A. C. de Oliveira

Current status of the spectrograph system for the SuMIRe/PFS

The Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) is a new facility instrument for Subaru Telescope which will be installed in around 2017. It is a multi-object spectrograph fed by about 2400 fibers placed at the prime focus covering a hexagonal field-ofview with 1.35 deg diagonals and capable of simultaneously obtaining data of spectra with wavelengths ranging from 0.38 um to 1.26 um. The spectrograph system is composed of four identical modules each receiving the light from 600 fibers. Each module incorporates three channels covering the wavelength ranges 0.38–0.65 mu (“Blue”), 0.63–0.97 mu (“Red”), and 0.94– 1.26 mu (“NIR”) respectively; with resolving power which progresses fairly smoothly from about 2000 in the blue to about 4000 in the infrared. An additional spectral mode allows reaching a spectral resolution of 5000 at 0.8mu (red). The proposed optical design is based on a Schmidt collimator facing three Schmidt cameras (one per spectral channel). This architecture is very robust, well known and documented. It allows for high image quality with only few simple elements (high throughput) at the expense of the central obscuration, which leads to larger optics. Each module has to be modular in its design to allow for integration and tests and for its safe transport up to the telescope: this is the main driver for the mechanical design. In particular, each module will be firstly fully integrated and validated at LAM (France) before it is shipped to Hawaii. All sub-assemblies will be indexed on the bench to allow for their accurate repositioning. This paper will give an overview of the spectrograph system which has successfully passed the Critical Design Review (CDR) in 2014 March and which is now in the construction phase.

Oxygen evolution rate of rice cultivars

Under natural conditions we found a significant variation in oxygen evolution rate (OER) in flag leaves of different rice genotypes during the grain filling stage. Cv. Roxinho showed the highest OER [42 µmol(O2) m−2 s−1], followed by BRS Taim, BRS Pelota, BRS Bojuru, IR58025B, BRS 6 Chui, and BR-IRGA 409, with 37.0, 34.0, 33.0, 31.8, 29.0, 28.0, and 27.6 µmol(O2) m−2 s−1, respectively. The lack of fertility in the male-sterile rice line IR58025A prolonged the photosynthetic capacity by at least 15 d when compared to the normal fertility found in the IR58025B line. No difference was observed in OER among first (flag) and second leaves in both IR58025A and IR58025B rice lines.

Estimates of genetic parameters and genotypic values prediction in maize landrace populations by REML/BLUP procedure

The REML/BLUP statistics are analyses that can be used as selective criteria in the routine of maize breeding programs. The present study aims to determine the genetic potential in crosses of landrace populations applying the REML/BLUP methodology, and to identify populations for the synthesis of new populations and intrapopulation selection for family farming systems, as well as genetic constitutions for use in maize breeding programs. Nine top cross hybrids obtained in the 2012/2013 harvest were evaluated along with their testator, the landraces used as parents, and four commercial hybrids, in a randomized block design, with information taken from the average of each plot. The evaluated traits were: leaf angle, number of ramifications of the tassel, spike insertion height, plant height, spike diameter, number of grains per spike, mass of grains per spike, spike mass, spike length, prolificity, mass of one hundred grains, and grain yield per plot. The data were analyzed using the Selegen-REML/BLUP software. The top cross hybrids Cateto Branco x Planalto, Amarelão x Planalto and the population Cateto Branco are ranked among the ten best crosses, simultaneously, for the traits: leaf angle, number of ramifications of the tassel, spike insertion height, and plant height (Cateto Branco x Planalto), and leaf angle, spike insertion height, and plant height (Amarelão x Planalto and Cateto Branco). The top cross hybrids Criolão x Planalto, Branco 8 Carreiras x Planalto, Caiano Rajado x Planalto, Amarelão x Planalto, Branco Roxo Índio x Planalto stand out for their high genotypic value of the individual BLUP mean components among the ten best genotypes for grain yield, and by combining three or more traits of interest together, being, for effects of selection, the most indicated.

Diallel and prediction (REML/BLUP) for yield components in intervarietal maize hybrids

Genetic improvement is essential to achieve increments in maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield components. It may be obtained through crosses, which enable to exploit the effects of intervarietal heterosis, allelic complementarity, as well as gene actions and effects. This study estimated the components of variance and genetic parameters (REML/BLUP) of an intervarietal diallel to select and predict the best genotypes for maize yield components. The experimental design was randomized blocks containing 60 intervarietal maize hybrids arranged in three repetitions. They were obtained through intervarietal crosses and evaluated in a diallel scheme, where 14 open-pollinated varieties were designated as parentals. Thus, 10 crosses were performed for each hybrid combination to obtain the number of seeds necessary for the competition test. The measured traits were: grain volume relative index, the mass of one hundred grains, and grain yield. The male parents and the additive genetic fraction were determinants for grain volume relative index. Mass of one hundred grains and grain yield were defined by the specific combining ability, and female parents revealed low narrow sense heritability. The female parent Taquarão and male parent Argentino Amarelo presented the best general combining abilities for the measured traits. The specific combining abilities were expressed for crosses AL 25 x Dente de Ouro Roxo, AL 25 x BRS Pampeano, and Taquarão x Argentino Branco. Genetic estimates and predictions were consistent and applicable to breeding programs and could be applied in future quantitative genetic studies of maize.

Seed germination and seedling growth of canola treated with abiotic factors that can affect growth and development.

ABSTRACT Canola (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera) is a source of vegetable oil. Abiotic factors may have negative impact on canola productivity. This study evaluated responses of canola hybrids under simulated flooding and drought and excess salinity. Evaluations were performed at 7 and 14 days after germination analyzing the variables percent of germinated seed, shoot length, root length, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight measured. Simulated flooding and drought and salinity detrimentally affected canola germination and initial development. Genotype expressed genetic variability for tolerance to simulated flooding and drought and salinity. The genotype “Hyola 575CL” was less sensitive to simulated drought and flooding and excess salinity.