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 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.     

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.     

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.     

Phenotypic variation in thirteen native provenances of Lespedeza bicolor Turcz

Lespedeza bicolor Turcz is a native shrub in the temperate region of China. Thirteen provenances of L. bicolor were inves-tigated in our study. Morphological diversity among and within provenances were analyzed based on 19 phenotypic traits, including seven vegetative growth characteristics, nine floral traits and three pod characteristics. The coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 6.4% to 65.4% and the phenotypic differentiation coefficient from 43.3% to 97.3%. Analyses of variance showed that there were extremely significant variations among and within provenances in pod length. Differences in plant height, inter-nodal length, number of branches, leaf width, leaf length and leaf area were not remarkable among provenance, but distinct within provenances. Other traits showed evidence of contrasts. Variation among provenances was the main part of phenotypic variation. Correlation analysis indicated that there were highly significant positive correlations between plant height and other vegetative growth characteristics. Floral traits were not associated with vegetative growth characteristics. The 13 provenances of L. bicolor investigated can be classi-fied into three groups according to a UPGMA cluster analysis.     

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.     

Effect of seed mass on emergence and seedling development in Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

We investigated the effect of seed mass on emergence, seedling survival and growth ofPterocarpus marsupium Roxb., a medium to large, commercially valuable and deciduous tree species. Among the three size classes viz. small （10-12 mm）, medium （13-15 mm） and large （16-17 mm）, the maximum proportion, of seed by number （54.12%） and dry weight （51.87%） was recorded, in the medium size seed class. Seed length and seed width were greatest in the large seed class （16.50 mm, 7.33 mm） followed by medium （13.50 mm, 5.60 mm） and small （11.37 ram, 3.66 mm）. Similarly, hundred seed weight （100 sw） varied from a maximum of 12.92 g in the large seed class to intermediate 10.95 g in the medium seed class and minimum of 7.02 g in the small seed class. The large seed size showed maximum emergence and shoot length over the medium and small seed class. After six months of growth, significant variations due to seed size were also observed for the growth and dry weight of P. marsupium seedlings. Seedling vigour, expressed in terms of height, collar diameter, number of leaves and dry biomass, was sig- nificantly affected by seed class. Seedlings that emerged from large seeds showed better growth and produced heavier seedlings as compared to medium and small seeds.     

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.     

Variation Within Trees of Wood Anatomical Properties in Chinese-Fir Plantation and Their Relationship Modeling Equations

A comprehensive analysis on the variation pattern of early- and latewood tracheid morphological parameters along tree (Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook.) height, including length and width, wall thickness, tissue proportion, cell wall percentage, width of growth rings, and on the relationship among them are conducted. The results indicate an initially rapid and then gentle increase of tracheid length and width, thickness of the radial wall and tangential wall of tracheid, area percentage of tracheid from pith to outward, while S2 microfibril angle (Mfa) of tracheid, and rays percentage gradually decrease and then tend to be stable. The variation of all anatomical parameters but earlywood cell wall thickness shows no significance along tree height. The radial variation pattern of width of growth rings is characterized with initially slight decrease followed immediately by a rapid and then much more gentle increase from pith to outward. The delimitation age between juvenile and mature wood is 14-16 years. Com     

Effects of sludge on germination and initial growth performance of Leucaena leucocephala seedlings in the nursery

A study was carried out to determine the influence of different types of sludges （municipal, industrial and residential） on field germination, growth and nodulation of L. leucocephala seedlings in the nursery. Before sowing of seeds, different combinations of sludges were incorporated with the nutrient deficient natural forest soils. Field germination, nodulation status and physical growth parameters of seedlings （shoot and root length, vigor index, collar diameter, leaf number, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root and total dry biomass increment） were recorded after three and six months of seed sowing. Field germination, nodulation status and growth parameters were varied significantly in the soil amended with sludges in comparison to control. The highest number of nodule was recorded from soil amended with residential sludge （ 1：1 ） and highest fresh and dry nodule weight was also found from the same combination in both three and six month old seedlings. In case of growth parameters, the highest growth was recorded from soil and residential sludge （ 1：1 ） combination compared to control. From the study, it can be recommended that soil amended with residential sludge （ 1：1 ） provide better field germination, growth and nodule formation of L. leucocephala in degraded soil.     

Variability and divergence in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pongamia pinnata</Emphasis> for further use in tree improvement

A total of 24 candidate plus trees (CPTs) of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. were selected to elucidate their variation and diversity based on thirteen quantitative traits (4 pod traits, 6 seed traits of parent trees and 3 progeny traits) at Forest Research Centre, Institute of Forest Productivity — Mandar, Ranchi district during 2005–2007. The results show that, CPT-19 had maximum for seven traits viz, pod length (65.6 mm), 100-pod weight (542.4 g), seed 2D (two dimension) area (351.2 mm²), seed length (27.9 mm), seed breadth (17.4 mm), 100-seed weight (217.9 g) and plant height (164.3 cm). The traits, 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight had a high heritability (98.4%, 96.9%) accompanied with high genetic advance (46.0%, 34.9%). There is a positive significant correlation between 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight traits at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with plant height, collar diameter and volume index at 30 MAS (months after sowing). Volume index expressed a moderate heritability (47.4%) accompanied with high genetic advance (48.4%), indicating that the character is governed by additive gene effects. In divergence study, 24 accessions were grouped into 6 clusters on the basis of non-hierarchical euclidian cluster analysis. The genotypes in cluster IV (CPT-5, CPT-6, CPT-7, CPT-12, CPT-16, CPT-18, CPT-22) and cluster III (CPT-4, CPT-8, CPT-9, CPT-20, CPT-21) were most heterogeneous and can be best used within group hybridization. The wide diversity exists between the cluster V and II, followed by cluster II and I and crosses between CPTs of these clusters may result in substantial segregates. It is revealed that the existence of substantial variation and diversity can be utilized for genetic resource conservation and further tree improvement programmers of the species.     

Variability in pod and seed traits of Pongamia pinnata Pierre ecotypes in North Karnataka,India

An evaluation of 30 naturally available candidate-plus trees(CPTs) of Pongamia pinnata was carried out to elucidate the genetic variability and relationship of pod and seed traits and progeny growth traits to select the best planting material with higher productivity. Significant variations were observed in pod and seed characteristics,oil content, and during the progeny trial studies. The highest values were found in 100-pod weight(410.4 gm)and 100-seed weight(195.92 gm) and the phenotypic and genotypic variance was found maximum in 100 pod weight(4364.71 and 4289.93) and 100 seed weight(813.8 and768.93), respectively. Estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variance were higher than the genotypic coefficient of variance for all the pod and seed traits and progeny growth traits, which depict the predominant role of the environment. Approximately 99 % of broad-sense heritability was revealed in oil content, followed by 100-pod weight(98.28 %), and canopy growth(96.93 %). Pod thickness shows the highest genetic advance of 56.61 %,followed by pod width(53.43 %) and canopy growth(49.3 %). Pod and seed traits have proven a positive correlation between each other and with progeny growth traits,except a few negative values. Hierarchical clustering by Ward's minimum variance cluster analysis showed phylogeographical patterns of genetic diversity. K-means clustering revealed that trees from different geographical regions were grouped together in a cluster where as trees from the same geographical area are placed in a different cluster. Seven Pongamia ecotypes(GRP-8, 9, 13, 14, 18,28, and 29) are found superior in traits, namely 100-pod weight, 100-seed weight, oil content, germination rate,plant height, canopy growth, and collar diameter. The traits100-pod weight and 100-seed weight are highly correlated with the progeny growth traits and even have higher heritability and genetic advantages.     

Variability in pod and seed traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pongamia pinnata</Emphasis> Pierre ecotypes in North Karnataka,India

An evaluation of 30 naturally available candidate-plus trees (CPTs) of Pongamia pinnata was carried out to elucidate the genetic variability and relationship of pod and seed traits and progeny growth traits to select the best planting material with higher productivity. Significant variations were observed in pod and seed characteristics, oil content, and during the progeny trial studies. The highest values were found in 100-pod weight (410.4 gm) and 100-seed weight (195.92 gm) and the phenotypic and genotypic variance was found maximum in 100 pod weight (4364.71 and 4289.93) and 100 seed weight (813.8 and 768.93), respectively. Estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variance were higher than the genotypic coefficient of variance for all the pod and seed traits and progeny growth traits, which depict the predominant role of the environment. Approximately 99 % of broad-sense heritability was revealed in oil content, followed by 100-pod weight (98.28 %), and canopy growth (96.93 %). Pod thickness shows the highest genetic advance of 56.61 %, followed by pod width (53.43 %) and canopy growth (49.3 %). Pod and seed traits have proven a positive correlation between each other and with progeny growth traits, except a few negative values. Hierarchical clustering by Ward’s minimum variance cluster analysis showed phylogeographical patterns of genetic diversity. K-means clustering revealed that trees from different geographical regions were grouped together in a cluster where as trees from the same geographical area are placed in a different cluster. Seven Pongamia ecotypes (GRP-8, 9, 13, 14, 18, 28, and 29) are found superior in traits, namely 100-pod weight, 100-seed weight, oil content, germination rate, plant height, canopy growth, and collar diameter. The traits 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight are highly correlated with the progeny growth traits and even have higher heritability and genetic advantages.     

怀槐种实性状的观测与初步研究

以不同年份、不同植株(产地)的怀槐果实与种子为材料研究种实性状差异,结果表明:同一年份各样品间果实长度、宽度分别变动于4.9~5.9 cm和0.9~1.1 cm之间;株间(产地、年份)种子长度、宽度分别变动于6.8~8.2 mm和3.4~4.2 mm之间;千粒重平均值为62.92 g,变动于54.12~68.95 g之间,差异极显著(F0.01=454.167**)。发芽率和发芽势分别变动于80.7%~93.1%和41.7%~59.5%之间。怀槐种实性状普遍存在着多样性。     

短萼仪花荚果与种子性状测定初报

对短萼仪花群落中5个优良单株的荚果长、荚果宽、荚果长宽比、种子长、种子宽、种子长宽比及种子单粒质量等性状进行测定分析,发现单株间种子表型性状差异均达到极显著水平;变异最大的为种子单粒质量,其变异系数为20.41%;种子表型性状间具有一定的相关性。     

玛咖不同颜色种子表型性状及活力特性分析

比较分析棕黄色、棕红色和黑色3种颜色玛咖种子的大小、萌发特性、幼苗生长特性和酶活力,探讨3种颜色玛咖种子的表型性状及其与种子活力之间的相关性。结果表明,棕黄色和黑色种子的长、厚、厚宽比、千粒质量、发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数、活力指数、幼苗苗长、根长、单株鲜质量和干质量、POD活性、脱氢酶活性等性状之间无显著差异,但均显著高于棕红色种子(P<0.05);棕黄色和黑色种子的新鲜不发芽种子数、死种子数和不正常幼苗数均显著低于棕红色种子(P<0.05)。不同颜色玛咖种子的千粒质量与种子的长、厚存在显著正相关(P<0.05),种子发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数、活力指数均与千粒质量、POD和脱氢酶呈极显著正相关(P<0.01)。说明棕黄色和黑色种子活力高于棕红色种子,萌发能力更强。     

青藏高原特有种砂生槐不同种源地种子萌发特征研究

对采自6个种源地砂生槐的种子进行了萌发研究,分析了种子大小、萌发特性与海拔之间的关系。结果表明:1)每荚种子数变幅为2.96 4.50粒;种子千粒质量变幅为30.639 47.415 g;种子纵径变幅为4.3144.962 mm;种子横径变幅为3.244 3.693 mm;种子纵横径比变幅为1.306 1.383,差异较小。方差分析结果显示,种源间每荚种子数(F=8.52**)、千粒质量(F=19.73**)、种子纵径(F=6.17**)和种子横径(F=5.79**)差异均达到极显著水平,而种子纵径与横径的比值差异不显著(F=1.47)。2)6个种源砂生槐种子发芽率变幅为43.16%90.03%。其中萨迦种源发芽率90.03%为最高,最低是米瑞种源为43.16%。3)6个砂生槐种源的种子在发芽起始时间上仅差异1 d;萌发持续时间在14 23 d之间,种源间持续发芽时间差异最多达到9 d;萌发高峰期在17 27 d之间,种源间差异较大,其中萨迦种源最短,朗县种源最长。4)每荚种子数随着海拔的升高而显著降低(R=-0.844 3,P0.05),而种子千粒质量则随着海拔的升高而显著升高(R=0.614 3,P0.05)。5)种子发芽起始时间与海拔之间呈现出负相关的关系,但不显著(R=-0.505 6,P0.05);种子萌发持续时间与海拔具有显著的负相关关系(R=-0.883 6,P0.05),而种子发芽率则与海拔具有显著的正相关关系(R=0.804 7,P0.05)。     

同一区域不同分布高度葛萝槭表型性状变异分析

为了解同一区域不同分布高度葛萝槭种群表型变异程度及变异规律,对来自河北省灵寿县五岳寨地区3个分布高度葛萝槭种群进行单果质量、单果皮质量、果长、果宽、果厚、果实长宽比、单种质量、种长、种宽、种厚、种子长宽比及种子千粒质量等12个表型性状进行观测,采用平均值、变异系数、方差分析及相关性分析等方法进行分析.结果 表明:同一区...