Performance of Putative Mutants and Genetic Parameters of Plectranthus amboinicus (L.) through Mutation Induction With Colchicine

Genetic enhancement in vegetatively propagated crops can be done through mutation induction. Colchicine-induced mutation is one of the methods that can be employed to increase plant genetic diversity. This study aimed to determine the effect of colchicine on the performance and genetic parameters of MV3 generation of Plectranthus amboinicus (L.). This study was conducted at the Laboratory of Agricultural Seed Management, Plantation Research and Development Center, from June 2018 to June 2019. Nodes and shoots were used as explants. Mutation induction was performed using colchicine at concentrations of 0%, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.06%. Explant regeneration and subculture were done on MS0 medium. The number of plantlets yielded were 59 (0% concentration of colchicine), 60 (0.02%), 81 (0.04%), and 80 plantlets (0.06%), respectively. Results indicated that colchicine-induced mutation in an in vitro culture was able to generate high genetic diversity in both quantitative and qualitative characters of the plantlets. At the concentration of 0.04%, colchicine produced the highest frequency of putative mutants (28.4%). Genetic parameters in MV3 generation of P. amboinicus plantlets showed that five quantitative characters, i.e. plantlet height, number of leaves, number of shoots, leaf length, and number of roots had high heritability values at a concentration around the LC50 value (0.0275%).

NUMERICAL TAXONOMY OF GENUS FICUS L. 1753 (MORACEAE), WITH ADDITION NEW RECORD SPECIES TO EGYPT

The taxonomy of Ficus L., 1753 species is confusing because of the intense morphological variability and the ambiguity of the taxa. This study handled 36 macro-morphological characteristics to clarify the taxonomic identity of the taxa. The study revealed that Ficus is represented in the Egyptian gardens with forty-one taxa; 33 species, 4 subspecies and 4 varieties, and classified into five subgenera: Ficus Corner, 1960; Terega Raf., 1838; Sycomorus Raf., 1838; Synoecia (Miq.) Miq., 1867, and Spherosuke Raf.,1838; out of them seven were misidentified. Amongst, four new Ficus taxa were recently introduced to Egypt namely: F. lingua subsp. lingua Warb. ex De Wild. & T. Durand, 1901; F. pumila L., 1753; F. rumphii Blume, 1825, and F. sur Forssk., 1775. The application of the multivariate analyses in plant systematics namely the two-way clustering analysis and the principal component analysis revealed that the qualitative characters as the presence or absence of lateral peduncular or ostiolar bracts and the leaf margin delimit the differentiation of subgenera within genus Ficus. Whereas the qualitative characters of the leaf as leaf arrangement, lamina shape, length, ratio of length to width, base, apex, number of lateral veins, stipules and figs either pedunculate or sessile, shape, and width are significantly separating the species within the different sections. Seven different identification keys of the studied taxa based on the examined characters are provided. In addition, a diagrammatic key for all the studied taxa is given.

Qualitative Characters of Indigenous Sheep in Central Brazil: Putting Phenotype into Perspective

For centuries, indigenous sheep have been bred in extensive low-input systems in Midwestern Brazil. The hypothesis of this study was the assumption that phenotypic evaluation of indigenous livestock may drive the establishment of breed standards and official breed recognition, and, therefore, promote more local business opportunities. On the basis of more integrative and participatory theoretical background to applying any decision based on phenotype, we designed this research to determine the most typical and unusual phenotypes of Pantaneiro sheep. Pantaneiro ewes (281 ewes from five conservation units in five counties) were evaluated, bearing in mind both conservation and development. Descriptive statistics were used to classify ewes into typical, intermediate, and unusual phenotypes. Chi-squared tests for association were performed to test if morphological variation in the different sampling sites occurred randomly (p > 0.05) or not (p < 0.05). Some results suggest some sort of diversifying selection pressure, i.e., distinct preferences among keepers. We observed considerable morphologic variation among ewes, but it was straightforward to determine the predominant phenotypes. The study evokes integrative agrobiodiversity by putting phenotypical characterization of indigenous livestock into perspective. Discussions coming from this study may support innovative governance and participative decision-making, allied with strategies that value the socioeconomic, biocultural, and adaptive aspects of indigenous livestock in tropical regions and developing countries. This is a challenge for government, rare-breed keepers, value-chain actors, and civil society.

Early Miocene stalked crinoids (Echinodermata) from the southern Rhodanian basin (southeastern France). Paleoenvironments and taxonomy

Using recent samplings and specimens from ancient collections, 14 sites and five species of stalked crinoids have been listed in the Miocene of the southern Rhodanian basin (southeastern France). Three species and two genera are new for science: Papacrinus avignonensis n. gen., n sp. (Balanocrininae), Paraconocrinus rhodanicus n. sp. (Rhizocrinidae) and Gastecrinus vinealis n. gen., n. sp. (Incertae sedis). The identification among the Mediterranean Miocene fauna of the genus Metacrinus, now confined to the Indo-Pacific province, was confirmed by the discovery of brachial ossicles attributed to Metacrinus berthei. The richest and most diversified site was exposed during temporal excavations at the Place du Palais des Papes in Avignon. Four out of the five stalked crinoid species were found in this fossil assemblage in which M. berthei predominates. ?Endoxocrinus gastaldii is associated with M. berthei in several sites. Using dissociated ossicles, differences in quantitative and qualitative characters between these two species are deeply analyzed with their taphonomical, taxonomical and paleoecological consequences. Paleoreliefs and valleys, which had been incised during the Burdigalian, channeled currents. They favored stalked crinoid settlement on various substrates during the late Burdigalian—Lower Langhian transgression. Comparison with the extant fauna allows us to estimate the depth range of the biotopes with stalked crinoids from 100 to 250 m. These estimates are in agreement with those deduced from other paleontological studies.

Begonia ’Crested‘: A new variety of Begonia from interspecific hybridization of Begonia sudjanae C.A Janson × Begonia puspitae Ardi

Improvement of leaf shape characters in Begonia can be done through hybridization between two different species of Begonia. This study aims to produce a new variety of Begonia to better improve the quantitative, qualitative characters and increase its genetic diversity. The study was conducted in the green house of Bogor Botanic Gardens. Two native species of Indonesia, Begonia sudjanae C.A Janson as the female parent and Begonia puspitae Ardi as the male parent. The mature F1 seeds were sown and selections were made among the plants produced. Observation results the characteristics of the new variety Begonia Crested as follows: stem type rhizomatous, leaves simple, ovate, peltate with strongly undulate base. Leaves margin is crenate and apex is acuminate. Colour on the upper surface are yellow green group RHS Colour Chart: (YG 144 A) strong yellow green, colour of veins on upper side is (YG 144 D) light yellow green. Inflorescence peduncle with 20 cm long branched symmetrically. The name Begonia Crested as the selected F1 plants are propagated in a vegetative method with leaves cutting, registered on the Center of Plant Variety Protection (PPVTPP) by No. 846/PVHP/2020. This new variety is beautiful and exotic leaves ornamental Begonia which will be developed as commercials ornamental plants.

Performanţele soiurilor-clone de lavandă (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.)

The varieties of L. angustifolia created are differ by terms of technical maturation: early - Moldoveanca 4, Favoare); (intermediates - Vis Magic 10, Aroma Unica); (late-Alba 7 and Svetlana). They are distinctive by a string of quantitative and qualitative characters (plant size, bush shape, inflo-rescence length, corolla color, floral spike length, floral stem length, number of floral stems, etc.). The productivity of these clone varieties varies depending on the annual cultivation conditions from 5.2 t/ha to 10.4 t/ha raw material production and 75-179 kg/ha essential oil production.

Preliminary study on morphological diversity of cowpea accessions [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] collected in the North of Côte d’Ivoire

The collection and characterization of the diversity of local cowling ecotypes is an important lever in defining the species’ strategies for varietal improvement. The purpose of this study was to generate information on the diversity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cultivars in the savannah area of Côte d’Ivoire. Collecting missions were carried out from December 2017 to February 2018, among farmers and traders in nine departments in the north of Côte d’Ivoire. These missions brought together 48 local cowpea ecotypes in seed form. These accessions were characterized on the basis of eight morphological characters, including two quantitative characters (weight of 100 seeds and length of seeds) and six qualitative characters (color, shape, presence of stain, appearance, eye shape and color around the hilum of seed). Overall, the results showed considerable variability in seed coat coloration in varying proportions. Overall, 35.42% of the samples collected were white, 33.33% were red and 31.25% were other colors. The Multiple Correspondence analysis carried out using all the qualitative characters made it possible to group the 48 accessions collected into 16 morphological groups or morphotypes with distinct characteristics. In addition, they reflect a good part of the morphological diversity of cowpea accessions from the north of Côte d'Ivoire that could be exploited in varietal selection programs for the species.

Phenotypic Variability of The F2 Populations Derived from Crosses Between Local and Introduced Okra Cultivars

Okra (Abelmoschus esculenthus) is a vegetable plant consumed in immature and tender texture fruits. Crosses of local okra with introduced varieties are carried out to improve the character of the local cultivars. This study aimed to assess the variability of agronomic characters, both quantitative and qualitative characters of various families of the F2 populations and select superior families that can be used to produce new cultivars. The F2 population was derived from inbreeding and selection of the crosses between local okra cultivars with B291 and Ve022 as introduced cultivars. The study used an experimental method with an individual observation. Qualitative characters were described based on the descriptor by IBPGR, while quantitative characters were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed variation in each F2 family in plant height, the number of flowers per plant and the number of fruits per plant, except for SOMB291-16. FOHVE022-8, FOHB291-15, FOHVE022-17, SOMB291-23 and SOMB291-24 families could be selected due to the extended picking time were in line with the increase of fruit quality. A broad variability of quantitative characters was found for all characters, indicating a high opportunity to obtain valuable traits and desirable segregants in F2 populations. Variations in qualitative characters were found in stem color, leaf shape, fruit color and fruit shape. The selection of plants with specific characters could be maintained with inbreeding or self-pollinated desirable segregants.

Minimal number of morphoagronomic characters required for the identification of pineapple (Ananas comosus) cultivars in peatlands of Riau, Indonesia

Rosmaina, Elfianis R, Almaksur A, Zulfahmi. 2021. Minimal number of morphoagronomic characters required for the identification of pineapple (Ananas comosus) cultivars in peatlands of Riau, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3854-3862. Pineapple (Ananas comosus L Merr) is a tropical fruit that has high economic value. In Riau Province, Indonesia, pineapples grow and produce well on various types of land, including the highly acidic peatland. There are many types of pineapples grown by from generation to generation, but so far, there have been no reports regarding the diversity of pineapples in peatlands. This study aimed to determine the minimal number of characters distinguishing pineapple morphological and agronomic characters in peatlands. The observations were done on 24 local genotypes of pineapple in peatlands. Characterization were carried out on 49 morphological and agronomic characters according to the Pineapple descriptor from the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGRI). The data were analyzed by Multivariate Analysis, in which the principal components analysis was used for qualitative and quantitative traits. Based on the results of this study, there were at least 12 characters proposed to describe pineapple in peatlands, viz. seven qualitative characters (fruit base leaf color (collar), fruit shape, bractea color, fruit eye profile, fruit eye surface, flesh color, crown attachment to fruit) and five quantitative characters (fruit weight, fruit flesh weight, plant height, number of leaves and leaf length). Out of the 49 traits observed, 12 selected characters can be used as a minimal number of characters that can be used to identify pineapple cultivars on peatland. The findings of this research are rewarding for the conservation and management of genetic resources, selection, and breeding activities of pineapple plants.

A redescription of Stenopora and the type species Stenopora tasmaniensis Lonsdale, 1844 (Trepostomata, Bryozoa)

Type material for Stenopora tasmaniensis Lonsdale, 1844 was lost in the late nineteenth century, and subsequent descriptions of the genus have been based on material incorrectly assigned to the type species. A neotype is erected for S. tasmaniensis from the original type locality and the genus redescribed. The genus exhibits ramose, frondescent, encrusting, and massive colony morphologies, diaphragms are absent, and acanthostyles of a single size surround each aperture. This single size of acanthostyles aligns with the original type species description; however, it differs from the subsequently accepted genus description and may result in existing species being removed from the genus. Analysis of zooecial characters of a single colony exhibiting both frondescent and ramose morphologies reveals statistically significant differences between subsampled sections, despite being from the same colony. Differences relate to details of zooecial parameters and are not controlled by colony morphology. This variation within a single colony confirms the importance of using qualitative characters alongside quantitative measures in defining Paleozoic bryozoan species.