Variability in seed traits and genetic divergence in a clonal seed orchard of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.

The variations in seed and pod traits, genetic superiority and genetic divergence were evaluated for a Clonal Seed Orchard (CSO) of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. at Bithmera, India consisting of 20 clones from different agro-climatic conditions of four northern states (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Rajasthan). The seeds and pods of various clones in the orchard exhibited significant variability in size, weight and other characters. Significant positive correlations were observed between seed length and seed width (p<0.05), seed length and seed thickness (p<0.01), seed length and seed weight (p<0.01), seed thickness and seed weight (p<0.01), seed length and germination value (p<0.05). The genetic parameters for seed and pod traits also showed a wide range of variations in the orchard. Heritability values were found to be over 50 percent for most of the seed and pod traits. Seed weight, seed length and seed thickness showed high heritability values coupled with maximum genetic gain for these characters. Ward’s minimum variance dendrogram of clones of D. sissoo showed three distinct clusters; cluster 1 was the largest with 12 better clones whereas cluster 2 and 3 consisting of seven moderate clones and one poor clone, respectively. Mean cluster values showed sufficient variation among the clusters for seed weight, germination value and seed length. The possible hybridization between best clones of cluster 1 to the disease resistant clone of cluster 2 (resistant against deadly Gandoderma lucidum root rot disease of D. sissoo) is also suggested for further breeding programmes of the species. The deployment of clone 194 (better performed and disease resistant) is also recommended in future plantation programmes of D. sissoo in northern India.     

Variation in seed traits and seedling vigour of Cordia africana Lam.provenances in Ethiopia

Cordia africana is a very important indigenous tree species for timber and other products and services in Ethiopia.Seed traits and seedling vigour of seeds from 12 provenances of the species were compared.Mean seed mass for each provenance was assessed for 1000 seeds in10 replications,and seed length and width were measured for 100 seeds in four replications per provenance.Germination was assessed in a glasshouse taking 400 seeds from each provenance.Root collar diameter and height of 440 seedlings grown in a nursery for 290 days in Addis Ababa were measured.Seed length,seed width,seed mass,and shoot height and root collar diameter of seedlings showed significant differences(P0.001) among provenances.Correlation analysis between seed and seedling traits and environmental variables revealed significant positive correlations between seed width and germination percentage,seed width and altitude,seed width and longitude and seed length and latitude.Negative correlations were obtained between seed width and temperature,seed width and rainfall,seed mass and temperature,and germination and temperature of the seed source.As expected,differences in seed trait did not explain the variability in seedling vigour.Determining quantitative variations in seed traits and seedling vigour among provenances and the patterns along environmental gradients are essential for informing decisions on the tree improvement programme of the species.     

Biogeographic Differences in Cone, Needle and Seed Morphology among Natural Picea asperata Populations in Western China

This study represents a geographical approach to morphological variation of cones, needles and seeds in natural dragon spruce （Picea asperata Mast.） populations across western China and the relationship between morphological traits and weather variation for the origins of populations. Significant differences were found for all cone, needle and seed traits among populations and trees within populations. The coefficients of variation in 2 higher latitude populations were higher than those in other populations in all traits except for needle width and seed width. Fairly high within-population variability was also detected for cone dry weight, seed dry weight and needle traits in this study. Cone length, cone width, cone dry weight, seed scale length, seed scale width and seed wing length were strongly positively intercorrelated. Seed length and seed dry weight showed a significantly positive correlation with seed wing length. And needle width showed a significant negative correlation with cone traits, seed scale length, seed wing length and seed length. The higher the annual mean temperature, the higher the average cone length. This study also revealed a negative linear dependence on latitude： the higher the latitude, the lower the population average seed length. Seed dry weight was positively and linearly related with altitude.     

Biogeographic differences in cone, needle and seed morphology among natural Picea asperata populations in Western China

This study represents a geographical approach to morphological variation of cones, needles and seeds in natural dragon spruce (Picea asperata Mast.) populations across western China and the relationship between morphological traits and weather variation for the origins of populations. Significant differences were found for all cone, needle and seed traits among populations and trees within populations. The coefficients of variation in 2 higher latitude populations were higher than those in other populations in all traits except for needle width and seed width. Fairly high within-population variability was also detected for cone dry weight, seed dry weight and needle traits in this study. Cone length, cone width, cone dry weight, seed scale length, seed scale width and seed wing length were strongly positively intercorrelated. Seed length and seed dry weight showed a significantly positive correlation with seed wing length. And needle width showed a significant negative correlation with cone traits, seed scale length, seed wing length and seed length. The higher the annual mean temperature, the higher the average cone length. This study also revealed a negative linear dependence on latitude: the higher the latitude, the lower the population average seed length. Seed dry weight was positively and linearly related with altitude.     

野生欧洲李种子萌发特性

为了掌握野生欧洲李种子萌发特性,探讨野生欧洲李实生繁殖规律,以新疆野生欧洲李为研究对象,观察种子形态,测定种子千粒质量、种皮透水性、种子含水量、种子活力,测定种子浸提液对白菜种子发芽和胚根生长抑制活性的影响。结果表明:新疆野生欧洲李种子的种皮透水性比较差;种子含水量为30.57%;TTC法检测种子活力为81.67%;4℃低温沙藏层积的野生欧洲李种子,在处理后90 d种子出现萌发,持续层积200 d后总萌发率为47%;种子各部分浸提液对白菜种子发芽率作用不明显,但对胚根生长有明显的抑制作用,随着浸提液浓度增长,对白菜种子发芽抑制活性越强,其胚根长度越短;随着野生欧洲李层积天数的增加,浸提液处理的白菜种子胚根长度增加;野生欧洲李种子各部分浸提物对白菜种子发芽抑制活性顺序为:种胚最强,种皮次之,种壳最弱。     

Variation in seed traits and seedling vigour of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cordia africana</Emphasis> Lam. provenances in Ethiopia

Cordia africana is a very important indigenous tree species for timber and other products and services in Ethiopia. Seed traits and seedling vigour of seeds from 12 provenances of the species were compared. Mean seed mass for each provenance was assessed for 1000 seeds in 10 replications, and seed length and width were measured for 100 seeds in four replications per provenance. Germination was assessed in a glasshouse taking 400 seeds from each provenance. Root collar diameter and height of 440 seedlings grown in a nursery for 290 days in Addis Ababa were measured. Seed length, seed width, seed mass, and shoot height and root collar diameter of seedlings showed significant differences (P < 0.001) among provenances. Correlation analysis between seed and seedling traits and environmental variables revealed significant positive correlations between seed width and germination percentage, seed width and altitude, seed width and longitude and seed length and latitude. Negative correlations were obtained between seed width and temperature, seed width and rainfall, seed mass and temperature, and germination and temperature of the seed source. As expected, differences in seed trait did not explain the variability in seedling vigour. Determining quantitative variations in seed traits and seedling vigour among provenances and the patterns along environmental gradients are essential for informing decisions on the tree improvement programme of the species.     

濒危树种极东锦鸡儿(Caragana fruticosa)种子的萌发特性

以濒危树种极东锦鸡儿成熟种子为材料,研究极东锦鸡儿种子物理性状和温度对其种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响。结果表明:极东锦鸡儿种荚结实率较低,且约有1/4种子受虫害;成熟种子含水量为6.6%,千粒重18.6 g。种子长、宽和厚存在一定变异。种子长度平均为0.42 cm,宽度平均为0.27 cm,厚度平均为0.24 cm,长宽比为0.64。种皮透水性良好。不同温度条件对种子发芽率具有极显著影响。25℃条件下种子发芽率最高,为38.33%。随着温度的升高或降低,种子发芽率降低。发芽试验的第八天是计算种子发芽势的适宜时期。不同温度条件对极东锦鸡儿幼苗高度的影响极显著,对胚根长度影响显著。25℃有利于幼苗高度和胚根长度的增加,较高温度(30℃)有利于幼苗生物量增加。     

Genetic variability and divergence studies in pod and seed traits of Pongamia pinnata （L.） Pierre., accessions in Bay Islands

In this study, we assessed the variability in pod, seed traits and oil content of 24 accessions of Pongamia pinnata collected from different parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The experiment was conducted at the Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair during 2010 to 2011. The variability studies for pod and seed traits revealed that, the accession CPT-6 collected from New Wandoor in South Andaman recorded the maximum values for eight traits viz. pod length （75.51 mm）, pod width （34.62 mm）, pod thickness （17.55 mm）, 100 pod weight （770.33 g）, seed width （21.23 mm）, 100 seed weight （377.00 g）, oil percentage （43.92%） and germination percentage （94.7%）. However, the maximum seed length （26.46 mm） was recorded from CPT 2 and the maximum pod-seed ratio was obtained from CPT 13 and CPT 4 （2.50 and 2.44 respectively）. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variations were also close to each other for all traits, but the 100 pod and seed weight exhibited higher phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation than the other traits. Estimates of broad sense heritability ranged from 0.30 （for seed length） to 0.95 （pod length） and genetic ad- vance as percent of the mean ranged between 11.66% and 57.40% with seed length giving the lowest value and 100 pod weight giving the high- est value. Both the phenotypic and genotypic correlation between pod length, pod width, pod thickness, 100 pod weight, seed width and 100 seed weight and between pod thickness, 100 pod weight, seed width, 100 seed weight and germination percentage were found to be strong. On the basis of non hierarchical Euclidian cluster analysis, 24 accessions were grouped into six clusters. The maximum numbers of seven accessions were included in cluster VI. The maximum intra cluster distance （10.238）shown by cluster VI and the maximum inter cluster distance （17.021） between V and HI followed by III and II （15.942）. Among the six clus- ters formed the cluster III recorded maximum oil percentage, 100 pod weight, 100 seed ,weight, pod length, pod thickness, pod width, seed width and. germination percentage, while cluster V recorded maximum pod seed ratio and germination percentage. The present findings suggest that the crossing between accessions of cluster V and cluster III will result in a wide spectrum of variability in subsequent generations.     

乌药种子性状产地表型变异研究

对我国乌药自然分布区14个产地采集的乌药种子进行取样观测,分别测定其种子的长、宽、重,并进行播种试验,观测种子的出苗率;分析了乌药种子形态的产地差异、地理变异规律及种子形态对种子出苗率和苗木生长的影响.分析表明:乌药种子形态存在显著的产地差异,种子的大小存在一定的经向变异,种形指数(宽)与经度呈显著的负相关.种形指数与苗期生长有密切的关系.     

Variability in seed- and seedling-related traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Millettia ferruginea</Emphasis>, a potential agroforestry species

Millettia ferruginea (Hochst.) Baker is a potential agroforestry species endemic to Ethiopia. No documented information exists about genetic variation in this species, thus baseline information is needed to initiate improvement program. Here, we quantified variations in seed size, germination and seedling growth at nursery stage based on seeds collected from six sites across the natural range of distribution of the species in Ethiopia. All seed- and seedling-related traits exhibited highly significant differences among seed sources (P < 0.01), and the magnitude of genetic variation was substantially higher (77–99%) than the environmental variation. The genetic advance as percent of the mean was higher for germination capacity (69.4%) and seed weight (31.7%) than for other traits, suggesting that the population means for these traits may be changed considerably by selecting the superior 5% of the genotypes. There were strong phenotypic (r_p = 0.81) and genotypic (r_g = 0.89) correlations between seed width and seed weight, so also between seedling height and root collar diameter (r_p = 0.95 and r_g = 1.00). In conclusion, the results reveal the existence of substantial genetic variation, which can be utilized to initiate tree improvement program of the species and for gene conservation in seed banks. In memory of the late Abraham Loha, who passed away during the writing process.     

Provenance Variation in Seed Morphometric Traits, Germination, and Seedling Growth of Cordia africana Lam

Patterns of genetic variation in Cordia africana, a tropical timber species, were evaluated at the population level. Bulk seed samples were collected from six natural populations in Ethiopia and examined for variations in seed morphometric traits, seed germination, and seedling growth at nursery stage. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among provenances in all studied attributes except root collar diameter after 4 months of growth. The provenance effect, as determined by broad sense heritability, was 71–98% for seed morphometric traits, 80% for germination capacity, 42% for germination energy, 57–58% for seedling height and 3–13% for root collar diameter. Seed weight showed a significant positive correlation with altitude and negative correlation with mean annual temperature of seed origin. Germination energy was significantly correlated with longitude and mean annual rainfall. Seedling parameters and geo-climatic variables of seed origin were fairly correlated. A significant intercharacter correlation was found between seed length and seed weight, between root collar diameter at the age of 4 months and seed length and weight, as well as between seedling height after 4 and 8 months of growth. It can be concluded that the observed patterns of variation will have implications for genetic resources conservation and tree improvement.     

濒危植物缙云卫矛不同种群的种子萌发研究

选取重庆特有濒危植物缙云卫矛7个相互间有不同程度空间隔离的种群,对其种子萌发特征进行研究.结果表明:7个种群的种子在实验室条件下萌发率差异极显著,种子萌发率与所处种群的大小呈极相关,大种群与小种群的种子萌发率差异达极显著水平,而各种群的种子萌发率与其所处生境的土壤因子相关性不显著.各种群的平均种子质量与种群大小及土壤条件均无关,说明种群平均种子质量是一个较为稳定的不易受影响的参数.小种群低萌发率的主要原因可能是由于近交衰退带来遗传多样性的丧失引起的,而不是环境因素的影响.研究表明:要长期保护这些小种群,应将种群统计因素与种群遗传因素结合起来考虑,增加种群中个体数目,扩大种群,提高种子萌发率,促进种群更新,才能有效地维持这些小种群的生存发展.     

长白松野生种群株间种实性状多样性的研究

以长白松野生种群不同植株的果实与种子为材料,对其性状多样性进行观测与分析,结果表明：不同植株的球果大小、种翅大小与特征、种皮特征、果鳞开裂程度等性状均存在差异或明显差异。各植株的平均出种率均值为1.1%,变化范围在0.28%～2.65%之间;各植株种子的成熟粒百分率的均值为82.7%,变化范围在56.5%～94.0%之间;种子千粒重变化范围在6.6～11.5 g之间,均值为8.3 g,株间差异极显著（F0.01=550＊＊）,主要由遗传差异所造成。长白松野生种群不同植株间的种实性状表现出明显的多样性。     

杉木种子园种子生物学特性的地区及年度变异

本研究目的在于揭示杉木种子园种子品质的变异模式。在1981—1983和1986年,对分布区内不同地区的70个种子园的种子取了样,并进行三个特性即发芽率、涩粒率和千粒重的测定。结果表明,经研究的种子特性在不同年份间和种子园间均存在变异:千粒重随种子园的地理经度降低而变轻;其它两个性状表现出非渐变的生态型(地域性)变异模式。发芽率的变异模式与涩粒率的模式相并行,但二者之间为负相关。这些发现为育种工作者确定建立最适宜的杉木种子园地区,提供了科学依据。     

5种豆科植物种子包衣萌发特性的研究

通过对草木樨、花棒、杨柴、锦鸡儿、紫穗槐等5种豆科植物进行种子包衣试验,结果显示,种子包衣能明显增加种子的千粒质量,与对照相比,种子包衣后的千粒质量增加98.61%～292.6%;发芽率没有显著差异,出苗率和苗高有显著提高;根长包衣前后没有明显变化。种子包衣是一项保护种子损失的有效技术措施,对荒漠化植被恢复有重大意义。     

不同种源栓皮栎种子形态和营养成分差异分析

以28个栓皮栎种源种子为试验材料,对不同种源间栓皮栎种子的形态特征和营养成分含量差异进行比较分析。结果表明,不同种源间栓皮栎种子的长度、宽度和种子千粒质量以及可溶性糖、淀粉和蛋白质含量差异极显著。栓皮栎种子的长度和宽度变化幅度分别为1.56～2.38 cm和1.22～1.96 cm;种子千粒质量的变化幅度为1.45～5.45 kg;种子可溶性糖、淀粉和蛋白质含量的变幅分别为1.817%～6.325%、42.461%～80.274%和2.699%～9.694%。栓皮栎种子千粒质量与种子长度、宽度间呈极显著正相关,种子长度与宽度也极显著正相关;主成分分析表明,不同种源栓皮栎的差异主要是由种子千粒质量、宽度和长度决定。初步选出云南勐海、湖南城步1、安徽金寨1、重庆酉阳、山东蒙阴1、安徽旌德、安徽绩溪和安徽金寨2种源为优异种质资源。     

Variation in seed and seedling traits and their relations to geo-climatic factors among populations in Yunnan Pine(Pinus yunnanensis)

Differences in seed germination and seedling growth among populations of Pinus yunnanensis Franch.were quantified to provide information for use in the regeneration,reforestation,and improvement of this species.Seed germination and seedling growth traits at the nursery stage were investigated at the population level.We evaluated relationships between pairs of measured traits as well as the association between measured traits and geoclimatic variables including longitude,latitude,elevation,temperature and precipitation.Seedling growth showed significant differences although a low magnitude of variation was found in the seed germination traits among the populations.Some populations with strong and stable growth(e.g.,the Baoshan population) may be selected as superior seed sources for regeneration and reforestation.Germination percentage was negatively correlated with elevation,and positively with precipitation.In addition,germination index,vigor index and seedling height were positively correlated with precipitation.Seed germination index,cotyledon number and length,and seedling diameter were significantly and positively correlated with seed weight.Strong correlations between pairs of traits will be helpful in early evaluations for the selection of certain prominent traits.     

Variation in seed and seedling traits and their relations to geo-climatic factors among populations in Yunnan Pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus yunnanensis</Emphasis>)

Differences in seed germination and seedling growth among populations of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. were quantified to provide information for use in the regeneration, reforestation, and improvement of this species. Seed germination and seedling growth traits at the nursery stage were investigated at the population level. We evaluated relationships between pairs of measured traits as well as the association between measured traits and geo-climatic variables including longitude, latitude, elevation, temperature and precipitation. Seedling growth showed significant differences although a low magnitude of variation was found in the seed germination traits among the populations. Some populations with strong and stable growth (e.g., the Baoshan population) may be selected as superior seed sources for regeneration and reforestation. Germination percentage was negatively correlated with elevation, and positively with precipitation. In addition, germination index, vigor index and seedling height were positively correlated with precipitation. Seed germination index, cotyledon number and length, and seedling diameter were significantly and positively correlated with seed weight. Strong correlations between pairs of traits will be helpful in early evaluations for the selection of certain prominent traits.     

不同产地厚朴种子性状的变异分析

厚朴(Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils.)为木兰科(Magnoliaceae)落叶乔木.正品药用厚朴为厚朴的根皮、干皮和枝皮,其中的有效成分(厚朴酚(magnolol)、和厚朴酚(honokiol)及β-桉叶油醇等)具有多方面的药理作用(如燥湿消痰、下气除满),用于湿滞伤中、脱痞吐泻、食积气滞、腹胀便秘、痰饮喘咳等[1-4].厚朴主要分布于102NFA48122°E、22NFA4834°N之间,分布区内的不同气候及土壤条件,致使形成大量不同的遗传类型,其中种子形态必然存在很大的差异.     

长白忍冬株间种子性状的观测与分析

以吉林省集安产地的长白忍冬为材料,观测株间种子性状,结果表明:株间种子大小存在差异,长度值变动于3.0～5.0 mm之间,平均值为4.2 mm;宽度值变动于2.0～3.0 mm之间,平均值为2.8 mm.种子扁状椭圆形,发芽处微尖,一面有纵向微凸起,种皮无光泽,相对光滑,株间无差异.株间种子千粒重变化范围在4.4～6....