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Examination of the genetic homogeneity of sunflower hybrids in a grow-out test
33-55Views:37In Hungary, seeds can only be placed on the market after obtaining official certification. This ensures the availability of high-quality seeds, which are considered a fundamental prerequisite for successful crop production. High-quality seeds also form the basis of food production, as only seeds of superior quality can achieve the maximum yield potential of a given variety. As part of the official seed certification process, the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH) conducts small-plot post-control tests at the Monorierdő Variety Post Control Station. The purpose of these tests is to verify the varietal identity and purity of the seeds.
This study examines the 2024 variety post control results for five sunflower hybrids. Seed samples obtained from certified seed lots underwent an official progeny testing procedure after sowing. Where their morphological and phenological traits were compared to the official variety descriptions. Throughout the growing season, multiple field inspections were performed, and the resulting homogeneity data were analyzed using statistical methods. The five tested hybrids exhibited varying degrees of homogeneity, but all remained within the error limit accepted by the authorities. Among them, the N3 hybrid proved to be the most homogeneous, as a significant portion of the samples achieved 100% genetic purity. In contrast, the N5 hybrid showed the greatest variability. Variance analysis revealed a significant difference in homogeneity values among the hybrids. These differences may be attributed to genetic and cultivation technology factors, such as genetic instability and/or mechanical mixing. A more precise identification of these factors (refining the system) could help seed growers to producers higher-quality products, increasing the genetic value of their varieties on the seed market. -
Analysis of reserve proteins in sunflower hybrids using a MALDI-TOF MS device
81-90Views:16One of the basic for the successful production of hybrid seeds is ensuring the genetic homogenity of the parental lines and their hybrids. This can be assessed using laboratory methods, such as protein markers, isozymes, and molecular markers, as well as field tests. MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) is particularly suitable for examining the genetic homogenity of seeds, as it allows obtaining a unique “protein fingerprint” for each sample based on the detected m/z values and peak intensities. Proteins appear as characteristic peaks in the mass spectrum, and their presence or absence can be used to infer the uniformity of the samples. The advantage of MALDI-TOF lies in its ability to rapidly and reliably detect proteins, even in complex samples, while measurement parameters – relative intensity, absolute intensity, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and peak area – allow an objective evaluation of spectrum quality. In homogeneous seed samples, spectra display nearly identical peaks and intensities, whereas heterogeneous samples exhibit differing peak patterns. Thus, this technique is fast, sensitive, and reproducible, enabling the monitoring of marker proteins, comparison of spectra, and precise determination of genetic homogenity. -
Evaluation of field genetic potential based on the results of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with different genotypes
5-21Views:15Based on the results of field trials, we evaluated the phenometric and yield-forming elements of two maize hybrids with different maturity times. These indicators greatly contribute to the recommendation of hybrids to growers in farm practice and provide guidance in the development of hybrid-specific production technology.
Syngenta Kft. and the University of Debrecen have been conducting a joint study since 2018 to determine the field yield potential of new hybrids to be introduced. During the trial we strive to ensure that corn receives optimal conditions and does not starve for a unique day. During the experiment, the development stages of the hybrids were recorded in addition to the growth day degree (GDD). In addition to the continuous monitoring of SPAD and NDVI values, the dry-down dynamics are also precisely determined. 2024 was an extreme year for maize production, with extremely high temperatures characterizing the country in July and August. Based on the latest harvest data, the average domestic yield was 5.7 t/ha (varied between 3.4–7.9 t/ha among counties). The yield depression of the 2024 growing year was primarily due to the persistent, extremely hot weather in the summer. Coupled with less than average precipitation, a significant soil drought developed.
In the above experiment, SY Evident FAO 430-440 (H13 hybrid) achieved a yield of 20.81 t/ha, while SY Stacio FAO 360-380 (H12 hybrid), which was earlier in maturity, achieved a yield of 19.46 t/ha on a mesoplot at the university’s Látókép field experimental site. The results of the tested hybrids were greatly influenced by the early planting date, with which the hybrids avoided the extreme heat during flowering. The different genotypes were greatly influenced by the harmonious nutrient supply and optimal weather conditions in May and June (VE-R1 phase). This was statistically confirmed in the change in chlorophyll content (SPAD values) and NDVI values among the hybrids. Due to the high GDD values and ideal conditions created by irrigation during the growth stages from the period of grain filling to physiological maturity (R2-R6 phase), the hybrid with a higher maturity time (H13) statistically exceeded the hybrid with a very early maturity time (H12) by 6.9%. The irrigation-water use efficiency (IRRWUE) of the tested hybrids was as follows: in the case of SY Evident (H13) it was 41.8 kg/mm, while in the case of SY Stacio (H12) this value was 39.2 kg/mm.
By supporting optimal fertilization, we can increase yields, improve crop safety and strengthen sustainable agricultural practices at the same time. Our goal is to transfer these results to farm practice in the future, complemented by the background support of recent digital tools. -
Quantitative genome size estimation as a tool for plant variety testing
89-104Views:14In plant sciences, flow cytometry (FCM) is the most commonly used method for estimating ploidy levels and genome size. The vast majority of data currently available for more than 12,000 plant species in the Kew Plant Genome Size Database was estimated by using by FCM. However, available data on perennial grass species are scarce.
We estimated the genome size (2C value) from seedlings of two registered cultivars with known ploidy levels of two native grass species (tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea and red fescue, Festuca rubra) by FCM, with rye (Secale cereale) and pea (Pisum sativum) plant controls. We compared our results to the published data of the Kew Database, and calculated the difference in genome size between the two fescue species.
Our estimated genome size data were similar to that in the Kew Database. In the case of red fescue, there was a 1.4-fold 2C value-difference between the hexaploid (12.25±0.81 pg DNA) and the octoploid variety (17.12±0.58 pg DNA). However, the genome size of the two tall fescue accessions with different ploidy were almost identical (13.93±0.15 and 13.53±0.14 pg DNA), which questioned the genetic purity of one of the varieties. We calculated a DNA length of 5990 (6n) and 8371 (8n) Mbp for red fescue varieties, and 6810 (6n) Mbp for the tall fescue sample. According to the Kew Database, the average monoploid genome size of tall fescue accessions is higher by 29% compared to red fescue data. In our investigation, we could verify less difference (6–11%) between the two species. FCM method is a useful tool for detecting the inter-species and intra-species variability of the genome size in botanical studies, plant breeding and variety maintenance, but it is also promising for testing the genetic purity of registered varieties. -
The system and methodology of variety breeding
113-126Views:44In Hungary, seed production operates within a strictly regulated certification system defined by legal provisions. The purpose of this system is to preserve and monitor the quality and genetic value of seeds, which form the foundation of crop production. One of the main elements of the certification process is the small-plot post-control testing conducted at the Monorierdő Variety Post Control Station of the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH), commonly referred to as variety post-control. This procedure represents the final, so-called progeny control phase of seed certification and includes two main types of testing: varietal identity and varietal purity verification. Both are based on the principles of distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS), which ensure that the seeds of each variety remain clearly identifiable, homogeneous, and genetically stable across generations. The implementation and evaluation of these tests are defined in detail by national standard and internal regulation. These documents specify the methodology of variety post-control, the criteria for assessment, and the official procedures of certification. This process allows for the continuous monitoring of variety preservation and multiplication, contributing to the reliability of seed production, the protection of seed quality, and ultimately ensuring the genetic stability of crop production. -
Evaluation of smart parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with different genotypes
5-32Views:45In the 2024 growing season, I examined the smart parameters of five different genotypes of maize hybrids within the framework of a long-term field experiment. The research focused on the germination dynamics, dry matter accumulation in relation to the useful heat units, and the analysis of individual NDVI and SPAD values of the plants.
The cooling that occurred during the two weeks following sowing posed challenges for the hybrids, yet the adaptive strategies of the different genotypes were clearly observable. The dynamics of germination and the rate of dry matter accumulation highlighted the diversity among the genotypes, offering significant potential in terms of yield and harvest timing.
The Kabanero hybrid performed exceptionally well, emerging the earliest and reaching the highest final dry matter content. The Synopsis hybrid showed dynamic adaptation: although its initial germination was slower, it later accelerated, resulting in balanced dry matter accumulation. Dueling hybrid exhibited the most equal germination and the highest number of emerged plants, coupled with a continuous increase in dry matter content, leading to stable growth. Indem1012 hybrid was sensitive to the drop in temperature, resulting in delayed germination, yet it still achieved significant dry matter accumulation. Kabaretto hybrid emergence equal and although it maintained a lower dry matter content until physiological maturity, it produced the highest average yield, demonstrating its excellent yield potential.
NDVI analysis revealed that all hybrids reached their highest values during the V12 phenological stage, reflecting healthy plant development. The SPAD value analysis showed similar patterns for the Kabanero, Synopsis, and Dueling hybrids, with peak values measured at the V12, silking, and R4 stages. In the Indem1012 and Kabaretto hybrids, high SPAD values were recorded during the V12 stage, followed by a decrease during silking, and a subsequent increase at the R4 stage, indicating the hybrids' adaptability.
Overall, the diverse performance of the studied maize hybrids provided valuable insights into the relationships between germination dynamics, dry matter accumulation, and physiological development, highlighting the potential inherent in genetic diversity. -
Application of MALDI-TOF MS in scientific research and agricultural practice
105-132Views:44Today, MALDI-TOF MS is a key tool in proteomics, microbiology, medical diagnostics, and is widely used in food safety and materials science. This technology has undergone revolutionary developments in the recent years: new matrix materials have been developed that improve ionisation efficiency, and more advanced data processing algorithms have been developed to increase the accuracy of analyses. Due to its speed, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, this technology is increasingly emerging as an alternative to traditional identification methods.
MALDI-TOF MS is an innovative and versatile tool that may be important in plant breeding and food quality control. Not only does it provide reliable results in genetic purity testing and toxin analysis, but it also contributes to plant physiology research and the development of plant protection strategies, as well as the detailed mapping of plant protein expression patterns. The method enables the identification of new stress response proteins that may play an important role in future plant breeding programs. Advances in proteomics research are opening up opportunities to explore protein changes in response to different environmental influences in greater detail.
The combination of MALDI-TOF MS and intelligent data analysis may open new horizons in disease diagnostics, the development of precision medicine, food safety, agriculture, and environmental analytics. -
Transcriptomic analysis of the combined effects of humic acids and nutrients in maize (Zea mays L.)
5-30Views:13The use of humic acids in agricultural production worldwide dates back several decades and numerous scientific studies support the beneficial effects of the compounds. However, less information is available about their combined use with macro- and microelements. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of humic acids combined with boron and sulfur using modern genetic tools. We performed genome-level transcriptomic analyses using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technique and found that the combined use of humic acids with nutrients positively influences several plant biochemical processes. Its beneficial effects extend to certain stages of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and also affect the function of some ribosomal genes. However, among the findings previously published in the literature, at the gene level we were unable to confirm additional positive effects (e.g. stress-relieving, antioxidant effects, etc.) that can be derived from the individual or combined use of humic acids. Our studies provide deeper insight and explain the transcriptomic background of changes in some plant physiological processes observed upon application of humic acid solutions. -
Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) parameters in different phenophases as a function of heat sums in irrigated production
85-103Views:22In Hungary, maize is one of the most widely grown crops, with a stable area of 0.8–1 million hectares. The reason for this is the exceptional yield of the crop, which allows a significant amount of value to be produced per unit area. Domestic production is mainly used for animal feed, particularly in the poultry and pig sectors, and for feeding ruminants. Its use is not only as food or fodder crops, but is also increasingly important for the production of oil, bioethanol and energy. The intrinsic values of maize – protein, starch and oil – are crucial for its use in industry, feed and food. The nutrient supply of maize is essential to ensure plant development. Adequate nutrient supply is essential to ensure sustainable farming and high yields. The nutrient rates applied must be adapted to the needs of the crop so that the hybrids tolerate stress caused by seasonal effects well and yield security is maintained.
Water deficit is one of the most serious abiotic stresses that negatively affect plant growth, development and yield. Extreme weather conditions reduce yields and threaten stable production. The content, quality and industrial use of maize are closely linked to genetic, ecological and agrotechnical factors. By selecting the appropriate hybrid and applying the appropriate cultivation technology, yield indicators can be adapted to different purposes. In the agrotechnical studies for 2024, the main yield determinants were analysed, and weather was evaluated for each agrotechnical element and phenophase. The research is mainly based on meteorological measurements at the Látókép Experimental Station of the University of Debrecen. In the winter period 2023/24, 283 mm of precipitation fell in 6 months, 69 mm above the long-term average. In June, the weather was free of extremes, with evenly distributed temperatures, but above the multi-year average. The above average rainfall (66 mm), combined with soil moisture in the deeper layers of the soil, ensured a good water supply.
The average temperatures in both July and August were close to record highs (24.2 °C). The exceptional warmth in August (mid to late August) was mainly due to the shortening of the ripening phase. The 29 mm of precipitation in July was less than half the multi-year average and the following month of August was also dry (33 mm). The summer total was 128 mm. In early September, the unseasonably warm weather continued, with the first decade showing a positive anomaly of nearly 7 °C. The physiological maturity of the maize and its rapid drainage and drying allowed early harvesting. The year 2024 was marked by a marked dichotomy in terms of maize production.
Our field maize experiments allowed us to record the phenophases of the plants throughout the growing season (Hanway scale). As a new result, our analyses showed that, especially in the generative phase, more accurate data were obtained when taking into account the useful heat sum (HU) calculations. From emergence to silking, 60 days passed using 545 HU of heat sum. From silking to waxy maturation (R4) 32 days and 422 HU were needed. It was found that from silking to physiological maturation, typical of the genotype, 815 HU were required. The yield of maize hybrid H470 under irrigation is excellent (20.76 t/ha). The dry matter incorporation dynamics of the hybrid is outstanding. Dry matter gain was measured weekly. At the physiological maturation phenophase (30 August 2024), using 1360 HU, the dry matter content was 77.1%. The dry matter measurements allowed the evaluation of the water loss dynamics of a maize hybrid with excellent yield potential. Measurements and analyses were performed every seven days. The water loss rate was 5.5% in the first week, 5.8% in the second week, 4.6% in the third week and 6.9% in the fourth week. At physiological maturation, grain moisture showed a favourable value (22.9%). After physiological maturation, the daily water loss was 0.23% during the 21-day period.
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