Showing papers on "Plant morphology published in 2016"

Root morphology and seed and leaf ionomic traits in a Brassica napus L. diversity panel show wide phenotypic variation and are characteristic of crop habit

Abstract: Mineral nutrient uptake and utilisation by plants are controlled by many traits relating to root morphology, ion transport, sequestration and translocation. The aims of this study were to determine the phenotypic diversity in root morphology and leaf and seed mineral composition of a polyploid crop species, Brassica napus L., and how these traits relate to crop habit. Traits were quantified in a diversity panel of up to 387 genotypes: 163 winter, 127 spring, and seven semiwinter oilseed rape (OSR) habits, 35 swede, 15 winter fodder, and 40 exotic/unspecified habits. Root traits of 14 d old seedlings were measured in a ‘pouch and wick’ system (n = ~24 replicates per genotype). The mineral composition of 3–6 rosette-stage leaves, and mature seeds, was determined on compost-grown plants from a designed experiment (n = 5) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Seed size explained a large proportion of the variation in root length. Winter OSR and fodder habits had longer primary and lateral roots than spring OSR habits, with generally lower mineral concentrations. A comparison of the ratios of elements in leaf and seed parts revealed differences in translocation processes between crop habits, including those likely to be associated with crop-selection for OSR seeds with lower sulphur-containing glucosinolates. Combining root, leaf and seed traits in a discriminant analysis provided the most accurate characterisation of crop habit, illustrating the interdependence of plant tissues. High-throughput morphological and composition phenotyping reveals complex interrelationships between mineral acquisition and accumulation linked to genetic control within and between crop types (habits) in B. napus. Despite its recent genetic ancestry (<10 ky), root morphology, and leaf and seed composition traits could potentially be used in crop improvement, if suitable markers can be identified and if these correspond with suitable agronomy and quality traits.

Root bacterial endophytes alter plant phenotype, but not physiology

Abstract: Plant traits, such as root and leaf area, influence how plants interact with their environment and the diverse microbiota living within plants can influence plant morphology and physiology. Here, we explored how three bacterial strains isolated from the Populus root microbiome, influenced plant phenotype. We chose three bacterial strains that differed in predicted metabolic capabilities, plant hormone production and metabolism, and secondary metabolite synthesis. We inoculated each bacterial strain on a single genotype of Populus trichocarpa and measured the response of plant growth related traits (root:shoot, biomass production, root and leaf growth rates) and physiological traits (chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, net photosynthesis at saturating light–Asat, and saturating CO2–Amax). Overall, we found that bacterial root endophyte infection increased root growth rate up to 184% and leaf growth rate up to 137% relative to non-inoculated control plants, evidence that plants respond to bacteria by modifying morphology. However, endophyte inoculation had no influence on total plant biomass and photosynthetic traits (net photosynthesis, chlorophyll content). In sum, bacterial inoculation did not significantly increase plant carbon fixation and biomass, but their presence altered where and how carbon was being allocated in the plant host.

Time-invariant differences between plant individuals in interactions with arthropods correlate with intraspecific variation in plant phenology, morphology and floral scent

Abstract: The basic units of ecological and evolutionary processes are individuals. Network studies aiming to infer mechanisms from complex systems, however, usually focus on interactions between species, not individuals. Accordingly, the structure and underlying mechanisms of individual-based interaction networks remain largely unknown. In a common garden, we recorded all interactions on flowers and leaves of 97 Sinapis arvensis individuals from seedling stage to fruit set and related interindividual differences in interactions to the plant individuals' phenotypes. The plant individuals significantly differed in their quantitative and qualitative interactions with arthropods on flowers and leaves. These differences remained stable over the entire season and thus were time-invariant. Variation in interacting arthropod communities could be explained by a pronounced intraspecific variability in flowering phenology, morphology and flower scent, and translated into variation in reproductive success. Interestingly, plant individuals with a similar composition of flower visitors were also visited by a similar assemblage of interaction partners at leaves. Our results show that the nonuniformity of plant species has pronounced effects in community ecology, potentially with implications for the persistence of communities and populations, and their ability to withstand environmental fluctuations.

Does Sourgrass leaf anatomy influence glyphosate resistance

Abstract: Sourgrass(Digitaria insularis, L. Mez ex Ekman)is a weed that requires high rates of glyphosate ((N-[phosphonomethyl]-glycine) forcontrol, verylittle of the herbicide applied isabsorbed by theleaves. Morphological and histological differences in leaves of glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible plantsshould explain the contrast of variance between herbicide susceptibility. Leaves of different growth andphenological stages were collected and submitted to histological andelectron microscopy scanning analysis. Those plants were also submitted to a glyphosate dose-response curve analysis. The results suggest thatbiotypes exhibits differences infoliar structures that can influence the uptake and translocation of glyphosate. A thinparenchyma, lesser distance amongvascular bundles, and higher phloem sizewere found in resistant biotypes (differences close to 10%). Minor stomata number and higher epicuticular waxy deposition in stomata and leaf surface were found in resistant plants when leaves came from regrowth, leading to a possiblelesser herbicide absorption. Resistant plants showed absence of trichomes in late stages of development (64% less trichomes than susceptible plants). The higher concentration of trichomes in susceptible plants can be an absorption pathfor glyphosate getthrough the cuticle.

Interspecific hybridization among cultivars of hardy Hibiscus species section Muenchhusia.

Abstract: Rose mallows belong to the Muenchhusia section of the Hibiscus genus. They represent a small group of cold tolerant North American plants and are popular ornamentals mainly because of their abundant, large and colorful flowers. Due to their geographical origin they are well suited for garden use in temperate regions worldwide. The aim of the study was to investigate hybridization barriers in crosses among cultivars of Hibiscus species from the Muenchhusia section: H. coccineus, H. laevis and H. moscheutos. Crossing barriers were identified as both pre- and post-zygotic. The analysis of pollen tube growth revealed inhibition of pollen tubes and their abnormal growth. In specific crosses the fertilization success was low. The pre-fertilization barriers did not cause a complete reproductive isolation between the hybridization partners. In relation to post-fertilization barriers, the occurrence of hybrid incompatibilities such as unviability, chlorosis, necrosis, stunted growth and albinism were the main drawback in production of hybrids. The appearance of symptoms of hybrid incompatibilities was dependent upon specific parental plants. The obtained progeny had intermediate leaf morphology and flower morphology compared to parental plants. Hybridity state was verified by morphological analysis and RAPD markers. Based on the overall plant morphology, 472 hybrid progenies were obtained.

Production of tetraploid plants of Trollius chinensis Bunge induced by colchicine.

Abstract: Zhang Q., Zhang F., Li B., Zhang L., Shi H. (2016): Production of tetraploid plants of Trollius chinensis Bunge induced by colchicine. Czech J. Genet. Plant Breed., 52: 34–38. Trollius chinensis Bunge is one of the important ornamental and medicinal plants cultivated in China. In this study, the tetraploid plants of Trollius chinensis were successfully induced by colchicine and their morphological, cytological and fertility characteristics were investigated. The results indicated that the tetraploid species of Trollius chinensis (2n = 4x = 32) was efficiently induced from the diploid species (2 n = 2x = 16) by colchicine under 0.05% to 0.2% concentrations, with the best induction under treatment combinations of 0.1%, 24h dura tion and 0.2%, 12h duration. In comparison with the diploid plants, the tetraploid plants exhibited dramatically varied phenotypic features, showing increased leaf length and width, petiole, flower and pollen diameters. In addition, they also exhibited increased stomatal size and chloroplast numbers in guard cells. Tetraploidy reduced the pollen fertility. Nevertheless, the maintenance of female fertility makes the tetraploid a potential germplasm for further polyploid breeding. Our investigation provides a potential design for an effective pathway to generate varieties of this plant species with chromosome doubling.

Why was browsing by red deer more frequent but represented less consumed mass in young maple than in ash trees

Abstract: European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) are considered amongst tree species as some of the most attractive forage for red deer (Cervus elaphus). The aim of this paper is to estimate branch and foliage mass browsing by red deer in young Sycamore maple and European ash in Central Slovakia and to analyze interspecific differences in browsing frequency and quantity. Altogether 665 ash trees and 701 maple trees were measured for height and stem diameter at the ground level. Red deer browsing, defined as leader shoot or lateral branch cropping, was recorded for all trees. A combination of the diameter of browsed branches and branch regression models allowed for the estimation of browsed (potentially consumed) mass by red deer. Results show that browsing occurred more frequently on maple (5 cases per tree) compared to ash (3 cases per tree); however, more total branch biomass was consumed in ash (10.7 g per tree) compared to maple (2.6 g per tree). This is because browsed branches were larger in ash than in maple. We assume that the difference in the size of browsed branches between ash and maple is relative to species-specific branch morphological and structural features.

Is there a missing link? Effects of root herbivory on plant–pollinator interactions and reproductive output in a monocarpic species

Abstract: Herbivores can have a major influence on plant fitness. The direct impact of herbivory on plant reproductive output has long been studied, and recently also indirect effects of herbivory on plant traits and pollinator attraction have received increasing attention. However, the link between these direct and indirect effects has seldom been studied. In this study, we investigated effects of root herbivory on plant and floral traits, pollination success and reproductive outcome in the monocarpic perennial Cynoglossum officinale. We exposed 119 C. officinale plants to a range of root herbivore damage by its specialist herbivore Mogulones cruciger. We assessed the effect of herbivory on several plant traits, pollinator foraging behaviour and reproductive output, and to elucidate the link between these last two we also quantified pollen deposition and pollen tube growth and applied a pollination experiment to test whether seed set was pollen-limited. Larval root herbivory induced significant changes in plant traits and had a negative impact on pollinator visitation. Infested plants were reduced in size, had fewer flowers and received fewer pollinator visits at plant and flower level than non-infested plants. Also, seed set was negatively affected by root herbivory, but this could not be attributed to pollen limitation since neither stigmatic pollen loads and pollen tube growth nor the results of the hand-pollination experiment differed between infested and non-infested plants. Our observations demonstrate that although herbivory may induce significant changes in flowering behaviour and resulting plant-pollinator interactions, it does not necessarily translate into higher rates of pollen limitation. The observed reductions in reproductive output following infection can mainly be attributed to higher resource limitation compared to non-infested plants.

Effect of drought stress on agro-morphological traits of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) recombinant inbred lines

Abstract: To evaluate the effect of drought stress on agro-morphological traits of lentil, an experiment was conducted using 168 F6:7 inbred lines along with their parents in RCB design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among lines in terms of all studied characters in both normal and stress conditions. Comparing with non-stress condition, drought stress reduced pod weight per plant, seed yield and pod number per plant to 54%, 45.3% and 42.2%, respectively. Correlation coefficient of biological yield, pod number per plant, pod weight per plant and harvest index (HI) with seed yield was positive and significant. Stepwise regression analysis showed that biological yield, HI, pod weights per plant and leaf length determined 87.6% of seed yield variations and biological yield had the most function. Maximum values of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations were observed for seed yield, pod weight per plant and pod number per plant. The highest values of heritability found in leaf width (h 2 = 0.77), seed diameter (h 2 = 0.69) and plant height (h 2 = 0.66). Evaluation of stress tolerance index (STI) showed that lines 125 and 160 were the most tolerant lines, which could be recommended for cultivation in areas that subject to terminal drought stress. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(2): 207-219, June 2016

Stimulatory Effect of Hormones, Vitamin C on Growth, Yield and SomeMetabolic Activities of Chenopodium quinoa Plants in Egypt

Abstract: This research examine the actual growth, yield and certain metabolic activities of quinoa plants in response to foliar treatments with GA3 50 ppm, JA 20 ppm and Asc. 50 ppm. Plants were grown in natural clay loamy soil conditions and treated with every of the aforementioned treatments. The treated plants showed significant responses in most of the growth and yield characteristics (lengths of shoots and roots, number of branches/plant, number of leaves/ plant, plant biomass and weight of 1000-seed). Also, these treatments caused significant increases in the contents of photosynthetic pigments, soluble carbohydrates, soluble proteins and total phenols content. This was the case during the entire duration of time period of the experiment.

Morphological and Physiological Responses of Morus alba Seedlings under Different Light Qualities

Abstract: Light quality can influence the photosynthetic characteristics, morphology and physiological processes of plants. To investigate the effects of different light qualities (white light, W; red light, R; blue light, B; mixture of red and blue light, RB) of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and white cold fluorescent lamp on the growth and morphology of fruiting mulberry plants (Morus alba L. cv. 'Longsang No.1'), fruiting mulberry plants were grown under different light qualities: W, R, B and RB of the same photosynthetic photo flux density (PPFD; 100 μmol m-2 s-1) for 20 d. Our results showed that stem length and leaf area of plants grown under R were the highest. However, stem length and leaf area of plants grown under B were lowest. Dry weights (DW), leaf mass per area (LMA), chlorophyll a/b ratio, soluble protein content, sucrose and starch content, and total leaf nitrogen (N) content of plants grown under R were the lowest. Net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), and actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII) of plants grown under RB were similar to plants grown under W. Net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and ΦPSII of plants grown under R and B were lower than plants grown under W and RB. Antioxidant enzymes activity of plants grown under R, RB and B were higher than plants grown under W. The number of leaf stomata, leaf thickness, palisade tissue length and spongy tissue length were the lowest in plants grown under R. The number of leaf stomata, leaf thickness and palisade tissue length of plants grown under RB and B were higher than plants grown under R. The results of this study indicate that a certain ratio of mixed red and blue LEDs light can reduce adverse effects of monochromatic red and blue LEDs light on fruiting mulberry growth and development.

CHARACTERIZATION OF LEAVES AND FRUITS OF MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) CV. IMBU

Abstract: Although mango is one of the tropical fruits of greater interest in the world trade, literature concerning their rootstocks (characteristics and utilization) is scarce. This study aimed to characterize mango plants from cv. Imbu, widely used as rootstock in the Zona da Mata region, State of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Though fruits of this cultivar do not present desirable commercial characteristics, this study allowed us to characterize part of plant morphology and fill a gap in the literature, providing subsidies for future investigations. For such, 'Imbu' plants (˜ 4-years old) from the collection of the Universidade Federal de Vicosa, located in Vicosa -MG were evaluated. The descriptors were: (i) leaf blade division;(ii) leaf composition; (iii) petiole length in relation to leaf blade; (iv) phyllotaxis, (v) leaf position in relation to the branch insertion; (vi) leaf shape; (vii) leaf apex and base angles; (viii) leaf margin category; (ix) venation; (x) leaf length and thickness; (xi) leaf length/thickness ratio; (xii) leaf texture; (xiii) leaf fragrance; (xix) leaf color. The leaves were depicted as lanceolate, with entire margins and sharp angles at the base and apex of the leaf blade. The intensity of the green color of the leaf blade was considered intermediate and the abaxial surface staining showed less intense than that observed in the upper side. The fruits were processed and separated into peel, pulp and seeds in order to evaluate the flesh color, fresh weight and percentage of seeds, peel and pulp. It was determined the soluble solids content, starch concentration, the peel and the pulp color, the cerosity, the percentage evaluation of peel, pulp and seed and the pulp firmness. The average number of germinated seedlings per seed was estimated for 230 sown seeds.

Effect of defoliation on growth and yield response in two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) varieties.

Abstract: An experiment was conducted at Plant Physiology laboratory of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh, Bangladesh to investigate the effect of defoliations on crop characters, yield attributes and yield of two tomato varieties. The experiment comprised five levels of defoliation viz., 0 (control), 3, 6, 9 and 12 leaves defoliation out of 16 leaves and two varieties viz., Binatomato-4 and Binatomato-5. The experiment was laid out in two factors completely randomized design with four replications. Results revealed that defoliation and variety had significant effect on the studied crop characters and yield except the number of effective flower clusters per plant and fruit yield for variety. Most of the parameters like plant height, number of branches and leaves per plant, straw weight per plant, number of effective and non effective flower cluster per plant, number of flowers and fruits per plant, individual fruit weight and fruit yield per plant increased with defoliations over control up to 6 leaves and produced the highest in 3 leaves defoliated plant whereas the lowest was obtained in 12 leaves defoliated plants followed by 9 leaves defoliated plants. Therefore, due to the performance of morphological and yield attributing traits especially number of fruits per plant and number of fruits per cluster were superior in Binatomato-5 but fruit yield was inferior compared to Binatomato-4 in respect of smaller fruit size.

Morpho-anatomy of leaves and yield of pineapple plant in intercropping with cassava.

Abstract: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of shade in pineapple plant with cassava, on the yields of pineapple fruit sand cassava roots, on the morph-anatomical variation, damage by solar radiation and chlorophyll content of pineapple leaves. Pineapple plants were cultivated in plots comprising three parallel row sunder different shade conditions provided by cassava plants grown at various spacings within single rows located on either side of the plots. The experiment was of a randomized block design with five treatments (cassava spacings of 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 m and a pineapple monoculture) and four replications. Yields of fruits and roots, together with the morphological, chemical and histological characteristics of the "D" leaves of pineapple, were determined14 months after planting the pineapples plant. Data were submitted to analysis of variance with the Scott-Knott test or Friedman test ( P < 0.05) and to regression analysis. Pineapple plants grown under the majority of shade conditions presented higher fruit weight and overall yield per hectare in comparison with plants grown in direct sunlight. The maximum productivities of pineapple fruit were achieved when cassava plants were spaced 0.75 m apart and, under these shade conditions, fruits were fully protected against burning by the sun . The “D” leaves of shaded plants were longer and thicker, with higher content of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll, reduced stomatal density and dimensions of stomatal pores, narrower guard cells, thinner aquiferous hypodermis, and reduced abaxial and adaxial epidermis. The yield of cassava roots per plant increased linearly with increasing distance between the plants, but the yield per hectare decreased with decreasing plant density.

Labyrinths, columns and cavities: new internal features of pollen grain walls in the Acanthaceae detected by FIB–SEM

Abstract: External pollen grain morphology has been widely used in the taxonomy and systematics of flowering plants, especially the Acanthaceae which are noted for pollen diversity. However internal pollen wall features have received far less attention due to the difficulty of examining the wall structure. Advancing technology in the field of microscopy has made it possible, with the use of a focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM), to view the structure of pollen grain walls in far greater detail and in three dimensions. In this study the wall structures of 13 species from the Acanthaceae were investigated for features of potential systematic relevance. FIB-SEM was applied to obtain precise cross sections of pollen grains at selected positions for examining the wall ultrastructure. Exploratory studies of the exine have thus far identified five basic structural types. The investigations also show that similar external pollen wall features may have a distinctly different internal structure. FIB-SEM studies have revealed diverse internal pollen wall features which may now be investigated for their systematic and functional significance.

Morphophysiological plasticity of plagiotropic branches in response to change in the coffee plant spacing within rows

Abstract: Changes in spacing within rows may alter the morphology of the coffee plant by affecting the physiological constituents of its productivity. Even though some common plant responses to crop spacing variation are known, there is yet no scientific evidence that elucidates the effects of decreased spacing on the sourcesink relation in plagiotropic branches and, its association with both productivity and eco-physiological aspects of coffee leaves, mainly for new coffee cultivars in the Brazilian savannah. The aim of this work was to characterize the morphophysiological responses of Coffea arabica L. cultivars subjected to different spacing between plants within rows. Four Arabica coffee cultivars (Catuai Vermelho IAC 144, Catuai Amarelo IAC 62, Catuai Amarelo IAC 32, and Tupi RN IAC 1669-13) were transplanted in January 2010. A row spacing of 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.70, and 0.80 m was adopted between plants, maintaining a 3.80-m constant between rows. A randomized block design with four replicates was applied. During the experimental period, several morphophysiological characteristics of plagiotropic fruiting branches were evaluated in the months of April and December in 2013 and, in April 2014. The evaluation was conducted based on two canopy positions; canopy toward the rows, representing low exposure to light or toward the inter-row spacing, representing high light exposure. Leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic pigments levels were minimally or not at all affected by changing either the coffee cultivars or plant spacing. During the first evaluation, the leaf-to-fruitratio linearly increased, regardless of the cultivar. Light-exposed branches showed higher content of carotenoids and chlorophyll a in leaves and lower leaf-to-fruit-ratio as compared to those within the plant canopy. A major reduction in the number of fruits per branch was observed which was closely related to a parallel decrease in the number of fruits per node but not in the number of fruiting nodes per branch. Although this response was largely cultivar-dependent, it also changed according to the branch position in the hedgerow. Our results suggest that all tested cultivars exhibit high morphophysiological plasticity and have the potential to grow under different plant spacing within rows.

Morphology and Hydraulic Architecture of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Syrah and Torrontés Riojano Plants Are Unaffected by Variations in Red to Far-Red Ratio.

Abstract: Plants have evolved an array of specific photoreceptors to acclimate to the light environment. By sensing light signals, photoreceptors modulate plant morphology, carbon- and water-physiology, crop yield and quality of harvestable organs, among other responses. Many cultural practices and crop management decisions alter light quantity and quality perceived by plants cultivated in the field. Under full sunlight, phytochromes perceive high red to far red ratios (R:FR; 1.1), whereas overhead or lateral low R:FR (below 1.1) are sensed in the presence of plant shade or neighboring plants, respectively. Grapevine is one of the most important fruit crops in the world. To date, studies on grapevine response to light focused on different Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) levels; however, limited data exist about its response to light quality. In this study we aimed to investigate morphological, biochemical, and hydraulic responses of Vitis vinifera to variations in R:FR. Therefore, we irradiated Syrah and Torrontes Riojano plants, grown in a glasshouse, with lateral FR light (low lateral R:FR treatment), while others, that were kept as controls, were not irradiated (ambient lateral R:FR treatment). In response to the low lateral R:FR treatment, grapevine plants did not display any of the SAS morphological markers (i.e. stem length, petiole length and angle, number of lateral shoots) in any of the cultivars assessed, despite an increase in gibberelins and auxin concentrations in leaf tissues. Low lateral R:FR did not affect dry matter partitioning, water-related traits (stomata density and index, wood anatomy), or water-related physiology (plant conductance, transpiration rate, stem hydraulic conductivity, stomatal conductance). None of the Vitis vinifera varieties assessed displayed the classical morphological and hydraulic responses associated to SAS induced by phytochromes. We discuss these results in the context of natural grapevine environment and agronomical relevance.

EFFECT OF COMPETITIVE INTERACTIONS AND WATER STRESS ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RED CLOVER (Trifolium pratense L.) CULTIVATED WITH SPRING BARLEY (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract: On the basis of a pot experiment set up according to the additive design, the effect of competitive actions of spring barley on the morphological characteristics of red clover in the conditions of water stress was evaluated. Biometric analyses were carried out on five dates set by the growth rhythm of barley in pure sowing with a higher water dose. The study included: plant height, number of shoots and leaves per plant, and root length. On the basis of plant biomass, relative yield, relative yield total, and competitive balance index were determined. It was demonstrated that spring barley, from tillering to the end of growth, limited red clover plant height and root length. At the straw-shooting stage, negative effect of the cereal intensified and caused the formation of a smaller number of leaves and shoots than in clover in pure sowing. Water shortage caused plant shortening (from barley tillering to the end of growth) and reduction in the number of leaves (tillering – earing) and shoots (straw-shooting and ripening) of clover.

Morpho-anatomical characterization of diaspores and seedlings of Livistona rotundifolia

Abstract: Livistona rotundifolia (Lam.) Mart. (Arecaceae) is an ornamentally important species used for landscaping and commonly grown as a potted plant. However, seedling production is hindered by the lack of information available about the species germination process and it could be subsidized by seed and seedling anatomical and morphological studies. Therefore, this study aimed at describing L. rotundifolia diaspore morphology in addition to seedling morphology and anatomy. Germination is tubular remote and begins with the opening of a circular operculum in the fruit endocarp through which the cotyledonary petiole is emitted. The endosperm is consumed as cotyledonary petiole grows. Eophyll is covered by two leaf sheaths and the first L. rotundifolia leaves are simple and lanceolate, with longitudinal and parallel veins. The developing cotyledonary petiole presents root hairs and a typical stem structure. The cotyledonary petiole/root transition region shows secondary root emission, parenchyma cells, and groups of fiber bundles. Roots present a well-defined cortex with polyarc vascular cylinder. Cortex and vascular cylinder are not well-differentiated in the root apex. The results of this study will contribute to the overall biology of L. rotundifolia , as well as to seedling production and species identification, subsidizing regeneration and conservation studies.

Morphological and molecular diversity among full-sib progenies of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.).

Abstract: ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Sewar, Bharatpur 321 303, Rajasthan, India *Corresponding author’s email: singhvijayveer71@gmail.com Email addresses of coauthors: gurjarneeraj33@gmail.com, supriya_bmb@yahoo.co.in, yadav.sushma108@gmail.com, binaybio@gmail.com, b hagirathram_icar@yahoo.com, meethalaldrmr@gmail.com, brij_singh321@rediffmail.com, subaran29086@yahoo.com, director.drmr@gmail.com

Morphology and leaf anatomy of Dasylirion cedrosanum at different stages of development.

Abstract: En el presente trabajo se analizó la morfo-anatomía foliar de sotol Dasylirion cedrosanum Trel., especie perenne del Norte de México y Sur de Estados Unidos de América. Esta especie es de gran importancia económica y social en las zonas áridas y semiáridas de México. El objetivo fue observar las diferencias en el desarrollo morfo-anatómico de la hoja a diferentes edades. Para el estudio morfológico se tomaron muestras de plantas de 6, 30, 60 y 84 meses de edad. Se colectaron porciones medias del eje longitudinal de las hojas en las edades previamente establecidas y se fijaron en FAA. Las muestras se procesaron con los métodos clásicos para la obtención de láminas permanentes. La epidermis foliar está formada por células unistratas de forma isodiamétrica, los estomas son de tipo paracítico, la densidad estomática, el índice estomático muestra valores entre 14.0–23.3% y la densidad de células estomáticas oscila entre 46.8-65, estomas mm-2, las superficies adaxial y abaxial no exhiben dominancia una sobre otra. El parénquima en empalizada se incrementa hasta 62% con la edad; el mesofilo es isolateral con braquiesclereidas que se prolongan desde las bandas vasculares. Los haces vasculares son bandas de tres órdenes sobre la que existen cristales prismáticos. Abstract

Anatomical and chemical investigations on asparagus officinalis l. (asparagaceae)

Abstract: Although Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is chiefly known as a vegetable herb, little information about the botanical characteristics of such plant are available. Therefore, it is aimed in this study to bring light more information about the morphological, anatomical and some important chemical contents of vegetative and reproductive organs of the plant, throughout the consecutive stages of its entire life span under the local conditions. Seeds of Asparagus (cv. Mary Washington 500 W) were sown 2nd Feb. 2013. The field experiment was carried out at the Experimental and Research Station of Fac. of Agric., Cairo Univ., Giza, Egypt during the two successive growing seasons 2013 and 2014. Asparagus is a herbaceous, perennial plant that grows up to 1.5- 2 m height. The plant posses aerial stems (ferns) and much- branched feathery foliage. The leaves are triangular scales like, 3-7 mm in length. The cladodes (modified stems) arise in the axis of scale leaves . Cladodes are found in fascicles (3-6) on each node. The flowers are bell- shaped, greenish –white to yellowish, 4.5-6.5mm long, with 6- tepals,single or in clusters of 2-3. Anatomical studies were carried out for various organs of Asparagus plant including, apex of the aerial stem, visible internode below shoot apex, median portion of the aerial stem, the cladode , median portion of spear, scale - like leaf, rhizome, adventitious root. The major chemical metabolites contents of spear were determined.