Metabolic control of seed germination in legumes.

Seed development, dormancy, and germination are connected with changes in metabolite levels. Not surprisingly, a complex regulatory network modulates biosynthesis and accumulation of storage products. Seed development has been studied profusely in Arabidopsis thaliana and has provided valuable insights into the genetic control of embryo development. However, not every inference applies to crop legumes, as these have been domesticated and selected for high seed yield and specific metabolic profiles and fluxes. Given its enormous economic relevance, considerable work has contributed to shed light on the mechanisms that control legume seed growth and germination. Here, we summarize recent progress in the understanding of regulatory networks that coordinate seed metabolism and development in legumes.

Implications of cell wall immunocytochemical profiles on the structural and functional traits of root and stem galls induced by Eriosoma lanigerum on Malus domestica.

Alterations in cell wall composition imply in new structural and functional traits in gall developmental sites, even when the inducer is a sucking exophytophagous insect with strict feeding sites as the aphid associated to Malus domestica Borkh. This host plant is an economically important, fruit-bearing species, susceptible to gall induction by the sucking aphid Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann, 1802. Herein, the immunocytochemical detection of arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), pectins, and hemicelluloses using monoclonal antibodies was performed in samples of non-galled roots and stems, and of root and stem galls on M. domestica. The dynamics of these cell wall components was discussed under the structural and functional traits of the galls proximal, median, and distal regions, according to the proximity of E. lanigerum colony feeding site. In the proximal region, the epitopes of AGPs and homogalacturonans (HGs) are related to cell growth and divisions, which result in the overproduction of parenchyma cells both in root and stem galls. In the proximal and median regions, the co-occurrence of HGs and arabinans in the cell walls of parenchyma and secondary tissues favors the nutrient flow and water-holding capacity, while the xylogalacturonans and hemicelluloses may function as additional carbohydrate resources to E. lanigerum. The immunocytochemical profile of the cell walls support the feeding activity of E. lanigerum mainly in the gall proximal region. The similarity of the cell wall components of the gall distal region and the non-galled portions, both in roots and stems, relates to the decrease of the cecidogenetic field the more distant the E. lanigerum colony is.

Dynamic shifts in primary metabolism across fruit development stages in Capsicum chinense (cv. Habanero).

The development of fleshy fruits involves changes in size and mass, followed by cell differentiation, which is associated with anatomical and histological changes. Parallel to these changes, metabolic alterations lead to the production of osmolytes and energy that modify cell turgor pressure, thereby promoting cell expansion and fruit growth. Detailed information is known about these processes in climacteric fruits (e.g. tomato); however, the regulation of metabolism and its association with anatomical changes in non-climacteric fruit development are poorly understood. In this study, we used detailed anatomical and histological analyses to define three developmental phases of chili pepper (Capsicum chinense cv. Habanero): cell division, cell expansion, and ripening. We showed that each was marked by distinct metabolic profiles, underpinning the switches in energy metabolism to support cellular processes. Interestingly, mitochondrial activity was high in the early stages of development and declined over time, with a modest increase in O2 consumption by pericarp tissues at the beginning of the ripening stage. This respiratory-like burst was associated with the degradation of starch and malate, which are the sources of energy and carbon required for other processes associated with fruit maturation.

Metabolomics characterizes early metabolic changes and markers of tolerant Eucalyptus ssp. clones against drought stress.

EUCALYPTUS: L'Hér. (Myrtaceae) is one of the economically most important and widely cultivated trees for wood crop purposes worldwide. Climatic changes together with the constant need to expand plantations to areas that do not always provide optimal conditions for plant growth highlight the need to assess the impact of abiotic stresses on eucalypt trees. We aimed to unveil the drought effect on the leaf metabolome of commercial clones with differential phenotypic response to this stress. For this, seedlings of 13 clones were grown at well-watered (WW) and water-deficit (WD) conditions and their leaf extracts were subjected to comparative analysis using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). UPLC-MS and NMR analyses led to the annotation of over 100 molecular features of classes such as cyclitols, phenolics, flavonoids, formylated phloroglucinol compounds (FPCs) and fatty acids. Multivariate data analysis was employed for specimens' classifications and markers identification from both platforms. The results obtained in this work allowed us to classify clones differing in drought tolerance. Classification models were validated using an extra subset of samples. Tolerant plants exposed to water deficit accumulated arginine, gallic acid derivatives, caffeic acid and tannins at higher levels. In contrast, stressed drought-sensitive clones were characterised by a significant reduction in glucose, inositol and shikimic acid levels. These changes in contrasting drought response eucalypt pave ways for differential outcomes of tolerant and susceptible phenotypes. Under optimal growth conditions, all clones were rich in FPCs. These results can be used for early screening of tolerant clones and to improve our understanding of the role of these biomarkers in Eucalyptus tolerance to drought stress.

Green Biomass-Based Protein for Sustainable Feed and Food Supply: An Overview of Current and Future Prospective.

It is necessary to develop and deploy novel protein production to allow the establishment of a sustainable supply for both humans and animals, given the ongoing expansion of protein demand to meet the future needs of the increased world population and high living standards. In addition to plant seeds, green biomass from dedicated crops or green agricultural waste is also available as an alternative source to fulfill the protein and nutrient needs of humans and animals. The development of extraction and precipitation methods (such as microwave coagulation) for chloroplast and cytoplasmic proteins, which constitute the bulk of leaf protein, will allow the production of leaf protein concentrates (LPC) and protein isolates (LPI). Obtained LPC serves as a sustainable alternative source of animal-based protein besides being an important source of many vital phytochemicals, including vitamins and substances with nutritional and pharmacological effects. Along with it, the production of LPC, directly or indirectly, supports sustainability and circular economy concepts. However, the quantity and quality of LPC largely depend on several factors, including plant species, extraction and precipitation techniques, harvest time, and growing season. This paper provides an overview of the history of green biomass-derived protein from the early green fodder mill concept by Károly Ereky to the state-of-art of green-based protein utilization. It highlights potential approaches for enhancing LPC production, including dedicated plant species, associated extraction methods, selection of optimal technologies, and best combination approaches for improving leaf protein isolation.

Tree Species and Morphology of Holes Caused by Black-Tufted Marmosets to Obtain Exudates: Some Implications for the Exudativory.

Knowledge of the pattern of exploitation of trees can help us understand the relationship between marmosets and plants, especially in declining forests, such as those in the Brazilian Cerrado. Black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) regularly exploit exudates by gouging the bark of trees with their specialized teeth. Determining preferred tree species to exploit exudates is important for forest management aimed at maintaining an essential food source for urban marmosets. We characterized the tree species, dendrometry, and the characteristics of the holes made by marmosets to obtain exudates. Based on these data, we proposed a gouging effort index (Chiseling Suitability Index for Marmosets, ChiSI). We identified 16 species belonging to 10 families of trees with gouging marks made by marmosets. Eleven new tree species used by black-tufted marmosets for exudates were identified in urban forests in the Cerrado. Exudate exploration was predominantly of medium intensity, with round holes concentrated in the canopy. The species Tapirira guianensis and Croton urucarana were preferred. The ChiSI was characterized by a narrow range for both T. guianensis and C. urucarana. Despite the flexibility of obtaining exudates, the black-tufted marmosets concentrate their exploitation to only a few tree species. The T. guianensis and C. urucarana tree species should be considered the most important species for management plans and the preservation of black-tufted marmosets that live in urban forests in the Cerrado.

Irradiance-regulated biomass allocation in Raphanus sativus plants depends on gibberellin biosynthesis.

Gibberellin has been proposed to increase leaf elongation in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) plants, which is associated with decreased tuber growth. Since light intensity can control growth through interaction with gibberellin, investigation of the effect of gibberellin levels on the growth of radish plants would be a step forward towards unraveling factors that underlie biomass accumulation and allocation in response to irradiance levels. Here, we report that the gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PAC) decreased petiole elongation, but not lamina growth of radish plants grown under full sunlight. However, shading promoted an increase in shoot elongation, while in plants treated with PAC the petiole and leaf lamina fail to elongate. Plants treated with PAC allocated proportionally more biomass to their tubers and less to shoot compared to control under shade. Moreover, PAC decreased the abundance of transcripts encoding cell wall expansion proteins in leaf lamina and petiole of plants grown under shade, which was positively correlated with sugar consumption by the tuber, thereby increasing the mass fraction and concentrations of minerals for tuber. Thus, allocation of biomass during the growth of radish plants and nutritional quality of tubers depend on gibberellin and light intensity.

Treasured exceptions: Association of morphoanatomical leaf traits with cup quality of Coffea arabica L. cv. "Catuaí".

The morphoanatomical characteristics of leaves were associated with altitude, hillside, and the cup quality of coffee produced in the Matas de Minas region. Although the small magnitude, there are correlations between cup quality with altitude and morpho-anatomical traits. Despite facing the differences of management inherent to 363 sampling sites, Northwestern hillside had significant lower cup quality, whereas only stomata density (SD) and thickness of the leaf epidermis in the adaxial face (AdET) showed significant differences between hillsides. Altitude, leaf mass per area (LMA) and SD, and to a lesser extent the thickness of the leaf epidermis in the abaxial face (AbET), were correlated (Spearman's correlation) with cup quality. Interestingly, AbET correlations were negative. Mantel's test significant correlations were found between coffee cup quality vs. altitude, LMA and petiole phloem area (PPhA). The spatial autocorrelation was significant only with LMA. Also, SD, to a lesser extent, was associated with cup quality. Despite the complexity of the association among the environment, plant growth and development, this is the first report to associate morpho-anatomical features of the leaf with the coffee cup traits. Even with the expectation of genotype/species vs environment interactions, and the influence of other parameters associated with post-harvest, roasting and brewing, the evaluation of LMA, SD, AdET, AbET and the thickness of the palisade parenchyma (PPT) allow a novel approach to access coffee cup quality.

Specific leaf area is modulated by nitrogen via changes in primary metabolism and parenchymal thickness in pepper.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Nitrogen promotes changes in SLA through metabolism and anatomical traits in Capsicum plants. Specific leaf area (SLA) is a key trait influencing light interception and light use efficiency that often impacts plant growth and production. SLA is a key trait explaining growth variations of plant species under different environments. Both light and nitrogen (N) supply are important determinants of SLA. To better understand the effect of irradiance level and N on SLA in Capsicum chinense, we evaluated primary metabolites and morphological traits of two commercial cultivars (Biquinho and Habanero) in response to changes in both parameters. Both genotypes showed increased SLA with shading, and a decrease in SLA in response to increased N supply, however, with Habanero showing a stable SLA in the range of N deficiency to sufficient N doses. Correlation analyses indicated that decreased SLA in response to higher N supply was mediated by altered amino acids, protein, and starch levels, influencing leaf density. Moreover, in the range of moderate N deficiency to N sufficiency, both genotypes exhibited differences in SLA response, with Biquinho and Habanero displaying alterations on palisade and spongy parenchyma, respectively. Altogether, the results suggest that SLA responses to N supply are modulated by the balance between certain metabolites content and genotype-dependent changes in the parenchyma cells influencing leaf thickness and density.

Evaluation of anatomical and physiological traits of Solanum pennellii Cor. associated with plant yield in tomato plants under water-limited conditions.

Although intensively studied, few works had looked into S. pennellii's ability to cope with water-deficit conditions from a breeding point of view. In this study, we assessed potential traits of S. pennellii, that had previously been linked to high yields in other plant species, under long-term water-limited conditions and made a parallel with plant yield. For this purpose, the drought-resistant tomato genotypes IL 3-5 and IL 10-1, and the drought-sensitive IL 2-5 and IL 7-1 at seed level, together with both parents the S. pennellii accession LA 716 and the cultivar M82 were kept at 50 and 100% ASW throughout the growing season. Our findings confirm the superiority of LA 716 under water-limited conditions compared to the other S. lycopersicum genotypes in terms of plant water status maintenance. Percentual reduction on plant yield was higher in IL 3-5 and IL 10-1 than in M82 plants, indicating no correlation between drought resistance on germination and plant productive stages. A strong positive correlation was found between fruit yield and A, gs, and Ψleaf at 50% ASW, suggesting these traits as important selection criteria. LT and gmin, LA 716's most promising traits, did not show a linear correlation with fruit yield under low water regimes. This study unravels traits behind tomato performance under water-limited conditions and should work as guidance for breeders aiming at developing drought-resistant tomato cultivars.

Source Strength Modulates Fruit Set by Starch Turnover and Export of Both Sucrose and Amino Acids in Pepper.

Fruit set is an important yield-related parameter, which varies drastically due to genetic and environmental factors. Here, two commercial cultivars of Capsicum chinense (Biquinho and Habanero) were evaluated in response to light intensity (unshaded and shaded) and N supply (deficiency and sufficiency) to understand the role of source strength on fruit set at the metabolic level. We assessed the metabolic balance of primary metabolites in source leaves during the flowering period. Furthermore, we investigated the metabolic balance of the same metabolites in flowers to gain more insights into their influence on fruit set. Genotype and N supply had a strong effect on fruit set and the levels of primary metabolites, whereas light intensity had a moderate effect. Higher fruit set was mainly related to the export of both sucrose and amino acids from source leaves to flowers. Additionally, starch turnover in source leaves, but not in flowers, had a central role on the sucrose supply to sink organs at night. In flowers, our results not only confirmed the role of the daily supply of carbohydrates on fruit set but also indicated a potential role of the balance of amino acids and malate.

Salt stress inhibits germination of Stylosanthes humilis seeds through abscisic acid accumulation and associated changes in ethylene production.

In Stylosanthes humilis, salt stress tolerance is associated with ethylene production by the seeds, however, how salt stress controls seed germination and ethylene production is poorly understood. Here, we studied the hormonal and metabolic changes triggered by salt stress on germination of S. humilis seeds. Salt stress led to decreased seed germination and ethylene production, concomitantly with higher abscisic acid (ABA) production by seeds. Treatment with NaCl and ABA promoted distinct changes in energy metabolism, allowing seeds to adapt to salt stress conditions. Treatment with the ABA biosynthesis inhibitor fluridone or ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) reversed the effects of salt stress on seed germination and ethylene production. Moreover, ethylene concentration was decreased by increasing the pH of the salt solution. High pH, however, did not influence concentration of ABA in seeds under salt stress. We conclude that biosynthesis of ABA and ethylene in response to salt stress constitutes a point of convergence that provides flexibility to regulate energy metabolism and embryo growth potential of S. humilis seeds within a given pH condition.

Morpho-anatomical, physiological and biochemical changes in rubber tree seeds.

The physical, physiological and biochemical changes during the development until the dispersal of rubber tree seeds were evaluated with the purpose of estimating the point at physiological maturity. A total of 30 plants were selected at different points in a commercial planting area and had their flowers marked during the anthesis and every 15 days after marking. Fruits and seeds were collected for analysis of moisture content, dry matter, diameter and length. Details of the anatomy ultra-structure of the seeds were evaluated. The seed emergence, emergency speed index, heat resistant proteins and oxidative stress enzymes were examined. It was observed that fruits reached maximum size at 120 days after anthesis and seeds at 150 days. The seeds acquired germination capacity after 150 days. At 175 days, they presented the highest percentage of dry matter and lowest moisture, in addition to a higher percentage of germination and vigor. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that the physiological maturity of the rubber tree seeds occurs at 175 days after anthesis, and coincides with its maximum physiological quality. At 175 and 180 days post-anthesis, there is a greater expression of heat resistant proteins as well as low molecular weight and greater oxidative stress enzyme activity.

Sugar metabolism and developmental stages of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis L.) seeds.

Changes in the concentration of sugars and sucrose metabolism enzymes can characterize the developmental stages of a seed. In recalcitrant species such as Hevea brasiliensis L., little is known about these changes. We aimed to evaluate the three main stages of development of rubber tree seeds - histodifferentiation, cell elongation and accumulation of reserves. The activities of acid and neutral invertases (E.C. 3.2.1.26) and sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13), and the concentrations of reducing sugars (RS), total soluble sugars (TSS) and sucrose (Suc) were determined concomitantly with the histochemical and anatomical evaluation of seed structure. Histodifferentiation in rubber tree seeds occurs up to 75 days after anthesis (DAA). The concentration of RS is high and of Suc is low during seed histodifferentiation, which occurs along with a visible increase in the number of cell divisions. After that period, there is an increase in the concentration of Suc (mg g-1 ) and in the number and size of starch granules, and a decrease in the concentration of RS (mg g-1 ). At that point, cell elongation occurs. At 135 DAA, there is an inversion in the concentration of these two sugars and an increase in reserve accumulation. Thus, in seeds of the evaluated clone, the period up to 75 DAA is characterized as the histodifferentiation stage, while from that time up to 120 DAA the cell elongation stage takes place. The final stage of seed maturation and reserve accumulation begins at 135 DAA, and the seed, including the embryo, is completely formed at 175 DAA.

Physiological quality, anatomy and histochemistry during the development of carrot seeds ( Daucus carota L.) / Qualidade fisiológica, anatomia e histoquímica durante o desenvolvimento de sementes de cenoura (Daucus carota L.)

ABSTRACT The adequate time for carrot seed harvest influences its physiological quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate physiological, anatomical and histochemical changes in carrot seeds harvested at different stages of development and to establish the most appropriate harvest time. Secondary umbels were harvested at 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56 and 63 days after anthesis (DAA). For seed anatomical and histochemical characterization, sections were stained with Toluidine blue stain, Xylidine Ponceau, Lugol's iodine, Sudan Black B and submitted to polarized light. Seed moisture content, seed dry matter, germination, first count, emergence percentage and emergence speed index of seedlings were evaluated. Cultivar Brasília carrot seeds at 14 DAA are in cell division and expansion. In addition, as lipids were identified in the endosperm, despite the seed low dry matter. At 21 DAA, reserve substances such as protein and starch were also identified. Along the seed development process, deposition of lignin occurs in the endocarp cells, and this collapsed lignified layer represents the resistance layer of the seeds. Physiological maturity, represented by the maximum dry matter accumulation, occurs at 35 DAA, with the endosperm occupying almost all volume of seeds, the embryo occupying a small cylindrical region and the integument showing a single layer of cells. At this time, the seeds presented 56% moisture content and the color of the pericarp is green-yellow. Maximum seed germination and vigor occurred at 30 DAA, just before physiological maturity was reached (35 DAA). Thus, the ideal time to harvest the seeds of cultivar Brasília is from 30 DAA, where the seeds have maximum physiological quality.

RESUMO A colheita das sementes de cenoura no momento adequado tem reflexos diretos sobre a sua qualidade fisiológica. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as alterações fisiológicas, anatômicas e histoquímicas em sementes de cenoura colhidas em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento e estabelecer a época mais adequada para a colheita. Foram colhidas umbelas secundárias aos 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56 e 63 dias após antese (DAA). Para a caracterização anatômica e histoquímica os cortes foram corados com Azul de toluidina, Xylidine Ponceau, Lugol, Sudan black B e submetidos à luz polarizada. As sementes foram submetidas aos seguintes testes: grau de umidade, matéria seca, germinação, primeira contagem, porcentagem e índice de velocidade de emergência de plântulas. Sementes de cenoura 'Brasília', aos 14 DAA, encontram-se em divisão e expansão celular e apesar da reduzida matéria seca, lipídios foram identificados no endosperma. Aos 21 DAA, além de lipídios, proteínas e amido foram identificados. A maturidade fisiológica das sementes ocorreu aos 35 DAA, com o endosperma ocupando praticamente todo volume das sementes, o embrião ocupando uma pequena região cilíndrica e o tegumento apresentando uma única camada de células. Nesta fase, as sementes apresentaram 56% de grau de umidade e a coloração do pericarpo era verde-amarelo. A máxima germinação e vigor das sementes ocorreu aos 30 DAA, um pouco antes da maturidade fisiológica (35 DAA). Portanto, a época ideal para a colheita das sementes de cenoura 'Brasília' é a partir de 30 DAA, quando as sementes apresentam máxima qualidade fisiológica.

Feeding habits of marmosets: A case study of bark anatomy and chemical composition of Anadenanthera peregrina gum.

Primates of the genus Callithrix often obtain exudates from plants of the family Fabaceae. This study characterizes the chemical composition of exudates, and the anatomy and hystochemistry of the secretory ducts in the bark of Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg. var. peregrina (Fabaceae). Exudates from this tree species represent an important component of the diet of hybrid marmosets, Callithrix spp. (Primates: Cebidae). A. peregrina was selected as the focal study tree because it is the only gum tree species exploited by Callithrix groups present within five urban forest fragments in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Gum samples were obtained directly from gouges made by the marmosets, while bark samples were obtained from A. peregrina plants, whether or not they were damaged by the marmosets. Constitutive secretory ducts were present in the bark of ungouged A. peregrina, whereas, marmoset damage caused induced secretory duct formation and an increase in the size of these ducts. The gum produced in the gouges made by the marmosets and in ungouged plants reacted positively to tests for polysaccharides, pectin, mucilage, and proteins. The gum from the gouges exhibited high water (41.0%), carbohydrate (38.2%), protein (19.0%), and mineral (Ca 0.4% and K 0.3%) content. We argue that the relatively high calcium content of A. peregrina gum plays an important nutritional role in, balancing a diet that is otherwise rich in phosphorous and poor in calcium.

The Stress-Induced Soybean NAC Transcription Factor GmNAC81 Plays a Positive Role in Developmentally Programmed Leaf Senescence.

The onset of leaf senescence is a highly regulated developmental change that is controlled by both genetics and the environment. Senescence is triggered by massive transcriptional reprogramming, but functional information about its underlying regulatory mechanisms is limited. In the current investigation, we performed a functional analysis of the soybean (Glycine max) osmotic stress- and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced NAC transcription factor GmNAC81 during natural leaf senescence using overexpression studies and reverse genetics. GmNAC81-overexpressing lines displayed accelerated flowering and leaf senescence but otherwise developed normally. The precocious leaf senescence of GmNAC81-overexpressing lines was associated with greater Chl loss, faster photosynthetic decay and higher expression of hydrolytic enzyme-encoding GmNAC81 target genes, including the vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE), an executioner of vacuole-triggered programmed cell death (PCD). Conversely, virus-induced gene silencing-mediated silencing of GmNAC81 delayed leaf senescence and was associated with reductions in Chl loss, lipid peroxidation and the expression of GmNAC81 direct targets. Promoter-reporter studies revealed that the expression pattern of GmNAC81 was associated with senescence in soybean leaves. Our data indicate that GmNAC81 is a positive regulator of age-dependent senescence and may integrate osmotic stress- and ER stress-induced PCD responses with natural leaf senescence through the GmNAC81/VPE regulatory circuit.

Anatomy, histochemistry and micromorphology of leaves of Solanum granuloso-leprosum dunal / Anatomia, histoquímica e micromorfologia de folhas de Solanum granuloso-leprosum dunal

In the present work the anatomical, histochemical and micromorphological features of S. granuloso-leprosum leaves were approached in order to evaluate its characteristics associated with its pioneer role. Glandular and non-glandular trichomes were observed on both epidermal surfaces, although in greater number on the ab axial surface. Stellate trichomes presented a thick lignified cell wall. Leaves were amphiestomatic with a single palisade layer and a slightly smaller spongy parenchyma. The epidermal cells of the abaxial surface were shorter than the adaxial ones, both with stomata paracytic. Vascular bundles were bicolateral and idioblasts with conspicuous crystalliferous inclusions were observed in the mesophyll. Lipid drops were evidenced in the spongy parenchyma by Sudan III, Nile Blue, Nadi reagent and Sudan Black histochemical tests. Negative results for alkaloids and phenol compounds were observed. The evaluated anatomical and hystochemical data highlights mesophytic characteristics in accordance with S. granuloso-leprosum pioneer plant role.

No presente trabalho foi abordada a anatomia, histoquímica e micromorfologia de folhas de S. granuloso-leprosum no intuito de se levantar características associadas a sua função de espécie pioneira. Tricomas glandulares e não glandulares foram observados em ambas as faces da epiderme, apesar de maior número na superfície abaxial. Tricomas estrelados apresentaram uma parede espessa e lignificada. As folhas são anfiestomáticas com uma única camada de paliçada e um parênquima lacunoso com células menores que as do paliçádico. As células da face abaxial da epiderme são menores, e ambas as faces apresentam estômatos paracíticos. Os feixes vasculares são bicolaterais e idioblastos com inclusões cristalinas conspícuas. Gotas de lipídeo foram evidenciadas no parênquima lacunoso com os testes histoquímicos de Sudan III, azul do Nilo, reagente de Nadi e Sudan Black. Foram observados resultados negativos para alcaloides e fenóis. Os dados anatômicos e histoquímicos avaliados permitiram verificar que S. granuloso-leprosum apresentam características mesófilas, os quais estão em conformidade com o seu papel fitossociológicos como pioneira.

A priori choice of hybrid parents in plants.

Plant breeding deals with high-yielding genotypes. However, how best to choose parents of these genotypes remains an unsolved question. Here, we focus on a priori choice based on parental distances by means of agronomic and molecular data. Despite numerous theoretical and empirical studies, a priori choice continues to be a controversial procedure. Both success and failure are commonly reported. We looked at these ambiguous results in order to investigate their possible causes. A total of 139 articles on genetic divergence were sampled to examine aspects such as type and number of markers utilized. We suggest that the mean number of 160, 281 and 25 for RAPD and RFLP markers, and SSR loci, respectively, which we found in these papers, should be increased for accurate analysis. A second sample composed of 54 articles was used to evaluate the divergence-heterosis association. Most of them (28) detected positive divergence-heterosis association, whereas 26 revealed negative or inconclusive results. We examined several causes that influence a priori choice positively and negatively.