Important Morphological Traits Research Articles

DESCRITORES GENÉTICOS E MORFOLÓGICOS PARA AVALIAR A DIVERSIDADE GENÉTICA DE ACESSOS DE QUIABO BRASILEIRO

ABSTRACT Information of the variation for important morphological and physiological traits of okra is still limited. Molecular analysis is an important additional tool in germplasm characterization studies. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of the growth and yield of 20 pre-commercial okra accessions to identify molecular markers’ association with morphological traits. Nineteen morphological traits were measured with five qualitative and 14 quantitative descriptors. For analysis of genetic patterns Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used with nine primers and 24 usable bands. The genetic dissimilarity was evaluated based in morphological and genetic matrices. Also, graphical representation of genetic distances was obtained by UPGMA and Tocher’s optimization method. The morphological characterization of the accessions detected polymorphism for all evaluated traits. RAPD markers were efficient in detecting genetic variability among okra accessions. For the primers used in the experiment, only OPE10 did not amplify the DNA strand. The other eight primers produced a total of 35 bands, in which 25 were polymorphic and ten were monomorphic. The morphological traits and molecular markers identified wide genetic variability among the 20 okra accessions, indicating successful crosses in breeding programs and isolating some interesting materials. Morphological and molecular cluster analyses were complementary and helped in the genotype selection. Molecular analysis indicated some divergent accessions that were not found in morphological analysis, which could highlight some materials that have a desirable trait, that is difficult and highly costly to access in field experiments.

The exogenous GA3 greatly affected the grain-filling process of semi-dwarf gene Rht4 in bread wheat.

Rht4 is characterized as a GA-responsive dwarf gene in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The responsiveness of Rht4 to exogenous GA3 was characterized in seedlings, but the effects of exogenous GA3 on the important morphological and agronomic traits such as plant height, grain-filling rate, and yield components are unclear. In this study, the Rht4 responsiveness of exogenous GA3 on these traits was evaluated using the homozygous F4:5 and F5:6 lines derived from a cross between Jinmai47 and Burt ert937 (Rht4 donor). After exogenous GA3 application, the plant height of the dwarf lines was, on average, increased by 17.54%, about 7.92% more than that of the tall lines. Compared with the tall lines, application of exogenous GA3 significantly increased the kernel weight, maximum grain-filling rate (Gmax), average grain-filling rate (Gave) and kernel weight increment achieving Gmax (Wmax) in both superior and inferior grains, while the day on which the maximum grain-filling rate was reached (Tmax) in Rht4 dwarf lines was significantly earlier in the two generations. What is more, the grain number spike-1 , grain yield plant-1 , and 1000-kernel weight (TKW) of the dwarf lines notably increased after exogenous GA3 -treatment, while there was no significant change in the tall lines except for TKW. The quality traits of the dwarf lines with GA3 -treatment were greatly improved. Taken together, these results suggested that the application of GA3 could improve the grain-filling process of Rht4 and compensate for some negative influences, which may provide a reference for its application in wheat breeding and promote the characterization of its regulatory mechanisms.

The Seed Yield of Soybean Cultivars and Their Quantity Depending on Sowing Term

The successful production of soybean seeds is dependent on the sowing date, because every sowing outside of the optimal time contributes to losses of yield. The aim of the study was to identify the response to sowing date of the chosen soybean cultivars by the evaluation of the length of the soybean vegetation period, yield level, its parameters and seed chemical composition. A field experiment was conducted in the years 2016–2019 at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Grabów (Masovian Voivodeship, Poland) belonging to the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute in Puławy. Soybean cultivars (four in 2016–2017 and six in 2018–2019) listed in the EU Common Catalogue with various earliness were included in the experiment. Three different sowing dates were used: I—early, II—medium and III—delayed. The two-factor experiment was carried out using a split-plot design on Luvisol soil with sandy loam texture classes, in four replications. Soybean seeds were inoculated with a bacterial culture Nitragina containing strains Bradyrhizobium japonicum. After reaching full maturity, the most important morphological traits of 10 plants and yield components: the number of pods per plant and the number of seeds per pod were provided. After harvest, the seeds yield (kg per hectare at the 14% moisture), and 1000-seed weight were determined. The study showed that in the years with favourable weather conditions during the growing season the best yields were obtained for soybean sown on the second date, while in the year with unfavourable weather conditions, the sowing date had no significant effect on the yields. Seeds of the soybean cultivars grown under conditions of limited rainfall contained about 9% more protein than those grown under more favourable agroecological conditions. The delay of sowing date by about 20 days positively influenced the accumulation of protein in seeds.

Review on the application of molecular approaches for the genetic analysis of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) populations

Teak (<i>Tectona grandis</i> L.f.), a prominent tropical hardwood tree species, yields one of the finest timbers in the world. Because of its capability to provide high quality timbers, the demand of teak wood has been on the rise for centuries. However, the natural populations of teak have been declined drastically because mainly of over- exploitation and deforestation. Geographically, Bangladesh is a very potential region for the growth of teak plants. Although variations in ecologically and economically important morphological traits of teak have been investigated worldwide for many decades, molecular data regarding genetic variation between and among populations have received relatively less attention. Among all the available molecular markers, some notable markers are- Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs), although each of them has their own merits and demerits. Different parameters and components of genetic diversity study have been estimated by using different techniques and analytical tools. These components of genetic diversity help us to give a precise picture on the proper utilization of plant genetic resources and also help in initiating the effective timber plant management techniques.

A chromosome-level genome of the human blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum identifies the genomic basis of host-switching.

The evolution and adaptation of S.japonicum, a zoonotic parasite that causes human schistosomiasis, remain unclear because of the lack of whole-genome data. We construct a chromosome-level S.japonicum genome and analyze it together with 72 samples representing six populations of the entire endemic region. We observe a Taiwan zoophilic lineage splitting from zoonotic populations ∼45,000 years ago, consistent with the divergent history of their intermediate hosts. Interestingly, we detect a severe population bottleneck in S.japonicum, largely coinciding with human history in Asia during the last glacial maximum. We identify several genomic regions underlying natural selection, including GATAD2A and Lmln, both showing remarkable differentiation among different areas. RNAi knockdown suggests association of GATAD2A with parasite development and infection in definitive hosts, while Lmln relates to the specificity of the intermediate hosts. Our study provides insights into the evolution of S.japonicum and serves as a resource for further studies.

RIP2 interacts with REL1 to control leaf architecture by modulating brassinosteroid signaling in rice.

RIP2 serves as a negative regulator of leaf inclination through the coordination of BR signaling in rice. Leaf angle is considered as an important morphological trait in rice. Appropriate leaf angle increases the efficiency of sunlight capture and maintains a high level of photosynthesis, ultimately improving crop yield. Our present study demonstrates that RIP2 encodes a RING finger E3 ligase protein that directly binds to ROLLED AND ERECT LEAF 1 (REL1), a key regulator of leaf morphogenesis. Further studies reveal that RIP2 is extensively involved in leaf inclination through the coordination of BR signaling. Repression of RIP2 led to altered phenotypes, including enlarged leaf inclination and fewer tillers. Conversely, rice overexpressing RIP2 exhibited erect leaves. The double mutant rel1 rip2 displayed phenotypes similar to those of rel1, characterized by rolled leaves. Transcriptome profiling of WT, rel1, rip2, and rel1 rip2 mutants revealed that BR and IAA signaling pathways were impaired in rip2. Moreover, rel1, rip2, and rel1 rip2 were insensitive to BR treatment. In summary, these findings demonstrate that RIP2 serves as a negative regulator of leaf inclination, and therefore, provides an approach for the optimization of an ideal plant type.

The evolution of hermit crabs (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura, Paguroidea) on the basis of carapace morphology: a state-of-the-art-report

In our ongoing studies of both extinct and extant hermit crabs (Paguroidea Latreille, 1802), we have observed and recorded a number of morphological changes that have taken place between Early Jurassic times (c. 185 million years ago) and the present day. Species compositions of paguroid assemblages from marine Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous rocks in Europe are here compared with those of modern marine settings. Basal paguroids with cylindrical carapaces predominated in reefal environments during the Late Jurassic, but were gradually replaced by hermit crabs with non-cylindrical carapaces. The most basal paguroids reveal a branchial groove, but branchial condensation towards a single (i.e., cervical) groove is here shown to have occurred early in their evolutionary history. In several extant, genera remnants of a branchial groove, in combination with several other basal features, can be seen. For this reason, these are here considered to be the most primitive members amongst extant paguroids. In this study, we resurrect the family Probeebeidae and erect a new family, Paguropsidae n. fam, to accommodate extant basal hermit crabs such as Paguropsis Henderson, 1888, Eopaguropsis Fraaije, Krzemiński, Van Bakel, Krzemińska & Jagt, 2012 and Paguropsina Lemaitre, Rahayu & Komai, 2018. Described are also one pair of Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian) and two pairs of Middle Jurassic (Callovian) isochelous paguroid chelae, all collected recently. A new specimen of Schobertella reveals some important morphological traits of the shield that had not been observed previously. The earliest known example to date of clearly heterochelous chelae in the fossil record of hermit crabs originates from upper Kimmeridgian/Tithonian strata in the Boulonnais (northwestern France). For the first time, a phylogenetic scheme of marine Paguroidea, as based on morphological data of carapaces, is presented.

Constitutive Activation OsbZIP62 Improves Plant Height and Yield through Regulating the Expression of Agronomic Traits Related Genes in Rice

Plant height is an important morphological trait that affects crop yield. Several genes related to plant height and yield have been reported in rice (Oryza sativa L.), however, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of these traits is still not completely understood. VP64 is widely used as a transcriptional activator to investigate the biological function of genes encoding transcription factors. Here, we identified a novel bZIP transcription factor OsbZIP62 that is involved in modulating agronomic traits in rice. Overexpression of OsbZIP62-VP64 (OsbZIP62V) significantly increases the plant height and yield per plant in rice. RNA-seq analysis showed that some plant height and panicle development related genes (i.e., OsEATB, OsDSS1 and OsGA3ox2) were up-regulated in OsbZIP62V overexpressing rice plants. Besides, OsbZIP62 could also bind to the promoters of several putative target genes. These results suggested that OsbZIP62 plays a role as transcriptional regulator in regulating the expression of genes associated with agronomic traits, and OsbZIP62 fused with VP64 would be useful in crop genetic modification with improved plant architecture and yield.

Phytoseiidae mites associated with native and cultivated solanaceous in Central-West Brazil

Predatory mites represent important biological control agents and those belonging to the Phytoseiidae family are the most promising for the control of phytophagous mites and small insects. The control of key pests of tomato and other solanaceous crops, highlighting phytophagous mites, has been a challenge and the biological control constitutes a promising strategy. Prospecting predatory mites in wild host plants, natural environments as well as in agroecosystems is relevant because these non-crop and crop areas can serve as reservoirs for promising species for biological control programs. This study aimed to know the Phytoseiidae fauna associated with wild and cultivated solanaceous plants in a poorly prospected area in Brazil, the Central-West Region. A detailed taxonomic identification of phytoseiid mites was conducted, and the most important morphological traits are presented for each species. In addition, associated phytophagous mites mainly belonging to the Tetranychidae, Tenuipalpidae and Eriophyoidea were identified. Surveys were carried out in 23 species of solanaceous collected in the Distrito Federal (12 areas) and Goiás State (1 area), from February 2017 to January 2018. Nineteen species of predators belonging to ten genera were recorded: Amblyseius (2 species), Euseius (3), Galendromus (1), Iphiseiodes (1), Neoseiulus (3), Paraphytoseius (1), Phytoseius (3), Proprioseiopsis (2), Typhlodromalus (2, one probably new to science) and Typhlodromips (1). Solanum lycocarpum was the solanaceous that harbored the highest richness (11 species), as well as the one with the highest abundance of phytoseiids (250 specimens). Typhlodromalus aripo was the most common species, being the most abundant (423 specimens; 32%) and registered on the largest number of hosts (14). Many of phytoseiid species found present morphological traits that facilitate their occurrence in leaves with trichomes, as in the case of tomato and other cultivated solanaceous. These traits and the association between predators and phytophagous mites may indicate that these species are promising for biological control programms. Thus, extensive studies to assess the efficiency of the identified predatory mites to control key solanaceous pests are required.

ارزیابی ژنوتیپ‌های گندم نان تحت شرایط تنش خشکی در مرحله گیاهچه‌ای با استفاده از شاخص‌های خشکی

Introduction The existence of drought stress at the beginning of the growing season is one of the most important threatening factors in wheat production of Iran. The coleoptile length is the most important morphological trait in determining sowing depth, emergence power and seedling establishment. The coleoptile length has been used as an effective indicator for selecting the drought tolerant genotypes in wheat breeding programs. Various indices have been developed to evaluate crop response to various stresses, including tolerance index (TOL), productivity mean (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), harmonic mean (HM), stress tolerance index (STI), stress sensitivity index (SSI), yield index (YI), yield stability index (YSI) and relative stress index (RSI). The efficiency of each indices depends on the breeding objectives and the target environment. Materials and methods In order to evaluate some of the landrace wheat genotypes under drought stress conditions at the seedling stage, an experiment with 35 pure lines under three moisture conditions (control, drought stress with PEG6000 10% and 15%) was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications at Gorgan university of agricultural sciences and natural resources.. The coleoptile length was measured after eight days. The indices of MP, GMP, HM, STI, SSI, YI, TOL, RSI and YSI were calculated based on the coleoptile length values under control (Yp) and stress (Ys) conditions. Data analysis was performed using iPASTIC: an online toolkit to estimate plant abiotic stress indices. Results and discussion In control and 10%-drought stress conditions, genotypes 11 and 2 had the highest of coleoptile length. While, in 15%-drought stress conditions, genotypes 3 and 6 had the highest of coleoptile length, respectively. Also in control and 15%-drought conditions genotypes 30 and 35 and in 10%-drought stress conditions genotypes 15 and 21 had the lowest of coleoptile length. Based on MP, GMP, HM, STI and YI indices, genotypes 2 and 11 were identified as tolerant genotypes, while genotypes 15, 21 and 30 were susceptible genotypes, under 10% drought stress conditions. Under 15%-drought stress conditions, MP, GMP, HM, STI and YI indices identified genotypes 21 and 34 as the most susceptible genotypes, whereas genotypes 30 and 35 were the most susceptible genotypes. Under three moisture conditions, the coleoptile length had the highest coefficient of correlation (positive and significant) with MP, GMP, HM and STI indices. Using three-dimensional plots, the genotypes were divided into four groups A, B, C, and D. The most appropriate indices being the ability to distinguish group A, from other groups. Group A selects genotypes that have high yield in both control and stress conditions. The result showed genotypes 3, 6, 11, 16, 19, 20 and 24 were classified as group A in both drought stress conditions. The Iranian commercial cultivars (genotypes 30, 34 and 35) placed in Group D, which indicates insufficient attention to drought stress at the seedling stage, while tolerance to terminal drought stress is one of the most important goals in wheat breeding programs of Iran. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first two PCAs explained 99.78% of the variation in 10%-drought stress and 99.80% in 15%-drought stress conditions. MP, GMP, HM and STI had the sharp angles with together that it indicates high correlation among mentioned indices. Multivariate biplos showed that drought tolerant genotypes were adjacent to vectors related to the best drought tolerance indices. Conclusions Correlation coefficients of drought tolerance indices showed that MP, GMP, HM and STI were the most suitable indices for selecting of drought tolerant genotypes. Based on stress tolerance indices and 3D plots, genotypes 3, 6, 11 and 24 (originated from Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran and Afghanistan, respectively) were identified as drought tolerant genotypes at the seedling stage, while genotypes 14, 15, 21, 30 and 35 were identified as the most susceptible genotypes. The landrace genotypes identified in this study could be used in breeding programs of bread wheat under drought stress at the seedling stage.

Relationship between Salt (NaCl) Stress and Yield Components in Three Varieties of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa)

Salinity has threatened the existence of many useful and multipurpose legumes such as Sphenostylis stenocarpa. To revert this situation effort must be made towards its sustainable use by encouraging domestication of improved varieties that can thrive in salt stress region. This research study was aimed at establishing the effect of salt-stress on seed germination, morphological attributes and yield response of three ­varieties Sphenostylis stenocarpa. Data were collected from the third-weekly for a period of three months (12 weeks) on plant height and number of leaves. At 12 weeks, data were collected on the following traits: number of flowers per plant, number of pods per plant, length of pod and number of seeds per pod. The data on number of seed germinated was also taken. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. Results obtained revealed that sodium chloride (NaCl+) significantly affected some important morphological traits of Sphenostylis stenocarpa evaluated. All varieties treated at various levels (1 kg/l, 2 kg/l and 3 kg/l) with NaCl performed poorly than those without treatment (control). This study revealed that there was no significant difference amongst all varieties of African yam been treated at 1 kg/l levels of NaCl. There was no significant different (p&lt;0.05) among varieties of African yam bean at 0 kg/l in different morphological parameters evaluated. Salt stress significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) the germination of African yam bean.

Effect of drought stress on some morphological and physiological traits in Aegilops tauschii genotypes

Aegilops tauschii is one of the ancestors of bread wheat and is the main source of genes for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The present research was performed as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design to determine the effect of drought stress on some morphological traits in 23 A. tauschii genotypes. The some important morphological and physiological traits were evaluated in greenhouse conditions at Imam Khomeini International University. The results showed the root length, the number of leaves and tillers, chlorophyll concentration, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, percentage of yellow and rolled leaves at seedling stage and shoot and root dry weight, flag leaf, peduncle and spike length and the number of spikes at maturity stage were increased in drought stress. In the seedling stage, the highest root length, number of leaves, root fresh and dry weight, percentage of yellow and rolled leaves were 44.67 cm, 24.00, 3.35 g/plant, 0.40 g/plant, 50.00% and 80.79% under drought condition, respectively. In the maturity stage, the highest amount of shoot and root dry weights were 26.58 and 41.77 g/plant obtained in genotypes 55 and 2122 under drought condition and the highest value of flag leaf length, peduncle length, spike length and the number of spike were 12.30 cm, 15.65 cm, 9.08 cm and 30.00 observed in genotypes 2123, 2225 and 621 at control, respectively. The results of this study showed genotypes 621, 1772 and 2225 can tolerate drought stress well and therefore recommended for use in wheat breeding programs

Determining relevant traits for selecting landrace accessions of Phaseolus lunatus L. for insect resistance.

Plant-insect interactions are a determining factor for sustainable crop production. Although plants can resist or tolerate herbivorous insects to varying degrees, even with the use of pesticides, insects can reduce plant net productivity by as much as 20%, so sustainable strategies for pest control with less dependence on chemicals are needed. Selecting plants with optimal resistance and photosynthetic traits can help minimize damage and maintain productivity. Here, 27 landrace accessions of lima beans, Phaseolus lunatus L., from the Yucatan Peninsula were evaluated in the field for morphological resistance traits, photosynthetic characteristics, insect damage and seed yield. Variation was found in physical leaf traits (number, area, and dry mass of leaves; trichome density, specific leaf thickness and hardness) and in physiological traits (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular carbon, water-use efficiency, and transpiration). Five accessions (JMC1325, JMC1288, JMC1339, JMC1208 and JMC1264) had the lowest index for cumulative damage with the highest seed yield, although RDA analysis uncovered two accessions (JMC1339, JMC1288) with strong positive association of seed yield and the cumulative damage index with leaf production, specific leaf area (SLA) and total leaf area. Leaf traits, including SLA and total leaf area are important drivers for optimizing seed yield. This study identified 12 important morphological and physiological leaf traits for selecting landrace accessions of P. lunatus for high yields (regardless of damage level) to achieve sustainable, environmentally safe crop production.

Morphometric traits with reproduction and production performances of indigenous and exotic sheep breeds of Bangladesh

The purpose of this study was to review the existing literature on some important morphological traits associated with reproductive and productive performance in Bangladeshi indigenous and exotic cross sheep. Sheep as small ruminants are essential parts of the crop-livestock of the mixed agricultural farming system playing a crucial role in the livelihood of smallholders in Bangladesh. They are considered risk averters for farmers in a family crisis and seasonal needs through quick sale by direct cash income. Furthermore, their physical products have socio-economic, cultural, and nutritional values: meat, milk, skin, manure, etc. In the past, a number of researchers investigated the relationship between morphometric features and reproductive and productive performance of the referred sheep. Any compilation report is yet not available. Therefore, an update database on Bangladeshi indigenous and exotic cross-breed sheep is required to identify for management and production strategy program. This paper reviewed, discussed, summarized, and compared all articles on morphometric traits and the reproductive and productive performances of sheep in Bangladesh.

Molecular phylogenetics of the Dissochaeta alliance (Melastomataceae): Redefining tribe Dissochaeteae

AbstractThe Dissochaeta alliance (= subtribe Dissochaetinae) is a group of woody climbing taxa within tribe Dissochaeteae (Melastomataceae) and comprises 90 species mainly distributed in Southeast Asia. The circumscription of the alliance and its genera has been problematic when based on only morphological characters. With a broad sampling of relevant taxa, this study aims at a natural circumscription of and revised generic delimitation within this alliance. A molecular phylogeny based on two nuclear (nrETS, nrITS) and four chloroplast (ndhF, psbK‐psbL, rbcL, rpl16) markers confirmed the non‐monophyly of Dissochaeteae s.l. Taxa traditionally placed in Dissochaeteae are found in three lineages in distant positions within Melastomataceae. The Medinilla alliance is resolved within Sonerileae + Oxysporeae, while the monophyletic Dinophora/Ochthocharis lineage forms a polytomy with Marcetieae, Melastomateae, Microlicieae, and Rhexieae; and the well‐supported Dissochaeta alliance is sister to Cambessedesieae. Based on the molecular results, Dissochaeteae is redefined to exclude the Medinilla alliance and Dinophora/Ochthocharis. It consists of six successively branching major clades, which we treat as six genera, Pseudodissochaeta, Creochiton, Dalenia (Dissochaeta sect. Dalenia), Diplectria (Dissochaeta sect. Diplectria), Macrolenes and Dissochaeta s.str. To avoid a paraphyletic Dissochaeta, Dalenia and Diplectria are resurrected, Macrolenes is expanded to include the Dissochaeta rostrata complex, and a narrowly circumscribed Dissochaeta s.str. is adopted. A re‐investigation of morphological characters based on herbarium material provides support of newly defined taxa. Two sections for Macrolenes are newly proposed, and two sections of Dissochaeta s.str. are maintained. Important morphological traits such as habit and floral characters are discussed to show the morphological support for each delimited genus and the establishment of a new classification of the tribe.

Codification and description of growth stages in persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) using the extended BBCH scale

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is one of the most important fruit that is grown commercially worldwide including the East Asia and Mediterranean regions, and it has been cultivated for its fruit with high nutritional values. Phenology of fruits has attracted the interest of many breeders, growers, and researchers for accurately schedule timing of horticultural managements, but detailed and specific scale for persimmon, especially for the pollination-constant non-astringent (PCNA) and androecious persimmons, remain non-available. In this study, we characterized persimmon phenological growth stages in four persimmon cultivars containing two important morphological traits of sexuality and astringency using the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt Chemische Industrie) scale. The principal growth stages of persimmon were divided into the vegetative and reproductive phenology. We first investigated the vegetative phenology, including: bud development stage (0), leaf development stage (1), shoot development stage (3), and senescence and rest stage (9). The consequent reproductive phenology contained the four following stages, inflorescence emergence stage (5), flowering stage (6), fruit development stage (7), and fruit maturity stage (8). To better understand these phenological growth stages, we next provided illustrative photos with codification and description in persimmon. In addition, the phenological records over two growing seasons in the National Field Genebank for Persimmon (NFGP) were used to draw a schematic representation of principal growth stages. Correct identification of phenological stages is of great importance for the characterization and management in persimmon. Thus, this study will provide the dissemination of knowledge of persimmon cultivars among growers and researchers.

Optimization of 3D Point Clouds of Oilseed Rape Plants Based on Time-of-Flight Cameras.

Three-dimensional (3D) structure is an important morphological trait of plants for describing their growth and biotic/abiotic stress responses. Various methods have been developed for obtaining 3D plant data, but the data quality and equipment costs are the main factors limiting their development. Here, we propose a method to improve the quality of 3D plant data using the time-of-flight (TOF) camera Kinect V2. A K-dimension (k-d) tree was applied to spatial topological relationships for searching points. Background noise points were then removed with a minimum oriented bounding box (MOBB) with a pass-through filter, while outliers and flying pixel points were removed based on viewpoints and surface normals. After being smoothed with the bilateral filter, the 3D plant data were registered and meshed. We adjusted the mesh patches to eliminate layered points. The results showed that the patches were closer. The average distance between the patches was 1.88 × 10−3 m, and the average angle was 17.64°, which were 54.97% and 48.33% of those values before optimization. The proposed method performed better in reducing noise and the local layered-points phenomenon, and it could help to more accurately determine 3D structure parameters from point clouds and mesh models.

Variability of Coffee (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coffeaarabica &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;L.) Germplasm Collections Based on Morphological Quantitative Characters

Ethiopia is the center of genetic diversity of Arabica coffee (Coffeaarabica L., Rubiaceae). In receipt of more information on genetic variability is a must for additional enhancement of coffee (Coffeaarabica L.). An experiment was carried out at Awada Agricultural Research Sub Center, Ethiopia, to study the amount of phenotypic diversity between southern coffee (Coffeaarabica L.) germplasm accessions on a quantitative character. Entirety 104 entries consisting of 100 accessions from southern parts of Ethiopia and four standard cultivars were evaluated using augmented design. The key goal of the study was to assessphenotypic and genotypic variances, the broad sense heritability, genetic advance and estimate the principal component among various quantitative characters. Data on 22 quantitative traits were recorded from five envoy trees per row for each accession. One hundred and four Arabica coffee accessions were grouped into four distinct groups by cluster analysis indicating a wide genetic diversity of coffee genotypes. Cluster I, II, III and IV contained 04 (3.85%), 29 (27.89%), 66 (63.46%) and 05 (4.81%) of the accessions, respectively. The X2 test show that inter cluster squared distances were significant at p<0.01 and p<0.05. Highest inter-cluster distance (D2) was found among cluster I and IV (D2 =102.61), even as the minimum inter-cluster distance (D2) was obtained between cluster II and III (13.26). First 8 principal components with Eigen values more than one were dependable for about 76.34% of the total variation among the germplasmaccessions. Normally, the present study revealed the existence of immense genetic variability among coffee germplasm for various important morphological traits. Consequently, there is a possibility to make use of these traits to expand genotypes that do superior than the existing varieties for the upcoming coffee enhancement plan.

Diversity assessment of mandarin (Citrus reticulata blanco) genotypes under sub-tropical conditions

Genetic diversity analysis of fifteen mandarin genotypes collected from various agro-ecological regions was performed using important fruit morphological and physicochemical traits. Fruit weight varied from 245.50 g (Kara) to 90.53 g (Michal). The values of fruit diameter and length varied in the range of 82.70 to 62.37 mm and 74.20 to 52.80 mm, respectively. Kara genotype recorded significantly higher fruit diameter and length (82.70 mm, 74.20 mm), however, Michal recorded the lowest fruit diameter and length (82.70 mm, 74.20 mm) among all genotypes. Fruit rind thickness was recorded in the range of 5.88 mm (King) to 2.64 mm (Fortune). The fruit mesocarp thickness varied from 2.85 mm (King) to 1.11 mm (Mandarin 182). The total seed number per fruit varied from 31.20 (Fortune) to 3.30 (PAU Kinnow 1). Significantly higher fruit granulation was recorded in Michal (83.30%) followed by Clementine (50.00%) and Fairchild (33.33%) and Honey (15.00%). However, no granulation was observed in Kinnow, PAU Kinnow 1, King, Kara, Willow Leaf, Wilking, Sunburst, Mandarin 182 and Fortune. The TSS and acidity ratio ranged from 17.29 (Clementine) to 5.65 (Fortune). However, juice content in endocarp varied from 54.17 per cent (Fortune) to 19.63 per cent (Michal). Kara, Fairchild, PAU Kinnow 1 and King emerged as promising cultivars in terms of Citrus Colour Index values of epicarp, pulp and juice. The cluster analysis illustrating genetic relationship, classified mandarin genotypes into three clusters irrespective of their geographical origin. Higher genetic advance value for fruit weight, fruit granulation and juice content made these traits more effective during selection. The study indicated high genetic diversity in mandarin germplasm. So, superior cultivars can be utilized in citrus crop improvement programme.

Phenotypic Classification of Coffee (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coffea arabica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Germplasm in Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopia is the homeland and center of genetic diversity of arabica coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> L., Rubiaceae). Although Ethiopia is known as a primary center for <i>Coffea arabica</i> diversity. Identification and characterization of coffee accessions in the base population is important in order to a successful conservation and utilization of genetic resources. Getting more information on genetic variability is a prerequisite for further improvement of coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> L.). A field experiment was conducted at Awada Agricultural Research Sub-Center, Ethiopia, to study the magnitude of phenotypic diversity among southern coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> L.) germplasm accessions based on qualitative traits. A total of 104 entries consisting of 100 accessions from southern parts of Ethiopia and four standard cultivars were evaluated using augmented design with five blocks. The main objective of the study was to assess morphological variation among germplasm based on phenotypic qualitative characters. Estimates of frequency distribution and Shannon Index based on 13 qualitative traits revealed the existence of genetic variability among 104 coffee germplasm. The highest diversity index (H’) was found for the growth habit followed by the angle of insertion of the primary branches, leaf shape, stipule shape, fruit shape, fruit ribs, fruit color, leaf apex shape, leaf tip color and stem habit. The phenotypic similarities of 104 coffee genotypes were assessed by average linkage methods of cluster analysis using 13 qualitative traits with proc cluster of SAS. Based on the result of this analysis the coffee accessions were classified into five clusters with cluster-I was the largest and consisted of 66 accessions (63.46%) followed by cluster-II consisted of 12 accessions (11.54%), cluster-III consisted of 24 accessions (23.08%), cluster-IV and cluster V consisted of 01 accessions for each (0.96% for each). Thus, there is a chance to develop hybrid vigor through crossing diverged parents found in a different cluster. Generally, the present study revealed the existence of immense genetic variability among coffee germplasm for various important morphological qualitative traits. Hence, there is an opportunity to exploit these traits to improve genotypes that perform better than the existing varieties for the upcoming coffee improvement program.