Leaf Petiole Length Research Articles

Performance of Varieties and Standardization of Plant Density on Growth Parameters in Palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis Roxb.) under Summer Conditions in the Central Telangana Zone

It was a Factorial Randomized Block Design, with two factors (three varieties (Arka Anupama, All Green, Mulayam) and four plant densities (25 cm × 10 cm, 25 cm × 15 cm, 30 cm × 10 cm, 30 cm × 15 cm) and three replications, conducted at Post Graduate Institute for Horticultural Sciences, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, Mulugu from March to June 2024. The results revealed that Arka Anupama recorded maximum number of leaves per plant (10.51, 13.76, 12.36 and 11.35), length of leaves, width of leaves at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cuttings, leaf area (100.00 cm2) and leaf area index (1.51). The maximum plant height (23.35 cm, 26.99 cm, 25.59 cm and 20.46 cm) and length of leaf petiole was recorded in All Green at all cuttings. A 30 cm × 15 cm plant density ` recorded maximum plant height (23.53 cm, 27.11 cm, 25.46 cm and 20.36 cm), number of leaves per plant, length of leaf petiole, length of leaves, width of leaves at all cuttings and leaf area (109.96 cm2). Highest leaf area index (1.11) was recorded in 30 cm × 10 cm plant density. The V1S4 (Arka Anupama, 30 cm × 15 cm) exhibited maximum number of leaves, length of leaves, width of leaves and leaf area, while plant height and length of leaf petiole were highest in V2S4 (All Green, 30 cm × 15 cm). V1S1 (Arka Anupama, 25 cm × 10 cm) recorded highest leaf area index on par with V1S3 (Arka Anupama, 30 cm × 10 cm).

Ceratozamia alba (Zamiaceae): A new cycad species from the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico

Ceratozamia alba sp. nov., a new cycad species from the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve in northern Chiapas, Mexico, is described and compared to its congeners. Our earlier observations led us to think that these populations belonged to C. robusta, given their geographic location and the general morphological resemblance of adult individuals. However, seedlings and juveniles are more similar to C. santillanii, another geographically proximal species with which it has a sister relationship. We have determined that C. alba is easily distinguishable from other Ceratozamia species by the whitish-green emerging leaves that turn bluish green upon maturation, and the bluish green male and female mature cones. In addition, C. alba possesses several morphometric trait variations that are significantly different from the two geographically proximal species mentioned above, such as leaf number, leaflet number, petiole and rachis length, and median leaflet width. Ceratozamia alba should be considered as a critically endangered species (CR) due to its low population size, ongoing habitat destruction, and extremely narrow distribution range.

Heavy Metals Analysis of Breweries Effluent used in Soil Cultivated with Glycine Max (L.) Merr. Accessions with Biochar Augmentation

Beer production has promulgated the prevalence of heavy metal contamination in the environment (soil and water bodies). The magnitude of breweries wastewater-effluent effect discharged on soil and its effect on crop quality in terms of growth and physiology must therefore be investigated. This study aims to assess the level of seven heavy metals (HM) (lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe)) in breweries wastewater-effluent and its effect on the growth of Glycine max accessions (TGM-3990, TGM-1348, TGM-1732, TGM-2175 and TGM-928) as well as the influence of biochar soil amendment in the induction of HM tolerance in G. max. Effluent properties were analyzed using the A1 portable TDS/EC meter. HM in the wastewater-effluent was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The experiment was set up in a complete block design. 3 seeds G. max accessions were planted in 7kg of sterilized soil (control, effluent and biochar treatments). Growth parameters were taken using standard methods, while the total photosynthetic pigments (TPP) were determined using the atLeaf chlorophyll meter. The wastewater-effluent recorded an electrical conductivity (EC) of 928µS/cm, total dissolved solids (TDS) (464ppm), Temperature (31.9-32.6°C) and pH (5.37). Results for HM concentration showed; Pb (0.20mg/L), Ni (<0.001mg/L), Cr (0.03mg/L), Cu (<0.001mg/L), Cd (<0.001mg/L), Zn (<0.001mg/L) and Fe (8.74mg/L). The trend shows that Fe˃Pb˃Cr˃Cd˃Cu˃Ni˃Zn. Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn were significantly below the World Health Organization (WHO) and Waste Water Forum (WWF) permissible limit, while Fe and Pb significantly higher. G. max accessions TGM-928 (80%) and TGM-3990 (80%) had better germination percentage (GP), TGM-1348 (60%) had the lowest GP, while TGM-2175 recorded no germination in all treatments. At 6 weeks after planting (WAP), it was observed that irrigation of G. max accessions with breweries wastewater-effluent significantly (p=0.001) stimulated growth parameters such as shoot length for TGM-3990 which recorded; Treatment=19.53±0.94cm; Control=17.10±0.67cm; Biochar=40.83±1.01cm) while TGM-1732 had the highest shoot growth (T=38.57±1.53cm; C=25.00±0.00cm; B=82.33±5.70cm) when compared to their controls. TGM-3990 (T=32.20mg/kg, C=34.10mg/kg, 43.30mg/kg) recorded the least TPP contents, while TGM-928 (T=51.00mg/kg, C=45.60mg/kg, B=43.50mg/kg) recorded the highest TPP in all treatments. Amelioration of soil with biochar significantly (p=0.001) stimulated growth above the effluent treatment and control. Similar trend was observed for leaf area, petiole length, leaf number, stem girth and internode length. This study has shown that breweries effluent has the potential of growth enhancement in G. max cultivation and in combination biochar application reduces the need for additional fertilizer application.

Identifikasi Pengaruh Ketinggian Tempat terhadap Morfologi Talas Beneng (Xanthosoma undipes K Koch)

The genetic diversity of beneng taro can be known by analyzing morphological characters. This study aimed to determine the differences in morphological characters in beneng taro plants influenced by altitude using PCA and identify the level of uniformity of morphological characters in beneng taro plants using cluster analysis. This research is a qualitative study with a descriptive approach that is an exploratory survey. Sampling was carried out using a purposive sampling technique. In this study, samples were taken from three different altitudes, namely 343 masl (low), 615 masl (medium), and 761 masl (high) located in Serang Regency and Pandeglang Regency. Ten samples were taken in each location, so 30 taro beneng plants were collected. The research was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024. The variables observed in this study were morphological characters consisting of leaf blade color, leaf bone color, petiole color, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and petiole length. The results showed that based on PCA, the characters that differed due to altitude were plant height, leaf blade color, leaf bone color, petiole color, petiole length, leaf length, and leaf width. In cluster analysis, 4 clusters were formed, indicating that the uniformity of the characters is relatively broad. Suggestions for further research on root and tuber morphology. Suggestions for farmers to continue cultivating beneng taro. The government should counsel the surrounding community about beneng taro, especially farmers who can preserve local commodities and support conservation efforts.

Impact of automobile exhaust on biochemical and genomorphic characteristics of Mimusops elengi L. growing along roadsides of Lahore city, Pakistan

Automobile exhaust releases different types of pollutants that are at great risk to the air quality of the environment and incidental distress to the nature of roadside plants. Mimusops elengi L. is an evergreen medicinal tree cultivated along the roadside of Lahore City. This research aimed to investigate physiological, morphological and genomorphic characteristics of M. elengi under the influence of air pollution from vehicles. Healthy and mature leaves were collected from trees on Canal Bank and Mall roads of Lahore as the experimental sites and control sites were 20 km away from the experimental site. Different physiochemical, morphological, air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and molecular analysis for the detection of DNA damage were performed through comet assay. The results demonstrated the mean accumulated Cd, Pb, Cu and Ni heavy metal contents on the leaves were higher than the control plants (1.27, 3.22, 1.32 and 1.46 μg mg−1). APTI of trees was 9.04. Trees in these roads significantly (p < 0.01) had a lower leaf area, petiole length and leaf dry matter content in comparison to control site. Increased comet tail showed that DNA damage was higher for roadside trees than trees in the control area. For tolerance of air pollution, it necessary to check the APTI value for the M. elengi at the polluted road side of Lahore city. For long-term screening, the source and type of pollutants and consistent monitoring of various responses given by the trees should be known.

Performance Evaluation of Coffee Coffea canephora (syn. Coffea robusta) Germplasm in the Hilly Region

The study was conducted at the Hill Agricultural Research Station, BARI, Khagrachari during the year 2017 to 2019. Thirty (30) genotype of Coffea canephora (syn. Coffea robusta) commonly known as robusta coffee from the existing coffee orchard of HARS, Khagrachari was selected for the study. The average height of evaluated line (CC Kha 001) was medium (4.31 m) and regular bearing shrub of small tree. The average width and length of leaf was 9.2 cm &amp; 20.86 cm respectively with 1.6 cm of leaf petiole length. The average width and length of individual fruit was 1.28 cm &amp; 1.16 cm respectively with 1.06 cm of thickness. Harvesting duration of fruit berry was mid-January to mid-February. The seed colour of evaluated coffee plant (CC Kha 001) was greenish brown with roundish shape. The average length and width of individual seed was 1.09 cm &amp; 0.99 cm respectively with 0.75 cm of thickness. Average weight of 100 been was 100.33 gm. Average berry weight (kg) per trunk was 8.08 (kg/tree).

Endogenous cAMP elevation in Brassica napus causes changes in phytohormone levels

ABSTRACT In higher plants, the regulatory roles of cAMP (cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate) signaling remain elusive until now. Cellular cAMP levels are generally much lower in higher plants than in animals and transiently elevated for triggering downstream signaling events. Moreover, plant adenylate cyclase (AC) activities are found in different moonlighting multifunctional proteins, which may pose additional complications in distinguishing a specific signaling role for cAMP. Here, we have developed rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) transgenic plants that overexpress an inducible plant-origin AC activity for generating high AC levels much like that in animal cells, which served the genetic model disturbing native cAMP signaling as a whole in plants. We found that overexpression of the soluble AC activity had significant impacts on the contents of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and stress phytohormones, i.e. jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA) in the transgenic plants. Acute induction of the AC activity caused IAA overaccumulation, and upregulation of TAA1 and CYP83B1 in the IAA biosynthesis pathways, but also simultaneously the hyper-induction of PR4 and KIN2 expression indicating activation of JA and ABA signaling pathways. We observed typical overgrowth phenotypes related to IAA excess in the transgenic plants, including significant increases in plant height, internode length, width of leaf blade, petiole length, root length, and fresh shoot biomass, as well as the precocious seed development, as compared to wild-type plants. In addition, we identified a set of 1465 cAMP-responsive genes (CRGs), which are most significantly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction pathway, and function mainly in relevance to hormonal, abiotic and biotic stress responses, as well as growth and development. Collectively, our results support that cAMP elevation impacts phytohormone homeostasis and signaling, and modulates plant growth and development. We proposed that cAMP signaling may be critical in configuring the coordinated regulation of growth and development in higher plants.

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of wild genotypes of mango (Mangifera indica L.) in coastal districts of Karnataka, India

Western Ghats are known for wild mangoes known for their distinctive flavours, tastes, and scents. The exploration of wild mangoes of coastal districts of Karnataka was undertaken. A total of 45 mango accessions were assessed for morphological characters (leaf and fruit) using numerical approach. The 14 traits including leaf blade length, leaf blade width, petiole length, fruit length, diameter, weight, and breadth, pulp, TSS, peel, and fruit thickness were analyzed. Fruit weight (g), stone weight (g), pulp (%), peel (%) and leaf blade length (cm) showed most diversity. The Moodbidri accession had most fruit weight (109.55 g), whereas, the Dakshina Kannada district’s Moodbidri accession had the lightest stone weight (12.72 g). It is the first documentation of the local mango germplasm variability in coastal Karnataka.

Evaluation of genetic diversity of figs (Ficus carica L.) in Sulaymaniyah governorate using morphological, pomological and ISSR molecular marker

The fig (Ficus carica L.) is a fruit tree that is important in the Mediterranean region, and thus genetic improvement has become an important field of research for better crops, with information on this species, particularly its genetic variability correlated to morphological traits of figs, for this purpose, the cultivars and wild types distributed in Sulaymaniyah province were investigated. Samples from 66 fig accessions were collected, 15 primers for ISSR markers were used to describe genetic variation, with 12 morphological traits. Analysis of variance recorded highly significant differences concerning plant morphological and pomological traits in addition to genetic diversity. The highest values for shoot length (79.959 cm), internode diameter (15.563 mm), leaf length (28.183 cm), leaf width (28.480 cm), leaf petiole length (13.397 cm) and leaf petiole diameter (18.360 mm) recorded in AC17, AC41, AC20, AC20, AC17 and AC24, respectively. However, the lowest values (11.120 cm, 4.340 mm, 10.910 cm, 9.813 cm, 3.987 cm and 2.323 mm) for the mentioned traits were recorded in AC14, AC12, AC12, AC12, AC37 and AC52, respectively. The highest values for fruit weight (63.447 g), fruit length (46.960 mm), fruit thickness (60.420 mm), fruit stalk length (29.887 mm), fruit stalk diameter (10.433 mm) and ostiole diameter (8.717 mm) were given by AC03, AC22, AC54, AC58, AC58 and AC14, successively. Whereas the lowest values (4.483 g, 14.770 mm, 18.497 mm, 2.373 mm, 2.533 mm and 2.557 mm) were observed in AC37, AC37, AC12, AC08, AC25 and AC30, successively. The first two principal components analysis (PCA) described 49.15% of the total quality variance. ISSR marker produced 197 polymorphic bands. The genetic diversities ranged as (0.883 to 0.980) and polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged as (0.878 to 0.979), with 100% polymorphism levels. The fig accessions classified into 10 clusters by dendrongram created by ward method. The results indicated that natural fig populations in this region provide a rich genetic resource for fig germplasms, and significant genetic variation across accessions originating from different populations, as well as the marker was informative for genetic variability detection in the collections. The findings of this study could support in the conservation and further utilization of fig germplasm.

VARIATION IN THE MACRO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF LEAVES IN RESPONSE TO AUTOMOBILE POLLUTION IN SELECTED URBAN TREE SPECIES IN THE CITY OF DHAKA

The present study was carried out at National Botanical Garden, Dhaka, considered as control site and Motijheel- Sayedabad roadside areas as polluted site to compare the impact of automobile pollution on leaves macro- morphological traits of selected ten plants growingin the polluted areas with those growingin control sites. Leaf morphological characteristics including leaf abnormalities of both young and mature leaves were assessed. Variations in leaf color such as light green, dark green, browning, yellowing and change in the leaf’s shape either normal or deformed were also assessed for both the sites. All the selected plant species showed highly significant (p&lt;0.0001) reduction at polluted site in theirall leaf macro-morphological traits(leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, leaf perimeter, specific leaf area and petiole length) when compared with control site. The findings of this study revealed that the automobile pollution stress influenced tree morphological features in the Dhaka city. This study also indicated that plants go through adaptive processes in order to survive in automobile polluted environments.

Effect of plant spacing and sowing dates on the growth and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus) in Rupandehi district, Nepal

A field experiment was conducted from mid-April to mid-June 2022 in Rupandehi to evaluate the growth and yield of radish maintained in varied plant spacing at differed sowing dates. The study was aimed to compare the growth, production and economics of radish in Rupandehi district under different plant spacing and sowing dates and to evaluate the interaction between these two factors. Four plants spacing (10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm) with constant row spacing was maintained at two sowing dates (Chaitra 29 and Baisakh 14). The treatments were arranged in two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The data were collected on 30 DAS and 45 DAS. The obtained data were recorded and analyzed using MS-Excel and R-studio, respectively. The results revealed that the highest yield was obtained from plant spacing of 20 cm (28.20 t/ha). However, individual plant weight was higher in wider spacing. Plant spacing of 20 cm showed significantly highest plant height (24.52 cm), number of leaves per plant (22.37) and leaf length (23.36 cm). Leaf blade width (10.67 cm) and petiole length (3.05 cm) was significantly highest in plant spacing of 30 cm. Early sowing date showed significantly better results for all growth and yield parameters and yield except leaf blade width. Higher gross return, net return and B:C ratio was observed in plant spacing of 20 cm and early sowing date. The study concluded that plant spacing of 20 cm and earlier sowing date was ideal for maximum growth and yield of radish in Rupandehi district.

Effect of Light Intensity on Phenology and Morphological Characteristics of Aglaonema Bigroy (Aglaonema sp.) Leaves

Leaf phenology is the period of leaf development that is influenced by environmental factors. One environmental factor that is very influential is light intensity. Limited information on the phenology and morphological characters of aglaonema results in a lack of knowledge about the appropriate environmental requirements for the growth and development of its leaves. The research aims to analyze the phenology and morphological characteristics of Aglaonema sp. leaves at different light intensities. The research used a single factor Completely Randomized Design experiment consisting of three treatment levels, namely P0 without shade, P1 with 50% shade, and P2 with 75% shade. The treatment was repeated nine times so that a total of 27 experimental unit samples were obtained. The sample was taken using purposive sampling technique. Observations were made at the stages of leaf buds, mature leaves, wilted leaves, leaf color, leaf size, stalk length, and environmental factors. Qualitative data was analyzed descriptively and quantitative data was analyzed using the ANOVA test and 95% DNMRT follow-up test. The results of the research showed that there was a difference in the average length of the leaf development phase in the shade treatment which was higher than without shade, the average length of this phase in the three treatments was 58, 81, and 85 days respectively. Meanwhile, there are also differences in the morphological characteristics of the leaves, namely that the shade treatment has an average leaf size and petiole length that is greater than without shade. These sizes were successively in the three treatments, namely mean leaf width 6.856, 8.411, and 8.589 cm, and leaf length 15.167, 17.867, and 18.067 cm, and leaf petiole length 5.989, 7.733, and 7.989 cm. The environmental factor that influences is the intensity of light with the most optimal paranet shade, namely paranet density of 75%.

Comparative analysis of morphological and biochemical properties of some Mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes

Mulberry is a multipurpose tree in horticulture. Besides nutritional importance, it is used for raising silkworms, fodder and landscape. These is quite a wide genetic diversity among different mulberry genotypes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate certain morphological and biochemical properties of 20 genotypes of Morus alba, M. rubra, and M. nigra species distributed in Golestan Province, northern Iran. The highest leaf length (15.51 cm), petiole length (5.37 cm), vitamin C (4.34 mg/100 g) and phenol (31.89 mg/g) were recorded in M12 genotype. The highest fruit length (5.52 cm), pedicle length (17 mm), soluble solids (18.26%) and sucrose (31.64 mg/g) were recorded in M10 genotype. The amount of glucose (288.82 mg/g) and fructose (121.97 mg/g) were also dominant in M17 genotype. The utmost fruit fresh and dry weights (0.3-67.80 g), fruit diameter (1.99 cm), leaf width (11.94 cm) and flavonoids (24.67 mg/g) were also observed in the M20 genotype. The M1 and M2 genotypes had higher anthocyanin (1.13 µmol/g) and total antioxidant activity (66.71%) compared to other genotypes. Furthermore, fruit fresh and dry weights were positively correlated with fruit length and diameter, pedicle length, and leaf and petiole length. The highest positive correlation was observed among anthocyanin, vitamin C and phenols. The morphological and biochemical traits explained 99 % of the total variance of four and three main components. The results of cluster analysis grouped these genotypes into 3 main groups. Therefore, the highest heritability and genetic advance were found for fruit weight, petiole length, leaf width, antioxidant activity, fructose and flavonoids. The valuable pomological traits recorded for some genotypes may be useful for future breeding programs.

The impact of environmental factors on traits of Hedera helix L. vegetative shoots

Hedera helix L. is an evergreen vine native to Europe. Nowadays, it is commonly recognized as an expansive species, posing danger to biodiversity of natural ecosystems. Obtaining the relationships between morphological variability, productive parameters of vegetative individuals, and variations in environmental factors (on the example of the Kórnik Arboretum) is important for understanding the successful adaptation and dispersion of H. helix. Thus, the issue of our studies was to discover the link between environmental factors and morphometric measurements of H. helix. We collected data on leaf length, leaf width, leaf petiole length, plant stem length, and the number of leaves per stem. We assessed values of ecological plasticity and correlation between the studied parameters. The results indicated the tolerance of ivy to wide variation in edaphic conditions. The limiting environmental factors for growth of the studied subpopulations were soil moisture and light intensity. We found large variability of leaf morphometric parameters and shoot length. Close correlation links were detected between leaf length/leaf width, leaf length/leaf petiole length, and leaf width/leaf petiole length. The length of the average leaf and the length of leaf petiole were the most variable parameters under different values of light intensity. Weak relationships were found between light intensity at the soil surface and plant stem length/the number of leaves per shoot. A high level of index of morphological integration of H. helix individuals and a close relationship between the quality index/subpopulation compositions were established in this study. A direct relationship between light intensity and specific leaf area values was established. The value of specific leaf area decreased linearly with increasing light intensity at the soil surface.

Leaf functional diversity and environmental filtering in a tropical dry forest: Comparison between two geological substrates.

The role of geological substrate in shaping plant community functional diversity remains poorly understood. Considering the involvement of leaves in the energy, water, and nutrient economics of plants, we hypothesized that leaves experience geology-related filtering, which in turn shapes their functional attributes and community leaf functional diversity on different substrates. We studied tropical dry forest communities on limestone and siliciclastic phyllite-derived soils, comparing their functional diversity and soil physico-chemical properties. We predicted the most benign habitat (less severe filter) to be associated with higher leaf functional diversity and an acquisitive strategy prevalence, while the more stressful habitat should show conservative leaf traits and lower leaf functional diversity. We measured six traits in 31 common tree species (representing ~80% of community crown cover): leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf thickness, leaf dry matter content, petiole length, and leaf blade narrowness. Leaf functional diversity was assessed through the functional trait dispersion metric. Intraspecific functional variation was examined in 25 species shared between substrates. The limestone substrate was more fertile (higher phosphorous) with higher water retention, while phyllite had higher nitrogen and lower humidity. Principal component analysis segregated plots by substrate, with limestone plots being more clustered. Community leaf functional diversity was higher in the limestone forest. Most species examined showed inter-substrate trait differences in at least one leaf functional trait. The two substrates constituted distinct growth environments, with the more benign substrate associated with higher community leaf functional diversity. The intraspecific analysis revealed the prevalence of acquisitive traits in the more benign and more conservative traits in the more stressful habitat. This study advances our understanding of the role of geological substrate as an environmental filter in tropical dry forests, influencing leaf functional responses and emphasizing the importance of intraspecific functional variation.

Elucidation of the Genetic Diversity within Some In Situ Shea Germplasm in Ghana

Shea is an agroforestry tree species known primarily for its rich butter, which contains stearin and tocopherol, and has ultraviolet ray absorption property; it is used in cooking, body care and traditional medicines. This tree is, however, uncultivated and collection of its nuts by rural dwellers is threatened by increased urbanization with its accompanying land use pressure and the need for fuel wood for rural households. There is also increased demand for shea products worldwide necessitating the need for shea improvement strategies. At the apex of this improvement program lies the need for germplasm collection, characterization, conservation and utilization. In order to conserve elite shea materials amidst dwindling shea populations threatened by climate change, there is a need to develop shea germplasm banks based on the representation of genetic and phenotypic variation focusing on known traits. The objective of the study was to evaluate 282 shea accessions for germplasm conservation and to determine the genetic diversity of the collected materials to inform future collections and drive crop improvement strategies. Leaf traits were used to differentiate and group the selected materials. Leaf length ranged between 16.83 cm and 30.85 cm, and leaf blade length ranged between 12.28 cm and 20.68 cm. Petiole length varied between 5.53 cm and 10.2 cm and the blade to petiole ratio was from 1.41 to 2.69. Correlation studies revealed significant negative correlation between the latitude of collection and all leaf traits measured. There was significant positive correlation between blade length and petiole length (0.57), blade length and total leaf length (0.87) and petiole length and breadth (0.49). The collected materials were grouped at 90% into two, based on the morphological descriptors studied. Three different approaches were employed to genetically analyze the materials based on single nucleotide polymorphic markers (SNP). A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the SNPs generated; this grouped the materials into three, with various subgroups. Principal coordinate analysis also produced three distinct groups with groupings not based on geographical area of collection. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) also confirmed three groupings. The genetic diversity of the collection was very low (Hs) = 0.0406, which is an indication of potential inbreeding within the shea populations. To conclude, there was higher variation within locations than between locations.

Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical of Ocimum basilicum to Strengthen the Traditional Balinese Medicine System

The system of traditional Balinese medicine is known as Usada. One type of plant used in Usada is basil (Ocimum basilicum L). Antioxidant activity and phytochemical of ethanol extracts of two varieties of basil, Ocimum basilicum L (var.) Bali (OcB) and Ocimum basilicum L (var.) Lombok (OcL) was investigated. Total phenol was determined by folin-cioccalteu phenol reagent, total flavonoid by quarsetine reagent, tannin by Folin-Denis reagent, and antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method and is expressed as IC50. All of the parameters were measured by spectrophotometer. Phytochemicals were determined by Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis. Morphological characters (stems, leaves, and flowers) are also observed. The results showed, in OcB obtained 92 compounds, 10 of which are important compounds that have an antioxidant effect, while in OcL 139 compound components were found, 15 of which are important compounds. Levels of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, as well as IC50 in OcB are; 3526.65 mg GAE/100g, 15841.6795 mg QE/100g, 2402.80 mg/100 g, and 24.9410 mg/L, respectively, while in OcL respectively are; 3297.71 mg GAE/100g, 13242.30 mg QE/100g, 850.71 mg/100, and 33.1105 mg/L. Conclusions, morphologically OcB and OcL showed no difference except leaf width and petiole length. The antioxidant activity of OcB is better, as well as higher levels of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins compared to OcL.

Evaluation of Different Ornamental Ficus under Shadenet Conditions of Prayagraj

An experiment entitled Evaluation of different ornamental ficus under shadenet conditions of prayagraj was conducted in shadenet house, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj during July-October 2022 on ficus. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight varieties replicated thrice. The varieties used were Ficus microcarpa golden, Ficus microcarpa moclame, Ficus microcarpa crassifolia, Ficus triangularis variegata, Ficus benjamina exotica, Ficus benjamina reginald, Ficus benjamina starlight, Ficus benjamina safari. The results revealed that better performance was seen in Ficus microcarpa golden in all parameters like plant height at 90 days (56.33 cm), no. of leaves at 90 days (94.43 cm), leaf length at 90 days (10.13 cm), leaf breadth at 90 days (4.53 cm), no. of primary branches at 90 days (11.23 cm), plant spread at 90 days (36.93 cm), leaf petiole length (1.6 cm).

Leaf trait Adaptation in Grewia optiva Drummond along Altitudinal Gradient in the North Western Himalayas

The current study was carried out between year 2020-2023 in the Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources, College of Forestry, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.). This study was carried out in four altitudinal ranges of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (400 to 800 m (A1), 801-1200 m (A2), 1201-1600 m (A3), and 1601-2000 m (A4) above mean sea level (a m s l). Leaf morphometric traits such as leaf area, leaf length, leaf width and petiole length increased from the A1 (400-800 m) altitudinal zone to the A2 (800-1200 m). These apparent characteristics, however, declined more as the altitudinal range increased from A2 to A4. Maximum values were reported for A2 (800-1200 m altitudinal range) in relation to average leaf area, length, width, and petiole length. The reason being the as elevation increased, leaves became thicker and water content reduced and leaves size became smaller. Plants can develop adaptive strategies in response to environmental change produced by an elevational gradient as elevation increases, the temperature always drops, limiting leaf area expansion due to heat and energy availability. However, according to our findings, the leaf area steadily increase up to 800-1200 m a m s l (A2 altitudinal zone). This counterintuitive pattern could be explained by the impact of precipitation and temperature fluctuations on LA.

Differential impact of liana colonization on the leaf functional traits of co-occurring deciduous and evergreen trees in a tropical dry scrub forest

The present study was carried out to analyze the leaf functional traits of co-occurring evergreen and deciduous tree species in a tropical dry scrub forest. This study also intended to check whether the species with contrasting leaf habits differ in their leaf trait plasticity, responding to the canopy infestation by lianas. A total of 11 leaf functional traits were studied for eight tree species with contrasting leaf habits (evergreen and deciduous) and liana-colonization status (with or without liana). In the liana-free environment (L–), evergreen trees had significantly higher leaf tissue density (LTD) and total chlorophyll (CHLt) than the deciduous species. Whereas the deciduous trees had higher specific leaf area (SLA) and mass-based leaf nitrogen concentration (Nmass). The leaf trait-pair relationship in the present study agreed with the well-established global trait-pair relationships (leaf thickness (LT) vs. SLA, Nmass vs. LT, SLA vs. Nmass, and LDMC vs. SLA). There was a significant difference between L+ and L– individuals in leaf area (LA), petiole length (PL), SLA, LDMC, and CHLt in the deciduous species. On the other hand, evergreen species showed marked differences across LT, SLA, LTD, Nmass, and chlorophyll components between L+ and L– individuals of the same species. The results revealed the differential impact of liana colonization on the host trees with contrasting leaf habits. The deciduous species with the acquisitive strategy can have a competitive advantage over evergreen species in the exposed environments (L–), whereas evergreen species with shade-tolerant properties were better acclimated to the shaded environments (L+). Therefore, liana colonization can significantly impact the C-fixation strategies of the host trees by altering their light environment and further, the magnitude of such impact may vary among species of different leaf habits. The result also indicated the patterns of convergence and divergence in some of the leaf functional traits between evergreen and deciduous species explaining the patterns of species co-existence.