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Wheat, one of the world's major crops, is seriously affected by fungal diseases, especially in regions with high moisture and moderately warm temperatures. This paper reviews various molecular and conventional techniques that are used to identify genotypes with resistance alleles associated with Fusarium head blight (FHB) diseases. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) type II, designated as Fhb1, are frequently applied in plant breeding, and the newly recognized genes related to resistance to this fungal disease give extra insights into marker-assisted selection (MAS). Molecular markers are robust tools that may be routinely used in MAS for the mapping of resistance genes in crop breeding. FHB resistance is polygenic, and different resistance genes could be conveyed into a single genotype by MAS, which might ensure greater resistance to FHB disease. In conclusion, different researchers have used various techniques to control FHB resistance, such as MAS, gene pyramiding (through backcross), and molecular markers (association with resistance QTLs or genes).

The harvest season of apricots is short and fruit cannot be protected in cold stores for a long time. For those reasons, apricot production and consumption are lower than in other fruit species. This study was conducted for the purpose of breeding new late ripening apricot varieties. To this aim, a total of 3718 hybrid genotypes of apricots were obtained from 42 crosses. Phenological, pomological and yield analyses were performed and variations of fruit development period, fruit size, polarimetric dry matter (Brix), total acidity, yield and other traits were determined. Two years of results for important traits are given for 12 promising genotypes. Fruit development period varied between 148 and 167 days, fruit weight 25.2 and 41.2 g, Brix 16.3 and 22.6% and total acidity 0.56 and 1.25%.

Ornamental sunflowers are widely cultivated for use as cut flowers and/or as garden plants. The objective of the study was to investigate breeding values of new F₁ ornamental sunflower hybrids using incomplete diallel crossing of four ornamental inbred lines: Heliopa, Talia, Iskra and Neoplanta. Six traits important for ornamental market use were studied. Additive gene effects prevailed in most tested traits except for lateral floral diameter and duration of lateral flowering, which exhibited non-additive effects. The results indicated that the Talia × Neoplanta hybrid combination was the most promising for cut flowers due to long and strong branches, relatively big lateral flowers while Heliopa × Iskra and Heliopa × Talia hybrids were suitable for use as garden plants due to strong plant habit, long flowering time and desirable plant height. The results obtained from this study will be helpful for further ornamental sunflower breeding.

In this study, 12 microsatellite markers (SSR) were evaluated for their applicability to protect from frauds and misuse the Italian PGI product "Common bean from Lamon". SSR analysis generated polymorphic alleles, with an average of 4 alleles per locus and all in the range of molecular weight between 181 and 284 bp. Twenty-nine variety-specific fragments were identified, which might be reasonably adopted for characterization and traceability purposes. Cluster analysis well outlined the relationships between the genotypes studied. Overall, our study underlines the use and usefulness of molecular markers to protect both farmers and consumers from frauds.

In the past decade, next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have changed the impact of sequencing on our knowledge of crop genomes and gene regulation. These techniques are today acquiring a great potential in metagenomic and agrigenomic research while showing prospects for their utilization in plant breeding. We can now obtain new and beneficial information about gene regulation on the cellular as well as whole-plant level through RNA-sequencing and subsequent expression analyses of genes participating in plant defence reactions to pathogens and in abiotic stress tolerance. NGS has facilitated the development of methods to genotype very large numbers of single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Genotyping- by-sequencing and whole-genome resequencing can lead to the development of molecular markers suited to studies of genetic relationships among breeding materials, creation of detailed genetic mapping of targeted genes and genome-wide association studies. Plant genotyping can benefit plant breeding through selection of individuals resistant to climatic stress and to pathogens causing substantial losses in agriculture.

Planting grasses that require low maintenance is a good option for reducing the management input required. The objective of this study was to obtain information about turfgrass characteristics based on spaced-plant characterization and turf performance in turf plots of two selections (Paula hard fescue and Casero colonial bentgrass) recently released for public distribution by the Plant Production Area of the University of Oviedo. The plants were grown under conditions of no irrigation, no fertilizer, no pesticide application and minimal mowing over a 3-year period (2012-2014). The following morphological measurements were done in a spaced-plant nursery: heading date, plant height, inflorescence length and flag leaf length and width. The turf plots were evaluated for several traits including overall turfgrass quality (turf score), leaf texture and genetic colour. In both the spaced-plant nursery and turf trials, hard fescue genotypes displayed better morphological characteristics (narrow leaves, reduced plant height) and performed better (overall high turfgrass quality, fine leaf texture, dark green colour) than bentgrass genotypes under conditions of low maintenance. For areas in which climate, soil characteristics and management conditions are similar to those encountered in this trial, the selection of Paula hard fescue is recommended for use in low-maintenance turf settings because of the good turfgrass performance and morphological characteristics of this selection.

This study investigated changes in stem and spike characteristics resulting from breeding in Iranian wheat cultivars, and their relationship with grain yield. Eighty-one wheat cultivars released between 1930 and 2006 were examined under well-watered (WW) and terminal drought stress (DS) conditions in Karaj during 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 and under WW condition at Parsabad in Moghan region during 2010-2011. A genetic improvement over time in stem specific weight (SSW) along with significant positive correlations between this trait and grain yield were found at Karaj under DS conditions and at Parsabad, suggesting that SSW could be used as an indirect selection criterion for yield in these environments. Time-dependent changes in spike dry weight showed that the magnitude of partitioned photoassimilates to the spike during the phase anthesis - 16 days after anthesis (16 DAA) was not changed by breeding. However, during the 16 DAA ‒ maturity phase, modern cultivars had more photoassimilates allocated to the spike than the old ones. This suggests that the sink is more limited during early grain growth than during the end of grain filling.

In 2012-2015 the virulence of the wheat leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) population was studied on Thatcher near-isogenic lines with Lr1, Lr2a, Lr2b, Lr2c, Lr3a, Lr9, Lr10, Lr11, Lr13, Lr15, Lr17, Lr19, Lr21, Lr23, Lr24, Lr26 and Lr28. Samples of leaf rust were obtained from different parts of the Czech Republic. A total of 163 wheat leaf rust isolates were analysed. No virulence for the resistance gene Lr9 was found. Virulence for Lr19 was found only in one isolate in 2015. A lower frequency of virulence to Lr24, Lr2a, 2b, 2c and Lr28 was also observed. The presence of Lr10, Lr24, Lr26, Lr28 and Lr37 in registered cultivars was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular markers.

Ruzrok, the first sorghum cultivar of Czech provenance, was selected as a multiline cultivar from sorghum collected in the Bílé Karpaty region in Moravia, Czech Republic. In the present paper, basic plant morphological and yield-related characteristics as well as characteristics related to plant resistance to major abiotic and biotic stress factors are described. The major advantages of Ruzrok consists in its earliness, plant height and high growth rate of plants leading to high biomass production. Ruzrok was registered for its high biomass yield; however, its grains can also be used for flour production and food purposes after the technological removal of tannin-rich outer layers of grains. Recommendations for basic cultural practices such as sowing date, fertilization and protection against pests and diseases are given. In conclusion, potential utilization of the novel sorghum variety as both biomass and fodder crop is discussed.

The cell wall regeneration in mesophyll protoplasts of yellow lupin and grass pea was studied. The occurrence of cell wall components: cellulose, callose and arabinogalactan proteins was analysed during 15 days of culture. Protoplasts were cultured in different media to test the effect of culture environment on the cell wall regeneration. Medium supplementation with 2 mg/l chitosan resulted in prolonged viability, more balanced cellulose resynthesis, increased callose formation and induction of mitotic divisions in protoplast-derived cells of both examined legumes. In chitosan-enriched medium arabinogalactan proteins were detected in cell plates of divided cells. Medium rich in additional organic compounds, i.e. free amino acids, organic acids and monosaccharides, was inferior to media of simpler composition. In both species the relatively quick cellulose resynthesis negatively affected the viability of protoplast-derived cells. In grass pea cellulose appeared during 24 h of culture. In yellow lupin the process started significantly later and after 10 days the frequency of walled cells did not exceed 50%. Callose was detected in cultures of both species and its pattern suggested that the synthesis was unlikely to be a result of protoplast wounding. Arabinogalactan proteins were localized in cell walls of different types of cells: dividing, elongating, but predominantly in degenerating ones. Occurrence and organization of the cell wall components studied were discussed in relation to recalcitrance of grass pea and yellow lupin protoplasts.

One of the aims in red clover (Trifolium pratense) breeding is to increase the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, which may effectively reduce protein breakdown in silage and when cattle are fed by fresh clover. We analysed total PPO activity spectrophotometrically and on the level of gene expression using real-time quantitative PCR in single plants derived from an interspecific T. pratense × T. medium hybrid. Experiments were performed for two years and evaluated according to the general linear model with three factors (family, year, and cut). The analysis revealed considerable variability in total PPO activity between individuals and between families. Four families and two individuals with significantly higher PPO activity were selected. Their PPO activity ranged from 3.411 to 3.547 mkatal/min/g and from 4.041 to 5.731 mkatal/min/g, respectively, in comparison with the control variety Amos (2.370 mkatal/min/g). The majority of PPO transcripts were expressed by the two genes PPO1/5 and PPO2. In some genotypes, the PPO5 gene was expressed. Quantitative PCR confirmed the highest activity of PPO genes in seven hybrid plants with higher DNA contents corresponding to 30 chromosomes with 815 013 copies per plant. Our results indicate the suitability of combining two methods for improved selection: initial expression analysis to assess the PPO transcript level indicating gene activity and subsequent enzymatic assay.

A triennial evaluation of the content of titratable acids (TA) in grain was carried out on 12 varieties of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.). The model variety, Mironovskoe 94, harvested in 2004, was used for the monitoring of sensory changes in TA content, in relationship to different storage conditions and the application of different grain processing methods. The Czech state norm (CSN 56 0512-9 1995) Determination of Titratable Acids, with a slight modification, was used as the standard method. The TA contents in dry matter varied between 39 and 78 mmol/kg of grain dry matter, and significant differences between varieties and experimental years were found. The method of proso millet processing had a key role in the final sensitivity to rancidity. The storage conditions had a much lower influence on TA content than the processing technology. The clearly detected sensory changes found in scoured grains corresponded with TA contents within the range of 90 to106 mmol/kg. The monitoring of the TA content can be considered as a suitable tool for the prediction of rancidity processes in millet grains.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a disease of small grain cereals caused by Fusarium species. The pathogens affect spikes and kernels, resulting in reductions of yield and its quality. The present study was conducted to evaluate variation in the FHB resistance of wheat F₂ hybrids derived from 16 crosses between winter wheat cultivars of various origin and with different susceptibility to FHB. Plants were inoculated with a conidial suspension consisting of a mixture of F. culmorum, F. graminearum and F. avenaceum isolates. After harvest 1000-kernel weight, number of kernels per spike and kernel weight per spike were evaluated in inoculated and control plants. Disease symptoms were observed on kernels of infected plants and the percentage of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) was calculated. The data were statistically evaluated using uni- and multivariate analyses. A significant influence of genotype and treatment on all observed characteristics was detected. Contrasts between control and inoculated plants showed that inoculation lowered the mean values of all the yield-related traits significantly (in the statistical sense). Results of uni- and multivariate analyses enabled us to find three cross combinations which exhibited a low FDK percentage and simultaneously a relatively low reduction of 1000-kernel weight after inoculation. They may be promising for breeding wheat with improved resistance to FHB.

The study was undertaken to identify the responses of antioxidant enzyme activities and their isozyme patterns in seedlings of 10 oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cultivars under drought stress conditions. Plants were grown under three irrigation regimes (FC; field capacity, 60% FC and 30% FC) in a greenhouse. Drought stress preferentially enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) whereas it decreased catalase (CAT) activity. Licord with the highest level of enzyme activity under both optimum and limited irrigation regimes is reported as the most tolerant cultivar. Whereas Hyola 308 and Okapy, having the lowest enzymes activities, are mentioned as cultivars sensitive to drought stress. The native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis detected eight SOD isozymes. Oilseed rape leaves contained three isoforms of Mn-SOD and five isoforms of Cu/Zn-SOD. The expression of Mn-SOD was preferentially enhanced by drought stress. Five POD isoforms were detected in oilseed rape leaves. The intensities of POD-4 and -5 were enhanced under drought stress. According to the results, the appearance of new isozyme bands under drought stress conditions may be used as a biochemical marker to differentiate drought tolerant cultivars under drought stress.

The flowering onset of 19 apple progeny was evaluated in 2005-2014 on a total number of 715 seedlings in comparison with their parents and grandparents. A very low flower set delays generally the onset of flowering by one day in comparison with a higher flower set. The maximum span between the first flowering onset and the last one within all the progeny of the study was 11 days. With one exception, the incidence of the first flowering dates of all the progeny fluctuated only within four days - April 28 and May 1. Among them, the great majority of the seedlings had the first flowering date span of not more than ± one day. The progeny of Pink Lady × Discovery was the most exceptional having the mean day on the April 17 and the span about two days longer. The means of the first flowering dates within seedling populations and corresponding dates of both their parents and grandparents were very highly correlated (r = 0.926 for parents and r = 0.877 for grandparents). The incidence of flowering onset dates in almost all progeny followed a typical Gaussian distribution, in which the majority of seedlings start flowering within 3 or 4 days. The maximum difference between both extremes (found only in one progeny) was 11 days. The share of seedlings in both extremes was, however, very small - less than 2%.

We report a feasibility study for expressing the LTB protein (Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). We produced five regenerated plants obtained on the selection medium supplemented with an antibiotic. Stable integrations of the LTB gene into the genome of these plants were confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. Western blot analysis showed that only two of the five T₀ transgenic tomato plants expressed the pentameric LTB protein in the fruits. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that these two plants synthesized the LTB protein bound specifically to GM1 ganglioside, suggesting that the LTB subunits formed active pentamers. The LTB protein produced in tomatoes can be a potential candidate for inexpensive, safe, and effective plant-based vaccines.

The wheat stem rust pathogen, Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici, is a significant and devastating disease of wheat crops worldwide. Wheat has many wild relatives in which to source new resistance genes, including the cereal crop of rye in the tertiary genepool. The aim of this study was to assess the reaction of 1BL.1RS and 2RL.2BS double wheat-rye translocation lines to virulent stem rust races from Africa and North America. BC₁F₃ and BC₁F₄ populations from a cross between the line KR99-139 (a double wheat-rye translocation line with 1BL.1RS and 2RL.2BS) and the bread wheat cultivar Topper were used in the study. Several of the populations homozygous for 1BL.1RS and heterozygous for 2RL.2BS showed resistance and low severity adult plant resistance (20RMR-50MSS) to the African stem rust race TTKSK in the field. None of the tested populations with varying chromosome combinations showed seedling resistance to any of the tested stem rust races. Thus, these resistant populations likely carry gene/s effective at the adult plant stage since all stage resistance genes with major effect appear to be absent based on the seedling assays. Resistant lines combined three chromosomes (1RS, 2RS and 2BS) which make their direct use in breeding more complicated. Mapping studies followed by potential transfer of genes between 2R and 2B will make the identified minor genes more useful in wheat breeding.

Downy mildew [Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Berk. & Curt.) Rostov] is a major destructive disease of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) worldwide. Resistant cultivars were recently introduced into Egypt, but yield losses were high if no fungicides were used. The objective of this study was to identify sources of resistance to downy mildew among Plant Introduction (PI) cucumber accessions from the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. We evaluated 133 such accessions for downy mildew resistance under natural field epidemics during the summer 2013 at El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt. Mean ratings for downy mildew leaf damage ranged from 1 to 9 on a 0 to 9 scale. We classified 18 PI accessions (13.5%) as highly resistant (rating of 1.0-2.0), 46 (34.5%) as moderately resistant (rating 2.1-4.0), 40 (30%) as intermediate (rating 4.1-6.0), 12 (9%) as moderately susceptible (rating 6.1-7), and 17 (13%) as highly susceptible (rating > 7.1). The most resistant PI accessions were PI 432870, PI 432873, PI 432878, PI 432884, and PI 432886 with a rating of 1, which originated from China. The most susceptible PI accessions were Ames7736, PI 211979, PI 288991, PI 288992 and PI 289698 with a rating of 9. The five most resistant and five most susceptible accessions were further evaluated in replicated experiments during the summer 2014. Results from the repeated test confirmed the results from the first screening. No PI accession was found immune to downy mildew. However, high levels of resistance were observed in several PI accessions that could be useful for the breeding for resistance to P. cubensis in cucumber.

The wheat cultivar Weimai 8 is a good source of adult-plant resistance to leaf rust in China. In order to understand the genetic background of the resistance genes, 179 F2:3 families derived from the cross Weimai 8 and Zhengzhou 5389 (susceptible to leaf rust) were used to construct a linkage map. Results showed that there was a major QTL on chromosome 2AS, temporarily named QLr.hbau-2AS, responsible for the resistance. QLr.hbau-2AS from the resistant parent Weimai 8 was between the SSR markers Xcfd36 and Xbarc1138, with an interval length of 2.58 cM. In the 2010-2011, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 crop seasons, it explained 25.79, 71.55 and 60.72% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. The location of QLr.hbau-2AS was close to the leaf rust resistance gene Lr37. However, they may not be the same since QLr.hbau-2AS has a different virulence test response from Lr37. This study identified two closely linked flanking molecular markers QLr.hbau-2AS and these molecular markers will help marker-assisted selection in breeding resistant cultivars in the future.

Russian wheat aphid is an important pest in many wheat growing countries of the world. Different resistance genes to the pest have previously been identified. However, some biotypes of the pest are virulent to most of these genes. Swedish wheat-rye and wheat-Leymus, consisting of 235 accessions with substitutions and translocations, were investigated for resistance to the aphid. A total of 86 accessions were shown to be either resistant or moderately resistant. Resistance was found particularly in accessions having substitutions of 1R instead of 1D [1R(1D) or 1R(1D) + 6R(6D)], in translocations to 3D or 5A (3DL.3RS and 5AL.5RS) and in accessions with introgressions of Leymus mollis. Resistances to Russian wheat aphid obtained from the hereby reported chromosomes and combinations have not previously been reported. These rye and Leymus genes can thus be useful for widening the pool of resistance genes for future breeding of cultivars resistant to Russian wheat aphid.

Five winter wheat cultivars, differing in resistance to Septoria tritici blotch (STB), were spray inoculated under field conditions for two years and at two locations with nine Mycosphaerella graminicola isolates and a mixture of isolates that were obtained from different regions of the Czech Republic. Main aims of this study were (i) to compare isolate, host cultivar and environmental effects on five traits indicative of STB severity and (ii) to analyse pathogen aggressiveness and host-pathogen relations for improving evaluation of cultivar resistance. ANOVA showed in all traits, except the reduction in 1000 grain weight, significant isolate effects. However, the effects of isolate and genotype by isolate interactions were much lower (2.3-4%) than cultivar (19.1-53.7%) and environmental (11.9-58.6%) effects. Cultivar resistance to the disease limited much the loss in grain weight per spike to a halve, from 34.7% in the susceptible Bakfis to 17.3% in the resistant Arina. Visual scoring of symptoms in the middle and at the end of disease development (performed on the 1-9 scale), reflecting the disease progress and infected leaf area, showed the highest cultivar effect (54%) and could be recommended for evaluation of cultivar resistance in breeding practice. All examined traits were significantly interrelated, but significant differences between all the five cultivars were only detected after examination of the % coverage of flag leaves with lesions bearing pycnidia. Resistance in the cultivar Arina was detected by all isolates and the isolate mixture. In spite of significant differences in classification of resistances in the cultivars Bohemia and Mulan after inoculation with one isolate (1081), specific interactions between cultivars and isolates collected in this Central European region are rare. The study leads to a conclusion that investigation into stability of STB resistance across a wide range of environments is more valuable for breeding purposes than the study of cultivar response to different isolates. Combination of important isolate properties in a mixture of isolates is stressed as well.

Doubled haploidy breeding protocols have revolutionized the varietal development programmes in bread wheat, however, the protocols have not proved much efficient in durum wheat. Presently, the durum wheat × maize system is being widely followed for haploid induction but the frequency of haploid development is very poor which has limited its application in durum wheat improvement programmes. In order to formulate an efficient wide hybridization-mediated approach for haploid induction in durum wheat, different genotypes of durum wheat were subjected to hybridization with Imperata cylindrica, a wild perennial grass for the first time in this laboratory. The investigation was carried out for two seasons. During the 1^st year, the investigation was carried out on one genotype only, Langdon, in order to notice the development of haploid embryos and the factors that influence the haploid induction frequency. The most important factor influencing the embryo formation frequency was found to be the concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Upon pollinating the emasculated spikes of durum wheat genotypes, various concentrations of 2,4-D were injected into the uppermost internode of wheat culm for three consecutive days after pollination to find out the most responding concentration for haploid induction. During the next year, the protocol was applied to eight durum wheat genotypes. The frequency of haploid induction parameters varied with the durum wheat genotypes as well as 2,4-D concentration used. The mean pseudoseed and embryo formation frequency over all the genotypes ranged from 30.2 to 56.3% and 1.2 to 18.4%, respectively. The average embryo formation frequency over all the genotypes was found to be highest (18.4%) at 250 mg/l 2,4-D whereas it was superior for the genotypes WH 896 and Langdon over all the 2,4-D concentrations. At the most responding 2,4-D concentration (250 mg/l), the genotype A-9-30-1 exhibited the highest embryo formation frequency (32.1%). The ploidy status of the developed embryos was identified using cytological analysis carried out on the rootlets of the tissue culture generated plantlets.

Seventeen winter wheat cultivars registered in the Czech Republic were tested for reaction to common bunt in 2-3 year field trials. Bunt infection of resistant checks Globus and Bill varied between 4.1% and 10.6%; the highest infection in cv. Pitbull reached 85.9%. Of the recently registered cultivars Nikol has a relatively low bunt incidence (26.9%). In addition to bread wheat seventeen triticale, seven durum wheat cultivars, two spelt wheat cultivars and one emmer wheat cultivar were tested in the field and some of them also in the greenhouse. Bunt infection of durum wheats was lower than that of bread wheat cultivars. All seventeen tested triticale cultivars were resistant. The reaction of emmer wheat cultivar and spelt wheat cultivars to common bunt was lower than that of susceptible bread wheat checks.

Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world. Its yield is greatly influenced by global climate change and scarcity of water in the arid and semi-arid areas of the world. So, exploration of gene resources is of importance to wheat breeding in order to improve the crop ability of coping with abiotic stress environment. Wild relatives of wheat are rich repositories of beneficial genes that confer tolerance or resistance not only to drought but also to other environmental stresses. In the present study, the changes in leaf relative water content (RWC), free proline content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation of five wild wheat species including T. boeticum (YS-1L), T. dicoccum var. dicoccoides (YS-2L), T. araraticum (ALLT), and two cultivated varieties of T. turgidum ssp. durum (MXLK and 87341), with two well-known common wheat cultivars (SH6 and ZY1) possessing strong drought resistance and sensitiveness, respectively, as references were investigated during 3-day water stress and 2-day recovery, in order to assess the drought tolerance of these wild wheat species. The laboratory experiment was conducted under two water regimes (stress and non-stress treatments). Stress was induced to hydroponically grown two weeks old wheat seedlings with 20% PEG 6000. Stress treatment caused a much smaller decrease in the leaf RWC and rise in MDA content in YS-1L compared to the other wheat species. From the data it was obvious that YS-1L was the most drought tolerant among studied species having significantly higher proline and RWC while lower MDA content under water stress conditions. The order of water stress tolerance of these species according to the three parameters is: YS-1L > YS-2L > SH6 > 87341 > ZY1 > MXLK > ALLT. We speculate that the observed drought stress tolerance at a cellular level was associated with the ability to accumulate proline and high water level conservation.

Compared to the large effort spent developing Brazilian bread wheat cultivars, relatively few soft wheat cultivars for cookie flour were released in this country in the recent years. The objective of this study is to propose a model to predict wheat cultivars with improved manufacturing quality for the cookie industry while maintaining production for the growers. A database was compiled originally with 1674 entries with field, milling and flour quality parameters from the year 2000 to 2008 crop seasons. The critical specifications of 14 commercial cookie flours were compared and it was determined that the variables farinograph water absorption appeared in 14 out of 41 specifications (34.1%), alveograph strength appeared in 13 out of 41 specifications (31.7%), wet gluten appeared in 11 out of 41 specifications (26.8%), alveograph tenacity appeared in two out of 41 specifications (4.9%), and alveograph dough extensibility appeared in one out of 41 specifications (2.5%). Using frequency percentages as model coefficients a Brazilian Cookie Wheat Score Model was proposed:BCWS =ABS × 0.341 + W × 0.317 + WG × 0.268 + P × 0.049 + L × 0.025. The ideal score for a wheat genotype to be classified as cookie wheat for the Brazilian market is within the optimum interval from 56.1 to 81.2. To validate this model and its proposed interval, 277 wheat entries from the 2008 crop year were tested under the following conditions: first, wheat genotypes that yielded less than the average of bread wheat genotypes were discharged; second, wheat genotypes without the full set of values for the model variables were discharged. Twenty wheat genotypes, out of 277, were within the optimum interval and were proposed as wheat genotypes to produce cookie flour. The validation results indicated that, using the BCWS Model, along with the established conditions, a wheat breeder will have 75% chance of finding a potential cultivar with acceptable cookie functionality from a set of experimental lines.

Several Lathyrus species, particularly Lathyrus sativus and L. cicera, have a high potential both as food and fodder crops. Rust and powdery mildew fungi are among the most important pathogens of major grain legumes including Lathyrus species. We review and critically discuss available knowledge of the existence of resistance and the underlying resistance mechanisms against rust and powdery mildew in the L. sativus and L. cicera crop species.

Intercropping of grain legumes and cereals is a promising theme in organic farming for its potential for increasing and stabilizing yields, reducing weed pressure and sustaining plant health. On animal husbandry farms, pea-cereal mixtures may be an interesting crop harvested for green fodder as well as for feed concentrates. Increasing self-sufficiency with fodder is in agreement with the principles of organic agriculture, and it reduces the risks related to the import of soy protein that may be admixed with GM soya. In 2008-2011, plot trials (PT) with intercropped peas and spring cereals (wheat, barley) were conducted. Varieties and pea-cereal combinations were examined to find suitable varieties for intercropping, and the best pea to cereal ratio in the seed intercrop (pea to cereal ratios 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80). Results show that intercropping peas and spring cereals may be advantageous compared to monocultures. Pea-cereal intercrops produce high yields of green matter and concentrates especially when intercropped at the pea to cereal ratio of 60:40 and 40:60. In 2009, on five certified organic farms, controlled field trials (FT) were conducted with field pea (leaf type), spring barley and spring wheat in monocultures and intercrops (pea to cereal ratio 60:40). Forage yields were evaluated at pea growth phases BBCH-scale 79 and 83. Fresh yields of monocultures and intercrops were evaluated at grain harvest.