Characterization of QTL for unique agronomic traits of new-plant-type rice varieties using introgression lines of IR64

To enhance the yield potential of an elite indica rice cultivar,an introgression(BC_3-derived) line of IR64,YTH288,was developed using a new-plant-type cultivar,IR66215-44-2-3,as a donor parent.YTH288 has agronomically valuable characteristics such as large panicles,few unproductive tillers,and large leaves inherited from NPT.To identify the genetic basis of these traits,we used 167 F_2 plants derived from a cross between IR64 and YTH288 to conduct QTL analysis for five agronomic traits:days to heading(DTH),culm length(CL),flag leaf length(FLL),flag leaf width(FLW),and filled spikelet number per panicle(FSN).Six putative QTL were detected:four on chromosome4(for CL,FLL,FLW,and FSN) and two on chromosome 2(for DTH and FLL).All QTL with the IR66215-44-2-3 allele,except that for FLL on chromosome 2,had positive effects on each trait.To confirm the effects of these putative QTL,we developed NILs with the IR64 genetic background by marker-assisted selection.We observed significant differences in several agronomic traits between IR64 and NILs that carried these QTL on chromosomes2 and 4.Additionally,four IR64-NILs carrying chromosomal segments derived from different NPT varieties on the long arm of chromosome 4 exhibited similar pleiotropic To enhance the yield potential of an elite indica rice cultivar, an introgression(BC3-derived) line of IR64, YTH288, was developed using a new-plant-type cultivar,IR66215-44-2-3, as a donor parent. YTH288 has agronomically valuable characteristics such as large panicles, few unproductive tillers, and large leaves inherited from NPT.To identify the genetic basis of these traits, we used 167 F2 plants derived from a cross between IR64 and YTH288 to conduct QTL analysis for five agronomic traits: days to heading(DTH), culm length(CL), flag leaf length(FLL), flag leaf width(FLW), and filled spikelet number per panicle(FSN). Six putative QTL were detected: four on chromosome4(for CL, FLL, FLW, and FSN) and two on chromosome 2(for DTH and FLL). All QTL with the IR66215-44-2-3 allele, except that for FLL on chromosome 2, had positive effects on each trait. To confirm the effects of these putative QTL, we developed NILs with the IR64 genetic background by marker-assisted selection. We observed significant differences in several agronomic traits between IR64 and NILs that carried these QTL on chromosomes2 and 4. Additionally, four IR64-NILs carrying chromosomal segments derived from different NPT varieties on the long arm of chromosome 4 exhibited similar pleiotropiceffects for unique agronomic traits. These NILs can be used as research materials for studying each trait and as breeding materials for yield improvement of indica rice cultivars.

Nutritional and Technological Characteristics of New Cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i>) Lines and Varieties Grown in Eastern Kenya

Protein sources in the diet of people living in semi-arid land of Kenya are lacking and if available it is costly to them. In terms of safe food and a healthy food supply, cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata.) are a significant source of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals especially for poor populations in the Kenya, it is said to be poor man’s meat. The aim of this study was to determine nutritional composition of newly bred ten cowpea lines and five varieties commonly grown in Eastern Kenya of Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties to understand their potential utilization in curbing rising food and nutrition insecurity in arid and semi-arid lands ASALs and in any other food applications in Kenya. The experiment was arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) whereby proximate composition and minerals were determined using standard AOAC and AACC methods and technological characteristics checked using modified methods used by other researchers. Collected data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SAS (2006) version 9.1, mean separation was done using Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) method at 5% level of significance. Cowpeas composition ranged from 12.28% - 13.35% for moisture content, 49.37% - 55.74% for total carbohydrates, 2.99% - 3.34% for crude ash, 0.13% - 0.81% for crude lipids, 23.37% - 29.70% for crude protein and 1.40% - 4.34% for crude fibers. Cowpea samples recorded highest percentage of essential amino acids (60.71%) and non-essential amino acids (39.29%). Minerals ranged from 1.97 - 2.69 mg/100g for calcium, 3.23 - 3.90 mg/100g for magnesium, 205.53 - 223.30 mg/100g for sodium, 0.80 - 1.23 mg/100g for zinc, 1071.15 - 1152.62 mg/100g for potassium and 0.62 - 1.06 mg/100g for phosphorus. For technological properties, lines absorbed water equivalent to their weights and they were comparable to varieties grown in the region. From the results it showed that cowpea line IT97K-1042-3, TEXAN PINKIYE, TX123, IT85F-867-5, IT82D-889-1 and IT82D-889 have desirable attributes such as high crude protein contents, good water absorption capacities and volumetric expansion. They compared well with existing K80 variety. These cowpea lines could possibly be bred and combined into a single cowpea line and further improved by breeders to have other good properties such as higher levels of water absorption during soaking hence reduced cooking times. Therefore, this work has shown that cowpea lines developed can be used as food security crop, industrial food applications and enriching foods of low protein like in complementary foods for healthy food supply in Eastern Kenya.

Research on the Adaptability of New Flue-cured Tobacco Varieties(Lines) in Ankang Tobacco Growing Area

In order to screen new flue-cured tobacco varieties （lines） with mountain characteristics of Ankang tobacco growing area, the adaptable selection experiments of 6 newly introduced flue-cured tobacco varieties （lines） were carried out at the 2 set test sites in Ankang producing areas with K326, ＇Yunyan 87＇ and ＇Qinyan 96＇ as controls. The results showed that YN105 had more leaves per plant and coordi- nate chemical composition, and the yield per unit area was 2 221.05 kg/hm2 with the single output of 33 960.00 yuan/hm^2. Its rate of high and medium class leaves was 80.17%, presenting good performances in testing varieties （lines）. The flowering of YN99 was late but showed coordinate chemical composition, and the yield per unit area was 2 128.50 kg/hm^2 with the single output of 33 454.05 yuan/hm^2. Its rate of high and medium class leaves was 83.17%, which also had good perfor- mances in testing varieties （lines）. It was recommended that YN105 and YN99 be moderate planted in Ankang tobacco growing area, but further experiment is needed to confirm.

NEW VARIETIES AND LINES

Ⅱ-you 92: a new hybrid rice for late seasonⅡ-you 92 is an indica hybrid rice that was developed by Jinhua Agri Res Inst, Zhejiang Province.Ⅱ-you 92 has a suitable growth duration of 122-125 d as double-cropping late season rice, 3-4 dshorter than that of Shanyou 64 and 6-7 d shorter than Shanyou 10. It has a compact plant type, high tiller-ing ability and plant height of 85-90 cn. A number of 3.4-3.6 million effective panicles per ha can be

Analysis of Yield and Disease Resistance Traits of New Winter Rapeseed Varieties over the Past Twenty Years in China

Based on the results of the national regional trail for winter rapeseed in four groups,including the upper reaches,middle reaches and lower reaches of Yangtze River and Huang-Huai region in the past twenty years,new varieties of winter rapeseed showed upward trend in average yield,the yield level in Huang-huai group was higher than other groups.The changes of average effective pods per plant were not significant in any group,but the number of grain per pod and 1 000-grain weight showed increase trend.However,the increment of grains per pod in three Yangtze River groups was higher than that in Huang-Huai River group,while the increment of 1 000-grain weight was just opposite.The incidence rate of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and viral disease in new varieties of winter rapeseed obviously decreased,and the incidence rate of S.sclerotiorum decreased lower than 5%.Genetic improvement for winter rapeseed should be focus on the number of grain per pod and 1 000-grain weight in the future,and yield level of new varieties in all four groups is expected to increase.

NEW VARIETIES AND LINES

Qixiuzhan 3:a new high-yielding, good-quality indica rice varietyBy crossing Qishanzhan with Xinxiu 299, a new variety Qixiuzhan 3 was developed by the Rice Res Inst ofGuangdong Acad of Agri Sci.Being planted in the early season, this variety belongs to mid-late-maturity rice, with the same ma-

Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis of Fagopyrum tataricum Varieties(Lines)

In order to reveal the genetic differences and agronomic traits of Fagopy-rum tataricum_ varieties （lines） intuitively, explore good resources and avoid the blindness of parent selection during the breeding process, six primary agronomic traits of 45 F. tataricum_ varieties （lines） that came from the eleven buckwheat breeding departments across the country were analyzed with principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The results of principal component analysis showed that the six agronomic traits could be simplified into three principal components, and the cumulative contribution rate reached 83%. The results of cluster analysis showed that the 45 F. tataricum varieties （lines） were classified into four groups：high stalk, medium yield and smal grain type, medium stalk, high yield and large grain type, medium stalk, low yield and smal grain type and high stalk, medium yield and medium grain type. Among them, performance of comprehensive trait of the second type was better than that of the other types. Thus, the F. tataricum_va-rieties （lines） that were classified into the second type could be considered as good varieties （lines） or breeding materials. The genetic differences among F. tataricum_varieties （lines） had no necessary correlations with origin and geographical distance. ln addition to complementary traits and geographical distance, genetic distances （dif-ferent populations） should be taken into consideration during parent selection in cross breeding.

Boehmeria nivea var. strigosa (Urticaceae), a new variety from Southwest China

Boehmeria nivea var.strigosa Zeng Y.Wu&Y.Zhao,a new variety of B.nivea(Urticaceae)from Southwest China,is here described based on evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny.This new variety is mainly characterized by its green abaxial leaf blade,partly connate stipules,and densely patent strigose hairs on stems and potioles.The phylogenetic analysis based on rbc L,nrDNA and rbc L+nrDNA datasets,revealed that all individuals of B.nivea var.strigosa formed a monophyletic group.The conservation status of B.nivea var.strigosa is assessed as“Near Threatened”(NT)according to IUCN evaluation criteria.The discovery of this new variety is not only crucial for the taxonomy of ramie,but also provides reference for the exploration and utilization of ramie.

A New Combination and Two Varieties of Polystigmate Gomphonema (Gomphonemaceae Bacillariophyta) from Heilongjiang Province, China

The authors discribed a new polystigmate combination, Gomphonema turris Ehr. var. okamurae (Skv.) Fan et Bao.comb.nov., and two new varieties, Gomphonema turris Ehr. var. latum Fan et Wang. var. nov. and Gomphonema acuminatum var. obtusum Fan et Bao, var. nov., that were distinguished by frustule morphology under LM. The samples were collected from freshwater of Heilongjiang Province, China.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Flower Border Application Value of New and Superior Plants in Hefei Area

An analytic hierarchy process(AHP)was employed to assess the applicability of 18 new and superior varieties of flowers in Hefei City flower border applications.A total of 12 indicators were selected from three distinct aspects of adaptability,ornamental characteristics and use traits,in order to establish a comprehensive evaluation model.The results demonstrate that grade I(J≥2.685)exhibits excellent application value,encompassing six species of plants,such asHydrangeamacrophylla‘Endless Summer’;grade II(2.684≤J≤2.420)is also of notable application value,encompassing five species of plants,such asCallistemonrigidus;grade III(2.419≤J≤2.615)is of average application value,including five species of plants,such asCrocosmiacrocosmiflora;grade IV(J≤2.16)is of relatively poor application value.The evaluation results may be utilized as a theoretical reference for the promotion of new and superior varieties in the flower border of Hefei.

Correlation of Inhibitor Proteinase in Varieties and Lines of Cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) to Different Geographic Population of Verticillium dathliae Klebahn

Breeding for wilt resistance and its theoretical basis are primarily responsible for increases in cotton yield and fiber quality. Breeding for immunity is the most efficient method in our struggle with infectious diseases.

Impact of Implementing 1991 Act of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants in China

The Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants is abbreviated as UPOV. The Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants has 1961/1972 Act ,1978 Act and 1991 Act. China is member of UPOV and its regulations of protection of new varieties of plants conform to 1978 Act. At present, there is big debate whether China accedes to 1991 Act. This paper mainly discussed advantages and possibilities that China accedes to 1991 Act, and concluded that it is highly desirable that China should consider acceding to 1991 Act in order to contribute to development of system on protection of new varieties of plants.

Farmers' Privilege under the Protection of New Plant Varieties

This paper studies farmers'privilege under the protection of new plant varieties,and points out that farmers'privilege is given to balance interests of plant breeders and relevant public.Based on this,it analyzes shortcomings of farmers'privilege regulations,and puts forward that it is required to improve farmers'privilege regulations in subjects,objects and contents of rights on the basis of learning from advanced legislation experience of foreign countries,and build the interest sharing mechanism between breeders and farmers.

Correlation and Cluster Analysis on the Quality Characters of New Middle-ripe Japonica Rice Varieties in Jiangsu Province

[ Objective] This study aimed to analyze the quality characteristics of the new middle-ripejapon/ca rico varieties in Jiangsu Province. [ Method] Four- teen new rice varieties included in the Middle-ripe Japon/ca Rice Regional Test in 2011 were selected as the materials. Correlation analysis and cluster analysis were carried out on their quality traits. [Result] The rice cultivars possessed stable characteristics, which were difficult to be further improved. In addition, their quality traits had extremely complicated relationships, and the differences were significant between different groups. [ Conclusion] This study will provide reference for improving the quality traits of japonica rice.

New Varieties of Populus tomentosa Carr. and Breeding Techniques

The main morphological characteristics, producing area and growth characteristics of sixteen new varieties of Chinese white poplar （Populus tomentosa Carr. ） are reported, aiming at providing reference for breeding and extension of new varieties.

Study on Introduction Test of New Varieties of High Quality Conventional Rice in Yangjiang City, China

[Objective]The paper was to seek new varieties of high quality conventional rice suitable for Yangjiang area,Guangdong Province,China.[Method]In 2017,introduction test was performed with seven new varieties of high-quality conventional rice approved by Guangdong Province in recent years,including Huangsilizhan,Guangjingruanzhan,Heliyouzhan,Huahang 48,Limiaozhan,Lvyinzhan,Yuehesimiao,to investigate the main agronomic traits and yield of all varieties tested.[Result]The comprehensive performance of Lvyinzhan,Guangjingruanzhan,Limiaozhan and Huahang 48 was outstanding,showing the characters of good yield,excellent rice quality and strong stress resistance.[Conclusion]Lvyinzhan,Guangjingruanzhan,Limiaozhan and Huahang 48 are suitable for large-scale demonstration and promotion in Yangjiang area.

Cultivar Mixture Cooperation(CMC)of rice varieties(lines) with different blast resistant gene

We studied Cultivar Mixture Cooperation(CMC)of rice varieties(lines)by screening mixture ofrice varieties which possess different genes,1983-1996.

New technique for identifying varieties resistance to rice blast

After 8 yrs lab experiments and field tests, an advanced technique for identifying varieties resistance to rice blast was developed by a research group in Plant Protection Institute, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. With this technique, the inoculum was prepared on a maize-rice-straw-agar media which was suitable for sporulation of most rice blast pathogen isolates. To avoid possible virulence variation during the vegetative growth, the conidia were harvested and preserved for later different sets of resistance evaluation tests. A simple and precise new method—smear inoculation was used for infection. The experi-

Evaluation and screening for resistance of some varieties(lines)to major diseases and insect pests of rice

During 1984-1988,2,231 varieties(lines)from International Rice Testing Program(IRTP)were evaluated and screened for resistance to riceblast(Bl),bacterial blight(BB),sheath blight

Study on Agronomic Characters and Storage Durability of a New Line of Endurable Storage Hybrid Rice Chucangyou No.1

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the storage durability of a new line of endurable storage hybrid rice Chucangyou No.1 selected by endurable storage genes of Yunhui 290.[Method] Agronomic characters of the new line and the control II you 838 and Shanyou 63 were comparatively studied,and storage durability of the new line and indica,japonica or hybrid rice were also comparatively analyzed by the accelerated ageing test.[Result] Agronomic characters of the new line were excellent,and germination rate in the artificial accelerated ageing test was significantly higher than those in other materials.[Conclusion] Chucangyou No.1 has the better storage durability,which can be used in large scale of extention.