Absence Of Spines Research Articles

A new Actinella species (Eunotiaceae, Bacillariophyta) from the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background and aims – Actinella species from Central Africa are only rarely reported. The acid waters from many stream and small rivers in the Congo Basin form a potential environment for species of this genus. We studied several samples from the region of Yangambi to confirm whether species belonging to this genus are present. Material and methods – Samples for diatom investigation were collected in several streams and small rivers (Moni, Ngima, and Libongo), in the tropical rainforest in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The samples were prepared to obtain permanent microscope slides for light microscopy studies using standard methods and cleaned material for scanning electron microscopy. Key results – A novel Actinella was observed in the studied samples. The taxon was compared to other species such as A. disjuncta, A. lange-bertalotii, A. modesta, A. pereunotioides, and A. pseudohantzschia, although the new species morphologically resembles most A. eunotioides, a species discovered in the Amazon basin in Brazil, and A. eunotioides var. minor, described in 1966 from the Central African Republic. The taxon observed in our material differs from A. eunotioides mainly in the valve dimensions, being much smaller, and the higher density of the marginal spines. Stria density also tends to be coarser. The valve length of A. eunotioides var. minor, on the other hand, corresponds with the smallest valves of our taxon but the valves are narrower, with a higher stria density. The ventral margin is slightly convex, while in the new taxon it is slightly concave. Moreover, in the original description of A. eunotioides var. minor, the absence of spines is mentioned, while they are present on the valves in the materials we investigated. Based on the observed morphological differences, we consider the taxon recorded in the streams and small rivers in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve distinct from A. eunotioides and its var. minor and subsequently, we describe Actinella kufferathiana as a species new to science.

A new species of terrestrial foam-nesting frog of the Adenomera simonstuarti complex (Anura, Leptodactylidae) from white-sand forests of central Amazonia, Brazil

By using integrative taxonomy, we describe a new species of terrestrial foam-nesting frog of the genus Adenomera from white-sand forests of the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, Central Amazonia, Brazil. Within the A. andreae clade, the new species belongs to the A. simonstuarti complex where it is sister to the lineage from the lower Juruá River. The new species is assigned to the genus Adenomera by having adult SVL smaller than 34.1 mm, by its lack of fringing and webbing between toes and by the absence of spines on the thumb of adult males. It differs from other Adenomera by the following combination of characters: antebrachial tubercle absent; toe tips flattened or slightly flattened, with visible expansions; nearly solid, dark-coloured stripe on underside of forearm; single-note advertisement call; notes formed by 11–21 incomplete pulses; call duration varying between 100 and 199 ms; fundamental frequency 1,765–2,239 Hz; dominant frequency 3,448–4,349 Hz; and endotrophic tadpoles with spiracle present and labial teeth absent. Over the last decade, we have inventoried many permanent sampling modules in ombrophilous forests in the Manaus Region and in the Purus-Madeira interfluve, but the new species was found only in the white-sand forest from West Negro-Solimões Interfluve. Adenomerasp. nov. may be endemic to, or at least a specialist in, this environment.

Description of a new species, Pseudodiscocotyla mikiae n. sp. (Monogenea: Discocotylidae) parasitic on gills of Pristipomoides filamentosus from off Okinawa-jima island in Japan, with redescription of Pseudodiscocotyla opakapaka.

Two species of Pseudodiscocotyla Yamaguti, 1965 (Monogenea: Discocotylidae) were collected from crimson jobfish Pristipomoides filamentosus (Valenciennes) (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) off Okinawa-jima island, southern Japan. Pseudodiscocotyla opakapaka is redescribed and represents the first Japanese record. A new species, Pseudodiscocotyla mikiae n. sp., differs from Ps. opakapaka in the absence of spines around the male genital pore, the shape of the vaginal pore, the presence of spines inside the vaginal pore, and the shape of the clamp. The locations of the male genital atrium and the vaginal pore in both species were similar, and the observed armament differences of the male copulatory organ are therefore presumed to establish reproductive isolation. The phylogenetic trees for the Mazocraeidea based on the partial 28S rDNA sequences were created using new sequences of Pseudodiscocotyla mikiae n. sp., and Discocotylidae formed a sister group with the species Diclidophoridae, Macrovalvitrematidae, and Plectanocotylidae. Pristipomoides filamentosus is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, and Pseudodiscocotyla mikiae n. sp. could share the distribution of the host.

Development of inter-specific hybrids between Solanum melongena L. and Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. through embryo rescue

In present investigation, inter-specific hybridization between two species was carried out using a three-way cross with the aim to study the response of heterotic hybrids for cross-compatibility and to improve the fertility traits of interspecific cross such as pollen viability and density for further introgression of agronomically important traits. The present investigation highlights genotypic variation of for cross-compatibility between S. melongena hybrids and Solanum sisymbriifolium. Among three hybrids, H3 x Solanum sisymbriifolium (4%) and H4 x Solanum sisymbriifolium (1.5%) showed compatibility for fruit set and developed immature seeds only. The embryo rescue from 25 day-old fruits and in vitro culture on ½ MS medium supplemented with 2mg/L–1BAP showed germination. H5 x S. sisymbriifolium showed 49.4% embryo germination and produced four complete plantlets. Furthermore, all plants were morphologically variable for the presence or absence of spines, flower clustering, slightly curved/straight stigma tip, and flower color. The regenerated plantlets were intermediate to cultivated and wild parents for the quantitative traits. Two SSR markers viz., emg01A17, emh11001 and emb01E03 also confirmed the hybridity of three-way cross plants. Among four interspecific plants, one established high pollen viability (78.5%), while others were partial-fertile (62.8%) and all carried low pollen density (69-299 pollen/ 1cm2) at anthesis. Inbreeding and backcrossing of these plants to both cultivated and wild parents remained unsuccessful. This is the first report of developing a partially-fertile three-way cross between S. melongena and S. sisymbrifollium via embryo rescue.

TARGET OF EAT3 (TOE3) specifically regulates fruit spine initiation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

The presence or absence of spines is an important economic trait of cucumber fruit. Spines are believed to be a type of specialized trichome on the fruit surface and all the identified cucumber trichome-less mutants lack fruit spines. However, genes that specifically regulate fruit spine initiation remain to be identified. Here, we found that knocking out cucumber TARGET OF EAT3 homolog (CsTOE3), belonging to the APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) family, affected flower development, and more interestingly, inhibited cucumber fruit spine initiation. On analyzing expression patterns by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization assay, CsTOE3 was found to be highly expressed in male and female flowers, and its mRNA accumulated in the tips of sepal and petal primordia and in the cells of fruit spines and peels. Biochemical analyses indicated that CsTOE3 directly interacts with GLABRA1 (CsGL1) and TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1 (CsTTG1), which are positive regulators of trichome formation. In addition, RNA-seq showed that the transcription levels of eight ERFs were significantly upregulated in CsTOE3 knockout lines. Phytohormone content analysis also revealed a significant increase in the amount of ethylene released by CsTOE3 knockout lines; treatment with the ethylene synthesis inhibitor aminoethoxyvinyl-glycine (AVG) partly restored the spineless phenotype. Our results suggest that CsTOE3 specifically regulates fruit spine initiation but does not affect the formation of trichomes on other organs in cucumber. Our findings may have a far-reaching significance for cucumber germplasm improvement and quality breeding using fruit spines as the target trait.

Relationship between the stem color and the ear spines presense with economically valuable traits of bread winter wheat

Determination of the breeding value of the presence or absence of ear spines and anthocyanin stem color in bread winter wheat plants in the steppes of the Black Sea coast of Ukraine. Methods. Growing plants in the field. Phenological observations, weight of 1000 grains, analysis of variance and statistical significantly of the difference by t - criterion in pairwise comparison. Results. Groups of lines with the presence or absence of ear spines and with anthocyanin or green color, as well as with different combinations of both phenotypic traits did not differ significantly in economically valuable traits, with one exception. Plants with anthocyanin-colored stems were, on average, statistical significantly five centimeters taller than those with green color. Among the lines that exceeded the standard varieties Antonivka and Kuialnyk, in terms of yield, there are lines of all possible combinations of stem color and the presence or absence of spines. Conclusions. The phenotypic differences of recombinant lines in stem color (anthocyanin or green) or the presence or absence of spines, as well as their various combinations, are not significantly related to differences in genotypes before earing period, plant height, 1000 grain weight and grain yield.

Phylogeny of Trachelomonas and Strombomonas (Euglenaceae) Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

The classification of Trachelomonas and Strombomonas is based on the morphology of loricae, which may not reflect phylogenetic relationships. There are different views on the relationship between the two genera. It is thus important for researchers to classify the two genera based on more characteristics besides loricae, such as protoplast and molecular data, and to establish a natural classification system. In this study, 29 strains (13 species) of Trachelomonas and 12 strains (eight species) of Strombomonas were collected from various locations in China. The morphological characteristics of Trachelomonas and Strombomonas were observed in the field and culture conditions, and the sequences of nuclear SSU rDNA, nuclear LSU rDNA, plastid-encoded LSU rDNA and plastid-encoded LSU rDNA of strains were obtained. We constructed a phylogenetic tree by combining four gene sequences with maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Based on the development of the loricae, it was found that the shape of the loricae and the presence or absence of the collar were relatively stable in culture, while the length of the collar presence or absence of spines and the color of the loricae changed. The phylogenetic tree showed that Trachelomonas and Strombomonas were sister branches, which supported Trachelomonas and Strombomonas as independent genera. Taxa in the genus Strombomonas sorted into two clades and Trachelomonas sorted into five strongly supported clades. Key morphological features could be attributed to each of the clades.

Description of a New Species of the Genus Yalvaciana Ciplak, 2002 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Tettigoniinae) from Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir India.

A new species, Yalvaciana taylaniensis Shah & Usmani is described from Kashmir, India. This is the third species in the genus Yalvaciana. The new species is differentiated from other two species in the absence of spine on the apex of male cerci and 10th abdominal tergite; the shape of female subgenital plate and last abdominal tergite is different from other two species. Brief discussion about morphology and distribution is given. We include a key to species in the genus Yalvaciana. The holotype has been deposited in the Museum of Zoology Department, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh Uttar Pradesh, India.

A new perleidid neopterygian fish from the Early Triassic (Dienerian, Induan) of South China, with a reassessment of the relationships of Perleidiformes.

Neopterygii is the largest clade of ray-finned fishes, including Teleostei, Holostei, and their closely related fossil taxa. This clade was first documented in the Early Carboniferous and underwent rapid evolutionary radiation during the Early to Middle Triassic. This article describes a new perleidid neopterygian species, Teffichthys elegans sp. nov., based on 13 well-preserved specimens from the lower Daye Formation (Dienerian, Induan) in Guizhou, China. The new species documents one of the oldest perleidids, providing insights into the early diversification of this family. The results of a phylogenetic analysis recover Teffichthys elegans sp. nov. as the sister taxon to Teffichthys madagascariensis within the Perleididae. T. elegans sp. nov. shares three derived features of Perleididae: the length of the anteroventral margin of the dermohyal nearly half the length of the anterodorsal margin of the preopercle; the anteroventral margin of the preopercle nearly equal to the anterior margin of the subopercle in length; and the anteroventral margin of the preopercle one to two times as long as the anterodorsal margin of the preopercle. It possesses diagnostic features of Teffichthys but differs from T. madagascariensis by the following features: presence of three supraorbitals; six pairs of branchiostegal rays; relatively deep anterodorsal process of subopercle; absence of spine on the posterior margin of the jugal; and pterygial formula of D26/P14, A22, C36/T39-41. The Perleidiformes are restricted to include only the Perleididae, and other previously alleged ‘perleidiform’ families (e.g., Hydropessidae and Gabanellidae) are excluded to maintain the monophyly of the order. Similar to many other perleidids, T. elegans sp. nov. was likely a durophagous predator with dentition combining grasping and crushing morphologies. The new finding also may indicate a relatively complex trophic structure of the Early Triassic marine ecosystem in South China.

Mountainous millipedes in Vietnam. II. A conspicuous Tylopus species from Northern Vietnam (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae).

A conspicuous Tylopus species is described from Northern Vietnam, namely T.helicorthomorphoidessp. nov. The new species is clearly diagnosed by the gonopodal solenophore completely sheathing the solenomere, both being coiled three times, and the absence of spine z and process h of the gonopod. Fragments of the COI and 16S rRNA genes were extracted, and the phylogenetic analysis also supports the new species.

Isolation and Antifungal Effects of Plants Extracts on Malassezia species Isolated from Scalps of Primary School Pupils and Bingham University Students

Aim: The aim of the research was to evaluate the antifungal activities of the leaf extracts of Senna alata and Lawsonia inermis on Malassezia spp. isolated from the scalps of primary school pupils and Bingham University students.
 Place and Duration of the Study: This study was carried out in the department of Biological sciences, Bingham University Karu Nasarawa state between July to September, 2017.
 Methodology: The plant species Senna alata and Lawsonia inermis was collected from Garki district of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja and Sayina village of Auta-balefi Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa state respectively. These plant species were identified by plant experts in the Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, using characteristic features of the leaves such as the shapes, sizes and flower corresponding to the herbarium specimens. Other features included plant height, fruits type, nature of the branches, colour of the stems, present or absence of spines, and number of flowers etc. Senna alata and Lawsonia inermis plants extracts were obtained by maceration in 80% ethanol, soaking and boiling of the powdered leaves of the plants respectively. A total of 83 dandruff scrapings were collected from both the pupils of Kodope primary school and Bingham University students. The identification of Malassezia species was made microscopically by methylene blue staining and wet mounting. Each slide was examined under high power field microscope (40X objective) to detect the presence of hyphae and budding yeast cells. The positive samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) plates and incubated at 37°C for 3-5 days. Fungal growth was observed. Gram’s staining procedure and biochemical tests such as catalase test, bile Esculin test and Tween assimilation test using Tween 20 and 80 was carried out. The evaluation of the antifungal effects of Senna alata and Lawsonia inermis on Malassezia sp. was carried out using the well diffusion method.
 Results: Out of 83 samples analyzed, 21 were positive for Malassezia spp. Three (3) species were identified and isolated; namely Malassezia restricta, Malassezia globosa and Malassezia furfur. 
 The antifungal effects of the plant extracts revealed that the Malassezia species were susceptible to the ethanolic extract of Senna alata with a mean zone of inhibition 11.00± 0.969. The Aqueous extracts of Senna alata showed significant antifungal effect on the fungi with mean zone of inhibition 10.00± 0.969 when compared to the control, while the boiled extract had no effect. The ethanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis was the only extract recorded to have antifungal effect on the fungi, with mean zone of inhibition 7.71±0.876.
 The relationship between of Malassezia infection with age, gender, and institutions was determined by Chi-square test through the use of statistical package for social science (SPSS). There was no significant difference in Malassezia infection between the ages (P=0.189) as well as gender (P=0.367). However, the distribution of infection between the institutions shows a significant difference (p=0.043).
 Conclusion: This study reveals that naturally acquired herbs of S. alata especially and L. inermis may be effective in combating Malassezia species which are the causative agents of dandruff and hence, the use of naturally acquired herbs should be encouraged in combating dandruff.

Two new tardigrade species (Echiniscidae and Doryphoribiidae) from the Salta province (Argentina).

Tardigrades from Argentina are poorly known. Two new species from the Salta province are described in the present contribution: Pseudechiniscus saltensis sp. nov., and Doryphoribius cephalogibbosus sp. nov. The former species belongs to the novaezeelandiae group and, apart from the nominal species of the group, it is similar to nine congeneric species by the following characters: the absence of spines on legs I and lateral papillae, the scapular plate with a transversal fold, the presence of projections at the posterior margin of the pseudosegmental plate, caudal plate not faceted, and cuticular ornamentation in the form of heads (capituli) of endocuticular pillars, protruding through epicuticle and joined by striae. However, the new species differs from all of them in important qualitative (e.g. colour, different division of plates, details of cuticular ornamentation, claws etc.) and morphometric characters. The new species exhibits a unique morphology of gonopore and anus. Doryphoribius cephalogibbosus sp. nov., by the presence of two macroplacoids, dorsal gibbosities, and inhabiting terrestrial environment, belongs to the flavus group and differs from all members of the group in having ten, instead of nine, rows of gibbosities (X:2-4-6- 6-6-6-6-4-2-2+2[LI-III]), with as a peculiar exclusive character, the presence of the two cephalic gibbosities, never reported in other Doryphoribius species. Moreover, the new species differs from the other species of the group by morphometric and more detailed morphological characters. The new species description also gave an occasion to discuss the issue of gibbosity arrangement in other species and address the morphology of claw accessory points.

<p><strong><em>Pinnularia baetica </em>sp. nov. (Bacillarophyceae): Comparison with other panduriform species in the Mediterranean area</strong></p>

A new freshwater diatom species Pinnularia baetica sp. nov. is described from two different ponds from the Mediterranean area: Andalucia (South of Spain) and Lake Livadičko, Serbia. The species is described by observations under light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The most similar taxa to P. baetica are P. atlasii and P. infirma that were studied through material obtained in lagoons of northern Morocco (locus classicus of P. atlasi). Although there are similarities in the morphological characters of the frustule, it was possible to verify both through LM and SEM observations, clear differences between P. baetica and the latter two taxa: Pinnularia baetica has a panduriform shape more pronounced than P. infirma and larger valve size. On the other hand, the absence of spines in P. baetica, the more convergent striation at the poles and a slightly wider valve are the main differences with P. atlasi. This paper documents the distribution areas of P. baetica in calcareous systems of oligotrophic mid-mountain ponds of Spain and Serbia.

Species composition, structure, and functional traits in Argentine Chaco forests under two different disturbance histories

Abstract Over the last two decades, the Chaco region has experienced accelerated land-conversion processes that have developed into a mosaic of disturbances attributable to fires, forest logging, and livestock grazing in its native forests. In this paper, we describe the species composition and structure of two forests in semi-arid Argentine Chaco. Both forests have kept two different land uses in the last three decades: (a) a protected area (NR-Pizarro), and (b) an experimental area (ER-Inta) with land management practices. We analyse changes in species composition and plant functional traits as a response to disturbance history. We differentiate the disturbance history of the last 30 years in both sampling sites. To measure the plant communities, we used transects. We determined species, plant stem diameter, and height of 1315 woody plants >1 cm in diameter. Selected plant functional traits included: growth form, number of stems, spinescence, intensity of sprouts, and leaf texture. We registered 36 native woody species belonging to the Fabaceae and Capparaceae families. We found differences in the species composition of both sampling areas. Plant diameter and height averages decreased when comparing the protected area to the experimental area. Shrubby growth form, coriaceous leaves, absence of spines, and low sprouts were more frequent in the protected area. By contrast, in the experimental area, subshrubs, spines, and high sprouts prevailed. We reaffirmed the gradient of disturbances in both areas. A broader separation in plant functional traits occurred in the two sampling areas due to disturbance histories.

Identification of Ethiopian Yam (<i>Dioscorea</i> spp.) Collections and Their Phenotypic Diversity Study

Yam plant has a major role in Ethiopia particularly in densely populated areas of south, southwestern, and western parts of the country. It grows in a wide range of soils with an altitude range of 1140 to 2200 masl. This study was done to identify yam species collected from major producing areas of the country. The total of sixty yam accessions from ten different geographic origins of South and Oromiya region of Ethiopia were used. The collected samples were planted in complete randomized block design at two research sites of South Agricultural Research Institute. Forty-five qualitative morphological characterizations were used to characterize and identify Dioscorea species. Among these qualitative characters observed in the study presence and absence of spines on stems and roots, number of male and female inflorescence, stem length, twining direction, and flesh color were the major traits considered for species identification. The organoleptic properties evaluation was carried out using fifteen selected local farmers. Statistical analysis was done using Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System Version 2.02 NTSYpc software program and the data reduction function of SPSS for windows. Based on this study, sixty yam germplams of ten major growing areas of the country were identified into six Dioscorea species. These identified Dioscorea species were again subjected to qualitative morphological characterization and 33 morphological traits revealed variability. This implies presence of high diversity in yam (Dioscorea species) of Ethiopia. Most of the morphological variations among the yam genotypes were contributed by young petiole color, tendency of tuber to branch, and tuber flesh color. Hence, these morphological traits could be taken as useful traits for identification of yam cultivars.

BRS Anauê and BRS Boyrá: the first cultivars of ornamental pineapple developed in Brazil

Abstract BRS Anaue and BRS Boyra are two ornamental pineapple cultivars bred for landscaping and cut flower and mini fruit production. They are characterized by intense colors, absence of spines, a long peduncle and high durability. In Brazil, they are the first pineapple cultivars officially released for commercial ornamental purposes.

Morphological characterization of Opuntia spp. accessions for potential use as a forage crop in dry areas of Bolivia

Morphological characterization is an important procedure to identify desirable traits that could be used to detect accessions from Opuntia spp. for usage as forage in arid and semiarid zones of Bolivia. In this study, 80 accessions of Opuntia spp. were collected from Cochabamba and La Paz. The characterization was based on morphological traits using 2-year-old plants that were already well established in the experimental field at the Forage Research Center, Cochabamba. Plant descriptors, with five variables (qualitative and quantitative), and cladode descriptors, with 24 variables (qualitative and quantitative), were considered. Multivariate principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed two groups, both with two sub-established groups; the first group represents accessions with upright, medium and arborescent habitus and the second group represents accessions with spreading and shrubby habitus. The results of the cluster analysis indicate that the two groups obtained are independent of the origin of collection, suggesting that the high diversity of Opuntia spp. is not determined by the zone of collection. The accessions differed with respect to many morphological traits: thicker cladodes; absence of spines, form of plant, serous accession, longest cladode, and large number of cladodes. Other accessions formed a more homogeneous group. The following growth habits were observed in the majority of studied accessions: spreading, shrubby, arbustive, medium and less, upright and arborescent. Four accessions with desirable traits to be used as fodder were identified. The traits considered for use as a forage crop are plants with no or few spines, without disease, long and wide cladode and large number of cladodes.

Genetic diversity of Solanum elaeagnifolium, an invasive problematic weed in Jordan

SummarySolanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade) is a problematic weed that is common in Jordan and difficult to control. The weed exhibits distinct morphological variations in growth habit, leaf shape, leaf margins, flower colour and presence or absence of spines between individuals among and within populations suggesting genetic differences. Genetic variations among 61 samples of S. elaeagnifolium collected from heavily infested sites in the central Jordan Valley were investigated using six simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and eight amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations. Results showed that 111 out of 675 AFLP bands were polymorphic generating polymorphism information content (PIC) of 38.0%, while 23 SSR polymorphic alleles were detected generating a PIC of 30.8%. Phylogenetic analysis using RaxML software identified four major clades with a clear clustering of the samples with their collection sites. Genetic analysis using both techniques revealed high level of genetic diversity among S. elaeagnifolium samples collected from a small geographical area indicating that a range of genetic diversity may be detected in weed populations across the country that may complicate its management.

Two new diatom species (Bacillariophyceae) from Brazilian floodplain: Actinella hermes-moreirae sp. nov. and Gomphonema mutunensis sp. nov.

Floodplains are heterogeneous ecosystems that occupy a large area in the neotropic regions, which show great diatom diversity. During a floristic survey of periphytic and sedimentary samples in a swamp from the Upper Paraná River Floodplain in Brazil, a new species of Actinella Lewis and Gomphonema Ehrenberg (Bacillariophyceae) were found. We detailed their morphology using light and scanning electron microscopy. Actinella hermes-moreirae sp. nov. is distinguished by its small valve lengths, low length to width ratio, moderately arched valves, absence of spines and the slightly arched termination of the raphe. Gomphonema mutunensis sp. nov. differs by the rostrate and sub-rostrate headpole, attenuated-rounded footpole and differently-shaped areolae.

ALMAZ IS VARIETY OF SAFFLOWER

Creation of a new safflower variety is due to the need an unpretentious oilseed crop introduction into the agriculture of the Southern region in connection with climate aridization. Weather conditions are becoming more arid every year in the Rostov region. Meteorological data was recording during the years of research which confirm this trend. Soil condition is becoming worse on the background of a moisture deficit, this leads to a decrease in the productivity of main crops cultivated in the region and crop losses. Biology of safflower is completely corresponds to arid conditions of steppe areas. Safflower is widely used in many industries as an oilseed, dyeing, and forage crop. The safflower oil is practically indistinguishable from sunflower; its taste is softer and indifferent. This crops cultivation is allowing farmers to profit without special methods of farming using. In recent years, the cultivation areas of safflower in Russia have increased tens of times is indicated the need to conduct selection work and educate agricultural producers about the possibilities and properties of this almost forgotten agricultural crop. A variety of safflower Almaz was created by the breeders of the "L.A. Zhdanova Don Experimental Station VNIIMK" by the method of six-fold induction of an elite plant, isolated from the collection. A new early-ripening variety is characterizing the alignment of plants, amicable maturation and short stature, the absence of spines on the leaves and resistance to conditions of insufficient moisture. The potential yield of seeds is 2,0-2,5 t/ha in the Rostov region conditions. The flowers of the variety have an orange color of the corolla. Variety Almaz is listed in the Russian Federation State Register of Selection Achievements and is allowed to be used on all regions of culture cultivation from 2017.