Crop Genetics Research Articles

Progress in Breeding Low Phytate Crops

Populations that depend on grains and legumes as staple foods consume diets rich in phytic acid (myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexkisphosphate), the storage form of phosphorus in seeds. This compound binds tightly to important mineral nutrients such as iron and zinc, forming salts that are largely excreted. This phenomenon can contribute to mineral depletion and deficiency. As one approach to solving this and environmental problems associated with seed-derived dietary phytic acid, the U. S. Department of Agriculture and others have isolated cereal and legume low-phytic acid mutations and have used these to breed first-generation low-phytate hybrids, cultivars and lines of maize (Zea mays), barley (Hordeum vulgare), rice (Oryza sativa) and soybean (Glycine max). Seed phytic acid is reduced in these crops by 50-95%. The progress in the genetics, breeding and nutritional evaluation of low-phytate crops are reviewed in this article.

Registration of High Digestibility Maize Germplasm GT‐HID9

Crop ScienceVolume 41, Issue 6 p. 2010-2010 Registrations of Germplasm Registration of High Digestibility Maize Germplasm GT-HID9 N.W. Widstrom, Corresponding Author N.W. Widstrom [email protected] USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA, 31793-0748Corresponding author ([email protected])Search for more papers by this authorG.W. Burton, G.W. Burton USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA, 31793-0748Search for more papers by this authorR.N. Gates, R.N. Gates USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA, 31793-0748Search for more papers by this author N.W. Widstrom, Corresponding Author N.W. Widstrom [email protected] USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA, 31793-0748Corresponding author ([email protected])Search for more papers by this authorG.W. Burton, G.W. Burton USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA, 31793-0748Search for more papers by this authorR.N. Gates, R.N. Gates USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA, 31793-0748Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 November 2001 https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2001.2010 G.W. Burton (retired). Registration by CSSA. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume41, Issue6November–December 2001Pages 2010-2010 RelatedInformation

653 Achieving and Maintaining a Sustainable Agriculture

Our farm operations will face an array of challenges over the next decade that are increasing both in scope and intensity. Global markets, global supply, competition for water, land costs driven by the value of non-agricultural use, complexity of regulation, and consumer concern over what they perceive to be safe food are among the many challenges to farm enterprise sustainability. We will have to “contain” our soil, nutrients, crop and animal residues and production inputs within our field boundaries and in the upper layers of soil. We must do all of this while increasing productivity (achieving ever-higher nutrient and crop residue flow) and being cost-competitive. Many exciting advances are being made in engineering as well as in crop genetics. The most far-reaching, however, will be the contributions that will come from other parts of the biological revolution. The science of production ecology is helping us to better understand the myriad of biological and biogeochemical processes that we deal with daily. We are moving toward management of the genetics of pest populations. We will purposefully manage the diversity and amounts of crop residues in our fields which, in turn will control the populations of plants and animals in our soil. We will manipulate the incorporation and release of nutrients from organic fractions in our soil for containment and nutrient recycling. Our nutrient and chemical inputs will be targeted and largely supplemental rather than the direct mainstay of our production. If our production is to be a sustainable part of the landscape we must be seen to provide a high level and quality of hydrological and biodiversity services as part of our management of green space. The more advanced farms have pieces of this future in place now. Numerous examples will be presented from current research, focusing heavily on crop/soil interactions.

Registration of B107, B108, and B109 Inbred Lines of Maize

Crop ScienceVolume 38, Issue 6 cropsci1998.0011183X003800060076x p. 1731-1731 Registration of Parental Lines Registration of B107, B108, and B109 Inbred Lines of Maize Arnel R. Hallauer, Corresponding Author Arnel R. Hallauer hallauer@iastate.edu Dep. of Agronomy, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA, 50011Corresponding author (hallauer@iastate.edu).Search for more papers by this authorKendall R. Lamkey, Kendall R. Lamkey USDA-ARS, Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Res. Unit, Ames, IA, 50011Search for more papers by this authorPaul R. White, Paul R. White Dep. of Agronomy, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA, 50011Search for more papers by this author Arnel R. Hallauer, Corresponding Author Arnel R. Hallauer hallauer@iastate.edu Dep. of Agronomy, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA, 50011Corresponding author (hallauer@iastate.edu).Search for more papers by this authorKendall R. Lamkey, Kendall R. Lamkey USDA-ARS, Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Res. Unit, Ames, IA, 50011Search for more papers by this authorPaul R. White, Paul R. White Dep. of Agronomy, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA, 50011Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 November 1998 https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1998.0011183X003800060076xCitations: 3AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume38, Issue6November–December 1998Pages 1731-1731 RelatedInformation

Democratizing technology—or technologizing democracy? Regulating agricultural biotechnology in Europe

The case of agricultural biotechnology illustrates how a technological choice reifies its own problem definition. The inherent socio-agronomic problems of intensive monoculture are reified as genetic defects, which therefore must be corrected at the molecular level. Biotechnology structures a dependency which is reified as a social relation between things—such as between crop genetics and plant pests. In these ways, socio-political choices take the form of “discoveries”, e.g. external threats and/or molecular-level opportunities found in nature. Within its self-perpetuating logic, any limit or failure must be remedied by more of the same solutions, e.g. through a genetic-pesticide treadmill. In response to public controversy, the state has devised various participatory exercises, which have a double-edged role. They provide a wider audience for public debate, while setting the terms for expert regulatory procedures, generally within a neoliberal “risk–benefit” framework. Safety regulation reifies biotechnological risk as an attribute of novel genetic characteristics, conceptually delinked from the practices which they facilitate. Environmental harm is defined in biotechnological terms, e.g. by emphasizing potential costs to intensive monoculture. Such procedures may be said to biotechnologize democracy. To democratize technology, then, would mean to challenge the prevalent forms of both “technology” and “democracy”.

Molecular Markers and Their Application to Genetics, Breeding and Evolution of Brassica.

Most of the mapping work in Brassica has taken place during the past 10 years. This activity has been focused mostly on rapeseed B. napus and on all three diploid cultivated species, B. nigra, B. oleracea and B. rapa. More recently, mapping has been expanded to include B. juncea. The maps produced in Brassica crops are based mainly on F2 progenies developed independently by various laboratories, which will require in the future their integration for a more efficient use. The marker maps are being used to locate genes determining traits of economic interest, including quantitative trait loci for utilization in applied genetics and breeding of the numerous Brassica crops. Another important application of the maps, which is quite active at the present time, is on the study of the structure, origin and evolution of the Brassica genomes. The Arabidopsis sequencing genome program puts the Brassica crops in an advantageous position because of the immediate application of this information.

Genetics Cooperatives on the World Wide Web: An On-line Resource for Breeders and Geneticists

Crop Genetics Cooperatives tend to be grassroots organizations comprised of individuals with interests in the genetics and/or breeding of a specific crop plant species, genus, or family. Activities of Genetic Cooperative often involve publishing informal research reports, compiling linkage maps, and serving as a repository for monogenic variants in the crop(s) of interest. However, information circulation is often limited to the Cooperative's membership since these organizations are rarely affiliated officially with a specific institution. Fortunately, the rapidly increasing capabilities of the World Wide Web (WWW) now allow Genetics Cooperatives to expand their outreach and provide information to anyone with Internet access. The features of WWW also allow frequent updating of information as necessary for items such as genetic maps and gene collections. The Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative (CGC) is typical of many of these organizations, and CGC is in the process of archiving back issues of the CGC Annual Report on WWW while providing current gene listings and mutant collection information to the scientific community. In addition, software such as databases and programs for analyzing genetic studies are available for downloading, and links are provided to genetic resources at other locations around the world. The process and progress of setting up the CGC website will be described, as well as plans for the future.

Simulating Effects of Genes for Physiological Traits in a Process‐Oriented Crop Model

AbstractRecent improvements in crop simulation techniques and in understanding of crop genetics suggest the possibility of integrating genetic information on physiological traits into crop simulation models. By using known genotypes, rather than empirically fitted cultivar‐specific coefficients, a simulation model should permit more explicit testing of hypotheses concerning the genetic basis of adaptation of cultivars to different environments or production systems. This paper describes and evaluates GeneGro, a version of the dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crop simulation model BEANGRO version 1.01 modified to incorporate effects of seven genes affecting phenology, growth habit, and seed size: Ppd, Hr, Fin, Fd, and Ssz‐l, and two more genes for seed size inferred from indirect evidence. Thirty cultivars were calibrated for BEANGRO using data from 14 trials conducted in Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Florida. The resulting cultivar‐specific coefficients of BEANGRO were replaced with information on specific genotypes of cultivars to create the gene‐based model. With cultivar differences specified only by the seven genes, GeneGroe xplained 31% of observed variation for seed yield, 58% for seed weight, 84% for days to flowering, 85% for days to maturity, 52% for maximum leaf area index, and 36% for canopy dry weight at maturity, but 0% for harvest index. In testing the effectiveness of GeneGro after overall trial and cultivar effects were accounted for through regression analysis, all simulated data except for seed weight showed significant relations with observed data (P ≤ 0.01). Our results indicate that for certain traits surprisingly few genes must be characterized to simulate cultivar differences as accurately as with the BEANGRO model. Furthermore, they suggest a potential for developing models similar to GeneGro for studying the effects of genes on adaptation in other crops.

Field Test of a Pathogenic Virus Against Scb, 1994

Abstract Season long control of the SCB was evaluated in a RCB design (5 replications) of plant cane at the St Gabriel Research Station, St Gabriel, LA. Two biological treatments were compared to that of an insecticide treatment and an untreated control. All treatments were applied over the sugarcane canopy with a CO2 backpack sprayer on 20 Jul, 10 Aug, and 1 Sept when the SCB infestation exceeded the economic threshold (5% of the stalks containing live larvae in the leafsheaths). Four 0.004 flat fan spray tips per 6 ft width of row at 32 psi applied 20.1 gpa of finished formulation. Prior to the initiation of the experiment, 2 applications of Lorsban 15G were made (15 lb/acre each) to suppress red imported fire ant predation on SCB larvae (10 May and 9 Jun). The two Crop Genetics International treatments were applied with Plyac at a rate of 6 oz/100 gallons and powdered skim milk at 0.5% wt:vol. SCB damage was assessed by counting the bored internodes, exit holes, and total number of internodes from 100 randomly selected stalks of sugarcane (20 stalks/replication) in each treatment (18 Oct). Analysis of variance was conducted and separation of means was by LSD.

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS IN HORTICULTURE

Evidence of professional competence is needed for those whose activities affect the well-being of the general public. Graduates of BS and MS programs in horticulture are not distinguishable from self styled individuals who assume the title of “Horticulturist” without earning it. Certification of horticultural graduates is the first step in gaining a recognition for the Horticultural Profession. ASHS has established a Certified Professional Horticultural Sub-Board of the American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops and Soils (ARCPACS). Professional core requirements include courses horticultural crop management, pest management, soil science, plant physiology, botany, chemistry, and genetics. Supporting core courses include math, communication skills, and horticultural specialization courses. Applications from individual horticultural graduates will soon be accepted. Details of the curriculum, continuing education, ethics, and other eligibility requirements will be detailed.

Revenues grow for some biotech companies

In 1990, as in 1989, very few biotechnology companies broke from the ranks to become profitable. Of the 33 companies surveyed by C&EN, only six reported modest profits for the year. Revenues rose substantially for many companies but for only a few because of product sales. Although biotechnology products are beginning to reach the market, and more are expected to make it past regulatory obstacles in the next few years, the high costs of R&D and commercialization continue to take a large bite out of earnings. Product sales for the biotechnology industry are dominated by human therapeutics and diagnostics. Agricultural companies have yet to market a major biotechnology-based product. Companies such as Ecogen, Mycogen, Calgene, and Crop Genetics—not unlike small biotechnology drug companies—continue to work on raising capital, developing products, and putting together strategic alliances to help enter the market. Sales of biopharmaceuticals reached about $1 billion in 1990, according ...

Photosynthetic Carbon Production and Use by Developing Cotton Leaves and Bolls

Understanding the photosynthetic C contribution of leaves to vegetative and reproductive processes is important in defining yield productivity. However, the morphological complexity of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) canopy has proven a significant barrier to establishing specific yield relationships. Therefore, a 2‐yr study examined the developmental sequences of C production and utilization by leaves and bolls within the crop canopy. Photosynthesis of sympodial leaves reached a maximum just prior to anthesis of the subtended flower and thereafter declined throughout the boll‐filling period. Carbon budgets for individual sympodial leaves and their subtended bolls at mainstem Nodes 8, 10, and 12 indicated that C production was seldom synchronized with C utilization. Carbon import requirements for the first three fruiting positions at mainstem Node 10 were 50,37, and 21%, respectively. Bolls at mainstem Node 8 collectively required >60% import of C to sustain growth during the season. Only at mainstem Node 12 were leaves capable of supplying the total C needs of their subtended bolls. Carbon deficiencies at mainstem Nodes 8 and 10 suggested that substantial translocation of photosynthate from adjacent leaves and leaves outside the mainstem node was necessary. This was confirmed through short‐term studies of l4C‐assimilate movement from leaves to developing cotton bolls. Breeding goals for improved C production by leaves were simulated to evaluate avenues for increased yields through crop genetics. These simulations indicated an advantage of increased leaf longevity in the maintenance of C production.

Inheritance Studies and Clonal Fingerprinting with Isoenzymes in Sugarbeet

Isoenzyme studies are useful in expanding knowledge and application of crop genetics with regard to linkage relationships and the distribution of variation. This study was conducted within a limited sample of Beta vulgaris L. germplasm to explore leaf isoenzyme variability for use in clonal fingerprinting in addition to inheritance and linkage relationships. Horizontal starch gel electrophoresis employing either of two buffer systems was utilized, followed by multiple enzyme‐specific staining for eight enzymes. A diverse germplasm sample consisting of 31 clones of B. vulgaris (28 sugarbeet, one chard, one mangel, and one table beet) and one of B. lomatogona Fischer & C. Meyer, was zymogrammed. Both F1 and F2 progeny from several clones were evaluated for inheritance and linkage. Five previously unreported loci were identified (Mdh2, Mdh3, Mdh4, Mdh5, and Skdh1). An additional locus (Pgi1) is proposed; it had normal F1 but skewed F2 ratios explainable by linkage to the self‐compatibility locus. Loci Pgm1, Pgi1, and Mdh1 were found to segregate independently from each other and from the B (flowering habit) and R (basic betalain factor) loci. Evidence for two further loci, Me1 and Me2, also was obtained. Pollen possessed activity for only 4 of the 10 loci studied. The ability to distinguish clones on the basis of zymograms for seven enzyme systems was demonstrated. Enough variation was found in isoenzyme mobility to be useful in future sugarbeet genetic research.

{BLR 781} Crop Genetics International - Genetically Engineered Insecticide

Biotechnology Law ReportVol. 7, No. 3 {BLR 781} Crop Genetics International - Genetically Engineered InsecticideEPA APPROVES CROP GENETICS' FIELD TESTING OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED INSECTICIDEPublished Online:20 Mar 2009https://doi.org/10.1089/blr.1988.7.205AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail "{BLR 781} Crop Genetics International - Genetically Engineered Insecticide." , 7(3), p. 205FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 7Issue 3May 1988 To cite this article:{BLR 781} Crop Genetics International - Genetically Engineered Insecticide.Biotechnology Law Report.May 1988.205-205.http://doi.org/10.1089/blr.1988.7.205Published in Volume: 7 Issue 3: March 20, 2009PDF download

8703303 Agricultural-chemical-producing endosymbiotic microorganisms and method of preparing and using same: Peter S Carlson, Peter S Carlson assigned to Crop Genetics International N V

8703303 Agricultural-chemical-producing endosymbiotic microorganisms and method of preparing and using same: Peter S Carlson, Peter S Carlson assigned to Crop Genetics International N V

8703303 Agricultural-chemical-producing endosymbiotic microorganisms and method of preparing and using same: Peter S Carlson, Peter S Carlson assigned to Crop Genetics International N V

8703303 Agricultural-chemical-producing endosymbiotic microorganisms and method of preparing and using same: Peter S Carlson, Peter S Carlson assigned to Crop Genetics International N V

Rhizogenetics (Root Genetics) of Vegetable Crops

Abstract Plants exist as integrations of their many parts and processes. Each part is conditioned by a distinct collection of genes that interact and integrate with the genes that condition other plant parts or processes (44). Root characteristics are conditioned by about 30% of the plant genome, and one-third of these (10% of the total) condition only root characteristics (39). This level of control for a single plant organ is in agreement with that of other plant organs (25) and implies that root characteristics are as amenable to genetic manipulation as the characteristics of any other plant organ or tissue. Root characteristics are not normally emphasized in plant breeding programs because of the difficulty in observing them in situ, rather than because of a reduced potential for improvement. The level of genetic control described (39) should allow the development of isogenic root mutants that have modified physiological and developmental controls to be used for precise experimentation. Data derived from experimentation with these isogenic root mutants would provide a sound basis for developing and testing hypotheses leading, ultimately, to genetic improvement of vegetable root systems.

Public Programs on Genetics and Breeding of Horticultural Crops in the United States

Abstract A questionnaire on genetics and breeding of horticultural crops, in conjunction with our responsibilities to the National Plant Genetics Resources Board (an advisory board to the Secretary of Agriculture under authority of Secretary’s Memorandum 1875 Revised dated 23 Feb. 1978), was sent to appropriate department chairmen or program leaders in Land Grant Universities, 1890 institutions, and the USD A Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The purpose of the questionnaire was to survey past, present, and anticipated programs on breeding and genetics of horticultural crops and to solicit views on national needs for germplasm of horticultural crops. Responses on the status of programs were received from all 98 questionnaires, and 74 respondents made comments on national needs.

Book Review: Physiological Genetics of Agricultural Crops.

Book Review: Physiological Genetics of Agricultural Crops.

Technology lecture - Plant tissue culture: achievements and prospects

Since the initial work some 20 years ago on culturing plant cells and producing from them clonal material, commercial use has developed in many ways. Where there are no methods for vegetative propagation of a crop plant and seeds give rise to variable progeny, then tissue culture is the ideal method for production of identified premium plants. This will be illustrated by the multiplication of selected genotypes of the oil palm. Recombinant DNA technology will in the long run make major changes in the genetics of agricultural crops towards making them better fitted to provide raw materials matched to the needs of the food and chemical industries. Possibilities exist for the use of plant cell culture for the production of expensive plant-derived substances but many difficulties have yet to be overcome before major commercial exploitation occurs.