Gordana Surlan-Momirovic

Genotype × environment interaction for wheat yield in different drought stress conditions and agronomic traits suitable for selection

Wheat cultivars grown in south-eastern Europe are exposed to variable rainfed environments. Climate change predictions indicate that the frequency of dry years will likely increase in the future. This study examined relationships among agronomic traits and some drought indices with grain yield as influenced by genotype and environment. In a 4-year experiment, 100 cultivars and landraces of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from different countries were tested under 3 watering regimes: fully irrigated, rainfed, and in a rain-out plot shelter. Three selection indices, mean productivity (MP), tolerance (TOL), and stress susceptibility index (SSI), were calculated based on grain yield in irrigated and drought-stressed conditions. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models were used to study the genotype × environment effects. Average yield reduction due to drought in the sheltered plots was 37.5%. High-yielding genotypes in each treatment showed high values of MP and high rank for SSI and, particularly, TOL. Conversely, low-yielding genotypes in each treatment had low values of MP and high drought tolerance according to SSI and TOL (i.e. low ranks). MP values were noted as being particularly well suited for predicting performance in this experiment. Total biomass and early vigour were found to be the most important agronomic traits for selecting high-yielding genotypes in a range of stress and non-stress conditions.

Capillary zone electrophoresis analysis of gliadin proteins from Chinese and Yugoslav winter wheat cultivars

Gliadin proteins extracted from fifteen Chinese and Yugoslav winter wheat cultivars were fractionated using a new separation technique – Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE). Different CZE conditions were defined to optimize resolution and reproducibility of gliadin separations. Excellent resolution and high reproducibility of gliadin CZE patterns were obtained by using 47 cm length, 50 μm i.d. capillaries at 15 kV and 30° C in sodium borate buffer system with acetonitrile (ACN) and sodium dodecyl sulfate. By using these CZE conditions, gliadin proteins from each cultivar were easily separated into more than 35 components. This resolution is generally superior to that of one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis and RH-HPLC. Analysis of reproducibility of gliadin CZE patterns from Chinese cultivar ‘Lumai 6’ showed that the average relative standard deviation (RSD) for peak migration times and heights was 0.21% and 4.06%, respectively. Gliadin electrophoregrams of all cultivars studied showed clear qualitative and quantitative differences, including presence or absence of some major peak, migration times and heights of peaks. Specifically, some closely related cultivars that were not differentiable by A-PAGE, were readily differentiated by CZE. In addition, winter wheat cultivars from China and Yugoslavia showed greater differences in gliadin compositions revealed by CZE.

Assessing drought tolerance and regional patterns of genetic diversity among spring and winter bread wheat using simple sequence repeats and phenotypic data

This study was conducted to assess drought tolerance and regional-based patterns of diversity of bread wheat accessions and to identify new sources of diversity that could accelerate the development of improved wheat varieties better suited to meeting the challenges posed by changing climate in Southern and Eastern Europe. For this, genetic diversity assessed by simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers was compared with diversity evaluated using 19 phenotypic traits averaged over irrigated and drought-stress field conditions. Thirty-six SSR were used to profile 96 wheat genotypes from the collection of genetic resources at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia. A total of 46 loci and 366 alleles were detected, with a range of 3–21 alleles per locus. The polymorphic information content was estimated to be 0.61. The genetic distance for all possible 4560 pairs of genotypes ranged from 0.06 to 0.91 with an average of 0.65. Genotypes were grouped according to their drought tolerance (high, medium, low) and region of origin. Analysis of molecular variance showed that over 96% of the total variation could be explained by the variance within the drought tolerance and geographical groups. As a whole, genetic diversity among the high drought tolerance genotypes was considerably higher than that among low drought tolerance genotypes. Comparative analysis of SSR diversity among six regional groups revealed that the genotypes from North America exhibited more genetic diversity than those from other regions. Two dendrograms were constructed based on phenotypic and molecular analyses using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean method and were found to be topologically different. Genotypes characterised as highly drought tolerant were distributed among all SSR-based cluster groups. This implied that the genetic basis of drought tolerance in these genotypes was different, thereby enabling wheat breeders to combine these diverse sources of genetic variability to improve drought tolerance in their breeding programs.

Tissue culture and agronomic traits relationship in wheat

There are only a few reports about the relationship between tissue culture and agronomic traits in wheat. In an attempt to enlarge the knowledge in this area, 96 wheat genotypes of worldwide origin were evaluated for their tissue culture response as well as the agronomic performance in the three-year field trials. Plant regeneration was achieved from immature embryos collected 12–15 days after anthesis. Associations between tissue culture and agronomic traits were surveyed by the correlation and path coefficient analyses. A trait-association by year biplot was applied to understand environmental effects on these relationships. All significant trait-associations were of a moderate magnitude and were responsive to the environment. The path coefficient analysis revealed that a grain yield had the highest positive direct effect on a callus formation while the kernel number per spike had the highest positive direct effect on regenerative calli and plant number per embryo. Nevertheless, only productive tillering had significant (positive) direct effect on all studied tissue culture traits.

Identification and validation of breeder-friendly DNA markers for Pl arg gene in sunflower

Abstract Downy mildew is a fungal disease of sunflower that can lead to severe yield losses. The damage caused by the pathogen can be controlled by growing resistant sunflower varieties. Gene Plarg was introgressed into cultivated sunflower from the wild species Helianthus argophyllus and provides resistance against all known downy mildew races. In this study, we used a mapping population from the cross-RHA 419/RHA-N-49. We identified a new co-segregating simple sequence repeat marker ORS675 and confirmed the co-segregation of markers ORS716 and ORS662 with Plarg gene. The markers were validated on two registered resistant inbred lines RHA 443 and RHA 464, as well as on twenty inbred lines RH 1–20 obtained through methods of classical breeding. Molecular marker ORS716 was assessed for usefulness in selecting resistant progeny in 12 BC populations. Markers were found to be valuable for molecular breeding in diverse genetic backgrounds and enabled transfer of the resistance gene in different sunflower genotypes.

Morphogenetic responses of embryo culture of wheat related to environment culture conditions of the explant donor plant

Availability of immature embryos as explants to establish wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by tissue culture can be limited by climatic factors and the lack of high quality embryos frequently hampers experimentation. This study evaluates the effects of rainfall, various temperature-based variables and sunshine duration on tissue culture response (TCR) traits including callus formation (CF), regenerating calli (RC), and number of plants per embryo (PPE) for 96 wheat genotypes of worldwide origin. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the significance of a particular climatic factor on TCR traits and to determine the period of wheat growth during which these factors were the most effective. The genotypes were grown in an experimental field during three seasons differing in meteorological conditions. The relationships between TCR traits and climatic factors within three time periods of wheat growth: 2, 6 and 10 weeks prior to embryo sampling were analysed by biplot analysis. The tissue culture traits were influenced at very different degrees by climatic factors: from 16.8% (RC) to 69.8% (CF). Donor plant environment with high temperatures and low rainfalls reduced (p < 0.05) the tissue culture performance of wheat genotypes. Callus formation was most sensitive to the temperature based factors. The environmental conditions between flowering and the medium milk stage were the most important for CF, while RC and PPE were not particularly related to any period.

Selection on uniformity and yield stability in maize

Historically speaking, both the introduction of double-cross hybrids and use of single crosses have caused the increase in grain yield and significantly improved agricultural practice. Nowadays, the uniformity of crops is regarded as an advantage of modern agriculture, since the uniformity of products is crucial in global market. Thus, uniformity of crop maturation provides both planning and efficient mechanized harvest. F1 single-cross hybrids of maize, which is an allogamous species, not only exploit heterosis, but also impose homogeneity. Basically, the uniformity of hybrids has been regarded as their crucial advantage. There are two aspects of hybrid maize uniformity: (i) genetic homogeneity and (ii) genetic stability. Genetic homogeneity refers to presence of identical genotypes, whereas genetic stability refers to phenotypic uniformity (homeostasis) in different environments. At present, yield performance of inbreds has not advanced as rapidly as performance of hybrids, especially in stressful environments. Focusing on inbred productivity combined with stability may be more appropriate strategy in the future. Poor farmers are not able to employ superior genotypes because they require considerable financial investment and farmers survive not due to high yield in good seasons, but due to enduring extreme ones. Breeding process may create genotypes in favorable seasons when genetic variance is maximal and environmental influence is minimal, which should be followed by breeding for different environments. The aim of such breeding are, most probably, genotypes intended for a specific set of conditions which, in fact, represents a convergence of two strategies of plant breeding. One should probably bear in mind the strategy of both yield improvement and survival of farmers in extreme conditions without decreasing yield of best genotypes, especially those adapted only to favorable conditions. Solution to this problem should be: financial (best possible loans), social (education), and technological (breeding improved genotypes and advanced agricultural production).

Variability of agronomic traits of maize hybrids influenced by the environmental factors

In this study 36 maize hybrids of different FAO maturity groups were observed in three successive years (2011, 2012 and 2013), on 8 locations. The main objective of this experiment was to observe the GxE interaction concerning yield, grain moisture, grain yield per ear and test weight. The experiment was set up according to the RCBD. Based on the obtained results average estimates, CV and overall ranking of hybrids were calculated. ANOVA was applied in order to estimate the effect of factors: genotype, environment and interaction. Thus the significance of all these factors was observed. Results of this research indicate the importance and necessity of performing multilocation and multiyear trials with the aim of observation and understanding the intensity of GxE interaction, as well as its influence on the grain yield and it components.

Molecular characterization of red clover genotypes utilizing microsatellite markers

CHILEAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 76(1) JANUARY-MARCH 2016 7 7 Genetic resources of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) are the basis for the improvement of this important forage legume. The objective of this study was microsatellite characterization of the accessions from the collection of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, Serbia. Molecular evaluation of 46 red clover genotypes was performed by applying the set of 14 primer pairs of microsatellite markers. These primer pairs amplified a total of 187 alleles, with an average of 13.36 alleles per locus and average polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.306. The minimum values of Dice genetic distances based on polymorphism of microsatellite markers were found among genotypes NCPGRU2 and NCPGRU5 (0.311) and the highest values of genetic distances were determined for a couple of genotypes Violeta and BGR2 (0.933). The average genetic distance between all pairs of genotypes amounted 0.587. The results of the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were consistent with the results obtained on the basis of cluster analysis, except that the PCoA allocated another four genotypes. There was no relationship between groups of genotypes formed by the use of cluster analyses and PCoA with their geographical origin. Analysis of molecular variance of 46 red clover genotypes by the status and ploidy level was significant, but it also suggested a weak genetic differentiation of groups formed on the basis of those characteristics. Observed groups of genotypes, according to the cluster analyses and PCoA of microsatellite data, could be used in future breeding programs for the selection of germplasm.

Variability and Stability of Bread and Durum Wheat for Phytic Acid Content

Purpose: The concept of quality is embedded in every process that takes place in an organization. There is a general perception that while increasing quality cost also increases. This perception was challenged by Dr. Genichi Taguchi. Taguchi states that quality can be increased without increasing cost and cost can also be reduced by increasing quality (Campanella 1999). Measuring quality-related costs has been advocated as an important component of quality improvement (Moen 1998). Gryna (1988) states that quality related costs range from 10-30 percent of sales and 25-40 percent of operating expenses. Researchers have proposed several methods of quality cost estimation. Commonly used methods areQuality Costing Approach, Process Cost Approach and Quality Loss Approach (Campanella, 1999). Tsiakals (1983) used Quality Costing Approach (PAF Approach) to collect Cost of Quality in a Pharmaceutical Industry and Malchi and McGurk (2001) used alternative cost model (Schiffauerova et al, 2006).The present paper aimed atcollecting and measuring Cost of Poor Quality in a Pharmaceutical Industry on the basis of Process Cost Approach.The purposes of this paper is to describe the body burden of heavy metals in the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) obtained from the Imo River in Nigeria and assess the potential non-carcinogenic health risk that might be caused by consuming this seafood. A questionnaire-based survey on dietary consumption rates of protein sources among residents of the area showed that catfish-fresh or dried accounted for 58% of total protein consumed, and over 90% of catfish sold in the area were caught in the local region of the river. The non-carcinogenic health risk from individual heavy metal and combined heavy metals due to dietary intake were evaluated by calculating the target hazard quotients (THQs), and hazard index (HI). The concentrations (mean ± sem in μg/g on dry weight basis) of heavy metals determined using AANALYST 400 Perkin- Elmer AAS were: (Cd: 0.125 ± 0.29, Cu: 0.24 ± 0.13, Zn: 2.33 ± 0.14, Ni: 1.12 ± 0.003, Pb: 0.74 ± 0.05, Fe: 4.85 ± 0.54) for edible tissue, (Cd: 0.47 ± 0.13, Cu: 0.13 ± 0.004, Zn: 4.08 ± 0.25, Ni: 1.53 ± 0.12, Pb: 1.24 ± 0.20, Fe: 14.64 ± 0.52) for gills and (Cd: 0.03 ± 0.004, Cu: 0.21 ± 0.009, Zn: 2.65 ± 0.06, Ni: 0.84 ± 0.03, Pb: 0.47 ± 0.007, Fe: 6.89 ± 0.38) for internal organs. The order of heavy metal concentration was; gills > edible tissue > internal organ for Cd, Zn, Ni and Pb; edible tissue > internal organ > gills for Cu and gills > internal organ > edible tissue for Fe. The body burden of heavy metal seems to be highest in gills and lowest in internal organs. Target hazard quotients (THQ) for individual heavy metal and the hazard index (HI) values determined based on the levels of Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Fe were all less than one, indicating that health risk associated with the intake of a single heavy metal or combined metal through consumption of this catfish for children and adult is relatively low at the moment. However, due to the potential health hazard of heavy metals, the Imo River system requires monitoring and awareness creation to avert possible health riskAntibiotic resistance has become a global public-health problem, thus it is imperative that new antibiotics continue to be developed. Major problems are being experienced in human medicine from antibiotic resistant bacteria. Moreover, no new chemical class of antibiotics has been introduced into medicine in the past two decades. The aim of the current study presents experimental results that evaluate the capability of biosurfactant rhamnolipid on enhancing the efficacy of hydrophobic antibiotics. Serial dilutions of azithromycin and clarithromycin were prepared. A bacterial suspension (approximately 5X10 CFU) from an overnight culture in MSM was inoculated into 20ml sterile test tube each containing a serial 10-folds dilution of the test antibiotic(s) in broth with or without 200mgL rhamnolipid. The tubes were incubated for 24 h with vigorous shaking at 37°C. Antimicrobial activity in multiple antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria pathogens and Gram-positive bacteria were assessed using optical density technique. The results clearly demonstrated that the presence of rhamnolipid significantly improved the efficiency of both antibiotics. We hypothesized that the addition of rhamnolipid at low concentration, causes release of LPS which results in an increase in cell surface hydrophobicity. This allows increased association of cells with hydrophobic antibiotics resulting in increased cytotoxicity rates. [Abdurrahim A. Elouzi, Abdurrauf M. Gusbi, Ali M. Elgerbi. Efficacy Enhancement of Hydrophobic Antibiotics Employing Rhamnolipid as Biosurfactant. J Am Sci 2014;10(1):93-98]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience.org. 17Q uality by design (QbD) is a systematic approach to drug development. It begins with predefined objectives and emphasizes product and process understanding and process control, all based on sound science and quality risk management (QRM). As introduced by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), QbD brings modern drug development methodologies to chemistry, manufacturing, anc control (CMC) teams working on biologics, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. The innovations associated with QbD are not so much the development concepts (which have been proven in multiple industries for well over 20 years). Rather, such innovations are the application of those principles in the development, submission, and manufacturing of drug products and drug substances. QbD was introduced over 10 years ago; however, regulatory agencies are now in the process of moving it from recommended (optional) to mandatory in drug submissions and filings. QbD has 10 guiding principles: • A clear line of sight from clinical to product release and stability • QRM in every aspect of development • Enhanced product understanding • Assay understanding • Process understanding and characterization • Generation of transfer functions • Improved product specification limits and justification • Robust design space and edge of failure • Use of modern control strategies and process analytical technologies (PAT) (1) • Continuous improvement and validation throughout a product’s lifecycle. As stated in the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q8 Pharmaceutical Development guideline, Section 2 (2):I the last few decades, pharmacists focused to develop targeted drug delivery systems. The basic aim is to deliver drug molecules directly to the target tissues which Paul Ehrlich in about a century ago mentioned and named it as magic bullets of medicine. Generally, pharmaceutical agents tend to distribute equally throughout the body. In addition, to reach the site of action, the drug has to cross vast majority of physiological and biochemical barriers which reduce the bioavailability of drugs. More importantly, after crossing through these barriers drugs should be able to elicit pharmacological action. However, nowadays, rapid advances in molecular biology, chemistry, pharmacy and nanotechnology enable a number of targeted drug delivery systems which can reach the malignant tissues selectively and accurately to the affected sites of the body.