Abstract: The potential of microsatellite markers for use in genetic studies in eggplant, Solanum melongena, has been evaluated. A genomic library of eggplant was screened for GA and GT repeat motifs to isolate microsatellite clones. The frequency of each repeat motif in the eggplant genome was found to be every 3200 kb for GA repeats and every 820 kb for GT repeats. Sixty-one per cent of GT repeats were found to directly flank AT repeats. A total of 37 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pairs were designed, 23 of which amplified a single product or several products. The level of microsatellite polymorphism was evaluated by using S. melongena lines and related Solanum species. Two to six alleles per primer pair were displayed in the S. melongena lines and two to 13 alleles were displayed in the Solanum relatives. Seven microsatellites showed polymorphism between parental lines of the mapping population and segregated in a codominant Mendelian manner. These microsatellite loci were distributed throughout the linkage map.

Abstract: A set of 18 simple-sequence repeat (SSR or microsatellite) markers was used to study genetic diversity in a collection of 27 melon (Cucumis melo L.) accessions, representing a broad range of wild and cultivated melons. The materials studied were highly polymorphic for SSRs and a total of 114 alleles were detected (average of 6.3 alleles per locus) Cluster analysis suggests the division of these accessions into two major groups, largely corresponding to the division of C. melo in the two subspecies agrestis and melo. The assignment of the accession to the subspecies was generally in agreement with published reports, except for those corresponding to the 'dudaim' and 'chito' cultivar groups, which, according to the observed SSR variability-, should be included in subspecies agrestis. Based on cluster analysis, five groups of accessions were defined. The two most divergent groups include mainly accessions from the Mediterranean which form one group, and accessions from China, Japan, Korea and India forming the other. Both groups shared a low level of intra-accession variation compared with the other groups, which suggests an erosion of their genetic variability because of drift and/or inbreeding. The remaining accessions, mainly from Central Africa and India, were more variable and may be an important source of genetic variation for melon breeding.

Abstract: YLM, a codaominant polymerase chain reaction (PCR) marker linked to Yd2, could substantially improve the precision and efficiency of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) resistance breeding. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of YLM in a marker-assisted introgression programme and to quantify associations between the presence of Yd2 and other agronomic and quality traits. The Yd2 gene was introgressed into a BYDV-susceptible background through two cycles of marker-assisted backcrossing. BC2 F2-derived lines, either carrying or not carrying the YLM allele associated with resistance, were compared in the presence and absence of BYDV. The YLM marker was shown to be effective in the introgression of Yd2. Lines carrying the YLM allele associated with resistance produced significantly fewer leaf symptoms and showed a reduction in yield loss when infected with BYDV. There were no deleterious effects associated with the introgression of Yd2 on grain yield, grain size or malting quality. The implications of marker-assisted selection for Yd2 on barley improvement are discussed.

Abstract: Identification of the incompatibility genotypes of almond cultivars is important in breeding programmes for designing crosses and for selecting progeny. This paper describes a novel molecular technique for the identification of S-alleles in almond based on the use of PCR primers designed from the sequences of the introns without the need for restriction enzyme digestion. Nine specific pairs of primers have been designed for the S1, S2, S5, S7, S8, S9, S10 (putative), S23 and Sf alleles, and these confirmed the S-allele specificities for 22 of the 23 accessions for which published information is available. This technique provides a precise method for identifying S-alleles from the genomic DNAs of almond cultivars, and will be useful for confirming the segregation of alleles in breeding progeny.

Abstract: The identification of an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) marker linked to an agronomically useful trait in sesame is reported. A bulked segregant analysis (BSA) approach was adopted on segregating progenies of a cross between the closed capsule mutant line ‘cc3’, and the Turkish variety ‘Muganli-57′. A total of 72 primer combinations were screened for linkage to the trait, but only one closely linked amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) marker was identified. The linkage was confirmed by analysing the AFLP profile from single plants. The marker has the potential to accelerate breeding programmes aimed at modifying unwanted side-effects of the closed capsule mutation by marker-assisted selection.

Abstract: Fruit taste is an important component of fruit quality, but its genetic basis is complex, making it difficult to alter by plant breeding. Thaumatin is a sweet-tasting, flavour-enhancing protein produced by fruits of the African plant Thaumatococcus daniellii Benth. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was used to produce two transgenic tomato lines expressing biologically active thaumatin in fruits. Transgenic tomato fruits from the T 2 plant generation were sweeter than the controls and possessed a specific aftertaste as determined by sensory evaluation. These results demonstrate that transgenic expression of thaumatin could be useful for modifying tomato fruit taste, especially in breeding lines possessing poor fruit taste, such as those carrying a non-ripening (nor) mutation.

Abstract: A genetic linkage map of Brassica napus constructed from a cross between a low glucosinolate cultivar 'H5200' and a high glucosinolate line 'NingRS-1' was used to identify loci associated with seed glucosinolate content and to understand the association between specific glucosinolate components and Sclerotinia resistance. Seed glucosinolate content was assessed by standard High pressure Liquid Chromatogram (HPLC) protocol. Seven components of seed glucosinolate, including four types of aliphatic glucosinolate, two types of indolyl glucosinolates and one aromatic glucosinolate were detected in the seeds. Three quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for seed total glucosinolate content. From three to 15 loci were found to be responsible for different types of glucosinolates, and by comparing the overlapped intervals, eight genomic regions were defined. One of the nine loci associated with aliphatic glucosinolate content was found to be associated with Sclerotinia resistance on the leaf at the seedling stage, and one locus, responsible for 3-indolyl-methyl glucosinolate content, was probably linked with Sclerotinia resistance on the stem of the maturing plant. The association between seed glucosinolate content and Sclerotinia resistance is discussed.

Abstract: Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers were employed for the fingerprinting of 118 accessions of apricot, including cultivated varieties and related apricot species. Five primer combinations were tested and 165 polymorphic bands produced which could uniquely differentiate all accessions under investigation. Primer combinations were rated according to the multiplex ratio, the polymorphic index content and the discrimination power parameters and superior combinations were identified. AFLP markers were used in cluster analysis carried out with the UPGMA and the neighbour-joining methods and parsimony analysis. Four groups of similar accessions were identified: (i) those from the Mediterranean basin, (ii) from China, (iii) from continental Europe and (iv) mixed Europe-North America accessions. In the principal component analysis the first three components accounted for 17% of the total variability existing among accessions. Because the most important regions where apricot is cultivated in the world were represented in the analysis, with a large number of varieties, it was possible to discuss the data in the light of current phylogenetic hypotheses on the origin and evolution of the species.

Abstract: A total of 33 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) was analyzed in 52 genotypes of Hordeum spontaneum originally collected from two different soil types (Terra rossa and Basalt) at Tabigha in Israel. Data on the performance of developmental, morphological, and yield-related traits under well-watered control and water-stress conditions were available from previous experimentation, and powdery mildew susceptibility was scored. Regression analyses based on SSR allele class differences were performed. Highly significant associations were detected at the SSR loci Bmac181 (on chromosome 4H) and Bmac316 (6H) for water -stress tolerance and powdery mildew resistance, respectively. The study shows that association mapping using SSRs and genetically diverse germplasm provides an effective means of relating genotypes to complex quantitative phenotypes.

Abstract: Many wild and cultivated grasses live in mutualistic symbiosis with endophytic fungi of the genera Neotyphodium and Epichloe. These associations are of agronomic importance because endophytes may induce a range of beneficial effects for the host plant but also produce alkaloids detrimental to livestock. Conventional detection of endophytes by means of histological staining is time-consuming and not suited for large numbers of samples. Therefore, in order to simplify the detection of endophytic fungi the utility of tissue print immunoassay (TPIA) was studied and compared with the commonly used microscopic analysis. Ecotypes collected from natural grassland habitats and plants from field experiments were analyzed for endophyte infection. Both methods provided similar results. Based on stained or non-stained mycelium in tissue prints, endophyte-infected (E +) and endophyte-free (E-) tillers and inflorescences of Festuca pratensis, F. arundinacea and F. rubra were clearly distinguishable. Prints of cross sections of tillers allow the precise localization of endophyte infection within the plant tissues. Because TPIA allows the examination of endophytes in individual branches and segments of inflorescences it is a useful method for dissemination studies. Tissue print immunoassay appears to be a reliable method suited for routine work in research, practical grassland management and selection of defined E + or E- material for breeding.

Abstract: The inheritance of resistance to fusarium wilt race 0 of chickpea and linked random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were studied in two F 6:7 recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. These RILs were developed from the crosses CA215A × JG62 (susceptible x resistant) and CA2139 × JG62 (resistant x resistant), and were sown in a field infected with fusarium wilt race in Beja (Tunisia) over 2 years. A 1:1 resistant to susceptible ratio was found in the RIL population from the CA2156 × JG62 cross indicating that a single gene with two alleles controlled resistance. In the second RIL population (CA2139 × JG62) a 3:1 resistant to susceptible ratio indicated that two genes were present and that either gene was sufficient to confer resistance. Linkage analysis showed a RAPD marker, OPJ20 600 linked to resistance in both RIL populations, which is present in the resistant parent JG62.

Abstract: To evaluate the genetic diversity and to clarify the genetic relationships of wild and cultivated soybeans growing in China, 21 wild soybean accessions and 27 cultivated soybean landraces were analysed by using the random amplified polymorphic DNA method. The data show that wild soybean has a higher genetic variation than cultivated soybean, indicating that genetic variation has been reduced by domestication of wild soybean. Based on Nei's genetic similarity coefficient, all the accessions were classified into two major clusters, corresponding to wild and cultivated varieties of soybean. Furthermore, within each species, the accessions tend to form sub-clusters that are in agreement with their geographical origins, demonstrating that an extensive geographical genetic differentiation exists in both species. For cultivated soybean, the varieties from the same geographical region but with different seasonal types were found to have closer genetic relationships than varieties from different geographical regions but with the same seasonal type. This result indicates that geographical differentiation plays a key role in the genetic differentiation of both wild and cultivated soybeans. Cultivated soybean varieties with different seasonal types in a region might have been established mainly from the local genotypes.

Abstract: The witches' broom disease caused by the fungus Crinipellis perniciosa is the main limiting factor for cocoa production in South America and the Caribbean. In Brazil, this disease affects almost all cocoa-growing regions, causing serious economic, social and ecological damage. The aim of this study was to map genomic regions associated with resistance to C. perniciosa using an F 2 population derived from a cross between 'Scavina-6' (resistant) and 'ICS-1' (susceptible). The phenotypic index was determined as the average number of vegetative witches' brooms per canopy area of each plant, the witches' brooms were counted and eliminated during six field evaluations between May 1998 and August 1999. A total of 124 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 69 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were mapped along 25 linkage groups covering 1713 cM of cocoa genome. After employing single factor and composite interval mapping analyses, a major quantitative trait loci (QTL) flanked by the marker AV14.940 was identified in the linkage group 11, explaining almost 35% of the resistance to witches' broom. The present result suggests that this QTL acts as a major dominant component of resistance to this pathogen, with great potential for use in marker-assisted selection procedures in cocoa breeding programmes.

Abstract: The Lupinus genus includes a number of important crop species. The use of defined nucleotide sequences for the analysis of genetic diversity among these species has revealed modest levels of diversity. The aim of this study was to access AFLP, ISSR and RAPD markers to evaluate the genetic diversity among L. albus, L. angustifolius, L. cosentinii, L. hispanicus, L. luteus, L. mutabilis, L. pilosus and L. polyphyllus. Unexpectedly, low levels of genetic similarity were found (ranging from 0.205 to 0.432), regardless of the type of molecular marker used. Nevertheless, these techniques consistently showed a greater genetic similarity between L. pilosus and L. cosentinii, L. mutabilis and L. polyphyllus and among L. luteus, L. hispanicus and L. angustifolius, clearly separating the Old World from the New World species. Such low genetic similarity among Lupinus spp. is most unlikely to be due to differences in coding sequences but could be the result of a long diverging process concerning non-coding regions, which would represent a very important proportion of these genomes.

Abstract: Chromosome number, microsporogenesis and mode of reproduction are described for an accession of Brachiaria brizantha, a grass of African origin. Cytological analysis revealed that the accession BRA005886 is pentaploid (2n = 5x = 45), with a base number of x = 9. Multivalent chromosome associations, from tri- to pentavalents, were recorded in diakinesis, and the further meiotic behaviour was highly irregular as well. Most abnormalities were related to irregular chromosome segregation commonly found in polyploids. Micronuclei were observed following telophases I and II. Some micronuclei near the cell wall were released as microcytes, whereas others remained in the tetrad. Other meiotic abnormalities, such as cell fusion and the absence of cytokinesis causing the formation of dyads and triads were also recorded. Binucleate microspores and 2n microspores resulting from nucleus restitution were observed among the normal ones. Limitations of this accession for use in hybridization programmes are discussed.

Abstract: Two hundred and ninety-nine accessions representing 11 cultivar groups of Brassica oleracea and eight additional accessions of the wild species B. cretica, B. incana, B. insularis and B. villosa were screened for resistance to Verticillium wilt. A disease index (DI) was calculated for each accession, and a correction of the DI was carried out to compensate for a fluctuating infection level between 11 independent trials. A total of 235, or 77% of the accessions tested, had a DIcorr less or equal to the oilseed rape cv. ‘Express’ (DIcorr= 2.81), the reference cultivar. Only one accession of the wild species, B. incana, showed an enhanced level of resistance (DIcorr= 2.01). Twenty-four accessions, distributed over eight cultivar groups of B. oleracea were selected for subsequent crosses involving B. rapa. Hybrid plants with 14 accessions were resultant and seed was obtained from crosses where the cultivar groups acephala, alboglabra, botrytis, capitata, gemmifera, italica and sabellica were used as female parents. When progeny of the produced resynthesized rapeseed lines were evaluated for Verticillium wilt resistance, three lines showed a significantly lower disease index (P ≥ 0.01) compared with the cv. ‘Express’. This source of resistance is now being crossed to advanced breeding material of oilseed rape.

Abstract: To clarify incompatibility relationships among almond cultivars, 35 were analysed for stylar ribonucleases, which have previously been shown to correlate with incompatibility S alleles. Stylar proteins were extracted and separated electrophoretically and the zymograms compared with ladders of ribonucleases corresponding to the 12 S alleles previously reported. Sixteen cultivars showed a band corresponding to two of the known ribonucleases, 17 showed one known ribonuclease and one 'new' band, and two showed two new bands. Twelve new ribonucleases were detected; 11 were attributed to new S alleles (S 13 to S 23 ) and a mutant form of S 7 was attributed to S 7A . Genotypes were proposed for nine cultivars of five incompatibility groups that had not been genotyped previously, VII, X, XI, XII and XIII. Twenty-four cultivars of unknown incompatibility relationships were provisionally genotyped: six of these could be assigned to existing groups and two new groups were established, XIV and XV, along with group O of cultivars with unique genotypes. Test crosses confirmed that eight pairs of cultivars showing similar zymograms were indeed cross-incompatible, including the two representatives of each of the two new groups. Virtually all self-incompatible cultivars of known genotype are listed in a table. The data should be useful for planning cultivar combinations for orchards and for designing crosses for breeding programmes.

Abstract: The objective of the present research was to develop an effective and practical method for hybrid seed production in safflower, by inducing male sterility with gibberellic acid (GA3). Seeds of the spiny line ‘5-154’ and the non-spiny variety ‘Dincer 5-118’ were sown in alternate rows and the plants of the non-spiny female variety were exposed to various concentrations of GA3 for male sterility induction. Three successive sprays (75, 82 and 89 days after sowing) of 100 p.p.m. of GA3 to safflower buds of <0.5 cm diameter at a pre-meiotic interphase stage resulted in reduced pollen viability from 81.6-6.7% compared with the control. An average hybrid seed percentage of 80.7% (87.5% in the secondary heads), identified by the use of the spiny-capitulum marker variety ‘5-154′, was obtained. The GA3 treatments did not significantly affect the production of viable achenes. The results showed that GA3 could be successfully used as a chemical hybridizing agent in hybrid safflower production.

Abstract: Although maize pollination (MP) and anther culture (AC) are alternative techniques widely used for wheat doubled haploid (DH) production, there is only limited information on the attributes of the plant materials produced through both methods. This study was conducted to evaluate genetic fidelity, transmission of parental gametes, and to compare field performance of DH populations produced by the MP and AC methods from the F 1 s of two crosses between spring bread wheat cultivars. The DH populations were compared to single seed descent (SSD) lines created from the same crosses. In total, 76 MP and 122 AC lines of the cross between cultivars of divergent origin were subjected to RAPD and AFLP analysis. Only changes in AFLP banding patterns, at similarly low frequencies, 0.18% (MP) and 0.21% (AC), were detected. The frequency of the DH lines affected by the variation, 14.5% (MP) and 14.8% (AC), was similar in birth populations. For most of the DH lines, variation in 1 2 loci only, out of several hundreds scored, was observed. A total of 14.3% (MP) and 22.2% (AC) marker loci showed the significant segregation distortion from the expected 1:1 ratio, but in at least one polymorphic locus the within-cultivar variation was responsible for the skewed segregation. The field performance of the corresponding MP and AC lines derived from two crosses confirmed the equivalency of both DH populations. In most of the traits analyzed, the MP and AC lines performed the same as the SSD populations created from the same crosses. No, or very small differences in means and ranges, were observed when the best 10% of the lines from all three methods were compared. Moreover, the best 10% of the lines of the cross between Polish wheat cultivars adapted to the local environment performed significantly better for some traits than different groups of checks used in the study.

Abstract: The leaf rust resistance gene Lr19, transferred from Agropyron elongatum into wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) imparts resistance to all pathotypes of leaf rust (Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici) in South-east Asia. A segregating F 2 population from a cross between the leaf rust resistant parent 'HW 2046' carrying Lrl9 and a susceptible parent 'Agra Local' was screened in the phytotron against a virulent pathotype 77-5 of leaf rust with the objective of identifying the molecular markers linked to Lr19. The gene was first tagged with a randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker S73 728 . The RAPD marker linked to the gene Lrl9 which mapped at 6.4 ± 0.035 cM distance, was converted to a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker. The SCAR marker (SCS73 719 ) was specific to LrI9 and was not amplified in the near-isogenic lines (NILs) carrying other equally effective alien genes Lr9, Lr28 and Lr32 enabling breeders to pyramid LrI9 with these genes.

Abstract: Transformation efficiency of melon is low and is still regarded as a challenge. In this paper, the regeneration and transformation response of ‘BU-21/3′, a newly characterized melon breeding line, is described. The line seems to be superior in this regard to previously evaluated genotypes. Agrobacterium-mediated delivery of the GUS or GFP reporter genes into cotyledon explants was used to evaluate efficiency of transient and stable transformation. Good transient expression was observed, and stable transformation frequencies of 0.4-1.5 transgenic shoots per explant were obtained. Transgenic plantlets were transferred to a contained greenhouse as early as 8-10 weeks after transformation. Transgenic plants are fertile and exhibit a true-to-type phenotype. The ‘BU-21/3’ line may become a useful tool for the facilitation of transgenic breeding in melon.

Abstract: Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses for combustion-related traits including calcium, phosphorus and sulphur content have been carried out using two years of field trial data. Nine putative QTLs were detected using the Multiple QTL Model approach and the programme MapQTL 4.0. Two QTLs were found for calcium, two for sulphur and five for phosphorus. Out of the QTLs for phosphorus, P1 is probably the same locus as P3, and P2 as P4, although their confidence intervals do not agree. Ca1 was also consistently detected. These results may constitute the first step in developing a Marker-Assisted Selection programme in Miscanthus for combustion-related traits.

Abstract: Hybrid breeding is a widely discussed alternative for triticale. Heterosis as well as general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects were estimated for eight agronomic traits. The experiment comprised 24 F1 hybrids, produced by a chemical hybridizing agent, together with their six female and four male parents, grown in drilled plots in two locations. In comparison with the mid-parent values, hybrids averaged a 6.4 dt/ha (10.1%) higher grain yield, 8.4% more kernels per spike, a 6.8% higher 1000-kernel weight, 9.7% lower falling number (FN) and 4.4% greater plant height. SCA effects for grain yield were significant and ranged from 4.5 to 6.9 dt/ha for grain yield. Together with GCA x location interactions, they explained most of the variation. For 1000-kernel weight, GCA effects were predominant. SCA and interactions with location accounted for most of the variation in FN, whereas interactions were negligible for plant height. Correlations between mid-parent and hybrid performance and between GCA and per se performance of parents were tight for all traits except grain yield, which allows for pre-selection of parental lines. Although the amount of heterosis in triticale at present is closer to wheat than to rye, by selecting parents for combining ability and identifying heterotic patterns, grain yield heterosis of up to 20% appears sufficiently encouraging to embark on hybrid breeding.

Abstract: A dwarfing effect of the 44.1 cM chromosomal region between the threshability gene Q and Xfba068 on the long arm of hexaploid wheat chromosome 5A has been reported. To clarify whether Q or its adjacent region is responsible for regulating culm elongation, two precise genetic stocks of near-isogenic lines (NIL), a single chromosome substitution line, 'Chinese Spring' (CS; 'Cappelle-Desprez' 5A) (NIL-Q) and a single chromosome recombinant substitution line (NIL-q) were used. The target segment of NIL-q included the q allele and QEet.ocs-5A.1, an earliness per se gene, from spelt wheat in the CS genetic background. They were grown under 16-h day length with and/ or without vernalization treatment. Being independent of heading date, NIL-Q showed shorter elongation in lower internodes and decreased internode differentiation in comparison with NIL-q. The culm-length reduction associated with Q was confirmed in the recombinant F 5 population derived from the cross between NIL-Q and NIL-q. Vernalization promotion had a tendency to reduce this dwarfing effect.

Abstract: Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers linked to the Aegilops ventricosa-derived chromosome segment in ‘VPM1’ on which the eyespot resistance gene, Pch1, and the endopeptidase gene, Ep-D1b, occur were identified. One marker was isolated from the gel, cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed a microsatellite repeat motif. Sequence-specific primers were designed to amplify a product containing the repeat motif, and the microsatellite marker was tested for cosegregation with the Ep-D1b allele. Distinct alleles were produced by the Pch1 sources, normal wheat and wheat containing the Lr19 translocation. A recombination frequency of 0.02 was calculated between the microsatellite marker and Ep-D1.

Abstract: Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) diversity has been determined and analyzed as expressed by 33 single- or low-copy clone/ enzyme combinations at 32 loci distributed over all chromosomes of the barley genome within a sample of 223 European barley accessions comprised of pure line (single-head progenies) genotypes. The accessions have been selected to include landraces and widely grown cultivars derived from crossbreeding during the 20th century in North-, West- and Central European countries. Genetic diversity obtained from 83 alleles across all accessions is characterized by the diversity index H = 0.385. The diversity indices determined for landraces and cultivars were almost equal, with the difference between spring (H = 0.260) and winter (H = 0.415) barley approaching statistical significance, while comparisons of other groupings only revealed statistically insignificant trends. A more detailed analysis based on differences in allele frequency distributions at each locus (clone/enzyme combinations resp.) revealed very clear differences related to the existence, continuity and dynamics of changes in group-specific RFLP profiles. With the majority (69%) of RFLP alleles at 23 out of 32 loci on all barley chromosomes involved, contributions from chromosomes 1H, 3H, 4H and 5H seem to be of special importance. Differences in the overall average of abundance indicate higher levels of genetic diversity within both groups of winter barley compared with both groups of spring barley, from which the most frequent alleles at 15 (2-rowed spring barley) and 17 (6-rowed spring barley) RFLP loci approach fixation. The results of this study are discussed in relation to the history of barley cultivation and barley breeding in Europe, and possible explanations for group-specific differences in the RFLP profiles of landraces and cultivars as well as for the high levels of (nearly) fixed alleles of both subsets of spring barley, and with respect to progress in barley breeding that it has been possible to obtain within the rather narrow RFLP profiles.

Abstract: The effect of the parental genotypes and colchicine treatment on the androgenic response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) F 1 hybrids was studied. For this, anthers from three F 1 hybrids and their parents were cultures on W14 initiation medium and W14 supplemented with 0.03% colchicine. The number of responding anthers, microspore-derived structures/100 anthers, green plants/embryos cultured, green plants/100 anthers and albino plants/100 anthers were recorded. It was observed that embryo formation and plant regeneration ability were genetically controlled and genotype dependent. In both treatments the variety Kavkaz had a significantly higher percentage of responding anthers microspore-derived structures and green plants 100 anthers than the other genotypes. On the other hand, the variety Myconos also demonstrated high microspore-derived structure production and green plant regeneration when treated with colchicine. The good response observed in these two varieties indicates the importance of colchicine treatment only for certain genotypes. Green plant production capacity of the hybrids was intermediate to that of the parental varieties. As one parent with a high or even an intermediate response to anther culture could lead to the production of sufficient (for breeding purposes) green plants from the F 1 hybrids, it was concluded that screening the inbred lines for the response to anther culture with and without colchicine treatment could contribute to utilization of breeding material with a low response to anther culture via the proper hybrid combinations.

Abstract: Gliadin variation at Gli-D t 1 and Gli-D t 2 loci in 198 Aegilops tauschii accessions was studied by acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A-PAGE) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). High genetic polymorphisms were found at both gliadin coding loci, revealing a total of 184 and 169 gliadin variants at the Gli-D t 1 and Gli-D t 2 loci, respectively. In particular, 12 gliadin blocks encoded by different alleles were apparently expressed and readily identified in six synthetic hexaploids produced by hybridization between Triticum durum and Ae. tauschii accessions. Compared with Ae. tauchii ssp. eusquarrosa, the gliadin profile of the D genome in Ae. tauschii ssp. strangulata more resembles that of T. aestivum,supporting the view that the subspecies strangulata is the most likely progenitor of bread wheat. Capillary electrophoresis analysis showed that the method is capable of separating and characterizing gliadins with speed, in high resolution using small sample amounts, and is well-suited to detect protein alleles and to identify desirable genotypes in wheat quality improvement.

Abstract: The effect of the major flowering gene (PPD) on seed weight of chickpea was studied on 450 F3 families from reciprocal crosses between a small-seeded, early-flowering (PPD/PPD) type and a large-seeded, late flowering (PPD/PPD) cultivar. F4 progeny tests were carried out to determine the PPD genotypes of each individual F3. The effects of the PPD gene and the polygenes on mean seed weight were both significant. Genetic correlations between time to flowering and seed weight were positive and relatively high, suggesting that in certain genetic backgrounds it might be difficult to breed early-flowering cultivars without compromising seed weight.