Leaf Apex Shape Research Articles

Unveiling the diversification and dispersal of the Lewinskya firma complex (Orthotrichaceae, Bryophyta) across Africa and India.

Intercontinental disjunctions are one of the most attractive and interesting biogeographical patterns. Bryophytes often exhibit such distributions, which is partly explained by their great ability to disperse over long distances. However, such intercontinental ranges are sometimes a distorted reality caused by the existence of unnoticed species. This study investigates whether the disjunction between East Africa and southern India of the moss Lewinskya firma reflects the genuine distribution of a single species or implies pseudo-cryptic species (whose morphological differentiation is subtle and have therefore been masked). An integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular methods (genotyping by sequencing, GBS) was used, based on a representation of samples specifically collected from all the major mountainous regions where this moss occurs. Two species, L. firma s. str. and L. afroindica sp. nov. are involved, whose ranges completely overlap in East Africa, although genetic distance and morphological differences in leaf apex shape, vaginula hairs shape and papillosity, spore ornamentation and peristome constitution and ornamentation allow distinguishing both. In addition, the range of L. afroindica extends into both southern Africa and southern India. The phylogenetic reconstruction obtained shows a certain degree of differentiation of the Indian populations, although they are yet morphologically indistinguishable from African populations. The results thus highlight both the existence of overlooked species and the complexity of bryophyte biogeography.

A novel visual marker to distinguish haploids from doubled haploids in rice (Oryza sativa, L) at early growth stages

Doubled haploid technology, which enables the generation of homozygous lines in a single step, is one of the modern tools being employed for accelerating breeding processes in different crops. In rice, a globally important staple food crop, doubled haploid production through androgenesis is increasingly being employed in breeding programs. Amongst the androgenic rice lines, doubled haploids are formed spontaneously at about 50–60%, while the remaining 40–50% of plants remain as haploids. As haploids cannot be easily identified, it is routine to grow all the rice androgenic lines till maturity and harvest the seeds from the fertile doubled haploids. Therefore, the methods that facilitate easy identification of haploids at an early developmental stage in rice would enable treatment of such haploid lines with colchicine, to increase the efficiency of doubled haploid production. Further, it would also help in eliminating the operational cost involved in maintaining them till maturity. In the above context, a systematic study to identify easily observable physiological and morphological differences between haploid and doubled haploid rice lines was undertaken. Rice haploids were found to be noticeably different from doubled haploids in photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and morphology of lodicules, stigma and style, features which have not been reported before. Most importantly, rice haploids invariably have acute leaf apex which is easily distinguishable from the doubled haploids that have attenuated leaf apex shape. Very high per cent accuracy in the prediction of ploidy level was observed when haploids were identified at an early developmental stage based on leaf apex shape, and the results verified with flow cytometry perfectly matches with leaf apex shape. The study establishes ‘acute leaf apex’ shape as an accurate visual marker to rapidly identify haploid rice lines at an early developmental stage in a cost-effective manner.

Characterization of Coffea arabica L. parent plants and physicochemical properties of associated soils, Peru

It is important to carry out the morphological characterization of coffee parent plants and the physicochemical properties of the associated soils in the Amazon region, Peru, in order to achieve germplasm conservation. One hundred coffee mother plants were identified and located in five provinces of the region and evaluated according to morphological descriptors such as stipula shape, young leaf color, leaf shape, leaf apex shape, young shoot color, leaf color, fruit color, fruit shape, mature leaf color, and rust incidence percentage. In the plots where the parent plants were located, soil sampling was carried out to determine the physical and chemical properties. The varieties with the greatest presence in the five provinces were Típica and caturra roja, with the greatest number of specimens reported for the province of Bagua. The predominant stipule shape was triangular (91%), lanceolate leaf shape (60%) and red fruit color (90%). Bongará reported the lowest incidence of yellow rust, as well as the Mundo Novo Rojo variety. Soil pH ranged from acidic to neutral values, low electrical conductivity, high organic matter content, low phosphorus content, high potassium levels and medium cation exchange capacity. The predominant textural class was sandy loam. The physical and chemical characterization of the soils under study show favorable ranges to encourage the best development of coffee cultivation.

ANALISIS MORFOLOGI JAMBU METE (Anacardium occidentale L.) BERDASARKAN KARAKTER VEGETATIF DI TIGA KABUPATEN SULAWESI TENGGARA

Cashew is a promising plant in Southeast Sulawesi due to its reasonably high economic value. This species has been cultivated for years in Southeast Sulawesi, particularly in South Konawe, Konawe, and East Kolaka, with 20 to 30-years-old average plant age. This research aimed to identify morphological variations at the vegetative stage of the cashew in three evaluated Southeast Sulawesi populations (South Konawe, Konawe, and East Kolaka). The descriptive observations were carried out on the leaf apex shape, leaf shape, leaf margin, leaf venation, the color of young and mature leaves, branching pattern, tree habit, ease of peeling bark from the twig, leaf texture, as well as leaf aroma. We indicated the morphological variations in the evaluated cashew. The variations were observed in leaf shape (obovate, oblong, and circular), leaf apex shape (pointed, rounded, and indented), leaf venation (curved up, curved down, and flat), branching pattern (intensive and extensive), tree habit (upright and open, upright and compact, spreading), ease of peeling bark from twigs (difficult and easy), leaf texture (smooth and rough), and aroma (mango-like and guava-like).

Characterization of indigenous phalsa (Grewia subinequalis) genotypes using morphological traits and ISSR markers

BackgroundPhalsa (Grewia subinequalis L.) is a commercial and nutritionally important berry fruit. It is cultivated in Pakistan as a minor fruit crop without any variety characterization. Therefore, the objective of to assess genetic diversity through ISSR markers and morphological features of wild phalsa genotypes collected from different parts of Punjab, Pakistan. MethodsMorphological characteristics such as plant height, stem circumference, growth habit, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, leaf color and leaf apex shape showed high variation among genotypes. ResultsAmong the twenty inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) primers, UBC-812 exhibited the highest PIC values of (0.485) and Dj (0.389) compared to other primers, which considered it better for the identification of phalsa genotypes and prediction of diversity. Moreover, the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster analysis divided the sampled genotypes into five clusters (clusters A-E) based on morphological analysis, while molecular data divided the genotypes into eight clusters (clusters A-H). ConclusionThis study confirmed the high diversity in wild populations especially 'O1P2” and “O7P3” genotypes, with both DNA-based and morphological descriptors that depict their potential use for future phalsa breeding programs.

The Characterization and Quality of 14 Accessions of Robusta Coffee

To produce superior varieties, gene sources of high diversity are needed. The study was intended to reveal the diversity of qualitative and quantitative characters and the quality of Robusta coffee germplasm. The study conducted at Pakuwon Experimental Garden, Sukabumi Indonesia, used 14 accessions of Robusta coffee grown by a single stem system. The observed characteristics were qualitative and quantitative characteristics, caffeine content, and cup quality. The data were analyzed descriptively and grouped by cluster analysis using the PBSTAT program. The results revealed variations in the angle of insertion of primary branches, stipule shape, immature leaf color, leaf shape, leaf apex shape, young shoot color, mature leaf color, ripe fruit color, and fruit shape. The number of bunches/branch is the characteristic of the highest variation coefficient. Eleven accessions had cupping scores between 80 and 86 with a caffeine content of 1.39 - 2.06%. The accession B4-17-1 had the lowest yield, but its final cupping test score was the highest. At the dissimilarity coefficient of 0.25, 14 accessions of Robusta coffee are divided into two large groups, while at the dissimilarity coefficient of 0.15 they consist of four groups.

Phenotypic Classification of Coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> 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.

Multicategorical descriptors for creole genotypes of Amazon chicory (Eryngium foetidum)

ABSTRACT The knowledge concerning genetic variability of creole genotypes by using morphological descriptors in species such as Amazon chicory is crucial to quantify local diversity and protect improved cultivars. Accordingly, this study aimed to propose multicategory leaf morphological descriptors for Amazon chicory species. To achieve that, an experiment was arranged in randomized block design with four repetitions. The treatments comprised eight creole genotypes of Amazon chicory, which were obtained from local producers’ collection. The proposed multi-categorical descriptors are based on limb shape, leaf apex shape, leaf base shape, leaf margin, bract consistency, and bract margin traits. Once the multicategorical clustered data were obtained, they were transformed into a dissimilarity matrix. The limb shape presents dissimilarity, being either lanceolate or spatulate; as well as for leaf margin, which can be dentate or serrate. Thus, both limb shape and leaf margin constitute important qualitative descriptors for genetic diversity assessment and conservation for Amazon chicory, besides a recommended tool to be exploited in breeding programs.

Studies on variation in morphological traits of mango trees (Mangifera indica) growing on Kogi State University campus, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Mango (Mangifera indica) is an economically important tropical fruit consumed all over the world due to its large fruit with a soft, sweet pulp. In this study, morphological characters of sixty (60) randomly selected mango trees growing on Kogi State University campus, Anyigba were examined. These characters were examined by comparison with those highlighted in mango descriptor by International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). The characters studied were crown shape, tree growth habit, leaf blade shape, leaf altitude in relation to branch, leaf apex shape, leaf margin, leaf base shape, and colour of fully developed leaf. Results revealed that 53.30% of the selected trees had broadly pyramidal crown shape; the highest percentage observed, none of the trees had spherical crown shape. There was no Drooping tree growth habit while spreading tree growth habit was the highest in 68.30% of the selected trees. Ovate, lanceolate and oblanceolate leaf blade shapes were not observed in any of the selected trees while oblong was the highest leaf blade shape observed in 50% of the selected trees. For leaf Apex Shape; Acuminate was observed in 65% of the selected trees, Acute in 35% and obtuse in none of the selected trees. Most of the trees had entire leaf margin with a percentage of 98.30% of the trees having the entire leaf margin. There were morphological variations among the selected trees for all the characters studied.

Apex structures enhance water drainage on leaves

The rapid removal of rain droplets at the leaf apex is critical for leaves to avoid damage under rainfall conditions, but the general water drainage principle remains unclear. We demonstrate that the apex structure enhances water drainage on the leaf by employing a curvature-controlled mechanism that is based on shaping a balance between reduced capillarity and enhanced gravity components. The leaf apex shape changes from round to triangle to acuminate, and the leaf surface changes from flat to bent, resulting in the increase of the water drainage rate, high-dripping frequencies, and the reduction of retention volumes. For wet tropical plants, such as Alocasia macrorrhiza, Gaussian curvature reconfiguration at the drip tip leads to the capillarity transition from resistance to actuation, further enhancing water drainage to the largest degree possible. The phenomenon is distinct from the widely researched liquid motion control mechanisms, and it offers a specific parametric approach that can be applied to achieve the desired fluidic behavior in a well-controlled way.

Disentangling Scandinavian species hidden within Meesia uliginosa Hedw. s.l. (Bryophyta, Meesiaceae)

The molecular variation (atpB–rbcL spacer, rpl16 G2 intron, trnGUCC G2 intron) among 50 Scandinavian specimens of Meesia uliginosa s.l. was analysed in the context of three other Meesia species, with Paludella squarrosa as outgroup. The molecular variation within M. uliginosa correlates with morphology, and shows that three species exist: M. uliginosa Hedw., M. minor Brid. and M. minutissima Hedenas sp. nov. Whereas M. uliginosa s.str. is widespread, in Scandinavia the other two species are restricted to the mountains. The three species differ in quantitative features, such as, plant size, leaf size, costa width, leaf apex shape, seta length and spore capsule size. Because the species overlap in several of these features, a combination of seta length and the ornamentation of the exostome outside are the safest characters for identification. Leaf apex shape, small spore capsules in M. minutissima and large spores in M. minor serve as additional identification help. Meesia minutissima is presently only known from Scandinavia. The other two species are more widespread, although further investigations are required to find out their exact distributions.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Festuca devesae &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;(Poaceae), a new species from northern Spain&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Festuca devesae (Poaceae), a new species from the low mountains of northern Iberian Peninsula (Burgos and Álava provinces, Spain), is described. According to its morphology, it belongs to Festuca subsect. Festuca, the most diverse group within the genus. The new species differs from other known consectional taxa by having a continuous layer of abaxial subepidermal sclerenchyma in the leaf cross-sections, and by the leaf sheaths closed to the mouth. Both traits are found together only in F. segimonensis and F. hystrix, from which F. devesae clearly differs in the leaf apex shape, the size of the auricles, and the leaf anatomy in cross-section, among other traits. A detailed morphometric description, photographs, and data on leaf anatomy, phenology, ecology, and distribution are given. A comparison with morphologically similar species and an identification key are also provided.

Variation studies of morphological characters of cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale) on Kogi State University Campus, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Variability could exist in a typical cashew field for most morphological characters and such morphological characters have been used as a powerful tool in the classification of cultivars and as such morphological traits continue to be the first step in the studies of genetic relationships. In this research work using morphological traits effort was made to access the variations among sixty (60) randomly selected trees from different locations across Kogi State University campus, from Faculties of Management Sciences, Natural sciences, Social sciences, Law, Agriculture and the Botanical garden. Morphological characters from Cashew descriptors by International Board for plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) were used to determine the variations among the trees. Results indicate variations among trees on the campus, the dominant fruit shape observed was conical-obovate, the dominant fruit colour observed was yellow with a high percentage (71.67%), the dominant nut weight was intermediate (5-6 g), the dominant shape of leaves in the sampled population is obovate with 43.33%, the dominant leaf apex shape was rounded with 41.6%. The tree habit is quite variable with upright and open habit having 50% while upright and compact habit have the least 15%. Three cashew descriptors were not observed in the trees on campus which are very low nut weight, cylindrical apple shape and pointed leaf apex shape. Variations were also observed in fruiting time, flower colours. Variation could be attributed to genetic history, though molecular studies would be needed to ascertain the genetic nature of observed variations.

Complex Horticultural Quality Traits in Broccoli Are Illuminated by Evaluation of the Immortal BolTBDH Mapping Population

Improving horticultural quality in regionally adapted broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and other B. oleracea crops is challenging due to complex genetic control of traits affecting morphology, development, and yield. Mapping horticultural quality traits to genomic loci is an essential step in these improvement efforts. Understanding the mechanisms underlying horticultural quality enables multi-trait marker-assisted selection for improved, resilient, and regionally adapted B. oleracea germplasm. The publicly-available biparental double-haploid BolTBDH mapping population (Chinese kale × broccoli; N = 175) was evaluated for 25 horticultural traits in six trait classes (architecture, biomass, phenology, leaf morphology, floral morphology, and head quality) by multiple quantitative trait loci mapping using 1,881 genotype-by-sequencing derived single nucleotide polymorphisms. The physical locations of 56 single and 41 epistatic quantitative trait locus (QTL) were identified. Four head quality QTL (OQ_C03@57.0, OQ_C04@33.3, OQ_CC08@25.5, and OQ_C09@49.7) explain a cumulative 81.9% of phenotypic variance in the broccoli heading phenotype, contain the FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) homologs Bo9g173400 and Bo9g173370, and exhibit epistatic effects. Three key genomic hotspots associated with pleiotropic control of the broccoli heading phenotype were identified. One phenology hotspot reduces days to flowering by 7.0 days and includes an additional FLC homolog Bo3g024250 that does not exhibit epistatic effects with the three horticultural quality hotspots. Strong candidates for other horticultural traits were identified: BoLMI1 (Bo3g002560) associated with serrated leaf margins and leaf apex shape, BoCCD4 (Bo3g158650) implicated in flower color, and BoAP2 (Bo1g004960) implicated in the hooked sepal horticultural trait. The BolTBDH population provides a framework for B. oleracea improvement by targeting key genomic loci contributing to high horticultural quality broccoli and enabling de novo mapping of currently unexplored traits.

Morphological characterization of Indian pummelo (Citrus maxima)

The present study was conducted with the aim to characterize different indigenous pummelo genotypes based on 19 quantitative and 9 qualitative traits. Leaf shape, leaf margin shape, leaf apex shape, petiole wing, petiole wing shape, fruit shape, fruit apex shape, fruit axis, fruit surface texture and pulp colour were the main qualitative characters of study. The higher coefficients of variation were determined for petiole area (36.33%), juice quantity (17.38%), leaf area (14.50%) and fruit weight (14.22%). Principal component analysis (PCA) for quantitative traits indicated that six PCA had Eigen-value greater than one. The cumulative variation explained by six components, viz. leaf length, fruit width, leaf length: width ratio, leaf area, petiole area and lamina wing ratio accounted over 86.12 % variability. However, the result of the PCA for qualitative traits showed that three parameters namely leaf shape, leaf margin shape and leaf apex shape among 10 Principal Component Axis (PCA) had Eigen-values greater than one, and accounted for over 70.23% of the total variability. Based on PCA and coefficient of variation, traits like fruit weight, seed content, juice content, leaf and petiole area, leaf length, leaf width and leaf length: width ratio had significant involvement in pummelo diversity, and can be used in differentiating accessions of citrus.

Gamma radiosensitivity of coffee (Coffea arabica L. var. typica)

The effects of gamma radiation on the germination, survival, and morphological damage in characteristics of the M1 generation of coffee (Coffea arabica L. var. typica) plants was evaluated using seeds collected from Santa Teresa and Chaupimayo, Peru. Under net house, the percentage of germination was 68%, 35%, 10%, and 0% for the Santa Teresa seeds and 75%, 49%, 17% and 0% for the Chaupimayo seeds with irradiation treatments of 0, 50, 100 and 150 Gy, respectively, whereas under laboratory conditions, germination levels were between 70% and 94% across all treatments. The survival rate also decreased with increasing radiation levels, with values of 45%, 32%, 28%, and 10% in the laboratory and 29%, 9%, 6%, and 0% in the net house for the Santa Teresa seeds and 58%, 45%, 38%, and 8% in the laboratory and 42%, 15%, 7%, and 0% in the net house for the Chaupimayo seeds with irradiation treatments of 0, 50, 100, and 150 Gy, respectively. Morphological changes were observed in the plants that survived irradiation at a dose of 100 Gy in terms of the leaf shape, leaf apex shape, young leaf color, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf width, and distance from the cotyledon to the first node.

Molecular and cytological evidences denied the immediate-hybrid hypothesis for Saxifraga yuparensis (sect. Bronchiales, Saxifragaceae) endemic to Mt. Yubari in Hokkaido, northern Japan

SAYA TAMURA, TOMOKO FUKUDA, ELENA A. PIMENOVA, EKATERINA A. PETRUNENKO, PAVEL V. KRESTOV, SVETLANA N. BONDARCHUK, OLGA A. CHERNYAGINA, YOSHIHISA SUYAMA, YOSHIHIRO TSUNAMOTO, AYUMU MATSUO, HAYATO TSUBOI, HIDEKI TAKAHASHI, KEN SATO, YOKO NISHIKAWA, TAKASHI SHIMAMURA, HIROKO FUJITA &amp; KOH NAKAMURA An alpine plant Saxifraga yuparensis is endemic to a scree consisting of greenschist of Mt. Yubari in Hokkaido, Japan and it has been proposed as an immediate hybrid derived from two species of the same section Bronchiales based on morphological intermediacy: namely S. nishidae, a diploid species endemic to a nearby cliff composed of greenschist and tetraploid S. rebunshirensis comparatively broadly distributed in Japan and Russian Far East. Saxifraga yuparensis is red-listed and it is crucial for conservation planning to clarify whether this is an immediate hybrid and lacks a unique gene pool. The immediate-hybrid hypothesis was tested by molecular and cytological data. In nuclear ribosomal and chloroplast DNA trees based on maximum parsimony and Bayesian criteria, S. yuparensis and S. rebunshirensis formed a clade with several other congeners while S. nishidae formed another distinct clade. Genome-wide SNP data clearly separated these three species in principal coordinate space, placing S. yuparensis not in-between of S. rebunshirensis and S. nishidae. Chromosome observation indicated that S. yuparensis is tetraploid, not triploid directly derived from diploid-tetraploid crossing. Additionally, observation of herbarium specimens revealed that leaf apex shape of S. yuparensis fell within the variation of S. rebunshirensis. These results indicate that S. yuparensis is not an immediate hybrid of S. rebunshirensis and S. nishidae but a distinct lineage and an extremely narrow endemic species, that deserves for intensive conservation.

Leaf adaptations and species boundaries in North American Cercis: implications for the evolution of dry floras.

The North American Cercis clade spans dry to mesic climates and exhibits complex morphological variation. We tested various proposed species classifications of this group and whether aspects of leaf morphology, particularly the "drip-tip" in some regional populations, are adaptive and/or linked with phylogeny. We made measurements on over 1100 herbarium specimens from throughout North America and analyzed the data with univariate and multivariate approaches. We analyzed phylogenetically DNA sequence data from nuclear ITS and three plastid regions from 40 samples, and estimated divergence times with a relaxed-clock Bayesian analysis. We used climate and geographic position data to predict the variation observed in leaf size and shape by using stepwise multiple linear regressions. Morphometric analyses yielded a pattern of continuous and often clinal character variation across North America, without correlated gaps in character states. Conversely, phylogenetic and divergence time analyses yielded distinct clades from California, the interior west, and eastern North America separated by between ~12 and 16 million years. Multiple regressions yielded highly significant correlations between leaf apex shape and precipitation of the warmest quarter. Despite a pattern of continuous morphological character variation, the long period of geographic and presumably genetic isolation warrants the delimitation of three species. Predictive modeling supports the adaptive value of acuminate apices or "drip-tips" in mesic habitats. This suggests that Cercis leaves change more rapidly than inferred from parsimony reconstruction, which has implications for the evolution of the dry floras of North America and Eurasia.

Morphological and biochemical diversity among the Malus species including indigenous Himalayan wild apples

In the present investigation, 32 Malus species including 12 indigenous Himalayan wild apples were evaluated during 2014–2015, for their morphological (14 No.) and biochemical (14 No.) variabilities based on 28 parameters. The leaf related attributes like leaf shape, leaf apex shape, leaf base shape, leaf blade margin and tree attributes like tree habit, suckering tendency, burrknot tendency and presence of lenticels on shoot exhibited considerable variation. The maximum coefficient of variation value was recorded for foliar peroxidase activity (98.18%) followed by catechin (91.32%) content. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first five principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4 and PC5) together accounted for more than 50% variation of the total observed variations. The PC1 strongly integrated with the traits like tree habit, leaf blade length, leaf blade width, rutin, phloridzin, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, − chlorophyll a:b, total chlorophyll and total phenolics content, which were found to be effective parameters for explaining the natural variability among the studied Malus species. The dendrogram generated based on unweighted Neighbhor-joining method clustered all the Malus species including the indigenous wild apples into three distinct clusters. Scatter plot based on PC1 and PC2 suggested high morphological and biochemical diversity among the Malus species including the indigenous wild apples. The cluster analysis and scatter plot revealed that the indigenous wild apples were quite diverse as observed for the exotic Malus species; though there were no separate groups detected. The higher diversity for endogenous biochemical compounds indicates differential physiological behaviour of Malus species under the prevailing environmental conditions. These findings revealed that there were several biochemical constituents, which could serve as effective indices for indirect selection of potential biotic and abiotic stresses resistance/tolerance Malus species for their potential use in genetic improvement programmes. Similarly, knowledge on graft compatibility with respect to wild Malus could help in exploiting them as new rootstock genotypes. These parameters are known to influence the expression of different traits in scion genotypes upon grafting and thus could help in sustaining the apple production in Indian Himalayan region under changing climate situations The potential genotypes based on their morphological and biochemical parameters identified like M. baccata (Khrot), M. baccata (Kinnaur), M. baccata (Pangi), M. baccata (Rohru), M. baccata (Shillong), M. hilleiri, M. micromalus, M. prunifolia (Maruba), M. prunifolia (Ringo-Assami), M. sieversii and M. spectabilis suggested them to be quite diverse. Besides, some indigenous Himalayan crab apples were also identified, which have inherent potential to serve as valuable genetic resources for rootstock improvement programmes.

Comparison of morphological and chemical characteristics of two selected accessions and six wild species of genus &lt;em&gt;Cinnamomum&lt;/em&gt; Schaeff

Cinnamon is increasingly becoming an important and potential foreign exchange earner and it is the most important spice in Sri Lanka. However, currently only two selected cinnamon accessions are available in Sri Lanka. Therefore, establishment of more commercial cinnamon varieties/ cultivars with high quality and yield are required. Experiments were carried out to investigate and compare of morphological and chemical characteristics of two selected cinnamon accessions (Sri Wijaya and Sri Gemunu) and six wild cinnamon species (Cinnamomum citriodorum, Cinnamomum capparu coronde, Cinnamomum litseaefolium, Cinnamomum revulorum, Cinnamomum dubium and Cinnamomum sinharajanse). Morphological characters of flower, leaf, seed and bark, yield of bark and leaf oil, and chemical characters of leaf and bark oil were examined. Leaf morphological characters; leaf shape, type of venation, leaf apex shape, leaf length and width, petiole length and leaf area were varied among species studied. Bark color, surface texture of bark, bark odor and seed color also helped to differentiate studied species. Highest mean leaf oil percentage and bark oil percentage was obtained from C. zeylanicum (Sri Gemunu) and C. zeylanicum (Sri Wijaya) respectively. The lowest mean leaf oil percentage was obtained from C. citriodorum and the lowest mean bark oil percentage was obtained from C. dubium. GC-MS analysis indicated presence of many economically important compounds such as eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, benzyl benzoate etc., in leaf and bark oil of all studied species. Abundance of considered favorable characters which are already consisted with cultivated accessions Sri Gemunu and Sri Wijaya bark and leaf oil with important characters and easy peeling ability has been observed in tested wild types, indicating the possibilities of improvement of Ceylon cinnamon for these characters through hybridization programme using wild relatives.