Genotype, Environment, Year, and Harvest Effects on Fruit Quality Traits of Five Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Cultivars

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) comprise a broad range of perennial woody species. Introgression of native species into cultivated germplasm has adapted Vaccinium germplasm to a range of climates and growing conditions for cultivated blueberry. Genetic differences signify phenotypic variance that is observed among blueberry accessions. In addition, variability in geographic and climatic growing conditions between environments or within the same environment across different years may further affect fruit and plant phenotypic expression. As a result, a phenotype is a function of genetic background (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E). In addition, other temporally regulated factors such as year (Y) and harvest time (H) impact plant and fruit quality phenotypic variation. Our research aimed to assess the genotypic performance of five blueberry cultivars, including ‘Echota’, ‘O’Neal’, ‘Reveille’, ‘Summit’, and ‘Sunrise’. The selected cultivars were phenotyped for various fruit quality-related traits over two sequential harvests in two years and two locations. Our results indicated that genotype was a significant source of variation for most phenotypic characteristics. Further, the effect of Y × H and G × Y × H significantly affected the majority of studied phenotypic traits. Within the studied genotypes, ‘Reveille’ and ‘O’Neal’ phenotypic stability were consistent across locations and years; additionally, ‘Summit’ phenotypic characteristics were stable across years, environments, and harvests. Clonal plant replicates within a genotype, harvest, and environment, in addition to individual fruit measures, were the most significant sources of variability.

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Wood Volume Production and Use of 10 Woody Species in Semiarid Zones of Northeastern Mexico

International Journal of Forestry Research ◽

10.1155/2012/529829 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rahim Foroughbakhch ◽

Artemio Carrillo Parra ◽

Jorge Luis Hernández Piñero ◽

Marco Antonio Alvarado Vázquez ◽

Alejandra Rocha Estrada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Native Species ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Eucalyptus Camaldulensis ◽

Woody Species ◽

Research Strategy ◽

Wood Volume ◽

Rural Villages ◽

Acacia Farnesiana ◽

Volume Production ◽

Northeastern Mexico

A research strategy was established to analyze the structure of timber trees in terms of forest productivity (volume and wood density) of 10 species. The native speciesAcacia farnesiana, Acacia schaffneri,Bumelia celastrina,Cercidium macrun,Condalia hookeri,Ebenopsis ebano,Helietta parvifolia, andProsopis laevigataand the exotic speciesEucalyptus camaldulensisandLeucaena leucocephalawere chosen due to their ecological and economic importance to the rural villages of northeastern Mexico. Measurements of different growth parameters and volume of trees were evaluated. The introduced speciesE. camaldulensisandL. leucocephalashowed the best performance in wood volume production per tree and per hectare when compared to the native species. Likewise, among the native species,E. ebano,P. laevigata,C. hookeri, andA. farnesianatended to show better characteristics in terms of wood volume production in comparison toH. parvifolia,A. schaffneri,C. macrum, andB. celastrina. Results showed a high diversity on the properties studied. The high biomass produced by most of the species considered in this study revealed their great energetic potential when used as wood and firewood or vegetal charcoal.

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Genotypic richness predicts phenotypic variation in an endangered clonal plant

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.1633 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. e1633 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Suzanna M. Evans ◽

Elizabeth A. Sinclair ◽

Alistair G.B. Poore ◽

Keryn F. Bain ◽

Adriana Vergés

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Phenotypic Variation ◽

Strong Predictor ◽

Clonal Plant ◽

Individual Performance ◽

Tissue Loss ◽

Phenotypic Traits ◽

Case Scenario ◽

Ecological Processes ◽

Genotypic Richness

Declines in genetic diversity within a species can affect the stability and functioning of populations. The conservation of genetic diversity is thus a priority, especially for threatened or endangered species. The importance of genetic variation, however, is dependent on the degree to which it translates into phenotypic variation for traits that affect individual performance and ecological processes. This is especially important for predominantly clonal species, as no single clone is likely to maximise all aspects of performance. Here we show that intraspecific genotypic diversity as measured using microsatellites is a strong predictor of phenotypic variation in morphological traits and shoot productivity of the threatened, predominantly clonal seagrassPosidonia australis, on the east coast of Australia. Biomass and surface area variation was most strongly predicted by genotypic richness, while variation in leaf chemistry (phenolics and nitrogen) was unrelated to genotypic richness. Genotypic richness did not predict tissue loss to herbivores or epiphyte load, however we did find that increased herbivore damage was positively correlated with allelic richness. Although there was no clear relationship between higher primary productivity and genotypic richness, variation in shoot productivity within a meadow was significantly greater in more genotypically diverse meadows. The proportion of phenotypic variation explained by environmental conditions varied among different genotypes, and there was generally no variation in phenotypic traits among genotypes present in the same meadows. Our results show that genotypic richness as measured through the use of presumably neutral DNA markers does covary with phenotypic variation in functionally relevant traits such as leaf morphology and shoot productivity. The remarkably long lifespan of individualPosidoniaplants suggests that plasticity within genotypes has played an important role in the longevity of the species. However, the strong link between genotypic and phenotypic variation suggests that a range of genotypes is still the best case scenario for adaptation to and recovery from predicted environmental change.

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Phenotypical characterization of Kababich breed in peri-urban zone of N’Djamena-Chad

Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy ◽

10.53022/oarjbp.2021.2.2.0049 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 041-049

Author(s):

Djalal Ardjoun Khalil ◽

Mahamat Ibrahim Souleymane ◽

Issa Youssouf ◽

Madjina Tellah ◽

Mopate Logtene Youssouf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Dimorphism ◽

Genetic Improvement ◽

The Body ◽

Phenotypic Characterization ◽

Phenotypic Traits ◽

Phenotypic Characteristics ◽

Young Males ◽

Urban Zone ◽

One Year

This work was carried out on the phenotypic characteristics of the Kababich sheep exploited in the peri-urban zone of N'Djamena (Chad). This phenotypic characterization of Kababich sheep should be continued on local breeds for genetic improvement and objective optimization of productivity. The objective of this study is the characterization of phenotypically Kababich sheep exploited in the peri-urban area of N'Djamena-Chad. It was conducted in 39 farms and involved 1035 sheep aged less than one year old. Phenotypic traits were measured according to the guideline defined by FAO. A total of 12 variables were measured including five qualitative and seven quantitative. The results obtained show a positively significant correlation (p> 0.001) between the age of the sheep estimated by the breeder and the dentition (0.83). The ears are drooping and measure 17.90 ± 2.77 cm. The color of the brown dress (fawn) and the smooth and short coat are dominant. The females are matte and the rams of brown dress have horns in the forms of the vestiges. The Kababich is large with a height at the withers of 81.50 ± 9.40 cm, a rump height of 83.24 ± 9.42 cm and a chest circumference of 88.29 ± 9.22 cm. The body is 72.82 ± 9.63 cm long, has a basin width of 19.89 ± 2.53 cm and a chest depth of 40.68 ± 5.16 cm. These measurements show that Kababich is a meat breed by excellence. In addition, the sexual dimorphism very accentuated in this race orients towards a valorization of the young males in the fattening workshops.

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Seed dispersal interactions promoting plant invasions.

Plant invasions: the role of biotic interactions ◽

10.1079/9781789242171.0090 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 90-104

Author(s):

M. Celeste Díaz Vélez ◽

Ana E. Ferreras ◽

Valeria Paiaro

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Seed Dispersal ◽

Seedling Establishment ◽

Native Species ◽

Native Plants ◽

Woody Species ◽

Native Plant ◽

Invasional Meltdown ◽

Native Plant Species ◽

Origin Life

Abstract Animal dispersers are essential for many non-native plants since they facilitate seed movement and might promote seed germination and seedling establishment, thereby increasing their chances of invasion. This chapter reviews the published literature on seed dispersal of non-native plant species by native and/or non-native animals. The following questions are addressed: (i) Are interactions between non-native plants and their animal dispersers evenly studied worldwide? (ii) Which are the distinctive traits (i.e. geographical origin, life form, dispersal strategy and propagule traits) of non-native plants that are dispersed by animals? (iii) Which are the most studied groups of dispersers of non-native plants around the world? (iv) Does the literature provide evidence for the Invasional Meltdown Hypothesis (non-native plant-non-native disperser facilitation)? (v) What is the role of animal dispersers at different stages of the non-native plant regeneration process? Our dataset of 204 articles indicates that geographical distribution of the studies was highly heterogeneous among continents, with the highest number coming from North America and the lowest from Asia and Central America. Most of the non-native plants involved in dispersal studies were woody species from Asia with fleshy fruits dispersed by endozoochory. More than the half of the animal dispersal agents noted were birds, followed by mammals, ants and reptiles. The dominance of bird-dispersal interactions over other animal groups was consistent across geographical regions. Although most of the studies involved only native dispersers, interactions among non-native species were detected, providing support for the existence of invasional meltdown processes. Of the total number of reviewed articles reporting seed removal, 74% evaluated seed dispersal, but only a few studies included seed germination (35.3%), seedling establishment (5.4%) or seed predation (23.5%). Finally, we discuss some research biases and directions for future studies in the area.

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Variance component analysis of body mass in a wild population of deer (Odocoileus virginianus): results from two decades of research

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr12224 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 40 (7) ◽

pp. 588 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Stephen L. Webb ◽

Kenneth L. Gee ◽

Randy W. DeYoung ◽

Seth M. Harju

Keyword(s):

Odocoileus Virginianus ◽

Body Mass ◽

Environmental Effects ◽

Phenotypic Traits ◽

Phenotypic Variance ◽

Components Of Variance ◽

Habitat Improvement ◽

Capture Recapture ◽

Sources Of Variation

Context Long-term studies of large, vertebrate mammals using capture–recapture data are scarce, even though long-term ecological studies are requisite to understanding quantitative genetics and evolutionary processes that can be applied as part of management programs. Aims Objectives were to (1) partition components of variation in body mass to understand the differential effects of environmental variation on the sexes during ontogeny, to better prescribe habitat-improvement projects, and (2) estimate repeatability to assess potential for selection on body mass. Methods We used a 23-year dataset (1983–2005) of capture–recapture records of wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to estimate components of variance and repeatability of body mass. We used an animal-model approach that employed the use of general linear mixed models and restricted maximum likelihood to adjust for the effects of age (i.e. fixed effect), and to partition the total phenotypic variance into among-individual (i.e. the deer), permanent environmental (i.e. year of birth) and temporary environmental (i.e. year of measurement and residual) effects (all modelled as random effects). Key results We found that body mass increased with age in both sexes, repeatability of body mass was 0.595 for females and 0.716 for males, and among-individual variation was more influential on body mass than were permanent and temporary environmental effects combined. Year of birth was more important in males than females, but changed during the course of ontogeny for both sexes. Year of measurement did not influence post-rut body mass in males, but did contribute to variation in body mass of females. Conclusions These long-term data offer insights into the sources of variation that influence body mass of deer, which can be used to understand how environmental sources of variation influence phenotypic traits, and for developing management plans and making selection decisions. Implications Knowledge of repeatability (as an upper limit to heritability) can be used to make management decisions related to selection, culling and breeding, whereas understanding environmental effects can lead to better management recommendations (e.g. habitat-improvement projects).

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THE IRTA-HR PEAR SCION BREEDING PROGRAMME: AIMING FOR HIGH FRUIT QUALITY UNDER WARM GROWING CONDITIONS

Acta Horticulturae ◽

10.17660/actahortic.2008.800.57 ◽

2008 ◽

pp. 455-460 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

I. Batlle ◽

L. Lozano ◽

I. Iglesias ◽

J. Carbó ◽

J. Bonany ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Breeding Programme ◽

Growing Conditions

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CPPU SPRAYS ALTER BLUEBERRY (VACCINIUM CORYMBOSUM L. 'DUKE') FRUIT QUALITY AT HARVEST AND ITS BEHAVIOR IN POSTHARVEST

Acta Horticulturae ◽

10.17660/actahortic.2014.1017.22 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 189-193

Author(s):

J.B. Retamales ◽

R. Godoy ◽

C. Moggia ◽

G.A. Lobos ◽

S. Romero

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum

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THE IRTA-HORTRESEARCH APPLE SCION BREEDING PROGRAMME: AIMING FOR HIGH FRUIT QUALITY UNDER WARM GROWING CONDITIONS

Acta Horticulturae ◽

10.17660/actahortic.2009.814.28 ◽

2009 ◽

pp. 209-214 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

I. Batlle ◽

L. Lozano ◽

I. Iglesias ◽

J. Carbó ◽

J. Bonany ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Breeding Programme ◽

Growing Conditions

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Linking individual phenotype to density-dependent population growth: the influence of body size on the population dynamics of malaria vectors

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2011.0153 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 278 (1721) ◽

pp. 3142-3151 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Tanya L. Russell ◽

Dickson W. Lwetoijera ◽

Bart G. J. Knols ◽

Willem Takken ◽

Gerry F. Killeen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Population Dynamics ◽

Body Size ◽

Population Growth ◽

Vector Control ◽

Anopheles Gambiae ◽

Phenotypic Expression ◽

Phenotypic Traits ◽

Density Dependent ◽

Individual Fitness ◽

The Impact

Understanding the endogenous factors that drive the population dynamics of malaria mosquitoes will facilitate more accurate predictions about vector control effectiveness and our ability to destabilize the growth of either low- or high-density insect populations. We assessed whether variation in phenotypic traits predict the dynamics of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes, the most important vectors of human malaria. Anopheles gambiae dynamics were monitored over a six-month period of seasonal growth and decline. The population exhibited density-dependent feedback, with the carrying capacity being modified by rainfall (97% w AIC c support). The individual phenotypic expression of the maternal ( p = 0.0001) and current ( p = 0.040) body size positively influenced population growth. Our field-based evidence uniquely demonstrates that individual fitness can have population-level impacts and, furthermore, can mitigate the impact of exogenous drivers (e.g. rainfall) in species whose reproduction depends upon it. Once frontline interventions have suppressed mosquito densities, attempts to eliminate malaria with supplementary vector control tools may be attenuated by increased population growth and individual fitness.

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