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Maize leaf length, leaf width, leaf angle, and leaf orientation value are determinant traits influencing leaf shape, yield potential, and can sense water stress signals. However, little is known regarding their genetic controls under drought stress. Using two F3 populations, we identified 72 QTLs under contrasting environments at V18 and R1 stages by single-environment mapping, 58.3% QTLs were identified under drought-stressed environments. Thirty-three joint QTLs were detected by joint analysis of all environments, 7 QTLs involved in QTL-by-environment interactions, 11 pair epistasis exhibited additive-by-additive effects. Twelve constitutive QTLs were dissected that will be potentially useful for genetic improvement of maize leaf development through QTL pyramiding. Additionally, 13 meta-QTLs were identified via meta-analysis, 15 candidate genes were identified in these meta-QTLs. These results provide valuable information for QTLs fine mapping, revealing genetic mechanisms of leaf shape under contrasting watering environments, and alleles provide useful targets for marker-assisted selection breeding.

Present study was investigate the effect of different UV-doses on morphological defending system features of two palm species Phoenix dactylifera L. and Washingtonia filifera (Lindl.) H. Wendl. The results showed that the morphological and biomass traits of both palm species grown for 30 days under UV-B with a rate of 2 hrs.day-1 were almost improved. Where, the highest leaf width was recorded (1.1 and 0.7 cm) respectively. Conversely, UV-treatment (4-10 hrs.day-1) has adversely affected on almost morphological and biomass features of both species. Where, the less leaf widths were recorded 0.95, 0.8, 0.73, 0.45, 0.43 and 0.40 cm in both palm species. Besides, results also spotted changes in leaf’s surface appearances. However, present investigation concluded that morphological features and biomass of both species were unaffected with low dose of UV-radiation (2 hrs.day-1). But, date palm (P. dactylifera L.) was capable to survive at high dose of radiation conditions reaches 8 hrs.day-1 for 30 days.

Shoot morphology in rice plants changes in response to P deficiency. However, how genotypic variations in these morphological changes affect the canopy development and biomass production have hardly been explored. The study aimed to identify specific shoot morphological traits that confer biomass production under P deficiency. Four rice genotypes, including AZ-97 (WAS 63���22-5-9-10-1), which exhibits high performance under highly P-deficient fields in Madagascar, were grown for 56 days in flooded pots over several P application rates to simulate P-sufficient and moderately, severely, and extremely P-deficient conditions. AZ-97 had superior shoot P contents and biomass than Takanari, a high-yielding cultivar, and X265, a common high-yielding cultivar in Madagascar at severely to moderately P-deficient conditions. Shoot biomass was highly correlated with projected leaf area (PLA) from the early growth stage, and tiller number, leaf width, and leaf elongation rate explained the variations in PLA. These morphological traits reduced significantly with decreased P application rates, while reduction in AZ-97 was small relative to the other genotypes, even for equivalent shoot P contents. As the result, AZ-97 had greater PLA per unit of shoot P content at equivalent shoot P contents. The result indicates that lower sensitivity and degrees of change in shoot morphology when exposed to P deficiency stress could be a key trait facilitating the maintenance of captured radiation and subsequently influencing genotypic differences in external P uptakes and biomass production. AZ-97 is a potential donor with such traits that can offer an additional avenue for genetic improvement toward P-efficient rice production.Abbreviations DAT: days after transplanting; LN: leaf number in the main stem; PLA: projected green leaf area; PUE: phosphorus use efficiency; SSA: Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sesamum indicum ‘Baekseol’ plug seedlings were treated with the fungicide diniconazole as a growth retardant in comparison to paclobutrazole. Seeds were sown in 128-cell plug trays. Paclobutrazole (0, 15, 30, and 60 mg L−1) and diniconazole (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg L−1) were foliage sprayed when first leaves were developed. Stem growth was similar between paclobutrazole and the control, but strongly retarded by increasing concentrations of diniconazole. Leaf numbers did not differ in all treatments. As the diniconazole concentration increased, leaves became thicker, while leaf width and length decreased. In diniconazole treatment, shoot fresh weight decreased, but root fresh weight increased. Therefore, the T/R ratio was lowered by diniconazole treatment. After transplanting, the taking roots of paclobutrazol-treated plants were below average (

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] has two distinctive biotypes, summer and winter, with winter biotypes requiring a vernalization treatment to enter the reproductive phase. Increased interest in broadening the diversity of winter-hardy cover crops in the northern Great Plains of the U.S. to reduce soil erosion through the winter months has led seed companies to offer winter camelina seed outsourced from other states. Regrettably, in 2017, outsourced camelina seed from other states turned out to be summer biotypes that did not survive the North Dakota winter. The objectives of this study were to determine the morphological characteristics of seed and seedlings from summer- and winter-biotypes. Morphological characteristics of seedlings were determined by growing nineteen summer- and eleven winter-biotypes in an environmental chamber. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. To determine differences in seed wavelength absorbance between winter- and summer-biotypes both visible and near infrared spectra were examined, which encompass 400–2498 nm wavelengths. Mixtures of cultivars Joelle (winter) and one summer type were analyzed using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Seed mixtures were prepared in increments of 5% of ‘Joelle’. Mixtures of different lots of Joelle were prepared in increments of 25%. Significant interactions were present and observed for pairs of vegetative leaves, growth stage, height, leaf length, leaf width and the number of lobes. The equation for the ratio of winter seed (r2 = 0.96) performed very well, being able to distinguish known field grown cultivars used in the equation. Differences in seed and seedling morphological characteristics can be used to differentiate winter- or summer-biotypes. Having a rapid method to determine the percentage of winter camelina in an unknown seed sample will be very favorable for all producers, as well as seed companies, interested in growing winter camelina as either a winter-hardy cover crop or as a winter annual cash crop.

This study aimed to obtain equations to estimate leaf area from linear leaf dimensions and establish the allometric relationship between leaf area and the number of leaves on the main stem of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) at different sowing times. The experiment was conducted in the agricultural year 2016/2017 on five sowing times in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, in a randomized block design with four repetitions. In each plot, ten random plants were marked weekly during the vegetative phase to determine the number of leaves (NL) in the main stem, and three of these for the determination of leaf area (LA). A total of 70 leaves of different sizes were used to calibrate the model. Another 106 leaves were used to test the predictive capacity of the equations by various statistical indices. The length (L) and the largest leaf width (W) were measured. Leaf collection was carried out during the cycle, in all sowing times to represent all leaf sizes. The linear, quadratic, exponential, and potential models were adjusted. The non-destructive method, through the linear dimensions of the leaf, is appropriate for estimating the leaf area in chia. The general equation LA = 0.642 (L x W) can be used to estimate the leaf area of the chia plants without loss of precision. The potential model is appropriate to characterize the allometric relationship between leaf area evolution and the number of leaves accumulated in the main stem of chia at different sowing times. RESUMO Objetivou-se neste estudo obter equações para estimar a área foliar a partir de dimensões lineares da folha e estabelecer a relação alométrica entre a área foliar e o número de folhas da haste principal de chia (Salvia hispanica L.) em diferentes épocas de semeadura. O experimento foi conduzido no ano agrícola 2016/2017 em cinco épocas de semeadura em Santa Maria, RS, Brasil, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Em cada parcela, dez plantas ao acaso foram marcadas para determinação semanal do número de folhas (NF) na haste principal durante a fase vegetativa, e três para determinação da área foliar (AF). Um total de 70 folhas de diferentes tamanhos foram usadas para calibrar o modelo e outras 106 folhas foram usadas para testar a capacidade preditiva das equações por vários índices estatísticos, nas quais foram medidos o comprimento (C) e a maior largura da folha (L). A coleta de folhas foi realizada durante o ciclo de desenvolvimento de todas as épocas de semeadura para ter representação de todos os tamanhos de folhas. Os modelos linear, quadrático, exponencial e potencial foram ajustados. O método não destrutivo, através das dimensões lineares da folha, é adequado para estimar a área foliar em chia. A equação geral AF = 0.642 (L x W) pode ser usada para estimar a área foliar das plantas de chia sem perda de precisão. O modelo potencial é adequado para caracterizar a relação alométrica entre a evolução da área foliar e o número de folhas acumuladas na haste principal de chia em diferentes épocas de semeadura.

Malus orientalis Uglitzk. is considered as one of the probable ancestors of domestic apples (M. × domestica) and has valuable traits such as late-blooming, adaptation to a wider array of habitats, and capacity for longer storage of the fruits. In the present investigation, morphological and pomological characteristics of M. orientalis were evaluated. Results showed significant differences among the accessions in terms of the recorded traits. Leaf length ranged from 38.56 to 101.36 mm and leaf width varied from 20.27 to 45.31 mm. Fruit length ranged from 14.69 to 39.98 mm, while fruit width varied from 22.16 to 47.39 mm. Fruits weighted between 4.76 and 36.32 g with an average of 15.28. Fruit weight showed positive and significant correlations with dimensions of leaf and fruit. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that fruit-related characteristics were more important in explaining the variation among the accessions. The dendrogram generated using Ward’s method and Euclidean distance showed that the accessions were placed into two major clusters. The dissimilarity level in terms of morphological and pomological characteristics showed a wide range of phenotypic diversity, allowing the effective selection of parents in various breeding programs, referring to fruit quality and high yield. The current findings confirmed that conservation of M. orientalis genetic resources is important for future breeding programs.

Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. mutica is widely distributed in the Zagros Mountains in Iran and its fruits are used as food. In the present study, the morphological and pomological variation of naturally grown male and female genotypes of this species was investigated. Considerable variations were observed among male and also among female genotypes studied based on the characters measured. Leaf length ranged from 11.03 to 17.67 cm in male genotypes and also from 11.98 to 16.14 cm in female genotypes. Furthermore, leaf width varied from 7.32 to 13.08 cm in male genotypes and from 9.18 to 13.31 cm in female genotypes. Inflorescence length ranged between 4.62 and 5.83 cm in male genotypes and between 5.05 and 9.04 cm in female genotypes. Also, 100-nut weight varied from 13.74 to 22.81 g with an average of 16.09, while 100-kernel weight ranged from 2.11 to 3.60 g with an average of 2.65 in female genotypes. Leaf length was significantly and positively correlated with leaf width. Furthermore, 100-kernel weight was positively and significantly correlated with leaf and nut dimensions. Principal component analysis showed that the characters measured accounted for 77.41% of the total variance in male genotypes and also 83.24% of the total variance in female genotypes. The genotypes studied showed high variation based on the characters recorded. The wide adaptation of P. atlantica Desf. subsp. mutica highlights its potential as a genetic resource for pistachio breeding for resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought. The current findings may be useful to select conservation strategies and genetic improvement of the species studied.

portuguesOs objetivos deste trabalho foram verificar se ha variabilidade genetica e avaliar as relacoes lineares entre a arquitetura de planta e a produtividade de graos de milho. Foram conduzidos tres experimentos no delineamento blocos completos ao acaso. Em 51 cultivares, foram avaliados caracteres relacionados ao numero de folhas, as alturas de planta e de espiga, ao ângulo foliar, ao comprimento da folha, a largura da folha, a area foliar e a produtividade de graos, totalizando 22 caracteres. Foram realizadas analises de variância individuais, verificados os pressupostos de normalidade dos erros e homogeneidade de variâncias residuais e agrupadas as medias de cultivares pelo teste de Scott-Knott. Foi determinada a matriz de correlacao fenotipica entre os 22 caracteres das 51 cultivares. Ha variabilidade genetica entre as cultivares em relacao ao numero de folhas, alturas de planta e de espiga, ângulo foliar, comprimento da folha, largura da folha, area foliar e produtividade de graos. Folhas localizadas proximas a espiga apresentam menor ângulo foliar e maiores comprimento da folha, largura da folha e area foliar. O ângulo foliar aumenta gradativamente em direcao as folhas da extremidade inferior e superior da planta. O comprimento da folha, a largura da folha e a area foliar diminuem gradativamente em direcao as folhas da extremidade inferior e superior da planta. Cultivares com maior numero de folhas e maior area foliar estao associadas a plantas com maior produtividade de graos EnglishThe objectives of this study were to analyze whether there is genetic variability and assess the linear relationships between plant architecture and maize grain yield. Three experiments were carried out in a complete randomized block design. A group of 51 cultivars was assessed in relation to 22 traits: number of leaves, plant height, ear height, leaf angle, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and grain yield. Individual analyses of variance were performed, the assumptions of normality of errors and homogeneity of residual variances were tested, and means were grouped by the Scott-Knott test. The phenotypic correlation matrix was constructed using the 22 traits of the 51 cultivars. Results showed that there is genetic variability among cultivars for number of leaves, plant height, ear height, leaf angle, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and grain yield. Leaves close to the ear have smaller leaf angle and larger length, width, and area of the leaves. Leaf angle gradually increases towards the lower and upper ends of the plant. Length, width, and area gradually decreases in leaves towards the lower and upper ends of the plant. Cultivars with higher number of leaves and larger leaf area are associated with higher grain yield

EnglishThe compost from the waste of pharmaceutical industries, such as guava leaves (GL) and neem seeds (NS) is used in organic agriculture. Curcuma zanthorrhiza RoxB. is a widely recognized herbal medicine that grows natively in Indonesia. Curcuminoids and xanthorrhizol are the primary bioactive components of C. zanthorrhiza. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of GL and NS compost on the growth and bioactive yields of C. zanthorrhiza. Treatments consisted of cow manure, GL compost, NS compost, GL+NS compost, or a no compost control, at 2 and 4 kg per plant. Results demonstrated that the NS and GL+NS compost applied with 4 kg per plant had increased fresh rhizome yield compared with the other treatments. Composted NS at 2 kg per plant increased the plant height and pseudo stem diameter traits compared with the control treatment. The compost application of GL+NS at 2 and 4 kg per plant significantly increased the leaf length and number of shoots. All treatments showed unchanged the leaf width and number of leaves. The compost application of GL and NS (2 kg per plant) showed higher production of curcuminoidsthan the control. The compost consisting of GL (2 kg per plant), NS (4 kg per plant), and GL+NS also increased the production of xanthorrhizol compared with the control treatment. Results illustrated the practical application of GL and NS composts from industrial pharmaceutical extraction waste for the organic farming cultivation of C. zanthorrhiza portuguesO composto dos residuos das industrias farmaceuticas, como folhas de goiaba (GL) e sementes de nim (NS), e usado na agricultura orgânica. Curcuma zanthorrhiza RoxB. e um medicamento fitoterapico amplamente reconhecido que cresce de forma nativa na Indonesia. Os curcuminoides e o xanthorrizol sao os principais componentes bioativos de C. zanthorrhiza. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o impacto do composto GL e NS no crescimento e produtividade bioativa de C. zanthorrhiza. Os tratamentos consistiram em esterco de vaca, composto GL, composto NS, composto GL + NS ou controle sem composto, em 2 e 4 kg por planta. Os resultados demonstraram que o composto NS e GL + NS aplicado com 4 kg por planta aumentou a producao de rizoma fresco, em comparacao com os outros tratamentos. A NS compostada a 2 kg por planta aumentou as caracteristicas de altura da planta e diâmetro do pseudoestemico em comparacao com o tratamento controle. A aplicacao de composto de GL + NS em 2 e 4 kg por planta aumentou significativamente o comprimento das folhas e o numero de brotacoes. Todos os tratamentos apresentaram alteracao na largura e numero de folhas. A aplicacao de composto de GL e NS (2 kg por planta) apresentou maior producao de curcuminoide do que o controle. Os compostos constituidos por GL (2 kg por planta), NS (4 kg por planta) e GL + NS tambem aumentaram a producao de xanthorrizol em comparacao com o tratamento controle. Os resultados ilustraram a aplicacao pratica de compostos GL e NS de residuos de extracao farmaceutica industrial para o cultivo orgânico de C. zanthorrhiza

The characteristic traits of maize (Zea mays L.) leaves affect light interception and photosynthesis. Measurement or estimation of individual leaf area has been described using discontinuous equations or bell-shaped functions. However, new maize hybrids show different canopy architecture, such as leaf angle in modern maize which is more upright and ear leaf and adjacent leaves which are longer than older hybrids. The original equations and their parameters, which have been used for older maize hybrids and grown at low plant densities, will not accurately represent modern hybrids. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to develop a new empirical equation that captures vertical leaf distribution. To characterize the vertical leaf profile, we conducted a field experiment in Jilin province, Northeast China from 2015 to 2018. Our new equation for the vertical distribution of leaf profile describes leaf length, width or leaf area as a function of leaf rank, using parameters for the maximum value for leaf length, width or area, the leaf rank at which the maximum value is obtained, and the width of the curve. It thus involves one parameter less than the previously used equations. By analysing the characteristics of this new equation, we identified four key leaf ranks (4, 8, 14 and 20) for which leaf parameter values need to be quantified in order to have a good estimation of leaf length, width and area. Together, the method of leaf area estimation proposed here adds versatility for use in modern maize hybrids and simplifies the field measurements by using the four key leaf ranks to estimate vertical leaf distribution in maize canopy instead of all leaf ranks.

The aim of this study was to evaluate oat genotypes for grain yield and yield components in both 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 growing seasons using GGE biplot analysis. Experiments were laid out according to lattice design. Biomass at harvest, grain yield, number of grain per panicle, weight of grain per panicle, flag leaf width, flag leaf height, plant height, stem diameter, thousand kernel weight, time of panicle emergence, harvest index, panicle length, and spikelet per panicle were evaluated for 56 oat genotypes. GGE biplot graphics of the first and second years explained 54.4 and 55% of total variation, respectively. Grain yield, number of grains per panicle, and weight of grain per panicle were closely and positively associated in both growing seasons. Recently registered cultivar Sari and lines 26, 29, and 30 were found as promising genotypes for Canakkale conditions. Traits of genotype at different growing seasons can be visually studied using different genotype-by-trait (GT) biplots.

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of freshwater alga, Chlorella fusca on the improvement of growth and qualities in organic spinach and Chinese chives farm. The average height of Chinese chives treated with the chlorella was 3.7 cm smaller than that of the untreated. The leaf width and fresh weight of Chinese chives treated with the chlorella was 0.5 mm wider and 30.3 g heavier than that of the untreated. The commercialization and yield of Chinese chives treated with the chlorella was 11.9% and 18.3%, respectively higher than that of the untreated. Also, the disease severity of gray mold disease of Chinese chives treated with the chlorella was reduced by more than 24.2% when compared with the untreated. The thickness and number of spinach leaves treated with chlorella was 27.9% and 41.8%, respectively higher than that of the untreated. The fresh weight and yield of the spinach treated with the chlorella was 63.6% and 31.5%, respectively higher than that of the untreated. Moreover, the mineral content of K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, and Mn were recorded higher in the spinach treated with chlorella compared with that of untreated. The results indicated that the freshwater alga, Chlorella fusca is efficient and economical biostimulant in improving plant growth and quality of Chinese chives and spinach in organic farm.

The present experiment was carried out to determine mutagenic sensitivity on Jasmine (Jasminum spp.). In this experiment, terminal cuttings of Jasminum grandiflorum cv. White Pitchi and semi hardwood cuttings of J. nitidum (clone Acc.Jn-1 selected at TNAU) and J. multiflorum cv. Arka Arpan were treated with ten different concentrations of EMS ranging from 5 mM to 50 mM. . The results revealed gradual and significant reduction in survival of cuttings, shoot length, number of leaves, leaf length and leaf width with increase in dosage of EMS. The probit curve analysis based on survival percentage and growth rate of treated cuttings revealed LD50 dosage of EMS to be 37.15 mM, 40.7 mM and 42.66 mM for White Pitchi, Arka Arpan and ACC Jn-1 respectively.

A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2015-16 to study 'Studies Effect of Planting Dates and Varieties on Growth and Quality on Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) under sub-humid zone of Rajasthan' having 15 treatment combinations of five Varieties (V1- African Star, V2- Hunting Song, V3- Legend, V4- Pusa Srijana and V5- Snow Princess) and three planting dates (D1- 10th October, D2- 25th October and D3- 9th November). The treatment V2D1 (Hunting Song + 10th October planting) recorded the maximum plant height (116.10 cm), highest number of leaves per plant (8.77), main stem diameter (1.50 cm), number of florets per spike (15.8), spike length (91.80 cm), rachis length (57.90 cm), floret diameter (10.04 cm), vase life of spike (13 days), While the maximum leaf length (64.20 cm), leaf width (4.96 cm) in (V5D3) and maximum spike girth (0.91cm) was found in (V1D2). The growth and flowering quality was found superior in compare to other planting dates.

It is believed that black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a healthier fruit among mulberry species due to its high bioactive content. In the present study, the morphological and chemical variabilities of this species were investigated. There were statistical differences in terms of the morphological and chemical traits between the genotypes. Out of 37 morphological and seven chemical characters, 20 morphological and five chemical traits showed a coefficient of variation (CV) greater than 20.00%, indicating a high variability between the genotypes for these traits. The fruit weight varied between 1.79 and 5.69 g with an average of 3.85 g. The highest TSS content was 24.80%, while the lowest TSS was 11.20%, with an average of 18.42. The content of total anthocyanins was found between 57.62 and 475.65 mg CGE 100 g−1 FrWe. Total phenols ranged from 232.27 to 1777.73 mg GAE 100 g−1 FrWe. The fruit weight showed positive correlations with tree growth vigor, leaf length and leaf width. In addition, fruit weight was positively correlated with fruit length and fruit width. Furthermore, TSS was positively correlated with phenolic content and flavonoid content. The results obtained from the hierarchical grouping analysis separated genotypes into three and two main groups based on morphological and chemical characters, respectively. The present study increased knowledge about the phenotypic variation and phytochemical properties of black mulberry fruits and can be useful for producers, breeders, and processors.

Variability, correlation and path analysis of 24 yield and quality characters were assessed in turmeric using 15 genotypes. Wide genetic variability was observed among the genotypes for most of the characters studied. High GCV and PCV was observed for 17 characters except for plant height, leaf length, leaf width, primary rhizome length, secondary rhizome girth, diameter of inner core of primary rhizome and diameter of primary rhizome. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for 23 characters except secondary rhizome girth. Simple correlation analysis revealed that fresh rhizome yield per plant showed positive and significant correlation with collar girth, length of mother rhizome, girth of mother rhizome, weight of mother rhizome, number of primary rhizome, weight of primary rhizome and number of secondary rhizome. From path analysis, it is understood that fresh rhizome yield exhibited high direct positive effect on girth of mother rhizome, weight of mother rhizome, weight of primary rhizome, number of secondary rhizome and curcumin content.

Twenty four accessions of Plantago ovata were grown to study existing variability, correlation and cause and effect relationships between yield and its component traits with their possible view in future improvement programmes. Analysis of variances displayed highly significant differences among accessions for all the traits. High heritability (>75%) coupled with the high genetic advance (>30%) were observed for the traits viz., leaf width, number of spikes/plant, biological yield/plant and seed yield/plant suggesting predominance of additive gene action. Seed yield/plant exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with biological yield/plant followed by number of spikes/plant, effective tillers/plant, harvest index, seed weight/spike, spike weight and husk recovery both at genotypic and phenotypic level. Biological yield/plant, harvest index, spike weight, effective tillers/plant and husk recovery exhibited the highest positive and significant direct effect on seed yield/plant. Critical analysis of results obtained from character association and path analysis indicated that the traits viz., biological yield/plant, harvest index, spike weight, effective tillers/plant and husk recovery were of prime concern as they possessed high positive association and direct effects on seed yield/plant. These traits are more reliable for selection for yield improvement programmes in Plantago ovata.

Key message QTL controlling flag leaf length, flag leaf width, flag leaf area and flag leaf angle were mapped in wheat. Abstract This study aimed to advance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying morphological traits of the flag leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from ND3331 and the Tibetan semi-wild wheat Zang1817 was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf width (FLW), flag leaf area (FLA), and flag leaf angle (FLANG). Using an available simple sequence repeat genetic linkage map, 23 putative QTLs for FLL, FLW, FLA, and FLANG were detected on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 3A, 3D, 4B, 5A, 6B, 7B, and 7D. Individual QTL explained 4.3–68.52% of the phenotypic variance in different environments. Four QTLs for FLL, two for FLW, four for FLA, and five for FLANG were detected in at least two environments. Positive alleles of 17 QTLs for flag leaf-related traits originated from ND3331 and 6 originated from Zang1817. QTLs with pleiotropic effects or multiple linked QTL were also identified on chromosomes 1B, 4B, and 5A; these are potential target regions for fine-mapping and marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00122-017-3040-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Exposure of vegetable seedlings to lowered temperature affects their growth and the content of certain chemical constituents. Chilling activates defensive mechanisms against stress and leads to acclimatization which increases plant ability to withstand harsh field conditions. Thus, seedlings subjected to low-temperature treatment had altered metabolic pathways, and these changes can persist until harvest. We therefore assessed: (i) the direct response of broccoli seedlings to 1 week or 2 weeks at lowered temperatures (6 °C, 10 °C, 14 °C, and 18 °C—control), and (ii) the long-term effects of the latter treatments on phytochemical components level in mature heads of broccoli cultivated in the field. Chilling stress decreased seedling shoot and root fresh and dry weights, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf perimeter, and leaf width. The most spectacular reductions in these parameters were observed at 6 °C and 10 °C. Longer exposure to lowered temperature resulted in greater reduction in the values of morphological traits. Chilling led to reduction in L-ascorbic acid content in broccoli seedlings, while a 6 °C temperature caused an increase in soluble sugars. The highest content of dry weight, soluble sugars, and L-ascorbic acid were observed in the heads of plants exposed to 14 °C, however, the content of dry weight (at 10 °C) and L-ascorbic acid (at 6 °C and 10 °C) also increased in broccoli heads in comparison with the control. Longer chilling (for 2 weeks) generally increased the content of these constituents in mature broccoli. Lower temperature (6–14 °C) applied at seedling stage increased P and Zn contents in broccoli heads in comparison to the control, whereas plants treated with 10 °C had more K, Fe, and, together with 6 °C treatment, Cu. The lowest temperature applied to the seedlings (6 °C) caused an increase in Mn content, while no effects of seedling chilling was noted for Ca levels. Significant linear correlations were noted and regression models were developed for the content of dry weight, soluble sugars, and L-ascorbic acid in the broccoli heads based on the chosen seedling parameters. The results show that the effect of lowered temperature to which the seedlings were subjected persists also in the further stages of plant ontogenesis, causing permanent changes in the chemical composition of mature broccoli heads.

Tomato is often exposed to diverse abiotic stresses and cold stress is one of harsh environmental stresses. Abnormal low temperature affects tomato growth and development, leading to, e.g., physiological disorders, flower drops, and abnormal fruit morphology, and causing a decrease in tomato yield and fruit quality. It is important to identify low temperature-(LT) tolerant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars relying on different fruit types. In this study, our focus was to analyze the physiological traits of 35 tomato accessions with three different fruit types (cherry, medium, and large sizes) under night temperature set-points of 15 °C for control temperature (CT) and 10 °C for LT, respectively. Plant heights (PH) of most tomato accessions in LT were remarkably decreased compared to those in CT. The leaf length (LL) and leaf width (LW) were reduced depending on the genotypes under LT. In addition, the number of fruits (NFR), fruit set (FS), fruit yield (FY), and marketable yield (MY) were negatively affected in LT. The variation was further investigated by the correlation, the principal component (PCA), and the cluster analysis. Interestingly, positive correlations between different vegetative and reproductive traits were uncovered. Multivariate analysis including the PCA and hierarchical clustering classified the LT-treated 35 tomato accessions into four major groups. The identified accessions were associated with vegetative and reproductive parameters on positive directions. The results might be utilized for establishing breeding programs on selecting LT-tolerant tomato cultivars with different selection indices relying on fruit types during vegetative and/or reproductive stages.

Leaf Area (LA) is a key index of plant productivity and growth. A multiple linear regression technique is commonly applied to estimate LA as a non-destructive and quick method, but this technique is limited under the realistic situation. Thus, it is indispensable to elaborate new models for estimation. In this research, the performance of the Adaptive Neural-Based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) in predicting the LA of 61 plant species (C) was investigated. Four parameters including leaf length (L), leaf width (W), C, and specific coefficient (K) for each plant were selected as input data to the ANFIS model and the LA as the output. Seven different ANFIS models including different combinations of input data were constructed to reveal the sensitivity analysis of the models. The normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), mean residual error (MRE), and linear regression were applied between observed LA and estimated LA by the models. The results indicated that ANFIS4-K2min which employed all input dat...

A total of 326 pearl millet accessions selected for fodder traits from the world collection at ICRISAT genebank, India were evaluated in rainy, postrainy and summer seasons to identify promising sources for fodder yield. In rainy season, majority of accessions grew significantly tall, produced thick stems, long and broad leaves compared with postrainy and summer seasons. Total tillers per plant were significantly more in rainy and summer seasons than in postrainy season. Significant (P = 0.05) positive correlations were observed among all traits in all seasons except total tillers, which showed significant negative correlation with all other traits but for a few cases. Accessions of cluster 1 flowered early and produced more tillers per plant, while those of cluster 3 flowered late, grew tall, produced thick stems, more leaves per plant, which were long and broad. Promising sources identified include IP 11839 and IP 11840 for plant height and number of leaves per plant, IP 15710, IP 15735 and IP 15752 for stem thickness and leaf width, and IP 3628, IP 15285, IP 15288, IP 15302, IP 15342, IP 15351, IP 15290, IP 20347 and IP 20350 for total tillers per plant. Further testing of these sources of fodder traits at different locations will be very useful.

A model for estimating the area of individual leaves (LA) by employing their dimensions was developed for chrysanthemum. Further hypotheses were tested: (a) LA estimation is improved by considering blade length (Lb) rather than leaf length (L), and (b) a reasonable LA estimation can be attainable by considering L in conjunction to a shape trait, which is cultivar dependent. For the model development, six cultivars were employed (1500 leaves in total), while for model validation, an independent set of nine cultivars was utilized (1125 leaves in total). Several characteristics were digitally assessed in fully expanded leaves which included petiole length, leaf L, width (W), perimeter, shape traits (aspect ratio, circularity, roundness, solidity), together with LA. LA estimation was more accurate by considering both L and W, as compared to a single dimension. A linear model, employing the product of L by W as independent variable, provided the most accurate LA estimation (R2 = 0.84). The model validation indicated a highly significant correlation between computed and measured LA (R2 = 0.88). Replacing L by Lb reasonably predicted LA (R2 = 0.832) but at some expense of accuracy. Contrary to expectation, considering L (or W) and a cultivar-specific shape trait generally led to poor LA estimations.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of harvest time on the growth, yield characteristics and loganin content in Dipsacus asperoides Wall. Methods and Results: Dipsacus asperoides seedlings were planted within a nursery environment in early May 2015 and harvested in early, middle and late October 2015, and early November 2015. Harvest time did not result significant differences in the plant height, stem diameter, branch length, leaf width and aboveground dry weight moreover, no significant differences were observed in root length, number of roots and root diameter. However, the diameter of lateral roots was greater in the harvests from the late October and period thereafter. The highest values of root dry weight and yield were recorded in early November. Specifically, the yield significantly increased from 205 kg/10 a (index: 100) in early October to 358 kg/10 a (index: 175) in early November, in terms of root part weight. Loganin contents of D. asperoides differed significantly among harvest times raging from 0.0766% in early October to 0.1704% in late November, thereby showing an increasing trend in later harvest times. Conclusions: These results suggest that the optimum harvest time for D. asperoides is early November, when the yield is the highest. Harvest time significantly affected loganin contents, which constantly increased from early October until early November.

Analysis of growth and yield characteristics of rice with different yield levels is very important for the breeding of high-yield rice cultivators. To investigate the yield components&rsquo, variation, morphological characteristics of the panicles, leaves, and stems of rice varieties under different yield levels, a two-year field experiment was conducted in Chongqing China. The 20 mid-season Indica hybrid rice varieties were classified into three groups based on yield, comprising high-yield group (HG), mid-yield group (MG), and low-yield group (LG). The main reason for the superior yield of HG is that the varieties of this group had a significantly higher number of effective panicles per unit area than the MG and LG. In plant type factors, the leaf type factors were the most important reason causing yield difference of HG, MG, and LG. The average leaf roll index, average leaf length to width ratio, average leaf base angle, average leaf droop angle, and average leaf pillow distance of the upper three leaves were significantly or significantly negatively correlated with the yield, while the average leaf width, average leaf area, and the average distance of leaf edge were significantly or significantly positively correlated with yield, and the leaf droop angle was the most important plant type factor affecting the yield. Based on these results, we further quantified the plant type factors of HG and constructed an ideal plant type model for high-yield hybrid mid-season rice. Theoretical and practical basis could be provided for breeding mid-season Indica hybrid rice with super-high yield in the future to ensure food security.

Las zonas áridas abarcan grandes regiones de México con problemas de escasez hídrica, suelos superficiales, pobres en materia orgánica y altos contenidos de sales. La sábila [Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.] es una alternativa viable de producción ante condiciones ambientales limitantes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la salinidad en el crecimiento de las hojas y calidad de gel de la sábila. El estudio consistió en probar seis tratamientos salinos: 0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 y 8000 mg L-1 de NaCl, correspondientes a conductividades eléctricas (CE) de 0.36 (agua de riego sin agregar NaCl), 1.39, 2.0, 3.6, 5.6 y 7.6 dS m-1, respectivamente. El ensayo se condujo bajo un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Las variables medidas fueron longitud de hoja, ancho de hoja, grosor de hoja, biomasa de la hoja, biomasa del gel, biomasa fresca y seca de la planta sin raíz, pH del gel, sólidos solubles totales y sólidos precipitables en metanol. La biomasa de la hoja y el contenido de gel fueron similares entre 0.36 y 3.6 dS m-1, lo que sugirió cierto grado de tolerancia al estrés salino; sin embargo, a partir de los 5.6 dS m-1 hubo un efecto negativo en éstas y otras variables. La concentración de sólidos solubles totales y sólidos precipitables en metanol se incrementó en función de la CE, dentro de cierto límite. Estos parámetros se consideran como un indicador de alto valor agregado desde el punto de vista comercial. Se confirma que ante condiciones moderadas de estrés, en este caso por salinidad, se favorece la calidad del gel, aunque se acompaña de un efecto negativo en el crecimiento y producción de hoja de sábila.

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic difference between 43 F1 hybrids and 8 parents, seven of Iris germanica and one of I. spuria and to estimate genetic parameters by using 10 descriptors and the morphological variation to determine their potential for genetic improvement. The mean comparisons showed that the Iris hybrids 10 and 11 had higher flower size than other Iris hybrids and the parental, a coveted trait that could be used in breeding programs, with the aim of increase sales. The Iris hybrid 8 showed the most significantly difference in crown diameter, flower branches diameter and flower peduncle diameter. The cluster of largely are could separation hybrids in terms of morphological characteristics. Irises a trait correlation with other traits makes possible indirect measurement. Relatively high heritability values, in broad sense, were found 97% for height plant, fall width and length, flower size and leaf width. These characters may be applied as useful traits in Iris breeding and for selection hybrids.

Phenetic analysis of all the black pepper cultivars in Malaysia is crucial to determine the morphological difference among them. The objective of this study is to ascertain the morphological distinctness and interrelationships among the cultivars to ensure registration of each variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act, as a prerequisite toward implementation of a monovarietal farm policy in the future. Cluster analysis revealed that cultivars “Semongok Aman” and “Semongok 1” have high distinctness values for identification; thus, varietal diagnosis for the two cultivars is easy. Cultivars “Nyerigai,” “India,” “Semongok Perak,” and “Semongok Emas” were grouped in the most diverse clusters among the ten cultivars studied. The four cultivars have a similarity index as high as 92%; however, investigation of leaf width, leaf width-length ratio, seed weight, and conversion rate (fresh to black pepper) gives the ability to determine the characteristic differences. Cultivars “Lampung Daun Lebar” and “Yong Petai” have a similarity of 96%; however, the two showed distinctive differences in leaf width, leaf length-width ratio, spike thickness, and spike length characteristics. On the contrary, cultivars “Kuching” and “Sarikei” showed the highest similarity index, at 98%, and thus are among the most difficult cultivars to diagnose the morphological difference. However, the principle component analysis showed that the fruit size and seed diameter were the important diagnostic key characteristics. Overall, the leaf width, leaf width-length ratio, fruit spike, and conversion rate characteristics are among the key characteristics to differentiate among cultivars of black pepper in Malaysia. At the same time, the principle component analysis carried out has enlightened some interrelationships on the morphological characteristics between cultivars. This information is crucial for the future of the plant varietal improvement program in Malaysia.

The use of warm season turfgrasses is a consolidated trend in the climatic transition zone of Mediterranean countries, in particular St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze) begins to be widespread in warm coastal areas. However, little is known about the performance of the different cultivars of this species in southern Europe. In 2016-2017 a trial was carried out in three locations in Italy, Padova, Pisa, and Palermo, located in the north, center and south of the country respectively. Four cultivars (Floratine, Captiva, Sapphire, Palmetto) and five ecotypes (CeRTES 201, CeRTES 202, CeRTES 203, CeRTES 204, CeRTES 205) were compared in terms of their growth characteristics and morphological traits during establishment. The results highlighted that stolon growth was significantly affected by the location, as well as green colour retention. Stolon growth rate, internode length and internode volume and turf quality were, however, significantly determined by the accession effect. The quality of the ecotypes was also in some cases comparable to that of the cultivars. In Padova, winterkill occurred in most of the accessions, while in Pisa and Palermo, all the entries survived. In conclusion, St. Augustinegrass is suitable for turf use in the central and southern coastal area of Italy.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T15:46:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2019-10-09T18:25:20Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0100-83582017000100286.pdf: 736860 bytes, checksum: a9e552d79f040a0cda8d110fd2663be7 (MD5) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Leaf length (L), leaf width (W), and leaf area (LA) were measured from 100 leaves aiming to determine a simple linear equation (Y=a*X) to predict the leaf area of Commelina diffusa, an important weed infesting annual and perennial crops in Brazil and worldwide. Results indicate the equation LA=0.7*LW reliably estimates the leaf area of C. diffusa, after correlating LA with LW, and then validating that equation by analyzing four new 25-leaf samples. Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Univ Estado Santa Catarina, Lages, SC, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil CNPq: 304855/2015-4

The benefits of increased hybrid vigor, which often occur crossing unrelated plants or animals, have been recognized for centuries. In this study, hexaploid oat genotypes E44, K1, and A52 belong to A. sativa and A45 belonging to A. byzantina species were crossed. Heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis values were calculated for 11 traits on 12 hybrids belong to K1 x E44 cross (ten hybrids), K1 x A45 cross (one hybrid) and K1 x A52 cross (one hybrid) with the parents. According to the results, parents varied for all traits while hybrids were varied for flag leaf length (FLL), tiller number (TN), 1000-grain weight (1000-GW), grain number per panicle (GNP), grain weight per panicle (GWP), single plant grain yield (SPGY) and biomass (B). K1 x A52 cross had the highest plant height (PH, 201.0 cm), TN (22) and 1000-GW (47.1 g). On the other hand, the highest stem diameter (SD, 9.0 mm), flag leaf width (FLW, 4.0 cm), panicle length (PL, 53.0 cm), GNP(98.0) and GWP (3.2 g) were obtained from K1 x A45 cross. However, K1 x E44 cross had the highest FLL (42.7 cm), SPGY (42.6 g) and B (108.7 g) values. Heterosis values of the oat crosses were significant for all traits except stem diameter, flag leaf length and panicle length, while stem diameter and panicle length for heterobeltiosis and plant height and stem diameter for standard heterosis. Heterosis values were ranked between -26.8 and 282.3% while heterobeltiosis values were between -45.6 and 248.0%, and standard heterosis values were between -2.7 and 419.0%. The highest heterosis and standard heterosis values (282.3 and 419.0%, respectively) were determined for SPGY in K1 x E44 population, while the highest heterobeltiosis value (248.0%) was determined for biomass in K1 x A52 population., Çoğunlukla farklı bitki veya hayvanların melezlenmesiyle ortaya çıkan melez azmanlığının faydaları yüzyıllardır bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada, A. sativa ve A. byzantina türlerine ait hekzaploid yulaf genotipleri E44, K1, A45 ve A52 melezlenmiştir. K1 x E44 (on adet hibrit), K1 x A45 (bir adet hibrit) ve K1 x A52 (bir adet hibrit) melezlerine ait 12 adet hibrit ile ebeveynleri üzerinde 11 özellik bakımından heterosis, heterobeltiosis ve standart heterosis değerleri hesaplanmıştır. Sonuçlara göre, ebeveynler bütün özelliklere göre farklılık gösterirken, yulaf hibritleri, bayrak yaprak uzunluğu (BYU), kardeş sayısı (KS), salkımdaki tane sayısı (STS), salkımdaki tane ağırlığı (STA), 1000-tane ağırlığı (1000-TA), tek bitki tane verimi (TBTV) ve biyomas (B) özellikleri bakımından farklılık göstermişlerdir. Diğer taraftan, en yüksek sap kalınlığı (SK, 9.0 mm), bayrak yaprak eni (BYE, 4.0 cm), salkım uzunluğu (SU, 53.0 cm), STA (98.0 adet) ve STA (3.2 g) K1 x A45 melez popülasyonundan elde edilmiştir. K1 x A52 popülasyonu en yüksek bitki boyu (BB, 201.0 cm), KS (22 adet) ve 1000-TA (47.1 g) değerlerine sahip olmuştur. Bununla birlikte, K1 x E44 melez popülasyonu ise en yüksek BYU (42.7 cm), TBTV (42.6 g) ve B değerlerine sahip olmuştur. Heterosis değerleri sap kalınlığı, bayrak yaprak eni ve salkım uzunluğu hariç bütün özellikler için önemli bulunurken, heterobeltiosis değerleri sap kalınlığı ve salkım uzunluğu özellikleri için önemli ve standart heterosis için ise bitki boyu ve sap kalınlığı özellikleri önemli bulunmuştur. Heterosis değerleri % -26.8 ve 282.3 arasında değişirken, heterobeltiosis değerleri % -45.6 ve 248.0 arasında ve standart heterosis değerleri % -2.7 ve 419.0 arasında değişmiştir. En yüksek heterosis ve standart heterosis değerleri (sırasıyla, % 282.3 ve 419.0,) K1 x E44 melez popülasyonunda tek bitki tane verimi özelliğinden elde edilirken, en yüksek heterobeltiosis değeri (% 248.0) K1 x A52 popülasyonunda biyomas özelliğinden elde edilmiştir.

Golabadi, M., Golkar, P. and Eghtedary, A.-R. 2015. Combining ability analysis of fruit yield and morphological traits in greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 377–385. Knowledge about the genetic control of the different quantitative characters related to fruit yield and its components is still insufficient in greenhouse cucumbers. This information is useful in planning breeding programs in this economically important crop. In this study, the genetics of morphological traits and fruit yield was investigated using a 9×9 full diallel population of cucumbers for the greenhouse market. Data were collected on internode length, leaf length, leaf width, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, yield per fruit and yield per plant. Variance components showed that both the additive and the dominant gene effects played significant roles in the genetic control of the traits studied. Genetic control of internode length, leaf width and number of fruits per plant was accomplished by additive effects. The significant mean squares of reciprocal crosses for all of the studied traits suggested that maternal inheritance also played an important role in the inheritance of these traits. Significant general combining ability for fruit yield revealed that both selection and hybridization methods would lead to desirable genetic improvements in cucumber through accumulation of desirable alleles from parents in the target genotype, but that hybridization would be preferred.

In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) is one of the most important traits for grass quality improvement. Analysis of IVDMD in laboratory with a large number of breeding populations is very laborious. The objectives of this study were to evaluate IVDMD of brachiariagrass germplasm as material in breeding program, and also to determine the appropriate selection criteria for high digestibility. IVDMD (pepsin-cellulase method), morphology traits and water content of 17 genotypes of Brachiaria spp. (B. brizantha, B. decumbens, B. ruziziensis and Brachiaria hybrid) were evaluated at two harvesting times, winter and early summer seasons. The correlations among traits were determined, and their heritability were also estimated. IVDMD ranged from 48.9 to 59.0% in winter, and 42.9 to 54.4% in early summer. Among morphological traits, leaf-stem index (ratio of leaf width/stem diameter) showed the highest correlation with whole plant IVDMD (r = 0.74) followed by leaf-shape ratio (leaf width/leaf length; r = 0.72), and leaf water content also highly correlated with whole plant IVDMD (r = 0.79). The broad sense heritability of IVDMD and the related traits of two harvests combination were high with the range of 0.75–0.93. The results demonstrate that leaf-stem index, leaf-shape ratio and water content could be the useful selection criteria for the breeding of brachiariagrass for high digestibility.

Pseudostems of bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) show wide variation in morphological traits and skin color. However, despite being one of the most important agronomic traits, molecular studies of bunching onion pseudostems remain limited. In this study, six morphological traits (plant height, leaf length, pseudostem length, leaf width, pseudostem width and number of leaf sheaths) along with pseudostem pigmentation indices were evaluated in two field trials using an F2:3 population derived from a single F1 cross between a white single pseudostem (non-tillering) and a red tillering bunching onion. Plant height was highly correlated with both leaf length and pseudostem length, but not the number of leaf sheaths. In contrast, the number of leaf sheaths was significantly negatively correlated with both leaf width and pseudostem width. A total of 27 QTLs for the six morphological traits were detected in 16 regions of 11 linkage groups, with a major QTL for the number of leaf sheaths repeatedly detected on Chr. 8. Meanwhile, two QTLs associated with pseudostem pigmentation were repeatedly detected on linkage groups Chr. 4a and Chr. 5a-2. The latter (qPig5a-2) was considered a major QTL, and its location estimated by marker genotyping of the F2 population around the qPig5a-2 region as being within a 7.6 cM interval.

Summary Molecular genetic analyses revealed that the WUSCHEL‐related homeobox (WOX) gene superfamily regulates several programs in plant development. Many different mechanisms are reported to underlie these alterations. The WOX family member STENOFOLIA (STF) is involved in leaf expansion in the eudicot Medicago truncutula. Here, we report that when this gene was ectopically expressed in a locally adapted hard red winter wheat cultivar (Triticum aestivum), the transgenic plants showed not only widened leaves but also accelerated flowering and increased chlorophyll content. These desirable traits were stably inherited in the progeny plants. STF binds to wheat genes that have the (GA)n/(CT)n DNA cis element, regardless of sequences flanking the DNA repeats, suggesting a mechanism for its pleiotropic effects. However, the amino acids between position 91 and 262 in the STF protein that were found to bind with the (GA)n motif have no conserved domain with any other GAGA‐binding proteins in animals or plants. We also found that STF interacted with a variety of proteins in wheat in yeast 2 hybrid assays. We conclude that the eudicot STF gene binds to (GA)n/(CT)n DNA elements and can be used to regulate leaf width, flowering time and chlorophyll content in monocot wheat.

WOS: 000418419700008, The present study was carried out to determine the effects of clipping application on seedling and field performance of three tobacco varieties in 2014 and 2015. Akhisar-97, Izmir-Ozbas and Saribaglar-407 tobacco varieties were planted based on randomized complete block design with three replications. In the research, the effects of clipping application on lenght of the seedling, stem diameter, healthy seedlings per square, plant height, number of the leaves, leaf width, leaf lenght and cured leaf yield were evaluated. Average results of two years indicated that clipping application on lenght of seedling, stem diameter, plant height, leaf width, leaf lenght and cured leaf yield were higher than traditional method. Akhisar-97 had statistically high performance than the Izmir-Ozbas and Saribaglar-407 tobacco varieties. The highest lenght of the seedling was obtained in Akhisar-97 (21.0 cm) tobacco cultivar by using clipping application for both years. Cured leaf yield results indicated that Akhisar-97 tobacco variety was the highest yield as 1037 kg ha(-1) at clipping application whereas the lowest yield was recorded as 717 kg ha(-1) in traditional practice in the second year., Ege University Directorate of Scientific Research Project [2014-ZRF-023], We thank to the Ege University Directorate of Scientific Research Project for its financial support to this study (Project Number: 2014-ZRF-023).

Leaf thickness is an important morphological trait in rice. Its association to the yield potential, as of now has not been documented because of the shortage of the equipment which could conveniently measure the leaf thickness in rice. In this study, the thickness of top three leaves of 208 cultivars had been determined by a nondestructive rice leaf thickness instrument for the research of the natural variation of leaves thickness and its association to yield traits in indica rice. The results showed that the flag leaf was the thickest, and the 2nd leaf was thicker than the 3rd leaf. Analysis of variance indicated the existence of wide genetic diversity of leaf thickness among the investigated indica rice genotypes. The tight correlation among the thicknesses of the top three leaves means that the leaf thickness traits share one genetic control system. Leaf thickness had a significant positive correlation with leaf length and a positive correlation with leaf width, indicated that thicker leaf was beneficial to increasing the single leaf area. The results of correlation analysis revealed that thicker leaf should be profitable to the leaf erection, higher numbers of grains per panicle and higher grains weight per panicle. However, the significantly negative correlation between leaf thickness and number of panicles per plant counteracted the profitability from increased grains weight per panicle, so that the correlations of the thicknesses of the top three leaves to yield and biomass were positive but not significantly. It has made great progress in the genetic improvement of leaves thickness in inbred indica rice breeding in Guangdong Province, China, since the 1990s.

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics conserves 335 accessions of Pennisetum glaucum subsp. monodii originated in 13 countries. In the present study, the collection was evaluated and assessed for diversity and geographical gaps. A wide variation was observed in the collection for total tillers per plant (16 to 609), productive tillers per plant (12 to 368), leaf length (21.3 to 58.8 cm) and leaf width (8.1 to 33.1 mm), indicating high fodder yield potential of the collection. The accessions of cluster 3 flowered late, grew tall with thick stems and long and broad leaves, and differed significantly from those of cluster 1 and cluster 2. The accessions of cluster 2 were found to be promising for tillering. The highly significant positive correlation (r= 0.944) between total and productive tillers per plant suggests that the selection for total tillers will result in selection for productive tillers. A total of 354 districts located in 86 provinces of eight countries in the primary centre of origin for pearl millet were identified as geographical gaps. The probability map generated using FloraMap in the present study matched quite closely to the origin of pearl millet, supporting the prediction of P.glaucum subsp. monodii occurrence in the primary centre of diversity for pearl millet. The high fodder yield potential of P.glaucum subsp. monodii germplasm and low intensity of collection in countries under study suggest the need for launching germplasm collection missions, exclusively for pearl millet wild relatives to fill taxonomic and geographical gaps in the collection.

The objective of the present study was to understand the relationship among leaf morphology, stomatal characteristics and water relations in triploids generated through anther culture and their counterpart diploid plant of C. clementina. Triploid plants possessed small and narrow leaves as compared to diploid plant as evident by less leaf length, leaf width and leaf area. By contrast, the leaf index was observed to be more in triploids than haploid ones. Flow cytometric analysis re-confirmed the ploidy levels of heterozygous plant Hd as diploid and the ploidy of Th1, Th2, Th3 and Th4 plants as triploids. A positive relation was found between ploidy level and stomatal guard cell length and width, whereas a negative relation was observed between the stomata density and ploidy level. The stomatal density was reported to be 6.2±0.2 stomata per µm2 in diploid plant, while stomatal density varied between 3.0 and 3.6 stomata per µm2 in triploids. Leaf relative water content (RWC) was slightly higher in triploids (90.8 to 93.1%) than diploid (89.5%). The leaf water loss was found to be marginally higher in diploid than in triploid plants. Our results show that increase in ploidy level from diploids to triploids caused an effect on leaf morphology and stomatal characteristics with probable consequences to water relations of leaves. This research will serve as an important basis for future work on complete analysis of both morphological and behavioural traits of the leaf stomata and transpiration rates in relation to diploid versus triploid plants.

The experiment was carried out to determine the effects of heat stress on some growth parameters like shoot height, leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight as well as the accumulation of chlorophylls in Carica papaya. Seedlings of C. papaya were exposed to prior heat stress at 40 °C. A group of plants was placed in a Gallenkamp oven for four hours; another group of plants was placed in the oven for eight hours while the third group of plants was placed in a dark cupboard for the period of eight hours. Sampling was carried out at weekly intervals starting from seven days after treatment. Plants were randomly picked from each of the three treatments. Three replicates were used for each parameter. The results obtained from the study showed that there was an increment in the shoot height, leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight from the beginning to the end of the experimental period. However, the accumulation of chlorophylls did not follow a particular pattern. The analysis of variance carried out on the data obtained showed that heat stress had a significant effect on the petiole length, shoot height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight. Heat stress, however, did not produce a significant effect on the accumulation of chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll.

Vegetative characters and yield attributes of raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Smith) were studied for three consecutive years in Uttarakhand, India. Variability was found in parameters, such as terminal leaf length (ranged 3.32–10.58 cm), terminal leaf width (2.17–9.80 cm), petal length (0.3–1.36 cm), petal width (0.15–1.00 cm), flower diameter (0.56–3.26 cm), flowers/truss (2–23), fruit vesicles/fruit (5–72), fruit length (0.55–1.92 cm), fruit width (0.64–1.82 cm), fruit weight (0.332–1.43 g), fruit volume (0.213–1.020 cc), and Total Soluble Solids (10.02–15.11 °Brix). Available variability might be utilized for selection, commercialization, and popularization of raspberries in the Himalayan states of India.

Flag leaf width (FLW) is directly related to photosynthetic capacity and yield potential in wheat. In a previous study, Qflw.nau-5A controlling FLW was detected on chromosome 5A in the interval possessing Fhb5 for type I Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance using a recombinant inbred line population derived from Nanda2419 × Wangshuibai.Qflw.nau-5A near-isogenic line (NIL) with the background of Mianyang 99-323 and PH691 was developed and evaluated. FLW inheritance was investigated using two F2 populations developed from crossing the Qflw.nau-5A NILs with their recurrent parents. One hundred ten and 28 recombinants, which included 10 and 5 types of recombinants, were identified from 2816 F2 plants with Mianyang 99-323 background and 1277 F2 plants with PH691 background, respectively, and phenotyped in field trials for FLW and type I FHB resistance. Deletion bin mapping was applied to physically map Qflw.nau-5A.The introduction of Wangshuibai Qflw.nau-5A allele reduced the FLW up to 3 mm. In the F2 populations, Qflw.nau-5A was inherited like a semi-dominant gene, and was therefore designated as TaFLW1. The FLW of the recombinant lines displayed a distinct two-peak distribution. Recombinants with wider leaves commonly have Mianyang 99-323 or PH691 chromatin in the 0.2 cM Xwmc492-Xwmc752 interval that resided in the 5AL12-0.35-0.57 deletion bin, and recombinants with narrow leaves were Wangshuibai genotype in this interval. Phenotypic recombination between FLW and type I FHB resistance was identified, implying TaFLW1 was in close linkage with Fhb5. These results should aid wheat breeders to break the linkage drag through marker-assisted selection and assist in the map-based cloning of TaFLW1.

The collection consisted of 20 selected ecotypes of Poa pratensis L. which were compared with Skrzeszowicka variety. In respect of the studied features a few ecotypes appeared to be predominant over the standard variety, although this predominance was not statistically proved. It was found that weakly yielding varieties formed few above-ground shoots of a low height. Their leaves were short but the leaf width did not differ from that of good-yielding forms. From among the collected ecotypes only one, yielding on the level of a standard variety, belonged to early forms. The yield of green mass correlated best with the number of vegetative and generative shoots as well as with the length of flag leaf.

Vitellaria paradoxa C. Gaertn. (shea butter tree) is an indigenous African tree species that is widely distributed in the dry areas of northern and eastern Uganda. The species is widely known for its oil which is used in cooking, cosmetics and traditional medicine. Local folk classification recognises the presence of different ethno-varieties on the basis of fruit and nut characters. In the present study, 176 trees representing 44 ethno-varieties from three farming systems of Uganda were assessed to determine the patterns of morphological variation and establish the congruence between morphological variation and folk classification. The results show high variation in pulp weight (CV = 35.9 %), stem diameter (CV = 28.48 %), fruit weight (CV = 27.81 %) and canopy diameter (CV = 26.69 %). There was a strong positive correlation between pulp and fruit weight (r = 0.963, p

Genetic improvement of sugarcane variety CoC 671 was carried out through somaclonal variation. The somaclones were obtained by developing callus on 0.8M EMS and 13.57M 2–4.D containing medium. All the 310 regenerated plants were hardened in green house and planted in field for preliminary selection. On the basis of biometric and biochemical parameters 17 somaclones were evaluated in rod row trial and then for smut resistance supplementing with smut inoculum and detection by PCR. The somaclonal variants TC 906 was resistant and TC 922 was moderately resistant to smut. Somaclone TC 922 (2.17 kg, 165 t/ha, 3.34 cm) and TC 906 (2.07 kg, 144.11 t/ha, 3.25 cm) were superior in single cane weight, cane yield and cane diameter over their donor CoC 671 (1.72 kg, 128 t/ha, 2.74 cm). The morphological variations viz. stem colour, internodal alignment, internodal waxiness and leaf width were distinct and stable. The present study reports beneficial traits of the somaclones derived from CoC 671 and their field performance, especially for smut resistance and yield traits and early maturity.

Variability and correlations among morphological features of eight ornamental pumpkin varieties were studied under field conditions. The variability of plant height, fruit length, fruit width, fruith weight, fruit peel thickness, length and circumference of handle grip, leaf length, leaf width, seed length, seed width, seed thickness and number of fruits per plant in the examined material was high. The highest variability was related to the fruit properties. This variability represents a good source for future breeding programs. Correlations between the traits indicated a significant influence of leaf and seed characteristics on fruit properties. Multivariate statistical analysis provided differentiation of varieties on two phenotypically different groups.

In order to estimate genetic variability and relationships among some agronomic traits of rice an experiment were conducted with 30 varieties of rice under two irrigation regimes. There were significant differences among the varieties for all traits. Broad-sense heritability varied from 0.05 for brown grain width to 0.99 for plant height and number of spikelet for panicle under optimum irrigation and from 0.1 for brown grain width to 0.99 for plant height. Evaluation of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations (CV) showed that the lowest and highest phenotypic CV under optimum irrigation regime was observed to panicle fertility percentage and paddy yield and genotypic CV was related to brown grain width and plant height, respectively, while under drought stress condition, days to 50% flowering had the lowest phenotypic and genotypic CV and paddy yield and plant height had the highest phenotypic and genotypic CV. Furthermore, the lowest and highest expected genetic advance using selection intensity of 10% (i=1.75) were evaluated for brown grain width and plant height under optimum irrigation regime, respectively. Path analysis for paddy yield indicated that the number of spikelet per panicle and flag leaf length had positive direct effects and days to complete maturity and plant height had negative direct effects on paddy yield under optimum irrigation condition, while flag leaf width and number of filled grains per panicle had positive direct effects and days to 50% flowering had negative direct effect on paddy yield under drought stress condition.

Four Taiwanese native Miscanthus floridulus lines, collected at altitudes of 260, 500, 1000, and 1500 m were cultivated in 2009 and 2010. The plant height and tiller numbers of four M . floridulus lines increased gradually along with the growing time. These M. floridulus lines had the tallest plant height and most tiller number after these species were planted 210 days. Line 3, which was collected at the altitude of 1000 m, had the ability to grow at low temperature. Line 3 M . floridulus had the highest plant height, tiller number, fresh and dry yields than other three lines. Fresh and dry yields of Line 3 were positively correlated to the plant height, tiller number, and leaf width, but showed no correlation with the leaf length. The correlation between agronomic traits and climatic data was also studied. Results can be used as a model for developing a non-food crop-based energy production system in the future.

Rapid expansion of leaves of early-stage plants in wheat produced by chromosomal control of characteristics related to rapid expansion of the first six leaves of wheat were investigated using a set of single chromosome substitution lines under two different temperature regimes (TRs). Results from this study indicated that several chromosomes could be responsible for each of the four characteristics studied (including leaf width, leaf length, leaf elongation rate and leaf appearance index) and that different chromosomes may be responsible for the same characteristics at different TRs. Only a small number of substitutions that showed the most significant effects on leaf length were found among those that showed the most significant effects on leaf width, providing further evidence that these two characteristics are likely controlled by different sets of genes. Substitutions 4B, 4D, and 5A are among those that were repeatedly detected to having significant effects on different leaf characteristics at the lower-TR and genes residing on these three chromosomes could be homologous. This possibility and its implication are discussed.