Improve Soybean Variety Selection Accuracy Using UAV-Based High-Throughput Phenotyping Technology

The efficiency of crop breeding programs is evaluated by the genetic gain of a primary trait of interest, e.g., yield, achieved in 1 year through artificial selection of advanced breeding materials. Conventional breeding programs select superior genotypes using the primary trait (yield) based on combine harvesters, which is labor-intensive and often unfeasible for single-row progeny trials (PTs) due to their large population, complex genetic behavior, and high genotype-environment interaction. The goal of this study was to investigate the performance of selecting superior soybean breeding lines using image-based secondary traits by comparing them with the selection of breeders. A total of 11,473 progeny rows (PT) were planted in 2018, of which 1,773 genotypes were selected for the preliminary yield trial (PYT) in 2019, and 238 genotypes advanced for the advanced yield trial (AYT) in 2020. Six agronomic traits were manually measured in both PYT and AYT trials. A UAV-based multispectral imaging system was used to collect aerial images at 30 m above ground every 2 weeks over the growing seasons. A group of image features was extracted to develop the secondary crop traits for selection. Results show that the soybean seed yield of the selected genotypes by breeders was significantly higher than that of the non-selected ones in both yield trials, indicating the superiority of the breeder's selection for advancing soybean yield. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model was used to select soybean lines with image features and identified 71 and 76% of the selection of breeders for the PT and PYT. The model-based selections had a significantly higher average yield than the selection of a breeder. The soybean yield selected by the model in PT and PYT was 4 and 5% higher than those selected by breeders, which indicates that the UAV-based high-throughput phenotyping system is promising in selecting high-yield soybean genotypes.

Optimum size and shape of plots based on data from a uniformity trial on Indian Mustard in Haryana

The most obvious use of uniformity trial data is to provide information on the most suitable size and shape of plots, in which the field was planted to a single variety and harvested as small plots. Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cultivar RH-749 was grown using uniform crop improvement practices during rabi season of 2013-14 at Research Farm of Oilseed section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana state, India, to estimate optimum plot size and shape using yield data of the 48 m × 48 m (2304 basic units) recorded separately from each basic unit of 1 m × 1 m. The variability among plots of different sizes and shapes was determined by calculating coefficient of variation. It was observed that the coefficient of variation decreases as the plot size increases in case of both the directions i.e., when plots were elongated in N-S direction (88 per cent decrease) or elongated in E-W direction (93 per cent decrease). Further it was observed that long and narrow plots elongated in E-W direction were more useful than the compact and square plots in controlling the soil heterogeneity. Based on the maximum curvature method the optimum plot size for yield trial was estimated to be 5 m2 with rectangular shape.

Advanced Yield Trial of F7 Upland Rice Lines with Lodging Resistance in Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, Indonesia

Upland rice with a high yield becomes a priority in rice breeding activities. High yield can be obtained if the rice plant has lodging resistance. This study aims to determine the yield and selection of F7 upland rice lines as the candidate for superior varieties with lodging resistance. The research was conducted in ultisol land, Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province. The study used the experiment method with randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The treatment used F7 upland rice lines and 5 genotypes as check varieties. The five of F7 lines used were 19I-06-09-23-03, 21B-57-21-21-23, 23F-04-10-18-18, 23A-56-20-07-20 and 23A-56-22-20-05. The five check viarieties used were Danau Gaung, Inpago 8, Inpago 12, Rindang and Situ Patenggang. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Least Significant Increase (LSI) test. The results showed that 2 lines had a higher yield than the comparison genotypes were 23A-56-22-20- 05 and 23F-04-10-18-18. Hence, the recommended lines as the candidates for superior varieties with lodging resistance are 23A-56-22-20-05 for red rice type and 23F-04-10-18-18 for white rice type.

Binamorich-2: A new high yielding Chilli variety of Bangladesh

Chilli is one of the most important spices as well as cash crop in Bangladesh. This study was undertaken at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) to characterize the collected germplasm morphologically and select a desirable one for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh. More than fifty chilli germplasm were collected from local and exotic sources were put into evaluation to select desirable ones for directly use as varieties or for future usage as breeding materials. Through observation trials five germplasm were selected considering their better agronomic performance. Selected germplasm was evaluated through different trials at different chilli growing areas of Bangladesh during 2018 to 2020. Recommended cultural management for chilli cultivation was followed. The germplasm, IndoCF-25 produced significantly higher yield both green chilli and dried chilli than control varieties (Binamorich-1 and BARI Morich-1) in most of the trials. Over two years of advanced yield trial and on-farm trial, IndoCF-25 produced higher yield (32.00 t ha-1) while BARImorich-1 produced (12.15 t ha-1). IndoCF-25 was produced the longest plant height (78.8 cm), higher number of fruits (78.8) compared to Binamorich-1 (52.8), longer fruit size (13.95 cm), breadth (5.32 cm) and single fruit weight (11.38 g) compared to the check varieties. IndoCF-25 was found to be moderately tolerant to anthracnose, wilting and mosaic diseases, and also showed lower insect infestation than control varieties. Results of yield trials indicated that IndoCF-25-1 was suitable for cultivation in Bangladesh. Though check variety Binamorich-1 produced the highest yield (34.05 t ha-1) among three tested genotype/varieties, due to the better pungency as well as other quantitative and qualitative performances, BINA has applied for registration of IndoCF-25-1 to the National Seed Board (NSB) of Bangladesh. Consequently, the NSB of Bangladesh registered IndoCF-25-1 as a high yielding better pungent chilli variety in 2020 as Binamorich-2 for commercial cultivation all over Bangladesh.

Targeted resurrection of chromosomal arm 1RS in two elite wheat lines with 1BL/1RS translocation for improved end-use quality

1BL/1RS translocation is widely used around the world to enhance wheat yield potential, resistance to various diseases, and adaptation. However, the translocation is combined with inherent quality problems associated with reduced dough strength and dough stickiness due to the presence of Sec-1 on proximal end and absence of GluB3/GliB1 on distal end. Two NILs, one carrying the distal (1RSRW) and the other carrying the proximal (1RSWR) fragment from 1BS, in background of Pavon were used for transferring these two loci in yellow rust resistant version of two elite wheat varieties PBW550+Yr5 and DBW17+Yr5. Foreground and background marker assisted selection was done for the Sec-1- and GluB3+ alongwith Lr26/Yr9/Sr31, Pm8 and 1RS loci in the advancing generation. BC2F5:6 NILs with absence of Secalin and presence of GluB3/GliB1 loci were evaluated for two years in replicated yield trial. A positive correlation of thousand grain weight (TGW), harvest index (HI), and tiller number per meter (TNpM) with yield (YD) with significant GxE effect was observed. Further multivariate analysis of these traits contributed maximum to the effective yield. Thirty promising NILs were identified with Sec-1-/GluB3+ alongwith with high yield contributing parameters.

Biological and agronomical characters of spring wheat variety Darkhan-212

The study was conducted during 2015-2019 in IPAS. The spring wheat variety “Darkhan-212” was developed by a wheat breeding program from cross varieties Darkhan-140 and Darkhan-144 in 2005 and transferred to the State variety trial in 2019. Results of the yield trial shown the spring wheat variety “Darkhan-212” matured by 87 days, yielded 0.33 t/ha more than check variety Darkhan-34, have a high yield capacity (4.28 t/ha), a good bread-making quality, and a high tolerance to drought, lodging, shattering and diseases. The economic efficiency of the new variety was 181.5 thousand tugriks per hectare than check variety Darkhan-34. Зусах буудайн Дархан-212 сортын биологийн болон агрономийн онцлог шинжийг тогтоосон дүн “Үр тарианы селекцийн ажлын хөтөлбөр”-ийн дагуу жишиг сортоос нэмүү ургацтай, чанар сайтай, гадаад орчны тааламжгүй нөлөөнд тэсвэртэй сорт гаргах зорилгоор 2005 онд буудайн Дархан-140 сортыг Дархан-144 сорттой эвцэлдүүлж эрлийз удмаас шилэн сонголтын аргаар дундын болцтой Дархан-212 (СТ-485/09) сортыг гарган авсан. 5 жилийн буудайн үндсэн сорилтын дүнгээр уг сорт нь дунджаар 87 хоногт боловсордог, жишиг Дархан-34 сортоос 3.3 ц/га нэмүү ургацтай, усалгаагүй нөхцөлд 42.8 ц/га хүртэлх ургацын чадавхитай, ган, налалт, үрийн асгаралт, зонхилох өвчинд тэсвэртэй, уураг, цавуулгийн агуулалтаар MNS 0097:2010 хүчит буудайн стандартыг хангасан. Эдийн засгийн үзүүлэлтээр Дархан-212 сортыг жишиг Дархан-34 сорттой харьцуулахад нэгж талбайгаас 82500 төгрөгний нэмүү бүтээгдэхүүн үйлдвэрлэх боломжтой. Тариалангийн талбайн 30 хувь буюу 100 мянган га талбайд нэвтрүүлэхэд жилд 8.2 орчим тэрбум төгрөгний ашиг тариаланчид хүртэнэ. Иймээс 2019 онд Улсын сорт сорилтын зөвлөлөөр хэлэлцэж, газар тариалангийн төвийн бүсэд экологийн сорилтод дэвшүүлээд байна. Түлхүүр үг: селекци, эрлийз, сорилт, ургац, цавуулаг

Optimizing sowing date for peanut genotypes in arid and semi-arid subtropical regions

Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) is an important nut crop extensively grown in rainfed regions of Pakistan. The crop requires low inputs; thus, could grow successfully under diverse environmental conditions. Due to pegging ability, peanut grows aggressively in sandy and sandy-loam soils. However, it has not introduced to Thal region of southern Punjab, Pakistan. A two-year field experiment was conducted to optimize sowing dates for two peanut genotypes (‘BARI-2016’ and ‘NO-334’) in Thal region (Layyah). Similarly, a yield trial was conducted at Chakwal where both genotypes are extensively grown. Five sowing dates (10th April, 1st May, 20th May, 10th June and 30th June) were included in the study. The highest seed yield was obtained with early sown crop (10th April) during both years. Pod formation reduced with increasing atmospheric temperature and no pods were formed on the plants sown on 30th June. Decreased pod formation seemed a major reason for low yield in late-sown crop. The highest yield was observed for the crop sown on 10th April, which was decreased by 40% for the crop sown on 1st May. Genotype ‘BARI-2016’ performed better for seed yield at both locations compared with ‘NO-334’. The results suggested that genotype ‘BARI-2016’ is more adaptive to arid and semi-arid condition under rainfed or irrigated conditions. Sowing peanut at optimum time would increase seed yield in arid and semi-arid regions. Nonetheless, ‘BARI-2016’ can be grown under rainfed and irrigated conditions successfully.

Advanced Yield Trial for Various Peanut Lines (Arachis hypogaea L.) at Sodonghilir, Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia

This study aims to evaluate yield and yield components in several peanut lines planted in West Java, Indonesia. The genetic materials tested involved 21 genotypes consisting of 18 potential peanut lines (G100, G133, G142, G144, G199, G205, G209, G21, G234, G237, G33, G37, G41, G53, G54, G76, G84, G99) from a selection of 5 biparental population (GWS79A1/”Zebra”, “Jerapah”/GWS79A1, “Zebra”/GWS79A1, GWS79A1/”Jerapah”, “Zebra”/GWS18A1) and 3 comparative varieties (“Gajah”, “Sima”, and “Zebra”) as controls. Results showed that various genotypes have significant effects on plant height (at 9 and 10 WAP), number of branches (at 4, 10, and 12 WAP), flowering age, and harvest age. Some potential lines showed ideal characters expected of a high quality peanut plant. Based on characters such as harvest age, dry pod weight, and productivity, G100, G41, G21, G205, and G84 can be considered the best potential lines. These lines demonstrated high heritability values including characters classified as high category such as plant height, number of branches, age of flowering, age of harvest, harvest index, wet stover weight, fresh pod weight, number of filled pods, number of empty pods, number of filled pods, and weight of 100 seeds. Additionally, these lines also show high productivity, a character classified in the medium category.