Effects of Alternaria alternata f.sp. lycopersici toxins on pollen

Effects of the phytotoxic compounds (AAL-toxins) isolated from cell-free culture filtrates of Alternaria alternata f.sp. lycopersici on in vitro pollen development were studied. AAL-toxins inhibited both germination and tube growth of pollen from several Lycopersicon genotypes. Pollen from susceptible genotypes, however, was more sensitive for AAL-toxins than pollen from resistant plants, while pollen of species not belonging to the host range of the fungus was not significantly affected by the tested toxin concentrations. AAL-toxins elicit symptoms in detached leaf bioassays indistinguishable from those observed on leaves of fungal infected tomato plants, and toxins play a major role in the pathogenesis. Apparently, pathogenesis-related processes and mechanisms involved in disease resistance are expressed in both vegetative and generative tissues. This overlap in gene expression between the sporophytic and gametophytic level of a plant may be advantageously utilized in plant breeding programmes. Pollen may be used to distinguish susceptible and resistant plants and to select for resistances and tolerances against phytotoxins and other selective agents.

Key Success Factors of Innovation Projects of Vegetable Breeding Companies in China

The vegetable breeding industry is generally recognized as an innovation-driven industry. However, innovation is costly, time-consuming and uncertain. This study aims to identify the key success factors of innovation project performance of vegetable breeding companies (VBCs) in China. Based on empirical data that was collected from 53 innovation projects in 38 VBCs, it was found that integrative capabilities play an important role in the novelty and newness of the innovation to enhance product potential (superiority) and also in improving functional capabilities and in gaining market potential. Furthermore, market competition is a positive factor for inspiring innovation in the breeding industry

Biotechnologie en veredeling in Engeland : verslag van bezoeken aan enkele onderzoekinstellingen

Om op de hoogte te blijven van de ontwikkelingen op het gebied van het biotechnologisch onderzoek t.b.v. de plantenveredeling in Engeland werd een bezoek gebracht aan een aantal onderzoeksinstellingen: Institute of Horticultural Research, East Malling, Maidstone; North East London Polytechnic, Romford Road, Londen; Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden; Plant Genetic Manipulation Group, University of Nottingham; en John Innes Institute, Colney Lane, Norwich. Met name wordt verslag gedaan van onderzoek dat aansluit op dat van het IV