Main Morphological Traits Research Articles

Description of juvenile instars of Scapheremaeus tonatiuh Palacios-Vargas, Ríos & Vázquez, 1998 (Acari, Oribatida, Cymbaeremaeidae)

The oribatid mite species Scapheremaeus tonatiuh (Oribatida, Cymbaeremaeidae) is recorded for the first time in the U.S.A. (initially described from Mexico). Its juvenile instars are described, based on materials collected from arboreal habitats in Florida, U.S.A. (Neotropical region). The larval instar is characterized by the presence of gastronotic setae с3, la, lm, lp long, lanceolate having setiform apex, and h1 very long, subflagellate; the nymphal instars are characterized by the presence of exuvial scalps, 12 pairs of gastronotic setae (da, dm, dp absent) of which setae с3, la, lm, lp, h1, h2 are long, phylliform but h3 is very long, subflagellate. The main morphological traits of the adult are summarized.

Taxonomic contribution to knowledge of the oribatid mite subfamily Arcoppiinae (Acari, Oribatida, Oppiidae)

This study is based on oribatid mites of the subfamily Arcoppiinae (Oribatida, Oppiidae) collected from rainforest litter in Izabal Department, Guatemala. A new species of Arcoppia—A. tetraramosa sp. nov.—is described. In having several long, barbed branches of the bothridial seta and comparatively long dorsal notogastral setae, the new species is similar to A. dechambrierorum and A. serrulata, but can be distinguished from both by the morphology of the rostrum, the length of dorsal notogastral setae, the sculpturing of basal part of the prodorsum, the length of the costula, and the presence of the specific ridge-like structure in front of the transcostula. A supplementary description of Wallworkoppia cervifer is presented and its main morphological traits are summarized.

Optimization of carbon and nitrogen partitioning in DP202216 maize hybrids

ContextThe photoassimilates and nitrogen (N) allocation in grain crops can be studied via the harvest index (HI) and the N harvest index (NHI). These two variables should be considered in breeding programs seeking more effective use of resources in maize (Zea mays L.) and other grain crops. Molecular biotechnology has emerged as a complement to improve not only maize grain yield but also resource utilization efficiency. A recent study reported a beneficial impact of increasing and extending the expression of a maize MADS-box transcription factor (zmm28) on the NHI. ObjectiveThis research aimed to further identify enhancements of C-N partitioning (HI, NHI) in DP202216 maize hybrids recognizing the main physiological and morphological traits associated to the C-N dynamics via in-season intra-canopy measurements. MethodsTwo DP202216 elite hybrids were evaluated with their respective wild-type (WT) controls during two field growing seasons under two N regimes. The N nutrition index (NNI), as crop N status, was quantified to avoid misinterpretations of the results. ResultsThe DP202216 trait showed, on average, a ∼6% increase in the HI with a concomitant positive impact of ∼9% in the NHI across hybrids, N regimes, and seasons. Those increases were consistent at different crop NNI. After accounting for the NNI, it was shown that the increases in both HI and NHI were supported by the accumulation of more N in leaves (mainly in both lower and middle sections of the canopy vertical profile) and more water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in stems before flowering, combined with more aggressive post-anthesis remobilization. ConclusionIn this study, it was shown an increase in the efficient use of crop resources in DP202216 hybrids with respect to their isogenic WT controls at similar NNI via increments in C and N partitioning (HI and NHI). ImplicationsThis physiological and morphological understanding of C- and N-related traits addressed the challenge of optimizing the effective use of resources in maize breeding programs. To better understand traits by management interactions with yield and yield stability, DP202216 hybrid evaluations across a broad range of commercially relevant N scenarios would be valuable.

Morphological diversity increases with decreasing resources along a zooplankton time series.

Biodiversity is studied notably because of its reciprocal relationship with ecosystem functions such as production. Diversity is traditionally described from a taxonomic, genetic or functional point of view but the diversity in organism morphology is seldom explicitly considered, except for body size. We describe morphological diversity of marine zooplankton seasonally and over 12 years using quantitative imaging of weekly plankton samples, in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. We extract 45 morphological features on greater than 800 000 individuals, which we summarize into four main morphological traits (size, transparency, circularity and shape complexity). In this morphological space, we define objective morphological groups and, from those, compute morphological diversity indices (richness, evenness and divergence) using metrics originally defined for functional diversity. On both time scales, morphological diversity increased when nutritive resources and plankton concentrations were low, thus matching the theoretical reciprocal relationship. Over the long term at least, this diversity increase was not fully attributable to taxonomic diversity changes. The decline in the most common plankton forms and the increase in morphological variance and in extreme morphologies suggest a mechanism akin to specialization under low production, with likely consequences for trophic structure and carbon flux.

A New Bloody Pulp Selection of Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera L.): Pomological Traits, Chemical Composition, and Nutraceutical Properties

A new accession of myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera L.) from Sicily (Italy) was studied for the first time for its chemical and nutraceutical properties. A description of the main morphological and pomological traits was created as a tool for characterization for consumers. For this purpose, three different extracts of fresh myrobalan fruits were subjected to different analyses, including the evaluation of total phenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and anthocyanin (TAC) contents. The extracts exhibited a TPC in the range 34.52-97.63 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g fresh weight (FW), a TFC of 0.23-0.96 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g FW, and a TAC of 20.24-55.33 cyanidine-3-O-glucoside/100 g FW. LC-HRMS analysis evidenced that the compounds mainly belong to the flavonols, flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and organic acids classes. A multitarget approach was used to assess the antioxidant properties by using FRAP, ABTS, DPPH, and β-carotene bleaching tests. Moreover, the myrobalan fruit extracts were tested as inhibitors of the key enzymes related to obesity and metabolic syndrome (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase). All extracts exhibited an ABTS radical scavenging activity that was higher than the positive control BHT (IC50 value in the range 1.19-2.97 μg/mL). Moreover, all extracts showed iron-reducing activity, with a potency similar to that of BHT (53.01-64.90 vs 3.26 μM Fe(II)/g). The PF extract exhibited a promising lipase inhibitory effect (IC50 value of 29.61 μg/mL).

REDESCRIPTION OF PUNCTORIBATES TSCHERNOVI SHTANCHAEVA AND SUBÍAS, 2014 (ACARI: ORIBATIDA: PUNCTORIBATIDAE)

The redescription of Punctoribates tschernovi Shtanchaeva and Subías, 2014 (Oribatida: Punctoribatidae) is presented based on the material collected from the coastal grove of Elaeagnus caspica in the Samursky National Park, Dagestan, Russia. The main morphological traits of this species are specified and summarized.

SUPPLEMETARY DESCRIPTION OF ORIBATULA ELEGANTISSIMA BALOGH AND MAHUNKA, 1965 (ACARI: ORIBATIDA: ORIBATULIDAE)

The redescription of Oribatula elegantissima Balogh and Mahunka, 1965 (Oribatida: Oribatulidae) is presented, based on the material collected from dry soil in the steppes of the Altai Republic, Russia. The main morphological traits of this species are summarized.

Variability and stability of the main valuable economic traits of the chickpeas collection specimens in conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. The research is aimed at an in-depth study of the genetic diversity of the existing collection samples from the basic collections according to morphological, biological and economic features in conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine and selection of reliable sources of these traits in order to create a new highly productive, adaptive breeding material. Methods. Field (conducting phenological observations and records), biometric and measuring and weighting (for recording productivity and yield), mathematical and statistical (objective evaluation of experimental data obtained). Results. During 2018-2021, on the experimental fields of scientific crop rotation of the Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillia of NAAS, evaluation of 223 chickpea samples obtained from the Breeding and Genetic Institute of the National Center for Seed Science and Varietal Research and 210 samples of the kabuli type and 13 samples of the desi type from the V.Ya. Yuryev Institute of Plant Breeding of NAAS was carried out. Using the coefficient of variation (V, %), the level of variability of the main morphological traits (“stem length”, “lower bean attachment height”, “number of branches of the 1st order per plant”), elements of seed productivity (“number of beans per plant”, “number of seeds per bean”, “weight of 1000 seeds” and “seed weight per plant”) and productivity was established in these samples. The ecological stability (stability and plasticity) of the main valuable morphological traits, elements of seed productivity and yield in chickpea collection samples selected for productivity features were studied. Conclusions. According to the data of four years of research (2018-2021), in conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, 16 collection samples of chickpeas (12 of the kabuli and 4 of the desi type) resistant to adverse abiotic and biotic factors with increased productivity were selected. These samples are valuable sources of the main morphological traits plasticity and stability, elements of the seed productivity structure for the purpose of breeding the increased the adaptability of chickpea varieties in conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

Two New Species of PurpleCalibrachoa(Solanaceae) from Southern Brazil Grasslands Revealed by Molecular and Morphological Data

Abstract—We describe two new species ofCalibrachoa(Solanaceae) from southern Brazil grasslands. The new species were first detected by molecular data, and later corroborated by morphological traits and field observations. Both species are erect shrubs with showy purple corollas. The main distinctive morphological traits are the marked dark purple ring contrasting with the yellow corolla throat and the lobed stigma inC. atropurpurea,and the long androecium reaching the distal part of the corolla tube and the connivent anthers inC. synanthera. A key for the species with purple flowers from the Rio Grande do Sul Brazilian State, where the species were found, is given.Keywords—Calibrachoasubg.Stimomphis, Rio Grande do Sul, subtropical grasslands, taxonomy

Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum L.) as a Novel Multipurpose Crop for Agriculture in Marginal Environments: A Review

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is a versatile crop that has adapted to the broadly different soil and environmental conditions throughout all continents. To date, the fruits (“seeds”) of the plant are the only reliable source of silymarin, which, given its recognized therapeutic effects and its many present and potential uses, has led to a significant re-discovery and enhancement of the crop in recent years. Overall, although many studies have been carried out globally on the bioactivity, phytochemistry, and genetics of milk thistle, few and discontinuous research activity has been conducted on its basic agronomy as well as on the farm opportunities offered by the cultivation of this species. However, the multiple potential uses of the plant and its reduced need for external inputs suggest that milk thistle can perfectly fit among the most interesting alternative crops, even for marginal environments. The growing interest in natural medicine, the increasing popularity of herbal dietary supplements, and the multiple possibilities for livestock feeding are all arguments supporting the idea that in many rural areas, this crop could represent a significant tool for enhancing and stabilizing farm income. However, several issues still have to be addressed. The species retains some morphological and physiological traits belonging to non-domesticated plants, which make the application of some common agronomic practices challenging. Furthermore, the lack of reliable field data devoted to the definition of suitable cropping protocols represents a major constraint on the spread of this crop among farmers. This review has therefore focused on updating information on the main morphological and phytochemical traits of the crop and its agronomic characteristics and novel uses. Several gaps in technical knowledge have been addressed, and further goals for experimental activity have been outlined in order to guide farmers eager to cope with the cultivation of such a challenging and resource-rich crop.

Biological Traits and Genetic Relationships Amongst Cultivars of Three Species of Tagetes (Asteraceae).

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are multifunctional flowering plants belonging to the Asteraceae family, well-known and widespread for their ornamental value and many other uses. In this study, morphological differences and genetic relationships among 21 cultivars of three species of marigold (Tagetes patula, T. erecta and T. tenuifolia) were analysed. Results have revealed obvious differences among genotypes, starting from the morphological characteristics of the seeds and their capacity to germinate to adult plant morphological characteristics, both between cultivars and species. The genotypic differences were manifested in considerable variation in the development of phenological stages and the main morphological traits of plants and flowers. PCA and hierarchical clustering analyses of morphological traits revealed a homogeneous grouping of cultivars within each species, except for Orion, belonging to T. patula, which was closer to T. erecta cultivars. A subset of 13 cultivars from the three species was subjected to SSR analysis, revealing considerable genetic diversity and good separation between T. patula on the one side and T. erecta and T. tenuifolia on the other. The observed heterozygosity was much lower than the expected heterozygosity, revealing a high degree of fixation. The results reveal that the three species evaluated have considerable morphological and genetic diversity, which has important implications for assessing genetic diversity, conserving germplasm and selecting parents for new breeding works in marigolds.

An annotated checklist of the genus Pterygodermatites Wedl, 1861 (Nematoda: Rictulariidae), with notes on hosts and geographical distribution.

Species of rictulariid nematodes belonging to the genus Pterygodermatites Wedl, 1861 are parasites of mammals with a wide geographical distribution. The taxonomy of this speciose genus is complex and based mainly on morphological traits of the cephalic structures and cuticular processes. Currently, the known species are allocated to five subgenera [P. (Paucipectines), P. (Neopaucipectines), P. (Multipectines), P. (Pterygodermatites) and P. (Mesopectines)], based on the classification proposed in 1969 by Quentin. Studies on life cycles, taxonomy, biogeography and association of these parasites with mammals peaked at the end of the 1960s. Although the momentum was lost, new species and geographic records have been added in the last 50years. Therefore, an updated checklist of species of Pterygodermatites is presented here, based on a literature survey. Information on classification, geographical distribution and host range obtained for 68 species is presented, including a distribution map. Moreover, the main differential morphological traits related to each species are tabulated. More than 140 species from 10 different mammalian orders (Carnivora, Chiroptera, Didelphimorphia, Erinaceomorpha, Macroscelidae, Microbiotheria, Paucituberculata, Primates, Rodentia and Xenarthra) have been reported as hosts of Pterygodermatites spp. The taxonomic information here compiled can contribute to future studies on the biogeography, in addition to evolutionary and ecological aspects of this diverse but poorly known genus of parasitic nematodes of mammals.

The Emergence of a Mixed Type Dialect: The Example of the Dialect of the Bani ˁAbbād Tribe (Jordan)

The present article aims at questioning the status of the šāwi dialect of the Bani ʕAbbād tribe by providing a new analysis of the main distinctive phonological, morphological, and syntactical traits which may hint at dialect mixing. The data provided by the field research, based on a functional framework that relies on descriptive linguistics and a typological approach, show that this dialect is deeply affected by a koineizing tendency due to increasing contacts with the populations of the neighboring areas (especially ʕAmmān and Salṭ) which, in turn, leads to the gradual loss of its authentic features. Finally, this paper discusses whether the dialect of the Bani ʕAbbād should still be considered as belonging to the yigūl group (recently renamed Central Bedouin ygūlu) of the Syro-Mesopotamian sheep-raising tribes or if a new typology of mixed type dialects should eventually be adopted for the dialects displaying important markers of both Bedouin and sedentary types.

Peculiarities of <i>Hypericum perforatum</i> L. reproduction <i>in vitro</i> culture and development of plants in the open field

The possibility of using the method of cell and tissue culture for microclonal reproduction of St. Johns wort is shown. Direct morphogenesis was obtained using seedlings without roots at the age of 12 days. It was found that the introduction of BAP in a low concentration (0,1 mg/l) with IAA 1,0 mg/l into the MS nutrient medium promoted the minimum bud formation with the maximum yield of morphologically normal shoots without the need for an elongation phase. At the stage of rhizogenesis, the process of root formation was observed in all variants of the experiment; the proportion of shoots with roots was high and ranged from 88 to 90%. The maximum height of shoots, the number of pairs of leaves per shoot, and the length of plant roots were reached on the MS nutrient medium with IAA 1,0 mg/l. The period of adaptation to non-sterile conditions was 30 days, while a high yield of regenerant plants was observed. The survival rate of the adapted regenerant plants in field conditions was high (100%). Regenerant plants developed rapidly and bloomed in the first year. It was revealed that before planting in open ground, St. Johns wort plants propagated in vitro culture and passed the stage of adaptation to non-sterile conditions in containers with soil mixture formed a sufficiently developed root system from regenerant plants with a large number of adventitious roots 68 cm long. At the base of the shoot, from 2 to 5 renewal shoots 912 cm in height were formed. On the 65th day after transplanting, the number of renewal shoots more than doubled and averaged 7,8 pcs. per individual with a shoot height of 23 cm. In the third decade of August, the plants entered the budding phase, and on September 20, they entered the flowering phase. It was noted that by the beginning of flowering, the height of the plants increased to 4954 cm, and the diameter of the shoot up to 0,4 cm. From 16 to 24 pairs of oblong-ovoid standard leaves were formed on the plant. The formation of the floral part of the shoot (inflorescence) 2027 cm long began with the axils of 914 leaves and consisted of 710 pairs of lateral axes (paracladia). The average number of flowers was 82. The amplitude of variability of the main morphological traits of the shoot of the studied plants was at low and medium levels. It was found that the development of microclonally propagated plants by the end of the first growing season corresponded to the growth and development of St. Johns wort plants of the second year of life grown by seedlings.

The Whitefly Dialeurodes citri: A New Pest on Citrus in Tunisia?

Whiteflies invaded citrus orchards in Tunisia in the 90’s. Two species: Aleurothixus floccosus and Parabemisia myricae have been recorded successively infesting citrus and causing severe damage in Cap-Bon (North-East of Tunisia). These pests were first controlled by several insecticidal applications but with a relative efficiency. Then two biological control programs have been deployed completing the action of native natural enemies especially for P. myricae. The result was a very satisfactory control of both whitefly species, to a point that they almost disappeared from orchards for about 30 years. In 2017, a third whitefly species, identified as Dialeurodes citri, was observed during a prospection in citrus orchards in Takelsa region (Cap-Bon). It was a common species in Algeria, but never caused damage in Tunisia. In 2020, D. citri was found again with very high population densities in the regions of Menzel Bou Zelfa (Cap-Bon) and Tunis. These observations confirmed its change of status and spread in Tunisia. The main morphological and biological traits to distinguish between D. citri and the other two whitefly species, already recorded in Tunisia, were described and first observations on its infestation were reported. Some recommendations to manage this new pest are given.

Intraspecific diversity of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.): a unif ied classif ication.

The Department of Wheat Genetic Resources of the All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) had developed and published in 1979 a classification of the genus Triticum L., which is based on the genomic composition of species and the presence or absence of a number of main genes that govern the “classification” traits. The grounds have been laid by F. Körnicke and J. Percival, and supplemented by N.I. Vavilov and K.A. Flaksberger. The classification, which is most often referred to as the “Classification of Triticum by Dorofeev et al.”, belongs to a number of the main modern classifications of the genus. This is the world’s first standardized system that contains all known intraspecific (infraspecific) taxa of wild and cultivated wheat species. A detailed classification makes it possible to identify a wide variety of forms in the genus Triticum L. and its individual species, which is especially important for collections preserved in genetic seed banks. The use of the intraspecific classification of the genus Triticum L. greatly simplifies the identification of the VIR collection accessions introduced from various sources or checking accession identity after regeneration in the field. However, the direct use of such a voluminous classification meets several difficulties. Therefore, we propose a unified intraspecific classification of durum wheat, based on the description of only 16 main botanical varieties out of 131 described so far, which have complexes of morphological traits of the spike and kernel that occur most frequently in durum wheat collections. The remaining 115 botanical varieties, which have additional traits, get their name by the addition of the abbreviated Latin name of one or another additional trait to the main name. Having mastered this way of describing the morphological traits of accessions, any user can easily navigate oneself in the systematized intraspecific diversity of collections. The purpose of this work is to acquaint the reader with the intraspecific classification of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) developed at VIR and to offer its simplified version, which is based on the identification of the main and additional morphological traits of the spike and kernel.

Morphological Characterization, Variability and Diversity among Vegetable Soybean (Glycine max L.) Genotypes

Vegetable soybean production is dependent on the development of vegetable type varieties that would be achieved by the use of germplasm to evolve new agronomically superior yielding vegetable type with beneficial biochemical traits. This can be accomplished by a better understanding of genetics, which is why the research was conducted to reveal the quantitative genetics of vegetable soybean genotypes. Genetic variability of main morphological traits in vegetable soybean genotypes and their divergence was estimated, as a result of the magnitude of genotypic variation (GV), and phenotypic variation (PV) of traits varied among the genotypes. All traits showed high heritability (h2) associated with high genetic advance percentage mean (GAM). Therefore, these variable traits are potential for genetic improvement of vegetable type soybean. Genetic diversity is the prime need for breeding, and the magnitude of genetic diversity values were maximized among specific genotypes. Eight clusters were found for all genotypes; cluster VIII and cluster I were considered to have the most diversity. Cluster VIII consisted of two genotypes (GM-6 and GM-27), based on the mean outcomes of the high yield attributing traits. Hence, these two (GM-6, GM-27) genotypes can be advanced for commercial cultivation; furthermore, other genotypes can be used as source of breeding lines for genetic improvement of vegetable soybean.

Studying of Cultural Properties of Pyricularia oryzae Cav. Strains in the South of Russia

This article presents the results of the development of a methodology for describing the main morphological and cultural traits of the Pyricularia oryzae Cav. strains widespread in the south of Russia. At the same time, the types of traits are identified and listed, which make it possible to unambiguously determine the uniqueness and variety of the pathogen. The relationships and patterns established using cluster and statistical analysis make it possible to identify the conditions for the development of a pathogen that determine its predominant forms. Thus, research shows that leaf forms of P. oryzae strains isolated from rice plants with leaf form of blast disease have an equally directional growth pattern of a colony with a felt structure, and strains isolated from neck-affected plant form often produce a zone of a colony with a clumpy structure. The classification of cultural traits will make it possible to obtain scientifically grounded and comparable data that can be used in the analysis of the interaction of P. oryzae strains with rice plants on various varieties and in various agro-technological conditions in order to improve and rationalize agricultural activities. The study opens up the possibility of using data in breeding, making it possible to identify forms of a pathogen that infect certain varieties.

Use of intraoral three-dimensional images for the identification of dental morphological traits related to ancestry estimation

Victim identification through dental features is one of the main objectives of forensic dentistry. In circumstances where information regarding antemortem dental records is missing, reconstruction of a biological profile can be useful as a first step toward personal identification. This reconstructive method provides valuable information, namely regarding the individual's ancestry, through the detection and degree of expression of dental morphological traits, which may help to restrict the number of candidates for identification. Technological advances allowed the development of alternative methods for dental evaluation, that complement or substitute those already in use in clinical practice. Among these, intraoral three-dimensional (3D) images are increasingly used in dentistry, as they have a high level of accuracy and are easy to obtain and store. However, a fundamental question regarding forensic dentistry is whether they allow recognition and analysis of dental morphological traits in detail, namely those related to ancestry. In this study, we evaluated 20 teeth morphological features using intraoral 3D imaging from 77 individuals from Northern Portugal. Our results showed that it was possible to identify and classify a large part of the main morphological traits used in the estimation of ancestry. As these 3D images present sufficient morphological detail to be classified, we believe that future applications of this technique can be expected in forensic dentistry.

REDESCRIPTION OF EREMOBELBA GRACILIOR BERLESE, 1908 (ACARI, ORIBATIDA, EREMOBELBIDAE)

The redescription of Eremobelba gracilior Berlese, 1908 (Oribatida, Eremobelbidae) is presented, based on the material colleсted in Washington D. C. and Columbia, Missouri (USA). Main morphological traits of this species are summarized.