Kernel Thickness Research Articles

Genetic Dissection of Wheat Kernel Hardness Using Conditional QTL Mapping of Kernel Size and Protein-Related Traits

Kernel hardness (KH) is one of the primary quality parameters for common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and has a major impact on milling, flour quality, and end-product properties. In addition to Puroindoline (Pin) mutations and differences in Pin expression, other factors, such as kernel size and protein-related traits, play noticeable roles in determining hardness, but at the quantitative trait locus (QTL) level, the influence of these factors remains unclear. In this study, genetic relationships between KH and kernel size traits and between KH and protein-related traits were demonstrated by unconditional and conditional mapping using a wheat 90K genotyping assay with a segregating population of 173 recombinant inbred lines in four environments. Eight additive QTL for KH were detected using unconditional QTL mapping analysis; these QTL were primarily distributed on chromosomes 4B, 5A, 5B, and 6D, with phenotypic variation that ranged from 0.2 to 17.7%. In addition, one pair of epistatic QTL (QKH3B.4-65/QKH4B.6-2) was identified by unconditional mapping, and this pair accounted for 1.6% of the phenotypic variation. Through conditional mapping, after excluding the influences of kernel size and protein-related traits, 14 QTL were discovered and accounted for 0.6–18.5% of the phenotypic variation. Of them, the stable QTL QKH4B.4-17 made the largest contribution, which was partially contributed by the kernel length (KL), kernel thickness (KT), and dry gluten content (DGC). Furthermore, QKH4B.4-17 was crucially contributed by the kernel width (KW), kernel diameter (KD), kernel protein content (KPC), and wet gluten content (WGC) and was independent of the sedimentation volume (SV) and gluten index (GI). Another major QTL, QKH5B.10-63, was independent of the KW and KT; partly due to the variations in KL, KD, DGC, and WGC; and conclusively contributed by the KPC, SV, and GI. Seven additional QTL were only detected in the conditional analysis and were crucially contributed by kernel size or protein-related traits. These results demonstrated that kernel size and protein-related traits play significant roles in determining KH. The present study increases the understanding of the relationships between KH and kernel size and between KH and protein-related traits at the QTL level.

Almond nut weight assessment by stepwise regression and path analysis

ABSTRACTThe present study estimated almond nut weight using flower, nut and kernel characteristics of almond’s cultivars and genotypes by multivariate analysis. The nut traits had heritability from 20.73 to 80.60%, while the kernel traits heritability ranged from 35.16 to 88.23%. Although the nut related traits influenced the nut weight significantly, but kernel weight had the most standardized beta (0.712). The most important variables which affect nut weight, were kernel weight, kernel thickness, kernel length and the nut width respectively. Nut weight estimation using kernel characteristics had the most R2 (0.993).

Relative Impact of Kernel Thickness and Moisture Content on Rice Fissuring during Drying

Abstract.Individual kernel thickness and moisture content (MC) vary within rice panicles. These variations affect the drying characteristics of rice kernels and consequently, the milling yield. This study utilized an X-ray system augmented with an in-situ rice drying apparatus that enabled fissure detection in rough rice kernels during drying and tempering. Rough rice kernels of two long-grain cultivars (Roy J and CL XL745), each at two MC levels (20% and 16%, w.b.), were fractionated into three thickness fractions (thin <1.98 mm, medium 1.98 - 2.03 mm, and thick >2.03 mm). Kernels from each of the 12 sub-lots were dried and tempered under controlled air conditions. Fissured kernel percentages (FKP) were determined from X-ray images taken before, during, and after drying and tempering. Kernel thickness and MC both affected moisture desorption fissuring. Generally, as kernel thickness increased, the FKP increased for high-MC lots. In regards to MC, high-MC lots were more prone to fissuring than the low-MC lots. Overall, these findings highlight the role of kernel properties on fissuring during drying. Keywords: Kernel fissuring, Kernel thickness, Moisture content, Rice drying, X-ray imaging.

Preliminary results of Turkish hazelnut (Corylus colurna L.) populations for testing the nut characteristics

This paper aims to identify the hazelnut characteristics of four different populations (A?l?-Tunuslar, A?l?-M?sellimler, Ara?-G?zl?k and Tosya-K???ksekiler) in the North Western Black Sea Region of Turkey, one of the most important areas of economic interest for this species. There, the Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) grows in its optimal conditions and reveals relatively high inter-population and intra-population variation in terms of nut characteristics. With the purpose of assessing variation, measurements were performed in four populations in Kastamonu district on 14 different nut characteristics (number of nuts per cluster, nut length (mm), nut width (mm), nut thickness (mm), shell thickness (mm), nut size (mm), nut shape, compression index, nut weight (g), kernel length (mm), kernel width (mm), kernel thickness (mm), kernel weight (g) and kernel ratio (%) of representative samples of the populations. Significant differences were found out among populations with regard to all of nut characteristics (p<0.05). The four populations have created two groups, population of A?l?-Tunuslar and the others, according to cluster analysis. The closest populations have been Tosya-K???ksekiler and Ara?-G?zl?k in terms of nut characteristics. According to the results obtained either on population basis or without population discrimination; significant correlations were determined between the majorities of the nut characters. The Ara?-G?zl?k population showed nuts the biggest among those examined and it is the population which took the highest values in terms of nut size traits while the Tosya-K???ksekiler provenance showed the highest values with the average values of 5, 15.92 mm, 1.32 and 11.75 mm respectively for nuts per cluster, nut width, compression index and kernel width. The A?l?-Tunuslar population showed the highest kernel ratio with 38.2%.

The Conserved and Unique Genetic Architecture of Kernel Size and Weight in Maize and Rice.

Maize (Zea mays) is a major staple crop. Maize kernel size and weight are important contributors to its yield. Here, we measured kernel length, kernel width, kernel thickness, hundred kernel weight, and kernel test weight in 10 recombinant inbred line populations and dissected their genetic architecture using three statistical models. In total, 729 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, many of which were identified in all three models, including 22 major QTLs that each can explain more than 10% of phenotypic variation. To provide candidate genes for these QTLs, we identified 30 maize genes that are orthologs of 18 rice (Oryza sativa) genes reported to affect rice seed size or weight. Interestingly, 24 of these 30 genes are located in the identified QTLs or within 1 Mb of the significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We further confirmed the effects of five genes on maize kernel size/weight in an independent association mapping panel with 540 lines by candidate gene association analysis. Lastly, the function of ZmINCW1, a homolog of rice GRAIN INCOMPLETE FILLING1 that affects seed size and weight, was characterized in detail. ZmINCW1 is close to QTL peaks for kernel size/weight (less than 1 Mb) and contains significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms affecting kernel size/weight in the association panel. Overexpression of this gene can rescue the reduced weight of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) homozygous mutant line in the AtcwINV2 gene (Arabidopsis ortholog of ZmINCW1). These results indicate that the molecular mechanisms affecting seed development are conserved in maize, rice, and possibly Arabidopsis.

Mapping QTLs controlling kernel dimensions in a wheat inter-varietal RIL mapping population.

Seven kernel dimension QTLs were identified in wheat, and kernel thickness was found to be the most important dimension for grain weight improvement. Kernel morphology and weight of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) affect both yield and quality; however, the genetic basis of these traits and their interactions has not been fully understood. In this study, to investigate the genetic factors affecting kernel morphology and the association of kernel morphology traits with kernel weight, kernel length (KL), width (KW) and thickness (KT) were evaluated, together with hundred-grain weight (HGW), in a recombinant inbred line population derived from Nanda2419 × Wangshuibai, with data from five trials (two different locations over 3years). The results showed that HGW was more closely correlated with KT and KW than with KL. A whole genome scan revealed four QTLs for KL, one for KW and two for KT, distributed on five different chromosomes. Of them, QKl.nau-2D for KL, and QKt.nau-4B and QKt.nau-5A for KT were newly identified major QTLs for the respective traits, explaining up to 32.6 and 41.5% of the phenotypic variations, respectively. Increase of KW and KT and reduction of KL/KT and KW/KT ratios always resulted in significant higher grain weight. Lines combining the Nanda 2419 alleles of the 4B and 5A intervals had wider, thicker, rounder kernels and a 14% higher grain weight in the genotype-based analysis. A strong, negative linear relationship of the KW/KT ratio with grain weight was observed. It thus appears that kernel thickness is the most important kernel dimension factor in wheat improvement for higher yield. Mapping and marker identification of the kernel dimension-related QTLs definitely help realize the breeding goals.

Predicting Milling Yields of Long-Grain Rice Using Select Physical Parameters

Abstract. Milling yields of long-grain rice were successfully predicted using multi-parameter linear modeling, although the data was limited to lots of only two cultivars (Grigg and Siebenmorgen, 2015). Thus, modeling was expanded to include six currently-produced long-grain cultivars. For unfractioned rice, milling yields [milled rice yield (MRY) and head rice yield (HRY, adjusted to account for degree of milling variations)] were regressed to combinations of physical parameters comprising bulk density (Ib) of rough rice, and fissured-kernel percentage (FKP), chalkiness, and average kernel thickness of brown rice. The resulting models for prediction of milling yields were cross-validated with equivalent data of thickness-fractioned rough rice of the same cultivar lots. Thickness fractions comprised ( 2.05 mm). Milling yields were first predicted using Ib, FKP, and chalkiness parameters (Model I). The adjusted coefficient of determination (R 2 ) value indicates that Model I effectively predicted HRY (R 2 = 0.90); however prediction of MRY was poor (R 2 = 0.22), and related model cross-validations (Valid. R 2 = 0.67 and 0.59, MRY and HRY, respectively) were marginal. Adding the kernel thickness parameter in Model II improved milling yield predictions and cross-validations (R 2 = 0.72 and 0.94, and Valid. R 2 = 0.82 and 0.74, for MRY and HRY, respectively). As the chalkiness parameter estimates in Models I and II were statistically insignificant, Model III considered only the Ib, FKP, and thickness parameters. Model III maintained effectiveness in predictions and cross-validations of milling yields (R 2 = 0.71 and 0.95, and Valid. R 2 = 0.83 and 0.72, for MRY and HRY respectively). The Ib, FKP, and thickness parameters of Model III effectively predicted MRYs and HRYs of both unfractioned and thickness-fractioned long-grain rice of this set of cultivar lots.

Genetic Factors Underlying Dry‐Milling Efficiency and Flaking‐Grit Yield Examined in US Maize Germplasm

A small but important proportion of US maize (Zea mays L.) grain is channeled to create breakfast cereals and other food products; yet, little focus has been devoted to genetic improvement of corn hybrids to meet needs of dry millers and other end users in the cereal pipeline. This study was designed to evaluate a broad range of US maize germplasm for key dry‐milling traits: dry‐milling efficiency (DME), the proportion of flaking grits produced from dry‐milled maize grain, and flaking‐grit yield (FGY), the amount of flaking grits produced per unit land. Genetic parameters for DME and FGY were characterized based on grain produced over 3 yr, and the associations between dry‐milling, agronomic, ear, and kernel traits were assessed. Means for DME among experimental hybrids ranged from 24.0 to 36.0%. The DME was negatively correlated with grain yield and positively correlated with test weight; associations with other ear and kernel traits were weak despite being statistically significant in some cases. The DME is moderately heritable (h2 = 0.53) and controlled largely by additive gene action. A moderate amount (31%) of the variation in FGY was explained by multiple linear regression of grain yield and simple physical kernel properties: test weight, kernel thickness, and 100‐kernel volume. Genetic variation for DME in US maize germplasm was demonstrated, which could be exploited to develop new maize hybrids with improved DME and, ultimately, FGY. However, more work is needed to develop indirect selection approaches to predict DME and FGY at or before harvest.

Prunus scoparia, a suitable rootstock for almond (Prunus dulcis) under drought condition based on vegetative and fruit characteristics

Almond is one of the most important nut crops in the world and thus rootstock selection is an important decision when planting an almond orchard. With the aim of introducing Prunus scoparia as a suitable rootstock for almond under drought condition, the present study was carried out with two scion/rootstock combinations including: A-1) Prunus dulcis cv. ‘Rabiee’ scion/P.dulcis cv. ‘Estahban’ rootstock (under irrigated condition), A-2) P. dulcis cv. ‘Rabiee’ scion/P. dulcis cv. ‘Estahban’ rootstock (under rainfed condition), and B) P. dulcis cv. ‘Rabiee’ scion/P. scoparia rootstock (under rainfed condition). P. scoparia is a wild species, usually living on dry calcareous soils at rocky mountain and has been used as a grafting rootstock for almonds to provide drought resistance. Result showed that the vegetative characters of ‘Rabiee’ scion including tree height, trunk diameter, annual year’s growth and internode length were statistically significantly affected by rootstock combinations which trees grafted onto P. scoparia represented lower values for these characters. The lowest tree height was observed for trees grafted onto P. scoparia (110.00cm), while the highest was in trees grafted onto irrigated ‘Estahban’ rootstock (516.00cm). Thus, P. scoparia may reduce height of ‘Rabiee’ scion and can be used as a dwarfing rootstock for almond. In addition, fruit yield of ‘Rabiee’ scion showed statistically significant differences among its trees grafted on different rootstocks. Trees grafted onto irrigated ‘Estahban’ rootstock showed higher yield compared with others, but differences among trees grafted onto irrigated ‘Estahban’ rootstock and trees grafted onto P. scoparia was insignificant for this trait, while they showed significant differences with trees grafted onto rainfed ‘Estahban’ rootstock. Nut length, nut width and kernel thickness showed statistically significant differences among trees grafted onto different rootstocks. Trees grafted onto P. scoparia showed higher values for means of nut length (35.66mm) and nut width (26.59mm). Nut weight was higher in trees grafted onto P. scoparia (4.97g) and irrigated ‘Estahban’ rootstock (5.02g) than in trees grafted onto rainfed ‘Estahban’ rootstock (3.99g). Qualitative characters of kernel (shape, color, uniformity and shriveling) were not affected by different rootstock combinations. In conclusion, P. scoparia may reduce plant height and increase fruit yield of almond scion under drought stress and can be used as a dwarfing rootstock for almond.

Kernel characteristics, oil contents, fatty acid compositions and biodiesel properties in developing Siberian apricot (Prunus sibirica L.) seeds

Kernel characteristics, oil contents, fatty acid compositions and biodiesel properties were studied in developing Siberian apricot (Prunus sibirica L.) seeds, at intervals of 1 week from 3 weeks after anthesis to 10 weeks. Variation of kernel dry biomass, kernel length, kernel breadth and kernel thickness were significant (P<0.01). Oil content increased with maturity and reached the highest point at 8 weeks after anthesis (51.6%). Changes in the content of oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) presented an opposite trend that oleic acid increased, whereas linoleic acid decreased until 7 weeks after anthesis. Siberian apricot methyl esters meet the specifications better in biodiesel standards when seeds were harvested at 8, 9 and 10 weeks after anthesis. Siberian apricot seeds harvested after 8 weeks after anthesis may be suitable for producing biodiesel.

The Genetic Basis of Natural Variation in Kernel Size and Related Traits Using a Four-Way Cross Population in Maize.

Kernel size is an important component of grain yield in maize breeding programs. To extend the understanding on the genetic basis of kernel size traits (i.e., kernel length, kernel width and kernel thickness), we developed a set of four-way cross mapping population derived from four maize inbred lines with varied kernel sizes. In the present study, we investigated the genetic basis of natural variation in seed size and other components of maize yield (e.g., hundred kernel weight, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row). In total, ten QTL affecting kernel size were identified, three of which (two for kernel length and one for kernel width) had stable expression in other components of maize yield. The possible genetic mechanism behind the trade-off of kernel size and yield components was discussed.

Pyrophosphate: fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase (PFP) regulates carbon metabolism during grain filling in rice.

Key messageDecreased PFPase activity in rice perturbs the equilibration of carbon metabolism during grain filling but has no visible phenotypic effects during the vegetative and reproductive growth stages.Starch is a primary energy reserve for various metabolic processes in plant. Despite much advance has been achieved in pathways involved in starch biosynthesis, information was still lacked for precise regulation related to carbon metabolism during seed filling in rice (Oryza sativa). The objective of this study was to identify and characterize new gene associated with carbon metabolism during grain filling. By screening our chemical mutant pool, two allelic mutants exhibiting floury endosperm were isolated. No visible phenotypic defects were observed during both the vegetative and reproductive growth stages, except for the floury-like endosperm of grains with significantly reduced kernel thickness, 1000-grain weight and total starch content. Map-based cloning revealed that the mutant phenotypes were controlled by a gene encoding pyrophosphate: fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase (PFP, EC 2.7.1.90) β subunit (PFPβ), which catalyzes reversible interconversion between fructose-6-phosphate and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate. The identity of PFPβ was further confirmed by a genetic complementation test. Subcellular analysis demonstrated that PFPβ was localized in cytoplasm. Quantitative PCR and histochemical staining indicated PFPβ was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues. Furthermore, we found PFPβ could express in both the early and late phases of starch accumulation during grain filling and decreased activity of PFPβ in pfp mutants resulted in compromised carbon metabolism with increased soluble sugar contents and unfavorable starch biosynthesis. Our results highlight PFPβ functions in modulating carbon metabolism during grain filling stage.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00299-016-1964-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Characterization of three wheat grain weight QTLs that differentially affect kernel dimensions

The QGw.nau - 2D, QGw.nau - 4B and QGw.nau - 5A intervals were investigated for their effects on weight, length, width, and thickness of kernels and their differential roles in determining kernel size and shape were demonstrated. Grain weight (GW) contributes greatly to wheat yield and is directly related to kernel size and shape. Although over 100 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for GW have been reported in the literatures, few have been well characterized for their association with kernel traits. In this study, three GW QTLs identified in elite cultivar 'Nanda2419' ('Mentana'), including QGw.nau-2D, QGw.nau-4B and QGw.nau-5A, were investigated through near isogenic line (NIL) development and evaluation. NILs for all three QTLs and one NIL with both QGw.nau-4B and QGw.nau-5A were developed with the help of marker-assisted selection after two to three generations of backcross using cultivar 'Wangshuibai' as the recurrent parent. One NIL with QGw.nau-4B in the background of cultivar 'Wenmai6' was also obtained. In four different field trials, these NILs consistently produced heavier kernels than the recurrent parents. QGw.nau-4B showed the largest effect on GW; its presence resulted in 0.4-0.5g increase of hundred-grain weight, depending on genetic backgrounds. QGw.nau-4B and QGw.nau-5A functioned additively in conditioning GW. These three QTL intervals showed pleiotropic effects on, or close linkage with genes for, spike length, plant height and flag leaf width, respectively, and acted differentially in determining the kernel dimensions that are the major GW determinants. They all conditioned wider kernels with QGw.nau-5A displaying the largest effect. QGw.nau-4B and QGw.nau-5A also conditioned thicker kernels but had opposite effects on kernel length. This study demonstrated that marker-assisted selection is effective for GW improvement. The availability of GW NILs could facilitate cloning of GW genes and unraveling of kernel development mechanisms.

Physical properties and mathematical modeling of melon (Cucumis melo L.) seeds and kernels

In the present research, some physical properties of Somsori and Varamin varieties of melon seeds and kernels were studied; three principal dimensions (length, width and thickness) of melon seeds and kernels were measured using image processing technique. Results indicated that mass of the Somsori and Varamin varieties seeds was equal to 0.043 and 0.052g, respectively. The corresponding value for melon kernels was found to be 0.031 and 0.036, respectively. True density of the Somsori and Varamin varieties seeds was equal to 1182.612 and 1132.058kgm−3, respectively. The corresponding value for melon kernels was found to be 1479.731 and 1535.911kgm−3, respectively. Results showed that with increasing volume of container from 500mL to 600mL bulk density of the seeds increased. But with increasing volume of container from 600mL to 1500mL, bulk density of the seeds decreased. Also with increasing volume of container from 500mL to 1000mL bulk density of the kernels increased. But with increasing volume of container from 1000mL to 1500mL, bulk density of the kernels decreased. Values of coefficient of friction of seeds and kernels on rubber surface were more than the iron, galvanized and plywood surfaces, but values of coefficient of friction of seeds and kernels on galvanized surface were less the other surfaces. Comparison between three methods of measuring angle of repose showed that values based on pouring method and filling method were more and less than the other methods, respectively.

Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis for Kernel‐Related Characteristics in Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) 1000‐kernel weight (TKW), kernel size (KZ), and kernel shape (KS), using F2 and F2:3 populations derived from a cross between lines ‘0911–46’ and ‘42’. F2:3 grown in two different environments and two parents and F2 plants grown in one environment were phenotyped and genotyped for TKW, KZ including kernel length, kernel width and kernel thickness; and KS (ratios of kernel width/kernel length and kernel thickness/kernel length). Quantitative trait locus investigation was conducted based on a linkage map with 176 simple sequence repeat markers by composite interval mapping. A total of 53 QTLs (logarithm of odds ≥ 3) were identified on 13 chromosomes for six evaluated traits. Of these 53 QTL, six for TKW were located on chromosomes 1A, 2A, 2B, and 2D; 27 for KZ were on chromosomes 1A, 2D, 3A, 4D, 5A, 5B, 6D, and 7B; and 20 for KS were on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2B, 2D, 3B, 4D, 5A and 7D. Two stable gene clusters influencing TKW, KZ, and KS were detected on chromosomes 1A and 2D, respectively. The QTL for TKW were located mainly on the A genome and the QTL for KS were mainly on the B genome, whereas the QTL for KZ were evenly distributed on the A, B, and D genomes. The QTLs for TKW and KS were mainly on homologous Group 1 and Group 2, whereas the QTL for KZ were evenly distributed on the seven homologous groups.

Impacts of Kernel Thickness and Associated Physical Properties on Milling Yields of Long-Grain Rice

Abstract. Rice milling yields are impacted by kernel physical properties, which may vary by kernel thickness. Four rice lots, comprising Wells and XL753 long-grain cultivars of both superior and inferior milling yields, were thickness graded into three fractions: thin ( 2.05 mm). Milled rice yield (MRY), head rice yield (HRY), rough-rice bulk density (I b ), and both brown-rice chalky area (chalkiness) and fissured-kernel percentage (FKP), were determined for each lot and fraction. The MRYs of thick kernels exceeded those of thin kernels for all lots, and those of medium kernels for inferior lots. The HRYs of thick kernels were less than those of medium kernels, significantly so for inferior lots. For all lots, medium kernels had greater HRYs than thin kernels. Thick kernels had greater HRYs than thin kernels for three of the four lots evaluated. Overall, I b increased, and chalkiness decreased, with increasing kernel thickness. The FKP varied by cultivar, increasing with increased thickness for only the Wells lots. Using uni-variate linear modeling, I b effectively predicted MRY (R 2 =0.91, P 2 =0.14, P 2 =0.25, P 2 =0.24, P 2 =0.46, P b , chalkiness, and FKP, improved the prediction of MRY (R 2 =0.93, P 2 =0.83, P

Genetic analysis of maize kernel thickness by quantitative trait locus identification.

Kernel thickness is one of the most important traits in kernel structure, and is related to yield. To ascertain its genetic information more clearly, an immortal recombinant inbred line segregation population was used to map the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for kernel thickness. As a result, two QTLs were identified on chromosome 9; both of them had negative additive effects, and could decrease kernel thickness to some extent. The QTLs explained 25.8% of the total phenotypic variation. These results advance our understanding of the genetic basis of kernel thickness in maize-breeding programs.

Niğde Altunhisar Yöresi Bademlerinin Seleksiyonu

This study was to carried out to determine of promosing almond genotypes in Altunhisar county of Niğde province in 2013. 280 genotypes in terms of nut size, suture opening of the shell, shell thickness, softness of the shell, kernel color intensity, shriveling of kernel, kernel pubescence, kernel taste, percentage of double kernel, percentage of sound kernel, nut weight, shell thickness, nut length, nut width, nut thickness, nut shape, marking of outer shell, shell color, kernel weight, kernel length, kernel width, kernel thickness, kernel ratio, kernel size, percentages of twin kernels, width indice and thickness indice were examined. The genotyips had more than 0.70 g kernel weight and %25 kernel rate were taken for evaluation, Total Weight-Ranked Points were calculated with considering genotype quality situations. Nut size, suture opening of the shell, softness of the shell, kernel color, shriveling of kernel, kernel pubescence, kernel taste, percentage of double kernel, percentage of sound kernel etc. characters were used. 15 genotypes (98, 160, 196, 187, 162, 191, 282, 168, 176, 261, 213, 6, 112, 147, 241 ) taken highest points were selected as promosing genotypes. Selected genotypes had 2.37 (no 187) – 3.80 (no 241) g nut weight; 0.71 (no 187) – 1.0 (no 241) g kernel weight; %25.17 (no 162) - 29.97 (no 6) kernel ratio; 1.96 (no 282) – 3.29 (no 162) mm shell thickness; %0.00 – 19.00 percentage of double kernel; %0.00 – 5.00 percentage of twin kernel. It was found that in terms of softness of the shell,15 genotype was very hard; in terms of kernel weight, 14 genotypes were small and 1 genotype was medium; in terms of kernel taste, 12 genotypes were sweet and 3 genotypes were intermediate; in terms of kernel pubescence, 6 genotypes were intermediate, 9 genotypes were low; in terms of color intensity, 8 genotypes were intermediate light and 1 genotype was light and 6 genotypes were dark. In the begining of vegetation in 2014, in promosing genotypes, phenological observations will be taken and in the end of the second year of the research, superior genotypes will be determined.

Interrelationship and cause effect analysis among panicle yield attributing traits in lowland Traditional Rice

Yield component analysis provides a framework for identifying potentially useful traits for yield improvement. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate the forty four low land traditional rice cultivars for twenty three panicle yield and its attributing traits during kharif season at the Zonal Adaptive Research Station, Krishnagar, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Significant varietal differences were observed for all the characters. Among the panicle yield attributing traits, number of primary branches per panicle, number of grains on primary branches panicle-1, number of spikelets on primary branches panicle-1, grain length, grain breadth, grain thickness, kernel breadth, kernel thickness, 100 grain weight, 100 kernel weight correlated significantly and positively with panicle yield both at the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Results of path analysis showed that the direct positive effect on panicle yield was greatest for number of spikelets on secondary branches panicle-1 (0.998) which is followed by number of grains on secondary branches panicle-1 (0.948), grain length (0.755), and number of spikelets on primary branches panicle-1 (0.625), grain thickness (0.392) and fertility % of spikelets on primary branches panicle-1 (0.378). Few characters like number of primary branches panicle-1, number of spikelets panicle-1, by number of grains on primary branches panicle-1 and grain breadth showed negative direct effect on panicle yield even though the genotypic correlation coefficients on panicle yield were positive. The study revealed that the direct selection of the above said traits might be rewarding for panicle yield improvement since they revealed a true relationship with the panicle yield.

Correlation of Sensory, Cooking, Physical, and Chemical Properties of Whole Grain Rice with Diverse Bran Color

ABSTRACTWhole grain rice is nutrient dense because of the intact bran layer. The literature indicates that there is genetic variability for compounds in the bran layer of whole grain rice with some compounds in high concentrations in varieties with pigmented bran. The purpose of this study was to compare factors that impact sensory characteristics between different classes of rice bran color. Ten varieties, two from each of five bran colors (white, light brown, brown, red, and purple), were evaluated for descriptive flavor and texture, physical characteristics, gelatinization temperature, apparent amylose content, and polyphenols. Rice that has red or purple pigmented bran has higher contents of phenols and flavonoids, and these varieties were strongly correlated with some flavor attributes. The bran/hay/straw attribute correlated with bran weight and bran thickness, and sweet taste negatively correlated with amylose content. The texture attribute of hardness was significantly different among bran colors, and a 64% variance can be explained by kernel density and bran thickness. Physical traits of kernel width, kernel thickness, and bran weight can explain 68.7% of cook time variance. This report advances our understanding of contributing factors to the flavor and texture attributes of the whole grain rice with diverse bran color.