Progress 04/22/05 to 04/21/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Carrots: 86 lines of advanced carrot lines were planted in 2006 and harvested in 2007 to select for taste, visual attributes, as well as phenotypic traits for commercial production. Several lines were used in the development of genetic markers for bioactive compounds found in carrots. Two carrots varieties were grown for use in a human intervention study. 22 advanced lines were grown in New Mexico to develop cultivars for large roots which are optimal for juicing, improved bioactive compounds and improved taste and appearance. Onions: The 33 onion lines were harvested and the bulbs were analyzed to determine the effects of pre-harvest treatments and/or soil amendments on the phenotypic attributes or bioactive compounds.
PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This research will impact the future genetic development of onions and carrots through traditional and molecular breeding efforts. Producers and consumers will benefit by having varieties that produce a choice carrot or onion with minimal use of chemicals but has an optimal level of bioactive compounds (i.e. beta-carotene, anthocyanin, or quercetin) that have documented health benefits. Between 1994 and 2007, this research has produced one carrot and two onion varieties with the desired traits for producers and consumers. The BetaKing carrot is a commercial variety that offers beta-carotene and anthocyanin in a fresh product. During this time period, the Texas 1015Y onion had an economic impact of over $3 billion for South Texas. The Legend onion was released with identical phenotypic traits of the 1015Y but matures earlier. Several advanced carrot and onion lines have been increased for use in the molecular marker development currently underway.
Publications
- Kim, S.G., K.S. Yoo, and L.M. Pike. 2007. Production of doubled haploid onions (Allium cepa) and evaluation of their field performance. Hort. Environ. Biotechnol. 48(3):143-147.
- Kim, S.G., K.S. Yoo and L.M. Pike. 2007. Estimation of variance of red color intensity of onion bulbs utilizing a new digital imaging quantification method. Hort Environ. Biotechnol. 48:207-211.
- Kim, Sunggil, H. Bang, K.S. Yoo, and L.M. Pike. 2007 Marker-assisted genotype analysis of bulb colors in segregating populations of onions (Allium cepa). 2007. Molecules and Cells 23(2):192-197
- Yoo, K.S., L.M. Pike, B.S. Patil, D. Leskovar, K. Crosby and S. King. 2007. Challenges of phytochemical analysis and its application in developing new fruits and vegetables with improved health benefits. Acta Horticulturae 744:101-106
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Onion: Thre advanced onion lines were planted in the Fall of 2006 in isolation plots for a seed harvest in July 2007. The two mild yellow and one mild white line are low pungency. An additional 33 onion lines were planted for a pungency study for investigators, Kil Sun Yoo and John Jifon. Bulbs will be harvested in the Spring of 2007. Carrot. 86 lines of advanced carrot lines were planted to select for the best visual and taste attributes for the fresh market. Also selecting for very large BetaSweet carrot roots that are optimal for juicing. Several lines will be used in genetic marker development. These carrots will be harvested in the Spring 2007.
Impacts
Mild pungency onions with improved disease and pest resistance will provide the growers with varieties that meet consumer needs. Improved carrot varieties yield carrots with increased health benefits and flavor. Some varieties will have size and shape for the fresh cut and juicing market.
Publications
- Identification of the fourth allele of the ANS (anthocyanidin synthase) gene and its effect on red color intensity in onions (alliium cepa). Sunggil Kim, Haejeen Bang, Kil-Sun Yoo, & Leonard M. Pike. Euphytica (2006)149: 45-51
- Variation in the Content of Bioactive Flavonoids in Different Brands of Orange and Grapefruit Juices. Jairam Vanamala, Lavanya Reddivari, Kil Sun Yoo, Leonard Pike, Bhimanagouda S. Patil. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis (2006) Vol. 19 Pgs. 157-166
- Differences in onion pungency due to cultivars, growth environment, and bulb sizes. Kil Sun Yoo, Leonard Pike, Kevin Crosby, Rick Jones, Daniel Leskovar. ScienceDirect, Scientia Horticulture 110(2006): 144-149
- Suppression of colon carcinogenesis by bioactive compounds in grapefruit. Jairam Vanamala, Tety Leonardi, Bhimanagouda S. Patil, Stella S. Taddeo, Mary E. Murphy, Leonard M. Pike, Robert S. Chapkin, Joanne R. Lupton, and Nancy D. Turner. Carcinogenogenesis vol 27, no. 6, pp. 1257-1265, 2006
- Citrus bioactive limonoid and flavonoid extraction by supercritical fluid. 2006. Patil, B. S., J. Yu, R. T. Toledo, R. K. Singh, L. M. Pike. American Chemical Society Symposium Series 936. In: Potential Health Benefits of Citrus. Editors: B. S. Patil, N. D. Turner, E. G. Miller, J. S. Brodbelt, 18-33.
- Grapefruit and its isolated bioactive compounds act as colon cancer chemoprotectants in rants. 2006. Turner, N. D., J. Vanamala, T. Leonardi, B. S. Patil, M. E. Murphy, N. Wang, L. M. Pike, R. S. Chapkin, J. R. Lupton. American Chemical Society Symposium Series 936. In Potential Health Benefits of citrus. Editors: B. S. Patil, N. D. Turner, E. G. Miller, J. S. Brodbelt, 121-129.
- Supercritical Fluid extraction of limonoid glycosides from grapefruit molasses. Yu, J. D. V. Dandekar, R. T. Toledo, R. K. Singh, L. M. Pike, and B. S. Patil. Journal Agriculture and Food Chemistry (2006) 6041-6045.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Onion The onion-breeding program had 44 advanced breeding lines with selection emphasis on mild flavor, bulb uniformity, yield and early maturity. In 2005, approximately 8,000 breeding lines were screened for individual bulbs for pungency analysis in the VFIC chemical analysis laboratory. The improvement in onion flavor for mildness has attracted attention worldwide. The US market has moved quickly toward mild onions which started with the original Texas 1015. It is also attracting customers in the European Union countries. Progress was made on the identification of gene functions and markers for important genetic traits in onions with DNA analysis using 21 day old seedlings. Traits identified with markers can save one year in time and related costs of growing the onion plant to maturity. Carrots The carrot-breeding program has decreased efforts on orange carrots and focused on carrot research for improved flavor, nutrition and those containing higher levels of
phytochemicals for health benefits. The new objective is to cross different carrot breeding lines containing high levels of carotene, lycopene and anthocyanins to develop new varieties containing one, two or all three phytochemicals. They may be orange, red or purple. These carrots will be used for whole and fresh cut products and for fresh juice, pure or in blends with other vegetable or fruit juices. Varieties are being developed specifically for extraction of phytochemicals. The breeding program included 15 breeding lines from crosses of carrots containing various phytochemicals; anthocyanins, carotene and lycopene.
Impacts
The carrot breeding developments of new cultivars with improved flavor and having increased health benefits will lead to higher consumption of carrots. These varieties can be processed in different forms such as coins, sticks and juice. The mild flavored onions will increase consumption of raw onions and provide increased markets for Texas growers.
Publications
- Park, S.H., S. Kim, L.M. Pike, K.H. Hirschi. 2005. Genetic Manipulation for Enhancing Calcium Content in Potato Tuber. J. Agri. Food Chem. 53:5598-5603
- Crosby, K., L.M. Pike, K.S. Yoo and D.I Leskovar. 2005. Impact of Genetic and Environmental Variation on Devlopmnet of Flavonoids and Caroteoids in Pepper (Capsicum spp.). Scientia Hort. 106:341-352.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Onions The onion-breeding program for 2004 was very successful.In South Texas, we had 245 advanced breeding lines with selection emphasis on mild flavor, bulb uniformity, yield and early maturity. We also had 60 pairs of A&B lines. In greenhouses at College Station we had 84 pairs of early generation A&B lines for the purpose of identifying maintainer lines for potential future hybrids. Seed production cages were located in La Mesa, New Mexico for seed increase of the previous bulb selections made the previous year in South Texas grower trials. We had 204 screen isolation cages ranging in sizes of 7X10 feet up to 24X96 feet. Each cage had one or more hives of bees for pollination depending on the cage size. In the Uvalde area we had 6 advanced breeding lines in small commercial trials but no significant differences were observed between them and other commercial varieties due to extreme wet weather conditions. This past year we screened approximately 15,000 individual
onion breeding bulbs for pungency analysis in the VFIC chemical analysis laboratory. The improvement in onion flavor for mildness has attracted attention worldwide. The US market has moved quickly toward mild onions which started with the original Texas 1015. It is also attracting customers in the European Union countries. An export program of mild onions is beginning. We made another major advance this past year in gene function identification and markers to identify important genetic traits with DNA analysis from 21 day old seedlings. Traits identified with markers can save one year in time and related costs of growing the whole plant to bulbing. The results of this research are documented in the list of publications below. Carrots The carrot-breeding program has decreased efforts on orange carrots and focused on carrot research for improved flavor, nutrition and those containing higher levels of phytochemicals for health benefits. The BetaKing, maroon carrot released and awarded
USDA plant variety protection in 2001, illustrates the direction of the carrot program. The new objective is to cross different carrot breeding lines containing high levels of carotene, lycopene and anthocyanins to develop new varieties containing one, two or all three phytochemicals. They may be orange, red or purple. These carrots will be used for whole and fresh cut products and for fresh juice, pure or in blends with other vegetable or fruit juices. BetaKing, grown and sold under the BetaSweet trademark is an example of our new objectives in the TAES carrot improvement program. Other products being developed include natural supplements, utilizing perfectly good carrots but with appearance defects. Varieties are being developed specifically for extraction of phytochemicals to be processed and put into capsule form. A license agreement has been made with with a company and production has started. The breeding program included 45 breeding lines from crosses of carrots containing
various phytochemicals; anthocyanins, carotene and lycopene. Examples include 7 advanced maroon color lines and several early generation red lines.
Impacts
The carrot breeding program will result in development of several new cultivars with improved flavor and having increased health benefits. It will hopefully lead to higher consumption of carrots as they will be processed in different forms such as coins, sticks and juice. The mild flavored onions will increase consumption of raw onions. The increased demand by consumers will provide increased markets for Texas growers.
Publications
- Park, S.H., C-K. Kim, L.M. Pike, R.H. Smith, and K.D. Hirschi. (2004) Increased calcium in carrots by expression of an Arabidopsis H+/Ca2+ transporter. Molecular Breeding. In Press
- Kim, S., M.L. Binzel, S.H. Park, K-S. Yoo, and L.M. Pike. (2004) Inactivation of DFR (Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase) gene transcription results in blockage of anthocyanin production in yellow onions (Allium cepa). Molecular Breeding. 14(3): 253-263.
- Kim, S., M.L. Binzel, K-S. Yoo, S.H. Park, and L.M. Pike. (2004) Pink (P), a new locus responsible for pink trait in onions (Allium cepa) resulting from natural mutations of anthocyanidin synthase. Molecular Genetics and Genomics. 272: 18-27
- Kim, S., R. Jones, K.S. Yoo, L.M. Pike (2004) Gold color in onions (Allium cepa): a natural mutation of the chalcone isomerase gene resulting in a premature stop codon. Mol Gen Genomics. 272:411-419.
- Kim, S., K.S. Yoo, L.M. Pike (2004) Development of a PCR-based marker utilizing a deletion mutation in the DFR (dihydroflavonol 4-reductase) gene responsible for the lack of anthocyanin production in yellow onions (Allium cepa). Theo Appl Genet, In Press.
- Kim, S., K.S. Yoo, L.M. Pike (2004) Development of a co-dominant PCR-based marker for an allelic selection of the pink trait in onions (Allium cepa). Theo Appl Genet, In Press.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
The onion breeding program has focused primarily on early yellow, red and whites types with lower pungency. The "sweet onion" market is growing and bringing better prices than the pungent cultivars. In addition to mildness of flavor we are attempting to increase sweetness and quercetin in red and yellow breeding lines. Breeding nurseries are being grown in South Texas, Winter Garden area and Mexico to select for different environments. The seed production cages are grown in the area between El Paso and Las Cruces New Mexico. 41 A&B lines have been developed and are in the backcross 3 and 4 generation. Carrot breeding in focused on developing lines with various phytochemicals, which are related to color of the roots. We are developing orange, yellow, red and purple types for use as whole carrots, slices carrots and for juice. All carrots are analyzed for flavor, carotene, lycopene, anthocyanins and being observed for other possible compounds. Selections are made in
South Texas and close to College Station, Texas.
Impacts
The breeding program will result in development of several new cultivars with improved flavor and having increased health benefits. It will hopefully lead to higher consumption on carrots as they are processed in different forms such as coins, sticks and juice.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
The onion-breeding program reached the peak of progress of the past 32 years. In South Texas we had 88-advanced onion breeding lines, 39 in Uvalde and 119 in Las Cruses, New Mexico. We also had 230 A & B lines in the field in Las Cruces, 119 advanced lines and 116 selfed lines. There were 13 F1's to observe. In the greenhouses we had 274 testcrosses in small head cages to check for maintainer breeding lines for male sterile parents. We had 333 total seed increase cages in New Mexico. These ranged from 7x10 feet in size to 24x96 feet for stock seed increases of advanced breeding lines of released varieties.In the laboratory we screened approximately 10,000 bulbs from several very mild onion breeding lines. The goal is to develop and release very mild pungency and sweet onion varieties of red, yellow and white colors. Excellent progress has been accomplished the past two years. The carrot-breeding program has decreased in size due to lack of interest in both seed
companies and producers in Texas. We have focused on carrots for improved flavor, nutrition and those containing higher levels of phytochemicals for health benefits. The BetaKing released and awarded USDA plant variety protection in 2001 illustrates the direction of the carrot program. The objective is to cross different carrot breeding lines containing high levels of carotene, lycopene and anthocyanins to develop new varieties containing all three phytochemicals. These carrots will be used for whole and fresh cut products and for fresh juice, whole or in blends with other vegetable or fruit juices. BetaKing, grown and sold under the BetaSweet trademark is an example. Other products being developed include natural supplements utilizing perfectly good carrots but with appearance defects. Varieties are being developed for extraction of phytochemicals to be processed and put into capsule form. The breeding program included 27 breeding lines from crosses of carrots containing various
phytochemicals, 9 advanced maroon color lines, 2 advanced maroon selections and 18 pairs of male sterile and maintainer lines, (A&B pairs). Selections were made from the breeding nurseries in South Texas, vernalized in cold storage rooms and planted in the greenhouses on campus at Texas A&M. Self's and crosses have been made and we are presently harvesting seed from that material.
Impacts
This research will lead to several new A&B lines of short-day onions and their hybrids. It will also contribute to several very low pungency onion genotypes. New germplasm will be forthcoming in carrots with higher levels of carotene, anthocyanins, and lycopene.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
This project focuses on genetical improvement of carrots, onions and sweet potatoes for normal quality characteristics and those contributing to health when consumed in our diet. We had 56 carrot breeding lines that included 18 A&B pairs, 11 advanced maroon colored Nantes types and 4 advanced generation processor types. We had 3 early generation A&B lines, 7 fertile by fertile crosses, 7 mass generations and 5 advance generations of carrot lines with focus on high carotene or anthocyanins. All lines were selected for resistance to Alternaria foliage disease, high carotene, sugar and low terpenoids. Shape was based on types ranging from stump-rooted Nantes, long slender Imperator, heavy Danvers and maroon lines with high levels of anthocyanins. 'BetaKing', a high carotene, high anthocyanin, crisp texture, sweet flavor maroon colored, nantes type carrot was awarded Plant Variety Protection and is being marketed under the trademark 'BetaSweet'. The primary
objectives of the onion-breeding program are development of low pungent sweet yellow, white or red cultivars. Yellow and red onions are selected with uniform high levels of quercetin and the same traits but with high levels of anthocyanins in red onions. White onions do not contain quercetin or anthocyanin. All onion breeding lines are grown in major onion production areas in fields with known history of disease problems to insure annual selection pressure each generation. This year we had 28 advanced A&B lines and 257 advanced lines in South Texas, 274 in El Paso/New Mexico, 16 mild selections in South Texas and 98 in El Paso/New Mexico. We had 370 onion breeding cages in the field and over 400 in the greenhouse. Texas Legend was awarded Plant Variety Protection. The sweet potato project that was started in 1997 with several hill selections from grower fields in East Texas is being continued. Two selections have been maintained that look better for uniformity and are earlier
maturing.
Impacts
The 'BetaKing' maroon carrot, sold as 'BetaSweet' has become known throughout the US, Canada and Australia. Approximately 540 acres were grown in South Texas and Mexico this year. The acres in Australia were not reported. Its appeal has increased to health conscious consumers as a good source of carotene and anthocyanins. Texas Legend onion is near identical to Texas 1015 only earlier in maturity. Approximately 600 acres were grown in 2001 as only limited seed was available. The two selected sweet potato lines were evaluated to be earlier maturing and will be evaluated again in East Texas.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
This project will focus on genetical improvement of carrots, onions, and sweet potatoes. This project focuses on genetical improvement of carrots, onions and sweet potatoes for normal quality characteristics and those contributing to health when consumed in our diet. We had over 200 carrot breeding lines that included 32 A&B pairs, 10 advanced maroon colored Nantes types, 168 S1 maroon lines and 49 advanced Imperator and processor types. We had 29 hybrids in evaluation. We had an additional 132 maroon lines in a graduate student's research project. All lines were selected for resistance to Alternaria foliage disease, high carotene, sugar and low terpenoids. Shape was based on types ranging from stump-rooted Nantes, long slender Imperator, heavy Danvers and maroon lines with high levels of anthocyanins. One maroon carrot, 'BetaKing', was submitted for Plant Variety Protection and is being marketed under the trademark 'BetaSweet'. The primary objectives of the
onion-breeding program are development of low pungent sweet yellow cultivars with uniform high levels of quercetin and the same traits but with high levels of anthocyanins in red onions. All onion breeding lines are grown in major onion production areas in fields with known history of disease problems to insure annual selection pressure each generation. This year we had 144 A&B lines in BC1, 13 in BC2, 42 in BC3, and 10 in BC4. We had 108 advanced lines in South Texas, 199 in El Paso/New Mexico, 23 mild selections in South Texas and 16 in El Paso/New Mexico, 24 cultivars in a yield trial in South Texas and 109 USDA Plant Introduction lines in South Texas. Texas Legend was grown on approximately 1100 acres in South Texas and in New Mexico. The sweet potato project that was started in 1997 with several hill selections from grower fields in East Texas is being continued. Two selections have been maintained that look better for uniformity and are earlier maturing. Several thousand were
cloned in the lab and transplanted into the field for root increase, to be used for plant production, in the spring of 2000.Several USDA breeding lines were grown and observed for type and adaptation. Four will be evaluated again in 2000.
Impacts
The 'BetaKing' maroon carrot sold as 'BetaSweet' has become known throughout the US, Canada and Australia. Approximately 160 acres were grown in South Texas and Mexico this year. Its appeal has increased to health conscious consumers as a good source of carotene and anthocyanins. Texas Legend onion is near identical to Texas 1015 only earlier in maturity. Approximately 1100 acres were grown in 2000 as only limited seed was available. The two selected sweet potato lines were evaluated to be earlier maturing and will be evaluated again in East Texas. BetaSweet maroon carrot will impact the consumption & expand production. It is appealing to health conscious consumers as a good source of carotene & anthocyanins. Texas Legend onion is near identical to the Texas 1015 only earlier maturing. It will increase the production of early onions. Sweet potato selections chosen for uniformity & earlier maturing will be observed in large plantings in 2000.
Publications
- Yoo, K.S. and L.M. Pike. 2000. Determination of background pyruvic acid concentrations in onions, Allium species, and other vegetables. Scientia Horticulturae 1551: 1-8.
- Lazcano, C.A., K.S. Yoo and L.M. Pike. 2000. A method for measuring anthocyanins after removing carotenes in purple colored carrots. Scientia Horticulturae 1601: 1-4.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
This project focuses on genetical improvement of carrots, onions and sweet potatoes for normal quality characteristics and those contributing to health when consumed in our diet. The research will utilize the expertise of scientist including, but not limited to, geneticists, biotechnologists, food technologists and medical scientists. Industry will be invited to participate in establishing specific goals and working within the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center concept and organizational structure. Other scientists will cooperate on a goal by goal basis as needs are determined and funding availability. We had 297 carrot breeding lines that included 102 A&B pairs, 114 maroon colored Nantes types, 27 Imperator types, 19 processor types, 9 F2 lines and 26 new hybrids for evaluation. We had an additional 124 lines in a graduate student's research project as a part of his genetic study. All lines were selected for resistance to Alternaria foliage disease, high
carotene, sugar and low terpenoids. Shape was based on types ranging from stump-rooted Nantes, long slender Imperator, heavy Danvers and maroon lines with high levels of anthocyanins. One maroon carrot, 'BetaKing', was released under Plant Variety Protection and is being marketed under the trademark 'BetaSweet'. The primary objectives of the onion-breeding program are development of low pungent sweet yellow cultivars with uniform high levels of quercetin and the same traits but with high levels of anthocyanins in red onions. All onion breeding lines are grown in major onion production areas in fields with known history of disease problems to insure annual selection pressure each generation. This year we had 41 A&B lines in BC2 and 105 in BC1 in cages. We had 27 F2, 317 F3, 16 F4, 43 advanced lines, 11 mild selections, 21 increase lines and 179 breeding cages for seed production. We released one new cultivar. 'Texas Legend', a mild early maturing version of the 'Texas Grano 1015'. It
will be trademarked 'Texas 1015 Elite' The sweet potato project was started in 1997 with several hill selections from grower fields in East Texas. All were cloned and observed in 1998 and 1999. Two selections have been maintained that look better for uniformity and are earlier maturing. Several thousand were cloned in the lab and transplanted into the field for root increase, to be used for plant production, in the spring of 2000.Several USDA breeding lines were grown and observed for type and adaptation. Four will be evaluated again in 2000.
Impacts
BetaSweet maroon carrot will impact the consumption & expand production. It is appealing to health conscious consumers as a good source of carotene & anthocyanins. Texas Legend onion is near identical to the Texas 1015 only earlier maturing. It will increase the production of early onions. Sweet potato selections chosen for uniformity & earlier maturing will be observed in large plantings in 2000.
Publications
- Alcala, J., L.M. Pike, and J.J. Giovannoni. 1999. Identification of Plastome Variants useful for Cytoplasmic Selection and Cultivar Identification in Onion. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 124(2): 122-127.
- Hamilton, B.K., L.M. Pike, A.N. Sparks, D.A. Bender, and R.W. Jones. 1999. Heritability of thrips resistance in the 'IPA-3' onion cultivar in South Texas. Euphytica 109: 117-122.
- Lazcano, C.A., F.J. Dainello, L.M. Pike, M.E. Miller, L. Brandenberger and L.R. Baker. 1998. Quality and Marketable Yield of Cut-and-peel Baby Carrots as Affected by Seed Lines per Bed, Population Density, and Root Size at Harvest. HortScience 33(6):972-975.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
OBJECTIVES: This project will focus on genetical improvement of carrots, onions, peppers, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. 1) Appearance-Improve shape, size, color and uniformity. 2) Flavor-Develop vegetables with improved flavor to promote increased consumption in the diet. 3) Texture-Develop vegetables with more consumer appealing texture. 4). Nutrition-Develop vegetables with increased nutritional value. 5) Health-Determine, with assistance of medical scientists, which naturally occurring chemical compounds prevent disease and genetically alter vegetables to contain greater amounts of these compounds. APPROACH: The research will focus on the above objectives and will utilize the expertise of several scientists including, but not limited to, geneticists, biotechnologists, food technologists and medical scientists. Industry will be invited to participate in establishing specific goals and working within the Vegetable Improvement Center concept and organizational
structure. Other scientists will cooperate on a goal by goal basis as needs are determined and funding availability. Progress: Carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers and sweet potatoes are major crops grown in Texas. This research project has the objective of improving these crops for quality, disease resistance, yield, and health/nutritional value through plant breeding. We had 130 carrot breeding lines, 31 A&B pairs and 21 test crosses. The breeding lines were selected for high carotene, sugar, low terpenoids and resistance to Alternaria foliage disease. The onion breeding program has grown rapidly the past year. We had 347 cages in Las Cruces, plus 107 test crosses for A&B pairs and 67 fertile by fertile crosses in College Station. In South Texas we had 23 advanced lines, 211 F2 and 438 F2M and F3 lines. In Las Cruces we had an additional 50 advanced and 18 bulb increases and 382 F2 and F3 lines. Our objectives were selections for disease resistance, various dates of maturity, high
yield, low pungency and high uniform levels of quercetin, thought to have cancer prevention properties. Genetic markers were used to determine the male/sterile cytoplasm condition in approximately 8,000 individual plants which resulted in several maintainers. The sweet potato cloning was initiated in 1997 using eight rootstocks provided by East Texas growers. Visual observations were made of 30 USDA sweet potato lines and six rootstocks cloned in 1997. Eleven of these lines and rootstocks that showed promise for Texas will be re-evaluated in 1999.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Hamilton, B.K., K.S. Yoo and L.M. Pike. 1998. Changes in pungency of onions by soil type, sulfur nutrition and bulb maturity. Scientia Horticulturae 74:249-256.
- Yoo, K.S. and L.M. Pike. 1998. Determination of flavor precursor compound S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine sulfoxides by an HPLC method and their distribution in Allium species.. Scientia Horticulturae 75:1-10.
- Lazcano, C.A., F.J. Dainello, L.M. Pike, M.E. Miller, L. Brandenberger and L.R. Baker. 1998. Seed lines, population density, and root size at harvest affect quality and yield of cut and peel baby carrots. HortScience 33(6):972-975.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
OBJECTIVES: This project will focus on genetical improvement of carrots, onions, peppers, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. 1) Appearance-Improve shape, size, color and uniformity. 2) Flavor-Develop vegetables with improved flavor to promote increased consumption in the diet. 3) Texture-Develop vegetables with more consumer appealing texture. 4). Nutrition-Develop vegetables with increased nutritional value. 5) Health-Determine, with assistance of medical scientists, which naturally occurring chemical compounds prevent disease and genetically alter vegetables to contain greater amounts of these compounds. APPROACH: The research will focus on the above objectives and will utilize the expertise of several scientists including, but not limited to, geneticists, biotechnologists, food technologists and medical scientists. Industry will be invited to participate in establishing specific goals and working within the Vegetable Improvement Center concept and organizational
structure. Other scientists will cooperate on a goal by goal basis as needs are determined and funding availability. Progress: Carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers and sweet potatoes are major crops grown in Texas. This research project has the objective of improving these crops for quality, disease resistance, yield, and health/nutritional value through plant breeding. We had 225 carrot breeding lines, 22 A&B pairs and 38 test crosses. The breeding lines were selected for high carotene, sugar, low terpenoids and resistance to Alternaria foliage disease. The onion breeding program has grown rapidly the past year. We had 199 cages in Las Cruces, plus 397 test crosses for A&B pairs and 77 fertile by fertile crosses in College Station. In South Texas we had 84 advanced lines, 119 F2 and 453 F3 lines. In Las Cruces we had an additional 84 advanced and 8 bulb increases. Our objectives were selections for disease resistance, various dates of maturity, high yield, low pungency and high uniform
levels of quercetin, thought to have cancer prevention properties. Genetic markers were used to determine the male/sterile cytoplasm condition in approximately 8,000 individual plants. The sweet potato cloning was initiated in 1997 using 8 rootstocks provided by East Texas growers. Of the 15,000 cloned plants, 50 of each line were planted in College Station in June and harvested in October. The remainder were planted at the Overton Research Center. Only visual observations were made with samples saved for East Texas growers. HPLC analysis was conducted for sugars and beta carotene content. The next set of tissue culture clones and field trials will be grown on the cooperator's plots under commercial conditions and in a certified weevil free area.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Hamilton, B.K., J. Alcala, K.S. Yoo, L.M. Pike, and R.W. Jones. 1997. Pungency responses of ten onion cultivars grown in the Rio Grande Valley during three growing seasons at two locations. Subtropical Plant Sci. 48:22-24.
- Hamilton, B.K., L.M. Pike, and K.S. Yoo. 1997. Clonal variations of pungency, sugar content, and bulb weight of onions due to sulphur nutrition. Scientia Horticulturae (in press).
- Yoo, K.S., L.M. Pike, and B.K. Hamilton. 1997. A direct headspace sampling technique to rapidly measure low boiling point volatile terpenoids in carrots. HortScience 32(4):714-716.
- Yoo, K.S., C.R. Andersen, L.M. Pike, and B.G. Cobb. 1997. Changes in sugar concentrations in onion scales during storage at selected temperatures and after transfer to 27 degree C. Subtropical Plant Sci. 48:29-32.
- Yoo, K.S., C.R. Andersen, and L.M. Pike. 1997. Changes in internal C02 concentrations of onion bulbs as influenced by storage temperature. Postharvest Biol. Tech. 12:157-163.
- Alcala, J., J.F. Lopes, J.J. Giovannoni and L.M. Pike. 1997. Practical Application of PCR-Based Technology to Screen Texas Onion Breeding Lines for Type of Cytoplasm. HortScience 32(4): 601.
- Hamilton, B.K. and L.M. Pike. 1997. Thrips Resistance Studies of Onions (Allium cepa L.) in South Texas. HortScience 32(4): 601.
- Lazcano, C.A., F.J. Dainello, L.M. Pike, M.E. Miller, L. Brandenberger and L. Baker. 1997. Quality and Marketable Yield of Baby Style Carrots as Affected by Root Size, Population Density and Lines of Seed/Bed. HortScience 32(4): 601.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
#Carrots, cucumbers and onions are major crops grown in Texas and account for approximately 25% of the total vegetable value. This research project has the objective of improving these crops for quality, disease resistance, yield and health/nutritional value through plant breeding. We had 215 carrot breeding lines, 12 A&B pairs and 108 test crosses. The breeding lines were selected for high carotene, sugar, low terpenoids and resistance to Alternaria foliage disease. The cucumber program is being phased out due to a lack of industry support. We are finishing up some graduate student studies and will terminate the research. The onion breeding program has grown rapidly the past year. We had 153 cages in Las Cruses, plus 9 A&B pairs and 370 fertile by fertile crosses in College Station. In South Texas we had 63 F2 lines and 241 advanced lines. In Las Cruses we had an additional 51 F2's, 58 advanced and 25 bulb increases. Our objectives were selections for disease
resistance, various dates of maturity, high yield, low pungency and high uniform levels of quercetin, thought to have cancer prevention properties. Genetic markers were used to determine the male/sterile cytoplasm condition in approximately 8,000 individual plants.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Carrots, cucumbers and onions are major crops grown in Texas and account for approximately 25% of the total vegetable value. This research project has the objective of improving these crops for quality, disease resistance, yield and health/nutritional value through plant breeding. Over 125 carrot breeding lines were grown and selected for high carotene, sugar, low terpenoids and resistance to Alternaria foliage disease. Approximately 75 'intermediate leaf' cucumber lines were grown and selected for multiple fruit set, disease resistance and improved fruit texture. Approximately 160 onion lines were grown and selected for disease resistance, various dates of maturity, high yield, low pungency and high uniform levels of quercetin, thought to have cancer prevention properties. Genetic markers were used to determine the male/sterile cytoplasmic condition in 64 breeding lines consisting of 245 total individual plants.
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
This project includes research utilizing biotechnology, breeding, postharvest handling and processing of carrots, cucumbers and onions. Emphasis was placed on improvement of appearance, flavor, texture, nutrition and health benefits. Carrots were grown and selected for cylindrical shape, resistance to Alternaria and uniformity in the field. Selections were evaluated in the laboratory for beta carotene, sugar content and terpenoids. Roots having high beta carotene (150 ppm or greater) high sugar and low terpenoids were utilized in the breeding program depending on the objectives of the project. Cucumbers were grown and selected for disease resistance, ability to set 3 or more marketable fruit for a single pick and having acceptable quality for brining. Emphasis was placed on fruit firmness, good shape and medium to dark green color. Plants were also tested in the greenhouse for ability to set parthenocarpic fruit. Onions were grown in several locations ranging from
Weslaco, Texas to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Field selections were made for shape, color, disease resistance, non-doubling, bolt tolerance and earliness within each production area. Samples were then analyzed in the laboratory for pungency, sugars, flavor and quercetin. One onion variety, `Texas Early White', was released.
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