Leaf Width Research Articles

Growth and Yield of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) in Varying Irrigation Water Salinity and Leaching Fractions

This study aimed to determine the response of yield and yield parameters of the ‘Cospirina’ lettuce plant, known to be moderate salinity tolerant, to different levels of salt water applications and different leaching rates in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Hatay Province, Türkiye. Lettuce was irrigated at three different irrigation water salinity levels (EC0 = 0.5 dS m-1-control, EC2 = 2 dS m-1, EC4 = 4 dS m-1) and four different leaching fractions (LF0 = 0%, LF1 = 10%, LF2 = 20%, LF3 = 30%). Irrigation water salinity was adjusted by adding different amounts of NaCl salt to the tap water (EC0, control) with an EC value of 0.5 dS m-1. Plant water consumption (PWC) increased as the leaching fraction increased but decreased as salinity increased. PWC ranged from 7.32 – 10.5 L for EC0, 7.0 – 8.46 L for EC2, and 5.0 – 6.46 L for EC4. The mean water use efficiency (WUEy) was calculated as 31.43 g L-1, 32.12 g L-1, and 34.77 g L-1 in EC0, EC2, and EC4, respectively. Lettuce yield decreased with increasing soil salinity and the leaching fraction. Yield ranged from 182 g plant-1 (EC4LF0) to 282 g plant-1 (EC0LF2). When soil salinity increased from 0.82 dS m-1 (EC0) to 1.31 dS m-1 (EC2) and 2.09 dS m-1 (EC4), yields decreased by 10% and 28%, respectively. Increasing salinity significantly decreased the root length, root width, leaf number, number of commercial leaves, leaf width, leaf length, and biomass, while commercial head length and commercial head diameter remained unaffected.

Taking Advantage of Disposal Bamboo Chopsticks to Produce Biochar for Greenhouse Crop Cultivation

Biochar is a value-added product that can be used for many purposes, particularly for environmental and agricultural purposes. In this study, pyrolysis at 450–500 °C was used to upgrade urban waste such as disposable bamboo chopsticks (DBCs) into biochar. The properties of DBC biochar were analyzed, and the biochar was subsequently used to cultivate Romaine lettuce to assess its potential as a soil amendment. Its properties, including specific surface area (SSA), pore size, pore volume, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), contents of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), macronutrient content, and the atomic ratio of H/C, O/C, (O+N)/C, and C/N, were analyzed. The experimental pots consisted of four treatments, each with ten replicates: unamended soil (TC), soil amended with 10% (w/w) vermicompost (TV), soil amended with 10% vermicompost mixed with 1.5% biochar (TVB1.5), and soil amended with 10% vermicompost mixed with 2.5% biochar (TVB2.5). Fundamental physicochemical soil properties and plant yield (plant height, leaf width, number of leaves, and fresh weight) were investigated. The results indicated that the DBC biochar was neutral (pH 6.80) and had a high CEC (10.86 cmol/kg), 66.80% C, 3.76% H, 25.93% O, and 0.61% N. It had mesopores (39.077 Å), a large SSA (0.542 m2/g), and a pore volume of 0.005 cc/g. The biochar exhibited high aromaticity and hydrophobicity. Based on these results, the DBC biochar has the potential to be used as a soil amendment: it significantly enhances soil quality and increases plant yields. The application of 2.5% biochar resulted in the highest yield. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-03-07 Full Text: PDF

Correlation between ecological factors and effective component content, flower, and leaf traits of Epimedium pubescens

No systematic research has been reported on the correlation between different ecological factors and the effective component content, flower, and leaf traits of Epimedium pubescens. In this study, 21 kinds of E. pubescens in different regions were investigated, and the content of two effective components of icariin(I) and Epimedin C(C), as well as six leaf traits and 12 flower traits were determined. The correlation between 11 ecological factors and the above traits in different regions for five consecutive years was explored. The results showed that no significant correlation was observed between the ecological factors and the total content of two effective components(I+C) of E. pubescens. Latitude and temperature(including annual average temperature, annual average minimum temperature, and soil temperature of each soil layer) were significantly positively and negatively correlated with the ratio of the content of the two effective components(C/I)(P<0.01), respectively. There was a significant correlation between ecological factors and flower traits, and the annual average soil temperature of each soil layer, annual average temperature, and annual average minimum temperature were significantly correlated with most flower traits in multiple years(P<0.01). However, a weak correlation between ecological factors and leaf traits was detected. A significant positive correlation of the annual average soil temperature of each soil layer and annual average humidity(P<0.01) with the width of nutrient leaf in only a few years was detected. Therefore, it was concluded that the total content of effective components of E. pubescens was determined by genetics, with a slight influence of ecological factors. The annual average temperature, annual average minimum temperature, and soil temperature of each soil layer were the ecological factors that had the most significant impact on flower traits, which showed significant differences in different regions, and similar results were not found in leaf traits. Overall, this study systematically conducted a correlation analysis between ecological factors and the effective components, as well as flower and leaf traits, providing guidance for the quality improvement, introduction, and domestication of E. pubescens.

Contribution to the biosystematics of the wild Vaccinium species distributed in Turkey

The genus Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) consists of shrubs or dwarf shrubs species widely distributed in Southeast Asia, America, and Europe. In the present paper, members of the genus (V. arctostaphylos, V. myrtillus, V. uliginosum, V. vitis-idaea) naturally grown in Northeast Anatolia were compared in terms of leaf venation, seed micromorphology, and palynological properties based on 16 populations in detail. Present findings revealed that number of areoles (the small area bounded by secondary veinlet) is 8–9 for V. arctostaphylos, 5–7 for V. myrtillus, 3–4 for V. uliginosum and V. vitis-idaea. Scanning electron microscope observation shows that the leaf adaxial surface is fiber-fluted in V. arctostaphylos, ruminate in V. myrtillus, V. uliginosum, and V. vitis-idaea due to epicuticular waxes. In addition, the seed shape of V. arctostaphylos in outline varies from triangular, tetragonal to oval, whereas they are lunate to reniform or falcate in the rest of the examined taxa. Epidermal cells of the seed are quadrilateral with straight anticlinal walls in V. arctostaphylos, however, they are most elongate rectangle with weakly undulate anticlinal walls in the rest species. The mean tetrad diameter (D) of pollen belonging to all examined species is 29.89 (21.47–43.22) μm while the lowest mean D was found in V. uliginosum (24.59 μm) and the highest mean D was found in V. arctostaphylos (36.74 μm). Principal component analysis based on 47 traits (flower: 9, leaf: 18, seed and fruit: 9 and pollen: 11) showed that the leaf length and width, teeth numbers, tetrad diameter, equatorial axis, and polar axis were the most valuable characters to distinguish the examined taxa in the present paper.

Kangkung microgreen growth analysis under T5 LED lighting using solar PV

Abstract The T5 LED lamp is one form of LED light that can be utilized for indoor microgreen growing. The T5 LED lamp has various advantages, such as great energy efficiency and a long lifespan, and they do not emit excessive heat. This research intends to analyze the growth rate of kangkung (Ipomoea reptans poir) utilizing a T5 LED lamp as the light source. The research was carried out through an experimental design. Kangkung microgreen plants were placed under a T5 LED lamp, positioned 50 cm below the lamp’s surface, and connected to the voltage output supply from solar PV. The results showed that the average value of root growth rate was 26% per day, stem length growth rate was 26% per day, leaf width growth rate was 3.74% per day, leaf length growth rate was 23% per day, petiole length growth rate was 29% per day, the stem diameter growth rate is 4% per day, and the wet weight growth rate is 1.42% per day.

Characteristic Morphology and Biomass Production of Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Cultivar Gama Umami Under Teak Tree (Tectona grandis) Shade in Blora, Central Java

This study aims to determine the characteristic morphology and biomass production of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivar Gama Umami under teak tree (Tectona grandis) shade in teak tree forest area of Blora, Central Java. The grass was planted using stem cuttings and maintained for four months using the randomized block design (RBD) method with six repetitions in each treatment. This study consisted of two treatments, namely shade under teak tree stands and non-shade or open area as a control. Maintenance was carried out for 14 weeks with the addition of fertilizers, such as NPK (nitrogen, phosphor, and potassium) and urea. Parameters measured included plant height, leaf length, leaf width, first collar length, number of tiller, and stem diameter. After 14 weeks the plants were harvested, and biomass production data were obtained. The results showed that there were no differences in leaf length, leaf width, first collar length, number shoots, and stem diameter between under the shade and non-shade of teak trees. However, the plant height and biomass production of Napier grass cultivated in non-shade teak trees were higher than under the shade of teak trees. The finding showed that Napier grass cultivar Gama Umami could be cultivated under the shade of teak tree forest and introduce for silvopasture system in teak trees forest area.

Identifikasi Potensi Penambahan Limbah Batu Bara sebagai Penyedia Hara Pertumbuhan Tanaman Cabai

Fly ash as coal burning waste contains a variety of main compounds such as CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, MnO, Na2O, K2O and some heavy metals. The composition of each compound is different depending on the combustion condition parameters in the industry. Rice husk waste reaches 20-30% of the grain produced and has not been utilized optimally by farmers. Therefore, the use of a mixture of fly ash and husk requires further study as an innovative soil improvement product. The aim of this research is to identify the use of fly ash and rice husks as environmentally friendly soil amendments or fertilizers. Fly ash is mixed with organic components such as burnt husks, goat manure with different compositions. The product obtained is then placed in the soil of the chili plants using the method of spreading 0.5 g on 1.5 kg of soil. Tests were carried out both on the soil regarding the value of the degree of acidity and humidity and the growth of chili plants as indicators of the effect of adding fly ash on their growth. The results of fly ash waste can be used as a soil conditioner with a range of acidity between 6.5 to 8.5 fly ash with a nitrogen content of 0.49%, 0.18% phosphorus, 0.6% potassium with a carbon value of 6.9% and C/N ratio 14.08. These conditions are good for the soil for chili plants. The increase in height increases on days 1 to 9, while leaf width tends to remain constant on days 3 to 9. The results of this research contributes on the developing the use of fly ash in agriculture so that the absorption of fly ash waste can be done on a large scale.

The Effect of Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Kepok Banana Humps on Cayenne Pepper Plants' (Capsicum frutescens L.) Growth and Yield

The primary issue encountered in the cultivation of cayenne pepper is the low production levels attributed to the non-intensive cultivation system and poor soil fertility. Enhancing cultivation techniques, mainly through the application of liquid organic fertilizer derived from Kepok banana humps, has the potential to boost production yields. Kepok banana humps harbor microbes that aid in the decomposition of beneficial organic matter. The objective of this study is to assess the impact and optimal concentration of liquid organic fertilizer from Kepok banana humps on the growth and yield of cayenne pepper. Employing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications, the findings indicated that the utilization of liquid organic fertilizer from Kepok banana humps significantly influenced flowering age, harvest age, fruit weight per plant, and plant dry weight. At the same time, no notable effects were observed on plant height and leaf width. The most effective treatment was P3 (300 ml/plant), which yielded the most favorable outcomes across these parameters.

Increasing the Growth and Production of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L) by Providing Wood Biochar

The cultivation of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a significant aspect of horticultural production in Indonesia. However, the productivity of eggplant remains minimal due to inadequate cultivation practices. An encouraging approach involves utilizing wood biochar as a supplement to improve soil fertility and promote plant development. This study aimed to assess the impact of varying levels of wood biochar application on the development and productivity of eggplant. The study utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) to investigate the effects of four different treatments: no biochar, 50 g of biochar per polybag, 100 g of biochar per polybag, and 150 g of biochar per polybag. The findings indicated that the incorporation of wood biochar had a notable impact on the growth and yield of the plants, as evidenced by the increase in plant height, leaf width, fruit weight per fruit, number of fruits per plant, and fruit weight per plant. Among the different treatments, B3 exhibited the most favorable outcomes. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the various treatments (p < 0.05). In summary, using wood biochar has proven to successfully improve eggplant yield in Indonesian soil.

Organic amendment composition and sowing depth in coffee Arabica: Effects on seedling growth biometrics

There is a significant production of coffee in the Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia, which has could generate a huge amount of coffee husk wastes that have polluted the environment. However, organically enriching the soil is an effective method to enhance the development and productivity of coffee. Thus, this study aims to understand the effects of the interaction between sowing depth and organic amending practices. Three sowing depths and sixteen different organic amendment compositions were tested in a complete randomized design with three replications. Coffee seedling growth biometrics was measured, and R-program was used to calculate the statistical difference at a 5 % significance level. The organic amendment composition with 3:2:1 (topsoil: forest soil: sand) sown at a depth of 2 cm had statistically higher values of seedling stem height, leaf length, and taproot length by 82.82 %, 93.35 %, and 85.41 % than in the topsoil at a depth of 3 cm. Likewise, the main effect of organic amendment with 3:2:1 (topsoil: forest soil: sand) in internode length, number of nodes per seedling stem, number of true leaves per seedling, and leaf width were also higher by 70.42 %, 63.16 %, 92.23 % and 91.80 % than seedlings grown in topsoil solely. Interestingly, the days of 50 % emergence in 3:2:1 (ratio of topsoil: forest soil: sand) organic amendment composition were earlier by 62.11 days than using topsoil. This could be because of the accessibility of a significant quantity of organic carbon, primary macronutrients, alkaline nature of the growth media in addition to having low bulk and particle densities in the forest soil that could increase coffee seedling growth biometrics by improving soil porosity, aeration and nutrient uptake capacity, producing important soil microbes and neutralizing organic acids in comparison with the topsoil.

Unveiling enhanced photosynthesis in tetraploid sour jujube through transcriptome analysis

ABSTRACT Polyploidization, which can potentially impact phenotypic traits and photosynthetic performance of plants, is an important goal in breeding. In this study, diploid sour jujube and autotetraploid ‘W219’ were examined to understand the effects of polyploidization on photosynthesis. By comparing the phenotypic and photosynthetic differences between ‘W219’ and diploid sour jujube, it was found that ‘W219’ exhibited increased leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and plant height, as well as enhanced chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these variations, comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted between ‘W219’ and diploid, resulting in the identification of 2892 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 993 up-regulated and 1899 down-regulated in ‘W219’. GO enrichment analysis revealed that most DEGs were related to biological processes, primarily enriched in metabolic processes. Further KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant differences in photosynthetic pathways between ‘W219’ and diploid, mainly involving key processes such as photosystem II, photosynthetic electron transport, and chloroplast protein synthesis. This study revealed the internal mechanism of enhanced photosynthesis in autotetraploid sour jujube ‘W219’ through comprehensive analysis at the morphological, physiological, and transcriptomic levels, providing a basis for explaining its unique photosynthetic characteristics.

Identification and characterization of drought-tolerant rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes using morpho-physiological and biochemical traits

Drought stress is a major constraint and the primary cause of low rice production in rainfed ecosystems. The results obtained from the study revealed the existence of significant variation among all the genotypes studied for different physiological and biochemical parameters. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were wide-ranging, with traits like PC and grain yield showing higher values. Moderate to high heritability and genetic advance percentage of mean suggested the feasibility of selection for improved traits. The mean performance of genotypes revealed specific genotypes, such as Gin, excelling in root-related traits and filled grains per panicle. Leaf rolling and drying responses varied among genotypes, providing insights into drought tolerance. Positive correlations between grain yield and traits like flag leaf length, panicle length, and spikelet fertility were observed. Path coefficient analysis identified direct relationships between yield and traits such as flag leaf breadth, chlorophyll content, and root volume. So, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of genetic variability and trait relationships among rice genotypes, offering valuable insights for the selection of resilient varieties with improved root, shoot, and yield traits, particularly crucial for addressing drought stress.

Morphological characterization of Iris hymenospatha and Iris histrio populations in Iran: implications for conservation and breeding.

The native populations of Iris hymenospatha and Iris histrio, two endangered bulbous species within the large Iris genus in Iridaceae, are threatened with extinction due to mining and other industrial activities in their natural habitats in Central Asia, including Iran. These species not only have a significant economic impact on the global horticultural industry due to their versatility and attractive phenotypic traits, but also have significant ecological value that necessitates their conservation. In this study, we examined the morphological and functional diversity between individuals within these two species, which exhibit high tolerance to environmental stresses. Our study examined 10 populations of I. hymenospatha and two populations of I. histrio based on bulb, flower, and leaf characteristics throughout Iran. We recognized a gradation of five different leaf shapes among I. hymenospatha populations with significant differences between some populations, including "Arak-Khomain" and "Arak-Gerdo". The "Jaro", "Natanz-Karkas", "Ardestan-Taleghan", "Arak-Rahjerd", "Arak-Gerdo", "Ganjnameh", and "Abas-Abad" populations of I. hymenospatha displayed maximal values in leaf width, stem diameter under flower, crown diameter, flower number, leaf number, and bulb diameter. The I. histrio "Velian" population had a significantly larger flower size, a longer stem length, a larger style width, a longer flowering date, and a higher plant height compared to the "Ganjnameh" population of I. histrio. Such characteristics of both species make them remarkable ornamental plants. Our study also revealed that I. hymenospatha populations grow on different soils and elevations and have the ability to adapt to different growing conditions. Given the threats they face, conservation through horticultural selection and propagation offers a viable conservation strategy for both species. This approach not only preserves the genetic diversity of these species, but also enables their further contribution to the horticultural industry.

RESPON TANAMAN PAKCOY (Brassica rapa L.) TERHADAP PEMBERIAN SERBUK KAYU DAN PUPUK PETRORGANIK

One effort that can be made to improve soil fertility is by providing rich and petroganic powders. This research aims to determine the growth response of pakcoy plants to a combination of wood dust and petrorganic fertilizer treatments. This research was carried out from April to July 2023 in Sumber Rejeki Village, Merauke. This research used a randomized block design. The variables observed were plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, and wet weight. The results of the research showed that the combination of sawdust and petroganic treatments had a different effect on each variable of pakcoy plant growth. The highest treatment on the plant height variable was obtained in the treatment without rich powder + 1 t.ha-1 petroganic fertilizer, the number of leaves in the sawdust treatment was 20 t.ha-1 + 3 t.ha-1 petroganic fertilizer, the leaf length was found in the treatment without wood dust + petroganic fertilizer 1 t.ha-1, leaf width was found in the treatment without sawdust + petroganic fertilizer 1 t.ha-1 and wet weight was found in the wood powder treatment 10 t.ha-1 + petroganic fertilizer 3 t.ha-1.

Effects of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Establishment of Papaya (Carica papaya) Cv. Pusa Nanha

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an economically significant tropical fruit, but its cultivation is often hindered by low seed germination rates and poor seedling vigor. The present study aims to investigate the effects of different Plant Growth Regulator on seed germination, seedling growth and establishment of papaya (Carica papaya) Cv. Pusa Nanha. at The Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, during the period 2023-24. The experiment was laid in completely randomized block design with three replications and ten treatment combinations. viz, T0 (Control), T1 (NAA 100ppm), T2 (NAA 150ppm), T3 (NAA 200ppm), T4 (GA3 100ppm), T5 (GA3 150ppm),T6 (GA3 200 ppm), T7 (IAA 100ppm), T8 (IAA 150ppm), T9 (IAA 200ppm). Seeds were soaked in respective PGR solutions for 12 hours before sowing and various parameters related to Germination Parameters, Growth Parameters, Survival and Establishment were evaluated. On the basis of present experimental findings, it is concluded that treatmentT6(GA3 200ppm) performed best in term of Germination percentage (100%), Seedling vigour index (823.33), Number of leaves (10.00), Plant height (16.83 cm), Chlorophyll content (41.30 SPAD value) and stem girth (0.56 cm) Whereas T2 (NAA 150ppm) performed best in term of Leaf length (8.83 cm), Leaf width (8.50 cm), Leaf area (59.53 cm2) and Establishment Percentage (82.20%). The lowest observation was recorded in T0 (Control). These findings suggest that specific PGR treatments can substantially enhance the germination and growth parameters of papaya seedlings, potentially leading to improved crop yields.

Effect of Potting Mixture and Polybag Size on Growth and Flowering of Asiatic Lily (Lilium asiaticum var. Nashville) under Protected Condition

An experiment on recognizing the significance of cultivating lilies under polyhouse conditions, this study contributes the valuable insights to the cultivation practices of Asiatic lilies, focusing on the pivotal roles of potting mixture composition and polybag size. Healthy bulbs of each cultivar were freshly planted in various media compositions in different polybag size within a protected environment. From the present investigation, it is concluded that the treatment 12 x 12 polybag size combined with Garden soil + Vermicompost + Cocopeat (1:1:2) was found in superior among other treatments in terms of plant height (69.30cm), leaf length (8.60 cm), leaf width (3.03 cm), number of flower buds/plant (4.60), days to appearance of first flower bud (40.10), flower bud length (8.43 cm), stalk length (68.15 cm), weight of bulb per plant (64.75g), self life of flower spike (15.22 days), number of flowers per 250 m2 (10032.75). The study concluded that, the lilies readily respond to various medium for cultivation and 12 x 12 Polybag combined with potting mixture Garden soil + Vermicompost + Cocopeat (1:1:2) observed to be the best for plant growth and flowering of Asiatic lily under protected condition.

Research on the Effects of the Relationship between Agronomic Traits and Dwarfing Genes on Yield in Colored Wheat.

This research focuses on 72 approved varieties of colored wheat from different provinces in China. Utilizing coefficients of variation, structural equation models, and correlation analyses, six agronomic traits of colored wheat were comprehensively evaluated, followed by further research on different dwarfing genes in colored wheat. Using the entropy method revealed that among the 72 colored wheat varieties, 10 were suitable for cultivation. Variety 70 was the top-performing variety, with a comprehensive index of 87.15%. In the final established structural equation model, each agronomic trait exhibited a positive direct effect on yield. Notably, plant height, spike length, and flag leaf width had significant impacts on yield, with path coefficients of 0.55, 0.40, and 0.27. Transcriptome analysis and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validation were used to identify three dwarfing genes controlling plant height: Rht1, Rht-D1, and Rht8. Subsequent RT-qPCR validation clustering heatmap results indicated that Rht-D1 gene expression increased with the growth of per-acre yield. Rht8 belongs to the semi-dwarf gene category and has a significant positive effect on grain yield. However, the impact of Rht1, as a dwarfing gene, on agronomic traits varies. These research findings provide crucial references for the breeding of new varieties.

Genetic Mapping for Leaf Shape and Leaf Size in Non-Heading Chinese Cabbage by a RIL Population

Leaves are the predominant photosynthetic and edible organs in non-heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis, NHCC), contributing significantly to yield, appearance, and desirability to consumers. However, the genetic basis of leaf shape and size in non-heading Chinese cabbage remains unclear. In this study, we developed a RIL population using ‘Maertou’, with slender leaves and narrow petioles, and ‘Suzhouqing’, with oval leaves and wide petioles, to construct a genetic linkage map and detect QTLs. To obtain stable and reliable QTLs, the 11 leaf-related traits, including the leaf length, leaf width, and fresh weight of the lamina and petiole and the thickness of petiole was observed on two locations—while the leaf shape, petiole shape, index of lamina/petiole length, and index of petiole fresh weight were calculated based on 7 leaf-related traits. QTL mapping illustrated that a total of 27 QTLs for leaf-related traits were preliminarily detected. The candidate genes were annotated and several genes involved in leaf development and leaf shape appeared in the overlapping regions of multiple loci, such as KRP2, GRF4, ARGOS, and SAUR9. This study lays the foundation for further exploration of the genetic mechanisms and development of effective molecular markers for leaf shape and size in NHCC.

Organ Segmentation and Phenotypic Trait Extraction of Cotton Seedling Point Clouds Based on a 3D Lightweight Network

Cotton is an important economic crop; therefore, enhancing cotton yield and cultivating superior varieties are key research priorities. The seedling stage, a critical phase in cotton production, significantly influences the subsequent growth and yield of the crop. Therefore, breeding experts often choose to measure phenotypic parameters during this period to make breeding decisions. Traditional methods of phenotypic parameter measurement require manual processes, which are not only tedious and inefficient but can also damage the plants. To effectively, rapidly, and accurately extract three-dimensional phenotypic parameters of cotton seedlings, precise segmentation of phenotypic organs must first be achieved. This paper proposes a neural network-based segmentation algorithm for cotton seedling organs, which, compared to the average precision of 75.4% in traditional unsupervised learning, achieves an average precision of 96.67%, demonstrating excellent segmentation performance. The segmented leaf and stem point clouds are used for the calculation of phenotypic parameters such as stem length, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area. Comparisons with actual measurements yield coefficients of determination R2 of 91.97%, 90.97%, 92.72%, and 95.44%, respectively. The results indicate that the algorithm proposed in this paper can achieve precise segmentation of stem and leaf organs, and can efficiently and accurately extract three-dimensional phenotypic structural information of cotton seedlings. In summary, this study not only made significant progress in the precise segmentation of cotton seedling organs and the extraction of three-dimensional phenotypic structural information, but the algorithm also demonstrates strong applicability to different varieties of cotton seedlings. This provides new perspectives and methods for plant researchers and breeding experts, contributing to the advancement of the plant phenotypic computation field and bringing new breakthroughs and opportunities to the field of plant science research.

Clonal Transgenerational Effects of Parental Grazing Environment on Offspring Shade Avoidance

Grassland plants that endure livestock grazing exhibit a dwarf phenotype, which can be transmitted to clonal offspring. Yet to date, it remains poorly understood whether such transgenerational dwarf effects alter the plants’ response to shade. Here, we conducted a common garden experiment under sunlight and shade conditions with clonal Leymus chinensis offspring, the parents of which had endured livestock overgrazing (OG) and non-grazing (NG) in the field, respectively. Plant morphological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses were carried out. The results indicated that NG offspring showed greater shade avoidance than OG offspring. That is, NG offspring exhibited greater plasticity of vegetative height and leaf width, which may be contributed to their greater photosynthetic capacity and gibberellin (GA3) content compared with OG offspring when treated with shade. In addition, RNA-Seq profiling showed that differentially expressed genes in NG offspring were mainly enriched in RNA modification and metabolic processes, which facilitated rapid response to shade. Phytochrome interacting factors (PIFs) promoted downstream shade marker genes in NG offspring by significantly downregulating the expression of PHYC, SPY, and DELLA. Our findings suggest that light conditions should be taken into account to better understand transgenerational dwarf effects induced by livestock grazing on grassland ecosystems. These results provide new insights into the inducible factors of phenotypic variations in grassland plants that experience grazing.