Variation In Morphological Traits Research Articles

Clinal versus disruptive latitudinal variation in fruit traits of a South American mistletoe.

Fruit traits have historically been interpreted as plant adaptations to their seed dispersers. On the other hand, different environmental factors, which vary spatially and temporally, can shape fruit-trait variation. The mistletoe Tristerix corymbosus has a latitudinal distribution along the South American Pacific rim that encompasses two different biomes, the matorral of central Chile and the temperate forest that extends south of the matorral. This mistletoe shows contrasting fruiting phenology (spring vs summer), fruit color (yellow vs green), and seed dispersers (birds vs marsupial) in these two biomes. We characterized geographic variation of morphological and nutritional fruit traits of T. corymbosus to evaluate which macroecological factor, biome or latitude, better explains spatial variation in these variables. For each of 22 populations, we obtained environmental data (temperature, precipitation, and canopy cover), measured fruit and seed morphology traits (size, shape, and weight), and pulp moisture and nutritional content (fiber, protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, and caloric content). Patterns of variation for each variable were described by fitting and comparing five different simple models varying in slope, intercept or both. Fruit morphology showed a clear biome-related disruptive pattern, seed morphological traits were unrelated to either biome or latitude, whereas nutritional variables showed diverse patterns. Different environmental factors seem to affect fruit development and phenology, determining the observed fruit characteristics, with seed dispersers playing a minor role in shaping these patterns. More generally, the contrasting plant-seed disperser associations we addressed can be interpreted as the outcome of an ecological-fitting rather than of a coevolutionary process.

Phenotypic differences among and within extant populations of Chrysanthemum arcticum L. and C. a. subsp. arcticum

BackgroundChrysanthemum arcticum, arctic daisy and its two subspecies (Chrysanthemum arcticum subsp. arcticum, Chrysanthemum arcticum subsp. polaré) are the only chrysanthemum species native to North America. A study on species’ variation in morphological and diagnostic traits is important to link morphological traits with previously described single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, particularly when the genomes are sequenced. The purpose of this study was to establish phenotypic differences and soil conditions among wild C. arcticum and C. a. subsp. arcticum populations, when grown in a uniform environment for two years, for potential linkages with our SNP library. Sixteen quantitative morphological traits and five qualitative morphological traits were investigated for 255 individuals from nine C. arcticum populations and 326 individuals from 21 C. a. subsp. arcticum populations.ResultsIn long-day controlled environment, C. arcticum flowering rate was 0% in Year 1, increased to 2.7% in Year 2, while C. a. subsp. arcticum flowering rate was 98.5% in Year 2. Two distinct clusters, distributed by taxonomic classification, were detected by Principal component analysis (PCoA) for 551 individuals from C. arcticum and C. a. subsp. arcticum. Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis indicated a positive and significant correlation between plant height, flower fresh and dry weights. Flower fresh weights were correlated with Δflower weight, while inflorescence length had showed a negative correlation with leaf number. Soil samples had high Na levels along with heavy metals. Thus, the species are salt-tolerant.ConclusionA high level of salt tolerance (Na) is tolerated by these maritime species which is a unique trait in Chrysanthemum. A new diagnostic trait of inflorescence length was discovered to distinguish among C. arcticum and C. a. subsp. arcticum. Significant flowering differences occurred among the species C. arcticum and C. a. subsp. arcticum under same photoperiodic environment, including flowering rates and visible bud date. This study on the species’ variation in morphological and diagnostic traits is of importance to link morphological traits with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.

Color Variation and Secondary Metabolites' Footprint in a Taxonomic Complex of Phyteuma sp. (Campanulaceae).

In the genus Phyteuma, the taxonomic delimitation of some species is difficult since a high variability of morphological traits, such as flower color, is present, probably due to high levels of hybridization. Historic descriptions and the morphological traits used in the taxonomic keys are sometimes unclear and lead to misinterpretations. Here, a detailed analysis of flower color variability in different populations of sympatric P. spicatum, P. ovatum, and P. persicifolium constitutes a new approach to clarifying the taxonomic statuses. The numeric analysis of color, providing colorimetric variables, together with the detailed description of the metabolic profiles of populations with different flower colors, constitute a unique chemical fingerprint that identifies species and subspecies with clear markers. This study is the most complete metabolic research on genus Phyteuma, since we identified and quantified 44 phenolic compounds using HPLC-MS, comprising 14 phenolic acids, 23 flavonols and flavones, and, for the first time in the genus, 7 anthocyanins involved in flower color variability. This approach contributes to clarifying the differences between species, which is particularly relevant in taxonomic complexes such as the present, where morphology fails to clearly differentiate taxa at specific and intraspecific levels.

Characterizing phenotypic diversity in marine populations of the threespine stickleback

The threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is an important model for studying the evolution of vertebrate morphology. Sticklebacks inhabit freshwater, brackish, and marine northern hemisphere waters. Anadromous and marine populations (hereafter marine) are assumed to have remained unchanged morphologically from ancestral marine sticklebacks, despite marine environments varying on regional and local scales. Recent studies suggest that genetic and phenotypic structure exists in marine populations, yet the scale of this variation, and its ecological causes remain unclear. Our goal was to assess morphological trait variation in marine stickleback populations around Southern British Columbia (BC) and determine if oceanographic and habitat characteristics were associated with this variation. Between May–July 2019, we sampled 534 sticklebacks from 15 sites around Vancouver Island, a region characterized by a large diversity of oceanographic and habitat features. We characterized trait variation using two-dimensional (2D) geometric morphometric analysis, comparing individuals between oceanographic regions and habitats. We focused on head and body shape. We found that marine sticklebacks varied morphologically among and between regions and habitats, but the variation did not appear to be related to environmental variation. Sexual dimorphism was the largest source of variation, but oceanographic and habitat variables influenced differences between sexes. We concluded that marine sticklebacks offer abundant opportunities for expanding our knowledge of drivers of morphology.

Studies of Phenotypic and Genotypic Variation for Morphological Traits in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Aims: The “Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)” germplasm was evaluated, based on phenotypic and genotypic variability studies to identify elite divergent traits for economic yield enhancement.
 Study Design: 140 germplasm lines were collected from different saffron growing areas of Kashmir and abroad viz., Afghanistan, Iran. The pedigree details of all samples were recorded. Saffron corms weighing 5g to 16g were planted in Augmented Block Design with a row length, width of 3m, 2m and inter and intra-row spacing of 20 and 10 cms, respectively.
 Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices (ARSSSS), Pampore, SKUAST-Kashmir during cropping season 2017-18.
 Methodology: Observations were recorded for 15 morphological traits viz., number of flowers corm-1 line-1, number of days to 50% flowering, fresh flower weight corm-1 line-1, inner tepal length, outer tepal length, inner tepal width, outer tepal width, anther length, anther width, style length, stigma length, fresh pistil weight, dry pistil weight, leaf length, number of leaves corm-1line-1. Results: Significant variation was observed for all traits like., number of flowers corm-1 line-1 (4.00-35.33), fresh pistil weight (104.84- 1207.38 mg), stigma length (2.55-4.18 cm), leaf length (16.12-37.10 cm), number of leaves corm-1 line-1 (6.00-11.33), fresh flower weight corm-1 line-1 (1.80-14.31 mg) indicating presence of high level of variability in germplasm.
 Conclusion: The estimates of phenotypic variation were higher than equivalent estimates of genotypic variation except few traits indicating major impact of environment towards expression of a trait. Our findings contributes better understanding of genetic variation in saffron for both vegetative and yield attributes and indicates high level of variability in germplasm, therefore imply considerable scope for saffron improvement through clonal selection.

Allopatric speciation, niche conservatism and gradual phenotypic change in the evolution of European green lizards

AbstractAimThe contributions of historical biogeography, morphology and climatic niche evolution in shaping species diversification have been typically examined separately. To fill this gap, we assessed the relative role of geologic history, environment and phenotypic trait evolution in lineage diversification of green lizards in the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot.LocationEurasia and North Africa.TaxonGreen lizards (genera Timon and Lacerta).MethodsFor all green lizard lineages, we characterized distributional ranges and external morphological traits across discrete biogeographical areas, occupied macro‐habitats and climatic niches using environmental variables that represent average and extreme climatic conditions. To assess the contribution of geographical factors in shaping diversity patterns, we evaluated the fit of 24 biogeographical models. We used BAMM and estimated phylogenetic signal to assess the rates of lineage diversification and of phenotypic and climatic niche evolution, and to determine whether these processes occurred steadily or at specific time periods as a response to palaeogeological or palaeoclimatic events. Finally, we tested for associations between phenotypic traits and lineage diversification using trait‐dependent diversification analyses (QuaSSE, ES‐sim and STRAPP).ResultsBiogeographical analyses favoured a dispersal–vicariance model explaining speciation patterns in green lizards, including jump dispersal and constrained dispersal by geographical distance. Lineages accumulated gradually towards the present, with minor divergence in morphological traits and conservatism of climatic niches. In contrast, in the Lacerta agilis lineage, niche evolution may have allowed expansion towards colder environments. Morphological and climatic niche evolution were uncoupled from diversification rates.Main ConclusionsBiogeographical processes largely explain the constant lineage diversification of green lizards in the Mediterranean Basin since the Miocene, followed by gradual phenotypic divergence unrelated to cladogenesis. Climatic niche conservatism promoted the accumulation of lineages within the Mediterranean, except for L. agilis, where climatic niche evolution might underpin its range spread towards higher latitudes.

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF MAIZE INBRED LINES BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH HETEROSIS

In any breeding program, the creation of high-yielding maize hybrids with the best possible heterosis expression depends on the genetic diversity of the parental inbred lines. This study aimed to quantify the genetic diversity of eight inbred lines of maize using morphological features and determine the relationship between heterosis in grain yield per hectare and distance matrices of morphological variables. The principal component analysis (PCA) determined the morphological genetic diversity among the eight inbred lines based on 22 variables. The study assessed heterosis in their diallel crossings in a two-year field experiment utilizing a randomized complete block design with three replications. The dissimilarity Euclidean coefficients among the eight maize inbred lines ranged from 0.08 (between L21 and L28) to 0.69 (between L21 and IL80), with an average of 0.38. The results revealed that dissimilarity values based on morphological traits showed a low, positive, and non-significant relationship with mid-parent heterosis, better-parent heterosis, and mean grain yield ha-1. To fully comprehend the genetic diversity of maize inbred lines, an extensive analysis of a vast collection of inbred lines from various populations using a variety of morphological traits is necessary.

Local Agricultural Management Filters Morphological Traits of the South American Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum L.; Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Ornamental Palm Plantations

Insect pests show phenotypic plasticity as a function of resource availability and limiting conditions. Although Rhynchophorus palmarum displays high variation in certain morphological traits, it is still not clear how and which of these are being filtered along agricultural management gradients in palm plantations. This study assesses the influence of biophysical structure of ornamental palm plantations and agrochemical use on morphological traits of adults in 15 permanent plots of ornamental palm plantations in Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 4972 adults were and their body length, pronotum width, rostrum length, and mesothorax depth were measured. Body length and mesothorax depth of adults of both sexes were greater in plantations with a high diversity of palm species and frequency of fertilizer use. Rostrum length of females increased as a function of palm density, and pronotum width of both sexes was positively related with the use of insecticides. Local characteristics of agricultural management of palm plantations might filter integrated, adaptative, and environment-specific phenotypes. This is the first ecological study of the south American palm weevil that provides new insights on the current intensive management of ornamental palm plantations that far from controlling, benefits current geographic expansion, demographic outbreak, and economic impact of this pest.

Genetic variation of morphological and yield-related traits in backcrossed and selfed population of maize

The number of genes controlling the morphological and yield-related traits and their mode of action plays a vital role in selecting traits and favourable progenies in a segregating population. In this study, we analysed the skewness and kurtosis in the backcrossed and selfed populations of SC11-2×UMI1230β1+. Negative skewness refers to redundant gene activity, positive skewness is connected to complementary gene action. Positive kurtosis suggests the existence of gene activity controlled by a smaller number of genes. Negative kurtosis shows a lack of gene activity and is controlled by a large number of genes. The BC2F2 population of plant height and single plant yield showed positive skewness and platykurtic distribution, suggesting that the genes were governed by complementary gene action and controlled by the large number of genes. This implied need for rigorous selection to achieve a genetic gain in later generations. Cob length and kernel weight showed a duplicate gene action which implied that mild selection can fix these traits and accelerate genetic gain.

Threatened and extinct island endemic birds of the world: Distribution, threats and functional diversity

AbstractAimThe world's islands support disproportionate levels of endemic avian biodiversity despite suffering numerous extinctions. While intensive recent research has focused on island bird conservation or extinction, few global syntheses have considered these factors together from the perspective of morphological trait diversity. Here, we provide a global summary of the status and ecology of extant and extinct island birds, the threats they face and the implications of species loss for island functional diversity.LocationGlobal.TaxonBirds.MethodsWe provide a review of the literature on threatened and extinct island birds, with a particular focus on global studies that have incorporated functional diversity. Alongside this, we analyse IUCN Red List data in relation to distribution, threats and taxonomy. Using null models and functional hypervolumes, in combination with morphological trait data, we assess the functional diversity represented by threatened and extinct island endemic birds.Results and main conclusionsWe find that almost half of all island endemic birds extant in 1500 CE are currently either extinct or threatened with extinction, with the majority of threatened extant species having declining population trends. We also found evidence of 66 island endemic subspecies extinctions. The primary threats to extant island endemic birds currently are agriculture, biological resource use, and invasive species. While there is overlap between the hotspots of threatened and extinct island endemics birds, there are some notable differences, including the Philippines and Indonesia, which support a substantial number of threatened species but have no recorded post‐1500 CE bird extinctions. Traits associated with threatened island endemic birds are large body mass, flightlessness, aquatic predator, omnivorous and vertivorous trophic niches, marine habitat affinity, and, paradoxically, higher dispersal ability. Critically, we find that threatened endemics (i) occupy distinct areas of beak morphospace, and (ii) represent substantial unique areas of the overall functional space of island endemics. We caution that the loss of threatened species may have severe effects on the ecological functions birds provide on islands.

An Evolutionary Framework of Acanthaceae Based on Transcriptomes and Genome Skims

Abstract— Acanthaceae is a family of tropical flowering plants with approximately 4900 species. Despite remarkable variation in morphological traits, research on patterns of character evolution has been limited by uncertain relationships among some of the major lineages. We sampled 16 taxa from these major lineages to estimate a phylogenomic framework using a combination of five newly sequenced shotgun genome skims plus seven new and four publicly available transcriptomes. We used OrthoFinder2 to infer a species tree with strong branch support. Except for the placement of Crabbea, our results corroborate the most recent chloroplast and nrITS sequence-based topology. Of 587 single copy loci, 10 were recovered for all 16 species; a RAxML tree estimated from these 10 loci resulted in the same topology as other datasets assembled in this study, with the exception of relationships among three sampled species of Barleria; however, branch support was lower compared to the tree reconstructed using more data. ABBA-BABA tests were conducted to investigate patterns of introgression involving Crabbea; few nucleotides supported alternative topologies. SplitsTree networks of the 587 loci and 6136 orthogroup trees revealed conflict among the branches leading to Andrographideae, Whitfieldieae, and Neuracanthus. A principal components analysis in treespace found no distinct clusters of trees. Our results based on combined genome skim and transcriptome sequences strongly corroborate the previously published chloroplast and nr-ITS-based phylogeny of Acanthaceae with increased resolution among Barlerieae, Andrographideae, Whitfieldieae, and Neuracanthus. This advance in our knowledge of Acanthaceae relationships will allow us to investigate character evolution and other phenomena within this diverse group of plants in studies with increased taxon sampling.

Landscape composition affects parasitoid body size in species-specific manner: A case study in Asian rice systems

The top-down effect of natural enemies on pests is a crucial ecosystem service supporting integrated pest management. However, the variation in morphological traits of parasitoids in different landscape contexts and the differences in parasitoid emergence rate caused by this variation are still poorly known. We measured the inter-tegular distance (ITD) and body mass of three parasitoids– Cotesia chilonis (Munakata), Eriborus sinicus (Holmgren), and Microgaster russata Haliday – on overwintering larvae of Chilo suppressalis (Walker), the rice stem borer (RSB), collected from 20 rice paddies along a landscape heterogeneity gradient. Our objectives were to assess how landscape composition and landscape diversity affect functional traits (ITD and body mass) of species-specific parasitoid, and individual body size for its impact on biological control. From a total of 5002 sampled individuals of the three parasitoids, regression analysis revealed that (1) the presence of water bodies within the landscape respectively positive affected the ITD of E. sinicus and M. russata at 2000 m scales, landscape factors had yet no discernible effects on either the body size (ITD or body mass) of C. chilonis, (2) habitats with high landscape diversity had a negative effect on body size (ITD and body mass) of the solitary parasitoids E. sinicus at 200 m scales, and (3) a significantly negative correlation was found between the parasitoid emergence rate and ITD of E. sinicus. Our findings suggest that parasitoids’ body sizes may respond differently among species to landscape features. Solitary parasitoids in our study were more sensitive to variation in habitat resource-availability than was the gregarious parasitoid. We conclude that landscape habitat changes can affect the body size and parasitism of parasitoids, modifying their biocontrol services against pests.

Study of genetic variability for morphological traits in bread wheat across sowing dates

Study of genetic variability for morphological traits in bread wheat across sowing dates

Morphological Variation and Its Environmental Correlates in the Taihangshan Swelled-Vented Frog across the Qinling Mountains.

Simple SummaryAmphibians have weak dispersal abilities and are sensitive to environmental changes, resulting in their disproportionately high risk of extinction, with many species’ populations rapidly declining. Therefore, it is critical for amphibian conservation to understand their adaptive potential by exploring how amphibians respond to environmental changes based on morphological variations. Our results showed that morphological traits of Feirana taihangnica significantly differed among ages. Along with the increase in annual mean temperature, snout-vent length showed an anti-hump trend, indicating no support for Bergmann’s rule. Mean ultraviolet-B of the highest and lowest months were positively and negatively correlated with head width, thigh length and tibia width, respectively. The present study can help understand the effects of environmental changes on morphological variations of this mountain frog species and its adaptive potential, providing important implications for species conservation.The Taihangshan swelled-vented frog (Feirana taihangnica), an endemic species to the Qinling Mountains, central China, has experienced a dramatic population decline over the last few decades. The aim of this work was to quantify morphological variation in F. taihangnica across the Qinling Mountains and examine environmental correlates of this variation of morphological traits. We implemented a hierarchical partitioning to estimate the independent contribution of each environmental variable on morphological variations. Temperature seasonality was the greatest contributor in variations of snout-vent length (SVL) and head width, and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation of the lowest month was the most influential on both thigh length and tibia width. Then, we used generalized additive models to analyze the relationship between each environmental factor and morphological trait variations. Along the increasing of annual mean temperature, SVL decreased firstly and then increased, indicating no support for Bergmann’s rule. Furthermore, SVL was negatively correlated with annual precipitation, while positively with temperature seasonality. The mean UV-B of the highest and lowest months was positively and negatively correlated with head width, thigh length and tibia width, respectively. The results of this study help us to understand adaptive potential of this mountain frog species via morphological variations in the light of environmental changes.

Variation of morphological characteristics, total phenolic, and total flavonoid in Adenostemma lavenia, A. madurense, and A. platyphyllum

Abstract. Nurlela, Nurfalah R, Ananda F, Ridwan T, Ilmiawati A, Nurcholis W, Takemori H, Batubara I. 2022. Variation of morphological characteristics, total phenolic, and total flavonoid in Adenostemma lavenia, A. madurense, and A. platyphyllum. Biodiversitas 23: 3999-4005. Adenostemma has long been used as a herbal medication. Despite some studies regarding the morphology and potency of Adenostemma carried out, the variation of morphological traits, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) on different species of Adenostemma has been poorly investigated. This study was designed to observe the morphological characteristics, TPC, and TFC of Adenostemma lavenia, A. madurense, and A. platyphyllum. Morphological characteristics were observed using qualitative and quantitative parameters. The colorimetric method determined TPC and TFC in plant leaf ethanol extracts. The plants were morphologically diverse, which significant variation among the three species in plant height, length and width of leaf, and internodes distance. Morphological traits such as leaf length and width, plant height, and internodes distance significantly correlate with phenolic and flavonoid content in Adenostemma. These may be used as important selection criteria in Adenostemma for obtaining high phenolic and flavonoid content. The study revealed that different species of these plants with varying morphological traits substantially impact the content of their chemical compounds. The highest TPC and TFC were found in A. lavenia, suggesting that it is potentially an alternative source of bioactive compounds as herbal medicine.

Geographical variation of organ size in Andrew’s toad (Bufo andrewsi)

Phenotypic variation of morphological and physiological traits is assumed to be generated from spatial heterogeneity in environments, and it has been regarded as an important concern domain in evolutionary biology. Organs display markedly size variation among populations along environmental gradients and this variation is associated with changes in oxygen supply and energy demands. Here, we investigated geographical variation in the relative size of organs (i.e., brain, heart, lung, gallbladder, livers, spleen, kidneys, and digestive tract) among 14 populations of Andrew’s toad (Bufo andrewsi) transcending an elevational range from 864 to 2,367 m, and spanning 8° latitude. We found that although the relative sizes of the eight specific organs varied significantly among populations, none organ size was affected by altitude and latitude. However, based on the combined the new data and published data we found a negative relationship between the relative size of the heart and latitude, contrasting to the Hesse’s rule. We also found that the relative size of livers was positively linked to latitude, suggesting that more energy demands and intakes due to slower metabolism in high latitude shaped the evolution of larger livers.

Characterizing the genetic basis of trait evolution in the Mexican cavefish.

Evolution in response to a change in ecology often coincides with various morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits. For most organisms little is known about the genetic and functional relationship between evolutionarily derived traits, representing a critical gap in our understanding of adaptation. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, consists of largely independent populations of fish that inhabit at least 30 caves in Northeast Mexico, and a surface fish population, that inhabit the rivers of Mexico and Southern Texas. The recent application of molecular genetic approaches combined with behavioral phenotyping have established A. mexicanus as a model for studying the evolution of complex traits. Cave populations of A. mexicanus are interfertile with surface populations and have evolved numerous traits including eye degeneration, insomnia, albinism, and enhanced mechanosensory function. The interfertility of different populations from the same species provides a unique opportunity to define the genetic relationship between evolved traits and assess the co-evolution of behavioral and morphological traits with one another. To define the relationships between morphological and behavioral traits, we developed a pipeline to test individual fish for multiple traits. This pipeline confirmed differences in locomotor activity, prey capture, and startle reflex between surface and cavefish populations. To measure the relationship between traits, individual F2 hybrid fish were characterized for locomotor behavior, prey-capture behavior, startle reflex, and morphological attributes. Analysis revealed an association between body length and slower escape reflex, suggesting a trade-off between increased size and predator avoidance in cavefish. Overall, there were few associations between individual behavioral traits, or behavioral and morphological traits, suggesting independent genetic changes underlie the evolution of the measured behavioral and morphological traits. Taken together, this approach provides a novel system to identify genetic underpinnings of naturally occurring variation in morphological and behavioral traits.

Diversity of morphological traits and glucosinolate composition in backcross progenies of Brassica rapa L. × Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav. hybrids

Breeding at both interspecific and intergeneric levels is an effective method for expanding genetic variation of cruciferous crops; however, few commercially accepted varieties have been released because of difficulties in generating fertile progenies. We employed backcross strategy to introduce Eruca vesicaria-specific characteristics into Brassica rapa and successfully obtained four BC1F1 lines that showed a wide range of diversity of morphological traits and glucosinolate (GSL) composition. Thus, leaf shape, anthocyanin coloration, glucoraphanin content, and red petal veins were found to be inherited mainly from E. vesicaria, though most of the morphological characteristics and GSL composition were inherited from intergeneric F1 plants. Since all BC1F1 lines showed post-fertilization barriers, backcrossing with B. rapa was performed and BC2F1 progenies were successfully obtained, which showed diverse morphological characteristics and GSL composition as well as higher regeneration potential. These results suggest that widening of genetic diversity of B. rapa can be achieved through successive reciprocal backcrossing of B. rapa × E. vesicaria hybrids with B. rapa.

Alloexidiopsis gen. nov., A Revision of Generic Delimitation in Auriculariales (Basidiomycota).

Auriculariales is a fungal order with highly diverse morphological traits of basidiomes, which partially leads to a poor understanding of its taxonomic system at the generic level. To identify our recently collected specimens of Auriculariales to a species level, we perform a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the generic relationships in Auriculariales. In association with morphological characteristics, a new genus Alloexidiopsis belonging to Auriculariaceae is erected with two new species, namely, A. australiensis and A. schistacea. Moreover, Exidiopsis calcea separated from the generic type E. effusa and Heteroradulum niveum and H. yunnanense recently inaccurately described as members of Heteroradulum are recovered in the clade of Alloexidiopsis. These three species are thus transferred to this new genus. One collection of Exidiopsis grisea also falls in the clade of Alloexidiopsis, whereas another collection of this species is separated far from Alloexidiopsis and E. effusa. Since we have no collection to confirm the species identity of E. grisea, its generic position is uncertain. The main taxonomic morphological differences among Alloexidiopsis and related corticioid genera in Auriculariales are summarized. A key to all the five accepted species of Alloexidiopsis is provided. As two unnamed lineages exist in Alloexidiopsis besides the abovementioned five species, it is assumed that more new species will be revealed from this genus under its current circumscription.

Population structure, regeneration potential and leaf morphological traits of Rhododendron campanulatum D.Don along an altitudinal gradient in Western Himalaya

The vegetation of the alpine treeline ecotone is among the most vulnerable and sensitive to global climate change. Treeline species respond to global warming through changes in their population structure, regeneration, plant functional traits and shift in their habitat. This study was carried out on Rhododendron campanulatum D.Don, a typical plant species of the Himalayan treeline ecotone, to understand the variation in population structure, regeneration potential and leaf morphological traits along the altitudinal gradient (3100–3550 m.a.s.l.) in Tungnath, Western Himalaya. We reported the higher seedling (3480 stem ha−1) and juvenile (2210 stem ha−1) density of the species above the treeline at 3400 m.a.s.l. This clearly shows a good regeneration status and indicates the upward shift of the species. Leaf morphological traits such as length, width, and the specific leaf area decreased with an increase in elevation but leaf thickness increased with an increase in elevation. SLA was higher (71.14 cm2/g; p < 0.001) at 3100 m.a.s.l. located below the treeline than 3550 m.a.s.l. (60.08 cm2/g; p < 0.001)) located above the treeline. The results indicate that the species has large flexibility in the morphological performance and its high level of plasticity in morphological traits may explain its wider niche and ability to survive in harsh alpine conditions.