Floral Buds Research Articles

An Approach to Spermacoceae Cham. & Schltdl. sensu lato from the view-point of certain floral characters

Spermacoceae sensu lato is a tribe of the subfamily Rubioideae (Rubiaceae) that is referred in the literature with problems of generic delimitations. Recent investigations on the systematics, taxonomy and floristics of Brazilian species of Rubiaceae confirm this trend in the tribe, and suggest new phylogenetic and multidisciplinary studies on the group. In this context, the present paper aimed at the morphoanatomical analysis of the flowers of nine species of Spermacoceae, belonging to the genera Emmeorhiza, Galianthe, Mitracarpus, Richardia and Spermacoce, in order to indicate characters that have significant potential in the taxonomy and phylogeny of the tribe. Floral buds and flowers from vegetation in different environments were embedded in historesin and sectioned in a rotation microtome. Sepals exhibit glabrous or hairy epidermis and homogeneous mesophyll or they have atypical palisade parenchyma. Petals consist of hairy or glabrous epidermis and homogeneous mesophyll. Anthers are tetrasporangiate, and they possibly show dicotyledoneous anther wall formation. The ovary is inferior and probably appendicular in nature, consisting of mesophyll with parenchyma and precursor tissue of the sclerenchymatous pyrene of the fruit. Presence of compitum in the ovary and style characterizes the species as eu-syncarpous. The study revealed that floral structural characters related to the perianth, gynoecium and nectary have significant taxonomic potential within Spermacoceae sensu lato.

Efficacy of Some Plant Extracts against Root Rot Disease of Green Oak Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Crispa) Caused by Pythium sp. Grown in a Hydroponic System

An antifungal activity of the twelve plant extracts were tested against Pythium sp., the causal agents of root rot diseases grown in hydroponic systems. The crude extracts of Acorus calamus and Syzygium aromaticum completely inhibited the mycelial growth of Pythium sp. in the in vitro condition at 5,000 ppm, whilst Curcuma zedoaria and other plant extracts had show lesser inhibitory activity. Out of these twelve plant extracts selecting A. calamus, S. aromaticum and C. zedoaria for further in vivo test in nursery raising seedling in plastic tray of hydroponic system by inoculating Pythium sp. mycelial developed on agar medium, A. calamus rhizome extract exhibited highest inhibitory effect against % root tip colonized by Pythium sp. of 5.85 to 48 followed by S. aromaticum floral bud 9.97 to 60 and rhizome of C. zedoaria extract 28.32 to 90 at 2000 ppm on seven and twenty one days after inoculation respectively. The concentrations and application methods of these extracts should be further investigated to control the root rot disease of lettucein the hydroponic system.

An Analysis of the Potential Regulatory Mechanisms of Sophora Flower Development and Nutritional Component Formation Using RNA Sequencing

Sophora flower (Huaihua) is the flower of Sophora japonica L., which is used in ethnic food and traditional medicine in China. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanism related to the nutritional quality and regulation of floral organ development has yet to be elucidated in Huaihua. To understand the molecular mechanism of the different developmental stages of Huaihua, this study evaluated the transcriptome analyses of five different developmental periods from Huaihua. A total of 84,699 unigenes were reassembled from approximate 50 million high-quality clean reads. The results showed that the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, and fatty acid elongation process pathways were strongly induced at different developmental stage genes in Huaihua. During this study, 394 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for further studies, which included 13 phenylpropanoid biosynthesis-related genes, 186 plant hormone signal transduction-related genes, and 195 starch and sucrose metabolism response genes. Regarding the peroxidase in the lignin synthesis pathway, CCoAOMT was significantly upregulated with the development of Huaihua. The enzyme genes in flavonoid synthesis, such as PAL, 4CL, flavonol reductase, and 3 GT, were significantly downregulated during Huaihua development. In addition, the results also indicated that the enrichment key genes in these pathways of Huaihua can be divided into two distinct parts at developmental stages. In the floral bud stage, flavonoid, auxin, and cytokine synthesis-related genes were highly expressed. In the mature bud and full flowering stage, the expression level of genes related to lignin, gibberellin, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid synthesis was high, while, for other genes related to flavonoid synthesis, it was lower. Furthermore, the DEGs in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway were also significantly upregulated in the later stage of flower development. This study provides a preliminary and comprehensive assessment of the quality formation and flowering regulation mechanism in Sophora japonica L. by investigating the expression profiles of the critical flowering-related genes at different developmental stages. The results indicate that the regulatory genes in these key biological pathways could be crucial factors involved in Huaihua development, which can provide a reference and new insights with which to further understand the molecular mechanisms of flower development in Sophora japonica L.

Floral morphology and development of Epimedium pubescens and Plagiorhegma dubium (Berberidaceae) and their systematic significance

Abstract Epimedium and Plagiorhegma are the representatives of two early-diverging clades in Podophylloideae of Berberidaceae. Flowers are dimerous and trimerous respectively, but their floral development is little known. Here, we used scanning electron microscopy to clarify the structure and development of flower and inflorescence in Epimedium pubescens and Plagiorhegma dubium and compared these with other Berberidaceae to better understand floral evolution within the family. Our results show that the two genera share some significant features. The petal and stamen primordia emerge independently. The carpel is ascidiate from the earliest stages of development. The ovule is anatropous and bitegmic. However, E. pubescens has a paniculate inflorescence, while a lateral floral bud is initiated but aborted in P. dubium. In E. pubescens, both inner sepals and petals are delayed compared with other organs (vs. delay in petal development only for P. dubium). Petals of E. pubescens have a nectariferous spur (vs. no nectariferous tissue for P. dubium). The style of E. pubescens is long with a flat stigma (vs. short with trumpet-shaped stigma for P. dubium). These differences suggest that Epimedium and Plagiorhegma may not be closely related and support placing them separately in two clades of Podophylloideae, complementing results from molecular studies.

Meiotic behavior of two grapevine somatic mutants with ornamental potential

‘Niagara Steck’ and ‘Niagara Variegada’ are two grapevine varieties that arose spontaneously as somatic mutants of ‘Niagara Rosada’. Berries characterize ‘Niagara Steck’ at young stages exhibiting a remarkable brown reticulated structure on the epidermis which develops into a brown-bronze russet-like structure as the berries ripe. The mature berries have strongly acidic flesh. ‘Niagara Variegada’ shows notable variegation in leaves and berries. Meiotic studies were carried out to ascertain if the mutant phenotypes could be related to any change in chromosome number, structure or other irregularity. Floral buds of both varieties at different developmental stages were collected and fixed for cytological analyses. Chromosome counts at diakinesis/metaphase I showed n=19 bivalents for both varieties. Univalent, trivalent, tetravalent chromosomes or chain configuration were not recorded ruling out the possibility of any alteration in the chromosome number or structure in both mutant varieties. However, low percentages of meiotic irregularities were recorded such as chromosome stickiness, laggards, non-oriented chromosomes, precocious chromosome segregation, tetrads with one microcyte, microspore fusion, and tetrad degeneration. The total percentage of abnormalities was higher in ‘Niagara Variegada’ (19.68%) than in ‘Niagara Steck’ (14.40%) which may have contributed to a lower percentage of pollen fertility (79.80%) when compared to ‘Steck’ (90.74%). The aforementioned varieties can be propagated by hardwood cuttings and constitute an interesting option for ornamentation of home backyards, patios, and gardens with the advantage that ‘Niagara Variegada’ bearing sweet edible berries.

Effect of Different Organic Amendments on Growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

To study the effect of different organic amendments on growth, yield and quality of broccoli a field experiment was conducted during 2021–2022 in the Agriculture Research Farm, Lovely Professional University, Punjab A Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors was used. Factors 1 and 2 are varieties (V1: Palam Vichitra and V2: Palam Kanchan) and biofertilizers (T1: Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria @ 2 % + Azotobacter @ 2 %, T2: Phosphate solubilizing @ 2 %, T3: Azotobacter @ 2 %, and T0: Control). A total of eight treatments were used, i.e., T1V1 (Palam Vichitra X Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria @ 2 % + Azotobacter @ 2 %), T2V1 (Palam Vichitra X P.S.B @ 2 %), T3V1 (Palam Vichitra X Azotobacter @ 2 %), T0V1 (Palam Vichitra X Control), T1V1 (Palam Vichitra X Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria @ 2% + Azotobacter @ 2 %), T0V1 (Palam Kanchan X Phosphate solubilizing bacteria @ 2 %), T3V2 (Palam Kanchan X Azotobacter @ 2 %), T0V2 (Palam Kanchan X Control). The experiment reveals that among all treatments like growth, quality and yield parameters T1 showed the best result for V1 and in V2, T3 showed the best result for almost all the parameters. Floral bud initiation was early when treated with T1 in both the varieties, i.e., V1 (63 DAT) and V2 (63.67 DAT). Days to harvest were the same for all the treatments in V1 (90 DAT) and in V2, T1 (90 DAT) took the least amount of time for harvesting. It can be concluded that, combination of Azotobacter @ 2 % with other organic amendments and treatment T1 give higher yield and better quality of broccoli.

Apricot Rootstocks with Potential in Hungary

In the last five decades, the use of rootstocks and scions has changed, along with their systems of cultivation. Associated with climate change, fruit trees face new ecological and phytopathological challenges. Rootstocks affect the generative and vegetative performance of a scion, such as productivity, span of nonbearing period, growth vigor, shelf-life and quality of fruits. According to a recent study, they also affect the frost tolerance of floral buds. Several traits of rootstocks facilitate the growth of a grafted tree under different climatic and soil conditions. Due to the high risks of cultivation, it is extremely important to determine which rootstocks are suitable for successful apricot production. Origin, effects on vegetative and generative traits, tolerance, resistance and adaptability of rootstocks are summarized in this review to select suitable rootstock for apricot cultivars under Hungarian conditions.

Molecular Cues for Phenological Events in the Flowering Cycle in Avocado.

Reproductively mature horticultural trees undergo an annual flowering cycle that repeats each year of their reproductive life. This annual flowering cycle is critical for horticultural tree productivity. However, the molecular events underlying the regulation of flowering in tropical tree crops such as avocado are not fully understood or documented. In this study, we investigated the potential molecular cues regulating the yearly flowering cycle in avocado for two consecutive crop cycles. Homologues of flowering-related genes were identified and assessed for their expression profiles in various tissues throughout the year. Avocado homologues of known floral genes FT, AP1, LFY, FUL, SPL9, CO and SEP2/AGL4 were upregulated at the typical time of floral induction for avocado trees growing in Queensland, Australia. We suggest these are potential candidate markers for floral initiation in these crops. In addition, DAM and DRM1, which are associated with endodormancy, were downregulated at the time of floral bud break. In this study, a positive correlation between CO activation and FT in avocado leaves to regulate flowering was not seen. Furthermore, the SOC1-SPL4 model described in annual plants appears to be conserved in avocado. Lastly, no correlation of juvenility-related miRNAs miR156, miR172 with any phenological event was observed.

Developmental and temporal changes in petunia petal transcriptome reveal scent-repressing plant-specific RING-kinase-WD40 protein.

In moth-pollinated petunias, production of floral volatiles initiates when the flower opens and occurs rhythmically during the day, for optimal flower-pollinator interaction. To characterize the developmental transcriptomic response to time of day, we generated RNA-Seq databases for corollas of floral buds and mature flowers in the morning and in the evening. Around 70% of transcripts accumulating in petals demonstrated significant changes in expression levels in response to the flowers' transition from a 4.5-cm bud to a flower 1 day postanthesis (1DPA). Overall, 44% of the petal transcripts were differentially expressed in the morning vs. evening. Morning/evening changes were affected by flower developmental stage, with a 2.5-fold larger transcriptomic response to daytime in 1DPA flowers compared to buds. Analyzed genes known to encode enzymes in volatile organic compound biosynthesis were upregulated in 1DPA flowers vs. buds-in parallel with the activation of scent production. Based on analysis of global changes in the petal transcriptome, PhWD2 was identified as a putative scent-related factor. PhWD2 is a protein that is uniquely present in plants and has a three-domain structure: RING-kinase-WD40. Suppression of PhWD2 (termed UPPER - Unique Plant PhEnylpropanoid Regulator) resulted in a significant increase in the levels of volatiles emitted from and accumulated in internal pools, suggesting that it is a negative regulator of petunia floral scent production.

Sympetaly in the mimosoid clade (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae): An unusual trait in the rosid group

Sympetaly is a notable feature within the mimosoid clade (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae), specially as it is uncommon in rosids. The way the petals are organized, forming a tubular corolla by the union of the petals directly affects the perception of pollinators. This study examines whether the petal union leading to a sympetalous corolla in the mimosoid clade is widespread and whether there is variation in type and extent. For this purpose, floral buds and flowers of 16 species from 13 genera were collected, fixed, and processed for analysis by light and scanning electron microscopy. Most species studied display a pentamerous sympetalous corolla with free lobes. The petal primordia are individualized and emerge simultaneously on the floral apex, alternating with the sepal primordia. Petals remain free at the beginning of the intermediate stages of development, and subsequently, the petals curve and approach each other, and their margins touch. Epidermal papillae are found on the petals’ apical margin interconnecting the lobes, which enclose the inner organs of the floral bud. The structure of the sympetalous corolla is variable regarding the type and extent of the union. Four different types of sympetaly were found and classified as follows: 1. full connation - petals fully united along their length; 2. connation-coherence - petals genuinely united in the basal portion and coherent in the median and apical portion; 3. full coherence - petals intertwined with papillae throughout; and 4. partial coherence - free petals at the base and intertwined with papillae in the middle and apical portion. Thus, sympetaly of mimosoid legumes results from postgenital union of the petals at the apical, median, and basal regions during their development by tissue union (connation), intertwining of epidermal papillae (coherence), or both processes. The mucilage cells found along the petals guarantee the stabilization and flexibility of the tubes, in addition to contributing to the protection of the internal organs of the flower. Although more studies on floral development are needed to understand the evolution of this unusual trait, connation appears to be a derived trait within mimosoids.

Evaluation the Urban Atmospheric Conditions Using Micronuclei Assay and Stomatal Index in Tradescantia pallida

Air pollution substantially damages ecosystems and public health and is one of the major challenges for air quality monitoring management. The use of the plant bioindicator Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D. R. Hunt has shown excellent results in terms of determining the effect of airborne contaminants in urban environments, complementing conventional methods. The present study seeks to determine the air quality in the Ivinhema Valley, MS, using the variation in MCN frequency and stomatal indices of T. pallida as air pollution biomarkers. The biomonitoring tests were performed monthly by collecting floral and leaf buds during the summer, autumn, winter, and spring of 2021 in Angélica, Ivinhema, and Nova Andradina. The stomatal leaf density, influence of vehicle flow, and environmental variables such as altitude, temperature (°C), relative humidity (RH), and rainfall in the three cities under study with different urban vehicle intensities were analyzed. A significant increase in MCN was observed for the cities of Nova Andradina and Ivinhema in summer and spring. On the other hand, the city of Angélica had a low frequency of MCN throughout the experimental period. A seasonal and spatial pattern was also observed for the stomatal index, with significantly higher values for the city of Angélica in autumn and winter. Our data allowed observing that the MCN showed the greatest association with vehicular flow. The mutagenic effects observed in T. pallida, through the MCN frequency, constituted an important biomarker of air pollution, explained mainly by the relationship with the flow of vehicles.

Morphological Development and Nutritional Metabolism during Floral Bud Differentiation in Acca Sellowiana (Feijoa)

ABSTRACT To provide scientific and technological support for the smooth development of flowers, regulation of florescence, and cultural management, among others, this study analyzes the corresponding relationship between bioclimatology and the characteristics of growth, development, and reproductive biology of A. sellowiana. Berg (Feijoa). Therefore, through optimized paraffin sections, this study examined the floral bud differentiation in five-year-old A. sellowiana trees and analyzed the dynamic changes in carbohydrate and nitrogenous compound metabolism during floral bud differentiation and flower development under natural growth conditions. The results showed that there were six stages in the differentiation process of A. sellowiana floral buds: the initiation of differentiation, inflorescence primordium differentiation, sepal primordium differentiation, petal primordium differentiation, stamen primordium differentiation and pistil primordium differentiation. Differentiation of floral buds began in late March in the Mianyang region, China, and lasted approximately 30 days. Following bud differentiation, the growth enters a period of bud development lasting approximately five months. Throughout the entire differentiation process, the flower buds contained significantly higher levels of total sugar, starch, soluble sugar, and nucleic acid than those in the leaves, and a peak of total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and sucrose during the physiological transition period. Total nucleic acid and RNA content both increased, with RNA content increasing more significantly.

Genome-wide identification and comparative analysis of DNA methyltransferase and demethylase gene families in two ploidy Cyclocarya paliurus and their potential function in heterodichogamy

BackgroundDNA methylation is one of the most abundant epigenetic modifications, which plays important roles in flower development, sex differentiation, and regulation of flowering time. Its pattern is affected by cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferase (C5-MTase) and DNA demethylase (dMTase). At present, there are no reports on C5-MTase and dMTase genes in heterodichogamous Cyclocarya paliurus.ResultsIn this study, 6 CpC5-MTase and 3 CpdMTase genes were identified in diploid (2n = 2 × = 32) C. paliurus, while 20 CpC5-MTase and 13 CpdMTase genes were identified in autotetraploid (2n = 4 × = 64). 80% of identified genes maintained relatively fixed positions on chromosomes during polyploidization. In addition, we found that some DRM subfamily members didn’t contain the UBA domain. The transcript abundance of CpC5-MTase and CpdMTase in male and female flowers of two morphs (protandry and protogyny) from diploidy was analyzed. Results showed that all genes were significantly up-regulated at the stage of floral bud break (S2), but significantly down-regulated at the stage of flower maturation (S4). At S2, some CpC5-MTase genes showed higher expression levels in PG-M than in PG-F, whereas some CpdMTase genes showed higher expression levels in PA-M than in PA-F. In addition, these genes were significantly associated with gibberellin synthesis-related genes (e.g. DELLA and GID1), suggesting that DNA methylation may play a role in the asynchronous floral development process through gibberellin signal.ConclusionsThese results broaden our understanding of the CpC5-MTase and CpdMTase genes in diploid and autotetraploid C. paliurus, and provide a novel insight into regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation in heterodichogamy.

A Study of GUS Expression in Arabidopsis as a Tool for the Evaluation of Gene Evolution, Function and the Role of Expression Derived from Gene Duplication.

Gene duplication played a fundamental role in eukaryote evolution and different copies of a given gene can be present in extant species, often with expressions and functions differentiated during evolution. We assume that, when such differentiation occurs in a gene copy, this may be indicated by its maintenance in all the derived species. To verify this hypothesis, we compared the histological expression domains of the three β-glucuronidase genes (AtGUS) present in Arabidopsis thaliana with the GUS evolutionary tree in angiosperms. We found that AtGUS gene expression overlaps in the shoot apex, the floral bud and the root hairs. In the root apex, AtGUS3 expression differs completely from AtGUS1 and AtGUS2, whose transcripts are present in the root cap meristem and columella, in the staminal cell niche, in the epidermis and in the proximal cortex. Conversely, AtGUS3 transcripts are limited to the old border-like cells of calyptra and those found along the protodermal cell line. The GUS evolutionary tree reveals that the two main clusters (named GUS1 and GUS3) originate from a duplication event predating angiosperm radiation. AtGUS3 belongs to the GUS3 cluster, while AtGUS1 and AtGUS2, which originate from a duplication event that occurred in an ancestor of the Brassicaceae family, are found together in the GUS1 cluster. There is another, previously undescribed cluster, called GUS4, originating from a very ancient duplication event. While the copy of GUS4 has been lost in many species, copies of GUS3 and GUS1 have been conserved in all species examined.

Expression profiling and function analysis highlight the positive involvement of sweet cherry PavTCP17 in regulating flower bud dormancy

The TCP transcription factors function diversely in plant growth, development and stress response. The flower bud dormancy was particularly important for the yield formation of fruit trees. However, there has been no in-depth study on the involvement of TCP genes in regulating flower bud dormancy in sweet cherry so far. In the present study, a total of 18 TCP genes were obtained based on the whole genome, which were divided into two subfamilies and three subclasses (PCF, CIN, CYC/TB1) by multiple sequence alignment and evolutionary analysis. Four TCP genes targeted by miR319 were identified in the degradome results. Tissue-specific expression of TCP gene was verified based on transcriptome data and qRT-PCR. The expression patterns of PavTCPs under cold treatment in dormant buds of two cold-requiring sweet cherry cultivars were analyzed, among which PavTCP17 was significantly positively correlated with the gene expressions of gibberellin (GA) degradation and abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis. The abundance of PavTCP17 gene expression was significantly reduced after low cold-requiring cultivars met its chilling demand. The qRT-PCR quantification also showed a decreasing trend of PavTCP17 expression level during blooming process. To further unravel the role of PavTCP17 gene in positively regulating floral bud dormancy, transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressed PavTCP17 was obtained by genetic transformation. Compared with the WT, the number of main branches and rosette leaves was significantly reduced in PavTCP17-overexpressing lines. Moreover, the outgrowth of lateral buds of the PavTCP17-overexpressing lines were remarkably inhibited, mirroring the formation of bud dormancy. Furthermore, PavTCP17 might directly bind to PavNCED3 promoter of sweet cherry, suggesting the implication of PavTCP17 in promoting ABA synthesis, which was essential for bud dormancy. Our study bettered the understanding of TCP gene functions and revealed the mechanism by which PavTCP17 positively regulates flower bud dormancy in sweet cherry.

MdIPT1, an adenylate isopentenyltransferase coding gene from Malus domestica, is involved in branching and flowering regulation

Flowering and shoot branching are significant agricultural traits for apple tree breeding. Cytokinin metabolism and signaling pathways play a crucial role in plant development. However, little is known about cytokinin biosynthetic molecular mechanism and function involved in apple flowering and branching. In this study, an adenylate isopentenyl transferase coding gene MdIPT1, homologous to AtIPT3/AtIPT5 in Arabidopsis thaliana, was identified. MdIPT1 was highly expressed in apple floral and axillary buds and was dramatically up-regulated during floral induction and axillary bud outgrowth. The promoter of MdIPT1 showed high activity in multiple tissues and responded to different hormone treatments. The MdIPT1-overexpressing Arabidopsis showed a multi-branching and early-flowering phenotype, with elevated endogenous cytokinin levels and altered expression of genes related to branching and flower formation. Overexpression of MdIPT1 confers the growth vigor of transgenic apple callus on a CKs-deficient medium. Our findings suggest that MdIPT1 is a positive regulator involved in branching and flowering. The data presented herein provide extensive research results on MdIPT1 and will contribute to molecular breeding for new apple varieties.

Genomic survey of high-throughput RNA-Seq data implicates involvement of long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) in cytoplasmic male-sterility and fertility restoration in pigeon pea.

Long-intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) originate from intergenic regions and have no coding potential. LincRNAs have emerged as key players in the regulation of various biological processes in plant development. Cytoplasmic male-sterility (CMS) in association with restorer-of-fertility (Rf) systems makes it a highly reliable tool for exploring heterosis for producing commercial hybrid seeds. To date, there have been no reports of lincRNAs during pollen development in CMS and fertility restorer lines in pigeon pea. Identification of lincRNAs in the floral buds of cytoplasmic male-sterile (AKCMS11) and fertility restorer (AKPR303) pigeon pea lines. We employed a computational approach to identify lincRNAs in the floral buds of cytoplasmic male-sterile (AKCMS11) and fertility restorer (AKPR303) pigeon pea lines using RNA-Seq data. We predicted a total of 2145 potential lincRNAs of which 966 were observed to be differentially expressed between the sterile and fertile pollen. We identified, 927 cis-regulated and 383 trans-regulated target genes of the lincRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the target genes revealed that these genes were specifically enriched in pathways like pollen and pollen tube development, oxidative phosphorylation, etc. We detected 23 lincRNAs that were co-expressed with 17 pollen-related genes with known functions. Fifty-nine lincRNAs were predicted to be endogenous target mimics (eTMs) for 25 miRNAs, and found to be associated with pollen development. The, lincRNA regulatory networks revealed that different lincRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks might be associated with CMS and fertility restoration. Thus, this study provides valuable information by highlighting the functions of lincRNAs as regulators during pollen development in pigeon pea and utilization in hybrid seed production.

Reproductive success and production of nectar in Mandevilla funiformis (Apocynaceae): accessibility to visitors and effect of floral stage

The herbaceous vine Mandevilla funiformis (Vell.) K. Schum. occurs in open vegetation in the Southern Brazil. The present study was carried out in a sandbank, east of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State. Floral morphology, nectar features (production pattern, removal effects, and standing crop), floral visitors (including pollinator, robber and thief of nectar), fruit set and seed germination of M. funiformis were studied. Every plant produced an average of 31.5 inflorescences. The average total volume and the average sugar concentration of nectar were 81 μL and 24%, respectively. The bees Epicharis (Anepicharis) dejeanii, Eufriesea violacea, Bombus (Fervidobombus) morio, the hummingbird Amazilia fimbriata, and two species of Hesperiidae were considered potential pollinators. The other species were considered consumers, nectar robbers or nectar thieves. Fruit set was 35.6% and average percentage of seed germination was 68%, indicating that visitors are efficient pollinators. This study was the first to report production and consumption of nectar in different floral stages (pre-anthesis, flower open, and after corolla abscission). The high and continuous production of nectar by M. funiformis, from floral buds in the pre-anthesis until after the corolla abscission show a real food availability in different ways (pollinators, consumers, robbers or thieves of nectar).

Fluctuación Poblacional de Trips1 en Diferentes Arreglos Espaciales de la Asociación Cempaxóchitl, y Tomate de Cáscara

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica Lam) is native to the Americas, and thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are one of its main phytosanitary problems. These insects reduce yields by damaging photosynthetic capacity of leaves. Severe infestations also lead to floral buds remaining closed and drying prematurely. Thrips are generally controlled using synthetic insecticides and biological control. A possible additional measure of control is the use of spatial arrangements in combination with attractive or repellent plants, such as the Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). We evaluated the population dynamics of thrips on T. erecta and P. philadelphica in monoculture and in association with each other in three spatial arrangements in two localities in the Toluca Valley. Thrips abundance was greatest in T. erecta monoculture, significantly more than in P. philadelphica in monoculture, or in any of the spatial arrangements. All spatial arrangements had greater tomatillo yield compared to monoculture. We conclude that T. erecta acts as a natural attractant plant for thrips during all phenological stages of the life of the plant.

Investigation of In Vitro Apocarotenoid Expression in Perianth of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Under Different Soil EC

Crocus sativus is a triploid sterile plant with red stigmas belonging to family of Iridaceae, and sub family Crocoideae. Crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal are three major carotenoid derivatives that are responsible for color, taste and specific aroma of Crocus. Saffron flowers are harvested manually and used as spice, dye or medicinal applications. The natural propagation rate of most geophytes including saffron is relatively low. An in vitro multiplication technique like micropropagation has been used for the propagation of saffron. To understand the efficiency of this alternative and study the molecular basis of apocarotenoid biosynthesis/accumulation, the RT-PCR method was performed on perianth explants that were cultured on MS medium to observe the level of expression of zeaxanthin cleavage dioxygenase (CsZCD) gene during stigma development, and also the impact of soil EC on its expression. The present study was conducted at Plant molecular and physiology Lab, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran during 2011-2013. Stigma-like structures (SLSs) on calli were collected from immature perianth explants from floral buds of corms that were collected from Ghaen city, and compared to (Torbat-e Haidariye, Mardabad and Shahroud cities) for investigating the impact of different soil EC on CsZCD expression. The results indicated that CsZCD gene was highly expressed in fully developed red SLSs in perianth of cultured samples of Shahroud with the highest salinity. In this research, a close relationship between soil EC and second metabolites regulation is studied. Overall, these results will pave the way for understanding the molecular basis of apocarotenoid biosynthesis and other aspects of stigma development in C. sativus.