Search

Background and objective Native to the limestone zones of the Korean Peninsula, Zabelia tyaihyonii is a popular plant for landscaping. As it is now classified as a rare species, the conservation of its genetic resources is necessary. Methods In this study, which aimed to understand the morphological variation of Z. tyaihyonii, 18 characteristics of Z. tyaihyonii from five habitats were examined. Results Of these 18 characteristics, 16 characteristics showed significant differences among sites, and the coefficient of variation ranged from 5.4% (for corolla lobe number) to 31.3% (for flower number). Notable variations were observed in the size of flower and calyx lobe. When the corolla length and calyx lobe length were used as the classification key of Z. tyaihyonii, the sites were divided into those with small, intermediate, and large values. Hair was observed on the filament of all samples, a finding which conflicts with an earlier report. Rather than classifying Z. tyaihyonii into different species on the basis of corolla length (COL) and calyx lobe length (CALL) values, we recommend modifying the species description to incorporate the variation in these characteristics of interest. Principal component analysis results showed that the first main component was highly correlated with the traits related to the size of the calyx lobe (length: 0.819, width: 0.758), and the second main component was highly correlated with the traits related with the size of the inflorescence (length: 0.790, width: 0.626). Conclusion Several notable variations were identified among the characteristics related to inflorescence and calyx lobe. There is little genetic exchange among groups, or each group is influenced by micro environmental factors, because sites that are located nearby. In addition, the difference between COL and CALL, which is used as the classification key for Z. tyaihyonii, was divided into small group, large group, and intermediate group, regardless of the sites’ geographical distance.

This study aimed to determine the value of honey source on Robinia by analyzing flower morphology and nectar characteristics in floral nectar of eight selected individuals. The mean nectar volume s...

Hardy kiwifruit is popular among consumers, but it has a short shelf-life. In this study, the influence of harvest maturity on the physicochemical properties of ‘Cheongsan’ hardy kiwifruit was investigated during storage at 22 °C. Harvested fruit were divided based on the soluble solids content (SSC) into ‘harvest 1’ and ‘harvest 2’ with 6% and 8% SSC, respectively. As the fruit continued growing on the vine, the fresh and dry weights at harvest were 1.3 and 1.7 times higher in ‘harvest 2’ than in ‘harvest 1’, respectively. There was no significant difference in titratable acidity between the two groups. Harvest maturity significantly affected the content of total phenolic compounds; ‘harvest 2’ fruit had 2.1 times higher concentration than that of ‘harvest 1’ fruit. The respiration rate rapidly increased after harvest, and the SSC also increased throughout the ripening, regardless of fruit maturity. ‘Harvest 2’ fruit exhibited significant reduction of weight loss and retained firmness during ripening compared with those of ‘harvest 1’ fruit. The ‘harvest 1’ fruit were not of adequate quality and spoiled before ripening. These data suggest that ‘Cheongsan’ hardy kiwifruit should be harvested when the SSC is greater than 8% to retain premium quality fruit.

Pollination is essential for efficient reproduction in pollinator-dependent crops that rely on the attraction of pollinators to flowers. Especially, floral nectar is considered to be an important factor attracting pollinator like honey bees, but differences among major chestnut species (Castanea crenata, C. mollissima, C. dentata, and C. sativa) are still little explored. This study aims to evaluate the value of honey source by analyzing floral nectar characteristics and comparing the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that mediate plant-pollinator interaction. In this study, we analyzed nectar samples obtained from male flowers using HPLC and HS-SPME/GC&ndash, MS. The five chestnuts showed significant differences between the volume of secreted nectar, free sugar composition, amino acid content and VOCs composition. Furthermore, C. crenata (Japanese cultivar &lsquo, Ungi&rsquo, ) was revealed to emit the highest total amounts of VOCs and high levels of benzenoid compounds that are generally associated with flower-visiting insects. The sugar content per catkin, which is used to determine the honey yield, was the highest in C. crenata, suggesting that C. crenata &lsquo, can be highly valued as a honey tree. Therefore, a better understanding of the relationship between pollinator and nectar characteristics of C. crenara could contribute to a prospective honey plant.