Variability in cone,seed and seedling characteristics of Pinus kesiya Royle ex. Gordon

Investigations were made to determine the nature and extent of variations present for 10 morphological characters of cone,seed and seedlings of 17 plus trees(PTs)of Pinus kesiya growing in eastern Himalayas(Meghalaya state) of India.The significant variations has been observed in cone weight,cone length,cone diameter,seed length,seed diameter,seed weight,number of seeds per cone,seed germination,seedling height and seedling collar diameter among different PTs of the species.Significant positive correlation(p \ 0.01) between seed weight,cone length and cone diameter showed that seed weight in P.kesiya depend more on the cone size.Seed germination is found positively correlated(p \ 0.01) with seed weight,seed diameter,cone size and number of seeds per cone in the study.Among geographical factors,latitude and altitude are found positively correlated(p \ 0.05) with cone weight and seed diameter,respectively.The genetic parameters for seed,cone and seedlings of PTs of P.kesiya also showed a wide range of variability in terms of variance,coefficient of variability,broad sense heritability,genetic advance and genetic gain.Seed weight,seeds per cone and seedling diameter showed high heritability values([75) coupled with maximum genetic gain.Traits with such values indicate the presence of good amount of heritable additive components and are under strong genetic control.The findings of the study revealed that PTs expressed both phenotypic and genotypic differences in the seed,cone and seedling characters,which may be attributed to the differences in genetic makeup of various PTs and environmental factors i.e.genotypic and environmental interaction.The presence of high variability in P.kesiya PTs for different characters provide further opportunities to improve the population in subsequent generations so as to establish this species as an important timber tree to be grown on less fertile and degraded soils in its distributional ranges.     

Variation in cone and seed characters in blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) across natural distribution in western Himalayas

We analyzed 17 seed sources (seed stands) of Pinus wallichiana for variations present in cone and seed characters, scattered over natural distribution in north-west Himalayan states (Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh) of India. The significant variations were observed in cone weight, cone length, cone width, seed length, seed width, seed weight, seed germination, radicle length, and plumule length among different seed sources of the species. Significant positive correlation between seed weight, cone weight and cone width showed that seed weight in the species depend more on the cone size. Seed germination was also positively correlated with seed weight, cone weight and radicle length in the study. The estimates of variability with regard to genetic parameters for seed weight, seed germination, cone length, cone width, cone weight showed wide range of variation in the study. Seed weight showed high heritability values coupled with maximum genetic gain. Traits with such values indicate presence of good amount of heritable additive components and are under strong genetic control. The findings of the study revealed that seed sources expressed both phenotypic and genotypic differences in the seed and cone traits which might be due to the differences in genetic make up of various seed sources and environmental factors i.e. genotypic and environmental interaction. The study suggests that the seed weight should be given the top priority for the further improvement of this species.     

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.     

Identification of diverse genotypes with high oil content in Madhuca latifolia for further use in tree improvement

Madhuca latifolia Macb.commonly known as Indian butter tree,is an open-pollinated plant.Improvement in seed and oil yields depends on the progress in the desired characters in the base material and the genetic variability available in the collected germplasm.We evaluated 23 genotypes of M.latifolia to understand genetic variability,character association and divergence in seed traits and oil content for use in breeding programs.Variation was recorded in seed length(27.3–38.6 mm),seed breadth(15.6–19.1 mm),two dimensional(2D) surface area(328.3–495.4 mm2),100 seed weight(216.8–285.3 g),acid value(13.4–25.8 mg KOH/g),iodine number(62.4–78.6) and oil content(37.8–51.0 %).High estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation,broad senseheritability and genetic gain were observed for seed oil content.Variability studies for seed traits revealed that genotype CPT-16 had the highest 100-seed weight(281.5 g) and oil content(51 %).Highly significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations were observed.The100-seed weight was positively and significantly correlated with oil content at both phenotypic(r = 0.57) and genotypic(r = 0.60) levels.Cluster analysis of the scores of the first three principle components(80.83 %) resulted in four clusters,consisting of 4,7,3 and 9 genotypes in the first,second,third and fourth clusters,respectively.Cluster 3was distinguished from others based on significantly higher means for most seed traits except seed breadth,acid value,iodine number and oil content.Cluster 1 appeared more divergent as it had significantly higher means for acid value and iodine number.A comparative assessment of means of the four clusters for 100-seed weight and oil content suggested that cluster 3 would be useful for higher 100-seed weight and oil content.Hence these genotypes,CPT-3,CPT-6 and CPT-15 in cluster 3 can be used for direct selection and utilization in breeding programs.     

Progeny evaluation of Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata with comparison to bioproductivity and biodiesel parameters

Progeny studies of Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata were carried with respect to bioproductivity,pod and seed characters which is one of the selection methods in tree improvement programmes. Variations in bioproductivity and biodiesel parameters of both the plants were compared every 6 months for 4 years of investigation and analyzed by analysis of variance and correlation coefficient by Pearson’s method using software Graphpad instat 3.06(for Windows and Mac). P. pinnata has better germination rate(71.4 %), 100 pod weight(PW)(311.59 g) and 100 seed weight(SW)(173.46 g) as compared to J. curcas for germination rate(43.2 %), 100 PW(111.29 g) and 100 SW(67.46 g). P. pinnata has strong correlation for plant height to canopy growth(CG)(0.948), collar diameter(CD)(0.994), number of branches per plant(NBP)(0.995) and to number of leaves per branch(NLB)(0.862) as compared to J.curcas which showed good correlation among plant height to CG(0.976), CD(0.970), NBP(0.988), NLB(0.920) and to number of pods per branch(0.657). However, J. curcas depicted negative correlation for pod breadth to seed length(SL)(-0.447), seed breadth(-0.248) and to seed thickness(ST)(-0.364) and among the 100 PW to SL(-0.199), ST(-0.220) and to 100 SW(-0.704). About 4 kg of P. pinnata seeds were required for each liter of crude oil which yields896 ml of biodiesel on transesterification as compared to5.66 kg of J. curcas seeds for a liter of crude oil, producing about 663 ml of biodiesel. The quality of biodiesel meets the major specification of American Society for Testing and Materials(ASTM) standards for biodiesel. The crude glycerin and seed cake obtained as byproduct during biodiesel production were also measured which can be purified and used in composting, animal feeds, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industries.     

不同种源蒙古栎种子表型性状与淀粉含量的变异分析

The study aims at compare and analyze the variation pattern of the phenotype characters and starch content of Quercus mongolica seed of different provenances. The length, width, length/width ratio, single kernel weight of Q. mongolica seeds from 16 natural distribution regions in China were measured and analyzed. The results showed that there were extremely significant differences among seeds from different region in seed characters. The length and width of seeds ranged from 14.76 mm to 21.08 mm and from 11.87 mm to 15.31 mm, respectively. The length/width ratio of seeds ranged from 1.21 to 1.49. The single kernel weight ranged from 0.60 g to 1.78 g and the contents of starch ranged from 4.42 g·kg^-1 to 5.48 g·kg^-1. The length of seeds has a extremely significant positive correlation with the width and weight of seed, and the width of seed had a significant positive correlation with the weight of seed. The seed width has a significant positive correlation with contents of starch. The width of seeds had a significant negative correlation with altitude, and had a positive correlation with July’s mean temperature. The weight of seed had a significant positive correlation with July's mean temperature too. The correlation of the other phenotypic character and starch content of Q. mongolica seed to geographical climate factors was not significant. According to the results of cluster analysis, sixteen Q. mongolica provenances could be divided into three groups with big fruit and high starch content, middle fruit and starch content, small fruit and low starch content, in which the provenances from Dailing of Heilongjiang Province, Benxi of Liaoning Province and Dayangshu of Inner Mongolia were the superior provenances.     

Fertility variation in endemic populations of Ehrami black pine(Pinus nigra Arnold. subsp. pallasiana var. pyramidata)

Fertility variation and effective number of parents were estimated in the 100 individuals from each of three plantation populations(P1, P2 and P3) of the endangered Pinus nigra. subsp. pallasiana var. pyramidata established in the Isparta–Golcuk district in southern Turkey in 1990. Potential relations between cone yield and growth characters(height, diameter at breast height,diameter at base and crown diameter) were also investigated. Large differences were found among populations and within populations for cone production and growth characters. Mean cone production was eight(ranging from6.5 in P2 to 9.1 in P1) for the three populations. The 10 most productive individuals for cones produced 32% of the total cones in P1, 39% in P2 and 34% in P3; 21, 16 and 6individuals, respectively did not produce any cones in the populations. According to the correlation analyses, the relation between cone yield and growth characters changed for the populations, while height, diameter at breast height and crown diameter were positively significantly correlated(r = 0.182, 0.135 and 0.209; p B 0.05) with cone production for the three populations. Fertility variation was1.81 in total of three populations, ranging from 1.72 in P3 to 3.45 in P1). Effective number of parents was 142(55.2of number of parents censused; 29%, P1; 49.8%, P2;58.3%, P3).     

Effects of seed moisture content,stratification and sowing date on the germination of Corylus avellana seeds

For Corylus avellana, pericarp permeability,seed desiccation tolerance, and the effect of warm and cold moist stratification combinations on germination and of outdoor sowing date on dormancy breaking and seedling emergence were investigated. Seeds with(intact fruit nut)and without the pericarp were subjected to an imbibition test, and water uptake was measured. After nuts had been stored for 5 months at 3–5℃, seeds and desiccated seeds were cold-stratified at 3–5 ℃(for 0, 1, 2 or 3 months),then tested for germination. Nuts were warm-stratified at 20–25℃(for 0, 1 or 2 months), then cold-stratified(for 0,1, 2 or 3 months) and tested for seed germination. The nuts were sown outdoors on three dates in the same year of their collection: 15 September(immediately after collection), 2 November, and 17 December, and emerged seedlings were counted the following spring. The pericarp was not a barrier to water uptake by the seed;however, the seeds imbibed water faster and had more mass when the pericarp was removed. Seeds tolerated desiccation;germinationpercentage was not reduced when seed moisture content was reduced to 8.71%. Germination of seeds without the pericarp(regardless of the moisture content) was the highest when the seeds were cold-stratified for 2 months.When seeds with the pericarp were tested for germination,2 months of warm stratification before a 2-month cold stratification maximized seed germination. For outdoor sowing of nuts, sowing date affected percentage of seedling emergence the following spring;early autumn sowing(immediately after collection) resulted in the best emergence.     

Variability in cone and seed characteristics and seed testing in various provenances of Himalayan spruce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea smithiana</Emphasis>)

We investigated the effect of provenance variation on cone and seed morphology and germination behaviour under different pre- treatments in Picea smithiana. Three categories of cones were recognized: large (13.18 cm × 3.30 cm 15.42 cm × 4.35 cm), medium (10.85 cm × 3.93 cm 12.18 cm × 3.98 cm) and small (7.69 cm × 3.06 10.98 cm× 3.39 cm). Significant variation was observed for various cone and seed characteristics. Seeds moisture content varied from 44.48% to 56.91%, seed size from 0.64 cm × 0.31 cm (largest seed) to 0.49 cm × 0.10 cm (smallest seed), and the seed weight from 2.45 g per 100 seeds to 1.36 g per 100 seeds on fresh weight basis of P. smithiana. The highest seed germination (72.0±7.53%) at 10°C was observed under chilling treatment in Tapovan provenance, while the minimum (15.0±5.71%) seed germina- tion was recorded at 25°C under control set in Tapovan provenance. Further among all the sources Pandukeshwar consistently had the highest average (38%) percent germination across all treatments. Compared to other temperature regimes and pretreatments, seeds subjected to 10°C and chilling treatment had the highest germination and took the least time for germination irrespective of provenance effects. Altitude (provenance) had little or no relationship with germination following laboratory treat- ments. Seeds from Tapovan provenance subjected at 10°C following chilling treatment may be suggested for further multiplication of this species.     

Relationship between age,size, fecundity and climatic factors in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax wangianus</Emphasis> an endangered medicinal plant in the sacred grove forest of North-East India

Panax wangianus (Syn. Panax pseudoginseng) S. C. Sun (Araliaceae) is a critically endangered, medicinal plant of North-East India. The objective of this study was to determine how plant size affects flowering phenology and to evaluate the effect of climatic factors on flowering, fruiting and seed production. Data on vegetative and repro- ductive characters were monitored from 2016 individuals of Panax wangianus population in Law Lyngdoh, Smit sacred grove in Nongkrem, Shillong, India. Leaflet area was measured by a planimeter. Size variables of both vegetative and reproductive traits in different age classes were measured. Climatic factors were recorded from 2007 to 2009. Age was recorded by counting the number of bud scale scars on the rhizome. Light intensity and relative humidity were measured using a photometer, LiCor Model LI-189 and thermohygrometer respectively. Different climatic variables are correlated with vegetative and reproductive phenological events. Statistical analysis revealed that a strong positive correlation was observed between the age versus vegetative and reproductive characters, except 1%-2% plants showed neoteny. Morphological variations were observed in natural conditions on the basis of the number of prong and carpellate conditions. Phenological status revealed that most of the individuals of the age class 35-50 years and above 50 years contributed the most to flowering, fruiting and seed production. Age class was significant to predict the size of the plant and its reproductive capacity. Climatic factors such as temperature, precipitation and relative humidity show synergistic effect on both the vegetative and reproductive phases in Panax wangianus in the undisturbed Nongkrem sacred grove. The color of flowers of P. wangianus also varied depending upon the sunlight intensity. Therefore, in the view of conservationand management, the age class of 35-50 years and above 50 years is the most important for population sustainability.     

Variation in cone and seed characters in clonal seed orchards of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis>

Cone and seed characters were observed on top, middle and bottom portions of tree crown in 3 ramets/clone in three Turkish Pinus sylvestris seed orchards. Broad sense heritability (clonal repeatability), and correlations among characters were estimated. Around one quarter of the seed production occurred in the top portion, half in the middle and one quarter in the bottom portion of the crown for all orchards. The percentage of filled seeds varied little with the crown position, indicating more or less similar levels of selfing in the bottom of the crown as in the top. The seed weight was typically 11 mg. Differences were found for studied cone and seed characters among orchards and crown positions. Variation among grafts within clone was higher than among clones for most characters. The heritability was on average below 0.5 (e.g., cone diameter, number of filled seed per cone) and rarely rose above that (e.g., cone form, length/diameter; percentage of filled seed) for any individual characters. The coefficient of variation within clones was often higher than among clones. Thus, non-genetic factors seem often more important for the variation in performance of grafts than their genetic constitution. Cone form (length/diameter) was the character where the clone influence was the strongest. Cone number and cone dry weight showed significant correlations with seed characters (numbers of total and filled seed, percentage and weight of filled seeds). Significant correlation was found between seed characters.     

文冠果人工种群的果实表型多样性及其变异

以文冠果果实为研究对象,调查了研究区内44株文冠果果实的19个表型性状,利用变异系数、方差分析和相关分析研究了调查区内文冠果人工种群的变异情况。方差和变异系数分析结果表明,研究区内文冠果果实表型性状差异都极显著,并在不同个体之间存在很大的变异幅度。其中,单株结果量和种子产量变异最大(变异系数大于76%),其次是单果质量、单果种质量和单果仁质量(变异系数约30%),再次是单果出种数和果柄长度(变异系数大于20%),而种子长、种子宽、种形比和心室数变异较小(变异系数低于10%),种仁出油率变异最小(变异系数6.13%);单株间丰产性差异明显,并具有一定的遗传稳定性。相关性分析结果表明,文冠果人工种群果实不同性状的相关性不一样并差异显著,其中果长、果宽、果质量、种质量、仁质量、种子长、出种数、出种率、千粒质量和果柄粗的相关性强,与多个性状呈显著相关,而果形比、出仁率、结果量和种子产量与个别性状呈显著相关,果实心室数和果柄长相关性最弱,与所有性状相关性不显著。     

柳河兰山日本落叶松次生种源优树株间种实性状的研究

以柳河五道沟林木种子园生产区中选至兰山林场的优树为对象,采集球果和种子,对优树株间有关种实性状进行观测与分析。结果表明:选至相同次生种源的优树株间在球果长度与直径、出种率和千粒重性状表现上差异显著;方差分析和F检验证实株间种子重量差异极显著(P<0.01),遗传差异是主要因素。种子重量是辽宁次生种源的1.3倍,有随积温降低而增加的倾向。     

苦槠种子形态性状的地理变异分析

苦槠(Castanopsis sclerophylla (Lindl.) Schott.)为壳斗科(Fagaceae)栲属(Castanopsis (D. Don.) Spach.)植物[1],是亚热带地区常绿阔叶林的重要建群树种,也是亚热带常绿阔叶林次生演替阶段重要的先锋树种,对群落的组成、外貌、功能等都有一定控制作用[2].苦槠作为优良多用途树种,其生态效益、经济价值、食品保健功用及其在园林绿化中的地位已逐渐得到认可[3-4].目前,国内对苦槠的研究已有了一定基础,但对苦槠种群遗传学研究较少.种子是物种遗传变异的重要特征之一,在分类和遗传上具有重要的价值[5],种子形态不仅决定其扩散能力,也影响到种子的萌发和幼苗定植,进而影响到种群的分布格局[6].研究苦槠种子性状变异及其地理分化,对了解苦槠种群遗传分布格局具有重要意义,进而也可为苦槠天然林的保护和人工林的营建提供理论参考.     

云南油茶优树多指标综合选择研究

2009年通过对云南省油茶的主产区文山州富宁县复选的139株油茶单株的果实三径均值、果形系数、平均单果重、平均单果籽实重、平均单果果皮重、鲜果出籽率、冠幅单位面积鲜果产量、冠幅单位面积鲜籽产量、出仁率等17个指标进行调查,对其变量因子进行平均正交旋转后确定主成分因子,对主成分因子选取果实三径均值、果形系数、平均单果重、鲜果出籽率、冠幅单位面积鲜籽产量、出仁率建立回归方程Y=0.358X1+3.695X2+0.064X3+0.05X6+0.388X8+0.022X9-10.616。依据回归方程计算综合评分值,结合含油率指标,确定优树选择指标,采用聚类分析,选取了32#、111#、113#、123#、121#、31#、25#、39#、110#、5#、58#相对样本群体具有明显增益的11株优良单株,并对其各项指标做出了综合分析。分析结果对云南省油茶良种的多指标综合选育具有一定的参考价值。     

杜仲果实含胶特性的个体变异规律

采用选择典型样株和随机取样的方法,对杜仲果实含胶特性的个体变异规律及其与若干宏观性状的相关性进行了系统研究。结果表明,无性系间的果长、果宽、果厚、果形指数、果实千粒质量、果皮含胶率、果实含胶率和单果含胶量都存在极显著差异。在供试的35个无性系中,果皮含胶率极显著高于对照的有14个无性系,果实含胶率极显著高于对照的有15个无性系;无性系果实含胶率和果皮含胶率与果实主要形态性状的相关性均未达到显著水平,而单果含胶量则与果长、果宽、果厚、果实千粒质量的相关性均达到了极显著水平,与果皮含胶率和果实含胶率的相关性也达到了极显著水平。     

云杉天然群体表型多样性研究

以系统揭示云杉全分布区天然群体表型变异程度和变异规律为目的 ,以其全分布区 10个有代表性天然群体 ,每个群体 30个个体为试材 ,对针叶、球果、种鳞、种翅和种子等 17个表型性状进行系统比较分析 ,采用方差分析、多重比较、相关分析和聚类分析等统计分析方法 ,讨论了群体间和群体内的表型多样性。结果表明 :云杉种内表型性状在群体间和群体内存在极其丰富的遗传差异。云杉球果、针叶、种鳞、种翅和种子 5个表型性状的变异系数分别为 19 14 %、2 6 4 6 %、13 5 8%、19 78%和 174 0 % ,种鳞性状稳定性较其他性状高。表型分化系数 (VST)的变幅为 2 0 9%～ 4 0 6 2 % ,群体间表型分化系数均值为 30 99%。群体间变异 (30 99% )小于群体内变异 (6 9 0 1% )。 17个表型性状间多数呈极显著或显著的正相关 ,球果长度、球果径、种鳞长度、种鳞宽度和种子千粒重为云杉易测定和重要的表型性状。云杉种内群体表型变异在空间分布上呈现以纬度为主的单向变异模式 ,利用群体间欧氏距离进行UPGMA聚类分析表明 ,云杉群体可以划分为 5类     

湿地松无性系种子园生长及结实性状初步分析

为提高湿地松种子园的产量,以荆门市彭场林场一代去劣湿地松无性系种子园为研究对象,对其生长状况和结实性状进行调查,分析不同无性系生长和结实性状的差异性,并筛选出高结实无性系。结果表明：不同无性系间胸径、冠幅、球果长度、球果直径、球果径高、单株球果总产量和单个鲜果重均存在极显著差异(sg＜0.01),而单果出种量的差异不显著(sg=0.366);选出排名前3位的高结实无性系,结实量较均值提高了2倍多;根据差异分析的结论,为现阶段优良无性系初步筛选提供方向。     

不同栽培区岑溪软枝油茶无性系果实表型性状的差异

通过比较广西北部的三江、东部的岑溪和南部的南宁3个栽培区,研究了岑软2号、岑软3号2个软枝油茶（Camellia oleifera）无性系果实表型性状的地理差异。结果表明：2个元性系果实的单果质量、果径、果高、果形指数、果皮厚度、鲜籽数、鲜籽质量、鲜出籽率或千克籽数存在一定差异,其中岑软2号的果径、鲜籽质量、鲜出籽率、...