Crop breeding

The evaluation of the morphology of human spermatozoa varies widely between and sometimes even within laboratories. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the method that has been developed in our laboratory and which resulted in the use of stricter criteria for the evaluation of sperm morphology is a practical, reliable and repeatable method and to establish the within and between observer variations. The criteria used for a 'normal' spermatozoon are based on the appearance of spermatozoa found in the mucus of the upper endocervical canal. The results of the morphological evaluations of 26 samples by four observers were statistically analysed by various methods. The method of Barnett showed a high degree of relative accuracy between observers with error variances of between 2.89 and 19.67 as well as high Spearman rank correlation coefficients of between 0.8675 and 0.6537 (P less than 0.0003). The Spearman correlation coefficient for 15 duplicate evaluations by o...

The nutrient components and functional properties of Discorea alata were determined. The average crude protein of D. alata was 6.7%. Carbohydrate (81.6-87.6%) was the predominant fraction of the tuber dry mater. The mineral contents of the yam tuber varieties were also evaluated with values ranging from 240-400mg/100g, k; 190-380mg/100g, Na; 180-340mg/100, P; 20.2-80.2mg/100g, C and 24.3-97.2mg/100g, Mg. Vitamin C content of the yam tubers ranged from 16.7-28.4mg/100g, fresh weight. Significant differences in the crude protein and mineral contents were observed among the varieties. Functional property levels in the yam tubers were found to be in the range of 0.64-0.76g/cm (BD); 2.90-3.65g/g (WAC); 27.0-3.5 sec 3 (wettability) and 30-50% w/v (gelation). Significant differences in the functional properties of the yam tuber varieties were also observed. The overall results are indication of good nutritional quality and functional properties of D. alata.

Drought and changes in weather conditions, cause damage and reduce their agricultural products. The fact that durum wheat, after common wheat or Simultaneous with that, is one of the major sources of food supplies, makes it a necessity to identify its drought tolerant species.This article reports an experiment on the impact of different levels of drought (5,10,20, 25 percent of field capacity) on activity of antioxidant enzymes, including Catalase (CAT), Poly phenol oxidase (PPO), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and also some photosynthetic pigments (Chlorophylls a, b, total Chlorophyll and Carotenoid), as well as some osmosic regulators include Carbohydrates and Proline in durum wheat genotypes (Shabrang, Behrang, Karkhe, Aria, Dena). This experiment was designed as a factorial randomized blocks with three repeats, conducted at the Institute for Biotechnological Research in the University of Zabol. Following planting the seeds in pots, the drought stress was introduced at the tillering stage, after which the attributes of the plants were measured. The results of analysis of variance demonstrated that the impact of genotype, drought stress, and the interaction of stress and drought were statistically significant at 1 percent and 5 percent in all the attributes under investigation. The impact of genotype and drought stress on polyphenol oxidase trait was not significant. The most significant effects observed were those of 5 percent watering level of the capacity on antioxidant activity and osmos regulator. The results of this study indicated that in the conditions of this experiment, Behrang and Karkheh genotypes determined the highest level of photosentises pigments and Shabrang genotype have most level of antioxidant activity and Karkheh genotype have highest level of proline and carbohydrate contain, identifying it as a drought tolerant species.

A half diallel set of crosses involving 8 inbred lines of maize along with two commercial hybrids (SC 10 and SC Pioneer 30k8) were evaluated at two different sowing dates (2/5/2014 and 1/6/2014) using RCBD design with three replications at the Agricultural Research and Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Moshtohor, Benha University to determine combining ability and gene action for grain yield and its components. Significant planting date mean squares were detected, with a higher magnitude at early sowing date compared to that at late one. Genotypes as well as their components (parents, crosses and parents vs crosses) mean squares reached the significance level of probability for most studied traits. Significant mean squares due    to general and specific combining ability (GCA (a) and SCA (b)) were obtained for all the studied traits using Griffing's methods (M 2 and M 4) and method of Jones at early, late and across sowing dates for most studied traits. Also, low GCA/ SCA ratio using Griffing's methods and a/b ratio using Jones method showed that non-additive type of gene action was the more important part of the total genetic variability for most studied traits in both and across planting dates. The parental inbred lines P3 and P7 seemed to be the best combiner for grain yield plant-1 as well as one or more of its components. The most desirable inter- and intera-allelic interactions were presented in both methods of Griffing by the F1 hybrids; P1xP7, P2xP8, P3xP4, P3xP7, P1xP8, P2xP3, P2xP8, P3xP4, P3xP7, P4xP7, P5xP6, P5xP8 and P6xP7 for grain yield plant-1. The crosses P3xP4, P3xP7, P6xP7, P5xP6, P2xP3, P1xP7, P4xP7, P2xP8, P1xP6 and P1xP7 gave significantly positive superiority in grain yield over SC10 and SC 30K8 in the combined analysis. Also, the three crosses P3xP7, P3xP4 and P5xP6 in the combined analysis were out yielded by (26.37 and 36.56%), (22.03 and 31.87%), (16.16 and 25.56%) over SC 10 and SC Pioneer 30K8, respectively. Highly significant and larger in magnitude values of dominance component (H1) were obtained for all traits in both sowing dates. Significant (h2) values were detected for all the studied traits. Low heritability values were detected for all studied traits. Values of H2/4H1was largely deviated from 0.25 were obtained for 100-kernel weight in both planting dates and No. of kernels row-1 at early sowing date. The same trend was detected by F values. Over-dominance was obtained for all traits. The parental inbred line P5 at early sowing date and P8 and P1 at late planting date for grain yield plant-1 seemed to carry the most dominant genes responsible for the expression of this trait. However, P4 for grain yield plant-1 had recessive genes. The correlation analysis revealed a strong relation between the four methods used in this study for estimation of error variance for all studied traits.

339 5. Perspectives and Challenges 395 Acknowledgements 398 Appendix A. Evolution of the investment into nutrient uptake, effects on emergent functioning 398 Appendix B. Mixing group selection and individual selection in co-evolutionary models 401 Appendix C. Effects of enrichment on the control of biomass within a tri-trophic food chain when the herbivore evolves 402 Appendix D. Eco-evolutionary dynamics in a plant-herbivore-predator confronted to insecticides 407 Appendix E. Evolution of specialization rate of the pest and its ecological consequences 413 Glossary 416 References 417

General and specific combining abilities as well as genetic variance components for different agronomic traits in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) inbred lines were estimated using “Line × Tester” analysis method. Six new restorer lines were crossed with four CMS lines as tester in 2006 growing season. The 24 F1 single cross combinations were planted in complete randomized block design with four replications in Khoy Field Research Station in 2007 growing season. There were significant differences between hybrids for all traits except for head diameter. ...

To characterize the gradient of resistance to black pod disease experimentally, the leaf disk assay was applied to 217 cocoa genotypes. The parameters time interval, number of leaves evaluated per genotype and distribution of experimental treatments were evaluated. Significant differences between genotypes were found, resulting in the grouping in five homogenous groups (p < 0.01). In the assessments with the leaf disk test, five and seven days after inoculation, the F value was highest after seven days, clearly separating the resistant from susceptible genotypes. There was no difference between the clones behavior and the use of more than one box to group the genotypes (p = 0.56) and the use of different leaves of the same genotype (p = 0.08). The resistance gradient observed indicates variability enough for mapping and cocoa breeding in the population.

The objective of this work was to validate microsatellite markers associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) races 3 and 14, in soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes, for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs. Microsatellites of soybean linkage groups A2, D2 and G were tested in two populations, and their selection efficiencies were determined. The populations were 65 F2:3 families from Msoy8001 (resistant) x Conquista (susceptible) cross, and 66 F2:3 families of S5995 (resistant) x Renascença (susceptible) cross, evaluated for resistance to races 3 and 14, respectively. Families with female index up to 30% were considered moderately resistant. Markers of A2 and G linkage groups were associated with resistance to race 3. Markers Satt309 and GMENOD2B explained the greatest proportion of phenotypic variance in the different groups. The combinations Satt309+GMENOD2B and Satt309+Satt187 presented 100% selection efficiency. Resistance to race 14 was associated with markers of G linkage group, and selection efficiency in the Satt309+Satt356 combination was 100%. The selection differential obtained by phenotypic and marker assisted selection showed that both can result in similar gains.

O método de melhoramento atualmente usado para o programa de mandioca é longo porque, na etapa inicial, dá-se maior prioridade ao rendimento e a qualidade das raízes vem depois. Para encurtar este método, ambos o rendimento e a qualidade das raízes devem ser selecionadas simultaneamente, começando no viveiro das novas mudas. Neste estudo realizado na Colômbia, uma população de viveiro constituída de oito famílias de mandioca e 1885 novas mudas desenvolvidas a partir de parentais adaptados a três grandes regiões agro-ecológicas diferentes foram avaliadas em termos de características de rendimento da cultura. A porcentagem do conteúdo de matéria seca (MS) e o índice de colheita produziram um ranking semelhante ao dos parentais. O rendimento do tubérculo, peso e número de raízes mostraram potencial de rendimento crescente através do melhoramento convencional. Recomenda-se o uso de um índice de seleção combinado incluindo o rendimento de raízes frescas, a porcentagem de MS, o peso e o n...

In order to investigate the effect of iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on callus viability of Berberis vulgaris L., an experiment was conducted in October 2017 at Birjand Agricultural College. Callus were placed on MS/2 medium containing hormonal compounds (TDZ-BAP) and iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles at different concentrations for 2 months. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 10 different treatments in three replications. The traits were dry weight, weigh weight, callus area, percent of moisture, viability percent, OD485nm. The results of analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between treatments for fresh weight, dry weight, moisture percentage content at 5% level, and the comparison of mean treatments showed that (TDZ + 100 PPM zinc oxide nanoparticles) had the highest callus dry weight, fresh weight and moisture percentage (BAP + 75 PPM zinc oxide) had the highest bioavailability. Orthogonal comparisons between group treatments showed that (TDZ + 100 PPM nano-iron oxide) had the highest and (TDZ + 75 PPM Zn) had the lowest OD. Overall, the results indicated a positive effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on reducing browning and highest viability of seedless barberry calluses.

The pool barb, Puntius sophore Hamilton, 1822, is a tropical freshwater cyprinid fish native to inland waters in Asia. Herein, a novel myxozoan from plasmodia on the caudal fin of P. sophore from Ranjit Sagar Wetland in Punjab, India is described. Myxospores were consistent with the genus Myxobolus, ellipsoidal in frontal view, lemon-shaped in lateral view; length 7.76 ± 0.28 µm, width 5.36 ± 0.15 µm. There were two polar capsules of unequal size: a larger polar capsule, length 3.01 ± 0.08 µm, width 1.83 ± 0.11 µm, with 6-7 turns of the polar filament, and a smaller polar capsule, length 1.71 ± 0.15 µm, width 0.94 ± 0.07 µm, with 3-4 turns of the polar filament. The 1183 bp 18S rDNA sequence was up to 95% similar to Myxobolus spp. from other cyprinid fishes in India. Given the novel host, unique myxospore morphology, and 18S rDNA sequence, we propose Myxobolus puntiusii n. sp.

The genetic dissimilarity in 15 cassava clones was evaluated based on seven morpho-agronomic traits and multivariate procedures, aiming to select the most divergent and best in an approach to future hybridizations. The experiment was carried out in 2003/2005, in random blocks, with three replications. Based on the matrix of Mahalanobis' generalized distance, the clones were grouped as related to similarity, using the algorithms of Tocher and Nearest neighbor. The relative importance of the traits was also evaluated. The multivariate techniques were concordant in the study of genetic dissimilarity and efficient in grouping clones with short genetic distance. The following traits contributed most to the genetic diversity: total weight of the aerial part, root diameter, root weight, length of tuber roots and harvest index.

ABSTRACT-In a backcross population of the allotetraploid Coffea arabicaL. the loci with diploid-like segregation were predominant, although a few loci with tetrassomic inheritance or distortion of the expected segregation were also observed. A partial genetic map of ...

This investigation was carried out to study the karyotype diversity of five garlic (Allium Sativum L.) varieties in Isfahan Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Karyotype of mitotic cells in metaphase of root apical meristem in germinated seeds was studied. The base number of chromosomes was x = and all populations were diploid. Experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with five replicates and mean comparison with Duncan's multiple range test (at) among the five varieties of garlic. Based on Stebbins two-way table the Isfahan and Jiroft populations in class B and Bam, Kerman and Hamedan populations were located in class B. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for the total chromosome length, long and short arm length and the relative length of the shortest chromosome (p < .), short arm length to long arm length, differences between the largest and smallest relative length of chromosomes, asymmetry index, the percentage of the overall shape and relative length of the long arm (p < .) which indicates the chromosomal diversity in the populations. Factor analysis introduced three factors (first, second and third) that justified more than percent of total variation among populations. In first factor TF% and rvalue traits were identified as the most important factors while TL and LA traits in the second factor were highly effective. As well as S% was the most important in creation of the third factor. All populations were classified in two groups by cluster analysis. Bam, Jiroft, Kerman, and Hamedan in the first group and Isfahan population in the second group.

In order to identify the relationships between photoperiod effects on flowering time in barley and four specific genes (FT2, FT3, FT4 and Ppd-H1), 26 cultivated and wild genotypes were studied in both greenhouse and filed conditions. The Plants were grown at two conditions and phenological traits of days to 50% flowering were recorded in both situations. In addition, the morphology of the 11 traits were measured separately in greenhouse conditions. Marker-trait assosiation showed that Ppd-H1 gene had the most significant negative correlation with days to flowering in both conditions, indicating dominant allele Ppd-H1, reduced the number of days to flowering under long day conditions. Marker was significantly associated with the trait of day to flowering was used in regression analysis and represented the largest variation in Ppd-H1 in both conditions and explained the expression of this gene has a major role in the number of days to flowering. In conclusion, genotypes with dominant Ppd-H1 allele are introduced as the best for using in breeding programs and for growing in the areas with short growing seasons.

Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) contains phytochemical compounds capable of preventing a number of health problems. Knowledge on the genetic contribution to the variability in these compounds can help to obtain mate progenies with higher levels thereof in breeding programs. The composition of triterpene saponins, methylxanthines, chlorogenic acid and the antioxidant activity of eight mate progenies were evaluated. Significant differences among progenies were verified in contents of triterpene saponins (0.003-0.080%), caffeine (0.226-1.377%), theobromine (0.176-0.831%), and chlorogenic acid (1.344-2.031%) and in antioxidant activity (31.251-51.406%). The contents of theobromine were found to be negatively correlated with saponins and caffeine, and caffeine with chlorogenic acid, while theobromine was positively correlated with chlorogenic acid. The heritability values for saponins (75.09%), caffeine (75.19%), theobromine (66.87%), chlorogenic acid (52.86%) and antioxidant activity (67.75%) indicate the possibility of genetic gain in selection for these traits.

The distinction of genotypes responsive to tissue culture and the development of an efficient regeneration system are the first steps towards transgenic plant production. Nine Brazilian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes were cultivated in vitro to evaluate the embryogenetic capacity. The explants (immature zygotic embryos) were tested in two different culture media, MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962) and modified MS -MMS (Zhou et al. 1995) with decreasing dosages of hormone regulators. Three distinct phases were observed in each medium: induction, maintenance and regeneration. After induction, the somatic embryogenesis of calli was evaluated every 21 days. Genotypes responded differently to the different culture media. The embryogenic response of genotype CD104 was best in both culture media tested. On MMS, the values of callus induction, plant regeneration and ratio of regenerated plantlets per rescued embryo of this genotype were 100%, 99.5% and 1.1%, respectively. Genotypes CD104, CD200126 and CDFAPA 2001129 were most responsive on MS (regeneration capacity of 37.5%, 33.5% and 33% respectively), and therefore interesting for genetic transformation in plant breeding programs that develop new elite cultivars with a commercial purpose.

Genetic variability in plants can be maximized through techniques of induction to make selection of genotypes with improved adaptation to cultivation conditions possible. For oat, these techniques are important for a sustainable development through plant breeding programs in southern Brazil. The effects of mutagens (one physical: 60 Co gamma rays and two chemical agents: ethyl -methanesulfonate and methyl-methanesulfonate) were compared in the segregating M 2 and M 3 generations derived from artificial hybridization and induced mutation to compare mechanisms of widening the genetic variability of oat. The methodologies increased the genetic variability in the trait vegetative cycle effectively, by either increasing or reducing the number of days from emergence to full heading; both can be applied in oat breeding programs.

Genetic variability in plants can be maximized through techniques of induction to make selection of genotypes with improved adaptation to cultivation conditions possible. For oat, these techniques are important for a sustainable development through plant breeding programs in southern Brazil. The effects of mutagens (one physical: 60 Co gamma rays and two chemical agents: ethyl -methanesulfonate and methyl-methanesulfonate) were compared in the segregating M 2 and M 3 generations derived from artificial hybridization and induced mutation to compare mechanisms of widening the genetic variability of oat. The methodologies increased the genetic variability in the trait vegetative cycle effectively, by either increasing or reducing the number of days from emergence to full heading; both can be applied in oat breeding programs.

The white oat cultivar Brisasul was developed from the cross OR 2 x UPF 18 at the Centro de Genômica e Fitomelhoramento, Faculdade de Agronomia 'Eliseu Maciel', Universidade Federal de Pelotas. The most important traits are high yield, low stature and high lodging resistance.

The evolution of leaf scald (Xylella fastidiosa) resistance was evaluated in individuals of seven plum segregating populations, consisted of seedling progenies originating from crosses involving nine plum cultivars, with varied levels of resistance.

The present study was envisaged to assess the adaptability of four improved Chickpea (Cicerarietinum L)
varieties (Arerti,Monino, Shasho, Ejere and a local check (Harere) at Haro Sabu Agricultural Research Center
sub sites, to see their adaptability potential under western Oromia. These varieties were sown in RCBD with
three replications during 2013/14 at Hawa Galan and Tabor sub sites. Combined analyses of data from the two
experimental sites(Hawa Galan and Tabor )revealed very highly significant varietal differences (P < 0.05) in
grain yield, days to 50% flowering and days to 95% maturity, seed per pod and hundred seed weight and
significant for plant height. However, no significant varietal differences were observed in main branch per plant
and pod per plant. The location effect was highly significant (P < 0.05) for hundred seed weight and significant
for plant height. There were no significant differences between the two locations with respect days to 50%
flowering, days to 95% maturity, main branch per plant, pod per plant, seed per pod and yield. The replication
across location effect was not significant (P < 0.05) for all characters studied. A variety x Location interaction
effects was highly significant (P < 0.05) only for hundred seed weight. Regarding the mean performances of
varieties over the two locations, Arerti was the highest in grain yield (20.1 Qt ht-1), followed by Shasho (19.8 Qt
ht -1).On the contrary, the lowest grain yield was obtained from Monino (5.2 Qt ht-1).

Water stress tolerance was assessed in three cultivars and seven lines of cammon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) belonging to the commercial black and carioca groups. Two independent experiments, one for each group, were set up in Londrina in the year 2000 wet season. A randomized complete block design was used with splitplots and three replications. The plots consisted of treatments with and without water stress and the splitplots of cultivars and lines. Grain yield and grain yield components were assessed. There was genetic variability among the cultivars and lines, as detected by the estimates of the genetic, environmental variation coefficients and B index. Water stress reduced grain yield by, approximately, 50%, but the IPR88 Uirapuru cultivar, from the black commercial group, and the LP 97-13 and LP 97-4 lines from the carioca commercial group stood out as drought tolerant and showed with high yield potential.

The purpose of this study was to verify the possibility of using direct selection in nine traits underlying indirect selection for yield and determine which traits should participate in the selection process. Data of 40 Conilon coffee genotypes were analyzed in two experiments in the growing seasons of 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 in random blocks with four and six replications. The significance of phenotypic associations was evaluated by the t test and the genotypic and environmental associations by bootstrap resampling. The genotypic associations were higher than the phenotypic, indicating a prevailing influence of the genotypic over the environmental effects in the relationship between significant traits; equal signs indicated a lack of contrary action among the effects. The traits related to cycle; yield; ratio of fresh ripe cherries to clean coffee; empty or flat grains; and sieve 17 should be maintained in the selection, evaluation and study of genetic divergence. The estimated gains in grain yield by indirect selection for any trait studied are not satisfactory.

This study aimed to verify the relationship between breeding for tolerance to low levels of soil nutrients and for nutrient use efficiency in tropical maize. Fifteen inbred lines were evaluated in two greenhouse experiments under contrasting levels of N and P. The relationship between nutritional efficiency and tolerance to nutritional stress was estimated by the Spearman ranking correlation between the genotypes for the traits related to N and P use efficiency and phenotypic plasticity indices. The lack of relationship between the traits, in magnitude as well as significance, indicates that these characters are controlled by different gene groups. Consequently, simultaneous selection for both nutrient use efficiency and tolerance to nutritional stress is possible, if the mechanisms that confer efficiency and tolerance are not competitive.

The objective of the present study was to assess the genetic potential of inbred carioca common bean families from five populations derived from crossings involving elite lines and a disease-resistant line (Rudá-R), and to assess the efficiency of SCAR molecular markers in selecting plants resistant to anthracnose and angular leaf spot, at the time of bulk formation. Plant architecture, yield and grain type were assessed. Significant effect among families within population was observed, suggesting wide genetic variability for the characters assessed. Twenty-six superior families were selected. The families contained the greatest number of markers, identified by SCAR molecular markers in the F 4 generation. Eighteen of these families were resistant to the races 65 and 453 of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and five were resistant to the race 63.23 of Pseudocercospora griseola. Thus selection assisted by SCAR markers, in the F 4 generation, was an important tool in common bean breeding.

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and predict genotypic values in sugarcane clones (series RB96) by the Reml/Blup methodology. The trial was installed in an unbalanced block design to evaluate the yield at three locations in the state of Paraná. The ranking of the clones regarding yield differed from one location to the other, due to the genotypic correlation of intermediate magnitude (0.62) across the locations. The two best clones presented a mean superiority of 28% (RB955466) and 19% (RB965518) over the general mean of the three locations. A comparison of the methods Mhprvg (harmonic mean of the relative performance of genetic values, according to Resende 2004) and showed that both selected practically the same clones but the Mhprvg method presented the advantage of providing results in the measurement scale of the evaluated trait.

The purpose of this work was to identify hybrids in intraspecific crosses between sugar apple accessions and interspecific crosses between sugar apple and atemoya accessions by using RAPD markers. Four sugar apple accessions were selected: Seedless P 1 , P 2 , P 3 and P 4 and the atemoya cultivar Gefner (G1). In the pre-female phase the flowers were adequately protected and reciprocal crosses were performed. In crosses where the sugar apple accession Seedless P 1 was used as the male parent, the fruits contained seeds, indicating that the pollen grains of Seedless P 1 are viable. The fruits of reciprocal crosses where Seedless P 1 was used as a female parent contained no seeds. The percentage of true hybrids in the crosses P 4

Common bean types with pinkish and light brown teguments were predominant in Brazil before 1970, until the release of the Carioca common bean. To avoid that these common bean types sink into oblivion, the Instituto Agronômico Campinas applied for the registration of two cultivars by the MAPA/RNC: IAC-Galante (pinkish) and IAC-Centauro (light brown), with high yield and resistance to anthracnose and common mosaic.

Both methods showed significant association for the Embra 125 marker.The QTL that explained 42 % of the phenotypic variation was mapped to 0.02 cM of this marker by the Fulker and Cardon. Marker Embra 125 has potential use in assisted selection, thus increasing the efficiency of the selection of resistant genotypes.

The test proposed by Scott , a procedure of means grouping, is an effective alternative to perform procedures of multiple comparisons without ambiguity. This study aimed to propose a modification related to the partitioning and means grouping in the said procedure, to obtain results without ambiguity among treatments, organized in more homogeneous groups. In the proposed methodology, treatments that did not participate in the initial group are joined for a new analysis, which allows for a better group distribution. In a comparative study, four experiments were simulated in a randomized complete block design. The first consisted of 10 and the other 3 of 100 treatments. All experiments were performed in three replications at a significance level of 0.05 for the means grouping test. Only in the third experiment of those of 100 treatments the groups formed by Scott-Knott did not differ from the methodology proposed here. The proposed methodology is considered effective, aiming at the identification of elite cultivar groups for recommendation.

The industrial quality and lodging resistance of CD 150, a cross between CD104 and CD108, are high and the plant height is short. The average yield was 10 % higher than of the controls in the regions II, III and IV. It is suitable for cultivation in the states of PR, SP, MS and GO, MG, and DF.

The white-oat cultivar Barbarasul was developed by the Universidade Federal de Pelotas. It resulted from a cross between UPF18 and CTC5. It is adapted to the southern region of Brazil, with excellent grain yield potential, short stature and high lodging tolerance.

The aim of common bean breeding programs is the development of high-yielding cultivars, with multiple disease resistance and high technological and nutritional grain quality. Two cultivars, IAC-Alvorada with carioca grain, and IAC-Diplomata with black grain, meet these standards, according to the results of trials of Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) 2005/2006/2007 in São Paulo. The cultivars, developed by the Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, were registered by the MAPA/RNC.