Female Flowers Research Articles

Jasmonate-insensitive mutant jar1b prevents petal elongation and flower opening coupling with parthenocarpic fruit development in Cucurbita pepo

Jasmonates are growth regulators that play a key role in flower development, fruit ripening, root growth, and plant defence. The study explores the coordination of floral organ maturation to ensure proper flower opening for pollination and fertilization. A new mutant (jar1b) was discovered, lacking petal elongation and flower opening but showing normal pistil and stamen development, leading to parthenocarpic fruit development. The mutation also enhanced the elongation of roots while reducing the formation of root hairs. BSA sequencing showed that jar1b is a missense mutation in the gene CpJAR1B, which encodes the enzyme that catalyzes the conjugation between JA and the amino acid isoleucine. The loss of function mutation in CpJAR1B produced a deficiency in biologically active (+) -7-iso-jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile), which was not complemented by the paralogous gene CpJAR1A or any other redundant gene. Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) demonstrated that jar1b is partially insensitive to JA in both flowers and roots. Further experimentation involving the combination of JA-Ile deficient and ethylene-deficient, and ET insensitive mutations in double mutants revealed that CpJAR1B mediated ET action in female petal maturation and flower opening, but JA and ET have independent additive effects as negative regulators of the set and development of squash fruits. CpJAR1B also regulated the aperture of male flowers in an ethylene-independent manner. The root phenotype of jar1b and effects of external MeJA treatments indicated that CpJAR1B has a dual role in root development, inhibiting the elongation of primary and secondary roots, but promoting the formation of root hairs.

Impact of Vine Management on Yield and Quality Parameters of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)

The present study was conducted at the Instructional cum Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali with an aim to study the effect of vine management on yield, yield attributing factors and quality parameters (which included nutritional factors such as vitamin A, vitamin C) of pumpkin. The treatments were: T1 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 8th node stage), T2 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 10th node stage), T3 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 12th node stage), T4(Trimming of growing tip of the secondary vine at 6th node stage), T5(Trimming of growing tip of the secondary vine at 8th node stage), T6 (Removal of all tertiary vines), T7 (Retention of two tertiary vines) and T8(control without pruning). T3 further recorded the minimum days to appearance of first male (49.17 days), female (58.15 days) flowers, fruit set to harvest duration (51.43 days) and crop duration (110.55 days) while T8 recorded the maximum days. Significant variation was observed in the yield parameters where T3 recorded the maximum number of fruits (6.27),fruit weight (2.47 kg), fruit yield per plant (15.47 kg) and yield per hectare (27.88 t/ha). Fruit characters such as fruit length, fruit diameter and number of seeds revealed no significant differences among the different treatments but with respect to quality parameters pruning revealed significant differences in terms of vitamin A and ascorbic acid content. The experiment thus concluded that the treatment T3 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 12th node stage) produced the highest yield with higher B: C ratio of 2.52 and it can be recommended to the farmers of Assam in order to maximize the production and productivity of pumpkin.

Genome-wide screening and bioinformatics analysis of Cannabis sativa LecRLK gene family

Lectin receptor-like kinase(LecRLK) is a class of phytokinase with lectin conserved domain, which plays an important role in plant resistance to biological and abiotic stresses, as well as plant growth and development. Cannabis sativa is an important multi-purpose plant, widely used in food, textile, medicine, and other fields. Genome-wide screening and expression analysis of the LecRLK family of C. sativa were performed in this paper, so as to provide scientific reference for functional analysis of the LecRLK family of C. sativa. Based on BLAST and HMM methods, 93 LecRLKs were identified in the whole genome of C. sativa, including 69 G types, 23 L types, and one C types. Subsequently, a series of bioinformatics analyses were performed on the LecRLK family members, and the physicochemical properties of the protein of the LecRLK family members were initially revealed. The prediction of cis-acting elements of promoters in family members showed that family members were regulated by hormones and stress response. The expression analysis showed that some family members were highly expressed in the roots, which may participate in the process of stress resistance. Several members were highly expressed in female flowers and may be involved in female flower development. This study provides a theoretical basis for further study of LecRLK gene function. Meanwhile, the expression analysis screens candidate LecRLK members who may participate in the resistance of C. sativa, which provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent selection of C. sativa varieties against resistance.

Heritable Phenotypic Variations in the Self-Pollinated Progeny from Grafted Cucumber with Pumpkin as Rootstock

This study investigated whether grafting cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) onto pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) rootstocks can induce phenotypic variations in the self-bred cucumber progeny. The phenotypic traits of the self-pollinated progeny of grafted ‘Zhenghuang 1409’ cucumber were significantly different from those of the naturally rooted ‘Zhenghuang 1409’ parent line. Compared with the ‘Zhenghuang 1409’ cucumber inbred line, the first self-pollinated and naturally rooted generation of grafted cucumber displayed reduced length and width of the leaf at the node of the second female flower, a tapered petiole and stem, increased internode length, shorter plants, decreased fruit diameter, longer fruit stalk, thicker pulp, decreased seed length and width, and a lower 100-grain weight. Similar changes in most of these phenotypic traits were observed in the second generation of self-pollinated plants from grafted cucumber. By observing plant phenotypic traits, two leaf phenotypic variations were observed in the first generation of selfed grafted cucumber, and these two phenotypes were inherited in the second selfed generation.

Pengaruh Pupuk ‘Mutiara’ dan Giberelin Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Semangka Partenocarpi

Watermelon production is influential in supporting the increase of income of the farm. Watermelon production tends to decline at present, so that efforts need to be carried out to optimize the growth and yield of watermelon plants. One of the important nutrients source for watermelon plants is ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer and the plant growth regulator (PGR) gibberellin. This study aimed to determine the right combination of ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer dosage and gibberellin concentration on the growth and yield of parthenocarpic watermelon plants. This research was conducted from September to December 2023 at Pattimura Mutiara Farm of Pattimura University, in Rumahtiga Village, Teluk Ambon Subdistrict, Ambon City. This research was an experimental study that used a Factorial Randomized Group Design (RAK) consisting of two treatment factors, i.e.: ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer with 4 levels and the dose of gibberellin with 4 levels, with replications, so that there was a total of 48 treatment combinations. The observed variables included plant height, number of leaves, number of female flowers formed, fresh fruit weight, fruit diameter, and number of seeds. The results showed that the interaction between the dose of ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer 6 g/plant and the concentration of gibberellin 6 mL/L was the best treatment combination and could increase plant length and number of leaves. The combination of 2 g of ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer and 2 mL/L gibberellin concentration was the best combination for fresh fruit weight

Morphogenesis, megagametogenesis, and microgametogenesis in Actinidia arguta flower buds

In dioecious plants, understanding sexual differentiation is important for improving cultivation techniques. Flower bud morphogenesis and gametophyte formation underlie the mechanism of sexual differentiation. Actinidia arguta (hardy kiwi) is a unisexual plant, and there have been few studies on its flower bud differentiation or gametophyte formation. We studied flower bud morphogenesis and gametophyte formation in A. arguta using paraffin sections and found that the morphogenesis of male and female flower buds was divided into six stages: the undifferentiated stage, inflorescence initials differentiation stage, calyx primordium differentiation stage, petal primordium differentiation stage, stamen primordium differentiation stage, and pistil primordium differentiation stage. Morphogenesis in the male inflorescence can reach quaternary flower primordia, and morphogenesis in the female inflorescence can reach the tertiary flower primordia, however, no Stage 4 lateral flowers in the male inflorescence or Stage 3 lateral flowers in the female inflorescence were found in natural situation. The embryo sac in female plants was a monocellular Polygonum type, and the embryo sac development in male plants was incomplete; abortion occurred before the archesporial cells developed. The male gametophyte differentiation process in the male plant was normal, with pollen grains similar in shape to a rugby ball and arranged neatly in the anther. The pollen grain differentiation in female plants was abnormal; abortion occurred at the uninucleate microspore stage, and mature pollen grains were irregularly spherical.

Evaluation Trial of IVY Gourd (Coccinia grandis L.) Varieties in Prayagraj Agro Climatic Condition

The current trial on commenced in February 2023 at the Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This experiment employed a Random Block Design (RBD) with seven varieties replicated three times. The varieties, namely V₁ (Arka Neelachal Khunki), V₂ (Arka Neelachal Sabuja), V₃ (Local Geda), V₄ (Local Denga), V₅ (Surekha), V₆ (CHIV-8), and V₇ (CHIV-9), were assessed based on various growth, yield, and quality parameters. These parameters included vine length, petiole length, appearance of the first female flower anthesis, internode length, fruit length, fruit diameter, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield in tonnes per hectare, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid content, fruit shape, and colour. From the different parameters it was concluded that all the seven varieties showed significant performance in almost all the characters. The variety V₂, Arka Neelachal Sabuja, exhibited superior characteristics in various parameters, including vine length (310.66 cm), internode length (12.71 cm), fruit length (6.11 cm), average fruit weight (21.07g), number of fruits per plant (422), number of seeds per fruit (122), fruit yield per plant (8.53 kg), fruit yield per hectare (17.36t/ha), total soluble solids (TSS - 4.31), and had the minimum days taken for the first female flower anthesis (32.67 days). It featured an ovoid-shaped fruit with dark green fractured strips. On the other hand, variety V₁, Arka Neelachal Khunki, demonstrated maximum petiole length (8.03 cm) and ascorbic acid content (15.30 mg/100g of fruit pulp). The fruit was uniform and cylindrical in shape with light green colour and white stripes.

Study on Effect of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) and Training System on Growth and Yield of Cucumber

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season, in 2023 in the Horticulture research field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P, India. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with twenty treatments and replicated thrice with four cucumber varieties (TMCU-1107, TMCU-1125, TMCU-3112, SAIRA-934). The observations are vine length, days to first appearance of male flower in 50% plants, days to first appearance of female flower in 50% plants, days to first harvest, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, average yield per plant, and yield per hectare. The results showed that viz., vine length (155.53 cm), days to first appearance of male flower in 50% plants (32.73), days to first appearance of female flower in 50% plants (39.20), days to first harvest (52.07), average fruit weight (245.93 g), fruit length (15.67 cm), fruit diameter (4.41 cm), number of fruits per plant (12.73), average yield per plant (3.13 kg/plant), yield per hectare (34.77 t/ha), were recorded significantly highest by the application of GA3 – 30 ppm + NAA – 75 ppm + Single head system (Treatment 3) as compared to rest of the treatments.

PENGARUH WAKTU PENYERBUKAN TERHADAP KUALITAS HASIL TANAMAN MELON (Cucumis melo L) DENGAN PERKAWINAN SILANG TANAMAN SEMANGKA (Citrullus vulgaris L)

Decreased production of melon (Cucumis melo L) which is due to constraints in fruit quality decreases due to the ability of fruit formation is naturally low due to a failure in the process of pollination. The success of pollination it self is influenced by the maturity of the male flowers and female flowers itself. Therefore we need a suitable time to perform pollination to see the stigma receptivity and pollen viability at the same level. To overcome these problems need to develop crops melon (Cucumis melo L) through the technique of cultivation is called plant breeding to obtain the production of melon (Cucumis melo L) qualified by determining the time of pollination and crossed with a watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris L). This research is experimental research design using a randomized block design (RAK) 1 factor with 5 treatment combinations and each treatment using 10 replications. The treatment factors are as follows: PA = at 05:00 to 06:00, PB = at 07:00 to 08:00, PC = at 09:00 to 10:00, PD = at 11 : 00 to 12:00 and PE = at 13:00 to 14:00. The data were collected and presented in tables and statistical analysis of test One-Way ANOVA (Analysis Of Variance). If there is a real difference followed by testing of LSD (Least Significant Difference) (p <0.05). Statistical analysis One-Way ANOVA test and LSD show that there is the influence of pollination time on the fruit weight, average fruit diameter and weight of seed resulting from cross-breeding melon (Cucumis melo L) and watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris L). Data show that the PA treatment is the best treatment compared with other treatments. This happens Because the quality of pollen in the morning are of better quality compared to during the day so that pollen powderd in the morning better able to fertilize the pistil to the maximum.

CRUZAS SIMPLES PROGENITORAS E HÍBRIDO TRILINEAL DE MAÍZ H-53 AE: DENSIDADES Y PRODUCTIVIDAD

<p><strong>Background</strong>. The use of improved seeds in Mexico is limited. To increase its use and improve its supply, it is necessary to promote the generation of micro-enterprises; for this, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) work in a coordinated manner on the development of new varieties. <strong>Objective</strong>. To determine the seed productivity by effect of the population density of the trilinear hybrid of H-53 AE maize and its simple progenitor crosses in two environments of Valles Altos. <strong>Methodology</strong>. In the spring-summer cycle of 2014, in Cuautitlán Izcalli and Texcoco, State of Mexico, three genotypes were evaluated: the simple female cross androsterile (M53AE x M59) and fertile version (M53F x M59), as well as the trilineal hybrid H-53 AE. Population densities were 55,000, 70,000, and 85,000 ha<sup>-1</sup> plants, respectively. The variables evaluated were male and female flowering, plant and ear height, volumetric weight, weight of 200 grains, ear length, grains per row, dry matter percentage, and grain percentage. The experimental design employed a factorial design with random complete blocks, and the Tukey method was used for mean comparison. <strong>Results</strong>. The simple crosses, androsterile and fertile, exceeded the performance of the hybrid trilineal H-53 AE (7280 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>). The population density where genotypes expressed a higher yield was 70, 000 ha<sup>-1</sup> plants, with 8602 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, significantly different to 7813 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, and 7748 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup> for 85,000 and 55, 000 ha<sup>-1</sup> plants, respectively. <strong>Implications</strong>. Further analysis of other environmental factors should be carried out to strengthen the recommendation of the evaluated trilinear hybrid. <strong>Conclusion. </strong>The best responses were presented in the population density of 70,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>, and the highest average yield of three genotypes and three population densities with 8768 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup> was in the FESC environment (Cuautitlán Izcalli).</p>

Karakterisasi Morfologi Sukun (Artocarpus altilis Forb.) Di Desa Ohoitahit Dan Danar Kepulauan Kei Kecil Kabupaten Maluku Tenggara

This study aims to characterize the morphology of breadfruit (Artocarpus Altilis Forb.) In Ohoitahit Village and Danar Kecil Kecil Kecil Southeast Maluku. The sampling method through two sample units, namely key informants and target plant accessions. Key informants are community leaders who have in -depth knowledge about the genetic diversity of breadfruit in the village that is used as a sample. Target plant accessions are a variety of varieties of identification of key informants. Withdrawal of samples for critical informants is carried out by snowball sampling methods, while target plant accessions are selected using accidental sampling methods (accidental sampling) or intentional sampling (purposive sampling). Data presentation using descriptive methods. The results showed a significant morphological diversity in breadfruit in the Kei Islands. There is a diversity of morphology in breadfruit based on 31 observation variables. In the character of the tree, there is diversity, among others, the tree's shape, the trunk's surface, the branching pattern, and the direction of growing. In the leaf character there is diversity, namely the color of the leaf, the tip of the leaf, the length of the leaf strands, and the width of the leaf strands, and on the tip of the leaf. Flower characters have a diversity that is, the color of male flowers, male flower positions, and female flower positions. Fruit character has diversity is the shape of the fruit, the texture of the fruit skin, the sap on the skin, the skin color of the fruit, the length of the fruit, the weight of the fruit, and the fruit yield.

Efficacy of Ethephon Doses on Vegetative and Reproductive Attributes of Watermelon [(Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai

Watermelon is a widely cultivated cucurbitaceous crop with economic and dietary significance. The plant's ability to reproduce effectively relies on the harmonious growth and maturation of both its male and female flowers. At the farm level, determining the exact amount of ethylene required to regulate the development and sexual expression of individual floral buds remains uncertain, despite the known influence of exogenously applied ethylene on these processes. The goal of the research was to explore how the ethephon doses influence vegetative characteristics, sex expression, and watermelon yield. The experiment, employing a one-factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising five treatments and four replications, was conducted in a farmer's field in Buttabari, Jhapa. Using R-stat software, the data were analyzed at a 5% level of significance. Treatment consisted of Ethephon with four doses namely; 100ppm, 200ppm, 300ppm, 400ppm, and a control. Ethephon application was done twice, once at the two true-leaf stages and another at four true-leaf stages. The study revealed that plant height decreased with ethephon compared to the control, reaching a minimum of 280.1 cm at 400 ppm and a maximum of 307.1 cm in the control. Additionally, the highest branch numbers were observed with ethephon at 200 ppm. The plot treated with 200ppm ethephon was found to be more effective than alternative doses at increasing the total number of female flowers, bearing 15.25 female flowers per plant. Control (166.50 per plant) and 400 ppm (150.00 per plant) had the highest and lowest male flower counts per plant, respectively. A maximum yield of 25.12 t/ha and a minimum yield of 19.1 t/ha were determined at 200 ppm and control, respectively. Hence, farmers are found to benefit from ethephon doses of 200 ppm.

Floral Biology of Chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) under Temperate Conditions in the Kashmir Himalayas

Chinar, Platanus orientalis is a huge, widely distributed, and long-lived deciduous tree native to the eastern Mediterranean. It is the only species of the Platanaceae family found in India and grows throughout the valley. Since ancient times, this particular species has garnered fascination and reverence, leading to its continuous examination and admiration. However, the information related to its floral biology is meagre. The floral biology of P. orientalis is crucial to understanding its reproductive mechanisms and ecological interactions. The present study, therefore, aimed at investigating the floral characteristics of P. orientalis. For this study, seven young sexually mature trees were selected to study the floral characteristics. It was revealed that, in general, male flowers often emerge earlier than female blosssoms. The position of the male flower is always proximal and that of the female flower is distal when present on terminal branches. The average male female ratio recorded was 7:1 and the ratio between pollen and ovules on average was 9550 to 1. The pollen-ovule ratio is a fundamental reproductive parameter that provides insights into the reproductive strategies and ecological adaptations of plant species. The floral biology of P. orientalis demonstrates its adaptation to wind pollination and efficient seed dispersal mechanisms. This knowledge enhances comprehension and aids in gaining a deeper understanding of the reproductive strategies of P. orientalis and its ecological significance within its native range. Research in this field can help in developing effective conservation strategies and utilizing this species for research purposes.

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Anthocyanidin Reductase Gene Family in Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.).

Anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) is a key enzyme regulating anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation in plants. Here, lychee ANR genes were globally identified, their sequence and phylogenetic characteristics were analyzed, and their spatiotemporal expression patterns were characterized. A total of 51 ANR family members were identified in the lychee genome. The length of the encoded amino acid residues ranged from 87 aa to 289 aa, the molecular weight ranged from 9.49 KD to 32.40 KD, and the isoelectric point (pI) ranged from 4.83 to 9.33. Most of the members were acidic proteins. Most members of the LcANR family were located in the cytoplasm. The 51 LcANR family members were unevenly distributed in 11 chromosomes, and their exons and motif conserved structures were significantly different from each other. Promoters in over 90% of LcANR members contained anaerobically induced response elements, and 88% contained photoresponsive elements. Most LcANR family members had low expression in nine lychee tissues and organs (root, young leaf, bud, female flower, male flower, pericarp, pulp, seed, and calli), and some members showed tissue-specific expression patterns. The expression of one gene, LITCHI029356.m1, decreased with the increase of anthocyanin accumulation in 'Feizixiao' and 'Ziniangxi' pericarp, which was negatively correlated with pericarp coloring. The identified LcANR gene was heterologously expressed in tobacco K326, and the function of the LcANR gene was verified. This study provides a basis for the further study of LcANR function, particularly the role in lychee pericarp coloration.

PHENOTYPE CHARACTERISTICS OF CROSSING PURPLE CORN AND SWEET YELLOW CORN (ZEA MAYS L.) IN GENERATION F4

Phenotypic characters in crossed plants is very important to find out the success of a cross and the differences in characters between one type and another. The purpose of this study was to identify and determine the best phenotypic characters resulting from crosses of maize plants in the F4 generation. This research was carried out on agricultural land in Oloboju Village (Bulu Pontu Jaya SP2), at an altitude of 176 meters above sea level, with a latitude of 1ᵒ00'21" South Latitude and 119ᵒ56'50.49" North Latitude. Sigi Biromaru District, Sigi Regency. The study started from February to July 2020. This study was structured using a randomized block design with five maize cultivars from F3 crosses as treatments, namely: purple corn cultivar, dominant yellow: purple, white dominant purple, purple dominant white, and purple dominant yellow which was repeated five times to obtain 25 experimental plots. The observed variables were: plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, age at which male flowers were released, age at which female flowers were released, age at harvest, cob length, cob diameter, number of cob seeds, percentage of color, and weight of 100 seeds. The research data were analyzed using ovarian analysis, which was followed by the HSD test at the 1% level. The results showed that purple corn cultivars had the best phenotypic characteristics, namely, plant height reached 226.55 cm, cob diameter reached 40.95 mm, cob length reached 15.05 cm, color percentage reached 70.39%, number of cob seeds reached 411 .70 seeds and has a slightly fluffier texture and a slightly less sweet taste until it is quite sweet.

Temperature and soil moisture manipulation yields evidence of drought-induced pollen limitation in bee-pollinated squash.

Climate change alters environmental conditions in ways that directly and indirectly affect plants. Flowering plants, for example, modify reproductive allocation in response to heat and drought stress, and such changes can in turn affect pollinator visitation and, ultimately, plant reproduction. Although the individual effects of warming and drought on plant reproductive allocation are well known, these factors may interact to influence reproduction. Here, we conducted a fully crossed temperature by irrigation manipulation in squash (Cucurbita pepo) to test how temperature and soil moisture variation affect pollinator-mediated reproduction. To tease apart the direct and indirect effects of temperature and soil moisture, we compared hand-pollinated plants to bee-pollinated plants and restricted bee foraging (i.e., pollen transfer) to one experimental group per day. Temperature and soil-moisture limitation acted independently of one another: warming decreased flower size and increased pollen production, whereas the effects of soil-moisture limitation were uniformly inhibitory. While treatments did not change squash bee (Xenoglossa spp.) behavior, floral visitation by the honey bee (Apis mellifera) increased with temperature in male flowers and decreased with soil moisture in female flowers. Pollen deposition by bees was independent of plant soil moisture, yet reducing soil moisture increased pollen limitation. This result stemmed at least in part from the effects of soil-moisture limitation on pollen viability; seed set declined with increasing deposition of fluorescent pigment (a proxy for pollen) from plants experiencing decreased soil moisture. These findings suggest that the transfer of lower-quality pollen from plants experiencing soil-moisture limitation led to drought-induced pollen limitation. Similar effects may occur in a wide variety of flowering plant species as climate warming and drought increasingly impact animal-pollinated systems.

Gene Regulatory Network Controlling Flower Development in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.).

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a dioecious, diploid, wind-pollinated crop cultivated worldwide. Sex determination plays an important role in spinach breeding. Hence, this study aimed to understand the differences in sexual differentiation and floral organ development of dioecious flowers, as well as the differences in the regulatory mechanisms of floral organ development of dioecious and monoecious flowers. We compared transcriptional-level differences between different genders and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to spinach floral development, as well as sex-biased genes to investigate the flower development mechanisms in spinach. In this study, 9189 DEGs were identified among the different genders. DEG analysis showed the participation of four main transcription factor families, MIKC_MADS, MYB, NAC, and bHLH, in spinach flower development. In our key findings, abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA) signal transduction pathways play major roles in male flower development, while auxin regulates both male and female flower development. By constructing a gene regulatory network (GRN) for floral organ development, core transcription factors (TFs) controlling organ initiation and growth were discovered. This analysis of the development of female, male, and monoecious flowers in spinach provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of floral organ development and sexual differentiation in dioecious and monoecious plants in spinach.

The Effect of Foliar Application with Naphthalene Acetic Acid and Potassium Nitrate on the Growth, Sex Ratio, and Productivity of Cucumbers (Cucumis sativas L.) under High Temperatures in Semi-Arid Areas

High temperatures in late spring, summer, and autumn are one of the main elements limiting cucumber production. Heat stress in cucumber plants leads to significant changes in sex expression and negative effects at the physiological stage, including decreased absorption of water and nutrients, decreased photosynthetic functions, and increased respiration, which in turn affects growth and production. Therefore, it is very difficult for cucumber plants exposed to heat stress to improve their productivity, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Cucumber plants bear a variety of flower forms, including staminate, pistillate, and hermaphrodites that occur in different arrangements. In addition, maleness is considered the main problem in cucumber production, as it significantly reduces fruit yield. Recently, the growth, flowering, and productivity of plants have been controlled with the help of growth-regulating substances, and one of these substances is naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), which is of great importance in modifying sex in cucumber and various cucurbit crops. Two experiments were conducted during 2022 and 2023 during the summer season to study the effect of foliar spraying of two levels of potassium nitrate, 500 mg/L and 1000 mg/L, and two levels of NAA, 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L, individually and together, and the comparison treatment in nine treatments on growth traits, sex ratio, fruit traits and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativas L.) plants in three replicates in a completely randomized block design. The results indicated that applying the treatment containing 1000 mg/L KNO3 + 100 mg/L NAA led to obtaining the highest value in most vegetable growth, flowering, and production parameters, with a significant increase compared to the control and all other treatments. Followed by treatments consisting of potassium nitrate and NAA, which gave high values in the traits of sex ratio %, fruit setting %, fruit yield, and most other traits. This study showed the importance of spraying with both NAA and potassium nitrate, individually or in combination, and the high combined effect of both in the treatments that contained each of them in the vegetative growth traits and floral traits such as the number of female flowers, the sexual ratio, fruit set percentage, weight fruit, length fruit, and the fruit yield in cucumber plants grown in the summer season with high temperatures

Trait Association and Path Analyses for Yield and Its Attributes in Ridge Gourd Commercial Hybrids (Luffa acutangula L.)

This study aims to explore the relationship between several traits among 18 ridge gourd hybrids. It was carried out during the rabi season of 2021–2022, at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, U.T. of Puducherry. Twenty yield-related qualities were assessed using a randomized block design with two replications in order to determine the associations among various characters. The yield per vine was found to have a highly significant and positive correlation with the following variables: vine length at final harvest, number of primary branches vine-1, number of female flowers vine-1, days to final harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, number of seeds fruit-1, total number of harvest, number of fruits vine-1 and weight of individual fruit. Path analysis revealed that the characters such as number of female flowers vine-1, days to first female flower anthesis, total number of harvest, sex ratio, total soluble solids, days to first male flower anthesis, vine length at final harvest, number of seeds fruit-1, days to first harvest, number of primary branches vine-1, fruit length, fruit girth, number of seeds fruit-1, number of fruits vine-1 and weight of individual fruit are considered as important traits which directly and indirectly influences towards yield. It implies that the characters strongly influence the yield vine-1 and hence selection for these traits would be considered important in selection of hybrids for yield.

Floral deception in dioecious Actinidia polygama (Actinidiaceae) revealed by differential nitrogen investment in male organs

AbstractAnimal‐pollinated plants have evolved rewards and advertisements to attract pollinators, which learn to associate advertisements with rewards. Pollen‐collecting insects, such as bees, associate stamens with pollen (a reward) essential for brood rearing. In some dioecious plants, female flowers have stamens with sterile pollen grains to mimic male flowers. It is not yet fully understood whether females offer less nutritious pollen to pollinators in order to conserve nutrition. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a perennial vine, Actinidia polygama, which bears nectarless flowers. We quantified flower production and measured the dry mass of floral parts as well as carbon and nitrogen concentrations in floral parts and pollen in both sexes. Males produced more flowers per inflorescence and more inflorescences per shoot than females, while the dry mass of each flower was greater in females. The carbon allocation pattern was similar to that of biomass, but nitrogen allocation exhibited a remarkable reduction in sterile stamens and pollen of female flowers. In addition, as sterile pollen of females was sparse, when compared at the same volume, it was lighter than the pollen of males. Sterile pollen produced in female flowers appears to be as voluminous as that of male flowers but extremely poor in nutrients, especially in nitrogen, which clearly suggests that A. polygama females deceive pollen‐collecting pollinators for brood rearing.