Variation In Morphological Characters Research Articles

Efficacy of otolith morphometry for rapid discrimination of cryptic fishes

The cryptic external morphology of fishes poses challenges for accurate species identification. This study assessed whether the morphometry of otoliths (and body length) could be used as a method to distinguish among closely related, morphologically similar species that are highly valued by commercial or recreational fishers. The otolith morphometry of fishes within four genera (Centroberyx, Lethrinus, Polyprion and Sillago) were compared. Canonical Analysis of Principal Coordinates that included combinations of morphometric variables (i.e., otolith length, width, thickness, weight, and fish length) produced highly accurate species prediction rates ranging from 92.5 to 99.9% across all genera. When different combinations of morphometric variables were modelled, changes in species prediction accuracy rates were minimal (i.e., up to 3%) for the Centroberyx, Polyprion and Sillago species. The exclusion of otolith weight from the multivariate analysis did not significantly decrease prediction accuracy within all four genera. In contrast, the prediction accuracy of the two lethrinids reduced by 7–25% when fish length was excluded, which may be attributable to the larger size attained by L. nebulosus in comparison to its congener L. punctulatus, as well as the very similar ovate shaped otoliths in younger fish of both species. Simplifying data collection to only length-based otolith measurements (and fish length for lethrinids) would provide a more rapid and cost-effective method for discrimination and be more practical when sampling at sea where obtaining accurate weight measurements of otoliths is typically unfeasible. Spatial variation in otolith morphometrics was evident for C. gerrardi, L. punctulatus, P. oxygeneios and S. vittata, which might be attributed to the differences in length distributions of fish samples from different regions. The misclassified specimens within the species groups were notably smaller individuals, suggesting the complexity of otolith shape increases with ontogeny. Hence, further investigation of variations in morphological characteristics, other than otoliths, may be required for the discrimination of cryptic species during the juvenile stage. This study highlights the robustness of multivariate analysis of otolith morphometric data for discriminating closely-related, cryptic species.

Dyscrituluseuropaeus sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae): description of a new aphid parasitoid species with an identification key for species of the genus.

The braconid genus Dyscritulus Hincks is a small member of the subfamily Aphidiinae, distributed in Europe and Central Asia. All its species are highly specialized parasitoids of aphids of the genera Drepanosiphum Koch and, probably, Periphyllus van der Hoeven which are mostly associated with maple and sycamore trees (genus Acer). Upon examination of specimens from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, we unexpectedly noted unusual variability in morphological characters compared to other known Dyscritulus species. Further inspection of other material previously identified as Dyscritulusplaniceps Marshall, 1896 revealed additional specimens with the same morphological variability. Here we describe a new species of the genus, Dyscrituluseuropaeussp. nov., associated with Drepanosiphum aphids on Acer.

Common allergenic pollen types during winter in the atmosphere of Deccan Park of Tolichowki area, Hyderabad, T.S.– A pollen morphological study

The present paper focused on the pollen morphological characters of some common allergenic plants collected from the Deccan Park, situated next to Qutub Shahi tombs in the Golconda Tolichowki area of Greater Hyderabad, Telangana state during winter from November 2019 to February, 2020. The study highlighted ten genera viz., Ailanthus excelsa, Alternanthera sessilis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Celosia argentia, Holoptelea integrifolia, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Prosopis juliflora, Ricinus communis, Tinospora cordifolia and Xanthium strumarium. These plant taxa belong to 9 families. The common allergenic pollen grains of these plants have diversity of morphological characters viz., symmetry shape, polarity, apertural pattern and sculpture.

Chromosome number of <i>Carex brevispicula</i> (Cyperaceae), a sedge endemic to Korea

<i>Carex brevispicula</i> (Cyperaceae) is endemic to Korea and is characterized by constricted achenes, short lateral spikes, and awned staminate and pistillate scales. The species classified in sect. <i>Mitratae</i> occurs throughout South Korea, perennating on mountains and/or rocky slopes under half shadow conditions. Meiotic chromosomes of the species were examined in this study, in which 33 meiotic cells from seven populations were found to be less than 2 μm long with non-constricted chromosomes (<i>n</i> = 34<sub>II</sub>). The stable chromosome number may be related to the narrow geographical distribution and/or distinct achene morphology. Further investigations of the distribution, morphological character variation, and chromosome characteristics should be conducted with closely related taxa to understand the derivation of the species and its endemism in Korea.

Genetic Divergence in French Bean Accessions

Background: Crop improvement has paramount importance to meet the global demand of food to feed the growing human population. Methods: A total of 23 French bean genotypes with diverse genetic background were taken to assess their phenotypic attributes and molecular characterization using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The data collected during two growing seasons over four locations on different quantitative characters were pooled and analyzed under randomized complete block design for deciphering the extent of genetic diversity. Similarity value, based on Jaccard’s coefficient and UPGMA (un-weighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) analysis was calculated. The dendrogram was constructed using Jaccard’s similarity matrix for above analysis. Result: The genotypes showed a wide variation in morphological characters like plant height, pods per plant, pod weight, pod length and pod yield per plant. The genotype HAFB-5 showed the maximum potential for pod yield per plant and long pods. Four ISSR primers used in this study amplified 27 reproducible bands with 18 (66.66%) polymorphic. The genotype Kashi Param and HAFB-4 were found diverse among the selected genotypes on the basis of molecular markers.

Identifikasi karakteristik morfologi, sistem budidaya, dan pemanfaatan ubi jalar (Ipomoea batatas L.) oleh masyarakat lokal di Distrik Wanggar Kabupaten Nabire

ABSTRACT: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the world's most important food crops with great potential to be developed in Indonesia. This plant is rich in carotenoids and anthocyanins. Anthocyanin compounds in sweet potatoes function as components of healthy food. The purpose of this study was to identify the morphological diversity of sweet potato accessions, cultivation systems, and utilization of local communities in Wanggar District, Nabire Regency. The method used in this research is descriptive method with direct observation techniques in the field, at 3 villages: namely Wiraska, Wanggar Sari, and Karadiri in the Wanggar District, Nabire Regency. Data on sweet potato diversity were analyzed using cluster analysis with the NTSYS version 2.0 program. The result of this research are: (1) At the research sites in the villages of Wanggar Sari, Wiraska, and Karadiri there were 6 cultivars of sweet potato plants based on local names, namely: Unggu, Mokupudugu, Ueta, Mokupudugu, Nota, and Gelakue genotypes. These 6 cultivars had a diversity of morphological characters, (2) Based on the results of the cluster analysis, there are 2 main clusters that have the lowest similarity in morphological characters (34%), namely Cluster I (Unggu and Gelakue) and Cluster II (Makupudugu, Nota, Ueta, Kilumbi). The genotypes of Ungu and Gelakue in Cluster I have similar morphological characters of 43%, (3) Local communities in the Wanggar District still use traditional sweet potato cultivation systems and techniques that have been used from generation to generation, from land clearing to harvesting, and (4) In addition to being used as food, the plant parts of sweet potatoes are also used based on local wisdom communities as traditional medicines and natural fertilizers.

Diversidade morfoagronômica e identificação botânica de acessos de melão do nordeste brasileiro

ABSTRACT Melon (Cucumis melo L.) crops are grown in the Semiarid region of Brazil by small, medium, and large farmers, focused on domestic and international markets. However, melon is also grown by family farmers using their own seeds, which are important germplasm for melon breeding programs. Samples of these seeds were collected and stored in the Active Germplasm Bank of Cucurbitaceae from the Northeast Region at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Semiarid), and require more thorough studies for a better understanding of the existing variability. Thus, the objective of this work was to characterize sub-accessions and their respective endogamic progenies to assess the genetic variability between and among these accessions. Two experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design, with three replications, using 11 quantitative and 8 qualitative descriptors: the first using seeds from 17 accessions from natural pollination, and the second using seeds from S1 progenies. Morphological data were used for comparisons between generations. The 17 accessions evaluated originated 24 sub-accessions, denoting variability between and among accessions and sub-accessions. A dendrogram developed based on the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) showed the existing variability and, according to the newest melon classification, the groups identified were: makuwa, subgroup nashi-uri; and momordica and cantalupensis, subgroup prescott. The results showed a probable existence of introgression of alleles between different botanical groups, and some sub-accessions were not identified regarding their group by presenting variations in morphological characteristics, indicating the presence of new botanical groups.

Systematic reappraisal of marsh-orchids native to Scotland

SummaryThe intensively studied Eurasian orchid genus Dactylorhiza has become a model system for exploring allopolyploid evolution, yet determining the optimal circumscriptions of, and most appropriate ranks for, its constituent taxa remain highly controversial topics. Here, novel allozyme data and detailed morphometric data for 16 Scottish marsh-orchid populations are interpreted in the context of recent DNA sequencing studies. Despite being derived from the same pair of parental species, the two allopolyploid species that currently occur in Scotland can reliably be distinguished using allozymes, haplotypes, ribotypes or sequences of nuclear genes. A modest range of diverse morphological characters are shown to distinguish the two molecularly-circumscribed species, but they have in the past been obscured by equivalent levels of infraspecific variation in characters rooted in anthocyanin pigments; these characters are better employed for distinguishing infraspecific taxa. Dactylorhiza francis-drucei (formerly D. traunsteinerioides) is confirmed as being distinct from the continental D. traunsteineri/lapponica, probably originating through allopatric isolation once the continental lineage reached Britain. All Scottish populations are attributed to the comparatively small-flowered, anthocyanin-rich subsp. francis-drucei, which includes as a variety the former D. 'ebudensis'; the less anthocyanin-rich subsp. traunsteinerioides is confined to Ireland, North Wales and northern England. In contrast with D. francis-drucei, only a minority of Scottish populations of D. purpurella are attributed to the anthocyanin-rich race, var. cambrensis. This species most likely originated through an allopolyploidy event that occurred comparatively recently within the British Isles, as it contains allozyme alleles distinctive of British rather than continental D. incarnata (its diploid pollen-parent). In contrast, the rare Scottish population of D. incarnata subsp. cruenta shares with its Irish counterparts a continental genotype, and is most likely a recent arrival in Scotland through long-distance dispersal. Among all European allotetraploid dactylorchids, D. purpurella is the species that most closely resembles D. incarnata, both molecularly and morphologically.

Morphometric and Meristic Variations of Mystus albolineatus Roberts, 1994 in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

This study contributed to investigating the changes in morphometric and meristic variations in Mystus albolineatus at two different sites in the Mekong Delta (VMD). This is a high economic-value fish species in the region. The study was conducted for 12 months (03/2022 - 02/2023) at two sites along the Hau River (a branch of the Mekong River) with different environmental characteristics, including a freshwater site year-round at Cai Rang (Can Tho City) and a site affected by saltwater intrusion during the dry season at Long Phu (Soc Trang province). Fish samples were collected using different fishing gear of various sizes. The results obtained 825 individuals (443 females and 382 males) at both sites (408 at Cai Rang and 417 at Long Phu). Through the analysis process, it was found that the total length (TL) and weight (W) of this fish species were significantly influenced by gender and season. Both parameters were significantly higher in females (TL:11.13±0.09 SE cm; W: 10.17±0.06 SE g) than in males (TL: 10.68±0.10 SE cm; W: 9.95±0.07 SE g). Meanwhile, during the dry season (TL: 10.15±0.10 SE cm; W: 9.58±0.08 SE g), the fish had lower length and weight compared to the wet season (TL: 11.42±0.08 SE cm; W: 10.39±0.05 SE g). The interaction between gender and season also significantly affected the TL of Mystus albolineatus. In addition, eye diameter (ED), eye distance (DE), body height (BH), head length (HL), ED/HL, DE/HL, BH/TL, and HL/TL all showed significant differences by gender and season. The results of this study on the morphological characteristics of this fish species indicate that it adapts well to the environment at both research sites. The findings of this study provide basic data on the variation in morphological characteristics of Mystus albolineatus in the VMD region.

A taxonomic revision of the ecologically important Ochna holstii (Ochnaceae) complex using molecular and morphological data

Background and aims – Ochna holstii and its allies represent an ecologically important group in a variety of lowland to montane habitats in tropical eastern and southern Africa. Identifying and delimiting species within this group has proved challenging due to a lack of variation in morphological characters. We combine genomic-scale data of multiple accessions per species with morphological data to generate a taxonomic revision for the Ochna holstii complex using a multi-evidence approach. Material and methods – A total of 50 samples representing eight species were analysed using target enrichment and a custom bait kit. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the multi-species coalescent model and a concatenation maximum likelihood method, and gene tree discordance was investigated. Herbarium specimens of the O. holstii complex were studied in detail for informative morphological characters, supplemented where possible from field collections, and a full taxonomic revision is provided. Key results – Within Ochna sect. Schizanthera Clade I, our study confirms that all species are monophyletic and supported by morphological data with the exception of O. holstii, which is paraphyletic. A new species, O. mchanga, previously confused with O. polyneura, is described, and the placement of another recently described species, O. maguirei, is confirmed for the first time using molecular data. Conclusion – The widespread montane tree Ochna holstii is non-monophyletic in its current circumscription and likely gave rise to the more range-restricted O. oxyphylla and O. stolzii. We suggest that an integrated taxonomy approach, using both molecular and morphological data, is essential for deciphering difficult species relationships in Ochna.

Identification of Morphological and Physiochemical Characteristics, Flowering Periods, and Genetic Relationship of Citrus Species

Variety improvement program of citrus in Indonesia has still been prioritized, therefore, characterization and identification of varieties within and/or among citrus species are absolutely required in order to obtain desired varieties based on market demand needs. The aim of this research was to determine morphological characteristics, flowering periods, and the genetic relationship of four citrus species. This study was carried out at Indonesia Citrus and Subtropical Fruit Research Institute (ICISFRI). A total of 12 varieties derived from Citrus reticulata Blanco, Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle), and Citrus lemon (L.) Burm. F was used for morphological description. The genetic relationship was evaluated by morphological and molecular analyses using Inter-simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR). The result showed that variations of morphological characters were identified either within or among four citrus species. Citrus reticulata Blanco had the highest physiochemical contents. In terms of flowering periods, varieties that belong to Citrus reticulata Blanco, and Ortaji (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) required 9 to 11 days for fully blooming after flower bud; whereas Montaji (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F) and Nimas (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle) needed 16 days. In both morphological and molecular analyses, 12 varieties were classified into two main clusters, however, some differences were found between the two dendrograms. The genetic relationship of four citrus species based on similarity coefficient ranged from 1 to 25 (morphological analyses) and 0.62 to 0.90 (ISSR marker), respectively. The highest genetic relationship derived from both analyses was performed by Krisma versus Monita, and Krisma versus Orlinda Kuning, respectively. Morphological analyses are still needed to complement molecular analyses in citrus classification in order to produce desired new citrus varieties in order to create sustained citrus agribusiness in Indonesia.

Insights into the Taxonomically Challenging Hexaploid Alpine Shrub Willows of Salix Sections Phylicifoliae and Nigricantes (Salicaceae).

The complex genomic composition of allopolyploid plants leads to morphologically diverse species. The traditional taxonomical treatment of the medium-sized, hexaploid shrub willows distributed in the Alps is difficult based on their variable morphological characters. In this study, RAD sequencing data, infrared-spectroscopy, and morphometric data are used to analyze the phylogenetic relationships of the hexaploid species of the sections Nigricantes and Phylicifoliae in a phylogenetic framework of 45 Eurasian Salix species. Both sections comprise local endemics as well as widespread species. Based on the molecular data, the described morphological species appeared as monophyletic lineages (except for S. phylicifolia s.str. and S. bicolor, which are intermingled). Both sections Phylicifoliae and Nigricantes are polyphyletic. Infrared-spectroscopy mostly confirmed the differentiation of hexaploid alpine species. The morphometric data confirmed the molecular results and supported the inclusion of S. bicolor into S. phylicifolia s.l., whereas the alpine endemic S. hegetschweileri is distinct and closely related to species of the section Nigricantes. The genomic structure and co-ancestry analyses of the hexaploid species revealed a geographical pattern for widespread S. myrsinifolia, separating the Scandinavian from the alpine populations. The newly described S. kaptarae is tetraploid and is grouped within S. cinerea. Our data reveal that both sections Phylicifoliae and Nigricantes need to be redefined.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Gnetum africanum (Welw.) Germplasm Using DNA Barcoding Method

Gnetum africanum is a twisted woody climbing wild plant i.e.liana found growing naturally in dense equatorial rainforest but currently domesticated in tropical areas of the world. There has been taxonomic confusion in classifying this liana due to its observable diverse morphological characters. Indeed, morphological characterization alone has not offered the needed solution. However, there is dearth of information on the molecular characterization of Gnetum africanum. Morphological and molecular descriptors, could help offers the needed phenotypic and genotypic characterization of this plant much better. This study is aimed at characterizing Gnetum africanum land races to identify species that could be used for the development of high yielding hybrids. Three different land races or accessions of Gnetum africanum was collected from different locations in Nigeria. High quality genomic DNA was isolated from the different samples; it was checked for purity and quantified as appropriate. The DNA samples were subjected to PCR amplification and DNA barcoding studies (chloroplast large subunit of ribulose -1, 5-bisphophate carboxylase rbcL gene). The amplicons were gel eluted, sequenced and checked for homology by using Basic local alignment search tool -BLAST. Identification was obtained from the top similar outcomes of the samples. For Ekim Fig. 1b sample, the forward blast showed 95% similarity with Basella alba voucherID: NC041293.1 and the reverse had 88% similarity with Talinum fruticosum cultivar ID: MK598685.1. For Etinan Fig. 1a sample, the forward blast had 86% similarity with Rhabdothamnussolandri voucher ID: JQ933464.1 and for reverse, there was no similarity founded.

Studi Morfologi Genus Piper dan Variasinya

The Piper genus is a member of the piperaceae family which is spread throughout the tropics and subtropics from the lowlands to the highlands, including Indonesia. Piper is an important spice and phytopharmaca plant that is used by the Indonesian people for their needs for spices and traditional medicine. This research was conducted with the aim of knowing the morphological variations of plants belonging to the genus Piper found in Banyumas, Purbalingga, and Banjarnegara regencies. A total of 30 individuals belonging to the genus Piper were observed using 39 morphological characters. The method used is a survey method with a purposive random sampling technique. The data obtained from morphological observations were analyzed descriptively to obtain morphological variations of members of the genus Piper. The results of research in Banyumas, Purbalingga and Banjarnegara regencies found 6 plants belonging to the Piper genus, namely red betel (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.), green betel (Piper betle L.), yellow betel (Piper sp.), pepper (Piper nigrum L. .), cubeb (Piper cubeba L.f.), Javanese chili (Piper retrofractum Vahl). Variations in morphological characters of 6 plants belonging to the genus Piper were found in plant height, stem color, distance between internodes on the stem, leaf blade shape, leaf blade tip, leaf base. leaf color, color of the upper surface of the leaf, color of the lower surface of the leaf, length of the leaf blade, width of the leaf blade, texture of the upper and lower surface of the leaf, texture of the petiole, length of the petiole, color of the petiole, and aroma on the leaves.

Recent natural hybridization inElymusandCampeiostachysof Triticeae: evidence from morphological, cytological and molecular analyses

AbstractNatural hybrids in Triticeae have been frequently reported from the Qinghai–Tibet plateau, but minor variation in morphological features and homoploid hybridization have made it difficult to identify the origin and genome constitution of hybrids between Elymus and Campeiostachys. Specimens were investigated using morphology, cytogenetics and phylogenetic analyses to uncover the genome constitution and origin of ten putative natural hybrids (SH01-SH10) from the Qinghai–Tibet plateau. SH01, SH02, SH03, SH05 and SH06 (2n = 5x = 35, StStHHY) originated from Campeiostachys breviaristata (2n = 6x = 42, StStHHYY) and Elymus sibiricus (2n = 4x = 28, StStHH); SH04 and SH07 (2n = 5x = 35, StStHHY) originated from C. nutans (2n = 6x = 42, StStHHYY) and E. sibiricus; SH08 (2n = 5x = 35, StStHHY) originated from C. dahurica var. tangutorum (2n = 6x = 42, StStHHYY) and E. sibiricus; and SH09 and SH10 (2n = 4x = 28, StStHH) were the homoploid hybrids of E. sibiricus and an unknown Elymus sp. (2n = 4x = 28, StStHH). Karyotype variations in SH04 and SH07 might originate from the maternal progenitor. Frequent hybridization in the Qinghai–Tibet plateau might result from factors such as genome constitution, pollination habits, overlapping flowering stage, sympatric distribution and unique ecological conditions.

A taxonomic revision of Cynanchumthesioides (Apocynaceae) with two new synonyms.

Cynanchumthesioides, a species widely distributed in north-eastern Asia, is revised to include two new synonyms: Vincetoxicumsibiricumf.linearifolium, described from Shandong, China in 1877, but long neglected and Cynanchumgobicum, previously believed to be endemic to Mongolia. Typification for C.thesioides and all its synonyms is given, including lectotypification of V.sibiricumvar.australe and V.sibiricumf.linearifolium. An updated description, three figures showing the diverse habitats, habits and variation in morphological characters, and a general distribution map are also provided.

An alternative key for identifying three prostrate species of the genus Euphorbia

Plants are a valuable source of different folk and modern medicines. Therefore, correctly identifying the plant species is a prerequisite for using them in the health care system. Euphorbia species are of great medicinal importance but are difficult to distinguish due to the occurrence of ecotypes and a high degree of polymorphism within the species. Therefore, the present study was planned to explore the extent of variations in morphological characters among three Euphorbia species, namely, Euphorbia prostrata Aiton, Euphorbia serpens Kunth and Euphorbia thymifolia L. The edaphic ecotypes red and green forms of Euphorbia prostrata growing separately or adjacent to each other were reported during field surveys. To ensure identification accuracy, illustrated online key was prepared as a supportive tool for the traditional key.

Evaluation of Anthurium variability (Anthurium andreanum) in the F1 population

Anthurium andreanum is one of the popular flowers in the floriculture industries and the biggest cluster in the Araceae group. Genetic variabilities of Anthurium andreanum were obtained through hybridization and conventional breeding program. The study’s objective was to evaluate the morphological character variation of anthurium in the F1 population. The F1 population of anthurium crossing was used for observation and evaluation in this research. The parameter observations were the morphological character of spadix and spathe, quantitative characters comprised of spathe width and length, spadix length, and the total number of flowers per plant in the first flowering stadia. There were 77 plants in the F1 population of crossing between anthurium cv. Sempre x Alvin. The longest spadix was 4.8 cm (SA.18), the longest spathe was 8 cm (SA.19), and the widest spathe was 8.7 cm (SA.19). Average of flowers per plant in the first blooming stadia was about 2-4 flowers. Variation of morphological characteristics was obtained in F1 population evaluation in some parameters. The evaluation showed that most offspring in the F1 population were dominantly inherited from A. Sempre.

Significance of floral axis and staminal features in tracing phylogeny of Cleome species

Taxonomic delimitation, phylogeny of Cleome L. species and relative closeness between three allied families, Capparaceae, Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae, are enigmatic and yet to be resolved comprehensively. The genus Cleome of Cleomaceae represents a cosmopolitan assemblage of species with wide variability in morphological features sharing morphological similarity with both Capparaceae and Brassicaceae. In the present study, floral-axis and staminal features, along with habit and leaf characters, were employed in tracing the phylogeny of Cleome species not explored earlier. The parameters proved unique in solving the phylogenetic puzzle of Cleome, allowing to speculate on the origin of woody and non-woody herbaceous species of Cleome from two separate species aggregates of Capparaceae (palmate-leaved Crateva aggregate and simple-leaved Capparis aggregate, respectively), also to establish phylogenetic linkage between three families, Capparaceae, Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae. Evolutionary changes were directed towards the gradual shortening and suppression of elongated floral axis to discoid thalamus, gradual reduction in the number and size of stamens, and flower size with habitual transformations from shrubby to herbaceous form. Cleome appeared as a connecting link between Capparaceae and Brassicaceae, and the interpretations derived showed significant concomitance with APG IV classification system.

Variation in Morphological Characters of Leaf and Culm Sheath of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex.Wendl. in Central India

The feasibility of Bambusa vulgaris schrad. ex Wendl. has been assessed globally for a variety of uses. It is one of the fastest growing bamboo and can thrive in both moist and dry climates. To disseminate substantial baseline data on morphological variations of the species, morphological characteristics of leaf and culm sheath of Candidate Plus Clumps (CPCs) were evaluated followed by genetic analysis of growth attributes of three bamboo stands viz., MP-RJR, MH-AMR and OR-KLN, in three distinct states Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha of central India. Significant differences in leaves and culm sheaths were noticed among the CPCs and bamboo stands during the investigation. OR-KLN was observed with the longest leaf (22.77 cm) and the broadest leaf lamina at the top (1.58 cm). Longest average culm sheath blade (30.37 cm) in MH-AMR and maximum average sheath diameter (33.23 cm) in OR-KLN were recorded. High values for phenotypic coefficient of variations, genotypic coefficient of variations, heritability and genetic advance as mean percentage were obtained for clump diameter and number of culms per clump. This can be used as selection criteria in the improvement programme of Bambusa vulgaris var. Green.
 Aims: To study morphological variation of leaf and culm sheath of Bambusa vulgaris schrad. ex Wendl. at three bamboo stands associated with genetic analysis in growth attributes.
 Study Design: Complete Randomised design (CRD).
 Place and Duration of Study: Morphological data of Candidate Plus Clumps (CPCs), leaf and culm sheath of Bambusa vulgaris was recorded at bamboo stands in Rajore, Madhya Pradesh, Kalinga, Odisha and Amravati, Maharashtra from September 2021 to November 2022. Further investigation, statistical analysis and other studies were carried out at Genetics and Tree Improvement Division, Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, M.P., India.