Inflorescence Length Research Articles

Selection of productive hybrid oil flax plants by methods of multivariate analysis

Use of computer technology allows to quickly analyze and use subject, technological, analytical and other information. Biometric statistics in plant breeding is aimed at optimizing (increasing efficiency, reliability, acceleration and cheapening) the process of breeding varieties of agricultural crops. Therefore, creation and study of new varieties of oil flax requires widespread introduction of modern computer information technologies that provide information support of the breeding process at all its stages. Methods of multi-criteria mathematical statistics - factor and cluster analyses - were used in the studies for a comprehensive assessment of hybrid populations of oil flax by productivity elements (plant height, technical length, inflorescence length, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, number of seeds in a box, weight of 100 seeds, and oil content in seeds). Effectiveness of selection of hybrids of the third cycle of breeding has been evaluated, and also the distinctive features of hybrid combinations in a number of generations have been established. As a result of selection and technological cycle of the analysis, 31 highly productive hybrids (or 6.9%) were identified for further reproduction. Despite the high level of the breeding differential determined in hybrid combinations during the F2-F3 generation change, their response to traits based selection according to “number of seeds in a box” and “weight of 100 seeds” was weak, and selection by the number of boxes and seeds from the plant turned out to be ineffective. The selection method used makes it possible to cull low-yielding plants that have fallen into the worst groups of clusters. Culling by the method of multidimensional analysis should be used in later generations (fourth-fifth cycle of selection) as homozygosity of traits is established.

Effect of Humic Acid, Gibberellin and Tryptophan on The Growth and Flowering Characteristics of Goldenrods Plant Tolidago Canadensis

The experiment was conducted in high school of Al-Hilla agricultural for the summer and autumn season 2020 to study the effect of humic acid and foliar application of gibberellin and tryptophan acid on the growth of the goldenrods plant resulting from the cultivation of solidago candasis which took it from residues of plant seeds growing. However, the first factor was humic acid, plants treated with humic acid were (H0 control, H1=5 ml/L), the second factor was the foliar application of gibberellin acid with the two levels (G1=100 mg/liter, G2=200 mg/L) and third factor was tryptophan acid with two three levels (T0=without treated, T1=100 mg/L, T2=150 mg/L). The experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment (2×3×3) with split-plot design according to the randomized complete blocks design (R.C.B.D) with three replicates. The results showed that humic acid fertilization improved the studied characteristics of the goldenrods plant. While treatment with gibberellin acid at concentration of 100 mg/liter due to improve the number of branches, leaf area and the number of inflorescences and the percentage of carbohydrates, whereas, treatment with concentration of 200 mg/liter leds to improve of plant height, length of inflorescence and vase life. As for the treatment with tryptophan acid, the concentration 150 mg/L improved all the studied parameters.

Enhancement of Growth, Flowering and Corm Freesia Hybrida Plant via Rice Organic Residue Application and Chelated Zinc Spray

A pot trial was conducted to identify the effect of adding rice organic residues (ROR) to the potting soil and spraying chelated zinc (CZn) on the growth, flowering, and corm characteristics of the Freesia hybrida plant. An RCBD experiment was adopted with two factors and three replicates. ROR comprised three levels (0, 4, and 8%), and CZn included three concentrations (0, 20, and 40) mg.L−1. The findings revealed that applying ROR at 8% and spraying CZn at 20 mg.L−1 significantly increased leaf number, shoot dry weight, total chlorophyll content in fresh leaves, and total soluble carbohydrate content in dry leaves (6.66 leaves. plant−1, 8.76 g DW, 48.79 mg.100 g−1 FW, and 1.50 g DW) respectively. Also, the same treatment combination realized significant results for the number of florets per inflorescence, floret diameter, floret vase life, number of corms per plant, and corm diameter by (12.85 florets. inflorescence−1, 7.03 cm, 8 days, 3.66 corms. plant−1, and 2.33 cm) consecutively. Further, adding ROR at 8% and spraying CZn at 40 mg.L−1 significantly increased the number of inflorescences (5.33 inflorescences. plant−1) and inflorescence length (39.10 cm).

Allometry Between Vegetative and Reproductive Traits in Orchids.

In flowering plants, inflorescence characteristics influence both seed set and pollen contribution, while inflorescence and peduncle size can be correlated with biomass allocation to reproductive organs. Peduncles also play a role in water and nutrient supply of flowers, and mechanical support. However, it is currently unclear whether inflorescence size is correlated with peduncle size. Here, we tested whether orchids with large diameter peduncles bear more and larger flowers than those with smaller peduncles by analyzing 10 traits of inflorescence, flower, and leaf in 26 species. Peduncle diameters were positively correlated with inflorescence length and total floral area, indicating that species with larger peduncles tended to have larger inflorescences and larger flowers. We also found strongly positive correlation between inflorescence length and leaf area, and between total floral area and total leaf area, which suggested that reproductive organs may be allometrically coordinated with vegetative organs. However, neither flower number nor floral dry mass per unit area were correlated with leaf number or leaf dry mass per unit area, implying that the function between leaf and flower was uncoupled. Our findings provided a new insight for understanding the evolution of orchids, and for horticulturalists interested in improving floral and inflorescence traits in orchids.

Principal component analysis of sorghum landraces for yield contributing traits

  Principal component analysis was carried out with experimental material comprising of 30 sorghum land races and observations were recorded on eleven biometrical traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, the number of tillers per plant, inflorescence length, inflorescence width stem thickness, hundred seed weight, grain yield per plant, fodder yield per plant (wet) and fodder yield per plant (dry). The results of the principal component analysis indicated that four out of eleven principal components with eigenvalues >1 were obtained. Principal components 1, 2, 3 and 4 contributed 31.82, 18.41, 13.16 and 10.3 per cent towards the variation observed among accessions, respectively. Regarding the comparison of the first four principal components, variation proportional to the first component was positive for days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity and inflorescence length. The second principal component was negatively associated with fodder yield per plant (wet) and fodder yield per plant (dry). The third principal component was a positive influence on stem thickness whereas, other traits viz., the number of tillers per plant, hundred seed weight, grain yield per plant had contributed negatively. The fourth principal component was associated with plant height, inflorescence width negatively. Key words: Sorghum, landraces, PCA, biometrical traits

Morphological Variation in Scarlet Plume (Euphorbia fulgens Karw ex Klotzsch, Euphorbiaceae), an Underutilized Ornamental Resource of Mexico with Global Importance.

Morphological variation is useful in conservation and genetic improvement programs. Euphorbia fulgens, a range-restricted local endemic species of Mexico, is used locally during the altars in the festivities of different saints and is also cultivated as an ornamental plant mainly in Europe. Thus, in the present study, morphological variation was evaluated in wild populations and cultivated populations. Characterization of 90 individuals from three wild populations (the only ones recorded to date) was done by measuring 30 morphological traits both vegetative and reproductive. Thereafter, seeds were collected, and established under greenhouse conditions, and 39 morphometric variables were evaluated in adult plants. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done for wild and cultivated groups independently, and when significant differences were found, Tukey’s comparison of means was applied (p < 0.05). To identify the traits responsible for the differences between wild and cultivated groups, a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was conducted. Morphological variation was found among wild populations, and this variation decreased in cultivated populations, mainly in reproductive structures. The LDA separated the wild populations from the cultivated groups, according to inflorescence length, petiole length/blade length ratio, and leaf roundness. The variables that determined the separation of individuals between wild and cultivated populations were cyme number, foliar Feret diameter, and inflorescence length, variables that can be important for breeding strategies and artificial selection.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ МЕТОДОВ СОЗДАНИЯ И РАЗМНОЖЕНИЯ СЕМЯН ЛЬНАДОЛГУНЦА В ПЕРВИЧНОМ СЕМЕНОВОДСТВЕ

The research was carried out on in the laboratory of breeding technologies of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center of Bast Crops” (Tver region) in 2014-2017. The purpose of the research is to develop more advanced methods for creating updated (original) fiber flax seeds based on selection of plants according to a new trait - the length (compactness) of the inflorescence, as well as their subsequent reproduction at initial stages of primary seed production. It was found that initial testing on morphological traits, followed by removal of plants that did not fit the inflorescence length typicality interval, increased the yield of updated seeds for Alpha variety by 2.5 times, for Rosinka variety by 1.5 times in comparison with the control variant. The selection of plants by inflorescence length provided better uniformity in terms of the main variety trait - fiber content in the stem, which was characterized by a coefficient of variation of 3.1 - 4.7%, versus 4.2 - 5.4% in the control, as well as a significant reduction of labor costs. It was revealed that the updated seeds created on the basis of fiber flax selection according to a new trait retained their productive properties at the level of the control variant. Sowing with a row spacing of 6.25 cm is the most effective for further reproduction of updated seeds at the initial stage of seed production. In comparison with the wide-row (22.5 cm) sowing method, it provided an increase of seed yield by 0.29 t / ha, or by 30.2%, while maintaining high sowing and varietal conditions. With narrow and wide-row sowing methods of fiber flax, the most important morphophysiological parameter - the seed strength, was equal.

Pollination success in three tropical dry forest orchid species from Mexico: insights from floral display, visitation rates, and flower micromorphology

Background: Despite long-lasting efforts to disentangle the drivers of orchid pollination, pollination success in tropical dry forest orchids remains largely unknown.&#x0D; Questions and hypothesis: How successful are pollination in three tropical dry forest orchids? How is pollination influenced by floral display and floral rewards (as suggested by floral micromorphology)? We hypothesized a positive effect of floral display on pollinia removal and deposition rates.&#x0D; Studied species: Barkeria whartoniana (C. Schweinf.) Soto Arenas, Clowesia dodsoniana E. Aguirre, and Cyrtopodium macrobulbon (La Llave &amp; Lex.) G.A. Romero &amp; Carnevali.&#x0D; Study site and dates: Nizanda (Oaxaca), Mexico; flowering periods of 2013 and 2014.&#x0D; Methods: We calculated pollinia removal and deposition rates, identified floral visitors and analyzed flower microstructure to search for structures potentially producing rewards. Floral display was measured through number of open flowers, and number and length of inflorescences, and its effect on pollination success was assessed through linear modeling.&#x0D; Results: Pollinia removal rates were higher than deposition rates, and floral display was related to pollination success in C. dodsoniana only. Visitation rates were low for the three species and most visitors were not true pollinators. The three species possess potentially secreting structures, but for B. whartoniana and C. macrobulbon these rewards are likely part of the pollinator deception mechanism.&#x0D; Conclusions: The generalized low pollination success implies the need for high population densities of both interacting parts. We emphasize the need for integrated evaluations of different aspects of the plant-pollinator interaction.

Breeding of industrial hemp with a high content of cannabigerol by the case of ‘Vik 2020’ cultivar

To create an industrial hemp variety of the Central European ecological and geographical type with a high cannabigerol content and universal application. Methods. Breeding (self-pollination, creation of artificial populations, selection), field, biochemical (thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography of cannabinoid compounds), instrumental and technological assessment of fibre quality, and statistical methods. Results. Variety ‘Vik 2020’ was obtained as a result of creation of artificial populations. The plants are characterized by higher content of cannabigerol (1.034 ± 0.0323%), and almost zero of other secondary metabolites, such as cannabidivarin, cannabidiol, cannabichromene and psychotropic tetrahydrocannabinol (0.003 ± 0.0011; 0.018 ± 0.0080; 0.012 ± 0.0027, and 0.005 ± 0.0012%, respectively). The t rait of cannabigerol content is quite stable within the population and is not correlated with the trait of tetrahydrocannabinol content (r = -0.23). TLC showed that cannabigerol accumulated mainly in the form of cannabigerolic acid and to a lesser extent as a neutral compound, which is consistent with the theory that this substance is a precursor for the synthesis of other cannabinoids. According to the results of the competitive variety test, when growing to obtain fibre and seeds, the variety features short height, specifically significantly lower total (206.4 cm) and technical stem length (135.6 cm) compared to the standard variety, significantly higher inflorescence length (70.8 cm), which determine the formation of the significant yield of biomass suitable for pharmaceutical use and high seed yield (0.98 t/ha). The yield of total fibre was the same as in the standard variety (29.0%), but its quality and technological value for primary processing were higher. The variety had a homogeneous sex structure, resistance to bioltic and abiotic environmental factors. Plants reached biological maturity in 116 days (BBCH 89). This cultivar is recommended for obtaining seeds, quality fiber and potentially cannabigerol (on condition of changes in legislation). Conclusions. The efficiency of using self-pollinating lines in breeding with their subsequent combining into a synthetic population and improving selection was proved by the case of a new variety of industrial hemp ‘Vik 2020’, characterized by an increased content of cannabigerol and the absence of psychotropic properties

QUANTITATIVE PARAMETERS OF FLORAL STEMS OF GLADIOLUS PLANTS GROWN UNDER MINIMUM TILLAGE SYSTEM IN SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to characterize the commercial quantitative standards of floral stems of gladiolus plants grown under minimum tillage and conventional systems in two harvest seasons in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Experiments were conducted in locations with subtropical climate using soils classified as Typic Dystrudept (Cambissolo) and Typic Hapludox (Nitossolo). Gladiolus plants were grown in beds with intensive soil turning, and under minimum tillage system, in which soil turning was done only in the planting rows. Plants of the cultivars Red Beauty and White Goddess were evaluated in two harvest seasons, Mothers' Day, and Valentine's Day. A completely randomized experimental design with 12 replications was used; the treatments consisted of two harvest seasons and two soil management systems. The flower stem and inflorescence lengths, stem thickness, and number of florets were measured when the plants were at the harvest point to characterize their commercial quantitative standards. These data were used to distribute the stems into four classes (75, 90, 110 and non-marketable). The stem standard of gladiolus plants grown under minimum tillage system and the edaphoclimatic conditions of the state of Santa Catarina in the Mother's Day harvest met the flower market requirements, with most stems classified into the classes 90 and 110. Therefore, gladiolus plants can be grown under minimum tillage system without affecting the flower stem development. This work is the first step to promote the growth of flowers under a conservationist perspective, focused on a more sustainable agriculture.

A Study on Morpho-Nutritional Variability Among Lablab Bean Genotypes

To evaluate the morphological and nutritional variability among six lablab bean (Lablab purpureusL.) genotypes, a study was carried out at Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh and at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) during mid-July 2014 to mid-March 2015. Significant morphological variations were noted in both seedling and vegetative stages in their growth. In addition, there were three distinct flower and flower wings color viz. white in SB003; violet in SB010, Rupvan, Auto, and Kanchan; and light violet in SB011 were noted among the genotypes. Further, 8 or 9 layers of flower wings were observed among the genotypes and the inflorescence length varied from 46.40 cm (SB011) to 42.40 cm (SB010). Considering the pod characteristics, pod length and breadth varied from 14.13 cm (SB011) to 8.13 cm(SB010), and 2.68 cm (Auto) to 2.43 cm (SB010), respectively. Significant variations were also noted for pod yield characteristics. The genotype of Kanchan had the highest number of pod/plant (202.7), whereas Auto had the highest pod yield (23.05 t/ha) followed by Kanchan (19.26 t/ha).The study also revealed that pod yield (t/ha) was positively correlated with the number of pods/plant (0.71), pod weight/plant (1.00), individual pod weight (0.65) and pod yield/decimal (1.00) among the genotypes. Furthermore, significant variations were also noted for the nutrient compositions among the genotypes. The analytical experiment shows that Auto had the highest proportion of Cu (15.28 ppm), Fe (122.22 ppm), Mn (40.74 ppm), B (60.60 ppm), S (0.158 %) and Ca (1.67%). In contrast, the genotype of SB003 had the highest amount of Zn (61.86 ppm) and SB011 had Mg (785 %) content. Therefore, the genotypes of Auto and Kanchan would be recommended for cultivation in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.

Self-Renewal of Invasive Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) as a Result of Different Mechanical Management of Fallow

The spread of invasive plants is one of the most significant causes of biodiversity loss in natural, semi-natural, and anthropogenic habitats in Poland. This two-year study aimed to assess the rate of self-renewal of Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton), and the possibility of achieving full generative development on fallow land restored to agricultural use with mechanical treatments. The following research objects were examined: the control (no mechanical treatments); one-time mowing; two-time mowing; one-time mowing plus one-time rotary tilling; and one-time mowing plus two-time rotary tilling. The phenological development of Solidago spp. was observed every 14 days from June to September each year. In October of each growing season, the aboveground parts of goldenrods’ biomass were measured, and selected morphological parameters were assessed. Two-time mowing and one-time mowing with two-time rotary tilling resulted in the highest reductions in the share of goldenrods in the generative stages of development, of 64.0% and 51.7% compared to the control, respectively. The two-time mowing treatment was the most effective at inhibiting goldenrods’ biomass accumulation, with a 57.7–77.0% decrease in biomass compared to the control. This treatment also reduced the number of flowering shoots and inflorescence lengths of both Solidago species.

MADS-Box Protein Complex VvAG2, VvSEP3 and VvAGL11 Regulates the Formation of Ovules in Vitis vinifera L. cv. 'Xiangfei'.

The phenomenon of multi-carpel and multi-ovule exists in the grapevine cultivar ‘Xiangfei’, but the mechanism of ovule formation is seldom reported. In this study, we observed the ovule formation process by using ‘Xiangfei’ grapes. The role of the VvAG2 (VvAGAMOUS) gene in ovule formation was identified, and we explored the relationship between VvAG2, VvSEP3(VvMADS4) and VvAGL11(VvMADS5) proteins. The results showed that the ovule primordium appeared when the inflorescence length of ‘Xiangfei’ grapes were 4–5 cm long; the relative expression levels of VvAG2, VvAGL11 and VvSEP3 genes were higher during ovule formation, and the expression levels of VvAG2 gene was the highest. Transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants expressing VvAG2 produced higher numbers of ovules and carpels than the wild type. Moreover, yeast two-hybrid and yeast three-hybrid experiments demonstrated that VvSEP3 acts as a bridge and interacts with VvAG2 and VvAGL11 proteins, respectively. Meanwhile, a homodimer can be formed between VvSEP3 and VvSEP3, but there was no interaction between VvAG2 and VvAGL11. These findings suggest that the VvAG2 gene is involved in the formation of ovules, and VvAG2/VvSEP3 together with VvAGL11/VvSEP3 can form a tetrameric complex. In summary, our data showed that VvAG2 along with VvSEP3 and VvAGL11 jointly regulate the ovule formation of ‘Xiangfei’ grapes.

Ontogenetic and vitality structure of Muscari botryoides (L.) Mill. (Asparagaceae Juss.) populations at the northeastern limit of its 7nature area

Досліджено онтогенетичну та віталітетну структуру восьми популяцій Muscari botryoides з території України. M. botryoides – це рідкісний, ендемічний вид з родини Аsparagaceae, який перебуває на північно-східній межі ареалу та занесений до третього видання «Червоної книги України» зі статусом «зникаючий». Подано характеристику основних онтогенетичних станів виду. Побудовано вікові спектри популяцій. Розраховано онтогнетичні індекси за І.М. Коваленко. У складі досліджуваних популяцій M. botryoides виявлено особини восьми вікових станів: насіння (sm), проростки (p), ювенільні (j), іматурні (im), віргінільні (v), молоді генеративні (g1), зрілі генеративні (g2) та старі генеративні (g3). Субсенільні (ss) та сенільні (s) особини не зареєстровані. Вікові спектри всіх досліджуваних популяцій лівосторонні з переважанням рослин ювенільного онтогенетичного стану. За ознаками онтогенетичної структури усі досліджувані популяції – нормальні, неповночленні. Згідно з класифікацією популяцій О.О. Уранова та О.В. Смірнової вони є нормальними молодими, згідно з класифікацією «Дельта-Омега», запропонованою Л.А. Животовським – молодими, згідно з Л.О. Жуковою та Т.А. Полянською – перспективними. Індекси відновлення популяцій дуже високі, а індекси генеративності, старіння та віковості – низькі. Проведено факторний аналіз з урахуванням 17 морфопараметрів M. botryoides, встановлено, що ознаками, які детермінують життєвість особин є: довжина першого листка, ширина цибулини, довжина суцвіття та кількість квіток у суцвітті. Віталітетний аналіз засвідчив, що у більшості досліджуваних популяцій домінують особин середнього рівня життєвості. За віталітетною структурою шість з восьми популяцій відповідають процвітаючому якісному типу, дві популяції перебувають у депресивному стані.

Effect of Colonization of Trichoderma harzianum on Growth Development and CBD Content of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).

Trichoderma harzianum, as a natural endophytic biocontrol agent, can ameliorate plant development, nutrient uptake, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum inoculation on agronomical and quality characteristics of two monoecious hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties, Fedora 17 and Felina. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design of two treatments of Trichoderma harzianum with a low and high dose of the fungus (T1 and T2). The significance of differences between treatments was estimated by using a Fisher’s test with a significance level p = 0.05. The root density of both varieties was significantly affected by treatments, and higher values were recorded in Fedora 17 (2.32 mm cm−3). The Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) colonization of the root system and the soil emission of CO2 were higher after the inoculation of Trichoderma harzianum. The highest values of plant height and dry weight were noticed for T2, especially in variety Felina. Trichoderma harzianum positively influenced characteristics of inflorescences such as their number, fresh weight moisture, and compactness in both varieties, while the dry weight, length, and dry yield of inflorescences were not improved. Finally, the fertigation of Trichoderma harzianum in hemp plants was beneficial by increasing the cannabidiol (CBD) content, especially in T2 treatment (4 × 1012 CFU kg−1).

Analysis on floral nectar characteristics among the selected black locust (Robinia spp.) individuals

This study aimed to determine the value of honey source on Robinia by analyzing flower morphology and nectar characteristics in floral nectar of eight selected individuals. The mean nectar volume secreted by genus Robinia was 1.7 ± 1.0 µL. Among the samples, PR (R. margaretta) and HR (R. pseudoacacia) secreted the highest and lowest nectar volumes—3.0 ± 1.1 and 1.1 ± 0.7 µL, respectively. The mean sugar concentration was 44.8 ± 6.1% (range, 40.1–51.4%). The ANOVA results revealed a statistically significant difference in nectar volume and sugar concentration among the eight individuals (p < 0.05). The free sugar content ranged from 0.39 (HR) to 0.78 (KR) mg/μL, and nectar sugar contents ranged from 0.31 (HR) to 1.53 (PR) mg per flower. The sucrose/hexose ratio ranged from 0.5 to 3.6, and sucrose was high in all samples. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed significant differences in free sugar content (mg/µL), nectar sugar content per flower and sucrose/hexose ratio (p < 0.05). There were close correlations between nectar characteristics and flower morphology as followed; 1) nectar volume and nectar sugar content per flower (r = 0.976), 2) nectar volume and calyx length (r = 0.952), 3) sugar concentration in nectar and length of inflorescence (r = 0.952). Asparagine was the most abundant (average; 60.2%) amino acid, followed in decreasing order by alanine (6.9%), glutamine (5.2%), and serine (4.7%). The results of Kruskal-Wallis H tests showed that the rate of amino acids of alanine, glutamine, glutamic acid, and arginine significantly differed among the samples (p < 0.05).

Invasiveness traits help Amaranths to invade Kashmir Himalaya, India

Several alien plant species have been introduced into Kashmir Himalaya from different regions of the world and subsequently some of these have been able to colonize and become invasive. Why only some species among the alien species pool establish as strong invaders represents a fundamental question for invasion ecologists. Trait comparisons of invasive with less/non-invasive congeners help in understanding the role of various trait differences in invasion success. In this study, we investigated the differences in various phenological, physiological and morphological traits in three alien plant congeners (Amaranthus blitum Linn., A. caudatus Linn. and A. spinosus Linn.) which differ in their invasion status, and attempted to relate the trait differences to their differential invasion potential in Kashmir Himalaya. The results revealed that the more aggressive behavior of A. caudatus in contrast to other two congeneric species is more likely explained by its early and longer germination period, shorter pre-reproductive period, early and extended flowering period, shorter generation time, early life cycle completion, fast growth, high reproductive allocation, more height, inflorescence length and higher seed production. We expect this knowledge to yield theoretical as well as practical information, about the possible adaptive traits employed by the three alien species, to target their long term management in the Kashmir Himalaya.

Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album L.) Populations Exhibit a High Degree of Morphological and Biochemical Diversity.

Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Chenopodium album L. are noxious weeds that have a cosmopolitan distribution. These species successfully invade and are adapted to a wide variety of diverse climates. In this paper, we evaluated the morphology and biochemistry of 16 populations of A. retroflexus L. and 17 populations of C. album L. Seeds from populations collected from Spain, France, and Iran were grown together at the experimental field of the agriculture research of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, and a suite of morphological traits and biochemical traits were assessed. Among the populations of A. retroflexus L. and of C. album L. were observed significant differences for all the measured traits. The number of branches (BN) for A. retroflexus L. (12.22) and inflorescence length (FL; 14.34) for C. album L. were the two characteristics that exhibited the maximum coefficient of variation. Principal component analysis of these data identified four principal components for each species that explained 83.54 (A. retroflexus L.) and 88.98 (C. album L.) of the total variation. A dendrogram based on unweighted neighbor-joining method clustered all the A. retroflexus L. and C. album L. into two main clusters and four sub-clusters. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was used to evaluate relationships between climate classification of origin and traits. Similarly, the measured characteristics did not group along Köppen climate classification. Both analyses support the conclusion that A. retroflexus L. and C. album L. exhibit high levels of diversity despite similar environmental histories. Both species also exhibit a high diversity of the measured biochemical compounds indicating that they exhibit different metabolic profiles even when grown concurrently and sympatrically. Several of the biochemical constituents identified in our study could serve as effective indices for indirect selection of stresses resistance/tolerance of A. retroflexus L. and C. album L. The diversity of the morphological and biochemical traits observed among these populations illustrates how the unique selection pressures faced by each population can alter the biology of these plants. This understanding provides new insights to how these invasive plant species successfully colonize diverse ecosystems and suggests methods for their management under novel and changing environmental conditions.

Genetic parameters and their association with grain yield in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) under late sown condition

One hundred forty promising lines of quinoa were evaluated during rabi season of 2019–2020 to study the genetic parameters and their association with grain yield and its attributes. Heritability was high for all the traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance expressed as percentage of mean was observed for grain yield per plant, number of primary branches per plant, days to maturity, plant height and number of inflorescence per plant. Moreover grain yield per plant exhibited positive and significant association with plant height, length of inflorescence per plant, number of inflorescence per plant, number of primary branches per plant and stem diameter per plant. Therefore selection based on these characters would be effective for improving the grain yield and its attributes in quinoa under late sown condition of Chhattisgarh state.

The effect of the height gradient on morphological traits ofDracocephalum nutansL.

Individuals ofDracocephalum nutansL. have been studied at different altitude levels from 460 to 2437 m above the level seas. The influence of the height gradient on morphological characters has been shown: the number of generative and vegetative shoots, the height of the generative shoot, the length and width of the leaf blade, length of its petiole, and inflorescence length. It was found that the height gradient has the greatest influence on the height of the generative shoot and the length of the inflorescence. When individuals grow higher along the altitude gradient, the height of the generative shoot and the length of the inflorescence decrease. The fluctuation of the average values of the traits ofD. nutansin a wide range was established. The intrapopulation analysis ofD. nutansindividuals does not depend on the height factor.