Agro-morphological Descriptors Research Articles

Using ddRADseq to assess the genetic diversity of in-farm and gene bank cacao resources in the Baracoa region, eastern Cuba, for use and conservation purposes.

The Baracoa region, eastern Cuba, hosts around 80 % of the country cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) plantations. Cacao plants in farms are diverse in origin and propagation, with grafted and hybrid plants being the more common ones. Less frequent are plants from cuttings, TSH progeny, and traditional Cuban cacao. A national cacao gene bank is also present in Baracoa, with 282 accessions either prospected in Cuba or introduced from other countries. A breeding program associated with the gene bank started in the 1990s based on agro-morphological descriptors. The genetic diversity of cacao resources in Baracoa has been poorly described, except for traditional Cuban cacao, affecting the proper development of the breeding program and the cacao planting policies in the region. To assess the population structure and genetic diversity of cacao resources in Baracoa region, we genotyped plants from both cacao gene bank (CG) and cacao farms (CF) applying a new ddRADseq protocol for cacao. After data processing, two SNPs datasets containing 11,425 and 6,481 high-quality SNPs were generated with 238 CG and 135 CF plants, respectively. SNPs were unevenly distributed along the 10 cacao chromosomes and laid mainly in noncoding regions of the genome. Population structure analysis with these SNP datasets identified seven and four genetic groups in CG and CF samples, respectively. Clustering using UPGMA and principal component analysis mostly agree with population structure results. Amelonado was the predominant cacao ancestry, accounting for 49.22 % (CG) and 57.73 % (CF) of the total. Criollo, Contamana, Iquitos, and Nanay ancestries were detected in both CG and CF samples, while Nacional and Marañon backgrounds were only identified in CG. Genetic differentiation among CG (FST ranging from 0.071 to 0.407) was higher than among CF genetic groups (FST: 0.093-0.282). Genetic diversity parameters showed similar values for CG and CF samples. The CG and CF genetic groups with the lowest genetic diversity parameters had the highest proportion of Amelonado ancestry. These results should contribute to reinforcing the ongoing breeding program and updating the planting policies on cacao farms, with an impact on the social and economic life of the region.

AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND GENETIC DIVERSITY ASSESSMENT OF NINETEEN BRRI-RELEASED RICE VARIETIES

Knowledge on genetically determined several growth parameters including morpho- physiological and developmental parameters are essential for rice breeding programs. Genetic divergence helps in the development of superior recombinants, which is prerequisite in any crop improvement program. The aim of the present study was to characterize 19 rice varieties based on agro-morphological descriptors and genetic diversity. The experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute farm, Gopalganj, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Both the qualitative and quantitative agro-morphological traits were diversified. The observed variations in the qualitative data were primarily accounted for by the blade pubescence, anthocyanin color of the leaf sheath, lemma-palea color, grain tip color, and awning. The top five axes of PCA contributed 81.04% of the total variation. The varieties were divided into five groups based on the cluster. With six genotypes, Cluster IV was the largest group, whereas Cluster I was the lowest with just one genotype. Cluster IV had the greatest intra-cluster distance, whereas clusters IV and I had the greatest inter-cluster distances. Contrarily, cluster IV had the highest cluster means for most of the quantitative characteristics noticed. Once more, grain length was the trait that contributed most to divergence. While considering results from genetic distance, the varieties under cluster IV (BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan89, BRRI dhan92 BRRI dhan97, BRRI hybrid dhan3, BRRI hybrid dhan5) might be selected for additional breeding after taking the results of the genetic distance into consideration.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) For Improved Utilization

Background: Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is a multipurpose short-lived perennial food legume that provides fodder and wood for small holders. However, the crop remains underutilized with limited research on its diversification and improvement. Understanding the genetic diversity in germplasm of a crop is an efficient mean for unveiling unique traits that could be exploited for enhancing genetic improvement and utilization. This study characterized pigeon pea accessions using morphological descriptors and molecular markers. Methods: Twenty pigeon pea accessions were evaluated under field conditions in a randomized complete block replicated thrice. Data collected on agro-morphological descriptors, were used to characterize the accessions. Young leaf samples collected from each accession was used for DNA extraction following CTAB standard procedure. Genetic diversity was carried out using Diversity Arrays Technology Sequence Single Nucleotide Polymorphic (DArTseq SNP) markers. Data were analysed using PCA, cluster analysis, and ANOVA at α0.05. Results: The accessions differed significantly for all morphological parameters except days to 75% maturity and seed thickness. The accessions grouped into three clusters based on the morphological traits. Out of 2934 SNPs discovered all over the pigeon pea reference genome, only 2532 SNPs were retained after filtering. They were distributed all over the eleven chromosomes of pigeon pea. Conclusion: Morphological and molecular variability exists among the accessions. The variations in morphology of seed of pigeon pea accessions is a vital trait that could be selected for further improvement necessary for enhancing consumers’ preference and utilization

Development of a Non-Destructive Tool Based on E-Eye and Agro-Morphological Descriptors for the Characterization and Classification of Different Brassicaceae Landraces

In recent years, Brassicaceae have piqued the interest of researchers due to their extremely rich chemical composition, particularly the abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as because of their antimutagenic and potential anticarcinogenic activity. Vegetables in this family can be found practically everywhere on the planet. In Italy, numerous varieties of Brassicaceae, as well as a diverse pool of local variants, are regularly cultivated. These landraces, which have a variety of peculiar features, have recently sparked increased interest, and the need to safeguard them to preserve genetic biodiversity has become a relevant topic. In the present study, eight distinct Brassicaceae folk varieties were studied using non-destructive tools (Multivariate Image analysis and agro-morphological descriptors). Eventually, the data were handled using explorative analysis (EA) and Soft Independent Modeling by Class Analogy (SIMCA). EA pointed out similarities/dissimilarities among the diverse investigated populations. SIMCA led to high sensitivity (>70%) in prediction (on the external test set) for seven (over eight) investigated classes. Although the investigated plants belong to different landraces, they bear strong similarities. This is mainly linked to the ability of Brassicaceae to hybridize. Despite this, the combination of colorgrams and SIMCA allowed for classifying samples with excellent accuracy.

Phenotypic diversity of Amaranthus quitensis Kunth landraces: A millenary crop of Ecuadorian Andean region

The black amaranth (Amaranthus quitensis Kunth) is traditionally cultivated in the Ecuadorian highlands, where it has great social, cultural and food importance for the native population, and locally it is called ataco or sangorache. Currently, there are no data on the diversity and conservation status in which the ataco landraces are found. We have evaluated the phenotypic diversity of black amaranth landraces collected at two different times (1981-1986 and 2014-2015) in three representative Andean provinces for this crop (Imbabura, Tungurahua and Cañar). Thirty agro-morphological descriptors were used, 11 quantitative and 19 qualitative. Most of the quantitative traits showed high levels of variation, especially grain yield per plant. The qualitative traits showed less diversity, although the characters related to the plant pigmentation and the shape and attitude of the inflorescence were significantly discriminating between accessions from different provinces. Few significant differences were detected between both collects, so the farmers seem to be carrying out adequate on-farm conservation of the ataco germplasm. The agro-morphological information obtained in this study may be useful for enhancing the use of this plant genetic resource in future amaranth breeding programs, as well as for effectively managing the black amaranth collection from Germplasm Bank of the Ecuadorian National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIAP).

Agro-morphological traits and SSR markers reveal genetic variations in germplasm accessions of Indian mustard – An industrially important oilseed crop

Indian mustard is an economic and highly important industrial oilseed crop. In this study, genetic diversity among 135 Indian mustard germplasm accessions was evaluated using 11 agro-morphological descriptors and 227 SSRs. Morphological characterization of Indian mustard germplasm accessions exhibited a broad range of variation for characters including biological yield (CV = 25.63%), seed yield (CV = 23.23% and 1000-seed weight (CV = 23.14%); whereas traits such as days to maturity (CV = 2.91%) showed lowest degree of variation. Out of 227 SSR markers evaluated, a total of 159 (70.04%) SSRs produced polymorphic products and 68 (29.96%) SSRs resulted into monomorphic amplicons. The polymorphic markers amplified 575 alleles and the number of alleles ranged from 2-7 with 3.61 average number of alleles per locus. SSR markers BRMS-030, Ra2-E11, Ra2-G05, Ni4-G10 and Ol10B11 generated the highest number of alleles (7). SSR marker Ra2-G05 was having the highest allele frequency (0.84), while BRMS-002 was having the lowest major allele frequency (0.33). Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.24-0.61 with an average value of 0.39 per primer pair. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis based on morphological traits grouped Indian mustard genotypes into three clusters, while two clusters were obtained based on SSR based clustering. Population structure analysis provided a better estimate of genetic diversity and divided all the genotypes into five subpopulations. Genetically diverse accessions identified may be used for hybridization in Indian mustard crop improvement programs in future.

Comprehensive Perception Approach of Adoption: Innovative Wrap & Plant Technology for Nematodes Management on Yam

ABSTRACT
 A new agricultural practice, wrap & plant technology, was experimented in yam fields on three different sites in the centre-north of Benin. These sites were "Savalou", site 1, "Savè", site 2 and “Glazoué”, site 3. The research sought to highlight the perception of various actors from the vegetative to the culinary phases. Two improved practices were introduced: treatment A (wrapping of seed yam cv. Klatchi with banana-fibre paper, impregnated with micro-doses of abamectin), treatment B (wrapping of seed yam of cv. Klatchi using banana-fibre paper alone). On the basis of a Comparative Appraisal Index (CBI), that is, the practice introduced was well appreciated by enumerators if the difference in perception scores of characteristics was greater than zero. In terms of results, treatment A seemed to be the most popular practice on sites 1 and 2. On site 3, treatment B seemed to substitute for A. While in the first two sites, the sensory characteristics of dishes and the agro-morphological descriptors constituted a main component of favourable perception, the descriptors from agro-morphological and harvest phases were very much important at site 3. In terms of the decision to adopt a treatment, it depended significantly amongst other socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents on the sex, number of years of experience, membership in an association, level of education, other income generating activity and the site. For future expansion of introduced practices, agricultural research needs to address socioeconomic characteristics and to improve agro-morphological descriptors.
 Key-words: Abamectin, actors, Dioscorea spp., nematode management, sensory selectivity, Benin

Genetic diversity for agromorphological traits, phytochemical profile, and antioxidant activity in Moroccan sorghum ecotypes

Sorghum, the fifth most important cereal crop, is a well-adapted cereal to arid/semi-arid regions. Sorghum is known for multiple end-uses as food, feed, fuel, forage, and as source of bioactive compounds that could be used for medical applications. Although the great improvement in the process of sorghum breeding, the average yield of this crop is still very low. Therefore, exploring the genetic diversity in sorghum accessions is a critical step for improving this crop. The main objective of the current work was to study the genetic variation existing in a Moroccan sorghum collection. Indeed, 10 sorghum ecotypes were characterized based on agromorphological descriptors. Both quantitative (25) and qualitative (7) traits revealed variability (p < 0.05) among the studied ecotypes. At the seedling stage, most of the ecotypes showed good to high vigor (70%). However, as the sorghum plants grow, the difference between genotypes become more apparent, especially at the generative phase. For instance, three different panicle shapes have been observed, erect (50%), semi-bent (30%), and bent (20%) with different degree of compactness (20% for loose, semi-compact, and compact panicles, and 30% for semi-loose panicles). In another part of this study, the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of the sorghum ecotypes have been determined. The results showed variable total phenolic contents, and total flavonoid contents ranging from 125.86 ± 1.36 to 314.91 ± 3.60 mg GAE/g dw and 114.0 ± 13.2 to 138.5 ± 10.8 (mg catechin equivalent/100 g, dw) respectively, with a differential antioxidant activities as well. These results indicate that for any crop breeding program, it is preferable to take into consideration both morphological and biochemical traits for a better selection of high yielding varieties with high added value compounds. Therefore, the implication of these results in the context of sorghum breeding activities could be a resourceful option for farmers.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculentum and Xanthosoma sagittifolium) (L) Schott germplasm from Nigeria using Simple Sequence Repeat-SSR marker

Colocasia esculentum (L) Schott and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L) Schott, commonly called cocoyam is one of the orphan crops with great potentials, but neglected by researchers and growers despite their high demands by consumers in recent times. Consequently, some of the local varieties have become almost extinct; this calls for the need to revive interest in these crops. This study was undertaken to characterize six cocoyam accessions collected from Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, Nigeria, using 13 qualitative and 6 quantitative Agro-morphological descriptors as well as simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. The crops were laid out in a field using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in 4 replications. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed that the 6 accessions were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) in crop span, crop height, number of leaves, leaf width and leaf length. This indicates that these features cannot be used to distinguish between Colocasia and Xanthosoma spp. The qualitative traits were more useful in distinguishing between the two cocoyam species. Three of the primers used for molecular studies successfully amplified a few of the cocoyam accessions, indicating their suitability for genetic diversity studies in Colocasia esculenta and Xanthosoma spp.

Phenotypic diversity of agromorphological characteristics of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) germplasm in Colombia

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is an Andean crop with great nutritional value, economic potential, and a broad genetic and phenotypic diversity with adaptation to different conditions. In Colombia, C. quinoa is cultivated mainly in Cundinamarca, Nariño and Boyacá, where studies have been conducted to characterize the germplasm and lack of seed materials, some challenges for the quinoa crop. This work assessed agromorphological characteristics of 50 quinoa genotypes from the germplasm collection of Boyacá the using a completely randomized design on the farm in Tunja. The multivariate analysis followed by a clustering approach were conducted on agromorphological descriptors, in which 16 were qualitative descriptors (e.g, panicle shape, episperm color, leaf shape) and five quantitative descriptors (e.g, plant height, panicle number). The results showed that higher coefficients of variation were found in characteristics associated to yield. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the quantitative variables showed that the first two components explained 88 % of the total variation with the characteristics of plant height, length, diameter, and panicle number showing the highest variability. The quantitative characteristic clusters comprised length and diameter panicle, weight 1,000 seeds, and plant height, while the qualitative characteristic clusters comprised stem shape, branching habit, panicle shape, and color of the axils. The factorial analysis of mixed data discriminated the materials with outstanding morphoagronomic characteristics. Agromorphological characterization revealed a broad variability, which should be conserved and used in genetic improvement programs of C. quinoa.

Assessment of agromorphological diversity of chickling-vetch (Lathyrus cicera L.) landraces in the traditional agroecosystems of Morocco

Legumes are an essential component of human and animal food, particularly in the Mediterranean area. While some legumes are widely cultivated and consumed, others are neglected and underused. This is the case of an ancient Mediterranean legume, chickling-vetch (Lathyrus cicera L.), currently considered as a marginal crop. In Morocco, this crop persists in some traditional mountain agroecosystems in the Tadla-Azilal region. This study allowed to specify the cultivated area and the socio-economic characteristics. The estimation of local ecotypes diversity was carried out using agromorphological descriptors on a collection gathering 13 accessions. The used descriptors include germination, phenology, morphology, and production. The analysis of variability revealed the existence of a structured diversity based on ecotypes differentiation with significant geographical and altitudinal influences. The absence of dormancy, precocity, and a short vegetative lifecycle unveil an interesting adaptive potential to aridity. Regarding productivity, the obtained estimates are comparable or above those mentioned in the literature for other provenances. Our results therefore show that local ecotypes contain important genetic resources for conservation and development. This is particularly relevant considering the current context of climate change, where the search for alternative crops, adapted to fit the predicted harsh conditions, is a priority for global food security

Genetic diversity in accessions of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) determined from agro-morphological descriptors and SSR markers for use in breeding programs in Brazil

Genetic diversity in accessions of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) determined from agro-morphological descriptors and SSR markers for use in breeding programs in Brazil

Agro-morphological characterization of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener) reveals elite genotypes for a breeding program in Colombia

Yellow passion fruit cultivation in Colombia lacks detailed genetic studies that allow the establishment of intraspecific variability as a basis for a breeding program. The aim of this research was to establish the genetic relationships among accessions of different geographic origins through an agro-morphological characterization. This research was carried out in the municipality of Palestina (Caldas) at the Luker farm located at 1050 m a.s.l. Fifty-two accessions from Colombia (47), Ecuador (3), Brazil (1), and Costa Rica (1) were characterized with 45 agro-morphological descriptors complemented with phytosanitary evaluations. The quantitative descriptors (25) were analyzed by variance decomposition and principal components (PCA), and the qualitative descriptors (18) were analyzed with the multiple correspondence factor analysis (MCFA). The classification analysis by the neighbor-joining (NJ) method was used for both types of descriptors. PCA results showed six components explaining 71.6% of the total variance that are mainly associated with descriptors related to the size of the flower (tube, nectar camera, and operculum) and weight of the fruit (pulp, shell, and juice content). Thirteen qualitative descriptors were selected, and four factors (44.38% inertia) were identified, mainly associated with pubescence and anthocyanins in the bract, petiole, leaf, and ripe fruit color. The NJ classification analysis showed no relationship between accessions by geographic origin, and the distance between individuals of the same accession was higher than among accessions for both types of descriptors. Thrips (Neohydatothrips signifier) and scab (Cladosporium cladosporioides) were the pests with the highest incidence in the accessions. Six elite accessions were identified according to the selection index with outstanding fruit quality characteristics, yield, and tolerance to phytosanitary problems. The high intra-accession variability and traits of certain accessions are the basis for future breeding programs to obtain more productive and tolerant cultivars.

A novel barcode system for rapid identification of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties using agro-morphological descriptors and molecular markers.

Rice varietal identification is a crucial aspect in breeding, seed production and trade in order to protect the interests of the farmers and consumers. As the number of varieties released is rising every year, the need to identify them unambiguously also increases. Here, we developed a novel barcode system to identify 62 rice genotypes using agro-morphological descriptors and molecular markers. In all, 62 rice genotypes, for 22 agro-morphological traitswere recorded. In addition, 19 molecular markers were used for developing genotype-specific DNA fingerprints. The descriptor notes of 10 essential agro-morphological traits and allele codes of thepolymorphic markers were used to generate two-dimensional (2-D) barcodes for the rice genotypes. Using agro-morphological traits, 31 rice genotypes were unambiguously distinguished while, with the polymorphic markerswe wereable to distinguish all rice genotypes except BPT2295 and Jaya. However, using both agro-morphological descriptors and molecular markers in combination, it was possible to distinguish all the rice genotypes used in the present study. These agro-morphological notes and allele codes from the molecular marker data together were used to develop QR (Quick Response) codes for rapid identification of rice genotypes as they facilitate storage of more data. In the present investigation, we have demonstrated the potentiality of agro-morphological traits and molecular markers in distinguishing rice genotypes. The novel QR code system proposed in the present study can also be extended to other crops not only for varietal identification but also for germplasm management and trade.

Agromorphological Characterization Revealed Three Phenotypic Groups in a Region-Wide Germplasm of Fonio (Digitaria exilis (Kippist) Stapf) from West Africa

Fonio is an ancient orphan cereal, cultivated by resource-poor farmers in arid and semi-arid regions of West Africa, who conserved and used the cereal for nutrition and income generation. However, the extent and patterns of phenotypic variation within the fonio germplasm remain scarcely evaluated to inform breeding decisions. In this study, we used alpha lattice design to assess the phenotypic variability of 180 fonio accessions using 20 agro morphological descriptors, including both qualitative and quantitative traits at Bengou research station in 2018 and 2019. Descriptive statistics, combined analysis and multivariate analyses, including principal components analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and multiple factor analysis (MFA) were performed. As results, we found significant differences among fonio accessions and among agro ecological zones of provenance for most of the quantitative traits. Furthermore, highly significant positive correlations were found between grain yield and other yield-related attributes such as harvest index and thousand seeds weight, whereas significant negative correlations were found between grain yield and flowering and maturity times. Clusters analysis revealed three phenotypic groups. Group 1 was characterized by early maturing fonio accessions with higher grain yield. Groups 2 and 3 were characterized by late maturing accessions with intermediate to moderate grain yield. The accessions from Group 1 are candidate for yield improvement and development of fonio lines with enhanced lodging resistance. Accessions from Group 2 and 3 can be improved for yield through marker-assisted selection of best thousand seed weight. This study highlights how traits are correlated within the major phenotypic groups of fonio in West Africa, and we discussed how these groups could be further exploited for improving traits of economic importance. Furthermore, this study exhibited agro morphological descriptors that discriminate fonio accessions and provide useful information for parental selection with economically important agronomic traits.

Assessment of Agro-morphological Performances of 56 Accessions of Pennisetum glaucum with Grain and Fodder Potentials in Niger

Morphological characterization is the first step in studying the genetic diversity of cultivated plants. The present study examined agro-morphological performance of the pearl millet local accessions collected across the Niger country, aimed to: (a) characterize, (b) discriminate morphologically the pearl millet accessions groups and (c) identify the pearl millet genotypes with promising grain and fodder potential. Fifty-six pearl millet accessions collected in the eight Niger regions (Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Niamey, Tahoua, Tillabery and Zinder) were evaluated in an Alpha lattice design with 3 replicates in Djirataoua and Kollo localities. Twenty-five specific agro-morphological descriptors were used for this purpose. The data set was submitted to descriptive analyses and indicated wide significant accessions diversity. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed 5 phenotypic groups, and principal component analysis showed 3 components representing 60.45% of total variability. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated 20 major traits of the discriminated phenotypic groups. Group G1 holds early accessions, with average performances in grain production and low performances in biomass production. Group G2 holds early accessions, with good performances for grain production and fodder biomass. Group G3 holds early–late accessions with good grain performances and low fodder performances. G4 holds both early and late accessions with good fodder performance and good grain performance. Finally, G5 includes both late accessions with better fodder performances and bad grain performances. These groups can be used as parents in the creation of improved varieties for better grain and fodder production performance. Otherwise, Djirataoua would be ideal for the tested accessions to express their agro-morphological potentials.

Agro-morphological Characterization of Bangladeshi Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm Based on Qualitative Traits

The agro-morphological characterization of germplasm is of utmost importance to generate information to be utilized in plant breeding programmes. The aim of this study was to characterize the agro-morphological traits of 113 accessions of aromatic germplasm (Oryza sativa L.) based on qualitative agro-morphological descriptors. No duplicates were identified among the studied accessions for qualitative traits in the cluster analysis, which means there is a high diversity among the accessions for these traits. Following UPGMA cluster analysis, 113 accessions of aromatic germplasm formed ten distinct clusters. The highest numbers of germplasm (96) were found in cluster IXd, 2 were found in cluster III, IV and VI, 3 were found in IXc and the lowest number of germplasm (1) in cluster I, II,V, VII, VIII, IXa, IXb and X, respectively. Aroma evaluation revealed that 67 germplasm were scented, 34 were lightly scented, while the rest 12 germplasm were nonscented. Germplasm namely Begun bichi, Elai, Chinigura, Basmati 370, Ranisalut, Sakkorkhora, Jirakatari, Raduni Pagal, Kalijira (long grain), Black TAPL-554, Kalgochi, BRRI dhan34, BRRI dhan50, Badshabhog-2, Tulsimala-2, Kataribhog, BU dhan2R , Sakkorkhana, Maloti, Bashful could be used for further improvement for incorporating aroma to the high yielding varieties.&#x0D; Bangladesh Rice j. 2018, 22(2): 41-54

Estimates of phenotypic diversity and genetic parameters of &lt;i&gt;Hibiscus cannabinus&lt;/i&gt; L. grown in Burkina Faso

Hibiscus cannabinus is a traditional leafy-vegetable consumed more and more in Burkina Faso. Its leaves and fruits are some good food supplement against nutritional deficiencies. Its fibers are also a source of income for households. Despite of its nutritional an economic potential, this species is underdeveloped in Burkina Faso. The study aims to determine genetic variability and level of heritability among agronomic interest traits of H. cannabinus using agro-morphological descriptors. This enable to identify outstanding accessions which could be involved in further breeding programs. A total of 70 accessions of H. cannabinus were characterized according randomized incomplete block, using 5 qualitative characters and 15 quantitative characters. The study showed great variability for most of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics studied. Several correlations were observed between characters related to the biomass, the fruits and the fibers production. These correlations are particularly interesting because the improvement of only one character induces improvement of the others. The study, moreover, shows high broad sense heritability (H 2 ) and weak differences between the phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficients of variation. These results indicate that the characters expression is under genetic control. So a direct selection method of H. cannabinus improvement is possible for these characters. © 2019 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved Keywords: Agromorphological, characterization, Hibiscus, selection, Burkina Faso

Diversity and genetic potential of various morphological traits among common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, Fabaceae) landraces

Abstract. Bareke T. 2019. Diversity and genetic potential of various morphological traits among common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, Fabaceae) landraces. Biodiversitas 20: 3237-3245. The study was undertaken to identify the morphological diversity and genetic potential among landraces of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at field conditions of Adama District, Ethiopia. Twenty four common bean landraces from different agroecological zones were collected and grown in three replications. Data of eight agromorphological descriptors were collected using IBPGR protocol. Accordingly, Zale wehy was significantly different (p&lt;0.05) from all landraces with the highest mean number of pods per plant. On the other hand, the mean number of seeds per pod was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher for Dobole followed by Dima, Kalibushay and Adi tikko while Logoma dume has the lowest number of seeds per pod. The average number of seeds per pod had inverse relationship with seed size. The highest diversity was found in number of seed per plant among landraces while the lowest diversity was found in number of seed per pod. Based on morphological traits similarities among 24 landraces were classified into 4 major categories. Heritability was the highest for seed length (0.97) followed by number of seed per pod (0.94) and seed per plants (0.69) and the lowest (0.1) for height of plant and the rest found between these values. The variability observed in seed length, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant and number of pods per plant which could be utilized in variety improvement programs. Therefore, crop breeders could give emphasis to these traits of landraces to monitor and use for the breeding program, future production and for other domestic purposes.

Regional variation in agro-morphological descriptors of Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight

The effect of regional diversity on 12 agro-morphological descriptors of Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight was studied. The mean sum of square varied significantly for six of these traits viz., plant height, branch number/plant, pod number/plant, pod length, seed number/pod and seed width. Among the ten regions, plants grown from seeds of Tangail, Chuadanga and Sirajganj districts of Bangladesh performed better in terms of plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, pod length, number of seeds/pod and seed width. In principal component analysis, first six principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5 and PC6) showed Eigen value &gt;1 and accounted for 85.6% of the total variance. In cluster analysis based on the studied agro-morphological descriptors, the cluster 1 consists of three regions (Chuadanga, Tangail and Jhinaidah), cluster 2 of six regions (Khulna, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Sunamganj, Gaibandha and Faridpur) and cluster 3 of only one district (Sirajganj). Considering these multivariate analyses, three different morphotypes of S. bispinosa could be identified from different locations.