Pedicel Length Research Articles

Studies on Heterosis and Combiing Ability for Yield and Quality Attributing Traits in Chilli (Capsicum Annum L.)

Seven lines and four testers were crossed in line x tester mating design to evolve twenty-eight hybrids. These hybrids were studied along with their eleven parents for estimation of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for Fruififteen characters. Observations were recorded on fifteen economically important traits viz., days to 50 percent flowering, plant height at maturity, plant spread, fruit length, fruit width, fruit pedicel length, placenta length, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit, 1000 seed weight, fruit yield per plant, ascorbic acid content, capsaicin content and capsanthin content. The hybrids L4 x T3 (LCA 625 × G-4) is the best hybrids followed by L7 x T4 (Pant C-1 × LCA 678) and L7 x T2 (Pant C-1 × K1) recorded significant standard heterosis for fruit yield per plant. Selection of hybrids for heterosis breeding based on per se performance, sca effects and standard heterosis will be more effective. It may be concluded that based on all the three criteria, the following three hybrids L4 x T3 (LCA 625 × G-4) and L7 x T4 (Pant C-1 × LCA 678) and L7 x T2 (Pant C-1 × K1) were identified as the superior hybrids, among the twenty-eight hybrids evaluated.

Taxonomic studies in Colombian Picramniaceae (Picramniales): new species of Aenigmanu, Nothotalisia and Picramnia from the Pacific and Magdalena Valley regions

Three new species of Picramniaceae from Colombia are described and illustrated; Aenigmanu chococola from the Pacific region is the second species of the previously monotypic genus, known only from the Amazon region. In addition to its allopatric distribution, the new species is mainly recognisable by its wide leaf blades, which are basally convex and commonly apically emarginate at the very tip, and long bracts on the pistillate inflorescences. Nothotalisia karsticola and Picramnia vinacea are from karst areas in the Magdalena Valley; the former is mainly recognisable by its long inflorescences, pistillate inflorescences in racemes, staminate flowers with long petals and anthers apically mucronate, whereas the latter is mainly recognisable by its racemose inflorescences in both staminate and pistillate plants, pedicel length in staminate flowers, filaments shorter than the petals and glabrous fruits. We also include notes about their taxonomic affinities, habitat, geographical distribution, phenology, etymology and conservation status. A key for species of Nothotalisia is provided.

Genotypes performance and genetic variability studies in Hot Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

Pepper (Capsicum sp.) is one of the most widely used food worldwide. To assess the magnitude and extent of genetic variability among some chili accessions and varieties, and their contributions to yield, a field experiment was conducted using 30 genotypes during the off-season period from November 2016 to May 2017 under irrigation. The experiment was conducted using an RCBD design with three replicates. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed highly significant differences for all traits tested, except for fruit girth, pedicel length, and plant height. Primary branch per plant, dry fruit yield per plot, fruit length, stem width, and number of fruits per plant all had high GCV(genotype coefficient of variation) and PCV(phenotypic coefficient variation) values among the yield components, along with high heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. For all traits, the phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation, indicating an environmental influence on these traits. High heritability, along with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean, was observed for primary branch per plant, stem width, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, and dry fruit yield per plot, implying the potential for crop improvement in chilli through selection.

Effect of Shoot Bending at Different Time on Production and Quality of Hybrid Tea Rose Cultivar Minu Pearle

A field experiment was undertaken from September to March for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) to find out the best time for shoot bending in Hybrid Tea rose. Growth and development of rose cultivar Minu Pearle, was significantly influenced by shoot bending at different time (4th week of September to 4th week of December). Among the treatments tallest plants & maximum leaf area was produced in plants bended on T5 whereas, the plant canopy was registered to be maximum in 2nd week of December. The highest rate of shoot elongation at 15 & 30 days after shoot bending was noted in second week of November and October respectively. Application of shoot bending on 2nd week of October recorded early blooming and slowest flower bud emergence was registered in T5whereas, delayed sepal reflex and maximum days taken to attain cup shape was observed in T6. In terms of flower quality parameters like length and diameter of flower bud and pedicel and weight of individual flower, T5 proved to be superior. Shoot bending applied on 2nd week of November (T4) produced long and thick stalks. Among the treatments maximum number of flowers, longest self and vase life, highest dry matter production from leaves and stem, greater chlorophyll and anthocyanin content was observed in T5.

Biological effect of gamma and electron beam to target turning X-ray irradiation on two varieties of freesia in M3 generation

The study was carried out to explore the effects of 60Co-γ irradiation and electron beam to target turning X-ray (EBTTX) irradiation in the M3 generation to accelerate the breeding process of freesia. Bulbs of two varieties of freesia “Freesia armstrongii W. Watson” and “Freesia corymbosa (Burm.f.) N. E. Br” were exposed to 4 doses of 60Co-γ and EBTTX irradiation (25, 50, 75, and 100 Gy). The stimulatory effect on germination rate, survival rate, plant height, leaf number, leaf area, root number, root length, flowering plant rate, and pedicel length of two freesia cultivars at 25 Gy of 60Co-γ irradiation dose was better than EBTTX in M3 generation. High irradiation dose exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on these plants' growth parameters and even the survival rate of two freesia cultivars was 0.00% at 100 Gy irradiation dose for both types of irradiation. The total chlorophyll content of freesia “Freesia armstrongii W. Watson” and “Freesia corymbosa (Burm.f.) N. E. Br” reached the maximum under the radiation dose of 25 Gy. With the increase in radiation dose, the content of MDA, SOD, and POD in the leaves of both varieties of freesia increased gradually. In the M3 generation of the two freesia varieties, five new mutant plants such as dwarf plants, altered flower color, and increased petal numbers were found. A high frequency of mean mutations was found in EBTTX irradiated plants (4.16% and 3.3%) than in gamma-irradiated plants (2.4% and 2.5%) at 50 Gy as compared with control in Freesia armstrongii W. Watson and Freesia corymbosa (Burm.f.) N. E. Br.

Phenotypic variability evaluation and genetic variation in F2 intraspecific hybrids of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) using retrotransposon-based markers

Abstract. Setiawan AB, Zahidah QA, Kaltsum DN, Purwantoro A. 2023. Phenotypic variability evaluation and genetic variation in F2 intraspecific hybrids of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) using retrotransposon-based markers. Biodiversitas 24: 2596-2604. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) has a narrow genetic base compared to other Cucumis species. The genetic base of the cucumber can be improved by crossing two distantly related cultivars from different geographical locations. This study aimed to evaluate phenotypic variability and investigate genetic variation of F2 cucumber population using two retrotransposon-based markers, namely Inter Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism (IRAP)andInter-SINE Amplified Polymorphism(ISAP). Two parental lines and the selected 59 genotypes from F2 population were subjected to PCR analysis for DNA profiling. The phenotypic variation of F2 genotypes revealed significant diversity in fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit radian, pedicel length, fruit length, and fruit ratio (length-diameter). The genetic variation of the F2 hybrids was successfully detected and discriminated by IRAP and ISAP markers. Both IRAP and ISAP markers showed high heterozygosity ranged from 0.4021 to 0.4997, with an average of 0.4649 and moderate polymorphic information content ranged from 0.3489 to 0.3929 with an average of 0.3648. Cluster analysis showed that the F2 population and parental lines were grouped into two major clusters with a similarity coefficient ranged from 0.67 to 0.96. These findings imply that the F2 population is highly segregated and can be utilized to create new cultivars of cucumber.

Morphological Features and Landscaping Suitability of <em>Syzygium zeylanicum</em> (L.) DC. var. <em>lineare</em> Trees from the Belihuloya Region of Sri Lanka

Purpose: Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC. grows naturally in some of the Asian countries including Sri Lanka. In the Belihuloya region the S. zeylanicum trees are naturally grown with specific characteristics than the rest of the country and in other countries. It is scientifically identified as a different variety as S. zeylanicum (L.) DC. var. lineare (Wall.). There are no studies specifically focused on this tree in Sri Lanka. This study has focused on the studying morphological characters and suitability of S. zeylanicum var. lineare as a landscaping plant. Research Method: Morphological characteristics of leaves, flowers, and fruits (pericarp thickness, seed diameter, width, length and weight of fruit) were recorded from randomly selected trees. Landscaping suitability was evaluated using measurements of shading under the tree canopy, the air pollution tolerance index of the plant and the general community perception. Findings: Leaf (area, length, width, petiole length, internodal length, and leaf-veins-angle), flower (length and width of style, filament, floral cup and length of pedicel and anther) and fruit morphological parameters were significantly different among plants except for the width of anther, floral cup and fruit length. The average shading was 88.7%. Most of the surveyed persons preferred to grow the plants as a landscaping plant (47%). Twenty-six percent (26%) of the respondents indicated that it could be used as a good shade tree. Further, respondents identified fruit appearance, tiny leaves, and branching patterns are features that would give high landscaping value to the plant. The air pollution tolerance index was 9.72 in the control site and 9.32 in the polluted site. Research Limitations: Selecting the same ageing plants for the study was difficult. Originality/ Value: The plant can be used as a landscaping plant, mainly as a shade plant. The plant is sensitive in a polluted environment and can be used as an air pollution indicator.

Changes of an endangered population of Iris dichotoma after conservation translocation in Taeanhaean National Park, Korea

Sustainable habitats play a significant role in determining the survival and habitat preservation of endangered species. To conserve the endangered species <i>Iris dichotoma</i> Pall. and its habitat in Taeanhaean National Park, we collected seeds from a natural population and germinated and propagated them in a greenhouse. In 2019, the propagated individuals of <i>I. dichotoma</i> were transplanted at two study sites in Taeanhaean National Park. After conservation translocation, annual monitoring was conducted from 2020 to 2022, and factors related to the survival and growth of <i>I. dichotoma</i> (clonal propagation rate [%], the flowering rate [%], the population density [individual/m<sup>2</sup>], the maximum leaf bundle length [height; cm], the maximum leaf bundle width [cm], and the pedicel length [cm]) were measured. According to the results of the monitoring of the flowering and fruiting periods for three years after transplantation, 82.4% of individuals in total were found to have survived. During 2020 to 2022, the mean population density (individual/m<sup>2</sup>) increased from 0.36 to 0.42 and the size of the leaf bundle length and the width both decreased compared to the corresponding figures in 2019 (p < 0.05). According to the findings here, the transplanted population of <i>I. dichotoma</i> is considered to have adapted successfully to its new site in Taeanhaean National Park.

Flower transcriptional response to long term hot and cold environments in Antirrhinum majus.

Short term experiments have identified heat shock and cold response elements in many biological systems. However, the effect of long-term low or high temperatures is not well documented. To address this gap, we grew Antirrhinum majus plants from two-weeks old until maturity under control (normal) (22/16°C), cold (15/5°C), and hot (30/23°C) conditions for a period of two years. Flower size, petal anthocyanin content and pollen viability obtained higher values in cold conditions, decreasing in middle and high temperatures. Leaf chlorophyll content was higher in cold conditions and stable in control and hot temperatures, while pedicel length increased under hot conditions. The control conditions were optimal for scent emission and seed production. Scent complexity was low in cold temperatures. The transcriptomic analysis of mature flowers, followed by gene enrichment analysis and CNET plot visualization, showed two groups of genes. One group comprised genes controlling the affected traits, and a second group appeared as long-term adaptation to non-optimal temperatures. These included hypoxia, unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, ribosomal proteins, carboxylic acid, sugar and organic ion transport, or protein folding. We found a differential expression of floral organ identity functions, supporting the flower size data. Pollinator-related traits such as scent and color followed opposite trends, indicating an equilibrium for rendering the organs for pollination attractive under changing climate conditions. Prolonged heat or cold cause structural adaptations in protein synthesis and folding, membrane composition, and transport. Thus, adaptations to cope with non-optimal temperatures occur in basic cellular processes.

Genetic variability studies of a novel health promoting leafy vegetable Rucola (Eruca sativa)

Rucola is one of the important leafy vegetables of the ‘Brassicaceae’ family which is commonly consumed as raw salad. Seven rocula genotypes were evaluated during Rabi season 2021-2022 at the experimental farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka for genetic variability analysis and were compared with mustard genotype. The results showed that the genotypes were significantly variable for the studied traits. The phenotypic variances and phenotypic coefficient of variations were higher than genotypic variances and genotypic coefficient of variations suggesting the environmental effects on the phenotypic expression of those traits. The high heritability was observed for all the traits except the number of leaves per plant (51.24). Fresh yield per plant showed a significant positive genotypic correlation with number of leaves per plant (0.986) and number of siliquae per plant (0.845) while a significant phenotypic correlation with days to 50% flowering (0.466), plant height (0.473), number of leaves per plant (0.705), leaf length (0.547), days to maturity (0.405) and number of siliquae per plant (0.797). Moreover, seed yield per plant had significant positive correlation with thousand seed weight (0.971) while a non-significant positive correlation with leaf breadth (0.258), number of siliquae per plant (0.030), siliquae length (0.314) and pedicel length (0.168) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. The results suggest that rucola can be cultivated in the agro-climatic condition of Bangladesh and needs for further genetic improvement of this health promoting crop. This is also the first scientific report of rucola cultivation in Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(2): 53-63

Identifikasi Karakter Morfologi dan Analisis Kandungan Nutrisi Buah Pisang Mas, Buluh, dan Lumut Lokal Bali

Identification of Morphological Characters and Fruits Nutrient Analysis of Pisang Mas, Buluh and Lumut Local Bali. Banana are a common commodity in Indonesia, having high economic, cultural and nutritional value. The objective of this research was to find the difference of morphological characters and nutrient content of Pisang Mas, Buluh and Lumut Local Bali. The research was conducted from July to October 2021. The samples of banana were taken from Antap Village, Selemadeg Barat District, Tabanan Regency, while identification and analysis were conducted in the laboratory. This research used UPGMA analysis and randomize complete design (RCD) with 3 replications. The results of identification showed different qualitative morphological characters in bunch position, fruit shape, fruit apex, remains of flower relicts at fruit apex, mature peel color, pedicel surface, pulp color before maturity, pulp color at maturity and predominant taste, while the quantitative showed the different in the number of pedicels, fruit length, fruit pedicel length and fruit peel thickness. Pulp nutrient content showed differences in water content, dry matter, crude lipid, crude fiber, and carbohydrate content.

Assessment of Genetic Divergence in Chilli Germplasm (Capsicum annuumL.)

Chilli or hot pepper (Capsicum annuumL.), native to new world tropics, is one of the most essentialvegetable and spice crop worldwide. In India, it is an indispensable spice cum vegetable in every household. In the current experiment, the elite 34 genotypes collected locally and throughout India weresubjected to Mahalnobis D2 statistics using Tocher’smethod. Results revealed that the genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters based on Mahalanobi’sD2statistics. Cluster I consisted of 9 genotypes, cluster II had 12 genotypes, cluster IV had 8 genotypes, cluster VI contained 3 genotypes and cluster III & cluster V had single genotype. Maximum inter cluster distance was found between cluster III and VI (217.467), and high cluster mean value for yield per plant was recorded in cluster II(65.92g).Pedicel length trait was found to be prominent contributorto the genetic divergence in present experimental material

Evaluation of Chilli Genotypes for Earliness, Yield And Other Characters in Winter Season

Thirty-six genotypes of chilli (Capsicum spp.) from diverse sources were evaluated at the Regional Spices Research Station, BARI, Gazipur during February 2017 to November 2018 to select the promising genotype(s) for breeding. Distinct variation among the genotypes was observed in all the qualitative parameters except seed colour and fruiting behavior. The genotype CO 525 and CO 634 took minimum days for 1st flowering (50 days) and first fruit set (59 days), while the genotype CO 633 took the maximum for 1st flowering and first fruit set (125 and 141 days). Plant height ranged from 46 cm (CO 610) to 119cm (CO613). Single fruit weight ranged from 0.72 g (CO629) to 7.81g (CO642), while fruit length ranged from 2.90cm (CO645) to 12.68 cm (CO631). Pedicel length was maximum in CO643 (5.52 cm) and minimum in CO639 (1.50 cm). The genotype CO 611-2 had the maximum number of fruits/plant (342) whereas the genotype CO640 had the minimum no. of fruits/plant (41.33). The genotype CO631 produced the maximum weight of fruits/plant (628.33g). The maximum number of fresh seeds was obtained from CO635 (93.20/fruit) and it was the lowest in C0645 (18). The highest weight of fresh seeds/fruit was obtained from CO525 (0.61 g) and the lowest from CO 639 (0.13 g). The maximum fruit yield was recorded from CO 631 (23.88 t/ha) closely followed by CO635 (19.21 t/ha) and CO 637 (19.12 t/ha). Results revealed that the genotypes differed significantly in most of the parameters and offer a good scope for selection of better genotypes as parents for the desired traits.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 45(3): 335-348, September 2020

Paraphlomishsiwenii (Lamiaceae), a new species from the limestone area of Guangxi, China.

The indumentum of nutlets is shown to be of phylogenetic importance in previous molecular phylogenetic studies of Paraphlomis, a genus of Lamiaceae with approximately 30 species distributed mainly in southern China and Southeast Asia. Nearly half the species of Paraphlomis are known from limestone areas. In this study, we described and illustrated a new species, P.hsiwenii, from the karst mountain forests in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that P.hsiwenii is recovered in a clade consisting of species with hairy nutlets. The new species is morphologically most similar to P.pagantha from the same clade, but they differ in the morphology of lamina bases, length of pedicels and calyces, as well as the morphology of upper corolla lips.

Exploring agro-morphological diversity of Algerian hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) accessions using multivariate statistics

Pepper is an inevitable constituent in the diets of Algerian population. Unfortunately, the local landraces are endangered by both genetic erosion and pollution. This study aimed to perform agro-morphological characterization of hot peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) accessions. Twenty one accessions collected from the east and south of Algeria were evaluated for 24 quantitative and 38 qualitative morphological characters under green-house conditions. The trial was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with four replicates at the experimental station of the Department of agronomical sciences of Biskra University in Southeast Algeria. Significant variations in most of the traits were strikingly demonstrated using variance analysis and coefficients of variation and the number of modalities, frequencies and Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′) values for the quantitative and qualitative characters respectively indicating the heterogeneity of the studied accessions. The correlations between the studied quantitative variables showed that the yield parameters were correlated with the variables related to the vegetative part of the plant. The first five PCs explained 76.877 % of the total variation and identified the most discriminant variables related particularly to yield and fruit characteristics contributing to PC1: fruit width; fruit index; fruit weight, number of locules; placenta length, pedicel length, anther length, leaf width and plant height /stem length ratio. For several qualitative traits, an important degree of variability was observed. The first factorial dimension explained 42.5% of the variance and was mostly associated with: plant height; growth habit; flower position; corolla shape; number of flower per axil and fruit shape at pedicel attachment and at blossom end; calyx margin. Cluster analysis of the combined data grouped the pepper landraces into four clusters regardless of the localities and the closest accessions belonged to different localities and/or provinces. This study notably confirms the presence of considerable genetic diversity within and between accessions of hot pepper in Algeria and provides a basis for its active conservation and future selection to develop improved local pepper populations

A multifaceted comparison between the fruit-abscission and fruit-retention cultivars in ornamental crabapple.

The ornamental crabapple is a multipurpose landscaping tree that bears brilliant fruit throughout the winter. However, whether or not its fruit persists after maturation is specifically correlated to cultivar characteristics. In this work, we screened two different types that display fruit-retention (“Donald Wyman,” “Red Jewel,” and “Sugar Tyme”) and fruit-abscission (“Radiant” and “Flame”) in Northern China across the whole winter using multi-year successional records. Fruit-abscission was determined predominantly by the abscission zone established at the base of the pedicel, regardless of fruit size and pedicel length, according to the results of the comparative research. The primary physiological rationale was the accumulation of hydrolases activity (pectinesterase, cellulase, polygalacturonase, and β-glucosidase). Comparative transcriptomics further identified a number of upregulated DEGs involved in the synthesis pathways of canonical phytohormones, such as ethylene, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and cytokinin, as well as 12 transcription factors linked in downstream signaling in fruit-abscission cultivars. Finally, a model incorporating multi-layered modulation was proposed for the fruit abscission of ornamental crabapple. This study will serve as the foundation for the development of fruit-viewing crabapples that have an extended ornamental lifetime.

Resurrection of Drypetesnienkui (Putranjivaceae), endemic to Hainan, China.

Drypetesnienkui (Putranjivaceae), described from Hainan, China, has long been treated as a synonym of D.indica. Both species belong to a distinctive group of Asian species characterized by perulate buds that give rise to shoots bearing flowers or inflorescences proximally and leaves distally, 2-3-carpellate ovaries, and elongate styles. However, D.nienkui fundamentally differs from D.indica in inflorescence architecture and fruiting pedicel length; these or other characters also distinguish D.nienkui from the remaining species in this group. Drypetesnienkui therefore deserves recognition as a distinct species endemic to Hainan. An expanded description of the species is provided along with a key to the related species.

Genetic variability and correlation analysis for yield and yield contributing characters in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Thirty brinjal genotypes were evaluated for eighteen quantitative characters in a randomized block design with three replications. Variability studies for 18 quantitative characters revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was comparatively greater than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. Maximum PCV (59.49%) and GCV (59.48%) were registered for fruit weight. High estimates of heritability accompanied with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were  recorded for most of the traits viz., fruit length, diameter, pedicel length, pedicel thickness, relative fruit calyx length, fruit weight, fruits per plant, the number of marketable fruits, marketable fruit yield and fruit yield per plant indicating the prominence of additive gene action, thus pointing towards the effectiveness of simple selection depending on the phenotypic expression of genotypes would be rewarding for genetic improvement of these characters. Significant positive correlation of fruit yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with plant height, percentage of medium and long styled flowers, fruit setting percentage, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit pedicel length, fruit pedicel thickness, fruit weight, marketable fruit yield and significant negative correlation with the number of primary branches, days to 50% flowering, days to first harvest, relative fruit calyx length, fruits per plant, total marketable fruits. Therefore, considering these characters would be beneficial in the selection for fruit yield per plant. Keywords: Brinjal, Genetic variability, Correlation analysis

Major gene with polygene inheritance analysis of shoot architecture traits in Viola cornuta

• The shoot architecture- related traits of V. cornuta were mainly controlled by genetic factors. • An additive major gene controlled the plant height of V. cornuta. • The internode length, shoot number, and pedicel length of V. cornuta were regulated by two additive major genes, respectively. • The plant width and shoot angle of V. cornuta were governed by two equally additive major genes, respectively. The shoot architecture of Viola cornuta affects its uniformity, aesthetics, and lodging resistance. Understanding the genetic variance in the traits of the shoot architecture has practical significance for V. cornuta breeding. However, not much is currently known about these traits. In this study, we analyzed the genetic basis of seven traits (plant height-PH, plant width-PW, plant width/plant height-PW/PH, internode length-IL, shoot number-SN, shoot angle-SA, and pedicel length-PL) in V cornuta using major gene plus polygene mixed inheritance analysis based on four generations (P 1 , P 2 , F 1 , and F 2 ). These seven traits had varied coefficients of variation (CVs), among which that of the IL was the highest. Significant positive correlations (correlation coefficient > 0.5) were observed for two groups: 1) PH and PW/PH and 2) IL and PH and PW. Genetic analysis revealed that V. cornuta PH adhered to the A-1 model via one additive major gene. The optimal model for PW, PW/PH, and SA was the B-4 model, namely two equally additive major genes model. IL, SN, and PL could be described by the B-2 genetic model via two additive major genes. Additionally, the heritability of these major genes was close to (and sometimes exceeded) 50%, indicating that the shoot architecture traits of V. cornuta were mainly controlled by genetic factors . Our findings may provide new theoretical data for quantitative trait locus mapping and breeding of desirable shoot architectures in V. cornuta .

Characterization and QTL identification in eggplant introgression lines under two N fertilization levels

Lowering nitrogen inputs is a major goal for sustainable agriculture. In the present study, a set of 10 Solanum melongena introgression lines (ILs) developed using Solanumincanum as the exotic donor parent were grown under two nitrogen fertilization doses supplied with the irrigation system: 1) 8.25 mmol · L−1 NH4NO3, corresponding to the high nitrogen treatment (HN), and 2) no external nitrogen supply, corresponding to the low nitrogen treatment (LN). Twenty traits, including plant growth and yield parameters, fruit size and morphology, nitrogen and carbon content in leaf and fruit, and phenolics content in fruit, were evaluated. The aim was to select of potential materials for eggplant breeding under low N inputs, as well as to identify and locate putative QTLs associated with the traits evaluated. No significant differences were observed between the soil characteristics of the HN and LN treatments, except for nitrogen and iron content, which was slightly lower in the HN, probably as a consequence of higher nutrient removal from soil by plants in the latter group. Analysis of variance showed that lowering nitrogen inputs did not significantly affect the final yield, fruit morphology, size and phenolics content. Most agronomic traits were highly and positively correlated with each other under both treatments, as well as total phenolics with chlorogenic acid content. The assessment of the differences between each IL and the recipient parent resulted in the identification of 36 QTLs associated with most of the traits—12 were specific to the HN, 17 specific to the LN, and 7 were stable across treatments. The introgressed fragment of S. incanum generally had a negative effect on the trait, except for QTLs for fruit dry matter, for fruit length on chromosome 10 under the HN, and for fruit pedicel length on chromosome 9 under the LN. The increase over AN-S-26 of the allele of S. incanum for the QTLs detected ranged between −73.98% and 26.03% in HN and −73.67% and 34.43% in LN. These findings provide useful tools for the utilization of S. incanum in eggplant breeding under lower nitrogen fertilization.