The study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture in Dicle University, Southeast Anatolia, Türkiye, during the 2023 growing season to estimate heterosis, heterobeltiosis, and dominance for phenological, leaf, and plant traits in F₁ hybrids from desi × kabuli and kabuli × kabuli chickpea crosses. In 2022, 2 desi (Black, ICCV 10) and 3 kabuli (Azkan, ILC 533, ILC 482) chickpea varieties were crossed, producing 10 hybrids and 5 parents evaluated in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Significant variation was found among genotypes for all traits. Days to first flowering ranged from 55.7 to 69.0 d, with Azkan having late flowering. Kabuli parents also generally showed larger plant and leaflet size than desi types. Negative heterosis for early flowering was observed in 4 hybrids, with Black × Azkan showing the highest negative heterobeltiosis (−17.39%). Over-dominance (dominance estimates [DE] = 1.61 to 5.79) was detected for days to first flowering. For plant height, Black × Azkan showed the strongest negative heterosis (−20.64%) and heterobeltiosis (−28.78%). Leaflet traits varied widely, with positive heterosis for number of leaflets per leaf (2.02% to 68.70%) in 5 hybrids. Promising chickpea hybrids were obtained for early flowering, short plant height, and large leaf size, which may inform breeding programs aimed at enhancing chickpea yield potential and adaptability.

Pterogyne (Fabaceae) is a monospecific genus of trees native to South America. Its sole species, P. nitens, was described by Tulasne in 1843, in reference to its winged fruit and shiny leaflets, with no subsequent taxonomic studies published since. The species is distributed across the Caatinga, semideciduous Atlantic Forest and Gran Chaco, where it favors drier climates and is commonly found in second-growth forests. These trees can reach over 35 m tall and are characterized by leaves ranging from paripinnate to imparipinnate, adaxially glossy leaflets, and axillary fascicles of racemes bearing numerous small, pentamerous, yellow flowers. The fruit is a brown samara with a single well-developed wing. Given the lack of taxonomic studies and the intense morphological plasticity of the genus varying in number, shape and size of leaflets, types of inflorescences, and fruit shapes and sizes, we refined the taxonomic circumscription and describe the phenotypical plasticity of Pterogyne, based on fieldwork in Brazil and analysis of 462 herbarium specimens. Our data, drawn from ecological, geographical, and morphological evidence, support the genus as monospecific and include a more complete description with newly documented morphological traits, as well as preliminary conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC). Notable findings include the andromonoecious inflorescences—a rare condition in Fabaceae—and a correlation between pubescence density and wetter climates, which may suggest an ongoing speciation process. We provided a detailed description of the genus, along with an illustration, photographs, distribution maps, and a nomenclatural treatment that includes a lectotypification, accompanied by a discussion of all new data gathered in this study.

Echocardiographic and Pathophysiologic Insights Into Mitral Regurgitation, Mitral Annular Disjunction, and Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Mitral Valve Prolapse.

This study evaluated the morphological and physiological traits of 29 lanzones (Lansium domesticum) accessions from four varieties: ‘Longkong’, ‘Duku’, ‘Mindanao’, and ‘Paete’. Most accessions exhibited verticillate and irregular branching, except ‘Longkong 3’, ‘Longkong 4’, and ‘Mindanao 1’, which showed pyramidal forms. All accessions had elliptic leaflets with broadly acuminate tips and cuneate bases, though leaflet size and area varied due to environmental factors such as light, soil type, and water availability. ‘Longkong’ accessions had the highest chlorophyll content, indicating greater photosynthetic efficiency and growth potential. In fruit morphology, ‘Duku’ produced the heaviest bunches, while ‘Longkong’ had more compact clusters. Taste differences were also observed, with ‘Paete’ being sweet to sour while ‘Longkong’ and ‘Duku’ mainly sweet. Significant variation occurred in fruit size, weight, peel thickness, aril characteristics, seed number, and total soluble solids. These variations are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including parthenocarpy, apomixis, and natural hybridization. While vegetative traits were mostly similar, differences in physiological and fruit traits provide essential information for cultivar improvement and enhanced lanzones production.

Background and aims – Chamaedorea is the largest genus of neotropical palms distributed mainly in lowland rainforests and montane cloud forests from Mexico to Bolivia. Species delimitation in this genus remains problematic due to high morphological variation and inconsistent taxonomic treatment of such variation. Chamaedorea elatior , a climbing species from southern Mexico and northern Central America, exemplifies these challenges with several historical synonyms and informally recognized morphotypes. This study evaluates the morphological variation in vegetative characters between this species’ most characteristic two morphotypes, cespitose and solitary, to evaluate their taxonomic distinctiveness. Material and methods – Six populations of C. elatior were sampled in Mexico and Guatemala, representing both solitary and cespitose morphotypes. Thirteen morphological leaf characters were measured from mature individuals. Data were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses (NMDS, k -means clustering, PCA, MANOVA, LDA) to evaluate morphological variation between the morphotypes and populations. Discriminant analyses were also used to assess classification into either morphotype. Key results – Univariate analyses revealed significant differences between morphotypes in most measured characters, mainly those associated with leaf size. Similarity analyses recovered both morphotypes as being distinct from each other. PCA showed notable separation of the morphotypes along the first component that summarized leaf and median leaflet size. Both MANOVA and LDA confirmed significant differences between morphotypes and resulted in high accuracy classification. Conclusion – Leaf morphology clearly distinguishes the solitary and cespitose morphotypes of C. elatior , supporting their potential delimitation as separate species. The branching habit of the cespitose form further reinforces this distinction. While current results support species-level recognition, additional evidence from reproductive characters, niche, and genetic divergence is recommended to confirm a possible species delimitation.

ABSTRACT A detailed study of the key characters employed in distinguishing Rhynchosia meeboldii from R. harae has led to the conclusion that the two taxa are conspecific and the two names are to be considered as heterotypic synonyms, the binomial R. harae having nomenclatural priority. This new synonym is supported by a detailed comparison of taxonomic features and other morphological evidence, as well as the distribution areas of the putative taxa. Furthermore, the study confirms that morphological traits of size and thickness of leaflets, apex of calyx lobes and hairs are critical for the identification of this species complex.

A new species, Tetrataenium manilalianum C.Rekha, Amruth., Manudev and Sujana sp. nov. (Apiaceae) is described from Kerala, India. The new species appears to be similar to T. sprengelianum (Wight and Arn.) Manden., but it differs in several morphological features, including plant height, leaf and leaflet size and shape, number and size of rays, indumentum of bracts and bracteoles, flower number, size and shape of fruits, etc. A detailed description and diagnostic morphological characters of the newly described species are provided, along with photographs, a distribution map, phenology and habitat.

BSA-seq and fine mapping revealed a 294kb deletion on chromosome 9 regulating leaflet size and biomass in pigeonpea. Leaf size critically influences photosynthetic capacity, impacting organic matter production and biomass yield. This study reports the identification and characterization of a small leaflet mutant (sl1) in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) generated via aerial mutagenesis. Compared to the wild-type Qiongzhong, sl1 displayed significantly reduced leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, and biomass, characteristic of a dwarf phenotype. Genetic analysis confirmed a single recessive locus controlling the sl1 phenotype. Bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) and fine mapping identified the causal mutation as a 294kb deletion encompassing 21 genes onchromosome 9. Transcriptomic analysis identified 1,039 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), indicating disruptions in, among others, plant hormone signaling pathways. Analysis of 28 target plant hormone metabolites revealed significant shifts in sl1 mutant compared to wild-type, including increased levels of strigolactone, methyl indole-3-acetate, and trans-zeatin-riboside, and decreases in gibberellin A3, N6-isopentenyladenine, and methyl jasmonate. Cytological analysis revealed a decreased cell number in sl1 leaves, contributing to the reduced leaflet size. Three candidate genes, CC09g01700, CC09g01705, and CC09g01707, within the deleted region were prioritized based on their altered expression patterns and their putative roles in leaf development. These findings elucidate the genetic regulation of leaf morphology and biomass in pigeonpea, offering potential targets for marker-assisted selection to enhance pigeonpea yield.

On farm trails were conducted on walnut propagation using two different types of scion woods for maximum graft take percentage under both polyhouse as well as in open field conditions during the year 2023 & 2024 at different locations viz on farm as well as farmers field. Two different types viz terminal and basal portions were used for grafting at different levels of timings viz 1st, 2nd week of February in 2X2 factorial CRBD under polyhouse and repeated at 3rd week of Feb. and 1st week of march in 2x 2 factorial RCBD under open field conditions with three replications to standardize portion of scion wood for maximum scion take percentage and feasible timing for walnut propagation in District Ganderbal (J&K). Terminal scion wood in grafting under polyhouse conditions revealed maximum scion take (68.75%) and scion sprouting (63.12%) respectively, whereas type of basal scion wood in grafting recorded scion-take (60.23%), scion sprouting (52.84%) however significantly more than field conditions. Whereas interaction between methods x timings revealed type of terminal scion wood grafting in 2nd week of February showed maximum scion take (73.19%) and scion sprouting(68.90%) significantly higher than First week of February (64.32%) scion take and (57.34%) scion sprouting under Polyhouse conditions. Graft success under open field conditions at interaction of terminal scion wood x first week of march showed significantly higher scion take(63.78%) and scion sprouting (56.98%) comparatively higher than basal type of scion wood grafting at first week of march recorded minimum scion take (59.67%) and scion sprouting (51.89%). Vegetative growth viz. stem diameter (3.69 mm), No. of leaves (4.31), leaflet size (40.66 cm2), plant height (18.80 cm), were significantly influenced in walnut grafts under polyhouse conditions The results indicate that walnut grafting while using terminal type of scion wood could be economically feasible for vegetative propagation. Wedge Grafting using terminal portion of scion wood performed in 2nd week of February under polyhouse conditions was observed most suitable procedure to propagate walnuts at mass scale under climatic conditions of District Ganderbal. Bud wood taken from selected variety were distributed among progressive walnut nurserymen for successful scion take percentage in second year under front line demonstrations.

This study evaluated the effects of soil and hydroponic cultivation on the growth, yield, and quality parameters of Hana strawberry plants (Fragaria vesca L.). In the hydroponics method, four nutrient solutions were used: an inorganic Hydro Umat F solution, two types of organic solutions (fish-based soluble fertilizer and Vermicompost soluble fertilizer), and a combination of organic and inorganic nutrients (Hydro Umat F solution and Banana soluble fertilizer in a 1:1 ratio). TN1 substrate was combined with additional fertilization of fish- based soluble fertilizer, which was used in the experiment of growing plants in soil. The results showed that hydroponic cultivation using the Hydro Umat F solution promoted better growth than the other three nutrient solutions, and soil. Specifically, strawberry plants grown in the Hydro Umat F solution had the highest number of leaves per plant, stolons per plant and the largest leaflet size in the experimental groups. Conversely, soil cultivation resulted in higher yield and quality of Hana strawberries, as indicated by parameters such as the number of flowers per plant (29.67) flowers, the number of fruits per plant (20.08) fruits, fruiting rate (67.69)%, fresh weight of fruit (16.25 g), vitamin C content (66.7) mg.100g-1 fresh weigh, total organic acid content (159.31) mg.100g-1 fresh weight and sweetness index (11.08) oBrix. The results also showed that hydroponic cultivation with organic solutions reduced the growth and yield of Hana strawberry plants compared to inorganic solutions.

DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) characterization is a critical process in the identification and registration of new plant varieties, ensuring their uniqueness, consistency, and reproducibility. In lentil (Lens culinaris), the Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) characterization is vital in plant breeding, ensuring new varieties have unique, consistent, and stable traits. This characterization protects breeders' intellectual property, supports varietal registration, and aids in efficient crop improvement. The present study was carried out to characterize the twenty-eight lentil genotypes on the basis of thirteen DUS characters following the guidelines from Plant Protection of Varieties and Farmer’s Right Authority, GOI. The experimental material was planted in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications during Rabi 2022 and 2023. No variation was observed for two traits viz., flowering and leaf pubescence, whereas rest of the characters showed the variation in lentil genotypes. The cotyledon colour of four genotypes was yellow and remaining 24 genotypes showed orange cotyledon colour. Foliage intensity of green colour, leaflet size (length), Plant growth habit, flower colour, seed size and seed testa colour showed trimorphic variation while stem anthocyanin, Plant height, Pod anthocyanin colouration, Seed testa mottling and Cotyledon colour showed dimorphic variation. This study on lentil genotypes revealed significant genetic diversity in agro-morphological traits, supporting variety registration under the PPV & FR Act. The insights gained enrich lentil breeding programs, fostering advancements in trait selection, molecular breeding, and variety improvement.

Investigation of the genetic potential of chickpeas is crucial in order to achieve durable and high-yielding genotypes. The goal of this study is to identify the genetic potential and personality traits associated. Evaluation of thirty-six desi genotypes of chickpea under late sown condition revealed that substantial degree of variation was present, while three traits viz., Leaf pattern, flower colour, seed shape and plant pigmentation were found monomorphic, whereas foliage colour, seed surface were dimorphic,polymorphic traits were noted in leaflet size, plant growth habit, plant height, seed colouring, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. Magnitude of genotypic coefficient ofvariations, high heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of mean recorded forharvest index, number of seeds per plant, number of pods per plant and number of effective pods per plant.Correlation and path analysis revealed biological yield, 100 seed weight, seed per plant, harvest Index and plant height are the mostimportant characters,while imparting selection as these exhibited strong association and maximum positive direct effects on seed yield per plant.Intra cluster D2 values showed that most diverse genotypes were Phule G13110 and PG 0104, hybridization program between these genotypes may generate desirable sergeants for various yield attributing traits. Genotypes GL 12021, PG 158, PG 0104, JG 24, H 12-62, IPC 2010-134, GNG 2261, GL29098, BG 3067, IPC 2012-98, Phule G13110 and RVSSG 38 were present in more than one PCs hence contributed maximum towards yield and can be used in various breeding programmes for yield improvement under late sown condition.

Leaflet augmentation is often required to correct an inadequate leaflet size due to leaflet thickening, contracture and junctional fusion in patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) after left-side valve surgery (LSVS). However, the ideal material for leaflet augmentation remains controversial. This article aims to compare the medium- and long-term results of tricuspid valve repair with bovine pericardium (BP) and expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) patches for the augmentation of tricuspid leaflets and to compare the durability of the two materials. From January 2015 to April 2023, a total of 69 patients with severe isolated TR underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty (TVP) by leaflets augmentation with patches in our institute. According to the different types of patches, they were divided into the BP group (n = 44) and the ePTFE group (n = 25). There were 3 perioperative deaths (4.3%), one case was due to low cardiac output syndrome in the BP group, and 2 cases were due to acute respiratory dysfunction syndrome and low cardiac output syndrome in the ePTFE group, respectively. Before discharge, the area of the TR jet on echocardiography decreased from 23.5 9.1 to 4.2 3.4 . One case in each group was found to have increased blood flow velocity at the tricuspid orifice. After discharge, one patient in each group underwent repeat TVP, in the BP group because of shortened chordae and in the ePTFE group because of calcification of the patch. During the entire follow-up period, there were 7 cases of severe TR (10.1%), 5 in the BP group and 2 in the ePTFE group, a total of 5 cases of tricuspid stenosis (7.2%), 4 in the BP group and 1 in the ePTFE group, and a total of 6 deaths (8.7%), 5 in the BP group and 1 in the ePTFE group. Transthoracic ultrasound in a patient with tricuspid stenosis suggests stiff leaflet movement and poor motion. Leaflet patch enlargement can be safely used in tricuspid valve repair, but BP patches carry a risk of reduced flexibility and stiffness of movement, and ePTFE patches carries a risk of calcification.

AimsAdequate differentiation of calcifications in contrast-enhanced CT scans remains difficult to assess TAVI parameters. The size of the aortic leaflets has not been taken into account so far in present studies. The aim of our study was to establish a new method for optimized quantification of the aortic valve calcification degree in contrast-enhanced CT scans for better preoperative prediction of postoperative paravalvular leak after TAVI.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively analyzed preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans of patients who underwent TAVI in our institution between 2014 and 2017. Calcium volume was quantified by a method using contrast enhanced computer tomography (3mensio-Structural Heart-7.2 software) with different iodine contents for better discrimination of contrast agent from calcium and by an individually set Houndsfield Unit (HU) threshold with 50HU above the individually determined reference value. Calcium volume was correlated with surface area of each aortic cusp. Perioperative variables were analyzed. All patients (n = 150) with severe aortic stenosis were treated with TAVI implantation. Overall incidence of postoperative trace to moderate PVL was 37%. The amount of calcium correlated with the incidence of PVL. In a logistic regression analysis total volume of calcification (p = .032) as well as calcification of each aortic cusp (NC_p = .001; RC_p < .001; LC_p = .001) were independent predictors.ConclusionsCalcification degree as well as its correlation with the surface area of each aortic cusp significantly influence incidence of PVL. Our new method improves preoperative quantification of the calcification degree by use of contrast agents with different iodine contents and thereby helps to improve patients' outcomes.

vetch), which has been collected from the Karakoçan district (Elazığ-Türkiye), has been defined as new subspecies for the scientific world. New subspecies; it differs from the typical subspecies primarily in terms of indumentum characteristics, large plant size, leaf and leaflet sizes, inflorescence features, inflorescence/leaf length ratio, flower parts and seed sizes.Vicia freyniana subsp. gigantea grows mostly in oak forest shades and sometimes in oak forest openings. This newly defined subspecies; description, ecological preferences, distribution map and photographs were given.

Assessments of the severity of scab (Venturia effusa), an economically significant disease of pecan, are critical for determining pecan cultivar susceptibility, disease epidemiology, and integrated disease management approaches. We developed a standard area diagram (SAD) set to aid in assessments of pecan leaflet scab. Leaflets with scab lesions were harvested and scanned using a flatbed scanner at 600 dpi, and Fiji (ImageJ) was used to determine the actual percent disease severity. The SADs had 10 leaflets ranging in severity from 0.2 to 48.9%. Forty "small" (1.34 to 7.43 cm2) and 40 "large" (7.67 to 25.9 cm2) leaflet images were randomized for rater assessments. The images were assessed twice by 36 raters, first without and then with the SADs as a guide. Data were subjected to analysis using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (LCC, pc) to determine the accuracy of ratings and by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis to determine interrater reliability. The effects of rater experience, rater location, and leaflet size were also determined. The SADs significantly improved the agreement between raters and the actual values (LCC, pc = 0.70 and 0.84 without and with the SADs, respectively). The reliability of estimates was improved (ICC = 0.54 and 0.82 without and with the SADs, respectively). The effect of rater location on overall concordance was significant without and with the SADs based on an analysis of variance using a generalized linear model and lsmeans separation (P < 0.05). A generalized linear mixed model analysis revealed that there was a significant interaction between rater location, experience, and the use of the SADs, with some raters having greater improvement in generalized bias and concordance. Raters had a significantly better accuracy when rating "small" leaves (LCC, pc = 0.86) compared with "large" leaves (LCC, pc = 0.82) when using the SADs, highlighting the impact of psychophysics on field evaluations of plant disease severity. The proposed SADs will serve as an improved tool for performing pecan leaflet scab assessments by the pecan research community.

The present investigation was planned to evaluate seventy broad bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes for various yield and yield contributing traits. The experiment was carried out in the experimental field of Division of Vegetable Science during the year Rabi 2021-2022 and Rabi 2022-2023 in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, consisting of three rows of each genotypes in each replication at a spacing of 45cm×30cm. Observations were recorded on traits viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, leaflet size, number of branches per plant, number of flowers per cluster, number of pods per cluster, plant height, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, average pod weight, 100-seed weight , seed yield and pod yield per plant. The analysis of variance revealed mean sum of squares due to genotypes was significant for all the traits that were studied, indicating the presence of sufficient variability among the genotypes. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits studied, indicating the role of environment in the expression of traits under observation. The overall mean performance depicted sufficient amount of variation in the available germplasm. Based on the mean performance of all the genotypes for various traits studied, genotypes viz., L. Selection, SK-BB-2, 225620, SK-B-4, SK-BB-3, SK-BB-7, NBPGR-909 and KD-4 were found superior in terms of pod yield per plant andshould be used infurther breeding programmes.

Smallholder sago plantations generally use simple technology, resulting in the determination of harvest time based solely on the physical appearance of plants. This study aims to identify the agronomic characteristics of sago that influence starch yield. The research was conducted on smallholder sago plantations, and samples of sago plants were collected at four harvest phases based on local customs: Dewasa, Jantung, Rusa, and Bunga. Observations on agronomic characteristics included the number of suckers, plant height, pith diameter, number of leaves, number of leaf scars, number of leaflets, leaflet length, and leaflet width. ANOVA and multiple comparisons were utilized to identify differences between treatments in starch yield. Regression analysis was employed to establish the relationship between starch yield and agronomic characteristics, while path analysis determined the direct/indirect effects of agronomic characteristics on starch yield. The results indicated that the optimal harvest time is during the Jantung and Rusa phases. The agronomic components that significantly influence sago starch yield are pith diameter and leaf scars. According to the coefficient of determination value, the production model can be expressed as Y = -63.26 + 2.44x1 (R2=37%). To enhance starch yield, it is crucial to improve plant spacing. When the plant spacing is too close, with a population density exceeding 200 clumps/ha, overlapping leaves occur, negatively impacting sago starch formation. This negative effect intensifies with an increase in the number of leaves and the size of leaflets in terms of length and width. Keywords: sago plantations, agronomic characteristics, harvest time determination, starch yield, smallholder agriculture

A new species, Astragalus roseocephalus sp. nov., is described and illustrated. It is known from Islamabad Capital Territory (Margalla hills), Rawalpindi district, Hazara and Kashmir. It belongs to Astragalus section Poliothrix Bunge. Morphologically, it is closely related to Astragalus leucocephalus Benth., but differs in height, presence of connate stipules, opposed to free lateral stipules in A. leucocephalus, stipule shape, leaf length, leaflet size, number, arrangement and shape, peduncle length, corolla colour, size and shape of standard, fruit shape and number of seeds. In addition, anatomy, pollen morphology, distribution and conservation status of the new species are discussed.

Paubrasilia echinata (common names, pau brasil, brazilwood) is the national tree of Brazil and an endangered species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Over its wide distribution of 2000 km, its leaflets morphology exhibits extensive plasticity. Three morphotypes are commonly identified based on leaf size, but it is unclear if they represent distinct taxa or a single polymorphic species. This study aims to clarify the taxonomic position of the three morphotypes to inform conservation decisions. A morphometric study of leaf characters of herbarium specimens was coupled with genetic analyses using genotype-by-sequencing data. We used maximum-likelihood and coalescent methods to evaluate the phylogenetic and population structure of the species. We compared these with a morphological dendrogram built from hierarchical clustering. Two of the three morphotypes formed separately evolving lineages, the third morphotype formed two geographically separate lineages, and northern trees with intermediate leaf morphology formed a separate fifth lineage. Leaflet size varied by over 35-fold, and although morphological clustering generally matched the genetic patterns, there were some overlaps, highlighting the cryptic diversity within this group. Our genetic and morphological results provide some evidence that cultivated trees from different states in Brazil seem to have a limited genetic origin and do not reflect the broader genetic and geographical diversity of the species. As a result, more care is likely needed to preserve the overall genomic diversity of this endangered and iconic species.