Rafael Nornberg

Seeding density in wheat: the more, the merrier?

Adjustment of seeding schemes is one of the crop management techniques that most influences grain yield components. This work aimed to characterize the potential grain yield and its components in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes with contrasting tillering ability under different seeding densities and environments. Five experiments were conducted in split-plot design, each with ten cultivars (main plot), sown in five distinct seeding densities (subplots). Experiments were sown in three locations in southern Brazil in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The grain yield per plot and its yield components: number of fertile tillers, weight of 1,000 grains, ear weight and number of grains per ear were evaluated. Genotypes with reduced tillering ability expressed an increase in grain yield with an increase in seeding densities, however showing a reduction in ear weight. The number of grains per ear did not affect grain yield but was highly influenced by seeding densities. The compensatory effect was expressed by the weight of a thousand grains as a function of the experimental conditions in which the genotypes were evaluated, regardless of seeding densities used. Results pointed to differences among cultivars tested in specific locations and years.

FAEM Carlasul: new white oat cultivar with high grain yield

The white oat cultivar FAEM Carlasul was developed at the Plant Genomics and Breeding Center, Faculty of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel, Federal University of Pelotas, as a result of the cross between UFRGS 10 and 90SAT-28 (Coronado2/Cortez3/Pendek/ME 1563). It is characterized by high yield and grain quality.

Diallel analysis in white oat cultivars subjected to water stress.

The goal of this work was to determine the combining ability of three white oat parental genotypes (UPF 18, URS21 and URS 22) and to estimate the heterosis of F1 hybrids in two conditions, with and without water stress. The results indicate a large effect of the environment on the evaluated characters (cycle, leaf area, plant stature, grain yield per plant, main panicle weight and number of grains of the main panicle). The condition without stress was the most efficient for the selection of superior genotypes. Based on the general and specific combining ability, the cultivar URS 22 was shown to be indicated for cycle and stature reduction, while UPF 18 lead to increases in leaf area, main panicle weight and number of grains of the main panicle. The specific cross URS 22 x URS 21 was the best for the selection of superior genotypes.

FAEM Chiarasul: new white oat cultivar with high yield and grain-processing quality

The white oat cultivar FAEM Chiarasul was developed from a cross between UFRGS 17 and UFGS 10/ Coronado2/Cortez3/Pendek/ME 1563. It is characterized by reduced plant height, and high yield, grain quality and grain-processing quality.

Prediction of parental combination for introduction of stay-green associated loci in wheat

In wheat, the increase of yield and stability associated traits can be achieved by combining parents containing the stay-green trait and favorable alleles for grain yield. The aim of this work was to analyze the genetic dissimilarity between wheat lines from stay-green and synchronized maturation groups and elite cultivars. Moreover, to propose promising combinations seeking the selection of high-grain yield and high bread-making quality genotypes containing stay-green trait. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications in 2003, 2004, and 2005, using sister-lines with the presence and absence of stay-green trait and elite cultivars. Genetic variability exists among wheat strains from the synchronized stay-green maturation group and elite cultivars. Genotypes of maturation group stay-green obtained an average performance superior to the synchronized group. Crosses between stay-green lines and the CEP 29 and BRS 177 cultivars are promising in the selection of genotypes carrying the stay-green trait with high yield and bread-making quality.

Tolerance to preharvest sprouting and yield of wheat genotypes from different breeding programs

The objective of this work was to characterize the performance of elite wheat genotypes from different Brazilian breeding programs for traits associated with grain yield and preharvest sprouting. The study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 in the municipality of Capao do Leao, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Thirty‑three wheat genotypes were evaluated for traits related to preharvest sprouting and grain yield. The estimate of genetic distance was used to predict potential combinations for selection of plants with high grain yield and tolerance to preharvest sprouting. The combined analysis of sprouted grains and falling number shows that the TBIO Alvorada, TBIO Mestre, Frontana, Fundacep Raizes, Fundacep Cristalino, and BRS Guamirim genotypes are tolerant to preharvest sprouting. Combinations of TBIO Alvorada and TBIO Mestre with Fundacep Cristalino show high potential for recovering superior genotypes for high grain yield and tolerance to preharvest sprouting.

Variabilidade genética para características agronômicas superiores em cruzamentos biparentais de aveia preta

abstract GENETIC VARIABILITY FOR TOP AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS IN BIPARENTAL CROSSES OF BLACK OATSThe area sown to black oat in Brazil has experienced a dramatic growth as a consequence of the expansion of minimum tillage, crop rotations and crop-livestock systems. This growth was not accompanied by research work providing data on the relevant agronomic traits from this forage grass, which would eventually lead to the creation of new varieties meeting the growers’ demands. This work evaluated traits related to forage production and seed dormancy in black oat populations originating from artificial breeding between pure lines derived from the “Preta Comum” variety and commercial varieties from this species. Two experiments were carried out during the winter of 2008, at the Capao do Leao, Rio Grande do Sul State, one to assess forage production traits and the second to measure seed traits such as yield and dormancy levels. The results showed that artificial breeding enhanced genetic variability through improvement on the expression of forage traits, seed yield and dormancy levels. In relation to the former, plant stand was highly associated to dry matter production during the early stages of seedling development and establishment, while tiller production remained the major component explaining biomass production later stages of forage production. Artificial breeding produced large differences on seed-related traits such as yield and dormancy level, suggesting the existence of adequate levels of variability for these traits among the parent lines.