Number Of Cotyledons Research Articles

Morphological Characteristic of Placenta in Sudanese Subjects

The placenta is the most important and the only organ between mother and fetus, serving multiple functions endocrinal, respiratory, metabolic and main useful functions. Normal development of a placenta is the one of the important requirements for a healthy pregnancy, regulating fetal growth and fetal health. The objectives of this study were to compare the placental weight with the infant’s weight, to measure the placental diameter and to count the numbers of cotyledons in each placenta. The study was carried out among 240 infant, 102 females and 138 males, delivered at Omdurman new (Alsaudi) and Alshaikh Mohammed Ali Fadol hospitals of obstetrics gynecology. All infants were looked healthy and their weight ranged from 1.85 to 4.18 kg with mean of 3.02. The weight of placenta ranged between 0.35 to 0.77 kg with mean of 0.535 kg. Placental weight in males ranged between 0.35 to 0.75 kg with mean of 0.537 kg. While the female placental weight ranged between 0.4 to 0.77 kg with mean of 0.531 kg. The placental diameter ranged between 15 to 23 cm with mean 18.64 cm. The diameter in males ranged between 16 to 23 cm with mean 18.52 cm. In female was ranged from 15 to 23 cm with mean of 18.81 cm. The mean of cotyledons number was 19 with std. Deviation 1.362 and ranged from 16 to 22. The mean of number in males was 19.17 and ranged from 16 to 22 and in females the mean was 18.88 and ranged from 16 to 22. According to Pearson, Kendall's Tau-b and Spearman's rho correlations and found that there is a significant relationship between infant weight and placental weight.

Survival and genetic stability of Picea abies embryogenic cultures after cryopreservation using a pregrowth-dehydration method

A vitrification method enabled efficient cryopreservation of embryogenic tissue (ETs) of Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) at −196 °C in liquid nitrogen (LN). Correctly formed, normal somatic embryos were generated from ETs that had been thawed after removal from LN. The pregrowth-dehydration method involved preculture of ETs with sucrose (0.25–1.00 M) in the presence or absence of 10 μM abscisic acid (ABA), followed by air-drying for 2 h and rapid freezing in LN. Pretreatment of ETs with both sucrose and ABA promoted ET growth after preculture and thawing more effectively than treatment with sucrose alone. Survival of ETs after thawing from LN using both sucrose and ABA was 54.4 % compared to pretreatment with sucrose alone which was 20 %. Addition of ABA in the preculture medium also improved the ability of ETs to form cotyledonary stage somatic embryos. The somatic embryos, which had normal shoot and root apices and the correct number of cotyledons, were indistinguishable from regenerants obtained from control cultures. Genetic analysis of control and cryopreserved ETs, as well as somatic embryos derived from cryopreserved ETs, indicated that the cryopreservation method had no effect on any of the five microsatellite loci (SpAGC1, SpAGC2, SpAGG3, SpAC1H8, and SpAC1F7) tested. The cryopreservation protocol outlined should enable the long-term storage of valuable clones of Norway spruce in LN, potentially for hundreds of years.

Diallel Crossing in Pinus cembra: V. Age Trends in Genetic Parameters and Genetic Gain for Height

Abstract A full diallel mating design (10 parents) was carried out in a Swiss stone pine panmictic population from the Carpathian Mountains. At age six, after nursery testing, the progenies were field planted to one site, using a completely randomized block design with 100 families, four replicates and a 15 tree row-plot per replication, spaced 2.5 × 2.5 m. Total and annual height of all individuals of this test was assessed at successive ages, between ages eight and 16. In addition, weight of 100 seeds and cotyledon number were considered in correlation analyses. Significant differences occurred in total height for general and specific combining ability effects. Variance components, heritabilities, genetic correlations and genetic gains on growth traits and survival at age 16 were estimated. Across the field testing period, GCA3) variance increased with time, accounting for 65% of plot mean phenotypic variance by age 16. In contrast, SCA variance declined as the progeny test aged accounting for only 9% by age 16. The time trend of the four heritability estimates for total height increased with age across the testing period reaching their highest level between age 14 and 16. Genetic correlations over time for total height rose from 0.85 at age two to 0.94 at age six and then leveled off across the field test indicating that if the goal is to improve 16-year height, early selection can be considered at age six. By selecting the best 10%, 15% and 20% of individuals within the best fullsib families, a genetic gain in total height of 12.4 %, 11.0% and 9.9% respectively, could be achieved at age 16. A higher gain can be obtained if the best general combiner parents are selected and intermated.

Provenance variation in cone and seed characteristics of Cedrus deodara (D. DON) G. DON in Jammu and Kashmir

The present study was carried out in Jammu and Kashmir (India) and twelve sites spread across the entire state were selected. Variability studies in different seed sources of Cedrus deodara with respect to cone, seed and seedling traits were studies. The studies revealed significant variation in different cone and seed characteristics studied. A negative correlation existed in cone diameter and cone weight with altitude. Seed morphological characteristics (seed length, width and weight), seed germination and number of cotyledons which form the basis of selecting and delineating provenances also correlated negatively with altitude. Cone length and diameter, seed length and width and hypocotyl length increased from North to South and correlated negatively with latitude. The results further revealed the superiority of heavier cones and seeds with respect to seed germination. The study reveals that for delineating seed zones, provenance selection should be within an altitudinal range of 1500–1900 m a.s.l. and northern aspect seed sources be preferred.

Gross Morphological Variation in Preterm Placenta in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Background: Preterm birth is the primary cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Recently, it has become a significant issue in public health policies of developing countries. Among the various causes, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are two important high-risk factors for preterm birth. Again, placenta is a mirror that reflects the well-being of the fetus and continuously undergoes a change in weight, structure, shape and function in order to support the well-being of the fetus.Objective: To make an in-depth analysis on the possible gross morphological changes in preterm placenta in respect of GDM and PIH.Materials and Methods: The study was observational, analytical and cross sectional. The patients under this study were selected from the Obstetric ward of BSMMU and BIRDEM Hospital, from June 2005 to October 2005. A total of sixty-six samples were collected from women during 28 weeks to 36 completed weeks of gestation. Among them, twenty-two samples were from mothers having GDM, twenty-two having PIH and twenty-two belonged to normal pregnancy (control group). The placentas were examined to measure their diameter, thickness, cotyledons number, weight, and volume.Results: In this study, the GDM group showed significantly higher values for the variables of diameter, weight, volume and number of cotyledons as compared to PIH group. On the other hand, the thickness of the placenta showed lower values in GDM group, but the result did not reach a significant level.Conclusion: From the findings of this study, it is difficult to establish a clear-cut correlation about placental changes in diabetic and hypertensive mothers during pregnancy. However, the changes in placental weight, volume and diameter found in gestational diabetic mother may be a long term compensatory mechanism, aiming to secure a sufficient nutrient supply to support the growth of the foetus. So, postnatal examination of the placenta can yield information that may be important for immediate and late management of the mother and neonate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v1i2.11466 J Enam Med Col 2011; 1(2): 71-75

Seed colour loci, homoeology and linkage groups of the C genome chromosomes revealed in Brassica rapa-B. oleracea monosomic alien addition lines

Brassica rapa and B. oleracea are the progenitors of oilseed rape B. napus. The addition of each chromosome of B. oleracea to the chromosome complement of B. rapa results in a series of monosomic alien addition lines (MAALs). Analysis of MAALs determines which B. oleracea chromosomes carry genes controlling specific phenotypic traits, such as seed colour. Yellow-seeded oilseed rape is a desirable breeding goal both for food and livestock feed end-uses that relate to oil, protein and fibre contents. The aims of this study included developing a missing MAAL to complement an available series, for studies on seed colour control, chromosome homoeology and assignment of linkage groups to B. oleracea chromosomes. A new batch of B. rapa-B. oleracea aneuploids was produced to generate the missing MAAL. Seed colour and other plant morphological features relevant to differentiation of MAALs were recorded. For chromosome characterization, Snow's carmine, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) were used. The final MAAL was developed. Morphological traits that differentiated the MAALs comprised cotyledon number, leaf morphology, flower colour and seed colour. Seed colour was controlled by major genes on two B. oleracea chromosomes and minor genes on five other chromosomes of this species. Homoeologous pairing was largely between chromosomes with similar centromeric positions. FISH, GISH and a parallel microsatellite marker analysis defined the chromosomes in terms of their linkage groups. Conclusions A complete set of MAALs is now available for genetic, genomic, evolutionary and breeding perspectives. Defining chromosomes that carry specific genes, physical localization of DNA markers and access to established genetic linkage maps contribute to the integration of these approaches, manifested in the confirmed correspondence of linkage groups with specific chromosomes. Applications include marker-assisted selection and breeding for yellow seeds.

Uterine environment as a regulator of birth weight and body dimensions of newborn lambs1

Pure-bred embryos were transferred within and reciprocally between large (Suffolk) and small (Cheviot) breeds of sheep to establish 4 treatment groups: SinS (Suffolk embryos in Suffolk dams), SinC (Suffolk embryos in Cheviot dams), CinS (Cheviot embryos in Suffolk dams), and CinC (Cheviot embryos in Cheviot dams). The recipient ewes carried single fetuses to term. The maternal plasma concentrations of ovine placental lactogen (oPL), progesterone, IGF-1, FFA, and glucose were measured on d 50, 90, 120, and 140 of pregnancy. Birth weight, body dimensions, and placental characteristics of lambs were recorded at birth. There was a recipient ewe breed × lamb breed × time interaction for the concentration of oPL (P = 0.03), but no such interaction was observed for progesterone (P = 0.42), IGF-1 (P = 0.57), glucose (P = 0.36), or FFA (P = 0.72). There were no differences in oPL (P = 0.28) and progesterone (P = 0.34) concentrations between SinC and SinS ewes. The concentrations of FFA on d 140 (P = 0.008), and those of glucose on d 50 (P = 0.02) and 120 (P = 0.01), were greater in SinC ewes than in SinS ewes. The ewes in CinS had less FFA concentration (P = 0.002) at all time points than CinC ewes. The concentrations of IGF-1 on d 90 were greater (P = 0.004) in CinS ewes than CinC ewes, but did not differ (P = 0.16) on d 50, 120, and 140. The concentrations of glucose on d 50 (P = 0.001), 90 (P = 0.03), and 140 (P = 0.03) were less in CinS ewes compared with CinC ewes. The birth weight of SinC lambs (5.04 ± 0.20 kg) was lighter (P = 0.001) than SinS lambs (5.94 ± 0.19 kg), and body dimensions of SinC lambs were smaller (P = 0.01) than SinS lambs. Neither birth weight nor the body dimensions of CinS lambs differed (P = 0.24) from CinC lambs. Cotyledon number was reduced (P = 0.04) in the CinS (57.5 ± 6.3) compared with the SinS group (74.2 ± 5.9), whereas mean cotyledon weight in CinS (2.42 ± 0.20 g) was greater (P = 0.02) than SinS (1.74 ± 0.21 g). It was concluded that the large genotype lambs were lighter and smaller when born to small genotype dams; however, the birth weight or body dimensions of small genotype lambs did not differ when born to large genotype dams. This study suggests that plasma oPL, progesterone, IGF-1, FFA, and glucose concentrations at different times throughout pregnancy reflect the regulatory effect of the uterine environment on the development of the fetus.

Bisymmetry in the embryonic root is dependent on cotyledon number and position

In the shoot pole of Arabidopsis embryos, radial symmetry is broken by cotyledon specification. Subsequently, the radial pattern of the embryo axis is converted to bisymmetric. In a recent publication, we showed that distinct boundaries of hormonal signalling output specify the vascular pattern in the root meristem through a mutually inhibitory feedback loop between the hormones auxin and cytokinin. We observed that during embryogenesis, symmetry breakage in the root pole coincided with an influx of auxin from the cotyledons. In this manuscript, we provide genetic data to support the role of the cotyledons in initiating symmetry breaking in the embryonic root pole. Mutants with alterations in cotyledon number fail to establish bisymmetry in the embryo axis. These data further support the idea that input from the cotyledons may be required for the propagation of bisymmetry from the cotyledons to the embryonic root.

Placental traits and maternal intrinsic factors affected by parity and breed in goats

The relationship between placental traits and maternal intrinsic factors of Saanen, German Fawn and Damascus goats was investigated. Data was collected from 93 goats. The results of the study demonstrated that there were positive correlations between placental weight (PW) and cotyledon number (CN) ( r = 0.498, P < 0.01), cotyledon weight (CW) ( r = 0.880, P < 0.01), cotyledon density (CD) ( r = 0.538, P < 0.01), cotyledon width (CWI) ( r = 0.500, P < 0.01) cotyledon length (CL) ( r = 0.414, P < 0.01) and cotyledon density (CD) ( r = 0.278, P < 0.05). CN was negatively correlated with placental efficiency (PE) ( r = −0.421, P < 0.01) and CD ( r = −0.325, P < 0.05). While expulsion of placenta, right teat length and cotyledon length were affected by parity of doe ( P < 0.05) birth weight (BW), CN, right teat diameter (RTD), left teat diameter (LTD), CD, and CL were affected by breed ( P < 0.01). Breed × parity was found significant both for expulsion time of placenta and left teat length (LTL) ( P < 0.05). Damascus goats had a significantly longer duration of licking and grooming events than others. Saanen was more likely to require birth assistance compared to the German Fawn.

Effects of antioxidant vitamins on newborn and placental traits in gestations at high altitude: comparative study in high and low altitude native sheep

The present study evaluated the hypothesis that the effects of hypoxia on sheep pregnancies at high altitude (HA) are mediated by oxidative stress and that antioxidant vitamins may prevent these effects. Both HA native and newcomer ewes were maintained at an altitude of 3,589 m during mating and pregnancy. Control low altitude (LA) native ewes were maintained at sea level. Half of each group received daily oral supplements of vitamins C (500 mg) and E (350 IU) during mating and gestation. Near term, maternal plasma vitamin levels and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured. At delivery, lambs were weighed and measured, and placentas were recovered for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. Vitamin concentrations in supplemented ewes were two- or threefold greater than in non-supplemented ewes. Plasma carbonyls and malondialdehyde in non-supplemented ewes were consistent with a state of oxidative stress, which was prevented by vitamin supplementation. Vitamin supplementation increased lamb birthweight and cotyledon number in both HA native and newcomer ewes, although placental weight and cotyledon surface were diminished. Placentas from vitamin-supplemented HA ewes were similar to those from ewes at sea level, making these placental traits (weight, number and diameter of cotyledons) similar to those from ewes at sea level. Vitamin supplementation had no effect on LA pregnancies. In conclusion, supplementation with vitamins C and E during pregnancy at HA prevents oxidative stress, improving pregnancy outcomes.

Genetic diversity among populations in Scotch pine (Pinus silvestris L.) seed stands of Western Black Sea Region in Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the differences among some of the registered seed stands in the Western Black Sea Region in Turkey by means of the morphological characters. The number of 18 morphological characters were designated by measuring and observing on seed (seed length, seed width, seed color and 1000 seed weight), juvenile seedling (root length, hypocothyl length, epycotyl length, cotyledon number, cotyledon length, stem and root dry weight) and seedling (root-collar diameter, number of branches, bud number, stem length, root length, stem and root dry weight) from 9 seed stands in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey. The obtained data was analyzed by using cluster and penrose analysis. Cluster and penrose analysis showed that there were significant differences within the Pinus sylvestris stands for the morphologic characters. Key words: Genetic diversity, Pinus sylvestris, Scotch pine, morphological characters.

Postfire seedling dynamics and performance in Pinus halepensis Mill. populations

Postfire dynamics of Aleppo pine seedling density, survival and growth were assessed in five burned forests of Attica, Greece (Stamata, Villia, Avlona, Kapandriti and Agios Stefanos) through the establishment of permanent experimental plots. All emerging seedlings were tagged and their survival and growth monitored at regular intervals. Seedling density dynamics show an initial, steep increase (to maximum values 2.9–4.6 seedlings m −2) followed by a gradual decrease that levels off at the second and third postfire year (1.3–3.0 seedlings m −2); similarly, postfire seedling survival more or less stabilised at 30–50%, 2–3 years after fire. On the basis of density and mortality trends as well as relevant bibliographic data, it is predicted that very dense, mature forests (10.000 trees ha −1 or more) will be reinstated within 15–20 years. During the first 5–7 postfire years, seedling/sapling annual height followed linear trends with various yearly rates, ranging mostly between 8 and 15 cm (and 27–30 cm in two exceptional, fast growing cases). Within an individual growth season, seedling height dynamics were found to follow sigmoid curves with growth increment peaks in mid-spring. The time (on a monthly basis) of seedling emergence did not affect seedling growth or survival. On the other hand, for the first time under natural conditions, it has been shown that cotyledon number per seedling, an indirect measure of both seed size and initial photosynthetic capacity, significantly affected seedling survival but not growth. Seedlings bearing a higher number of cotyledons, presumably derived from larger seeds, showed greater survival at the end of the first postfire year than seedlings with fewer cotyledons. A postfire selective pressure, favouring large seed size, is postulated to counteract with a contrasting one, which favours small seed size, expressed during fire-free conditions.

Plant SMU-1 and SMU-2 Homologues Regulate Pre-mRNA Splicing and Multiple Aspects of Development

In eukaryotes, alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs contributes significantly to the proper expression of the genome. However, the functions of many auxiliary spliceosomal proteins are still unknown. Here, we functionally characterized plant homologues of nematode suppressors of mec-8 and unc-52 (smu). We compared transcript profiles of maize (Zea mays) smu2 endosperm with those of wild-type plants and identified pre-mRNA splicing events that depend on the maize SMU2 protein. Consistent with a conserved role of plant SMU-2 homologues, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) smu2 mutants also show altered splicing of similar target pre-mRNAs. The Atsmu2 mutants occasionally show developmental phenotypes, including abnormal cotyledon numbers and higher seed weights. We identified AtSMU1 as one of the SMU2-interacting proteins, and Atsmu1 mutations cause similar developmental phenotypes with higher penetrance than Atsmu2. The AtSMU2 and AtSMU1 proteins are localized to the nucleus and highly prevalent in actively dividing tissues. Taken together, our data indicated that the plant SMU-1 and SMU-2 homologues appear to be involved in splicing of specific pre-mRNAs that affect multiple aspects of development.

Patterns of Abies cephalonica seedling recruitment in Mount Aenos National Park, Cephalonia, Greece

Patterns of Abies cephalonica Loudon seedling recruitment at its westernmost geographical limit (western Greece), were studied by monitoring their emergence, survival, and establishment for up to four years in the microhabitats to which seeds are dispersed. Seedlings were monitored on 200 permanent sampling plots established in 11 different locations covering the entire strictly protected Mount Aenos National Park (Cephalonia). Annual seedling mortality rate was estimated in relation to habitat characteristics as well as to their number of cotyledons. A. cephalonica presented the typical behaviour of a masting species in the number of seedlings produced over the four years of study. Of the habitat characteristics studied, ground cover, elevation, soil depth, slope and canopy openness were the main parameters that classified seedling habitat with respect to their emergence. Seedling survival was higher in years of low seedling production. Seedlings with higher cotyledon numbers exhibited higher survival. Our data indicate that A. cephalonica is characterized by remarkable reproductive plasticity, which is expressed in the number of seedlings produced each year and those surviving with respect to its habitat characteristics. Preserving the species implies preserving its habitat. In this sense, Mount Aenos National Park may be the most important protected area for the endemic fir in view of preserving its integrity through pre-emptive management, in the light of current and future threats.

Dietary protein during gestation affects placental development in heifers

The influence of nutritional protein during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy on placental measures at term and caruncle numbers in the uteri of adult offspring was determined in composite beef heifers. At artificial insemination (AI), heifers were divided by weight and composite genotype into four dietary treatment groups, identified by the level of protein components fed during the first and second trimesters: high/high (HH), high/low (HL), low/high (LH), low/low (LL). Expelled placentas were collected and weighed, and cotyledons were dissected, counted, weighed, and measured. Uteri from mature female offspring were dissected at slaughter and caruncles counted. The number of cotyledons in the expelled placenta was increased by high dietary protein in the second trimester (P = 0.02) and varied with genotype (P = 0.03). Placental weight was influenced by maternal undernutrition during early gestation dependent on dam genotype (P = 0.001). Placental efficiency, as determined by calf weight:placental weight, increased with dam age (P = 0.03). Calf birth weight was closely associated with placental weight (P = 0.002) and cotyledonary weight (P = 0.001) and surface area (P = 0.04), but not with the number of cotyledons. Leptin concentrations during early (R = –0.29) and late gestation (R = –0.25) correlated with placental weight, and Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins throughout gestation correlated with the number of cotyledons (R = –0.28 to–0.33). The number of uterine caruncles in the nonpregnant adult offspring did not correlate with the dam's genotype, nutrition treatment, or cotyledon number in the expelled placenta.

Mutation of the Membrane-Associated M1 Protease APM1 Results in Distinct Embryonic and Seedling Developmental Defects inArabidopsis

Aminopeptidase M1 (APM1), a single copy gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, encodes a metallopeptidase originally identified via its affinity for, and hydrolysis of, the auxin transport inhibitor 1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). Mutations in this gene result in haploinsufficiency. Loss-of-function mutants show irregular, uncoordinated cell divisions throughout embryogenesis, affecting the shape and number of cotyledons and the hypophysis, and is seedling lethal at 5 d after germination due to root growth arrest. Quiescent center and cell cycle markers show no signals in apm1-1 knockdown mutants, and the ground tissue specifiers SHORTROOT and SCARECROW are misexpressed or mislocalized. apm1 mutants have multiple, fused cotyledons and hypocotyls with enlarged epidermal cells with cell adhesion defects. apm1 alleles show defects in gravitropism and auxin transport. Gravistimulation decreases APM1 expression in auxin-accumulating root epidermal cells, and auxin treatment increases expression in the stele. On sucrose gradients, APM1 occurs in unique light membrane fractions. APM1 localizes at the margins of Golgi cisternae, plasma membrane, select multivesicular bodies, tonoplast, dense intravacuolar bodies, and maturing metaxylem cells. APM1 associates with brefeldin A-sensitive endomembrane structures and the plasma membrane in cortical and epidermal cells. The auxin-related phenotypes and mislocalization of auxin efflux proteins in apm1 are consistent with biochemical interactions between APM1 and NPA.

Molecular appraisal ofBuniumand some related arid and subarid geophilic Apiaceae-Apioideae taxa of the Ancient Mediterranean

Bunium is unusual in Apiaceae in having a variable cotyledon number and broad infrageneric dysploidy. To test the monophyly of the genus, phylogenetic relationships among 39 Bunium species were investigated with DNA sequence data from nuclear (nrITS) and plastid (psbA-trnH intergenic spacer) regions. Several other taxa with a similar ecology and geography were also included in the analyses. Our results suggest that Bunium is not monophyletic. Bunium spp. in the eastern part of the study area are more closely related to the Central Asian genera Elaeosticta, Galagania, Hyalolaena, Mogoltavia and Oedibasis than to those in the western part. Our study revealed that molecular, morphological (cotyledon number and width of fruit commissure) and karyological data reveal similar patterns in the taxa studied. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 160, 149–170.

The polar auxin transport inhibitor NPA impairs embryo morphology and increases the expression of an auxin efflux facilitator protein PIN during Picea abies somatic embryo development

Auxin and polar auxin transport have been implicated in controlling embryo patterning and development in angiosperms but less is known from the gymnosperms. The aims of this study were to determine at what stages of conifer embryo development auxin and polar auxin transport are the most important for normal development and to analyze the changes in embryos after treatment with the polar auxin inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). For these studies, somatic embryos of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) were used. Growth on medium containing NPA leads to the formation of embryos with poor shoot apical meristem (SAM) and fused cotyledons, and to a pin-formed phenotype of the regenerated plantlets. The effect of NPA on embryo morphology was most severe if embryos were transferred to NPA-containing medium immediately before cotyledon initiation and SAM specification. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was identified by immunolocalization in developing embryos. The highest staining intensity was seen in early staged embryos and then decreased as the embryos matured. No clear IAA-maxima was seen, although the apical parts of embryos, particularly the protoderm, and the suspensor cells appear to accumulate more IAA, as reflected by the staining pattern. The NPA treatment also caused expanded procambium and a broader root apical meristem in embryos, and a significant increase in the expression of a PIN1-like gene. Taken together, our results show that, for proper cotyledon initiation, correct auxin transport is needed only during a short period at the transition stage of embryo development, probably involving PIN efflux proteins and that a common mechanism is behind proper cotyledon formation within the species of angiosperms and conifers, despite their cotyledon number which normally differs.

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In recent time, some Igbo people do not bring in kola nut to any ceremony of theirs and even when they do, they do not handle it the way it should be handled. To such people, it is associated with idol 207 208 worship and as such, it should be done away with. .In order to disabuse the minds of such people about all these important kola nut rites , this paper tried to explain that kola nut , even though is small, it is mighty; though it is a classless nut when distantly observed but classy when subjected to the crucible of reason for what it represents. In the words of Shakespeare, “Things are not what they seem”. It went further to explain that in its smallness, kola represents so many variables. Most importantly, it stands for hospitality, peace, unity, conviviality, joviality, et cetera. On the other hand, its absence or mishandling in Igbo gatherings – social or otherwise, invariably can generate confusion in such a way that nothing can move till it is brought in. The paper also made attempts to explain some kola rites: presentation of kola, blessing, and breaking, sharing and chewing of kola. Here, apart from chewing which anyone can do, not everyone has right to present, break, share or bless kola nut among the Igbo. It went on to explain the messages of oji when broken especially with regard to the number of cotyledons it has. Kola itself has laws. These were explained. This paper came to conclusion by saying that God created kola and handed it down to ancestors as a symbol of communication between himself, the ancestors and God. This to the Igbo signifies that wherever kola comes in, God, ancestors and man are in communion with one another.

Genetic Variation of Anatolian Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arnold. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe) in the Lakes District of Turkey

Abstract In this study, morphological characteristics of juvenile 1- and 2-year-old seedlings of Anatolian black pine were studied to estimate the amount of genetic variation and heritability of seedling traits of the species in the Lakes District of Turkey. This nursery study involved 460 parent trees from 23 populations in a randomized complete block design. Traits studied were the number and length of cotyledons, hypocotyls and epicotyls lengths, weight and length of initial roots, height, root collar diameter, and stem and root fresh weights, and number of buds. Variation was higher among than within populations with individual tree heritability ranging from 0.09 to 0.76, whereas family mean heritability ranged from 0.16 to 0.80. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between juvenile and 1-year-old seedling traits were generally the same sign and magnitude. Variation and heritabilities were higher for growth-related traits than the number and length of embryonic tissues. The observed level of population differentiation was low, possibly due limited geographic sampling of populations, which spanned only 2° of latitudes and longitudes, and 300m in elevation. If the observed heritabilities for growth traits were sustained to tree maturity combined family and within family selection would be effective in improving growth of this species in the Lakes District of Turkey. A broader geographic sampling is recommended for better estimation of population differentiation and establishment of the geographic pattern of the species in this region.