Perennial Tree Research Articles

MdMTA-mediated m6 A modification enhances drought tolerance by promoting mRNA stability and translation efficiency of genes involved in lignin deposition and oxidative stress.

Although the N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) modification is the most prevalent RNA modification in eukaryotes, the global m6 A modification landscape and its molecular regulatory mechanism in response to drought stress remain unclear. Transcriptome-wide m6 A methylome profiling revealed that m6 A is mainly enriched in the coding sequence and 3' untranslated region in response to drought stress in apple, by recognizing the plant-specific sequence motif UGUAH (H=A, U or C). We identified a catalytically active component of the m6 A methyltransferase complex, MdMTA. An in vitro methyl transfer assay, dot blot, LC-MS/MS and m6 A-sequencing (m6 A-seq) suggested that MdMTA is an m6 A writer and essential for m6 A mRNA modification. Further studies revealed that MdMTA is required for apple drought tolerance. m6 A-seq and RNA-seq analyses under drought conditions showed that MdMTA mediates m6 A modification and transcripts of mRNAs involved in oxidative stress and lignin deposition. Moreover, m6 A modification promotes mRNA stability and the translation efficiency of these genes in response to drought stress. Consistently, MdMTA enhances lignin deposition and scavenging of reactive oxygen species under drought conditions. Our results reveal the global involvement of m6 A modification in the drought response of perennial apple trees and illustrate its molecular mechanisms, thereby providing candidate genes for the breeding of stress-tolerant apple cultivars.

In vitro thrombolytic activity of Moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Family Moringaceae) is a medium sized perennial tree, commonly known as drumstick tree, horse raddish tree, miracle tree, sahjan, shobhanjana, munga arak, etc., in different languages. Leaves, flowers and pods of the plant are edible. Various parts of the plant are utilized for treatment of several diseases by ethnic communities, including heart ailments. Leaves and flowers of M. oleifera were assessed for preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro thrombolytic potential. Preliminary phytochemical screening has shown presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, amino acids and carbohydrates in leaves and flowers of M. oleifera. Two types of methanolic extracts of both leaves (MEL-I and MEL-II) and flowers (MEF-I and MEF-II) were used for assessment of percent clot lysis. A significant in vitro clot lysis activity of MEL-I (36.64±1.55%), MEL-II (41.40±2.02%) and MEF-I (19.07±2.36%) and MEF-II (20.52±1.51%) was demonstrated in a concentration of one mg/ml as compared to negative control distilled water and positive control streptokinase for the first time. The edible plant's observed thrombolytic potential may be employed to prevent athero-thrombotic cardiovascular diseases. Further investigations are required to isolate the bioactive molecule responsible for the thrombolytic action.

Evidence for the impacts of agroforestry on ecosystem services and human well-being in high-income countries: a systematic map

BackgroundAgroforestry bridges the gap that often separates agriculture and forestry by building integrated systems to address both environmental and socio-economic objectives. Existing empirical research has suggested that agroforestry—the integration of trees with crops and/or livestock—can prevent environmental degradation, improve agricultural productivity, increase carbon sequestration, and support healthy soil and healthy ecosystems while providing stable incomes and other benefits to human welfare. However, the extent of the literature supporting or refuting these claims has not been well documented. This study addresses this research gap by collating and describing the evidence for the impacts of agroforestry on ecosystem services and human well-being in high-income countries and presents the characteristics and gaps in the literature.MethodsWe searched 5 primary databases and 24 organizational websites using a pre-defined search string designed to capture articles relating agroforestry practices and policy interventions to outcomes in high-income countries. Searches included peer-reviewed and grey literature published in the English language between January 1990 and June 2020. We screened the identified articles for inclusion or exclusion in two stages: title/abstract and full text. We extracted data from articles included at the full-text stage to form the map and associated database. For inclusion, the study in question must have assessed the impacts of the deliberate promotion and/or actual integration of woody perennials (trees, shrubs, etc.) with agricultural crops and/or animals.ResultsOur search returned 31,852 articles of which we included 585 primary articles, 6 ongoing primary articles, and 41 systematically conducted literature reviews. The articles spanned three decades and 31 countries. The most studied practices are on linear boundary plantings (hedgerows, shelterbelts, windbreaks, and riparian buffers) and silvopasture systems. The most studied outcome is regulation and maintenance of physical, chemical, and biological conditions as an ecosystem service, followed by agricultural yield and mediation of waste/toxics/other nuisances (nutrient runoff and carbon storage).ConclusionsResults highlight key evidence gaps and areas where research has concentrated. Knowledge on the impacts of specific policy interventions to promote agroforestry remains scarce. The impacts of actual agroforestry practices are more well-studied, but the kinds of practices studied are limited, with most research focusing on two-component systems consisting of a simple tree configuration with one crop or livestock species, such as shelterbelts, windbreaks, and hedgerows, riparian buffers, and scattered trees on farms with crops and/or livestock. Regulating ecosystem services outcomes are by far the most studied, followed by agricultural productivity (an aspect of provisioning ecosystem services), while evidence on human well-being remains limited. We also found geographic biases, with little to no evidence for many countries. These biases suggest the strong need for further research to build the evidence base on agroforestry across high-income countries. The results can inform future research and policy decisions by making the evidence easily accessible and highlighting knowledge gaps as well as areas with enough evidence to conduct further systematic review.

A SNP variation in an expansin (EgExp4) gene affects height in oil palm.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), an Aracaceae family plant, is utilized for both consumable and non-consumable products, including cooking oil, cosmetics and biodiesel production. Oil palm is a perennial tree with 25 years of optimal harvesting time and a height of up to 18 m. However, harvesting of oil palm fruit bunches with heights of more than 2–3 meters is challenging for oil palm farmers. Thus, understanding the genetic control of height would be beneficial for using gene-based markers to speed up oil palm breeding programs to select semi-dwarf oil palm varieties. This study aims to identify Insertion/Deletions (InDels) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of five height-related genes, including EgDELLA1, EgGRF1, EgGA20ox1, EgAPG1 and EgExp4, in short and tall oil palm groups by PacBio SMRT sequencing technology. Then, the SNP variation’s association with height was validated in the Golden Tenera (GT) population. All targeted genes were successfully amplified by two rounds of PCR amplification with expected sizes that ranged from 2,516 to 3,015 base pair (bp), covering 5′ UTR, gene sequences and 3′ UTR from 20 short and 20 tall oil palm trees. As a result, 1,166, 909, 1,494, 387 and 5,384 full-length genomic DNA sequences were revealed by PacBio SMRT sequencing technology, from EgDELLA1, EgGRF1, EgGA20ox1, EgAPG1 and EgExp4 genes, respectively. Twelve variations, including eight InDels and four SNPs, were identified from EgDELLA1, EgGRF1, EgGA20ox1 and EgExp4. No variation was found for EgAPG1. After SNP through-put genotyping of 4 targeted SNP markers was done by PACE™ SNP genotyping, the association with height was determined in the GT population. Only the mEgExp4_SNP118 marker, designed from EgExp4 gene, was found to associate with height in 2 of 4 height-recordings, with p values of 0.0383 for height (HT)-1 and 0.0263 for HT-4. In conclusion, this marker is a potential gene-based marker that may be used in oil palm breeding programs for selecting semi-dwarf oil palm varieties in the near future.

Getting to the Root of Organic Inputs in Groundwaters: Stygofaunal Plant Consumption in a Calcrete Aquifer

Groundwater environments interact with and support subterranean biota as well as superficial aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, knowledge of subterranean energy flows remains incomplete. Cross-boundary investigations are needed to better understand the trophic structures of groundwater ecosystems and their reliance on carbon inputs from aboveground. In this study we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses combined with radiocarbon fingerprints to characterise organic flows in groundwater ecosystems. We coupled these data with DNA metabarcoding of the gut contents of stygofauna to further elucidate organic matter (OM) sources and shifts in diet preferences. Samples were collected from the arid zone Sturt Meadows calcrete aquifer under low rainfall (LR) and high rainfall (HR) conditions. Bayesian modelling of Δ14C, δ13C, and δ15N data indicated that primary consumers (copepods) incorporated mainly particulate organic carbon (POC) under LR but during HR shifted to root derived material (either exudates or direct root grazing). By contrast, diets of secondary consumers (amphipods) were dominated by root material under both LR and HR. Our DNA metabarcoding-based results indicate that amphipods relied primarily on root inputs from perennial trees (likely Eucalyptus and Callitris) during the dry season (LR). Under HR, diets of both amphipods and copepods also included organic material derived from a broad range of more shallow rooted shrubs, and ephemeral herbs and grasses. Our findings illustrate the complexity of functional linkages between groundwater biota and surface terrestrial ecosystems in environments where aboveground productivity, diversity and OM flux to groundwater are intimately linked to often episodic rainfall.

Predicting the Potential Suitable Climate for Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Cultivation in India under Climate Change Scenarios Using the MaxEnt Model.

Climate change and climate variability are projected to alter the geographic suitability of lands for crop cultivation. Early awareness of the future climate of the current cultivation areas for a perennial tree crop like coconut is needed for its adaptation and sustainable cultivation in vulnerable areas. We analyzed coconut’s vulnerability to climate change in India, based on climate projections for the 2050s and the 2070s under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs): 4.5 and 8.5. Based on the current cultivation regions and climate change predictions from seven ensembles of Global Circulation Models, we predict changes in relative climatic suitability for coconut cultivation using the MaxEnt model. Bioclimatic variables Bio 4 (temperature seasonality, 34.4%) and Bio 7 (temperature annual range, 28.7%) together contribute 63.1%, which along with Bio 15 (precipitation seasonality, 8.6%) determined 71.7% of the climate suitability for coconuts in India. The model projected that some current coconut cultivation producing areas will become unsuitable (plains of South interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) requiring crop change, while other areas will require adaptations in genotypic or agronomic management (east coast and the south interior plains), and yet in others, the climatic suitability for growing coconut will increase (west coast). The findings suggest the need for adaptation strategies so as to ensure sustainable cultivation of coconut at least in presently cultivated areas.

Development of bio-rational pest management module against hog plum beetle, <i>Podontia</i> 14-<i>punctata</i> (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The hog-plum, locally known as amra, is a deciduous perennial tree with thick succulent leaves and it grows all over the country, but the quality fruits are produced only in the southern districts of Bangladesh especially in Barishal and Jhalokathi districts. Its cultivation is seriously hampered by hog- hog plum beetle or 14 spotted leaf beetle, <em>Podontia</em> 14-<em>punctata</em> L. (Chrysomelidae: Coleoptera). In most of the cases, insecticidal spray is not effective for controlling this pest as pupation occurs in the soil. Therefore current study was carried out in both laboratory and field condition to develop environment friendly management approaches against hog plum beetle as well as producing of toxic chemical pesticide free hog-plum. From laboratory test, it is revealed that spraying of spinosad (Success 2.5 SC) at hog plum leaflet and drenching with microbial pesticides, soil recharge namely Lycomax (<em>Metarhizium anisopliae</em> +<em> Trichoderma harzianum</em> + <em>Beauveria bassiana</em> + <em>Trichoderma viride</em>) causes 72.22% adults and 51.85% pupal mortality of <em>P.</em> 14-<em>punctata</em> respectively. Then some pest management modules were developed based on the laboratory result and it’s were verified in field during two fruiting season 2018-19 and 2019-20. From field study it is observed that module 1: Hand picking + trunk banding with packaging tape + soil drenching with lycomax + spraying of spinosad treated trees offered lowest leaf and fruit infestation; even though trunk banding with packaging tape did not show any effect to control this pest. Fruit yield was also increased 39.04-39.66% in module 1 imposing hog plum trees compare to control. Therefore, it is clear that without banding of the hog plum trunk, hand picking + soil drenching with microbial pesticides, lycomax + spraying of spinosad might be sustainable and environment friendly pest management module against <em>P.</em> 14-<em>punctata</em>.

Sustainable pest management approach against the hog plum leaf beetle, Podontia 14-punctata Linn. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

BackgroundThe hog-plum, locally known as “amra”, is a deciduous perennial tree with thick succulent leaves and it grows all over the country, but the quality fruits are produced only in the southern districts of Bangladesh. Its cultivation is seriously hampered by hog-plum leaf beetle or 14 spotted leaf beetle, Podontia 14-punctata Linn. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In most of the cases, insecticidal spray is not effective for controlling this pest as pupation completed in the soil. Therefore, the present study was carried out under both laboratory and field conditions to develop environment friendly sustainable management approaches against the hog-plum beetle.ResultsLaboratory test revealed that spraying with green pesticide spinosad (Success® 2.5% SC) at hog-plum leaflet and drenching with microbial pesticide Metarhizium anisopliae + Trichoderma harzianum + Beauveria bassiana + Trichoderma viride (Lycomax, Russell IPM) causes 75.00% larvae, 72.22% adults and 51.85% pupal mortality,, respectively. Some pest management approaches were developed based on the laboratory results, they were verified in field, during the two successive fruiting seasons 2018 and 2019. Field study indicated that approach 1: Hand picking + trunk banding with packaging tape + soil drenching with lycomax, Russell IPM + spraying of spinosad treated trees offered lowest leaf and fruit infestation; even though trunk banding with packaging tape did not show any effect to control this pest. Fruit yield was also increased 39.04–39.66% in approach 1 imposing hog-plum trees compared to control.ConclusionThe study showed that without banding of the hog-plum trunk, hand picking + soil drenching with microbial pesticides, lycomax, Russell IPM + spraying of spinosad might be sustainable and environment friendly pest management approach against P. 14-punctata.

A Land-Use Change Model to Support Land-Use Planning in the Mekong Delta (MEKOLUC)

Agricultural land-use changes pose challenges for land managers in terms of ensuring the implementation of local land-use plans. This paper aims to build a land-use change model named MEKOLUC (Mekong Delta land-use change) for simulating land-use changes under the impacts of socioeconomic factors (profitability of land-use types, societal impacts on neighborhoods) and environmental factors (soil, salinity, persistence of salinity). The salinity diffusion map was generated using GAMA software and employed Markov cellular automata to depict the spread of salinity under the influence of dike and sluice gate system operations. The land-use decision-making process was based on multi-criteria selection of the main factors, which were land suitability, land convertibility, density of land use in the neighborhood and profitability of land-use patterns. The input data for the case study were historical land-use maps from 2005, 2010 and 2015 of Soc Trang, a coastal province in the Mekong Delta. The model was calibrated using a land-use map from 2010 (with kappa = 0.86) and was verified with land-use maps from 2015 and 2020 with deviations from 0 to 19%. The simulated results showed that shrimp–rice farming areas have been shrinking, even though these are recommended as sustainable farming systems. Inversely, intensive rice crops tended to change to rice–vegetable crops, vegetable crops or perennial fruit trees, which are projected to be well adapted to climate and salinity intrusion by 2030. This case study shows that the developed model is an essential tool for helping land managers and farmers build land-use plans.

Whole genome re-sequencing reveals the genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of Eucommia ulmoides.

Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides) is a deciduous perennial tree belonging to the order Garryales, and is known as "living fossil" plant, along with ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), metaspaca (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) and dove tree (Davidia involucrata Baill). However, the genetic diversity and population structure of E. ulmoides arestill ambiguous nowdays. In this study, we re-sequenced the genomes of 12 E. ulmoides accessions from different major climatic geography regions in China to elucidate the genetic diversity, population structure and evolutionary pattern. By integration of phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis and population structure analysis based on a number of high-quality SNPs, a total of 12 E. ulmoides accessions were clustered into four different groups. This result is consistent with their geographical location except for group samples from Shanghai and Hunan province. E. ulmoides accessions from Hunan province exhibited a closer genetic relationship with E. ulmoides accessions from Shanghai in China compared with other regions, which is also supported by the result of population structure analyses. Genetic diversity analysis further revealed that E. ulmoides samples in Shanghai and Hunan province were with higher genetic diversity than those in other regions in this study. In addition, we treated the E. ulmoides materials from Shanghai and Hunan province as group A, and the other materials from other places as group B, and then analyzed the evolutionary pattern of E. ulmoides. The result showed the significant differentiation (Fst = 0.1545) between group A and group B. Some candidate highly divergent genome regions were identified in group A by selective sweep analyses, and the function analysis of candidate genes in these regions showed that biological regulation processes could be correlated with the Eu-rubber biosynthesis. Notably, nine genes were identified from selective sweep regions. They were involved in the Eu-rubber biosynthesis and expressed in rubber containing tissues. The genetic diversity research and evolution model of E. ulmoides were preliminarily explored in this study, which laid the foundation for the protection of germplasm resources and the development and utilization of multipurpose germplasm resources in the future.

Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics of Ornamental Plants

Ornamental crops include a broad range of plants, including herbaceous seasonal flowers to woody perennial trees [...]

Characterization of the bark storage protein gene (JcBSP) family in the perennial woody plant Jatropha curcas and the function of JcBSP1 in Arabidopsis thaliana.

BackgroundBark storage protein (BSP) plays an important role in seasonal nitrogen cycling in perennial deciduous trees. However, there is no report on the function of BSP in the perennial woody oil plant Jatropha curcas.MethodsIn this study, we identified six members of JcBSP gene family in J. curcas genome. The patterns, seasonal changes, and responses to nitrogen treatment in gene expression of JcBSPs were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Overexpression of JcBSP1 in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana was driven by a constitutive cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S RNA promoter.ResultsJcBSP members were found to be expressed in various tissues, except seeds. The seasonal changes in the total protein concentration and JcBSP1 expression in the stems of J. curcas were positively correlated, as both increased in autumn and winter and decreased in spring and summer. In addition, the JcBSP1 expression in J. curcas seedlings treated with different concentrations of an NH4NO3 solution was positively correlated with the NH4NO3 concentration and application duration. Furthermore, JcBSP1 overexpression in Arabidopsis resulted in a phenotype of enlarged rosette leaves, flowers, and seeds, and significantly increased the seed weight and yield in transgenic plants.

An Assessment of Climate Change Mitigation via Location-Specific Climate Smart Horticulture: A Review Paper

The first stage in preparing the horticulture industry for creating adaptation plans under climate change scenarios is to quantify the effects of temperature fluctuations, surplus and restricted moisture conditions. Individual crop effects have been studied and assessed throughout the main agro-ecological areas and growing seasons. Scientific validation is required for production methods that may be modified to adapt for climate change. Although production regions for particular crops or the time of sowing and planting may be altered the markets windows as well as infrastructure, like the availability of local packaging as well as the distribution facilities, are important components to consider for many horticultural commodities. It's expected to change key interactions among horticultural plants as well as pollinators, insects, disease, pests, weeds, pests as well as weeds. Because horticulture-based agricultural systems offer a great potential for sequestering carbon for climate change mitigation, there is a need for a fast and clear knowledge of the effect of climate change on horticultural crops in order to develop a solid action plan. Perennial tree work as carbon sinks by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. The clean development method may be used to get the carbon credits. Based on location-specific climate smart horticulture concepts, an integrated strategy with all available choices will be most successful in maintaining production under climate change circumstances.

Assessment of the impact of floods on terrestrial plant biodiversity

Floods have huge impacts on biodiversity of terrestrial plants, with the degree of the impacts being affected by various factors, which is evaluated by many methods. The widely used field investigation method is energy and time consuming and not applicable for evaluating the impact of floods on all plants. The weight scoring method and risk index analysis method are less accurate because the influencing factors are ignored. A more convenient and accurate evaluation method is needed. Here, the main influencing factors were sorted into temperature (T), geomorphic change (G), ratio of flood depth to plant height (D), and ratio of flood duration to waterlogging tolerance time of plant (F). The species number of different plants and monthly distribution of annual grasses in each land cover type were calculated. After establishing the impact functions of T, G, D, and F on plants, we proposed an assessment method using the total biodiversity impact index (TBI) and average biodiversity impact index (ABI) representing the total and average impact degree of floods on plant biodiversity. The feasibility of this method was verified using a case study. We concluded that (1) TBI and ABI varied with space; (2) the ABIs of different plants in the descending order were perennial grasses, annual grasses, shrubs, and trees; (3) the monthly average ABIs of different land cover types in the descending order were grassland, shrubland, cropland, forest, town, and floodplain, that of the monthly average TBIs were grassland, shrubland, forest, cropland, town, and floodplain, which are all high in summer and low in winter. This method can be used for pre-evaluation and rapid evaluation of the impact of floods on biodiversity of plants in inundated areas. It can also be used to evaluate the environmental flood risk of dams and embankments and provide quantitative indicators for risk management.

Potential effects of arid shrubland degradation on habitat suitability for a declining arid zone bird, the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis)

AbstractAustralia's arid shrublands have been impacted by a variety of threatening processes since European settlement, and changes to ecosystem structure and function have been observed at multiple levels. The lack of recruitment and regeneration of the perennial shrub and tree layer in these communities has implications for many shrubland birds, including species of conservation concern such as the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis: Acanthizidae). We documented foraging behaviour and habitat selection of the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill at the Arid Recovery Reserve in South Australia and surveyed vegetation characteristics within the Reserve and in an adjacent pastoral property. We found that Chestnut‐rumped Thornbills preferentially use certain plant species: Callitris glaucophylla, Acacia aneura, Acacia ligulata and Acacia tetragonophylla, and that these species were significantly less abundant at our study sites outside the Reserve than inside. Major differences in the structure and composition of the vegetation inside and outside the Reserve suggest that changes in habitat structure and composition occurring in the broader landscape (outside the fenced area) decrease the suitability of arid shrubland habitat for the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill and may contribute to their absence in unprotected areas. Our study indicates that deterioration of the perennial shrub layer could have significant consequences for the persistence of the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill in arid rangelands. Our findings highlight the importance of rangeland management and restoration of Australia's arid shrublands in preventing declines of the Chestnut‐rumped Thornbill and other insectivorous birds.

Gene expression analysis revealed Hbr-miR396b as a key piece participating in reaction wood formation of Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree)

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is a perennial tree, which is important for wood-related industrial applications. However, the molecular basis of wood formation in H. brasiliensis is largely unknown. In this study, we induced the formation of reaction wood by artificial bending three 3−year−old rubber trees for 7 or 100 days, and collected xylem samples from tension wood, opposite wood, and normal wood, and subjected them to small RNA sequencing to identify the microRNAs (miRNAs) participated in rubber tree wood formation. We identified 25 known microRNAs (miRNAs) belonging to 21 miRNA families in 7-day wood and 24 known miRNAs belonging to 20 miRNA families in 100-day wood. Three known miRNAs, hbr-miR396b, hbr-miR6168, and hbr-miR6485, that accumulated in 100-day wood targeted gene members of the three transcription factor families C3H, SQUAMOSA BINDING PROTEIN (SBP), and AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF). Gene Ontology analysis showed genes co-expressed with transcription factor genes targeted by miRNAs were associated with cellulose metabolism, cellulose biosynthesis, and cellulose synthase in 100-day but not 7-day wood, likely reflecting the longer duration of artificial bending treatment. We also constructed a co-expression network that includes miRNAs, their target transcription factor genes, and the genes co-expressed with these genes, revealing that cellulose biosynthesis was regulated by 3 known and 13 novel miRNAs, which may all participate in reaction wood formation. In summary, this study identified potential key miRNA−transcription factor−mRNA networks involved in reaction wood formation of rubber tree and laid a theoretical foundation for further elucidating the mechanism of wood formation in this species.

Chemical Profiling and Constituent Diversity in Nutmeg Genotypes (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

Background: Nutmeg is a perennial tree spices which is yielding twin spices; present days research thrust is to identify high yielding mother trees. But yield and quality both are equally important due to its wide spread medicinal as well as industrial usage. Methods: The core collection of nutmeg genotypes form different locations of Kerala evaluated for biochemical composition. Seventeen morphologically distinct types of nutmeg were analysed through GC/MS method. The change in volatiles after storage (at 4°C) was also assessed after one year. Result: The range of variation was observed for kernel oil, mace oil, kernel oleoresin, mace oleoresin and fixed oil of kernel. Myristicin, elemecin and sabinene were principal volatile compounds. The identification of distinct nutmeg chemotypes for specific volatile compounds which could be used in commercial cultivation/pharmaceutical application/industrial use. Present study highlights the high and low hallucinogen (myristicine, elemicine and safrole) genotypes along with high sabinene types.

Integration of genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics identifies candidate loci underlying fruit weight in loquat.

Fruit weight is an integral part of fruit quality and directly influences the commodity value and economic return of fruit crops. Despite the importance of fruit weight, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain understudied, especially for perennial fruit tree crops such as cultivated loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.). Auxin is known to regulate fruit development, but its role and metabolism during the development of loquat fruit remain obscure. In this study, we used a multi-omics approach, integrating whole-genome resequencing-based quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping with an F1 population, population genomics analysis using germplasm accessions, transcriptome analysis, and metabolic profiling to identify genomic regions potentially associated with fruit weight in loquat. We identified three major loci associated with fruit weight, supported by both QTL mapping and comparative genomic analysis between small- and large-fruited loquat cultivars. Comparison between two genotypes with contrasting fruit weight performance by transcriptomic and metabolic profiling revealed an important role for auxin in the regulation of fruit development, especially at the fruit enlargement stage. The multi-omics approach identified homologs of ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 4 (EjEIN4) and TORNADO 1 (EjTRN1) as promising candidates for the control of fruit weight. Three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were also closely associated with fruit weight. Results from this study provide insights into the genetic and metabolic controls of fruit weight in loquat from multiple perspectives. The candidate genomic regions, genes, and sequence variants will facilitate our understanding of the molecular basis of fruit weight and lay a foundation for future breeding and manipulation of fruit weight in loquat.

Morphometric Characterization and Identification of Some Varieties of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) in the Wilaya of Tlemcen

The common pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a perennial tree, drought tolerant, able to growin poor and alkaline soils. It has beenconsidered as one of the oldest and most famous tree. Because of its richness in nutrients andversatile uses, it gained a huge economic interest. This fruit tree has been the subject of significantgenetic improvement globally. However, in Algeria no such improvement program has been undertaken. In order to developnew varieties that match the needed criteria, and to preserve, restore and enhance the diversity of existing genetic material, this study was conducted for morphometric analysis for the identification and characterization of the common pomegranate in the wilaya of Tlemcen. The data werecollected from farmers of five municipalities:Fellaoucen, Remchi, Nedroma, Ghazaouet and Ain Ghrabaon 9(nine) quantitative and 8 (eight) qualitative measurements (based on the recommendations of the Union for the Protection of new varieties of plants),from five fruis, and 100arils of 65 pomegranates plants,The data were analyzed using R software following SPSS, The principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical classification (CAH), Shannon and Weaver diversity index, and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) were also made. This study revealed the existence of a large morphological diversity

Seed germination requirements of an Australian semi-arid floodplain

Plants that occur on floodplains in dryland regions often use floods to disperse and germinate seeds, which establish during and following flooding events. Acacia stenophylla (river cooba) is a perennial tree, common in the riparian habitats of the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia. The aims of this study were to (1) determine the relationship between seed germination and seedling establishment of A. stenophylla and hydrological conditions, (2) determine the buoyancy of its seeds and, hence, ability to disperse by hydrochory and (3) provide recommendations on the hydrological requirements for A. stenophylla recruitment. Seedling recruitment data collected between 2014 and 2020 on the floodplain of the lower Lachlan River were compared with time since flooding. In a glasshouse experiment, seeds of A. stenophylla within their pods and with their pods removed were exposed to one of five experimental treatments (rainfall, soaked soil, and inundated for 20 and 40 days), over a period of 50 days. A. stenophylla germinated during and following flooding and following high rainfall. Seeds in pods floated for 8 days. A. stenophylla establishes during and following flooding and requires 1 month of flooding followed by flood recession to maximise seed germination. This research contributes to our broader understanding of the reproductive biology of one of the less studied Acacia species.