Showing papers on "Plant morphology published in 2013"

Cytokinins as key regulators in plant-microbe-insect interactions: connecting plant growth and defence

Abstract: Summary Plant hormones play important roles in regulating plant growth and defence by mediating developmental processes and signalling networks involved in plant responses to a wide range of parasitic and mutualistic biotic interactions Plants are known to rapidly respond to pathogen and herbivore attack by reconfiguring their metabolism to reduce pathogen/herbivore food acquisition This involves the production of defensive plant secondary compounds, but also an alteration of the plant primary metabolism to fuel the energetic requirements of the direct defence Cytokinins are plant hormones that play a key role in plant morphology, plant defence, leaf senescence and source–sink relationships They are involved in numerous plant–biotic interactions These phytohormones may have been the target of arthropods and pathogens over the course of the evolutionary arms race between plants and their biotic partners to hijack the plant metabolism, control its physiology and/or morphology and successfully invade the plant In the case of arthropods, cytokinin-induced phenotypes can be mediated by their bacterial symbionts, giving rise to intricate plant–microbe–insect interactions Cytokinin-mediated effects strongly impact not only plant growth and defence but also the whole community of insect and pathogen species sharing the same plant by facilitating or preventing plant invasion This suggests that cytokinins (CKs) are key regulators of the plant growth-defence trade-off and highlights the complexity of the finely balanced responses that plants use while facing both invaders and mutualists

PLANT-MICROBE-INSECT INTERACTIONS Cytokinins as key regulators in plant-microbe-insect interactions: connecting plant growth and defence

Abstract: Summary 1. Plant hormones play important roles in regulating plant growth and defence by mediating developmental processes and signalling networks involved in plant responses to a wide range of parasitic and mutualistic biotic interactions. 2. Plants are known to rapidly respond to pathogen and herbivore attack by reconfiguring their metabolism to reduce pathogen/herbivore food acquisition. This involves the production of defensive plant secondary compounds, but also an alteration of the plant primary metabolism to fuel the energetic requirements of the direct defence. 3. Cytokinins are plant hormones that play a key role in plant morphology, plant defence, leaf senescence and source–sink relationships. They are involved in numerous plant–biotic interactions. 4. These phytohormones may have been the target of arthropods and pathogens over the course of the evolutionary arms race between plants and their biotic partners to hijack the plant metabolism, control its physiology and/or morphology and successfully invade the plant. In the case of arthropods, cytokinin-induced phenotypes can be mediated by their bacterial symbionts, giving rise to intricate plant–microbe–insect interactions. 5. Cytokinin-mediated effects strongly impact not only plant growth and defence but also the whole community of insect and pathogen species sharing the same plant by facilitating or preventing plant invasion. This suggests that cytokinins (CKs) are key regulators of the plant growth-defence trade-off and highlights the complexity of the finely balanced responses that plants use while facing both invaders and mutualists.

Morphological, physiological, cytological and phytochemical studies in diploid and colchicine-induced tetraploid plants of Echinacea purpurea (L.)

Abstract: Echinacea purpurea (L.) is one of the important medicinal plant species. To obtain the tetraploid plants of Echinacea purpurea with improved medicinal qualities, the root tips of two true leaves seedlings were imbibed in 0.25 % (w/v) colchicine solution for 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 h. The ploidy level of plants was determined by chromosome counting of root tip cells, and confirmed by flow cytometric analysis. Tetraploid induction occurred in seedlings treated for 24, 48 and 72 h at colchicine solution. The morphological, physiological, cytological, and phytochemical characteristics of diploid and colchicine-induced tetraploid plants were compared. Results indicated that tetraploid plants had considerable larger stomata, pollen grain, seed and flower. Moreover, chloroplast number in guard cells, amount of chlorophyll (a, b, and a + b), carotenoids as well as width and thickness of leaves were increased in tetraploids. However, stomata frequency, leaf index, plant height, and quantum efficiency of photosystem II in tetraploid were lower than diploid plants. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that leaves of the tetraploid plants had more cichoric acid (45 %) and chlorogenic acid (71 %) than diploid plants. It was concluded that morphological and physiological characteristics can be used as useful parameters for preliminary screening of putative tetraploids in this species.

Edaphic factors and plant-insect interactions: direct and indirect effects of serpentine soil on florivores and pollinators.

Abstract: Edaphic factors can lead to differences in plant morphology and tissue chemistry. However, whether these differences result in altered plant–insect interactions for soil-generalist plants is less understood. We present evidence that soil chemistry can alter plant–insect interactions both directly, through chemical composition of plant tissue, and indirectly, through plant morphology, for serpentine-tolerant Mimulus guttatus (Phrymaceae). First, we scored floral display (corolla width, number of open flowers per inflorescence, and inflorescence height), flower chemistry, pollinator visitation and florivory of M. guttatus growing on natural serpentine and non-serpentine soil over 2 years. Second, we conducted a common garden reciprocal soil transplant experiment to isolate the effect of serpentine soil on floral display traits and flower chemistry. And last, we observed arrays of field-collected inflorescences and potted plants to determine the effect of soil environment in the field on pollinator visitation and florivore damage, respectively. For both natural and experimental plants, serpentine soil caused reductions in floral display and directly altered flower tissue chemistry. Plants in natural serpentine populations received fewer pollinator visits and less damage by florivores relative to non-serpentine plants. In experimental arrays, soil environment did not influence pollinator visitation (though larger flowers were visited more frequently), but did alter florivore damage, with serpentine-grown plants receiving less damage. Our results demonstrate that the soil environment can directly and indirectly affect plant–mutualist and plant–antagonist interactions of serpentine-tolerant plants by altering flower chemistry and floral display.

Changes in clonal poplar leaf chemistry caused by stem galls alter herbivory and leaf litter decomposition.

Abstract: Gall-inducing insects are highly specialized herbivores that modify the phenotype of their host plants. Beyond the direct manipulation of plant morphology and physiology in the immediate environment of the gall, there is also evidence of plant-mediated effects of gall-inducing insects on other species of the assemblages and ecosystem processes associated with the host plant. We analysed the impact of gall infestation by the aphid Pemphigus spirothecae on chemical leaf traits of clonal Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra var. italica) and the subsequent effects on intensity of herbivory and decomposition of leaves across five sites. We measured the herbivory of two feeding guilds: leaf-chewing insects that feed on the blade (e.g. caterpillars and sawfly larvae) and skeletonising insects that feed on the mesophyll of the leaves (e.g. larvae of beetles). Galled leaves had higher phenol (35%) and lower nitrogen and cholorophyll contents (35% respectively 37%) than non-galled leaves, and these differences were stronger in August than in June. Total herbivory intensity was 27% higher on galled than on non-galled leaves; damage by leaf chewers was on average 61% higher on gall infested leaves, whereas damage by skeletonising insects was on average 39% higher on non-galled leaves. After nine months the decomposition rate of galled leaf litter was 15% lower than that of non-galled leaf litter presumably because of the lower nitrogen content of the galled leaf litter. This indicated after-life effects of gall infestation on the decomposers. We found no evidence for galling x environment interactions.

Plant identification based on leaf shape and texture pattern using Local Graph Structure (LGS).

Abstract: A B S T R A C T Plant identification is the process of matching a specimen plant to a known plant group. Most of the people identify plants visually (morphologically). The natural key systems use morphological characteristics that can be compared with known databases to find the plants' genus. Characteristics observed to include general character, structures of stems, roots, leaves and flowers. People who are not intimately familiar with particular species require assistance in their identification. In this context, we proposed an approach called local graph structure to identify and classify the plant species based on their leaf shape and texture pattern. The experimental results have shown a significant level of accuracy of the plant species identification.

How far bowalization affects phytodiversity, life forms and plant morphology in Sub-humid tropic in West Africa

Abstract: Bowal or ferricrete, the final of land degradation, occurred only in tropical region. This study aimed at assessing the effects of bowalization on phytodiversity, life forms and morphological response of plant species using Combretum nigricans Leprieur ex Guill. & Perr. as a case study. Morphological parameters (height, number of stems, number of branches, diameter at breast height and crown diameter) of C. nigricans were determined in the sub-humid zone of Benin. Plant communities were determined according to Multi-Response Permutation Procedures analysis. Plant communities were more diversified on sand-clay and concretion soils (control) compared with those described on bowal. C. nigricans developed more stems (3.6 ± 1.4 stems vs. 1.3 ± 0.4 stems), more branches (5.9 ± 2.4 branches vs. 3.2 ± 0.6 branches) and large crown diameter (5 ± 1.48 m vs. 3.4 ± 1.2 m) on bowal than on sand-clay soil. The best adapted life forms on bowal were therophytes. Bowalization induced loss of phytodiversity, changes in species life forms and provoked local adaptation of tree species.

Morphological and physiological effects of UV-C radiation on bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris).

Abstract: In this study, morphological and physiological effects of the stress with the UV-C rays on the industrial Atlanta type beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. Cv, Atlanta) were analyzed. The plants were raised in an automated green house with the ecological conditions. The plants were grown in the green house with UV-C lamb (250) for 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 days. After which their root lengths and seeding heights in their leaves and feather structure in their leaves were analyzed. It was observed that seedling height was reduced by the exposure of UV-C. At the end of the 14 days, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll were also measured in the leaves. Total chlorophyll content significantly decreased in the UV-C exposed plants. Similarly, chlorophyll a and b were also significantly decreased in the leaves of plants exposed to UV-C. It was concluded that exposure to UV-C rays adversely effected the growth and photosynthesis in the bean plant.

Patterns of morphological diversity and character association in chickpea genotypes through multivariate approach.

Abstract: Pattern of morphological diversity and character association in twenty chickpea genotypes was assessed through multivariate approach. Three principal components were deduced (eigen value > 1) which contributed to a total of 62.83% variability among the genotypes. PC-I contributed 34.78% to total variation. Factor loadings revealed that all the characters contributed positively to PC-I except days to flowering and plant height. Days to flowering exerted maximum negative load on the factor I while the highest positive contribution to the PC -I was endorsed by number of pods/plant, seeds/plant, biological yield, and grain yield/plant. Secondary branches, plant height, seeds/plant, 100 -seed weight and biological yield had positive weight on PC -II where secondary branches followed by plant height showed the maximum contribution. Days to maturity, primary branches, plant height, seeds/pod and 100-seed weight exerted positive factor loadings on PC-III among which the highest weight was contributed by plant height followed by number of primary branches. Cluster I and II comprised of seven lines each. Long duration genotypes with high number of seeds/pod came under cluster I. However, the cluster II, classified genotypes with better grain yield and its components . However, the other six genotypes were long duration with maximum plant height and fell in cluster III . This study suggested enough scope for selection for grain yield and its components.

A new record of the invasive species Hydrilla verticillata (Linn. F.) royal on the Iraqi rivers.

Abstract: In order to increasing the morphological and anatomical information of exotic species, specimens of Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae) were collected from the little Zab River within Al-Zab area about 90 km from the Kirkuk city. It is a first study that H. verticillata noted on the north Iraqi Rivers. The morphological study showed that the leaves have visible saw-tooth margins and rough teeth on the underside of the leaves.They also have spines along the lower midrib of the leaf which distinguished with reddish in color. In anatomical study, the cross sections through the internodal area of erect stems showed that the aerenchyma consists of lacunae which decreasing in their sizes toward the endodermis. The central cylinder distinguished by non-definiteness xylem tissues, and large lacuna at the center of the stem.

Variation in leaf morphology of the invasive cat's claw creeper Dolichandra unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae)

Abstract: The invasive liana cat’s claw creeper Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) L.G. Lohmann (syn. Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) A.H. Gentry) exhibits intraspecific variation in leaf morphology, but this is rarely noted in the published literature. The present study documents variation in leaf morphology in two forms of the species that occur in Australia (long pod and short pod). Leaf morphology is compared between the two forms and the position of the shoots (trunk and ground) at the only two sites in which they co-occur. Leaves were categorised on the basis of leaflet number and the presence or absence of tendrils. Simple leaves were produced mainly on shoots growing along the ground and were more abundant in the short-pod form. Long-pod plants were dominated by bifoliate leaves with tendrils. Cat’s claw creeper exhibits considerably wider variation in leaf morphology than recorded previously. Variations in leaf morphology may be linked to differences in the genotype, developmental stage and plastic responses of the plants. Understanding these variations may have implications for taxonomic delimitation and improved management, particularly biological control involving leaf-feeding insects.

Variation in leaf structure of the invasive Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia, Basellaceae) at different light levels

Abstract: Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) is a climber in the angiosperm family Basellaceae. It is native to South America and has naturalised in Australia. It is regarded as a serious environmental weed because of the structural damage it causes to native vegetation. The present study, for the first time, documents anatomical and morphological traits of the leaves of A. cordifolia and considers their implications for its ecology and physiology. Plants were grown under three different light levels, and anatomical and morphological leaf characters were compared among light levels, among cohorts, and with documented traits of the related species, Basella alba L. Stomata were present on both the adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaf, with significantly more stomata on the abaxial side and under high light. This may account for the ability of this species to fix large amounts of carbon and rapidly respond to light gaps. The leaves had very narrow veins and no sclerenchyma, suggesting a low construction cost that is associated with invasive plants. There was no significant difference in any of the traits among different cohorts, which agrees with the claim that A. cordifolia primarily propagates vegetatively. The anatomy and morphology of A. cordifolia was similar to that of B. alba.

Studies on genetic parameters in grain amaranthus (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) as influenced by plant densities.

Abstract: Selection of genotypes with adequate combination of traits with high yield at the appropriate density level increased the productivity in amaranth. The study was therefore undertaken to estimate genetic attributes of different amaranth genotypes and to identify and select genotypes with adequate trait combination for improvement in yield. In grain amaranthus ( Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) ten genotypes were evaluated for twelve characters under four plant density levels viz., very high (D1), high (D2), normal (D3) and low plant density (D4) to study the different selection parameters for grain yield and its eleven contributing morphological and quality traits. The study was conducted at College Orchard, Department of Horticulture, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, TNAU, Karaikal during rabi 2007. The results revealed that the GCV was maximum in high plant density when compared to very high, normal and low plant density levels for the characters viz., fresh weight of the inflorescence, length of the rachis per inflorescence, grain yield per plant and total carbohydrates. Leaf area at 50 per cent flowering, fresh weight of the inflorescence, number of secondary branches per inflorescence and total carbohydrates are recorded high magnitude of genetic variability in combination with high heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean in all the four plant density levels.

Hybrid Seed Production in Helianthus annuus L. through Male Sterility Induced by Benzotriazole

Abstract: The effect of various concentrations of benzotriazole (C6H5N3) on plant morphology, days taken for first flowering, pollen fertility and yield in Helianthus annuus var. MSFH-17 was studied. All the treatments with this chemical hybridizing agent caused reduction in plant height, pollen fertility and yield component. One or two spray of 1% benzotriazole caused insignificant reduction in height and other parameters; however, these treatments induced almost complete pollen sterility among treated plants. On the other hand, the flowering was delayed in benzotriazole treated plants, in comparison to control ones. Plants treated once and twice with 1.0% benzotriazole showed 23.01 and 22.22 g total seed yield/plant, in comparison to 23.68 g total yield/plant produced by control plants. This reduction in yield was insignificant as analyzed by paired student’s ‘t’ test. The seeds of 1.5% benzotriazole treated plants showed significant enhancement in total yield in F1 generation from that of control plants due to heterotic effect.

The results of cultivating the species Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze at Jucu, CJ.

Abstract: Agastache foeniculum is a recent species cultivated in Romania. The species has the advantage that it can withstand low winter temperatures in the Transylvanian Plain, up to -25Âo C in soil covered with snow. Another major advantage of the species is that from its total mass, the plant foliage prevails which provides feedstock production materials for medicinal purposes. In the research conducted in 2011-2012 in the experimental field of Jucu were pursued issues regarding morphology, biology and plant phenology as well as productivity elements and finally the production of herba which can be done by the species in two periods of planting and three densities. It was cultivated a local population through seedling in two periods (26.04.2011 and 21.05.2011) at densities of 47 619 plants/ha (30 cm x 70 cm), 35 714 plants/ha (40 cm x 70 cm) and 28 517 plants/ha (50 cm x 70 cm). The experiences location was done by the method of subdivided parcels with 2 factors (time and planting density) in three repetitions. The surface of the experimental plot was 3 m2. Statistical interpretation was made by variance analysis method with one, two, and three factors and interpretation of the results, highlighting the significance of differences after the multiple comparisons test (Duncan test) and Student test. From measurements made ​​at green plants it resulted that leaves represent a significant share of 37.98% of the total mass of the plant, 30.8% branches, main stem 10.44% and 20.78% inflorescences . If dried plant leaves have the highest share from the total plant of 35.89%, followed by branches (25.75%), flowers (19.04%) and 19.32% stems. The results justify the extension of the cultivation of this plant in the Transylvanian Plain, harvested herba with an important phytotherapy value.

Effects of begomovirus infection of tomato plants on leaf trichome density and foraging performance and fitness of Eretmocerus hayati (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a parasitoid of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

Abstract: Plant viruses can induce changes in plant morphology and physiology,which may affect the performance of the insect vectors and parasitoids. However ,the impact of plant viruses has been rarely considered in the research of this type of plant-vector-parasitoid interactions. In this study,we tested and analyzed the effects of the begomovirus,tomato yellow leaf curl virus ( TYLCV),on the leaf trichome density of tomato and the foraging performance and fitness of the whitefly parasitoid ,Eretmocerus hayati Zolnerowich and Rose. Our results showed that viral infection of tomato led to a significant increase of leaf trichome density,which in virus-infected plants was 1. 8 times as high as that in uninfected plants. The host handling time and patch residence time of the parasitoid on virus-infected plants were 2- and 1. 5-fold as high as that on uninfected plants ,respectively. However,the parasitism rates,emergence rates and developmental durations of the parasitoid on infected and uninfected plants were similar. This is the first report of begomovirus-induced increase of plant leaf trichomes and its effects on a parasitoid ,and it provides new data for understanding the interactions between plants,begomoviruses,whiteflies and parasitoids.

Evaluating the effects of different planting densities and inoculation with Rhizobium bacteria on morphological characteristics and yield of Faba bean (cv. Barakat).

Abstract: Among legumes, Faba beans due to having proteins and essential amino acids and the ability of nitrogen fixation and symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria, have high importance in terms of food and environmental effects. Growth and yield of Faba beans, like other crops, are functions of environmental factors and plant genotype. The experiment was conducted in the field area of300sq.m.ina completely randomized block design with split plots (split-plot) in three replications in the fall of 2009. Planting density, as the main factor of the test, has three levels: 1) A1: density of 100,000 plants per hectare (20 cm row plant spacing), 2) A2: density of 50,000 plants per hectare (40 cm row plant spacing), 3) A3: density of 25,000 plants per hectare (60 cm row plant spacing). Also the sub-factor of the experiment has 2 levels: 1) B1: seed not inoculated with bacteria, 2) B2: seed inoculated with bacteria. The results show that an increase in bush density causes a significant increase in total dry matter production per unit area, but in contrast, total dry matter per plant reduced due to high competition. Also, it was observed that Fababean seed inoculation with bacteria before sowing had a positive and significant effect on bush

Physiological and morphological responses biodiesel plant (Jatropha curcas L.) to water stress condition.

Abstract: Drought is the major environmental constraints to crop productivity. In order to study the effects of water stress on physiological traits of plant species Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.), greenhouse experiment in a randomized complete block design with five replicates at Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tehran University during one successive summer season of 2011 was conducted Jatropha curcas L. seeds gently provided by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center of Hormozgan, Iran. First with utilizes experimental methods and Using TDR and Pressure plate the moisture content of field capacity and wilting point was determined. After determining the moisture content of field capacity and wilting point, treatments were considered that percentage of available water will be located to Jatropha plants. And on water stress condition, plant behavior was evaluated. Treatments were included moisture field capacity (control), 75% humidity of water availability, and moisture content of 50% to 25% water availability, respectively. During the experiment, plant growth traits such as: number of leaves, plant height and collar diameter, Also, chlorophyll levels were measured using chlorophyll meter. The results indicate that the effect of water stress on plant growth parameters (Leaf number, Collar diameter, Plant height and Root length) was significant, but the effect of water stress on chlorophyll levels were not significant. It seems No sufficient to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the plant will reduces the plant's ability to tolerate stress and will cause induce injury to plant life's. Therefore, Jatroph plant with drought avoidance mechanisms, such as: Maintain higher RWC, reduced leaf area and increasing the number of chlorophyll meter, has to confronting to drought stress.

Functional Anatomy of Leaf Campanula alliariifolia Willd.

Abstract: The functional anatomy of the leaf of Campanula alliariifolia Willd. is examined. The purpose of this research is to identify features of the functional anatomy of the leaf of this species in order to understand the mechanism of its adaptation to new growth conditions. Plant material of research are plants of Campanula alliariifolia Willd. in: a) their natural growth habitat (the Caucasus, city Sochi) and b) the region of introduction (the steppe zone of Ukraine, city Donetsk). The research methods used are the standard techniques of anatomical research. In the region of introduction, the research reveals the formation of columnar mesophyll and stomata on the adaxial side of the leaf of C. alliariifolia ; increase in mesophyll thickness, stomata frequency and size, and in the moisture content. The rosellate leaf area and the cauline leaf dry matter accumulation are greater than in the natural growth habitat. The main ways of adaptation are :a) qualitative and quantitative anatomical changes in leaves; b) correlation of changes of the majority of anatomical and morphological parameters; c) identical physiological and anatomical changes in leaves of both formations.

A Morphological and Physiological Study of Jatropha curcas Linn. Propagated from Seeds in Bangladesh

Abstract: 2 Abstract: Pot experiments were carried out in Dhaka, Bangladesh to evaluate the morphological and physiological parameters of Jatropha, a second generation energy crop propagated from seeds. The leaves and petioles of Jatropha curcas plants were collected from the earthen pot to determine the leaf and petiole nutrient contents. So this study provides a reliable account of the endogenic concentrations of nutrients present in petiole and their content in leaves including the morphological parameters such as plant height, leaf growth, fresh and dry weight of leaves, petiole and root length of the plant at 2 vegetative growth stages grown in Silty clay loam soil were attempted. The experiment revealed that the morphological parameters responded better in mature plant compared to young plant but the physiological parameter showed variations at 2 growth stages.

Comparison of yield and morphological characters of rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum L.) ‘Karpow Lipskiego’ plants propagated in vitro and by conventional methods

Abstract: The present study investigated different methods of propagation of the rhubarb cultivar 'Karpow Lipskiego': vegetatively from tissue cultures and by division of the mother plant as well as generatively from seed. The study also evaluated the usefulness of propagation material for establishing a rhubarb plantation. To produce in vitro plantlets, shoots were placed on modified Murashige and Skoog medium containing different cyto- kinins: benzyladenine (BA - 4.4, 11.1, 22.2 µmol·dm -3 ), kinetin (4.7, 11.6, 23.3 µmol·dm -3 ), isopentenyl adenine (2iP - 4.9, 12.3, 24.4 µmol·dm -3 ) as well as on control medium with- out growth regulators. Cuttings were obtained by division of crowns, while seedlings from seeds. In the period 2004-2006, vegetatively and generatively propagated plants were grown in a nursery. The obtained propagation material was used to establish a rhubarb plantation. Yield of field-grown plants was evaluated in the years 2007-2009. In the first year of cultivation in the nursery, plants propagated in vitro in the medium with the addi- tion of kinetin at a concentration of 11.6 μmol dm -3 or 2iP at 12.3 μmol dm -3 developed crowns with the highest average weight of 1.48 and 1.05 kg, respectively. In the second year of cultivation in the nursery in the treatment with grown regulators applied, the aver- age rhubarb crown weight ranged from 2.51 to 3.33 kg, while for the control treatment it was 1.78 kg. To characterize the population of in vitro plants, they were compared with plants obtained by division of the mother plant and from seeds. Plants propagated vegeta- tively from in vitro plantlets produced crowns with the highest average weight (0.83 kg), followed by those obtained from division of mother plants (0.79 kg), while plants pro- duced from seeds had crowns with a much lower average weight (0.54 kg). In the second year of cultivation in the nursery, vegetatively and generatively propagated plants were characterized by a similar size and greater uniformity than in the first year. In the first year of planting (2007), petiole yield obtained from micropropagated plants was higher by 0.7 kg·plant -1 compared to generatively propagated plants, whereas in the second year of cultivation this difference was smaller and amounted to 0.6 kg· plant -1 . In the third year of the plantation, plant productivity was more equal. During the study years, by far fewer leaves were harvested from generatively propagated plants compared to plants propagated

Ectopic expression of the PttKN1 gene in coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

Abstract: The foreign PttKN1 gene was introduced into the genome of coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) using the floral dip method mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The seeds that generated from the dipped mother plant were screened on MS medium with a kanamycin concentration of 100 mg l–1. Those kanamycin-resistant plantlets displayed various morphological alterations different from the wild type plant. Among those morphological alterations, the most were appeared in the local of the transgenic plant, including (1) the leaf morphological changes: knots formation, accidented leaf surface, lobed leaf, twisted and asymmetric leaf, etc. (2) the floral morphological changes like receptacle and flower color. Moreover, alterations throughout the plant were also observed such as clustered plant, plant with whorled phyllotaxy or faded leaf coloration, etc. Among them, the altered morphologies of whorled phyllotaxy and faded leaf coloration were scarcely appeared in other PttKN1 gene transformants. The results of PCR and PCR-Southern showed that the foreign PttKN1 gene had integrated into the genome of coleus, and was responsible for the above morphological alterations. Further comparison of the anthocyanin content in transgenic and wild type coleus showed that the biosynthesis of anthocyanin was inhibited in the faded-anthocyanin coleus.