Showing papers in "Economic Botany in 1986"
TL;DR: The authors' data favor 2 primary areas of domestication, one in Middle America leading to small-seeded cultivars with ‘S’ phaseolin patterns and the other in the Andes giving rise to large-seeding cultivarsWith ‘T’ (and possibly ‘C,’ ‘H,” and ‘A’) phaseolinpatterns.
Abstract: A sample of 106 wild forms and 99 landraces of common bean (Thaseolus vulgaris) from Middle America and the Andean region of South America were screened for variability in phaseolin seed protein using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE) and two-dimensional isoelectric focusing SDS/PAGE. The Middle American wild forms exhibited phaseolin patterns similar to the ‘S’ pattern described previously in cultivated forms, as well as a wide variety of additional banding patterns—‘M’ (Middle America) types—not encountered among common bean cultivars. The Andean wild forms showed only the ‘T’ phaseolin pattern, also described previously among cultivated forms. Landraces from Middle America showed ‘S’ or ‘S’-like patterns with the exception of 2 lines with ‘T’ phaseolin. In Andean South America, a majority of landraces had the ‘T’ phaseolin. Additional types represented in that region were (in decreasing order of frequency) the ‘S’ and ‘C’ types (already described among cultivated forms) as well as the ‘H’ (Huevo de huanchaco) and ‘A’ (Ayacucho), (new patterns previously undescribed among wild and cultivated beans). In each region—Middle America and Andean South America—the seeds of landraces with ‘T’ phaseolin were significantly larger than those of landraces with ‘S’ phaseolin. No significant differences in seed size were observed among landraces with ‘T,’ ‘C,’ ‘H,’ and ‘A’ phaseolin types of the Andean region. Our data favor 2 primary areas of domestication, one in Middle America leading to small-seeded cultivars with ‘S’ phaseolin patterns and the other in the Andes giving rise to large-seeded cultivars with ‘T’ (and possibly ‘C,’ ‘H,’ and ‘A’) phaseolin patterns.
493 citations
TL;DR: The existence and identity of Sesamum indicum as a Mesopotamian oil source have been controversial since 1966 when H. Helbaek reported that not a single seed of sesame had been found in the Near East from earlier than Islamic times as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: There is botanical and textual evidence for sesame cultivation in the ancient Old World. Excavations at the Indus civilization site of Harappa have yielded charred sesame from a stratum attributed to 3050–3500 B.C. The Vedic scriptures (ca. 1000B.C.) contain frequent references to sesame. The existence and identity ofSesamum indicum as a Mesopotamian oil source have been controversial since 1966 when H. Helbaek reported that not a single seed of sesame had been found in the Near East from earlier than Islamic times. The Chicago Assyrian Dictionary and some cuneiformists subsequently have translated se-gis-I as “linseed” (=flax, genusLinum, named by Linneaus). Helbaek’s assertion that no ancient sesame remains have been excavated is inaccurate, but the reported finds (Karmir Blur in Armenia, [ancient Urartu], ca. 600 B.C.; Hajar Bin Humeid in South Arabia, ca. 450 B.C.) are late. Sesame was a major item of agriculture in the Urartian economy and that kingdom was a northern neighbor of Mesopotamia. In the fifth century, B.C., Herodotus wrote that sesame was the only oil used in Babylonia. The crop was well known to ancient Greek and Roman authors. Records of sesame in Egypt and China are late (ca. 3rd c. B.C.). New evidence suggests that the Mesopotamian oil plant se-gis-I is sesame, and that the crop and one name for its oil,ellu, were introduced from India. A cuneiform text indicates that the barley harvest [in spring] was followed by the sowing of se-gis-I, a summer crop in Mesopotamia. Sesame can be distinguished clearly from flax, a cool-season crop, and their growing seasons differ as would be expected.
252 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that Colombia is a meeting place for Andean and Middle American common bean germplasms, as well as a domestication center for the common bean.
Abstract: Phaseolin seed protein variability in a group of 8 wild and 77 cultivated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) accessions was determined using 1-dimensional SDS/ PAGE and 2-dimensional IEF-SDS/PAGE. Wild common bean accessions exhibited the 'CH' and 'B' patterns, previously undescribed among either wild or cultivated common beans. The cultivated genotypes showed (in decreasing frequency) the previously described 'S,' T,' and 'C phaseolin patterns as well as the new 'B' pattern similar to the pattern identified in a Colombian wild common bean accession. In the northeastern part of the Colombian bean-growing region, the cultivars exhibited almost exclusively an 'S' phaseolin type, while in the south-western part, the 'T' and 'C phaseolin cultivars were more frequent. Seed size analysis indicated that 'T' and 'C' phaseolin cultivars had larger seeds than 'S' and 'B' phaseolin cultivars. Our results suggest that Colombia is a meeting place for Andean and Middle American common bean germplasms, as well as a domestication center for the common bean.
187 citations
TL;DR: While frankincense and myrrh have been harvested from a multitude of species, certain species have predominated in history and each oleo-gum-resins has a characteristic odor that is predominately due to a mixture of complex sesquiterpenes.
Abstract: While frankincense and myrrh have been harvested from a multitude of species, certain species have predominated in history.Boswellia carteri andB. frereana are the main sources of frankincense today, whileB. papyrifera was the principal source of antiquity andB. sacra was the principal species of classical times.Commiphora myrrha is the chief source of myrrh today, butC. erythraea was the principal source of ancient and classical times. Each of these oleo-gum-resins has a characteristic odor that is predominately due to a mixture of complex sesquiterpenes.
163 citations
125 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors found that about three-fifths of the 47 medicinal plants that originate from the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua, Mexico, and that are sold in Chihuahuas markets are used in a similar manner by both the urban Mexicans and the Tarahumara.
Abstract: Of the 47 medicinal plants that originate from the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua, Mexico, and that are sold in Chihuahuan markets, about three-fifths are used in a similar manner by both the urban Mexicans and the Tarahumara. This pattern suggests that these plants produce satisfactory effects on certain human systems, are reliable, and hence are repeatedly employed by both ethnic groups. Such plants that are used for similar ailments by 2 cultural groups with different ethnomedical concepts may be of interest for intensive research.
114 citations
TL;DR: The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) contains promising pest-control substances found effective against many economically important pests, thereby offering potential for crop protection and off-farm income generation.
Abstract: The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) contains promising pest-control substances found effective against many economically important pests. These materials are easy to process by village-level industries and easy to use by limited-resource farmers, thereby offering potential for crop protection and off-farm income generation. The tree’s numerous pharmacological and other complementary uses make it doubly attractive for incorporation in large-scale rural development efforts.
86 citations
TL;DR: A theory on the place of origin and time of domestication of these ancient cultivars is given in the conclusions of this paper.
Abstract: Preserved remains of manioc(Manihot) from 6 archaeological sites in the Casma Valley of Peru are illustrated and described. The combined collections from these sites total 197 pieces of root, 32 bark fragments, 22 pieces of stem, 4 capsules, and 2 leaf twigs. Based on radiocarbon assays, the specimens range in age from 1800 B.C. to A.D. 1532. This collection of sweet manioc is unique for its age, number, and wealth of different plant parts. A theory on the place of origin and time of domestication of these ancient cultivars is given in the conclusions of this paper.
85 citations
TL;DR: This African species has good natural seed retention and is a promising new crop for semiarid tropical areas.
Abstract: Vernonia galamensis is a good source of seed oil rich in epoxy acid, which can be used to manufacture plastic formulations, protective coatings, and other products. Seed from a natural stand in Ethiopia contained 31% epoxy acid. Under cultivation in Kenya, this unimproved germplasm produced a substantial yield of seed with 32% epoxy acid. This African species has good natural seed retention and is a promising new crop for semiarid tropical areas.
81 citations
TL;DR: Although evidence is presented that humans have directed potato evolution on a small scale, it is most likely that the domestication process has always been passive in its essential aspects.
Abstract: This investigation of the biological and cultural factors determining evolution of the potato in the Andes focused on a hybrid swarm comprising weeds and cultivated forms of Solanum x ajanhuiri. Three species of bee visitors were likely pollinators of potato flowers in altiplano fields. Mapping and statistical analyses of the juxtaposition of weed and cultivated diploid potatoes indicated situations where insectmediated hybridization between cultivated and noncultivated taxa was likely. Folk belief that a valley in the Department of La Paz, Bolivia, was the source of the important cultivar, ajawiri, is supported by the variety of weeds of S x ajanhuiri from this site that show cultivated characteristics. Farming practices of Aymara subsistence cultivators should facilitate the introduction of genetic recombinants into cultivated gene pools. Although evidence is presented that humans have directed potato evolution on a small scale, it is most likely that the domestication process has always been passive in its essential aspects. Human intervention may be more deliberate during times of crop failure.
79 citations
TL;DR: The Lahu, the third largest of the 6 main tribes in northern Thailand, migrated into Thailand from Burma within the past 100 yr and it appears that they may be losing their knowledge of medicinal plants.
Abstract: The Lahu, the third largest of the 6 main tribes in northern Thailand, migrated into Thailand from Burma within the past 100 yr. Most still live in the hills above 1,200 m and practice swidden agriculture. Health is a main theme of the Lahu culture and they treat illness and injuries in a variety of ways. Traditional medicines derived from plants are usually employed first, although modern medical treatment is becoming more widespread. Because of this, it appears that they may be losing their knowledge of medicinal plants. Appendix 1 lists 68 different species and the medical use or uses of them by the Lahu. Appendix 2 lists 21 species not previously reported as having therapeutic value. Voucher specimens are deposited in ECON, WCW, JEPS.
TL;DR: Improvements in tolerance to environmental stress, in grain-to-straw ratios, and in standability have been the major genetic causes of higher achieved yields and will continue to be the foundation for further gains in productivity and stability.
Abstract: Plant breeding improvements have been responsible for 50 percent or more of the gains in yield per unit area of major crop plants in the United States over the past 50 yr. Rates of gain attributable to genetic improvements have averaged 1% per year, have generally been linear, and show no sign of slackening. Extrapolations indicate that varieties and hybrids of the year 2000 will yield, on average, 15% more than those of 1985 Improvements in tolerance to environmental stress, in grain-to-straw ratios, and in standability, as well as maintenance of required levels of resistance to disease, insect and nematode pests, have been the major genetic causes of higher achieved yields and will continue to be the foundation for further gains in productivity and stability. Broadened genetic diversity is also an increasingly important goal to promote stability and increase productivity potentials. Proportionately large research inputs are now needed to maintain desired rates of improvement, compared to earlier years. It seems likely that contributions from biotechnology will become increasingly important in years to come if improvement rates are to be maintained.
TL;DR: The Akha are one of the 6 major tribes or minorities living in the remote hills of northern Thailand who still use extensively plants as medicines.
Abstract: The Akha are one of the 6 major tribes or minorities living in the remote hills of northern Thailand who still use extensively plants as medicines. This paper describes the Akha culture and environment and their use of medicinal plants. An appendix lists 121 different species and the medicinal use or uses attributed to them.
TL;DR: Ginseng has long been one of this country's major botanical drugs in foreign trade as discussed by the authors and it became a domesticated crop in the late 1800s and now is raised largely in northcentral Wisconsin.
Abstract: Ginseng has long been one of this country’s major botanical drugs in foreign trade. Once harvested only in the forests of the Eastern frontiers, it became a domesticated crop in the late 1800s and now is raised largely in northcentral Wisconsin. Growers there produce an estimated 90% of the cultivated ginseng in the United States. Most American ginseng has been consumed in the Orient, as is reflected in export records dating back to 1821. Over 95% of the nearly 21,000 metric tons (T) shipped in the period 1821–1983 went to the Far East. Hong Kong has served as the center for re-exporting ginseng to China and Southeast Asia. Ginseng has been used in Asia for many purposes, mostly as a curative agent. It has also gained increasing acceptance elsewhere in the world for its alleged value.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a new classification of the Cucurbitaceae, including a proposed new taxa of Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae, Passifloraceae, and Piperaceae from coastal Colombia and Ecuador.
Abstract: . 1980. New species ofApocynaceae, Bignoniaceae, Passifloraceae, and Piperaceae from coastal Colombia and Ecuador. Phytologia 47: 97-107. 1982. Patterns of neotropical plant species diversity. Evol. Biol. 15: 1-84. 1983. Dispersal and distribution in Bignoniaceae. Sonderbd. Naturwiss. Ver. Hamburg 7: 187-199. Girgis, P., and T. D. Turner. 1972. Lesser known Nigerian edible oils and fats. III. Fatty acid compositions as determined by gas-liquid chromatography. J. Sci. Food Agric. 23: 259-262. Gtmn, C. R., and J. V. Dennis. 1976. World Guide to Tropical Drift Seeds and Fruits. Demeter Press, New York. Jamieson, G. S. 1943. Vegetable Fats and Oils. Ed. 2. Reinhold, New York. Jeffrey, C. 1962a. Notes on Cucurbitaceae, including a proposed new classification of the family. Kew Bull. 15: 337-371. 1962b. Notes on some species of Fevillea L., Siolmatra Baill., and Pseudosicydium Harms (Cucurbitaceae) in the Amazon Basin. Kew Bull. 16:199-202. 1979. Further notes on Cucurbitaceae. IV. Some New-World taxa. Kew Bull. 33: 347-380. Lindley, J., and T. Moore. 1870. The Treasury of Botany. Ed. 2. Longman, London. Macbride, J. F. 1937. Cucurbitaceae. In Flora of Peru. Publ. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Bot. Ser. 13: 321-383. Nfifiez, M. E. 1975. Plantas Medicinales de Costa Rica y su Folclore. Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica. P6rez-Arbelhez, E. 1937. Plantas Medicinales y Venenosas de Colombia. Edit. Cromos, Bogota. 1947. Plantas utile de Colombia. Ed. 2. Imprenta Nacional, Bogota. Pio Corr6a, M. 1931. Dicionario das Plantas fiteis do Brazil 3:33-35. Servi~o de Informa~o Agricola, Minist6rio da Agricultura, Rio de Janeiro. Raven, P.H. 1976. Ethics and attitudes. In J. B. Simmons, R. I. Beyer, P. E. Brandham, G. L. Lucas, and V. T. H. Parry, ed, Conservation of Threatened Plants, p. 155-179. Plenum, New York. Spruce, R. 1908. Notes of a Botanist on the Amazon and Andes. A. R. Wallace, ed. Macmillan, London. Tulloch, A. P., and L. Bergter. 1979. Analysis of the conjugated trienoic acid containing oil from Fevillea trilobata by ~3C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Lipids 14: 996-1002. Uphof, J. C.T. 1968. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Ed. 2. Verlag Cramer, Wfirzburg. Usher, G. 1974. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, London. Williams, L.O. 1981. The useful plants of Central America. Ceiba 24: 1-342.
TL;DR: The amount of tannins present in Acacia berlandierii, A farnesiana, A greggii and A rigidula, 4 common species of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, was determined by using Folin-Denis analysis for total phenolic materials, followed by precipitation with casein or hide powder.
Abstract: The amount of tannins present inAcacia berlandierii, A farnesiana, A greggii andA rigidula, 4 common species of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, was determined Bark samples of the 4 species were extracted with water, 80% methanol, and 70% acetone Of these, 70% acetone proved to be the most efficient solvent Tannins were determined by Folin-Denis analysis for total phenolic materials, followed by precipitation with casein or hide powder The hidepowder method was modified to facilitate handling of smaller samples Results of tannin determination by casein and hide-powder precipitation methods gave comparable results The amount of tannins present in leaves, bark, wood, and immature fruits of samples of these species was then determined by the same analytical methods In most instances, bark and immature fruits had the highest percentage of tannins (5–15%) and wood was much lower (less than 1%) Leaves had intermediate values
TL;DR: It is concluded that significant new plant drugs and new methods of producing them will be developed to serve mankind during the 21st century.
Abstract: Lack of effective cooperation among researchers in the applicable biological, physical, and clinical sciences has accounted, in large measure, for the lack of successful development in the United States of any significant number of new plant drugs during the latter part of the 20th century. Unrealistic federal regulations that tend to render unprofitable such research have also played an important role in hindering the development of new plant drugs. It is likely that both of these factors will change in the future as health-conscious consumers demand more accurate information and wider availability of natural drug products. Several anticipated developments will greatly facilitate research and production in this previously difficult area. These include the development of new, simplified bioassay procedures; improved, easily applied analytical methods; and innovative plant-cell-culture methodologies, possibly involving genetic manipulation. The kinds of drugs that need to be developed using such techniques are discussed. It is concluded that significant new plant drugs and new methods of producing them will be developed to serve mankind during the 21st century.
TL;DR: This characterization of the genetic variation in sesame can be used to identify sources of genetic materials for crop improvement, as well as to provide information about the evolution and genetic differentiation of the crop.
Abstract: Cultivars of sesame from 20 countries were sampled for morphological variability. Taximetric methods, including factor, cluster, discriminant, and principal components analyses, established patterns of similarities and were used to generate groupings among the taxa. The complementary results of the analyses indicate that 8 major groups can be discerned. Plants with tetracarpellate capsules have a distinctive form and comprise the initial separation from the entire collection on the dendrogram. The second branch is a group of purple-tinged plants from India that also includes the proposed progenitor. A short, bushy, early maturing genotype consists of predominantly Turkish cultivars. Another group, composed primarily of Korean accessions, consists of unbranched plants with strap-shaped leaves. Other groups are less easily typified. This characterization of the genetic variation in sesame can be used to identify sources of genetic materials for crop improvement, as well as to provide information about the evolution and genetic differentiation of the crop.
TL;DR: The chemical composition of the now widespread tropical aquatic fern Salvinia molestawas analysed with regard to its suitability as a source of forage for ruminants and the high content of crude ash and of lignin and the presence of tannins may reduce acceptance as well as digestibility.
Abstract: The chemical composition of the now widespread tropical aquatic fern Salvinia molestawas analysed with regard to its suitability as a source of forage for ruminants. Three different stages of plant growth collected in Kerala, India, were air dried, brought to Germany, and used for Weende analysis, detergent fibre analysis, and the determination of gross energy, amino acids, tannins, and minerals. The concentration of 12.4% crude protein in sand-corrected dry matter (DM) and of some other nutrients in Salviniais comparable to that in conventional forage. However, the high content of crude ash (17.3% in DM) and of lignin (13.7%) and the presence of tannins (0.93%) may reduce acceptance as well as digestibility and therefore restrict the use of Salviniaas a potential feed source for ruminants.
TL;DR: It is suggested that bryophytes are a promising source for discovery of novel biologically active compounds in mosses, liverworts, and hornworts and in the moss families Thuidiaceae, Mniaceae, Neckeraceae, Hypnaceae, Brachytheciaceae, Polytrichaceae, Dicranaceae, and Grimmiaceae.
Abstract: The National Cancer Institute’s record of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) screened for biologically active chemicals is reviewed In 1977, an extract of a moss from Maryland, Polytrichum ohioense, showed cytotoxicity in KB cell culture, but antitumor activity was not discovered in bryophytes until 1980 This led to a greater emphasis in collecting and screening bryophytes during 1980–1981 Samples weighing 05–2 kg (dried) were collected for each of 208 species and varieties These included 184 species in 97 genera of mosses, 23 species in 16 genera of liverworts, and 1 hornwort The methodologies for field work, extraction, and screening are briefly described The screening results are summarized in a table listing all species alphabetically by family and by genus For each species, the origin of the sample (country or state), collector’s number, extract number, type of extract, and 3 bioassays employed (including the dose levels used and toxic dose for the P388 lymphocytic leukemia assay) are indicated Extracts of 75 species were toxic; extracts of 43 species were active Activity was especially noted in the moss families Thuidiaceae, Mniaceae, Neckeraceae, Hypnaceae, Brachytheciaceae, Polytrichaceae, Dicranaceae, and Grimmiaceae The authors suggest that bryophytes are a promising source for discovery of novel biologically active compounds The possibility that biological activity in bryophytes may be the result of allelopathy, or the reputed ability of bryophytes to accumulate toxic substances, is considered
TL;DR: In ancient Egypt, lettuce was considered an aphrodisiac and was featured in the yearly festival of Min, an ithyphallic god of fertility and procreation as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In ancient Egypt, lettuce was considered an aphrodisiac and was featured in the yearly festival of Min, an ithyphallic god of fertility and procreation. The Greeks considered it an antiaphrodisiac and its use as a soporific continued into this century. The sycomore fig has a highly specialized fertilization biology, but does not produce seed in Egypt for want of the proper species of wasp. Ripening has been hastened since ancient times by gashing the syconia. To the ancient Egyptians it was a sacred trysting tree inhabited by the goddess of love and was the focus of a body of love poetry. Some selected verses are presented.
TL;DR: Paintings produced in Flanders and Holland from the 16th to the 19th centuries are useful sources for a study of the evolution of domesticated crops and show many types of vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals that are either not described or scantly mentioned in the literature of that period.
Abstract: Paintings produced in Flanders and Holland from the 16th to the 19th centuries are useful sources for a study of the evolution of domesticated crops. They show many types of vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals that are either not described or scantly mentioned in the literature of that period. So we come across “really red” cabbage, which may have been calledroosken, and cauliflower with stems some 25 cm long. We further notice many colour variants of grapes, study of which may well provide information on the variation present in the crop at the time. Spikes of wheat and barley were rarely depicted. The few spikes of wheat shown resemble the varietyZeeuwse Witte, a landrace replaced around 1900 Many paintings and illustrations by Flemish and Dutch artists have been distributed all over the world. These works can therefore be investigated in many places for information on the history of domesticated crops.
TL;DR: If improved varieties of Grindelia camporum can be developed that yield a higher proportion of resin, this species would be suitable for domestication as a new crop for arid lands.
Abstract: Grindelia camporum is a conspicuously resinous, herbaceous perennial found in the Central Valley area of California. The resin is produced in multicellular glands, which occur on the surfaces of stems, leaves, and involucres. The resin is composed of grindelic acid and several of its derivatives. These labdane diterpenes are similar to the resin acids that constitute rosin, a principal product of the naval stores industry, and it seems likely that resin extracted from Grindelia would have uses similar to those of rosin. If improved varieties of Grindelia camporum can be developed that yield a higher proportion of resin, this species would be suitable for domestication as a new crop for arid lands.
TL;DR: In this paper, the degree of acculturation for three Indian groups: the Guaymi near Soloy, Panama, the Cabecar near San Vito, Costa Rica, and the Telire in Costa Rica.
Abstract: Ethnobotanical information was collected and the degree of acculturation was estimated for 3 Indian groups: 1) the Guaymi near Soloy, Panama, 2) the Guaymi near San Vito, Costa Rica, and 3) the Cabecar in the Telire Reserve, Costa Rica. In both Guaymi settlements, the introduction of cattle, cacao, and coffee had altered traditional agricultural systems. Also, the availability of modern agricultural seeds had reduced the planting frequency of indigenous crop varieties. In comparison, the Cabecar agricultural traditions in the isolated Telire Reserve remain essentially intact. of the persons interviewed, the Telire inhabitants were more willing to discuss and were more knowledgeable of native plant uses, especially medicinal uses, than either Guaymi group. Expeditions to these areas indicated that much ethnobotanical information remains undocumented, especially in the Telire Reserve, and that continual acculturation pressures leave little time to achieve complete documentation.
TL;DR: An ethnobotanical study was conducted among the Jicaque Indians of the Montana de la Flor reservation in central Honduras to collect information regarding their plant-use practices.
Abstract: An ethnobotanical study was conducted among the Jicaque Indians of the Montana de la Flor reservation in central Honduras to collect information regarding their plant-use practices. The data, including vernacular names, ecological settings, and uses, were recorded during collecting forays with Jicaque informants. Scientific and Jicaque names have been provided for 23 plant species used for food, 11 used for medicine, 4 used for beverages, 3 used as sources of wood, 5 in artifact manufacturing, and 3 used in other ways. Also, a list of 43 species is included for which the Jicaques have a name but no known use.
TL;DR: The search for an efficient alternative medicine or a source for codeine other than opium poppy other than heroin is discussed with regards to the natural occurrence of morphinan derivatives and the biosynthetic pathways in available plants.
Abstract: Codeine, medically the most widely used opiate, is mostly derived from morphine, isolated from opium and poppy straw (Papaver somniferum, opium poppy). Morphine, however, is greatly misused by illegal conversion into its diacetyl-derivative: heroin. The discovery of an efficient alternative medicine or a source for codeine other than opium poppy may contribute to a curtailment of the heroin market. No major adverse properties should be present in such a new medicine or codeine source. In this paper the search for the latter is discussed with regards to the natural occurrence of morphinan derivatives and the biosynthetic pathways in available plants. Economic and social problems connected with the introduction of a new biological source for opiates are reviewed.
TL;DR: Millet germplasm from Malawi belongs to the race typhoides and serves as a good source of genes for earliness, tillering, and corneous endosperm.
Abstract: A germplasm collecting trip to Malawi was launched during March/April 1979, resulting in the collection of 260 traditional cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum), 11 intermediate forms, and 6 accessions of wild Pennisetum. Most of the cultivated pearl millet samples were obtained from the hot lowlands of the lower Shire Valley, with a few samples from the cool highlands of Mulanje and Mangochi. A mixture of different types that varied in plant height, maturity, and spike characters were observed in farmers’ fields. In the south, early types with loose, thin, cylindrical spikes and in the north, late-maturing types producing many tillers with stout spikes having long bristles were found. The grain is used to prepare a thick porridge, nsima, or to brew local beer, chimera. When the collection was evaluated at ICRISAT Center, Patancheru, considerable variation was observed for days to 50% flowering and plant height, but not for spike and grain characters. During the rainy season, the majority of the accessions flowered early (70 days), grew very tall (250 cm), and produced thin (22 mm), short (22 cm) spikes with small, obovate to elliptical, corneous grey grain. In the postrainy season, most of the accessions flowered a week earlier accompanied by reduction in plant height. Millet germplasm from Malawi belongs to the race typhoides and serves as a good source of genes for earliness, tillering, and corneous endosperm.
TL;DR: Comparisons of the data presented herein with data from other plants suggest that similar growth factors have been responsible for changes in fruit shape resulting from domestication.
Abstract: Aboriginal cultivators selected a phylogenetically novel fruit shape during the domestication ofProboscidea parviflora ssp.parviflora var.Hohokamiana. The extremely long rostrum of the domesticated var.Hohokamiana is unique for the Martyniaceae. Rostrum length and width are significantly correlated in the wild var.parviflora, but in var.Hohokamiana aboriginal cultivators apparently selected for a weaker correlation between these variables. In both varieties there is an allometric relationship between rostrum and “capsule” lengths, with the former increasing proportionately faster than the latter. The above allometric relationship and the decrease in correlation between rostrum length and width are advantageous to aboriginal cultivators because the proportionately longer and thinner rostra are better for basketmaking. Comparisons of the data presented herein with data from other plants suggest that similar growth factors have been responsible for changes in fruit shape resulting from domestication.