The International Scientific Conference

DEVELOPMENT OF PLANT BREEDING AND CROP MANAGEMENT IN TIME AND SPACE PROGRAMME AND ABSTRACTS 16-18 July 2008 Priekuli, Latvia

Organized and hosted by State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Supported by Latvia University of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture Latvian Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences

The International Scientific Conference

DEVELOPMENT OF PLANT BREEDING AND CROP MANAGEMENT IN TIME AND SPACE To mark 95th anniversary of State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute and 50th anniversary of the Long-term Experiments in Priekuli

PROGRAMME AND ABSTRACTS 16-18 July 2008 Priekuli, Latvia

Organized and hosted by State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Supported by Latvia University of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture

Latvian Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences

Compilers: Ieva Berzina Arta Kronberga

© State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute, 2008 International Conference

DEVELOPMENT OF PLANT BREEDING AND CROP MANAGEMENT IN TIME AND SPACE Conference Organizing Commitee Ritvars Leitens Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Dr.Līvija ZariĦa Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Dr.Ilze Skrabule Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Dr.Arta Kronberga Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Dr.Linda Legzdina Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Dr.Gunta Bebre Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Dr.Uldis Miglavs Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute M.Sc. Dace Piliksere Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute M.Sc.Aina Kokare Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute M.Sc.Ieva BērziĦa Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Conference Scientific Committee Dr. Matti Koppel Dr. Vitautas Ruzgas Prof., Dr. Aleksandrs Adamovičs Prof., Dr. Grigorijs Demidas Prof., Dr. .Piotr Stypinski Dr. Sigitas Lazauskas Dr. Livija ZariĦa Dr. Linda LegzdiĦa Dr. Arta Kronberga

Estonia, Jogeva Plant Breeding Institute Lithuania, Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture Latvia University of Agriculture Ukraine, Ukrainian National University of Agriculture Poland, SGGW, Warsaw University Lithuania, Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Latvia, State Priekuli Plant

Dr. Ilze Skrabule Prof., Dr. Ina Belicka Prof., Dr. Martti Esala Dr. Katrin Kotkas

Breeding Institute Latvia, State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Latvia, State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute Finland, MMT Agrifood Research Finland Estonian Plant Biotechnical Research Centre EVIKA

STATE PRIEKULI PLANT BREEDING INSTITUTE – SIGNIFICANT SCIENTIFIC CENTRE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT WELCOME TO PRIEKULI! The year 2008 marks the 95th anniversary of the first agricultural research institution in Latvia: State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute. Researchers of our institute aim to promote development and improvement of agriculture strengthening from past till nowadays. The institute covers wide range of activities on areas of plant breeding, seed production, preservation of plant genetic resources, fundamental and applied research on soil cultivation and crop management, evolvement in postgraduate studies and advisory activities. There are about 300 ha of the state land and rented area at the disposal of the institute providing work for about 70 employers. The Institute annually produces about 80 t potato seed material, 400 t cereal seed and 40 t fodder grasses seed every year. The anniversary is a good reason to invite friends to scientific conference. The conference is gathering plant breeders and crop management researchers from 16 countries and giving opportunity to discuss relevant topics regarding the different aspects of breeding methodology, crop management and long term experiments. The organising committee has made its best to work out an environment and a programme frame that could facilitate exchange of the latest information described in the offered papers and posters. We hope that this initiative will be very fruitful and successful, and will give an up-dated state of art, necessary for continuing research and starting collaborative

work in future. Also, we hope that the days spent in Priekuli will provide you with opportunities to meet friends and new colleagues and discuss common scientific interests under relaxed, informal atmosphere. Ritvars Leitens, Director of State Priekuli PBI Dr.agr. Ilze Skrabule, Chair of Organizing Committee

THE CONSECUTION OF PLANT BREEDING IN PRIEKULI In the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th century intensive agricultural production methods were developed and introduced in Latvia. The necessity for knowledge based on research appeared among farmers. The Agricultural Central Society of Riga decided to establish plant breeding and research station in Vidzeme region. The first agricultural scientific institution in the territory of Latvia – Cesis research station was founded on April 23rd 1913. The name of institution was changed in the length of time: Priekuli Plant Breeding and Research Station, Priekuli Plant Breeding Station and since 2006 Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute. This scientific centre has been playing an important role in Latvian agriculture during the last 95 years. The first tasks were connected with crop production and plant breeding. In general the same objectives are the staple of research till nowadays. The breeding work and investigation of seed production were carried out for more than 30 crops during the time; many varieties have been bred in Priekuli and quite a lot are still in production. Many competent outstanding researchers, plant breeders and seed producers were engaged in investigations and supply of agricultural producers with appropriate cereal, pea, grasses, potato etc. varieties and seed stocks. The obtained knowledge and experience has been disseminated in papers, books, lectures, seminars and consultations for farmers, students and others all the time. The plant breeding is most important and famous part of research work in Priekuli. Winter rye variety ‘Priekulu’ was accepted by agronomists for a long time in Latvia, but variety ‘Kaupo’ is popular today, the seed growing area of ‘Kaupo’ is 42 % of total rye seed producing fields. The important work is involved in triticale breeding recently, which could become a significant crop for feed production and bio ethanol. Research on spring cereals has been carried out in Priekuli since establishment of the institution. Currently spring barley is bred;

recently hulless barley development for healthy food and feed has begun. Three barley varieties are included in Latvian Plant Variety Catalogue and two are in registration trials, one of them suitable for organic growing conditions. As Latvians traditional dish is grey pea, special pea varieties have been bred for this purpose. Pea varieties are commonly used for feed production too. The varieties of grasses are famous for suitability to variable growing conditions and the request for perennial grasses and clover seed material comes also from abroad. Significant part of produced seeds is regularly exported to Lithuania and other countries. The varieties of clover bred in Priekuli are wellknown not only with excellent suitability for pastures and meadows, but with noteworthy marvellous appearance, especially white clover variety ‘Daile’. However, Priekuli potato varieties have been most famous through years. More than forty potato varieties have been created in the institution since 1931 when potato breeding was started. Today ten potato varieties are included in Latvian Catalogue of Plant Varieties, but variety ’Agrie Dzeltenie’ is grown also in Estonia. The most popular among potato growers in Latvia are varieties ‘Brasla’, ‘Zīle’, ‘Agrie Dzeltenie’ and ‘Lenora’. Two new potato varieties are currently in State Official Trials, and potato variety ‘Imanta’ was registered in 2008. The researchers are looking for new perspectives and possibilities to improve plant breeding process and seed production. The collaboration with other scientific institutions broadens research area and promotes particular investigations. Dr.agr. Ilze Skrabule Lead researcher of Potatoe Breeding Department State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute

CROP MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE YEARS Through the achievements in crop science and production technology over the years, agriculture is now able to feed humans better than it could in the past. Since the beginning of crop cultivation, work was made with limited kind of crops and the main task was to try new methods to obtain more and more higher yields. Nowadays there are new methods: to get yields above specific quality parameters, to use wider spectrum of crop/species, hereto in a sustainable way. Long-term field experiments play an essential role in understanding the complex interactions of plants, soils, pests and their management effects on sustainable crop production. Well managed long-term agricultural field experiments and their related sets of measurements provide a unique research platform for studies on the sustainability of the soil resource. A common philosophy among sustainable agriculture practitioners is that a "healthy" soil is a key component of sustainability: a healthy soil will produce healthy crop plants that have optimum vigour and are less susceptible to pests. Furthermore, crop management systems that impair soil quality often result in a greater input of water, nutrients, pesticides, and energy for tillage to maintain yields accordingly, that quality demands. In sustainable systems, the soil is viewed as a fragile and living medium that must be protected and nurtured to ensure its long-term productivity and stability. Also in the proposal for a Framework Directive for the protection of the soil resource, issued in 2006 by the Commission of the European Union has recognized that soils play a key role in carbon, nutrient, and water storage, in the elimination of harmful substances and organisms originating from anthropogenic activity, and constitute a biological habitat with a unique genetic and functional biodiversity. Thus soils are crucial in the production of food, feeds and fibres, in the protection of water resources, and in the exchange of greenhouse gases with the atmosphere. But, because management-induced changes in

soil properties are often slow and are only recognized after extended periods of time, only long-term experiments with a well-documented history provide opportunities for the effects of manipulation to be separated from other variables. With this viewpoint in mind there are crop scientists who established long-term soil management experiments. Nowadays the significance of long-termed agricultural experiments extends beyond national interests, although every region has their own site, with typical agro ecological conditions and their own specific plants cultivated. Such experiments should be considered as part of a global research resource in which short-term studies on specific aspects of the soil resource can be embedded. Therefore it is with great pleasure that we are welcoming participants to this international conference, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Longterm Experiments in Priekuli which were established by Dr.agr. Vilnis Mikelsons in 1958. Scientists need to do a lot. Accordingly the Commission adopted a Soil Thematic Strategy (COM(2006) 231) and a proposal for a Soil Framework Directive (COM(2006) 232). Further research is necessary to close the gaps in our knowledge about soil and strengthen the foundation for policies. There is a necessity for recommendations on processes underlying soil functions, spatial and temporal changes in soil processes, ecological, economic and social drivers of threats to soil, factors influencing soil eco-services, and operational procedures and technologies for soil protection and restoration. The proposals for the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) cover research into soil functions as part of its “Environment” and “Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology” priority areas. I wish great success to all crop scientists, especially those participants in this conference to join together in fulfilling of tasks brought forward. Dr.agr. Livija Zarina Lead researcher, Head of Agrotechnical Department State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute

State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute and Conference Organizing Committee would like to thank the conference sponsors for their valuable sponsorships:

Latvian Ministry of Agriculture

Wintersteiger AG

Latvian Council of Science

Wintersteiger reklāma

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME Wednesday, 16th July 2008 12.00-14.00

Registration, poster mounting, refreshment (Hotel Tigra) 14.00-18.30 Plenary session. Chair: I.Skrabule, L.Zarina (In Hotel Tigra) 14.00-14.30 Conference opening. R.Leitens, I.Skrabule, L.ZariĦa 14.30-15.00 D.Falk (Canada) 21st century plant breeding: the evolution of directed evolution 15.00-15.30 L. Zarina (Latvia) The role and applications of long-term agro-ecological research.. 15.30-16.00 N.Rostoks (Latvia) Molecular marker technologies for plant breeding in Latvia 16.00-16.30 Coffee break 16.30-17.00 E. Lammerts van Bueren (The Netherlands) Developments in breeding for organic farming systems in Europe 17.00-17.30 A.Velykis (Lithuania) Expansion of winter crop proportion in rotation structure: efficiency and sustainability. 17.30-18.30 Anniversary remembrance I.Skrabule The consecution of plant breeding in Priekuli L.Zarina. Crop management through the years 19.00 Welcome dinner (Hotel Tigra)

Thursday, 17th July 2008 Parallel sessions in Working Groups (in Hotel Tigra) Working Group 1: Field crop breeding 1.1. Genetic resources and breeding methods. Chair: I.Rashal 9.00-9.20 D.RuĦăis (Latvia) The Latvian Gene Bank of Cultivated Plants 9.20-9.40 K.Annamaa (Estonia) Evaluation and utilization of ex situ and in vitro collections of the Estonian plant genetic resources 9.40-10.00 A.Zhuk (Latvia) Characterization of Latvian potato genetic resources using SSR marker DNA fingerprinting 10.00-10.20 Y. Kaya (Turkey) The path analysis in yield traits in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) 10.20-11.00 Coffee break 1.2.Biotehnological methods. Chair: N.Rostoks 11.00-11.20 A.Kokina (Latvia) Characterization of Mla powdery mildew resistance locus in Latvian barley varieties and breeding lines 11.20-11.40 E.Vincze (Denmark) A functional genomics approach to understand the control and regulation of storage protein biosynthesis in barley grain 11.40-12.00 I.Rashal (Latvia) Creating of mapping populations from barley varieties adapted to the Baltic conditions 12.00-12.20 G.Brazauskas (Lithuania) The effect of tiller number in wheat haploid production

1.3. Breeding for organic farming. Chair: I.Belicka 12.20-12.40 Ž.Liatukas, K.Razbadauskien÷, A.Leistrumait÷ (Lithuania) The main traits of winter cereals for breeding for organic farming in Lithuania 12.40-13.00 A.Kronberga (Latvia) Triticale breeding for organic farming Working Group 2: Crop management 2.1. Long-term field trials- Chair: P.Viil 9.00-9.20 D.Piliksere (Latvia) Results on weed monitoring in long-term experimental field in Priekuli 9.20-9.40 J.Vigovskis (Latvia) The maintenance of soil quality and reducing of environmental pollution in long term drainage field trial 9.40-10.00 S.Maiksteniene (Lithuania) Effect of long-term application of different fertilization on the fertility of gleyic cambisoil 10.00-10.20 L.Zarina (Latvia) Results on monitoring of soil quality parameters in the long-term experimental field under different fertilization systems 10.20-11.00 Coffee break 2.2. Fertilization and liming- Chair: J.Vigovskis 11.00-11.20 A.Jermuss (Latvia) Nitrogen management effects on spring wheat yield and protein 11.20-11.40 L.Borovko. (Latvia) The influence of fertilizers and growth regulators on oil and protein content in spring rape seeds 11.40-12.00 L.Agafonova (Latvia) Impact of mineral fertilizer doses on the yield and quantity of

alfalfa on a sod-podzolic loamy sand 12.00-12.20 A. Svarta (Latvia) Influence of mineral fertilizers and liming on the productivity and botanical composition of perennial grass sward 12.20-12.40 L.Tripolskaja (Lithuania) The soil acidity parameters of soils with stopped liming 12.40-13.00 D. Janušauskaite, S.Lazauskas (Lithuania) The effect of nitrogen nutrition on the productivity of winter triticale in the soils of central Lithuania. 13.00-14.00 Lunch (Hotel Tigra) Working Group 1: Field crop breeding 1.4. Breeding success stories. Chair: M.Koppel 14.00-14.20 V.Ruzgas (Lithuania) Breeding of winter wheat varieties for end use products 14.20-14.40 A.Tsahkna (Estonia) The new potato variety 'Reet' 14.40-15.00 Z.Jankauskiene, K.Bačelis (Lithuania) New Lithuanian fibre flax variety ‘Snaigiai’ Working Group 2: Crop management II 2.3. Tillage systems: Chair: A.Velykis 14.00-14.20 P.Viil. (Estonia) Different soil tillage effect to crop yield 14.20-14.40 E. Stasinskis, D. Lapins. (Latvia) Optimisation of soil tillage and weed control in winter wheat 14.40-15.00 A.Vilde A., A.RuciĦs, S.Cesnieks (Latvia) Soil tillage technologies and machines. 15.00-17.00 Poster session and coffee 18.00 Excursion to town Cēsis and conference dinner in Cēsis Medieval Castle

Friday, 18th July 2008 9.00 10.30

13.00

Field tour in State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute Field seminars in groups of interests (cereal breeding, potato breeding, long term experiments) Lunch, closing of conference

Abstracts of conference participants

Section I PLANT BREEDING

1. Evaluation of genetic resources and initial material COMPARISION OF YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS OF WINTER AND SPRING WHEAT Koppel R., Ingver A. Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute, Aamisepa 1, Jõgeva alevik, Estonia, 48 309 phone: +372 77 66 901 e-mail: [email protected] Acreage of wheat cultivation has enlarged from 78 to 102 thousand ha during 4 years (2004-2007). The share of winter wheat is 1/3 smaller than that of spring wheat (but has tendency to increase). Traditionally winter wheat is known by its higher yield potential and spring wheat by better baking quality. In this investigation we studied how yield and quality traits of spring and winter wheat differed at the Jõgeva PBI trials during 2004-2007. Yield and 1000 kernel weight of winter wheat exceeded spring wheat every year. Spring wheat had higher protein and gluten content and volume weight. There was no clear trend for falling number and gluten index. According to analyses of variance, the effect of the year was greater for yield, protein and gluten content for the both types of wheat. For falling number the influence of the year was greater than that of the variety for spring wheat. Volume weight depended more on the year for spring and on the variety for winter wheat.

Key words: spring wheat, winter wheat, quality, yield

EVALUATION OF SPRING BARLEY MALTING VARIETIES FOR BREEDING PROGRAMES Leistrumait÷ A., Paplauskien÷ V., Mašauskien÷ A., Statkevičiūt÷ G. Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture, Instituto al. 1, Akademija, K÷dainiai district, Lithuania, LT-58344 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] The grain quality characters of spring barley can vary substantly due to genetic characteristics, growing technologies and environmental conditions. During the period 2005-2007 grain yield stability and malt quality characteristics of malting spring barley varieties were investigated at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture. The growing conditions in 2005 and 2006 were dry and 2007 were rather wet compared with the long-term mean. The high temperatures and drought in June of 2006 impacted low grain >2.5 mm yield and high protein content. Using the software STABLE we estimated the stability of malting barley quality traits as affected by the weather conditions during the crop year, genotype properties for varieties, as well as the interactions of variety and weather conditions. The selection of varieties promising in terms of grain yield, >2.5 mm grain yield and extract yield, was based on their ability to realize the genetic potential in various growing conditions. Consequently, the highest sum of integral assessment of grain yield and grain >2.5 mm yield was identified for the varieties ‘Tocada’, ‘Justina‘, ‘Cruiser’, ‘Scarlett‘ and ‘Annabell’. The varieties which exhibited high grain yield stability and were distinguished by high grain quality, diseases resistance and other agronomic traits were involved in further breeding programs. Key words: spring barley, varieties, yield stability, malting quality traits

IDENTIFICATION OF FLAX LINES OF THE LATVIAN ORIGIN SUITABLE FOR THE OIL FLAX BREEDING Grauda D.1; 2, Stramkale V.1, Nagle I.1, Poiša L.1, Miėelsone A.2, Rashal I.2 1 Agricultural Science Centre of Latgale, Kulturas sq. 1, Vilani, Rezekne distr., LV-4650, Latvia phone: +371 29465004 e-mail: [email protected] 2 Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, Miera Street 3, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia, phone: +371 67945435 e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Presently in Latvia there are not local oil flax varieties suitable for the Latvian weather conditions. The drawback of the best foreign varieties is too long vegetation period. Therefore repatriation and investigation of the Latvian flax genetic resources became a very actual task. 93 flax accessions of the Latvian origin created and collected before the Second World War were repatriated from several plant seed gene banks. They were evaluated for 10 agronomically important traits: flax total plant height, technical plant height, number of seed vessels, logging resistance, vegetation period, yield of straws and seeds, 1000 seeds weight, bast fibre, number of seeds in a seed vessel. Results of field trials in 2006 and 2007 were summarized. Special attention was paid to the identification of lines with short vegetation period, good logging resistance and seed yield. For best lines oil content and quality (including balance of unsaturated fatty acids) was determined. Some local genotypes were superior in mentioned traits in comparison with the oil flax standard variety ‘Lirina’. Key words: oil flax, breeding, field trials

THE VARIATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WINTER WHEAT MATERIAL IN 2006-2007 Haljak M., Koppel R., Ingver A. Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute, Aamisepa 1, Jõgeva 48309, Estonia phone: +372 7766901 e- mail: [email protected] In 2000 Estonia joined the International Union Of Protection Of New Varieties (UPOV). For that reason changed requirements for a new variety. The UPOV deals with variety protection. The law of variety protection came into force in Estonia in 1994. Determination of distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) by UPOV was started at the Jõgeva Plant breeding institute in 2002. The winter wheat material was tested in the period of 2006-2007. By the UPOV protocol there were 26 characteristics tested the both in the field and laboratory. For this article 12 the most distinctive ones were selected. The following features were estimated: the anthocyanin coloration of auricles of flag leaf, the hairiness of auricles of flag leaf, the width of flag leaf, the frequency of plants with recurved flag leaves, the glaucosity of sheath of flag leaf, the claucosity of neck of culm, the glaucosity of ear, the hairiness of upper node of culm, the ear shape in profile, the ear density, the ear color, the length of scurs. The most varied characteristics were the anthocyanin coloration of auricles of flag leaf, the frequency of plants with recurved flag leaves and the length of scurs. The most uniform characteristic was the ear color. Key words: winter wheat, UPOV, morphological characteristics

THE EXAMINATION OF DISTINCTNESS, UNIFORMITY AND STABILITY OF PEA VARIETIES IN POLAND Lenartowicz K., Borys J., Lenartowicz T. COBORU Slupia Wielka, 63-022 Slupia Wielka [email protected] In Poland all activities connected with statutory plant variety examination and the maintenance of the National Register and the Register of Plant Breeders Rights are provided by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing (COBORU) located in Slupia Wielka. Poland, as a member of UPOV since 1989 follows the UPOV Convention and acts according to UPOV regulations. According to Polish Seed Act every variety of pea must pass the examination of distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS testing) before listing and/or being granted protection. The DUS testing procedures for Polish requirements are based on the UPOV Guidelines for the Conduct of Tests for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability of Pea (TP/7/1). This Protocol prepared by Community Plant Variety Office and is based on general UPOV Document TG/1/3 and UPOV Guideline TG/7/9 + Corr. prepared by the UPOV Technical Working Parties. The protocol includes the botanical characteristics and some of them (16) are used for grouping. The agricultural pea varieties are included into the National Register on additional condition of satisfactory value for cultivation and use (VCU). The variety testing is carried out usually for two or three years at the Experimental Stations for Cultivar Testing (SDOO) which belong to COBORU.. An applicant (a breeder or his representative) who wants a variety to be registered makes an application with completed the Technical Questionnaire to COBORU. He has to pay registration fees for expenses for examination and he has to deliver seed for official tests. The organization and procedure of the examination of DUS of pea varieties for Polish requirements are outlined.

EVALUATION AND UTILIZATION OF EX SITU AND IN VITRO COLLECTIONS OF THE ESTONIAN PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES Annamaa K.1, Kotkas K.2, Tamm I.1 Kukk V.1 1) Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute, Aamisepa 1, Jõgeva, Estonia, 48309 2) Department of Plant Biotechnology EVIKA, Estonian Research Institute of Agriculture, Teaduse 6a, Saku, Harjumaa, Estonia, 75501 phone: +372 7766901, e-mail: [email protected] The Estonian government has responded to the global efforts for conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity with ratifying international agreements and establishing the National Programme on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Collection, identification and conservation of plant genetic material of Estonian origin as well establishing the network were the essential activities of the National Programme. Since genetic resources provide the initial material for plant breeders and scientists, systematic detailed investigations and improved use of genetic resources are required. In this study evaluation of 13 oat and 59 potato accessions conserved in the Estonian ex situ and in vitro genebank was conducted. Descriptors for evaluation were selected from the Descriptor Lists developed by the working groups of the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources and promoted by the Bioversity International. The results of the current study will be used in updating the databases of plant genetic resources and these data are applicable in plant breeding for further utilization of accessions. Key words: genebank, plant breeding, oats, potato

CHARACTERISATION OF LATVIAN POTATO GENETIC RESOURCES USING SSR MARKER DNA FINGERPRINTING Zuka A. 1 Veinberga I. 1, Skrabule I.2, RuĦăis D.1 1 Genetic Resource Centre, Rīgas 111, Salapils LV-2169, Latvia e-mail: [email protected] 2 State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute, 1a Zinatnes, Priekuli, Cesis, Modern cultivated potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum L. subsp. tuberosum) are vegetatively reproduced every year for cultivation and breeding purposes. Currently, identification of potato varieties is based on phenotypic characteristics, which are difficult to distinguish, timeconsuming and often could be affected by environment (growing conditions), results in a high risk of mis-identification. Molecular markers technologies can assist in the identification and resolution of plant varieties. Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers are highly polymorphic, abundant in the potato genome and co-dominant. The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragment length detection with fluorescent labels makes the use of SSR genotyping simple, fast and robust, and the obtained data comparable and reproducible. Therefore SSR markers are highly efficient for differentiation of plant varieties. Obtained fingerprints could be used for plant variety registration, protection of plant breeder’s rights and tests of purity for plant producers. Pedigree information about potato varieties is often incomplete, as is the case for Latvian potato varieties. Therefore the second important application of DNA markers is to help investigate the genetic diversity and degree of relatedness in potato germplasm resources and to assist parental line selection for breeding programs. Key words: potato, SSR markers, DNA fingerprinting

THE LATVIAN GENE BANK OF CULTIVATED PLANTS RuĦăis D.1 , Gailīte A. 1, Gaile A. 1, Zuka A. 1, Veinberga I. 1, Kronberga A.2, Lācis G. 3 1 Genetic Resource Centre, Rīgas iela 111, Salapils LV-2169, Latvia e-mail: [email protected] 2 State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute, Zinatnes 1a, Priekuli, Cesis distr., e-mail: [email protected] 3 Latvian State Institute of Fruit-Growing, Graudu Str.1, Dobele LV3701 Latvia The Latvian Gene Bank (LGB) preserves genetic resources mainly of Latvian origin and is supported by Latvian Ministry of Agriculture. The main functions of the LGB are: conservation of plant genetic resources which include seed preparation and storage and periodic seed testing; seed distribution and genetic resource documentation. The database has been built using the SESTO documentation system developed and hosted by the Nordic Gene Bank. Altogether, 72 species from 38 genera are represented. Currently, seed accessions of the majority of Latvian crop cultivars are represented in the LGB, and are available for distribution. The main passport data, germination and storage information are available through the SESTO database. To promote utilization of germplasm, evaluation and characterization of plant genetic resources using plant descriptors and DNA fingerprinting has been started in 2006 by experts from various plant breeding institutions in Latvia. The system of descriptors for the main field and horticultural crop species was developed in 2006. Key words: Latvian Gene Bank, plant genetic resources

RENEWAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF LATVIAN MELON (Cucumis melo L.) GENETIC RESOURCES Līga Lepse 1, Andris BāliĦš 2, Ilze Veinberga 3, Dainis RuĦăis 3 1 – Pūre Horticultural Research Centre, Abavas iela 2, Pūre, Tukuma raj., LV-3124, Latvia. e-mail: [email protected] 2 – Latvia University of Agriculture, Lielā iela 2, Jelgava, LV -3001; 3 – Genetic Resource Centre, LVMI „Silava“, Rigas iela 111, Salaspils, LV-2169, Latvia ([email protected]) Latvia is at the northern boundary of melon (Cucumis melo L.) growing in open-field conditions. The first local varieties were bred at the beginning of the 20th century using Russian and Western European varieties. These varieties vere well adopted for Latvian climatical conditions, with tolerance to low temperature and resistance to different pathogens. In the following years seed production was performed in insufficient quality and therefore genotypes were destroyed because of cross-pollinating of different varieties. Homogenisation and dividing of the local melon population into distinctive lines was started in 2003 at Pūre Horticultural Research Station with the aim to derive homogeneous lines of excellent taste and rich aroma, early ripening and high resistance to pathogens. In 2006 and 2007, five of the most promising inbred lines and siblines were evaluated according to phenology, morphological features, organoleptical evaluation. Molecular markers (SSRs) were used to fingerprint these melon lines acquired from the local population and Europe varieties. Successive generations of inbred lines were fingerprinted to determine the success of homogenization. Using SSR fingerprinting, the genetic diversity and relationships within Latvian melon germplasm could be determined. Key words: melon, genetic resources, SSR fingerprinting

GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT ON GRAIN QUALITY OF SPRING BARLEY Bleidere M. State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute, p. Dizstende, Talsi region, Latvia, LV-3258 Phone: +371 26229659 e-mail: [email protected] Causes of variation found in quantitative characters could be due to both genotype and environment effect and its interraction. Fifty two spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes were used for investigation. The objective of this study was to examine the genotype and year effects on variation of grain quality traits (1000 grain weight, test weight, starch, crude protein, crude fat, β-glucan, crude fibre, crude ash and phosphorus). Field experiments were carried out at the State Stende cereal breeding institute from 2004 to 2006. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant effect of genotype (p0,05) and only genotype had a significant (p50 mm) amount in yield is high for variety Imanta (70%). Morphological traits of tuber - flesh colour is white, tuber shape long oval, medium deep to deep depth of eyes, colour of skin is yellow with red eyes. New varieties maturity is medium late. The variety is resistant to wart disease and PCN Ro1, relatively resistant to late blight. During 2006-2007 variety ‘Imanta’ was investigated in the Latvian State Variety Testing and DUS test in Poland (COBORU Slupia Wielka). Key words: potato, breeding

NEW VARIETIES OF FORAGE GRASSES IN SKRIVERI RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE Bumane S., Berzins P. Research Institute of Agriculture, Latvian University of Agriculture, Skriveri -1 , Latvia, LV-5125, phone: + 371 65197524, e-mail: [email protected]

Grasses provide inexpensive forage high in feeding value for profitable milk and meat production. Permanent grasslands utilize most of the agricultural land in Latvia. Research Institute of Agriculture in Skriveri has established new diploid and tetraploid forage grasses varieties. One of the main and most important targets of Department of Plant Breeding in the course of years has been introduction of new perennial grass-plant varieties suitable for growing in Latvian agroclimatic conditions and ensuring good dry matter and seed yields. As a result of this work 6 varieties of perennial grasses are created and all of them are registered in the common European Plant Catalogue. These cultivars are: tetraploid perennial ryegrass ‘Spidola’, meadow fescue ‘Patra’ (4n), meadow fescue ‘Silva’ (2n), early-ripe timothy ‘Teicis’, late-ripe timothy ‘Varis’, hybrid ryegrass ‘Saikava’. New varieties have passed DUS and CVU testings in Poland and Latvia: meadow fescue ‘Vaira’ (2n) and festulolium ‘Vizla’. In the long run, enlargement of selection work is planned as to creation of cockfoot, meadow foxtail, tall fescue for forage and perennial grasses of decorative forms. Key words: perennial grasses, plant breeding, varieties

6. Other subjects POST-REGISTRATION TESTING SYSTEM OF POTATO CULTIVAR IN POLAND Lenartowicz T., Lenartowicz K., Borys J. COBORU Slupia Wielka, 63-022 Slupia Wielka Phone: +48 61 285 23 41, [email protected] The Research Centre for Cultivar Testing (COBORU) in Słupia Wielka is responsible for assessment of value for cultivation and use (VCU) of potato varieties before and after listing them in Poland. It has adapted variety testing and assessment to a market-oriented economy and the EU norms and standards. Within these activities COBORU has developed a new nation-wide cultivar testing system, called post-registration variety testing (PDO). Program PDO was officially accepted in 2000 year (Seed Act) and it is presently implemented in all administrative units (Voivodships) in Poland under the guidance of COBORU. PDO is to be variety testing system operating on the regional level to help Polish farmers to select the most adapted varieties for different agricultural conditions and for the processing industry. Benefits of PDO: • more effective use of genetical progress in agriculture; • regular collection of reliable data about varieties and their performance under different growing conditions; this information is used for recommendation of varieties in each voivodship; • facilitation for farmers to make an accurate choice of the most suitable varieties for their farming conditions ; • in the longer term will assist in the evaluation of the flow of varieties from the EU Common Catalogue into Polish agriculture conditions. On the base on the results of the VCU and PDO trials in which over 50 varieties of potato each year in over 30 experimental places in Poland since 2006 there has been formed the List of varieties recommended for cultivation. Key words: potato, cultivar, testing system

PEA VARIETIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER (KR) IN POLAND Lenartowicz K., Borys J. COBORU Slupia Wielka, 63-022 Slupia Wielka Phone: +48 61 285 23 41, [email protected] The National Register (KR) in Poland is provided by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing (COBORU). It is an official list comprising the varieties of agricultural, vegetable and fruit plant species whose seed material can be legally produced and marketed in Poland as well as in the Member States of the European Union (EU). A variety enters the KR, if: it is distinct, uniform and stable; in case of agricultural variety it has a satisfactory value for cultivation and use (VCU), has suitable denomination; the administrative requirements are fulfilled and relevant fees are paid. Varieties admitted to the KR: •period of 10 years •enter into the Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agric. Plant Species; •enter into the Common Catalogue of Varieties of Vegetable Species (CCV) VCU trials are carried out in multisite comparative trials (in 10-20 locations) in four replications in 10-20 Experimental Station for Cultivar Testing. Registration decision is taken after two-three trial seasons. The varieties of 22 horticultural species (15 vegetable and 7 fruit species) are investigated for the relevant Descriptive List of pea varieties. After registration, VCU assessment of listed vegetable pea varieties is done to prepare Descriptive Lists. The testing system for assessing DUS is performed as follows: • the DUS testing is conducted within the COBORU testing network; • live collections for each group of pea varieties in which they are tested are maintained ; • it comprises comparative growing tests done in 1-2 locations, for 1–3 consecutive years; • UPOV Test Guidelines and CPVO Technical Protocol are used for DUS tests; •the Reports on Technical Examination are prepared; The pea varieties descriptions according the most important characteristics are presented.

ESTIMATION OF GENOTYPICAL AND PHENOTYPICAL PROPERTIES OF LILIES (LILIUM l.) Lazdina E. Latvia University of Agriculture, Liela iela 2, Jelgava, Latvia, LV3001; phone: + 371 29176013, e-mail: [email protected] Lilies (Lilium L.) among the most popular bulb flowers in Latvia – have been cultivated there for two centuries. The aim of the research was the estimation of genotypical and phenotypical lilies characteristics in Jelgava and Saldus districts from March 2005 till September 2006. I chose 8 sorts (‘Zizele’, ‘Rotala’, ‘Rozovaja Dymka’, ‘Jumprava’, ‘Nutmegger’, ‘Dzintars’, ‘Dzintarlase’, ‘Royal Trinity’ of Asiatic lilies. The great length disparities were between the research places, years and sorts. Lilies results of plant length dispersion were affected by two basic factors: time and variety. The average length increases to flowering in 10 days were varieties ‘Zizele’ 9.5 cm in Jelava and Saldus 2005 and ‘Nutmegger’ and ‘Rozovaja Dymka’ in Jelgava 2006 were 20.9 cm. The number of flowers is a determinant of the productivity of a variety. The more flowers per stem, the more attractive is the plant and longer the season of bloom. In the vegetation of 2005 and 2006 on the one stem were 3-17 flowers (3–‘Zizele’, 8‘Royal Trinity’, 12-‘Rotala’, 17-‘Nutmegger’) and in both years the number of flowers described with phenotypically fluidity. Lilies are being grown for both cut-flower use and outdoor decorative purposes; therefore, one of the most important characteristics is colour. The flowers colours are not dependent from meteorological conditions, because it has genotype influence. Key words: Lilium, estimation, length increases, variety