Female Clones Research Articles

“The Kiss and the Cut”: Reassembling the Techno-Orientalist Clone through Multispecies Grief and Intimacy in Larissa Lai’s The Tiger Flu

Abstract: This article queries the revision of techno-Orientalist tropes in Larissa Lai’s 2018 novel The Tiger Flu , focusing primarily on how Lai repossesses the figure of the Asian female clone and imagines her as a formidable site of radical feminist, decolonial, and anti-capitalist knowledge in a time of planetary erosion and pandemic. I posit that Lai breaks the lineage of techno-Orientalist formations through the survivalist impulses of the Grist Sisters, a species of bioengineered clone factory workers, who move towards abolition from capitalism and compulsory heterosexuality by developing autonomous practices of reproduction, organ transplantation, and inter-generational storytelling. Through the Grist Sisters’ physical and symbolic acts of interdependent reliance and survival, Lai forges multispecies intimacies and embodiments as exertions of a radical politics of care that includes Asian American “women.” Further, Lai’s future world-building centers the multispecies grief of the Grist Sisters as a potent expression of feminist solidarity.

Genetic diversity of female clones of pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) based on multivariate analysis and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker

Genetic diversity of female clones of pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) based on multivariate analysis and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker

Canopy architecture and diurnal CO2 uptake in male and female clones of yerba‐mate cultivated in monoculture and agroforestry

AbstractSecondary sexual dimorphism (SSD) in flowering plants is expressed by sexual differences of characters that are not directly related to gamete production. The leaf C/N ratio, photosynthetic traits or clonal responses have never been studied in relation to SSD in yerba‐mate. It was hypothesized that leaf and plant photosynthesis are higher in female than in male individuals because females must supply photoassimilates to compensate for the additional reproductive investments of SSD in biomass. Here, we investigated how two contrasting light environments (monoculture—MO and agroforestry—AFS) and plant genders change leaf and plant photosynthesis, plant architecture, leaf and branch biomass production and C and N investments of two male and two female clones. To model the 3D yerba‐mate structure, virtual trees were constructed using measurements of plant morphology using VPlant modelling software. The light‐response curves of leaf CO2 assimilation were used to model instantaneous leaf and daily plant photosynthesis. Photosynthetic traits derived from light‐response curves did not differ between MO and AFS. Some architectural traits were segregated sexually only in MO, while some physiological ones only in AFS. Leaf photosynthesis was higher in females than in males in AFS over a large part of the diurnal cycle, but SSD was not expressed in carbon gains at plant or daily scales. Leaf C/N ratio was higher in MO than in AFS, indicating MO as an ecosystem with higher degree of environmental degradation. Female clones had leaves with lower C/N ratio than males in both systems, relating to higher leaf photosynthesis on an area basis in females. SSD expressed in leaf photosynthesis over a large part of the diurnal cycle in AFS was not observed in carbon gains at plant or daily scales, indicating that the integration of physiology and architecture equalized the gender specificities. The insensitivity of photosynthetic traits derived from light‐response curves indicated acclimation of yerba‐mate leaves to a wide range of incoming light.

Variation in floral form of CRISPR knock-outs of the poplar homologs of LEAFY and AGAMOUS after FT heat-induced early flowering.

Plant migration and gene flow from genetically modified or exotic trees to nearby lands or by crossing with wild relatives is a major public and regulatory concern. Many genetic strategies exist to mitigate potential gene flow; however, the long delay in onset of flowering is a severe constraint to research progress. We used heat-induced FT overexpression to speed assessment of the expected floral phenotypes after CRISPR knockout of poplar homologs of the key floral genes, LEAFY and AGAMOUS. We selected events with previously characterized CRISPR-Cas9 induced biallelic changes then re-transformed them with the Arabidopsis thaliana FLOWERING LOCUS T (AtFT) gene under control of either a strong constitutive promoter or a heat-inducible promoter. We successfully obtained flowering in both a male and female clones of poplar, observing a wide range of inflorescence and floral forms among flowers, ramets, and insertion events. Overall, flowers obtained from the selected LFY and AG targeted events were consistent with what would be predicted for loss-of-function of these genes. LFY-targeted events showed small catkins with leaf-like organs, AG-targeted events had nested floral organs consistent with reduction in floral determinacy and absence of well-formed carpels or anthers. These findings demonstrate the great developmental plasticity of Populus flowers during genetically accelerated flowering, which may be of horticultural value. They also provide an informative early view of floral phenotypes and apparent sterility from knockouts of both these gene targets.

Fabricant, It's What's for Dinner: Tracing Industrialized Slaughter through Upton Sinclair's The Jungle , Tillie Olsen's Yonnondio: From the Thirties , and David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas

Abstract: In the contemporary epic novel Cloud Atlas (2004), David Mitchell creates fictive worlds spanning hundreds of years to reveal the consequences of industrial capitalism on a global scale. The dystopic near-future section of the novel, where most of the earth's natural resources have been obliterated due to mass nuclear explosions, explores a consumer class society fueled by late-stage capitalism that fabricates nature to survive—even if that means recycling the human body. Sonmi-451, an Asian female clone, narrates the story of a nightmarish fantastical world where present-day factory farming practices manufacture human bodies instead of animals. In this paper, I draw parallels from Upton Sinclair's The Jungle (1906) and Tillie Olsen's Yonnondio: From the Thirties (1974) to trace how slaughter has been perceived in relation to dystopian imaginings of meat production.

Metabolomic analysis of methyl jasmonate treatment on phytocannabinoid production in Cannabis sativa.

Cannabis sativa is a multi-use and chemically complex plant which is utilized for food, fiber, and medicine. Plants produce a class of psychoactive and medicinally important specialized metabolites referred to as phytocannabinoids (PCs). The phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a naturally occurring methyl ester of jasmonic acid and a product of oxylipin biosynthesis which initiates and regulates the biosynthesis of a broad range of specialized metabolites across a number of diverse plant lineages. While the effects of exogenous MeJA application on PC production has been reported, treatments have been constrained to a narrow molar range and to the targeted analysis of a small number of compounds. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry with data-dependent acquisition, we examined the global metabolomic effects of MeJA in C. sativa to explore oxylipin-mediated regulation of PC biosynthesis and accumulation. A dose-response relationship was observed, with an almost two-fold increase in PC content found in inflorescences of female clones treated with 15 mM MeJA compared to the control group. Comparison of the inflorescence metabolome across MeJA treatments coupled with targeted transcript analysis was used to elucidate key regulatory components contributing to PC production and metabolism more broadly. Revealing these biological signatures improves our understanding of the role of the oxylipin pathway in C. sativa and provides putative molecular targets for the metabolic engineering and optimization of chemical phenotype for medicinal and industrial end-uses.

Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Incidence in Potato Breeding Populations with Late Blight Resistance and Identification of Breeding Lines with a Potential Fertility Restorer Mechanism.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in potato is a common reproductive issue in late blight breeding programs since resistant sources usually have a wild cytoplasmic background (W or D). Nevertheless, in each breeding cycle male fertile lines have been observed within D- and T-type cytoplasms, indicating the presence of a fertility restorer (Rf) mechanism. Identifying sources of Rf and complete male sterility to implement a CMS-Rf system in potato is important since hybrid breeding is a feasible breeding strategy for potato. The objective of this study was to identify male fertile breeding lines and potential Rf candidate lines in the CIP late blight breeding pipeline. We characterized male fertility/sterility-related traits on 142 breeding lines of known cytoplasmic type. We found that pollen viability is not a reliable estimate of male sterility in diverse backgrounds. Breeding lines of the T-type cytoplasmic group had higher levels of male fertility than breeding lines of the D-type cytoplasmic group. With the help of pedigree records, reproductive traits evaluations and test crosses with female clones of diverse background, we identified four male parental lines segregating for Rf and three female parental lines that generated 100% male sterile progeny. These identified lines and generated test cross progenies will be valuable to develop validation populations for mitochondrial or nuclear markers for the CMS trait and for dihaploid generation of Rf+ lines that can be later employed in diploid hybrid breeding.

Expansion of a localized population of the introduced Stratiotes aloides (Hydrocharitaceae) in Lough Derg, Ireland

An expansion of an introduced female clone of Stratiotes aloides L. (Water-soldier) was located in a delta region on the western side of Lough Derg, Co Galway (v.c.H15), Ireland in 2007. This population was followed over a thirteen-year period. It was initially located at three adjacent sheltered localities, within sweepback bays on either side of an emerging river and within an adjacent canal. The study involved surface observations later supplemented with aerial images. The shallow water conditions, shelter and the presence of Phragmites australis appear to have supported the early establishment by retaining small S. aloides clusters amongst its stems. These clusters later merged to produce a mainly surface expanding monoculture. This enlarged from less than 1 ha to approximately 3.3 ha to occupy much of the sheltered Rossmore Bay area during this study. Flowers were first noticed in 2008, and during subsequent visits, producing infertile seed-pods. Expansion took place with the production of daughter plants. A small nearby population, 1 km to the east, within an unused harbour, did not produce an emergent phase. A small group in a shallow cut, between the two locations, disappeared during the study. Aerial images from different sources were useful to identify the expansion of the emergent stage due to the distinctive bright green coloration of surface leaves. It is unclear how this plant arrived in Lough Derg, but might have been a garden plant release. Small drifting plants, seen during wintertime, may yet colonize other regions within this lake.

Sex-Specific Differences in the Physiological and Biochemical Performance of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Inoculated Mulberry Clones Under Salinity Stress.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are often considered bioameliorators. AMF can promote plant growth under various stressful conditions; however, differences between male and female clones in mycorrhizal strategies that protect plants from the detrimental effects of salinity are not well studied. In this study, we aimed to examine the interactive effects of salinity and AMF on the growth, photosynthetic traits, nutrient uptake, and biochemical responses of Morus alba males and females. In a factorial setup, male and female M. alba clones were subjected to three salinity regimes (0, 50, and 200 mM NaCl) and planted in soil with or without Funneliformis mosseae inoculation. The results showed that NaCl alone conferred negative effects on the growth, salinity tolerance, photosynthetic performance, and shoot and root ionic ratios (K+/Na+, Ca2+/Na+, and Mg2+/Na+) in both sexes; in contrast, mycorrhizal inoculation mitigated the detrimental effects of salinity. Furthermore, the mycorrhizal effects were closely correlated with Mn2+, proline, and N concentrations. Females benefited more from AMF inoculation as shown by the enhancements in their biomass accumulation, and N, proline, K+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ concentrations than males with mycorrhizal inoculation under saline conditions. In comparison, male plants inoculated with AMF showed improvements in biomass allocated to the roots, P, and peroxidase concentrations under saline conditions. These sex-specific differences suggest that male and female mulberry clones adopted different mycorrhizal strategies when growing under saline conditions. Overall, our results provide insight into the sex-specific difference in the performance of AMF-associated mulberry clones, suggesting that female mulberry could be more suitable for vegetation remediation than the male one, due to its higher salinity tolerance.

Elemental composition in male and female genotypes of betel vine (Piper betle L.)

Betel vine (Piper betle L.,) is an evergreen perennial, dioecious creeper belongs to the family Piperaceae and cultivated commercially in South East Asian countries. In present study the sexually dimorphic genotypes were evaluated to know their elemental composition (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese) and found significant results within male and female clones. On the other side, except copper the gender differences were not found significant. The nitrogen content was higher among major elements in Sirugamani-1 (6.63%). The phosphorous concentration was higher in genotype CARI-6 (0.72%). Similarly, potassium levels was found higher in genotype Kapoori TN (2.83%). The trace element copper was higher in male genotypes Kapoori TN and Swarna Kapoori (36.21 mg/kg). The copper concentration was slightly higher in male clones over female counterparts. In other hand iron was found higher among all the trace elements and higher contents in genotype Kapoori Chintalapudi (84.38 mg/kg).

Variation and Genetic Parameters of Leaf Morphological Traits of Eight Families from Populus simonii × P. nigra

Leaf morphology in Populus L. varies extensively among sections, species and clones under strong genetic control. P. nigra L. (section Aigeiros), with large and triangular leaves, is a commercial forest tree of economic importance for fast growth and high yield in Europe. P. simonii Carr. (section Tacamahaca) with small land rhomboid ovate leaves performs cold and dry resistance/tolerance in the semi-arid region of Northern China. Leaf morphological traits could be used as early indicators to improve the efficiency of selection. In order to investigate the genetic variation pattern of leaf morphology traits, estimate breeding values (combining ability), as well as evaluate crossing combinations of parents, 1872 intersectional progenies from eight families (P. simonii × P. nigra) and their parents were planted with cuttings for the clonal replicate field trial in Northern China. Four leaf size traits (area, perimeter, length, width) and roundness were measured with leaf samples from the 1-year-old clonal plantation. Significant differences regarding leaf traits were found between and among three female clones of P. simonii from Inner Mongolia, China and six male clones of P. nigra from Casale Monferrato, Italy. The genetic variation coefficient, heritability and genetic variance component of most traits in male parents were greater than these of female parents. Heritability estimates of male and female parents were above 0.56 and 0.17, respectively. Plentiful leaf variations with normal and continuous distributions exited in the hybrid progenies among and within families with the genetic variation coefficient and heritability above 28.49 and 0.24, respectively. Heritability estimates showed that leaf area was the most heritable trait, followed by leaf width. The breeding value ranking of parents allowed us to select the parental clones for new crosses and extend the mating design. Two male parental clones (N430 and N429) had greater breeding values (general combining ability, GCA) of leaf size traits than other clones. The special combining ability (SCA) of the crossing combination between P. simonii cl. ZL-3 and P. nigra cl. N430 was greater than that of others. Eight putatively superior genotypes, most combined with the female parental clone ZL-3, can be selected for future testing under near-commercial conditions. Significant genetic and phenotypic correlations were found between five leaf morphology traits with the coefficients above 0.9, except for leaf roundness. The results showed that leaf morphology traits were under strong genetic control and the parental clones with high GCA and SCA effects could be utilized in heterosis breeding, which will provide a starting point for devising a new selection strategy of parents and progenies.

Estimation of chlorophyll contents in male and female genotypes of betel vine (Piper betle L.)

Betel vine [Piper betle (L)] is valued for its leaves due to its masticatory health benefits. The cultivars in betelvine are mostly the land races which are cultivated locally. The present study aimed to estimate the chlorophyll contents among male and female genotypes collected from different parts of India. The chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents among male and female clones varied significantly within genders. The females had slightly higher contents of chlorophyll over male clones. The highest total chlorophyll recorded in genotype Hirehalli Local (2.363 mg/g) followed by, IIHR BV 67 (2.082 mg/g) in females. Among male clones Shirpurkata (2.238 mg/g) followed by, clone Kapoori TN (2.180 mg/g) had higher total chlorophyll contents. The general observation prevails that, male leaves has slightly lesser in chlorophyll contents over females. Present study could able to identify the male genotypes (Shirpurkata and Kapoori TN) which are comparable in chlorophyll contents over female clones.

Propagasi in vitro tanaman kurma (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pada bioreaktor dengan perendaman sesaat

The cultivation of date palm in Indonesia has increased since the last decade. However, the superior date palm seedlings are still limited and most of them are imported from other countries. The mass supply of superior date palm seedlings can be provided by in vitro propagation in the bioreactor. Therefore, the research was conducted to develop a protocol of date palm in vitro propagation by using Temporary Immersion Bioreactor (TIB). The in vitro propagation was carried out through somatic embryogenesis technique using meristematic tissues isolated from offshoots of date palm female clone cv. Zambli as explants. The explants were sterilized and then cultured to produce embryogenic calli and somatic embryos. Afterwards, somatic embryos germination and plantlets formation were conducted in TIB with treatments of immersion period: 3, 10, and 30 minutes every 6 hours, with 8 replications, The results showed that the optimal somatic embryo germination in TIB was with the immersion period of 30 min every 6 h, resulting in the most formation of shoots and fresh biomass weight increment up to nearly threefold in 6 weeks. Thereafter, plantlets formation in TIB with immersion period of 10 min and 30 min every 6 h exhibited similar performances in producing more plantlets with higher total fresh weight and better vigor than those of 3 min every 6 h. However, there were more rooted plantlets in the TIB with immersion period of 10 min every 6 h. Based on the results, an in vitro propagation protocol via somatic embryogenesis in TIB has been successfully developed for mass propagation of date palm cv. Zambli, which produced plantlets with good vigor and rooting.

Sex-specific responses of Populus deltoides to combined salinity and calcium under waterlogging conditions

In this study, we investigated the sex-specific ion uptake and physiological and biochemical responses to combined salinity and calcium treatments of male and female Populus deltoides under waterlogging conditions. Results indicate that both P. deltoides clones were sensitive to salinity and calcium. Under well-watered conditions, salinity stress could especially increase the Na content in female P. deltoides clones, whereas salinity and calcium could increase the K and Ca content in male clones. Waterlogging could evidently stimulate Na content in leaves under salinity, especially in female P. deltoides clones. However, waterlogging had no visible effects on the amount of Ca absorption between the two clones under abundant calcium conditions. The physiological and biochemical responses to combined salinity and calcium exceeded the effects of salinity or calcium individually. However, no significant difference was observed, hence indicating the similar responses of male and female P. deltoides clones. The lower Na content and Na:Ca ratio, and the higher K and Ca content in male clones suggest that the male clones could maintain ion homeostasis better than the female clones. The sex-specific differences in net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, effective quantum yield of photosystem II, photochemical quenching coefficient, non-photochemical quenching coefficient, photosynthetic electron transport rate, content of superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, H2O2, soluble protein, and activities of superoxide dismutase under certain conditions suggest that female P. deltoides clones are more sensitive to salinity, calcium, and the combination of both than their male counterparts.

Production of Tetraploid and Triploid Hemp

To maximize yield, cannabidiol (CBD) hemp producers prefer female plants, and this is accomplished by using expensive feminized seed, vegetatively propagated female clones, or by removing male plants from dioecious seed lots. Hemp pollen drifts long distances on wind, and pollination of females reduces CBD content. Induction of triploidy is a common strategy used by plant breeders to produce sterile cultivars of agricultural crops. Triploid (3n) hemp, with three sets of chromosomes, was developed by crossing naturally diploid (2n) hemp with tetraploid (4n) hemp. Tetraploid plants used to create triploids were produced using pregerminated seeds and the mitotic spindle inhibitor colchicine. Seedlings from seeds of ‘Abacas’ × [(‘Otto2’ × ‘BaOx’) × (‘BaOx’ × ‘Colorado Cherry’)] treated with 0.05% colchicine or 0.02% colchicine for 12 hours and longer were significantly shorter than controls and ≤1 cm tall at 10 days after sowing. Surviving seedlings exhibited thickened cotyledons and hypocotyls, which indicated a potential change in ploidy. Tetraploid induction ranged from 26% to 64% for pregerminated seeds of five different hemp cultivars (Abacus × Wife, Cherry Wine, Mountain Mango, Wife, and Youngsim10) treated with 0.05% colchicine for 12 hours. Tetraploids had nearly twice the DNA content as diploids according to flow cytometric analysis. Tetraploid ‘Wife’ had larger stomates and reduced stomatal density compared with diploid ‘Wife’. Four triploid ‘Wife’ genotypes produced from crossing tetraploid ‘Wife’ with diploid ‘Wife’ were acclimated to greenhouse conditions after embryo rescue. DNA content and stomate size of triploid ‘Wife’ was intermediate between the parents. This is the first report of triploid plants of hemp. Future research will evaluate the sterility of triploid hemp.

Clonal Variation in Growth Response of Populus deltoides Bartr. to Nitrogen Fertilization Under Nursery Conditions

Populus deltoides, an extensively planted poplar in Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the ten most prominent tree species grown in the State. A strapping clone x fertilizerinteraction was observed fordiameter, height and biomass. Growth response of six male clones of this species to three levels ofnitrogen (50, 75 and100 kg ha 1 ) was evaluated in nursery for two years to produce healthy and vigorous nursery stock. While application of N- fertilizer @ 75 kg ha 1 recorded maximum height, diameter, number of branches plant', numberofleaves plant', leafarea plant', internodal length and total biomass (fresh and dry) plant', the application of 100 kg N ha ' was observed to exert toxic effects and reduced the growth performance. In terms ofefficient utilization ofNitrogen fertilizer (NUE), the application of 50 kg N ha ' yield maximum biomass p er unit of N- used by the plant. The male clones have recently received a lot of attention due to the increasing cotton mince produced by female clones in Kashmir valley. In currentscenario male clones are the betterperspective to replace the female ones without compromising the economy generated by this species.

Age-dependent plasticity in reproductive investment, regeneration capacity and survival in a partially clonal animal (Hydra oligactis).

Asexual reproduction diversifies life-history priorities and is associated with unusual reproduction and somatic maintenance patterns, such as constant fertility with age, extensive regeneration ability and negligible senescence. While age-dependent plasticity in relative allocation to sexual versus asexual reproductive modes is relatively well studied, the modulation of somatic maintenance traits in parallel with age-dependent reproduction is much less well understood in clonal or partially clonal animals. Here, we asked how age-dependent investment into sexual and asexual reproduction co-varies with somatic maintenance such as regeneration in a partially clonal freshwater cnidarian Hydra oligactis, a species with remarkable regeneration abilities and experimentally inducible sex. We induced gametogenesis by lowering temperature at two ages, 1 or 4weeks after detachment from an asexual parent, in animals of a male and a female clone. Then we measured phenotypically asexual and sexual reproductive traits (budding rate, start day and number of sexual organs) together with head regeneration rate, survival and the cellular background of these traits (number of reproductive and interstitial stem cells) for 2 or 5months. Younger animals had higher asexual reproduction while individuals in the older group had more intensive gametogenesis and reproductive cell production. In parallel with these age-dependent reproductive differences, somatic maintenance of older individuals was also impacted: head regeneration, survival and interstitial stem cell numbers were reduced compared to younger polyps. Some of the traits investigated showed an ontogenetic effect, suggesting that age-dependent plasticity and a fixed ontogenetic response might both contribute to differences between age groups. We show that in H. oligactis asexual reproduction coupled with higher somatic maintenance is prioritized earlier in life, while sexual reproduction with higher maintenance costs occurs later if sex is induced. These findings confirm general life-history theory predictions on resource allocation between somatic maintenance and sexual reproduction applying in a partially clonal species. At the same time, our study also highlights the age-dependent integration of these resource allocation decisions with sexual/asexual strategies. Accounting for age-related differences might enhance repeatability of research done with clonal individuals derived from mass cultures.

Effect of some chemical factors on growth and archegonial formation in female clone of Riccaria frostii Aust.

Effect of some chemical factors on growth and archegonial formation in female clone of Riccaria frostii Aust.

The ideal auricular protrusion – An interactive perceptual pilot study

PurposeExcessive ear protrusion (prominauris) can negatively affect facial appearance. Because the concept of an ideal auriculocephalic angle is controversial, however, it is difficult to define when an obtrusive auricle requires surgical intervention. It is often assumed that angles exceeding 30° require corrective surgery. However, little is known about public perception of ear protrusion. This study aimed to assess perceptions of different degrees of auricular protrusion. Materials and methodsWe conducted an interactive panel survey. Male and female evaluators assessed digitally processed cloned images of a male and female model that depicted various ear protrusions ranging from 0° to 90°. Predictor variables were the sex of the evaluator, the sex of the clone and the extent of auricular protrusion. The outcome variable was the overall attractiveness of auricular appearance. ResultsForty-four evaluators (students of dental medicine, mean age 25.43 years) participated in the study: 22 women and 22 men. The study results revealed sexual dimorphism, with the attractiveness of corresponding male and female clones rated differently. Male evaluators favoured female ear positions that fitted closer to the head; preferred alignments for female clones were: 18° (Mean) ± 9.38° (SD), p = 0.006; for male clones: 30° ± 7.94°, p = 0.003. Ear protrusion starts to negatively affect aesthetic appearance for male evaluators at positions of 42° ± 4.87° (female clone) and 54° ± 8.22° (male clone), p = 0.001. The panel of evaluators agreed to perceive angles of 21–24° ± 8.10° (female clones), ± 8.33° (male clones), as the ideal degree of protrusion in both sexes (p = 0.158). ConclusionIn this study, perception of ear appearance depended on the sex of both the evaluator and the clone being assessed. Obtrusive ears were more readily accepted in male faces than in female ones. Nevertheless, the overall panel perception shows a preference for rather close fitting, unobtrusive ear alignments. For planning of corrective ear surgery, a target angle of approximately 22° can be considered as a desirable result.

Roots play a key role in drought-tolerance of poplars as suggested by reciprocal grafting between male and female clones

Drought stress influences the growth of plants and thus grafting has been widely used to improve tolerance to abiotic stresses. Poplars possess sex-specific responses to drought stress, but how male or female rootstock affect the grafted plant is little known. To explore the mechanisms underlying changes in drought tolerance caused by grafting, we investigated the changes in growth, leaf traits, gas exchange and antioxidant enzyme activities of reciprocally grafted seedlings between Populus euramericana cv. "Nanlin895" (NL-895) (female) and Populus deltiodes cv."3412" (NL-3412) (male) under water deficit stress with 30% field capacity for 30 d. Results showed that drought stress affected adversely growth, morphological, and physiological characteristics in all seedlings studied. Grafted seedlings with male roots can effectively alleviated the inhibition of growth induced by drought stress, as shown by higher WUE, activities of SOD, POD and CAT, and lower levels of lipid peroxidation. Male seedlings with female roots were found to be less tolerance to drought than non-grafted male clones and female scions with male roots, but more tolerance than non-grafted female clones. This results suggested that drought tolerance of grafted seedlings is primarily caused by the rootstock, although the scion also affects the grafted plant. Thus, paying attention on the root genotype can provide an important means of improving the drought tolerance of poplars.