It is important for yield test sites to elicit differences among genotypes, minimize redundancy of performance information, and generate a genotype x environment interaction representative of the targeted region. The objective of this study was to utilize corn (Zea mays L.) variety trial data from three relative maturity group (MG) tests (Early, Medium, and Late) at five Tennessee locations spanning

Clonal propagation is a valuable tool for plant breeders to maintain heterozygous genotypes in crop species that are not amenable to self‐pollination or apomixis. An example is the drought‐tolerant forage and N‐fixing cover crop hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), which primarily outcrosses and is developed into composite cultivars by plant breeders. The ability to obtain clones of desirable genotypes

Rhizoma peanut (RP; Arachis glabrata Benth.) is an important species for hay production in the U.S. Gulf Coast region; however, frequent summer rains and high humidity often preclude optimal harvest intervals. Extended regrowth periods are common on‐farm but data are limited assessing their impact on plant responses. The objective was to compare above‐ and belowground responses of 14 RP entries to

Drought tolerance and rapid post‐stress recovery are critical survival strategies for turfgrass management in areas with limited rainfall and irrigation. This study sought to determine whether elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) could improve drought tolerance in rhizomatous Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) by protecting rhizomes from stress damage and promote regrowth and regeneration of daughter plants

Heat stress is a major abiotic stress that damages cool‐season turfgrasses, such as tall fescue, during summer months. Heat stress results in oxidative damage, reductions in photosynthesis, and ultimately can cause plant death. Exogenous applications of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) have previously been demonstrated to improve abiotic stress tolerance in a number of crops by improving chlorophyll levels

Intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey] is a cool‐season perennial forage grass, whose grain is commercialized in the United States as “Kernza.” Its extensive root system may help in reducing soil erosion, water pollution, and C emissions. Nitrogen fertilization and forage harvest intensity may affect the belowground biomass and nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC)

Insufficient moisture availability often limits soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield. Carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) provides an integrated measure of water use efficiency in C3 plants due to its substantial genetic variance, high heritability, and small genotype × environment interaction (G × E). The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with δ13C using a

This is the first report about Na and K fluxes and heritability of Na exclusion in the Elymus genus. Argentine wheatgrass [Elymus scabrifolius (Döll) J.H. Hunz.] is an important forage genetic resource for saline environments. A previous study showed that salt‐sensitive lines accumulated toxic levels of Na in shoots. The aim of this study was to increase the understanding of Na exclusion in Argentine

The popularity of Tartary buckwheat [Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn], as a medicinal and food crop, has been increasing in recent years. However, its low yield seriously restricts its industrial development. Amongst the various studies conducted to enhance the productivity of Tartary buckwheat, the association between yield and main agronomic traits has formed the foundation for the breeding and cultivation

An interactive web‐based model (https://norstar.usask.ca/survivalmodel) that simulates winter survival in cereals has been developed for use by farmers, extension workers, plant breeders, and researchers. Consistent with our current understanding of low‐temperature (LT) gene regulation, the model is based on a series of equations describing phenological development, acclimation, dehardening, and damage

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) have barely been used in eggplant (Solanum melongena ) breeding. However, introgression breeding may help in coping with the challenges posed by climate change. During the rainy and dry seasons, we evaluated nine accessions of eggplant, nine accessions of seven related species (of which six are CWRs and one is a cultivated relative), and 12 interspecific hybrids. Drought

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cultivars with high yield potential and suitable plant architecture for mechanized harvesting have recently shown a growing interest to be cultivated as a second crop in fall–winter season of southeastern Brazil. The agronomic optimal plant density (AOPD) is one of the main management factors defining attainable yield. However, in the scientific literature for

The influence of Nod factors (NFs) on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in 2014–2016 was investigated in a field experiment located on soil classified as a Haplic Luvisol. Nod factors were isolated from the Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strain GR09. Faba bean was tested with NFs and without NFs, and the plants were harvested in two stages of growth: at the flowering and at full maturity. Plant parts were

Many maize breeding programs select genotypes considering just grain yield. However, this strategy may not be efficient due to undesirable associations between grain yield and other traits. The breeder's challenge is to combine good characteristics in one genotype. The aim of this study was to propose a new approach to select maize progenies considering multiple traits. One hundred and forty one half‐sib

The AP2/ERF transcription factors (TFs) regulate various processes of plant growth, development and response to environmental stimuli, although they have been extensively documented in many plants, little is known about stress‐responsive AP2/ERF genes in sweetpotato. In this study, 20 putative AP2/ERF genes, named as IbERF1 , IbERF2 and IbERF5 –IbERF23 were identified based on the salt‐treated RNA‐seq

A factor analytic model was used to characterize data generated with the Hagberg‐Perten Falling Number (FN) method, a measure of wheat quality influenced by genotype‐by‐environment interactions. The FN method detects starch degradation due to the presence of the enzyme alpha‐amylase in wheat grain such that a low FN indicates high alpha‐amylase activity and high risk of poor end‐product quality. Because

Winter canola (Brassica napus L.) production has increased in the Great Plains as producers seek a rotational and alternative crop to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L). However, limited information is available if canola could be used for dual‐purpose without significantly affecting grain yield. The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate dual‐purpose potential and 2) impact of companion crops

Maize (Zea mays L.) kernel moisture content at physiological maturity significantly differs among hybrids and is affected by the environment. Nonetheless, the value of 35% was previously reported and is widely accepted as the moisture content at physiological maturity. To verify whether the 35% moisture content could be applied to various hybrids and regions, a multi‐area, multi‐year trial was conducted

The most effective strategy to manage bean anthracnose (ANT), caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum , is the use of resistant cultivars. There are more than 20 ANT resistance genes that have been identified and mapped in common bean chromosomes. Moreover, quantitative resistance loci (QRLs) have been described through genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Identification of pathogen‐responsive genes

This article is part of a series of brief commentaries to highlight papers that have resulted in important and distinctly new perspectives in crop science. A criterion for selection of papers is that they must have been published at least 20 years ago to allow for a long‐range perspective in assessment of the papers. The current article briefly reviews the paper by M.Y. Siddiqi, A.D.M. Glass, T.J.

Tetraploid plants, including those induced from diploid barrel medic (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.), and the snail medic (Medicago scutellata (L.) Mill.) have the potential to increase vigor and leaf size to improve adaptation to environments with low and variable rainfall Mediterranean climates. The growth of tetraploid lines induced from barrel medic cultivar Sultan‐SU was evaluated against the diploid

The use of untapped plant genetic resources (PGRs) for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) improvement can enhance the crop productivity and sustainability. In the present study, we characterized 22,416 wheat germplasm accessions of three different species conserved in the Indian National Genebank using 23 qualitative and 12 quantitative traits to develop a core set. These accessions were highly diverse for

The low‐cost next‐generation sequencing technologies provide tremendous opportunities for dissecting complex traits in crop species. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between genomic diversity, population structure and hybrid performance in public sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] inbred lines. A total of 279 public sorghum inbred lines (228 R‐lines and 51 B‐lines) developed

Increasing light intensity in the mid and low canopy can improve maize (Zea mays L.) stalk lodging resistance. Field experiments involving altered leaf angle were designed to explore how leaf angle affects the light distribution within the canopy, stalk carbohydrate accumulation, stalk strength formation, and grain yield. When the leaf area was constant and the average leaf angle was decreased by approximately

Lentil seeds are an excellent source of staple dietary protein that can be a viable plant‐based alternative protein source to food processing industries. Understanding of the genotype and environment basis of G × E interaction is fundamental knowledge for plant breeding. We explored genetic stability and G × E for seed protein content and protein yield for 34 lentil genotypes using AMMI (additive main

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum L.) are two legumes that are being developed as forage crops in Canada with potential benefits to animal and human health. Sainfoin, a perennial crop containing condensed tannins (CT), is gaining popularity in western Canada because of its benefits to cattle. Its condensed tannins makes the crop bloat‐free for grazing cattle

Australia, Florida, and Louisiana are dominant sugar producers. We use piecewise regression to compare the growth in sugar recovery rates. To discuss sugarcane varietal development and cultural practices, we consider two scenarios: the entire period 1901 to 2018 and two sub‐periods using country‐specific breakpoints. The overall annual increase in the sugar recovery rate for all three regions ranged

Fine fescues, taxa within the Festuca genus, are considered some of the most shade‐tolerant cool‐season turfgrasses, but past research from field studies has been inconsistent. The objective of this research was to evaluate variation in Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin; CH), hard fescue (F. brevipila Tracey; HD), and strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra ssp. rubra Gaudin; ST) morphology

Turf‐type perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) success depends both on adequate turfgrass quality and economic seed yield. In most breeding programs, spaced plants are the initial unit of selection in which observations of related individuals dictate selections of superior germplasm for further testing. As such, spaced plants must be predictive of both seed production and turfgrass growing environments

Slow‐darkening (SD) pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) possess a desirable new trait, conditioned by the recessive sd gene, that slows seed coat darkening under delayed harvest and under storage. The effect sd may have on performance needs investigation. We examined agronomic performance and cooking quality of SD pinto beans. There were 30 (15 SD and 15 regular darkening [RD]) recombinant inbred lines

Tennis is played on many different surfaces including natural grass; which plays fast because of low ball bounce (i.e., coefficient of restitution, COR) and low ball‐to‐surface friction (coefficient of friction, COF) that increase pace (ball speed) of tennis. Effects of various C3 turfgrasses on COF and COR have not been investigated. Our objectives were to evaluate 8 species‐cultivars randomized within

The American oil palm [Elaeis oleifera (Knuth) Cortés] has pronounced importance to oil palm breeding programs. Here, a germplasm bank (GB) of E. oleifera plants collected in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil was submitted to SNP markers identification, selection, and use, aiming to characterize genetic diversity and population structure and to design core collection (CC). 553 plants from 206 subsamples

Fusarium ear rot (FER) caused by Fusarium verticillioides is one of the major ear diseases that affects both yield and grain quality in maize (Zea mays L.), especially in tropical environments. Fusarium genetic resistance is a complex trait, controlled by several small‐effect genes and strongly influenced by the environment. We applied a comprehensive genome‐wide association study and genomic prediction

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a disease in wheat caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum . FHB poses potential economic losses and health risks due to the accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) on infected seed heads. The objectives of this study were to identify novel FHB resistance loci using a genome‐wide association (GWAS) approach and evaluate two genomic selection (GS)

Mal de Rio Cuarto (MRC) and common rust (CR), caused by Mal de Rio Cuarto virus (MRCV) and Puccinia sorghi , respectively, are endemic diseases affecting maize (Zea mays L.) production in Argentina. Exotic maize germplasm is an important source of resistance to these diseases. The aim of this work was to identify maize lines that exhibit MRC and CR resistance. A multi‐environment trial was performed

Changing climates and associated increased variability pose risks to alfalfa cultivation, with the requirement to establish, survive and maintain production under water stress. Crop wild relatives (CWR) of alfalfa include populations that have evolved to survive in a number of different, extreme environments, but until recently have had limited use in breeding programs. Here we report on the phenotypic

Haploids are naturally produced in maize at different rates, and can also be induced through different methods. Haploids are used to develop doubled haploids (DH), which have many potential uses. The development of DH lines in maize involves haploid induction, haploid identification, chromosome doubling and field sowing for self‐pollination of D0 plants. Different potential methods are used for haploid

Increasing temperatures associated with climate change will be the next challenge for crop improvement, especially for turfgrass species that are often grown in urban green spaces. Previous research on turfgrass heat stress tolerance has always been limited to a small number of species and cultivars with different heat stress conditions between studies; therefore, we assessed heat stress tolerance

Breeding programs for wheat and other crops require one or more generations of seed increase before replicated yield trials can be sown. Extensive phenotyping at this stage is challenging due to the small plot sizes and large numbers of lines under evaluation, and therefore breeders typically rely on visual selection to promote lines to yield trials. Aerial high‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) enables

Previous studies in the evaluation of wear tolerance has been conducted using wear simulators. Research to investigated wear tolerance of C3 turfgrass under actual playing conditions and their carrying capacity is limited. Three grass tennis courts (replicates) maintained as official size (single) courts were constructed. Eight species and cultivars were randomized within the three courts (blocks):

Increasing the response to selection in plant breeding programs by reducing the time required to complete a generation of inbreeding can significantly shorten the time to release a cultivar. Recently, ‘speed breeding’ strategies that manage temperature, photoperiod, and micronutrients showed a significant reduction in time to inbreeding in several crops. The goal of this study was to determine if the

Soils and climate influence soil nutrient supply, crop nutrient demand and potential yield. We collected soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] data of seed yield and nutrient uptake from field students (n = 657) in northeast China (2001‐2017) to study spatial distribution of attainable yield, yield response to fertilizer, and crop nutrient requirements at regional scale. The study area was divided in four

The design of the training set is a key factor in the success of the genomic selection approach. Considering the highly dynamic nature of lines inclusion in soybean breeding programs, generating a training set that endures across the years and regions is challenging. Therefore, we aimed to define the best strategies for building training sets to apply genomic selection in soybean segregating populations

Benzoxazinoids (BXs) are secondary metabolites synthesized mainly by gramineous plants, including rye (Secale cereale L.), that play an important role in stress resistance and allelopathy. In the present work, the influence of co‐cultivation of rye with Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) on the expression of BX synthesis‐regulating genes (ScBx1 –ScBx5 , ScIgl , and ScGT ), and the content of

Homeowners typically use commercial “patch and repair” products to seed bare or damaged lawn areas in the spring. Commercial products typically contain inert matter, fertilizer, and turfgrass seed, which is dominated by perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.] mixtures, with few fine fescues (Festuca

The quality of predicted plant‐, soil‐ and animal‐response values from near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectra depends on the ability to generate appropriate NIR models. The first step in the development of NIR models is collection of spectral data. Limited work, however, has been reported that compares NIR models for prediction of forage nutritive value when the spectra are obtained from devices with

Responses of different genotypes to an environmental gradient are often nonlinear and nonparallel. Current tests for differential genotypic responses are based largely on the linear regression model (stability analysis) or on evaluation of all quadruples for crossover interaction (COI) from a two‐way genotype × environment (GxE) table if the environments are unquantified. The objective of this study

The use of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] as a lawn species is rapidly increasing in Mediterranean Europe, however, the identification of optimal N fertilization practices is needed to shorten the long dormancy periods some cultivars undergo in these environments. A 2‐yr study was conducted at the agricultural experimental farm of Padova University from May 2016 until June 2018 to compare

Estimation of genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GEI) is important in breeding programs because it provides critical information to guide selection decisions. In general, multi‐environment trials exhibit heterogeneity of variances and covariances at several levels. Thus, the objectives of this study were to: (i) find the best genetic covariance matrix to model GEI and compare changes in genotypic

This paper is concerned with the generation of designs for early generation, plant‐breeding experiments that use limited experimental resources as efficiently as possible to maximize the realized genetic gain (RGG) resulting from the selection of lines. A number of authors have demonstrated that p‐rep designs for such experiments, in which the percentage of lines that are duplicated is p , are likely

The efficient management and distribution of experimental data from pre‐breeding projects is important to ensure uptake of valuable germplasm into breeding and research programmes. Being able to access and share this data in standard formats is essential in this process. The adoption of a common informatics platform for crops which may have limited resources brings economies of scale allowing common

Genebanks conserve world‐wide crop genetic diversity in systematically assembled and maintained ex‐situ collections for use by plant breeders and geneticists to improve the productivity, value and sustainability of agriculture. Challenges faced in genebank management include providing sufficient and accurate trait information to facilitate searching the collection, controlling redundant accessions

Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) datasets typically feature high rates of missingness and heterozygote undercalling, prompting the use of data imputation. We compared the accuracy of four imputation methods: NPUTE, Beagle, KNNI and FILLIN, using GBS data of maize inbred lines, genotyped using different multiplexing levels. Two strategies for SNP calling and genotype imputation were evaluated. First,

Genomic selection has been implemented in several plant and animal breeding programs and it has proven to improve efficiency and maximize genetic gains. Phenotypic data of grain yield was measured in 147 maize single‐cross hybrids at 12 environments. Single‐cross hybrids genotypes were inferred based on their parents (inbred lines) via SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers obtained from GBS

The popcorn industry in the USA is at risk of genetic contamination because it utilizes the gametophyte factor 1 gene (Ga1 ) as a barrier against pollen‐mediated gene flow (PMGF) from field corn. Popcorn with the Ga1‐s allele accepts pollen only from Ga1‐s corn, allowing for field corn and popcorn to be nearby without isolation. Germplasm is being introduced to the USA to increase field corn diversity

Forage cropping systems have greater precipitation use efficiency [Forage accumulation (kg/ha) divided by total precipitation (mm)], PUE, compared with cereal grains and oilseed cropping systems. However, information is limited to which forage species and forage rotation system increases productivity the most in the central Great Plains. The objective of this research was to identify the productivity

Iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and magnesium (Mg) are common components of turfgrass nutrition programs. A two‐year study was conducted simultaneously in Jay and Citra, FL to determine the influence of Fe, Mn, and Mg on ‘Palmetto’ St. Augustinegrass quality and leaf nutrient concentration. Treatments included foliar Fe, Mn, and Mg sulfate and glucoheptonate; and granular Fe, Mn, and Mg sulfate and sucrate

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a staple food crop of arid and semi‐arid regions of Asia and Africa. Past breeding efforts using populations of African and Asian origins led to the development of a series of improved cultivars and breeding populations adaptable to these regions. Forty‐five pearl millet populations of Asian and African origin were assessed for genetic diversity using

Suboptimal water and phosphorus availability are primary limitations to grain legume production. Root architecture influences water and phosphorus acquisition but tradeoffs need to be better understood and mitigated. We hypothesized that tradeoffs in root class investment and resource acquisition strategy would be observable in a variety of grain legumes. Diversity panels of common bean (Phaseolus

Determining daily light integral (DLI) requirements for turfgrass systems has been an effective method to quantify photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) necessary to maintain quality turfgrass in a research setting. However, there has been little research estimating DLI requirements of popular turfgrass cultivars of zoysiagrass (Zoysia matrella [L.] Merr. and Zoysia japonica Steud.), hybrid bermudagrass