Little is known about the genetic control of heterosis in the complex polyploid crop species oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). In this study, two large doubled-haploid (DH) mapping populations and two corresponding sets of backcrossed test hybrids (THs) were analysed in controlled greenhouse experiments and extensive field trials for seedling biomass and yield performance traits, respectively. Genetic maps from the two populations, aligned with the help of common simple sequence repeat markers, were used to localise and compare quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to the expression of heterosis for seedling developmental traits, plant height at flowering, thousand seed mass, seeds per silique, siliques per unit area and seed yield. QTL were mapped using data from the respective DH populations, their corresponding TH populations and from mid-parent heterosis (MPH) data, allowing additive and dominance effects along with digenic epistatic interactions to be estimated. A number of genome regions containing numerous heterosis-related QTL involved in different traits and at different developmental stages were identified at corresponding map positions in the two populations. The co-localisation of per se QTL from the DH population datasets with heterosis-related QTL from the MPH data could indicate regulatory loci that may also contribute to fixed heterosis in the highly duplicated B. napus genome. Given the key role of epistatic interactions in the expression of heterosis in oilseed rape, these QTL hotspots might harbour genes involved in regulation of heterosis (including fixed heterosis) for different traits throughout the plant life cycle, including a significant overall influence on heterosis for seed yield.

Generation of novel genetic diversity for maximization of heterosis in hybrid production is a significant goal in winter oilseed rape breeding. Here, we demonstrate that doubled haploid (DH) production using microspore cultivation can simultaneously introgress favourable alleles for double-low seed quality (low erucic acid and low-glucosinolate content) into a genetically diverse Brassica napus genetic background. The DH lines were derived from a cross between a double-low quality winter rapeseed variety and a genetically diverse semisynthetic B. napus line with high erucic acid and high glucosinolates (++ quality). Twenty-three low-glucosinolate lines were identified with a genome component of 50-67% derived from the ++ parent. Four of these lines, with a genome component of 50-55% derived from the ++ parent, also contained low erucic acid. Heterosis for seed yield was confirmed in test-crosses using these genetically diverse lines as pollinator. The results demonstrate the potential of marker-assisted identification of novel genetic pools for breeding of double-low quality winter oilseed rape hybrids.

Winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is the most important oil crop in Europe. Due to a continually increasing demand for rapeseed oil for food and non-food uses, the production of hybrid cultivars with higher seed and oil yields has become increasingly important in recent years. However, the systematic use of heterosis for hybrid breeding in oilseed rape is limited by the relatively narrow genetic basis of adapted germplasm, which can impede the generation of distinct heterotic pools. In the present study experimental hybrids were developed from a population of 190 DH lines derived from a cross between an elite, double-low seed quality (zero erucic acid, low glucosinolate content) winter oilseed rape variety and a semi-synthetic line derived from a genetically diverse resynthesised rapeseed line with high erucic acid and glucosinolate contents. The DH lines were crossed with a male sterile tester and the resulting test hybrids were examined for yield performance at two locations in Hesse, Germany, that exhibit extreme differences in climatic conditions and soil characteristics. Mid-parent heterosis for seed yield was determined at both the agronomically optimal location Rauischholzhausen and the marginal site Niederhörlen. A value of up to 43% mid-parent heterosis for seed yield could be observed among selected test hybrids compared to that of their parental DH lines. The heterosis level for yield was particularly high at the nutrient-poor site, where the best test hybrids showed significantly higher yields than elite open-pollinating and hybrid varieties. This demonstrates the suitability and adaptability of highly heterotic rapeseed hybrids on marginal locations and suggests the existence of a strong heterotic effect on nutrient uptake efficiency.

Genetic Diversity of Local Black Rice Cultivars Based on Microsatellite Markers. Kristamtini, Taryono, Panjisakti Basunanda, and Rudi H. Murti. Indonesia has diverse accessions of local black rice, which are important sources of germplasm. However, some of the local black rice cultivars have different names, leading a need to be identified to determine their genetic diversity using molecular marker. This study aimed to identify genetic diversity of eleven cultivars of local black rice, collection of the Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology, Yogyakarta and compared them with two white rice varieties using four microsatellite markers. Detection of microsatellite alleles polymorphism was carried out by visualization of PCR amplicons by electrophoresis on agarose gel. To estimate their genetic diversity, phylogenetic tree and principal coordinate analysis were performed using binary data of SSR alleles. The results revealed that total markers enabled to differentiate black rice cultivars as reflected by high value of polymorphic information content (PIC) mean (0.695). This value was consistent with the high genetic diversity of black rice (genetic diversity index, h = 0.283) in comparison with white rice cultivars (h = 0.020). The phylogenetic and main coordinate analyses suggested that black rice cultivars genetically differed from white rice. The local black rice cultivars were preferentially grouped based on their genetic those were distributed in three coordinates and did not represent their local geographic origin. Genetic diversity analysis in this study will be useful as an initial basis for proper identification and selection for appropriate parents to assist breeding program of black rice in Indonesia.Keywords: Genetic diversity, local cultivar, black rice, microsatellite markers. ABSTRAK PENDAHULUANBeras hitam merupakan salah satu jenis beras yang ada di dunia, di samping beras putih, beras cokelat, dan beras merah. Akhir-akhir ini beras hitam mulai populer dan dikonsumsi oleh sebagian masyarakat sebagai bahan pangan fungsional karena secara alami atau melalui proses tertentu mengandung satu atau lebih senyawa yang dianggap mempunyai fungsi fisiologis yang bermanfaat bagi kesehatan. Beras hitam memiliki kandungan antosianin tinggi yang terletak pada lapisan perikarp, yang memberikan warna ungu gelap (Ryu et al., 1998;Takashi et al., 2001). Antosianin telah diakui sebagai bahan pangan fungsional kesehatan karena aktivitas antioksidan

The genotype–environment interaction causes difficulties in selecting stable and ideal soybean cultivars across crop rotation models. Thus, this study aimed to provide the best estimates of soybean yields in every crop rotation model for recommendations in the rainfed agroforestry system using GGE biplot and EBLUP. In this study, the productivity and stability of 15 soybean cultivars were evaluated using four crop rotation models, that is, soybean planting after fallow (F–S), soybean planting after maize (M–S), soybean planting after rice (R–S), and continuous soybean (S–S) in dry and wet seasons at Menggoran Forest Resort, Playen District, Gunungkidul Regency, Special Province of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Results in the dry season revealed that the Dering I cultivar had the highest yield in F–S and R–S of 1.267 and 1.375 tons ha−1 and the Grobogan cultivar in M–S and S–S of 1.200 and 1.349 tons ha−1, respectively. During the wet season, the Grobogan cultivar showed the highest yields in F–S, M–S, and S–S of 2.187, 2.435, and 2.247 tons ha−1, and the Dega I cultivar in R–S of 2.049 tons ha−1. Based on the GGE biplot and Shukla model, Dering I and Grobogan cultivars were classified as fairly and relatively stable in dry and wet seasons. The cultivars that are well suited to the environment can maximize the yield potential of these cultivars and help to build a sustainable production system.

Reducing productivity, outbreak of insects and diseases, and decreasingin physical and cup quality are major problems for Arabica coffee cultivation inmedium altitude. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of altitude onphysical quality in eight genotypes of Arabica coffee. This research was conductedat two locations i.e. Andungsari Research Station-Bondowoso (1250 m asl. ashigh altitude) and Kalibendo Estate-Banyuwangi (700 m asl. as medium altitude).Randomized complete block design was used with three replications. Collecteddata consisted of outturn, weight of 100 beans, shape bean normality, apparentswelling, bulk density before and after roasting. Combined analysis on the physicalquality traits of green bean showed genotype x altitude interactions on weight of100 beans, percentage of normal beans and percentage of empty bean. Altitudesignificantly influenced coffee outturn. Decreasing in altitude from 1.250 m asl.to 700 m asl. caused declining in the outturn as much 32.9%. BP 700A, K 29, K34, K 79, and K 99 were genotypes that stable to produce normal bean and emptybeans at high and medium altidute, while K 8, K 130, and SIG were genotypeswith high normal beans at high altitude but not stable. Genotype x altitude interactiondid not occur for physical quality of other variables of outturn, bulk densitybefore and after roasting, apparent swelling, percentage of round beans,percentage of elephant beans, and percentage of triage beans. Altitude showedsignificant effect on all of physical quality of bean variables.

The F4 black rice progenies and their two parents’ varieties were evaluated for their heritability and genetic variability at Padasan, Pakembinangun, Pakem, Sleman, Yogyakarta from May until September 2016. The purpose of this study is to determine genetic diversity, heritability estimates and genetic advance.The genetic materials used in this study consisted of 48 lines of F4 with their parents, local black rice and Situbagendit. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block designed with two replications. Seeds of each F4 progenies and their parents were sown 1 m × 2 m length of plot with 20 cm × 20 cm plant spacing. Genetic parameters estimatesd were calculated for heritability and genetic advance. Plant population of each F4 progenies and their parents were 40 plants in each replication.  The result showed that there were 11 progenies had an early day to maturity potential, 21 F4 progenies had a moderate plant height (60-95 cm), 13 progenies had a potential number of tillers per hill (10.26 to 18.76), 9 F4 progenies had a high number of filled grains per panicle (> 80% filled grains), and 7 F4 progenies had a potential of 1000-grain weight (g). Plant height had the highest coefficient of variability. Days to flowering, days to maturity, and pericarb color had the highest heritability estimates followed by plant height (70.6%). Plant height and pericarb color had the highest genetic advances, namely 21.7% and 49.2%, respectively. In relation to improve agronomic characters, plant height and pericarb color had a highest heritability and genetic advance also a wide genetic variability.

Black rice is considered as a functional food for its high anthocyanin content, expressed as purple-black grain rice color. The study was aimed to determine the correlation between total anthocyanin content with L*, a*, and b* color variables, total anthocyanin content with color morphology and total anthocyanin content with microsatellite markers. Eleven local black rice varieties derived from the Yogyakarta Assesment Institute of Agriculture Technology collections and two varieties of white rice (Situbagendit and Inpari 6 Jete) were planted on plastic pots in green house. The trial was arranged in a completely randomized design with five replications. At three weeks after planting, leaf samples were tak en for DNA isolation and further P CR amplifications using four microsatellite markers (RM 180, RM 220, RM 224 and RM 252). The black rice grains were observed based on color morphology using a chromameter and analyzed for their anthocyanin content. Regression, correlation, and path analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between total anthocyanin content and L* a* b * color variable, color morphology, and microsatellite markers. Results showed that there were correlation between total anthocyanin content and color variables (rL* =-0.568, ra* =-0.561, rb*= 0.844). The total anthocyanin content were also correlated with color scores of morphology and total microsatellite markers (rRM 180 =-0.419, rRM 220 =0.27, rRM 224 =-0.493, rRM 252 =0.265) and color scores of morphology, r =-0.442. Selection of high-anthocyanin content on rice could use the color variable criteria (L* and a* low, and b* high). Microsatellite markers RM 220 and RM 252 can be used as molecullar markers for identification of rice having high anthocyanin content.