Characterisation of agro-morphological traits of corchorus accessions

The genus Corchorus includes nutrient-rich indigenous leafy vegetables often grown or harvested in the wild in Africa. It has potential to contribute to food security, but there is need to improve it as a crop through plant breeding. However, not much is known about the genetic variability among Corchorus species. The aim of this study was thus to characterise the available germplasm of Corchorus accessions and investigate heritability of their agro-morphological traits. Eleven Corchorus accessions (4 South African and 7 from the World Vegetable Center) were evaluated in a field study at Roodeplaat, South Africa, for their morpho-agronomic traits using a randomised complete block design with three replications across two seasons (2015/2016 and 2016/2017). Data were subjected to ANOVA, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Broad sense heritability, genetic advance, genetic parameters and correlations were determined among the accessions and traits. The Corchorus accessions showed significant (P < .05) differences in all the quantitative traits evaluated. The data showed significant variability among the studied Corchorus accessions in their agro-morphological traits for exploitation in future breeding programmes that in turn can contribute to the improvement of this crop.     

Analysis of genetic diversity and relationships of wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Guizotia</Emphasis> species from Ethiopia using ISSR markers

Genetic relationships and diversity of 45 Guizotia populations each consisting of ten individuals and belonging to five taxa of the genus Guizotia were analyzed using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Five ISSR primers generated a total of 145 scorable bands across the 450 individuals used for the study. The percent polymorphic loci for the taxa ranged from 68.2 (G. arborescens) to 88% (G. scabra ssp. schimperi), with G. scabra ssp. scabra, G. zavattarii and G. villosa following G. scabra ssp. schimperi in this order with respect to the abundance of percent polymorphic loci. The Shannon-Weaver diversity indices (H′), for the five taxa also followed a similar pattern, with G. scabra ssp. schimperi exhibiting the highest H′ (0.7373) and G. arborescens the least (0.5791), while H′ for G. scabra ssp. scabra, G. villosa and G. zavattarii were 0.7313, 0.6620 and 0.6564, respectively. The least genetic distance (0.1188) was observed between G. scabra ssp. schimperi and G.villosa, revealing closer genetic relationships of the two species with each other than with the others, and the highest genetic distance (0.2740) was observed between G. scabra ssp. schimperi and G. zavattarii. The unweighted pair group method using the arithmetic average clustering of the five taxa using the standard genetic distances produced two clusters, with G. scabra ssp. schimperi and G. villosa occurring in one cluster and G. scabra ssp. scabra, G. arborescens and G. zavattarii together in the other cluster. The study reveals that G. scabra ssp. schimperi is more closely related to G. villosa than to G. scabra ssp. scabra.     

Genetic diversity and structure of Ethiopian,Yemen and Brazilian C<Emphasis Type="Italic">offea arabica</Emphasis> L. accessions using microsatellites markers

Genetic diversity among 115 coffee accessions from the Coffea Germplasm Collection of IAC was assessed using SSR markers. The germplasm represents 73 accessions of Coffea arabica derived from spontaneous and subspontaneous plants in Ethiopia and Eritrea, species center of origin and diversity, 13 commercial cultivars of C. arabica developed by the Breeding Program of IAC, 1 accession of C. arabica cv. ‘Geisha’, 13 accessions of C. arabica from Yemen, 5 accessions of C. eugenioides, 4 accessions of C. racemosa and 6 accessions of C. canephora. Genetic analysis was performed using average number of alleles per locus (A), proportion of polymorphic loci (P), Shannon’s genetic index (H′ and G′_ST) and clustering analysis. All evaluated species were distinguished by a cluster analysis based on Jaccard’s coefficient. Differentiation between the cultivated plants of C. arabica and accessions derived from spontaneous and subspontaneous plants was observed. Spontaneous and subspontaneous accessions from Ethiopia were separated according to the geographical origin: east and west of the Great Rift Valley. Cultivated plants showed a low genetic diversity with a division in two groups: accessions from Yemen (H′=0,028) and Brazilian commercial cultivars (H′=0,030). The results agreed with previously reported narrow genetic basis of cultivated plants of C. arabica and supported the hypotheses about domestication of the species. This study also showed a significant genetic diversity among accessions from Ethiopia and Eritrea present in the Germplasm Collection of IAC. This diversity is specially observed in accessions from Sidamo (H′=0,143), Kaffa (H′=0,142) and Illubabor (H′=0,147) indicating their importance as source of genetic variability for coffee breeding programs.     

The genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Corchorus</Emphasis> L. (Malvaceae) in India: species distribution and ethnobotany

Understanding phyto-geographical distribution pattern and ethnobotanical applications are critical for comprehensive conservation and utilisation of native plant genetic resources. Dearth of such scientific reports on Corchorus species in India seriously compromises inclusiveness, precision and penetration of national endeavour to conserve the valuable resources. In this context, an ecogeographical study conducted to analyse geographical distribution, ecological adaptation, species richness and ethnobotanical applications of the genus in the country. The study revealed pandemic distribution of the genus with differential habitat preferences. Combine geographical, edaphic and precipitation based distribution profile of Corchorus spp. demonstrated multilayer interactions between species and environment that led to their differential spatial distribution. The highest species concentration was found in Tamil Nadu followed by Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Complementarity analysis showed that the major diversity hotspots for the genus present in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Besides, wide spectrum ethnobotanical applications of the genus reflect their long association with prevailing ethnic communities across regions. Documentation of such time honoured traditional practices has special bearing on designing comprehensive conservation and management strategies. This information will help to prioritise both ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts for the genus particularly in ecologically vulnerable sites of India.     

Molecular phylogeny of genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Guizotia</Emphasis> (Asteraceae) using DNA sequences derived from ITS

Complete sequences for the internal transcribed spacers of the 18s–26s nuclear ribosomal DNA were generated to establish phylogenetic relationships among five species of the genus Guizotia. Parsimony analysis and pairwise distance data produced a single tree with four clearly distinguished clades that accord with previously reported chromosomal data. The clades produced here have been discussed with reference to existing taxonomic treatments. It appears that Guizotia scabra ssp. scabra, G. scabra ssp. schimperi and Guizotia villosa have contributed to the origin of Guizotia abyssinica, the cultivated species of the genus. The present composition of the species of genus Guizotia and the subtribe the genus presently placed in are suggested to be redefined.     

Genetic diversity and relationships in Corchorus olitorius (Malvaceae s.l.) inferred from molecular and morphological data

In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and relationships in C. olitorius by analysing populations representing different distribution areas, and developed a hypothesis on the origin and spread of the species in the pantropics. We employed amplified fragment lengths polymorphism (AFLP) and morphometric analyses in a total of 101 C. olitorius accessions. Results of both data sets are mostly congruent. The molecular analysis indicated generally low genetic diversity within populations and the Nei’s gene diversity (H_e) ranged from 0.0457 to 0.0955 with a mean of 0.0763. Qualitative traits, especially related to leaf morphology, branching habit and stipule color were the taxonomically most informative characters. The highest morphological variability occurred within African accessions, indicating that this species originally evolved in Africa. In both analyses, the Asian materials were nested within African populations, especially with those from North and East Africa. This indicates an African origin of the species and we hypothesise that dispersal occurred via the Mediterranean–Indian trade routes instead of natural migration along the coasts from western Africa to the Indian subcontinent. Both analyses revealed materials from Ethiopia to be quite distinct. The highest number of private bands (N?=?35), percent polymorphism (29.29%), and gene diversity (0.0955) were also detected in wild accessions collected from Ethiopia, suggesting a long-term spatial isolation of C. olitorius populations in the country. Germplasm samples from this region could therefore be a useful source of genetic variation in jute breeding programs.     

Genetic variation in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crambe abyssinica - C. hispanica - C. glabrata</Emphasis> complex

Crambe abyssinica Hochst. ex R.E. Fries (n = 45) is an industrial oilseed crop that is high in erucic acid. It is most closely related to C. hispanica L. (n = 30) and C. glabrata DC. (n = 15), although the latter species is most often included in the synonymy of C. hispanica. The species complex extends throughout the Mediterranean region, Ethiopia and East Africa. Crambe abyssinica is endemic to Ethiopia, C. glabrata to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and C. hispanica is distributed in the Mediterranean region and Middle East. The present study compared genetic relationships among C. abyssinica, C. hispanica and C. glabrata and attempted a taxonomic separation of them using traditional morphological traits, agronomic and seed quality data, chromosome number, and various molecular data sets including nuclear-DNA based RAPD data, chloroplast (cpDNA) restriction site data and ITS sequence data for the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. The three species can be distinguished most reliably by chromosome number. Accessions could generally, but not always, be distinguished morphologically by plant branching pattern, fruit articulation and colour, leaf pubescence and leaf shape. cpDNA restriction site data and ITS sequence data, two relatively conserved DNA data sets, supported the recognition of C. glabrata as a distinct species separate from the C. hispanica/C. abyssinica accessions. Within the latter group, both RAPD data and field evaluation data revealed greater amounts of genetic variation in C. hispanica compared with accessions of C. abyssinica, with the latter included as a subset of C. hispanica. Crambe glabrata was genetically distinct for all data sets and warrants separate species status.     

Current status of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) genetic resources in Ethiopia: implications for conservation

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current situation of coffee genetic resources that are dwindling at an alarming rate in Ethiopia, the centre of diversity of Coffea arabica. Firstly, we describe the coffee growing systems (forest coffee, semi-forest coffee, garden coffee and plantation coffee) and recent research on the genetic diversity of the coffee planting material associated with those systems. Whilst the maximum genetic diversity revealed by DNA-based markers is found in the forest coffees of the south-western highlands, the natural habitat of C. arabica, the taxonomy of coffee landraces is particularly rich in garden coffee systems located in ancient growing zones such as Harerge in eastern Ethiopia. After reviewing the factors involved in the genetic erosion of the Ethiopian genepool, we give an update on the status of coffee genetic resources conserved ex situ in the field genebank of the Jimma Agricultural Research Centre, with 4,780 accessions spread over 10 research stations located in the main production areas, and in the main genebank of the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation located in Choche (Limu) with 5,196 accessions conserved. Lastly, we mention the in situ conservation operations currently being implemented in Ethiopia. Improving our knowledge of the genetic structure of Ethiopian forest and garden coffee tree populations as well as genetic resources conserved ex situ will help to plan the future conservation strategy for that country. To this end, modern tools as DNA-based markers should be used to increase our understanding of coffee genetic diversity and it is proposed, with the support of the international scientific community and donor organizations, to undertake a concerted effort to rescue highly threatened Arabica coffee genetic resources in Ethiopia.

Nutrient composition and short-term release from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Croton macrostachyus</Emphasis> Del. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Millettia ferruginea</Emphasis> (Hochst.) Baker leaves

A field study was conducted to investigate the nutrient content of green and abscised leaves of Croton macrostachyus Del. and Millettia ferruginea (Hochst.) Baker and their decomposition to return these nutrients to the soil in the short-term. Green and abscised leaves were collected from trees of comparable size in Wondo Genet, Ethiopia, and were incorporated into litterbags to decompose for a period of 12 weeks. Green leaves of C. macrostachyus had significantly higher nutrient concentrations than those of M. ferruginea. In both species, green leaves had significantly higher (P<0.05) C, N and P and significantly lower (P<0.05) lignin and polyphenol concentrations than abscised leaves. Fifty percent of the biomass applied was lost during the first 7 weeks in C. macrostachyus, which was about 3 times faster than that of M. ferruginea. The half-lives of N and P were 5–8 weeks and 4–6 weeks, respectively, in C. macrostachyus; the corresponding values for M. ferruginea were 6–8 and about 22 weeks, respectively. Only 15.7% and 26.8% of green and abscised leaves of C. macrostachyus, respectively, were recovered after the 12 weeks of decomposition. The corresponding values were about 3.5-fold and 2.5-fold higher for M. ferruginea. Generally, leaves with higher initial lignin, polyphenol, lignin:N and C:N ratios had lower decomposition and mineralization rates. In both species, removal of leaf biomass before abscission (e.g. by pruning) could enhance both the quantity and rate of nutrient return to the soil.     

Karyotype analysis and chromosomal evolution in Asian species of Corchorus (Malvaceae s. l.)

Here, we report the karyotypes and mean haploid idiograms of the ten Asian Corchorus species (2n = 2x = 14). Chromosomes were small, with a mean chromosome length of 2.30 μm. The largest chromosome was recorded in C. pseudo-olitorius (3.50 μm) and the shortest in C. pseudocapsularis (1.60 μm). The karyotypes of the two cultivated species (C. capsularis and C. olitorius) and C. pseudo-olitorius were the most diverse and specialized, whereas those of C. depressus and C. trilocularis were the least diverse. C. fascicularis had the most asymmetrical and C. urticifolius the most symmetrical karyotypes. An increase in genome size was accompanied by increasing karyotype diversity in terms of morphologically distinct chromosome types and interchromosomal asymmetry, with uneven distribution of additional DNA throughout the karyotype. A positive correlation between interchromosomal asymmetry and dispersion index suggested that size differences between chromosomes were mainly associated with karyotype asymmetry. Karyotypes of the Corchorus species became progressively asymmetrical in the course of evolution. Relationships among the ten Corchorus species were defined by using a neighbor-joining tree inferred from inter-simple sequence repeat data. C. fascicularis and C. pseudocapsularis, with shorter karyotypes and smaller genomes, were closely related to C. pseudo-olitorius and C. capsularis, respectively, which were characterized by relatively longer karyotypes and larger genomes. However, the two cultivated species with different levels of interchromosomal asymmetries, dispersion indices and genome sizes were distantly related. Taking this molecular evidence into consideration, we have discussed chromosomal evolution in relation to karyological data including genome size.     

Analysis of genetic diversity in the endangered tropical tree species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hagenia abyssinica</Emphasis> using ISSR markers

Genetic diversity within and among 12 populations of the dioecious tropical tree species Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. in Ethiopia was examined with eight inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. A total of 104 clearly scorable bands were generated, among which 84 (81%) were polymorphic. Jaccard similarity coefficient was calculated for pairwise comparisons among all 120 individuals and ranged from 0.30 to 0.88 while average within-population similarity ranged from 0.53 to 0.66. Within-population variability was estimated as percentage polymorphic loci (ranging from 52% to 87%), Shannon’s information index (0.30–0.50) and Nei’s genetic diversity (0.21–0.35). The highest variability values were obtained for one recently planted population and for one wild population growing in an undisturbed primary forest area. Significant overall differentiation among populations was detected by both Shannon’s information index (0.26) and G _ST (0.25). Relatedness among samples was estimated with a principal coordinate analysis, and relatedness among populations was estimated with a cluster analysis (UPGMA). A Mantel test indicated a significant association between genetic and geographic distances, and an autocorrelation analysis showed significant evidence of gene flow over distances up to 30 km. This study is the first of its kind for H. abyssinica, which has decreased recently in Ethiopia and now must be regarded as an endangered species. Both within-population and between-population diversity estimates are typical of outcrossing, longlived and late successional species, suggesting that recent anthropogenic disturbances have not yet had much impact on population genetic parameters. DNA marker data can, however, be used to identify the most suitable sites for in situ conservation and for collection of material for establishment of genebanks and plant improvement programs.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Montia fontana</Emphasis> L. (Portulacaceae), an interesting wild vegetable traditionally consumed in the Iberian Peninsula

Montia fontana L. is an aquatic plant traditionally consumed in the Centre and West of the Iberian Peninsula, where it is one of the most highly valued wild vegetables. The aim of this work was to evaluate both the natural yield and nutritional value of this scarcely known plant. Two wild populations, from two different sites of Central Spain, were sampled during three consecutive years. Plant production was estimated by two parameters: production per unit of surface and plant percentage cover in the selected site. Nutritional analyses included proximate composition and total energy, mineral macro and microelements, vitamin C, and organic acids. Mean yield at the growing areas was 2.64 kg/m², though significant differences among sites and years were found. There was a positive correlation between production and accumulated rainfall from the beginning of the year till the collecting dates. The percentage cover of the species in the potential growing area was 8.25%, without significant differences among sites and years. Therefore, the wild populations of the species can reach a total mean production of 2,138 kg/ha in this Spanish region. This is the first report of a global nutrient composition for Montia fontana. After moisture, the major constituent was fibre (4.44%), much higher than many cultivated vegetables. Also appreciable amounts of vitamin C (34 mg/100 g) and Mn (1.07 mg/100 g) were found. Due to its high lipid content (1.94%) this wild vegetable could be regarded as one of the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids among the leafy vegetables. This species can be considered an interesting wild resource for being included in the diet. Further research is needed for addressing its potential for being cultivated under different culture systems and for selecting accessions with lower oxalate content.     

Anthropogenic and natural causes influencing population genetic structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juniperus procera</Emphasis> Hochst. ex Endl. in the Ethiopian highlands

Juniperus procera is economically highly important but threatened tree species. It is the only species among 67 taxa in the genus Juniperus that naturally grows in Africa and south of the equator extending up to 18°S in Zimbabwe. Ethiopia is assumed to host the largest J. procera populations, which are also believed to have high genetic variation owing to their wide ecological amplitude. This study assessed genetic variation at AFLPs of J. procera populations in the Ethiopian highlands. In the study six populations, namely Chilimo, Goba, Menagesha-Suba, Wef-Washa, Yabelo and Ziquala were included. A total of 20–24 trees from each population were investigated based on 128 AFLP band positions. AMOVA revealed that most of the variation (94%) resided within populations of J. procera suggesting extensive gene flow among populations which is attributable to the outcrossing mating system and effective gene transport mechanisms of the species. However, genetic differentiation among populations was still significant (P < 0.05), and the differentiation was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with geographic distance. All population pairs were significantly (P < 0.05) differentiated except for Menagesha-Suba and Wef-Washa. These two populations also showed the highest gene diversity (H _j = 0.301 and H _j = 0.297, respectively). These results are in accordance with historical records that claim the establishment of the Menagesha-Suba juniper population as plantation of seedlings from Wef-Washa back in fifteenth century.     

On the origin of artichoke and cardoon from the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cynara</Emphasis> gene pool as revealed by rDNA sequence variation

The evolutionary history of artichoke and cultivated cardoon and their relationships to wild allies of the genus Cynara are not fully understood yet. To try resolve the evolutionary patterns leading to the domestication of these two crops, a study of molecular evolution was undertaken. The species C. cardunculus, including artichoke, cultivated and wild cardoon, together with four wild Cynara species were taken into consideration. Internal (ITS) and external (ETS) rDNA transcribed spacers were used as markers of nuclear genome, the psbA-trnH spacer as a marker of chloroplast genome. Sequences were analysed using phylogenetic analysis packages. Molecular data indicate that the whole genus is quite recent and that the domestication of artichoke and cultivated cardoon, crops diverging for reproduction system and use, are independent events which diverge in time and space. As for wild Cynara species, an evolutionary pattern consistent with their present geographical distribution was hypothesized in relation to the climatic changes occurring in the Mediterranean during the last 20 millennia: C. humilis and C. cornigera appeared to have differentiated first, C. syriaca and C. baetica were differentiated in a second period, while C. cardunculus showed to be the most recent and plastic species. The high plasticity of C. cardunculus has not only allowed its nowadays wide distribution, but has also given the potential for domestication. Dedicated to the memory of Richard Neville Lester (1937–2006) who greatly contributed to the understanding of the evolution, domestication, and genetic resources of eggplants as well as to the biosystematics and taxonomy of allied species. IGV Publication N. 78 of the Institute of Plant Genetics, CNR     

Trees on farms and their contribution to soil fertility parameters in Badessa, eastern Ethiopia

Surface (0–15 cm) and subsurface (30–45 cm) soil samples from under canopy, edge of canopy and away from canopy of isolated Cordia africana Lam. and Croton macrostachyus Del. trees and their leaves were examined to investigate leaf nutrient content, root biomass and the contribution of trees on farms to soil fertility parameters in Badessa area, eastern Ethiopia. Leaves of C. macrostachyus had 20% higher P and 25% lower K contents than those of C. africana. The studied species had comparable leaf N content. Both species produced shallow lateral roots that extended beyond the canopy zone. Typically, higher fine root biomass was observed in the surface soils than the subsurface soils. Both species did not affect soil organic C, pH and cation exchange capacity. Surface and subsurface soils under tree canopies had 22–26 and 12–17% higher N, respectively, than the corresponding soils away from tree canopies. Surface soil available P under tree canopies was 34–50% higher than the corresponding soil away from canopies. Available P content of subsurface soil was improved only under C. africana canopy. The available P of surface soil under C. macrostachyus canopy was more than double that for C. africana. Trees of both species increased underneath surface and subsurface exchangeable K by 18–46% compared with the corresponding controls. In conclusion, C. macrostachyus and C. africana trees on farms keep soil nutrient high via protection against leaching, translocation of nutrients from deeper to the surface layer and accumulation of litter, which create a temporary nutrient pool in the surface soils under their canopies.     

Exploration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vernonia galamensis</Emphasis> in Ethiopia,and Variation in Fatty Acid Composition of Seed Oil

Vernonia galamensis is a new potential industrial crop with very high content of vernolic acid in the seed oil. The species is known to naturally grow as a weed in fields or in woodlands under a wide range of agroecological conditions of Africa. In order to study the existing variability in Ethiopia, germplasm collection was carried out. Vernonia grows wild in various ecosystems. Ten regions were explored from North, South, East, Southeast, Southwest and Central Ethiopia. A diverse range of habitats having different altitudes and ecological conditions was explored. Altitude of collecting sites varied between 1250 and 2050 m, and soil pH from 5.1 to 8.5. The most common soil type was sandy loam, and the organic matter content varied from 0.2% to 12.9%. At 80 sites, about 480 accessions were collected including different maturity time, plant type, flower color, and branching patterns as well as fatty acid composition. The mean vernolic acid content of the seed oil of the accessions was 74%, and ranged from 34% to 87%. A wide variability in composition of other fatty acids was observed. It was not possible to find Vernonia in some locations that were earlier indicated by herbarium specimens collected since 1840. This could be a sign of change in land use system and environmental degradation and, hence, loss of genetic resources of the species.     

Use of GIS for Optimizing a Collecting Mission for a Rare Wild Pepper (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum flexuosum</Emphasis> Sendtn.) in Paraguay

This paper presents an effective method for prioritizing areas within a country for acquisition of germplasm of a crop gene pool for ex situ conservation. The method was applied to the rare wild pepper species, Capsicum flexuosum Sendtn., in south-east Paraguay. A model to prioritize areas for collecting germplasm was constructed by combining (1) a prediction of the species' geographic distribution based on the climate at previous collection points, (2) the distribution of forest margins (the species' natural habitat) and (3) areas accessible by road. The model was then tested in the field by visiting 20 sites having both high and low predicted probability of occurrence of C. flexuosum. Six new populations were found, representing a significant improvement over two previous collecting missions for the species in the same region, undertaken without the use of GIS targeting. Using the most optimistic analysis of model performance, C. flexuosum was found at five out of seven points predicted to harbour the species and not found at four of five points predicted not to harbour the species. The model was then improved by the use of higher resolution climate surfaces. It is recommended that future explorers use more recent and higher resolution satellite images to locate suitable habitats. The method is replicable for different species in different geographic regions and is offered as a means of optimizing efficiency in financially constrained, national plant genetic resources programs.     

Occurrence of Platyarthrus schoblii (Isopoda, Oniscidea) and its ant hosts in Hungary

The myrmecophilous Platyarthrus schoblii Budde-Lund, 1885 is widely distributed and native in the Mediterranean region. In Hungary it was first found at Budapest, in 2001, in a colony of Lasius neglectus van Loon, Boomsma and Andrásfalvy, 1990 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). This invasive and polygynous ant species is dispersing in an antropochorous way throughout Europe. There are 16 known colonies of L. neglectus in Hungary. Fourteen of them have been surveyed for the isopod, which was detected in eight cases (57%). In addition to L. neglectus, the isopod has been recently found with other native ant species [Lasius niger (Linnaeus, 1758), Lasius emarginatus (Olivier, 1791) and Tetramorium caespitum (Linnaeus, 1758)] in the country. We have also found the joint occurrence of P. hoffmannseggii Brandt, 1833 and P. schoblii. The co-occurrence and joint expansion of the ranges of L. neglectus and P. schoblii indicates their co-habitation and antropochorous dispersal while the appearance with L. emarginatus, L. niger and T. caespitum supports our hypothesis about possible adoption by different ant species.     

“Tum-thang” (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Crotalaria tetragona</Emphasis> Roxb. ex Andr.): a little known wild edible species in the north-eastern hill region of India

Crotalaria tetragona Roxb. ex Andr., locally known as “Tum-thang” was collected from Mizoram state of north-eastern hill region of India during 2008. Its flowers were being sold by the tribal communities in local markets. The buds and flowers are cooked as vegetables and used in garnishing of local food preparations especially in non-vegetarian recipes. This species is reported here as little known Edible type in Indian region and may be considered as a multi-purpose species with potential. Edible uses of some of the Crotalaria species in different regions of world have also been included in the present communication.     

Genetic characterization of Lens ervoides from Ethiopia

Summary A single population of the Mediterranean species Lens ervoides was located in Ethiopia and seeds were collected. Based on chromosomal arrangement and isozyme profile the Ethiopian L. ervoides is similar to populations of this species in the Mediterranean region. All hybrids between L. ervoides from Ethiopia and an accession of this species from Israel were dwarf, whereas hybrids between the former and an accession from Algeria were normal. Segregation in F₂ and BC generations indicated that the dwarf habit in lentil is governed by dominant alleles of two complementary genes designated df ₁ and df ₂. The dominant allele of another gene, dfi, inhibits the dwarf phenotype. The evolution of L. ervoides from Ethiopia and its potential as a genetic resource are briefly discussed.