Pedicel Length Research Articles

Morphological Diversity of Pyrus elaeagrifolia Pall. Ecotypes in Eastern Anatolia Region

One of the wild fruit species that has been in demand in the markets in Turkey in recent years is oleaster-leafed pear (Pyrus elaeagrifolia). This species, which is widespread especially in arid areas in Turkey, is represented by a wide morphological diversity. It is found in general rural areas and its fruits collected and valued by rural people. In this study it was determined phenological (including ripening period) and some important morphological parameters of eight pre-selected promising oleaster-leafed pear (Pyrus elaeagrifolia) ecotypes. Ripening dates of ecotypes were observed between 25 October and 12 November. Fruit mass were in range of 8.36 to 16.11 g indicates a 2-fold difference between the ecotype with the lowest fruit weight and the ecotype with the highest fruit weight. Shape index were changed from 0.87 to 1.07. Fruit pedicel length and fruit firmness were found between 9.13 to 16.32 mm and 4.47 to 7.89 kg cm-2, respectively. The ecotypes S1, S4 and S6 can be advanced for commercial cultivation; furthermore, other ecotypes can be used as source of breeding lines for genetic improvement of oleaster-leafed pear.

Morphology of the suckers for hunting behavior in broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus)

AbstractCuttlefish has eight arms and two tentacles that it uses to catch prey. Cuttlefish finds prey, extends its tentacles, catches the prey using tentacular clubs, and retracts the prey. After retraction, the cuttlefish holds and transfers the prey to its mouth using its arms. Since this efficient unique predation is one of the significant factors that have made the cuttlefish a keystone species in marine food ecosystems, many behavioral studies have been conducted. However, the morphological benefit of the sucker on the arms and tentacles for capturing behavior is poorly understood. Here, we observed the relationship between the morphology and function of the arm and tentacular suckers of the broadclub cuttlefish qualitatively and quantitatively. The arm sucker protrudes from the arm surface and has a shorter sucker pedicel length than that of the tentacular sucker. The longest point of the inner sucker ring of the arm sucker is on the aboral side. These are adaptive features to hold and transfer prey effectively from the arms to the mouth. In contrast, the tentacular sucker is stored in the groove of the tentacular club and has a longer sucker stalk length than that of the arm sucker. The longest point of the inner sucker ring of the tentacular sucker is on the outer direction of the holdfast of the tentacular stalk. These are adaptive features for the rapid retraction of moving prey. The results indicate that cuttlefish's arm and tentacular sucker structures reflect their practical use for prey capture.

Identification of major-effect QTL CmFpl3.1 controlling fruit pedicel length in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Fruit pedicel length (FPL) is among the most important traits associated with melon (Cucumis melo L.), impacting their appearance and management. Melon pedicels are also utilized in the preparation of certain traditional Chinese medicine formulations. Herein, we analyzed a melon parental lines with long and short pedicles (M125 and X055, respectively), and found that the primary differences between these lines included changes in both cell number and cytokinin content in the fruit pedicel. This study is the first to report that the CmFpl3.1 is associated with the regulation of melon pedicel length, and we were able to narrow this locus to an 89 Kb region containing 10 genes on chromosome 3 via bulk segregant analysis (BSA) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. Microscopy, qPCR, functional annotation, and gene sequence alignment studies further led us to identify MELO3C010972, which encodes cytokinin oxidase, as a candidate gene of CmFpl3.1 likely to regulate melon FPL. Furthermore, the concomitant cleave amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker genotyping data sets from 95 germplasm accessions strongly supported a role for MELO3C010972 as a regulator of FPL variability. In conclusion, our results offer new insights regarding the mechanistic basis for FPL determination, offering a foundation for future breeding programs or efforts to understand the mechanisms governing melon FPL development.

Hedyotis pubirachis (Rubiaceae), a new species from Guangdong, China

A new species of Hedyotis pubirachis is described from Guangdong province, China. It resembles H. caudatifolia in subshrub habit, lanceolate leaf blade and terminal inflorescence, but differs from the latter by its thyrsoid inflorescence with monochasial sub‐axes, broadly triangular calyx lobes and pubescent inflorescence rachises and capsules. Phylogenetically, Hedyotis pubirachis is close to H. effusa but they can be distinguished in the indument of the inflorescence and capsules and the length of pedicels. Pollen size dimorphism was also observed in the heterostylous flowers of the new species. The new species is provisionally assessed as Least Concern (LC), according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Cathedra (Olacaceae s. l.): A New Species and Morphological, Nomenclatural, and Distributional Updates

Abstract— In this study, five species of Cathedra (Olacaceae s. l.) were recognized, four of them endemic to Brazil and one widely distributed, occurring in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. Cathedra rupestris, a new species described here, is endemic to campos rupestres (Cerrado) in the state of Bahia, and is differentiated from other species of the genus mainly by reticulate bark, length of pedicel in flower (1.5‐2.2 mm), length of petals (3‐3.5 mm), as well as by the proportion of the hypogynous disk in relation to the fruit, which in this species is limited to the base of the drupe. Regarding informal conservation status, C. bahiensis, C. grandiflora, and C. rubricaulis are suggested as Endangered, while C. acuminata and C. rupestris as Least Concern and Critically Endangered, respectively. Here the genus is reviewed, nomenclatural (one synonymization and two typifications) and geographic distributional updates are provided, in addition to an identification key, descriptions, and illustrations. Emended descriptions are also provided for two species.

Révision taxonomique de Ranunculus sect. Batrachium en Corse: une analyse morphologique et statistique

Jeanmonod, D. & Y. Naciri (2021). A taxonomic revision of Ranunculus sect. Batrachium in Corsica: a morphological and statistical analysis. Candollea 76: 275–292. In French, English and French abstracts. In Corsica, the species of Ranunculus sect. Batrachium DC. are poorly defined due to a lack of sufficient observations and because the group is taxonomically complex. Our study concerns 113 individuals collected around the whole island, and is based on a biometric study of 16 morphological characters and field observations (plant development, intrapopulation variability, ecology). As a result, several species are excluded from the section and the groups Ranunculus peltatus aggr., Ranunculus penicillatus aggr., and Ranunculus trichophyllus Chaix are retained. These groups are statistically discriminated by fruiting pedicel length and multifidous leaf length. The species present on the island are Ranunculus penicillatus (Dumort.) Bab., Ranunculus saniculifolius Viv. (initially attributed to Ranunculus peltatus aggr.), and Ranunculus trichophyllus Chaix. An identification key to Corsican species is provided, as well as information concerning the ecology and distribution of each species. First published online: October 13, 2021.

Phyllanthus palakondensis sp. nov. (Phyllanthaceae) from Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India

The new species of Phyllanthus palakondensis found under shrub in Palakonda hills of Andhra Pradesh state, India, is described here. The new species resembles Phyllanthus rotundifolius and P. leshenaultii but differs in habitat (under‐shrub), stem nature (terete and corky) shape of leaf (orbicular, elliptic‐obovate), solitary phyllanthoid branch, pedicel length of female flower (1.5 mm) and shape and size of tepals. A detailed description, a key to the species of Phyllanthus sect. Phyllanthus distributed in Peninsular India and illustrations are provided for easy identification.

SDG2 regulates Arabidopsis inflorescence architecture through SWR1-ERECTA signaling pathway

SummaryInflorescence architecture is diverse in flowering plants, and two determinants of inflorescence architecture are the inflorescence meristem and pedicel length. Although the ERECTA (ER) signaling pathway, in coordination with the SWR1 chromatin remodeling complex, regulates inflorescence architecture with subsequent effects on pedicel elongation, the mechanism underlying SWR1-ER signaling pathway regulation of inflorescence architecture remains unclear. This study determined that SDG2 genetically interacts with the SWR1-ER signaling pathways in regulating inflorescence architecture. Transcriptome results showed that auxin might potentially influence inflorescence growth mediated by SDG2 and SWR1-ER pathways. SWR1 and ER signaling are required to enrich H2A.Z histone variant and SDG2 regulated SDG2-mediated H3K4me3 histone modification at auxin-related genes and H2A.Z histone variant enrichment. Our study shows how the regulation of inflorescence architecture is mediated by SDG2 and SWR1-ER, which affects auxin hormone signaling pathways.

Flowering attributes of Henckelia Royal Queen influenced by pinching and Paclobutrazol application

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of pinching practice and different concentrations of Paclobutrazol (PBZ) on the flowering of Henckelia Royal Queen plants.Completely randomized design with eight treatment combinations of pinching or non-pinching and different concentrations of Paclobutrazol (0, 15, 30and 60 ppm) soil drenchwas usedwith eight replicates for each treatment. Pinching was practiced twice at two weeks intervals. Flowering parameters viz. number of flower buds, days taken to flowering, number of flowers, pedicel length, corolla length and corolla width were measured at two weeks intervals from 9thweek after the treatment application. Results disclosed that plants showed better flowering performances (P<0.05) with increasing concentrations of PBZ, but degree of leaf deformation was increased. Therefore, the application of 15 ppm PBZ with pinching showed better to obtain dwarf Henckelia Royal Queen plants with improved flowering quality as commercial potted plants. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.56(3), 177-184, 2021

The genus Salacia (Celastraceae: Salaciodeae) in peninsular India

The genus Salacia (Celastraceae: Salaciodeae) in peninsular India is revised, wherein ten species are recognised. Eight species are endemic to the region. Salacia macrophylla and S. reticulata are excluded from the revision as occurrence of both the species is doubtful in mainland India. Salacia macrosperma exhibits great variation in leaf shape, flower number, pedicel length and fruit texture, hence the morphologically similar species S. beddomei and S. vellaniana are relegated to its synonymy. Descriptions, photographs, and pen and ink as well as colour drawings of all recognised Salacia species are provided with an artificial key, updated nomenclature, and synonymy. Distribution and IUCN Red list categories and criteria are also discussed. Seven binomials, S. fruticosa, S. macrophylla, S. macrosperma, S. oblonga, S. ovalis, Tontelea prinoides and Johnia coromadeliana are lectotypified.

A STUDY ON CORRELATION AND ASSOCIATION OF CHARACTERS OF EXACUM TETRAGONUM ROXB. IN NORTH KERALA, INDIA

Western Ghats provide asylum to several endemic plants. Exacum tetragonum Roxb. is one of the important endemic herbs inhabiting the hilly tracts and midlands of Kerala, the state of India located towards the south-western side of the Western Ghats. The plant is used for treating fever, stomach disorders, gout, diabetics, and eye diseases. It is also found associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-helminthic and anti-hyperglycemic activities. Correlation and association of characters of this important medicinal plant was analyzed based on the observations on thirteen salient morphological characters recorded from twenty three populations of the species distributed across Malappuram, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Palakkad Districts of Kerala State of India. All the characters studied such as plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of inflorescences, leaf length, leaf breadth, peduncle length, pedicel length, internodal length, leaf area, mean stem girth, number of branches and fresh weight of plants showed statistically significant variations between the populations. Number of flowers showed significant positive correlation with the maximum number of characters (ten characters) whereas number of leaves showed significant positive correlation with the minimum number of characters (two characters). By factor analysis, two factors could be extracted and fresh weight of plant was found to be the lead character. Significant variability with regard to morphological characters indicates the strong genetic base of the plant species in the field. However, drastic changes in its habitat for various reasons can certainly cause severe threats to its continued existence and hence appropriate actions to conserve the natural habitats of this species are vital.

Combining ability studies for yield components, quality characters and relative susceptibility to fruit and shoot borer in brinjal

Six diverse brinjal lines were crossed in a diallel fashion,excluding reciprocals to obtain fifteen cross combinationsto study combining ability for yield components, qualitycharacters and relative susceptibility to brinjal fruit andshoot borer. Significant differences were observed amonggenotypes for most of the characters studied. Both additiveand non-additive gene action conditioned most of thecharacters while non-additive gene action was preponderantfor the control of total phenol content of fruit, seed proteincontent and shoot infestation by borer. Maximum significantgca effects in desired directions were registered by Garia for7 characters followed by BCB-40, BCB-50 and PunjabSadabahar for 6 characters. However, considering thesecond highest per se performance for marketable fruit yield/plant (2.59 kg/plant) along with second lowest severity offruit borer infestation (18.55%) together, the parental lineBCB-40 emerged as the best followed by BCB-30, being thehighest yielder (2.69 kg/plant) and low severity of fruit borerinfestation (22.07%). The most promising cross combinationGaria × Punjab Sadabahar registering the second highestmarketable fruit yield per plant (3.74 kg / plant) exhibited thehighest significantly positive sca effects for marketable fruityield/ plant along with high and significantly positive scaeffect for plant height, fruit pedicel length, fruit weight, fruitsper plant and total phenol content of shoot and significantlynegative sca effect for fruit infestation by brinjal fruit andshoot borer. Keeping in view of low narrow sense heritabilityfor some important characters viz., fruit weight, marketablefruit yield per plant, total phenol content of fruit and fruitinfestation by brinjal fruit and shoot borer selection shouldbe based primarily on replicated family testing in F3 andlater generations. In the perspective of importance of nonadditivegenetic variance along with additive geneticvariance for the conditioning of most of the characters,heterosis breeding to develop high yielding hybridspossessing better fruit size, colour, quality and lesssusceptibility to brinjal fruit and shoot borer may be thebest breeding strategy.

Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Identification for the CapUp Locus Controlling Fruit Orientation in Pepper (Capsicum spp.).

The orientation of fruits is a distinguishing morphological feature of pepper (Capsicum spp.) varieties. The pendent (downward curved) growth of the fruit stalks, known as pedicels, is highly correlated with fruit weight and pedicel length. A previous genetic analysis revealed that the pendent fruit orientation is governed by a dominant gene, and incomplete inheritance is also observed in some Capsicum accessions. To identify and localize this gene, a single quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed on one F2 and two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using a core collection. Common QTL regions associated with fruit orientation were detected on chromosome 12. A total of 187,966 SNPs were identified in a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) for GWAS analysis of 196 Capsicum annuum, 25 Capsicum baccatum, 21 Capsicum chinense, and 14 Capsicum frutescens accessions, representing the germplasm collection of South Korea. The results of these analyses enabled us to narrow down the CapUp region of interest to 200–250 Mbp on chromosome 12. Seven candidate genes were found to be located between two markers that were completely cosegregated with the fruit orientation phenotype. The findings and markers developed in this study will be helpful for additional understanding of pepper fruit development and breeding for fruit orientation.

Orophea sichaikhanii (Annonaceae), a new species from southern Thailand, with a key to the species of Orophea in Thailand and notes on some species

Background and aims – Recent botanical expeditions in Ranong Province, southern Thailand yielded unidentifiable collections of Orophea subgenus Sphaerocarpon (Annonaceae). To elucidate the taxonomic status of these collections, detailed morphological examinations and comparisons with morphologically similar species are made.Material and methods – This study followed standard practices of herbarium taxonomy. Specimens of Orophea spp. in BKF, CMUB, L, and QBG herbaria were studied. Digitised type specimens deposited in BM, E, G, K, and L herbaria were accessed. A stereo microscope was used for morphological observations and measurements. Key results – A new species Orophea sichaikhanii is described and illustrated. The Peninsular Malaysian O. hastata and O. kingiana are the species most similar to the new species. Orophea sichaikhanii is different from O. hastata in several traits: indumentum on ovaries and young twigs; length of pedicels, inner petals, and inner petal claw; and inner petal colour and tip. The new species differs from O. kingiana by having dissimilar colour and tip of inner petals; lower number of stamens and carpels per flower; and glabrous ovaries. Additionally, a key to the species of Orophea in Thailand and notes on certain species are provided.

Sunbirds' tendency to hover: the roles of energetic rewards, inflorescence architecture and rain

Although the Old World sunbirds are generally considered to be an ecological analogue of the New World hummingbirds, it is commonly believed that in contrast to hummingbirds, sunbirds perch while feeding. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that Old World nectarivores hover while feeding more frequently than previously thought, and some Old World plants seem to have adapted to hovering bird pollinators. To reveal the importance of sunbird foraging behavior in nectar acquisition and to test whether this behavior is determined by plant architecture and rain intensity, we focused on the specialized West African pollination system of Impatiens sakeriana and its two major pollinators, the Cameroon sunbird Cyanomitra oritis and the northern double‐collared sunbird Cinnyris reichenowi. C. oritis hovered more often than C. reichenowi while feeding on flowers, although both species were observed hovering regularly. For both species, hovering reduced the feeding time, but this reduction and the consequent estimated changes in energetic intake were species‐specific. We found that both floral pedicel and peduncle length, as well as precipitation, negatively affected the probability of C. reichenowi hovering but did not have any significant effect on the behavior of C. oritis. Our study demonstrates that hovering behavior is common in the studied sunbird taxa and that plant architecture and environmental factors can influence sunbird foraging behavior. Nevertheless, the extent of hovering versus perching behavior, as well as the effects of biotic and abiotic factors, is species‐specific.

Assessment of genetic divergence through cluster analysis of chilli varieties

Our study on genetic diversity was conducted with six chilli genotypes with inter- and intra-specific cross varieties of the three most popular chilli species (Capsicum annuum L., Capsicum chinense Jacq., and Capsicum frutescens L.). Twelve quantitative characters, viz. plant height (cm), primary branches, secondary branches, number of flowers, number of fruits/plant; dry fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), pedicel length (cm), pericarp thickness (mm), seeds/fruit, and seed weight (g), were taken into consideration. The analysis of variance revealed considerable variability among the genotypes for the character studied. Cluster analysis was used for grouping of parental and hybrid chilli genotypes under the study grouped into five clusters. Cluster I had the maximum (12) and clusters IVand V had the minimum number (1) of genotypes. The inter-cluster D2 values ranged between 40.404 and 127.530. The minimum inter-cluster distance was between clusters III and IV (40.404). The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters II and V (127.53). Diversity pattern and other horticultural performance among the genotypes of new varieties were generated due to the cross between Local Line Mahadev Pramanick and Sukhia bullet and also the cross between Local Line Mahadev Pramanick and Habanero orange (cluster II) as well as single parental variety i.e. Habanero orange. These genotypes were identified as promising varieties with respect to various characters may be taken into consideration as better parents for an efficient hybridization programme of chilli.

Integrating coalescent‐based species delimitation with ecological niche modeling delimited two species within the Stewartia sinensis complex (Theaceae)

AbstractAccurate species delimitation is the key to precise estimation of species diversity and is fundamental to most branches of biology. Unclear species boundaries within species complexes could lead to the underestimation of species diversity. However, species delimitation of species complexes remains challenging due to the continuum of phenotypic variations. To robustly examine species boundaries within a species complex, integrative approaches in phylogeny, ecology, and morphology were applied to the Stewartia sinensis complex (Theaceae) endemic to China. Multispecies coalescent‐based species delimitation using 572 nuclear ortholog sequences (anchored enrichment) supported reciprocal phylogenetic monophyly of the northern lineage (NL) and southern lineage (SL), which were not sister clades. Niche equivalency and similarity tests demonstrated significant climatic niche differentiation between NL and SL with observed Warren et al.'s I = 0.0073 and Schoener's D = 0.0021. Species distribution modeling also separated their potential distribution. Morphometric analyses suggested significant interlineage differentiation of multiple traits including the ratio of length and width, leaf width, and pedicel length, although overall similarity did not differ. Based on the integrative species concept, two distinct species were proposed with legitimate names of Stewartia gemmata for SL and S. sinensis for NL. Our empirical study of the S. sinensis complex highlights the importance of applying multiple species criteria, in particular the underappreciated niche differentiation, to species delimitation in species complexes pervasive in plants.

Genetic dissection of QTLs associated with spikelet-related traits and grain size in sorghum

Although spikelet-related traits such as size of anther, spikelet, style, and stigma are associated with sexual reproduction in grasses, no QTLs have been reported in sorghum. Additionally, there are only a few reports on sorghum QTLs related to grain size, such as grain length, width, and thickness. In this study, we performed QTL analyses of nine spikelet-related traits (length of sessile spikelet, pedicellate spikelet, pedicel, anther, style, and stigma; width of sessile spikelet and stigma; and stigma pigmentation) and six grain-related traits (length, width, thickness, length/width ratio, length/thickness ratio, and width/thickness ratio) using sorghum recombinant inbred lines. We identified 36 and 7 QTLs for spikelet-related traits and grain-related traits, respectively, and found that most sorghum spikelet organ length- and width-related traits were partially controlled by the dwarf genes Dw1 and Dw3. Conversely, we found that these Dw genes were not strongly involved in the regulation of grain size. The QTLs identified in this study aid in understanding the genetic basis of spikelet- and grain-related traits in sorghum.

Effect of Harvest Time, Delay in Destemming and Desapping Treatment on the Sap Volume and Visual Quality of ‘Carabao’ Mango Fruit

The sap or latex injury in mango reduces fruit quality as it causes skin blemish during harvesting and postharvest handling. Sap volume and visual quality of ‘Carabao’ mango as affected by different harvest times during the day (every hour from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM), delay in cutting (hourly up to 6 h) of the pedicel at either the pedicel base or at the abscission zone and different desapping agents applied 1 or 7 h from harvest were assessed. Sap injury was assessed by allowing the sap to flow on the fruit after re-cutting the pedicel at the abscission zone. Sap volume was measured during harvesting while sap injury, days to table ripe stage, visual quality, weight loss, degree of anthracnose and stem end rot were assessed during fruit storage. The experiments were laid out using the completely randomized design. Sap volume ranged from 0.06 to 0.25 mL fruit-1. The lowest sap volume was recorded in fruit harvested in the afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, while the highest volume was noted at 7:00 and 10:00 AM. The relative humidity of the air was highest at 7:00 AM. Better quality at table ripe stage was noted in mango fruit harvested at 1:00 - 2:00 and 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Sap injury at different harvest times did not vary. The delay in the destemming up to 6 h and the location of cut or pedicel length did not affect sap volume and fruit quality. However, the cutting of the pedicel at the abscission zone rather than at the pedicel base tended to result in better quality, which helped delay fruit ripening. All desapping treatments, such as 1.0 % alum, 1.0 % detergent, 0.5 % lime [Ca(OH)2], and water, could control sap injury. Untreated fruit showed longer shelf life due to a lower degree of anthracnose. Stem-end rot did vary among desapping agents. Among the desapping treatments, water is found to reduce sap damage better. Harvesting later in the day, cutting at the abscission zone, and washing mangoes with water can reduce sap or latex damage in ‘Carabao’ mango.

Estimation of heterosis and pattern of inheritance for elite economic yield traits in opium poppy (<em>Papaver somniferum</em> L.)

A line × tester analysis was conducted to assets the heterosis, heterobeltiosis and economic heterosis of sixty F1’s by crossing 12 lines/females and 5 testers/males of diverse parents for fourteen viable economical traits in Papaver somniferum L. The analysis of variance concluded that parents vs hybrids contrast were recorded only 50% significant for the characters and rest non-significant for the traits like days to flowering (50%), no. of leaves/plant, pedicel length, no. of capsule/plant, Seed yield, dry husk capsule and codeine alkaloid content (%) indicated, existence of plentiful variability among parents and crosses for all the characters studied. The investigational result revealed that hybrids L10×T2, L10×T5, L12×T3 and L12×T4 exhibited the best heterosis over better as well as economic parent both for more than one traits, namely- no. of capsule, capsule index, seed yield (g/plant), dry husk yield (g/plant), morphine, codeine, thebaine, papervine and nosacapine alkaloid content (%) in desirable direction. Therefore, these promising crosses can be recommended for exploitation of heterosis to obtain appropriate segregants for crop improvement program in opium poppy.