Defining Eucalyptus urophylla with its hybrid and the rules of genetic recombination using near infrared spectroscopy

Understanding the rules of genetic recombination in controlled pollination directly related to the selection of parental genotypes and the utilization of heterosis, and genotype identification is a primary study of the genetic rules. The aims of this study were to investigate the ability of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to accurately and efficiently discriminate pure species and hybrids within the genus of Eucalyptus, to evaluate the transmission of genetic pedigree in control pollination, and reveal the genetic variation within the genotypes studied. NIR spectra were collected both from fresh leaves and dried, milled leaves of seedlings from pure species E. urophylla and E. grandis, and their F1 hybrids. Principal component analysis (PCA) scores plots of NIR spectra from fresh leaves and dry, milled powder from pure species showed clear segregation, although the species clusters were scattered, suggesting different base genetics and high genetic variation within families of the two pure species. Classification using soft independent modelling of class analogy of the NIR spectra of dried leaves was significantly better than using spectra acquired on fresh leaves, meaning the water content had an effect on the analysis. The projections and orthogonal distance between hybrids and parents, as calculated using PCA models, demonstrated the visualized spectral distance between each hybrid and the parents was very different. Clouds of individuals within a hybrid clusters varied from tightly packed to scattered, which reflected the genetic additive effects inherited from female and male parents were different, and their genetic variation was also different after genetic recombination. The varying response values for partial least squares discriminant analysis prediction verified the conclusions shown by projections and orthogonal distance. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of using NIR spectroscopy to rapidly discriminate taxon. The application of NIR spectroscopy to non-destructively confirm taxonomic identity will greatly facilitate the evaluation of the genetic basis and genetic variation available within breeding populations and for accessing the levels of contamination by non-target pollen in control pollination.

First Steps in the Successful Fertilization of Rice and Arabidopsis: Pollen Longevity, Adhesion and Hydration

Understanding the behavior of pollen during pollination is important for food security in the future. The elucidation of pollen development and growth regulation largely relies on the study of the dicotyledonous model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. However, rice (Oryza sativa) pollen exhibits different characteristics to that of Arabidopsis. The latter undergoes programmed dehydration and withstands adverse environmental conditions, whereas rice pollen is sensitive to desiccation. Moreover, the short longevity of rice pollen significantly hampers hybrid seed production. Although the “omics” data for mature rice pollen have been accumulated, few genes that control pollination and pollen hydration have been identified. Therefore, to facilitate future studies, it is necessary to summarize the developmental processes involved in pollen production in rice and to consolidate the underlying mechanisms discovered in previous studies. In this review, we describe the pollen developmental processes and introduce gametophytic mutants, which form defective pollen in Arabidopsis and rice. In addition, we discuss the perspectives on the research on pollen longevity, adhesion and hydration.

Responses of bats to landscape transformation in an Andean agricultural landscape

The current debate on the future of biodiversity gives rise to the need to integrate agricultural landscapes into conservation strategies. Bats are an important component of vertebrate diversity in many terrestrial landscapes where they provide invaluable and important ecosystem services to human societies such as insect pest control, pollination and seed dispersal. Here we study bat diversity and abundance in three landscapes representing a transformational gradient (continuous forests, forest fragments and crops) in an Andean agricultural scenario known as Colombia’s “Coffee Cultural Landscape”. We captured 1146 bats from 32 species and 4 families. The bat diversity and abundance in this landscape were high, especially for frugivorous bats, but there were no differences among the three transformational landscapes. However, some species were captured differentially between landscapes, suggesting that these landscapes have characteristics that influence the relative abundance of bats. Additionally, body weight and sex affect the abundance of some species in forest fragments and crops.

Biodiversity and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

Biodiversity provides essential services like provision of food, medicine, pest and disease control, pollination, protection from natural hazards, regulation of climate and air quality, nutrient recycling, cultural and aesthetic values and source of income. Due to the neglect of agriculture, there is massive poverty in Nigeria. Conservation of biodiversity would alleviate poverty through sustainable agriculture. In order to conserve biodiversity while reducing poverty and increasing human well-being and development to achieve MDGs, biodiversity must become part of government development policies.

Production Technology for Kopyor Coconut Seednuts and Seedlings in Indonesia

Kopyor coconut is a naturally-occurring mutant having fluffy solid endosperm in stead of the normal one. Similar type of coconut has been found in several other Asian countries, with their distinct local names, such as Macapuno (Philippines), Makhrao Kathi (Thailand), Dikiri Pol (Sri Lanka), Thairu Thengai (India). It is a delicacy coconut to Indonesian and sells as much as ten times higher than normal coconut. In nature, three types of kopyor coconut exist in Indonesia: kopyor tall, kopyor dwarf, and kopyor hybrid. There are three kopyor dwarf varieties (‘Pati Kopyor Green Dwarf’, ‘Kopyor Yellow Dwarf’ and ‘Kopyor Brown Dwarf’) officially released, and one registered tall variety (‘Puan Kalianda Kopyor Tall’). In general, kopyor fruit yield under natural conditions is only < 25% of the total harvested fruits for both the tall and the dwarf types. Traditionally, Indonesian farmers harvest kopyor fruits at ten months after pollination while normal fruits at 11 months. They use the harvested normal fruits for propagation; but cannot guarantee whether or not they would produce korpyor fruit. Adoption of kopyor seedling production through embryo culture has been done. However, the seedling production is slow, while the price is very expensive, thus unaffordable to common farmers. Indonesian Palm Research Institute and Bogor Agricultural University have collaborated to develop alternative approaches to increase kopyor fruit production through the production of seedling that would ensure to produce korpyor fruit through control pollination. Initiated since 2010, the activities successfully overcome uncertainty in kopyor seedling production. Moreover, hybridization among local superior coconut varieties and known kopyor one have been done to broaden genetic background of kopyor trait and to develop breeding population for new kopyor varieties in the future. Overview and update of research progress on korpyor in Indonesia are presented in this paper.

Results of Czech-American cooperation in interspecific fir hybridization in 2008 and 2009

This Czech-American research collaboration is investigating interspecific hybridization among various fir species produced via control pollination. Its aim is the development of newly bred material for specific needs of Christmas tree production. The specific target of the breeding is increased growth rate, development of resistance to diseases, insect pests, and limiting environmental conditions (e.g. drought). Experimentation follows a traditional hybridization program of the Czech department focusing on the genus Abies and a long-term breeding program of the American department aimed at Christmas tree production. For hybridization, mainly Mediterranean fir species are used together with American species (especially Abies fraseri) and other species (e.g. Abies koreana). Generally overcoming 5% of viable seeds in the sample can be considered a success. Only few of our hybrid combinations have complied with this condition so far. In 2008 the hybrid combination CZ1 &times; NC73 brought 16% of viable seeds. In 2009 the most successful hybrid combination CZ1 &times; FF81 brought 6% of viable seeds. These crossing experiments will initially be followed by Phytophthora cinnamomi resistance screening trials.