Onset Of Flowering Research Articles

Effect of Potassium Humate and Spraying With Boron on the Yield and Its Components of Sesame Crop

The impact of ground addition of potassium humate and boron spraying on sesame indicators, yield, and its components was investigated in a field experiment at the Research Station of the Field Crops Department of the College of Agriculture - Tikrit University 2021. The experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using a factorial experiment consisting of two components, the first of which was the addition of potassium humate and the second of which was the spraying of boron. During the first week of June 2021, seeds were planted in soil that had been amended with potassium humate at five different concentrations: 0, 3.6, 7.2, 10.8, and 14.4 g.l-1. A randomized full block design was used to statistically assess the data gathered from spraying three different amounts of boron (0, 100, and 200) g.l-1 prior to the onset of flowering. Here is a rundown of the findings: The number of capsules per plant treated with potassium humate (H3) was the highest (89.111 capsule.plant-1), and the total yield was also much higher (compared to other treatments) (3.427 kg.ha-1). Both the capsule length (2.573 cm) and the individual yield (15.673 g) were significantly higher in plants that were subjected to a boron (B3) spraying treatment. For the features of the number of seeds per capsule (71,333 seeds.capsule-1) and the weight of one thousand seeds, the interaction combination (H5B3) yielded the greatest significant value (4.491 g).

The FLOWERING LOCUS T LIKE 2-1 gene of Chenopodium triggers precocious flowering in Arabidopsis seedlings

ABSTRACT The FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene is the essential integrator of flowering regulatory pathways in angiosperms. The paralogs of the FT gene may perform antagonistic functions, as exemplified by BvFT1, that suppresses flowering in Beta vulgaris, unlike the paralogous activator BvFT2. The roles of FT genes in other amaranths were less investigated. Here, we transformed Arabidopsis thaliana with the FLOWERING LOCUS T like (FTL) genes of Chenopodium ficifolium and found that both CfFTL1 and CfFTL2–1 accelerated flowering, despite having been the homologs of the Beta vulgaris floral promoter and suppressor, respectively. The floral promotive effect of CfFTL2–1 was so strong that it caused lethality when overexpressed under the 35S promoter. CfFTL2–1 placed in an inducible cassette accelerated flowering after induction with methoxyphenozide. The spontaneous induction of CfFTL2–1 led to precocious flowering in some primary transformants even without chemical induction. The CqFT2–1 homolog from Chenopodium quinoa had the same impact on viability and flowering as CfFTL2–1 when transferred to A. thaliana. After the FTL gene duplication in Amaranthaceae, the FTL1 copy maintained the role of floral activator. The second copy FTL2 underwent subsequent duplication and functional diversification, which enabled it to control the onset of flowering in amaranths to adapt to variable environments.

Variation in floral form of CRISPR knock-outs of the poplar homologs of LEAFY and AGAMOUS after FT heat-induced early flowering.

Plant migration and gene flow from genetically modified or exotic trees to nearby lands or by crossing with wild relatives is a major public and regulatory concern. Many genetic strategies exist to mitigate potential gene flow; however, the long delay in onset of flowering is a severe constraint to research progress. We used heat-induced FT overexpression to speed assessment of the expected floral phenotypes after CRISPR knockout of poplar homologs of the key floral genes, LEAFY and AGAMOUS. We selected events with previously characterized CRISPR-Cas9 induced biallelic changes then re-transformed them with the Arabidopsis thaliana FLOWERING LOCUS T (AtFT) gene under control of either a strong constitutive promoter or a heat-inducible promoter. We successfully obtained flowering in both a male and female clones of poplar, observing a wide range of inflorescence and floral forms among flowers, ramets, and insertion events. Overall, flowers obtained from the selected LFY and AG targeted events were consistent with what would be predicted for loss-of-function of these genes. LFY-targeted events showed small catkins with leaf-like organs, AG-targeted events had nested floral organs consistent with reduction in floral determinacy and absence of well-formed carpels or anthers. These findings demonstrate the great developmental plasticity of Populus flowers during genetically accelerated flowering, which may be of horticultural value. They also provide an informative early view of floral phenotypes and apparent sterility from knockouts of both these gene targets.

Riparian and terrestrial grasses display unexpected tolerance to cool-season inundation

Vegetation condition has declined along many regulated river systems globally due to alteration of flow regimes via flow regulation. Understanding how plants respond to inundation is critical for managing regulated river flows to improve riparian vegetation condition. We experimentally tested the effects of inundation duration on the survival and growth of six tufted grass species commonly found in riparian zones in south-eastern Australia. We conducted three nursery-based experiments in late winter/early spring, corresponding with natural temperate flow peaks and managed flows, with inundation treatments on: (1) established plants, up to 35 days inundation; (2) seedlings, up to 25 days inundation; and (3) established plants, up to 53 days inundation including additional shaded treatments. Plant survival, height and biomass growth, and onset of flowering were recorded for established plants, and, for seedlings, survival only. Plant height and biomass growth declined with longer inundation duration across all species, although surprisingly few established plants died. Unexpectedly, grass seedlings were generally tolerant of inundation also, although there was some evidence of increased mortality for the longest treatment (25 days inundation). Shading did not result in increased mortality or reduced height growth of inundated plants. Inundation effects on the onset of flowering were modest and varied between species ranging from earlier to delayed onset. Our results suggest that tufted grasses are tolerant of cool-season inundation. Given that mortality of these species has been observed in the field and experimentally under shorter inundation periods in warmer conditions (late spring and summer), we suggest that seasonal timing of inundation is critical in determining plant responses to inundation.

Trends and future projections of Olea flowering in the western Mediterranean: The example of the Alentejo region (Portugal)

Olives are one of the most economically relevant crops in the Mediterranean area but this region is experiencing a strong warming due to climate change. Therefore, it would be of great interest to estimate the possible implications of climate change on olive flowering timing by modelling its thermal requirements, and aerobiological records have proved to be a useful tool for monitoring regional olive phenology. Recently, a new phenological modelling framework has been developed called PhenoFlex. It has shown excellent results in estimating the thermal requirements of fruit trees. However, this framework has not previously been applied to olive trees or tested using aerobiological data, which could present greater spatial distribution than in situ phenological observations. This study has a threefold aim: i) to detect the trends in the main pollen season start date of Olea during the past 25 years in a western Mediterranean region (Alentejo, Portugal); ii) to evaluate the applicability of the PhenoFlex modelling framework to olive aerobiological data, and iii) to use the modelled parameter estimates to evaluate the influence of projected future climate change scenarios on Olea flowering regional onset dates. Our results showed that global warming had not produced any significant trend in the olive flowering onset dates until the present time, and they are not expected to do so in the near future, either. A temperature increase during winter was observed that is delaying the fulfilment of the Olea chilling requirements, but this is compensated for by a reduction in the forcing period due to higher temperatures observed during spring. However, our study points out a significant increase in the interannual variability of flowering onset dates, which could compromise fruit development and adversely affect the yield, raising uncertainty in olive fruit production in the near future.

Features of seasonal development of black currant (<i> Ribes nigrum</i> L.) in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation

Black currant is the most valuable berry crop of the Murmansk Province in terms of both biological properties and adaptive qualities necessary for growing in difficult agroclimatic conditions of the North. Every year, a search is carried out for varieties and forms with the best indicators of winter hardiness, yield, disease resistance and environmental friendliness, in order to identify accessions with the most valuable biological and economic traits. The objects of the present study were 24 cultivars of black currant of different ecological and geographical origin obtained in 2015 from the collection of the N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR). Studies of the black currant collection were carried out in 2017-2021 at the Polar Experiment Station, a branch of VIR. The care of plants was provided according to the agricultural practices developed for growing berry crops in the Polar Region. The results of five-year phenological observations and assessment of winter hardiness in the studied cultivars showed that the onset of vegetation in all accessions occurred annually in the second decade of May, the onset of flowering in the second decade of June, the onset of maturation in the third decade of July, and the growth of shoots ended in the first decade of September. The studied cultivars were combined into groups according to winter hardiness (highly winter-hardy and winter-hardy), as well as the onset of phenophases (early, medium, late), and of ripening dates (early, mid, and late-ripening). Early vegetation was noted in cultivars ‘Pigmei’, ‘Izyumnaya’, ‘Rita’, ‘Volshebnica’, ‘Vasilisa’, ‘Almiai’, ‘Kriviai’, ‘Mila’, ‘Poklon Borisovoi’. Early ripening of the crop was observed in the cultivars ‘Severnoe Siyanie’ (C), ‘Mila’, ‘Izyumnaya’, ‘Rita’, ‘Kriviai’. The late maturing cultivars are ‘Slavyanka’, ‘Kipiana’, ‘Gratsiya’, ‘Chudnoe Mgnovenie’. The most numerous group is that of mid-ripening cultivars (64 %), followed by the group of early maturing (20 %), and late maturing ones (16 %). All the studied cultivars showed high adaptability to the conditions of the Murmansk Province. They had time enough to form the yield, complete the fruiting and growth of shoots before the onset of frosts. Due to the results of five years of research, they can be recommended for cultivation in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

MsTFL1A delays flowering and regulates shoot architecture and root development in Medicago sativa.

MsTFL1A is an important gene involved in flowering repression in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) which conditions not only above-ground plant shoot architecture but also root development and growth. Delayed flowering is an important trait for forage species, as it allows harvesting of high-quality forage for a longer time before nutritional values decline due to plant architecture changes related to flowering onset. Despite the relevance of delayed flowering, this trait has not yet been thoroughly exploited in alfalfa. This is mainly due to its complex genetics, sensitivity to inbreeding and to the fact that delayed flowering would be only advantageous if it allowed increased forage quality without compromising seed production. To develop new delayed-flowering varieties, we have characterized the three TERMINAL FLOWERING 1 (TFL1) family of genes in alfalfa: MsTFL1A, MsTFL1B and MsTFL1C. Constitutive expression of MsTFL1A in Arabidopsis caused late flowering and changes in inflorescence architecture, indicating that MsTFL1A is the ortholog of Arabidopsis TFL1. Overexpression of MsTFL1A in alfalfa consistently led to delayed flowering in both controlled and natural field conditions, coupled to an increase in leaf/stem ratio, a common indicator of forage quality. Additionally, overexpression of MsTFL1A reduced root development, reinforcing the role of MsTFL1A not only as a flowering repressor but also as a regulator of root development.We conclude that the precise manipulation of MsTFL1A gene expression may represent a powerful tool to improve alfalfa forage quality.

Time to Onset of Flowering, Water Use, and Yield in Wheat

Crop breeding has been successful in increasing crop grain yield (GY; reproductive biomass) largely through reduced vegetative size, increased reproductive effort (RE = reproductive biomass/total biomass) and increased water-use efficiency (WUE) in grain production. Flowering time is an important life history trait that signifies the switch from vegetative to reproductive growth. The relationship between GY and time from sowing to flowering (Tsf) is unclear. We fit the relationships between GY and RE vs. Tsf to the logistic model using data from 18 spring wheat genotypes grown under simulated rainfed conditions. Tsf accounted for water use before and after flowering, root length density, total leaf area, and the time from flowering to harvest. Early flowering meant decreased water use before flowering and increased water use afterward. Soil water remaining at harvest was positively correlated with yield. Early flowering genotypes have a higher WUE of grain production, but there was no significant difference in the WUE of total biomass production. The relationship between grain yield and Tsf is described as a unimodal curve, as is the relationship between RE and Tsf. Higher yields and a higher RE have been achieved through earlier flowering, and both RE and Tsf reached their optimal values for maximizing GY. Crop breeding is unlikely to achieve further increases in GY through this route in the future. The results suggest that breeding does not improve biomass’s water-use efficiency, but causes changes in biomass allocation strategy, and this could be a new direction for genetically improving grain yield.

The role of floral traits in community assembly processes at high elevations in the Himalayas

Abstract There is a common agreement that, to maximise our understanding of trait‐based community assembly, traits related to different organs should be considered as they relate to different ecological niche axes. Floral traits, in particular, have been suggested to play an important role in the plant community assembly along with environmental gradients as they determine reproductive success, one of the key functions in plants. However, the role of floral traits in community assembly research remains largely unverified empirically. Using a large and novel dataset on plant traits and plant communities, we analysed the variability of six floral traits of 139 herbaceous species in 21 sites located along an elevation gradient (2000–4000 m) in the western Himalayas. The variability of floral traits along the gradient was analysed using community‐weighted mean (CWM) trait values and functional diversities (FDs) calculated for each study community. The CWMs showed that with increasing elevation, flowering began later, and flowers tended to be larger with decreasing specific flower area (SFA). Along with the convergence in the onset of flowering and SFA (i.e. lower FD at high‐elevation sites), these patterns suggest that abiotic filtering and plant–pollinator interactions could affect the floral trait composition of the communities. Most likely, increasing low‐temperature stress towards high‐elevation sites selected for late‐flowering species that produce flowers with larger display areas. The low abundance and activity of pollinators at high elevation could also explain why these traits were selected in the communities studied. Delayed flowering with increasing elevation might facilitate the phenological overlap of plants and their pollinators, as pollinator activity at higher elevation peaks in the second half of the vegetation period. The dominance of a species with low SFA and larger display area in high‐altitude communities could be attributable to increased flower longevity and attraction of pollinators, respectively, to maximise pollination success under pollinator scarcity. Synthesis. Our study provides empirical support for the recent argument that floral traits contribute considerably to the assembly of plant communities along environmental gradients. Thus, such traits should be included in community assembly research as they represent key ecological functions for reproduction.

Deciphering variability for heat tolerance index in maize hybrids and identification of stress resilient heterotic combinations

Aim: High temperature at any critical stage for a prolonged duration is documented to negatively affect the growth and yield related processes in maize. Therefore, the present study was planned to identify resilience of different heterotic combinations to heat stress under field conditions. Methodology: A set of 20 parental lines were used as parents and 21 single cross hybrids raised in kharif 2020 using 16 lines as female parent and four lines as male parent along with three commercial checks using randomized block design under two regimes: Normal Sownin mid of February, i.e., timely sown condition (spring season crop) and late sown in mid of March (heat stress crop). Data was recorded for yield and its contributing traits. Results: Heat stress led to early onset of flowering, thus resulting in shortening of vegetative phase. Consequently, days to grain filling period was found to be reduced (84-106 days) under late sown as compared to 100-123 days under normal sown condition. Amongst the top performing six hybrids in both normal sown and late sown conditions, three hybrids were common viz., JH 20003, JH 20015 and JH 20018, though with different ranking, inferring their wider adaptability and tolerance to heat stress. Under late sown conditions, days to grain filling (r2=0.55) and thousand seed weight (r2 =0.50) showed significantly positive correlation with grain yield while as highly significant and negative association was observed between anthesis silking interval and grain yield (r2 = -0.76). Among the 21 hybrids, three hybrids (JH 20001, JH 20004, and JH 20015) showed greater potential under heat stress conditions on the basis of yield performance under stress, percent yield reduction and heat tolerance index. Interpretation: Based on multiple selection criteria, three hybrids viz., JH 20001, JH 20004, and JH 20015 were suggested for commercial utilization after validation. This study also led to identification of donor inbreds which can contribute to breeding for heat stress tolerance. Key words: Grain yield, Heat tolerance index, Heat stress, Maize, Percent yield reduction

Ресурсный потенциал медоносных растений степного Придонья

Melliferous lands comprise the categories of forest fund lands, where melliferous plants and plants that provide high pollen yield grow. Bees pollinating entomophilous plants are 6–10 times more beneficial to forest lands compared to the favours from productive honey flows. The research objectives included identifying the features of the ecological and biological characteristics of melliferous plants of the Fabacea family, specifying the onset, duration and intensity of flowering, determining the sugar content in the nectar of one flower and honey productivity in the steppe Don region. Registration plots were laid out by the route method for the assessment of melliferous resources and determination of the resource potential of forest lands. Necessary observations, registration work, mathematical and statistical data processing were carried out according to the generally accepted methods. The territory of the steppe Don region, where the forest fund lands of the Rostov region are located, has favorable weather conditions and a rich forage base for bees. Тhe honey potential of the studied resources is a dynamic indicator and is of interest both for forest beekeeping and for scientific research. We used the sums of effective temperatures to determine the flowering sequence and characteristics of melliferous plants. The dwarf Russian almond blossoms first among arboreal melliferous plants of the legume family, while the Japanese pagoda tree blossoms last in the middle of the summer honey flow period. Black locust forest stands (497 kg/ha), lands dominated by Japanese pagoda tree (484 kg/ha) and honey locust (245 kg/ha) have the highest honey productivity. The research results showed that the black locust plantations with a bioresource potential of 7111.29 ton in the eastern and central areas of the region are significant for honey flow on the forest fund lands. Forest lands with predominance of spring melliferous plants of boxthorn and dwarf Russian almond on non-forest lands of the forest fund provide a supporting honey flow with a bioresource potential of 2749.168 ton. The studies that were carried out are of practical importance and will allow determining the resource potential of forest lands for honey flow more accurately in the future. In case of a high level of forestry and beekeeping practices, even under adverse weather conditions during nectar harvesting, it will be possible to obtain a productive honey flow, while ensuring timely and effective pollination of forest plants.

Genetic variation in four maturity genes and photoperiod insensitivity effects on the yield components and on the growth duration periods of soybean

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a typical short-day and thermophilic crop. Absence of or low sensitivity to photoperiod is necessary for short-day crops to adapt to high latitudes. Photoperiod insensitivity in soybeans is controlled by two genetic systems and involves three important maturity genes: E1, a repressor for two soybean orthologs of Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS T, and E3 and E4, which are phytochrome A genes. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of four maturity genes (E1 through E4) on the yield components, seed quality and on phasic development of near isogenic by E genes lines of soybean: short-day (SD) lines with genotype e1E2E3E4e5E7, e1E2E3e4e5E7, E1e2e3E4e5E7 and photoperiodic insensitive (PPI) lines with genotype e1e2E3E4e5E7, e1e2e3E4e5E7 under a long photoperiod (the natural day length of 50 latitude) conditions and short day conditions. The results of the study showed that soybean development processes under conditions of different day lengths depend on the dominant/recessive state of the main maturity genes. In addition, the response to the photoperiod depends on certain combinations of genes. SD lines began flowering on average 16.9% later under the conditions of a natural long photoperiod. Dominant alleles of genes E1 and E3 extended the pre- and post-flowering phases under conditions of exposure to long and short photoperiods. The dominant allele of the E1 gene delayed the onset of flowering by an average of 26.9%, and the period of full maturity by 39.8% compared to the recessive e1. The dominant allele of the E3 gene, compared to the recessive e3, lengthened the transition to flowering by an average of 16.1%, and the period of full ripeness by 27.1%. The dominant allele of the E2 gene lengthened the duration of the vegetative phase by 20% under the conditions of a long photoperiod. No significant influence of the dominant E4 allele on the duration of the vegetative and generative phases of soybean development was found in our study. PPI lines begin flowering under the conditions of a long and short photoperiod at the same time, but the phases of flowering and full seed maturity in the line with genotype e1e2e3E4e5E7 occurred earlier, due to the loss of the photoperiod sensitivity of the E3 gene. PPI line with genotype e1e2e3E4e5E7 proved to be the most insensitive line to the effect of different photoperiod durations among the studied lines. It was shown that the dominant alleles of E1–E4 maturity genes reduced the parameters of seed weight per plant and the weight of 1000 seeds under the conditions of a natural long photoperiod in comparison with recessive alleles of these genes. The maximum weight of seeds per plant and the weight of 1000 seeds were recorded in the PPI line with genotype e1e2e3E4e5E7. It should be noted that the dominant alleles E1 and E3 increased yield under conditions of a short photoperiod. Maturity genes had different effects on the biochemical composition of seeds. It was shown that soybean lines with dominant E1, E2 and E4 genes showed a higher content of starch and a lower content of total nitrogen and oil in seeds under natural photoperiod conditions compared to lines with recessive alleles of these genes. The dominant E3 allele reduced the oil content and did not affect the starch and total nitrogen content of seeds under long day conditions compared to the recessive e3 allele. The analysis of the effect of photoperiod on the timing of phenophases, yield structure indicators and biochemical composition of seeds in soybean plants with different sensitivity to photoperiod showed that the PPI line with the genotype e1e2e3E4e5E7 was the most adapted to the natural conditions of 50 degrees latitude. The PPI line with the genotype e1e2e3E4e5E7 was characterized by the shortest phases of days from sowing to flowering and full maturity. As a result, this line had the shortest growing season without reducing the yield and seed quality. Clearly, photoperiod had strong effects on all stages of plant reproduction and often acted indirectly, as shown by delayed responses expressed in later phases of development. The obtained results can be useful for the selection of soybean cultivars adapted to the climatic conditions of cultivation of Kharkiv region.

White Lupin Drought Tolerance: Genetic Variation, Trait Genetic Architecture, and Genome-Enabled Prediction.

White lupin is a high-protein crop requiring drought tolerance improvement. This study focused on a genetically-broad population of 138 lines to investigate the phenotypic variation and genotype × environment interaction (GEI) for grain yield and other traits across drought-prone and moisture-favourable managed environments, the trait genetic architecture and relevant genomic regions by a GWAS using 9828 mapped SNP markers, and the predictive ability of genomic selection (GS) models. Water treatments across two late cropping months implied max. available soil water content of 60-80% for favourable conditions and from wilting point to 15% for severe drought. Line yield responses across environments featured a genetic correlation of 0.84. Relatively better line yield under drought was associated with an increased harvest index. Two significant QTLs emerged for yield in each condition that differed across conditions. Line yield under stress displayed an inverse linear relationship with the onset of flowering, confirmed genomically by a common major QTL. An adjusted grain yield computed as deviation from phenology-predicted yield acted as an indicator of intrinsic drought tolerance. On the whole, the yield in both conditions and the adjusted yield were polygenic, heritable, and exploitable by GS with a high predictive ability (0.62-0.78). Our results can support selection for climatically different drought-prone regions.

Performance of Integrated Nutrient Management on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cultivar winter drawn in Baksa district, Assam, India

The present demonstration was conducted under Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Baksa during 2018, 2019 and 2020 to identify a integrated plant nutrient supply through balanced fertilization of organic, inorganic and biofertilisers in strawberry cv. Winter Down and potential effect on growth and yield attributing parameters were investigated. Results revealed that Strawberry cultivar winter dawn showed superior performance on growth parameters like plant height (23.78 cm), number of leaves (26.71nos), numbers of runners (5.98 nos) and length of runners (67.25 cm) per plant in Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost + 50% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF)as compared to other treatments whereas control showed the minimum growth in all parameters. The plot treated with Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost + 50% RDF also showed early flowering (47.79 days) with more number of flowers (46.23nos.) and early fruiting with more numbers of fruit per plant (36.62nos.) in strawberry cv. winter dawn as comparison to other treatments. The Individual fruit weight (35.67g) found larger in plot treated with Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost + 50% RDF that varies significantly from plot treated with 100% RDF(34.57g), 50% FYM + 50% RDF (33.76g) and 50% Vermicompost + 50% RDF (33.87g) and control (13.59g). The highest yield per plant (538.29g) was obtained from Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost + 50% RDF treated plot whereas (528.18g), (527.17g), (527.28g), (528.19g) and (241.19g) were achieved from 100% RDF, RDFwith N in two split dose as basal and before the onset of flowering, 50% FYM + 50% RDF and 50% Vermicompost + 50% RDF and control respectively and varies significantly among them. The Azotobacter + PSB + Vermicompost + 50% RDF treated plot found better combination of nutrient management practices in straw berry cultivation both in quality and yield point of view

Seleção de linhagens superiores de feijão-caupi derivadas de cultivares locais para a região semiárida brasileira

Abstract The objective of this work was to select superior cowpea lines derived from local cultivars for the semiarid region of southeastern Piauí, Brazil. A total of 38 genotypes (36 lines and two commercial cultivars) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with two replicates, in the municipality of Ipiranga do Piauí, in the state of Piauí. The following traits were evaluated: number of days to the onset of flowering, pod length, number of grains per pod, weight of 100 grains, commercial grain quality, and grain yield. Deviance analyzes were performed using the restricted maximum likelihood and best unbiased predictor approach, the parameters and genetic values were estimated, and simultaneous selection was carried out via the sum of ranks index. The likelihood ratio test showed a significant difference between the evaluated genotypes. Lines 36, 5, 24, 8, 2, 23, 29, 28, 34, 6, 19, 11, 7, and 20 are superior for the set of evaluated traits and, therefore, are the most promising to compose the advanced trial of the cowpea breeding program and to generate cultivars for family farmers in the semiarid region of southeastern Piauí.

Сорт рапса ярового Баланс

The variety Balance was developed by intraspecific hybridization of the variety Viking-VNIIMK and breeding line No 4801 with subsequent selection by self-pollination in 2012–2022 at V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops. In competitive trials, the variety Balance (No 1015) was characterized by consistently high seed yield – 1.49–3.24 t/ha – and exceeded the standard variety Tavrion on average over five years by 0.20 t/ha. In terms of seed oil content, the variety Balance was 0.7 % lower than the standard variety Tavrion but exceeded the standard in oil yield by 0.07 t/ha. The new variety was characterized by larger seeds, thousand-seed weight during the trials years was 3.09 g, while the standard was 2.77 g. The duration of the growing season and the protein content of the seeds were at the level of the standard. The content of glucosinolates in seeds of the new variety differed from the standard insignificantly. In terms of morphobiological traits, the variety Balance was characterized by a lower plant height, but a higher number of lateral branches com-pared to the previous varieties. The onset of flowering and ripening were almost identical to the variety Viking-VNIIMK, and it did not differ from the standard in lodging resistance. Fusarium blight affection and the percentage of manifestation intensity of this dis-ease is lower by 3.5% compared to the variety Tavrion. The variety Balance is recommended for the cultivation for grain in the North-West, Central, Volga-Vyatka, Central Chernozem, North Caucasus, Middle Volga, Lower Volga, Ural, West Siberia, and East Siberia regions of the Russian Federation.

Testing the concept of edaphism for the quartz island flora of the Knersvlakte, South Africa

• Plant-functional traits are useful to study floras on unusual soils. • Quartz island flora, traits and environment differ from the surrounding. • Taxonomic, functional and edaphic diversity are high on quartz islands. • The flora of unusual edaphic habitats is worthy of particular protection. Edaphically unusual sites harbor a flora that is often unique in its taxonomic as well as functional composition and contain many endemic species. While this edaphic endemism, edaphism, has been discussed previously on various special soils, in this study we relate it for the first time to the floristic characteristics of so called “quartz islands”, edaphically driven special habitats in South Africa, and their surroundings (matrix habitat). We sampled the vegetation and soil for 245 vegetation plots in the Knersvlakte Nature Reserve and examined 336 plant species with respect to their evolutionary (plant family, habitat specificity), biogeographical (distributional range) as well as functional traits (life form, leaf succulence, flowering onset, dispersal mode). Based on the floristic uniqueness of the quartz islands, we expect them to host a highly specialized and locally endemic flora with smaller life forms, pronounced leaf succulence (both indicative of resource-conservative economics) and distinct reproductive traits than their surroundings. We find that, compared to the matrix habitat, quartz islands have significantly higher salinity and lower soil pH, and show higher proportion of leaf-succulent species of smaller life forms – some of which are restricted to quartz islands and have different timing of flowering onset, while dispersal via zoochory is less important. Like other special soils, quartz islands harbor unique plant species, which are distinguished by distinct trait patterns. We conclude that the concept of edaphism can be applied to quartz islands.

In Vitro Florigenesis with Special Reference to Orchids- A Review.

Orchids are widely used in floriculture as attractive cut flowers all over the world. The current paper reviews factors affecting the in vitro flowering in orchid species. The phenomenon of in vitro flowering is advantageous as it shortens the breeding cycle, which is prolonged in the in vivo grown orchid species of commercial value. Certain genetic and biochemical mechanisms are involved at the time of onset of flowering in orchid plants. In the present endeavour, efforts have been made to initiate in vitro flowering in terrestrial and epiphytic orchid species. Various phenomenon involved during transition of vegetative shoot apex into floral axis is also reviewed. In vitro flowering was induced in Dendrobium nobile and Zeuxine strateumatica in Mitra medium supplemented with BAP at 0.5 in mgl-1. In vitro flowering can be initiated by manipulating physical and chemical stimulus in the nutrient regime. The study would be helpful in better understanding the complex process of flowering in vitro as well as ex vitro.

Population origin determines the adaptive potential for the advancement of flowering onset in Lupinus angustifolius L.(Fabaceae).

In the present framework of global warming, it is unclear whether evolutionary adaptation can happen quick enough to preserve the persistence of many species. Specifically, we lack knowledge about the adaptive potential of the different populations in relation to the various constraints that may hamper particular adaptations. There is evidence indicating that early flowering often provides an adaptive advantage to plants in temperate zones in response to global warming. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the adaptive potential for advancing flowering onset in Lupinus angustifolius L. (Fabaceae). Seeds from four populations from two contrasting latitudes in Spain were collected and sown in a common garden environment. Selecting the 25% of the individuals that flowered earlier in the first generation, over three generations, three different early flowering selection lines were established, involving both self-crosses and outcrosses. All artificial selection lines advanced their flowering significantly with respect to the control line in the northernmost populations, but not in the southern ones. Selection lines obtained from outcrossing had a greater advancement in flowering than those from self-crossing. No differences were found in the number or weight of the seeds produced between control and artificial selection lines, probably because plants in the common garden were drip irrigated. These results suggest that northern populations may have a greater adaptive potential and that southern populations may be more vulnerable in the context of climate warming. However, earlier flowering was also associated with changes in other traits (height, biomass, shoot growth, specific leaflet area, and leaflet dry matter content), and the effects of these changes varied greatly depending on the latitude of the population and selection line. Assessments of the ability of populations to cope with climate change through this and other approaches are essential to manage species and populations in a more efficient way.

The effect of climate change on spring frosts and flowering of Crataegus laevigata – The indicator of the validity of the weather lore about “The Ice Saints”

The onset and duration of phenological events are key indicators of the ecological impact of climate change on vegetation. During the flowering time in spring, late frosts are one of the most dangerous meteorological phenomena leading to damage to crops. During 1987–2016, we analyzed the occurrence and intensity of frosts during the period around the weather lore “Frost on the Ice Saints burns all the flowers” in short, “The Ice Saints” and their effects on the flowering phenology of hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC.). The late frosts were identified at 0.05 m and2.0 m above ground from temperature measurement data at five phenological stations located from 160 m to 700 m a.s.l. in Slovakia. Results indicate that recent climate change caused the beginning of flowering (BBCH60) for Crataegus laevigata to start significantly earlier by 4.2, 5.0, 6.2 and 3.6 days per decade at 160, 300, 400 and 500 m a.s.l., respectively. Thus, the risk of late frost damage to flowers during “The Ice Saints” is getting highly probable, particularly at 160, 300 and 500 m a.s.l., where the flowering and frosts occur simultaneously. Decreased risk of frost damage during “The Ice Saints” was found at 400 and 700 m a.s.l. It was because of the rare frost occurrence at 400 m a.s.l. in the last decade (2007–2016) of the studied period, and due to the flowering onset dated mostly after “The Ice Saints” at 700 m a.s.l. in the same period.