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Abstract Common bean provides diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and protein, which could contribute into food security of needy populations in many countries. Developing genotypes that associate favorable agronomic and grain quality traits in the common bean crop could increase the chances of adopting new cultivars black bean. In this context, the present study aimed at selection of superior black bean lines using multi-variate indexes, Smith-Hazel-index, and genotype by yield*trait biplot analysis. These trials were conducted in Campos dos Goytacazes - RJ, in 2020 and 2021. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with 28 treatments and three replications. The experimental unit consisted of four rows 4.0 m long, spaced at 0.50 m apart, with a sowing density of 15 seeds per meter. The two central rows were used for the evaluations. The selection of superior genotypes was conducted using the multiple trait stability index (MTSI), multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI-BLUP), Smith-Hazel index, and Genotype by Yield*Trait Biplot (GYT). The multivariate indexes efficiently selected the best black bean genotypes, presenting desirable selection gains for most traits. The use of multivariate indexes and GYT enable the selection of early genotypes with higher grain yields. These lines G9, G13, G17, G23, and G27 were selected based on their performance for multiple traits closest to the ideotype and could be recommended as new varieties.

Extended Abstract Background: Maize is an important crop that is cultivated in many parts of the world. The evaluation of genotypes in breeding programs often faces two important challenges, the genotype × environment interaction effect for the target trait and unfavorable relationships between the target traits. Even though many methods have been offered for stability analysis, especially graphical tools and their relatively good efficiency in interpreting the results, it seems that the best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP) method estimates the means with high accuracy, especially in mixed models, in multi-environmental trails (MET). Therefore, the stability index of weighted average absolute scores (WAASB), which is estimated from the integration of the two stability methods of additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and best linear unbiased predictions, can be used in METs to estimate more accurately the stability of genotypes. Maize breeding programs prioritize high grain yields and earliness as important traits. The multi-trait stability index (MTSI) is a valuable tool for the simultaneous selection of multiple traits. It is estimated based on the average performance and simultaneous stability of genotypes in different traits and environments. Therefore, the current research aimed to identify stable and high grain yield maize hybrids along with the optimal level of grain moisture percentage at harvest time and days to physiological maturity using the integration of AMMI and BLUP methods with WAASB, WAASBY, and MTSI indices. Methods: This study involved the evaluation of seven promising maize hybrids along with four commercial check varieties, including SC647, TWC647, SC704, and SC715, in maize METs based on a randomized complete block design with four replications across 10 regions (Karaj, Moghan, Shiraz, Kermanshah, Kerman, Mashhad, Dezful, Miyandoab, Jiroft, and Mazandaran) during two cropping seasons of 2019-2020. The recorded traits were grain yield adjusted at 14% moisture content, grain moisture percentage at harvest time, and days to physiological maturity. The WAASB was used to estimate genotypic stability for each genotype. It was computed from the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the matrix of best linear unbiased predictions of genotype vs. environment interaction effects generated by a linear mixed-effect model. The WAASBY index for simultaneous selection based on grain yield (Y) and stability (WAASB) was estimated by assigning different weights to grain yield and stability. The simultaneous selection for grain yield and stability based on several traits was conducted using the scores obtained from an exploratory factor analysis (MTSI). Results: Based on the grain yield across 10 environments over two years, promising hybrid NO. 3 had the highest grain yield with 12.80 tons per hectare. According to the likelihood ratio test (LRT), the genotype-by-environment interaction was significant for the traits of grain yield, grain moisture percent at harvest time, and the days to physiological maturity. Therefore, BLUP analysis can be performed on these data due to the significant genotype by environment interaction. The BLUPs performed for hybrids were followed by stability analysis using the AMMI method on these BLUPs. The results indicated that the first and second components justified 27.7% and 24.6% of the hybrid by environment interaction variances, respectively. The highest predicted grain yield by the BLUP method belonged to hybrids No. 3, 2, 4, and 1, with higher than average predicted grain yields. Based on the biplot for the first principal component of the environments against the nominal grain yield, hybrids 2, 6, 3, and 1, having the lowest scores of the first principal component (coefficient b or line slope), had a negligible contribution to the hybrid by environment interaction and were distinguished stable. To enable simultaneous selection based on both grain yield and stability, the WAASBY index was estimated by integrating grain yield (Y) and the WAASB stability index. Considering the 50% contribution of each of the two grain yield and yield stability components, five hybrids (1, 2, 3, 6, and 4) showed above-average WAASBY. Among these, hybrids 1, 2, and 3 had significantly higher WAASBY than the other hybrids. All four control cultivars SC647, TWC647, SC704, and SC715 had lower-than-average WAASBY. Based on the MTSI, hybrid 3 was selected as the best hybrid. In addition, the estimated variance components by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) for grain yield indicated that 75.72% and 7.57% of the phenotypic variance were explained by the environment and GEI variances, respectively, whereas the contribution of residual variance to the phenotypic variance was 16.77%. Conclusion: Based on the results, hybrid 3 (K47/2-2-1-4-2-1-1-1× MO17) was identified as a high-yielding hybrid, which can be introduced to farmers as a new superior maize hybrid. It seems that the use of the ratio of the WAASB stability index to grain yield (WAASB/Y) and the selection of superior genotypes based on the MTSI could identify hybrids with high grain yields, stability, and desirable levels of important agronomic traits.

Background: Maize is an important crop that is cultivated in many parts of the world. The evaluation of genotypes in breeding programs often faces two important challenges, the genotype × environment interaction effect for the target trait and unfavorable relationships between the target traits. Even though many methods have been offered for stability analysis, especially graphical tools and their relatively good efficiency in interpreting the results, it seems that the best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP) method estimates the means with high accuracy, especially in mixed models, in multi-environmental trails (MET). Therefore, the stability index of weighted average absolute scores (WAASB), which is estimated from the integration of the two stability methods of additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and best linear unbiased predictions, can be used in METs to estimate more accurately the stability of genotypes. Maize breeding programs prioritize high grain yields and earliness as important traits. The multi-trait stability index (MTSI) is a valuable tool for the simultaneous selection of multiple traits. It is estimated based on the average performance and simultaneous stability of genotypes in different traits and environments. Therefore, the current research aimed to identify stable and high grain yield maize hybrids along with the optimal level of grain moisture percentage at harvest time and days to physiological maturity using the integration of AMMI and BLUP methods with WAASB, WAASBY, and MTSI indices. Methods: This study involved the evaluation of seven promising maize hybrids along with four commercial check varieties, including SC647, TWC647, SC704, and SC715, in maize METs based on a randomized complete block design with four replications across 10 regions (Karaj, Moghan, Shiraz, Kermanshah, Kerman, Mashhad, Dezful, Miyandoab, Jiroft, and Mazandaran) during two cropping seasons of 2019-2020. The recorded traits were grain yield adjusted at 14% moisture content, grain moisture percentage at harvest time, and days to physiological maturity. The WAASB was used to estimate genotypic stability for each genotype. It was computed from the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the matrix of best linear unbiased predictions of genotype vs. environment interaction effects generated by a linear mixed-effect model. The WAASBY index for simultaneous selection based on grain yield (Y) and stability (WAASB) was estimated by assigning different weights to grain yield and stability. The simultaneous selection for grain yield and stability based on several traits was conducted using the scores obtained from an exploratory factor analysis (MTSI). Results: Based on the grain yield across 10 environments over two years, promising hybrid NO. 3 had the highest grain yield with 12.80 tons per hectare. According to the likelihood ratio test (LRT), the genotype-by-environment interaction was significant for the traits of grain yield, grain moisture percent at harvest time, and the days to physiological maturity. Therefore, BLUP analysis can be performed on these data due to the significant genotype by environment interaction. The BLUPs performed for hybrids were followed by stability analysis using the AMMI method on these BLUPs. The results indicated that the first and second components justified 27.7% and 24.6% of the hybrid by environment interaction variances, respectively. The highest predicted grain yield by the BLUP method belonged to hybrids No. 3, 2, 4, and 1, with higher than average predicted grain yields. Based on the biplot for the first principal component of the environments against the nominal grain yield, hybrids 2, 6, 3, and 1, having the lowest scores of the first principal component (coefficient b or line slope), had a negligible contribution to the hybrid by environment interaction and were distinguished stable. To enable simultaneous selection based on both grain yield and stability, the WAASBY index was estimated by integrating grain yield (Y) and the WAASB stability index. Considering the 50% contribution of each of the two grain yield and yield stability components, five hybrids (1, 2, 3, 6, and 4) showed above-average WAASBY. Among these, hybrids 1, 2, and 3 had significantly higher WAASBY than the other hybrids. All four control cultivars SC647, TWC647, SC704, and SC715 had lower-than-average WAASBY. Based on the MTSI, hybrid 3 was selected as the best hybrid. In addition, the estimated variance components by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) for grain yield indicated that 75.72% and 7.57% of the phenotypic variance were explained by the environment and GEI variances, respectively, whereas the contribution of residual variance to the phenotypic variance was 16.77%. Conclusion: Based on the results, hybrid 3 (K47/2-2-1-4-2-1-1-1 × MO17) was identified as a high-yielding hybrid, which can be introduced to farmers as a new superior maize hybrid. It seems that the use of the ratio of the WAASB stability index to grain yield (WAASB/Y) and the selection of superior genotypes based on the MTSI could identify hybrids with high grain yields, stability, and desirable levels of important agronomic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: lentil is one of the legumes due to its protein percentage and high nutritional value, and it can be cultivated in the fall in rainy conditions. Due to the different reactions of crop genotypes in different environments, the evaluation of the genotype × environment interaction in the process of introducing new cultivars is fundamentally important. The development of high yielding cultivars with wide adaptability is the ultimate aim of plant breeders. However, attaining this goal is made more complicated by genotype-environment interactions. The genotype by environment interaction is a major problem in the study of quantitative traits because it complicates the interpretation of genetic experiments and makes predictions difficult, also it reduces grain yield stability in different environments. Multi-environment trials are often analyzed to assess the yield stability of genotypes. Combining features of the best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP) and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) throught "Weighted average of absolute scores of best linear unbiased predictions" (WAASB) index in multi-environment experiments may lead to more precise evaluation of genotypes and assessment of genotype × environment interaction. This statistical models has been widely used to explain complicate G×E interaction, to enhance selection efficiency and to ensure genetic gain from selection. The objective of this study was to investigate the response of the lines in studied locations and to identify lines adapted to the test environments. The objective of this study was to investigate the response of the lines in studied locations and to identify lines adapted to the test environments. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the seed yield stability of 18 advanced lentil genotypes was evaluated in a multi-environment trials in three locations including; Khoramabad, Ilam and Kermanshah, Iran in 2010-2013 cropping seasons. The experimental design was s randomized complete block design with three replications. Statistical analyzes were performed using multienvironment trials analysis. In order to evaluate genotype × environment interaction, AMMI and BLUP methods were combined by introducing WAASB and WAASBY indicators and the yield stability was evaluated by drawing various graphs. Results and Discussion: Considering the significant G×E interaction based on the results of the relative likelihood test (LRT), it was possible to perform BLUP analysis on the data. The results of the mosaic diagram showed that the contribution of genotype and genotype × environment interaction were 15.45% and 84.55% of the total variation, respectively. The highest predicted seed yield by BLUP method belonged to genotype no. 2 followed by genotypes no. 4, 19, 5 and 1 which had higher than average predicted seed yield. To enable simultaneous selection based on both seed yield and yield stability, by combining seed yield (Y) and WAASB, a new index "WAASBY" was created. Considering 50% contribution of each of the two components of seed yield and yield stability, fourteen genotypes showed above average WAASBY. Genoypes no. 19, 2, 4,6, 1, 3 and 13 had considerably higher WAASBY when compared with other genotypes and was identified. control Gachsaran cultivar (genotype 20) had lower than average WAASBY Conclusion: In conclusion, considering WAASBY index, genotypes 2, 4, 6, 1, 3 and 11 were identified as genotypes with high seed yield and yield stability, and can be considered for being released as new lentil cultivars. In general, usin mixed model as well as all the components in calculation the WAASBY index, it can be concluded that this index is superior to other indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the breeding program for high-yielding sorghum, grain quality improvement needs high consideration to meet consumer demands. Thirty sorghum genotypes underwent genetic variation evaluation, with 13 undergoing assessment for genotype by environment effects on the amylose content. The research proceeded in three Indonesian provinces from June-December 2022. The results showed genetic variations among the sorghum genotypes for amylose content and yield traits with a high and medium heritability for yield traits and amylose content, respectively. The genotype Demak 4 had the lowest amylose content (8.57%), and 10 genotypes with amylose content had a range of 10% to less than 20% (Keris M-3, 431, CK.2, Rumbia, Pulut 3, Keris, Gadam Human, 867.032, Lokal Bima 3, and Cantel Ketan), and 19 genotypes showed amylose content higher than 20%. No correlation between amylose content and yield exists. The analysis of combined variance showed that genotypes had a highly significant effect; however, location and the interaction of genotype and location had no significant influence on the amylose content of sorghum. Genotypes Pulut 3 and CK.2 consistently received a heterowaxy classification, with Demak 4 classified as waxy sorghum by growing in three different environments. This data would benefit the selection of promising genotypes for crossing and designing a breeding program to develop high-yield cultivars with low and medium amylose content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives: The evaluation of the genotype × environment interaction effect provides valuable information regarding the yield of plant cultivars in different environments and plays an important role in evaluating the stability of the yield of breeding cultivars. Genotype × environment interaction effect, especially in stressful environments, are important limiting factors in the introduction of new cultivars; therefore, it is very important to know the type and nature of the interaction effect and reach the verities that have the least role in creating interaction effects. Various methods have been introduced to evaluate the interaction effect, each of which examines the nature of the interaction effect from a specific point of view. The results of different methods may not be the same, but the best result is obtained when a genotype with different evaluation methods shows similar results in terms of stability. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the genotype × environment interaction effect in experiments conducted in different environments, to determine the relationships between genotypes and environments and to introduce the most stable red bean genotypes. Material and Methods: In this research, 14 red bean lines along with Yakut, Ofog and Dadfar control cultivars were cultivated in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in Khomein, Borujerd, Shahrekord and Zanjan research stations for 2 crop years under the same conditions. After combined variance analysis, according to the significance of genotype × environment interaction, AMMI and GGE-Biplot analysis methods were used to determine the compatibility and stability of genotypes. After AMMI Analysis, the stability parameters of AMMI were calculated. In addition to the AMMI stability parameters, the simultaneous selection index was also calculated for each of the indices, which was the sum of the rank of the genotypes based on each of the AMMI stability indices and the average seed yield rank of the genotypes in all environments. Results: The significance of the double and triple interaction effects of genotype with year and place (environment) in this study showed that genotypes showed different responses in different environments, and in other words, the difference between genotypes is not the same from one environment to another, and in these conditions, the stability of grain yield can be evaluated. The contribution of about 2.5 times the interaction effect of genotype × environment from the total sum of squares, compared to the effect of genotype, indicated the possibility of the existence of megaenvironmental groups in which some genotypes show their maximum performance potential in those environmental groups. Genotypes G12, G5 and G17 had the highest seed yield among the genotypes with yields of 3288, 3136 and 3111 kg per hectare, respectively. AMMI analysis showed that the first to seventh main components were significant at the 1% probability level, and despite the significance of all model components, the first and second main components had the largest contribution to the expression of genotype × environment interaction (66.5%). Based on AMMI1 biplot Genotypes G4, G5, G16, G17 and G12 had the highest values (positive and negative) of IPCA1. In contrast, genotypes G8, G3, G2, G7 and G11 had IPCA1 values close to zero. However, only the genotype G11 showed a performance higher than the average total yield and therefore it can be introduced as a stable genotype with high general compatibility. Based on AMMI2 biplot, genotypes G2, G7, G3 and to some extent G8 and G13 were introduced as stable genotypes, but only G13 genotype had a higher yield in all environments, so this genotype can be introduced as a stable genotype with good yield.; also, every two years, the same place under investigation had a high correlation with each other, so that Bro1 and Bro2 environments on the one hand and Kho1 and Kho2 environments and finally Zan1 and Zan2 showed a high positive correlation (the same effect) to create a mutual effect. In total of the simultaneous selection indices calculated based on AMMI analysis, genotypes G11, G17, G7, G13 and G12 were introduced as stable genotypes with high yield. GGE-Biplot analysis based on average yield and stability showed that genotypes G1, G2, G3, G8 and G7 had the highest general stability compared to other genotypes despite having the lowest yield. On the other hand, G12, G5 and G17 genotypes had the highest yield with less stability. No ideal environment was observed. But Kho1, Kho2 and Sha1 environments are closer to the ideal environment than other environments and they can be used to distinguish the studied genotypes to some extent. On the other hand, G12 genotype can be considered as a desirable genotype that has high average yield and high yield stability. In the same way, G17, G5 and G11 genotypes were in the next stage compared to the ideal genotype and to some extent they can also be considered as desirable genotypes. Conclusion: According to all the results, G12 genotype can be considered as a desirable genotype that has a high average yield and also has yield stability, and G17, G5 and G11 genotypes were in the next stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Capsicum chinense Jacq., believed to have been domesticated 1000–2000 BC, is indigenous to tropical South America and the Caribbean and the most important pepper species grown in the Caribbean. Despite its economic importance, the low productivity of landraces grown in the Caribbean affects its profitability. The objective of the study was to understand the interrelationships between yield and its components in C. chinense towards developing selection criteria for improving yield. Two field experiments, first involving a diversity set of 86 accessions and the second with a subset of 22 promising accessions were carried out in a randomised complete block design with three replications each, and were evaluated for yield as well as 6 yield components (fruit number, clusters per plant, fruits per cluster, average fruit weight, flowers per node and reproductive efficiency) and three partitioning components (total dry weight, shoot dry weight and harvest index). Path coefficient analyses indicated that the important yield attributing characters to be fruit number (or clusters per plant) and average fruit weight whilst principal component analysis revealed the importance of average fruit weight, clusters per plant and harvest index. A restricted selection index involving three yield components is recommended for improving yield in hot pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The objective of this work was to select superior cowpea lines derived from local cultivars for the semiarid region of southeastern Piauí, Brazil. A total of 38 genotypes (36 lines and two commercial cultivars) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with two replicates, in the municipality of Ipiranga do Piauí, in the state of Piauí. The following traits were evaluated: number of days to the onset of flowering, pod length, number of grains per pod, weight of 100 grains, commercial grain quality, and grain yield. Deviance analyzes were performed using the restricted maximum likelihood and best unbiased predictor approach, the parameters and genetic values were estimated, and simultaneous selection was carried out via the sum of ranks index. The likelihood ratio test showed a significant difference between the evaluated genotypes. Lines 36, 5, 24, 8, 2, 23, 29, 28, 34, 6, 19, 11, 7, and 20 are superior for the set of evaluated traits and, therefore, are the most promising to compose the advanced trial of the cowpea breeding program and to generate cultivars for family farmers in the semiarid region of southeastern Piauí.

ObjectiveAjowan (Trachyspermum copticum) is a medicinal species that is very useful and is used to treat stomach problems and some other diseases. This study aimed to fingerprint Ajowan accessions collected from different geographical regions of Iran by using ISSR markers and identifying markers linked with agro-morphological traits through an association mapping approach.Materials and methodsIn this study, a number of 40 Ajowan genotypes related to 10 different populations from different regions of Iran were collected, and then their morphological characteristics were recorded in greenhouse conditions. Leaf samples were taken from each genotype and ISSR fingerprinting was done after DNA extraction.ResultsThe results of descriptive statistics indicate the existence of genetic diversity in the germplasm of the studied Ajowan in terms of morphological characteristics and the highest and lowest coefficients of phenotypic variation were obtained for the number of seeds formed and the number of flowers per umbrella, respectively. Results of DNA fingerprinting using 12 ISSR primers lead to the amplification of 153 loci, 93 of which were polymorphic and the rest were monomorphic. Analysis of molecular variance depicted that 37% and 63% of total variation belonged to between and within populations. In this research private markers were detected for accessions collected from Hamedan and Rafsanjan. The study of population structure related to 40 Ajowan genotypes using ISSR data and STRUCTURE software placed them in two different subpopulations. Using an association mapping approach, significant positive markers for biological yield, shoot dry weight, harvest index, number of lateral branches, number of seeds formed, 100-seed weight, mean internode length, umbrella per flower, stem diameter, and single plant yield, number of umbrellas, number of leaves, number of flowers in an inflorescence and leaf length were identified.ConclusionsIn this research, the UBC807-2, UBC812-10, UBC818-8, UBC840-5, UBC848-4, UBC857-11, and UBC857-6 markers control more than one trait simultaneously and can thus be bred in breeding programs of Ajowan to a simultaneous selection of multiple traits.

The objective of this work was to select black oat genotypes using the MGIDI for simultaneous selection, comparing it with the Smith-Hazel index. The experiment was carried out in Frederico Westphalen/RS and Pato Branco/ PR, in a randomized block design, with three replications, with 9 genotypes tested. Days from emergence to flowering and maturation; cutting and plant height; number of tillers; panicle length; tiller, plant, panicle, panicle seed mass, green and dry; and seed yield were obtained. MGIDI selected the genotypes UFSMFW 2-01 and UFSMFW 2-04 for Frederico Westphalen and UFSMFW 2-07 and UFSMFW 2-04 for Pato Branco, which varied compared to the Smith-Hazel index in both environments. MGIDI was efficient in selecting the best black oat genotypes, showing desirable selection gains for most traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionWheat is one of the most important cereals in the human diet and widely used in many processed nutrition products. Water deficit stress is a main limiting factor of wheat growth and productivity in the world. Major objective of plant breeding is improving grain yield under drought stress condition. In the breeding programs, selection based on multi-traits is an important approach to improve grain yield. This research was conducted out to evaluate the effect of phenological and agronomic traits of 10 bread wheat near isogenic lines (in three genetic backgrounds) and cultivars on grain yield under cyclic drought stress condition and detection a function to use all effective secondary traits simultaneously.Materials and MethodsSix Near-Isogenic Lines (NILs) as well as their parents were evaluated at the research field of Shahid-Bahonar University of Kerman, during growing seasons of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 under cyclic drought stress condition based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The field was irrigated every 28 days in autumn and winter and every other week in the spring. In the present research grain yield, phenological and agronomic traits were measured. Analysis of variance was performed using SAS v9.1. Broad sense heritability (h2bs) was calculated following the method of Fehr (1987) as follows:h2bs= σ2g / σ2g + σ2e (1) Phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) were calculated as the following formula proposed by Singh and Chaudhary (1985):PCV= (σp/ µ) × 100 (2)GCV= (σg/ µ) × 100 (3)Where µ, σp and σg are mean, phenotypic standard deviation and genotypic standard deviation, respectively. Expected response (R) to selection in breeding programs was calculated following the methods of Falconer and Mackay (1996) as follows:R= ih2bσp (4)Where i is selection intensity, which is equal to1.694 if 10% of genotypes are selected (p = 10%) in breeding program.The studied genotypes were designated as group one and two based on grain yield under drought stress condition. Those traits that could significantly separate two groups based on t-test entered the discriminant analysis. These traits were standardized before discriminant analysis, as follows:Zij = (Xij - µ) / Si (5)where Zij is standard score for jth genotype in ith traits, Xij is raw data of for jth genotype in ith traits and Si is standard deviation of ith traits. Discriminant analysis was performed using MINITAB.Results and DiscussionAmong several secondary traits only awn length, flag leaf length and grain number per spike (grains/spike) could significantly distinguish high and low yield genotypes under water stress condition. These results showed the importance of the mentioned traits in the breeding programs for drought prone environments. Discriminant function of these traits was used as a comprehensive index for selection of high yield genotypes (Eq. (6)).DS= -1.32 + 2.07 FLL + 1.63 AL – 0.04 GNS (6) Where DS, FLL, AL, and GNS are discriminant score, flag leaf length, awn length and grains number per spike, respectively. This index could explain 72% of grain yield variation and had significant positive correlation with grain yield in water stress condition (r = 0.85**). Also it could well separate genotypes with the accurate classification rate of 90%. Discriminant function revealed that flag leaf and awn length were the most important effective traits on grain yield under drought stress condition, respectively. This index can be used as criteria for simultaneous selection of the mentioned traits in the future breeding programs.ConclusionAwn length, flag leaf length and grain number per spike that entered to the discriminant function had high correlation with grain yield, high heritability and easy evaluation. Therefore, selection based on these traits is a good approach to improve grain yield in drought prone environments. Discriminant function obtained in this study could be an appropriate technique to selecting high yield genotypes under drought stress condition.

Low cowpea productivity (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in the semi-arid region of Paraíba is due, among other factors, to poor-quality cultivars. This research tested biometric models intending to increase productivity of superior cultivars with the following objectives: i. Estimate genetic gains in production components; ii. Identify the selection index model providing the greatest gains through simultaneously selecting a set of variables, and iii. Select cultivars with higher productivity. The experiment was carried out in the experimental field of the Agrifood Science and Technology Center of the Federal University of Campina Grande. Eight cultivars and 13 variables were evaluated. Data were subjected to ANOVA and means were grouped using the Scott and Knott test. Genetic gains were estimated by correlated response, classic selection index, rank sum and index based on desired gains. Direct selection of the secondary pod yield component provides significant genetic gains in main grain yield. Among the methodologies used, the classic selection index provided greater distribution of genetic gains for main grain yield and primary production components. These results allow concluding that Costela de vaca, BRS Marataoã and Paulistinha cultivars should be selected for cultivation and commercial exploitation in the semiarid region of Paraíba. Highlights: • Direct selection of the secondary pod yield component provides significant genetic gains in main grain yield. • The classic selection index provided greater distribution of genetic gains for main grain yield and primary production components. • Cultivars were selected for cultivation and commercial exploitation in the semi-arid region of Paraíba.

Wheat is a socioeconomically important crop in Algeria. Improving genetic gain of quantitative traits through selection is at the core of every successful breeding program. Selection is usually performed on grain yield, but other agronomically related characteristics can also help increase genetic gain through indirect or multi-trait selection. The objective of this work was to quantify genetic parameters and compare the efficiency of direct, indirect and simultaneous selection methods in terms of predicted genetic values of wheat progenies. For this purpose, 418 F4-derived lines were evaluated for six agronomic traits including heading date, flag leaf area, plant height, number of spikes, thousand kernel weight and grain yield in an augmented block design with three check varieties. Wide genetic variation with moderately high broad-sense heritability were observed for the recorded traits, except for heading date. The results from genetic gain revealed variation in gains for assessed traits and breeding methods employed. The classic index of Smith and Hazel (SHI) demonstrated a similar genetic gain in grain yield compared to gain from direct selection. Generally, the selection-based index showed the highest responses considering all traits simultaneously with a slight inferiority of the SHI index. The coincidence rates among the evaluated indices were higher than those obtained between the measured traits. Based on the comparisons between the selected lines, the SHI index and the selection base index of Williams were similar to grain yield and can reach up to 79.51% coincidence of breeding lines identified by these selection criteria. Breeding lines L252, L34, L24, L130 and L413 were the most common individuals identified according to number of coincidences from the different selection methods used. Of these, L34 and L24, and to a lesser extent L15 can be considered promising wheat lines for improving grain yield.

Wheat is a socioeconomically important crop in Algeria. Improving genetic gain of quantitative traits through selection is at the core of every successful breeding program. Selection is usually performed on grain yield, but other agronomically related characteristics can also help increase genetic gain through indirect or multi-trait selection. The objective of this work was to quantify genetic parameters and compare the efficiency of direct, indirect and simultaneous selection methods in terms of predicted genetic values of wheat progenies. For this purpose, 418 F4-derived lines were evaluated for six agronomic traits including heading date, flag leaf area, plant height, number of spikes, thousand kernel weight and grain yield in an augmented block design with three check varieties. Wide genetic variation with moderately high broad-sense heritability were observed for the recorded traits, except for heading date. The results from genetic gain revealed variation in gains for assessed traits and breeding methods employed. The classic index of Smith and Hazel (SHI) demonstrated a similar genetic gain in grain yield compared to gain from direct selection. Generally, the selection-based index showed the highest responses considering all traits simultaneously with a slight inferiority of the SHI index. The coincidence rates among the evaluated indices were higher than those obtained between the measured traits. Based on the comparisons between the selected lines, the SHI index and the selection base index of Williams were similar to grain yield and can reach up to 79.51% coincidence of breeding lines identified by these selection criteria. Breeding lines L252, L34, L24, L130 and L413 were the most common individuals identified according to number of coincidences from the different selection methods used. Of these, L34 and L24, and to a lesser extent L15 can be considered promising wheat lines for improving grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ajowan (Trachyspermum copticum) is a medicinal species that is very useful and is used to treat stomach problems and some other diseases. This study aimed to fingerprint Ajowan accessions collected from different geographical regions of Iran by using ISSR markers and identifying markers linked with agro-morphological traits through an association mapping approach. Materials and methods: In this study, a number of 40 Ajowan genotypes related to 10 different populations from different regions of Iran were collected, and then their morphological characteristics were recorded in greenhouse conditions. Leaf samples were taken from each genotype and ISSR fingerprinting was done after DNA extraction. Results: The results of descriptive statistics indicate the existence of genetic diversity in the germplasm of the studied Ajowan in terms of morphological characteristics and the highest and lowest coefficients of phenotypic variation were obtained for the number of seeds formed and the number of flowers per umbrella, respectively. Results of DNA fingerprinting using 12 ISSR primers lead to the amplification of 153 loci, 93 of which were polymorphic and the rest were monomorphic. Analysis of molecular variance depicted that 37% and 63% of total variation belonged to between and within populations. In this research private markers were detected for accessions collected from Hamedan and Rafsanjan. The study of population structure related to 40 Ajowan genotypes using ISSR data and STRUCTURE software placed them in two different subpopulations. Using an association mapping approach, significant positive markers for biological yield, shoot dry weight, harvest index, number of lateral branches, number of seeds formed, 100-seed weight, mean internode length, umbrella per flower, stem diameter, and single plant yield, number of umbrellas, number of leaves, number of flowers in an inflorescence and leaf length were identified. Conclusions: In this research, the UBC807-2, UBC812-10, UBC818-8, UBC840-5, UBC848-4, UBC857-11, and UBC857-6 markers control more than one trait simultaneously and can thus be bred in breeding programs of Ajowan to a simultaneous selection of multiple traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to the Implementation of National Simultaneous Elections in Indonesia, Ius Constituents of the Election Court. The purpose of this research is to examine the Election Court's Ius Constituendum in Indonesia, precisely how this Special Court is based on the PTUN environment and is placed in each province capital. This study employs normative juridical research, which is concerned with applying rules or norms in positive law. With a legal perspective (statute perspective), a conceptual perspective (conceptual perspective), and a case perspective (case approach). The results of this study show that the institution of a special election court/election in line with the democratic rule of law principles is necessary, as indicated by the following options: Establishment of a special election court/election inside the Administrative Court, to be known as the Election Court. The Administrative Court houses this Special Court, which is located in each province's capital. This Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine Election Results Disputes, Election/Pilkada Crimes, and analyze and adjudicate Election Administration/Election Disputes. The Administrative Court houses this Special Court, which is located in each province's capital. This Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine Election Results Disputes, Election/Pilkada Crimes, as well as to analyze and adjudicate Election Administration/Election Disputes. The Administrative Court houses this Special Court, which is located in each province's capital. This Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine Election Results Disputes, Election/Pilkada Crimes, as well as to analyze and adjudicate Election Administration/Election Disputes.

This study aimed at evaluating the expected gains from selection obtained based upon direct, indirect, and index-based selection in a set of 599 bread wheat lines. The experiment was carried out at the experimental field of INRAA institute, Setif research unit (Algeria), in a Federer augmented block design including three controls. A wide range of genetic variability was observed among lines for the eleven traits assessed. The results indicated that index-based selection and selection based on grain yield expressed higher expected genetic gain than direct and indirect mono-trait-based selection. The best 15 selected lines exhibited higher grain yield than the control varieties, and they were clustered in three groups that contrasted mainly for the flag-leaf area, thousand-kernel weight, biomass, and harvest index. The index-based selection appears as a useful tool for the rapid selection of early filial generations, enriching selected breeding materials with desirable alleles and reducing the number of years required to combine these traits in elite varieties.

Finger millet, an orphan crop, possesses immense potential in mitigating climate change and could offer threefold security in terms of food, fodder, and nutrition. It is mostly cultivated as a subsistence crop in the marginal areas of plains and hills. Considering the changes in climate inclusive of recurrent weather vagaries witnessed every year, it is crucial to select stable, high-yielding, area-specific, finger millet cultivars. Sixty finger millet varieties released across the country were evaluated over six consecutive rainy seasons from 2011 to 2016 at the Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram. The genotype × environment interaction (GEI) was found to be significant in the combined ANOVA. Furthermore, the Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis asserted that genotypes and the GEI effects accounted for approximately 89% of the total variation. Strong positive associations were observed in an estimated set of eleven stability parameters which were chosen to identify stable genotypes. Furthermore, Non-parametric and Parametric Simultaneous Selection indices (NP-SSI and P-SSI) were calculated utilizing AMMI-based stability parameter (ASTAB), modified AMMI stability value (MASV), and Modified AMMI Stability Index (MASI) to identify stable high yielders. Both methods had inherent difficulties in ranking genotypes for SSI. To overcome this, the initial culling [i.e., SSI with culling strategy (C-SSI)] of genotypes was introduced for stability. In the C-SSI method, the top ten genotypes were above-average yielders, while those with below-average yield were observed in NP-SSI and P-SSI methods. Similarly, the estimation of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)-based simultaneous selections, such as harmonic mean of genotypic values (HMGV), relative performance of genotypic values (RPGV), and harmonic mean of relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV), revealed that none of the top ten entries had below-average yield. The study has proven that C-SSI and BLUP-based methods were equally worthy in the selection of high-yielding genotypes with stable performance. However, the C-SSI approach could be the best method to ensure that genotypes with a considerable amount of stability are selected. The multi-year trial SSI revealed that entries Indaf-9, Sri Chaitanya, PR-202, and A-404; and VL324 and VL146 were ascertained to be the most stable high-yielding genotypes among medium-to-late and early maturity groups, respectively.

Finger millet, an orphan crop, possesses immense potential in mitigating climate change and could offer threefold security in terms of food, fodder, and nutrition. It is mostly cultivated as a subsistence crop in the marginal areas of plains and hills. Considering the changes in climate inclusive of recurrent weather vagaries witnessed every year, it is crucial to select stable, high-yielding, area-specific, finger millet cultivars. Sixty finger millet varieties released across the country were evaluated over six consecutive rainy seasons from 2011 to 2016 at the Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram. The genotype × environment interaction (GEI) was found to be significant in the combined ANOVA. Furthermore, the Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis asserted that genotypes and the GEI effects accounted for approximately 89% of the total variation. Strong positive associations were observed in an estimated set of eleven stability parameters which were chosen to identify stable genotypes. Furthermore, Non-parametric and Parametric Simultaneous Selection indices (NP-SSI and P-SSI) were calculated utilizing AMMI-based stability parameter (ASTAB), modified AMMI stability value (MASV), and Modified AMMI Stability Index (MASI) to identify stable high yielders. Both methods had inherent difficulties in ranking genotypes for SSI. To overcome this, the initial culling [i.e., SSI with culling strategy (C-SSI)] of genotypes was introduced for stability. In the C-SSI method, the top ten genotypes were above-average yielders, while those with below-average yield were observed in NP-SSI and P-SSI methods. Similarly, the estimation of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)-based simultaneous selections, such as harmonic mean of genotypic values (HMGV), relative performance of genotypic values (RPGV), and harmonic mean of relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV), revealed that none of the top ten entries had below-average yield. The study has proven that C-SSI and BLUP-based methods were equally worthy in the selection of high-yielding genotypes with stable performance. However, the C-SSI approach could be the best method to ensure that genotypes with a considerable amount of stability are selected. The multi-year trial SSI revealed that entries Indaf-9, Sri Chaitanya, PR-202, and A-404; and VL324 and VL146 were ascertained to be the most stable high-yielding genotypes among medium-to-late and early maturity groups, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT - Cowpea is one of the main food crops in the Northeast region of Brazil, thus, breeders have carried out researches to identify genotypes with good production response and attributes that satisfy growers and consumer market demands for green beans and pods. Therefore, the objective of this work was to develop a selection index that assists in the recommendation of cowpea cultivars for green bean production and select the best genotypes based on this index. Twenty cowpea genotypes, including lines and cultivars, were evaluated for eleven characters in five locations in the state of Ceará, Brazil: Acaraú, Pentecoste, Crato, Mauriti, and Madalena. A randomized block design was used, with four replications. The characters evaluated were: number of days for the beginning of flowering (NDF), number of days for maturation (NDM), plant height (PH), green pod length (GPL), number of beans per green pod (NBP), green pod weight (GPW), bean weight per green pod (BWP), one hundred green bean weight (100GBW), bean index (BI), green pod yield (GPY), and green bean yield (GBY). The results of the characters were subjected to analysis of relative importance, estimated by principal component analysis and analysis of factors, and used to develop selection indexes. The following index was obtained: I3 = 0.079 NDF - 0.083 PH + 0.119 GPL + 0.034 GPW - 0.176 100GBW + 0.340 GPY. This index indicated that the genotypes MNC05-847B-123, Azulão-MS, MNC00-595F-27, MNC99-541F-15, MNC05-835B-16, and MNC00-595F-2 are the most promising for green bean production.

Copyright of Revista Ciência Agronômica is the property of Revista Ciencia Agronomica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronomía Medellín is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A novel design based on genetic algorithm is proposed to construct a near-infrared Bragg reflector and an antireflection coating, which are supposed to be applied in the transparent organic photovoltaics. By incorporating the absorbing layer which composed of ClAlPc/C60 with the structure designed, it leads to a significant near-infrared absorption increase from 16.6% to 36.3% within 650-850 nm and high average visible-transparency of 72% within 400-580 nm at normal incidence. Moreover, the near-infrared absorption increases with the enlargement of the incident angle from 0° to 30°, where the average transmittance remains above 60% simultaneously. This design can further improve the balance between transparency in the visible for scenic sight view and sunlight absorption in near-infrared for high-efficiency electricity generation. The potential of adopting this novel design on transparent building-integrated photovoltaic modules, which dominate the landscape of the major cities, is tremendous.

Sour passion fruit has great relevance for Brazil by its socioeconomic importance. Although it is one of the most important fruit trees in the Brazilian fruit production, its productivity is still very low due to the lack of genotypes that are homogenous, productive, and adapted to the different regions of the country. This denotes the need for advances in genetic improvement of this fruit species. In this context, the objective of this work was to estimate genetic gains in sour passion fruit progenies under intrapopulation recurrent selection, using different restricted selection indexes: Kempthorne & Nordskog, Tallis, and James; and non-restricted selection indexes: Smith, Hazel, and Mulamba & Mock. Thus, 13 agronomic characteristics were evaluated in 118 full-sib families and three controls. The selection indexes used to obtain the genetic gains were Mulamba & Mock, Smith, Hazel, and Kempthorne & Nordskog, with the assignment of random weights. The Tallis index was applied to the restriction for fruit mass, and the restriction of James for productivity gains. The Genes program was used to analyze the selection indexes. The restricted selection indexes of Kempthorne & Nordskog, Tallis, and James are more suitable for the selection of full-sib families of sour passion fruit than the Smith, Hazel, and Mulamba & Mock non-restricted selection indexes, and can be applied in recurrent selection programs. The results indicate that the addition of the restrictions proposed by Tallis and James are not efficient for increasing gains when compared to the Kempthorne & Nordskog, since they obtained similar gains.

For decreasing the effects of Genotype ×Environment (GE) interaction and having more precise selection, the yield and yield stability of selected lines should be evaluated simultaneously. YSi statistic is one of the applied methods for simultaneous selection of yield and yield stability. The objective of this study was to compare result of YSi statistic with other statistics approach such as S2i, CVi, S2di and R2i.Twenty hulless barley lines were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications and in three locations (Neyshabour, Isfahan and yazd) during 2007-2009 crop seasons. Results of combined ANOVA indicated significant effects for Ggenotype ×Environment × year interaction (p= 0.01). Nine lines were selected by YSi method with overall mean of 5.89 t ha-1 grain yield. Overall mean yield of selected lines using only grain yield, yield plus environmental variance (or environmental coefficient of variation) and yield plus coefficient of regression and deviations from regression mean squares were 5.86, 6.01 and 5.85 t ha-1, respectively. Based to the LSD value (LSD=0.87 t ha-1, p=0.05), differences among mean yield (or different selection approaches) were not significant. As a result, with using the YSi statistic (with more emphasis on stability), the cultivar selection process can be done with more confidence.

An experiment was conducted to estimate drought tolerance of some cocksfoot genotypes based on seed and forage yield and related indices (including tolerance index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, reduction percentage index, stress tolerance index and stress susceptibility index) and to identify relationships between measured traits. Twenty-five genotypes were evaluated in the field under control and drought-stress environments over 2 years. The results revealed a high variation for seed yield and forage yield and the measured indices under both moisture conditions. No correlation was observed between seed yield and forage yield under the control treatment, but this correlation was positively significant under the water-stress treatment. Drought-tolerant and susceptible genotypes were identified based on seed and forage yield performance. Genotypes 2, 4 and 7 had high seed yield, while genotypes 7 and 10 had high forage yield under both stressed and non-stressed conditions and were identified as the most tolerant genotypes in each category. The results also revealed that genotypes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 24 had relatively high seed and forage yield in both control and drought-stressed conditions. These genotypes can be used for further studies to improve both seed and forage yields concurrently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding programmes must be improved to accelerate the development of new cultivars due to the commercial importance of passion fruit. This study compared four selection indexes and the REML/BLUP methodology in an assessment of predicted genetic gains in the traits of interest. A total of 81 full-sib progenies derived from the third cycle of recurrent selection were assessed for one harvest in one environment. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with five plants per plot. The following traits were assessed: number of fruits, total yield, fruit mass, fruit longitudinal diameter, fruit transverse diameter, fruit pulp percentage, shell thickness and content of soluble solids. The Mulamba & Mock index produced the best results for the selection of progenies. The REML/BLUP method was the most efficient and selected progenies with predicted genetic gains better than the selection indexes tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel design based on genetic algorithm is proposed to construct a near-infrared Bragg reflector and an antireflection coating, which are supposed to be applied in the transparent organic photovoltaics. By incorporating the absorbing layer which composed of ClAlPc/C60 with the structure designed, it leads to a significant near-infrared absorption increase from 16.6% to 36.3% within 650–850 nm and high average visible-transparency of 72% within 400–580 nm at normal incidence. Moreover, the near-infrared absorption increases with the enlargement of the incident angle from 0° to 30°, where the average transmittance remains above 60% simultaneously. This design can further improve the balance between transparency in the visible for scenic sight view and sunlight absorption in near-infrared for high-efficiency electricity generation. The potential of adopting this novel design on transparent building-integrated photovoltaic modules, which dominate the landscape of the major cities, is tremendous. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar cultivares de laranja doce de maturação precoce, adequadas para o mercado de frutas in natura e para o processamento industrial, por meio de índices de desempenho. Índices de desempenho para citros foram estabelecidos com base em dados coletados em experimento conduzido na região sudoeste do Estado de São Paulo, envolvendo 12 cultivares de laranja doce de maturação precoce. Resultados pioneiros foram obtidos na identificação de cultivares superiores. Em comparação com a laranja 'Hamlin', cultivar padrão de maturação precoce, identificaram-se as laranjas 'Valência 2' e 'Salustiana' com potencial para o mercado de frutas in natura, e a laranja 'Westin', para o processamento industrial.The objective of this work was to select adequate early-maturing sweet orange cultivars for the fresh fruit market and for industrial processing using performance indexes. Performance indexes for citrus were established from data collected in an experiment carried out in the southwest region of the state of São Paulo, involving 12 early-maturing sweet orange cultivars. New results were obtained by identifying cultivars with superior characteristics. In a comparison with 'Hamlin' sweet orange, a standard early-maturing cultivar, 'Valência 2' and 'Salustiana' were considered better materials for the fresh fruit market, whereas 'Westin' sweet orange was identified as a superior cultivar for orange juice processing.

No presente estudo, objetivou-se formar supercaracteres para seleção simultânea de variáveis relacionadas à produção e qualidade dos frutos em famílias de irmãos completos e, ou, meios-irmãos de maracujazeiro amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa). Avaliaram-se 113 famílias e 11 variáveis, no Delineamento I de Comostock e Robinson, em blocos ao acaso com três repetições. A análise de fatores estabeleceu três supercaracteres: tamanho do fruto (TF),produtividade (PROD) e rendimento de indústria (RI). Para grande maioria das variáveis originais, foram verificados sinais de cargas fatoriais que refletem o verdadeiro sentido da seleção em programas de melhoramento de maracujá. Detectou-se variabilidade genética nos níveis hierárquicos de genitor masculino e genitoras femininas dentro de genitor masculino, nos supercaracteres TF, PROD e nas respectivas variáveis originais que os compuseram. O supercaractere RI não apresentou variabilidade em função da não-existência desta nas variáveis que o constituíram. Houve ganhos genéticos preditos, em sentido desejado, nas variáveis formadoras dos supercaracteres tamanho do fruto e produtividade. Portanto, estes podem ser utilizados na seleção simultânea de caracteres relacionados ao tamanho do fruto e à produtividade.This study aimed to establish super-traits for simultaneous selection of variables related to fruit yield and quality in full-sibs and/or half-sib families of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f.flavicarpa). The Design I of Comstock and Robinson was used, in random blocks with three replications, to evaluate 113 families and 11 variables. Three super-traits were determined by factor analysis: fruit size (TF), productivity (PROD) and industry yield (RI). Signals of factorial charge reflected the true sense of selection in passion fruit breeding programs for most original variables. Genetic variability was detected at the hierarchical levels of male parent and female parent within the male parent for the super-traits TF, PROD and for the respective original variables that represented it. There was no variability in super-trait RI since it was absent in thevariables that represented it. Genetic gains were obtained in the desired sense in the determinant variables of the super-traits fruit size and productivity. Consequently, these can be employed in the simultaneous selection of traits related to fruit size and productivity.

Natural selection acts on multiple traits simultaneously. How mechanisms underlying such traits enable or constrain their response to simultaneous selection is poorly understood. We show how antagonism and synergism among three traits at the developmental level enable or constrain evolutionary change in response to simultaneous selection on two focal traits at the phenotypic level. After 10 generations of 25% simultaneous directional selection on all four combinations of body size and development time in Manduca sexta (Sphingidae), the changes in the three developmental traits predict 93% of the response of development time and 100% of the response of body size. When the two focal traits were under synergistic selection, the response to simultaneous selection was enabled by juvenile hormone and ecdysteroids and constrained by growth rate. When the two focal traits were under antagonistic selection, the response to selection was due primarily to change in growth rate and constrained by the two hormonal traits. The approach used here reduces the complexity of the developmental and endocrine mechanisms to three proxy traits. This generates explicit predictions for the evolutionary response to selection that are based on biologically informed mechanisms. This approach has broad applicability to a diverse range of taxa, including algae, plants, amphibians, mammals, and insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvement of forage nutritive value through breeding should lead to enhanced livestock productivity but often results in reduced agronomic performance. This study investigated the potential for simultaneous improvement of nutritive and agronomic traits in timothy ( Phleum pratense L.). Two unrelated groups were used as the base populations: group A focused on agronomic traits and group N focused on three nutritive traits (low-digestible fiber, water-soluble carbohydrate content, and the ratio of low-digestible fiber to organic cell wall content). Although the two base populations contained few genotypes with both high nutritive and agronomic performance compared with the standard cultivar 'Kiritappu', the Cycle 1 populations selected for the traits simultaneously included promising genotypes. The two strains improved via two cycles of selection were superior to the Cycle 1 populations and 'Kiritappu' based on a comprehensive analysis of the targeted traits in a yield trial test. However, the nutritive traits of the strain derived from group A were more similar to the Cycle 1 population and 'Kiritappu' unlike in the successful case of group N. This may be attributable to the more similar phenotypic distribution of the strain A parental clones to 'Kiritappu' compared with that of group N for the nutritive traits. The strain derived from both groups showed high nutritive value with the best yield of all tested genotypes, suggesting the possibility of heterosis for yield. These results indicate that application of recurrent selection simultaneously for nutritive and agronomic traits is likely to provide effective improvement without detriment to important traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnitude of symptom inter-correlations in diagnosed individuals has contributed to the evidence that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a fractionable disorder. Such correlations may substantially under-estimate the population correlations among symptoms due to simultaneous selection on the areas of deficit required for diagnosis. Using statistical simulations of this selection mechanism, we provide estimates of the extent of this bias, given different levels of population correlation between symptoms. We then use real data to compare domain inter-correlations in the Autism Spectrum Quotient, in those with ASD versus a combined ASD and non-ASD sample. Results from both studies indicate that samples restricted to individuals with a diagnosis of ASD potentially substantially under-estimate the magnitude of association between features of ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Facultad de Ciencias Basicas is the property of Revista Facultad de Ciencias Basicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Soil salinity is a major problem in today’s agriculture. Quinoa has become an important crop because it exhibits high levels of salinity tolerance. In addition, its seeds contain an excellent balance of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proteins for human nutrition. The quinoa germplasm includes almost 2500 accessions, some of which have been tested under salt stress. Here, we report the effect of NaCl on the germination of 182 previously untested accessions. When seeds were irrigated with saline water at 30 dS m−1 EC, the stress appeared to be too high: all accessions showed less than 60 % germination. In contrast, irrigation with 25 dS m−1 EC saline water allowed over 60 % germination in 15 accessions. These latter accessions’ agricultural traits were then evaluated. The overall coefficients of variation indicated that quinoa genotype and salt treatment dramatically influence root dry mass per plant, but do not noticeably affect the length of the plant’s life cycle. Unexpectedly, salt treatment resulted in increased plant height, leaf dry mass and grain yield. Using Euclidean distance for the simultaneous selection of these five agricultural traits, accessions 100, 136, 127 and 105 proved to be the best performing genotypes under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]