Codiaeum Variegatum Research Articles

Genetic Relationships of Codiaeum variegatum Cultivars Analyzed by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Markers

Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume, commonly known as crotons, are among the most popular ornamental foliage plants cultivated for either landscaping or interiorscaping. Currently, more than 300 cultivars are available; each has a distinct phenotype, particularly in leaf morphology. Thus far, there is no information regarding their genetic relationships. In this study, genetic relatedness of 44 cultivars of C. variegatum was investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Fourteen primer combinations generated a total of 549 AFLP fragments, which were used to estimate genetic distances and construct dendrograms based on the neighbor-joining method. The 44 cultivars were divided into seven clusters, which concurred with the known history of croton geographical isolation, adaptation, introduction, and breeding activities but differed from the classification made by the Croton Society based on leaf morphology. The established genetic relationships could be important for future germplasm identification and conservation and new cultivar development. Additionally, genetic distance among the 44 cultivars was 0.322 or less, indicating that they have a narrow genetic base. The narrow genetic base may indicate that the cultivars were derived from a common progenitor. On the other hand, 81% of the 549 fragments were polymorphic and the average polymorphic information content was 0.22, which suggests that the cultivars are genetically highly polymorphic. The high polymorphisms may be attributed to significant gene loss or gain facilitated by mutation and/or chromosome variation, thus contributing to a wide range of leaf morphological differences among cultivars.

Chromosome Number and Karyotype Variation in Codiaeum variegatum Cultivars

Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume is one of the most popular ornamental foliage plants. It encompasses more than 300 recognized cultivars valued by their wide range of leaf shapes and vivid foliage colors. Thus far, only limited information is available regarding the genetic basis of their leaf morphological variation. This study investigated the chromosome numbers and karyotypes of seven phenotypically diverse cultivars. Root-tip cells were fixed, mounted, and observed under light microscopy. Results showed that chromosome numbers in the mitotic metaphase of the seven cultivars were high and variable and ranged from 2n = 66, 70, 72, 76, 80, 82, 84, to 2n = 96, indicating that the cultivars are polyploid and some could be aneuploid. Genetic mosaics occurred in one of the seven cultivars. Additionally, each cultivar had its own karyotype. There were no relationships between chromosome numbers or karyotypes and leaf morphology. Results from this study suggest that the morphological diversity among cultivars of this species could be in part attributed to high variation in chromosome numbers and karyotypes.

Notes on some plant-inhabiting fungi collected from the Nansei Islands (2)

In this paper, four fungi collected in Nansei Islands are reported. One is Strasseria garciniae, which must be transferred to the genus Phyllosticta. This fungus was collected in Okinawa Main Island and Iriomote Island. The other three fungi are newly added to the Japanese fungal flora. Phyllosticta ghaesembillae on Codiaeum variegatum and Cercospora asplenii on Asplenium antiquum were collected in Yoron Island. The last one, Coniella australiensis on Eucalyptus robusta was collected in Okinawa Main Island. Their morphology and symptoms on the host plant are described, with some mycological notes.

Biological Control of Citrus Mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso.) using Coccinellid Predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Muls.

The coccinellid predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was used to control the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on the croton ornamental shrubs, Codiaeum variegatum L. at Giza governorate, Egypt. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 50 adults/Croton shrub, were released once on October 27, 2008 in the open field. Obtained results indicated that percentages of reduction among the egg masses, nymphs and adults of P. citri, one month after releasing the predator reached to 41.5, 42.3 and 57.5%, respectively. Two months later, the corresponding rates were 80.6, 86.5 and 91.5%. Finally, after three months of releasing the predator, reduction rates reached to 100% for all stages of the pest. The associated natural enemies in the field were consisted of three predaceous insects and one parasitic species. The insect predators secured were the hemerobiid predator, Sympherobius amicus Navas; the coccinellid predator, Scymnus syriacus (Mars.) and the chrysopid predator, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens). The parasitic species was the encyrtid, Coccidoxenoides peregrinus (Timberlake). The aforementioned natural enemies were found feeding on the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri infesting croton shrubs. In the second season, 2009 there is no mealybug, P. citri individuals were found on the croton shrubs.

Detection and characterisation of a begomovirus associated with leaf curl disease of ornamental croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

SummaryA leaf curl disease was observed on croton (Codiaeum variegatum L.), a popular ornamental plant in botanical, home, and office gardens in and around Bengaluru, South India. Diseased plants showed typical symptoms of vein thickening, severe inward curling and a reduction in leaf size, and stunting. The pathogen responsible was transmitted to healthy croton plants by grafting of infected scions, and through the whitefly vector, Bemisia tabaci, suggesting that the disease was caused by a begomovirus. The association of a begomovirus with the disease was further confirmed by the amplification of viral DNA fragments of ca. 520 bp and 575 bp derived from the coat protein (CP) gene of DNA-A using degenerate primers and total DNA extracted from infected, but not from healthy croton plants. The 575 bp fragment corresponding to the core region of the CP gene was cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the core CP sequence grouped the croton-infecting begomovirus, which we tentatively called croton leaf curl virus (CrLCuV), with Ageratum yellow vein virus (AJ810825), with which it shared the highest nucleotide identity (95%). The core CP sequence was similar (90 – 95%) to many other begomoviruses from the Indian sub-continent that infect tomato, tobacco, cotton, and papaya. Thus, its precise taxonomic denomination will require sequencing of the complete ssDNA viral genome.

Notes on some plant-inhabiting fungi collected from the Nansei Islands (2)

In this paper, four fungi collected in Nansei Islands are reported. One is Strasseria garciniae, which must be transferred to the genus Phyllosticta. This fungus was collected in Okinawa Main Island and Iriomote Island. The other three fungi are newly added to the Japanese fungal flora. Phyllosticta ghaesembillae on Codiaeum variegatum and Cercospora asplenii on Asplenium antiquum were collected in Yoron Island. The last one, Coniella australiensis on Eucalyptus robusta was collected in Okinawa Main Island. Their morphology and symptoms on the host plant are described, with some mycological notes.

Effect of experimental feeding of Codiaeum variegatum leaves on growth, hematology, gonadal, and extra-gonadal sperm reserves of adult albino rats

Twenty-four male adult albino rats, weighing between 130 and 239 g, were randomly divided into four groups of six rats per group (A to D). The rats were fed either normal pelleted commercial feed containing 14.5% crude protein alone (group A) or feed supplemented with pulverized dry leaves of Codiaeum variegatum (garden croton) at the levels of 0.25% (B), 0.5% (C), and 1.0% (D). All four groups of rats were fed for 12 weeks, during which period clean water was provided ad libitum. Every 2 weeks, body weights of individual rats were taken and blood collected for hematology (packed cell volume (PCV), total and differential leukocyte counts). Hemoglobin concentration was determined at 4-week intervals. At the end of the 12-week study period, all rats were sacrificed; testes and epididymes of individual rats were weighed separately to calculate the organosomatic index for both organs. Thereafter, testicular and epididymal sperm counts were performed. Supplementing rat feed with C. variegatum leaves in treated groups (B, C, and D) resulted in reduced weight gain such that by the 12th week of study, the mean body weight of group D rats was significantly lower than that of the unsupplemented control (group A) rats. The testicular and epididymal organosomatic index for the different treatment groups were not significantly (P > 0. 05) different from the mean values for group A rats. The hematological evaluation of the rats showed that supplementation at any of the level used did not significantly (P > 0. 05) alter the mean PCV values. The mean total leukocyte and the mean absolute neutrophil counts (by the fourth week) for the treated groups were significantly (P 0.05) from the mean values for the control group. On the other hand, the mean epididymal sperm counts for the treated rat groups were significantly (P < 0. 05) lower than the mean values for the control in a dose-dependent pattern. This study has shown that feeding male rats in particular and probably other animals in general on the leaves of garden croton at a level as low as 0.25% level of supplementation has the tendency to stimulate the immune function of animals but could severely reduce the testicular and epididymal sperm reserve counts, thereby reducing the reproductive efficiency of male animals. These results recommend further studies in respect to the immunostimulating and spermatotoxic properties of the leaves of this plant.

Independence of stem and leaf hydraulic traits in six Euphorbiaceae tree species with contrasting leaf phenology.

Hydraulic traits and hydraulic-related structural properties were examined in three deciduous (Hevea brasiliensis, Macaranga denticulate, and Bischofia javanica) and three evergreen (Drypetes indica, Aleurites moluccana, and Codiaeum variegatum) Euphorbiaceae tree species from a seasonally tropical forest in south-western China. Xylem water potential at 50% loss of stem hydraulic conductivity (P50stem) was more negative in the evergreen tree, but leaf water potential at 50% loss of leaf hydraulic conductivity (P50leaf) did not function as P50stem did. Furthermore, P50stem was more negative than P50leaf in the evergreen tree; contrarily, this pattern was not observed in the deciduous tree. Leaf hydraulic conductivity overlapped considerably, but stem hydraulic conductivity diverged between the evergreen and deciduous tree. Correspondingly, structural properties of leaves overlapped substantially; however, structural properties of stem diverged markedly. Consequently, leaf and stem hydraulic traits were closely correlated with leaf and stem structural properties, respectively. Additionally, stem hydraulic efficiency was significantly correlated with stem hydraulic resistance to embolism; nevertheless, such a hydraulic pattern was not found in leaf hydraulics. Thus, these results suggest: (1) that the evergreen and deciduous tree mainly diverge in stem hydraulics, but not in leaf hydraulics, (2) that regardless of leaf or stem, their hydraulic traits result primarily from structural properties, and not from leaf phenology, (3) that leaves are more vulnerable to drought-induced embolism than stem in the evergreen tree, but not always in the deciduous tree and (4) that there exists a trade-off between hydraulic efficiency and safety for stem hydraulics, but not for leaf hydraulics.

Extraction and concentration of biogenic calcium oxalate from plant leaves

The objective of this study was to extract and concentrate calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals from plant leaves that form the above mentioned crystals. The chemical and physical studies of CaOx from plant to be performed depend on an adequate amount of the crystals. The plant used in this study was croton (Codiaeum variegatum). The leaves were ground in a heavy duty blender and sieved through a 0.20 mm sieve. The suspension obtained was suspended in distilled water. The crystals were concentrated at the bottom of a test tube. The supernatant must be washed until it is free of plant pigments and other organic substances. Biogenic CaOx crystals have well-defined and sharp peaks, indicating very high crystallinity. Moreover, the CaOx crystals were not damaged during the extraction procedure, as can be seen on the scanning electron microscope images. The porposed method can be considered efficient to extract and concentrate biogenic calcium oxalate.

Microsporogenesis variation in Codiaeum producing inaperturate pollen grain

A study of microsporogenesis (the earliest stage of pollen ontogeny) was undertaken in seven cultivars of Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum, a eudicot species that produces inaperturate pollen grains. Microsporogenesis appears highly variable for the developmental events suspected to be implicated in the determination of aperture pattern. Most eudicots have tri-aperturate pollen grains and microsporogenesis is described as highly conserved in this clade. The observed burst of variation in C. variegatum therefore appears especially remarkable. A plausible hypothesis to explain the variation is that the pollen being inaperturate, the selective forces applying on the ontogeny of the aperture pattern are relaxed. To cite this article: B. Albert et al., C. R. Biologies 332 (2009).

Determination of photopigments in two varieties of &lt;i&gt;Codiaeum variegatum&lt;/i&gt;

No Abstract.International Journal of Tropical Agriculture and Food Systems Vol. 2 (1) 2008: pp. 37-39

In vitro anti-influenza screening of several Euphorbiaceae species: Structure of a bioactive Cyanoglucoside from Codiaeumvariegatum

A bio-guided screening against influenza A virus (FLUAV) was carried out with seven Euphorbiaceae species. The results showed that chromatographic fractions from Phyllantus niruri, Euphorbia pulcherrima and Codiaeum variegatum had relevant anti-FLUAV activity, although only chromatographical subfractions from C. variegatum kept the activity. From this plant, the active compound against FLUAV was isolated. Its structure was assigned as 2-(3,4,5)-trihydroxy-6-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran-2-yloxymethyl)acrylonitrile ( 1) on the basis of NMR, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound displayed virucidal activity without impairment of haemagglutination properties of the used virus strain. This is the first report indicating antiviral activity of a cyanoglucoside.

Inter‐species variation of photosynthetic and xylem hydraulic traits in the deciduous and evergreen Euphorbiaceae tree species from a seasonally tropical forest in south‐western China

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to examine the functional coordination among hydraulic traits, xylem characteristics and gas exchange rates across three deciduous Euphorbiaceae tree species (Hevea brasiliensis, Macaranga denticulata and Bischofia javanica) and three evergreen Euphorbiaceae tree species (Drypetes indica, Aleurites moluccana and Codiaeum variegatum) from a seasonally tropical forest in south‐western China. The deciduous tree species were more vulnerable to water stress‐induced embolism than the evergreen tree species. However, the deciduous tree species generally had higher maximal rates of sapwood and leaf‐specific hydraulic conductivity (KS and KL), respectively. Compared with the evergreen tree species, the deciduous tree species, however, possessed a lower density of sapwood and a wider diameter of xylem vessels. Regardless of leaf phenology, the hydraulic vulnerability and conductivity were significantly correlated with sapwood density and mean vessel diameter. Furthermore, the hydraulic vulnerability was positively correlated with water transport efficiency. In addition, the deciduous tree species exhibited higher maximal photosynthetic rates (Amax) and stomatal conductance (gmax), but lower water use efficiency (WUE). Interestingly, the Amax, gmax and WUE were strongly correlated with KS and KL across the deciduous and evergreen tree species. These results suggest that xylem structure, rather than leaf phenology, accounts for the difference in hydraulic traits between the deciduous tree species and the evergreen tree species. Meanwhile, our results show that there is a significant trade‐off between hydraulic efficiency and safety, and a strong functional correlation between the hydraulic capacity and gas exchange rates across the deciduous and evergreen tree species.

English

In the course of their evolution, plant developed chemical defences when attacked. These phytochemicals inadvertently protect humans against pathogens as antimicrobial medicines. Thus, six clone cultivars of Codiaeum variegatum (Spirale, Royal, Broad Spotted Guinea, Punctatum, Sunray and Royal-like) were chemically and cytologically investigated to evaluate their therapeutic potentials, values and variability. The shoots were relatively rich in alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, cardenolides, steroids, and phyllates. Flavonoids, phlobatannins, phenols and anthraquinones were sparingly present. Anthraquinones and cardenolides were absent in ‘Spirale’ while ‘Sunray’ lacked tannins, phlobatannins and phenols. Terpenes were found only in ‘Sunray’. Overall, alkaloids were the most abundant with the highest mean value of 1.46% in ‘Royal’ while flavonoids and anthraquinones were trace, 0.002 and 0.003%, in ‘Sunray’ and ‘Royal-like’. Five pigments, carotene (yellow-orange), phaeophytin (grey), chlorophyll a (blue-green) and b (green), and xanthophyll (yellow) were determined. ‘Spirale’, ‘Royal’, ‘Broad Spotted Guinea’ and ‘Punctatum’ had diploid chromosme number of 2n = 60 while ‘Sunray’ and ‘Royal-like’ possessed 2n = 30 and 24 respectively. ‘Spirale’ and ‘Sunray’ appeared to have reasonably diverged from the rest. Genetic mutation and chromosomes variability could account for the wide morphological variation and morphotypes in this plant species.

Plant selection, pre-harvest treatments and post-harvest management to prolong the vase-life of shoot cuttings of Codiaeum variegatum (croton)

Codiaeum variegatum is easily grown under hot and humid field conditions and has a high export potential. However, wilting and senescence during post-harvest operations often reduces its vase-life. To improve this drawback, an investigation was conducted to preserve the export quality of C. variegatum vars. Mariana, Batik and Aucubeafolia. Eight separate experiments were conducted to maintain high quality standards during storage life of three varieties of C. variegatum. Cold treatment with or without hot water dip, leaf morphology, leaf maturity with cutting type, pre-harvest hormonal regulation, de-topping, post-harvest hormonal regulation, commodity treatments and combined treatments of the above were the test criteria. The vase-life of three Codiaeum varieties were significantly different from each other. Similarly their response to individual treatments was also variable. Some of these individual treatments such as hormonal regulation were not compatible to be used as a combined treatment. Selection of mature or partially mature stem cuttings having a full length of purple and elongated leaves, de-topping 1-2 weeks before harvesting, spraying of 0.1 mM of Kinetine 4 days before harvesting, application of 100 ppm of Gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) after harvesting, pre-cooling at 17°C and 79% humidity for one day (after harvesting) and application of commodity treatment of 2mg/L of KMn0 4 with 2.5% of sugar and citric acid were the ideal individual treatments for extending the vase-life of Codiaeum varieties. Except post-harvest hormonal regulation, all the other plant selection criteria and post-harvest treatments that are mentioned above could be practiced in combination to increase the vaselife of all three varieties of Codiaeum without loosing the export standards significantly. The increased vase-life under combined treatment wasl8 days for var. Mariana, 20 days for var. Batick and 24 days for var. Aucubaefolia which was a 36.2% increase. Keywords: Cold treatment, commodity treatments, de-topping, hormonal regulation, shoot morphology. Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 J. Natn.Sci.Foundation Sri Lanka 2007 35(3): 153-159 doi: 10.4038/jnsfsr.v35i3.2013 Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /

Evaluating the thermal reduction effect of plant layers on rooftops

This study examines the thermal reduction effect of plant layers on rooftops through experiments performed in a controlled environment. The relevant parameters are coverage ratio (CR) and total leaf thickness (TLT). Both parameters are positively correlated with thermal reduction ratio (TRR). The TRR data of all experiments were plotted on a grid system with CR on the x-axis and TLT on the y-axis. A TRR map was then drawn using the curve fitting process. The applicability of the TRR map drawn for Codiaeum variegatum (1) was further confirmed by performing experiments with Cordyline terminalis (1) and Ixora duffii (1) and by results of experiments on C. variegatum (2), C. terminalis (2), Duranta repens, and I. duffii (2) in outdoor environments. The TRR map provides quantitative and straightforward guidance on thermal reduction planting arrangements for green roofs.

A study of the effect of extracts of &lt;i&gt;Codiaeum variegatum &lt;/i&gt; (L.) A. Juss on Picrotoxin-induced convulsions in mice

Codiaeum variegatum (L.) A. Juss (Euphorbiaceae) leaves are used in Kagera and Coast regions for treatment of epilepsy. To confirm this claim aqueous and methanol extracts were tested for ability to inhibit picrotoxin-induced convulsions in adult Theiller's white albino mice. The methanol extract showed a significant protection of the mice against picrotoxin-induced convulsions (P Tanzania Medical Journal Vol. 19 (1) 2004

Coloration, Anthocyanin Concentration, and Growth of Croton (Codiaeum variegatum L.) as Affected by Cotton Gin Trash Compost Use in the Potting Medium

Compost from cotton gin trash was evaluated as a peat substitute in Codiaeum variegatum L. production. Rooted cuttings were grown for 8 months in media containing cotton gin trash compost, sphagnum peatmoss, and perlite in 1:3:4, 1:1:2, and 3:1:4 ratios respectively, and their growth was compared with a control medium of 1 peat : 1 perlite (by volume). Even when 75% of peat in the control medium was replaced by cotton gin trash compost, plant height, leaf number, and leaf size were unaffected, whereas root dry weight was increased in the medium with 25% peat replacement. Although replacement of peat by cotton gin trash compost did not affect quantitative characteristics of croton foliage growth, it affected the foliage color, as plants in media with cotton gin trash compost had more areas colored red in their leaves. The increase of red coloration was proportional to the increase of cotton gin trash compost in the medium. The phenomenon was more intense in the lower leaves than the apical ones. Anthocyanin concentration measurements showed that the gradual increase of cotton gin trash compost level in the growth medium caused a gradual increase of the anthocyanin concentration in the leaves. This effect is discussed in relation to chemical properties of the media, as electrical conductivity, pH, and nutrient concentrations. The gradual increase of cotton gin trash compost level caused an analogous increase of N, P, and K concentrations in the medium. Also, media with cotton gin trash compost had high electrical conductivity at the beginning of the culture period, related to the cotton gin trash compost level, which was reduced to values similar to that in the control medium after 50 days of culture. Na concentration in the media ranged similarly to electrical conductivity. The pH was positively related to cotton gin trash compost level, and media with a high cotton gin trash compost level had increased pH during the culture period compared with the control.

A Simple and Effective Method for Quantifying Leaf Variegation

A simple and effective method for quantification of leaf variegation was developed. Using a digital camera or a scanner, the image of a variegated leaf was imported into a computer and saved to a file. Total pixels of the entire leaf area and total pixels of each color within the leaf were determined using an Adobe Photoshop graphics editor. Thus, the percentage of each color's total pixel count in relation to the total pixel count of the entire leaf was obtained. Total leaf area was measured through a leaf area meter; the exact area of this color was calculated in reference to the pixel percentage obtained from Photoshop. Using this method, variegated leaves of ‘Mary Ann’ aglaonema (Aglaonema x), ‘Ornate’ calathea (Calathea ornate), ‘Yellow Petra’ codiaeum (Codiaeum variegatum), ‘Florida Beauty’ dracaena (Dracaena surculosa), ‘Camille’ dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia maculata), and ‘Triostar’ stromanthe (Stromanthe sanguinea) were quantified. After a brief training period, this method was used by five randomly selected individuals to quantify the variegation of the same set of leaves. The results were highly reproducible no matter who performed the quantification. This method, which the authors have chosen to call the quantification of leaf variegation (QLV) method, can be used for monitoring changes in colors and variegation patterns incited by abiotic and biotic stresses as well as quantifying differences in variegation patterns of plants developed in breeding programs.

Wastewater Re-Use for Croton in Substrates Amended with Zeolitic Tuff

ABSTRACT Treated wastewater was compared with tap water for irrigation of croton (Codiaeum variegatum Blume cv. ‘Petra’) in substrates consisting of 1 peat moss: 1 perlite (PP) or 1 soil: 1 sand (SS), alone or supplemented with zeolitic tuff at a ratio of 3:1 (PPZ and SSZ). Substrates were allowed to reach 80% of available water before the plants were irrigated with wastewater or tap water. Results indicated that neither water quality nor substrate affected plant width, leaf area, shoot fresh weight, or root length or weight. Wastewater increased stem diameter; node and leaf number; tissue nitrogen (N); sodium (Na); and chloride (Cl); substrate electrical conductivity (EC); phosphorus (P); Na, Cl, and leachate EC; and concentrations of Na, Cl, NO3 −, and NH4 +. Root count, tissue Na, substrate potassium (K) and Na, and leachate pH were higher for zeolite-containing substrates. Shoot dry weight and tissue contents of N and P were the highest for wastewater-irrigated PP and PPZ. Wastewater-irrigated plants in PP and tap water-irrigated plants in PPZ exhibited the highest K content. The highest level of tissue Cl was recorded for SS. Tap water-irrigated PPZ had the highest pH and K concentration. Wastewater-irrigated PP, PPZ, and SS exhibited the highest contents of N, Na, and Cl, respectively. Based on the results, amendment of the substrate with zeolitic tuff is recommended to offset the adverse effect of salinity associated with wastewater.