Krishan Jindal

Increasing stalk sucrose in sugarcorn (Zea mays L.): genetic analysis and preliminary breeding

The generation of biofuels from biomass such as corn (Zea mays L.) stalks may be improved by increasing the concentration of available sugar. Understanding the inheritance of high stalk sugar traits is important for the development of new hybrids adapted for this purpose. The genetics associated with high stalk sugar (measured as sucrose equivalents) concentration was investigated by conducting a diallel analysis of six adapted inbred lines varying in stalk sucrose concentration, and a generation mean analysis using high and low sucrose inbred lines as parents tested in multiple years. Changes in stalk sucrose concentrations for six families with repeated cycles of selfing and selection over seven generations was also investigated. Results of the diallel and the generation means analysis of stalk sugar traits revealed that both additive [general combining ability (GCA)] and non-additive gene effects [specific combining ability (SCA)] were important for the inheritance of these traits and their expression was influenced by environment. Additive gene actions were more important than non-additive gene actions for controlling these traits. The study also demonstrated that the hybrid combinations of C103 with 73353 for stalk sucrose and with CO384 for stalk juice may be the best candidates for increasing stalk sugar as these inbreds had high means for these traits with favourable SCA estimates and at least one inbred had high GCA. Substantial increase in stalk sucrose in six different families over seven generations using a pedigree breeding method showed that selection gains could be made following this procedure.

Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight of corn in Canada – disease update

Abstract Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight, caused by Clavibacter nebraskensis (syn. C. michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis), is a serious disease of corn. It is not new to North America, but in 2006, the number of outbreaks increased and the pathogen was reported in areas of the USA and Canada where it had not previously been found. The disease is increasing in distribution and severity and new areas such as the northern Prairies may be at higher risk as corn production acreage rises. Therefore, Goss’s wilt monitoring and subsequent management should be priorities in areas where the disease has appeared relatively recently, such as the Canadian Prairie provinces. This update summarizes the current status of Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight in Canada including its geographic distribution as determined through recent monitoring activities and new detection methods. It also discusses current knowledge regarding pathogen biology, disease development, epidemiology and management.

CO462 corn inbred line

Abstract: CO462 is a short season corn (Zea mays L.) inbred line with excellent combining ability with both Iodent and stiff stalk inbred testers as well as superior cold tolerance and intermediate resistance to common rust, eyespot, and fusarium stalk rot.

Common rust-resistant corn inbred lines CO457, CO458, CO459, and CO460

Abstract: CO457, CO458, CO459, and CO460 are the first corn (Zea mays L.) inbred lines released from the common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schwein.) resistance breeding program of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. All four inbreds possess extremely high levels of resistance, which is expressed in hybrids when these inbreds are combined with susceptible test lines. Acceptable grain yields and moistures are also achieved in some hybrid testcrosses. All four inbreds also possess intermediate resistance to eyespot [Aureobasidium zeae (Narita & Hirats.)].

CO456 corn inbred line

Abstract: CO456 is a short season corn (Zea mays L.) inbred line with excellent combining ability as well as moderate resistance to eyespot and intermediate resistance to common rust and fusarium stalk rot. Excellent hybrid yields and performance data were achieved when CO456 was combined with Iodent-type inbreds such as MBS8148 and TR1914.

CO455 corn inbred line

Abstract: CO455 is a short season stiff stalk-type corn (Zea mays L.) inbred line with excellent combining ability as well as intermediate resistance to common smut, common rust, eyespot and fusarium stalk rot. Excellent hybrid yields and performance data were achieved when CO455 was combined with Iodent testers such as MBS8148.