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Comparison Of Statistical And Machine Learning Genomic Prediction Methods In Plant Breeding: Case Studies In Maize And Soybean, Igor Kuivjogi Fernandes

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Plant breeding is essential to increase genetic gain and food production worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate new ways to use machine learning (ML) to tackle plant breeding challenges, where two ideas were tested — the first chapter focuses on how to combine genetic and environmental data using ML to improve the prediction of maize grain yield in multi-environment trials, while the second chapter centers on how to couple feature selection of molecular markers with ML to enhance prediction of yield in soybean, and, in both cases, ML approaches were compared to well-established statistical methods greatly adopted by the …

Genomic Selection For Dwarf Bunt Resistance In Winter Wheat, William Krause

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Dwarf bunt (DB), caused by the pathogen Tilletia controversa J.G. Kühn [as 'contraversa'], is a fungal disease that poses yield and grain quality risks to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) production in the Intermountain West and abroad. The infection replaces the grain with a collection of spores that are spread by wind during the following harvest. In addition to wheat, DB also infects other cereal grains and wild grasses. Genomic selection (GS) is a plant breeding method that can determine percent infection of related varieties by using phenotypic data and genetic data within a prediction model. A panel …

Enhancing Selection Intensity With High-Throughput Phenotyping Data In Plant Breeding, Ashmita Upadhyay

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Genomic prediction (GP) has proven to be an essential tool to accelerate the cultivar development pipeline by predicting the performance of un-phenotyped lines in the field of plant breeding. However, the prediction accuracy is bounded by the heritability of the target trait, limiting the efficiency of the single-trait GP model. To overcome the limitation, a multi-trait genomic prediction model using high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) data can be used to leverage secondary traits to boost the predictive ability of the target trait. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of the multi-trait (MT)- GP model powered by HTP derived secondary traits in …

Compact Solar-Powered Plasma Water Generator: Enhanced Germination Of Aged Seed With The Corona Dielectric Barrier Discharger, Yiting Xiao, Yang Tian, Haizheng Xiong, Ainong Shi, Jun Zhu

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Seed aging adversely affects agricultural productivity by reducing germination rates and seedling vigor, leading to significant costs for seed banks and companies due to the need for frequent seed renewals. This study demonstrated the use of plasma-activated water (PAW), generated by a solar-powered corona dielectric barrier discharger, to enhance germination rates of spinach seeds that had been stored at 4 °C for 23 years. Treating seeds with PAW at 17 kV for 15 min improved germination (by 135%) and seedling growth compared to untreated seeds. Through detailed analysis, beneficial PAW properties for seed development were identified, and a molecular mechanism …

Association Mapping For Water Use Efficiency In Soybean Identifies Previously Reported And Novel Loci And Permits Genomic Prediction, Siva K. Chamarthi, Larry C. Purcell, Felix B. Fritschi, Jeffrey D. Ray, James R. Smith, Avjinder S. Kaler, C. Andy King, Jason D. Gillman

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Soybean is a major legume crop cultivated globally due to the high quality and quantity of its seed protein and oil. However, drought stress is the most significant factor that decreases soybean yield, and more than 90% of US soybean acreage is dependent on rainfall. Water use efficiency (WUE) is positively correlated with the carbon isotopic ratio ¹³C/¹²C (C13 ratio) and selecting soybean varieties for high C13 ratio may enhance WUE and help improve tolerance to drought. Our study objective was to identify genetic loci associated with C13 ratio using a diverse set of 205 soybean maturity …

Efficacy Of Banana Fibre Paper For The Management Of The Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognita, On Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) In Kenya, Dorris W. Kamau, Wanjohi Waceke, Laura Cortada, Onesmus Mwaura, Tahira Pirzada, Tim L. Sit, Eric Davis, Dick Guenther, Reny Mathew, Lokendra Pal, Saad Khan, Solveig Haukeland, James Kisaakye, Charles Opperman, Danny Coyne

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Globally, potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a key staple food crop. In Kenya, it is the second most important food crop after maize. Among the various constraints to potato production are plant-parasitic nematodes. In particular, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are a significant impediment to potato production, suppressing yield and reducing the quality of harvested tubers. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a lignocellulose fibre matrix (banana paper) either impregnated with a chemical or drenched with a biologically-based nematicide for the management of root-knot nematodes on potatoes, in Kenya. The experiment was conducted in both field and pot …

Genome-Wide Association Analysis And Genomic Prediction Of Salt Tolerance Trait In Soybean Germplasm, Rongqing Xu, Qing Yang, Zhi Liu, Xiaolai Shi, Xintong Wu, Yuenhan Chen, Xingyu Du, Qiqi Gao, Di He, Ainong Shi, Peijun Tao, Long Yan

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction:

Soybean is an important protein and oil crop, and improving yield has traditionally been a major breeding goal. However, salt stress is an important abiotic factor that can severely impair soybean yield by disrupting metabolic processes, inhibiting photosynthesis, and hindering plant growth, ultimately leading to a decrease in productivity.

Methods:

This study utilized phenotypic and genotypic data from 563 soybean germplasms sourced from over 20 countries. Employing four distinct models—we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using four models, including MLM, MLMM, FarmCPU, and BLINK in GAPIT 3, we conducted a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to identify single nucleotide …

Importance Of Tropical Pasture Seed Quality And Factors Affecting It In Smallholder Farming System, H F. Chin, C C. Wong

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Most tropical pastures are associated with and confined to smaJlholder animal production in developing countries of the tropics, with the exception of Australia. At present, tropical pasture seeds are very variable and poor in quality, as tropical herbage seed production is relatively new compared with that for temperate systems. Many tropical species are relatively wild and have yet to be domesticated and selected for pasture use, let alone for seed production characteristics. The unfavourable production and storage environment of the wet tropics, coupled with a lack of appropriate technology, also contributes towards poor quality in tropical pasture seeds. In this …

Integration Of Pastoral And Non-Pastoral Uses On Temperate Rangelands With Cold Winters In Developed Countries, T J. Maxwell, W A. Laycock

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The demands of the relatively wealthy and sophisticated societies of developed countries, with their substantial amounts of leisure time and discretionary income, are having an increasing impact on temperate rangelands in a variety of ways. Some parts of these societies are concerned to protect the landscapes, habitats, wildlife and solitude that can be found there, and wish to constrain any further development within these ecosystems; others also wish .to gain ready access to these resources for hunting, recreation and sport and believe that this requires the exclusion of domesticated livestock. Temperate rangelands are frequently used as water catchments and some …

Harvesting And Processing Techniques Of Tropical Grass And Legume Seeds For Smallfarmers, Lumyai Kowithayakorn, Chaisang Phaikaew

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

For smallfarmers of forage legumes and grasses in Thailand, manual harvesting and cleaning of leguminous seeds have been widely practised because of cheap and available labour. Tropical grasses produce more seeds than can be harvested; hence it is necessary to find means to improve harvesting and processing techniques in order to obtain high standards of both quality and quantity of seed. The main obstacles could be due to prolonged flowering nnd grain filling periods of individual seedheads resulting in the uneven ripening of seeds at harvest. Premature seeds cause low yields and low quality nt harvests in many species. Flowering …

Control Of Oxytropis Ochrocephala Bge. On The Mountainous Pasture Of Southern Ningxia, China, Guo Sijia, Chen Yizhong, Li Kechang, Xu Rong

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Oxytropls ochrocephala Bge., the main poisonous plant on the mountainous pasture in southern Ningxia, has Increased dramatically as a result of overgrazing, The results of a series of studies on control of this plant show the following 3 ways are effective, (1) Spraying selective herbicide Butylate which makes the unpalatable dicotyledons drop by 37% and poisonous plant drop by 86.8% while the palatable grasses increase by 230%; the total yield is raised by 5.4%. This method can both control the poisonous plant and improve the pasture. (2) Spraying herbicides Starane, T-101, D-250, etc., which can specifically kill Oxytropis ochrocephala …

Commercial Seed Production Of Tropical Forage Grasses And Legumes In Costa Rica, Rosemary Sylvester-Bradley, J E. Ferguson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

ABSTRACT A commercial seed enterprise with the initial objective of producing and marketing seeds of recently selected pasture species (Brachriaria dictyoneura and Arachis pintoi) oo small farms in the south west of Costa Rica is described. Farmers provide land and fencing and use the seed plots for grazing when not In the flowering period. The enterprise provides labour and technical organisation for establishment and seed production. Costs of organisation, and research and development work were greater than production costs; To achieve profitability the enterprise needs to increase net income possibly through share-cropping including animal production, and diversification into …

Ruzi Grass (Brachiaria Ruziziensis) Seed Production In North-East Thailand, Chaisang Phaikaew, Chanchai Manidool, Pimpaporn Devahuti

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The recent expansion of beef and dairy production in Thailand has increased demand for pasture seed. Ruzi grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) seed production has increased from 18 tin 1983 to 466 tin 1991. The; production sites are in the north east, where soils and climate are most suitable for seed production. 60% of all ruzi seed is being produced by smallfarmers; the rest is produced by government stations. Average farmer yield of rilzi is 400 kg • seed/h'a, with each farmer contracted 'to grow 0.32 h�� of ruzi grass, at a guaranteed price of US$2/kg; Abo·ut 2700 farmers are …

Model Herbage Seed Farm Establishment In South-West China, Guizhou Province, M P. Rolston, G W. Lill, R W. Brougham, Xie Jishi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A model herbage seed farm was established during 1983-1988 in Guizhou to provide a base for research, training and the product.ion of quality seed for smallholder pasture development. The site is at 26°N in a monsoonal subtropical zone at 1000 m asl. Mean monthly temperatures range from 4°C in winter to 25°C in summer. Seed yield potential of cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) was evaluated. Major nutrient limitations were identified, including responses to K and P. Management strategies to …

Efficiency Of Grassland Areas Of Desert Steppe In North China, Wang Ning, Wang Kezhi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

On the desert steppe of Yanchi County of Ningxia Province, where 1he annual precipilalion is only 300 mm, some methods, including reducing unirrigated land, exploiting water resources, cultivating grasses, planting trees and developing animal husbandry, have been used to improve production. After 10 years the poor villages have become richer; the cultivated grassland is up to 44% of the total arable area and the forest cover to 15%; value of livestock farming output has increased by as much as 5 times, gross yields of grain have increased 1.5-fold, and the average income per capita increased more than 5-fold.

Breeding Switchgrass For Improved Animal Performance, K P. Vogel, K J. Moore, A A. Hopkins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Studies on breeding and evaluating switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) for improved animal performance have been conducted for the last 18 years. !ti vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) has been increased 3 8 g/kg after 3 cycles of selection; demonstrating· that IVDMD of switchgrass can be improved using recurrent, phenotypjc selection. Digestibility of plant tillers collected at panicle emergence was an excellent predictor of IVDMD of progeny in pastures or swards during the growing season. Small improvements in IVDMD (20-30 g/kg} significantly improved average daily gains and gains/ha (17-24 %) of beer cattle (Bos taurus) grazing switchgrass. It should …

Small-Grain Forage For Winter Pastures, D J. Undersander, D P. Hutchenson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The paper summarises 2 studies comparing wheal (Triticum aestivum), barley (Horderim vulgare), rye (Triticale secale), and triticale (x Triticoseca/e) for fornge production and animal performance. Wheat, rye and triticale were planted in 10, 20 and 30 cm row spacings and grown over 2 winters in South Carolina. Porage yield from early­October plantings ranged from 2961 to 5000 kg/ha in 1986-87 and from l012 to 3400 kg/ha in 1987-88. Porage yield was highest from rye, most of the forage growth occurring in autumn. Wheat produced forage growth most uniformly throughout autumn and spring. In the …

Effects Of Lime And Fertilizer On The Establishment Of White Clover In The Falkland Islands, J A. Kerr, Rosie Poultney

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

White clover (Trifolium repens L.)-based pastures could improve low pasture and animal production in the Falkland Islands. However, establishment is difficult and expensive. Effects of lime and fertilisers containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on white clover dry matter yield and root nodulation were experimentally assessed between 1986-88. Lime at 1 t/ha and 30 kg/ha P as triple superphosphate, separately improved clover yield. Nodulation was improved only by lime. Neither N nor K fertilisers affected on white clover establishment yields,

Winter Grazing Rough Fescue Grasslands With And Without Preconditioning On Annual Pasture, W D. Willms, L M. Rode, B S. Freeze

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Winter grazing of the fescue prairie is desirable to reduce the cost of feeding preserved forages and to conserving the native prairie. Rough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb,), the dominant and most productive forage species in the foothills region, is highly sensitive to summer grazing but tolerates grazing while dormant. Since the forage quality declines after senescence, and the energy requirements increase in winter, this study was made to determine the feasibility of winter gmzing pregnant Hereford cows with and without preconditioning on annual pasture. The study, replicated over a 4-year period {n=4), used a 2x2 factorial design representing native …

Improvement Strategies In Winter Cold Temperate Rangeland Ecosystems With Particular Reference To Extensive Grazing Lands Of Iran, A Koocheki

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Traditional land use systems in Iran have been divided between crop production and livestock grazing. Grazing land management in most parts is based on pastoral nomadism which operates between plains as winter grazing lands and mountains as summer grazing lands. Mountainous areas are an important source of food and feed production for nomads and their herds. In Iran two main ranges of mountains, Elburz and Zagros, are the summer territory of nomadic pastoralists. At present 1.5% of total population of the country are nomads. They contribute as much as 27% of value added in the animal industry of the country. …

Winter Cold Temperate Rangelands: Improvement Strategies For Intensive Rangeland Ecosystems, B E. Allan, D Scott

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Transfer of developed grassland technologies to rangelands is discussed in terms of environmental gradients and the options and constraints they impose. Winier feed limitation can be overcome through conserved feeds and various in situ systems involving special purpose pastures and feed banks. General animal nutrition can be improved through intensive development, low input systems, better control of range utilisation and, where appropriate, correction of mineral deficiencies. The emphasis in seeking quick and easy solutions to rangeland management problems is questioned, A more informed, environmentally sound and sustainable approach to rangeland fanning atlitudes and management is proposed. A stepwise process to …

A Multidirectional Study On Chemical Fingerprints And Biological Activities Of Three Cistus Extracts (C. Creticus, C. Laurifolius, And C. Salviifolius) With Ethnomedicinal Uses, Sakina Yagi, Gökhan Zengi̇n, Selami̇ Selvi̇, Güneş Ak, Zoltán Cziáky, József Jekő, Maria J. Rodrigues, Luisa Custodio, Roberto Venanzoni, Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Gaia Cusumano, Paola Angelini

Turkish Journal of Botany

Humans have used medicinal plants to treat various diseases for thousands of years. Cistus species are also widely used in traditional medicine and have various medicinal applications; therefore, they deserve more in-depth research. The present study evaluated the chemical profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxic properties of the twigs and leaves of C. creticus L., C. laurifolius L., and C. salviifolius L. grown in Türkiye. Methanolic extracts of the three species were rich in phenolics, mainly flavonoids, and exerted potent antioxidant activity with methanolic extract from the leaves of C. salviifolius displayed the highest total phenolic (97.08 mg GAE (gallic …

Morpho-Environmental Variability For Scilla L. The Biogeographic Dynamism Under Climate Change Scenarios, João Rocha, Rubén Ramírez-Rodríguez, Francisco Amich, Darinka Gonzalez, Mário Santos, Reinaldo Cajaiba, António L. Crespí

Turkish Journal of Botany

This paper explores the correlations between morphological variability and range dynamics in western Eurasian-Mediterranean flora through a fluctuating asymmetry (FA) perspective across ten climate scenarios. We investigate the potential distribution of Scilla L. and its thermopluviometric correlations, and compare them with other three genera analysed previously, for western Eurasia and northern Africa (Baldellia Parl., Jasione L., and Ononis L. -Viscosae and Natrix sections-), considering past (22 Kyrs), present, and future conditions (2081-2100). By comparing "overlapped areas" (OA) with "non-overlapped areas" (NOA), we found two distinct groups of responses among genera: Scilla show higher morphological variability in NOAs, while Baldellia concentrate …

Responses Of Salvia Nemorosa L. To Silver Nanoparticle And Methyl Jasmonate Stimuli Under Salt Stress, Bi̇lal Andi̇ç, Pinar Orcan

Turkish Journal of Botany

The present study evaluated the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on Salvia nemorosa L. under NaCl stress. To this end, total soluble sugar, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, total antioxidant capacity, H2O2 content, photosynthetic pigment, MDA, and proline contents, and enzymatic antioxidant activities were assessed. When the results for photosynthetic pigment contents were evaluated, the highest levels of total carotenoid content, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b were obtained with NaCl + AgNP + MeJA treatment. Under NaCl stress, MDA and H2O2 levels increased, but they decreased when AgNP and MeJA were applied. All treatment groups had …

Puccinellia (Puccinellia Ciliata) For Dryland Salinity Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Puccinellia (Puccinellia ciliata) is a potentially valuable fodder on waterlogged saline land. Puccinellia, Distichlis and marine couch are the most salt tolerant of the commercially available grasses. It is best suited to areas with more than 400mm annual rainfall and where the watertable is shallow over summer.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends that any dryland salinity management is part of a whole farm, and preferably a whole catchment, water management plan.

Rabbit Control: Bait Products, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet is part of the bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests in Western Australia (WA). It provides information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA to control rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

For information on how to access bait, poison and toxin (bait) products, training required, animal welfare considerations and legal requirements, refer to the Bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests’ page on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au. Information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA for rabbits, is provided below.

Nebline, November/December 2024

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Positive Insights Shared Regarding CHIME: Head Start University Partnership Project, Jaci Fogel

Diabetes Awareness: Small Changes, Big Impact, Kayla Colgrove

Recipe of the Month: Turkey Cranberry Meatballs, Kayla Colgrove

Commercial/ Noncommercial Pesticide License

Love Gardening? Become a Master Gardener!

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Upcoming Green Industry Conferences

Managing the Demands of Water & Wastewater Systems Can Make Gatherings More Enjoyable, Becky Schauerman

It’s Time to Plant Fall Cover Crops, John Nelson

A Quick Guide to Fleas, Kait Chapman

Heart of 4-H Award: Shane Cuttlers and Dena Noe

4-H Specialty Clubs Invite New Members

Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer …

Cane Toad, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet provides information about the identification, biology, impact, and management of the cane toad.

The cane toad (Rhinella marina), or giant toad, is native to central and South America. It has been introduced to many countries, including northern and eastern Australia. The cane toad is a declared pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) in Western Australia (WA). The Western Australian Organism List (WAOL), available on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au) contains information on the area(s) in which this pest is declared, and the control and keeping categories to which it has been assigned in WA.

Guide To Supplementary Feeding And Budgeting, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

Supplementary feeding of sheep, with grain, hay or silage is necessary when pastures or stubbles are deficient in energy and protein.

A good supplementary feeding program will ensure sheep utilise as much dry paddock feed as possible as well as provide sufficient supplementary feed for maintenance or growth.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends supplementary or confined paddock feeding to maintain livestock productivity and avoid animal welfare and soil erosion problems.

Fallow And Red Deer: Requirements To Keep, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

This factsheet provides information on the requirements for keeping fallow and red deer species in Western Australia.

Fallow (Dama dama) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) are declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Act 2007 in Western Australia (WA).

The department assists in preventing the establishment of deer in the wild. This means a permit is required to keep fallow and red deer in WA. Animals that escape or become feral must be recaptured or destroyed.

Small populations of feral deer occur in WA from escaped captive stock and deliberate release. Deer damage native plants, crops and plantation …