Morpho-agronomic Characteristics Research Articles

Genetic variability among elite popcorn lines based on molecular and morphoagronomic characteristics.

Knowledge of genetic diversity among genotypes and relationships among elite lines is of great importance for the development of breeding programs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate genetic variability based on the morphoagronomic and molecular characterization of 18 elite popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) lines to be used by Universidade Estadual de Maringá breeding programs. We used 31 microsatellite primers (widely distributed in the genome), and 16 morphological descriptors (including the resistance to maize white spot, common rust, polysora rust of maize, cercospora and leaf blights). The molecular data revealed variability among the lines, which were divided into four groups that were partially concordant with unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPMGA) and Bayesian clusters. The lines G3, G4, G11, and G13 exhibited favorable morphological characters and low disease incidence rates. The four groups were confirmed using the Gower distance in the UPGMA cluster; however, there was no association with the dissimilarity patterns obtained using the molecular data. The absence of a correlation suggests that both characterizations (morphoagronomic and molecular) are important for discriminating among elite popcorn lines.

Performance of carrot genotypes at two Jequitinhonha Valley sites

<p>The successful commercial use of carrot depends on the choice of cultivars that are well-adapted to soil and climate conditions at the cultivation site and on good consumer acceptance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of carrot cultivars grown in autumn-winter in two towns with different climatic characteristics, in the High Jequitinhonha Valley, MG, Brazil. The experiments were conducted on the Rio Manso farm, in the town of Couto de Magalhães de Minas and on Campus JK at UFVJM, in the town of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Six carrot cultivars (Brasília, Nantes, Kuronan, Esplanada, Planalto and Tornado) were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The following morpho-agronomic characteristics were evaluated 100 days after sowing: shoot height, root length, root dry matter, total dry matter, harvest index, commercial yield and total yield root. The most suitable cultivars in Diamantina were Planalto, Tornado and Kuronan, and the cultivatar Planalto was the best suited to Couto de Magalhães de Minas. The agronomic performance of the cultivars was higher in Couto de Magalhães de Minas for the majority of the study variables, resulting in a higher total yield and commercial root yield. The climatic and soil conditions of Diamantina induced flowering in most cultivars, causing a loss to the commercial yield in autumn-winter cultivation.</p>

Performance of carrot genotypes at two Jequitinhonha Valley sites

The successful commercial use of carrot depends on the choice of cultivars that are well-adapted to soil and climate conditions at the cultivation site and on good consumer acceptance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of carrot cultivars grown in autumn-winter in two towns with different climatic characteristics, in the High Jequitinhonha Valley, MG, Brazil. The experiments were conducted on the Rio Manso farm, in the town of Couto de Magalhães de Minas and on Campus JK at UFVJM, in the town of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Six carrot cultivars (Brasília, Nantes, Kuronan, Esplanada, Planalto and Tornado) were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The following morpho-agronomic characteristics were evaluated 100 days after sowing: shoot height, root length, root dry matter, total dry matter, harvest index, commercial yield and total yield root. The most suitable cultivars in Diamantina were Planalto, Tornado and Kuronan, and the cultivatar Planalto was the best suited to Couto de Magalhães de Minas. The agronomic performance of the cultivars was higher in Couto de Magalhães de Minas for the majority of the study variables, resulting in a higher total yield and commercial root yield. The climatic and soil conditions of Diamantina induced flowering in most cultivars, causing a loss to the commercial yield in autumn-winter cultivation.

Eff ect of gamma rays on germination, morphological and yield characters of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench)

<p>Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench) is the most common vegetable crop of the world. The genus Abelmoschus belongs to family Malvaceae is represented by 12 species. This investigation was carried out to the study of different doses of gamma irradiation on bhendi seeds of varieties arka anamika. Gamma irradiation treatment at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 KR levels. The main objective of the present study is to determine the effect gamma irradiation on different morpho-agronomic characteristics. Agronomic traits were analyzed such as days of first flower, height of plants, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, seed yield per plant, fresh weight per plant, dry weight per plant, 100 seed weight. The seed pre-soaked in distilled water for 6 h before the sown in the field. The results showed that the positive shift with respect to all parameters. High doses of gamma<br />irradiation (40 and 50 KR) observed in moderate to high values.</p>

PHENOTYPIC EVALUATION OF FIFTEEN GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERRILL (VEGETABLE SOYBEAN) VARIETIES UNDER MINERAL AND BRIS SOILS OF MALAYSIA

Glycine max (L.) Merrill (vegetable soybean) is an important vegetable mainly among the Asian community. It is mainly consumed by human as a highly nutritious and savory snack. Instead of having a relatively higher protein and lower oil contents, it is also has a sweet and better tasting. Thus, this study aims to investigate the phenotypic characteristics of fifteen varieties of Glycine max (L.) Merrill developed by the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC), Taiwan in order to select the potential varieties to be planted under Malaysian environments. The fifteen varieties were planted under mineral and bris soils at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Pahang. Eight phenotypic traits included the seed numbers per plant, the pod numbers per plant, the weight of fifteen seeds per plant, the days to emergence per plant, the days to flowering per plant, the plants height per plant, the pods width per plant and the pods length per plant were measured. Selection of potential varieties were mainly done by determining the yielding characteristics. Among these eight morpho-agronomic characteristics, the seed numbers per plant is the main yield determinant while, the other characteristics would be useful for future breeding programs. From the observation, Variety 4 (AGS429) obtained the highest seed numbers per plant (81 seeds) under mineral soil and Variety 1 (AGS 190) produced the highest seed numbers per plant (91 seeds) under bris soil, thus having the promising higher yielding ability to be selected as a potential vegetable soybean varieties to be planted under Malaysian conditions.

Correlation between morphoagronomic traits and resistance to ethylene action in ornamental peppers.

The post-production quality of ornamental peppers can be shorted due to exposure to ethylene. The concentration of this phytohormone at 10 µL/L induces leaf, fruit and flowers abscission, ripening of climacteric fruits, organ senescence, seed germination and seedling growth. We evaluated the correlation between pepper morphoagronomic traits and resistance to ethylene on ornamental peppers. Two genotypes, one resistant (UFPB 132), a susceptible (UFPB 134), and two hybrids (DR x PN) were utilized (76 x PN) to assess the susceptibility or resistance to ethylene. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications. First, 19 morphoagronomic characteristics were analyzed when the plants had 30% of fruits at the ripe stage. At this stage, the pots were transferred to a room at 25oC with 8-10 µmol/s/m2 of white fluorescent light. Afterwards, the pots were placed in a 60-L container and treated with ethylene at final concentration of 10 µL/L. The plants were exposed to ethylene for 48 hours and then kept at room temperature for further analysis. Afterwards, the number of leaves and fruits was determined at time zero and after 144 hours after end of the ethylene treatment. The Pearson correlation was calculated for each pair of variables and submitted to t-test (p≤0.05). We observed high occurrence of a significant positive correlation (>0.95) between leaf abscission and the anther length, major fruit width, pedicel length, pericarp thickness and dry matter content of the fruits. No significant correlation between fruit abscission and morphological evaluated variables was found. These results show the possibility to use morphological measurements to select plants resistant to leaf abscission induced by ethylene, while for the abscission of fruits, No relation to the morphological parameters evaluated in this experiment was possible to be established.

Homemade Products and Socio-Cultural Values of Wheat Seed Production in Ambo and Dandi Districts of West Central Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to document homemade dishes/beverages from wheat landraces and socio-cultural lifestyles of people related to wheat production in Ambo and Dandi Districts, West Shewa. A total of four Peasant Associations (PAs) (Awaro, Gosu-Kora, Awash-Bole and Haro-Dule) were purposively selected from the two districts. A questionnaire on wheat seed systems, utilization and socio-cultural life style of people related to wheat landraces cultivation and conservation were developed. Focused group discussions were made at village level among groups of farmers on specific points led by the principal researchers. Emphasis was given to women since the utilization of crops in the households are usually their responsibilities. In addition, a total of 90 households were interviewed following the questionnaire developed on the three themes. Finally consolidated ideas were noted by the researchers and organized into tables and figures of proportions. Farmers reported that nine different homemade dishes/snacks and two beverages which can be made from wheat landraces. These include dufo-dabo, budena/injera, ambasha/kita, kinche, marka, mullu, aka’i, dabo-kolo, biscuit and beverages farso and arake. The different wheat landraces are suited for the preparation of at least two or more different dishes/snacks and beverages. These different dishes/snacks and beverages are prepared at regular times or on special occasions (e.g. New Year, religious and non-religious social gatherings). Some of the dishes and beverages are used as sources of income by urban and suburban women who sell their products at markets or bus stops. Seed colour plays a critical role in determining end use qualities. White seed varieties are preferred for food uses while the purple seed types are used for beverage production. The people of the study areas have deep rooted culture connected to wheat production. Farmers use folksongs and proverbs to express the end use qualities and their peculiar morpho-agronomic characteristics of different wheat landrace varieties.

Genetic diversity of a Serbian grapevine germplasm collection based on morphoagronomic characteristics

The objective of this study was to evaluate diversity and relationships among grapevine cultivars from the Serbian gene bank in Sremski Karlovci, and to identify the most useful variables for discrimination. A total of 54 grapevine cultivars have been studied. During the period 2000-2005, twelve quantitative and qualitative characteristics were evaluated using OIV categories to each trait. Characterization was done using multivariate statistical analyses: cluster and principal component analysis (PCA), Based on cluster analysis cultivars divided into three major groups and the clustering pattern was related to the classical eco-geographical grouping: occidentalis, pontica and orientalis. Beside geographic origin clustering position of cultivars throughout the dendrogram was related to main uses. The major part (70.1%) of the total variation presented was explained by four principal components. PC1 is highly correlated with the bunch and berry size and PC2 with the density of prostrate hairs of young shoot tip and the density of prostrate hairs between veins on the lower side of mature leaf. The overall arrangement of cultivars suggests considerable phenotypical (and presumably genetic) variability in studied germplasm collection. Furthermore, obtained results may be useful for further utilization of available genetic resources in gene bank managers, growing and breeding.

Identification of duplicates of cassava accessions sampled on the North Region of Brazil using microsatellite markers

Duplicates are common in germplasm banks and their identification is needed to facilitate germplasm bank management and to reduce maintenance costs. The aim of this work was to identify duplicates of cassava from a germplasm bank in Eastern Amazon, which had been previously characterized both morphological and agronomically. In order to be genotyped with 15 microsatellite loci, 36 accessions were selected. These accessions were classified into 13 groups of similar morpho-agronomical characteristics. All loci were polymorphic, and 75 alleles were identified, with an average of five alleles per loci and H E = 0.66. There were determined 34 pairs of genotypes with identical multiloci profiles and the probability of genetic identity was 1.1x10-12 with probability of exclusion of 99.9999%. Among these duplicates, there are accessions sampled on different years and places, but with different names and accessions with the same name sampled in different places and years. The study identified genotypes that are grown in different places and that have been maintained over the years by local farmers.

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Morpho-Agronomic Characteristics of Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogaea</i> L.)

Induced mutation in plant improvement has been used in several crops to generate new sources of genetic variations. A study was conducted to determine the effect of different doses of gamma irradiation on different morpho-agronomic characteristics. Agronomic traits that were analyzed included: grain yield, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/plant and weight of 100 seeds and numbers of days to 50% flowering. Morphometric characterisation of the descriptive data included plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves/plant, leaflet length, leaflet width and number of ramification/ plant. Groundnut seeds were treated with various doses of gamma rays (100, 200, 400 and 600 Gy). Among the various dose treatments, gamma rays treatment at 100 Gy resulted in a higher increase of grain yield and other morpho-agronomic parameters especially for the JL24 variety. In fact the gamma irradiation at 100 Gy increased significantly grain yield by 14% for JL24, and 4 % for JL12. The number of pods per plant was increased by 2% for JL12 and 37% for JL24. For the number of seeds per plant, there was a significant increase of 8% for JL12, and 62% for JL24 at 100 Gy. A similar trend was observed for the JL24 at 200 Gy dose. Higher doses of gamma rays (400 and 600 Gy) reduced significantly plant growth and grain yield. The usefulness of the mutants identified in a groundnut breeding program is discussed.

Diversity for Protein and Morpho-Agronomical Characteristics in Proso Millet Germplasm Collections of Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra, India

Proso millet is known to occur under cultivation in India since its likely introduction from Near East around 3000 years ago. Eighteen diverse accessions of proso millet germplasm varying in morphoagronomic traits were observed. The study revealed high CV with regards to sheath length of flag leaf (24.4%) followed by nodes/primary axis of inflorescence (22.6%) and inflorescence length (20.3%). Moderate variation was recorded for number of effective tillers per plant (19.6%), plant height (18.9%) and flag leaf length (18.5%) respectively. DIVA-GIS grid maps generated for the germplasm accessions indicated that high variability (Coefficient of variation) for protein content, inflorescence length and days to maturity found in proso millet germplasm collected from the Southern region of Ratnagiri district. Correlation studies on the quantitative traits indicate a positive association of plant height, number of effective tillers, inflorescence length, nodes per primary axis and 1000-seed weight with seed protein content while flag leaf length, sheath length and days to maturity have negative correlation. IC344212, a proso millet accession collected from Harchali Dhangarwada village possessed highest protein content of 16.6%.

Características morfoagronômicas de dois genótipos arroz vermelho em cultivo inundado

Despite being virtually unknown to most Brazilians, the red rice has been grown mainly by small farmers in Northeastern Brazil. Increasing demand and the price paid for this special kind of rice leads to a need for more information about this crop. With this, the aim of this study was the comparison of morpho-agronomic characteristics of traits of red rice genotypes Vermelho Virgínia and Vermelho Pequeno with two white rice genotypes SCSBRS Tio Taka and EPAGRI109 under edaphoclimatic conditions of Seropédica, RJ. For this an experiment was installed at UFRRJ experimental field, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil, in October 2009. The experiment was in a completely randomized block design, with four treatments and five blocks. The means were compared by Student-Newman-Keuls test (5%). The genotypes Vermelho Virginia and Vermelho Pequeno had lower length of grain, but the Vermelho Virginia had thickest grain which permitted classification of its grain as a half-stretched. The genotype Vermelho Virginia had a larger height compared to genotypes of commercial white rice. The genotypes Vermelho Virginia and Vermelho Pequeno had lower yeild compared to two genotypes recommended for cultivation in flooded system.

Comparações entre características morfo-agronômicas entre cultivares de Tagetes patula L.

<p>O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar cultivares de <em>Tagetes patula </em>L. (Spry, Orange, Flame e Yellow) quanto às seguintes características morfo-agronômicas: altura da planta, número de caules e inflorescências por planta, diâmetros de caules e inflorescências, durações e ciclos de florescimento, pesos fresco e de matéria seca da parte aérea (incluindo caule, folhas e flores) e de raízes. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação do Departamento de Genética do Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, SP, sob delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os resultados mostraram que os cultivares com ciclo de florescimento tardio apresentaram plantas com maior porte e hastes mais grossas, inflorescências de tamanho maior, pesos seco e fresco mais elevados para as partes aéreas e raízes e períodos de florescimento com menor duração. Entretanto, os cultivares precoces apresentaram maior número de inflorescências por planta e por colmo e também maior duração do florescimento.</p>

Características morfoagronômicas do milho submetido a diferentes níveis de desfolha manual

O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os danos causados pela desfolha na cultura do milho. O experimento foi desenvolvido no ano agrícola 2005/2006, na Fazenda Roma, localizada no município de Ituverava, Estado de São Paulo. Para a sua concretização utilizou-se o híbrido triplo CODETEC 304®. O experimento foi composto de parcelas subdivididas, que foram distribuídas em três blocos de forma casualizada, apresentando como tratamento principal a desfolha manual (30, 40, 60 e 80% de desfolha) e como secundário as fases fenológicas da cultura D1 (sete folhas completamente desenvolvidas), D2 (quando as plantas apresentam-se na fase de pendoamento) e D3 (quando as plantas apresentam-se na fase de enchimento de grãos-grãos leitosos) com três repetições para cada tratamento e uma parcela controle (0% de desfolha) para cada bloco. Foram avaliados a produção de grãos das parcelas (g/m²), o tamanho médio das espigas despalhadas (cm) e o peso médio de 1.000 grãos (g). Para o presente estudo, concluiu-se que as relações fonte-dreno foram afetadas negativamente em que a desfolha de 80% foi a que mais afetou todas variáveis, portanto é um nível de desfolha responsável pelas maiores perdas, não havendo meios de compensação para a cultura do milho.

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Morpho-Agronomic Characteristics of Soybeans (<i>Glycine max</i> L.)

Mutation breeding in crop plants is an effective approach in improvement of crop having narrow genetic base such as soybean. The main objective of the present study is to determine the effect of different doses of gamma irradiation on different morpho-agronomic characteristics. Agronomic traits that were analyzed included; grain yield, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/plant and weight of 100 seeds and numbers of days to 50% flowering. Morphometric characterization of the descriptive data included plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves/plant, leaflet length, leaflet width, number of ramifications/plant, and pod length and width at 3 lodge stage. The results of the present study revealed that the two gamma irradiation doses used (0.2 kGy and 0.4 kGy) decreased significantly most of agronomic and morphological traits evaluated in M1 populations. Different effects of 0.2 kGy and 0.4 kGy irradiation were observed in M2 populations with significant increase of grain yields and yield components in all the three soybean varieties. In general, a significant decrease or no changes of morphological traits were observed for the two irradiation doses in M2 populations. The levels of changes varied among varieties. Potential high yielding mutants were identified in progenies of irradiated seeds.

Multivariate analysis to determine the genetic distance among backcross papaya (Carica papaya) progenies

Morpho-agronomic and molecular (RAPD and ISSR markers) data were used to evaluate genetic distances between papaya backcross progenies in order to help identify agronomically superior genotypes. Thirty-two papaya progenies were evaluated based on 15 morpho-agronomic characteristics, 20 ISSR and 19 RAPD primers. Manhattan, Jaccard and Gower distances were used to estimate differences based on continuous and binary data and combined analyses, respectively. Except for production, there were significant differences in the continuous variables among the genotypes. The molecular analysis revealed 193 dominant markers (ISSR and RAPD), being 53 polymorphic loci. Among the various clusters that were generated, the one based on a combined analysis of morpho-agronomic and molecular data gave the highest cophenetic correlation (0.72) compared to individual analysis, consistently allocating the progenies into six groups. We found that the Gower algorithm was more coherent in the discrimination of the genotypes, demonstrating that a combination of molecular and agronomic data is valuable for studies of genetic dissimilarity in papaya.

Agrobiological characteristics of leaf rust resistance in wheat under conditions of the northwestern region of the Russian Federation

The effect of the level of nitrogen nutrition of spring wheat breeding varieties and lines of various geographic provenance, their morphoagronomic characteristics, and expression of Lr genes on wheat leaf rust pathogenesis is studied. The dependence of changes in the intensity of disease development, number of pustules on flag and preflag leaves, area of pustule, number of spores in it, and type of wheat reaction on a set of agrobiological factors is shown.

Agronomic and molecular traits of the 'Italia Muscat' clone in Sao Francisco River Valley

The objective of this study was to evaluate agronomic and molecular traits of the 'Italia Muscat' clone and compare it with the cv. 'Italia', providing information to support the cultivation of 'Italia Muscat' this cultivar in the São Francisco River Valley. Agronomic characteristics of both clones were evaluated for two seasons in 2004. The characteristics were phenology, bud break (%), bud fertility (%), yield (kg) mass of bunches (g), length and width of bunches (cm), mass of berries (g), length and diameter of berries (mm), TSS (ºBrix), ATT (% titratable acidity) and TSS/TTA. Molecular analysis of seven SSR markers were carried out. The clone 'Italia Muscat' showed larger berries, mass of bunches and better TSS/TA ratio than 'Italia'. The molecular analysis resulted in the same allelic profile in both clones, highlighting the need to use a larger number of microsatellite markers or other molecular technique to allow their discrimination. Based on their morpho-agronomic characteristics, 'Italia Muscat' seems to be a good table grape cultivar alternative for grape growers of São Francisco River Valley.

Análisis de crecimiento durante la fase vegetativa de cinco fenotipos de copoazú Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd ex Spreng) Schum. en la amazonia occidental colombiana

This research was undertaken on four farms in the department of Caquetá in order to analyze the physiological responses of five copoazu phenotypes from a Sinchi collection in the early stages of growth under different canopy coverings. To create such an effect, an experimental design of blocks was used with five copoazu phenotypes distributed at random. During the period of evaluation, variables of plant height, leaf area, dry mass, and rates of growth were determined. The direct variables increased constantly, especially in size and quantity of dry materials, as well as maintaining leaf area. In contrast, the rates of growth, net assimilation rate, relative growth rate, leaf area index and leaf area ratio presented oscillating values in five ecotypes during the period of evaluation. These results indicated differential behaviour of copoazu in the first phases of growth which indicated an interaction of a genotype with an environment reflected in the different behaviours of physiological determinants of the plant and providing evidence of certain plasticity in phenotypes, according to each of the covers, the best of which under 15% coverage. The ecotypes 4 and 11 differed from the other ecotypes presenting better adaptability in all sites independent of the percentage of cover. Previous studies showed that, according to their morpho-agronomic characteristics, these ecotypes present a high productivity and are included in the group characterised by different levels of tolerance to the attacks of witch broom ( Crinipelis perniciosa ).

Genetic dissimilarity of putative gamma-ray-induced ‘Preciosa - AAAB-Pome type’ banana (Musa sp) mutants based on multivariate statistical analysis

Bananas are among the most important fruit crops worldwide, being cultivated in more than 120 countries, mainly by small-scale producers. However, short-stature high-yielding bananas presenting good agronomic characteristics are hard to find. Consequently, wind continues to damage a great number of plantations each year, leading to lodging of plants and bunch loss. Development of new cultivars through conventional genetic breeding methods is hindered by female sterility and the low number of seeds. Mutation induction seems to have great potential for the development of new cultivars. We evaluated genetic dissimilarity among putative 'Preciosa' banana mutants generated by gamma-ray irradiation, using morphoagronomic characteristics and ISSR markers. The genetic distances between the putative 'Preciosa' mutants varied from 0.21 to 0.66, with a cophenetic correlation coefficient of 0.8064. We found good variability after irradiation of 'Preciosa' bananas; this procedure could be useful for banana breeding programs aimed at developing short-stature varieties with good agronomic characteristics.