Seed Size Research Articles

Genome-Wide Association Study and Candidate Gene Mining of Seed Size Traits in Soybean

Seed size traits, including seed length (SL), seed width (SW), and seed thickness (ST), are crucial appearance parameters that determine soybean seed weight, yield, and ultimate utilization. However, there is still a large gap in the understanding of the genetic mechanism of these traits. Here, 281 soybeans were utilized to analyze the genetic architecture of seed size traits in different years through multiple (single-locus and multi-locus) genome-wide association study (GWAS) models, and candidate genes were predicted by integrating information on gene function and transcriptome sequencing data. As a result, two, seven, and three stable quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) controlling SL, SW, and ST were detected in multiple environments using the single-locus GWAS model, and concurrently detected by the results of the multi-locus GWAS models. These stable QTNs are located on 10 linkage disequilibrium blocks, with single genome regions ranging in size from 20 to 440 kb, and can serve as the major loci controlling soybean seed size. Furthermore, by combining gene functional annotation and transcriptome sequencing data of seeds at different developmental stages from two extreme soybean accessions, nine candidate genes, including Glyma.05G038000, Glyma.05G244100, Glyma.05G246900, Glyma.07G070200, Glyma.11G010000, Glyma.11G012400, Glyma.17G165500, Glyma.17G166500, and Glyma.20G012600 within the major loci that may regulate soybean seed size, were mined. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights for molecular improvement breeding as well as gene functional studies to unravel the mechanism of soybean seed size.

Effects of Seed Size and Frequency on Seed Dispersal and Predation by Small Mammals.

Frequency-dependent predation is common in predator-prey interactions. Size is an important characteristic of seeds and is crucial in the regeneration stage of plant seeds. However, the frequency dependence of animal predation on seed size has not been reported. In this study, we conducted a field experiment and used different sizes of Liaodong oak (Quercus wutaishanica) seeds to test the frequency dependence of intraspecific seed size selection in rodents. We used the number ratio of large to small seeds as the frequency. The results show that the rate of small seeds being eaten in situ was significantly higher than that of large seeds (p < 0.05). The rates of different-sized seeds being eaten after removal decreased with increasing frequencies, and there was no significant difference between frequencies except for 1:9 and 9:1. The rates of large seeds being scatter-hoarded were significantly higher than those of small seeds at different frequencies (p < 0.05). The eating distances after removal of large seeds were significantly longer than those of small seeds at the same frequencies (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the scatter-hoarding distances of large seeds were significantly longer than those of small seeds at three frequencies (1:9, 3:7, and 9:1) (p < 0.05). That is, rodents consumed more small seeds in situ, dispersed and scatter-hoarded more large seeds, and dispersed large seeds over longer distances. Rodents exhibited a negative frequency dependence for small seeds and a positive frequency dependence for large seeds on being eaten in situ. Moreover, rodents exhibited a negative frequency dependence for large seeds and a positive frequency dependence for small seeds on being eaten after removal and scatter-hoarding. These results reveal the frequency dependence of rodent selection on seed size and provide new insights into animal-mediated seed dispersal and the regeneration of plant populations.

Biological and ecological characteristics of representatives of the genus Rosa L. (introduction, fruit characteristics, use)

In the steppe region an increase in the level of environmental pollution inevitably leads to a deterioration in the ecological condition of all components of ecosystems and leads to growth in the incidence of diseases among the population of the territory. It is possible to strengthen the natural immunity of the human body due to the introduction into the diet of products that contain biologically active compounds obtained from fruits, leaves, roots, etc. of representatives of the flora. Such plants include, first of all, representatives of the genus Rosa L. The high prophylactic and therapeutic effect of rose hips is confirmed by modern research by scientists. Among the vitamins that are part of the fruit, the highest content of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Physiological and ecological studies of plants of the genus Rosa, in particular, indicators of success of introduction and vitamin C content, were carried out on the territory of the Botanical Garden of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University (DNU). It was found that due to their decorative properties and high-vitamin fruits, these plants are indispensable in the conditions of the steppe Dnieper region. Representatives of the genus Rosa are characterized by a variety of life forms and the specifics of the architectonics of the crown, the shape and color of the leaves and abundant flowering. It is shown that the climatic conditions of the new place of growth directly affect the growth and formation of shoots, and the annual cycle of plant development has its own characteristics, which are manifested during the growth of shoots, differentiation, the phase of physiological rest or forced dormancy depending on the geographical origin of species. Rose hips also differ in the size of fruits and seeds. Large fruit sizes and a significant number of seeds were observed both in the local species R. canina and in some introduced species of R. micrantha, R. iberica, R. hugoni. In the species R. multiflora and R. borboniana, small fruits and a small number of seeds were found. In this group of plants significant interest is associated with the high content of vitamin C in their fruits, which should not be destroyed during storage. As a result of our many years of research, it has been found that during fruit drying, there is a certain loss of ascorbic acid depending on the species characteristics of plants. The vitamin is best preserved in the fruits of R. rugosa (up to 58%) and R. hugonis (up to 55%). Other types are recommended to be used fresh. In addition, rose hips are highly decorative plants with long flowering and brightly colored fruits, which allows you to use this group of plants when creating compositions in modern landscape design.

Effect of Fruit Harvest Time on the Nutritional and Agronomic Quality of Oleaginous Citrullus lanatus Seeds

Oilseeds of Citrullus lanatus are highly prized in African societies for their nutritional and socio-economic importance. In an attempt to improve their yield, remaining very low mainly due to lack of good nutritive and germinative quality seeds, the effect of fruit harvest time was studied. After growing plants of ʺwlêwlêʺ cultivar on Nangui Abrogoua University experimental site, fruits were harvested at six different times [15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 days after anthesis (DAA)] then fermented to produce seeds for germination test concerning agronomic aspect and biochemical analysis for nutritional quality. Agronomically, results showed that delaying harvest time (from 15 to 40 DAA) significantly (P &lt; 0.001) improved fruit weight (from 512.20 to 760.50 g) and their seed content (from 71.75 to 230.70 seeds/fruit), as well as size (from 10.69 to 11.42 mm) and weight (from 5.16 to 6.37 g) of dry seeds what lead to their optimum viability (89.50%). Nutritionally, apart from ash which didn’t vary, C. lanatus seeds reached their highest levels of flavonoids (0.03 mg/100g) and tannins (0.022 mg/100g) at 15 DAA, followed by protein (30.66%), lipids (56.60%) and vitamin C (2.25 mg/100g DM) ones at 35 days while dehydrating to reach the lowest moisture content (5.51%). Hence, this variety seeds reach their nutritional maturity earlier, already at 35 DAA, while their optimal germination quality occurs later at 40 DAA.

Design, Analysis and Fabrication of Manually Operated Seed Sowing Machine

Abstract: Sowing machine should be suitable to all farms, all types of corps, robust construction, also it should be reliable, and this is basic requirement of sowing machine. Manually operated seed sowing machine reduces the efforts of farmers thus increasing the efficiency of planting also reduces the problem encountered in manual planting. Manually operated seed sowing machine can plant different types and different sizes of seeds also can vary the space between two seeds while planting. This increases the planting efficiency and accuracy. The focus of this research work is to design, analysis of plough and fabricate a low-cost Manually Operated Seed Sowing Machine for effective handling of the machine by any farmer or by any untrained worker with simplified design. The components of seed sowing machine were modelled by using Auto CAD 2022. Analysis of plough was performed by using Ansys 2023-student version. The fabricated seed sowing machine perform the various simultaneous operations and saves labour requirement so as labour cost, labour time and also save lots of energy.

Breeding of Yellow Soybean Line with Small Seed Size and Penta Null Genotype for Natto

Breeding of Yellow Soybean Line with Small Seed Size and Penta Null Genotype for Natto

Effect of Seed Size on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis (L.))

This research aimed to investigate the effect of seed size on growth, yield and seed quality of Jack beans cultivated in field conditions. The experiment was conducted at Faculty of Natural Resources and Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakonnakhon Province Campus. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications and 3 treatments, and consisted of 3 different seed sizes of Jack bean (small, medium and large). The results indicated that seed size had no significant effect on growth (plant height, leaf number and weight of canopy). However, statistically significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were found in fresh and dry biomass yields, whereas large seed size had the highest biomass yield without significant difference from seed yield. The 3 sizes of jack bean gave an average seed yield of 402.07 kg/rai. In term of seed quality, it was found that all 3 sizes of jack beans seed had no significant effect on physical quality and physiological quality in both standard germinations, germination index and a number of days used for germination. However, seed sizes had a significant effect on seedling biomass weight. The large seed had the highest weight (0.62 g/plant). Therefore, this study concluded that the three seed sizes (small, medium, and large) did not affect the growth, yield and seed quality of jack beans although the large size seed had the highest biomass yield.

Nonanal, a volatile organic compound, improves the techno-functional, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Common bean is one of the most important legumes consumed worldwide. Nonanal, a volatile organic compound, could be a sustainable strategy to improve its quality. The objective was to evaluate the potential of nonanal for improving the techno-functional, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties in raw and cooked beans (boiling). Seven-week-old common bean plants were exposed to nonanal (0.012 mg/mL, 48 h). In the harvested bean seeds, techno-functional (yield, water absorption capacity, cooking time, and solids in the cooking broth), nutritional (moisture, protein, and carbohydrate content), and nutraceutical properties (polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity) were analysed. Nonanal improved (p < 0.05) production yield, weight, and size of seeds. Also yielded beneficial effects on protein content (a 16 % increase) and increasing their water absorption capacity (10 %) and solid content in the cooking broth (29 %), while decreasing their cooking time (18 %). Nonanal-treated beans exhibited increased total phenolic compound content (> 5 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid content (> 25 mg RE/g DW), and antioxidant capacity (> 10 µmol TE/g DW). HPLC analysis revealed a higher concentration of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, myricetin, and kaempferol in nonanal-treated beans. Our results show that nonanal is an alternative to other methods for producing more nutritious beans.

Growth and Yield Parameters of Two Cameroon Improved Potato Varieties as Influenced by Seed Size

Potato (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Solanum tuberosum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) is one of the most important vegetable crop in the world and it is fourth among food crops after rice, wheat and maize. Potato is widely cultivated for its cheap source of carbohydrates, vitamins (B&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;1&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; and C) as well as minerals. In Cameroon, where potato provides a livelihood for most producers, especially in the Western highland, production is challenged by unavailability of appropriate seeds of local varieties or Cameroon improve varieties. Many decades ago, some improved varieties (Cipira and Jacob) were released by the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, (IRAD) Bambui, North West Region, Cameroon. The current study evaluated the performance of these varieties considering seed sizes. Four seed sizes (20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 35 mm diameter) and two varieties (Cipira and Jacob) were evaluated in a randomized complete block trial in Bambili in 2022. Growth parameters such as plant emergence, plant height, vigour and number of stems did not vary significantly for different seed sizes (&amp;lt;I&amp;gt;P&amp;lt;/I&amp;gt; &amp;gt; 0.05) nor for varieties (&amp;lt;I&amp;gt;P&amp;lt;/I&amp;gt; &amp;gt; 0.05). However, they tend to increase with increase seed size. The number of plants at harvest followed a similar pattern as the growth parameters. The highest number of tubers harvest for both varieties were obtained from tuber seed size of 35 mm. The total weight of harvested tubers was 3.87 Kg/plot, 2.9 Kg/plot, 2.8 Kg/plot and 2.73 Kg/plot from 35 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm and 25 mm, respectively for Cipira (&amp;lt;I&amp;gt;P&amp;lt;/I&amp;gt; &amp;lt; 0.05). It was 3.77 Kg/plot, 3.3 Kg/plot, 2.6 Kg/plot and 2.5 Kg/plot from seed sizes of 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm and 20 mm, respectively for Jacob (&amp;lt;I&amp;gt;P&amp;lt;/I&amp;gt; &amp;lt; 0.05). For improved yield, Cipira at 30 mm and 35 mm seed sizes are recommended.

Final Seed Size in Soybean Is Determined during Mid-Seed Filling Stage

Potential seed size in many crops including major cereals is determined during early seed developmental stages. However, the stage at which final seed size is determined in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) under field conditions is not known. Hence, this study was conducted with the main objective to assess seed growth dynamics under controlled and increased assimilate supply conditions during different seed filling periods using two maturity group soybean cultivars. Treatments consisted of a control, and a de-podding (pod removal) treatment at weekly intervals after the beginning of the seed filling stage up until physiological maturity. Only four to six pods were maintained per plant in de-podding treatments in order to provide a higher assimilate supply to remaining seeds. A higher assimilate supply until around the mid-seed filling stage increased unit seed weight in both the cultivars, indicating that the maximum seed size in soybean crops is determined during the mid-seed filling stage. The increase in seed weight under higher assimilate supply was associated with an extended seed filling duration and a uniform seed filling rate over a longer period. The results also suggested a possible source limitation during the early seed filling stage in soybean, indicating opportunities to improve its yield using supplemental inputs and other improved crop cultivation practices.

New Mungbean Cultivars With High Yield and Large Seed Size

New Mungbean Cultivars With High Yield and Large Seed Size

Structure and vulnerability of the ichthyochory network in wetland forests of Central Amazonia

AbstractThe interaction between fish and plants is vital for the dynamics of ecosystems since it influences plant distribution and regeneration patterns. In the floodable areas of the Amazon, these interactions are mainly structured by the flood pulse, which enables seed dispersal via water (hydrochory) and fish (ichthyochory), and which contributes to the formation of complex mutualistic networks. Our study evaluated the structure (modularity, nestedness, specialisation, and robustness) of the network of dispersal of seeds by frugivorous fish in a floodplain forest in Central Amazonia. We expect the binary network to have a nested pattern, while the weighted network is expected to have a non‐nested structure; that generalist frugivorous species should constitute the core of the network, while specialist frugivorous species will be peripheral; that the size of fish and seeds is related to specialisation, and that the robustness of the network weakens as generalist frugivorous fish are removed. We found 5012 intact seeds from 49 plant species in the digestive tracts of 11 species of frugivorous fish. A nested and modular pattern was found for the binary and weighted networks, albeit with a low degree of nestedness. Our network proved relatively robust when the frugivores were removed, whereby all the fish and plant species became peripheral. No relationship was found between the size of the fish and the seeds and the degree of specialisation. Considering the anthropogenic impacts that can cause modifications in seed dispersal networks, knowing the structure of mutualistic networks is fundamental in order to be able infer the vulnerability of the interactions as a result of changes in the ecosystem.

Determination of Seed Size Properties of Soybean Cultivars and Their Response under Salinity during Early Growth

Background: Seed sorting by seed size has been increasingly given importance in Türkiye but little is known about the impacts of seed size of soybean on germination and seedling growth, in regions suffering from salinity problems. Methods: The seeds classified as small (6-7 mm for Ataem, 4-6 mm for Kocatürk, 4-7 mm for Batem Erensoy and 4-5 mm for Göksoy) and large ( greater than 8 mm for Ataem and Batem Erensoy, greater than 7 mm for Kocatürk and greater than 6 mm for Göksoy. Seeds were exposed to 0, 10 and 20 dS m-1 of NaCl. Germination percentage, mean germination time and seedling growth parameters were investigated and compared. Result: Investigations revealed that, regardless of variety small seeds had a high content of chlorophyll pigments and slow and late mean germination time under NaCl stress. Emergence percentage differentiated in relation to seed size large seeds with 90.67% and small seeds with 73.67%. In conclusion, the large seeds produced significantly vigorous germination and seedling growth related to their high nutrient reserves and containing less chlorophyll pigmentation in their seeds. Therefore, care should be taken to select larger seeds, under saline conditions (10 dS m-1).

Effect of zinc(II) and caustic content on the decomposition of sodium aluminate solutions and relevance to the Bayer process

The impact of zinc (Zn) on the seed decomposition process of sodium aluminate solution at different caustic concentrations was investigated. The results showed that as the concentration of Zn(II) in sodium aluminate solution increased from 0 to 1000 mg/L, the decomposition efficiency of the solution and average grain size of the resulting aluminum tri-hydroxide (ATH) changed little at a caustic concentration of 141 g/L. At caustic concentrations of 160 g/L and 177 g/L, the decomposition efficiency increased from 35.8% and 21.6% to 40.6% and 24.9%, respectively, while average grain size of the ATH crystal seeds increased from 14.2 and 9.25 μm to 17.9 and 15.9 μm, respectively. The XRD, FT-IR, and SEM analyses showed that zinc can enter the ATH seeds and interact with the α-ATH crystal planes. It may also form interactions with the AlO octahedral growth structure, thus promoting solution decomposition and influencing crystal growth. The research results will provide valuable references for improving the quality of alumina products.

Construction of Genetic Map and QTL Mapping for Seed Size and Quality Traits in Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is the main source of vegetable protein and edible oil for humans, with an average content of about 40% crude protein and 20% crude fat. Soybean yield and quality traits are mostly quantitative traits controlled by multiple genes. The quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for yield and quality traits, as well as for the identification of mining-related candidate genes, is of great significance for the molecular breeding and understanding the genetic mechanism. In this study, 186 individual plants of the F2 generation derived from crosses between Changjiangchun 2 and Yushuxian 2 were selected as the mapping population to construct a molecular genetic linkage map. A genetic map containing 445 SSR markers with an average distance of 5.3 cM and a total length of 2375.6 cM was obtained. Based on constructed genetic map, 11 traits including hundred-seed weight (HSW), seed length (SL), seed width (SW), seed length-to-width ratio (SLW), oil content (OIL), protein content (PRO), oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), linolenic acid (LNA), palmitic acid (PA), stearic acid (SA) of yield and quality were detected by the multiple- d size traits and 113 QTLs related to quality were detected by the multiple QTL model (MQM) mapping method across generations F2, F2:3, F2:4, and F2:5. A total of 71 QTLs related to seed size traits and 113 QTLs related to quality traits were obtained in four generations. With those QTLs, 19 clusters for seed size traits and 20 QTL clusters for quality traits were summarized. Two promising clusters, one related to seed size traits and the other to quality traits, have been identified. The cluster associated with seed size traits spans from position 27876712 to 29009783 on Chromosome 16, while the cluster linked to quality traits spans from position 12575403 to 13875138 on Chromosome 6. Within these intervals, a reference genome of William82 was used for gene searching. A total of 36 candidate genes that may be involved in the regulation of soybean seed size and quality were screened by gene functional annotation and GO enrichment analysis. The results will lay the theoretical and technical foundation for molecularly assisted breeding in soybean.

Supply-demand Gap of Formal Seeds for Fodder and Green Manure Crops in the Eastern Plain Zone of U.P.

Background: Formal seed is the most critical input to enhance the productivity of fodder and green manure crops. Better accessibility of formal seeds of fodder and green manure can ensure twin effects- productivity and sustainability. The present study throws the light in respect of the supply-demand gap of formal seeds, causes and seed replacement rates of fodder and green manure crops. Methods: The study was based on a survey conducted on a well-structured schedule during 2022 and 2023. Three stages of random sampling were adopted to select the Blocks, Villages and farmers. One bock with 06 villages and 60 farmers (10 farmers from each village) was selected randomly from each district for the study. So that study was comprised of a total of 05 blocks, 30 Villages and 300 farmers. Result: The study found that there was a gap in the supply-demand of formal seeds of fodder and green manure crops. The study further reported an inverse relationship between farm size and use of the formal seeds for fodder and green manure crops. The seed replacement rate (SRR) was less for all categories of farms. Farm size is negatively associated with seed replacement rate. Low SRR signifying the need to strengthen the seed supply systems. It was further observed the seeds from the informal sector were given less preference by formers, in terms of quality, over to formal seeds provided by public and private sectors. Despite this, the reason for the gap was that the formal seeds belonging to the public sector were not available in proper time and quantity. The availability of seeds of desired varieties through the public sector was also an issue of concern. Whereas, access to formal seeds belonging to the private sector was limited due to higher prices in comparison to the farmers’ saved seeds and formal seeds of the public sector causing a supply-demand gap for the fodder and green manure crops.

Genome-Wide Association Studies Prioritize Genes Controlling Seed Size and Reproductive Period Length in Soybean.

Hundred-seed weight (HSW) and reproductive period length (RPL) are two major agronomic traits critical for soybean production and adaptation. However, both traits are quantitatively controlled by multiple genes that have yet to be comprehensively elucidated due to the lack of major genes; thereby, the genetic basis is largely unknown. In the present study, we conducted comprehensive genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) of HSW and RPL with multiple sets of accessions that were phenotyped across different environments. The large-scale analysis led to the identification of sixty-one and seventy-four significant QTLs for HSW and RPL, respectively. An ortholog-based search analysis prioritized the most promising candidate genes for the QTLs, including nine genes (TTG2, BZR1, BRI1, ANT, KLU, EOD1/BB, GPA1, ABA2, and ABI5) for HSW QTLs and nine genes (such as AGL8, AGL9, TOC1, and COL4) and six known soybean flowering time genes (E2, E3, E4, Tof11, Tof12, and FT2b) for RPL QTLs. We also demonstrated that some QTLs were targeted during domestication to drive the artificial selection of both traits towards human-favored traits. Local adaptation likely contributes to the increased genomic diversity of the QTLs underlying RPL. The results provide additional insight into the genetic basis of HSW and RPL and prioritize a valuable resource of candidate genes that merits further investigation to reveal the complex molecular mechanism and facilitate soybean improvement.

Effects of Seed Size and Cache Density on the Seed Fate of Quercus wutaishanica Mediated by Rodents.

Animal-mediated seed dispersal is very important for plant population regeneration and the stability of forest ecosystems. Seed size and cache density are important factors for seed dispersal, but we still know little about seed size selection at different cache densities. Here, we conducted field experiments in a Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation in the Liupan Mountains in Ningxia province to investigate the effects of tag-marked Quercus wutaishanica seeds of different sizes and cache densities on predation and the scatter-hoarding behavior of rodents. The results showed lower proportions of intact in situ (IIS) and eaten in situ (EIS) large seeds than small seeds at all levels of cache density, with the exception of IIS seeds at a 6.25 seed·m-2 cache density. A higher proportion of small seeds were eaten after removal (EAR), but a higher proportion of large seeds were scatter-hoarded (SH) by rodents at most cache densities. Furthermore, rodents preferentially removed large seeds farther away for eating or scatter-hoarding. The IIS and EIS proportions of both large and small seeds declined, but the proportion of the two types of seeds that were EAR fluctuated, increasing with increasing cache density. Rodents preferred to increase the proportion of scatter-hoarding of large seeds with increasing cache density, whereas the proportion of scatter-hoarding of small seeds was maximized at a cache density of 6.25 seed·m-2. Both the eaten distance after removal (EDAR) and scatter-hoarded distance (SHD) increased with increasing cache density. These results suggest that large seeds are more likely to be scatter-hoarded and removed to longer distances than small ones. Rodents tended to reduce the seed proportion of EIS seeds and increased the proportion of seeds EAR and SH, and accordingly increased EDAR and SHD with increasing cache density. This study provides some scientific basis for animal-mediated seed dispersal.

Central Argentina vegetation characteristics linked to extinct megafauna and some implications on human populations

In this paper we study the relationships between plants and extinct megafauna by examining the characteristics of the vegetation in the central region of Argentina (i.e. Espinal, Monte, and Chaco phytogeographic regions). First, we study the size, shape, quantity, and characteristics of fruits and seeds. We also evaluate the presence of mechanical (spinescence and wood density) and chemical (secondary metabolic compounds) defenses against high rates of herbivory. Complementarily, we assess the importance these plants had for human populations, using archeological, ethnographic, and current data. A high percentage of the analyzed plants met the criteria proposed for fruits and seeds dispersed by megafauna, together with a high frequency of spinescence, high density woods, and secondary metabolites. We propose that these traits cannot be explained by the herbivory pressure of extant fauna in the area, but rather developed in interaction with currently extinct fauna. We suggest that Pleistocene megafaunal extinction had important consequences in the region due to their role as ecosystem engineers and to vegetation’s characteristics, which were probably strongly shaped by megafauna activities. Among these consequences, we discuss the loss of certain interactions between these animals and vegetation, such as loss of seed dispersal mechanisms, shrub invasion, and increased susceptibility of vegetation to fire. Other effects for hunter-gatherer groups were the generation of highly regulated mobility patterns and the formation of barriers for the dispersal of prey. Finally, we also discuss the importance of these plants for human populations as food, construction material, medicines and firewood. Likewise, the role of humans as “heirs” of the megafauna in the propagation of tree and shrub species is highlighted.

Revisiting the Role of Seed Size for the Synthesis of Highly Uniform Sub-10 nm Length Gold Nanorods

Revisiting the Role of Seed Size for the Synthesis of Highly Uniform Sub-10 nm Length Gold Nanorods