bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotype × environment interactions for digestibility traits in silage maize estimated from in vivo measurements with standard sheep
Authors: Argillier O. , Barrière Y. , Traineau R. , Emile J. C. , Hebert Y.
Published: April 2006

The aim of this work was to investigate the genotype × environment interaction for in vivo digestibility of organic matter and of crude fibre in silage maize evaluated with standard sheep experiments. In order to test the genotype × year interaction, the first experiment consisted of taking data subsets out of a 26‐year experiment and evaluating in vivo digestibility traits at Lusignan (France) on numerous maize genotypes. In order to test the genotype × location interaction, the second experiment was a specific one whereby five hybrids were cropped in diverse locations and then evaluated from experiments with sheep, at Lusignan. The variation attributed to genotype × environment (either a year or a location) interaction for in vivo digestibility traits was distinctly lower than the variation due to the main genotypic effect. Therefore, the in vivo digestibility of organic matter and of crude fibre in maize genotypes could be accurately assessed from silages cropped in a simple experimental design, which included replicates, but only a small number of years or locations. This also confirmed the results obtained with in vitro digestibility traits from large multi‐environmental designs which highlighted the low importance of genotype × environment interactions and contributed to the validation of in vitro criteria.
Inheritance and allelism of Russian wheat aphid resistance in several wheat lines
Authors: Dong H. , Quick J. S. , Zhang Y.
Published: April 2006

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) has caused serious reduction in wheat production in 17 Western states of the United States since 1986. Inheritance of resistance to RWA in seven wheat lines and the allelism of the resistance genes in these lines with three known resistance genes Dn4, Dn5, and Dn6 were studied. The seven resistant lines were crossed to a susceptible wheat cultivar ‘Carson’ and three resistant wheats: CORWA1 (Dn4), PI 294994 (Dn5), and PI 243781 (Dn6). Seedlings of the parents, F1, and F2 were screened for RWA resistance in the greenhouse by artificial infestation. Seedling reactions were evaluated 21–28 days after the infestation using a 1–9 scale. The resistance level of all the F1 hybrids was similar to that of the resistant parent, indicating dominant gene control. Only two distinctive classes were present and no intermediate types were observed in the F2 population, suggesting qualitative, nonadditive gene action, in which the presence of any one of the dominant alleles confers complete resistance to RWA. Resistance in CI 2401 is controlled by two dominant genes. Resistance in CI 6501 and PI 94365 is governed by one dominant gene. Resistance in PI 94355 and PI 151918 may be conditioned by either one dominant gene or one dominant and one recessive gene. No conclusion can be made on how many resistance genes are in AUSVA1‐F3, since the parent population was not a pure line. Allelic analyses showed that one of resistance genes in CI 2401 and PI 151918 was the same allele as Dn4, the resistance gene in CI 6501 was the same allele as Dn6, and AUS‐VA1‐F3 had one resistance gene which was the same allele as one of the resistance genes in PI 294994. One non‐allelic resistance gene different from the Dn4, Dn5, and Dn6 genes in CI 2401, PI 94355, PI 94365, and PI 222668 was identified and should be very useful in diversifying gene sources in wheat breeding.
Detection and characterization of two new CMS systems in faba bean (Vicia faba) *
Authors: Link W. , Ederer W. , Gumber R. K , Melchinger A. E.
Published: April 2006

Wide crosses were made to identify new cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) systems in faba beans, based on the interaction of cytoplasm with restorer and maintainer alleles. A total of 330 F1 hybrids were produced in both reciprocal forms. Male sterile segregates were observed in one reciprocal version in the F2 generation of six crosses. Two of these crosses with female parents originating from Afghanistan and Egypt expressed stable male sterility in subsequent backcross generations. Based on the female parents of the two crosses, these two CMS systems were designated CMS 199 and CMS 297. CMS 199 was more stable than CMS 297 during backcross generations and across different environments. Maintainer and restorer lines for both CMS systems were identified. Lower expression of male sterility occurred in CMS 297 in the greenhouse during the winter generations than in isolation cages during the summer generations, which may be utilized to maintain male sterile lines by selfing. Regarding practical applications, the CMS 199 shows great promise for hybrid breeding in faba beans.
Morphological characterization of Mediterranean populations of Biserrula pelecinus L.
Authors: Loi A. , Cocks P. S. , Howieson J. G. , Carr S. J.
Published: April 2006

A collection of 24 populations of Biserrula pelecinus L. (biserrula)from Italy (Sardinia), Spain. France (Corsica). Morocco and Greece was evaluated in nursery rows at Perth, Western Australia. Fifteen morphological traits were recorded and chromosome numbers of representative populations were counted: The quantitative characters were analysed using principal component analysis and k‐means clustering.

The chromosome number of all accessions was 2n= 2x= 16. In other respects there was substantial variation in biserrula collected from the Mediterranean basin, the Moroccan populations in particular being distinct, some with strongly curved pods and others with long linear pods. All Greek populations had while flowers and large seeds. Populations from Italy. France and Spain were similar, with linear pods, blue flowers and smaller seeds. Most populations from Morocco were early flowering, had larger leaves, longer pods and produced more seeds per plant than other populations. All populations were extremely hard seeded (>98% hard‐seeded after a one‐summer exposure on the soil surface).

It wits concluded that there is sufficient variation in Mediterranean populations of biserrula lo initiate a selection programme for southern Australia, and other areas with Mediterranean‐type climates, especially for areas where serradella ((Ornithopus compressus L.) is adapted. Seed production is far easier than for serradella, and this advantage alone offers potential for its use in duplex soils where the deep rooting habit of serradella gives it an ecological advantage over conventional pasture legumes.
Identification and characterization of new sources of cytoplasmic male sterility in rice
Authors: Hoan N. T. , Sarma N. P. , Siddiq1 E. A.
Published: April 2006

Search for male sterility‐inducing cytoplasm in wild species of the genus Oryza was attempted with a view to diversify the base of the cytoplasmic genetic male sterility system currently used in the development of commercial rice hybrids. A total of 132 interspecific crosses were made involving accessions of four wild and two cultivated species, all belonging to the A genome. Wild accessions possessing sterility‐inducing cytoplasms were identified following reciprocal and sterile F2 backcross methods. Sterile segregants were pursued through substitution backcrosses to develop cytoplasmic male‐sterile (CMS) lines. CMS lines were developed with the cytoplasm of either O. rufipogon (VNI) or O. nivara (DRW 21018, DRW 21001, DRW 21039, DRW 21030 and RPW 21111). Based on shape, staining, and abortive pattern of pollen and also on type of interaction with a set of restorers and maintainers for known cytoplasmic male steriles of WA source (V 20A), the newly‐developed CMS lines were grouped into four classes. Of these, RPMS 1 and RPMS 2 showed gametophytic male sterility with a restorer reaction different from WA cytoplasmic male‐sterile stocks.
Assessment of genetic diversity of cultivated chickpea using microsatellite‐derived RFLP markers: Implications for origin
Authors: Serret1 M. D. , Udupa S. M. , Weigand2 F.
Published: April 2006

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was performed on 30 accessions of cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) collected from 11 different countries representing the Near East, Central Asian and Hindustani regions. A synthetic digoxygenated oligonucleotide (GATA)4 complementary to a microsatellite DNA sequence was used as a probe. The results revealed that simple repetitive sequences are abundant and polymorphic in the chickpea genome. The fragments detected were used lo estimate the genetic diversity within accessions and a similarity index between the genotypes of the accessions. The genetic distance data were used to construct a dendrogram depicting genetic relationships among the different accessions. The results indicate that the greatest genetic diversity occurs in Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, south‐east Russia, Turkey and Lebanon. Lower genetic diversity was found in Iran, India, Syria, Jordan and Palestine, Based on DNA markers, it is concluded that there are three centres of diversity for chickpea: Pakistan‐Afghanistan. Iraq Turkey and Lebanon. India, which was previously considered as a secondary center of diversity for chickpea, showed lower diversity than the above regions.
Characterization of wheat‐triticale doubled haploid lines by cytological and biochemical markers
Authors: Zhang X. Q. , Wang X. P. , Jing J.K. , Ross K. , Hu H. , Gustafson J. P.
Published: April 2006

Five wheat‐triticale doubled haploid (DH) lines— M08, V209, DH220‐14‐2, DH696‐3‐4 and M16 —derived from anther culture of F1s resulting from crosses involving hexaploid or octoploid triticale × hexaploid wheat, were characterized by cytological and biochemical markers. Cytological evidence from genomic in situ hybridization and C‐banding indicated that DH lines M08 and V209 (2n= 42) each contained a pair of 1BL/1RS translocation chromosomes. DH220‐14‐2 (2n= 42) was also a translocated line with two pairs of chromosomes containing small fragments of rye. One of the translocation fragments carried the Sec‐1R gene originating from the satellite region of 1RS; the origin of the other one remains unknown. DH696‐3‐4 (2n= 42) contained a 3D(3R) substitution. In M16 (2n= 44), three pairs of rye chromosomes, 3R, 4R and 6R, were present, 4R as an addition and 3D(3R) and 6D(6R) as substitutions. Biochemical, isozyme and storage protein markers confirmed the cytological conclusions. The advantages of transferring alien chromosomes or chromosome fragments into wheat and creating alien aneuploid lines by anther culture of hybrid F1s are discussed.
Suitability of RAPD analysis for the detection of somaclonal variants in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq)
Authors: Rival A. , Bertrand L. , Beulé T. , Combes M.C. , Trouslot P. , Lashermes P.
Published: April 2006

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using arbitrary 10‐mer oligonucleotide primers was employed in order to investigate the genetic fidelity of somatic embryogenesis‐derived regenerants of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq). Clonal palms bearing the ‘mantled’ phenotype were identified in the field and the ability of RAPD markers to distinguish these variants from palms of the normal type was assessed. Of the 387 arbitrary primers used, 259 (67%) were successfully used to amplify oil palm DNA genomic fragments with consistently reproducible banding. Of these 387 primers, 73 (19%) primers enabled the identification of polymorphism between clones. No intraclonal variability and no differences between mother palms and regenerants could be identified using the total number of markers scored (8900). Twenty‐four of these 73 primers were chosen for use in a larger experiment aimed at comparing, first, the mother palm genome with that of its clonal offspring and, second, true‐to‐type and variant regenerants. Thus, the regeneration protocol based on somatic embryogenesis set up for oil palm clonal propagation does not induce any gross genetic changes. The results obtained revealed however, that the RAPD approach is not suitable for the detection of the ‘mantled’ variant phenotype. The use of RAPD markers for the detection of somaclonal variation in oil palm is discussed.
Inheritance of resistance to Fusarium wilt (race 2) in chickpea
Authors: Kumar S.
Published: April 2006

The inheritance of resistance to Fusarium wilt (race 2) of chickpea was studied in a set of three crosses, i.e. ‘WR315’×‘C104’ (resistant × susceptible), ‘WR315’×‘K850’ (resistant × tolerant) and ‘K850’×‘GW5/7’ (tolerant × tolerant) in order to investigate the number of genes involved, their complementation and to find out whether resistant segregants are possible in a cross between two tolerant cultivars. Tests of F1, F2 and F3 generations of these crosses under controlled conditions at ICRISAT, Patancheru, India, indicated involvement of three loci (two recessive and one dominant alleles). The homozygous recessive form at the first two loci conferred resistance whereas susceptibility occurred when the first two loci were in the dominant form. A dominant allele at the third locus can complement the dominant alleles at the other two loci to confer tolerance. Occurrence of resistant segregants in a cross between two tolerant cultivars was observed.
Repeatability of different stability parameters for grain yield in chickpea
Authors: Kumar S. , Singh O. , Van Rheenen H. A. , Rao K. V. S.
Published: April 2006

The presence of genotype × environment (GE) interactions in plant breeding experiments has led to the development of several stability parameters in the past few decades. The present study investigated the repeatability of these parameters for 16 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes by correlating their estimates obtained from extreme subsets of environments within a year and also over years. Based on the estimates of response and stability parameters within each trial, the ranking of genotypes in the low‐yielding subset differed from that in the high‐yielding subset. This indicates poor repeatability for response and stability parameters over the extreme environmental subsets. The estimates of mean yield and stability parameters represented by ecovalence, W2i, were consistent over years, whereas those of response parameters (bi, and S2i) showed poor repeatability. Our results suggest that single‐year results for yield and stability can be used effectively for selecting cultivars with stable grain yield if tested in a wider range of environments.
Comparison of QTLs mapped in RILs and their test‐cross progenies of tropical maize for insect resistance and agronomic traits
Authors: Groh S. , Khairallah M. M. , González‐de‐León D. , Willcox M. , Jiang C. , Hoisington D. A. , Melchinger A. E.
Published: April 2006

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting resistance to south‐western corn borer Diatraea grandiosella (SWCB) and sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (SCB) have been identified previously in F2:3 lines and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of tropical maize using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. Our objective was to determine whether QTLs identified in these generations are also expressed in test crosses (TC) of RILs. A population of 166 TC progenies was developed by crossing RILs from the cross CML131 (susceptible) × CML67 (resistant) with the unrelated, susceptible tester line CML216. Resistance to first‐generation SWCB, measured as leaf‐feeding damage (LFD) under artificial infestation, and other agronomic traits were evaluated in two environments for the TC progenies and three environments for 183 RILs. The correlation between line per se and TC performance was low for LFD and intermediate for most agronomic traits. Estimates of the genotypic variance and heritabilities were smaller in the TC progenies than in the RILs for all traits. Quantitative trait loci were identified using an RFLP linkage map with 136 loci. For LFD, four QTLs were detected in the TC progenies, of which two were in common with nine QTLs previously mapped in the RILs. Few QTLs for agronomic traits were common to the two types of progeny, because of the low consistency of QTL positions for all traits in RIL and TC progenies, the use of TC progenies should be considered in QTL mapping studies as the first step for marker‐assisted selection in hybrid breeding.
Hybrid performance of sorghum and its relationship to morphological and physiological traits under variable drought stress in Kenya
Authors: Haussmann B. I. G. , Obilana A. B. , Blum A. , Ayiecho P. O. , Schipprack W. , Geiger H. H.
Published: April 2006

Sorghum, Sorghum bicolor L. Moench, is grown mostly in semi‐arid climates where unpredictable drought stress constitutes a major production constraint. To investigate hybrid performance at different levels of drought stress, 12 single‐cross hybrids of grain sorghum and their 24 parent lines were grown in eight site‐season combinations in a semi‐arid area of Kenya. In addition, a subset of 20 genotypes was evaluated at the seedling stage under polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐induced drought stress. Environmental means for grain yield ranged from 47 to 584 g/m2reflecting the following situations: two non‐stress, one moderate pre‐flowering, four moderate terminal and one extreme drought stress. Mean hybrid superiority over mid‐parent values was 54% for grain yield and 35% for above‐ground biomass. Across environments, hybrids out‐yielded two local varieties by 12%. Differences in yield potential contributed to grain yield differences in all stress environments. Early anthesis was most important for specific adaptation to extreme drought. Field performance was not related to growth reduction and osmotic adjustment under PEG‐induced drought stress. In conclusion, exploitation of hybrid vigour could improve the productivity of sorghum in semi‐arid areas.
Applications and impact of molecular markers on evolutionary and diversity studies in the genus Allium
Authors: Klaas M.
Published: April 2006

Allium is a large variable genus containing ≅ 700 species, among them the economically important crops bulb onion, garlic and leek and many other crop species of minor or local importance. As the methods became available and more refined, systematic studies using biochemical and molecular markers were published to complement and offset the growing amount of data based on morphological, anatomical and other traditional approaches. Using isozymes and later restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), phylogenetic problems were addressed at all systematic levels of the genus and the interrelationships among crop species and their close relatives. The analysis of hybrid plants is another important application of molecular markers. Markers allow verification of the hybrid's cytoplasm, the composition of the nuclear genome, and investigation of introgression in backcrossing experiments.
RFLP‐based mapping of the Sec‐2 and Sec‐5 loci encoding 75K γ‐secalins of rye
Authors: Malyshev S. V. , Khmyl T. O. , Zabenkova K. I. , Voylokov A. V. , Korzun V. N. , Kartel N. A.
Published: April 2006

For mapping the Sec2 and Sec5 loci of rye which determine expression of 75K γ‐secalins, a partial genetic map of chromosome 2R spanning 64 cM was constructed. The map was developed using an F2 population of 103 plants from a cross between two inbred lines. Both loci were mapped distally on the short arm of chromosome 2R and clearly tagged in relation to 12 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. The Sec2 locus was localized between the Xiag57 and Xpsr109a loci in an 11 cM interval. The Sec5 locus co‐segregated to Xiag57 and was tightly linked to the Sec2 locus at a map distance of 0.5cM.
Differences in susceptibility of Agaricus bisporus strains to bacterial blotch and in natural cap colour related to compost composition
Authors: Moquet F. , Mamoun M. , RamosGuedes‐Lafargue M. , Olivier J.‐M. , Savoie J.‐M.
Published: April 2006

The influence of cultivation substrate (compost) quality as an environmental factor was determined on three traits of interest in the selection of Agaricus bisporus strains. Induced variations in compost nitrogen and copper content were used to modify compost quality. Compost effect and strain × compost interaction were found to be significant for bacterial blotch susceptibility, natural cap colour and yield. Two classes of strain not affected by compost quality were identified in a group of commercial and wild strains: white mushrooms susceptible to bacterial blotch and brown resistant mushrooms. The relation between compost composition quality and mushroom quality traits are specific for each group of strain. Nitrogen and copper content of composts were of interest as indicators of compost quality but other factors have to be evaluated for better compost characterization.
Production of all eight genotypes of null alleles at ‘waxy’ loci in bread wheat, Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Zhao X. C. , Sharp P. J.
Published: April 2006

Null alleles of the three loci coding for ‘waxy’ proteins in bread wheat have been identified. Plants carrying different null alleles were collected and segregation of the null alleles in both selfed and doubled haploid progeny of plants simultaneously heterozygous for the null alleles at each of the three loci were examined by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Mendelian segregation of these alleles in both types of progeny was shown, indicating that they can easily be utilized in breeding programmes. Iodine staining of the eight possible null phenotypes showed that only the triple null type had zero amylose in its endosperm starch.
Screening of wild Oryza species against bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae py. oryza) pathotypes of Punjab (India)
Authors: Kaushal P. , Ravi  , Sidhu J. S.
Published: April 2006

One‐hundred and sixty‐seven accessions belonging to 13 wild Oryza species were screened against the bacterial leaf blight (BB) pathogen (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryza) in Punjab, India. Nine species were identified as carrying resistant genes against the four most prevalent pathotypes under conditions in Punjab. These included O. barthii (eight accessions), O. longistaminata (five accessions), O. meridionalis (three accessions), O. nivara (five accessions), O. rufipogen (two accessions), and one accession each from O. punctata, O. minuta, O. malampuzhaensis and O. latifolia. This is the first report showing the availability of BB resistance in two species namely, O. meridionalis and O. punctata. The resistant accessions, especially those with a similar genome (AA) could potentially be used for the transfer of BB resistance to well‐adapted high‐yielding rice cultivars.
A method to induce polyploids from adult strawberry plants, Fragaria spp., avoiding tissue culture in vitro
Authors: Ahokas H.
Published: April 2006

A method is described of inducing polyploids in detached stolons using an aqueous solution of colchicine, DMSO and glycerol. The donor plant remains uncontaminated and can be grown further to produce more stolons. The putative colchiploids can be chosen on a morphological basis and confirmed cytologically. About 10% of the treated stolons, starting with diploid and tetraploid strawberry, are converted, but 50% nonviability is caused by the treatment. The method can be applied to some other species and shoot types, using other chemicals with chromosome doubling or reducing effect, or even mutagens. The principle can be used without colchicine treatment to obtain strawberry plants from stolons without contamination of the soil around the main clone.
Resistance against greenbug, Schizuphis graminum Rond., and Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko, in tritordeum amphiploids
Authors: Castro A. M. , Vasicek A. , Ramos S. , Martin A. , Martin L. M. , Dixon A. F. G.
Published: April 2006

A collection of tritordeum amphiploids (Hordeum chilense × Triticum turgadum) and their wheat parents were screened for resistance against the two main aphid pesis of cereals, the greenhug. Schizaphis graminum Rond. and ihe Russian wheat aphid (RWA) Diuraphis naxia Mord‐vilko. Antixenosis. antibiosis and tolerance were evaluated in controlled environmental conditions using a. clone of greenbug biotypc C and a clone of RWA collected on pasta wheat. Tritordeum amphiploids pos‐sess genetic resistance against greenbug and RWA; some of the lines tested were more resistant than the parental wheat line. Four principal components explained the resistance against both aphid species. The antixenosis shown against both pests was mainly contributed by their wheat parents. The antibiosis againsl both aphid species was obviously dependent on diflerent plant traits. The highest levels of antibiosis against the two aphids occurred in different amphiploids. Different genes are involved in the antibiotic reaction against the two aphids. The Tritordeum resistance to RWA is based on anlixenosis and ant‐biosis since the tolerance trails were not independent of the other types of resistance. The level of tolerance shown to the greenbug was variable and appears to be controlled by differeni mechanisms. The tolerance to aphids shown by H. chilense is expressed in the amphiploids. but with some genomic interaction. Genes conferring resistance to aphids in H. chilensee could be incorporated into new cultivars of wheat to broaden their genetic base of resistance against greenbug and RWA.
Cytogenetic analysis of a spontaneous 5B/6B translocation in tetraploid wheat landraces from Ethiopia, and implications for breeding
Authors: Belay G. , Merker A.
Published: April 2006

Three tetraploid (2n= 4x= 28) wheat Triticum turgidum L. landrace morphotypes (= genotypes) from Ethiopia were found to carry a variant karyotype directly discernible under the microscope. This was possible because the rearrangement involved one of the satellited chromosomes. Giemsa C‐banding revealed that the rearrangement resulted from a 5BS.6BS(5BL.6BL) centric reciprocal translation. The banding pattern on 5BL was polymorphic, suggesting that this translocation might have occurred more than once. There was little C‐band polymorphism for the remaining chromosomes, except for 2A. As pure lines, all three morphotypes showed normal chromosome pairing at metaphase I (MI) in pollen mother cells (PMCs). indicating that they are genomically stable. Meiotic analyses of F1 hybrids and F2 segregates derived from crosses with tester varieties clearly indicated that one of them (B‐l–9) carried another translocation. However, we were not successful in delecting the chromosomes involved, presumably the interchanged segments did nol include C‐banding regions. By using T5BS.6BS, direct evidence for segregation distortion against translocation homozygotes in intervarietal hybrids was obtained. The distorted segregation was attributed lo zygotic selection. No aneuploid plants were obtained from the F2 segregates. However, translocation heterozygotes resulting in unstable meiosis were abundant in the F2 generation. The implications of the results in using the indigenous landraces in hybridization breeding are discussed.
Stability of the association of molecular markers with common bacterial blight resistance in common bean (Phascolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Tar'an B. , Michaels T. E. , Pauls K. P.
Published: April 2006

Common bacterial blight (CBB) caused hy Xanthomonas campestrts pv. phaseoli is an important disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) throughout the world. Two random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers (R7313 and R4865) linked to genes for CBB resistance, that were transferred to P‐ vulgaris by an interspecific cross with Phaseohus acutifoluis. Were identified in a previous study. The current study was conducted to examine the use of these markers for selecting CBB resistant material from 85 F5,6, lines derived from crosses between two of the resistant lines used previously in the linkage study and susceptible breeding lines. The results showed that these two markers were located on the same linkage group and explained 22% (P = 0.0002) of the variation in response to CBB in the current population. Seventy per cent of the lines that had both markers were classified as resistant in a disease test of the F5,6, lines, whereas 73% of the lines that had neither of the RAPD markers were susceptible. The results indicated that the marker‐disease resistance associations remained stable in a plant breeding programme and that they can be used lor marker‐assisted selection of CBB‐resistant beans.
Genetic variability in herbage and seed yield in selected half‐sib families of berseem clover, Trifolium alexandrinum L.
Authors: Martiniello P. , Iannucci A.
Published: April 2006

Berseem clover Trifolium alexandrinum L. is an annual forage legume commonly grown in pure stands and in grass mixtures in the Medi‐terranean basin. Six populations were naturally cross‐pollinated in 1990 and 1991 by a half‐sib breeding method. In 1992 and 1993. 54 half‐sib maternal plants, six original populations, and six advanced populations were field evaluated for forage (short cycle, harvest made at seven or eight inlernodes: long cycle, harvested at flowering) and seed yield (no forage harvest) in experiments at the Forage Crop Institute at Foggia, Italy (typical Mediterranean location). Genetic variability, narrow‐sense herilability, genetic and phenotypic correlations among forage and seed yield component trails were investigated. The genetic variance in dry matter among maternal half‐sib populations in short cycle was 51% greater than in long cycle. Narrow‐sense heritabilily was 35% higher in short cycle than long cycle for dry matter and 26% higher for seed weight than seed yield. The magnitude of the genetic variance components and genetic correlations suggested that selection among plants of maternal half‐sib populations would be more effective for improving dry matter in short than in long cycle harvests. The selection applied in the study was not effective for increasing seed yield per se however, the trait may be increased by selecting indirectly for seed weight.
A protocol to avoid precocious flowering of sunflower plantlets in vitro
Authors: Ivanov P. , Encheva J. , Ivanova I.
Published: April 2006

Precocious flowering in in vitro plantelets of sunflower is one of the unfavourable phenomena when using tissue endure. In this sundy additional evidence is presented on precocious flowering of sunflower regenerats. Three day/night cycles (16/8h. 12/12h and 8/16h) and some modifications of media were investigated. Under standard conditions (16/8h day night. 25C) 62% of the plamlels formed flowers, while 55% formed flowers when grown in 12/12 h day. night at 20C and 31% when plantiets were grown under cultivation conditions of 8/16h day‐night ai 20C. According to the results obtained, precocious flowering of sunflower plantlets in tesl tubes depends on culture conditions, nutrition medium and genotype. It was found that 20C and 8/16h diiy/nighl was the most favourable condition to reduce precocious flowering of sunflower planllels in the lest tuhe. Modified nutrition media can also help to reduce in vitro flowering.
Effect of microstructure on crack propagation in high‐temperature fatigue of directionally solidified Ni‐based superalloy
Authors: YAMAMOTO M. , KITAMURA T.
Published: April 2006

In order to clarify the crack propagation properties of an anisotropic material (Ni‐based directionally solidified superalloy), longitudinally loaded specimens (L‐specimens) and transversely loaded specimens (T‐specimens) with a crack are subjected to high temperature fatigue. The crack propagation rate is reasonably well correlated with the effective stress intensity factor range regardless of the propagation direction (specimens L and T), the stress range and the stress ratio. However, the crack propagation rate shows a notable fluctuation particularly in the T‐specimens. It is at most about five times faster than the average. The fracture surface features can be classified into four types with three transgranular and one intergranular types. In the former, though the crack is along the {100} or {110} planes on a macroscopic scale, it threads through the {111} or {100} planes on a microscopic scale. Crack propagation is notably accelerated in the intergranular region, while deceleration is caused by crack branching.
Nursing and midwifery research in Scotland: from partnership to collaboration
Authors: Fyffe T.
Published: April 2006

Nurses and midwives form the workforce that provides the greatest proportion of direct care to service users. They have the ability to make a significant impact not only on the quality and outcomes of patient care, but also on service users’ and carers’ perceptions of the care experience. It is therefore vital that nursing and midwifery practice has a robust knowledge and evidence base. The Scottish Executive Health Department, in partnership with other key stakeholders, launched in 2004 an £8 million funding package for research and development capacity and capability initiatives for nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions. This article seeks to describe the process of engagement and partnership building that enabled this scheme to be developed. It will attempt to illustrate how the convergence of political, policy and professional agendas has provided the opportunity for nurses and midwives to set a direction of travel for research and development that will enable them to become key players within multidisciplinary research at United Kingdom and international levels.
Research priorities for nursing and midwifery in Southern Ireland
Authors: McCarthy G. , Savage E. , Lehane E.
Published: April 2006

Aim:  To identify research priorities for nursing and midwifery in the Southern Health Board area in Ireland for the immediate and long term.

Method:  Ten focus groups were conducted over a 2‐month period with 70 nurses and midwives working in clinical, managerial and educational roles participating. Based on focus group findings and a literature review a multi‐item Likert type questionnaire was constructed and administered to 520 nurses and midwives (response rate 95%n = 494).

Results:  Research priorities were identified as: (1) impact of staff shortages on retention of RNs/RM’s (80%); (2) quality of life of chronically ill patients (76%); (3) stress and bullying in the workplace (76%); (4) assessment and management of pain (75%); (5) skill mix and staff burnout (73%); (6) cardio‐pulmonary resuscitation decision making (72%); (7) coordination of care between hospital and primary care settings (69%); (8) medication errors (67%); and (9) promoting healthy lifestyles (64%). Respondents also indicated that these priorities warranted immediate attention. Implications for practice include the need for: (1) emphasis on quality pain control; (2) recognition and exploration of the ethical issues relating to resuscitation; and (3) management of the context within which clinical care is given.
Improving international nurse training: an American–Italian case study
Authors: Dubois H. F. W. , Padovano G. , Stew G.
Published: April 2006

Background:  Institutionalized international nurse training organized by national educational institutions is a relatively new phenomenon. This, descriptive case study examines an early example of an American–Italian initiative of such training, in order to stimulate future international education of nurses.

Aim:  To find out what factors have to be taken into account to improve training and what its potential effects are in exchange and also in the context of nurse migration.

Method:  A questionnaire was sent to the 85 nurses who all participated in this particular international programme (response rate: 30.6%).

Findings:  The collected data indicate that personalized and well‐aimed training, preparatory language courses, predeparture exposure of nurses to the culture of the host country and well‐prepared welcomes are among the most important ways to improve this programme.

Implications for practice:  While the specific circumstances and cultures involved in this particular case study should not be ignored, these factors might also be applied to maximize the positive effects of nurse‐migration. Two‐way learning is among the positive effects of such an international training experience. Motivational and team‐building effects can result in enhanced quality of care and a more efficient allocation of resources. However, the mind‐opening effect seems to be the most important learning experience. Therefore, regardless of whether one system is considered better or worse than another, experiencing a different way of nursing/education is considered the most important, enriching element of an international learning experience. The effects of this experience could include avoiding cultural imposition in the increased cultural diversity of nursing in the country of origin.
Hospice – the ideology and perspectives in Estonia
Authors: Kiik R. , Sirotkina R.
Published: April 2006

Background:  Death and dying tend to be taboo for much of humankind. Themes about death and life ending have not been popular in Estonia because of its cultural traditions and history.

Aims:  To describe the attitudes of Estonian professionals towards death and dying and to describe some future visions of hospice service in Estonia.

Methods:  The theoretical view in this work comes from hospice conception and empirical data gained from structured interviews with professionals who are connected with dying people in their everyday work.

Findings:  Some ideas of the hospice conception (e.g. pain control and psychosocial support) are used in hospitals and general care centres in Estonia, but there is little respect towards dying people and their needs. The idea of interdisciplinary teamwork is not in use.
Where is the “D” in dissonance?1
Authors: Suedfeld Peter , Epstein Yakov M.
Published: April 2006

Summary

The experiment tested the hypothesis that cognitive dissonance has a general drive arousal component which facilitates performance on simple cognitive tasks and impairs performance on complex cognitive tasks After writing a consonant or a dissonant essay dealing with proposed changes in university parking regulations, subjects were given either a simple or a complex task (rote memory or creativity). To maximize dissonance, free choice regarding participation was deliberately emphasized, resulting in a high proportion of subjects who refused to comply with the request Data from refusers were retained and compared with data obtained from compliers Appropriate control groups were employed in order to ascertain whether the results were attributable to the process of self‐selection among complier and refuser subjects

The dissonance manipulation was successful subjects who wrote dissonant essays subsequently displayed more favorable attitudes toward the parking proposal Their performance on complex cognitive tasks was not unpaired, however, nor did they perform better on simple cognitive tasks than did subjects who experienced no dissonance Subjects who refused to write dissonant essays did better on the complex task than subjects who complied in either the consonant or dissonant conditions Data from the control groups indicated that refusers did not differ from compliers in their initial attitudes toward the proposal nor in their ability to perform the complex cognitive task The results seem to be due to the facilitating effects of refusing to comply with the dissonance instructions, and suggest that the practice of eliminating subjects who refuse to comply may result in the loss of some highly informative data
Quality versus difficulty: Alternative nterpretations of the relationship between self‐esteem and persuasibility1
Authors: Skolnick Paul , Heslin Richard
Published: April 2006

Summary

Several investigators have argued that the conflicting findings concerning the relationship between self‐esteem and persuasibility may be resolved by considering the difficulty or complexity of the persuasive communication presented to subjects The present experiment is directed at testing the hypothesis that the quality of persuasive communications rather than difficulty determines the form of the self‐esteem‐persuasibility relationship.

Three hundred thirty‐six persons rated the quality and difficulty of 17 communications used in previous studies Results supported the hypothesis that persuasive communications that found negative monotonic relationships between self‐esteem and persuasibility were rated lower in quality (but equal in difficulty) than communications which produced nonmonotonic or positive monotonic relationships between the two variables.
Personal space, anger‐arousal, and psychological defense1
Authors: Meisels Murray , Dosey Michael A.
Published: April 2006

Summary

Personal space was hypothesized to function as a defense mechanism The strength of intrapsychic defense against anger expression was first assessed in 160 college students by the TAT and Word Association Test, and personal space usage was then measured under anger‐arousing versus control conditions and under two types of instructions Results were that instructions accounted for a large proportion of the personal space variance, that under one anger‐arousing condition some subjects apparently counterattacked by invasion of the experimenter's territory, and that, in that condition, subjects with stronger defenses against anger expression employed larger spatial distances These results suggest that larger distances are used for defensive purposes only under conditions in which closer distances imply impulse expression
Internal‐external locus of control and response to influence attempts1
Authors: Biondo John , MacDonald A. P.
Published: April 2006

Summary

It was hypothesized that subjects having external locus of control orientations (E's) would conform to both subtle and overt influence attempts, whereas internals (I's) would react against such attempts 144 undergraduate students (72 of each sex) rated a proposed grading procedure pre‐ and postinfluence Data were analyzed in a completely crossed and balanced 3‐way factorial design, which included 3 levels of locus of control (I's, middles, and E's), 3 levels of influence (no, low, and high), and 2 levels of sex (male and female) Results showed that E's conformed to both levels of influence and I's reacted against high influence I's were not responsive to low influence
Parental perception and perceived locus of control in psychopathology
Authors: Palmer Robert D.
Published: April 2006

Summary

The intrusion of anxiety and disruption of ego functions seen in the more serious forms of psychopathology would seem incompatible with maintenance of an unimpaired sense of personal identity. The present study took the position that the psychiatric patient's fragile or poorly developed sense of his own identity would be reflected (a) in deficient or tenuous identifications with parental norms and values and (b) in the perception of less parental supportiveness and warmth, relative to nonpsychiatric patients, and (c) would lead the individual to perceive reinforcement as contingent primarily upon some external locus of control, rather than upon his own relatively enduring personal characteristics Support was obtained for (b) and (c), above, but not for (a).
Artists, architects, and engineers—three contrasting modes of visual experience and their psychological correlates1
Authors: Holtzman Wayne H. , Swartz Jon D. , Thorpe Joseph S.
Published: April 2006

Summary

Over a period of five years, 31 architects, 28 artists, and 26 engineers, a total of 85 outstanding individuals in their respective fields, were studied intensively with a psychological test battery consisting of the Holtzman Inkblot Technique, Time Estimation measures, the Stroop Color‐Word Test, the Embedded Figures Test, the Autokinetic Effect, Byrne's Repression‐Sensitization Inventory, the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, and the Welsh Figure Preference Test. Each subject in the study was chosen by a panel of faculty members as the most outstanding advanced students in nonrepresentational abstract art, architecture, and engineering drawing Highly significant differences were found between the three groups for a number of variables that had been predicted on the basis of previous research and theoretical considerations. These results served to validate the meaning of the perception variables while also giving additional insight into the differences between these three contrasting modes of visual experience as exemplified by the three occupational groups
Effects of status of attacker and intensity of attack on the intensity of counter‐aggression1
Authors: Drost Bruce A. , Knott Paul D.
Published: April 2006

Summary

Male college students were exposed to a Same, Lower, or Higher status confederate, and to a small or large number of electric shocks from the stooge. Subjects in the Same and High status conditions were more counter‐aggressive, both in terms of mean intensity and number of shocks, than subjects exposed to a Low status confederate. These results are in contradiction to the related human and animal data, which have generally indicated that more aggression is directed toward low rather than high status persons The major implications of the present data for other research in this area are (1) the importance of varying status of the attacked as well as status of the attacker, (2) the necessity for systematically varying the different dimensions of “status,” e g, functional (i e, powerful) vs. nonfunctional aspects of status, (3) the importance of looking at different kinds of aggression, e g, physical as well as verbal, (4) the importance of systematically assessing the subject's perceptions of the attacker and the subject's own emotions–arousal, anxiety, guilt, etc at the time of the attack, and (5) the potential for studying variables that determine aggressive and altruistic behavior within the same experimental context.
Some situational determinants of the motives attributed to the person who performs a helping act1
Authors: Thompson Vaida D. , Stroebe Wolfgang , Schopler John
Published: April 2006

Summary

Two studies were directed at the assessment of donor motives for and appropriateness and evaluation of an unsolicited helping act directed at a high versus a low power person by self or other Results of the first study demonstrated no differences between self and other, but highly significant differences between high and low power on all three dependent measures, with an act directed at a high power person being seen as more self‐seeking and being more negatively evaluated. A manipulation of liking for other in the second study resulted in significant differences between self and a disliked other on all three measures, with more negative attributions and evaluations of die disliked other As predicted, there were no differences between self and a liked other Power differences remained significant over all conditions of self and other Results were considered not to be attributable to trans‐situational need states of the low power person, however, the act was consistently viewed as more appropriate when directed at a low power person.