Comparison of growth and quality of wild and cultivated Artemisia stolonifera / 中国中药杂志

This paper aims to compare the difference of growth and quality between wild and cultivated Artemisia stolonifera, thereby providing references for further development and utilization of A. stolonifera. The wild and cultivated A. stolonifera from different altitudes were collected, and the agronomic characters, moxa yield, volatile components, flavonoids, and phenolic acids were determined. The results showed that the cultivated species were taller and stronger, with more leaves and branches, than the wild species. The moxa yield and combustion quality of wild products were higher than those of cultivated products. The content of main volatile components in cultivated products was higher than that in wild products. The content of flavonoids and phenolic acids in wild products was higher than that in cultivated products. At high altitude, the ignition performance, combustion persistence, comprehensive combustion performance, and heat release during combustion of the wild and cultivated A. stolonifera. were optimal. At middle altitude, the content of main characteristic volatile components and flavone phenolic acids in the leaves of the cultivated and wild A. stolonifera were the highest. At low altitude, the combustion quality and the content of the above components of the cultivated A. stolonifera decrease significantly. Considering the combustion quality and the content of the internal components of the leaf lint, the middle and high altitude areas are suitable for the artificial cultivation of A. stolonifera.

Regulation of crop agronomic traits and abiotic stress responses by brassinosteroids: a review / 生物工程学报

Plant adaptation to adverse environment depends on transmitting the external stress signals into internal signaling pathways, and thus forming a variety of stress response mechanisms during evolution. Brassinosteroids (BRs) is a steroid hormone and widely involved in plant growth, development and stress response. BR is perceived by cell surface receptors, including the receptor brassinosteroid-insensitive 1 (BRI1) and the co-receptor BRI1-associated-kinase 1 (BAK1), which in turn trigger a signaling cascade that leads to the inhibition of BIN2 and activation of BES1/BZR1 transcription factors. BES1/BZR1 can directly regulate the expression of thousands of downstream responsive genes. Studies in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana have shown that members of BR biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways, particularly protein kinase BIN2 and its downstream transcription factors BES1/BZR1, can be extensively regulated by a variety of environmental factors. In this paper, we summarize recent progresses on how BR biosynthesis and signal transduction are regulated by complex environmental factors, as well as how BR and environmental factors co-regulate crop agronomic traits, cold and salt stress responses.

Plastid transformation: advances and challenges for its implementation in agricultural crops

Chloroplast biotechnology has emerged as a promissory platform for the development of modified plants to express products aimed mainly at the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and energy industries. This technology's high value is due to its high capacity for the mass production of proteins. Moreover, the interest in chloroplasts has increased because of the possibility of expressing multiple genes in a single transformation event without the risk of epigenetic effects. Although this technology solves several problems caused by nuclear genetic engineering, such as turning plants into safe bio-factories, some issues must still be addressed in relation to the optimization of regulatory regions for efficient gene expression, cereal transformation, gene expression in non-green tissues, and low transformation efficiency. In this article, we provide information on the transformation of plastids and discuss the most recent achievements in chloroplast bioengineering and its impact on the biopharmaceutical and agricultural industries; we also discuss new tools that can be used to solve current challenges for their successful establishment in recalcitrant crops such as monocots.

Quantitative taxonomic study on agronomic traits of cultivated Gastrodia elata / 中国中药杂志

To better understand the formation mechanism of Gastrodia elata traits, the agronomic traits of aboveground tissues and tubers were measured and analyzed in this study. It has shown that the color and thickness of the stems of the 39 samples of the G. elata collected are affected by the germplasm and variation. Clustering analysis of 39 agronomic traits of G. elata was conducted with Ward's method and Euclidean distance. The threshold of 11.0 was divided into three groups, namely hybrid G. elata, G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Simultaneously, the correlation analysis, coefficient of variation analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis of 13 agronomic traits of 105 G. elata tuber samples were carried out. The results showed that the weight of G. elata was significantly positively correlated with tuber length and width. The agronomic traits of tuber were highly variable, and the depth of variability of the scar was the largest and 13 agronomic traits could be divided into 6 types of factors and the contribution up to 89.348%, furthermore, tuber length factor, width and weight factor contributed more than 20%, indicating that it is of great significance for distinguishing G. elata germplasm. Cluster analysis was performed by Ward's method and Euclidean distance, with 8.0 as the threshold can be divided into three categories in the light of the origin of the source, 33 samples from Shanxi and Hubei are clustered into one category, and 19 samples from Yunnan and Guizhou are clustered into one group, and the remaining samples are grouped into one category. This study will provide a basis for the identification and purification of G. elata germplasm and germplasm resources.

Genetic correlation and path analysis of common bean collected from Caceres Mato Grosso State, Brazil / Correlação genética e análise de trilha de feijão comum coletados em Cáceres-MT, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to determine genetic correlations of agronomic traits and to evaluate direct and indirect effects, through path analysis, between variables analyzed with grain yield. Forty accessions of common bean, cultivated at Caceres County were evaluated, by using randomized complete blocks design with three repetitions. Coefficient magnitudes of genotypic correlations were superior to phenotypic and environmental ones for most correlations, suggesting greater influence of genetic factor than environmental factors. In order to determine the importance of direct and indirect effects, path analysis was performed, which provided greater reliability in interpretations of cause and effect between studied traits, indicating that grain yield may be explained by the effects of analyzed traits. Number of seeds per plant (0.801) and grain weight (0.641) showed higher favorable effect over grain yield, allowing its use in direct or indirect selection for grain yield in common bean.

RESUMO: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar as correlações genéticas entre caracteres e avaliar os efeitos diretos e indiretos, entre as variáveis analisadas com a produtividade de grãos, por meio de análise de trilha. Foram avaliados 40 acessos de feijoeiro comum cultivados na Empaer de Cáceres, adotando o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. As magnitudes dos coeficientes de correlações genotípicas foram superiores as ambientais e fenotípicas para a maioria das correlações, evidenciando maior influência do fator genético do que dos fatores ambientais. Os efeitos diretos e indiretos proporcionaram maior confiabilidade nas interpretações de causa e efeito entre os caracteres estudados, indicando que a produtividade de grãos pode ser explicada por meio dos efeitos dos caracteres analisados. Os caracteres número de sementes por planta (0,801) e peso de grão (0,641) apresentaram maior efeito direto favorável, demonstrando forte associação entre os caracteres analisados, podendo ser utilizados na seleção direta ou indireta para a produtividade de grão em feijoeiro.

Comparative and path analysis between underground tuber yield and agronomic traits in cultivation provenances of Gastrodia elata f. glauca from Zhaotong / 中国中药杂志

To provide guidance for quality control and variety breeding of Gastrodia elata f. glauca cultivated form in Zhaotong, nine agronomic traits of G. elata f. glauca cultivation form were measured and the traits were analyzed using multiple comparison,correlation analysis, multiple stepwise regression analysis and path analysis. The results of multiple comparison and analysis showed that the number of dot ring and the length-width ratio of tuber were no different in G. elata f. glauca cultivation form. The coefficient of variation about the single tuber fresh weigh, ring spacing and belly button diameter was about 20%. The coefficient of variation about the length of the tuber, the width of the tuber, the thickness of the tuber, the length-width ratio of tuber and the number of dot ring was near 10%. The correlation analysis results showed that the single tuber fresh weigh and the length,the width and the thickness of the tuber were extremely significant positive correlated. The results of multiple stepwise regression analysis and path analysis showed that the length, the width and the thickness of the tuber were the main factors affecting the fresh weight of single tuber,which were the best agronomic traits on high yield of G. elata f. glauca. The length of the tuber,the width of the tuber and the thickness of the tuber, which would be used as indicators of the characteristics of high yield varieties in Zhaotong. The number of dot ring and the length-width ratio of tuber, which would be selected as quality control indicators of the genuine Chinese medicinal materials in Zhaotong.

Diversity of agronomic traits of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis and their correlation with rhizome yield and active compositions / 中国中药杂志

The supply deficiency of crude medicinal plant of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis has become a bottleneck for related medicinal industry. An important approach to increase herbal production is to breed high-yield cultivated variety, which characterized ideal plant morphology. In the present study, we collected 99 wild germplasm resources of P. polyphylla and then measured their 12 main agronomic traits and contents of polyphyllin Ⅶ,Ⅵ,Ⅱ,Ⅰ. Followed analyses were used to characterize those traits and explore the potential connection with herbal yield or quality. The results showed that: ①There was ample morphological diversity in wild P. polyphylla, whose variation of agronomic traits reduced according to followed order: content of polyphyllin, weight of dry rhizome, petiole length, stem length, petal length, pedicel length, sepal length, leaf width, leaf length, sepal width, leaf number, stamen number, petal number. ② Most of those traits were significantly correlated to each other and generally represented the characterization of photosynthetic organs or reproductive organ. ③The total content of polyphyllin Ⅶ,Ⅵ,Ⅱ,Ⅰvaried between 0.02% and 0.87% and averagedat 0.13%, which showed no significant correlation with any agronomic trait. ④Plant breeders should play more attention on those germplasm resources with large leaves, large sepals and high stem.

Agronomic performance of castor under different growing conditions / Desempenho agronômico de mamona sob diferentes condições de cultivo

Castor has emerged as an oilseed species capable of meeting the demand of the Brazilian market. Thus, there is a need for studies to evaluate the different growing conditions that this species can be cultivated in order to subsidize their production. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of different growing conditions on agronomic performance of seven castor bean cultivars grown in Savanna-Pantanal ecotone region. The trial was conducted at Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana Campus. Treatments consisted of seven castor bean cultivars (BRS Energia, IAC-2028, IAC-Guarani, BRS Nordestina, BRS Paraguaçu, IAC-80 and IAC-226) and three growing conditions (with weed control and without topdress nitrogen; with topdress nitrogen at 80 kg ha-1 and with weed control; without weed control and absence of topdress nitrogen) in two agricultural years (2011 and 2012), arranged in randomized block design with three replications in factorial arrangement (7 x 3 x 2). The following variables were evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, number of bunches, number of fruits and fruit yield. The cultivars BRS Energia, IAC 2028, IAC Guarani and BRS Paraguaçu obtained greater fruit yield. Topdress nitrogen and weed control provided to cultivars the highest stem diameter, number of bunches, number of fruits and fruit yield.

A mamona vem se destacando como uma espécie oleaginosa capaz de suprir a demanda do mercado brasileiro. Desta forma, existe a necessidade de pesquisas que avaliem as diferentes condições de cultivo que esta espécie possa ser cultivada, a fim de subsidiar sua produção. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes condições no desempenho agronômico de cultivares de mamona cultivada na região do ecótono Cerrado-Pantanal. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campus de Aquidauana. Os tratamentos consistiram de sete cultivares de mamona (BRS Energia, IAC-2028, IAC-Guarani, BRS Nordestina, BRS Paraguaçu, IAC-80 e IAC-226) e três condições de cultivo (com controle de plantas daninhas e sem adubação de cobertura com N; com adubação de 80 kg ha-1 de N e controle de plantas daninhas; sem controle das plantas daninhas e ausência de adubação de cobertura com N) em dois anos agrícolas (2011 and 2012), dispostos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com três repetições, em esquema fatorial (7 x 3 x 2). Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: altura de plantas, diâmetro do caule, número de cachos, número de frutos e produtividade de frutos. As cultivares BRS Energia, IAC 2028, IAC Guarani e BRS Paraguaçu obtiveram maior produtividade de frutos. A adubação nitrogenada em cobertura e o controle de plantas daninhas proporcionaram às cultivares maior diâmetro do colmo, número de cachos, número de frutos e produtividade de frutos.

Rationality of commodity criteria and traditional breeding of Polygala tenuifolia based on agronomic traits and determination of chemical components / 中国中药杂志

The agronomic traits (plant height, root diameter, root length, first lateral root height, lateral root amount, root weight) of 18 Polygala tenuifolia samples with different agronomic traits were analyzed, respectively. HPLC was used to analyze three main characteristic components including tenuifolin, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, and 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose. At last, the correlation between six agronomic traits and three main characteristic components were analyzed by scatter plot. We found no significant correlation between root diameter and three main characteristic components. There were no obvious correlations between tenuifolin and the remaining five agronomic traits. Short root length and first lateral root height as well as high lateral root amount resulted in high levels of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in P. tenuifolia samples. High levels of 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose were observed in P. tenuifolia samples with longer root. So, the current commodity criteria and traditional breeding of P. tenuifolia did not conform to pharmacopoeia standards, which excellent medicinal materials should have high contents of the main characteristic components. It was urgent to revise the current commodity criteria and breeding methods.

Molecular Relatedness and Morpho-Agronomic Characteristics of Congolese Accessions of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) for Breeding Purposes.

Cassava serves as primary staple food of millions of people in the tropics and subtropics, and is used as a carbohydrate source in animal feed. Knowledge of agro-morphological characteristics and genetic relatedness is essential for an efficient recombination of varieties in a breeding program. The objective of the present study was to determine genetic relatedness and morpho-agronomic differentiation among Congolese cassava collection for breeding purposes. The morphological and agronomic characters were highly variable among accessions. Every accession could be differentiated from any other one. There were significant genotypes x location interactions for storage root yields. Root weights were positively correlated with the number of roots per plant. In general, all the improved varieties were tolerant or resistant to the Cassava Mosaic Virus (CMV) while the local (non-improved) varieties were susceptible. But the reaction to Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB) confirmed that genetically improved accessions are susceptible and local varieties are resistant. Molecular analysis revealed that the accessions analyzed were genetically distant with 80% of genetic distance values estimated above 0.5. One local accession was an out-group that was separated from the main groupings with 100% degree of confidence. More importantly, there were no associations between genetic relationships and morphological similarities based on lobe shape, leaf colour, petiole colour, petiole orientation, and stem colour. Although the Congolese cassava genepool is small, there is enough variability to sustain a breeding program without new introductions of germplasms.

Caracterização morfológica e agronômica de acessos de jambu (Spilanthes oleracea L. ) nas condições do Norte de Minas Gerais / Morphological and agronomic characterization of Jambu (Spilanthes oleracea L. ) accessions under the conditions of North Minas Gerais State, Brazil

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar os aspectos morfológicos e agronômicos de três acessos de jambu (Spilanthes oleracea L.) nas condições do Norte de Minas Gerais. O estudo foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, no período de abril a junho de 2009, no Instituto de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICA/UFMG), localizado na cidade de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e oito repetições. Os tratamentos foram os acessos de jambu (1- Montes Claros/MG; 2- Pará, Norte do Brasil; 3- Cristália/MG). Dois meses após o transplantio, foram avaliados o comprimento da inflorescência (cm), o comprimento e a largura das folhas do terceiro nó de cada planta (cm) e a matéria fresca e seca da parte aérea e das inflorescências (g). Foram também caracterizadas a coloração dos caules e os tipos de inflorescências. A cor dos caules foi distinguida visualmente, variando de roxo intenso, acessos de Cristália e Montes Claros, a verde claro, acesso do estado do Pará. Os subtipos de inflorescência foram caracterizadas como simples ou geminadas e alongadas ou globóides. Observou-se que o acesso de Jambu, proveniente do estado do Pará, apresentou os melhores resultados para a maioria das características avaliadas. Esse acesso apresentou inflorescências dos tipos simples alongada,e, ocasionalmente, geminadas, tanto globóides como alongadas, enquanto os acessos de Cristália e Montes Claros apresentaram inflorescências simples globóides. Pode-se concluir que os três acessos são equivalentes comercialmente. Entretanto, para produção de sementes, recomenda-se o cultivo do acesso de jambu proveniente do estado do Pará.

The aim of this study was to characterize morphological and agronomic aspects of three Jambu (Spilanthes oleracea L.) accessions under the conditions of North Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The study was carried out in a greenhouse from April to June 2009 in the Institute for Agrarian Sciences of Federal University of Minas Gerais (ICA/UFMG), located in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments and eight replicates. Treatments were Jambu accessions (1- from Montes Claros City, Minas Gerais; 2- from Pará State, North of Brazil; 3- from Cristália City, Minas Gerais). Two months after transplanting, the inflorescence length (cm), the length and width of leaves of the third node of each plant (cm) and the fresh and dry matter of shoot and inflorescences (g) were assessed. The color of stems and the type of inflorescences were also characterized. Stem color was visually distinguished, varying from intense purple, Cristália and Montes Claros accessions, to light green, Pará State accession. Inflorescence subtypes were characterized as simple or geminated and elongated or globoid. Jambu accession from Pará State presented the best results for most assessed characteristics. This accession presented elongated simple and, occasionally, both globoid and elongated geminated inflorescences, while Cristália and Montes Claros accessions presented globoid simple inflorescences. It can be concluded that all three accessions are commercially equivalent. However, for seed production, cultivation of Jambu accession from Pará State is recommended.

Desempenho agronômico e divergência genética na seleção de linhagens S5 de milho / Agronomic performance and genetic divergence in the selection of strains of maize S5

O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar linhagens de milho por meio desempenho agronômico juntamente com a divergência genética, no Sul do Tocantins. Foram avaliadas 63 linhagens de milho S5, obtidas de germoplasma de milho. O experimento foi instalado no município de Gurupi, Estado do Tocantins, na safra 2008/2009, em blocos casualizados, com duas repetições. Foram formandos 20 grupos divergentes, selecionado dentro de cada grupo as melhores linhagens. Os caracteres, área abaixo da curva de progresso da Mancha Branca (P. maydis) e avaliação do ataque de lagarta do cartucho (S. fugiperda), não foram utilizados como critério na seleção das linhagens. A utilização do desempenho agronômico conjuntamente com a análise de divergência genética foi eficaz na diferenciação das linhagens S5 de milho para possíveis genitores.

The objective in this work was to select strains of maize through the agronomic performance, together with the genetic divergence, in the south of Tocantins. They were evaluated 63 S5 maize lines, obtained from the germplasm of maize. The experiment was conducted at the Gurupi, State of Tocantins, in the 2008/2009 harvest, in the randomized block design with two replications. They were formed 20 divergent groups, and within each group selected the best strains. The characteristics of the area under the curve of progress of White Spot (P. maydis) and assessment of attack fall armyworm (S. fugiperda) were not used as criteria in the selection of strains. The use of agronomic performance together with the analysis of genetic divergence was effective in differentiating the strains S5 corn for possible parents.