Qualitative Morphological Characters Research Articles

Rostral and body shape analyses reveal cryptic diversity of Late Jurassic batomorphs (Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii) from Europe.

The fossil record of chondrichthyans (chimaeras, sharks, rays and skates) consists largely of isolated teeth, with holomorphic specimens being extraordinary exceptions. However, numerous of these more or less completely preserved specimens are known from several Upper Jurassic deposits of Europe, enabling detailed analysis of their morphology. Batomorphs (rays and skates) resembling modern guitarfishes and wedgefishes (Rhinopristiformes) are among the most common Jurassic chondrichthyans found, but they have been only sporadically studied up to now, resulting in large knowledge gaps concerning their taxonomy and phylogeny. Here, we present the most detailed revision of Late Jurassic holomorphic batomorphs to date, quantitatively analysing body proportions of specimens from Germany (Solnhofen Archipelago), France (Cerin) and the UK (Kimmeridge), using both geometric and traditional morphometrics. Furthermore, we identify qualitative morphological characters for species discrimination, to clarify the taxonomic identity and diversity of Late Jurassic batomorphs based on holomorphic specimens. Our results support the validity of Belemnobatis sismondae, Kimmerobatis etchesi and Spathobatis bugesiacus, as well as that of the previously doubtful Asterodermus platypterus. Moreover, we describe Aellopobatis bavarica, a new taxon, which has hitherto been considered to be a large-sized morphotype of Spathobatis bugesiacus. Our results highlight that the diversity of holomorphic batomorphs during the Late Jurassic was greater than previously thought, and suggest that this group was already well-established and diverse by this time. This study thus provides vital information about the evolutionary history of Late Jurassic batomorphs and has direct implications for batomorph species that are based on isolated teeth only.

Morpho-Ecological Study of Wild Onobrychis altissima Grossh. and Onobrychis cyri Grossh. (Onobrychis MILL.) in Azerbaijan

Abstract Knowing the distribution and eco-geography of native Onobrychis altissima and O. cyri in Azerbaijan is critical for the implementation of strategies for their conservation and sustainable use. This study includes 27 specimens from nine wild populations of O. altissima and O. cyri collected from their natural habitats in Azerbaijan. The aims of this study are to provide a detailed morphological and eco-geographic characterization of O. altissima and O. cyri, to determine the distribution and environmental variables that define the eco-geographic zones native to Azerbaijan, and also to determine the priority areas for in situ conservation of native Onobrychis germplasm in Azerbaijan. Besides, research work was carried out for the purpose of clarifying the distribution areas, discovering more resistant species for selection, as well as enriching the genetic resources and Her-barium Fund. The specimens were biometrically assessed using 34 quantitative and 10 qualitative morphological characters. At each site, we recorded eco-geographic data regarding longitude, latitude, altitude, slope inclination, slope orientation, maximum and minimum temperatures, annual precipitation, relief, as well as soil traits including texture, humus, organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH, phosphorus pentoxide, potassium oxide, and magnesium. Cluster analysis of morphological characters showed that the nine populations could be divided into three main groups. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) of eco-geographic data is discussed. The article presents tables and phenograms reflecting some eco-geographic information and a distribution map of the species.

Beyond aesthetics: Integration of textural groups of tropical ornamental shrubs into urban planting designs

Shrubs are popularly incorporated to establish green infrastructure in urban spaces. We argue that the functions provided by shrubs could be further enhanced by giving due consideration to their leaf morphological characters. Therefore, our objective was to recognise how the different morphological characters of leaves, listed as contributing to determining the plant texture in literature, would collectively contribute to recognizing textural groups of plants, and further, to define each of these groups into either coarse, medium, or fine textural categories using ornamental shrubs. We investigated the quantitative and qualitative leaf morphology of 30 tropical ornamental shrubs in the Peradeniya area. According to our analysis, leaf area, petiole length, and internodal distance have significantly contributed to the separation of shrubs into three textural groups; fine, medium and coarse, and were considered as preliminary characters that determine the texture. Leaf hair related characters viz., hair densities on upper and lower surfaces, and the length of hairs on both surfaces, together with qualitative morphological characters, viz., leaf margins, leaf arrangement, and prominent venation were identified as secondary characters that contributed to defining textural groups. Shrubs with coarse texture possess significantly larger leaves, longer petioles and internodal distances compared to fine textured group. Our recommendation is to consider plant textural groups as a criterion in the selection of plants for planting designs during the establishment of green infrastructure in urban spaces, enabling the obtaining of benefits beyond aesthetics, which include other functional, health and environmental benefits, to improve the quality of life of city dwellers under the context of limited urban green spaces.

Comparative morphometrics for species discrimination and analysis in the tabulate coral Catenipora from Baltoscandia

Transverse thin-section images of 12 species of Catenipora from the Ordovician and Silurian of Baltoscandia are analyzed in detail by a comparison of multivariate and two-dimensional geometric morphometrics. The corallites are described by 17 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters, and by 28 landmarks and centroid size. The statistical methods confirm that C. distans, C. elegans, C. exilis, C. maxima, C. obliqua, C. quadrata, C. rubraeformis, C. tapaensis, C. tractabilis, C. vespertina, and C. wrighti are valid species, and that C. monstruosa is a synonym of C. maxima. Geometric morphometrics is shown to be more effective than multivariate analysis in the discrimination of species. Relative warp analysis and thin-plate spline deformation grids are especially useful for characterizing corallite shape. Possible evolutionary relations and trends recognized among the species suggest that diversification in Catenipora may have involved niche partitioning with differences in the polyps size and shape. This study provides methods on evaluating the type specimens through individual corallites.

Israeli Oncocyclus irises: Phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history

Abstract Oncocyclus is a large group of bearded irises with poorly known phylogeny and evolutionary history. In Israel, Iris sect. Oncocyclus comprises eight species belonging to three aggregates. We used a combination of approaches to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of these species and indicate the evolutionary forces responsible for their origin. We sequenced the whole chloroplast genomes of species and integrated a phylogenetic tree with results of genetic (AFLP) divergence, degree of reproductive isolation, and species distribution modeling. Our findings suggest that quantitative and even qualitative morphological characters, such as flower color, are unreliable diagnostic traits for Oncocyclus taxonomy; that some recognized species comprise more than one species; and that group evolution did not involve the origin of distinct flower aggregates. A lack of pre-zygotic reproductive isolation agrees with the very low variability of the Oncocyclus plastome, suggesting that Israeli Oncocyclus species are very young. Homoploid hybridization followed or preceded by long periods of geographic isolation, and local selection likely contributed to speciation in Oncocyclus. In the group evolutionary history, importance of homoploid hybridization and local selection differed among species, but limited gene flow played a crucial role for all species.

Phylogeny of the tribe Riorajini with comments on the morphological character evolution within Rajiformes (Chondrichthyes, Batoidea)

AbstractThe tribe Riorajini is composed of four species, Rioraja agassizii, Atlantoraja castelnaui, A. cyclophora and A. platana, which are endemic to the inshore waters of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Previous studies have hypothesized the monophyly of this group but interrelationships within its members remain not fully understood. In this study, we analysed quantitative as well as qualitative morphological characters related to external morphology, squamation, neurocranium, visceral arches, pectoral and pelvic girdles and claspers, totalizing 82 characters, representing a greater number than previously used in studies focused on rajiform systematics. 24 terminal taxa were included, and two different analyses were carried out testing Narcine brasiliensis and Pseudobatos horkelii as roots of the cladogram. The monophyly of Riorajini is supported by five quantitative and three discrete characters, including a caudal length smaller than disc length, sensory pores and mucous canals darkly pigmented on ventral surface of disc, and preorbital flange present. Clasper morphology was phylogenetically informative since it contributes to diagnose Rioraja in which an accessory terminal 2 cartilage is absent and to support a sister relationship between A. cyclophora + A. platana. Squamation, teeth and neurocranial morphology need to be thoroughly investigated in order to revise their terminology, propose and test hypotheses of homology and improve our knowledge on morphological variation regarding ontogeny and sexual dimorphism.

Phylogenomics of Lasiodoriforms: reclassification of the South American genus Vitalius Lucas, Silva and Bertani and allied genera (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

Theraphosinae is the most diverse subfamily of Theraphosidae spiders, but their evolutionary history remains unresolved to date. This problem is common in taxonomic groups with phylogenetic hypotheses that have often been based only on qualitative morphological characters and, rarely, on molecular analyses. Phylogenomics has significantly contributed to the understanding of the evolution of many non-model groups, such as spiders. Herein, we employed ultraconserved elements (UCEs) phylogenomics to propose a new hypothesis for a group of Theraphosinae genera, namely Lasiodoriforms: Vitalius, Lasiodora, Eupalaestrus, Pterinopelma, Proshapalopus, and Nhandu. We propose three genera and their respective morphological diagnoses are provided. Our phylogeny supports the transfer of species from the genus Vitalius to Pterinopelma and Proshapalopus and from Proshapalopus to Eupalaestrus. Finally, we describe a new species of Vitalius from Southern Brazil. Based on these three new generic descriptions and transferred species, the Lasiodoriform tarantulas comprise nine genera from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and the genus Vitalius now includes seven species.

High genetic diversity in an endemic and vulnerable species: evidence from Astragalus cyclophyllon (Fabaceae) in Iran

The genus Astragalus L. with about 3000 species is the largest genus of flowering plants. It is also the largest genus in the flora of Iran with more than 850 taxa. Astragalus cyclophyllon Beck is an endemic taxon belonging to Astragalus sect. Incani DC. It occurs scattered in the steppe and semi-steppe areas of the western and central parts of Iran. This species is one of the most important forage taxa of Astragalus. According to IUCN criteria it has been classified as a vulnerable taxon in Iran, as it occurs in habitats intensely used by herders for their livestock. Here we evaluate the genetic diversity of the populations of this species in Iran to see whether genetic diversity is high or if reductions have already happened. For this purpose, sampling was done in all geographical areas with A. cyclophyllon populations in Iran. In total, 80 individuals representing 29 populations were studied using 33 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters and 10 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. ISSR revealed 240 bands which all were polymorphic. Neighbor-joining cluster analysis divided the individuals in four groups, Principal Coordinate Analysis and Bayesian population assignment analysis in Structure resulted in three genetic units. Morphological variation showed no correlation with the molecular data. The mean of Gst and Nm indices are 0.516 and 0.468, respectively, which indicate a very high genetic differentiation and low gene flow between the studied populations. According to these results, we conclude that genetic diversity is high in this species and that, therefore, the major threat for A. cyclophyllon is currently not related to inbreeding depression in populations, but might be due to livestock grazing that could change the population demographic structure by reducing regular establishment of new offspring.

Improvement of morphology, biochemical characters, and molecular changes of local upland rice cv. Sidikalang M3 generation through induction of gamma-ray irradiation

Abstract. Naibaho D, Purba E, Hanafiah DS, Hasibuan S. 2023. Improvement of morphology, biochemical characters, and molecular changes of local upland rice cv. Sidikalang M3 generation through induction of gamma-ray irradiation. Biodiversitas 24: 200-207. Upland rice cultivar Sidikalang is one of the local upland red rice cultivars of North Sumatra, which has the potential to be developed. However, this rice has limited planting area due to factors such as its higher plant height and long duration compared to other rice cultivars. Plant characteristics can be improved through induced mutation using gamma-ray irradiation. This study aimed to determine gamma rays' effect on changes in morphological, biochemical, and molecular characters and to obtain a superior Sidikalang cultivar mutant plant M3 generation. Observations of morphological changes were carried out quantitatively and qualitatively, biochemical analysis (amino acid content) was done using a High Performant Liquid Chromatography analyzer, and molecular analysis was performed using Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA markers. The results showed that 600 Gy gamma-ray irradiation improved quantitative morphological characters (shorter plant height, higher number of tillers and panicles, faster panicle release age) and qualitative morphological characters (flag leaf angle in dwarf mutants became upright) compared to no irradiation. 400 Gy gamma-ray irradiation also increased almost all amino acid content compared to no irradiation. The presence of polymorphic bands in the M3 generation Sidikalang cultivar mutant plant evidenced changes in morphological and biochemical characters.

Identifikasi Karakter Morfologi dan Analisis Kandungan Nutrisi Buah Pisang Mas, Buluh, dan Lumut Lokal Bali

Identification of Morphological Characters and Fruits Nutrient Analysis of Pisang Mas, Buluh and Lumut Local Bali. Banana are a common commodity in Indonesia, having high economic, cultural and nutritional value. The objective of this research was to find the difference of morphological characters and nutrient content of Pisang Mas, Buluh and Lumut Local Bali. The research was conducted from July to October 2021. The samples of banana were taken from Antap Village, Selemadeg Barat District, Tabanan Regency, while identification and analysis were conducted in the laboratory. This research used UPGMA analysis and randomize complete design (RCD) with 3 replications. The results of identification showed different qualitative morphological characters in bunch position, fruit shape, fruit apex, remains of flower relicts at fruit apex, mature peel color, pedicel surface, pulp color before maturity, pulp color at maturity and predominant taste, while the quantitative showed the different in the number of pedicels, fruit length, fruit pedicel length and fruit peel thickness. Pulp nutrient content showed differences in water content, dry matter, crude lipid, crude fiber, and carbohydrate content.

Exploring agro-morphological diversity of Algerian hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) accessions using multivariate statistics

Pepper is an inevitable constituent in the diets of Algerian population. Unfortunately, the local landraces are endangered by both genetic erosion and pollution. This study aimed to perform agro-morphological characterization of hot peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) accessions. Twenty one accessions collected from the east and south of Algeria were evaluated for 24 quantitative and 38 qualitative morphological characters under green-house conditions. The trial was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with four replicates at the experimental station of the Department of agronomical sciences of Biskra University in Southeast Algeria. Significant variations in most of the traits were strikingly demonstrated using variance analysis and coefficients of variation and the number of modalities, frequencies and Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′) values for the quantitative and qualitative characters respectively indicating the heterogeneity of the studied accessions. The correlations between the studied quantitative variables showed that the yield parameters were correlated with the variables related to the vegetative part of the plant. The first five PCs explained 76.877 % of the total variation and identified the most discriminant variables related particularly to yield and fruit characteristics contributing to PC1: fruit width; fruit index; fruit weight, number of locules; placenta length, pedicel length, anther length, leaf width and plant height /stem length ratio. For several qualitative traits, an important degree of variability was observed. The first factorial dimension explained 42.5% of the variance and was mostly associated with: plant height; growth habit; flower position; corolla shape; number of flower per axil and fruit shape at pedicel attachment and at blossom end; calyx margin. Cluster analysis of the combined data grouped the pepper landraces into four clusters regardless of the localities and the closest accessions belonged to different localities and/or provinces. This study notably confirms the presence of considerable genetic diversity within and between accessions of hot pepper in Algeria and provides a basis for its active conservation and future selection to develop improved local pepper populations

Assessment of Diversity among Important Brinjal (Solanum melongena) Cultivars Using Morphological Markers

Background. Solanum melongena is a medicinally important vegetable crop that belongs to the family Solanaceae, which is cultivated worldwide. Methodology. In the present study, 22 eggplant varieties from the different ecogeographical regions were evaluated for nine quantitative and twenty-two qualitative morphological characters. A significant divergence was observed in all characters and wide regional variations for plant characteristics, flower, and fruit characteristics. Principle component analysis (PCA) was performed using PAST3 software to determine the relationship among eggplant accessions. Results. The principal component analysis showed that the first two principal component axes explained 97.17% of the total multivariate variation. Cluster analysis using the Unweighted Pair Group Method of Arithmetic Means (UPGMA) grouped the 22 eggplant accessions into two main clusters based on similarities in morphological characteristics. The study showed that the Solanum melongena accessions belonging to Pakistan and other geographical regions of the world possess marked variation in fruit weight, fruit shape, fruit color, leaf spine, number of locules in fruit, plant height, and flower color. Conclusion. Based on morphological diversity, the best cultivars of eggplant that show better yield can be selected for farmers.

Phylogeny of bamboos based on morphological key characters

Exploration of bamboos resources in a sustainable manner needs more emphasis on evaluation of morphological characters-based species discrimination. In a present work, fifty-two various qualitative morphological characters and seven quantitative characters were studied in ten bamboo species. The cluster analysis and principal component revealed highest similarity between Ochlandra travancorica and Ochlandra ebracteata followed by Bambusa nutan, Bambusa oliveriana and Gigantichola rostrata, Ochlandra ebracteata respectively, whereas, Bambusa wamin showing separate evolutionary branching. Conclusion: due to the long and irregular flowering in bamboos, it is essential to adopt the advance phylogentic clustering tools for generation of reliable and taxonomically supporting information for species discrimination, moreover, the time to time morphological characters studies are essential to trace the phenotypic plasticity and adaptability of bamboos with respect to non- predicted changing climatic conditions.

Revision of the Malagasy Camponotus subgenus Myrmosaga (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) using qualitative and quantitative morphology.

The CamponotussubgenusMyrmosagasubgen. rev. from the Malagasy region is revised based on analysis of both qualitative morphological characters and morphometric traits. The multivariate analysis used the Nest Centroid (NC)-clustering method to generate species hypotheses based on 19 continuous morphological traits of minor workers. The proposed species hypotheses were confirmed by cumulative Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). Morphometric ratios for the subsets of minor and major workers were used in species descriptions and redefinitions. The present study places the subgenus Myrmopytiasyn. nov. in synonymy to Myrmosaga. It recognizes 38 species, of which 19 are newly described: C.aina sp. nov., C.aro sp. nov., C.asara sp. nov., C.atimo sp. nov., C.bemaheva sp. nov., C.bozaka sp. nov., C.daraina sp. nov., C.harenarum sp. nov., C.joany sp. nov., C.karsti sp. nov., C.kelimaso sp. nov., C.lokobe sp. nov., C.mahafaly sp. nov., C.niavo sp. nov., C.rotrae sp. nov., C.sambiranoensis sp. nov., C.tapia sp. nov., C.tendryi sp. nov., C.vano sp. nov. Eleven species are redescribed: C.aurosus Roger, C.cervicalis Roger, C.dufouri Forel, C.gibber Forel, C.hagensii Forel, C.hova Forel, C.hovahovoides Forel, C.immaculatus Forel, C.quadrimaculatus Forel, C.roeseli Forel, C.strangulatus Santschi. The following are raised to species and redescribed: C.becki Santschi stat. nov., C.boivini Forel stat. rev., C.cemeryi Özdikmen stat. rev., C.mixtellus Forel stat. nov., C.radamae Forel stat. nov.Camponotusmaculatusst.fairmairei Santschi syn. nov., is synonymized under C.boivini. The following are synonymized under C.cervicalis: Camponotuscervicalisgaullei Santschi, syn. nov.; Camponotusperroti Forel, syn. nov.; Camponotusperrotiaeschylus Forel, syn. nov.; Camponotusgerberti Donisthorpe, syn. nov. Camponotusdufouriimerinensis Forel, syn. nov. is a synonym of C.dufouri, Camponotushovavar.obscuratus Emery, syn. nov. is a synonym of C.hova, Camponotusquadrimaculatusopacata Emery, syn. nov. is a synonym of C.immaculatus, Camponotusmaculatusst.legionarium Santschi, syn. nov. is a synonym of C.roeseli, Camponotushovamaculatoides Emery, syn. nov. is a synonym of C.strangulatus. The following are synonymized under C.quadrimaculatus: Camponotuskelleri Forel, syn. nov., Camponotuskellerivar.invalidus Forel, syn. nov., Camponotusquadrimaculatussellaris Emery, syn. nov. As C.imitator Forel, C.liandia Rakotonirina & Fisher, and C.lubbocki Forel have been recently described and redescribed, only diagnoses and taxonomic discussions are provided. This revision also includes an illustrated species identification key, taxonomic discussions, images, and distribution maps for each species superimposed on the ecoregions of Madagascar.

Phylogenetic relationships based on morphological data and taxonomy of the genus Salvadora Baird & Girard, 1853 (Reptilia, Colubridae)

The genus Salvadora has not been subjected to a modern phylogenetic analysis. Described in 1853, its taxonomic history is complex and confusing. In this study, we evaluate the monophyly of the genus and present the first phylogenetic hypothesis based on an analysis of 66 qualitative and quantitative morphological characters of over 1000 specimens representing all described taxa across their entire distribution. Morphological characters were processed in Fast Morphology for subsequent phylogenetic analysis in PAUP under the maximum parsimony criterion. We obtained a single tree in which Salvadora appears as a monophyletic group with two clearly defined geographic species groups: a southern mexicana group and a northern grahamiae group. Based on our phylogenetic hypothesis, we evaluate the taxonomic status of all described taxa. Additionally, we include a diagnosis for all species, distribution maps, and an illustrated dichotomous taxonomic key of the genus.

Morphological characteristics of Temanggung’s robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) at different altitudes

Temanggung is the center of a coffee plantation in Central Java Province Indonesia since its altitude and cold climate are suitable for the growth and development of the plant. However, due to the climate changes in recent years, the air temperature at a specific altitude is not as cold as before. Vegetation responds to climate change by changing its phenological pattern, i.e., changing morphology. This study aimed to analyze the morphological characters of Temanggung robusta coffee at different altitudes by current climates condition. An exploratory study was conducted on two clusters of altitudes; there are 600 and 900 m asl approximately. Each group repeated in three locations, with each consisting of 5 trees. Fifteen quantitative morphological characters were evaluated using analysis of variance and further test performed using a 5%-LSD-test. Among those, the canopy diameter, plant height, leaf width, fruit length, fruit thickness, bean length, and bean thickness exhibited significant differences. Ten qualitative morphological characters were also evaluated. The characters varied between altitudes, i.e. leaf shape, young leaf color, fruit shape, and ripe fruit color. Meanwhile, there are no significant differences in leaf length and leaf petiole length characters.

Evolution, diversity, and disparity of the tiger shark lineage Galeocerdo in deep time.

Sharks have a long and rich fossil record that consists predominantly of isolated teeth due to the poorly mineralized cartilaginous skeleton. Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo), which represent apex predators in modern oceans, have a known fossil record extending back into the early Eocene (ca. 56 Ma) and comprise 22 recognized extinct and one extant species to date. However, many of the fossil species remain dubious, resulting in a still unresolved evolutionary history of the tiger shark genus. Here, we present a revision of the fossil record of Galeocerdo by examining the morphological diversity and disparity of teeth in deep time. We use landmark-based geometric morphometrics to quantify tooth shapes and qualitative morphological characters for species discrimination. Employing this combined approach on fossil and extant tiger shark teeth, our results only support six species to represent valid taxa. Furthermore, the disparity analysis revealed that diversity and disparity are not implicitly correlated and that Galeocerdo retained a relatively high dental disparity since the Miocene despite its decrease from four to one species. With this study, we demonstrate that the combined approach of quantitative geometric morphometric techniques and qualitative morphological comparisons on isolated shark teeth provides a useful tool to distinguish between species with highly similar tooth morphologies.

Taxonomic revision of Ceropegia sect. Huernia (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae) in Saudi Arabia with three new combinations.

This study provides a taxonomic revision for Ceropegia sect. Huernia in the flora of Saudi Arabia. Forty-six quantitative and qualitative morphological characters were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA), principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and the unweighted pairs group using mean average (UPGMA) to separate and help delimit taxa. We propose to reduce the number of species reported in Saudi Arabia from 11 to four: C. khalidbinsultaniicomb. nov., C. laevis, C. lodarensis and C. macrocarpa. This study also suggested reducing two names to varietal level under C. lodarensis (var. foetidacomb. nov. and var. rubrostictacomb. nov.). A key to the species, detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps, ecology, etymology and preliminary conservation assessments are provided that follow IUCN criteria.

Occurrence of the exotic mite Schizotetranychus krungthepensis (Acarina: Tetranychidae) in sugarcane germplasm in India

The exotic leaf mite Schizotetranychus krungthepensis Naing & Auger (Acarina: Tetranychidae), recorded on sugarcane in Thailand in 2014, began appearing on sugarcane in different states of India recently. Its occurrence in a severe form was noticed in sugarcane germplasm being maintained at the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute Research Centre, Kannur, Kerala State, during April–December in 2016 and 2017. The incidence of the mite was assessed in the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) collection of Saccharum spontaneum L. accessions (79) and Indian hybrids (260). In S. spontaneum, infestation rate (cane basis) was the lowest (66.67%) in IS 76–151. Intensity of attack (leaf basis) was the lowest (42.48%) in IS 76–164 and highest (99.28%) in SH 61-4-1 with infestation index ranging from 42.48 to 99.28. On the basis of infestation index, 76 out of 79 accessions (96.2%) were highly susceptible, three (3.8%) moderately susceptible and none least susceptible. In Indian hybrids, mite infestation ranged 1.8–100.0%; more than 60.0% accessions showed >50.0% infestation rate. Recently developed Indian hybrids showed a maximum of 20 web rows/leaf and more than 1000 webs/leaf which, however, did not differ significantly among the hybrids. Infestation parameters in the germplasm examined were not influenced by quantitative and qualitative morphological characters. A method developed to assess leaf damage from web density and mean web area indicated an approximate 11.79% leaf area loss due to the mite. Resistant sources thus identified from both S. spontaneum and Indian hybrids would be useful for introgression to evolve hybrids with mite resistance.

Achene Characteristics of Some Taxa of Asteraceae from the Northwestern Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

THIS STUDY aimed to characterize the external morphology of achenes of the 74 taxa belonging to 51 genera and four subfamilies of Asteraceae from the Northwestern Mediterranean coast of Egypt. By using light microscopy, 26 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters were recorded. Among the studied taxa, achene symmetry, hairiness, surface topography, hilum position, presence or absence of pappus and pappus type were found significant diagnostic characters for delimiting the taxa. Two main groups were identified based on the presence or absence of hardened fruiting involucre. Four types and four subtypes were recognized: (1) Achene di- or trimorphic per capitulum, (2) Achene monomorphic and lacking pappus, (3) Achene monomorphic, with coroniform or auriculate pappus, (4) Achene monomorphic, with pappus. A description, photographs and identification keys were provided to assist in identification. Despite the taxonomic significance of achene exomorphology characters on the generic and specific level for the recognition of the different studied taxa of Asteraceae, no mutual link was shown between the taxonomic division of the family into subfamilies and tribes except for few cases.