Fruit Morphology Research Articles

A novel introgression line collection to unravel the genetics of climacteric ripening and fruit quality in melon

Introgression lines are valuable germplasm for scientists and breeders, since they ease genetic studies such as QTL interactions and positional cloning as well as the introduction of favorable alleles into elite varieties. We developed a novel introgression line collection in melon using two commercial European varieties with different ripening behavior, the climacteric cantalupensis ‘Védrantais’ as recurrent parent and the non-climacteric inodorus ‘Piel de Sapo’ as donor parent. The collection contains 34 introgression lines, covering 99% of the donor genome. The mean introgression size is 18.16 Mb and ~ 3 lines were obtained per chromosome, on average. The high segregation of these lines for multiple fruit quality traits allowed us to identify 27 QTLs that modified sugar content, altered fruit morphology or were involved in climacteric ripening. In addition, we confirmed the genomic location of five major genes previously described, which control mainly fruit appearance, such as mottled rind and external color. Most of the QTLs had been reported before in other populations sharing parental lines, while three QTLs (EAROQP11.3, ECDQP11.2 and FIRQP4.1) were newly detected in our work. These introgression lines would be useful to perform additional genetic studies, as fine mapping and gene pyramiding, especially for important complex traits such as fruit weight and climacteric ripening.

A comprehensive RNA-Seq-based gene expression atlas of the summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) provides insights into fruit morphology and ripening mechanisms

BackgroundSummer squash (Cucurbita pepo: Cucurbitaceae) are a popular horticultural crop for which there is insufficient genomic and transcriptomic information. Gene expression atlases are crucial for the identification of genes expressed in different tissues at various plant developmental stages. Here, we present the first comprehensive gene expression atlas for a summer squash cultivar, including transcripts obtained from seeds, shoots, leaf stem, young and developed leaves, male and female flowers, fruits of seven developmental stages, as well as primary and lateral roots.ResultsIn total, 27,868 genes and 2352 novel transcripts were annotated from these 16 tissues, with over 18,000 genes common to all tissue groups. Of these, 3812 were identified as housekeeping genes, half of which assigned to known gene ontologies. Flowers, seeds, and young fruits had the largest number of specific genes, whilst intermediate-age fruits the fewest. There also were genes that were differentially expressed in the various tissues, the male flower being the tissue with the most differentially expressed genes in pair-wise comparisons with the remaining tissues, and the leaf stem the least. The largest expression change during fruit development was early on, from female flower to fruit two days after pollination. A weighted correlation network analysis performed on the global gene expression dataset assigned 25,413 genes to 24 coexpression groups, and some of these groups exhibited strong tissue specificity.ConclusionsThese findings enrich our understanding about the transcriptomic events associated with summer squash development and ripening. This comprehensive gene expression atlas is expected not only to provide a global view of gene expression patterns in all major tissues in C. pepo but to also serve as a valuable resource for functional genomics and gene discovery in Cucurbitaceae.

Flowering and fruiting of Sarcotheca macrophylla Bl, an endemic species of Borneo and implication for conservation

Sarcotheca macrophylla (Oxalidaceae) is an endemic species of Borneo. Little is known about the flowering and fruiting of this endemic species. The present study aimed to investigate the flowering and fruiting of S. macrophylla in terms of the first-time flowering, and morphology of the flowers, fruits, and seeds. Morphology of flowers, fruits, and seeds was also recorded and documented. The results showed that the first-time flowering of S. macrophylla occurred at 5 months to 16 months after seed germination with the plant height ranged from 13 to 23cm. These results showed that the first-time flowering of S. macrophylla occured at seedling stage, indicating early reproduction of the species. Two morphs of S. macrophylla (short-styled plants and long-styled plants) confirmed the heterostylous syndrome (different styly length) which is common in Oxalidaceae. Heterostylous is often associated with self-incompatibility which is commonly linked to the low seed set in this plant family. The present study has implication in the conservation of this endemic species, as the species produced low seed set associated with heterostylous syndrome of the flowers. Efforts to increase the seed set to support regeneration and survival of this endemic species are required.

Comparative taxonomic variation in fruits and seeds' surface morphology among populations of alpine Rosa sericea complex (Rosaceae).

In this research, the fruits and seeds' surface morphological features and their taxonomic significance were determined. Additionally, useful traits for delimitation of taxa of Rosa sericea complex were studied. In this research, three taxa of the complex R. sericea, R. omeiensis, and R. sikangensis have been studied. A total of 41 populations and 130 specimens of seeds, and 35 populations and 168 specimens of fruits from 10 different geographical regions of southwest China have been examined. The surface micro-morphological characters of the seeds have been studied through scanning electron microscopy to distinguish important characteristics of the complex taxa. Forty-four different qualitative and quantitative characteristics were observed. Principal component analysis was used to simplify and elucidate the relationship between the studied characters of different population based on the morphology of fruits and seeds' features. Moreover, the numerical taxonomic characters and their variation with elevation have been studied in these species. The most interesting characters observed on the surface of the seeds were stomata, and trichomes, for which density was more at the dorsal and ventral parts, while rarely present on the lateral parts. The fruits and seeds' surface morphology of the studied species was complicated and some variation in the characters, that is, persistent calyx shape, the shape of fruits and seeds, stomata shape, and trichomes size were found significant for delimitation of taxa in the complex. The purpose of this study is to identify the taxa of R. sericea complex based on fruits and seeds' morphological characters, and identification keys.

Phytochemical Contents of Underutilized Edible Plant from Riau Province, Ridan (Nephelium maingayi Hiern – Sapindaceae)

Ridan (Nephelium maingayi) is one of Nephelium (Sapindaceae) member distributed in Riau Province. This underutilized edible plant is commonly found as wild species, and poses three different fruit morphologies (oval, asymmetric and rounded shaped fruit). The phytochemical contents of these fruit species had not been reported. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical contents of fruit parts (peel, aril and seed) of three different fruit shapes of N. maingayi (oval, asymmetric and rounded shaped fruit) from Riau Province. A total of six secondary metabolite groups were tested (alkaloid, terpenoid, steroid, flavonoid, saponin dan tannin), using qualitative analysis based on the presence of precipitation (alkaloid), the change of mixture color (steroid, terpenoid, flavonoid and tannin) and soapy foaming substance for saponin. The result showed that peels of Ridan (N. maingayi) gave the highest phytochemical contents (alkaloid, terpenoid, flavonoid, saponin and tannin.). Terpenoid and saponin were found in peel, aril and seed of three different fruit shapes. This study concluded that the phytochemical contents of three fruit shapes of Ridan (N. maingayi) varies among the different shapes of fruit. This result of this study provide the first information of bioactive profile of N. maingayi form Riau Province.

Fruit morphology and histology of Zostera asiatica Miki and Phyllospadix iwatensis Makino (Zosteraceae) in connection with сomparative carpologу of higher Alismatales

ABSTRACT The investigation of fruit morphology and pericarp anatomy of the genera Phyllospadix and Zostera from the Zosteraceae family enabled us to identify their fruit types based on fruit wall anatomical structure. Drupes of the Prunus type with lignified inner zone of the mesocarp and the endocarp are specific for Phyllospadix iwatensis, whereas in Zostera asiatica dorsally dehiscent follicles of the Myristica type lacking sclerenchyma in the pericarp are found. In addition, Zosteraceae pericarp structure was analyzed and compared with four other families of higher Alismatales: Potamogetonaceae s.l., Posidoniaceae, Ruppiaceae, and Cymodoceaceae. Their exocarp and mesocarp consisted of thin-walled cells and the endocarp comprised a single layer of sclerenchymatous cells. This type of pericarp differentiation is supposed to be the sуnapomorphy of terminal families of Alismatales. The fruits of Zostera and Phyllospadix have a more complex pericarp structure in comparison to the synapomorphic type of pericarp differentiation of higher Alismatales – in Phyllospadix iwatensis both the mesocarp and the endocarp are lignified, whereas in Zostera asiatica the sclerenchyma is lacking. The fruits of Zostera and Phyllospadix are treated as specialised types, and recognised as autapomorphic characters of Zosteraceae among higher Alismatales.

Post‐Oligocene diversification in Australia: Phylogeography, systematics and new species of Gonocarpus (Haloragaceae)

AbstractThe angiosperm genus Gonocarpus (Haloragaceae) is an enigmatic group of herbs and shrubs that occurs primarily in Australia (36/41 spp.) with four species ranging into New Zealand and/or Asia. Much of Gonocarpus diversity is found in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR), an international biodiversity hotspot, where several species are endemic and recognized as rare or of priority concern. The diversification of Gonocarpus throughout Australia started in the early Miocene, which makes it a strong candidate for examining phylogenetic patterns related to post‐Oligocene aridity events. The most recent taxonomic treatment for the genus was based on morphology alone and included relatively few specimens from some taxa, as collections were limited. This genus is modest in floral displays, but its striking intricate floral and fruit morphology have been critical to help define the species. Here, we use a molecular phylogenetic approach with DNA sequence data collected from the nrDNA ITS and cpDNA regions to construct phylogenetic hypotheses to examine species limits, determine times of divergence, and reconstruct ancestral distribution. Most of the SWAFR diversity originates from a most recent common ancestor (MRCA) ≈8 Ma with most diversification occurring over the late Miocene. There were two other diversification events into Southwest Australia from a geographically widespread clade in the genus also from a MRCA ≈8 Ma. Diversification in the southeast temperate region occurred during the Pliocene/Pleistocene. Late Miocene aridification is likely important for most of the patterns of historical biogeography found in the genus, rather than extreme climate fluctuation of the Pleistocene. Two new species are described for the genus.

Polyphyletic Trachyspermum (Umbelliferae) revisited: a contribution of molecular and carpological data

Trachyspermum is an economically important genus widely distributed in the Old World. A modern monographic survey is absent, so the number of species and their affinities are treated in the regional Floras extremely contradictorily. In this study, all species names available in the genus Trachyspermum were revised, and 19 validly published names are kept in the genus. To investigate the species relationships in Trachyspermum, which was shown in previous studies to be polyphyletic, nrDNA ITS sequence data were determined for additional taxa, accompanied with study of fruit morphology, micromorphology and anatomy. Our molecular analysis indicates that Trachyspermum is an aggregate of at least seven distant lineages, and that T. ammi (generitype) does not group with other Trachyspermum species. Many carpological characters do not agree with these groups, being rather homoplastic, but we identify that types of hairs in fruit indumentum and microsculpture of hair cuticle are consistent with molecular clades within Trachyspermum. Our investigation provides one more step towards to the taxonomic revision of the genus, and the possibility of splitting of the current Trachyspermum into monophyletic genera is discussed.

Comparative Seed Morphology, Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Potential of Memecylon L. Fruits

Memecylon is the genus of the family Melastomataceae and their identification is somewhat difficult as a result of similarities in their intraspecies morphologies. Thus, identification of these species is much strenuous. The present study investigated the seed morphology, pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and antioxidant potential of Memecylon fruits. The species Memecylon grande, Memecylon randerianum and Memecylon umbellatum were selected for this study. The surface morphology of seeds or fruits, pharmacognostic evaluation, and phytochemical analysis are effective methods for rectifying taxonomic difficulties in authentication process and it opens a platform for pharmaceutical analysis. The surface morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental compositions were revealed by using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). While evaluating the pharmacognostic property of the seeds, powder microscopic analysis was used, which focusesd on the functional purity of the fruit samples. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl, nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging assays are carried out to determine the antioxidant potential of Memecylon fruits. The surface morphology of seeds had a distinct pattern of topography. SEM and EDX studies gave an insight on the elemental composition of the seeds. ICP-MS analysis showed the presence of biologically potent trace elements in the fruit samples. Quantitative estimation of secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols, revealed that fruit extracts possess a significant amount of these phytoconstituents. The present study also reveals the antioxidant potential of Memecylon fruit extracts. Powder microscopy, SEM, EDX and ICP-MS analyses provided knowledge about the functional purity and elemental composition of Memecylon fruits samples. The free radical scavenging assays showed that Memecylon fruits were natural antioxidant sources. Therefore, these findings can be effectively targeted toward the pharmacological utilization of Memecylon fruits.

A novel method for assessing antimicrobial, colour retainment and slice healing properties of the fruit of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as complementary quality parameters

ABSTRACT A novel method for assessing antimicrobial (AMP), colour retainment (CRP) and slice healing properties (SHP) of cucumber fruit (Cucumis sativus L.) was presented. The fruit was sliced in 15 mm slices, foliated in transparent plastic and placed at 23.5°C in a heating cabinet for 14 days. Subsequently, AMP and CRP were scored on scales of 1–9 and 1–7, respectively, with units of one. SHP was scored as an ‘on/off’ criterion with scores of 1 or 9 (1, the sample broke at one or more slice interfaces when manually held in horizontal position; 9, the slices did not break at any point). Samples with maximum scores for AMP and SHP were re-tested after additional period(s) of 7 days. The data were assessed by linear regression and analyses of variance. Approximately 300 cucumber samples, primarily from Denmark, Poland and Slovenia, were examined. Eight cultivation and production factors (cultivation system, production scale, growing medium, pre-laboratory conditions, fruit morphology, calendar week, producer, country) were examined. The results indicated that samples from the organic and biodynamic producers, from small scale production units, and from soil-based production systems had superior quality characteristics as measured by these parameters. The introduction of the parameter SHP represented an approach to measure vitality, complementing the approaches of measuring degradation represented by the parameters AMP and CRP. With respect to a practical application, the predictive value of the method should be tested relative to the ability of the sample to maintain turgor and taste under post-harvest conditions.

New insights into the phylogeny of Sinocarum (Apiaceae, Apioideae) based on morphological and molecular data.

Sinocarum is a Sino-Himalayan endemic genus of Apiaceae and distributed in high-elevations from Nepal to SW China. In this study, morphological characteristics were combined with nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) intron sequences (rpl16 and rps16) to determine the phylogenetic placement of Sinocarum and the infrageneric relationships between five Sinocarum species. The results confirmed that Sinocarum was a polyphyletic group separated into two clades, Acronema and East Asia clades. S. coloratum, the generic type of Sinocarum, S. cruciatum, S. vaginatum and S. filicinum are in the Acronema clade. Among them, the first three species are clustered into a subclade and are closely related to the genus Acronema. While S. filicinum has a close affinity with Meeboldia. S. schizopetalum did not ally with its congeners we collected and is allied closely with members of the distantly related East Asia clade. In addition, the fruit of the Acronema clade Sinocarum species is usually oblong-ovoid or ovoid, and the pollen is super-rectangular, while the Sinocarum species in the East Asia clade have broad-ovoid fruit and sub-rhomboidal pollen. This study has furnished cumulative evidence to reduce phylogenetic uncertainty and provide a more comprehensive description of the plant morphology, fruit morphology and anatomy, and pollen morphology of these five Chinese Sinocarum species.

Floristic composition of Melastomataceae between reforested and natural areas in the Recife Atlantic Forest, Pernambuco, Brazil

Local extinction of native Atlantic Forest flora species occurs mainly due to habitat fragmentation. Reforestation and natural regeneration can mitigate these factors. The present study attempts to understand whether floristic composition and dispersal processes are being reestablished in an area of lowland Atlantic Forest, eight years after its reforestation. The study area was an old pasture set between two urban fragments in the city of Recife that was reforested in 2011. Melastomataceae species were collected in this area and the morphology of their fruits was compared with the species of the family recorded in the adjacent fragments. Miconia prasina, M. albicans, M. affinis, Clidemia hirta, and C. capitellata have been found in the reforested area. Although there are species with larger fruits in the adjacent fragments, there was no statistically significant difference between the means of the two areas. The fruit morphology indicates that the species found in the area are dispersed by birds and small mammals. It is possible to conclude that the reforested area already presents the expected ecological processes for a corridor between two fragments. Thus, the two adjacent areas serve as vectors for the colonization of native Atlantic Forest species in the reforested area.

Seed Germination and Storage of the Endangered Species Manglietia crassipes Y. W. Law (Magnoliaceae)

Manglietia crassipes, a critically endangered species narrowly distributed on Mount Dayao in Guangxi, China, is also a species of ornamental interest whose variability has not been explored. Key factors leading to its endangerment have also not been studied. Here, two experiments were conducted to test the effects of different plant growth regulators and different storage conditions on germination characteristics of M. crassipes seeds. Fruit morphology was measured, and germination characteristics of fresh mature seeds were tested in order to assess natural seed vigor. Seeds were soaked in distilled water (control), or gibberellic acid (GA3), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) or indoleacetic acid (IAA) solutions of different concentrations, for 48 h to determine their effects on seed germination. In addition, the effects of different seed storage conditions (constant 4 °C, −7 °C, −20 °C, or 25 °C for 100 days, wet stratification at 4 °C for 100 days) on seed germination were investigated. Results showed that the abortive rate of the mature fruits was high (28.9%) and fresh natural seeds had a low germination rate (G) and germination index (GI). Seed germination was inhibited with 6-BA at all concentrations, but only at less than 100 m·L−1 IAA; otherwise, IAA slightly promoted seed germination. GA3 broke seed dormancy and significantly accelerated seed germination by improving G, GI and initial germination time (IGT), especially over 2500 mg·L−1. The viability of seeds declined no matter how they were stored. However, 4 °C wet stratification storage was preferable for seed vigor and germination power. Our results suggest that the high abortive rate of fruits, low germination of the natural seed, seed dormancy and its intolerance to storage, contributed to the endangerment of M. crassipes. GA3 can break M. crassipes seed dormancy, which can be a benefit for future ornamental breeding and further protection or conservation.

A water drop-shaped slingshot in plants: geometry and mechanics in the explosive seed dispersal of Orixa japonica (Rutaceae).

In angiosperms, many species disperse their seeds autonomously by rapid movement of the pericarp. The fruits of these species often have long rod- or long plate-shaped pericarps, which are suitable for ejecting seeds during fruit dehiscence by bending or coiling. However, here we show that fruit with a completely different shape can also rely on pericarp movement to disperse seeds explosively, as in Orixa japonica. Fruit morphology was observed by hard tissue sectioning, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography, and the seed dispersal process was analysed using a high-speed camera. Comparisons were made of the geometric characteristics of pericarps before and after fruit dehiscence, and the mechanical process of pericarp movement was simulated with the aid of the finite element model. During fruit dehydration, the water drop-shaped endocarp of O. japonica with sandwich structure produced two-way bending deformation and cracking, and its width increased more than three-fold before opening. Meanwhile the same shaped exocarp with uniform structure could only produce small passive deformation under relatively large external forces. The endocarp forced the exocarp to open by hygroscopic movement before seed launching, and the exocarp provided the acceleration for seed launching through a reaction force. Two layers of water drop-shaped pericarp in O. japonica form a structure similar to a slingshot, which launches the seed at high speed during fruit dehiscence. The results suggest that plants with explosive seed dispersal appear to have a wide variety of fruit morphology, and through a combination of different external shapes and internal structures, they are able to move rapidly using many sophisticated mechanisms.

<strong>A broadly sampled 3-loci plastid phylogeny of <em>Atraphaxis</em> (Polygoneae, Polygonoideae, Polygonaceae) reveals new taxa: II. <em>Atraphaxis</em> <em>selengensis</em> <em>spec. nov.</em>, and <em>A. davurica</em> Jaub. & Spach from Russian Transbaikalia</strong>

Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses (BI) applied for 3-plastid loci (cpDNA trnL(UAA) intron, trnL–trnF IGS, and rpl32–trnL(UAG) IGS regions) / 55 tips of Atraphaxis revealed a subclade of two endemics from Transbaikalia (Dahuria) which are often mistaken for A. pungens and A. frutescens but phylogenetically distant from both. Atraphaxis selengensis is a species new to science which inhabits dune sands along the Selenga and Chikoy rivers and has specific morphology of perianth, fruits, ochreas, leaf blades, and pollen. Atraphaxis davurica inhabits stony mountain steppe in Buryatia and Chita region and differs from A. pungens and A. frutescens by longer ochreas, fruits, styles and stigmas extended to ends. Two varieties recognized by Ledebour in plants from Russian Transbaikalia have no clear morphological and molecular distinctions, but the plants from Khentei-Chikoy Highlands subtly differ in leaf ratio (length/width), bark colour, and a single-nucleotide substitution in trnL–F region. These plants are described as A. davurica var. chikoensis var. nov. Morphological descriptions of A. selengensis and A. davurica are supplied with LM and SEM images and a distributional map. Atraphaxis frutescens and A. pungens are absent from Russian Transbaikalia but distributed in Altai, Tuva, Khakassia, Mongolia and China.

A systematic study of North American Angelica species (Apiaceae) based on nrDNA ITS and cpDNA sequences and fruit morphology

Abstract Angelica is a taxonomically complex genus widespread throughout the North Temperate Zone. Previous phylogenetic studies of the genus have focused primarily on its East Asian species. The relationships among its North American members, the monophyly of these species, and the value of fruit morphology in circumscribing its taxa have yet to be examined. This study represents the most comprehensive sampling of Angelica to date (100 species) and includes all 26 species in North America. Relationships are inferred using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony analyses of ITS sequences and, for multiple accessions of each North American species, cpDNA ndhF‐rpl32, rpl32‐trnL, and psbM‐psbD sequences. The fruit morphological characters examined were those considered phylogenetically important in East Asian Angelica. The results revealed that the North American species fell into three major clades: North American Angelica clade, Archangelica clade, and the Eurasian Angelica clade. Angelica dawsonii has affinities with Lomatium brandegeei. Fourteen species within the North American Angelica clade were strongly supported as monophyletic. Two paraphyletic species resulted in new combinations in A. lineariloba and A. venenosa. Conflict between the ITS‐derived and cpDNA‐derived phylogenies and the lack of resolution in portions of the trees may be due to chloroplast capture and rapid species radiation. Fruit morphology supported some interspecific relationships based on molecular data, and relationships revealed by ITS and cpDNA data were roughly in accordance with fruit classification type and geographic distribution region, respectively. A diagnostic key based on fruit morphology is provided for the identification of the North American Angelica taxa.

Fruit Morphology Measurements of Jujube Cultivar ‘Lingwu Changzao’ (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwuchangzao) during Fruit Development

‘Lingwu Changzao’ (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwuchangzao), a cultivar of Ziziphus in the Rhamnaceae family, is a traditional jujube cultivar in Ningxia, China. For ‘Lingwu Changzao’, morphological traits are prominent in characterizing fruit yield, quality, and consumer acceptance. However, morphological measurements for ‘Lingwu Changzao’ cultivation are limited. Therefore, the objective of this study is to measure the growing patterns of selected morphological traits during ‘Lingwu Changzao’ fruit development. Eight morphological traits, including four fruit traits (fruit length, diameter, weight, and flesh (mesocarp) thickness), three stone traits (stone length, diameter, and weight), and fruit firmness (also known as fruit hardness), were measured over a 3-mo (months) period, covering a completed fruit development period. Results indicate that the growing patterns of fruit traits coincide with double ‘S’ growth curves, which mainly present the growth of ‘Lingwu Changzao’ fruit. Increases of stone traits terminated in the early fruit growth period, while fruit traits continuously increased till the end of the 3-mo period. That implies a high fruit-stone ratio, i.e., a desirable quality attribute for ‘Lingwu Changzao’ as fresh-eating fruits. The results presented in this study can serve as one part of the standard dataset for jujube fruit cultivation in China, and it can also support decisions in plant breeding and field managements for ‘Lingwu Changzao’.

Correlation Analysis of High-Throughput Fruit Phenomics and Biochemical Profiles in Native Peppers (Capsicum spp.) from the Primary Center of Diversification

The main goal of this work was to investigate the relationship between the fruit morphology and biochemical composition of peppers (Capsicum spp.). For that purpose, one hundred native varieties from the Andean region, where the genus Capsicum has its origin, were analysed for different phytochemical compounds. In addition, pepper fruits were assessed with the highly precise phenomics tool Tomato Analyzer. The collection showed a broad variability which was more evident within the C. annuum group. On average, C. frutescens accessions displayed the highest levels of solid soluble content, pH, polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The Tomato Analyzer descriptors under the categories of size, shape index, and latitudinal section, mostly contributed to the variance among Capsicum groups. C. annuum hold the larger fruits, whereas C. frutescens comprised fruits of smaller sizes. The correlation analysis revealed that biochemical traits were negatively correlated with the fruit parameters related to size, suggesting that huger fruits contain lower amounts of chemical metabolites. The multivariate approximations demonstrated that Andean peppers assorted according to morphometric and colorimetric characteristics, but independently of their species or geographical origin. Groups of valuable native varieties carrying promising traits were identified.

<strong>A new <em>Rorippa</em> species (Brassicaceae), <em>R. hengduanshanensis</em>, from the Hengduan Mountains in China</strong>

A new species of genus Rorippa, R. hengduanshanensis, from the Hengduan Mountains, is described herein. Comparing the floral structure and overall fruit morphology of R. hengduanshanensis with similar taxa (e.g., R. benghalensis, R. dubia, and R. indica) revealed a series of morphological differences, both qualitative and quantitative. R. hengduanshanensis differs from R. benghalensis in the ebracteate racemes; from R. dubia in the flattened silique, the presence of four petals and the ploidy level (2n=6x=48); and from R. indica in the uniseriate seeds. Phylogenetic analyses using three plastid markers (psbC-trnS, trnG-trnM, and trnL) further revealed clear interspecific divergences that can distinguish R. hengduanshanensis from its morphologically related taxa.

Identification of archaeobotanical Pistacia L. fruit remains: implications for our knowledge on past distribution and use in prehistoric Cyprus

Pistacia spp. remains are common finds among archaeobotanical assemblages in prehistoric sites in Southwest Asia, both in the form of endocarps and charcoal remains. However, in the absence of a systematic study of the fruit morphology, the archaeobotanical remains of Pistacia cannot be identified to the species level and this deprives us of important information on their past geographical distribution and uses. This paper presents a comprehensive study of morphological and traditional morphometric characteristics of modern endocarps of six Pistacia species indigenous to Southwest Asia: P. atlantica Desf., P. eurycarpa Yalt., P. khinjuk Stocks, P. lentiscus L., P. terebinthus L. and P. vera L. The observation of recurring morphological features that were shown to remain stable during experimental carbonisation allowed us to set up an identification key whose efficiency was tested through a blind test. The application of established identification criteria to archaeobotanical material from the Late Aceramic Neolithic site of Khirokitia-Vounoi in Cyprus, enables an in-depth discussion on the biogeography and use of Pistacia species in prehistoric Cyprus. Finally, the paper identifies directions for future research on a major plant resource of the past.