Dual-purpose Hybrids Research Articles

GGE biplot and AMMI analysis for stability and adaptability of dual-purpose maize hybrids tested across multi-environments for baby corn and fodder yield

Meeting the growing demand for baby corn necessitates the development of dual-purpose hybrids that are both high-yielding and genetically stable. Accordingly, the present study aimed for multi-location testing of twelve newly crossed elite baby corn hybrids along with one check CMVL BABY CORN-2 across four environments during Rabi 2021-22. Analysis of variance underscored the significant impact of genetic (G), environmental (E), and their interaction (GE) on all traits under study. The environment was the most important source of variation for all the traits, followed by G (3.37–10.51%) and GE (1.03–2.77). The first two principal components explained 88.48, 87.52 and 76.03% of the total variation for DS, BCY and GFY, respectively. Environmental evaluation classified locations into three distinct mega-environments viz. ME I encompassed Hyderabad and Hazaribagh, and ME II and III were represented solely by Ludhiana and Varanasi, respectively. Based on the GGE biplot and AMMI analysis, genotypes T9 and T11 exhibited superior performance and stability across multiple locations over the check for both BCY and GFY traits.

Effect of Fungicide Application and Corn Hybrid Class on the Presence of Fusarium graminearum and the Concentration of Deoxynivalenol in Ear and Stalk Parts of Corn (Zea mays) Used for Silage.

In Wisconsin, the use of brown midrib (BMR) corn (Zea mays) hybrids for ensiling and subsequent feeding to dairy cows is quite common. The overall milk production from cows fed silage from BMR hybrids is typically higher than those fed silage made from dual-purpose hybrids. Gibberella diseases (ear and stalk rot) caused by Gibberella zeae (anamorph; Fusarium graminearum) and the accompanying accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) can be significant issues during the field production of BMR hybrids. The work presented here aimed to understand the role of hybrid class on the distribution of F. graminearum DNA and DON in the ear and stalk parts of corn for silage. An ear and stalk partitioned sample experiment was conducted on silage corn from field trials in Arlington, Wisconsin, in 2020 and 2021. The trials were arranged in a randomized complete block design in both years, including one BMR hybrid, one dual-purpose hybrid, and seven fungicide application regimes. Paired ear and stalk samples were physically separated, dried, and ground at harvest before determining the concentration of F. graminearum DNA and DON in each sample. Across both years, the main effects of hybrid, treatment, and plant part were not significant (P > 0.1) on DON concentration. However, the hybrid-by-plant part interaction effect was significant (P < 0.01). Ears of the BMR hybrid accumulated the most DON, whereas the dual-purpose hybrid ears had the lowest DON concentration. The concentrations of DON and F. graminearum DNA were significantly (P < 0.01) and highly correlated in the ear (r = 0.73) but not in the stalk (r = 0.09, P = 0.33). These findings suggest that DON accumulation in the corn ear is a major contributor in the difference observed in the total DON between the hybrid classes. Therefore, growers and researchers are encouraged to focus production and breeding on hybrids in both classes that accumulate less DON in ears, resulting in lower total DON in corn chopped for silage.

Identification of Promising Three-Way Hybrids of Pearl Millet for Drought-Prone Environments of North-Western India

Stable, drought-tolerant, and high-yielding dual-purpose hybrids are needed for cultivation in the drought-prone areas of India. Working towards this, this study was conducted to assess the associations between grain yield and its component traits and the relationships among genotypes to select the most promising hybrids based on multiple traits. In the present investigation, thirty newly developed three-way hybrids (TWHs), along with four popular commercial single-cross hybrids and two open pollinated varieties (OPVs) were evaluated at three sites in the drought-prone ecology of India during the rainy season of 2021–2022. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first three component axes (PC) were significant, with eigenvalues more than one, and together contributed to 74.10% of the total variance. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on the Euclidean distance between hybrids suggested the existence of three clusters. Cluster III (C-III) had hybrids with maximum grain yield, dry fodder yield, and important component traits such as panicle harvest index and grain harvest index that are required for adaptation to drought-prone environments. A genotype by yield × trait (GYT) biplot and a superiority index (SI) were generated to identify the best hybrids with high grain yield and other component traits. These results were used to identify TWHs, namely TH-114, TH-138, TH-49, TH-67, and TH-79, with more than 30% standard heterosis and stable performance coupled with better drought-adaptive traits.

Impact of Fungicides on Dual-Purpose and Brown Midrib Zea mays Hybrids Used for Silage in Wisconsin

Decisions about hybrid choice and fungicide application when growing corn ( Zea mays L.) for silage are important considerations to maximize sustainable production. The objective of this research was to evaluate how brown midrib hybrids compare with dual-purpose hybrids and how fungicides interact with these two classes of corn hybrids. To explore this, field research trials were conducted in Arlington, Wisconsin, in 2020 and 2021. In both years, the trials were arranged in a randomized complete block design and included one brown midrib hybrid, one dual-purpose hybrid, and seven fungicide application regimes. In-field disease ratings were made for tar spot (caused by Phyllachora maydis), ear rot, and stalk rot (caused by Gibberella zeae). Harvested silage was analyzed for yield, quality, and deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration. The selection of hybrid significantly ( P &lt; 0.01) influenced the silage quality parameters, such as starch and total tract neutral detergent fiber digestibility, a measure of fiber digested throughout the tract of a cow. Fungicide use influenced dry matter yield ( P &lt; 0.05), tar spot severity ( P &lt; 0.01), and DON concentration ( P = 0.05). Our findings suggest that using appropriate fungicides improves yield and reduces disease severity and DON contamination. Better quality silage could be obtained from brown midrib hybrids at the expense of yield. Therefore, Wisconsin farmers are encouraged to primarily utilize a dual-purpose class of corn hybrids to ensure optimal milk production and secondarily apply fungicides to reduce DON levels in corn chopped for silage.

Mining Sorghum Biodiversity—Potential of Dual-Purpose Hybrids for Bio-Economy

Sweet, grain, and dual-purpose sorghums differ in a number of important traits, including biomass production, total solutes in the stem juice, and sugar accumulation across the stem. Ten dual-purpose hybrids, two sweet genotypes, and two grain landraces of sorghums were characterized under temperate environmental conditions to determine their potential for bioethanol production. Five sorghum hybrids (Ganymed, Hannibal, Tarzan, Merlin, and Zerberus) performed better with respect to cane yield, juice yield, potential sugar, and ethanol yields compared to sweet and grain genotypes. While the sweet genotype KIT1 produced the highest sugar concentration in the stem, the lowest concentration was produced by the grain landrace Razinieh. The study showed that plant height, leaf number, leaf weight, cane yield, and juice yield were positively correlated with the sugar yield in fresh stalk. Sugar accumulation was higher in the central internodes of all genotypes. Clustering analysis showed that sweet genotypes are located more closely to dual-purpose hybrids than grain landraces. We discuss the results with respect to the potential of dual-purpose sorghum hybrids for bio-economy in Germany.

Pecking Behavior in Conventional Layer Hybrids and Dual-Purpose Hens Throughout the Laying Period.

To avoid the killing of surplus male layer chickens, dual-purpose hybrids are suggested as an alternative approach. These strains may offer additional advantages compared to conventional laying hens, for instance, a lower tendency to develop injurious pecking behavior. The aim of this study was to assess the behavior, with focus on pecking behavior, of conventional layers (Lohmann Brown plus, LB+) and dual-purpose hens (Lohmann Dual, LD). About 1,845 hens per strain with intact beaks were housed in four stable compartments in aviary systems. Video-based scan sampling of general behaviors and continuous observations of pecking behavior were carried out between 25 and 69 weeks of life. With the exception of “dustbathing” and “scratching,” hybrid × time during the laying period affected all of the observed general behaviors [F(2, 89) = 3.92–10.81, P < 0.001–0.05]. With increasing age, the LB+ hens performed more general pecking, more locomotion and less comfort and sitting behavior. General pecking and comfort behavior did not change over time in the LD hens, whereas inactive behaviors increased with age. During continuous observations, a significant hybrid x period interaction was found for all forms of pecking behavior [F(2, 89) = 4.55–14.80, P < 0.001–0.05]. The LB+ hens showed particularly more severe feather pecking (SFP), which increased with age. In contrast, SFP remained exceptionally low in the LD hens throughout production. Therefore, dual-purpose hybrids should be considered as an alternative to both avoid the killing of surplus male chickens and the development of SFP in laying hen production.

Growth, carcass, and meat quality of 2 dual-purpose chickens and a layer hybrid grown for 67 or 84 D compared with slow-growing broilers

To avoid chick culling, meat production can be carried out with either dual-purpose hybrids, where both genders are used, or layer males. However, comparative in-depth studies are lacking. The growth and slaughter performance and the meat quality of 2 commercial dual-purpose hybrids (Lohmann Dual, LD ; Novogen Dual, ND ) and a layer hybrid (Lohmann Brown, LB ) were compared with slow-growing broilers (Hubbard S757, HU ), as used for organic production. The growth periods tested were 67, 84, and 126 D (the LB only). A total of 1,350 birds per hybrid were kept in 5 compartments of 20 m 2 . In a subsample, the carcass and meat quality were analyzed. The average daily gains and feed intake were quite similar in the ND, LD, and HU and were lower in the LB. Across 67 D, the FCR (kg feed/kg gain) of the HU was 2.62 compared with 2.81 and 2.83 in the ND and LD, respectively. The FCR of the LB was much lower (3.61). The breast angle, an indicator of the keel bone’s prominence, was largest in the HU, similar to that of the ND and the LD, and smallest in the LB. The breast meat proportions were always larger in the HU than in the ND and the LD at 21, 18, and 17%, respectively, and smallest in the LB (15%). The breast meat from the dual-purpose hybrids was similar, or slightly superior, to the HU in water-holding capacity and shear force and slightly inferior in intramuscular fat content. The LB meat did not differ much from that of the other hybrids. Growth for 126 D improved the carcass quality in the LB. In conclusion, both dual-purpose hybrids were competitive with slow-growing broilers, whereas this was not the case for the layer cockerels.

Breeding tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop cultivated in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Low productivity in India is due to occurrence of both biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, tomato leaf curl disease, bacterial wilt, early blight and Groundnut Bud Necrosis Virus disease have become serious production constraints causing considerable yield loss in the major tomato growing areas of the country. Adoption of multiple disease resistant varieties or F1 hybrids would be the most appropriate way to address these diseases. At ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru systematic breeding strategies were employed to pyramid genes for resistance to early blight, bacterial wilt and tomato leaf curl diseases and to develop advanced breeding lines&amp; F1 hybrids with triple disease resistance. Stable source of resistance to early blight and bi-partite begomo-virus (Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus) has been identified in Solanum habrochaites LA-1777. Validation with molecular markers linked to tomato leaf curl virus resistance revealed that LA-1777 carryTy2 and other putative resistant genes. Several high yielding dual purpose hybrids were also developed for fresh market and processing with high level of resistance to multiple diseases. Cherry tomato lines have also been bred for high TSS, total carotenoids, total phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, acidity and lycopene content. IIHR-249-1, IIHR-2101 (Solanum habrochaites LA-1777), IIHR- 2866 and IIHR-2864 recorded high values for quality parameters like total carotenoids, lycopene, vitamin C, total phenols, flavonoids and TSS. Drought tolerant root stock has been developed by an interspecific cross between S. habrochaites LA-1777 and S. lycopersicum (15 SB SB). Resistant sources have also been identified against Tuta absoluta, a serious insect pest reported from major tomato growing areas in the country in recent time. High temperature tolerant breeding lines are in pipe line.

Pearl millet (&lt;i&gt;Pennisetum glaucum&lt;/i&gt;) restorer lines for breeding dual-purpose hybrids adapted to arid environments

The adoption of pearl millet hybrids in the north-western arid zone has been very limited in contrast to their widespread coverage in relatively more favourable areas. This research was conducted to assess the combining ability of progenies derived from a composite, called Mandor Restorer Composite (MRC) that was synthesized using 12 lines with inbuilt combination of characters that are useful for arid environments. Testcross hybrids of 43 MRC progenies made on five diverse male-sterile lines were evaluated for their performance in four environments over three years (2005–07) under rainfed conditions of arid zone. There existed significant and exploitable differences among restorer (R) lines in their combining ability for biomass, grain yield, stover yield, harvest index and panicle harvest index under receding moisture conditions. General combining ability (GCA) for early flowering was consistently and positively related to GCA for grain yield. GCA for harvest index was positively and significantly related to GCA for grain yield, but was variably negatively related to stover yield. Neither GCA for HI nor GCA for time to flowering had as large an effect on GCA for grain and stover yields as did GCA for biomass. The results suggested that GCA for earliness, biomass and HI are not necessarily mutually antagonistic characteristics under arid zone conditions indicating that there are good prospects of identifying lines to produce hybrids with enhanced grain and stover yields without compromising crop duration. This study also identified a few progenies that had significant GCA for grain and stover yield in early-maturity background.

Changes in kernel characteristics during grain filling in silage-specific and dual-purpose corn hybrids

Ma, B. L. and Dwyer, L. M. 2012. Changes in kernel characteristics during grain filling in silage-specific and dual-purpose corn hybrids. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 427–439. Silage-specific corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids have been gaining in popularity in recent years, but there is a lack of information about the difference in kernel characterization between Leafy silage-specific and dual-purpose hybrids. A field study was conducted for 4 yr to determine the changes in kernel moisture content, kernel dry weight, kernel nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations over the period of grain filling for Leafy silage-specific and dual-purpose hybrids at two plant population densities. In both types of hybrids, kernel dry weight content increased rapidly from approximately 2 wk after silking and reached a maximum at about 50 to 68 d after silking. While some differences among hybrids in kernel maximum dry weight were noted (P&lt;0.05), there was no distinction between hybrid types. The coefficients of kernel moisture change differed greatly between the two types with lower rates of decline of kernel moisture in some of the Leafy silage-specific hybrids (down-hill slope b&lt;0.0136±0.00044 g kg−1d−1) than the dual-purpose or silage hybrids without the Leafy characteristic (b≥0.0164±0.00039 g kg−1d−1). Higher plant population density had a negligible effect on kernel moisture decline and N and P concentrations, but reduced kernel dry weight by up to 7% in one year. Kernel P was linearly positively correlated with N content (r&gt;0.79, P&lt;0.01), and there was a linear relationship between kernel moisture and the whole-plant silage moisture content (R2≥0.70). Our data also showed that one of the Leafy silage-specific hybrids had higher rates of kernel dry weight accumulation and softer kernel hardness (P&lt;0.05) than the dual-purpose or non-Leafy silage hybrids. Our findings on the distinct characteristics of hybrid types are important considerations for corn producers to choose suitable hybrids and make decisions on silage harvest dates.

Utility of pearl millet landraces in breeding dual-purpose hybrids for arid zone environments of India

In pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.), single cross hybrids based largely on exotic germplasm, have found very limited adoption in drought-prone arid regions mainly due to their inadequate adaptation to prevalent extremely harsh agro-climatic conditions. This study tested the hypothesis that the use of restorer parents derived from adapted landrace germplasm could be an alternative strategy in developing suitable hybrids for arid regions. Forty inbred restorer lines developed from two phenotypically diverse landraces were used to develop hybrids evaluated in this study for their performance in five typical arid zone environments between 2003 and 2007. Inbred lines from both landrace populations differed significantly in their combining ability for biomass, harvest index and grain and stover yields. A larger proportion of experimental hybrids, based on selected inbred lines, significantly outperformed the commercial checks for grain and stover yields. Increase in grain and stover yields was achieved primarily due to their higher biomass productivity, with no decline in harvest index. Choice of landrace determined the relative grain and stover productivity of their hybrids. Phenotypic differences observed in parental landraces in tillering and panicle length were also visible in their respective hybrids, indicating that characteristics of landrace parental populations were transmitted in their hybrids.

Ensilage performance of sorghum hybrids varying in extractable sugars

Abstract Renewable feedstock resources require novel storage technologies to optimize industrial use. Solid state fermentation of biomass feedstock may provide organic chemicals and fibers while reducing the risk of current dry-storage procedures. Here, we compare the chemical composition and fermentation of six sorghum hybrids (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) following 1, 7, and 21 days of storage. Ensilage of 7 days resulted in a pH of 3.8 and declined further to 3.75 at day 21. Lactate increased during ensilage from 2.0 to 3.9 g 100 g−1. Acetic acid increased between 1 and 7 days of ensiling but did not change until the end of the ensiling period. Total organic acids averaged 2.5 g 100 g−1 after day 1 and increased to 4.2 and 4.7 g `100 g−1 after days 7 and 21, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber ranged from 38 to 50 g 100 g−1 among hybrids and total non-structural carbohydrates varied from 18 to 32 g 100 g−1. Hemicellulose and cellulose ranged from 13 to 19 g 100 g−1 and 20 and 28 g 100 g−1, respectively. Genotypic variation in sorghum may offer designing dual-purpose hybrids for production of biomass and economically valuable byproducts.

Row Width and Plant Density Effect on Corn Forage Hybrids

Information is needed on the agronomic factors that maximize yield and quality of recently developed corn (Zea mays L.) forage hybrids. This study was conducted to determine the effect of row width (76, 56, and 38 cm) and plant density (64200, 79000, and 88900 plants ha−1) on forage yield and quality of forage specialty corn hybrids and a dual-purpose hybrid. Two of the forage hybrids evaluated were leafy hybrids, and the other one was characterized as a nutridense hybrid. The increase in forage dry matter (DM) yield when row width was narrowed from 76 to 38 cm was similar for the forage hybrids and the dual-purpose hybrid (1.1 and 0.9 Mg ha−1, respectively). However, there were significant differences in response to decreased row width between the two leafy hybrids evaluated. The narrow row production system did not impact corn forage quality nor was there a hybrid × row width interaction. As plant density increased from the lowest level to the highest, forage DM yield increased by 1.6 Mg ha−1, DM digestibility decreased from 652 to 641 g kg−1, crude protein decreased from 76 to 72 g kg−1, acid detergent fiber increased from 259 to 270 g kg−1, and neutral detergent fiber increased from 441 to 456 g kg−1. In addition, there was no hybrid × plant density interaction for these parameters. It was concluded that these forage hybrids will react to changes in row width and plant density similar to dual-purpose hybrids.

Development of an Economic Injury Level for European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Corn Grown for Silage

Studies were conducted in 1996 and 1997 at 2 locations in Wisconsin to assess the impact of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), on corn grown for silage. Relationships between silage yield losses and control costs were used to develop economic injury levels specific to corn grown for silage in Wisconsin. Treatments were established as the percentage of plants infested with European corn borers. Treatment levels of 0, 12, 24, 40, and 84% of plants infested were used to separately examine simulations of 1st- and 2nd-generation European corn borer infestations. Experiments were performed using Pioneer dual purpose hybrids 3394 and 3751. Results from experiments showed that overall whole plant dry matter yields for 3394 were 8.5% > 3751 across the 3 experiments. Increasing European corn borer infestation proved to be highly correlated with a decrease in both whole plant and stover silage yields throughout experiments, hybrids, and simulated European corn borer generations. Differences in the rates of yield reduction were not seen between the 2 hybrids, however simulations of 1st-generation European corn borer infestation caused greater reductions than did simulations of 2nd-generation European corn borers. Linear regression models proved to best fit the yield loss relationships and were developed to describe silage yield losses resulting from European corn borer infestations. Economic injury levels were determined by comparing silage yield reductions and associated monetary losses with control costs. Economic injury levels were calculated separately for both 1st- and 2nd-generation European corn borers.

Agronomic performance and silage quality traits of forage sorghum hybrids in 1994 (1995)

The 1994 growing season was characterized by near norm al rainfall and temperatures. Both whole-plant DM and grain yields were excellent for all hybrid s. The middle-season Pioneer 947 hybrid had the highest grain yield. The two dual-purpose hybrids had the highest whole-plant DM yields, and the male sterile (Golden Harvest H-1) and the grain sorghum (DeKalb 42Y) had the lowest. Strong winds in the first week in September caused substantial lodging in three of the four tall middle- and late-season hybrids (DeKalb FS-5 and Golden Harvest H-2 and H-68). Two of the short height, dual purpose hybrids (Northrup King 300 and Golden Harvest H-45) were not affected. The 10 sorghum hybrids differed significantly in the three important silage quality traits - whole-plant DM, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber.