世代数.     

Nature and type of gene action governing resistance to Helminthosporium turcicum leaf blight in maize (Zea mays L.)

Six generations, consisting of three resistant parents, three susceptible parents, their 15 possible F₁ crosses, 15 F₂'s, 15 BC₁'s (F₁ x resistant female parent) and 15 BC₂'s (F₁ x susceptible male parent) were analysed following Hayman (Heredity 12: 371–390, 1958) to evaluate the nature and type of gene action governing resistance to H. turcicum. The results showed that all types of gene effects, viz., additive, dominance and epistasis (i.e., additive x additive, additive x dominance and dominance x dominance) were operating in one cross or the other in controlling resistance. However, it was additive gene action and dominance x dominance type of epistasis with duplicate nature that were important in controlling resistance in most crosses. Depending upon the final objectives, one of the breeding methods, viz., recurrent selection, heterosis breeding, back-cross method or full-sib selection (bi-parental mating) may be followed.