QTL analysis of flag leaf in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for morphological traits and chlorophyll content

To understand genetic patterns of the morphological and physiological traits in flag leaf of barley, a double haploid (DH) population derived from the parents Yerong and Franklin was used to determine quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling length, width, length/width, and chlorophyll content of flag leaves. A total of 9 QTLs showing significantly additive effect were detected in 8 intervals on 5 chromosomes. The variation of individual QTL ranged from 1.9% to 20.2%. For chlorophyll content expressed as SPAD value, 4 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 2H, 3H and 6H; for leaf length and width, 2 QTLs located on chromosomes 5H and 7H, and 2 QTLs located on chromosome 5H were detected; and for length/width, 1 QTL was detected on chromosome 7H. The identification of these QTLs associated with the properties of flag leaf is useful for barley improvement in breeding programs.

Differential Responses of Antioxidative System to Soil Water Shortage in Barley (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i>L.) Genotypes

Drought is one of the major factors limiting the yield and quality of crops in the world. The activity of antioxidative system to tolerate the drought stress is significant in plants. In the present study, the activities and isoform profiles of catalase (CАТ), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed in four barley genotypes grown under soil water restriction. Drought stress caused increase in the activities of CАТ and SOD in all studied genotypes, while APX activity decreased. The total GR activity increased substantially in genotypes K 2778 and St.Garabag 7 and decreased in No. 77 local and St.Pallidum 596 genotypes under conditions of severe water stress. No detectable differences were observed in the isoenzyme pattern (the appearance of a new isoenzymes and disappearance of another one) between control plants and those subjected to soil drought. However, intensification of corresponding isoforms in electrophoretic spectra was observed in stressed barley leaves relative to watered ones. The obtained results possibly suggest that antioxidant protection in barley plants under drought conditions could be attributed mainly to SOD and CAT.

The effect of photo-irradiation on the growth and ingredient composition of young green barley (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i>)

We clarified that photo-irradiation of young green barley from three different light sources, natural light, 100% red light-emitting diodes (R-LEDs), and a mixture of 90% red-LEDs + 10% blue-LEDs (RB-LEDs), had significantly different results in growth degree (weight and height) and in components of young green barley. Barley that has sprouted for 15 days after germination did not show any apparent difference in height in response to irradiation by the three tested light sources, but by the 20th day of sprouting the height showed a positive effect by R-LEDs irradiation. By 15 days of sprouting the barley had achieved the heaviest weight by natural light irradiation, while the barley irradiated by R-LEDs had made remarkable progress at 20 days of sprouting. On the other hand, the irradiation by RB-LEDs showed a suppressive tendency after 15 days or more. The amino acid content, as indicated by dry weight conversion, was greatest in the barley irradiated by RB-LEDs, followed by R-LEDs, and natural light, which showed that LEDs irradiation is effective. In addition, four cyanogenic glucosides were isolated, identified, and quantified, as they are components frequently assessed in barley research. With regard to vitamin E, R-LEDs irradiation increased γ-tocopherol. Our results indicate that irradiation by LEDs would be effective for the enhancement of the functionality of young green barley.

Model Examination for the Effect of Treading Stress on Young Green Barley (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i>)

Treading barley (“Mugifumi” in Japanese) is a barley culturing process that is unique and indispensable in Japan. Generally, roller machines or human feet are used to tread young barley several times (Figure 1). As a model examination, a stainless steel instrument was used for treading barley in this study (Figure 2(a)). Treading damages plants and decreases growth, such as the height and weight of aerial parts, which then recover gradually. In our study, the total amino acid contents increased with the treading stress. The treading stress induced a 1.7-fold increase in aspartic acid contents and an approximately 1.6-fold increase in glutamic acid, proline, cystine, and methionine contents. Isolation and purification suggested that the main components of the methanol-eluted fraction from the young green barley were six known phenolic compounds. Saponarin and lutonarin were the main components. The saponarin content was about 160 mg/g (methanol-soluble fraction) at 10 days after germination. We found that the higher antioxidant activity was due to the increased lutonarin/saponarin ratio from 10% to 24%. Therefore, our results suggest that treading stress is useful for young green barley.

重金属对大麦(Hordeum vulgare)毒性的研究

研究了６种重金属（Ｈｇ２＋、Ｃｄ２＋、Ｐｂ２＋、Ｎｉ２＋、Ｃｕ２＋、Ｚｎ２＋）对大麦幼苗生长及根尖细胞遗传学毒害作用．结果表明，随着重金属浓度的增加和处理时间的延长，大麦种子的萌发率、根生长速率和有丝分裂指数下降．１×１０－２ｍｏｌ／Ｌ的Ｈｇ２＋、Ｃｄ２＋、Ｐｂ２＋处理２４ｈ后完全抑制了细胞分裂，Ｈｇ２＋、Ｃｄ２＋和Ｐｂ２＋诱发的染色体畸变率显著高于Ｎｉ２＋、Ｃｕ２＋和Ｚｎ２＋．用５×１０－３—５×１０－４ｍｏｌ／Ｌ的Ｈｇ２＋、Ｃｄ２＋、Ｐｂ２＋处理２４ｈ和Ｎｉ２＋处理４８ｈ后，核仁结构发生分解，形成许多核仁颗粒并进入细胞质中，而Ｃｕ２＋、Ｚｎ２＋对核仁结构没有影响．６种重金属对大麦的细胞遗传学毒性顺序为Ｈｇ２＋＞Ｃｄ２＋＞Ｐｂ２＋＞Ｎｉ２＋＞Ｃｕ２＋＞Ｚｎ２＋．文中还讨论了重金属对植物细胞的毒害机理．

大麦(Hordeum vulgare Linn.)α-淀粉酶基因Amy6-4表达模式的半定量RT-PCR分析

大麦α-淀粉酶编码基因的表达对α-淀粉酶的活性有重要影响。以α-淀粉酶活性具有显著差异的两个大麦品种为试材,研究不同发芽时期大麦种子中Amy6-4基因的表达模式。利用Amy6-4基因的特异性引物,通过半定量RT-PCR,对发芽0h、12h、24h、48h、72h、96h和120h的大麦种子的表达模式进行分析。结果表明,两品种在发芽的0时期基因表达量为零;随着发芽时期的延长两品种的Amy6-4基因表达水平呈现增加的趋势,且两品种在发芽第5天,该基因表达水平均达到最高;在发芽后的各个时期,品种ZDM7825的Amy6-4基因的表达量均高于ZDM5271。

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Barley Landraces from Shanghai Region Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing

Barley(Hordeum vulgare L.)is an important economic crop for food,feed and industrial raw materials.In the present research,112 barley landraces from the Shanghai region were genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing(GBS),and the genetic diversity and population structure were analyzed.The results showed that 210,268 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms(SNPs)were present in total,and the average poly-morphism information content(PIC)was 0.1642.Genetic diversity and population structure analyses suggested that these barley landraces were differentiated and could be divided into three sub-groups,with morphological traits of row-type and adherence of the hulls the main distinguishing factors between groups.Genotypes with similar or duplicated names were also investigated according to their genetic backgrounds and seed appearances.This study provided valuable information on barley landraces from the Shanghai region,and showed that all these barley landraces should be protected and used for future breeding programs.

外源茉莉酸甲酯诱导大麦叶斑病抗性研究

【目的】探讨不同浓度外源茉莉酸甲酯(MeJA)诱导大麦抗叶斑病效应差异及其分子机制,为应用MeJA防治大麦叶斑病提供理论依据。【方法】以‘蒙啤麦3号’大麦品种幼苗为材料,设置不接菌(无菌水处理叶片)、接菌(无菌水处理叶片接种麦根腐平脐蠕孢菌)和接菌+MeJA(0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0,2.5mmol/LMeJA喷施叶片后接菌)3组处理,于三叶期调查叶斑病发病情况,并据此筛选最适MeJA浓度,然后测定不接菌、接菌及接菌+MeJA(最适浓度)下不同处理时间叶片的抗氧化酶、抗病相关酶活性、丙二醛含量、渗透调节物质含量以及相关基因表达水平。【结果】(1)叶面喷施外源MeJA提高了大麦对叶斑病的抗性,1.5mmol/LMeJA处理叶片的病情指数较对照显著降低19.03%,诱导抗性效果最佳;(2)与单独接菌处理相比,1.5mmol/LMeJA处理大麦叶片超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶、几丁质酶和β-1,3-葡聚糖酶活性均显著提高,而其丙二醛、脯氨酸、可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量显著降低,同时受MeJA调控转录因子及编码抗病相关酶的基因表达量显著上调。【结论】外源喷施1.5mmol/LMeJA通过调节抗病相关酶活性和渗透调节物质含量,以及调控抗病相关酶基因及茉莉酸信号途径关键转录因子基因表达,进而提高大麦植株的叶斑病抗性。

青稞苗期耐低氮能力的品种差异分析

以8个代表性品种为材料,分析低氮胁迫下青稞苗期的农艺性状和耐低氮能力。结果表明:低氮胁迫下各青稞农艺性状都出现显著差异。所有青稞中株高、植株鲜质量、植株干质量都明显下降,根长、根鲜质量、根干质量都明显上升。但不同品种的根冠比变化差异不同,通过对各农艺性状分析发现,植株和根的鲜质量和干质量更能反映青稞的耐低氮能力,其中根干质量是筛选耐低氮青稞的最重要农艺性状,可以作为青稞耐低氮资源筛选的重要指标。多指标综合分析结果表明,各青稞耐低氮能力为‘昆仑15’>‘黄青1号’>‘肚里黄’>‘昆仑14’>‘昆仑18’>‘二道眉白青稞’>‘洛隆宗’>‘特邬’。

西藏青稞机械化收获减损浅谈

随着西藏青稞机械化收获率的提高,机收过程中损失率也在逐渐增加。如何提高机械化收获作业质量,减少机收损失成为了研究热点。通过分析西藏青稞机械化收获过程中造成损失的原因,探讨了机械化收获减损技术方法,以期为青稞机械化收获减损提供参考,有效降低机收损失率。

过量施磷下青稞生长发育和磷素利用的变化

为探讨青稞(Hordeum vulgare var.coeleste Linnaeus)新品种和新品系的磷肥施用上限,摸清过量施磷下青稞新品种(系)的生长发育和养分吸收利用特征,试验设置不施磷肥对照(CK)、常规施磷肥处理(P1)和过量施磷肥处理(P2、P3、P4),5个处理的P2O5施用量依次为0、56.2、138.5、220.8、277.0 kg/hm^(2),研究过量施磷下青稞生长发育和磷素吸收利用的变化。结果表明,青稞的最高茎蘖数随着施磷量的增加而增加;施磷可增加青稞成穗数,过量施磷反而会降低青稞成穗数;施用磷肥可增加青稞的株高,施磷量增加到一定程度后,青稞株高增加不显著;施磷肥可提高青稞平均灌浆速率和最大灌浆速率,且随着施磷量的增加先升高后降低;2个青稞品种(系)的磷肥利用率、磷肥农学利用率、磷肥偏生产力、产量均随着施磷量的增加呈递减趋势。以上分析表明,过量施用磷肥会导致青稞成穗数下降,磷肥利用率明显降低。

Evaluation of Chlorophyll Content and Fluorescence Parameters as Indicators of Drought Tolerance in Barley

Drought is a major abiotic stress that severely affects food production worldwide. Agronomic and physiological traits associated with drought tolerance are suitable indicators for selection of drought tolerance genotypes to reduce the impact of water deficit on crop yield in breeding program. The objective of this study was to identify indicators related to drought tolerance through analysis of photosynthetic traits in barley （Hordeum vulgare L.）. These traits included chlorophyll content, initial fluorescence （Fo）, maximum primary yield of photochemistry of photosystem Ⅱ （Fv /Fo） and maximum quantum yield of photosystem Ⅱ （Fv/Fm）. Four genotypes （Tadmor, Arta, Morocco9-75 and WI2291） variable in drought tolerance were used to investigate the correlation between these traits and drought tolerance. The results reflected that all of these traits were affected negatively in the four genotypes at different levels of post-anthesis drought stress, but the decrease in drought tolerant genotypes was much less than that of drought sensitive genotypes. The results further revealed that the components of the photosynthetic apparatus could be damaged significantly in drought sensitive genotypes, while drought tolerant genotypes were relatively less affected. On the other hand, the values of chlorophyll content, Fo, Fv/Fo and Fv/Fm in drought tolerance genotypes were significantly higher than those in drought sensitive genotypes under drought stress. It was concluded that chlorophyll content, Fo, Fv/Fo and Fv/Fm could be considered as reliable indicators in screening barley germplasm for drought tolerance.

Effects of Waterlogging on Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Six Barley Genotypes with Different Waterlogging Tolerance

A field experiment was carried out to study genotypic difference in the effect of waterlogging on photosynthesis, chlorophyll content and antioxidative enzyme activities in barley. Waterlogging caused a rapid decline in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (gs), and little change in chlorophyll content during early days of the treatment. A dramatic increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in waterlogged plants in the early days of the experiment was found, indicating the occurrence of oxidative stress in barley plants exposed to waterlogging. There was a highly significant difference in the changed extent of all these parameters among genotypes. Franklin and Yongjiahong Liuleng Damai, which were relatively sensitive to waterlogging in terms of growth, photosynthesis and chlorophyll content, accumulated much more MDA than the other two relatively tolerant genotypes (93-3143 and QS). After removal of waterlogging, the genotypic difference became much greater in recovering of these examined parameters. Yongjiahong Liuleng Damai showed higher recovery, while Franklin only recovered to 50% of the control at the 14 day after waterlogging removal. It may be concluded that it is the difference in anti-oxidative stress caused by waterlogging that account for the major difference in photosynthesis among barley genotypes.

Genotypic Difference in Plant Growth and Mineral Composition in Barley Under Aluminum Stress

Four barley genotypes (Tiantaiyangdamai, Xiyin2, Mimaill4 and Tai94-Ce6) were exposed to 0, 50, 100, and 150μM of Al-containing solution with pH 4.5, to determine the differences in growth inhibition , Al concentration and accumulation and mineral composition among genotypes. The results showed that Mimaill4 and Tai94-Ce6 had significantly higher Al concentration and accumulation than Tiantaiyangdami and Xiyin2, especially in roots, and the growth traits including root and shoot dry weights, shoot height, root length and tillers per plant were more inhibited in the former two genotypes. Al treatments caused a significant reduction of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn content in both roots and shoots, of Cu in shoots; and a significant increase in Fe and Zn content in both roots and shoots, of Cu in roots. The changed rates of mineral content caused by Al treatments, in terms of the content in 150μM Al divided by the content in the control, differed significantly among four genotypes. Two Al-sensitive genotypes, Mimaill4 and Tai94-Ce6 had much greater changes in mineral content than other two Al-tolerant genotypes Tiantaiyangdamai and Xiyin2 when subjected to Al stress in comparison with the control. It is indicated that the Al-tolerant genotype is characterized by less uptake and accumulation of Al in roots and smaller disorders in mineral metabolism and ion homeostasis.

Alleviation of Al Toxicity in Barley by Addition of Calcium

The potential mechanism by which Ca alleviates Al toxicity was investigated in barley seedlings. It was found that 100 Al-alone treatment inhibited barley plant growth and thereby reduced shoot height and root length, and dry weights of root, shoot and leaf; promoted Al accumulation but inhibited Ca absorption in plant tissues; and induced an increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, and peroxidase （POD） and in the level of lipid peroxidation （MDA content） in leaves. Except for the increase in Ca concentration in plant tissues, treatment with 0.5 mM Ca in the absence of Al had less effect on the above-mentioned parameters, compared with the control. Addition of Ca efficiently reduced Al toxicity, which is reflected by the promotion of plant growth, reduction in Al concentration and MDA content, increase in Ca concentration and in SOD, POD, and CAT activities compared with the Al-alone-treatment; with increase in Ca level （3.0 raM）, the ameliorative effect became more dominant. This indicated that the alleviation of aluminum toxicity in barley seedlings with Ca supplementation could be associated with less absorption of Al and the enhancement of the protective ability of the cell because of increased activity of the antioxidative enzyme.

Variation of Grain and Malt Qualities in Barley as Affected by Cultivars and Environments

Inferior and unstable quality of malt barley in China has limited its wide use in malting and brewing industries. In this research, eight two-rowed barley cultivars were planted at 7 locations with different ecological conditions in southern China, to investigate the cultivar and environmental effect on grain and malt qualities. The results showed that grain protein content differed dramatically among locations, but there were no significant differences among cultivars. For four malt qualities including diastatic power, wort viscosity, Kolbach index and malt extract, significant differences were found among cultivars and locations, except for diastatic power among cultivars. Coefficients of variance(CV)caused by location were greater than those caused by cultivar for each quality parameter, especially for diastatic power and Kolbach index, indicating the predominant influence of environment on malt quality. The analysis showed that grain protein content was positively related to diastatic power and wort viscosity, and negatively to malt extract. Kolbach index was positively related to malt extract, and negatively to diastatic power and wort viscosity. Diastatic power showed positive and negative correlation with wort viscosity and malt extract, respectively.

Genotypic and Environmental Variations of Arabinoxylan Content and Endoxylanase Activity in Barley Grains

Arabinoxylan （AX） content in barley grains is an important quality determinant when barley is used as raw material of malt or beer production. The cultivar and environmental variations of total arabinoxylan （TAX）, water extractable arabinoxylan （WEAX） and endoxylanase activity （EA） were investigated using eight barley cultivars growing at seven locations with diverse environmental conditions. The results showed that both barley cultivar and location significantly affected the TAX, WEAX and EA levels, but the variations of TAX content and EA were mainly attributed to cultivar, while the impact of location on WEAX content was greater than that of cultivar. Correlation analysis indicated that TAX was significantly correlated to WUAX.

Cultivar and Environmental Effects on p-glucanase Activity in Both Barley Grain and Malt and Its Function in β-glucan Degradation

Eight two-rowed barley cultivars were grown at seven locations in the southern winter-barley zone of China. Mean grainβ-glucanase activity ranged from 39.89 U kg-1 for Suyin2 to 49.75 U kg-1 for Xi-umai3 in 8 cultivars grown at 7 locations, and from 38. 74 U kg-1 in Zhengzhou to 57. 96 U kg-1 in Putian among 7 locations on an average of all cultivars. Correspondingly, mean malt β-glucanase activity of 8 cultivars ranged from 313.33 U kg-1 for ZAU3 to 489. 89 U kg-1 for Daner Barley, and of 7 locations from 330.40 U kg-1 in Yancheng to 418. 24 U kg-1 in Putian. There were significant differences among cultivars and locations in maltβ-glucanase activities. The locations showed much larger variation in maltβ-glucanase activities than cultivars. The reduction of total β-glucan content after malting varied in both cultivars and locations, with a mean of 78.31%. The analysis of correlations showed that maltβ-glucan content was significantly positively and negatively correlated with grain β-glucan content and malt β-glucanase activity, respectively, and malt β-glucanase activity was significantly positively correlated with grain β-glucanase activity.

The influence of drought stress on malt quality traits of the wild and cultivated barleys

As a major abiotic stress,drought causes instability and deterioration of malt barley quality.There is distinct difference among barley cultivars in the responses of the main malt quality traits to drought stress.In the previous study,we identified some Tibetan wild barley accessions with relatively less change of malt quality traits under drought.In this study,we examined the impact of drought stress during grain filling stage on grain weight and several important malt quality traits,including total protein content,β-glucan content,limit dextrinase activity,β-amylase activity,and protein fractions in four barley genotypes(two Tibetan wild accessions and two cultivars).Drought treatment reduced grain weight,β-glucan content,and increased total protein content,β-amylase activity.These changes differed among barley genotypes and treatments,and are closely associated with grain filling process and kernel weight.All the results indicated Tibetan wild barley had great potential for developing drought tolerant barley cultivars.Relatively stable kernel weight or filling process under water stress should be highlighted in malt barley breeding in order to reduce the effect of water stress on malt barley quality.

Effect of nanosilver(nAg) on disinfection, growth, and chemical composition of young barley leaves under in vitro conditions

Cereals, including barley, have been playing a key role in human diet for a long time. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of nanosilver(nAg) on limitation of infections, morphological features, and their chemical composition of young barley seedlings under in vitro condition. Addition of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 mg dm^–3 nAg into MS medium was used.Obtained results showed that the effect on the morphological features depended on the nAg concentration. The addition of 6 and 8 mg dm^–3 nAg into MS medium limited the number of infected barley embryos in vitro, whereas 4 and 8 mg dm^–3 nAg resulted in the highest seedlings with the longest roots. nAg in the medium affected the colour of leaves and increased the contents of chlorophyll and β-carotene, in particular in seedlings growing in MS medium supplied with 6 mg dm^–3 nAg.The addition of 8 mg dm^–3 had the greatest effect on the contents of vitamin C and E in young barley seedlings. It was found that the contents of K and Ca in the young barley leaves were lower, as compared to control plants. The presence of 6 mg dm^–3 nAg in the medium resulted in an increased contents of N, Mg, Zn, Cu, and P. Hence, a diversified effect of nAg on individual groups of polyphenolic compounds was noticed. The presence of 2 and 8 mg dm^–3 nAg caused higher content values of polyphenolic compounds in young barley leaves.