Excessive Tillering Research Articles

Silicon Fertilizer Addition Can Improve Rice Yield and Lodging Traits under Reduced Nitrogen and Increased Density Conditions

Reducing nitrogen fertilizer application, selecting a reasonable planting density, and adding silicon fertilizer can be used together to decrease excessive nitrogen fertilizer inputs in rice fields, reduce production costs, and ensure stable rice yield. However, the dynamics of the stem and internodes, as well as the changes in the physical and physiological characteristics of rice under a combination of these three strategies, are still unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify these effects to improve the efficiency of rice production in northeastern China. A 2-year field experiment was conducted using five treatments: a conventional densification treatment (DM), a densification combined with reduced N input (−20%) treatment (DLM), and three densifications combined with reduced N input (−20%) and basal silicon fertilizer treatments (low fertilizer: DLMS1; medium fertilizer: DLMS2; and high fertilizer: DLMS3). This study revealed that the addition of silicon fertilizer improved rice yield compared to that under reduced nitrogen or increased density treatments alone, prevented excessive ineffective tillering after a density increase, and increased the number of productive panicles. Among the treatments, the DLMS3 treatment had the highest yields of 10.53 t/ha and 10.73 t/ha over the 2 years. Reducing nitrogen and increasing density reduced the weight and length of single panicles, while the addition of silicon fertilizer was beneficial for improving stem toughness, improving the physical and physiological characteristics of the plants and panicles, and enhancing plant bending resistance. Among the treatments, DLMS3 had the highest bending resistance, which increased by 440.1 g and 503.8 g compared to the lowest values in the DM treatment in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Nitrogen reduction resulted in the lowest lodging index values, with DLMS3 having the lowest values in both years, which decreased by 19.6% and 22.5% compared to the highest values in DM (2020) and DLM (2021), respectively. This study indicates that the application of 150.0 kg/ha silicon fertilizer in combination with reduced nitrogen and increased density (DLMS3) reduces the lodging index while ensuring rice yield, preventing a tradeoff between yield reduction and lodging due to a density increase or due to nitrogen reduction combined with a density increase and allowing for a reduction in nitrogen fertilizer input, which could ensure a uniform yield and an increase in lodging resistance. These results provide a scientific basis for rice cultivation measures that lead to high yield and lodging resistance while protecting the environment.

Exogenous GR24 Inhibits Strawberry Tillering by Affecting the Phytohormone Signaling and Sugar Metabolism Pathways

Tillering is an important part in strawberry growth, and strawberries can reproduce nutritionally through stolons to generate genetically stable offspring. However, excessive tillering during the fruit-growing stage can negatively impact fruit yield and quality. In this study, different concentrations of exogenous rac-GR24 (GR24) are used to treat the strawberry plants. It was found that GR24 effectively inhibited the sprouting of strawberry stolons, while promoting the growth of the stems and leaves. Among the treatments, the most effective concentration was found to be 5 μmol/L GR24. This treatment resulted in a decrease in the glucose content in the strawberry crowns and also caused changes in the contents of two endogenous phytohormones, gibberellic acid (GA3) and trans-zeatin riboside (tZR). Transcriptome data further suggested that exogenous GR24 may inhibit strawberry plant tillering by affecting various phytohormone signaling pathways and the sugar metabolism pathway. In 5 μmol/L GR24-treated plants, the expression level of type-B response regulator (B-ARR) was down-regulated and the expression level of CYTOKININ RESPONSE 1 (CRE1), histidine-containing phosphotransfer protein (AHP), and type-A response regulator (A-ARR) were up-regulated, suggesting the inhibition of the cytokinin (CTK) signaling pathway. The down-regulation of auxin (AUX) and auxin response factor (ARF), as well as the up-regulation of auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (AUX/IAA), led to the inhibition of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) signaling pathway. Additionally, the up-regulation of pyrabactin resistance 1/ pyrabactin resistance 1-like (PYR/PYL), non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2), and ABRE binding factors (ABF) and the down-regulation of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) were observed in the up-regulated abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways. In the sugar metabolism pathway, the up-regulation of invertase (INV), hexokinase (HK), and fructokinase (FRK) and the down-regulation of trehalase (TREH) and beta-amylase (BMY) led to a decreased glucose synthesis and an increased glucose consumption. Therefore, GR24 can effectively inhibit strawberry plant tillering through these pathways, making it an effective reagent for tillering inhibition.

Transgenic rice plants expressing the α-L-arabinofuranosidase of Coprinopsis cinerea exhibit strong dwarfism and markedly enhanced tillering.

Lignocellulosic materials are potential renewable sources of fermentable sugars for bioethanol production. In this study, we used the CcAbf62A gene encoding CcAbf62A, a putative extracellular α-L-arabinofuranosidase, cloned from the mycotrophic basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea. CcAbf62A acts on arabinoxylan, the major hemicellulose of grasses, releasing arabinose. CcAbf62A was introduced into rice with the aim of enhancing delignification efficiency and the availability of lignocellulosic materials without reducing lignin content. Among the 32 lines of regenerated transgenic rice, 13 exhibited markedly disrupted elongation growth and excessive tillering (dwarf), seven showed delayed elongation growth (retarded-growth), and 12 showed phenotypes similar to those of control plants (normal). Additionally, the dwarf lines showed reduced acclimation. RT-PCR analysis revealed that dwarf lines had higher levels of CcAbf62A expression than retarded-growth and normal lines. Although the lignin content of transgenic rice plants expressing CcAbf62A did not differ significantly from that of control rice plants, dwarf lines were characterized by delayed deposition of lignin in the culms compared with the controls. The reduced acclimation ability of dwarf lines is believed to be associated with increased water loss and reduced water conductivity concomitant with delayed lignin deposition. Contrary to expectations, the alkaline delignification rates of dwarf and retarded-growth Abf lines were slightly lower than those of control rice plants. Our findings indicate that CcAbf62A reduces ferulate-lignin cross-links by detaching arabinose side chains from arabinoxylan and increases the relative abundance of alkaline-resistant benzyl ether cross-links. CcAbf62A is anticipated to provide new approaches for breeding plants containing altered lignocellulosic materials or lodging-resistant crops.

OsmiR396/growth regulating factor modulate rice grain size through direct regulation of embryo-specific miR408.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising targets for crop improvement of complex agricultural traits. Coordinated activity between/among different miRNAs may fine-tune specific developmental processes in diverse organisms. Grain size is a main factor determining rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop yield, but the network of miRNAs influencing this trait remains uncharacterized. Here we show that sequestering OsmiR396 through target mimicry (MIM396) can substantially increase grain size in several japonica and indica rice subspecies and in plants with excessive tillers and a high panicle density. Thus, OsmiR396 has a major role related to the regulation of rice grain size. The grain shape of Growth Regulating Factor8 (OsGRF8)-overexpressing transgenic plants was most similar to that of MIM396 plants, suggesting OsGRF8 is a major mediator of OsmiR396 in grain size regulation. A miRNA microarray analysis revealed changes to the expression of many miRNAs, including OsmiR408, in the MIM396 plants. Analyses of gene expression patterns and functions indicated OsmiR408 is an embryo-specific miRNA that positively regulates grain size. Silencing OsmiR408 expression (miR408KO) using CRISPR technology resulted in small grains. Moreover, we revealed the direct regulatory effects of OsGRF8 on OsMIR408 expression. A genetic analysis further showed that the large-grain phenotype of MIM396 plants could be complemented by miR408KO. Also, several hormone signaling pathways might be involved in the OsmiR396/GRF-meditated grain size regulation. Our findings suggest that genetic regulatory networks comprising various miRNAs, such as OsmiR396 and OsmiR408, may be crucial for controlling rice grain size. Furthermore, the OsmiR396/GRF module may be important for breeding new high-yielding rice varieties.

Altitude, temperature, and N Management effects on yield and yield components of contrasting lowland rice cultivars

AbstractNitrogen (N) is one of the main nutrients that drive rice grain yield and is intensely managed especially in lowlands under irrigated conditions. A set of experiments was conducted in mid‐ and high‐altitude sites in Rwanda to investigate the response of five genotypes under different sowing dates and different N management. Genotype grain yields were higher and more stable at mid‐altitude across sowing dates. N rates strongly affected grain yield at mid‐altitude (p < .0001), but not at high altitude. Postponing basal N had positive effects on yield and yield components in both sites, with more pronounced effects at high altitude. Increasing N rate beyond 120 kg/ha led to a decrease in percentage of panicles per tiller and spikelet fertility and a decrease in grain yield due to excessive tillers at both high altitude and mid‐altitude. Thus, basal N application should be recommended at high altitude and the increase in N rate up to 120 kg/ha at mid‐altitude. A strict observation of recommended planting date should be followed at high altitude, and the use of cold‐tolerant genotypes is encouraged.

Rice Stripe Mosaic Virus–Encoded P4 Is a Weak Suppressor of Viral RNA Silencing and Is Required for Disease Symptom Development

Viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) are a cluster of viral proteins that have evolved to counteract eukaryotic antiviral RNA silencing pathways, thereby contributing to viral pathogenicity. In this study, we revealed that the matrix protein P4 encoded by rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV), which is an emerging cytoplasmic rhabdovirus, is a weak RNA silencing suppressor. By conducting yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and subcellular colocalization assays, we proved that P4 interacts with the rice endogenous suppressor of gene silencing 3 (OsSGS3). We also determined that P4 overexpression has no effect on OsSGS3 transcription. However, P4 can promote the degradation of OsSGS3 via ubiquitination and autophagy. Additionally, a potato virus X-based expression system was used to confirm that P4 enhances the development of mosaic symptoms on Nicotiana benthamiana leaves by promoting hydrogen peroxide accumulation but not cell death. To verify whether P4 is a pathogenicity factor in host plants, we generated transgenic P4-overexpressing rice plants that exhibited disease-related developmental defects including decreased plant height and excessive tillering. Our data suggest that RSMV-encoded P4 serves as a weak VSR that inhibits antiviral RNA silencing by targeting OsSGS3.

Wheat Stem Maggot (Diptera: Chloropidae): An Emerging Pest of Cover Crop to Corn Transition Systems

The wheat stem maggot (Meromyza americana Fitch) (WSM) is a minor pest of wheat, rye, and other grasses. In 2017, growers in Nebraska reported dead center whorls and excessive tillering in early-season cornfields that followed wheat or rye terminated after planting corn. A survey was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for this insect in cover crop to corn transition systems. In each field, management practices and the percentage of injured plants were recorded. Symptomatic corn plants were collected from each field and dissected to determine larval and plant characteristics. In a few cases, small patches of a field were planted to a cover crop to manage soil erosion, and injured plants were only found where the cover crop was present. From these observations, the hypothesis is that terminating a cover crop after planting corn allowed the WSM larva to move from the dying cover crop to corn to complete its development. Cornfields infested with WSM had a frequency of injured corn plants from 0 to 60% with yield losses estimated at 30 bushels/acre. This paper provides the first detailed documentation of WSM injury in corn and addresses important management practices that may have influenced this uncommon situation.

The effect of duration of the vegetative phase in irrigated semi-dwarf spring wheat on phenology, growth and potential yield across sowing dates at low latitude

In order to study the effect of duration of the vegetative period (sowing to floral initiation) on potential yield, sister spring wheat semi-dwarf cultivars, Yecora and Cajeme, the latter having an extra vernalization sensitive allele (Vrn-A1v) and a photoperiod sensitive one (Ppd-D1b), were grown at 4–5 sowing dates over 5 years under irrigation and high fertility in northwest Mexico (latitude 27°N). In the earliest sowings (late Oct-early Nov) Cajeme had a 20day longer vegetative period; this delay decreased steadily to 8days in the latest sowings (mid-late January); anthesis date for Cajeme was, respectively, 17 and 6days later. Relationships to minimum temperature levels in the vegetative phase strongly suggest that this sowing date by cultivar interaction arises largely because of the difference in vernalization alleles in an environment where there is limited vernalizing cold. Cajeme produced a greater maximum number of shoots, more spikelet nodes per spike, greater green area index, and greater above ground dry matter at anthesis and at physiological maturity. However Cajeme yielded no more than Yecora, even when yield was plotted against anthesis date, tending to have fewer grains/m2. A similar conclusion was reached when grains/m2 were related to preanthesis photothermal quotient, and grain weight to grain filling mean temperature: both cultivars responded similarly although Cajeme had slightly fewer grains/m2 and heavier kernels, thus weather around flowering dominated determination of these yield components. Some other yield components were also slightly, but significantly, affected by cultivar in a manner independent of flowering date and weather. Thus Cajeme had a significantly higher spike dry matter at anthesis and a significantly lower fruiting efficiency of Cajeme (73.8 versus 84.2 grains/g spike dry matter). It is suggested that the latter was a consequence of the longer vegetative period leading to greater tillering, poorer tiller survival and a more competitive preanthesis canopy, causing poorer floret survival in grain-bearing spikes. The excessive tillering may have been exaggerated by supplying all nitrogen fertilizer at sowing.

총생 증상을 보이는 한국잔디로부터 노균병원균 관찰

전국적으로 재배중인 한국잔디에서 확대되고 있는 총생잔디에서 현미경을 이용하여 피시움균의 난포자와 유사하지만 다소 큰 사이즈인 <TEX>$50{\sim}80{\mu}m$</TEX>의 난포자를 관찰하였다. 동일 시료들을 암상태의 저온 다습한 조건에서 24시간 증식한 후 현미경으로 관찰한 결과 <TEX>$80{\sim}100{\mu}m$</TEX> 크기의 Sclerophthora macrospora 유주자낭이 확인되었다. 유전자 분석을 통한 확인을 위해 유전자 은행에 등록된 S. macrospora 염기서열 정보를 바탕으로 제작된 프라이머와 감염된 조직에서 추출한 DNA로 PCR 후, S. macrospora 특이적인 밴드가 증폭되는 것을 알 수 있었다. 이러한 결과로 S. macrospora가 한국잔디 총생 증상에 관여하는 가능성이 있을 것으로 사료된다. Zoysiagrass possessing the leaf yellowing with excessive tillers was first found in a golf course in Gyunggi province at last three to four years ago and since then have rapidly spread many golf courses in Korea. The symptom is very similar to that of yellow tuft or downy mildew, which is caused by Sclerophthora macrospora, on cool-season turfgrasses including Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass. Microscopic study was firstly carried out to look over the presence of the pathogen in the infected leaf and stem tissues. Oospores and sporangia, reported as typical indicators of downy mildew, were obviously observed from the infected leaves. Using a set of primers based on the 18S ribosomal DNA from S. macrospora, the specific DNA fragment corresponding the gene was amplified. This study reveals that S. macrospora might be involved in spread of leaf yellowing of zoysiagrass with excessive tillers.

The tillering phenotype of the rice plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) loss‐of‐function mutant is associated with strigolactone deficiency

The significance of plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) in phytoene desaturation and chloroplast function has been demonstrated using PTOX-deficient mutants, particularly in Arabidopsis. However, studies on its role in monocots are lacking. Here, we report cloning and characterization of the rice (Oryza sativa) PTOX1 gene. Using Ecotype Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes (EcoTILLING) and TILLING as forward genetic tools, we identified the causative mutation of an EMS mutant characterized by excessive tillering, semi-dwarfism and leaf variegation that corresponded to the PTOX1 gene. The tillering and semi-dwarf phenotypes of the ptox1 mutant are similar to phenotypes of known strigolactone (SL)-related rice mutants, and both phenotypic traits could be rescued by application of the synthetic SL GR24. The ptox1 mutant accumulated phytoene in white leaf sectors with a corresponding deficiency in β-carotene, consistent with the expected function of PTOX1 in promoting phytoene desaturase activity. There was also no accumulation of the carotenoid-derived SL ent-2'-epi-5-deoxystrigol in root exudates. Elevated concentrations of auxin were detected in the mutant, supporting previous observations that SL interaction with auxin is important in shoot branching control. Our results demonstrate that PTOX1 is required for both carotenoid and SL synthesis resulting in SL-deficient phenotypes in rice.

Foliar Nickel Application Alleviates Detrimental Effects of Glyphosate Drift on Yield and Seed Quality of Wheat

Glyphosate drift to nontarget crops causes growth aberrations and yield losses. This herbicide can also interact with divalent nutrients and form poorly soluble complexes. The possibility of using nickel (Ni), an essential divalent metal, for alleviating glyphosate drift damage to wheat was investigated in this study. Effects of Ni applications on various growth parameters, seed yield, and quality of durum wheat ( Triticum durum ) treated with sublethal glyphosate at different developmental stages were investigated in greenhouse experiments. Nickel concentrations of various plant parts and glyphosate-induced shikimate accumulation were measured. Foliar but not soil Ni applications significantly reduced glyphosate injuries including yield losses, stunting, and excessive tillering. Both shoot and grain Ni concentrations were enhanced by foliar Ni treatment. Seed germination and seedling vigor were impaired by glyphosate and improved by foliar Ni application to parental plants. Foliar Ni application appears to have a great potential to ameliorate glyphosate drift injury to wheat.

Genetic analysis and mapping of high-tillering and dwarf mutant &lt;I&gt;htd1-2&lt;/I&gt; in rice

Tillering is one of the most important agronomic traits of rice. In order to explore the molecular mechanism of rice tillering, a high-tillering dwarf 1-2 (htd1-2) mutant was isolated from the offspring of the indica rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica) variety 9311 treated with 350Gy 60Co gamma-radiation. Genetic analysis showed that both high tillering and dwarf phenotypes of htd1-2 were controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. By means of molecular marker technique, the HIGH-TILLERING DWARF1-2(HTD1-2) gene was mapped between two CAPS markers A6 and E2 on chromosome 4 within 116 kilobases. Within this region, there is a cloned gene HIGH-TILLERING DWARF1(HTD1), which controls rice tillering. By comparing sequences of HTD1 between htd1-2 and 9311, in combination with the results from dCAPS analysis, we believed that HTD1 is an orthologue of the gene HTD1-2. Because of different genetic backgrounds, htd1 and htd1-2 have different phenotypes although they are the allelic mutants. Furthermore, removal of axillary buds proved that dwarfism of htd1-2 mutant is partly attributed to its excessive tillers.

Dwarf 88, a novel putative esterase gene affecting architecture of rice plant

Rice architecture is an important agronomic trait that affects grain yield. We characterized a tillering dwarf mutant d88 derived from Oryza sativa ssp. japonica cultivar Lansheng treated with EMS. The mutant had excessive shorter tillers and smaller panicles and seeds compared to the wild-type. A reduction in number and size of parenchyma cells around stem marrow cavity as well as a delay in the elongation of parenchyma cells caused slender tillers and dwarfism in the d88 mutant. The D88 gene was isolated via map-based cloning and identified to encode a putative esterase. The gene was expressed in most rice organs, with especially high levels in the vascular tissues. The mutant carried a nucleotide substitution in the first exon of the gene that led to the substitution of arginine for glycine, which presumably disrupted the functionally conserved N-myristoylation domain of the protein. The function of the gene was confirmed by complementation test and antisense analysis. D88, thus, represents a new category of genes that regulates cell growth and organ development and consequently plant architecture. The potential relationship between the tiller formation associated genes and D88 is discussed and future identification of the substrate for D88 may lead to the characterization of new pathways regulating plant development.

Genotypic Differences in Growth and Physiological Responses to Transplanting and Direct Seeding Cultivation in Rice

The field experiments were conducted to investigate the growth and physiological responses of six super hybrid rice combinations to two planting methods, transplanting (TP) and direct seeding (DS) during 2006–2007 and 2007–2008. The 1000-grain weight and number of tillers per plant at the early growth stage, the maximum quantum yield of PSII ( F v/ F m) and transpiration rate ( T r) were higher in DS plants than in TP ones, whereas the grain yield, number of panicles per square meter, seed setting rate, net photosynthetic rate ( P n) and stomatal conductance were lower in DS plants. However, little difference was detected in number of grains per panicle, stem (shoot) and leaf weight between the combinations in the two planting methods. The responses of plant growth and physiological traits to planting method differed greatly among the six combinations. In both planting methods, Chouyou 58 and Yongyou 6 had the highest and lowest panicle biomass and P n, respectively. The higher yield of Chunyou 58 was associated with more numbers of panicles per square meter and grains per panicle in both planting methods. The results indicate that lower grain yield in DS relative to TP is attributed to more excessive tillers at the early stage, lower leaf biomass and photosynthetic rate at the late stage.

Genetic Analysis and Molecular Tagging on a Novel Excessive Tillering Mutant in Rice

A rice ( Oryza sativa L.) mutant with an excessive tiller number, designated ext-M1B, was found in the F 2 progenies generated from the cross between M1B and GMS-1 (a genetic male sterile), whose number of tillers was 121. The excessive tillering mutant also resulted in significant changes in plant height, flag leaf, stem, filled grains per panicle, and productive panicles per plant. The inbreeding progenies of ext-M1B exhibited the same mutant phenotype. The crosses from ext-M1B/M1B, M1B/ext-M1B, 2480B/ext-M1B, D62B/ext-M1B, G46B/ext-M1B, and G683B/ext-M1B expressed normal tillering in F 1, and segregated into two different phenotypes of normal tillering type and excessive tillering type in a ratio of 3:1 in F 2. Inheritance analysis indicated that the excessive tillering character was controlled by a single recessive nucleic gene. By BSA (bulked segregants analysis) and microsatellite makers with the F 2 population of 2480B/ext-M1B as the mapping population, RM197, RM584, and RM225, all of which were located on the short arm of rice chromosome 6, were identified to be linked with the excessive tillering gene with genetic distance of 3.8 cM, 5.1 cM, and 5.2 cM, respectively. This gene is probably a new excessive tillering gene in rice and is designated tentatively ext-M1B (t).

Nitrogen and silicon fertilization of upland rice

Silicon is not considered an essential element for plant development and growth, but its absorption brings several benefits to some crops, especially rice, by increasing cellular wall thickness, providing mechanical resistance to the penetration of fungi, improving the opening angle of leaves and making them more erect, decreasing self-shading and increasing resistance to lodging, especially under high nitrogen rates. To evaluate the effects of nitrogen and silicon fertilization on vegetative and yield components, plant height, and yield of rice cultivar IAC 202, an experiment was carried out combining three nitrogen rates (5, 75 and 150 mg N kg-1 soil) applied as urea, and four silicon rates (0, 200, 400 and 600 mg SiO2 kg-1 soil) applied as calcium silicate. Trial was set up in a completely randomized design 3 ´ 4 factorial scheme, (N = 5). Nitrogen fertilization increased the number of stems and panicles per square meter and the total number of spikelets, reflecting on grain productivity. Excessive tillering caused by inadequate nitrogen fertilization reduced the percentage of fertile stalks, spikelet fertility and grain mass. Silicon fertilization reduced the number of blank spikelets per panicles and increased grain mass, but did not affect grain productivity.

Studies of the Effect of Root-cutting Treatment on Growth and Yield in Direct Sowing Culture of Paddy Rice : I. Changes in the morphological and ecological characteristics caused by root-cutting treatment and the relationship to growth behavior

For stable and high-yielding rice cultivation by direct sowing method, it is necessary to develop new technology for growth control of rice plants which can make up for defects peculiar to the direct sowing culture. As one of the promising methods for the above purpose, root-cutting treatment on rice plants at the early growth stage has been regarded effective. In the present paper the root-cutting treatment is dealt in the light of morphology and ecology of rice plants. The direct sown plants were grown under upland field condition and rice roots were cut 40-45 days after sowing, and afterward paddy soil was irrigated. Cutting of roots was done on both sides or one side at an angle of 20°-40° to the ground surface. The result are summarized as follows: 1. Roots cutting treatment decreased water absorption and transpiration and brought about so severe water stress on the plant that wilting of leaves lasted for about ten days. 2. As to the relationship between the time of root-cutting treatment and that of tiller bud emergence, the treatment after shooting of tiller bud from the main culm did not have any growth control effect on the plant, whereas the treatment before tiller bud can be recognized checked tillering. Root-cutting after the tiller bud was observed retarded the emergence of the secondary tiller. Intensive root-cutting treatment affected roots development, stimulating new thick roots to grow, while slight root-cutting treatment increased branched roots to shoot vigorously out of the old remaining roots. 3. The root-cutting treatment shortened the lower(4th) internode of the plant and thickened culm wall, consequently contributing to the increase of breaking strength and lodging resistance of the plant. 4. Besides such advantageous effect of root-cutting treatment as control of luxuriant plant growth and excessive tillering, the experiment demonstrated that the plant-type was improved to be erect and especially the angle of foliage leaf to main stem axis was decreased which are an important character for rice plants to intercept sunlight sufficient for dry matter production. 5. In the root-cutting experiment, increase of the number of stomatal cells in the upper leaves and decrease of their size were observed at the ripening stage. Such changes suggest that hardening of the plant developed. The phenomenon is considered as an after-effect of water stress to root-cutting.

Urocystis agropyri . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Urocystis agropyri . Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: On Aegilops, Andropogon, Agropyron, Agrostis, Arrhenatherum, Bromus, Dactylis, Deschampsia, Elymus, Elytrigia, Festuca, Hierochloe, Hordeum, Koeleria, Lolium, Phleum, Poa, Triticum . DISEASE: Causes flag smut of wheat, barley and grasses, characterized by linear black erumpent sori between veins on leaves and sheaths. The disease causes stunting, excessive tillering, twisting and shredding of leaves and may prevent emergence of the seed head. Sori may also occur on glumes and have been observed on rhizomes (47, 2184). Symptoms are similar to those caused by Ustilago striiformis on grasses. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Europe, Asia, North America, Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, China (CMI Map 80, ed. 4, 1973). TRANSMISSION: By spore balls which contaminate both seed and soil. Inoculum can remain viable on seed for 4 years and in soil for up to 3 years. Teliospores germinate to produce sporidia which infect young coleoptiles of hosts. Systemic mycelium may overwinter in young seedlings or perennate in crowns, rhizomes, etc.

イネＧｒａｓｓｙ Ｓｔｕｎｔ病の発生

In 1978, a virus-like desease of rice, which has been unknown in Japan, occurred in Fukuoka and Kagoshima Pref. The symptoms in rice cv. Taichung Native 1 showed stunting with yellowing, excessive tillering and an erect growth habit. The desease was transmitted by brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) in the persistent manner. The incubation period in insect was 8-17 (av. 12) days. The proportion of insect that transmitted the causal agent was about 32%. From the characteristics of symptoms and the mode of insect transmission, this disease was identified as the rice grassy stunt disease.

Leptosphaeria salvinii . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Leptosphaeria salvinii [Magnaporthe salvinii] . Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Oryza sativa . DISEASE: Stem rot of rice ( Oryza sativa ). Symptoms are usually first seen at the later growth stages. Necrotic lesions begin on the outer leaf sheath near the water line; these spread gradually to the inner sheaths and the stem base. At about maturity lodging may occur and sclerotia will be found within the tissues. Partial sterility is caused and grain becomes light and chalky. Late infection can lead to small tillers but whether the pathogen caused excessive tillering, as earlier reports stated, is in doubt. Sclerotia form conidia when floating free or detached on moist substrata. Symptoms seem to vary with the growing conditions. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Widespread with host (CMI Map 448, ed. 1, 1968). Additional records not mapped are: Costa Rica, Indonesia, Laos, Panama, Peru. TRANSMISSION: Probably largely through the sclerotia; the role of the conidium and ascospore has been little studied. Viability of the sclerotium is variable, depending on temperature and substratum conditions (11: 599; 47, 182), and a period of 6 yr has been reported (20: 381). Both sclerotia and perithecia survive high summer temperatures (46, 1574).