Standard Cultivars Research Articles

Ordu ekolojisinde farklı klonal anaçlar üzerinde yetiştirilen elma çeşitlerinin fenolojik, morfolojik ve verim özellikleri

This study was carried out to determine the phenological, morphological traits and yield values of some standard apple cultivars grafted on M9 and MM106 clonal rootstocks in Ordu (Türkiye) ecological conditions. In this context, in regional conditions, blooming periods, harvest dates, rootstock and trunk development, yield and yield efficiency values of rootstock/cultivar combinations were examined. According to the research findings, the earliest first bloom (14/11 April) and full bloom (18/17 April) were observed in the Granny Smith/M9 combination, while the earliest harvest was realized in Mondial Gala/M9 (11 September, 29 August) and Galaxy Gala/MM106 (29 August) combinations. Also, the yield was determined between 2.49 kg tree-1 (Fuji/MM106)-8.95 kg tree-1 (Mondial Gala/M9), and yield efficiency was determined between 0.14 kg cm-2 (Fuji/MM106)-1.16 kg cm-2 (Mondial Gala/M9). In the principal component analysis results, the first component was associated with crown width, canopy volume, shoot diameter, yield, yield efficiency, and shoot length and explained 48.3% of the total variation. The second component explained 33.1% of the total variation of the obtained data and was determined to be related to crown height, rootstock diameter, and trunk diameter. As a result, it was concluded that the morphological development and phenological stages of the examined rootstock/cultivar combinations were generally suitable for the ecological conditions of Ordu province. Key Words: Blooming, Canopy volume, Malus domestica,

Identification of new nucleotide sequences of the Glu-B1-1 gene encoding x-type glutenins in bread wheat.

Studies of the genetic base and polymorphism of bread wheat cultivars aimed at identifying alleles of genes associated with high baking and other economically valuable traits seem to be relevant, since bread wheat, along with all representatives of the Triticeae tribe, has a huge genetic potential for creating cultivars with high technological and rheological properties of grain flour. The aim of this study was sequencing and analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the Glu-B1-1 gene, and analysis of the predicted amino acid sequences of its protein product in three cultivars of bread wheat. Thus, in the course of genotyping cultivars and lines of bread wheat for the Glu-B1-1 gene, in the cultivars 'Avesta', 'Leningradka krupnozernaya' and line C-75094, previously undescribed changes in the size of amplifiable regions of the Glu-B1-1 gene for high-molecular weight glutenins were found. Comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences of these genes with known sequences showed the presence of two deletions in 'Avesta' and C-75094 and the presence of seven single-nucleotide substitutions in 'Leningradka krupnozernaya'. Alignment of the predicted Glu-B1 amino acid sequences of the studied accessions and the standard cultivar carrying the Glu-B1-a allele showed that deletions in the amino acid sequences of 'Avesta' and C-75094 accessions are localized in the central domain of the protein and affect the amount of tri-, hexa-, and nonapeptides, and in 'Leningradka krupnozernaya', a decrease in GQQ and PGQGQQ by one unit was revealed. In addition, substitutions of five amino acids were found in 'Leningradka krupnozernaya'. Thus, we have found previously undescribed deletions and substitutions in the nucleotide sequences of the Glu-B1-1 gene for high-molecular-weight glutenins, which lead to changes in amino acid sequences in functionally important regions, namely, in the central domains of protein molecules. The identified mutations can be used for genotyping bread wheat cultivars.

Assessment of Fatty Acid Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Mineral Composition in Hazelnut Genetic Resources: Implications for Nutritional Value and Breeding Programs

This study was carried out to determine the fatty acid composition, bioactive compounds, and mineral element content of standard hazelnut cultivars and accessions from the Eastern Black Sea region. A wide variation was determined in terms of the traits examined between hazelnut accessions and cultivars. Most of the accessions investigated had higher values of bioactive compounds, oleic acid, stearic acid, Na, and Ca than the standard cultivars. Among accessions investigated, S-1 had the highest total phenolics and antioxidants (557.3 mg/100 g and 0.53 mmol/100 g) while P-4 had the lowest (307.3 mg/100 g and 0.22 mmol/100 g). The highest oleic acid content was determined in P-2 (87.16%); the lowest was in H-1 (71.24%). Linoleic acid ranged from 4.35% (P-1) to 18.06% (H-1). P-2 (3349 mg/kg and 2464 mg/kg, respectively) had the highest K and P contents. The highest Mg content was found in S-1 (1787 mg/kg). The highest value of Ca and Na was determined in P-1 (2701 mg/kg and 412 mg/kg, respectively). Principal component analysis revealed that the traits studied could effectively explain the variability among hazelnut genetic sources. First, three components explained about 60% of total variation. PC1 was related to arachidonic acid and most of the mineral elements (P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Cd, Ni, and S), and explained 27.6% of the total variation. PC2 explained 18.3% of the total variation, and was mainly related to oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid, as well as Ca. PC3 was related to total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and palmitic acid, and explained 14.5% of total variation. The oleic acid had a strong negative correlation with linoleic acid (−0.99 ***) and linolenic acid (−0.95 ***). A strong positive correlation was determined between antioxidant activity and total flavonoids (r = 0.95 ***). K content showed a strong positive correlation with P (r = 0.92 ***) and Mg (r = 0.82 ***) contents. A strong positive correlation was also determined between P and Mg (r = 0.91***). These findings revealed that many of the accessions investigated were a good source of fatty acids and bioactive compounds. As a conclusion, most accessions with superior nutritional content can be evaluated as genetic material for the development of new cultivars in hazelnut breeding programs.

Analysis of the Tomato Aspermy Virus Complete Genomes Suggests Reassortment in Russian Isolates from Chrysanthemum

Tomato aspermy virus (TAV, genus Cucumovirus from the family Bromoviridae) is one of the most common and harmful chrysanthemum viruses, causing severe flower distortion, size reduction and color breaking. Metatranscriptome sequencing of chrysanthemum plants of the Ribonette and Golden Standard cultivars from the collection of the Nikita Botanical Garden (Yalta, Republic of Crimea) generated TAV-related reads. The complete genomes of two Russian isolates of the virus were assembled from the reads obtained. This is the first report of full-length TAV genomes from Russia. Typically of cucumoviruses, the segmented TAV genome is represented by three single-stranded positive-sense linear RNA molecules with a length of 3412 (RNA1), 3097 (RNA2) and 2219 (RNA3) nucleotides. Five open reading frames (ORF) have been identified that encode replicase (ORF1), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (ORF2a), silencing suppressor protein (OFR2b), movement protein (OFR3a) and the virus coat protein (ORF3b). The identity of the TAV genomes from the two chrysanthemum cultivars was 99.8% for all three viral RNAs, and with other TAV isolates from Genbank – 97.5–99.7 (RNA1), 93.8–99.8 (RNA2), and 89.3–99.3% (RNA3). Phylogenetic analysis showed that RNA1 and RNA3 of the Russian isolates were assigned to heterogeneous groups of TAV isolates found on various plant species in different regions of the world. At the same time, RNA2 clearly clustered with tomato isolates SKO20ST2 from Slovenia and PV-0220 from Bulgaria and, to a lesser extent, with the Iranian isolate Ker.Mah.P from petunia and the Chinese isolate Henan from chrysanthemum. The incongruence of phylogenetic trees reconstructed from different segments of the viral genome suggests pseudo-recombination (reassortment) in the Russian TAV isolates.

MOLECULAR MARKER BASED ESTIMATION OF APRICOT GENOTYPES COLLECTED FROM YEŞİLHİSAR REGION OF KAYSERİ

Apricot is one of the most important stone fruits in the world. It can be evaluated as both fresh consumption and drying. Turkey is the first apricot producing country and has a rich genetic diversity. There are many apricot populations in different regions of Turkey. Some of them contain standard cultivars and some of them consist of local varieties or genotypes. Kayseri province has relatively important local apricot populations. In this study, genetic diversity in apricot populations in Yeşilhisar, Kayseri-Turkey was investigated. In the study, 32 apricot genotypes were studied with ISSR and POX markers. In apricot genotypes, 88.1% polymorphism was obtained with ISSR markers and 32.7% with POX markers. A dendrogram was created by combining ISSR and POX markers data. Accordingly, the level of similarity among genotypes varied between 0.73-1.00. Among the apricots, the genotypes 31 and 32 in particular were clearly apart from the others. In addition, genotype 21 was located alone in the dendrogram. The remaining apricots are divided into two main groups. The study revealed that Yeşilhisar region apricots have a significant variation.

EFFECTS OF RHIZOBACTERIA APPLICATION ON ENZYME ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT APPLE SCION–ROOTSTOCK COMBINATIONS

By using biofertilizers consisting of beneficial microorganisms instead of synthetic chemicals, plant growth is increased, damage to the environment is largely prevented and soil fertility is preserved. This study was conducted using seven standard cultivars (Scarlet Spur, Red Chief, Fuji, Jeromine, Galaxy Gala, Granny Smith, and Golden Reinders), which were budded onto M9 and MM106 rootstocks commonly used in the region. During the experiment, nitrogen and phosphorus solvent rhizobacteria were applied three times over a 15-day period in the spring. The application of rhizobacteria had a positive impact on the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) activities observed in the leaves across all scion-rootstock combinations. This effect ranged from 4.0% to 30.0% for CAT, from 5.2% to 21.7% for SOD, and from 13.7% to 29.1% for POD. In this study, very significant results were obtained on the effects of rootstocks and rhizobacteria application on enzymatic activity. The results of the present study may provide significant leads for further studies on this subject.

Drought resistance of introgressive spring common wheat lines with genetic material of tall wheatgrass

Background. To breed drought-resistant cultivars of common wheat1 (Triticum aestivum L.), it is important to use the gene pools of its relatives, including tall wheatgrass Thinopyrum ponticum (Podpěra) Z.-W. Liu & R.- C. Wang (= Agropyron elongatum (Host) Beauv.). Materials and methods. The introgressive lines of spring common wheat with T. ponticum genetic material and standard cultivars were studied in the field in the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia using generally recognized methods. The ecological plasticity of cultivars and introgressive lines by grain yield and yield components was calculated according to the method of S. A. Eberhart and W. A. Russell. During the research period, there was a prolonged drought in 2012, and irregular short severe droughts occurred in 2013, 2014, and 2017. Results. An analysis of the ecological plasticity of standard cultivars adapted to the regional conditions showed that cv. ‘Pamyati Azieva’ corresponded to the extensive type, and cvs. ‘Duet’, and ‘Erythrospermum 59’ corresponded to the intensive type. Under drought conditions, the grain yield of cv. ‘Pamyati Azieva’ was determined by the stable development of productive tiller number, seed number and grain yield per main ear, but plasticity in 1000 grain weight was observed. Cvs. ‘Duet’ and ‘Erythrospermum 59’ showed ecological plasticity due to the adaptive development of two or three yield components. Introgressive lines exceeded the standard cultivars in grain yield (1.1–2.2 times) in dry seasons. Five lines were similar to cv. ‘Pamyati Azieva’ in plasticity and stability, and under drought conditions they demonstrated high and stable development of three or four yield components. The intensive lines formed their yield due to the compensatory development of three yield components in different combinations. Conclusion. Introgressive lines with T. ponticum genetic material are valuable for breeding spring common wheat cultivars with various drought-adaptation mechanisms.

Discrimination of Sayamakaori and Yabukita Which Are Original Plant Source of Japanese Green Tea and Identification of Specific Compounds for the Former by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomics Techniques Combined with Isolation by Chromatography Methods

Camellia sinensis leaves are one of the most economically important crops, and various tea cultivars are available in Japan. In the present study, we compared the constituents of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cv. Yabukita (“Yabukita”), a standard tea cultivar, and those of C. sinensis var. sinensis cv. Sayamakaori (“Sayamakaori”), grown in Saitama Prefecture, using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) metabolomics technology. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis of 1H-NMR spectroscopic data of the MeOH extracts of C. sinensis leaves revealed differences in the metabolic profiles of each tea cultivar. Chromatographic separation based on 1H-NMR spectral data showed that kaempferol 3- O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranoside was a distinct component of “Sayamakaori”. This compound can be used as maker for the identification of “Sayamakaori” and the maintenance of its quality.

SPRING BARLEY HYBRIDS ASSESSMENT FOR BIOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC FEATURES UNDER DROUGHT CONDITIONS OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL KAZAKHSTAN

The presented study comprehensively assessed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) hybrid populations of F3– F5 generations, comparing with the standard barley cultivars, Karagaydinckiy-5 and Astana-2000. The crossing of isolated barley cultivars of the international collection (obtained from Australia) proceeded under intense continental climatic conditions of Northern and Central Kazakhstan. Barley promising selected populations, i.e., Macguarie × Arna, Flinders × Tselinniy golozerniy, and Flinders × Omskiy golozerniy, showed early maturity (79–83 days), superior plant height (34.4–69.5 cm), and enhanced 1000-grain weight (56.6 g, 56.4 g, and 58.0 g, respectively), and populations, viz., Buloke × Karagandinckiy-6, Fathom × Donezckiy-9, and Onslow × Karabalykckiy-43, for productivity (1 m2) at 184 g, 116.4 g, and 140.1 g, respectively. Identified in the study were the correlation of productivity and its structural elements, particularly the grain weight per ear (r = 0.486) and grain weight per plant (r = 0.828), mainly determining grain productivity. The determination of structural features variation showed a significant excess (more than 20%) with varying levels. The level of variability of grain mass per plant has shown in hybrid lines, i.e., Fathom × Karagandinckiy-5, Onslow × Karagandinckiy-10, Admiral × Karabalykckiy-150, and Admiral × Donezckiy-9. In grains, the protein content ranged from 10.45% to 16.63%, and the excess over the standard cultivar resulted in the hybrid lines Franklin × Sabir (16.63%), Anodolu-86 × Donezckiy-8 (16.04%), and Flinders × Omskiy golozerniy (15.31%). Based on an average of the study years, the drought-resistant and highproductivity hybrid lines were Buloke × Karagadinckiy-6, Fathom × Donezckiy-9, Onslow × Karabalykckiy-43, Onslow × (Karagandinckiy-5 × Аrna), Bass × Karabalykckiy-150, Granal × CMB93H-805-F-1Y-1M-OY-17TRS-OAP, and Granal × CMB89A-380-1M-OGH-105GH-1B-1OY-OAP- 19AP-OAP. These promising genotypes can benefit the development of drought-resistant and highyielding barley cultivars through future breeding programs under prevailing environmental conditions.

Evaluating St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum Secundatum (Waltz.) Kuntze] Cultivar Morphological Differences

Current trends toward energy conservation in home landscaping present problems in warm-season turfgrass selection since all species grow best in full sunlight. Previous research has identified several St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Waltz.) Kuntze] selections with excellent shade and cold tolerance. To determine if germplasm samples are truly different than established cultivars, morphological traits were evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine if experimental St. Augustinegrass germplasm samples possessed different morphological differences compared to industry standards, ‘Raleigh’ and ‘Palmetto’. Turf height measurements, visual seedhead density counts and morphological measurements were taken to quantify leaf width, leaf length, and internode distance. Measurements were taken at the third internode of each stolon. Internode distance was measured between the third and fourth internode. Significant differences between leaf width, leaf length, and internode distance occurred as did differences between turf height and seedhead density when compared to the industry standards, ‘Raleigh’ and ‘Palmetto’ St. Augustinegrasses. Findings suggest these germplasm samples have sufficient different morphological characteristics to indicate they are probably different cultivars. Differences in morphological characteristics is one tool used to determine differences between cultivars. Additional verification is justifiable if technology advances allow genetic sequencing to be definitive enough to determine if these grasses are truly different. As homeowners trend towards greater energy efficiency, demands for better performing, more shade tolerant turfgrasses also increase. Current trends toward energy conservation in home landscaping present problems in warm-season (C4) turfgrass selection since all species grow best in full sunlight. As the use of shade for cooling homes and buildings has increased, the need for a shade and cold tolerant turfgrass by homeowners and landscapers has arrived [1-3]. To determine if germplasm samples are truly different cultivars than established ones, morphological traits are typically evaluated to justify further research such as genetic sequencing. In addition, turf height and seedhead production differences would be valuable information for those turf managers interested in cultivars not requiring as frequent mowing as others. Genotypic sequencing, however, isn’t always able to delineate between cultivars. In hybrid bermudagrasses (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy), genotyping-by-sequencing was unable to consistently distinguish triploid standard cultivars from one another [4]. Researchers also were not able to distinguish these selections from their parents due to similar origin and clonal propagation but could distinguish triploids from diploid and tetraploid samples. To the author’s knowledge, molecular genotyping of St. Augustinegrasses has yet been published. Busey [5] classified 94 gentotypes based on 26 characters into five groups and developed a key based on their geography, chromosome number, and adaptation characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine if experimental St. Augustinegrass germplasm samples possessed different morphological differences compared to industry standards ‘Raleigh’ and ‘Palmetto’

Advanced Turf-type Bermudagrass Experimental Genotypes Show Marked Variation in Drought Response

Bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) is one of the most commonly used warm-season turfgrasses in the southern areas and transition zone of the United States. Due to the increasing demand for water resources and periodic drought, it is important to improve the drought resistance of bermudagrass for water savings and persistence under drought stress. This study was conducted to determine whether experimental bermudagrass genotypes have improved drought resistance compared with the standard cultivars Tifway and Riley’s Super Sport (Celebration®) at Stillwater, OK. The trials were designed as randomized complete blocks with four replications in Expt. I and three replications in Expt. II. In each experiment, genotypes were subjected to progressive acute drought conditions using polyethylene waterproof tarps to exclude precipitation over a period of at least 72 d. Bermudagrass entries were evaluated for turfgrass quality, leaf firing, normalized difference vegetation index, and live green cover at least once each week during the dry-down. Substantial drought response variations were found in this study, and all parameters were positively and highly correlated. A turf performance index (TPI) was assembled based on the number of times an entry ranked in the top statistical group across all testing parameters on each date. ‘DT-1’ (TifTuf®) and OSU1221 had the top TPI in both experiments. Most of bermudagrass experimental genotypes had equal or greater TPI than the standard Tifway, showing improved drought resistance through breeding effects. The identification of superior drought resistance experimental genotypes provided useful information to breeders on cultivar release.

Комплексная оценка сортов сои мировой селекции в условиях Северного Казахстана

The article presents the results of a comprehensive assessment of 150 soybean cultivars of various ecological and geographical origins from a collection nursery, obtained in 2021 and 2022 on the basis of the breeding station of the S.Seifullin KATU in the conditions of the dry-steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan. The years of research were characterized as acutely arid. For the conditions of the sharply continental climate of Northern Kazakhstan, the main limiting factor for soybean is precocity. As a result of the research, a promising soybean breeding material with a set of specified characteristics was identified in order to use them in the further breeding process: 104 cultivars with a short growing season; 38 – with the largest number of beans. The highest positive correlation was established between the yield and the number of beans per plant (r = 0.58), the height of attachment of the lower bean (r = 0.40), the number of productive nodes (r = 0.58), the number of seeds in the bean (r = 0.55), the weight of 1000 seeds (r = 0.56) and the weight of seeds per a bean (r = 0.45). A number of soybean cultivars with a relatively high yield, seed quality and precocity have been identified. The yield of the studied soybean cultivars varied from 3.6 to 11.2 quintal/ha (standard – 9.0 quintal/ha). On average, for two years, the highest yield (from 9.1 to 10.1 quintal/ha) was formed by Chinese cultivars: LongKen 310, Beidou 43, Heihe 43, Huajiong 2. The standard cultivar Ivushka was characterized with the highest protein and oil contents in the experiment – 41.06 and 19.03%, respectively.

Genetic parameters of husk spot resistance in macadamia breeding families

Husk spot caused by the Pseudocercospora macadamiae fungus induces premature abscission of fruit in many industry standard macadamia cultivars. Fungicides and other management strategies add to farm costs, thus breeding for varietal resistance is important. Genetic parameters of husk spot symptom expression had not previously been estimated. To guide selection methods for field resistance, over 300 open-pollinated seedlings of 32 families and 24 parent genotypes were inoculated, and seven symptom expression traits were evaluated. Narrow-sense and broad-sense heritabilities were estimated, breeding values were predicted, and correlations between breeding values of trait pairs were tested for significance. The traits with the highest heritabilities were necrotic lesion number per fruit (H2 = 0.41–0.59; h2 = 0.21–0.30) and necrotic incidence (H2 = 0.19–0.27; h2 = 0.17–0.24). Breeding values of the two traits were highly correlated (r = 0.98; p < 0.001), suggesting that either trait could be used to indirectly select for the other. All genotypes expressed symptoms to some degree, however, breeding values for necrotic traits and symptom-induced premature abscission were low for clones and progeny of cultivar ‘HAES791’. Necrotic trait breeding values were also promising for progeny of cultivar ‘HAES246’ and clones of Australian Macadamia Breeding Program elite selection, ‘BAM263’. Having been identified as potentially partially resistant, these selections can now be further evaluated and used as parents of new progeny populations.

Multivariable interaction analysis for enhanced baby potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in India

Worldwide, potato is consumed in different forms from cooked to fry, and accordingly the standard cultivars and its production are met. In recent times, the demand for smaller or baby potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) with a target size of 20-40 mm in diameter is increasing to meet the culinary market. The production method of baby potato is markedly different from ware potatoes, as are harvested prematurely that led to greater yield reduction per unit area. Hence, a holistic approach is imperative to minimise the yield loss as no single dependent factor operates independently. Therefore, the commercially leading potato cultivars (K. Khyati, K. Himsona, K. Pukhraj and K. Pushkar) were evaluated in AICRP (Potato) under contrasting growing environments for two years to understand the interaction effect of location, cultivars and harvesting time together on yield components. The results revealed a highly significant difference for all three main effects for the entire tuber size production indicated an existence of heterogenity among growing environments and cultivars. The interaction effects location*cultivar and cultivar *harvesting time exhibited a highly significant difference for small (&lt;20 mm), medium (20-40 mm) and large size tuber yield (&gt;40 mm), total yield and tuber dry matter content indicated their strong influence on these traits. The growing location Chinndwara registered substantially greater efficiency by accounting 145, 115, 61 and 97% for small, medium, large size tubers and total tuber yield, respectively. The delay in harvesting time (&gt;75DAP) reduced the per cent of small and medium size tubers and their yield. Although, cv. K. Himsona had the greatest per cent of small and medium size tubers suitable for baby potatoes, the yield of this group was found greatest in cv. K. Khyati and at par with K. Pukhraj across locations, hence can be recommended for baby potato production under tropical conditions.

Sources of Bacterial Leaf Streak Resistance Identified in a Diverse Collection of Barley Germplasm.

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS) is a sporadic yet damaging disease of cereals that is growing in importance across the Upper Midwest production region. In barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare), this disease is caused primarily by the bacterium Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens. Accessions resistant to BLS have been reported in past studies, but few have been rigorously validated in the field. To identify accessions carrying diverse resistance alleles to BLS, a largescale germplasm screening study was undertaken against strain CIX95 of X. translucens pv. translucens in St. Paul and Crookston, Minnesota, in 2020 and 2021. The germplasm screened was diverse and included adapted breeding lines from two improvement programs, two landrace panels (one global and one from Ethiopia/Eritrea), introgression lines from wild barley (H. vulgare ssp. spontaneum) in the genetic background of barley cultivar 'Rasmusson', and an assemblage of accessions previously reported to carry BLS resistance. Of the 2,094 accessions evaluated in this study, 32 (1.5%) exhibited a consistently high level of resistance across locations and years and had heading dates similar to standard cultivars grown in the region. Accessions resistant to BLS were identified from all germplasm panels tested, providing genetically diverse sources for barley improvement programs focused on breeding for resistance to this important bacterial disease.

Nitrogen uptake pattern of dry direct-seeded rice and its contribution to yields in northeastern Japan

ABSTRACT Dry direct-seeded rice (DDSR) cultivation is expected to reduce production costs compared with transplanted rice (TPR); however, its low N use efficiency (NUE) has hindered cost reduction. We conducted DDSR field experiments for 3 years using a standard cultivar (‘Akitakomachi’) and a high-yielding cultivar (‘Yumiazusa’) grown with a single application of coated urea (CU) or split applications of normal urea (NU) to determine factors limiting yield and NUE and compared growth and yields of TPR grown in adjacent fields. DDSR yield was lower than that of TPR at comparable N levels by 11% due to low fertilizer recovery rate, crop NUE (CNUE, yield per unit N uptake), and poor grain filling by meteorological factors. Crop N uptake at maturity in DDSR was similar to or even greater than that in TPR, but poor vegetative growth in DDSR and low crop N uptake until panicle formation (PF) resulted in limited spikelet density and CNUE compared with TPR. Analysis of the N uptake pattern suggests that enhancing early leaf development can improve N uptake until PF and thus CNUE in DDSR. NU yielded as much as CU, so it can potentially reduce the cost of production because of its lower price, but the optimal N proportion and application stage in the split application needs scrutinizing. ‘Yumiazusa’ had better initial growth, CNUE, and yield than ‘Akitakomachi’ in DDSR. To leverage these traits for further yield improvements, we also need to consider suitable phenological characteristics to ensure favorable climatic conditions during the grain-filling period.

Analysis of the Complete Tomato Aspermy Virus Genomes Suggests Reassortment in Russian Isolates from Chrysanthemum

Tomato aspermy virus (TAV, genus Cucumovirus from the family Bromoviridae) is one of the most common and harmful chrysanthemum viruses, causing severe flower distortion, size reduction, and color breaking. Metatranscriptome sequencing of chrysanthemum plants of the Ribonette and Golden Standard cultivars from the collection of the Nikita Botanical Garden (Yalta, Republic of Crimea) generated TAV-related RNA reads. The complete genomes of two Russian isolates of the virus were assembled from the reads. This is the first report of full-length TAV genomes from Russia. Typically of cucumoviruses, the segmented TAV genome is represented by three single-stranded positive-sense linear RNA molecules of 3412 (RNA1), 3097 (RNA2) and 2219 (RNA3) nucleotides. Five open reading frames (ORF) have been identified that encode replicase (ORF1), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (ORF2a), silencing suppressor protein (OFR2b), movement protein (OFR3a) and the coat protein (ORF3b). The identity of TAV genomes from the two chrysanthemum cultivars was 99.8% for all three viral RNAs; with other TAV isolates from GenBank it was 97.5-99.7% (RNA1), 93.8-99.8% (RNA2), and 89.3-99.3% (RNA3). Phylogenetic analysis showed that RNA1 and RNA3 of the Russian isolates were assigned to heterogeneous groups of TAV isolates found on various plant species in different regions of the world. At the same time, RNA2 clearly clustered with tomato isolates SKO20ST2 from Slovenia and PV-0220 from Bulgaria and, to a lesser extent, with the Iranian isolate Ker.Mah.P from petunia and the Chinese isolate Henan from chrysanthemum. The incongruence of phylogenetic trees reconstructed from different genome segments suggests pseudo-recombination (reassortment) in the Russian TAV isolates.

Agronomic, Physicochemical, Aromatic and Sensory Characterization of Four Sweet Cherry Accessions of the Campania Region.

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are greatly appreciated fruits worldwide due to their taste, color, nutritional value, and beneficial health effects. The characterization of autochthonous germplasm allows to identify genotypes that possess superior characteristics compared to standard cultivars. In this work, four accessions of sweet cherry from the Campania region (Limoncella, Mulegnana Riccia, Mulegnana Nera and Montenero) were investigated for their morpho-physiological, qualitative, aromatic, and sensorial traits in comparison with two standard cultivars (Ferrovia and Lapins). A high variability in the pomological traits resulted among the samples. Montenero showed comparable fruit weight and titratable acidity to Ferrovia and Lapins, respectively. The highest total soluble solid content was detected in Mulegnana Riccia. A considerable variability in the skin and pulp color of the cherries was observed, varying from yellow-red in Limoncella to a dark red color in Montenero. Mulegnana Nera showed the highest content of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid compared to the standard cultivars. Volatile organic compounds profile analysis identified 34 volatile compounds, 12 of which were observed at different concentrations in all the sweet cherry genotypes while the others were genotype-dependent. Conservation and cultivation of autochthonous accessions with suitable nutritional and morpho-physiologic characteristics promotes our agrobiodiversity knowledge and allows to better plan future breeding programs.

Novel Tetraploid Triticale (Einkorn Wheat × Rye)-A Source of Stem Rust Resistance.

Among cereals, triticale (×Trititcoseale Wittmack ex A. Camus) represents a number of advantages such as high grain yield even in marginal environments, tolerance to drought, cold and acid soils, as well as lower production costs. Together with high biomass of grain and straw, triticale is also considered as an industrial energy crop. As an artificial hybrid, it has not evolved naturally, which is reflected in narrow genetic diversity causing a resistance collapse in recent years. Here, we describe a novel, synthetic tetraploid triticale, which was developed by the crossing of rye (Secale cereale L.) with einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum spp. monococcum), which possess Sr35 stem rust resistance gene. Three subsequent generations of alloploids were obtained by chromosome doubling followed by self-pollination. The cytogenetic analyses revealed that the amphiploids possess a set of 28 chromosomes (14 of Am-genome and 14 of R-genome). The values of the most important yield-shaping traits for these tetraploid triticale form, including thousand-grain weight, plant height and stem length were higher compared to parental genotypes, as well as standard hexaploid triticale cultivars. This study shows that this tetraploid triticale genetic stock can be an interesting pre-breeding germplasm for triticale improvement or can be developed as a new alternative crop.

Comparison of Productivity and Agro-Biological Traits of Alfalfa Populations Resistant to Mobile Al Grown on Acidic and Neutral Soils

To evaluate the agro-biological traits and select the promising populations of alfalfa under pedoclimatic conditions, field experiments were carried out in two locations of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (western Lithuania 55°70′ N, 21°49′ E and central Lithuania 55°23′ N, 23°51′ E). Eleven populations were established in acidic soil with a pH of 4.0 (experimental site I) and neutral soil with a pH of 7.0 (experimental site II). The productivity and agro-biological traits: fresh matter yield, dry matter yield, seed yield, stem thickness, and stem, leaf, and inflorescence weight of alfalfa populations were evaluated from 2019 to 2021. In the acidic soil, the populations 3056, 3132, 3130, and 3058 yielded more fresh and dry matter compared to the standard cultivar Birutė in the period from 2019 to 2021. In the acidic soil, populations 3131 and 3057 had a higher seed yield compared to the cultivar Birutė in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The 3086 population significantly differed in leaf weight compared to the cultivar Birutė. The cultivar Birutė and population 3132 were similar in stem thickness and fresh matter yield. In the neutral soil, population 3056 yielded more fresh matter compared to the cultivar Birutė.