Quality Germplasm Research Articles

Promoting nutritious leafy vegetables in the Pacific and northern Australia

A more traditional lifestyle, especially with respect to diet and exercise, is needed to address the alarming rates of obesity, heart disease and diabetes in Pacific Island countries and indigenous communities in northern Australia. Leafy vegetables should play an important role but are often regarded as “low status” foods and have received little research attention. This study found that, although certain leafy vegetables are popular in some countries, particularly Solomon Islands and Tonga, there is little knowledge of their health benefits. Leaf samples were collected in Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands and minerals, carotenoids and polyphenols were analysed. To study genotype-environment interaction, different species growing at the same location (same soil) and common species growing at multiple locations (different soils) were included in the survey. The data, together with flavour and popularity, were used to make a “Top 12” nutritious leafy vegetable factsheet series, which was distributed in participating countries and published online (www.aciar.gov.au/News2013July). Outstanding species included Abelmoschus manihot (aibika, bele), Polyscias spp. (ete), Sauropus androgynus (sweetleaf), Moringa oleifera (drumstick tree) and Basella alba (creeping spinach). Aibika was high in iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, protein and lutein; sweetleaf was high in iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, lutein, b-carotene and protein; ete was high in zinc and calcium and grows well on alkaline coral soils; drumstick was high in b-carotene, sulphur and selenium, and creeping spinach was high in magnesium and polyphenols. Reliable provision of quality germplasm, more nutrition education, including school food gardens which feature the most nutritious of the vegetables, and value chain research to improve shelf life and delivery of nutrients to consumers are recommended.

A systems approach to improving the quality of tree seedlings for agroforestry, tree farming and reforestation in the Philippines

The limited supply of high quality planting materials for a wide species base is a major reason for the limited success of reforestation programmes or projects in many developing countries. This paper reports the research that was undertaken to improve the supply of high quality planting materials for agroforestry, tree farming and reforestation in the Philippines. A systems approach was used to identify mechanisms to improve the operational effectiveness of the forest nursery sector. A Bayesian Belief Network of the forest nursery sector was developed to examine the interactions between the key components of the forest nursery sector, identify key leverage points for intervention and explore potential impacts of possible policy interventions. Although improving the operational effectiveness of individual, communal and government nurseries will result in high operational effectiveness of the forest nursery sector, the operational effectiveness of government nurseries is likely to have a negative impact on the market for seedlings from smallholder nurseries i.e. individual and communal nurseries, thus impeding the sustainability of smallholder nurseries. Increasing the supply of high quality germplasm for a wide variety of species, improving the technical capabilities of smallholder nursery operators in seedling production and increasing the market demand of high quality seedlings from smallholder nurseries are the most important requirements for improving the operational effectiveness of the forest nursery sector. However, government nurseries can play a crucial role in improving the effectiveness of the forest nursery sector by diversifying their production to focus on species that are in demand by smallholder farmers and which cannot be supplied by individual or communal nurseries. Failing to do this will result in the current situation continuing in which government nursery sector competes with private and communal nurseries.

Microsatellite analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of freshwater mussel (Lamprotula leai).

Lamprotula leai is one of the most commercially important freshwater pearl mussels in China, but there is limited data on its genetic diversity and population structure. In the present study, 119 individuals from four major geographical populations were investigated using 15 microsatellite loci identified via cross-species amplification. A total of 114 alleles were detected, with an average of 7.6 alleles per locus (range: 2 to 21). Among the four stocks, those from Hung-tse Lake and Poyang Lake had the lowest (0.412) and highest (0.455) observed heterozygosity respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.374 to 0.927 (mean: 0.907). AMOVA showed that 12.56% and 44.68% genetic variances were among populations and within individuals, respectively. Pairwise Fst ranged from 0.073 to 0.146, indicating medium genetic differentiation among the populations. In aggregate, our results suggest that inbreeding is a crucial factor accounting for deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at 12 loci. Moreover, the genetic distance among four stocks ranged from 0.192 to 0.890. Poyang Lake and Hung-tse Lake were clustered together, joined with Dongting Lake and Anqing Lake. Given that specimens from Hung-tse Lake showed the highest average allele richness, expected heterozygosity and PIC, this location may be the source of the highest quality germplasm resources and the stock from this area may be the best for future breeding efforts.

Tree Seed and Seedling Supply Systems: A Review of the Asia, Africa and Latin America Models

The paper reviews tree seed and seedling supply systems in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America. Across these regions, the review found that some of the germplasm supply systems do not efficiently meet farmers’ demands and environmental expectations in terms of productivity, species and genetic diversity. In some countries, germplasm used is mostly sourced from undocumented sources and often untested. Germplasm quality control systems are only found in a few countries. Appreciation of the value of tree germplasm of high genetic quality is low. Non-government organisations (NGOs) in many African countries play a prominent role in the supply of germplasm which is usually given to farmers without charge. The practice of giving farmers free germplasm by NGOs in many African countries and also government participation in germplasm supply in some Asian countries has been blamed for crowding out private entrepreneurs, although this is not substantiated by any evidence to suggest that the smallholder farmers are willing and able to pay for the germplasm. In some Latin American countries, private companies, government and NGOs provide farmers tree germplasm in a partnership in which farmers provide land and labour in return. Overall, tree germplasm markets are large in Asia, due in part to large afforestation programs, intermediate in Latin America and small in Africa where smallholder farmers constitute the market. In countries where germplasm quality control is practiced, it is either through a legal framework or voluntary. A few countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America have developed protocols for certification of tree seeds based on the OECD. Some germplasm suppliers use branding as a way of differentiating their germplasm as having superior quality. To enhance the use of high quality germplasm, there is a need to demonstrate the value of using such germplasm and raise awareness of germplasm quality among the farmers and policy-makers.

FARMER EXTENSION APPROACH TO REHABILITATE SMALLHOLDER FRUIT AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS: THE "NURSERIES OF EXCELLENCE (NOEL)" PROGRAM IN ACEH, INDONESIA

The tsunami of 26 December 2004 had a catastrophic effect on many communities in Aceh. Approximately 200,000 people were killed, 500,000 displaced, and local economies devastated. In affected areas, the loss from the tsunami included 48% of rice lands, 75% of uplands, 59% of tree crops, and 67% of livestock – further traumatizing communities who had suffered from decades of civil conflict. As a result of the two disasters (tsunami and conflict) many Acehnese communities have lost much capacity and experience regarding tree garden management. Additionally, a generation of young farmers was not mentored by their skilled elders, as it was dangerous to visit tree gardens outside of populated areas. As a result current tree management practices are non-intensive. Farmer access to quality tree germplasm, professional technical assistance, and market linkages is limited. To address these conditions, a program was designed to help farmers produce high quality germplasm, improve their tree garden management skills, and enhance their market awareness. The program developed community nurseries as a foundation for farmer group commitment and capacity building. Activities included: introductory nursery training, bi-weekly follow-up, intensive vegetative propagation training, technical consultations, cross-visits, market studies, nursery development, and demonstration plot establishment. In roughly 18 months, farmer capacity was greatly enhanced and a network of 50 “nurseries of excellence” (community nurseries) established which is responsive to the species and seedling quantity priorities of partners. The program of farmer extension approach is effective, replicable and applicable to sites in Indonesia and Southeast Asia where land rehabilitation and community livelihood enhancement are objectives.

Reduced glutathione and cysteine hydrochloride on crossbred bull semen

AbstractOver the last few years, good quality freezable semen was not utilized effectively due to less knowledge about the freezability of semen. One reason is the lack of sufficient antioxidants in the seminal plasma and semen extender. The antioxidant content is reduced during the cryopreservation process and causes premature cryo-capacitation and modification of sperm membrane structure upon thawing. So the study of pre-freezing and post thaw seminal parameters like viability, motility, acrosomal integrity, lipid peroxide assay, vanguard distance traveled by sperm, mitochondrial membrane potential, velocity and motility parameters (CASA) and field fertility trial helped to assess the effectiveness of the additives. The conception rate was better in reduced glutathione than the cysteine hydrochloride treated group. The glutathione has improved the poor freezing and maintained the good freezable semen. Thus the field fertility rate was enhanced and in turn helped to prevent waste of good quality germplasm and repeat breeder syndrome in cows.

Heterosis y aptitud combinatoria para producción y calidad de forraje en seis poblaciones de maíz

Six corn populations drawn from outstanding forage quality germplasm, and 15 of their direct crosses were assessed in four sites located between 1,117 and 1,932 m asl. The purpose of the present study was to determine general and specific combining ability and mid parent heterosis for whole plant dry matter (TDM), ear dry matter (EDM), stover dry matter (SDM), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber content (NDF) and crude protein (CP). Populations showed significant differences for all dry matter yield characteristics, but not for forage quality, while crosses showed differences for EDM and IVDMD. General combining ability effects (GCA) were high and significant only for TDM, while specific combining ability effects (SCA) were significant for IVDMD. Population P3 had the highest GCA for TDM (0.66 t ha-1) and P5F for EDM (0.49 t ha-1). Early cross P1*P2 had the highest heterosis for TDM (17.6 %) and highly significant SCA effects for both TDM and IVDMD (1.48 t ha-1 and 22.6 g kg-1, respectively), while crosses P2*P5F, P1*P4 and P1*P6F had high mid parent heterosis for EDM, with values ranging from 18.6 % to 26.2 %. None of the crosses showed mid parent heterosis for forage traits of importance.

Certification of agroforestry tree germplasm in Southern Africa: opportunities and challenges

The lack of high quality agroforestry tree germplasm has long been recognized as one of the major challenges to widespread adoption of agroforestry in Southern Africa. Productivity levels realized in operational scale plantings are far less than those demonstrated in research and this has been partly blamed on the use of germplasm of unknown quality and low productivity potential. The lack of high quality germplasm is attributable to the absence of regulations to govern its production in the countries promoting agroforestry. Most of the agroforestry tree germplasm is sold or distributed without regard to its genetic, physiological and physical quality. Given these challenges, in this paper, we reviewed crop seed certification in general and tree germplasm certification in the USA, Europe, India, Southern Africa and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with a view to find potential similarities with agroforestry tree germplasm. Only three countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Rwanda) were found to have tree germplasm certification: the OECD Forest Seed and Plant certification scheme. From the review, it is possible to establish agroforestry tree germplasm quality control systems, more so in countries that already have tree seed centres and tree seed regulations. A simple agroforestry tree germplasm certification scheme, based on the FAOs Quality Declared Seed (QDS) with truth-in-labelling is recommended. Three germplasm categories (audit, select and genetically improved) are recommended as a start. Furthermore, countries will need to develop new or amend existing agricultural seed policies and regulations to include agroforestry tree germplasm certification under QDS. Finally, germplasm quality standards for the selected agroforestry trees species in the respective countries will need to be developed.

Insights from the Farm Forestry Tree Seedling Nursery Sector in Western Java, Indonesia

This paper reports observations of a study tour by the authors of the farm forestry tree seedling nursery sector in Western Java, Indonesia. Industry stakeholders were found to recognise and value high quality germplasm and seedling quality for commercial farm forestry success. These quality preferences of stakeholders are supported by the use of a simple tree seedling certification scheme through which certified seedlings receive a premium selling price. Other initiatives, including government extension efforts, tree seed centres and vegetative propagation, provide complementary support for the preference and promotion of high seedling quality in the Western Java farm forestry industry.

The Seedling Nursery Survey on Leyte Island, the Philippines

Private and government nurseries in the Philippines are not delivering high quality planting materials of a wide species base for smallholder forestry, tree farming and reforestation programs in the country. A project supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) has been conducted to improve the operational effectiveness of the forest nursery sector in the Philippines. Surveys involving personal interviews of nursery operators, observations of the nursery design and facilities and assessment of seedling quality have been undertaken in Leyte (reported in this paper) and in Mindanao to provide baseline information for designing possible interventions. The Leyte study revealed that the low operational effectiveness of forest nurseries is a result of a combination of social, economic, technical and political factors. The majority of private nurseries are managed by resourceconstrained smallholders with little access to high quality seedling production technologies. Seedling production, both in private and government nurseries, is largely quantity-oriented and the pathway of high quality germplasm is not well developed. Government nurseries operate to provide free seedlings but this scheme results in crowding out the small-scale private nurseries, reducing the operational effectiveness of the private nursery sector. It appears that improving the operational effectiveness of the forest nursery sector in the Philippines requires policy changes to re-organize the operation of private and government nurseries and to strengthen the implementation of existing policies regulating the quality of planting stock from the forest nursery sector.

Genetic Structure and Conservation of Teak (Tectona Grandis) Plantations in Côte d'Ivoire, Revealed by Site Specific Recombinase (SSR)

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f; Verbenaceae) is a diploid species (2n=36). It is native to the tropical deciduous forests of India, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. Snuffed for its aesthetic physical properties and its qualities, teak is becoming increasingly important in the forest plantation development in Côte d'Ivoire. To preserve the genetic resources of this species and ensure the supply of genetically superior quality germplasm for improvement and plantations, a core collection of superior genotypes with large genetic diversity is a prerequisite. This paper reports the use of site-specific recombinase (SSR) technology using microsatellite DNA markers to investigate the level of genetic variability, distribution of genetic variation and genetic relatedness in Tectona grandis grown in Côte d'Ivoire. The proportion of the total genetic variation resides within provenances (80.52 %) with 5.5 % of the variation occurring among populations of one region and 13.98 % among regions. The SSR markers showed a clear differentiation of the populations introduced in Côte d'Ivoire with an Fst = 0.21. The populations coming from the natural area were characterized by three clusters corresponding to South India, North India and Thailand. The study on the origin of African teak was close to North of India. However, Bambuku 7 population was an exception, as it seemed to have some affinity with Thailand populations. The use of SSR markers for conservation of teak forest diversity is discussed.

Comparing the “Big Five”: A framework for the sustainable management of indigenous fruit trees in the drylands of East and Central Africa

Abstract There are many fruit trees that could be integrated into dryland farming systems in Sub-Saharan Africa to support income and nutritional security. Fruit contains almost all known vitamins and many essential minerals. Five important fruit species that are cross-regional include: Adansonia digitata, Tamarindus indica, Zizyphus mauritiana, Sclerocarya birrea, and Mangifera indica. While these species are well integrated in the Sahel region, besides mango, they are generally absent from smallholder farms in East and Central Africa. Fruits of the species in this region are mostly harvested unsustainably from the wild communal areas. Unlike the situation in the neighboring Southern Africa region, where S. birrea is utilized extensively in the wine industry, there is virtually no use for the tree in this region, largely because of limited knowledge. Z. mauritiana use is also limited because of low quality germplasm—the hard stone clings to the flesh. An analytical framework based on five factors (site requirements, genetic variability, propagation methods, nutritional properties and utilization, and commercial potential) is used to compare knowledge status and gaps on the species in the region. While this analysis reveals the existence of considerable knowledge between and within the species, lack of improved germplasm and markets emerge as two key constraints limiting their conservation through on-farm planting. Key research and development needs identified are: (a) fostering cross-collaboration and knowledge exchange with other regions where the species are fairly well utilized, and (b) developing criteria and indicators for monitoring impacts and increased investments on the “Big Five” on livelihood of dryland communities and on biodiversity conservation.

MARKET CHAIN IMPROVEMENT: LINKING FARMERS TO MARKETS IN NANGGUNG, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

Farmers in Nanggung subdistrict live on or below the poverty line with access to less then 1 hectare of land, consisting of irrigated rice fields (0.3 ha) and upland tree gardens (0.5 ha). Gardens are found on steep slopes and include a large number of horticultural fruit/vegetable species, as well as, timber and commodity species (coffee, rubber and cloves). Traditionally, production of tree gardens is intended primarily for household consumption with some sales in local markets. Management is not intensive, the use agricultural inputs (fertilizers , pesticides, quality germplasm) is infrequent, and labor is mainly focused on harvesting products. Smallholders and agricultural/forestry professionals agree that tree gardens in Nanggung hold great market potential that is not currently utilized. Proximity to Jakarta and its infrastructure offer Nanggung farmers opportunity to target production to meet raising demand for fruit and vegetable products in lucrative urban and international markets. Fruit and vegetable products with a high demand include: banana, durian, mangosteen, rambutan, petai, jackfruit, chili peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn, peanuts, green beans and chickpeas. Banana holds particularly high potential, being the most common and profitable tree garden crop in Nanggung. Market demand far exceeds supply. No significant banana diseases are present in Nanggung and production has not yet been intensified. Under Nanggung conditions bananas will produce fruit 12 months after establishment and then every 4-6 months thereafter. Farmers are interested in intensifying their tree farming activities, but hesitate because they are not sure where to focus their efforts. We report here ongoing work to assist Nanggung farmers improve their tree garden management to enhance both the quantity and quality of the products and strengthen their ability to respond to market opportunities. Banana is used as an example of how to achieve success.

The association of culm anatomy with lodging susceptibility in modern spring wheat genotypes

AFLP markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of 77 breeding lines from three of the world's major canola qualityBrassica juncea breeding programs from Canada (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Saskatchewan Wheat Pool) and Australia (Agriculture Victoria). The objectives of the paper were to assess the genetic diversity within and between these three breeding programs and to assess genetic diversity of the canola quality germplasm as compared to mustard quality B. juncea. Fifteen lines of mustard quality B. juncea from India, China, Russia and Australia were also included in the investigation. Ten EcoR1/Mse1 based primer pairs generated 751 scorable fragments with an average of 26 polymorphic bands per primer pair (35%). Similarity coefficients were calculated using the Simple Matching coefficient and adendrogram was developed using the UPGMA procedure, resulting in germplasm being partitioned into five main groups. Line specific markers were discovered that have potential in enhancing the efficiency of individual breeding programs using breeding techniques like accelerated backcrossing. Further understanding the genetic diversity within and between programs has implications for future breeding and collaboration within and between the three programs.

Adaptive Ecology of Lotus corniculatus L. Genotypes: II. Crossing Ability

Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) is a widely distributed polymorphic Old‐World perennial forage legume found in wild and naturalized populations throughout temperate regions of Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa, and North and South America. Exotic birdsfoot trefoil germplasm has rarely been used for birdsfoot trefoil genetic enhancement, and information about its crossing ability with other exotics and commercial quality germplasm is not available. The objectives of this research were to (i) characterize the crossing ability of 27 exotic birdsfoot trefoil genotypes with two genetically diverse hybridization testers, and (ii) determine if crossing ability among genotypes was related to their genetic background measured by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and their ecogeographic origins. Crossing ability was determined using reciprocal crosses with one commercial‐quality germplasm and one exotic genotype tester. All possible crossing combinations for an eight‐genotype subset were also determined. Crossing ability was measured as the percentage of pollinated flowers that set pods, F1 progeny pollen viability, pod length, and seeds per pod. Self‐genotype pod set and pollen viability were not correlated. Intermediate bridge crosses were identified that could potentially overcome specific cross incompatibilities and be used to obtain progeny for any combination of genotypes. Genotype‐crossing ability was associated with ecogeographic features of the collecting site, but not with morphologic characteristics. This differs from findings that other genotype morphologic characteristics are associated with ecogeographic origins and genetic similarities based on RAPD markers. Exotic birdsfoot trefoil genotypes can be utilized with commercial‐quality germplasm using conventional crossing methods.

Genetic selection and improvement of hard wood tree species for fuelwood production on sodic soil with particular reference to Prosopis juliflora

This study is a part of a research programme on selection and improvement of fast growing tree species suitable for wood fuel production on sodic wastelands (pH 8.6–10.5). Field trials of nine legumes ( Acacia auriculiformis, A. nilotica, Albizia lebbeck, A. procera, Dalbergia sissoo, Leucaena leucocephala, Pongamia pinnata, Prosopis juliflora, Pithecellobium dulce) and three other tree species ( Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus tereticornis and Terminalia arjuna) were selected for this study. Prosopis juliflora was the most promising species in terms of its biomass productivity ( 68.7 t ha −1 ) and fuel value index (148.8) after 8-yr of growth. Acacia nilotica ranked second. Intra-specific variations were screened at provenance and individual tree level in order to improve fuelwood production potential of P. juliflora through selection and breeding. Successful populations (gene pools) and individuals (genotypes) were cloned and conserved in clonal gardens to produce quality germplasm for plantations on sodic wastelands. Genetic testing, selection and multiplication of selected material are under progress. This will optimise gains in future afforestation programmes on sodic soils.

Genetic Modification of Cotton Fiber Properties as Measured by Single‐ and High‐Volume Instruments

Improved cotton fiber properties for the textile industry depends largely on genetic progress. Progress towards better fiber quality could be enhanced if breeders knew whether choice of fiber property measurement instrument affects direct and correlated responses to selection. The objectives of our study were to (i) compare heritability of a fiber property measured by single‐instrument (fibrograph, micronaire, stelometer), that measure one or a few related properties, with the same fiber property measured by the integrated high volume instrument (HVI), capable of measuring multiple fiber properties, and (ii) compare direct and correlated selection response of fiber strength measured by the stelometer single instrument with that measured by the HVI. Other fiber properties important to textile processing including neps, short fiber content, immature fiber content, and fineness were measured by the Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS). Heritability and selection response were estimated in two populations derived from mating the excellent fiber quality germplasm lines PD‐3‐14 and PD 5363 with the lesser fiber quality germplasm LA 870222. Heritability of micronaire reading (by micronaire instrument) and length (2.5% span length by fibrograph measurement) by single‐instrument was similar to that measured by HVI. Heritability of fiber strength was greater when measured with stelometer than HVI, but the subpopulations with highest fiber strength by stelometer or HVI measurement differed little for fiber strength when evaluated with either instrument. Heritability of short fiber content averaged about 0.2, fiber fineness about 0.5, and immature fiber content about 0.6, indicating the potential for genetic progress. Overall, early generation selection for fiber strength by HVI measurement resulted in desirable fiber profiles.

Models for activation of plant genetic resources for crop breeding programs

Although plant breeders recognize that their working germplasm is constricted, most make little use of the extensive genetic variability in gene banks and other collections. This is because breeders continue to make reasonable progress in most crop species and broadening the activated genetic base generally will dilute agronomic performance. Yet new germplasm can (1) raise the genetic ceiling on improvement, (2) decrease vulnerability to biotic and abiotic stresses, and (3) add new developmental pathways and ecological adaptations. Two breeding systems — HOPE for corn and RIPE for barley — are described which can significantly broaden the genetic base deployed in breeding programs while still producing lines and cultivars with commercial potential. The Hierarchical Open-ended Population Enrichment (HOPE) breeding system consists of two complementary sets, each of four gene pools arranged in a hierarchy based on agronomic performance. Introductions are added continually and desirable genes and gene complexes can routinely move upward in the hierarchy. Increasingly stringent selection procedures at each higher level of the hierarchy shape the extensive variability at the lower levels into the quality germplasm at the Elite level, which serves as the source of inbred lines. The Recurrent Introgressive Population Enrichment (RIPE) breeding system for barley employs male sterile facilitated recurrent selection to progressively introgress new genes and gene complexes into an Elite population which serves as the source of potential new cultivars. Key words: Broad-based breeding system, HOPE (maize), hierarchical open-ended system, RIPE (barley), recurrent introgressive selection, male sterile facilitated selection