Experimental Hybrid Research Articles

Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de genótipos de sorgo biomassa pelo método GGE Biplot

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance and select biomass sorghum genotypes for growing in different regions of Brazil based on adaptability and stability analysis using the GGE biplot method. The 25 genotypes evaluated were from trials of value for cultivation and use (VCU) of biomass sorghum of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Maize and Sorghum) Breeding Program, conducted in eight locations across Brazil (Sobral, CE; Jaguariúna and Narandiba, SP; Nova Porteirinha and Sete Lagoas, MG; Planaltina, DF; Vilhena, RO; and Terra Rica, PR) during the 2021-2022 crop season. A randomized block experimental design with three replications was used. The following traits of were subjected to joint analysis of variance: plant height, flowering, and fresh and dry matter yields. The confirmation of genotype-by-environment interaction (G×E) was followed by adaptability and stability analysis using the GGE biplot method for all traits. The adjusted means were used to obtain the mean clustering using the Scott-Knott test (p < 0.05). Biomass sorghum genotypes showed a longer growth cycle, taller plants, and higher biomass yield than forage sorghum genotypes. The experimental sorghum hybrids 202129B014 and 202129B016 and the commercial hybrid BRS 716 can be recommended for fresh and dry matter production in all tested environments due to their high adaptability and stability.

Оценка пчёлопосещаемости Rf-линий подсолнечника

The article presents the results of the evaluation of bee attendance of 53 of sunflower Rf-lines. The most and least bee-attentive genotypes were identified. The dynamics of bee attendance of sunflower plants during the flowering period was evaluated. A two-factor analysis of variance was carried out, which showed that the strength of the influence of sunflower genotype on bee attendance was quite significant – 35 %, while the strength of influence of a year conditions on this trait was only 4 %. Bee attendance of experimental hybrids in combinations with two most bee-attentive paternal lines (VK 23, VK 944) and two least bee-attentive lines (K3619, I6 13033) was evaluated. Paternal lines influence the bee attendance of flowering heads of sunflower hybrids obtained with different maternal forms. At the same time, there is no change in the order of attractiveness for bees in hybrids obtained with paternal forms with different degrees of attraction.

Assessment of Combining Ability for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The current study was carried out with an objective to study Combining ability studies for yield and yield contributing traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to identify superior crosses for commercial cultivation after testing over years band locations. Rice production plays an integral role in the national economy of India and has the maximum share in grain production, accounting for 22% of the world’s rice production. Agricultural Polytechnic, Polasa, Jagtial, during Kharif, 2021 and Rabi, 2021-22. Where, crossing programme was carried out during Kharif, 2021 and evaluation of the crosses was taken up during Rabi, 2021-22. Twenty-four (24) experimental hybrids were developed using eight lines and three testers and randomized block design was utilized for the evaluation studies. The variance due to the crosses, variance due to the parent’s vs crosses were also found highly significant for all the characters. Lines, testers and line x tester effects, the interaction effects (lines x testers) were found to be significant for all the traits studied. This indicates that the material under investigation has adequate variability. The study revealed that the line, CMS 46B and KNM 7787 among the testers were identified as good general combiners for grain yield per plant while, JMS 18A x RNR 21278 were identified as best specific combiners for the trait.

Critical Lengths of Kitaev Chains for Majorana Zero Modes with a Microsecond Coherence Time and a Quantized Conductance Signature.

The problems of disorder and insufficient system length are generally regarded as central problems in the realization of Majorana zero modes (MZM), which are a promising platform for realizing fault-tolerant topological quantum computing (TQC). In this work, we analyze eigenenergy spectra and transport properties of finite Kitaev chains using quantum transport simulations in a wide design space of hopping amplitude (t), superconductor pairing (Δ), and electrochemical potential. Our goal is to determine critical or minimum acceptable chain lengths to obtain oscillation-free MZMs with suitable microsecond coherence times, and observable zero-bias conductance peaks (ZBCP) quantized almost at ~2e2/h. Due to qualitative equivalence of the Kitaev and Oreg-Lutchyn models, we approximately determine the foreseeable critical length of topological superconducting nanowires (TS NWs) as well. We find that the ZBCP length requirement is looser in comparison to the limit imposed by the coherence time. For a large t/Δ mismatch of ~40 corresponding to the experimental TS NWs, the first condition sets the minimum length to 344 sites (≈5.5 μm), while the second condition requires 605 sites (≈9.7 μm). The calculated lengths are far from the reported experimental hybrid device dimensions, explaining difficulties in observing MZMs in TS NWs fabricated so far. Nonetheless, a decreasing t/Δ mismatch allows for shorter systems, which argues in favor of the proximitized quantum dot path for MZMs in a solid-state system.

Получение материнских линий подсолнечника, устойчивых к наиболее вирулентным расам заразихи F и G

The aim of the research is to obtain maternal lines resistant to broomrape (Orobanche сumana Wallr.). The works were carried out in 2012–2023 on breeding fields of the Don Experimental Station, a branch of the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops, according to the methods of conducting field experiments with oil crops. Varieties and hybrids of both domestic and foreign breeding resistant to this parasite plant were the initial material for lines development. In summer, hybridization was conducted in fields, on a plot infected with broomrape seeds, and in the autumn-winter period in a greenhouse. As a result, nine maternal lines were developed; they were resistant to highly virulent broomrape races (F and G) and characterized with good economically valuable traits. Experimental hybrid combinations obtained with these lines are also resistant to the broomrape. Therefore, the lines can be used in breeding work to produce hybrids resistant to the parasite.

Fluctuating selection in a monkeyflower hybrid zone

Abstract While hybridization was viewed as a hindrance to adaptation and speciation by early evolutionary biologists, recent studies have demonstrated the importance of hybridization in facilitating evolutionary processes. However, it is still not well-known what role spatial and temporal variation in natural selection play in the maintenance of naturally occurring hybrid zones. To identify whether hybridization is adaptive between two closely related monkeyflower species, Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus laciniatus, we performed repeated reciprocal transplants between natural hybrid and pure species’ populations. We planted parental genotypes along with multiple experimental hybrid generations in a dry (2021) and extremely wet (2023) year in the Sierra Nevada, CA. By taking fine-scale environmental measurements, we found that the environment of the hybrid zone is more similar to M. laciniatus’s seasonally dry rocky outcrop habitat than M. guttatus’s moist meadows. In our transplants hybridization does not appear to be maintained by a consistent fitness advantage of hybrids over parental species in hybrid zones, but rather a lack of strong selection against hybrids. We also found higher fitness of the drought-adapted species, M. laciniatus, than M. guttatus in both species’ habitats, as well as phenotypic selection for M. laciniatus-like traits in the hybrid habitat in the dry year of our experiment. These findings suggest that in this system, hybridization might function to introduce drought-adapted traits and genes from M. laciniatus into M. guttatus, specifically in years with limited soil moisture. However, we also find evidence of genetic incompatibilities in second generation hybrids in the wetter year, which may balance a selective advantage of M. laciniatus introgression. Therefore, we find that hybridization in this system is both potentially adaptive and costly, and that the interaction of positive and negative selection likely determines patterns of gene flow between these Mimulus species.

Impact of Cucurbita and Cucumis rootstocks on the performance and quality of Piel de Sapo melon

Melon grafting represent an increasingly important strategy against biotic and abiotic stresses. Cucurbita hybrid rootstocks have been extensively developed for this purpose, but it is necessary to find new alternatives. In this work, several experimental rootstocks of cultivated and wild resources from the Cucurbita and Cucumis genera have been evaluated using Piel de Sapo melon as scion. Cucurbita rootstocks tended to increase fruit size and seed cavity and offered more rounded shapes at the early stages of ripening, but this effect was later minimised. Cucumis rootstocks tended to show less vigour than those of Cucurbita. C. metuliferus hybrid rootstock caused plant collapse at specific environmental conditions, probably due to differences in the growth of rootstock and scion. One of the Cucurbita maxima x C. moschata and the Cucurbita pepo experimental hybrids were also less vigorous, delaying flowering and fruit set, and compromising yield. The effects of Cucurbita and Cucumis rootstocks on sugar and acid accumulation of Piel de Sapo were almost negligible, but they altered the volatile profile. This last impact depended on the specific scion x rootstock interaction and the environmental conditions. Cucumis rootstocks tended to minimise it, especially the hybrid Cucumis melo subsp. melo x C. melo subsp. agrestis Pat 81, which offered a volatile profile highly resembling the non-grafted control. Among Cucurbita alternatives, the commercial hybrid Cucurbita maxima x C moschata had the lowest impact, while other experimental hybrids C. moschata x C. moschata and C. maxima x C. moschata increased levels of alcohols. Among Cucumis rootstocks, the hybrids of wild species Cucumis ficifolius x C. anguria and C. ficifolius x C. myriocarpus, and C. metuliferus had a higher impact on the volatile profile.

Multi-objective optimization, shrinkage and fracture properties of unsaturated polyester resin modified concrete for bridge deck pavement based on system theory

For the purpose of fabricating unsaturated polyester modified concrete (UPMC) with excellent shrinkage and fracture properties for bridge deck pavement, the optimization design of mix proportion and enhancement mechanism analysis were implemented based on system theory. Firstly, for unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) subsystem, the viscosity, mechanical properties and droplet-size distribution were analyzed to determine the types and dosage of auxiliary additives after emulsification treatment; Next, for UPMC mortar slave-system, the optimization design was implemented through the combination of experimental analysis and hybrid multi-attribute ellipsoidal decision of grey-target (HMEDG) model; Subsequently, for UPMC main-system, the optimal proportion was determined utilizing orthogonal design test. Finally, the variation law and enhancement mechanism on fracture properties and shrinkage characteristics of UPMC was analyzed by combining macroscopic test, thermogravimetry (TG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrated that 2.0 wt%BPO+1.0 wt%DMA and meta-benzene types UPR were utilized as auxiliary additives for UPMC based on the results of HMEDG models. The demulsified and cured WUP might supplement the interior moisture losses based on humidity compensation, and substantially constrain the evaporation loss inside the matrix, upgrading the hydration degree and facilitating the generation of hydration products. The introduction of 3 %-6 % waterborne-UPR (WUP) would improve 28d-fracture toughness within approximately 23.33 %-49.32 %, and reduce the shrinkage deformation by roughly 28–43 % through inducing the crack tip stress redistribution against the initiation and propagation of interior microcracks and enhancing the homogenization and densification.

Определение селекционной ценности сортов и гибридов подсолнечника с помощью кластерного и факторного анализов

Abstract. The creation of highly productive sunflower varieties and hybrids adapted to the conditions of cultivation regions depends on the use of source material with high genetic diversity. The purpose of the study is to study the variability of agronomic characters in sunflower varieties and hybrids created in various breeding centers, their correlation, and to group genotypes according to a set of economically valuable indicators, using multivariate statistics methods. Methods. The research was carried out on the Right bank of the Saratov region on the experimental field of the Federal Center of Agriculture Research of the South-East Region in 2021–2023. The objects of research were varieties and new experimental hybrids bred by epy Federal Center of Agriculture Research of the South-East Region (31 varieties and hybrids) and V. S. Pustovoyt All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops (12 hybrids). To evaluate the breeding material, generally accepted methodological recommendations were used. Results. 43 varieties and hybrids of sunflower were assessed according to 8 agronomic characters. It was established a low degree of variability in yield (V=9.4%); as well as of plant height (V = 7.8 %); anthode diameter (V = 5.2 %); in unit (V = 5.3 %); and of oil content (V = 5.7 %). Average variability was revealed in the weight of 1000 seeds (V = 16.0 %); anthode area (V = 11.1 %); oil crop (V = 15.8 %). Correlation analysis made it possible to identify 8 significant connections at the 5.0 % level. High correlation coefficients were established between oilseed yield and unit (r = 0.7), as well as between anthode diameter and anthode area (r = 0.83). As a result of factor analysis, 8 characteristics were reduced to 5 factors (loading above 5.0 %) with a total variance of 90.95 %. Clustering by minimum Euclidean distances allowed the studied genotypes to be grouped into 10 clusters, including from 1 to 16 genotypes at the 33rd step. The identified clusters can be considered as independent groups for inclusion in the selection process. Scientific novelty. An attempt was made to group varieties and new experimental sunflower hybrids created in various breeding centers according to the similarities and differences of the main agronomic characters in the arid conditions of the Saratov region.

Sources and donors of the multi-row ear trait for hybrid breeding of corn in the VIR collection

BACKGROUND: The sign of the number of rows of grains on the cob is one of the key to improving the productivity of corn. The effects of the genes that control this trait have been poorly studied. The search for sources and donors of this trait is relevant for hybrid breeding. AIM: The aim of this study is to search for sources and donors of the multi-row ear trait in the VIR collection for involvement in the breeding of hybrid corn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The studies were carried out on 16 lines (S3–6) with different inbredness and varying the number of rows of grains on an ear from 18 to 36, the exotic 8-row race CUZCO characterized by large grains and the MP-20 population with 20–36 rows of ears. Hybridization and crop recording were carried out in the field conditions of the foothill zone of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. RESULTS: Based on similar phenotypic characteristics, 16 lines of corn with a multi-row cob were ranked into 5 groups. Analysis of the structure of the ear of the experimental F1 hybrid between the MP-20 population and the 8-row, large-grain race CUZCO showed that the trait of multi-row ear and large-grain is manifested as incomplete dominance. The yield potential of the experimental simple hybrid was no less than 12.2 tons per 1 hectare with a harvest grain moisture content of 37% and an FAO ripeness group of at least 600. A significant drawback of corn lines with multi-row cobs is the high harvest moisture content of the grain. CONCLUSIONS: The collection of multirow maize lines serves as a valuable source of genes that control important quantitative traits and can be involved in the breeding of hybrid maize for its improvement.

Prospects of using the apozygotic method of seed reproduction for the development of new sugar beet hybrids

Purpose. To study of the theoretical basis of the apozygotic method of seed reproduction in sugar beet to expand the gene pool of pollen-sterile lines stabilized by separate flowering and sterility and the basis of the phenomenon of high self-reproduction of seeds in substituted lines based on new germplasm of wild species of the genus Beta L. Methods. Breeding methods: group and individual selection by monogermity and phenotypic characteristics of nuclear genes of CMS; cytogenetic methods: fluorescent cytophotometry with the use of ploidy analyzer Partec to determine the connection between mixoploidy of cell populations and reproductive signs of apozygosity. Results. Genetic models of new hybrids were developed and separate-flowered, pollen-sterile, homozygous lines were identified by generative reduced parthenogenesis were developed. Apozygotic lines with different germplasm, stabilized at the genome level, with 100% sterility, were introduced into the breeding process of sugar beet in 2016–2023. The phenomenon of high self-reproduction of seeds was established and a line based on the new germplasm of B. patula was selected (selection number 19-011) that has high level (68.8 to 96%) of setting apozygotic seeds. The problem of using apozygotic lines with new germplasm in development of experimental sugar beet hybrids with reduction of the labor-intensive stage, i.e. selection of sterility maintainers was studied. Conclusions. The main theoretical approaches were substantiated and practical solutions for the application of a new apomictic method of seed reproduction in pollen sterile lines for further use in the breeding process of sugar beet to simplify the breeding scheme, which is determined by the sowing qualities of seeds, productive properties of seeds, methods of differentiation and selection by types of apozygosity, thanks to which it is possible to reproduce and multiplicate maternal components or obtaining new homozygous material.

Peculiarities of the genetic nature of CMS lines of Beta vulgaris L. and the nature of adaptability to biotic and abiotic factors

Purpose. Study of the genetic nature of CMS lines as female components in the hybridization process; selection of the best breeding genotypes with high adaptive potential; establishment of the productivity of the obtained monogerm triploid hybrids on a sterile basis. Methods. The original forms were breeding genotypes from the collection of Verkhniaky Experimental Breeding Station: monogerm SM and CMS lines, obtained through individual selections from recombinant forms of foreign germplasm and aboriginal SM. Modern selection methods were used, specifically recombination, hybridization, and selection. Saturation, analysis and top crossings were carried out. Breeding genotypes were tested according to generally accepted methods. Results. According to the results of long-term research, the possibility of development of breeding lines from the cleavage products of foreign hybrids has been established. Based on the application of modern breeding methods, promising materials with a significant share of valuable genotypes with high adaptive potential and a broad genetic base were developed and selected. Using donors of recombinant initial forms, new CMS lines were developed, which, even under stressful environmental conditions, demonstrate high performance indicators when crossed with multi-germ pollinators of different genetic origin. Conclusions. The selection of the best CMS lines was carried out by the combination value and tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors. In the framework of research, with the aim of obtaining a higher effect of heterosis, new hybrids were developed with the use of female hybrid components of the CMS1 line and male multi-germ SM component of different origins. They are characterized by resistance to biotic and abiotic factors in different regions of the country. According to the results of ecological variety testing, experimental hybrids STs280823 and STs280828 with a sugar yield of 104.5 and 113.5% to the standard are recommended for state variety testing.

Hybrid spectroscopy within the graviton soft-wall model

In this analysis, the so-called holographic graviton soft-wall (GSW) model, first developed to investigate the glueball spectrum, has been adopted to predict the masses of hybrids with different quantum numbers. Results have been compared with other models and lattice calculations. We have extended the GSW model by introducing two modifications based on anomalous dimensions in order to improve our agreement with other calculations and to remove the initial degeneracy not accounted for by lattice predictions. These modifications do not involve new parameters. The next step has been to identify which of our calculated states agree with the PDG data, leading to experimental hybrids. The procedure has been extended to include hybrids made of heavy quarks by incorporating the quark masses into the model. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Fluctuating selection in a Monkeyflower hybrid zone.

While hybridization was viewed as a hindrance to adaptation and speciation by early evolutionary biologists, recent studies have demonstrated the importance of hybridization in facilitating evolutionary processes. However, it is still not well-known what role spatial and temporal variation in natural selection play in the maintenance of naturally occurring hybrid zones. To identify whether hybridization is adaptive between two closely related monkeyflower species, Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus laciniatus, we performed repeated reciprocal transplants between natural hybrid and pure species' populations. We planted parental genotypes along with multiple experimental hybrid generations in a dry (2021) and extremely wet (2023) year in the Sierra Nevada, CA. By taking fine scale environmental measurements, we found that the environment of the hybrid zone is more similar to M. laciniatus's seasonally dry rocky outcrop habitat than M. guttatus's moist meadows. In our transplants hybridization does not appear to be maintained by a consistent fitness advantage of hybrids over parental species in hybrid zones, but rather a lack of strong selection against hybrids. We also found higher fitness of the drought adapted species, M. laciniatus, than M. guttatus in both species' habitats, as well as phenotypic selection for M. laciniatus-like traits in the hybrid habitat in the dry year of our experiment. These findings suggest that in this system hybridization might function to introduce drought-adapted traits and genes from M. laciniatus into M. guttatus, specifically in years with limited soil moisture. However, we also find evidence of genetic incompatibilities in second generation hybrids in the wetter year, which may balance a selective advantage of M. laciniatus introgression. Therefore, we find that hybridization in this system is both potentially adaptive and costly, and that the interaction of positive and negative selection likely determines patterns of gene flow between these Mimulus species.

INFLUENCE OF FOLIAGE FEEDING IN PRODUCTIVITY FORMATION OF SUNFLOWER HYBRIDS

The results of our research made it possible to recommend for production certain agrotechnical methods of sunflower cultivation technology, which, in the conditions of insufficient moisture in the Vinnytsia region, allow obtaining sunflower yields close to the level of the genetic potential of hybrids based on resource conservation and optimization of energy consumption. Additional feeding of growth regulators affected the accumulation of above-ground biomass in sunflowers. The greatest increase in above-ground biomass in comparison with the control group was observed in the year with unfavorable weather conditions. The maximum values of above-ground biomass in sunflower plants were reached at the end of the flowering phase when applying two-time spraying of sunflowers in the phase of 3-4 pairs of leaves and budding and were from 1205 to 1350 grams per one plant, compared to 980 grams per plant in the control version of the experiment. When growing sunflower hybrids LG 50505 and LG 50585, the maximum area of the leaf surface of 4631-4687 cm2 was formed by crops against the background of the use of the Architect restregulator. Growing sunflowers using Kalm's restregulator in the 2023 season led to a decrease in the leaf surface area of plants of both studied hybrids. The yield of sunflower seeds in the control variant was 2,55 tons per hectare, but due to the use of additional fertilizers, the yield increased to 2,61-2,46 tons per hectare, which corresponds to an increase in the range from 8,3 to 39,3%. The maximum level of productivity was achieved under the condition of using Architect at a dose of 1,2 l/ha in the phase of 3-4 pairs of leaves and during budding. The calculation of the economic efficiency of the conducted experimental studies and hybrids showed that the hybrids have a sufficiently high profitability, but the greater increase in net profit was provided by the LG 50505 hybrid.

Fruit Agronomic and Quality Traits of Tomato F1 Hybrids Derived from Traditional Varieties

The high genetic diversity of the tomato and its high micronutrient content make this fruit very interesting from an economic and nutritional point of view. The genetic erosion suffered by this crop, due to breeding objectives based on yield and marketing, makes it necessary to return to the origins in search of the nutritional and organoleptic quality lost in traditional varieties. In this study, the agronomic, physical, organoleptic, and nutritional characteristics of eighteen F1 hybrids, obtained by crossing fourteen traditional varieties, previously selected for their quality, were studied in order to select genotypes of superior quality that could be candidates for new varieties. All the parameters studied were strongly influenced by genotype, with a wide range between varieties. Most of the experimental hybrids showed higher quality scores than the commercial hybrids used as controls, due to the extensive selection process carried out on the parents in previous work. Principal component analysis revealed the characteristics of each hybrid that distinguished it from the others. Some hybrids (H1, H2, and H4) stood out for their high concentration of active compounds, others (H14, H13, H8, H15, H7, and H9) for their agronomic performance and high β-carotene content, and H3 was the only one to contain chlorophyll in its ripe fruits. Finally, the evaluation index allowed the selection of five hybrids with interesting characteristics, combining good yield performance and high quality. The results of this work have allowed for the selection of a group of hybrids with high organoleptic and nutritional quality which will be used as parents in a breeding programme, in which their characteristics will be fixed and their resilience will be increased through the introduction of virus resistance.

Field Evaluation of Experimental Maize Hybrids for Resistance to the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in a Warm Temperate Climate.

The polyphagous fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has become an invasive pest worldwide in recent years. To develop maize germplasm with multiple pest resistance and understand genetic inheritance, 12 experimental hybrids (six pairs of reciprocal crosses) with diverse genetic backgrounds and four commercial checks were examined for FAW resistance in 2013 and 2014. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design with four replications as the block factor. FAW injury on maize plants was assessed at 7 and 14 d after the artificial infestation at the V6 stage, and predatory arthropod taxa and abundance on maize seedlings were recorded 7 d after the infestation. Spodoptera frugiperda resistance varied significantly among the 16 hybrids. Two reciprocal crosses ('FAW1430' × 'Oh43' and 'CML333' × 'NC358') showed the least FAW injury. Eleven arthropod predators [i.e., six coleopterans, three hemipterans, earwigs (dermapterans), and spiders (or arachnids)] were also recorded; the two most common predators were the pink spotted ladybeetle, Coleomegilla maculata, and the insidious flower (or minute pirate) bug, Orius spp. Predator abundance was not correlated to FAW injury but varied greatly between 2013 and 2014. Principal component analysis demonstrated that, when compared with FAW resistant (or Bt-transgenic) checks ('DKC69-71', 'DKC67-88', and 'P31P42'), five pairs of the reciprocal crosses had moderate FAW resistance, whereas a pair of reciprocal crosses ('NC350' × 'NC358' and NC358 × NC350) showed the same FAW susceptibility as the non-Bt susceptible check 'DKC69-72'. Both parents contributed similarly to FAW resistance, or no maternal/cytoplasmic effect was detected in the experimental hybrids.

Resistance response of yellow maize inbreds and F1 crosses against Philippine downy mildew [Peronosclerospora philippinensis (Weston) C.G. Shaw]

Maize is one of the world's most important staple crops, yet various pests and diseases impede its optimal production. Philippine maize downy mildew disease (PDM) caused by Peronosclerospora philippinensis (Weston) Shaw is one of the most devastating diseases in corn-growing areas in Asia. Breeding for resistant varieties is the most cost-effective and environmentally safe alternative for controlling the disease. In this study, we evaluated the resistance responses of yellow maize inbreds and hybrids against PDM to select promising genotypes for genetic analysis and varietal improvement. Resistance trials under greenhouse conditions were conducted to investigate the PDM resistance response of 14 selected CIMMYT lines (CMLs) and IPB Var 6 (susceptible check) to select potential parents prior to hybridization. CML 431 and CML 452 were identified to have significantly low disease incidence among the test genotypes. Subsequently, disease evaluation of the two inbred lines with putative DM resistance, four experimental hybrids derived from these inbred lines, and checks was performed in the field. Across three validation trials, inbred CML 431, and hybrid CML 452 × CML 431 showed degrees of resistance to PDM. This study's findings enabled the identification of resistant lines to downy mildew for the generation of mapping populations for genetic association studies, as well as the establishment of experimental units for transcriptomics research.

An experimental hybrid customized AI and generative AI chatbot human machine interface to improve a factory troubleshooting downtime in the context of Industry 5.0

Throughout industrial revolutions, equipment downtime mitigations have been one of the ultimate goals of most factories. Several tools, such as human machine interface (HMI) alarming systems or predictive maintenance schedules, assist in reducing system downtime but still depend on the operators’ ability to swiftly retrieve, understand, and efficiently act upon reported failures. We propose the design of a hybrid experimental artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI chatbot HMI that effectively extracts factory equipment conditions that are useful for troubleshooting and predictive maintenance analysis. We achieve these functions by feeding experimental factory-monitored data to the customized chatbot application tool running in its back-end, a Langchain agent linked to the OpenAI GPT-\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$-$$\\end{document}3.5 language model (LM) via OpenAI APIs. We design our chatbot front-end with Streamlit, an open-source web app. In the context of I5.0, our chatbot HMI uses personalized natural language, English, to interact with the operator, making the information extraction more understandable. We also integrate the generative AI capability of the GPT 3.5 LM that augments the factory data based on the loaded format to create a larger dataset for additional tasks like machine learning modelling. The experimental results show the accuracy of our customized chatbot HMI when retrieving data based on specific prompts and the advantages of a reduced troubleshooting time compared to operations in traditional factories, which are highly dependent on supervisors’ interventions. Our study provides a valuable example of upgrading standard factory HMIs to I5.0-capable ones by implementing customized AI and generative AI chatbots within operational industrial environments.

Performance and phenotypic stability of maize hybrids containing exotic introgressions in multi‐environment trials

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) grown in the US Midwest contains only a small fraction of the genetic diversity present in the species. Maize populations from other parts of the world may contain genetic variation that could be used to improve or increase the diversity of US germplasm. This study was conducted to assess the performance and phenotypic stability of hybrids containing diverse exotic introgressions across North American environments. Doubled haploid (DH) lines were created by the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize project from backcross 1 families that used 27 open‐pollinated populations from Latin America as donor parents and PHZ51, a non‐Stiff Stalk inbred developed in Iowa, as the recurrent parent. DH lines were testcrossed with LH195, a Stiff Stalk inbred developed in Iowa, and hybrid field trials were performed at 24 environments in the United States and Canada. Experimental hybrids had variable flowering time, plant and ear height, and test weight, but none had significantly greater yield than the PHZ51 × LH195 hybrid. The slopes of linear reaction norm models were significantly lower for the experimental hybrids than the US‐adapted reference hybrids for three traits: yield, growing degree units (GDU) to anthesis, and GDU to silking. The results suggest that unfavorable alleles and phenotypic stability should be considered when exotic open‐pollinated populations are used in US maize breeding.