Exploiting Genomic Resources for Efficient Utilization of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Crop Improvement based on Agro-morphological, Yield and Nutritional Traits

Background: In an effort to develop micronutrient-rich chickpea lines, a study to examine the variability in yield and nutritional traits was conducted. Methods: 99 genotypes were studied, the data was recorded and analyzed on yield traits, protein, iron and zinc content in Rabi 2019-20. Result: Maximum variability was recorded in plant yield followed by iron concentration (mg/kg), hundred seed weight and number of pods per plant. Of the total entries, nine entries namely, RGH4, RGH56, RG2016-84, ICC251762, RGH53, IPC98-12, RG2016-03, ICC1053 and RGH58 recorded high protein content ( greater than 20%). All these entries possessing high protein had pink flower. One chickpea accession (RGH53) accumulated the highest concentration for both protein and zinc, with an average of 21.86% and 73.00 ppm, respectively, but it showed low iron concentration (20.77 ppm). The first six principal components provided a reasonable summary of the data and explained 80.19% of the total variation. Ninety nine genotypes were grouped into ten clusters. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between clusters VI and IX; VI and VII and IV and VI. The genotypes of these clusters are suggested for utilization in the crossing programs to breed varieties of chickpea for high yield with amenability to nutrients.

Molecular Characterization of Vitex agnus-castus L. (Verbenaceae) Populations Grown in Aydin, Turkey

In this study, we performed a genetic diversity analysis using RAPD markers for some Vitex agnus-castus populations grown in Aydin, Turkey. Total genomic DNA isolation from the leaves of Vitex agnus-castus was performed using a commercial kit. Seven RAPD primers (OPA-02, OPA-05, OPA-13, OPA-15, OPA-16, OPA-18, OPA-20) were used to determine genetic diversity among populations. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed with all genomic DNA samples and primers. PCR products were run in agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized under UV light. The amplified products were scored as bands (1) and no bands (0) for all gel images and their matrix files were generated. A total of 36 characters were obtained from the primers. Phylogenetic relationships and genetic distances between the cultivars were calculated by using the PAUP* (Phylogenetic Analysis Using Parsimony and other methods) program. According to PAUP analysis, the closest genetic distances were between Çine pink flower and Çakmar purple flower, and Çakmar pink flower and Çakmar purple flower populations with a value of 0.05556; and the greatest genetic distance was between Çakmar pink flower and Köşk purple flower populations with a value of 0.36111. In the phylogenetic analysis obtained using UPGMA algorithms, the phylogenetic tree consisted of four groups. The results suggest that RAPD markers are useful tools for determining genetic relationships among Vitex agnus-castus genotypes.

Cymbidium jiangchengense (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Cymbidiinae), a new species from China: evidence from morphology and DNA sequences

A new orchid species, Cymbidium jiangchengense, from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. Its distinctiveness is evaluated with morphology and molecular analyses. A detailed comparison between the newly discovered orchid and other members of Cymbidium was performed. The new plant was characterized by stem-like pseudobulbs, narrowly oblong leaves, coriaceous leaves with an acute apex, a 2-flowered inflorescence, a purplish pink flower, narrowly elliptic sepals, petals, a obovate-lanceolate lip with a cordate midlobe, a yellow central callus, and a disc with a trough shape longitudinal lamella from the base extending to the base of the midlobe and a lamellae apex inflated to form two calluses that are not confluent apically. These features distinguish this new orchid from all other known species of Cymbidium. A molecular study based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid matK and rbcL DNA sequence data indicates that C. jiangchengense is a distinct species that sister to C. wadae and a member of section Eburnea, subgenus Cyperorchis.

Preliminary Phytochemicals and Pharmacologic Activities Assessment of White and Pink Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Flowers

The phytochemicals of the ethanolic extracts of petals and stamens of lotus flowers from several lotus cultivars belonging to the Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (namely 'lotus white flower' and 'lotus pink flower') were studied by color reaction test and HPTLC analysis. The lotus pink flower stamens showed a highest amount of ethanolic extractives (ca. 18.33±2.14% of dry material weight). The several the ethanolic extracts of N. nucifera petals and stamens showed similar qualitative phytochemicals. The crude extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoinds, tannins and polyphenols. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The analyzed lotus pink flower stamens ethanolic extract showed a highest antioxidant activity at IC50 = 0.61±0.16 μg/ml and lotus pink flower petals ethanolic extract showed a highest tyrosinase inhibitory effect at IC50 = 2.25±0.21 μg/ml. N. nucifera flowers could be provide a potential natural source of phytochemicals and could be beneficial to the cosmetic properties.

Diversity of flax morphological characters in VIR genetic collection as a result of crop domestication

Background. Almost all described flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) biodiversity is presented in VIR genetic collection(GC). Materials and methods. 316 lines from GC belonging to 5 subspecies (indo-abyssinicum, hindustanicum, eurasiaticum, mediterraneum, transitorium) were characterized by morphological traits (MT), for some of them Mendel’s genetic control was evaluated. Results. MT groups, genotypes typical for each of subspecies are revealed, but appearance of other phenotypes cannot be excluded, because subspecies can differ only in frequency of their occurrence. The genetic analysis was carried out. It expanded the list of MT genes. It was shown that many lines have similar mutations of MT regardless of their origin. Many MT genes are promising or already use in breeding for example YSED1 and ysed (yellow seed), pf-ad (pink flower, yellow seeds), dlb3 (pale blue flower), sfbs1 (white deformed flower). Soon lines carrier s1 gene (anthocyanin biosynthesis inhibitor), will be used because mucilage from seeds s1s1 has special polysaccharide compound and with wf1 (white flower) gene which is linked with early flowering. The linkage between the genes controlling dark blue flower (sfc6, sfc10) and yellow seeds (ysed2) was found, which must be taken into account while breeding for yellow seed. Conclusion. The old landraces of GC can serve as source for any direction of breeding.

Evaluation of Twenty-one Mountain Laurel Cultivars for Container and Landscape Performance in the Southeastern United States

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is an outstanding ornamental shrub due to its attractive foliage and showy inflorescences. Breeding efforts have led to improved selections that have predominantly been developed and evaluated in the northeastern United States. Consequently, most cultivars have largely been dismissed as incompatible for the southeastern U.S. environmental conditions by nursery growers and consumers. This study was conducted over a 4-year period to evaluate 21 popular mountain laurel cultivars, primarily developed in the northeastern United States, for container and field performance in Georgia. All cultivars yielded considerable growth in the first year of container trials, indicating production of mountain laurel as a 1-year container crop is feasible. Cultivars displayed significantly different total growth index throughout the container trial. Fast-growing cultivars such as Bullseye and Ostbo Red yielded more than 100, 150, and 250 cm of growth index in 1, 2, and 4 years, respectively. Conversely, cultivars that grew slower, such as Firecracker and Tinkerbell, had less than 80, 115, and 180 cm in 1, 2, and 4 years, respectively. Cultivars were classified into five groups, using principal component analysis, that included dwarf habit with pink flower, dwarf habit with nonpink flower, nondwarf habit with green stem and white flower, nondwarf habit with pigment-patterned flower, and nondwarf habit with pink flower. In a field study, performance rating of 21 cultivars ranged from 2.0 to 4.8 (out of 5.0) in 2014 and from 2.0 to 5.0 in 2015. Ten cultivars that received the highest ratings over these 2 years were selected for a subsequent field trial in 2016. Cultivars showed overall decreased ratings (1.0–3.3) from the previous 2 years because of late spring planting. ‘Ostbo Red’, ‘Pristine’, and ‘Tinkerbell’ had higher performance ratings, more net growth, and less decrease in maximum quantum yield, which indicated suitable adaptation to southeastern U.S. environmental conditions. Nursery growers and consumers should benefit from regional cultivar trial information derived from this study. ‘Ostbo Red’, ‘Pristine’, and ‘Tinkerbell’ performed well across trials and therefore are recommended for southeastern U.S. landscapes based on superior container and field performance, leaf spot (caused by Mycosphaerella colorata) tolerance, and morphologic distinctions.