Popcorn (Zea mays L. var. Everta) haploids identified by Navajo phenotype and ploidy level

For popcorn, obtaining and identifying haploids are still challenging steps. We aimed to induce and screen haploids in popcorn using the Navajo phenotype, seedling vigor, and ploidy level. We used the Krasnodar Haploid Inducer (KHI) in crosses with 20 popcorn source germplasms and five maize controls. The field trial design was completely randomized, with three replications. We assessed the efficacy of induction and identification of haploids based on the haploidy induction rate (HIR) and false positive and negative rates (FPR and FNR). Additionally, we also measured the penetrance of the Navajo marker gene (R1-nj). All putative haploids classified by the R1-nj were germinated together with a diploid sample and evaluated for false positives and negatives based on vigor. Seedlings from 14 females were submitted to flow cytometry to determine the ploidy level. The HIR and penetrance were analyzed by fitting a generalized linear model with a logit link function. The HIR of the KHI, adjusted by cytometry, ranged from 0.0 to 1.2%, with a mean of 0.34%. The average FPR from screening based on the Navajo phenotype was 26.2% and 76.4% for vigor and ploidy, respectively. The FNR was zero. The penetrance of R1-nj ranged from 30.8 to 98.6%. The average number of seeds per ear in temperate germplasm (76) was lower than that obtained in tropical germplasm (98). There is an induction of haploids in germplasm of tropical and temperate origin. We recommend the selection of haploids associated with the Navajo phenotype with a direct method of confirming the ploidy level, such as flow cytometry. We also show that haploid screening based on Navajo phenotype and seedling vigor reduces misclassification. The origin and genetic background of the source germplasm influence the R1-nj penetrance. Because the known inducers are maize, developing doubled haploid technology for popcorn hybrid breeding requires overcoming unilateral cross-incompatibility

Tamanho de parcela e efeito de bordadura no melhoramento de Urochloa ruziziensis

The objective of this work was to assess the need for a border area and to estimate the optimum plot size in experiments for the evaluation of Urochloa ruziziensis. Plant height and green mass production of eight half‑sib progenies of U. ruziziensis were evaluated in two cuttings. A randomized complete block design was used, with four replicates and 16 m2 plots. Each plot was subdivided into 32 strata of 0.5 m2, with each stratum being considered as a basic unit. To determine the need for a border area, analysis of variance was carried out considering the position of the basic unit in the plot. Estimates of optimum plot size were made by the maximum curvature of the coefficient of variation method and by the resampling method. The use of borders does not affect the mean performance and classification of the half‑sib progenies evaluated. The use of 3 m2 plots is enough to obtain good experimental accuracy in an experiment with half‑sib progenies of U. ruziziensis.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a necessidade de bordadura e estimar o tamanho ótimo de parcela em experimentos para avaliação de Urochloa ruziziensis. Foram avaliadas a altura das plantas e a produção de massa verde de oito progênies de meio‑irmãos de U. ruziziensis, em dois cortes. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e parcelas de 16 m2. Cada parcela foi subdividida em 32 estratos de 0,5 m2, sendo cada estrato considerado como uma unidade básica. Para determinar a necessidade de bordadura, foi realizada análise de variância, tendo-se considerado a posição da unidade básica na parcela. As estimativas do tamanho ótimo da parcela foram realizadas pelo método da máxima curvatura do coeficiente de variação e pelo método da reamostragem. O uso de bordaduras não altera o desempenho médio e a classificação das progênies de meio‑irmãos avaliadas. O emprego de parcelas com 3 m2 é suficiente para obter boa precisão experimental em experimento com progênies de meio‑irmãos de U. ruziziensis.

A simulation-based assessment of the efficiency of QTL mapping under environment and genotype x environment interaction effects.

The objective of this simulation-based study was to assess how genes, environments, and genotype x environment (GxE) interaction affect the quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping efficiency. The simulation software performed 50 samplings of 300 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a F2, which were assessed in six environments. The RILs were genotyped for 977 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and phenotyped for grain yield. The average SNP density was 2 cM. We defined six QTLs and 190 minor genes. The trait heritability ranged from 30 to 80%. We fitted the single QTL model and the multiple QTL model on multiple phenotypes. The environment and complex GxE interaction effects led to a low correlation between the QTL heritability and power. The single- and across-environment analyses allowed all QTLs be declared, with an average power of 28 to 100%. In the across-environment analysis, five QTLs showed average power in the range 46 to 82%. Both models provided a good control of the false positive rate (6%, on average) and a precise localization of the QTLs (bias of 2 cM, on average). The QTL power in each environment has a high positive correlation with the range between QTL genotypes for the sum of the additive, environment, and GxE interaction effects (0.76 to 0.96). The uncertainty about the magnitude and sign of the environment and GxE interaction effects makes QTL mapping in multi-environment trials unpredictable. Unfortunately, this uncertainty has no solution because the geneticist has no control over the magnitude and sign of the environment and GxE interaction effects. However, the single- and across-environment analyses are efficient even under a low correlation between QTL heritability and power

Avaliação do teor de cafeína em folhas e grãos de acessos de café arábica Evaluation of the caffeine content in leaves and grains of arabica coffee accessions

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar, dentro do banco de germoplasma do estado de Minas Gerais, acessos de Coffea arabica L. com baixos teores de cafeína e verificar a existência de correlação entre o teor de cafeína dos grãos e de folhas ainda no estádio de mudas, viabilizando a prática da seleção precoce. Foram utilizados 75 acessos de café (cultivares, híbridos e alguns genótipos selvagens) oriundos do banco de germoplasma de café do Estado de Minas Gerais. Para estudo da correlação foram utilizados oito cultivares no delineamento de blocos casualizados com três repetições. Avaliaram-se os teores de cafeína presentes nos grãos e no terceiro e quarto par de folhas verdadeiras. Seis acessos apresentaram teores de cafeína nos grãos menores que 0,88%. Correlações significativas para teor de cafeína foram observadas entre o terceiro (0,69) e quarto par de folhas (0,92) e os grãos. Foram identificados acessos com teores reduzidos de cafeína e boa produtividade de grãos, podendo ser utilizados como genitores em programas de melhoramento. Verificou-se que é possível realizar a seleção precoce para teor de cafeína, em plantas de cafeeiro ainda no estádio de mudas, por meio da avaliação do quarto par de folhas.<br>The aim of this study was to identify, within the germplasm bank of the Minas Gerais state, Coffea arabica L. accessions with low levels of caffeine and check the correlation between grain and leaves in seedling stage, making possible the practice of early selection. Seventy-five coffe accessions (cultivars, hybrids and several wild genotypes) were evaluated from the coffee germplasm bank of the Minas Gerais state. In the correlation study, eight cultivars were used on randomized complete block design with three replications. Were evaluated the caffeine levels in the grains and the third and fourth pair of true leaves. Six accessions had caffeine levels in grains smaller than 0.88%. Was also detected a significant correlation between the caffeine levels in the third (0.69) and fourth (0.92) pair of leaves and grains. Genotypes were identified with low levels of caffeine and great yield may be used as parental in breeding programs. It is possible to perform early selection for caffeine content in coffee plants, still in the seedling stage, by evaluating the fourth pair of leaves

In vivo HAPLOID INDUCTION AND EFFICIENCY OF TWO CHROMOSOME DUPLICATION PROTOCOLS IN TROPICAL MAIZE

ABSTRACTArtificial chromosome duplication is one of the most important process in the attainment of doubled haploids in maize. This study aimed to evaluate the induction ability of the inducer line KEMS in a tropical climate and test the efficiency of the R1-Navajo marker by flow cytometry to evaluate two chromosome duplication protocols and analyze the development of the doubled haploids in the field. To accomplish this goal, four genotypes (F1 and F2 generations) were crossed with the haploid inducer line KEMS. The seeds obtained were selected using the R1-Navajo marker and subject to two chromosome duplication protocols. Duplication was confirmed using flow cytometry. The percentages of self-fertilized plants after duplication as well as the quantities of doubled haploid seeds obtained after the self-fertilization processes were analyzed. It was observed that the germplasm influences haploid induction but not the duplication rates of the tested protocols. Protocol 2 was more efficient for the duplication of haploids, in the percentage of self-fertilized plants after duplication, and in the attainment of doubled haploid lines. Moreover, the haploid inducer line KEMS can produce haploids in a tropical climate. Other markers, in addition to the R1-Navajo system, should be used in the selection of haploid seeds

Comparative statistics of Bayesian models.

Probabilistic models enhance breeding, especially for the Tahiti acid lime, a fruit essential to fresh markets and industry. These models identify superior and persistent individuals using probability theory, providing a measure of uncertainty that can aid the recommendation. The objective of our study was to evaluate the use of a Bayesian probabilistic model for the recommendation of superior and persistent genotypes of Tahiti acid lime evaluated in 12 harvests. Leveraging the Monte Carlo Hamiltonian sampling algorithm, we calculated the probability of superior performance (superior genotypic value), and the probability of superior stability (reduced variance of the genotype-by-harvests interaction) of each genotype. The probability of superior stability was compared to a measure of persistence estimated from genotypic values predicted using a frequentist model. Our results demonstrated the applicability and advantages of the Bayesian probabilistic model, yielding similar parameters to those of the frequentist model, while providing further information about the probabilities associated with genotype performance and stability. Genotypes G15, G4, G18, and G11 emerged as the most superior in performance, whereas G24, G7, G13, and G3 were identified as the most stable. This study highlights the usefulness of Bayesian probabilistic models in the fruit trees cultivars recommendation.</div

Fig 2 -

Pairwise probability of superior performance among genotypes (A). Probabilities of superior performance within environments (B).</p

Codes for 24 combinations of rootstock and scion of Tahiti acid lime.

Codes for 24 combinations of rootstock and scion of Tahiti acid lime.</p