Graduation date: 1991

No description available.

Laboratory experiments, genetic simulation, and theoretical analyses were performed to address several objectives related to the use of genetic markers in plant breeding programs. Two software packages were developed: GREGOR provides flexible and efficient computer algorithms for performing genetic simulation experiments, and KIN provides improved methods for estimating coancestry from known pedigrees. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were investigated in elite barley lines, and estimates of genetic distance based on RAPD markers were compared to estimates based on coancestry. Both types of estimate can provide information that is useful to breeders and geneticists. Genetic simulation was used to investigate the power, accuracy and precision of several methods that are available for analyzing quantitative trait loci (QTL). In most cases, simplified methods of QTL analysis based on linear regression were similar or superior to more complex methods based on mixture models. Methods for genetic analysis using selective genotyping and pooled DNA were also investigated. These methods may allow precise estimates of the positions of markers and QTL to be made.

A study was conducted for two growing seasons in northeastern Syria to evaluate the effect of N and P fertilizers and previous crops--i.e. vetch (Vicia sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Beecher) or fallow--on water consumption, development, growth and yields of barley in a semi-arid, Mediterranean-type climate. / The two seasons contrasted in rainfall and temperature which affected soil N, water use and yields. Fertilizer addition and residual P were the major determinants in barley yield increases. Rotation effects were significant only when fertilizers were added. Fallowing was an inefficient way of storing water, but stored water was used most efficiently by subsequent barley crops when fertilized. / Fertilizers did not increase total evapotranspiration. Water use efficiency was related to dry matter production at stem elongation (DMse). Grain weight was a stable component of grain yields. Grain number was related to crop growth rates during the three week pre-anthesis period and to DMse, in turn affected by temperature, nutrient and moisture conditions. / Vetch yields were in the order of 2.5 t.ha$ sp{-1}$ in the wetter season (1982/83). / Results showed that substantial barley yield increases can be obtained with innovative crop rotations and appropriate use of fertilizers in semi-arid environments.

Stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei) is a serious disease of barley that can cause up to 70% yield loss in susceptible varieties. The fungus is moving northward, threatening major barley production areas in the US, where most cultivars are susceptible. Fungicides are available for control of stripe rust, but economic and environmental considerations favor genetic resistance. Two stripe rust resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) located in chromosomes 4 and 7 have previously been reported. One hundred and ten doubled haploid progeny from a stripe rust susceptible x resistant cross were derived using the Hordeum bulbosum technique and phenotyped for agronomic and malting quality traits in order to assess the importance of linkage drag associated with the mapped stripe rust resistance QTLs. Data on 33 markers were combined with phenotypic data for QTL analysis. A molecular marker-assisted backcross program was implemented to initiate the transfer of the stripe rust resistance loci into susceptible US germplasm. No negative QTLs for agronomic or malting quality traits were detected within or adjacent to the intervals that were targeted for marker-assisted selection. A minor leaf rust resistance QTL, however, was found adjacent to the stripe rust locus on chromosome 7. Linkage drag in this region could operate in favor of the breeder. Epistatic interaction between the two stripe rust resistance QTLs confirms the necessity of introgressing both chromosome intervals. / Graduation date: 1994

"May 2003" / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 216-225) / 225 leaves : ill., plates (col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture and Wine, 2003

"May 2003" / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 216-225) / 225 leaves : ill., plates (col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture and Wine, 2003

Thesis (doctoral)--Helsinki University of Technology, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.)-- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Plant Science, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 192-211).

Univ., Diss.--Wageningen, 2004.