Cytomorphological and molecular characterization of inter-specific hybrid between cultivated sunflower and Helianthus argophyllus

Aim: To study useful variability generated in an inter-specific hybrid between cultivated sunflower inbred (ARM-243B) and silver leaf sunflower, H. argophyllus (ARG-2126) through cytomorphological traits and hybrid confirmation by molecular markers.Methodology: The present study on hybridization was undertaken using cultivated sunflower inbred (ARM-243B) and silver leaf sunflower H. argophyllus (ARG-2126). Thirty one morphological characters were recorded of cultivated sunflower (ARM-243B), H. argophyllus (ARG-2126) and inter-specific hybrid. A total of 50 PMCs were analysed for cytological observations. 62 SSR primers were used for molecular characterisation and hybridity confirmation in inter-specific hybrid. Results: Considerable variability was observed in inter-specific hybrid, with common traits including branched stems, anthocyanin coloration in petiole and disk florets, leaf petioles, and stems etc. Cytological abnormalities and reduction in pollen fertility indicated that generated inter-specific hybrid was true type. Out of sixty two SSR primers, nineteen showed parental polymorphism. ORS-1021 showed 10 bp allelic variation in inter-specific hybrid in a co-dominant manner and, hence, was used for hybrid confirmation. Interpretation: The results of this investigation showed that inter-specific hybridization between cultivated sunflower and H. argophyllus and transfer of desirable traits into cultivated sunflower is possible.

Development of a drought stress-resistant rice restorer line through Oryza sativa–rufipogon hybridization

Restorer line F6 (Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica) has been widely used in hybrid rice breeding systems in southern China. However, line F6 is susceptible to drought stress, which restricts its utilization in many areas. Dongxiang wild rice (DXWR, Oryza rufipogon Griff.) has strong drought stress resistance, but the molecular factors responsible for drought resistance in DXWR remain unknown. In this study, we used the combination of phenotypic selection and molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) to improve the drought stress resistance of line F6 by introgression of qSDT12-2, a large effect drought stress-related quantitative trait locus identified in DXWR. Molecular MAS was carried out using linked marker RM1226, which is associated with qSDT12-2. Genomic background assessmentwas performed using 112 polymorphic markers. Finally, a stable drought stress-resistant backcross inbred line (BIL) was developed from a BC5F5 population, termed BIL627. Genetic constitution analysis revealed that the genome of BIL627 is almost identical (99.1%) to that of the restorer line F6. Further, BIL627 showed no yield penalty and no decrease in restorationability under normal conditions. Taken together, our findings reveal the intrinsic value of using genetic resources present in wild species of Oryza to improve undesirable traits found in cultivated rice.

Reação de híbridos interespecíficos de Passiflora spp. à Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. passiflorae / Reaction of interspecific hybrids of Passiflora spp. to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. passiflorae

Avaliou-se o grau de resistência de 36 clones de maracujazeiro obtidos por seleção massal de sete progênies de híbridos interespecíficos a três isolados de Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. passiflorae. As progênies foram obtidas por meio de cruzamentos entre a cultivar comercial Passiflora edulis "flavicarpa" com as espécies silvestres P. caerulea, P. edulis "roxo" e P. setacea. Os isolados da bactéria foram obtidos em Rio Claro-SP, Planaltina-DF e Limeira-SP. Clones individuais foram inoculados com solução bacteriana na concentração de 108ufc ml-1 aos 120 dias da semeadura. As avaliações ocorreram aos 5, 10 e 15 dias após a inoculação, medindo-se o diâmetro longitudinal e transversal das lesões. Em seguida, calculou-se a área abaixo da curva de progresso da lesão (AACPL). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas, sendo os genótipos os tratamentos distribuídos em quatro blocos com parcelas de três plantas para cada genótipo. Em cada parcela, plantas individuais foram inoculadas com um dos isolados da bactéria, totalizando três plantas com isolados diferentes. Plantas das espécies genitoras P. caerulea (AACPL=0,17) e P. setacea (AACPL=14,50) apresentaram alto grau de resistência, quando comparadas às plantas da testemunha BRS Gigante Amarelo (AACPL=4089,25), enquanto genótipos híbridos apresentaram valores intermediários (AACPL de 15,67 a 768,42), indicando a importância desses materiais como fontes de resistência à bacteriose.

The aim of this study was to evaluated the degree of resistance of 36 clones of passion obtained through mass selection progenies of seven interspecific hybrids, to three different isolates of X. axonopodis pv. passiflorae. The progenies were obtained by crossing among a commercial cultivate Passiflora edulis "yellow passion fruit" with wild species P. caerulea, P. edulis "purple passion fruit" and P. setacea. The bacterial isolates used were obtained in Rio Claro,SP, Planaltina,DF and Limeira,SP. Individual cloned were inoculated with bacterial solution in concentration with 108cfu ml-1 to 120 days of sowing. Symptoms were evaluated at 5, 10 and 15 days after inoculation, by measuring the longitudinal and transverse diameter of the lesion. Then, it was calculated the area under the lesion progress curve (AUPLC). A complete randomized block design with split plots was used, the treatments were the tested genotypes replicated in four blocks. All genotypes in each block had a three-plant plot. The bacterial isolates were inoculated in one plant of the plot, totaling three plants with different isolates. The plants of the genitors species P. caerulea (AUPLC=0.17) and P. setacea (AUPLC=14.50) presented high degree of resistance when compared to control plants BRS 'Gigante Amarelo' (AUPLC=4089.25), while hybrids genotypes presented intermediary values (AUPLC of 15.67 the 768.42), showing the importance of these wild Passiflora species as source of resistance to bacterial disease.

Microsporogenesis in Brachiaria dictyoneura (Fig. & De Not.) Stapf (Poaceae: Paniceae)

icrosporogenesis was analyzed in five accessions of Brachiaria dictyoneura presenting x = 6 as the basic chromosome number. All accessions were tetraploid (2n = 4x = 24) with chromosome pairing in bi-, tri-, and quadrivalents. The recorded meiotic abnormalities were those typical of polyploids, including precocious chromosome migration to the poles, laggard chromosomes, and micronucleus formation. The frequency of these abnormalities, however, was lower than those reported for other polyploid accessions previously analyzed for other Brachiaria species. Cell fusion and absence of cytokinesis were also recorded in some accessions, leading to restitutional nucleus formation in some cells. Genetically unbalanced microspores, binucleate, and 2n microspores were found among normal meiotic products as results from these abnormalities. The limitation in using these accessions as pollen donor in interspecific crosses with sexual species with x = 7 or x = 9 in breeding programs is discussed.