Inflorescence Size Research Articles

Maintenance of inflorescence size variability within common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) cultivars of various origin: the phenomenon and its possible causes

Background. Intrapopulation polymorphism usually can be interpreted as a result of balancing selection, but the basic mechanisms of such selection are not always clear. Earlier we documented a wide variation in the inflorescence size within one of the most genetically uniform common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) cultivar ‘Skorospelaya 86’, with larger sizes controlled by recessive alleles of multiple genes. The objective of the present work was to analyze the variation within a set of buckwheat cultivars representing different morphological types of the crop, and try to make out possible mechanisms that underlie it. Material and methods. A set of buckwheat cultivars of various origin and belonging to different morphological types were analyzed. The size of inflorescences was assessed as a number of their iterative subunits, i.e., partial floret clusters (PFCs). The number of mature seeds in the entire inflorescence and various PFCs was also counted. Results and conclusions. All the cultivars were variable, with the range at the species level from 6 to 24 PFCs. Accumulation of the genes determining a larger inflorescence seems to be simply explained: larger inflorescences tended to produce more seeds than smaller ones. However, it is not so easy to explain the maintenance of the inflorescence size variability, i.e., why the alleles determining small inflorescences were not lost during the artificial selection for higher seed productivity. Probably, such polymorphism may be useful for maintaining heterosis at the population level.

Improved methods to estimate the optimized inflorescence size for ‘Rose Red’ litchi fruit set

Improved methods to estimate the optimized inflorescence size for ‘Rose Red’ litchi fruit set

Evaluation of Select Monarda Taxa in Montane and Piedmont Regions of Georgia: II. Floral Morphology and Nectar Production

We analyzed the floral morphology and nectar production of several cultivars and species of Monarda representing five cultivars and four species grown in Georgia Piedmont and Montane regions. Over the course of two seasons, we detected significant differences among the samples in terms of inflorescence size, petal lobe and corolla widths and lengths, and total sugar content. M. didyma had larger glomerules, longer corollas and petal lobes, and higher nectar volume and total sugar content per flower. M. fistulosa and M. punctata had smaller glomerules, corolla and petal lobe lengths, and total sugar content per flower. Petal lobe and corolla length strongly correlated with sucrose and nectar production. Combined with data on horticultural performance, these results could be valuable in informing breeding goals for conservation-oriented landscape plants.

Ecological drivers of flower-leaf sequences: aridity and proxies for pollinator attraction select for flowering-first in the American plums.

Across temperate forests, many tree species produce flowers before their leaves emerge. This flower-leaf phenological sequence, known as hysteranthy, is generally described as an adaptation for wind pollination. However, this explanation does not address why hysteranthy is also common in biotically pollinated taxa. We quantified flower-leaf sequence variation in the American plums (Prunus, subg. Prunus sect. Prunocerasus), a clade of insect-pollinated trees, using herbaria specimens and Bayesian hierarchical modeling. We tested two common, but rarely interrogated hypotheses - that hysteranthy confers aridity tolerance and/or pollinator visibility - by modeling the associations between hysteranthy and related traits. To understand how these phenology-trait associations were sensitive to taxonomic scale and flower-leaf sequence classification, we then extended these analyses to all Prunus species in North America. Our findings across two taxonomic levels support the hypotheses that hysteranthy may help temporally partition hydraulic demand to reduce water stress and increase pollinator visibility - thereby reducing selective pressure on inflorescence size. Our results provide foundational insights into the evolution of flower-leaf sequences in the genus Prunus, with implications for understanding these patterns in biotically pollinated plants in general. Our approach suggests a path to advance these hypotheses to other clades, but teasing out drivers fully will require new experiments.

Natural selection by pollinators on floral attractive and defensive traits did not translate into selection via fruits in common milkweed

Considering both pollinator and herbivore pressures on plant reproductive and defensive traits is key to understanding patterns of selection for plants. However, phenotypic selection studies connecting floral traits and plant defenses with pollinator activity and herbivore damage remain rare. We used the common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca (Apocynaceae), to study phenotypic selection on attractive and defensive traits, and nectar rewards. We measured herbivore (leaf damage) and pollinator activity (pollinia movement) and quantified selection via female (pollinia insertions and fruit number) and male fitness (pollinia removals). We found selection to increase plant and inflorescence size and to decrease floral size (i.e. petal width) via female fitness. We also detected selection to increase floral but not leaf latex. The lack of selection on leaf latex was congruent with the low herbivory observed, however we also did not observe florivory in the population that would explain the advantage of more floral latex. Interestingly, we found selection on attractive traits differed via pollinia insertions and fruits initiated, suggesting that something other than pollinators was driving selection via fruit production. In contrast to female fitness, we did not find selection on any trait through male fitness, suggesting no sexual conflicting selection, at least through these proxies. Our findings reinforce the importance of the direct assessment of pollinator pressures in phenotypic selection studies before assuming pollinators as drivers of floral evolution by natural selection. Further work in southern populations closer to the centre of the species range, where herbivory and plant defense investment are higher, may help elucidate selection on attractive and defensive traits.

Hormonal Regulation and Transcriptomic Insights into Flower Development in Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry'.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate flower growth, development, and opening is of paramount importance, yet these processes remain less explored at the genetic level. Flower development in Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry' is finely tuned through hormonal signals, yet the genetic underpinnings are not well defined. This study addresses the gap by examining the influence of gibberellic acid (GA3), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ETH) on the flowering traits and underlying molecular responses. Treatment with 100 mg/L SA significantly improved chlorophyll content and bolstered the accumulation of soluble sugars and proteins, advancing the flowering onset by 6 days and lengthening the flowering period by 11 days. Concurrently, this treatment enhanced inflorescence dimensions, increasing length, width, and petal area by 22.76%, 26.74%, and 27.45%, respectively. Contrastingly, 100 mg/L GA3 expanded inflorescence size but postponed flowering initiation and decreased inflorescence count. Higher concentrations of SA and GA3, as well as any concentration of ETH, resulted in delayed flowering and inferior inflorescence attributes. A physiological analysis over 50 days revealed that these regulators variably affected sugar and protein levels and modified antioxidant enzyme activities. An RNA-seq analysis during floral development highlighted significant transcriptomic reprogramming, with SA treatment downregulating Myb transcription factors, implicating them in the modulation of flowering timing and stress adaptation. These findings illuminate the complex interplay between hormonal treatments, gene expression, and flowering phenotypes in Hydrangea paniculata, offering valuable perspectives for ornamental horticulture optimization.

Control of Sepal Color and Growth of 'Pink Ari', 'Morning Star', and 'Green Ari' Hydrangeas by Aluminum Sulfate Treatment

Background and objective: This study was conducted to examine the change in sepal color and growth by treatment with aluminum sulfate of three Korean hydrangea cultivars, 'Pink Ari', 'Morning Star', and 'Green Ari'. Methods: The rooted cuttings of three hydrangea cultivars were planted in pots with 300 g of horticultural medium mixed with 0, 3, 9, and 15 g of aluminum sulfate (AS). The shoot growth was measured by plant height, leaf length and width, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, and mortality rate, and flowering characteristics were measured by the number, width, and height of inflorescences and the color of sepals.Results: For the hydrangeas 'Pink Ari', 'Morning Star' and 'Green Ari', it was found that as the amount of aluminum sulfate mixed for the treatment was increased, the pH of the media reduced and became more acidic. Moreover, the higher the amount of AS mixed in, the shorter the plant height was, the more the growth of shoots was suppressed, and the higher the mortality rate. In addition, the number and size of inflorescences under treatment with 9 and 15 g of AS decreased more than those under treatment with 3 g. The sepal color showed a different reaction depending on the cultivars. The 'Pink Ari', which has deep pink sepals, remained deep pink when treated with 3 g of AS, but changed to light pink when treated with 9 g or more. On the other hand, the 'Morning Star' and 'Green Ari', which have pink sepals, changed to blue and light blue, respectively, when treated with 9 g or more of AS.Conclusion: When treated with more than 9 g of AS, the plant height of 'Pink Ari' was shortened and its marketability was greatly reduced, and it was judged that it would be appropriate to grow it as a potted hydrangea with light pink sepals when treated with 3 g of AS. The sepal color of 'Morning Star' changed to blue when treated with 9 g of AS, but it was found to be unsuitable for cultivation for potting due to the short plant height and small number of inflorescences. Treatment with 9 g of AS changed the sepal color of 'Green Ari' to light blue and light green, and it had plant height and number of inflorescences suitable for pot cultivation.

Growth and physiological response of canola (Brassica napus L.) tointeractive effect of temperature, moisture and nitrogen stressesunder controlled environment

Present atmospheric limits growth of C3 crop plants, which show response to elevated CO2 via reduced photorespiration and enhanced photosynthetic rates thereby increased growth and yield. Global research on plant responses to raising atmospheric CO2 has primarily focused on C3 species, advancing our understanding of processes underlying C3 plant acclimation and response. Therefore extensive research has been conducted to project the potential impacts of global warming on agriculture productivity through laboratory by using crop and global climate models. Canola is one of the world’s most important oilseed crops and the most profitable commodity for Canadian farmers. As a C3 cool seasoncrop, it is more susceptible to heat stress than other C3 and C4 field crops (Wu and Ma, 2018). High temperature significantly changes the rate of plant metabolic processes that ultimately reduces biomass accumulation and grainformation. A field study in Eastern Canada reported that seed yield reduced as much as 40% in 2012 due to severeheat and drought stress over normal years (Ma and Herath, 2016). High or warm temperature has been shown toinduce the floral sterility or pollen abortion and shorten seed filling duration and subsequently reduce inflorescence size in canola plants. Even high temperature could alter the partitioning of photoassimilates to roots and suppress root growth extension or change root system architecture. Late seeded canola plants often produced a smaller root system, due to higher temperature and or drought stress encounters during the crop development. Keeping these facts trial was conducted under controlled condition to know the response of canola to drought stress, elevated CO2 and temperature.

First report of feeding injury of Proba fraudulenta Stäl (Hemiptera: Miridae) to Cynara cardunculus (L.) Fiori (Asterales: Asteraceae) in Brazil

An outbreak of Proba fraudulenta Stäl (Hemiptera: Miridae) causing feeding injury to leaves and inflorescences, and leading to economic damage of artichoke, Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori (Asterales: Asteraceae), was observed for the first time in plantations located in the municipalities of Piedade (23°43′S, 47°25′W) and Ibiúna (23°39′29.88″S, 47°12′40.68″W), São Paulo state, Brazil. This is the first formal record of the mirid bug P. fraudulenta as an insect pest of artichoke. This scientific note aims to describe the feeding injury and economic importance of P. fraudulenta for artichoke production. Nymphs and adults of P. fraudulenta were manually collected from inflorescences of artichoke plants at “Sítio Osako”, a property located in the municipality of Piedade. The second author, a taxonomist specialist in Miridae, identified the species based on morphological diagnostic characteristics. Feeding by P. fraudulenta on artichoke was observed to cause yellowing and drying of leaves, reduction of plant vigor and inflorescence size and quality, and plant death, which directly affects yield. This report is a relevant finding because the state of São Paulo is the biggest artichoke-producing region in Brazil, and this insect could pose a threat to artichoke production if it were to invade other producing regions including Europe and the United States.

INFLUENCE OF HEAVY METALS ON THE BASIC PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES OF CEREAL AND CEREAL PEGUM CULTURES

At the end of the 20th century, the constant growth of the population and the rapid development of production brought the situation with the state of the environment in many countries and regions of the world to the brink of an ecological crisis. One of the main factors in the degradation of the natural environment is its pollution by various pollutants, among which one of the main places is occupied by heavy metals. Given the above, it becomes clear the relevance of research on the impact of heavy metals on plants. Currently, they are actively held in many countries of the world. The article is aimed at studying the influence of heavy metals on the main physiological processes that occur in plants. The results of studies on the influence of heavy metals on the main physiological processes of grain and leguminous crops are presented. Based on the results of the analysis, it was proven that accumulating in large quantities in plants, heavy metals cause a negative impact on growth, development and other physiological processes. It was established that in the presence of large concentrations of these elements in cereal plants, a decrease in the height of the stem, a decrease in the number of internodes, a decrease in the accumulation of raw and dry biomass, as well as a decrease in the size of inflorescences are observed. The main reasons for the decrease in above-ground biomass productivity in plants are the negative impact of heavy metals on the growth and development of plants and the intensity of photosynthesis. Individual types of plant groups show different ability to accumulate heavy metals. The results of our own research established that in the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals, a decrease in the linear dimensions of leaves was observed in almost all types of plants with which research was conducted. All of the above testifies to various aspects of the effect of heavy metals on metabolic processes and the viability of plants. They affect various functional groups of biologically important substances of the body, displace essential metals from metal-containing complexes, and also generate active forms of oxygen, which often leads to the occurrence of an oxidative explosion in cells and even the death of plants.

The cytokinin receptor OHK4/OsHK4 regulates inflorescence architecture in rice via an IDEAL PLANT ARCHITECTURE1/WEALTHY FARMER'S PANICLE-mediated positive feedback circuit.

Inflorescence architecture is important for rice (Oryza sativa) grain yield. The phytohormone cytokinin (CK) has been shown to regulate rice inflorescence development; however, the underlying mechanism mediated by CK perception is still unclear. Employing a forward genetic approach, we isolated an inactive variant of the CK receptor OHK4/OsHK4 gene named panicle length1, which shows decreased panicle size due to reduced inflorescence meristem (IM) activity. A 2-amino acid deletion in the long α-helix stalk of the sensory module of OHK4 impairs the homodimerization and ligand-binding capacity of the receptor, even though the residues do not touch the ligand-binding domain or the dimerization interface. This deletion impairs CK signaling that occurs through the type-B response regulator OsRR21, which acts downstream of OHK4 in controlling inflorescence size. Meanwhile, we found that IDEAL PLANT ARCHITECTURE1(IPA1)/WEALTHY FARMER'S PANICLE (WFP), encoding a positive regulator of IM development, acts downstream of CK signaling and is directly activated by OsRR21. Additionally, we revealed that IPA1/WFP directly binds to the OHK4 promoter and upregulates its expression through interactions with 2 TCP transcription factors, forming a positive feedback circuit. Altogether, we identified the OHK4-OsRR21-IPA1 regulatory module, providing important insights into the role of CK signaling in regulating rice inflorescence architecture.

Sex-driven neighborhood effects on herbivory in the dioecious Mediterranean palm Chamaerops humilis L.

Although it is well recognized that the strength of plant-herbivore interactions can vary with the plant sex, the distance, and the density of conspecific neighbors, no study has yet assessed their combined influence. Here, we filled this knowledge gap by focusing on the dioecious palm Chamaerops humilis L., and its two main herbivores, the invasive moth Paysandisia archon Burmeister and the feral goat Capra hircus L. We evaluated levels and spatial patterns of herbivory, as well as those of plant size and number of inflorescences in two palm populations in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Our spatial point pattern analyses revealed that palms not affected by moth herbivory or goat florivory were spatially aggregated, goats fed more strongly upon inflorescences in palms with more neighbors, but they consumed more leaves in isolated palms. Interestingly, we could reveal for the first time that plant sex is a key plant trait modulating neighborhood effects. For instance, whereas aggregated female palms experienced lower intensity of goat florivory than isolated ones, male palms showed the opposite pattern. Palm size and number of inflorescences also showed sex-related differences, suggesting that sexual dimorphism is a key driver of the observed neighborhood effects on herbivory. Our study highlights the importance of considering relevant plant traits such as sex when investigating plant neighborhood effects, calling for further research to fully understand the dynamics governing plant-herbivore interactions in dioecious systems.

Influence of the preparation «Lignohumate» on the decorative effect of perennial plants

Purpose of the article is to study the effectiveness of the «Lignohumate» preparation on the growth, development and decorative qualities of some flower and ornamental crops (Campanula persicifolia L., C. carpatica Jacg., Phlox paniculata L.) in the forest-steppe zone of the Bashkir Cis-Ural. Observations of the seasonal rhythm of plant development were carried out according to the method of phenological observations in botanical gardens, the assessment of ornamental features was carried out according to the generally accepted method of state variety testing of ornamental crops. For the first time in the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Ural, the influence of the growth stimulator «Lignohumate» on the decorative qualities of some types of flower crops of the collection of the SUBGI UFRC RAS was studied. The features of phenology, growth, as well as the decorative qualities of plants during fertigation with a growth regulator are analyzed. When evaluating decorativeness on a 100-point scale in C. persicifolia, it was found out that «Lignohumate» is effective for such decorative features as the number of leaves, the abundance of flowering and the density of the inflorescence; there is also a reduction in the duration of the period from regrowth to flowering by 5 days. In C. carpatica, such morphometric parameters as flower and inflorescence size, abundance and duration of flowering have improved; also, the preparation helps to increase the area of the horizontal projection of the color spot on the bush by 2.6 times compared to the control. In Ph. paniculata «Lignohumate» is effective for such decorative features as the size of the inflorescence, the abundance and duration of flowering, also during fertigation, the area of the horizontal projection of the color spot on the bush increased by 1.5 times, thereby increasing the decorative qualities of the phlox.

Two new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Aurora Memorial National Park, Luzon Island, Philippines

Begonia masilig and Begonia akaw, both endemic to Aurora Memorial National Park, Luzon, Philippines, are described as species new to science. Begonia masilig is similar to B. droseroides in its rhizomatous habit and glandular trichomes on the inflorescence, but differs in lamina shape and overall size, and the vestiture of stipule, lamina margin, and outer tepals of staminate flowers. Begonia akaw is similar to B. ramosii in its short erect habit, ovate lamina and congested terminal inflorescence with 2-tepaled staminate flowers, but differs in inflorescence size and arrangement, and bract and ovary shape. Both new species are here proposed to be Endangered (EN) as per IUCN criteria.

A Taxonomic Revision of Arapatiella (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae): An Endemic and Threatened Genus from the Brazilian Coast

Arapatiella is a genus of Fabaceae (Leguminosae) of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae, endemic to the Atlantic Forest on the coast of the Brazilian state of Bahia. Popularly known in its region of occurrence due to the commercial use of its wood, Arapatiella is subject to strong influence of anthropic action. Currently, two species of trees are described for the genus: Arapatiella psilophylla and Arapatiella emarginata. However, the circumscription of these taxa is based on old works made with reduced sets of specimens, in need to be stronger delimited. Given this, we conducted a taxonomic and nomenclatural review of the genus based on an integrative species concept. We examined 125 gatherings from 26 national and international herbaria and living individuals collected during in situ expeditions. From the herbarium and field analyses, it was possible to state that the previous taxa circumscriptions do not fully correspond to the currently available specimen set and aren’t strong enough to delimit two species. Therefore, we chose to recombine the species as two varieties: Arapatiella psilophylla var. psilophylla and Arapatiella psilophylla var. emarginata, separated mainly by leaflet apex, stipule size, pubescence, and size of inflorescences and flowers. Distribution maps, taxonomic comments, an identification key, and a nomenclatural revision, including two new lectotypifications, are presented.

Sunflower physiological adjustments to elevated CO2 and temperature do not improve reproductive performance and productivity

High levels of carbon dioxide (eCO2) and temperature (eT) affect the physiological performance of sunflowers, but the full extent of their influence on productivity and floral traits remains to be disclosed. Here, we show that eT increased the maximum rate of carboxylation, maximum electron transport capacity, and net rate of triose-phosphate production, indicating enhanced carbon fixation. Although eT increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration in the leaves, no signs of lipid peroxidation in cellular membranes were detected, and plants activated antioxidant systems to counteract the increase in ROS. Moreover, under eT, sunflower pollen exhibited higher amounts of Fe and Zn but also experienced reduced development and productivity due to increased production of empty seeds. In response to eCO2, sunflowers reduced stomatal conductance, limiting water loss, contributing to increased water use efficiency and enhanced photosynthesis. Additionally, under eCO2, sunflowers displayed pollen with higher levels of P, increased biomass gain, and productivity. Lastly, the isolated effects of eCO2 and eT had contrasting impacts on inflorescence size, but the combination of these factors did not result in changes compared to current conditions. However, both factors contributed to increased carotenoid content in ray florets. In contrast, the eCO2eT combination enhanced photosynthesis, flavonoid production in ray florets, and reduced the amount of K and Cu in pollen. In conclusion, eCO2eT improved the physiological performance of sunflowers, but this was not accompanied by increased growth and productivity. The reduction in seed production in sunflowers can have negative impacts on ecology, genetic diversity, and agricultural economy. While eCO2eT did not affect sunflower inflorescence size, they did affect petal pigmentation and pollen quality, which can have significant implications for pollinator health. Understanding the full extent of eCO2eT effects poses a challenge for developing effective mitigation strategies and optimizing agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change.

Chionanthus monteazulensis (Oleaceae), a new species from the campo rupestre of Espinhaço Range, Brazil

The new species Chionanthus monteazulensis, from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, is here described and illustrated. It differs from somewhat similar C. fluminensis by the inflorescence size, two stamens (vs. four), the smaller and orbicular or wide-elliptic blades, and the smaller petals and fruits.

Влияние стимулятора роста на биолого- морфологические параметры многолетних травянистых растений

Abstract. Purpose is to study the effectiveness of the “Lignogumat” drug on the growth, development and decorative qualities of some flower and ornamental crops (Campanula persicifolia L., C. carpatica Jacg., Phlox paniculata L.) in the forest-steppe zone of the Bashkir Cis-Ural. Methods. Observations of the seasonal rhythm of plant development were carried out according to the method of phenological observations in botanical gardens, the assessment of ornamental features was carried out according to the generally accepted method of state variety testing of ornamental crops. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Ural, the influence of the growth stimulator “Lignogumat” on the decorative qualities of some types of flower crops of the collection of the SUBGI UFRC RAS was studied. Results. The features of phenology, growth, as well as the decorative qualities of plants during fertigation with a growth regulator are analyzed. When evaluating decorativeness on a 100-point scale in C. persicifolia, it was found that “Lignogumat” is effective for such decorative features as the number of leaves, the abundance of flowering and the density of the inflorescence; there is also a reduction in the duration of the period from regrowth to flowering by 5 days. In C. carpatica, such morphometric parameters as flower and inflorescence size, abundance and duration of flowering have improved; also, the drug helps to increase the area of the horizontal projection of the color spot on the bush by 2.6 times compared to the control. Ph. paniculata “Lignogumat” is effective for such decorative features as the size of the inflorescence, the abundance and duration of flowering, also during fertigation, the area of the horizontal projection of the color spot on the bush increased by 1.5 times, thereby increasing the decorative qualities of the phlox.

Diniconazole Promotes the Yield of Female Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Inflorescence and Cannabinoids in a Vertical Farming System

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) has gained global attention since being legalized in the USA in 2018. The legalization of hemp is also underway in Korea; however, it requires facility cultivation and an agricultural technological system that can produce high-quality plants. This study investigated the changes in the growth and secondary metabolite content of female hemp following treatment with the plant growth retardant diniconazole (DIN). Treatment with DIN decreased the plant growth rate with increasing concentrations; however, at a concentration of 25 mg∙L−1, it increased inflorescence biomass and apical inflorescence size. The high-performance liquid chromatograph analysis of major cannabinoids showed no statistically significant differences in total cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) contents among the treatment groups (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg∙L−1). However, the calculated production of CBD and THC per plant was significantly highest at DIN 25 mg∙L−1. Overall, at a concentration of 25 mg∙L−1, DIN treatment not only decreased the height of female hemp but also enhanced the production of female hemp inflorescences as well as major cannabinoids (CBD and Δ9-THC). Our results indicate that at a concentration of 25 mg∙L−1, DIN is suitable for use in a vertical farming system. However, the Δ9-THC content needs to meet the 0.3% standard for industrial use. These findings can be applied in various fields that use hemp.

Molecular Markers for Detecting Inflorescence Size of Brassica oleracea L. Crops and B. oleracea Complex Species (n = 9) Useful for Breeding of Broccoli (B. oleracea var. italica) and Cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis).

The gene flow from Brassica oleracea L. wild relatives to B. oleracea vegetable crops have occurred and continue to occur ordinarily in several Mediterranean countries, such as Sicily, representing an important hot spot of diversity for some of them, such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale. For detecting and for exploiting the forgotten alleles lost during the domestication processes of the B. oleracea crops, attention has been pointed to the individuation of specific markers for individuating genotypes characterized by hypertrophic inflorescence traits by the marker assisted selection (MAS) during the first plant growing phases after the crosses between broccoli (B. oleracea var. italica)/cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis) with B. oleracea wild relatives (n = 9), reducing the cultivation and evaluation costs. The desired traits often found in several B. oleracea wild relatives are mainly addressed to improve the plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and to increase the organoleptic, nutritive and nutraceutical traits of the products. One of the targeted traits for broccoli and cauliflower breeding is represented by the inflorescences size as is documented by the domestication processes of these two crops. Based on the previous results achieved, the numerical matrix, obtained utilizing five simple sequence repeats (SSRs), was analyzed to assess the relationship among the main inflorescence characteristics and the allelic variation of the SSRs loci analyzed (BoABI1, BoAP1, BoPLD1, BoTHL1 and PBCGSSRBo39), both for the Brassica oleracea and B. oleracea wild relatives (n = 9) accessions set. The main inflorescence morphometric characteristics, such as weight, height, diameter, shape, inflorescence curvature angle and its stem diameter, were registered before the flower anthesis. We analyzed the correlations among the allelic variation of the SSRs primers utilized and the inflorescence morphometric characteristics to individuate genomic regions stimulating the hypertrophy of the reproductive organ. The relationships found explain the diversity among B. oleracea crops and the B. oleracea complex species (n = 9) for the inflorescence size and structure. The individuated markers allow important time reduction during the breeding programs after crossing wild species for transferring useful biotic and abiotic resistances and organoleptic and nutraceutical traits to the B. oleracea crops by MAS.