Lifetime milk production of Holstein cattle in the humid tropics compared to Holstein-Gyr and Holstein-Brahman crosses.

Crossbred cattle are commonly used for milk production in the tropics, combining the potential benefits of pure breeds with the heterosis effects of the offspring. However, no comprehensive assessment of lifetime productivity for crossbred versus purebred cattle in low-altitude tropical environments has been carried out. The present study compares the lifetime productivity of purebred Holstein (HO, n = 17,269), Gyr (GY4, n = 435), and Brahman (BR4, n = 622) with crossbreds Gyr × Holstein (GY × HO, n = 5521) and Brahman×Holstein (BR × HO, n = 5429) cows from dairy farms located in low and medium altitude tropical regions in Costa Rica. The production traits of interest were age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), milk production per lactation (TMP), lactation length (LLEN), age at culling (ACUL), and number of lactations (NLAC). Estimates of heterosis were also calculated. The AFC for GY × HO crosses (33-34 months) was not significantly different (p > .05) from HO (33.8 months). For BR × HO crosses, a significant (p < .05) decrease in AFC (BR3HO1 35.6 months, BR2HO2 34.5 months, and BR1H03 33.3 months) was observed as the fraction of HO breed increased. Estimates of heterosis for AFC were favourable for both crosses, of a magnitude close to 3%. The DO for F1 crosses (GY2HO2 94 days; BR2HO2 96 days) was significantly (p < .05) lower than HO (123 days). Estimates of heterosis for DO were also favourable and above 15% for both crosses. The TMP and LLEN were higher for HO (TMP = 5003 kg; LLEN = 324 days) compared with GY × HO (TMP = 4428 to 4773 kg; LLEN = 298 to 312 days) and BR × HO (TMP = 3950 to 4761 kg; LLEN = 273 to 313 days) crosses. Heterosis for TMP was favourable but low for both crosses, with a magnitude below 3.0%. The NLAC for HO (4.6 lactations) was significantly (p < .05) lower than F1 (GY2HO2, 5.8 lactations; BR2HO2, 5.4 lactations). Heterosis for NLAC was above 6.0% for both crosses. Overall, estimates of lifetime income over feed costs per cow on average were USD 2637 (30.3%) and USD 734 (8.4%) higher in F1 GY × HO and BR × HO, respectively, compared to HO. In conclusion, crossbred animals, specifically those with Gyr and Brahman genetics, extend the productive lifespan, increasing economic returns.

Epigenetic Regulation in Heterosis and Environmental Stress: The Challenge of Producing Hybrid Epigenomes to Face Climate Change.

Epigenetic regulation has the potential to revolutionize plant breeding and improve crop yields by regulating gene expression in plants. DNA methylation and histone modifications are key epigenetic modifications that can impact plant development, stress responses, productivity, and yields. Higher-yielding crops not only generate greater profits for farmers and seed producers, but also require less land, water, fuel, and fertilizer than traditional crops for equivalent yields. The use of heterosis in crops can influence productivity and food quality, but producing hybrids with superior agronomic traits to their parents remains challenging. However, epigenetic markers, such as histone methylation and acetylation, may help select parental and hybrid combinations with better performances than the parental plants. This review assesses the potential applications of epigenetics in crop breeding and improvement, rendering agriculture more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable to changing environmental conditions.

The impact of epistasis in the heterosis and combining ability analyses.

The current theoretical knowledge concerning the influence of epistasis on heterosis is based on a simplified multiplicative model. The objective of this study was to assess how epistasis affects the heterosis and combining ability analyses, assuming additive model, hundreds of genes, linkage disequilibrium (LD), dominance, and seven types of digenic epistasis. We developed the quantitative genetics theory for supporting the simulation of the individual genotypic values in nine populations, the selfed populations, the 36 interpopulation crosses, 180 doubled haploids (DHs), and their 16,110 crosses, assuming 400 genes on 10 chromosomes of 200 cM. Epistasis only affects population heterosis if there is LD. Only additive × additive and dominance × dominance epistasis can affect the components of the heterosis and combining ability analyses of populations. Epistasis can have a negative impact on the heterosis and combining ability analysis of populations, leading to wrong inferences regarding the identification of superior and most divergent populations. However, this depends on the type of epistasis, percentage of epistatic genes, and magnitude of their effects. Except for duplicate genes with cumulative effects and non-epistatic genic interaction, there was a decrease in the average heterosis by increasing the percentage of epistatic genes and the magnitude of their effects. The same results are generally true for the combining ability analysis of DHs. The combining ability analyses of subsets of 20 DHs showed no significant average impact of epistasis on the identification of the most divergent ones, regardless of the number of epistatic genes and magnitude of their effects. However, a negative effect on the assessment of the superior DHs can occur assuming 100% of epistatic genes, but depending on the epistasis type and the epistatic effect magnitude.

A Comparison between Inbred and Hybrid Maize Haploid Inducers.

The effectiveness of haploid induction systems is regarded not only for high haploid induction rate (HIR) but also resource savings. Isolation fields are proposed for hybrid induction. However, efficient haploid production depends on inducer traits such as high HIR, abundant pollen production, and tall plants. Seven hybrid inducers and their respective parents were evaluated over three years for HIR, seeds set in cross-pollinations, plant and ear height, tassel size, and tassel branching. Mid-parent heterosis was estimated to quantify how much inducer traits improve in hybrids in comparison to their parents. Heterosis benefits hybrid inducers for plant height, ear height, and tassel size. Two hybrid inducers, BH201/LH82-Ped126 and BH201/LH82-Ped128, are promising for haploid induction in isolation fields. Hybrid inducers offer convenience and resource-effectiveness for haploid induction by means of improving plant vigor without compromising HIR.

Mutagénesis inducida en plantas de Solanum betaceum Cav. mediante el uso de dietil sulfato (DES) / Induced mutagenesis in Solanum betaceum Cav. plants by the use of diethyl sulphate (DES)

RESUMEN La materia prima del fitomejoramiento es la variabilidad genética, que se presenta baja, en especies en proceso de domesticación, que no han sido sometidas a selección, como en Solanum betaceum. Una de las tecnologías para incrementar la variabilidad genética es la inducción de mutagénesis. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar, a través de marcadores RAMs, las variaciones moleculares presentes en plántulas de S. betaceum, provenientes de semillas sometidas a diferentes concentraciones del agente mutante dietil sulfato (DES). Los loci polimórficos oscilaron entre 87,5 y 100 % y el número de alelos efectivos (Ne), entre 1,0 y 1,99. Los loci más polimórficos se observaron en TG, AG, ACA y CGA, que mostraron una heterosis media insesgada entre 0,34 y 0,51, que permite establecer que estos marcadores sean útiles para obtener mayor discriminación entre mutantes en S. betaceum. Las distancias genéticas oscilaron entre 0,30 y 1,0. El 81,28 % de estos registros se dieron entre 0,60 y 0,90; esto revela bajo nivel de cambios, debido al DES. Estos pequeños cambios contribuyeron a enriquecer la variabilidad genética de la muestra tratada con DES. Los marcadores RAMs fueron útiles para detectar cambios entre plantas provenientes de semillas tratadas con DES y plantas normales. La variabilidad genética entre tratamientos con DES fueron más altos que tratamientos sin DES. Las similitudes genéticas fueron bajas entre plantas tratadas y no tratadas y fueron altas, entre no tratadas. Los cambios producidos por DES fueron de baja magnitud; sin embargo, produjeron cambios en los niveles de variabilidad genética.

ABSTRACT The raw material for plant breeding is genetic variability, which is low in species in the process of domestication that have not been subjected to selection, as is the case with Solanum betaceum. One of the technologies to increase genetic variability is mutagenesis induction. The objective was to evaluate, through RAMs markers, the molecular variations present in S. betaceum seedlings from seeds previously subjected to different concentrations of the mutant agent diethyl sulfate (DES). The polymorphic loci ranged from 87.5 to 100%, number of effective alleles (Ne) between 1.0 and 1.99. The most polymorphic loci were observed in TG, AG, ACA, and CGA, which showed a mean unbiased heterosis between 0.34 and 0.51 with an average of 0.44, which allows establishing that these markers are useful to obtain greater discrimination between mutants in S. betaceum. Genetic distances ranged from 0.30 to 1.0. The 81.28% of these records were between 0.60 and 0.90. This reveals a low level of changes due to DES. These small changes contribute to enriching the genetic variability of the DES-treated sample. The RAMs markers were useful for detecting changes between plants from DES treated seeds and normal plants. Genetic variability between DES treatments was higher than non-DES treatments. Genetic similarities were low between treated and untreated plants and were high among untreated plants. The changes produced by DES were of low magnitude, however, they produced changes in the levels of genetic variability.

Heterosis and Responses to Selection in Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Improved Using Reciprocal Recurrent Selection.

Sweetpotato is a highly heterozygous hybrid, and populations of orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) have a considerable importance for food security and health. The objectives were to estimate heterosis increments and response to selection in three OFSP hybrid populations (H1) developed in Peru for different product profiles after one reciprocal recurrent selection cycle, namely, H1 for wide adaptation and earliness (O-WAE), H1 for no sweetness after cooking (O-NSSP), and H1 for high iron (O-HIFE). The H1 populations were evaluated at two contrasting locations together with parents, foundation (parents in H0), and two widely adapted checks. Additionally, O-WAE was tested under two environmental conditions of 90-day and a normal 120-day harvest. In each H1, the yield and selected quality traits were recorded. The data were analyzed using linear mixed models. The storage root yield traits exhibited population average heterosis increments of up to 43.5%. The quality traits examined have exhibited no heterosis increments that are worth exploiting. The storage root yield genetic gain relative to the foundation was remarkable: 118.8% for H1-O-WAE for early harvest time, 81.5% for H1-O-WAE for normal harvest time, 132.4% for H1-O-NSSP, and 97.1% for H1-O-HIFE. Population hybrid breeding is a tool to achieve large genetic gains in sweetpotato yield via more efficient population improvement and allows a rapid dissemination of globally true seed that is generated from reproducible elite crosses, thus, avoiding costly and time-consuming virus cleaning of elite clones typically transferred as vegetative plantlets. The population hybrid breeding approach is probably applicable to other clonally propagated crops, where potential for true seed production exists.

Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa zea hybridization: constraints, heterosis, and implications for pest management.

BACKGROUND: The invasion of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) into the New World has made it possible for this pest to hybridize with a native American species, H. zea (Boddie), under natural conditions. We investigated the viability and development of hybrids of these two Helicoverpa species. We reared the parental species and evaluated crosses between H. armigera males and H. zea females and vice versa, two intercrosses between hybrids, and eight backcrosses between hybrids and parental species. We estimated the length of immature stages, fecundity, survival, sex ratio, and heterosis. RESULTS: Although hybridization occcurred, with heterosis during the development of immatures, reproductive incompatibilities also were observed between the parental species and between hybrids from subsequent crosses. The interspecific crosses between hybrids and backcrosses confirmed the possibility of introgression events and their perpetuation in field populations. The results indicate that hybridization events are favored at high population levels, while at low population levels the 'species identities' will be maintained. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of interspecific gene flow and its perpetuation through successive crosses and backcrosses suggests several recommenations for management. Populations of both species should be maintained at an equilibrium level to reduce the chance of interspecific crosses, which are presumably more likely to occur during pest outbreaks. The existence of hybridization and resistance to different active pesticide ingredients should be monitored. All practices related to managing the resistance of these pests to chemical and biological insecticides should be systematized to reduce the chance of selecting for resistant individuals.

Low fertilizer inputs do not adversely affect yield or performance of Indica hybrid rice

The enhancement of rice production numbers can be achieved by using quality rice cultivars and fertilizers. The double rice cropping model has given rise to an important rice production system in southern China. Exploring the possibility of whether hybrid vigor could make a substantial contribution to early and late season rice production, and how the heterosis expression of hybrid rice functions under different levels of fertilizer application is of great significance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the grain yield and associated plant traits of popular hybrid and inbred rice varieties with large-scale promotion under conditions of customary (high) and combined (low) fertilization in the early and late seasons of 2017-18 in Changsha County, Hunan Province, China. We found that hybrid rice varieties displayed their respective advantages in the early and late rice seasons, but the advantages in their relative yield traits varied. The leading advantages of early season rice were effective panicle number per hill (EPN), 1000-grain weight (KGW), harvest index (HI), yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), whereas in late season rice, the foremost advantages were grain number per panicle (GNP), HI, yield, and NUE. The EPN was the prime advantage of early season hybrid rice with a short growth period, and the GNP was the main advantage of late season hybrid rice with a long growth period. Notably, the main yield advantage of hybrid rice was stronger under combined (low) fertilization than under customary (high) fertilization. Hence, high yield can be achieved by selecting the best hybrid rice varieties supported by combined fertilization (lower fertilizer use with higher efficiency).

Root morphological traits of oil palm genotypes with differential resistance to fatal yellowing / Características morfológicas radiculares de genótipos de palma de óleo com resistência diferencial ao Amarelecimento Fatal

Brazil has an extensive area where the climate and soil are suitable for oil palm growing. However, in part of this area, production has been limited by the occurrence of the fatal yellowing (FY) anomaly, whose initial symptom is the rotting of absorptive roots. This symptom can be more severe in oil palm genetic materials with a smaller root system. The aim of this study was to examine morphological traits of roots and shoots of seedlings of three oil palm genotypes with different degrees of resistance to FY, namely, Tenera (sensitive), Caiaué (resistant) and Interspecific Hybrid (resistant) to provide bases to elucidate the differential resistance of these materials to FY. Shoot biomass did not vary statistically between the genetic materials. The mass, length and area of fine and very fine roots were significantly higher in the Interspecific Hybrid than in Caiaué and Tenera. The fine and very fine roots of Interspecific Hybrid had a larger mass than Caiaué (114 and 133%, respectively) and Tenera (216 and 178%, respectively). The Interspecific Hybrid also exhibited higher values for the length of fine and very fine roots than Caiaué (155 and 99% respectively) and Tenera (228 and 94% respectively). The root traits of the Interspecific Hybrid and Tenera are compatible with their differential resistance to FY. Our results demonstrate the importance of expanding the study of the relationship between root morphology and resistance to FY in these genetic materials under conditions that favor the occurrence of the anomaly, such as flooding.

O Brasil possui uma extensa área com clima e solo aptos ao plantio de palma de óleo. No entanto, a produção em parte desta área tem sido limitada pela ocorrência da anomalia Amarelecimento Fatal (AF),cujo sintoma inicial é o apodrecimento das raízes de absorção. Esse sintoma pode ser mais severo em materiais genéticos de palma de óleo que apresentem sistema radicular reduzido. O objetivo foi avaliar características morfológicas de raízes e parte aérea de mudas de três genótipos de palma de óleo com graus diferentes de resistência ao AF: Tenera (sensível), Caiaué (resistente) e Híbrido Interespecífico (resistente)para fornecer subsídios ao entendimento da resistência diferencial desses materiais ao AF. A biomassa da parte aérea não variou estatisticamente entre os materiais genéticos. Massa, comprimento e área de raízes finas e muito finas foram significativamente maiores no Híbrido Interespecífico do que no Caiaué e no Tenera. O Híbrido Interespecífico apresentou valores de massa de raízes finas e muito finas superiores em relação ao Caiaué (114 e 133%, respectivamente) e Tenera (216 e 178%, respectivamente). O Híbrido Interespecífico também apresentou valores superiores de comprimento de raízes finas e muito finas em relação ao Caiaué (155 e 99% respectivamente) e Tenera (228 e 94% respectivamente). As características radiculares do Híbrido Interespecífico e do Tenera são compatíveis com sua resistência diferencial ao AF. Nossos resultados demonstram a importância de ampliar o estudo da relação entre morfologia radicular e resistência ao AF destes materiais genéticos em condições que favoreçam a ocorrência da anomalia, como alagamento.

Root morphological traits of oil palm genotypes with differential resistance to fatal yellowing / Características morfológicas radiculares de genótipos de palma de óleo com resistência diferencial ao Amarelecimento Fatal

Brazil has an extensive area where the climate and soil are suitable for oil palm growing. However, in part of this area, production has been limited by the occurrence of the fatal yellowing (FY) anomaly, whose initial symptom is the rotting of absorptive roots. This symptom can be more severe in oil palm genetic materials with a smaller root system. The aim of this study was to examine morphological traits of roots and shoots of seedlings of three oil palm genotypes with different degrees of resistance to FY, namely, Tenera (sensitive), Caiaué (resistant) and Interspecific Hybrid (resistant) to provide bases to elucidate the differential resistance of these materials to FY. Shoot biomass did not vary statistically between the genetic materials. The mass, length and area of fine and very fine roots were significantly higher in the Interspecific Hybrid than in Caiaué and Tenera. The fine and very fine roots of Interspecific Hybrid had a larger mass than Caiaué (114 and 133%, respectively) and Tenera (216 and 178%, respectively). The Interspecific Hybrid also exhibited higher values for the length of fine and very fine roots than Caiaué (155 and 99% respectively) and Tenera (228 and 94% respectively). The root traits of the Interspecific Hybrid and Tenera are compatible with their differential resistance to FY. Our results demonstrate the importance of expanding the study of the relationship between root morphology and resistance to FY in these genetic materials under conditions that favor the occurrence of the anomaly, such as flooding.(AU)

O Brasil possui uma extensa área com clima e solo aptos ao plantio de palma de óleo. No entanto, a produção em parte desta área tem sido limitada pela ocorrência da anomalia Amarelecimento Fatal (AF),cujo sintoma inicial é o apodrecimento das raízes de absorção. Esse sintoma pode ser mais severo em materiais genéticos de palma de óleo que apresentem sistema radicular reduzido. O objetivo foi avaliar características morfológicas de raízes e parte aérea de mudas de três genótipos de palma de óleo com graus diferentes de resistência ao AF: Tenera (sensível), Caiaué (resistente) e Híbrido Interespecífico (resistente)para fornecer subsídios ao entendimento da resistência diferencial desses materiais ao AF. A biomassa da parte aérea não variou estatisticamente entre os materiais genéticos. Massa, comprimento e área de raízes finas e muito finas foram significativamente maiores no Híbrido Interespecífico do que no Caiaué e no Tenera. O Híbrido Interespecífico apresentou valores de massa de raízes finas e muito finas superiores em relação ao Caiaué (114 e 133%, respectivamente) e Tenera (216 e 178%, respectivamente). O Híbrido Interespecífico também apresentou valores superiores de comprimento de raízes finas e muito finas em relação ao Caiaué (155 e 99% respectivamente) e Tenera (228 e 94% respectivamente). As características radiculares do Híbrido Interespecífico e do Tenera são compatíveis com sua resistência diferencial ao AF. Nossos resultados demonstram a importância de ampliar o estudo da relação entre morfologia radicular e resistência ao AF destes materiais genéticos em condições que favoreçam a ocorrência da anomalia, como alagamento.(AU)

Expansion of frozen hybrids in the guppy ectoparasite, Gyrodactylus turnbulli.

Hybridization is one of the major factors contributing to the emergence of highly successful parasites. Hybrid vigour can play an important role in this process, but subsequent rounds of recombination in the hybrid population may dilute its effects. Increased fitness of hybrids can, however, be frozen by asexual reproduction. Here, we identify invasion of a 'frozen hybrid' genotype in natural populations of Gyrodactylus turnbulli, a facultatively sexual ectoparasitic flatworm that causes significant damage to its fish host. We resequenced genomes of these parasites infecting guppies from six Trinidad and Tobago populations, and found surprisingly high discrepancy in genome-wide nucleotide diversity between islands. The elevated heterozygosity on Tobago is maintained by predominantly clonal reproduction of hybrids formed from two diverged genomes. Hybridization has been followed by spread of the hybrids across the island, implying a selective advantage compared with native genotypes. Our results thus highlight that a single outcrossing event may be independently sufficient to cause pathogen expansion.

Genetic diversity and heterotic grouping of sorghum lines using SNP markers

Sorghum breeding programs are based predominantly on developing homozygous lines to produce single cross hybrids, frequently with relatively narrow genetic bases. The adoption of complementary strategies, such as genetic diversity study, enables a broader vision of the genetic structure of the breeding germplasm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of sorghum breeding lines using structure analysis, principal components (PC) and clustering analyses. A total of 160 sorghum lines were genotyped with 29,649 SNP markers generated by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). The PC and clustering analyses consistently divided the R (restorer) and B (maintainer) lines based on their pedigree, generating four groups. Thirty-two B and 21 R lines were used to generate 121 single-cross hybrids, whose performances were compared based on the diversity clustering of each parental line. The genetic divergence of B and R lines indicated a potential for increasing heterotic response in the development of hybrids. The genetic distance was correlated to heterosis, allowing for the use of markers to create heterotic groups in sorghum.

Genetic Similarity Among Accessions of Paspalum notatum Flügge (Poaceae): a Potential to Parental Selection

HIGHLIGHTS Low genetic similarity in Paspalum notatum accessions. High genetic distance among diploid accessions. The accessions have good potential to breeding program.

Abstract Paspalum notatum is an important forage grass contributing significantly to the coverage of the natural fields of Southern Brazil. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to evaluate the genetic similarity of strains within a P. notatum collection. Genomic DNA was extracted in bulk from young leaves of five plants from each accession obtained from the USDA. In the molecular analysis, the eight SSR markers evaluated formed seven distinct groups, and two isolated genotypes, with an average similarity index of 0.29, ranging from zero to 0.83. All the loci were polymorphic and the polymorphism information content ranging from 0.41 to 0.69. The results evidenced a low genetic similarity, which can be explored via parental selection in a breeding program.

Exploitation of Heterosis among Phenotypically Diverse Capsicum Parents for Important Fruit Traits

Abstract One nuclear male sterile (NMS) line of chilli pepper and eight elite inbred lines of bell pepper were evaluated in a line × tester mating design to project heterotic F1's through studying plant growth and yield performance of developed hybrids in relation to phenotypic distance between their parental lines. Hybrids and their parental lines were grown and evaluated under poly-net house conditions at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India during the years 2017-2019. Pooled over the year, mean squares (MS) due to genotypes was recorded significant (p=0.05) for all the traits studied, suggesting that there existed significant differences among the genotypic means that included nine parental lines and their eight F1 hybrids. The MS due to the G × Y interaction effects were also significantly different for plant growth and fruit traits, indicating differential response of each genotype in the year. On the basis of heterotic performance, the hybrids namely MS-12 × PAU SM-31 had positive significant mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for total fruit yield plant-1 (96.68**), number of fruits plant-1 (51.98**), pericarp thickness (47.91**), fruit length (25.77**), and plant height (63.35**). Apart from this cross-combination, the hybrids MS-12 × PAU SM-3 and MS-12 × PAU SM-9 also depicted MPH for total fruit yield plant-1 (71.22** and 50.64**), fruit length (41.98** and 68.09**) and number of fruits plant-1 (27.60** and 44.73**). Based on better parent heterosis (BPH), the hybrid MS-12 × PAU SM-31 was found to be superior in respect of total fruit yield plant-1 (36.37**) and pericarp thickness (11.27**). These hybrids seem to be the utmost valuable materials for the future breeding program of bell pepper.

Genetic diversity and heterotic grouping of sorghum lines using SNP markers

Sorghum breeding programs are based predominantly on developing homozygous lines to produce single cross hybrids, frequently with relatively narrow genetic bases. The adoption of complementary strategies, such as genetic diversity study, enables a broader vision of the genetic structure of the breeding germplasm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of sorghum breeding lines using structure analysis, principal components (PC) and clustering analyses. A total of 160 sorghum lines were genotyped with 29,649 SNP markers generated by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). The PC and clustering analyses consistently divided the R (restorer) and B (maintainer) lines based on their pedigree, generating four groups. Thirty-two B and 21 R lines were used to generate 121 single-cross hybrids, whose performances were compared based on the diversity clustering of each parental line. The genetic divergence of B and R lines indicated a potential for increasing heterotic response in the development of hybrids. The genetic distance was correlated to heterosis, allowing for the use of markers to create heterotic groups in sorghum.(AU)

Root morphological traits of oil palm genotypes with differential resistance to fatal yellowing / Características morfológicas radiculares de genótipos de palma de óleo com resistência diferencial ao Amarelecimento Fatal

Brazil has an extensive area where the climate and soil are suitable for oil palm growing. However, in part of this area, production has been limited by the occurrence of the fatal yellowing (FY) anomaly, whose initial symptom is the rotting of absorptive roots. This symptom can be more severe in oil palm genetic materials with a smaller root system. The aim of this study was to examine morphological traits of roots and shoots of seedlings of three oil palm genotypes with different degrees of resistance to FY, namely, Tenera (sensitive), Caiaué (resistant) and Interspecific Hybrid (resistant) to provide bases to elucidate the differential resistance of these materials to FY. Shoot biomass did not vary statistically between the genetic materials. The mass, length and area of fine and very fine roots were significantly higher in the Interspecific Hybrid than in Caiaué and Tenera. The fine and very fine roots of Interspecific Hybrid had a larger mass than Caiaué (114 and 133%, respectively) and Tenera (216 and 178%, respectively). The Interspecific Hybrid also exhibited higher values for the length of fine and very fine roots than Caiaué (155 and 99% respectively) and Tenera (228 and 94% respectively). The root traits of the Interspecific Hybrid and Tenera are compatible with their differential resistance to FY. Our results demonstrate the importance of expanding the study of the relationship between root morphology and resistance to FY in these genetic materials under conditions that favor the occurrence of the anomaly, such as flooding.(AU)

O Brasil possui uma extensa área com clima e solo aptos ao plantio de palma de óleo. No entanto, a produção em parte desta área tem sido limitada pela ocorrência da anomalia Amarelecimento Fatal (AF), cujo sintoma inicial é o apodrecimento das raízes de absorção. Esse sintoma pode ser mais severo em materiais genéticos de palma de óleo que apresentem sistema radicular reduzido. O objetivo foi avaliar características morfológicas de raízes e parte aérea de mudas de três genótipos de palma de óleo com graus diferentes de resistência ao AF: Tenera (sensível), Caiaué (resistente) e Híbrido Interespecífico (resistente) para fornecer subsídios ao entendimento da resistência diferencial desses materiais ao AF. A biomassa da parte aérea não variou estatisticamente entre os materiais genéticos. Massa, comprimento e área de raízes finas e muito finas foram significativamente maiores no Híbrido Interespecífico do que no Caiaué e no Tenera. O Híbrido Interespecífico apresentou valores de massa de raízes finas e muito finas superiores em relação ao Caiaué (114 e 133%, respectivamente) e Tenera (216 e 178%, respectivamente). O Híbrido Interespecífico também apresentou valores superiores de comprimento de raízes finas e muito finas em relação ao Caiaué (155 e 99% respectivamente) e Tenera (228 e 94% respectivamente). As características radiculares do Híbrido Interespecífico e do Tenera são compatíveis com sua resistência diferencial ao AF. Nossos resultados demonstram a importância de ampliar o estudo da relação entre morfologia radicular e resistência ao AF destes materiais genéticos em condições que favoreçam a ocorrência da anomalia, como alagamento.(AU)

Habilidad combinatoria general y específica relacionada con los componentes del rendimiento en cinco líneas endogámicas de maíz (Zea mays L.) / General and specific combinatorial ability related to yield components in five inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) / Capacidade combinatória geral e específica relacionada aos componentes de produção em cinco linhagens consanguíneas de milho (Zea mays L.)

Resumen Con el fin de obtener información teórica de los efectos genéticos que gobiernan los componentes del rendimiento y poder tener mayor información que permitiera elegir los mejores progenitores para la formación de híbridos con interés comercial, se estimaron los efectos y la capacidad combinatoria general (H.C.G) y específica (H.C.E) en cinco líneas endocríadas de maíz tropical de endospermo amarillo pertenecientes al programa de mejoramiento genético de maíz tropical de la empresa Sem Latam S.A. Se encontró que los efectos de habilidad combinatoria específica para los caracteres relacionados con el componente rendimiento presentaron valores positivos, no obstante, estos no fueron significativamente distintos de cero, lo que se traduce en la no existencia de un patrón heterótico en las líneas evaluadas. De igual modo, las líneas evaluadas presentaron una escasa capitalización de los efectos genéticos no aditivos o dominantes en el proceso de selección genealógica, permitiendo interpretar la baja manifestación de la heterosis como expresión del vigor hibrido de los cruzamientos F1 comparados con los genotipos parentales.

Abstract The general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability and effects of five inbred lines of tropical endosperm maize from Sem Latam SA's tropical maize breeding programme were estimated for obtaining theoretical information concerning the genetic effects governing yield components and to have more information available for selecting the best progenitors for developing and producing commercially interesting hybrids. Positive SCA effect values were found regarding specific combinatorial ability for yield-related characters; however, they were not significantly different from zero, resulting in the lack of a heterotic pattern concerning the lines evaluated here. Little capitalisation regarding such lines' non-additive or dominant genetic effects concerning genealogical selection was seen here, thereby leading to interpreting the low manifestation of heterosis as an expression of the F1 crosses' hybrid vigour compared to that of the parental genotypes.

Resumo Com o objetivo de obter informações teóricas sobre os efeitos genéticos que regem os componentes de desempenho para escolher os melhores genitores de híbridos com interesse comercial, foram estimados os efeitos e a capacidade combinatória geral (HCG) e específica (HCE) em cinco linhagens de endosperma amarelo tropical perten­centes ao programa de melhoramento genético de milho tropical da empresa Sem Latam S.A. Encontrou-se que os efeitos da habilidade combinatória específica para os caracteres relacionados ao componente desempenho apresentaram valores positivos, porém, estes não foram significativamente diferentes de zero, o que se traduz na ausência de um padrão hete­rótico nas linhas avaliadas. Da mesma forma, as linhagens avaliadas apresentaram pouca capitalização dos efeitos genéticos não aditivos ou dominantes no processo de seleção genealógica, permitindo interpretar a baixa manifestação de heterose como expressão do vigor híbrido dos cruzamentos F1 em comparação com os genótipos parentais.

Identification and phenotypic characterization of genetic groups of the Girolando breed in dairy herds of the state of Roraima / Identificação e caracterização fenotípica dos grupos genéticos da raça Girolando nos rebanhos leiteiros do estado de Roraima

Dairy farming in the state of Roraima, Brazil, is majorly supported by Holstein x Gir crossbred cattle, which are more adapted to the tropical climate and traditional production systems. However, there is a need to adapt the genetic groups to production systems and raise awareness of the importance of using visual phenotypic assessments as an auxiliary tool in obtaining and selecting animals. This study proposes to identify the frequency and characterize the phenotype of the » Hol + ¾ Gir; ⅜ Hol + ⅝ Gir; ½ Hol + ½ Gir; ⅝Hol + ⅜ Gir; ¾ Hol + » Gir; and ⅞ Hol + ⅛ Gir genetic groups of the Girolando breed in herds in the state of Roraima. Data were obtained from visual morphological evaluations to identify the genetic groups and characterize the phenotype of the animals from August 2016 to February 2017. According to the evaluations, the frequency distribution of the genetic groups was as follows: 210 (21.26%) of the » Hol + ¾ Gir group; 145 (14.68%) of the ⅜ Hol + ⅝ Gir group; 249 (25.20%) of the ½ Hol ½ Gir group; 166 (16.80%) of the ⅝ Hol + ⅜ Gir group; 126 (12.75%) of the ¾ Hol + » Gir group; and 92 (9.3%) of the ⅞ Hol + ⅛ Gir group. In the phenotypic evaluations, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were detected in the ¾ Hol + » Gir genetic group for overall appearance (OA); in ⅝ Hol + ⅜ Gir and ⅞ Hol + ⅛ Gir for Body Capacity (BC); in ½ Hol + ½ Gir for Dairy Traits (DT); and in ¾ Hol + » Gir and ⅞ Hol + ⅛ Gir for Reproductive System and Feet-Leg Structure (RS/FL). The ½ Hol + ½ Gir genetic group was superior for BC, DT and RS/FL, being best classified as to the Girolando breed type and revealing better characterization and uniformity per selection process.(AU)

A pecuária leiteira do Estado de Roraima é sustentada por bovinos mestiços Holandês x Gir, animais mais adaptados ao clima tropical e aos sistemas de produção tradicionais. No entanto, existe a necessidade de adequação dos grupos genéticos aos sistemas de produção e de sensibilizar quanto à importância do uso de avaliações visuais fenotípicas como ferramenta de auxilio na obtenção e seleção dos animais. Os objetivos da pesquisa consistiram em identificar a frequência e caracterizar o fenótipo dos grupos genéticos » Hol + ¾ Gir, ⅜ Hol + ⅝ Gir, ½ Hol + ½ Gir, ⅝ Hol + ⅜ Gir, ¾ Hol + » Gir e ⅞ Hol + ⅛ Gir da raça Girolando nos rebanhos do Estado de Roraima. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de avaliações visuais morfológicas para identificar os grupos genéticos e caracterizar o fenótipo dos animais no período de agosto de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017. A distribuição da frequência dos grupos genéticos de acordo com as avaliações foi de: 210 (21,26%) do grupo » Hol + ¾ Gir; 145 (14,68%) do grupo ⅜ Hol + ⅝ Gir; 249 (25,20%) do grupo ½ Hol ½ Gir; 166 (16,80%) do grupo ⅝ Hol + ⅜ Gir; 126 (12,75%) do grupo ¾ Hol + » Gir e 92 (9,3%) do grupo ⅞ Hol + ⅛ Gir. Nas avaliações fenotípicas foram observadas diferenças estaticamente significativas (p<0,05) no grupo genético ¾ Hol + » Gir para Aparência Geral (AG), nos grupos genéticos ⅝ Hol + ⅜ Gir e ⅞ Hol + ⅛ Gir para Capacidade Corporal (CC), nogrupo ½ Hol + ½ Gir para Características Leiteiras (CL) e nos grupos ¾ Hol + » Gir e ⅞ Hol + ⅛ Gir para Aparelho Reprodutor e Aprumos (AR/A). O grupo genético ½ Hol + ½ Gir foi superior nas características Capacidade Corporal (CC), Características Leiteiras (CL) e Aparelho Reprodutor e Aprumos (AR/A), sendo melhores classificados quanto ao tipo da raça Girolando demonstrando melhor caracterização e uniformização por processo seletivo.(AU)

Gene expression and genetic control to cold tolerance during maize seed germination.

BACKGROUND: The study of cold tolerance in maize seeds and seedlings through physiological quality assessments, as well as the genetic control associated with this trait, allows an early characterization of genotypes. Here we studied the genetic control for cold tolerance during the germination process in maize seeds and genes influenced by this stress. RESULTS: Six maize lines were used, three classified as tolerant and three as susceptible to low germination temperature. A field was developed to produce the hybrid seeds, in a partial diallel scheme including the reciprocal crosses. For the expression analysis, seeds from two contrasting lines were used, as well as their hybrid combination and their reciprocal crosses, on dried and moistened seeds at 10 °C for 4 and 7 days. It was evaluated the catalase (CAT) and esterase (EST) enzymes, heat-resistant proteins and the genes Putative stearoyl-ACP desaturase (SAD), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (ZmMPK5). The estimated values ​​for heterosis, general and specific combining abilities and reciprocal maternal and non-maternal effects were carried out and it showed that there is heterosis for germination at low temperatures, also the non-additive genes were more important and there was a reciprocal effect. CONCLUSIONS: There is a greater expression of the CAT and EST enzymes in moistened seeds at seven days and there is less expression of heat-resistant proteins and the SAD gene at seven days of moistening. Also, there are variations in the expression of the APX, SOD and ZmMPK5 genes in dried and moistened seeds, as well as among the genotypes studied.

Milk Production of Lacaune Sheep with Different Degrees of Crossing with Manchega Sheep in a Commercial Flock in Spain.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the grade of crossbreeding (Lacaune x Manchega) and environmental factors on milk production in a commercial flock in Spain. A total of 5769 milk production records of sheep with different degrees of purity of the Lacaune breed crossed with Manchega were used as follows: 100% Lacaune (n = 2960), 7/8 Lacaune (n = 502), 13/16 Lacaune (n = 306), 3/4 (n = 1288), 5/8 Lacaune (n = 441) and 1/2 Lacaune: Manchega (n = 272). Additional available information included the number of parity (1 to 8), litter size (single or multiple), and the season of the year of lambing (spring, summer, autumn and winter). A mixed model was used to evaluate the level of crossbreeding and environmental factors on milk production. The 100% Lacaune sheep presented the highest milk production with respect to the F1 Lacaune x Manchega sheep (p < 0.01), showing that as the degree of gene absorption increases with the Manchega breed, it presents lower milk yield. The 100%, 13/16, and 3/4 Lacaune genotypes had the highest milk yields with respect to the 1/2 Lacaune/Manchega breed (p < 0.001). The Lacaune registered on average 181.1 L in a period adjusted to 160 days of lactation (1.13 L/ day). Likewise, the parity number, litter size, and season of lambing effects showed significant differences (p < 0.01). It was concluded that 13/16 and 3/4 Lacaune/Manchega ewes presented the highest milk yields with respect to the other crosses.