Plant Integrity – The Important Factor of Adaptability to Stress Conditions

Crop production, research of crop productivity, tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, plant disease, and pests all represent the problem of plant integrity. Plants represent an integrated system of units, which are responsible for its resistance to adverse environmental conditions on the basis of the evaluation of characteristics both aboveground and in the roots. This "complete unit" (root and shoot) has an influence on the formation of seeds, the quality of which may affect subsequent growth, development, and stress tolerance of the filial generation. Properties of the roots predominantly influence (especially at drought stress conditions) growth, development, and the metabolic processes in the aboveground part of the plant. The seed traits affect the filial generation root morphology at the beginning of the vegetation period (especially length, surface, depth of root penetration, and also root weight). In the biology of the seeds, roots, yield formation, stress tolerance, etc., attention needs to be paid to plant integrity and adaptability during variable environmental conditions. Every plant, and its traits, is a result of all the plant’s activities. This is important for plant breeding. For example, it is possible to provide selection for cultivar traits at seed germination. Quality of the embryonic traits is important for subsequent growth and development. In the juvenile phase, and in later stages, the same genotype is still active. This is is among the main reasons for studying plant integrity

The Effect of Water Deficit on Yield and Yield Component Variation in Winter Wheat

The study was focused on the effect of limited water availability on yield and yield components of wheat. Soil water deficit is known to be one of the major factors limiting the productivity of cereals. Water deficit can affect plant growth and development in all stages, in early stages the rate of tiller appearance, leaf appearance and leaf area is reduced, later on the length of stems is reduced together with the number of grains per ear, and stress after anthesis shorten the duration of grain filling, thus reduces a grain size. The response of selected cultivars of winter wheat to water deficit was studied at the Field Research Station of the Mendel University, Brno, Czech Republic, in 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 growing seasons. A set of 26 cultivars was grown in two independent small plot experiments which were performed at two sites with different soil conditions, first site was characterised by loamy soil with good water retention and high yield potential, the second site was situated on drought prone sandy soil. Grain yield and primary yield components were determined: canopy density as the number of ears per area, and thousand grain weight as a parameter characterising grain size. The number of grains per ear was calculated using the grain yield, the number of ears per area and thousand grain weight. All yield components were statistically significantly affected by site, year and cultivar factors. Our results revealed that yield in all experiments was positively associated with high canopy density, but was not related to variations in grain weight. Under less favourable conditions association between yield and ear productivity was significant and grain weight was negatively correlated with number of ears and number of grains per ear. It suggested more severe competitiveness for resources. Four yield-based indices of drought tolerance were calculated, i.e. Stress Tolerance Index, Tolerance Index, Drought Resistance Index and Superiority Measure. Correlation analysis and principle component analysis were performed using data from both sites to show the relationships among indices and grain yield and to identify superior cultivars

Different Drought Tolerance Strategy of Wheat Varieties in Spike Architecture

Spike characteristics include spike length, total spikelet number per spike, number of fertile flowers, spike density, spike fertility, grain number, thousand kernel weight, the number of spikes per square meter, harvest index and the grain yield during the flowering and ripening stage. The six winter and one facultative variety differed in earliness, derived in part from the allele of the Ppd-D1 gene and phenological observation. The two sites significantly differed in the soil moisture, which varied during continual microclimate monitoring. The spike architecture of winter wheat was affected by drought. The plant samples from the site FIELD 2 (more drought stressed) showed a higher reduction in spike characteristics such as a lower spike length, total spikelet number, number of fertile flowers and spike fertility, leading to a lower yield than the site FIELD 1. Both early and late varieties possess compensatory abilities to create the grain yield during drought stress; however, the timing and duration of exposure to drought determine the application and success of the compensatory ability. In our experiment, the late varieties (photoperiod sensitive) performed better in yield than the early varieties during both growing seasons. That is at odds with the generally recommended "drought escape strategy" (early varieties) and suggests a possible direction for variety selection and breeding in arid areas in Central Europe.O

Smart tools of urban climate evaluation for smart spatial planning

Air temperature and humidity conditions were monitored in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, by a network of meteorological stations. Meteorological sensors were placed across a representative variety of urban and suburban environments. The data collected over the 2011-2014 period are analysed in this paper. The data from reference standard meteorological stations were used for comparison and modelling purposes. Air temperatures at the points of interest were successfully modelled using regression relationships. The spatial expression of point measurements of air temperatures was provided by GIS methods in combination with CORINE land cover layer, and satellite thermal images were used to evaluate the significance of these methods. The use of standard climate information has low priority for urban planners. The impact of the urban heat island on city residents and visitors was evaluated using the HUMIDEX index, as it is more understandable for urban planners than temperature conditions as such. The aim of this paper is the modification, description and presentation of urban climate evaluation methods that are easily useable for spatial planning purposes. These methods are based on comprehensible, easily available but quality data and results. This unified methodology forms a theoretical basis for better urban planning policies to mitigate the urban heat island effects.475

Smart tools of urban climate evaluation for smart spatial planning

Air temperature and humidity conditions were monitored in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, by a network of meteorological stations. Meteorological sensors were placed across a representative variety of urban and suburban environments. The data collected over the 2011–2014 period are analysed in this paper. The data from reference standard meteorological stations were used for comparison and modelling purposes. Air temperatures at the points of interest were successfully modelled using regression relationships. The spatial expression of point measurements of air temperatures was provided by GIS methods in combination with CORINE land cover layer, and satellite thermal images were used to evaluate the significance of these methods. The use of standard climate information has low priority for urban planners. The impact of the urban heat island on city residents and visitors was evaluated using the HUMIDEX index, as it is more understandable for urban planners than temperature conditions as such. The aim of this paper is the modification, description and presentation of urban climate evaluation methods that are easily useable for spatial planning purposes. These methods are based on comprehensible, easily available but quality data and results. This unified methodology forms a theoretical basis for better urban planning policies to mitigate the urban heat island effects

Methodology for specialized microclimate measurements in agricultural research

Metodika poskytuje praktický nástroj pro metodicky korektní realizaci mikroklimatického monitoringu v širokém spektru experimentů zemědělského výzkumu. Včetně uvedení příkladů z realizovaných aplikací inovuje a rozšiřuje metodiku "Metodika měření mikroklimatických poměrů zemědělských plodin a kultur" certifikovanou v roce 2016. Reflektován je tak nejen pokrok v oblasti technického řešení používané přístrojové techniky, zpracování dat, ale i výsledky výzkumu v oboru. Soustředí se především na mikroklimatický polní porostní monitoring zemědělských plodin a kultur a zásady monitoringu meteorologických prvků v nádobových experimentech. Uvedeny a popsány jsou postupy měření meteorologických prvků, jejichž monitoring je vhodné provádět s ohledem na hodnocení vlivu meteorologických podmínek na produkční proces rostlin, nebo aplikovatelných jako vstupní data pro modely prognózující výskyt patogenů a škůdců. Zmíněny jsou i kritické aspekty, které ovlivňují přesnost a reprezentativnost monitoringu. Pro posouzení specifik a diferencí je vždy uveden i relevantní postup měření na stanicích Českého hydrometeorologického ústavu, který má v metodické rovině upozornit na odchylky a možné dezinterpretace při hodnocení vztahu podnebí/počasí - rostlina/porost použitím dat z podmínek mimo porost zemědělských kultur.The methodology provides a practical tool for methodologically correct implementation of microclimate monitoring in a wide range of agricultural research experiments. Including examples from implemented applications, it innovates and expands the methodology "Metodika měření mikroklimatických poměrů zemědělských plodin a kultur" certified in 2016. This reflects not only progress in the field of technical solutions, used instrumentation, data processing, but also the results of research in the field. It mainly focuses on microclimatic field vegetation monitoring of agricultural crops and cultures and the principles of monitoring meteorological elements in pot experiments. The procedures for measuring meteorological elements are listed and described, the monitoring of which is suitable for evaluating the influence of meteorological conditions on the production process of plants, or applicable as input data for models forecasting the occurrence of pathogens and pests. Critical aspects that affect the accuracy and representativeness of monitoring are also mentioned. In order to assess the specifics and differences, the relevant measurement procedure at the stations of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute is always indicated, which is to point out methodologically deviations and possible misinterpretations in the assessment of the climate/weather - plant/vegetation relationship using data from conditions outside the growth of agricultural crops.Published Versio

Improved wheat grain yield by a new method of root selection

International audienceWheat is a major source of protein for human food, a critical issue at a time when mankind is growing by 77 million people per year. Wheat was domesticated approximately 10,000 years ago and has been systematically bred for about 200 years. However, this breeding selection has been done using only aerial plant parts. Indeed, wheat roots, the hidden half of plant, were not considered in breeding programs due to the lack of an appropriate method. Here, we evaluated roots of 18 wheat populations. The root system size was measured by its electrical capacitance directly in field. The plants in third and fourth generations were evaluated during shooting and heading. Then plants were selected for large and small root system. In dry conditions, progeny of plants with large and small root system had yields of 17.1 and 10.9 g per plant in the third generation and 18.5 and 10.0 g per plant in the fourth generation. Our results show that the progeny of the plants selected for large roots have larger roots than their parents, also in next generation. Similarly, the progeny of small root plants have smaller roots. The selection process showed a greater response for larger root system size. This response can be evolutionarily advantageous and make selection easier than, for example, selection for grain yield. Our unique method enables accurate, repeated evaluation and harvest of selected plants. Selection for higher wheat root system size can be easily used to breed for drought tolerance and higher efficiency of water and fertilizer use

Prospects of selection for barley seed vigour as a precondition for stand emergence under dry condition.

Study evaluated a segregating population of doubled-haploid lines and malting varieties for seed vigour tested at a low temperature of 10°C and under drought stress of -0.2 MPa and -0.5 MPa. The vigour of the dihaploid lines from six variants (3 years × 2 localities) was compared with four germination parameters obtained under the optimum thermal and moisture conditions The vigour of seeds of four spring varieties of malting barley and their mutual 12 combinations was assessed in two variants (1 year × 2 locations). Higher precipitation sums in June and July, i.e. shortly before harvest, were reflected in a decreased vigour (r = -0.777 and r = -0.721). Higher air temperatures during the period of April - July increased the vigour significantly (r = 0.741). Correlation between the vigour and the germination parameters (r = 0.454 - 0.539) was higher than in case of these germination parameters and the germination capacity (r = 0.266 - 0.351). The relationship between the vigour of parents and their progenies (r = 0.894) was significant. The results showed that barley seed vigour is a polygenic trait affecting the field emergence and malting quality. The increased vigor can be successfully achieved with traditional breeding methods.(In English

Cave Rock Surface Temperature Evaluation Using Non-contact Measurement Methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rock surface temperature (RST) regime in Kateřinská Cave in the Moravian Karst (Czech Republic, South Moravia) using nondestructive infrared methods. Air temperature monitoring was also included to quantify the dominant factors affecting the RST. Measurements were taken during the period covering January, 2010 to March, 2012. HOBO air temperature sensors with data loggers were placed in front of the cave entrance, in the entrance corridor and on selected sites in the cave interior. An infrared (IR) thermometer was used to measure the surface temperature of the solid rock. The RST in the cave interior during each season was also recorded by IR camera. The average temperature of the rock surface over the two year period was 6.95 °C. The longterm average of the RST was always 0.01 to 0.79 °C lower than the air temperature. The dynamics of the RST are most obvious at the entrance corridor to the cave, with temperature variability up to 17.34 °C. The dynamism of both the RST and air temperature decrease as the distance from the entrance increases. The lowest RST variability (1.19 °C) was detected at a distance of 271–280 meters from the entrance. The differences in the maximum RST in the monitored profile were relative small, ranging from 7.30 to 8.70 °C. Minimum temperatures in the cold season showed a significant difference among themselves. Changes in rock surface and air temperatures are dominantly influenced by air exchange with the external environment, although the RST may be locally influenced on a short-term basis by other factors, such as attendance and biota. Temperature heterogeneous zones over space in Kateřinská Cave with no air flow were located by thermal imaging. It is therefore an area where unknown spaces or exterior access can be expected