Male Flowers Research Articles

Corolla micromorphology in 12 plant species with different pollination systems

Background: Floral microstructure, with multiple functions, is very important in pollination biology.
 Questions: Are the expected general characteristics of corolla micromorphology fulfilled in the selected species with different pollination systems?
 Studied species: Agave americana, Arbutus unedo, Aristolochia paucinervis, Cestrum nocturnum, Cytinus hypocistis subsp. macranthus, C. ruber, Dianthus lusitanus, Grevillea robusta, Musa x paradisiaca, Nicotiana glauca, Stellaria media and Teucrium fruticans.
 Study site and dates: Southern Spain, 2017-2019.
 Methods: Floral micromorphological characters were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy and analyzed using different statistical tests.
 Results: The adaxial side of the corolla lobes in melittophilous, myrmecophilous, psychophilous and sapromyophilous species showed papillose cells, and the same was true of the sphingophilous species Cestrum nocturnum and hummingbird-pollinated Nicotiana glauca. In contrast, tabular cells were observed in the perching-pollinator ornithophilous species Grevillea robusta, the two studied chiropterophilous species, and autogamous Stellaria media. In addition, corolla mesophyll was thicker in chiropterophilous species. Furthermore, differences were detected in cell turgidity (in protogynous Aristolochia paucinervis) and in mesophyll thickness between male and female flowers (Cytinus).
 Conclusions: Papillose cells were present in corollas in physical contact with pollinators, as expected, but also appeared in corollas of some other species without such contact. We recommend that studies of dichogamous and unisexual species include comparisons of corolla micromorphology between sexual states, as differences may exist in cell turgidity or mesophyll thickness. We also caution against the widespread view that certain types of pollinators do not mechanically interact with the epidermal surface of the corolla.

Gene co-expression network analysis in areca floral organ and the potential role of the AcMADS17 and AcMADS23 in transgenic Arabidopsis

Areca catechu L., a monocot belonging to the palm family, is monoecious, with female and male flowers separately distributed on the same inflorescence. To discover the molecular mechanism of flower development in Areca, we sequenced different floral samples to generate tissue-specific transcriptomic profiles. We conducted a comparative analysis of the transcriptomic profiles of apical sections of the inflorescence with male flowers and the basal section of the inflorescence with female flowers. Based on the RNA sequencing dataset, we applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify sepal, petal, stamen, stigma and other specific modules as well as hub genes involved in specific floral organ development. The syntenic and expression patterns of AcMADS-box genes were analyzed in detail. Furthermore, we analyzed the open chromatin regions and transcription factor PI binding sites in male and female flowers by assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) assay. Heterologous expression revealed the important role of AcMADS17 and AcMADS23 in floral organ development. Our results provide a valuable genomic resource for the functional analysis of floral organ development in Areca.

QTL analysis of femaleness in monoecious spinach and fine mapping of a major QTL using an updated version of chromosome-scale pseudomolecules.

Although spinach is predominantly dioecious, monoecious plants with varying proportions of female and male flowers are also present. Recently, monoecious inbred lines with highly female and male conditions have been preferentially used as parents for F1-hybrids, rather than dioecious lines. Accordingly, identifying the loci for monoecism is an important issue for spinach breeding. We here used long-read sequencing and Hi-C technology to construct SOL_r2.0_pseudomolecule, a set of six pseudomolecules of spinach chromosomes (total length: 879.2 Mb; BUSCO complete 97.0%) that are longer and more genetically complete than our previous version of pseudomolecules (688.0 Mb; 81.5%). Three QTLs, qFem2.1, qFem3.1, and qFem6.1, responsible for monoecism were mapped to SOL_r2.0_pseudomolecule. qFem3.1 had the highest LOD score and corresponded to the M locus, which was previously identified as a determinant of monoecious expression, by genetic analysis of progeny from female and monoecious plants. The other QTLs were shown to modulate the ratio of female to male flowers in monoecious plants harboring a dominant allele of the M gene. Our findings will enable breeders to efficiently produce highly female- and male-monoecious parental lines for F1-hybrids by pyramiding the three QTLs. Through fine-mapping, we narrowed the candidate region for the M locus to a 19.5 kb interval containing three protein-coding genes and one long non-coding RNA gene. Among them, only RADIALIS-like-2a showed a higher expression in the reproductive organs, suggesting that it might play a role in reproductive organogenesis. However, there is no evidence that it is involved in the regulation of stamen and pistil initiation, which are directly related to the floral sex differentiation system in spinach. Given that auxin is involved in reproductive organ formation in many plant species, genes related to auxin transport/response, in addition to floral organ formation, were identified as candidates for regulators of floral sex-differentiation from qFem2.1 and qFem6.1.

Identification and characterization analysis of the HDM gene family in melon (Cucumis melo L.).

Histone demethylase (HDM) play crucial roles in regulating plant growth and environmental adaptation. In this study, the HDM gene family in melon was identified by bioinformatics methods and the expression patterns of the CmHDM family members in different melon tissues were analyzed using transcriptome data. The results showed that 20 CmHDM genes were identified in the melon genome, which were unevenly distributed across each chromosome. These members fall into two major categories: LSD1 and JmjC. The JmjC group could be further divided into five subgroups with different numbers. The results of collinearity analysis of intraspecific and interspecific relationships showed that there were only one pair of segmental duplication in melon HDM genes, and more collinearity in genetic relationship of HDM genes between melon and tomato. The numbers of conserved domains, exons and introns in each member vary and various cis-acting elements responding to hormones and environmental signals existed in the respective promoter regions. Expression analysis showed that the respective gene members were expressed at different levels in male flowers, female flowers, roots, stems, leaves, ovary, and mature fruits of melon. These results will contribute to the understanding on the potential functions of the HDM genes and their potential functions in regulating melon growth and environmental adaptation.

Investigating the Performance of Different Varieties of Cucumber under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

Nine cucumber varieties were evaluated at the vegetable research farm Department of Horticulture SHUATS, Prayagraj in randomized block design with three replications during rainy seson September -2022 for growth, yield and fruit qualities. The experimental design was Randomized Block Design consisting of nine treatment with three replications, with a view to evaluate different cultivars of cucumber viz. KH10 GREEN LONG(T1), F999(T2), C4F9(T3), SS95(T4), CUCUMBER GREEN WONDER(T5), BH05(T6), PRIYA BARSATI(T7), ANUPRIYA(T8), GREEN 4 BARSATI(T9). Cucumber Green Wonder gave maximum mean value for fruits per plant (5.20 kg) , fruit weight (174.33 g), fruit yield per plot (39.33 kg), number of node per vine (15.33) yield (42 q) , number of male flower per plant (65.00) , number at which first female flower (5.33) was observed in same varieties , maximum numbers of male flowers per plant in variety Cucumber Green Wonder (65.00) maximum length has been found in Cucumber Green Wonder (151.67) Minimum days were recorded for first Appearance of male flower in KH 10 Green Long (51.67). The variety Green 4 Barsati has taken minimum (48.00) days to first harvesting followed by F999 (53.00). cucumber green wonder was found superior based on overall performance in terms of growth, yield, quality & Economic returns. The highest cost benefit ratio was found for cucumber variety Cucumber Green Wonder under PrayagrajAgroclimate condition.

Effects of Florivory on Floral Visitors and Reproductive Success of Sagittaria lancifolia (Alismataceae) in a Mexican Wetland.

Florivores consume floral structures with negative effects on plant fitness and pollinator attraction. Several studies have evaluated these consequences in hermaphroditic plants, but little is known about the effects on monoecious and dioecious species. We characterize the florivory and its effects on floral visitors and reproductive success in a monoecious population of Sagittaria lancifolia. Five categories of florivory were established according to the petal area consumed. Visits were recorded in male and female flowers within the different damage categories. Reproductive success was evaluated through fruit number and weight, as well as the number of seeds per fruit. Our results show that the weevil Tanysphyrus lemnae is the main florivore, and it mainly damages the female flowers. Hymenoptera were recorded as the most frequent visitors of both male and female flowers. Male and female flowers showed differences in visit frequency, which decreases as flower damage increases. Reproductive success was negatively related to the level of damage. We found that florivory is common in the population of S. lancifolia, which can exert a strong selective pressure by making the flowers less attractive and reducing the number of seeds per fruit. Future studies are needed to know how florivores affect plant male fitness.

Plasma membrane aquaporins function in moisture regulation during seed germination and leaf hydration in eelgrass

Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a marine angiosperm distributed in shallow seas that has a unique mechanism for regulating water content. Water transfer across the plasma membrane is facilitated by aquaporins, which are membrane proteins. In this study, we investigated the physiological functions of plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) in eelgrass. ZoPIP1;1 and ZoPIP2;1 in eelgrass leaves were amplified by RT-PCR. Both ZoPIPs localized to the plasma membrane, and only ZoPIP2;1 showed water permeability. ZoPIP1;1 and ZoPIP2;1 were expressed in all tissues except male flowers. ZoPIPs were expressed during seed and fruit development, and their expression levels were low in mature seeds and elevated in germinating seeds. Moisture content decreased in the later phases of seed development and increased during seed germination. These findings imply that ZoPIPs participate in water uptake during seed germination. In leaves, ZoPIP expression was upregulated by dehydration but downregulated by rehydration. Water reabsorption of leaves was inhibited by HgCl2, an inhibitor of aquaporins. These findings indicate that ZoPIPs are upregulated by dehydration during extremely low tides and promote water uptake when the tide turns. Therefore, eelgrass PIPs function in moisture regulation during growth, seed germination, and the flood-ebb tidal cycle in seawater.

Positive selection and relaxed purifying selection contribute to rapid evolution of male-biased genes in a dioecious flowering plant.

Sex-biased genes offer insights into the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Sex-biased genes, especially those with male bias, show elevated evolutionary rates of protein sequences driven by positive selection and relaxed purifying selection in animals. Although rapid sequence evolution of sex-biased genes and evolutionary forces have been investigated in animals and brown algae, less is known about evolutionary forces in dioecious angiosperms. In this study, we separately compared the expression of sex-biased genes between female and male floral buds and between female and male flowers at anthesis in dioecious Trichosanthes pilosa (Cucurbitaceae). In floral buds, sex-biased gene expression was pervasive, and had significantly different roles in sexual dimorphism such as physiology. We observed higher rates of sequence evolution for male-biased genes in floral buds compared to female-biased and unbiased genes. Male-biased genes under positive selection were mainly associated with functions to abiotic stress and immune responses, suggesting that high evolutionary rates are driven by adaptive evolution. Additionally, relaxed purifying selection may contribute to accelerated evolution in male-biased genes generated by gene duplication. Our findings, for the first time in angiosperms, suggest evident rapid evolution of male-biased genes, advance our understanding of the patterns and forces driving the evolution of sexual dimorphism in dioecious plants.

Genome-Wide Analysis of SPL Gene Family and Functional Identification of JrSPL02 Gene in the Early Flowering of Walnut

SPL transcription factors affect plant growth and development, including blooming and photoperiod control. The investigation began with transcriptome data screening of 28 JrSPL genes in walnut (Junglans regia L.) ‘Wen185’. These genes were discovered on all chromosomes except 6 and 15. Phylogenetic study divides the 28 JrSPL genes into five groupings. The biggest cluster, cluster IV, has 12 JrSPL genes. The expression of JrSPL genes in different tissues was investigated by qRT-PCR. JrSPL02 gene expression was greater in walnut female and male flower tissues than other genes. Subcellular localization has shown the JrSPL02 gene resides in the nucleus. Jre-miR156 may target JrSPL02’s 3′-UTR region, according to miRNA sequencing, RACE, and BiFC studies. Arabidopsis plants expressing the JrSPL02 gene flowered 3 days faster than the wild type, according to phenotypic observation. Transgenic lines had more stem branches and siliques than the control group but fewer rosette leaves. In summary, this study functionally analyses the metamorphosis of the miR156-SPL module during the blooming stage and the underlying mechanisms that govern early fruiting in early-fruiting walnuts in Xinjiang.

Studies on floral morphology and fruit diversity in wild melon (Cucumis melo L.ssp. agrestis (Naudin) Pangalo var. agrestis Naudin)

Floral morphology and fruit diversity are two essential attributes of a plant to establish mutualistic association with pollinators. Pollinators will have a direct influence on fruit setting and yield. The present paper represents the floral morphology and fruit diversity of six wild melon genotypes (Cucumis melo ssp. agrestis). The staminate and pistillate flowers were analysed for their size, sepal and petal colour and pedicel length. It was observed that female flowers of wild genotypes were longer than male flowers, however male flowers possessed larger diameter, longer pedicel length and corolla length over female flowers. Among the six genotypes studied, HUB-13 produced maximum male flowers per vine (156.75), longest female flower (5.33 cm), longest pedicel and corolla and largest ovary (6.11 mm diameter). Genotype HUB-4 produced maximum female flowers per vine (39.50) with lower male to female sex ratio (2.65:1) and recorded longest male flower length (4.43 cm). Genotype, HUB-2 recorded lowest flower length (2.40 cm, 2.85 cm) and diameter, smallest corolla length (1.25 cm, 1.13 cm) and pedicel length (1.05 cm and 0.50 cm) for male and female flowers respectively. The sepals and petals were green and yellow in colour respectively with varied intensity. The genotype, HUB-9 recorded maximum ovary length (1.83 cm), fruit weight (86.03 g), fruit yield per vine (1.98 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (9.48 t/ha).

Evaluation of different genotypes of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) under foothill condition of Nagaland

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2022 at the Experimental Farm of Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University to evaluate different genotypes of sponge gourd for their growth, yield and quality under foothill condition of Nagaland. Twenty three (23) genotypes of sponge gourd were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The experimental material comprised 23 genotypes i.e., NUSG-21-1, NUSG-21-2, NUSG-21-3, NUSG-21-4, NUSG-21-8, NUSG-21-10, NUSG-21-11, NUSG-21-13, NUSG-21-15, NUSG-21-16, NUSG-21-18, NUSG-21-19, NUSG-21-20, NUSG-21-21, NUSG-21-22, NUSG-21-23, NUSG-21-24, NUSG-21-25, NUSG-21- 26, NUSG-21-27, NUSG-21-29, NUSG-21-31 and Kashi Divya. Studies showed that among all the genotypes, genotype NUSG-21-18 exhibited maximum vine length (4.67 m), average fruit weight (334.67 g) and yield (185.67 q ha-1). Genotype NUSG-21-4 taken shortest time to produce 1st male flower (39.33 days) and genotype NUSG-21-21 taken shortest time to produce 1st female flower (43 days). Ascorbic acid content in fruit was found to be highest (5.16 mg 100g-1) in genotype NUSG-21-19. Whereas, maximum TSS (4.13⁰B) was found in genotype NUSG-21-20. Based on the experimental findings, it can be concluded that genotype NUSG-21-18 was proved to be potential yielder over other genotypes under foothill condition of Nagaland.

An analysis of sex ratio value, fruit set and fruit to bunch of palm oil Socfindo MT Gano variety on mature plants (MP1, MP2, MP3)

Several studies in managing fruit sets and fruit to bunch are needed to get an ideal concept of treatment for varieties, one of which is the technical culture to explore the production potential of cultivated varieties. Therefore, this research aims to determine the sex ratio, fruit set, and fruit to bunch of palm oil bunch of Socfindo MT Gano variety on mature plants. This research was conducted using the survey method, object of research namely the 2019 planting year (3 years old), the 2018 planting year (4 years old), and the 2017 planting year (5 years old). The data collected were the number of male flowers, female flowers, stalk weight, stalk diameter, fruit, and parthenocarpy fruit, then calculated the sex ratio, fruit set, and fruit to bunch, analyzed by Analysis of Variance at a 5% level. The results indicated that the sex ratio and fruit to bunch were significantly different between MP1, MP2, and MP3, but the fruit set presented no significant difference between MP1, MP2, and MP3. The sex ratio is negatively correlated with fruit set and fruit to bunch, while the fruit set is positively correlated with fruit to bunch with an exceptional relationship.

The use of natural minerals compound fertilizers for the production of sweet corn

The natural mineral of polyhalite, which consists of potassium, sulphur, magnesium, and calcium, has the potential to be to supply various essential nutrients to complete the plant’s nutrient requirement, such as sweet corn. The aim of this study to determine the effect of multiple doses of K-Ca-Mg-S fertilizer on sweet corn plants. This research was conducted at Medan City, North Sumatra, with a height of ± 25 meters above sea level from March to May 2023. This study used a Non-Factorial Randomized Block Design with 5 replications and 5 treatments consisting of the dose of fertilizer, namely 0; 2.14, 4.28, 6.42, and 8.57 g/plant. The results of the study showed that several doses of K-Ca-Mg-S compound fertilizer were able to accelerate the male flowering age, which was 53.8 days after planting (dap), the female flowering age was 57.4 dap, and was able to increase the weight of husked cobs, namely 157.758 kg, and seed sugar content of 15.6 % Brix, but did not increase the harvest index.

Genome-Wide Identification and Abiotic Stress Expression Analysis of CKX and IPT Family Genes in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Cytokinins (CKs) are among the hormones that regulate plants’ growth and development, and the CKX and IPT genes, which are CK degradation and biosynthesis genes, respectively, play important roles in fine-tuning plants’ cytokinin levels. However, the current research on the function of IPT and CKX in cucumber’s growth, development, and response to abiotic stress is not specific enough, and their regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we focused on the IPT and CKX genes in cucumber, analyzed the physiological and biochemical properties of their encoded proteins, and explored their expression patterns in different tissue parts and under low light, salt stress, and drought stress. Eight CsCKX and eight CsIPT genes were identified from the cucumber genome. We constructed a phylogenetic tree from the amino acid sequences and performed prediction analyses of the cis-acting elements of the CsCKX and CsIPT promoters to determine whether CsCKXs and CsIPTs are responsive to light, abiotic stress, and different hormones. We also performed expression analysis of these genes in different tissues, and we found that CsCKXs and CsIPTs were highly expressed in roots and male flowers. Thus, they are involved in the whole growth and development process of the plant. This paper provides a reference for further research on the biological functions of CsIPT and CsCKX in regulating the growth and development of cucumber and its response to abiotic stress.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Genotypes

Correlation of various characters with yield is useful and provides criteria for direct selection of component characters. The other genetic parameter commonly used is the path analysis as given by Dewey and Lu, 1959. It critically breaks up different direct and indirect effects which finally add upto the correlation coefficient. The present investigation was undertaken at the Experimental field of Urban Technological Park Habbak, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir during kharif-2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and plant spacing of 2×1 m for thirty genotypes in order to study the association among yield and yield components, their direct and indirect influence on total marketable fruit yield. Observations were recorded on various growth and yield traits and seed traits. Positive and significant correlation was noted for fruit yield ha-1 with number of male flowers plant-1, number of female flowers plant-1, vine length (m), number of fruits, average fruit weight (g), leaf area (cm2), number of seeds fruit-1, seed weight fruit-1 and fruit yield plant-1 both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis disclosed that traits such as number of fruits per plant, vine length (m), number of female flowers, average fruit weight(g) and number of seeds per fruit should be given due importance by selection for breeding of new cultivars as they exhibited the highest direct effects on the fruit yield ha-1.

Keragaman Serangga Pengunjung pada Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Guineensi Jacq.) di Kebun Pendidikan dan Penelitian (KP2) Stiper Edu Agro Tourism Ungaran

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) productivity is highly dependent on insect pollination of flowers. Visiting insects are insects that come to a plant which can also act as pollinating insects. This study aims to investigate what insects visit oil palm trees. Research on the diversity of visitor insects on oil palms was conducted at Kebun Pendidikan dan Penelitian (KP2), Stiper Edu Agro Tourism (S.E.A.T), Ungaran in August and September, 2023. Sampling using hand collection, bait traps, bottle traps and sticky traps. Data were analyzed using Shannon Wiener Index and Sorensen Index. The study obtained a total of 1411 individuals consisting of 14 morphospecies, three orders, and three families of insects. The Diversity Index (H') in the interior of the plantation was H'=2.47 while at the edge of the plantation was H'=1.36. Similarity Index (S) was 96.29%. The dominant insect species is Elaeidobius kamerunicus (543 individuals) found on the anthesis male flowers of oil palms.

Respon Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Labu Madu (Cucurbita moschata) Keturunan Keempat (F4) Hidroponik Sistem NFT pada Konsentrasi Nutrisi AB Mix yang Berbeda

This study aims to obtain the best concentration of AB Mix nutrients for the growth and production of four (4) phenotypes of honey gourd (Cucurbita moschata) hydroponic NFT system, as well as determine the growth and production of four (4) phenotypes of honey gourd hydroponic NFT system at different AB Mix nutrient concentrations. This research was carried out at Greenhouse DnR Hydroponic Farm Housing Pondok Bedadung Indah Block AA.01. Sumbersari District, Jember Regency, East Java with an altitude of 70 meters above sea level from November 2022 to January 2023. This study was conducted using a Complete Randomized Design (RAL) factorial 3 x 4 with 3 repeats. The first factor is the concentration of AB Mix (N) nutrients consisting of three (3) levels, namely: 700 – 1400 ppm (N1), 900 - 1700 ppm (N2), 1100 - 2000 ppm (N3) and the second factor: phenotype (B) consists of four (4) phenotypes, namely: Flat round (B1), Round oval (B2), Long-necked (B3), Notched (B4). The parameters observed in this study include plant height, number of leaves, number of male flowers, number of female flowers, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight, sweetness content. The observed data were analyzed with the F test to determine the effect of treatment. Different results were marked, followed by a level of 0.05. Using Duncan software test with SPSS 26 for windows. The results showed that AB Mix nutrition with a concentration of N3 (1100-2000) ppm resulted in the highest growth and production of F4 honey pumpkin on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, number of male flowers, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight, sweetness content, The influence of F4 honey pumpkin phenotype causes fruit shape diversity on the parameters of fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight. F4 seeds are heterozygous.

Functional Characterization of CsSWEET5a, a Cucumber Hexose Transporter That Mediates the Hexose Supply for Pollen Development and Rescues Male Fertility in Arabidopsis.

Pollen cells require large amounts of sugars from the anther to support their development, which is critical for plant sexual reproduction and crop yield. Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEETs) have been shown to play an important role in the apoplasmic unloading of sugars from anther tissues into symplasmically isolated developing pollen cells and thereby affect the sugar supply for pollen development. However, among the 17 CsSWEET genes identified in the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genome, the CsSWEET gene involved in this process has not been identified. Here, a member of the SWEET gene family, CsSWEET5a, was identified and characterized. The quantitative real-time PCR and β-glucuronidase expression analysis revealed that CsSWEET5a is highly expressed in the anthers and pollen cells of male cucumber flowers from the microsporocyte stage (stage 9) to the mature pollen stage (stage 12). Its subcellular localization indicated that the CsSWEET5a protein is localized to the plasma membrane. The heterologous expression assays in yeast demonstrated that CsSWEET5a encodes a hexose transporter that can complement both glucose and fructose transport deficiencies. CsSWEET5a can significantly rescue the pollen viability and fertility of atsweet8 mutant Arabidopsis plants. The possible role of CsSWEET5a in supplying hexose to developing pollen cells via the apoplast is also discussed.

Evaluation of different insecticides against Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on cucumber plants

Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a cosmopolitan, polyphagous pest of horticultural crops and many are resistant to insecticides. Cucumber producers in the Katahari, Biratnagar in the Eastern region of Nepal, have been facing severe challenges in recent years due to infestations by the leafminer. This pest has emerged as a major concern for local cucumber farmers, adversely affecting plant health, yield, and economic viability. The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of various insecticides for controlling Liriomyza and the impact of these treatments on the growth, yield, and economic aspects of cucumber cultivation. Research plots were sprayed with profenophos + cypermethrin, emamectin, chlorantraniliprole, Btk + S. spinosa, spinetoram, azadirachtin, and a water spray control. Insecticide efficacy was monitored by examining the collected leaf samples for leafminer stings, larval mines, larvae number, and rate of injury. Chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram significantly reduced the number of leafminer stings, larval mines, and the average number of larvae, resulting in lower injury rates compared to the water spray control. The insecticide treatments exhibited varying effects on plant height, number of leaves per plant, male and female flower counts, and the sex ratio. Likewise, chlorantraniliprole application led to the highest fruit number per plant, resulting in the highest yield. Other treatments also influenced these parameters but to a lesser extent. The economic analysis revealed that chlorantraniliprole had the highest total cost of cultivation but also generated the highest gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio. Overall, this study demonstrates that chlorantraniliprole exhibited the most promising results in terms of pest control, plant growth, yield parameters, and economic returns. These findings provide valuable insights for cucumber farmers and can aid in developing effective strategies for managing cucumber leafminers.

Exploring ethylene-related genes in Cannabis sativa: implications for sexual plasticity.

Presented here are model Yang cycle, ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathways in Cannabis sativa. C. sativa floral transcriptomes were used to predict putative ethylene-related genes involved in sexual plasticity in the species. Sexual plasticity is a phenomenon, wherein organisms possess the ability to alter their phenotypic sex in response to environmental and physiological stimuli, without modifying their sex chromosomes. Cannabis sativa L., a medically valuable plant species, exhibits sexual plasticity when subjected to specific chemicals that influence ethylene biosynthesis and signaling. Nevertheless, the precise contribution of ethylene-related genes (ERGs) to sexual plasticity in cannabis remains unexplored. The current study employed Arabidopsis thaliana L. as a model organism to conduct gene orthology analysis and reconstruct the Yang Cycle, ethylene biosynthesis, and ethylene signaling pathways in C. sativa. Additionally, two transcriptomic datasets comprising male, female, and chemically induced male flowers were examined to identify expression patterns in ERGs associated with sexual determination and sexual plasticity. These ERGs involved in sexual plasticity were categorized into two distinct expression patterns: floral organ concordant (FOC) and unique (uERG). Furthermore, a third expression pattern, termed karyotype concordant (KC) expression, was proposed, which plays a role in sex determination. The study revealed that CsERGs associated with sexual plasticity are dispersed throughout the genome and are not limited to the sex chromosomes, indicating a widespread regulation of sexual plasticity in C. sativa.