Showing papers on "Plant morphology published in 2012"

Raven Biology of Plants

Abstract: Botany: An Introduction .- PART I: THE BIOLOGY OF THE PLANT CELL .- The Molecular Composition of Plant Cells.- The Plant Cell and the Cell Cycle.- The Movement of Substances Into and Out of Cells.- PART II: ENERGETICS.- The Flow of Energy.- Respiration.- Photosynthesis, Light, and Life.- PART III: GENETICS AND EVOLUTION.- Sexual Reproduction and Heredity.- The Chemistry of Heredity and Gene Expression.- Recombinant DNA Technology, Plant Biotechnology, and Genomics.- The Process of Evolution.- PART IV: DIVERSITY.- Systematics: The Science of Biological Diversity.- Prokaryotes and Viruses.- Fungi.- Algae and Heterotrophic Protists.- Bryophytes.- Seedless Vascular Plants.- Gymnosperms.- Introduction to the Angiosperms.- Evolution of the Angiosperms.- Plants and People.- PART V: THE ANGIOSPERM PLANT BODY: STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT.- Early Development of the Plant Body.- Cells and Tissues of the Plant Body.- The Root: Structure and Development.- The Shoot: Primary Structure and Development.- Secondary Growth in Stems.- PART VI: PHYSIOLOGY OF SEED PLANTS.- Regulating Growth and Development: The Plant Hormones.- External Factors and Plant Growth.- Plant Nutrition and Soils.- The Movement of Water and Solutes in Plants.- PART VII: ECOLOGY (AVAILABLE ON THE COMPANION WEBSITE).- The Dynamics of Communities and Ecosystems.- Global Ecology .- Appendix: Classification of Organisms .- Suggestions for Further Reading .- Glossary.

Induction and identification of polyploidy in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) medicinal plant by colchicine treatment

Abstract: Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the important medicinal plant species. In order to produce an autotetraploid population of basil (Ocimum basilicum) by colchicine, different concentrations (0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50 and 0.75%) and four treatment methods were examined (seed, the growing point of seedlings at the emergence of cotyledone leaves stage and emergence of true two type leaves stage, and root treatment) to determine the best treatment for the induction of tetraploid plants. Autotetraploid plants were produced only by treatment of growing point of seedlings, at the emergence of cotyledone leaves stage, and treatment with 0.5% proved to be the most effective in producing autotetraploids. The induced tetraploids in basil was accompanied by larger stomata and pollen grains, increase in chloroplast number in guard cells and decrease in stomata density, compared to diploid control plants. In order to distinguish the induced colchicine tetraploid plants from the diploids, morphological changes and techniques as stomata size, number of chloroplasts per guard cell, pollen grain diameter and flow cytometry were considered and proved that these methods are suitable, quick and easy methods for identification the ploidy level of Ocimum basilicum in various stages of the plant development of these species and among this methods flow cytometry as found to be the most efficient method for detecting induced changes in ploidy level.

Plant functional traits and species ability for sediment retention during concentrated flow erosion

Abstract: Plant species can have a major effect on erosion dynamics and soil losses by retaining sediment transported during concentrated runoff. Identifying plant functional traits that influence and predict a species ability for sediment trapping is therefore of great interest, especially to improve management and restoration of degraded lands. Sediment trapping ability of four morphologically contrasted species, the broadleaf species Buxus sempervirens and Lavandula angustifolia, and the coniferous species Juniperus communis and Pinus nigra, were investigated with flume experiments. Six functional traits describing stem, leaf and the overall plant morphology, were measured on seedlings. Analyses were performed to compare species efficiency in sediment trapping and to identify traits related to the amount of sediment trapped. Sediment trapping (RTS) was the highest upslope of Lavandula and the lowest upslope of Juniperus. Principal component analysis showed that RTS was best correlated (positively) with canopy density, described by plant biomass and leaf area per unit volume of plant. Leaf area and plant roundness were also positively related to RTS but to a lesser extent. The results of this experimental study suggest that canopy completeness, leaf morphology and plant shape influence sediment retention by plants. Such knowledge may improve the diagnosis of land vulnerability to erosion and the prediction of ecosystem functioning after ecological restoration by the construction of bioengineering works in gully floors.

Morphological differentiation in a common garden experiment among native and non-native specimens of the invasive weed yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis).

Abstract: Understanding the differences between weedy and non-weedy plant populations is important because they may provide clues to genetic factors that create invasive species, as well as important insights into local adaptation. We studied weedy, non-native (California and Argentina) and non-weedy, native populations (Republic of Georgia and Turkey) of Centaurea solstitialis in a common garden setting. Specimens grown from non-native seed stock were generally taller, had longer leaves with more surface area, and flowered earlier than plants grown from native seed stock. Plants from California tended to be much taller, on average, than plants from any other country, and plants from the Republic of Georgia tended to bolt much later than plants from other countries. When we compared neutral genetic variation at microsatellite or simple sequence repeat markers using AMOVA to quantitative morphological variation, we found that quantitative variation was much more likely to be partitioned among regions than genetic variation. We also evaluated FST values against QST (FST/QST analysis) and found evidence for possible selection on plant height and leaf length in the non-native regions. Our results suggest that local adaptation may play a role in the success of C. solstitialis as an invasive weed.

An assessment of morphology and yield characteristics of pumpkin (cucurbita moschata) genotypes in northern bangladesh

Abstract: Twenty pumpkin ( Cucurbita moschata ) genotypes were characterized for morphological and yield attributes in northern area of Bangladesh during kharif season of 2006. The range of first flowering was at 52.0-73.7 days. The early flowering and early maturity was observed in BD-227 genotype. The range of variability was distinct for vine length at harvest, leaf length, leaf diameter, number of branches per plant. The vine length was maximum (400cm) in BD-242 and minimum (169cm) in BD-255. Leaf length ranged from 30.6-47.2 cm in different genotypes and the number of branches per plant varied from 2.0-4.7. The number of branches per plant was maximum (4.7) in BD-270. Entry BD-268 produced maximum number of fruits (15.7) per plant and the minimum (2.0) was in BD-251. The maximum average fruit weight (4.2kg) was in BD-250 and minimum (1.5kg) in BD-257. There was significant variation with regards to yield of different pumpkin genotypes, which was varied from 5.9 - 36.0 kg. Among the twenty one pumpkin germplasm, the maximum fruit yield (36.1kg/plant) was recorded in BD-243 genotype which was closely related to BD-234 genotype (31.1kg/plant) and minimum (5.9kg/plant) was in BD-270. The qualitative characteristics of these pumpkin genotypes showed also variation in fruit colour and flesh colour. The over all performance among the genotypes, BD-243, BD-268, BD-242, BD-234, BD-288, BD-250 and BD-227 may be utilized in breeding program. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tare.v14i1.4834 Tropical Agricultural Research & Extension 14(1): 2011 7-11

Phenotypic and genetic variation of Jatropha curcas L. populations from different countries.

Abstract: Jatropha populations from Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines were evaluated on inland soils at Uni¬versity Agriculture Park, Universiti Putra Malaysia with the main objectives are to select superior plants with high seed and oil yields production for commercial planting and to study inter-populations variation in morphological, seed and oil yields characteristics. Analysis of variance shows that all traits had significant variation among popu¬lations. Phenotypic correlations between seed yield per plant was positively and highly significantly correlated with days to flowering, number of inflorescences, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed yield per hectare, seed oil yield per plant, and seed oil yield per hectare. Seed yield per plant was highly significant negatively correlated with seed oil content. Cluster analysis based on standardized agro-morphological data, divided the Jatropha populations into three clusters through non-hierarchical clustering. Cluster I, II, III consisted of one, two and three populations respectively. Highly significant genotypic differences were obtained among the Jatropha populations for various traits measured. The relative large variations were observed for all traits except number of tertiary branches in first year of harvesting. The variation was large enough to suggest that six Jatropha populations could present appropriate genotypes to be used in intensive breeding programs.

População, arranjo de plantas uniforme e a competição intraespecífica em milho

Abstract: Among the main factors that affect the optimal use of environmental resources and maximization of grain yield in maize, is the area occupied by the plant and the spatial arrangement (how the plants are distributed), interacting directly on the intraspecific competition by environmental factors. Thus, the objective of this work was to verify the effect of different plant populations and spatial arrangement in morphology and grain yield of the single-cross hybrid DOW 2B587, as well as to determine if the equidistant plant spacing reduces the intraspecific competition. The essay was performed in 2007/2008 growing season, in Botucatu-SP. The experimental design was a randomized block in 4.5 x 10.0 m plots with four replications. It was evaluated the leaf area index at flowering and physiological maturity, the dry matter production per plant and per area at flowering and physiological maturity, as agronomic parameters and grain crop yield. All parameters evaluated were affected by plant populations, except the remobilization and harvesting indexes. The spatial arrangements affected the relationship between ear and plant height and stem diameter. In these specific conditions, it can be affirmed that the corn plant morphology was influenced by plant populations but not by spatial arrangements, and equidistant plant spacing cannot minimize intraspecific plant competition.

Sex determination of Papaya ( Carica papaya ) at seedling stage through RAPD Markers

Abstract: Carica papaya is a polygamous diploid plant species with three basic sex types; male, female and hermaphrodite. Rouging unwanted male plants from female and dioecious papaya plantings is a cumbersome procedure usually followed in papaya cultivation. Dioecious nature of papaya is one of the major constraints for papaya for large-scale cultivation. The present study deals with identification of molecular and morphological markers like leaf markers and rate of growth at juvenile/ seedling stage for different sex types and their evaluation at flowering stage in five varieties of papaya namely Ratna, Washington, Honeydew, CO6, and CO2. It was found that based on the leaf morphology and rate of growth, male and female seedlings could be identified at seedling stage. The study indicated that the seedlings start with single lobed leaves and differentiates into three and five lobed leaves. The three lobed leaves are predominant in males and five lobed leaves in females. Leaf morphology and rate of growth at seedling stage has been exploited in identifying the presumptive males and female seedlings at juvenile seedling stage (60-75cm height). Identification of sex types at seedling stage is the first report and has great impact on economic returns to farmers / horticulturists. The above results were confirmed through RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA) for different sex types and at flowering stage in field. This is the significant contribution for the field of horticulture, which has great impact on economic returns to farmers.

Morphological diversity analysis among watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) Mansf.) genotypes.

Abstract: A study was carried out during summer season of 2009 and 2010 to determine variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, path analysis and genetic divergence in watermelon for eleven quantitative characters. The TSS (89.5%) had maximum heritability followed by rind thickness (81.7%), days to first fruit harvest (81.2%), number of primary branches per plant (80.7%), fruit yield per plant (79.7%), node at which first female flower appeared (79.3%) and main vine length (79.0%) which provides ample scope for varietal improvement through selection. Significant positive correlation was found between fruit yield per plant and node at which first female flower appeared (0.440), number of primary branches per plant (0.342), fruit weight (0.339) and number of fruits per plant (0.077). The maximum direct effect on fruit yield per plant was exerted by fruit weight had maximum positive direct effect (1.023) at phenotypic level followed by number of fruits per plant (0.862). Therefore, selection should be practices on these characters these characters in breeding programme of watermelon.

Altitudinal variation in the reproductive performance of the Mediterranean shrub Rhamnus lycioides L.

Abstract: Aims Rhamnus lycioides L. subsp. Oleoides (Rhamnaceae) is a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean Basin distributed along an altitudinal gradient, from sea level up to 1 000 m a.s.l. The specific goals of our study were (i) to compare plant morphology between two contrasting populations, (ii) to determine the reproductive system of R. lycioides, quantifying the relative importance of insects and wind as pollen vectors, (iii) to test if pollen limitation differs between populations, (iv) to study the main factors influencing fruit set and (v) to compare plant reproductive performance (mass allocation to flowers, fruits and seeds) between the two habitats. Methods In the present study, we examined plant morphology and the reproductive performance ofR. lycioides L. in contrasting environments in two populations located at the extremes of its altitudinal range in the island of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean Basin) along a 3-year period. Plant morphology, the relative importance of insects and wind as pollen vectors, the pollen limitation to seed production and the plant reproductive performance (mass allocation to flowers, fruits and seeds) were determined. Important Findings Rhamnus lycioides individuals showed a higher plant surface/plant height ratio at the mountain than at the coast. This species appeared to be ambophilous despite its inconspicuous flowers, although the relative importance of wind as a pollination vector was higher at the mountain than at the coastal site. Fruit set was much higher at the mountain, where pollen appeared to be a limiting factor. By contrast, fruit set was not limited by pollen availability at the coastal population, where resource (water and nutrients) limitation seemed to be more determining. Flower size was greater at the coast, in contrast to fresh fruit weight that was higher at the mountain. Despite the relatively few differences between sites in precipitation patterns along the study period, water availability appeared to be the key factor explaining not only fruit set but also the reproductive performance of this species in the study populations.

Morphological Characterization of Anther Derived Plants in Minipaprika (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract: This study was done to characterize the anther derived regenerants (R1) including haploids and spontaneous diploids of minipaprika (cvs.``Vine sweet-red`` ``Vine sweet-yellow`` and ``Vine sweet-orange``) in glasshouse. Eleven haploids (three, seven and one from red, yellow and orange, respectively) and sixteen spontaneous diploids (five, nine and two from red, yellow and orange, respectively) were grown in plastic pot with three (red, yellow and orange) anther donor (R0) F1minipaprika varieties. Regenerants were characterized for their plant and fruit characters as well as their fruit color and shape. The homozygosity of spontaneous diploid plants of each population was assessed using simple-sequence repeat (SSR) marker analysis. Haploid plants were characterized by reduced plant height, small leaves, short petiole and internode and small flower bud and all haploids showed the sterility and vice-versa in spontaneous diploid lines. The fruit biometrical traits exhibited greater variation within the spontaneous diploid plants and average value of quantitative traits is lower than standard varieties. MR-4 gave the highest yield (150.5 g) per plant followed by MY-6 (140.0 g) and MY-8 (130.5 g) and the lowest in MY-5 (31.5 g). Morphological marker such as fruit color further determinedthe microspore origin of androgenic diploids obtained in anther culture of ``Vine sweet-red``. Of the fifteen spontaneous diploid plants, fourteen plants were identified as doubled haploids using microsatellite markers (SSR), and these homozygous lines are recommended to use in minipaprika breeding program.

Caracterização de sintomas visuais de deficiências de macronutrientes e boro em plantas de gengibre ornamental (

Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the typical symptoms of macronutrients and boron deficiency in ornamental ginger plants grown in a nutritional solution based on Hoagland e Arnon’s nutritional solution. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse conditions at DCS / UFLA, Lavras-MG. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with tree replications and eight treatments corresponding to the complete solution (control) and individual omissions of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and B. N deficient plants showed yellowing of older leaves, progressing to the whole plant and small size. The omission of K and Ca caused plant growth reduction (root and shoot) when compared with the control treatment. The plants under omission of Mg initially showed interveinal paling at the apex of older leaves and with the advance of symptoms, chlorotic areas tranformed in marginal necrosis. The plants deficient in S did not show visual symptoms. B deficient plants showed smaller younger leaves, wrinkled, malformed and some plants had almost no leaves. The omissions of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and B in nutritional solution result in morphological changes, which reflect in characteristic symptoms of deficiency for each nutrient. The manifestation of deficiency symptoms first occurs in treatments with the omission of N and Mg. N, Ca and K are the nutrients that most affect shoot plant. The omission of macronutrients and boron affect the biometric indices and dry matter production of Zingiber spectabile .

Assessment of diversity in Garcinia indica (Dupetit-Thouars.) Choisy. using morphological and molecular markers

Abstract: Garcinia indica (Dupetit-Thouars.) Choisy. is an endemic plant in the southern Western Ghats. Although endemic species show low levels of genetic diversity, morphological variations abound in G. indica . Genetic diversity of G. indica plants collected from four locations in Maharashtra were evaluated at inter and intra-population levels using morphological traits and molecular markers. Leaf length and plant height showed profound variability. Plants exhibited less diversity within the population when screened by molecular markers like RAPD and ISSR. In case of RAPD primers, the highest diversity was observed for the Sawantwadi population (19.93%), intermediate variation in Diveagar (8.11%), low variation in Chiplun (5.20%), and least variability in Dapoli populations (4.10%). Similarly, 10 ISSR primers expressed 11.37% variation in Sawantwadi region, 9.20% in Dive-agar, 4.70% in Dapoli, and only 1.20% in Chiplun. There were small pockets, e.g., Dive-agar or Otavane in Sawantwadi in which the plants showed diversity at both morphological as well as molecular levels, implying the need to conserve the germplasm of these populations.

Drought and UV stress response in Spilanthes acmella Murr., (tooth-ache plant)

Abstract: In the present investigation, experiments were conducted to investigate the growth, morphological, anatomical and biochemical responses of UV and drought stresses in Spilanthes acmella (toothache plant). Results were shown that both UV and drought treatments retarded plant growth. Although there was no significant difference in the internal structure of leaf and stem. Morphometric changes such as curling of leaves and shiny surface due to waxy coatings were noticed in plants grown under UV radiation however these changes were absent in water stressed plants but yellowing was observed in the entire leaves. Chlorophyll content and relative water content in leaves were significantly affected by UV and drought. Relative water content markedly increased in UV treated plants and reduced in drought. In UV treated plants chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents were considerably decreased than the drought treated plants. The carotenoid and UV absorbing pigments (flavonoids and anthocyanins) concentration were increased in both treatments. Changes in contents of antioxidative metabolites under the stresses were observed. Free proline and MDA accumulations also showed significant increase in drought treatment than in UV treatment. During drought condition the catalase activity decreased as compared with the control plant whereas UV treated plants showed increase in the catalase activity.

The impact of nitrogen fertilization and Rhizobium inoculation on the yield and quality of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Abstract: Fenugreek is one of the oldest known medicinal plants that have been used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilization and Rhizobium meliloti inoculation on the yield, yield components and seed quality of fenugreek The experiment was performed during two growing seasons Chlorophyll content was determined with the use of the SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter After harvest, biometric measurements were performed and the chemical composition of vegetative organs and seeds was determined in fenugreek plants At 43 DAS, the chlorophyll content of control plant leaves was determined as 46 SPAD, and it decreased with plant growth In treatments fertilized with nitrogen, the chlorophyll content of leaves increased from 485 (N05) 561 (N1) SPAD (43 DAS) to 582 (N05) 606 (N1) SPAD (58 DAS)Seed inoculation with Rhizobium meliloti was more highly correlated with seed quality than plant habitus and yield components Inoculation decreased (by 115%) the crude fat content of fenugreek seeds, and increased phosphorus, calcium and sodium concentrations Nitrogen fertilization significantly influenced morphological parameters and yield components, and it contributed to a significant increase in the total protein content of seeds

EFFECT OF GROWING DATE AND CULTIVAR ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND YIELD OF Brassica rapa var. japonica

Abstract: The Brassica rapa var. japonica is a valuable plant, commonly cultivated in the Far East. It is still unknown vegetable crop in Poland. It is necessary to assess plant re- sponse to field conditions in Polish climatic zone before introducing this species to the large-scale production. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of growing date (transplants were planted out to the field in the middle and at the end of August - 1 st and 2 nd production term, respectively) and cultivar (Mibuna, Mizuna) on morphological pa- rameters, yielding and chemical composition of the plants. Before planting out, trans- plants of Mibuna have been found to be larger than Mizuna, the differences in the con- tents of chemical components in these cultivars were statistically insignificant at this time (with the exception of dry matter). The transplants from a later production term were characterized by greater fresh weight and height, longer leaves, and lower content of dry matter, soluble sugars and carotenoids. Based on collected data regression equations were developed to predict the course of growth and development of Brassica rapa var. japon- ica during field vegetation with a precision of more than 94%. There were no statistical differences in yields among cultivars, while significant effect of growing date was ob- served. The total and commercial yield was higher by 3.34 and 3.77 t·ha -1 , respectively, in the 2 nd production term than in an earlier one. During harvests the content of chlorophylls, carotenoids and L-ascorbic acid was higher in the rosettes of Mibuna cultivar, while Mi- zuna had more dry matter and soluble sugars. Production of the plants from later plantings resulted in significantly increased soluble sugars content in the rosettes, but the reduction in dry matter and L-ascorbic acid was observed.

Correlation coefficients of morphological - productive traits of species of Sorghum genus.

Abstract: Objective of the research were phenotypic and genetic correlation coefficients of three species of Sorghum genus - forage sorghum S. bicolor Moench. (genotype NS-Džin), Sudan grass S. sudanense L. (genotype Zora) and interspecies hybrid S. bicolor x S. sudanense (genotype Siloking). Studies were carried out on samples of plant material from the first cut. The following morphological-productive traits were studied: plant height, number of leaves per plant, mass of leaves on the stem, average stem mass and yield of green biomass. In the analysis of genetic and phenotypic coefficients, differences depending on the impact on studied morphological-productive traits are observed. The highest value of the stem height was recorded in Sudan grass (2.281 m), as well as number of leaves per plants (7.917). The greatest mass of leaves per plant was established in forage sorghum (49.05 g), and the highest average stem mass was recorded in interspecies hybrid plants (80.798 g). Variation of morphological-productive indicators per species was significant and very significant. Coefficients of simple correlations indicate the presence of very strong to almost complete, statistically very significant positive correlations, so these effects were expected. Plant height and number of leaves were not directly but indirectly statistically significant to yield of green biomass and varied from insignificant and very weak to sporadically medium strong and statistically significant. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31078]

The effect of planting date and plant density on morphological traits and essential oil yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Abstract: In order to study the effect of sowing date and plant density on morphological traits, fruit yield use efficiency (WUE) of coriander, an experiment was conducted in research field of Islamic Azad University, Birjand branch, Iran in 2010 as a split-plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replications. The main plot was sowing date at three levels of March 30, April 14 and April 29. The sub-plot was plant density at three levels of 20, 40 and 60 plants m -2 .The results showed that with the delay in sowing from March 30 to April 29, plant height, first fruit distance from ground and branch number per main stem, fruit and essential oil yield significantly decreased 21.8, 60.8, 18.8, 76.5 and 67.7%, respectively. Also, means comparison indicated that the increase in density from 20 to 60 plants/m 2 led to the increase in plant height, first fruit distance from ground and fruit and essential oil yield by 18.4, 39.8, 87.6 and 166.7%, respectively but branch number per main stem decreased 18.4%. Also, sowing date and plant density interaction significantly affected plant height, fruit yield and essential oil percentage and yield. In total, it is recommended to use sowing date of March 30 with the density of 60 plants/m 2 for the cultivation of coriander in Birjand because of having the highest fruit and essential oil yield.

Biomass allocation and shade tolerance in tree species of the Atlantic Forest

Abstract: Light availability is an important factor determining plant morphology and niche occupation in tropical forests. In this study, we tested whether seedlings that differ in shade tolerance also differ in the way they partition their resources among stems and leaves. The morphology of the first pair of leaves (eophylls), cotyledons, stems, and seeds of 14 species (five shade tolerant and nine gap dependent) from the Atlantic Rainforest (Brazil) were analyzed. Significant differences were observed in the patterns of biomass allocation between the two ecological groups; shade-tolerant species invested more in total biomass, cotyledons, and leaves, whereas gap-dependent species allocated more biomass to stems and vertical growth. In conclusion, shade-tolerant and gap-dependent species invest more in photosynthesis and vertical growth, respec- tively. Apparently, these characteristics specific to each group are not related to the life history of the species studied but to the strategies developed to the environment in which they were inserted.

First report of ginseng (Panax ginseng) as a natural host of dodder (Cuscuta japonica) in China.

Abstract: Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a high-value medicinal herb grown mainly in Jilin Province, China. China is the world's oldest and largest producer of ginseng. Annual yield and exports account for more than 78 and 60% for the world, respectively. In July 2009 and August 2010, dodder (Cuscuta sp.), a parasitic seed plant, was observed on 4- and 5-year-old plants that were being cultivated on raised beds under artificial shading in three separate locations approximately 200 kilometers apart in Jilin Province. The infested area was approximately one-third of the field (300 m2 of 10,000 m2), which was previously planted with pine trees and herbaceous plants. Initially, there were no obvious symptoms on ginseng plants, but later, symptoms consisted of poor growth, chlorosis, and wilting, eventually followed by death in large areas throughout the field. One typical representative of 10 samples collected was identified as Cuscuta japonica based on several morphological characteristics, including yellow stems with purplish spots with branches 1.2 to 2.5 mm in diameter. Inflorescences were spicate and measured 3 cm with broadly ovate, scale-like bracts. Flowers were sessile with deeply divided calyxes. The parasite had purplish, ovate sepals with pink or greenish white corollas. The plant had five stamens with yellow, ovate-circular anther. Ovaries were globose and smooth. Capsules contained three to four pale yellow or brown ovate seeds measuring 1.9 to 2.7 mm (3,4). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of the representative samples was amplified using primers ITS4/ITS5 (2) and sequenced. BLASTn analysis of the 650-bp amplicon (GenBank Accession No. JF431541) showed 99% sequence identity with C. japonica (Accession Nos. DQ924571 and EU330320). Phylogenetic trees constructed by utilizing the neighbor-joining method with software MEGA 4.0 (1) placed the dodder specimens and C. japonica (DQ924571 and EU330320) into one group. The reported hosts of C. japonica include plants belonging to the Leguminosae, Salicaceae, Polygonaceae, and Compositae. Therefore, to our knowledge, this is the first report of C. japonica naturally infecting P. ginseng in the world. Reference: (1) K. Tamura et al. Mol. Biol. Evol. 24:1596, 2007. (2) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990. (3) Z. Y. Wu. Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae 64:147, 1979. (4) L. P. Yin. Plant Quarantine (in Chinese) 9:292, 1995.