Semi-erect Growth Habit Research Articles

Morphological Characterization-based Optimal Trait Selection for Improving Yield and Stability of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

The present investigation was convened during kharif, 2022 (July–October), rabi-Summer 2023 (January–May) and kharif, 2023 (July–October) at J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India to characterize 165 diverse soybean germplasm lines in pursuance of DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) guidelines focusing on integrating optimal morphological traits to pre-fine soybean crop improvement. The study revealed significant variation among soybean genotypes. The hypocotyl color, controlled by a monogenic trait, was found in 77 genotypes, closely associated with violet flower color, whereas non-pigmented hypocotyls present in 88 genotypes were linked to white flowers. Growth habits were categorized as determinate (59), semi-determinate (103), and indeterminate (3), demonstrating that semi-determinate genotypes offer balanced resource allocation and reduced lodging. Most genotypes displayed medium flowering time (159) and medium plant height (134). Leaf shape was predominantly pointed ovate (121), with lanceolate leaves associated with higher number of seeds-1 pod. The presence of dark green leaves in 108 genotypes indicated higher chlorophyll content and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency to strengthen plant type. Semi-erect growth habit was prevalent in 152 genotypes, providing better soil coverage and moisture retention, while 13 genotypes showed erect growth. Pod pubescence was observed in 106 genotypes, offering protection against pests. These traits are found stable across the environment and may be used as an identification key for different varieties and donor germplasm lines.

Evaluation of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) genotypes under semi-arid region of Haryana

Present study was carried out during 2020–21 and 2022–23 at Regional Research Station (CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana), Bawal, Haryana for characterizing 35 distinct ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) genotypes by evaluating their 16 morphological attributes as growth habits, foliage and thorn characteristics. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Among selected genotypes, an upright growth pattern was reported in five genotypes, whereas, the most of the genotypes displayed a semi-erect growth habit. All the genotypes showed tomentose shoot surface. Further, four distinct leaf shapes were documented. Ovate leaf shape was exhibited by 15 genotypes, while 8 genotypes displayed oval and 6 genotypes showed cordate and obovate type leaf each. The maximum leaf blade length (10.63 cm) and width (7.31 cm) was recorded in Thar Sevika, while, the minimum size of leaf blade length was noticed in Sanori (6.95 cm) and width was found in Katha Bombay (3.86 cm). In response to branch thorniness, the less branch thorniness was found in Illaichi, Naki, Umran and Kaithali, while two genotypes revealed high branch thorniness (Tasbtso, Narkali). Only two types of thorn shape were noticed, as out of 35 genotypes, 21 had alternate curved thorn. Based on anthocyanin blush of immature fruit, genotypes Kathaphal, Sanori and Narkali had reddish blush on fruit. Further, theses genotypes were categorized into early, mid and late on the basis of fruit maturity. Six genotypes showed early maturing fruits, while 21 genotypes were mid-season and 8 were late maturing genotypes. The bunch bearing of fruit was noticed only in two genotypes (Jhajjar Selection and BS 2). It is worth highlighting that all these genotypes under study exhibited substantial variability across various morphological traits, which can potentially be attributed to genetic disparities stemming from the diverse ancestral species from which these cultivated genotypes originated.

PEARL-21: SIX ROWED, HIGH YIELDING, HEAT STRESS RESISTANT, AND EARLY MATURING BARLEY CULTIVAR

Pearl-21, an early maturing barley cultivar that was developed keeping in view the fluctuating climatic scenarios as drought stress is severely impairing the yield of crops in Pakistan. The exquisite genotypes were received from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Lebanon. The superior line was screened out from the international barley segregating population received from ICARDA. It was evaluated under code B-14035 in station yield trails for two years (2014-15 & 2015-16). It excelled by 15.26% and 7.38% in provincial barley yield trials during 2017-18 and 18.77% and 10.18% in national barley yield trials during 2018-19 in contrast to commercial checks Haider-93 and Sultan-17, respectively over four locations. It also presented encouraging results in rainfed yield trials. Pathological studies depicted that the proposed cultivar had exceptional resistance against rust diseases. Pearl-21 has plant height ranging from 95-99 cm with semi-erect growth habit both at the seedling and booting stage. It has a high tillering trend (140 productive tillers per meter). It took only 99-101 days to head while, 123-130 days for maturity. It bears 60-70 seeds per ear and has 34-38g thousand-grain weight. The prominent features it encompasses are drought and lodging tolerance and short duration. Due to encouraging steady performance for better grain yield, resistance against rusts, and quality Punjab Seed Council approved it in 2021 with the name “Pearl-21” for general cultivation in Punjab, Pakistan.

Durum-21: A New High-Yielding and Good Quality Durum Wheat Variety Suitable for Pasta Production

Durum-21 (D-21) is a high-yielding, disease resistant with better-quality traits variety, developed by Wheat Research Institute Faisalabad. This variety is mainly developed for industrial purposes for pasta production. Worldwide, durum wheat is utilized for pasta production; but in Pakistan, due to a lack of research work and non-availability of quality seeds of durum wheat, bread wheat is being utilized for pasta production. D-21 is developed with the breeding code of D-21 having parentage of FKN/3/2*FR//KAD/GB/4/BB/CHA/5/AS-2002 with pedigree as PB20733-1a-2a-2a-0a-0a-19a-0a. The candidate line D-21 was developed by crossing a germplasm accession with approved bread wheat variety AS-02. The genotype was further evaluated over multiple locations in Punjab Pakistan for yield and yield-related attributes in the station, provincial, and national uniform durum yield trials executed by Wheat Research Institute (WRI), Faisalabad during 2015-20. The promising line out yielded the two commercial check varieties D-97 and Fsd-2008 by 1.42 % in the provincial yield trial and 4.2 % in the national yield trial. D-21 had desirably medium to tall plant height (96-100 cm) without anthocyanin pigment. It has erected to semi-erect growth habit at the seedling stage. Its color is green with medium waxiness on stem and yellowish-white at maturity. Its 1000-grain weight ranged from 38.9 to 39 g while the test weight remained from 69 to 78.5 g. The protein contents were 13.1 to 14.95 %; which is higher than the two checks (D-97 and Fsd-2008). Due to its better grain yield and promising nutritional and quality parameters, it was approved in the year 2021 for cultivation all over the country.

'MH-21,' A NOVEL HIGH-YIELDING AND RUSTS RESISTANT BREAD WHEAT VARIETY FOR IRRIGATED AREAS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Developing high-yielding wheat varieties tolerant to abiotic and biotic stresses is a challenge wheat breeder currently face. Wheat Research Institute (WRI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan, has released 65 wheat varieties, including MH-21, for several zones since its establishment in 1906. MH-21, with the varietal code V-12304, gave 11.2% and 10.28% more grain yield than the check variety (Faisalabad-08), respectively, in preliminary (2011–2012) and regular yield trials (2012–2013). Then, testing it in outstation yield trials proceeded over 21 locations in Punjab province (2013–2014) and 18 locations all over Pakistan (2014–2015, 2017–2018, and 2019– 2020) for yield and disease constancy, simultaneous with agronomic field trials and quality lab testing during 2014–2018 and 2014–2016, respectively. It exhibited an amber seed color, semi-erect growth habit at booting, erect flag leaf attitude, hairiness auricle, awned yellowish ear, and elevated shoulder and beak shape of glumes traits. DNA fingerprinting of MH-21 ensued to compare its genetic background with previously registered 21 wheat varieties. Given the promising stable performance in multi-locations over the years for better grain yield, nutritional quality, and resistance against rusts, the Punjab Seed Council approved V12304 in 2021 with the name „MH-21‟ for general cultivation in irrigated areas of Punjab, Pakistan.

Genetic variability and association of yield contributing traits in advanced breeding lines of soybean

Characterization of genotypes for various traits is a basic and very essential criterion for crop varietal improvement programmes. Under the present investigation fifty seven advanced breeding lines along with three best checks (JS 20-98, JS 20-116 and JS 20-34) were evaluated to characterize 17 phenotypic and 11 yield attributing traits at JNKVV, Jabalpur. Morphological/phenotypic traits were described as per DUS guidelines. Yield attributing traits were utilized to work out various biometric parameters (Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation,(PCV), Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV), heritability with genetic advance, correlation and path coefficient). Phenotypic characterization exhibited huge variability among advanced breeding genotypes for most of the descriptor traits. Semi-erect growth habit (100%), presence of peroxidase activity in ripe seed (100%), Semi-determinate growth type (95%), Yellow colour ripe seed testa (90%) and tawny colour pod hair (86.8%) were most common traits  studied in genotypes. Significant variation was also obtained for yield attributing quantitative traits. PCV was higher in magnitude than GCV for all the traits and the highest for seed yield per plant (39.10 and 36.76, respectively). The highest heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant, respectively. Seed yield per plant demonstrated a highly significant positive relation with biological yield (0.797**) followed by 100 seed weight (0.735**) and the number of pods per plant (0.620**). Whereas, it was negatively correlated with plant height (-0.303**). The genotypic path coefficient analysis also revealed that the highest positive direct effect on seed yield per plant was due to biological yield per plant followed by 100 seed weight. Keywords: Heritability, Phenotypic traits, Correlation, Path Coefficient, soybean

Characterization of the green gram (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes through both morphological and biochemical parameters

Eight genotypes of greengram were collected in the present investigation from AICRP on MULLaRP, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) and they were characterized with ten quantitative, nineteen qualitative and two biochemical parameters as per the NBPGR descriptor. Grouping based on DUS descriptors indicate the existence of genetic diversity within the genotypes. These eight genotypes were evaluated and characterized for 31 DUS descriptors. However, 21 characters out of 31 characters of DUS descriptors differed significantly indicating a large and exploitable amount of genetic variability for the individual elite improved line profile development for identification and protection. The elite lines are similar for the important plant traits like semi erect and determinate growth habit but the development of erect types is the need of hour and indicates the incorporation of new germplasm for the improvement of this trait in the present material. Genotypes could be easily identified through some unique characters: SML-1822 could be identified amongst genotypes studied here in through its semi-erect growth habit, green stem colour with purple shade, dark green leaf colour, light yellow flower colour and bearing pods below canopy; identification of IPM-512-1 and TMB-37 could be made through seeds with drum shape and dull seed luster respectively; and Pusa Vishal through its leaves with dark green colour along with intermediate pod position and larger seed size. Samrat is having highest amount of protein as well as carbohydrate content among these genotypes. Thus, the DUS descriptor data generated with unique profiles of the elite improved lines can be used for the registration with PPV & FRA and seed purity testing.

English

‘Markaz-2019’ is a spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar developed and released by the wheat breeding program at the Crop Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Center, Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2019. The cultivar was approved by the Punjab Seed Council of Pakistan in its 51st meeting (19th September 2019) held at the Punjab Seed Corporation, Lahore, Pakistan. Markaz-2019 is of known pedigree “SOKOLL//FRTL/2*PIFED”, derived and selected from the 19th Semi-Arid Wheat Yield Trial (SAWYT) entry number (332) from CIMMYT during 2011–2012. Following evaluation of this candidate, ‘NR-449’ was used as candidate line for five growing seasons at NARC-Islamabad and in multi-location trials and then was officially named as Markaz-2019. Trials were conducted under rainfed conditions and grain yield and quality parameters such as grain color, size and 1000-grain weight were tested. This cultivar is a medium height wheat (107 cm) with semi-erect growth habit, stiff and hollow stem, medium to high grain volume weight in kilogram/ hectoliter (78.7 kg/hL), medium maturity (160 days), medium to high grain protein (151 g kg-1) and flour protein concentration (151 and 105 g kg-1). Markaz-2019 was released for its high yield, (ranging from 4500 kg ha-1 to 6050 kg ha-1), its improved resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis var. tritici) and leaf rust (P. triticina) and tolerance to drought. Its grain yield was significantly higher than check cultivars, and therefore recommended for cultivation in rainfed areas of Pakistan. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers

Pomological and phenological characteristics of the main pistachio cultivars in Greece

The present study aimed to evaluate the pomological and phenological traits, as well as kernel antioxidant potential of the dominant Greek pistachio cultivars, ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ (Pistacia vera L.). Blooming of ‘Aegina’ cultivar occurred from early to mid of April, and nut maturation at middle to late of August. Production started at 6 to 7 years from grafting and full production observed at year 13. Blooming and nut maturation of ‘Pontikis’ occurred about 1 to 2 days later than ‘Aegina’ and production started 6 to 7 years from grafting, with full production observed in the 14th year. Mean tree yields reached 18.0 ± 1.0 kg and 17.4 ± 1.1 kg of dry nuts, in ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ cultivar, respectively. ‘Aegina’ cultivar presented intermediate tree vigour and spreading growth habit, whereas ‘Pontikis’ high tree vigour and semi-erect growth habit. ‘Aegina’ nut had a narrowly cordate shape and the percentage of split nut was found at 78.5 ± 6.5. ‘Pontikis’ nut had ovoid shape and the percentage of split nut was 84.1 ± 6.2. In ‘Aegina’ cultivar 100 nuts weighted 101.0 g and in ‘Pontikis’ 114.4 g. Color of kernel was green externally and green to green-white internally, greener in ‘Pontikis’. The antioxidant potential of pistachio kernel measured by FRAP assay, total polyphenolic substances, flavonoids, flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids content, did not differ (P > 0.05) between cultivars. Evaluation of ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ pistachio cultivars revealed that both are high yielding, with large nut sizes of acceptable appearance and high quality.

Novo cultivar catarinense de azevém anual: SCS316 CR Altovale

Abstract - SCS316 CR Altovale is the new diploid annual ryegrass cultivar resulting from the selection process of genotypes from the “Alto Vale from Itajai” region of Santa Catarina State, Southern of Brazil. It differs from other commercial cultivars by productivity, precocity and their adaptation to climate Cfa. The SCS316 CR Altovale is medium annual ryegrass, with semi erect growth habit and leaf: stem ratio of 4: 1 in the vegetative period. In two years of evaluation (2014 and 2015) and three sites in the State (Papanduva, Lages and Ituporanga), it was managed at the height of 30cm, reaching an average yield of 32t ha-1 of green mass and 5,8t ha-1 of dry mass, in eight cuts, between June and October. In the average of all the sites, it presented 23% of crude protein and 69% of in vitro digestibility, in the evaluation realized in the third cut. The cultivar was registered in Registro Nacional de Cultivares do Ministerio da Agricultura, Pecuaria e Abastecimento. The availability of commercial seeds should occur from 2020.

Growth characteristics and Productivity of Italian Ryegrass (<i>Lolium multiflorum</i> Lam.) New Variety, ‘Green Call’

This experiment was conducted to breed a very early maturing variety of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) in Grassland and Forage Crops Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Cheonan 2015-2017. The new variety of Italian ryegrass, ‘Green call 2ho’ is a diploid variety with green in leaf color and has semi-erect growth habit in late autumn and erect growth habit in early spring, ‘Green call 2ho’ was in heading date as a early-maturing variety April 24. Also ‘Green call 2ho’ was narrower by 2 mm in flag leaf width, longer by 2.5 cm in flag leaf length and shorter by 3 cm in plant height than those of the control variety, ‘Florida 80’, respectively. ‘Green call 2ho’ was also thicker by 0.33 mm in stem thickness and strong in winter hardness. Dry matter (DM) yield (11,688 kg/ha) of ‘Green call 2ho’ was 7% higher than that of ‘Florida 80’. Total digestible nutrient (TDN), crude protein (CP) and relative feed value (RFV) of ‘Green call 2ho’ were 61.3 %, 9.8 % and 98.2, respectively which are 2.6, 0.6, and 8.4 % higher, respectively than those of ‘Florida 80’, respectively. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of ‘Green call 2ho’ were 34.9 and 58.5 % which are 3.3 and 2.7 % lower than those of ‘Florida 80’, respectively.

Morelos A-2016: variedad de arroz de grano grueso

En la zona central de México se siembra el arroz (Oryza sativa L.) bajo trasplante y en siembra directa bajo riego; la mayoría de las variedades se han liberado para trasplante. En 2005 una de estas líneas se usó como progenitor y continuándose con el avance generacional hasta F5. En 2011 se realizó una prueba preliminar del rendimiento de varios grupos de líneas, alrededor de 256 materiales, de donde se identificó como sobresaliente a C14Za06 (actualmente, var. Morelos A-2016). En 2014 y 2015 se evaluaron diferentes líneas en ensayos de rendimiento en las localidades de Zacatepec, Jojutla, Emiliano Zapata, Mazatepec, Coatlán del Rio y Cuautla, estado de Morelos; además del testigo comercial Morelos A-2010. De los materiales evaluados sobresalió la C14Za06 por rendimiento superior a 10 t ha-1, moderada resistencia a pyricularia, alta tolerancia a manchado de grano, habito de crecimiento semierecto, altura de planta de 130 cm, resistentes al acame; rendimiento en industria de 57% de grano pulido entero; conservando la calidad Morelos (20% de centro blanco).

Morphological characterization of walnut genotypes of diverse origin

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a major nut crop of temperate region and the existing germplasm available in the country is of seedling origin, thus, contributing towards the large variability in this crop. Therefore, a research study was carried out ICAR-CITH, Srinagar to characterized and decipher the genetic variability among 27 genotypes of Indian walnut (Juglans regia L.) based on morphological characters, viz., growth habit, bearing habit, foliage, fruit and kernel characteristics for further improvement, conservation and utilization. The Erect growth habit was noticed in genotype, viz., CITH-W-12, while semi erect growth habit was noticed in majority of the genotypes. Three types of leaf shapes were recorded i, e narrow elliptic, elliptic, and broad elliptic and based on leaf characteristics all the genotypes could also be categorized viz. pubescence as glabrous, slightly pubescent and pubescent. The genotype was categorized into early, mid and late group based on their fruit maturity duration. High variability was also recorded for fruit shape viz, round, cordate, ovate, long trapezoid, and elliptic. The current findings clearly characterized each genotype and can be identified or grouped individually based on this descriptor. Present study provides the detailed morphological descriptor of walnut which can be utilised for DUS testing of walnut, varietal identification, characterization, registration, documentation etc. The database generated may be useful for comparison against the candidate varieties developed in future

Diversity for growth habit in the natural population of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in the Kashmir valley

The present investigation entitled diversity for growth habit in the natural population of walnut ( Juglans regia L.) in the Kashmir valley was carried out in order to document the available genetic variability in walnut germplasm and to select elite walnut genotypes possessing superior attributes and quality traits. During the survey, data was recorded on one hundred fifty two (152) walnut trees growing in different areas of Kashmir valley. Remarkable variability was observed in seedling walnut trees for different morphological, nut and kernel characters. Similarly, variations were also reported for other characters viz., tree vigour, growth habit, branching habit, leaflet shape, shoot colour, nut shape, shell texture, shell colour, shell seal, shell strength, shell integrity, kernel shrivel and kernel colour. Studies on growth habit revealed substantial variability among the seedling raised walnuts genotypes in Kashmir valley fifty four genotypes (35.52%) had erect growth habit and another 54 genotypes (35.52%) had semi-erect growth habit, while remaining 44 genotypes (28.96%) had spreading growth habit.

Morphological descriptor for DUS testing of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana)

A total of 24 varieties of Indian jujube or ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) were characterized based on morphological characters, viz. growth habit, foliage, thorn, fruit and stone. The erect growth habit was noticed in two varieties, viz. Dharki No. 1 and Tikadi, while semi-erect growth habit was noticed in majority of the varieties. Three types of leaf shapes were recorded, i.e. ovate, oval and cordate. Dharki No.1 and Safeda Rohtak had ovate leaf shape and Chhuhara Bawal, Jogia, Kaithali, Kala Gola, Katha Phal, Mehrun, Sanaur-5, Seb and Tikadi had cordate shape. While rest of the varieties showed oval shape. Ber varieties could also be categorized based on leaf pubescence on lower side, viz. smooth, sparsely-tomentose and densely-tomentose. Of which, only Tikadi exhibited smooth surface on lower leaf side. Also, Tikadi recorded high branch thorniness. On the basis of fruit maturity, varieties were grouped into early, mid and late. High variability was recorded for the character fruit shape (oblong, oval, ovate, oblate, round and falcate). Eleven varieties showed yellow, 12 varieties depicted greenish-yellow and one variety Tikadi, showed chocolate brown fruit colour at maturity. The varieties were also classified into five groups, on the basis of stone shape, viz. oblong, oval, spindle, club and falcate. The varieties depicted wide variability for various morphological traits, perhaps owing to such differences in the species from which these cultivars have evolved.

Genetic enhancement for yield and nutritional quality in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an important source of nutritious food and fodder in the semi-arid tropics and sub-tropics covering over 65 countries. Systematic cowpea breeding programs started in a few countries from 1960 onwards and became further strengthened with the establishment of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in 1967 with a world mandate to develop improved cowpea varieties for all regions. Over 40 stress resilient high yielding varieties with erect and semi-erect growth habit and 60 to 75 days maturity have been developed and released in over 45 countries. These varieties yield up to 2.5 t ha–1 grain and fodder with 25% to 30% protein in the grains and 15% to 18% protein in the haulms and fit well as a niche crop in the existing cereal based intensive cropping systems and contribute to soil fertility and thereby enhance system's productivity and sustainability. With rapid adoption of the new improved varieties and improved cropping systems, the world cowpea production has increased from about one million ton in 1974 to over 7 million tons in 2014 – the largest increase among all the pulses. The ongoing research on ‘60-day’ cowpeas as a niche crop in ‘wheat-rice’ system in Northern India and in the rice fallows in central and southern India, as well as in various niches in the kharif season, has shown a good potential to produce over 10 million tons cowpeas over and above the existing pulses production. This would eliminate the need for importing pulses and bring down the escalating prices. In view of the promising research results and recent release of 5 short duration cowpea varieties, it would be highly appropriate for the Government of India to launch a special research and development project to introduce short duration cowpea in relevant cropping systems throughout India.

Common bean canopy characteristics and N assimilation as affected by weed pressure and nitrogen rate

SUMMARYCrop canopy characteristics and management factors that affect the canopy structure can influence crop competitive ability against weeds. The goal of the current study was to understand the interaction between nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) density on common bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) canopy characteristics and N assimilation. Experiments were conducted to determine the growth responses of two bean genotypes with contrasting growth habits to different N fertilizer rates under no, low and high redroot pigweed pressure. Nitrogen was applied at rates of 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg/ha for a semi-erect variety and 0, 35, 70 and 140 kg/ha for an erect bean variety. Leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD), leaf chlorophyll, N assimilation and N assimilation rate for both bean growth habits increased with N application rate at no and low weed density. The negative effect of redroot pigweed competition on LAI, LAD, N assimilation and N assimilation rate increased with redroot pigweed density, and with N application rate for the high weed density. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that N assimilation and chlorophyll concentration accounted for 0·73–0·87, overall, of the variation in yield loss due to weed competition. It is concluded that greater N assimilation in the semi-erect growth habit compared with the erect growth habit is the cause of its higher competitive ability against the weed, as it improves the effective canopy traits that confer potential for resource pre-emption.

Detection of a new QTL/gene for growth habit in chickpea CaLG1 using wide and narrow crosses

A recombinant inbred line population (RIP-9) derived from an interspecific cross (ILC72 × Cr5-10) was evaluated for growth habit during 2 years (2003 and 2004). This RIP was used to develop a pair of near isogenic lines (NILs) for erect vs prostrate growth habit in chickpea. Molecular characterization of the identified pair of NILs was performed using 52 sequence tagged microsatellite site markers distributed over different chickpea linkage groups (CaLG) of the genetic map. It revealed polymorphic markers in CaLG1 and CaLG3. Starting from a previous data base simple linear regression was applied to detect association between markers and growth habit. The RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) marker OPAD091053 mapped on CaLG1 explained the highest percentage (maximum 15.4 %) of the total phenotypic variation for growth habit and it was used to develop a SCAR (sequence characterized amplified region) marker (SCAD091053). New markers were developed from sequences surrounding SCAD091053 in the physical map. QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis revealed a new QTL (QTLHg2) in CaLG1. The Indel marker (deletion/insertion) Indel 3 and the predicted gene Ca_07000 (14,5 Mb of Ca1) and (15,3 Mb of Ca1) had the highest LOD values explaining 24.6 and 23.4 % of the phenotypic variation in years 2003 and 2004, respectively. To confirm these results, another RIP (RIP-5) derived from an intraspecific cross (WR315 × ILC3279) and segregating for erect vs semi-erect growth habit was employed. RIP-5 allowed mapping the gene (Hg2/hg2) on CaLG1 that was flnaked by two Indel markers (Indel 1 and Indel 2) in the range of 12,3 and 16,2 Mb. So, Hg2/hg2 gene corresponds to QTLHg2 region. The annotated genes Ca_07000 and Ca_06999 were homologues to predicted zinc finger genes in Glycine max and Pisum sativum, respectively. Hence, they could be considered as possible candidate genes.

이탈리안 라이그라스 신품종 '그린팜 2호'의 생육특성과 수량성

본 시험은 이탈리안 라이그라스 극조생종 품종을 육성하기 위하여 2001년부터 2011년까지 국립축산과학원 초지사료과에서 수행되었다. 이탈리안 라이그라스 신품종 그린팜 2호는 2 배체 작물로 엽은 녹색이며, 월동 전 초형은 반직립형, 봄의 초형은 직립형이다. 그린팜 2호는 4월 28일경에 출수하는 극조생종 품종이다. 또한, 그린팜 2호는 플로리다 80 보다 지엽폭이 0.6 mm 넓고, 지엽의 길이가 1 cm 짧으며, 출수기의 초장은 94 cm로 플로리다 80 보다 1 cm 정도 작다. 줄기 두께는 플로리다 80 보다 0.7 mm로 굵고 이삭 길이는 플로리다 80 보다 2.2 cm 짧았다. 그린팜 2호의 건물수량은 11,452 kg/ha로서 플로리다 80과 대등하였다. 그린팜 2호의 상대적 사료가치는 플로리다 80이 97인데 비해 그린팜 2호는 114로 월등히 높고 in vitro 소화율이 70.6%, 가소화양분총량(TDN)이 63.9%로서 플로리다 80 보다 각각 1.6, 2.8% 높았고, 산성세제불용섬유(ADF)와 중성세제 불용섬유(NDF)는 31.7 및 52.6%로서 플로리다 80 보다 각각 3.5% 및 6.4% 낮았다. This experiment was carried out to breed an early maturing variety of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) in the Grassland and Forage Crops Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Cheonan from 2009 to 2011. A new variety, 'Green farm II' is a diploid with green leaves and has a semi-erect growth habit in late autumn and erect growth habit in early spring, respectively. 'Green farm II' was on the <TEX>$28^{th}$</TEX> of April in the heading date as an early-maturing variety. 'Green farm II' was also wider by 0.6 mm in flag leaf width, shorter by 1 cm in flag leaf length and shorter by 1 cm in plant length than those of the control variety, 'Florida 80', respectively. 'Green farm II' was thicker by 0.7 mm in stem thickness and strong in winter hardness. Dry matter (DM) yield (11,452 kg/ha) of 'Green farm II' was similar to that of 'Florida 80'. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and relative feed value (RFV) of 'Green farm II' were 70.6%, 63.9%, and 114% higher than those of 'Florida 80', respectively. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of 'Green farm II' were 31.7% and 52.6% which were 3.5% and 6.4% lower than those of 'Florida 80', respectively.

Dry bean competitiveness with redroot pigweed as affected by growth habit and nitrogen rate

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer application can affect competition with weeds that are common in many dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production systems in developing countries. Field research was conducted to investigate the interaction between N fertilizer rate and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) density on bean seed yield. Experiments were conducted in 2009 and 2010 to determine the responses of two bean genotypes with different growth habit, semi-erect and erect, to different N fertilizer rates under no, low and high redroot pigweed pressure. Nitrogen was applied at rates of 0, 50, 100 and 200kgNha−1 and 0, 35, 70 and 140kgha−1 in semi-erect and erect bean growth habits, respectively. An increase in N fertilizer increased biomass, seeds m−2 and seed yield for both bean genotypes when grown under no and low weed pressure. Bean yield loss for the semi-erect growth habit ranged from 8 to 9% at 0kgNha−1 and 30 to 33% at highest N rate. Yield loss for the erect growth habit was 13–17% at 0kgNha−1 and 33–40% at the highest N rate. An increase in redroot pigweed density reduced bean yield especially at the highest N rate. The response surface model that was developed using the experimental observations indicated that optimal bean seed yield could be achieved at derived values of 120 and 84kgNha−1, respectively, in semi-erect and erect growth habits, while maintaining a redroot pigweed density of 2600–2800plantsh−1. Semi-erect bean growth habit could tolerate higher redroot pigweed densities compared to erect bean growth habit. We conclude that redroot pigweed should not exceed 2600–2800plantsha−1 to optimize yield, and N rates of 120 and 84kgha−1 will maximize dry bean yield under moderately weedy conditions for the erect and semi-erect growth habits, respectively.