Evaluation of Nutritional Composition of Two Fonio Ecotypes Grown in Casamance (Sénégal)

In order to better understand the cultural route, biochemical and nutritional composition of two ecotypes of fonio, a study was carried out in village of Tambananing located approximately 7 km from Sédhiou. The objective of studies was to determine nutritional composition of two ecotypes of fonio: the first called momo in short-cycle mandinka (75 - 90 days) and the other called medium-cycle dibong (90 - 110 days). For this, samples of two ecotypes were collected in an experimental field which was split into two equal parts, one sown with the momo ecotype and the other with the dibong ecotype. The nutritional composition (sugars, fats, proteins, minerals, ash, etc.) and the physicochemical properties (pH, humidity, water activity, color, etc.) of fonio’s were determined by appropriate physicochemical methods. The two ecotypes exhibited quite similar physicochemical properties. The levels of biochemical compounds were relatively close with protein contents of 7.05 ± 0.06 mg/100g for the momo ecotype and of 8.02 ± 0.04 mg/100g for the dibong ecotype, in carbohydrates (76.37 ± 1.2 mg/100g for momo and 78.7 ± 1.5 mg/100g for dibong) and in fat (2.92 ± 0.05 mg/100g for momo and 3.14 ± 0.004 mg/100g for dibong). Identical mineral element contents were found except for iron, an element for which the contents were 10.80 ± 0.008 mg/100g for the momo ecotype and 99.59 ± 0.005 mg/100g for the dibong ecotype. Thus, two ecotypes of fonio present a fairly interesting nutritional composition and their consumption deserves to be popularized and could contribute effectively to fight against the problems of malnutrition of certain vulnerable groups.

Germination response of desert annuals to shrub facilitation is species specific but not ecotypic

Aims Positive plant interactions can promote higher species density of beneficiary species in deserts.However,there is limited evidence examining the trait sets of seeds from beneficiary species.in this study,we examined the hypothesis that shrubs(benefactors)influ-ence the germination of desert annuals(beneficiaries)and promote ecotypic differentiation by generating distinct microhabitats through abiotic stress amelioration.The following predictions were tested using growth chambers and field-collected seeds:(i)seed mass and viability will be greater and less variable for seeds collected from within shrub understory relative to seeds from open microhabitats,(ii)germination of seeds from shrub and open microhabitats will be greatest under simulated home(source)conditions,(iii)seeds from the shrub microhabitat will adaptively accelerate their germination rate when germinated in simulated home(source)microhabitats relative to their simulated away(reciprocal)microhabitat.Methods Seeds and their associated maternal plants were collected from four annual species found within a shrub understory(Larrea triden-tata)and open microhabitats in the Mojave Desert of California(35.30ºN,117.26ºW,793 m.a.s.l.),and then reciprocally germi-nated in growth chambers simulating both microclimatic conditions.Cumulative germination and germination rate was measured every 4-5 days for 42 days.Important Findings There was no significant difference in the mean or coefficient of variation for seed mass and viability between the shrub and open microhabitats.The source of the seeds did not significantly impact the cumulative germination,and there was no accelerated rate of germination within potential species ecotypes thereby suggesting no ecotypic differentiation.Cumulative germination was signifi-cantly higher within the shrub-simulated microhabitat for three out of the four species examined.Cumulative germination and germina-tion rate were significantly different between species.Hence,shrubs influence the germination of desert annuals,and the outcome of this interaction is species specific,but shrub microhabitats do not nec-essarily alter the more conserved seed biology traits.Future studies should examine the influence of gene flow on beneficiary adapta-tion and the influence of species-specificity on beneficiary species response to facilitation.

Morphometric Traits Differentiation and Phenotypic Diversity of Two Snail Species Ecotypes Archachatina marginata and Achatina fulica in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

This study was conducted from June 2021 to January 2023 to assess the genetic diversity of giant African snails in the western highlands of Cameroon. A total of 652 snails were randomly collected from the wild in three localities in the western highlands (Bafang, Bafoussam, and Santchou). The study revealed significant variations in morphobiometric characteristics both between species and localities. The predominant shell coloration was brownish with yellow zigzag stripes (65%), while the dominant coloration for shell openings was whitish (48%). Regarding foot coloration, both brown with spotted black and black with spotted brown colorations were dominant (29%). The highest recorded live weight of snails (39.33 ± 34) was found in the species Archachatina marginata. In terms of length measurements (in mm), the length of the right and left sides of the shell was higher in the A. fulica species (49.8 ± 19.7 mm and 40.07 ± 18 mm, respectively). Bafang exhibited the highest values for shell length (56 ± 11 mm) and shell width (46.52 ± 11.46 mm). A. fulica recorded the highest shell length (81.5 ± 27 mm), while A. marginata recorded the highest shell width (49.6 ± 12.1 mm), with the highest values observed in A. fulica from fulica having a slightly higher aperture width value (30 ± 10 mm) compared to A. marginata, while A. marginata had the highest value for aperture length measurement (54.5 ± 12 mm). A. fulica also exhibited the highest values for the length from apex to the first whorl and the length from left to right of the first whorl (43.2 ± 18 mm and 39 ± 19.8 mm, respectively). Strong and positive correlations were observed between the live weight of snails and body measurements regardless of species, except for the number of whorls, which showed very weak or negative correlations with other body measurements. The results of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed three distinct snail population types. These findings provide valuable insights into the phenotypic diversity of edible land snails in the western highlands of Cameroon and can be considered in improvement and conservation programs aimed at enhancing snail meat yield.

Physiological Adaptation of Habitat by Ion Distribution in the Leaves of Four Ecotypes of Reed (Phragmites australis)

The ion levels in the epidermal bulliform cells of epidermis, mesophyll cells and cells of the vascular bundle sheath of four ecotypes of reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.) were determined by means of X_ray microanalysis. The results indicated that higher K +, Na +, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and Cl - were distributed in the vascular bundle sheath cells than in mesophyll cells and epidermal bulliform cells of the swamp ecotype. Higher Ca 2+ was found in the bulliform cells than in mesophyll cells and vascular bundle sheath cells, higher Mg 2+ in the mesophyll cells and higher K +, Na + and Cl - in the vascular bundle sheath cells of the dune ecotype. Higher Na + and Mg 2+ was determined in the mesophyll cells than in the bulliform cells and vascular bundle sheath cells, and higher K +, Ca 2+ and Cl - in the vascular bundle sheath cells of the light salt meadow ecotype. In the heavy salt meadow ecotype, higher Na + and Mg 2+ were accumulated in the bulliform cells than in mesophyll cells and vascular bundle sheath cells, but higher K +, Ca 2+ and Cl - in the mesophyll cells. Furthermore, the distributional conditions of the above five ions in leaf cells of the four ecotypes and their significance in the physiological adaptation of reed to habitat were discussed in detail.

Effects of Different Sowing Dates and Sites on Starch RVA Profile Characteristics of Different Ecotypes of Rice (Oryza sativa, L. japonica)

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of different sowing dates and sites on starch RVA profile characteristics of different ecotypes of japonica rice. [Method] Five different ecotypes of japonica rice were sown at seven different dates in four rice planting regions in Jiangsu Province to analyze the differences in starch RVA profile parameters among different rice varieties. [Result] Among eight parameters of rice starch RVA profile, peak time exhibited no significant differences among different sites, while other seven parameters varied significantly or extremely significantly among different sites, sowing dates and varieties. Specifically, rice variety exerted the most significant effects on rice starch RVA profile parameters. Starch RVA profile characteristics varied significantly among different ecological conditions but exhibited no significant differences among different latitudes. To be specific, in different sites, peak viscosity （PKV）, hot paste viscosity （HPV） and breakdown viscosity （BDV） demonstrated a descending order of Huai＇an 〉 Suzhou 〉 Lianyungang 〉 Yangzhou. Cool paste viscosity （CPV） and consistence viscosity （CSV） were higher in the north than in the south; specifically, CPV and CSV were significantly higher in Lianyungang and Huai＇an than in Yangzhou and Suzhou. Setback viscosity （SBV） showed an increasing trend with increasing latitude; specifically, SBV was significantly lower in Suzhou than in other three sites. Pasting temperature （PAT） and peak time （PET） changed slightly among different latitudes. With the postponing of sowing date, peak viscosity （PKV）, hot paste viscosity （HPV）, cool paste viscosity （CPV） and peak time （PET） showed a decreasing trend, setback viscosity （SBV） and consistence viscosity （CSV） increased, breakdown viscosity （BDV） increased first and then decreased, whereas pasting temperature （PAT） decreased first and then increased. Furthermore, rice starch RVA profile parameters showed the same variation trend with sowing date in different sites; early sowing within suitable sowing dates could effectively improve the parameters of rice starch RVA profile. However, different parameters exerted different variations among different sites and most parameters were higher in the north than in the south, which indicated that starch RVA profile parameters were significantly affected by sowing date in the north of Jiangsu Province. Among eight starch RVA profile parameters, setback viscosity exhibited the maximum variation coefficient, while peak time exhibited the minimum variation coefficient. Among five rice varieties, Nanjing 46 exhibited the highest peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity and the lowest setback viscosity and consistence viscosity, suggesting that Nanjing 46 had the most appropriate starch RVA profile characteristics and the best cooking and eating quality. Lianjing 4 exhibited relatively high peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity, and relatively low setback viscosity and consistence viscosity, suggesting that Lianjing 4 had good starch RVA profile characteristics. Different sowing dates and sites exerted significant effects on starch RVA profiles of different eco- types of japonica rice. Rice starch RVA profile characteristics varied significantly among different sites but exhibited no significant variations among different latitudes. In addition, starch RVA profile characteristics varied significantly among different sowing dates. Therefore, early sowing of the same variety was conducive to improving starch RVA profile characteristics in appropriate planting regions. [Conclusion] This study provided a theoretical basis for producing high-quality rice and improving the eating quality of rice in Jiangsu Province.

Leaf Micro-Morphology in Two Ecotypes of Ashleaf Maple Adaptated to Different Survival Environments

Through one hundred years of adaptation in China, The Acer negundo Linn. (as hlea f maple), originally grown in North America, has developed morphological charact er istics to cope the severe situation of its habitats. Two ecotypes from different vegetation belts in the ecotone of eastern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region wer e detected. Although there was no macroscopic difference, contrasting micro-ch a racteristics had been observed between the two sources. The leaves from more dro ught and warmer zone were found with more trichomes, more and smaller stomata, l arger subsidiary cells, thicker palisade and flatter epidermal wax than those of leaves from the more humid and colder zone. Microstructures of the leaves from xeric sources can more effectively reduce leaf temperature and conserving water than those of mesic sources. Intra-species difference of the two ecotypes is th e result of adaptation in different environments. This should be considered when characteristics of foliage are used as characters of species in taxonomy.

Planning and Design for Eco-Sustainable Farmland Consolidation

With a view of sustainable development, different kinds of farmland consolidation are reviewed. A planning and design mode for eco-sustainable farmland consolidation, which integrated the ecotypic board, the ecotypic tunnel, the ecotypic island, and the ecotypic boundary, is proposed. Then, an actual case of farmland consolidation, a project located in Yinzhou County, Zhejiang Province, is used to demonstrate the effective application procedures of the planning and design mode.

Effects of Silicon at Different Concentrations on Morphology and Photosynthetic Physiological Mechanism of Japonica Rice

[Objective] The aim was to explore effects of silicon at different concentrations on morphology and photosynthetic physiological mechanism of japonica rice. [Method] Seedlings of japonica rice were treated with silicon at different concentrations （0, 30, 80, 130 and 180 mg/L of sodium silicate）; silicon contents were measured with Molybdenum blue spectrophotometric method in root, stem and leaf; plant height, root length and number in different treatment groups were measured with tools; chlorophyll a and b, and a/b in leaf and stem of rice in different groups were measured. [Result] Silicon contents in vegetative organs were as follows： stem〉leaf〉 root; when silicon was 80 mg/L, japonica ecotype was shortest; when silicon was 30 mg/L, root length of the rice was shortest and root number was least; when silicon was 30 mg/L, contents of chlorophyll a and b were highest and chlorophyll a/b achieved the peak when silicon was 80 mg/L. [Conclusion] Silicon at proper concen- tration would improve lodging-resistance and efficiency of photosynthesis, further enhancing yield of japonica rice.

Experiment on Organic Ecotype Soilless Culture of Vegetables

A suitable substrate formula for vegetable cultivation was selected through experimenting on the culture substrate for organic ecotype soilless culture of vegetables, and organic matter content of the substrate was 294% as name that of soil, while the content of N, P and K were 328%, 279% and 192% that of the soil, respectively. Vegetable yield with this substrate was 157%-228% that with the soil.

Ecotype and Regional Division of Afforestation Plants in China

The selection of afforestation plants,which is based on the ecotype of afforestatioin plant,is the key of plant engineering. There is not final verdict yet on the standard of ecotype of afforestation plant. According to the presentational feature （regional distribution,Climatic indicator）,ecotype （climatoecological type,edaphic ecotype and biota ecotype） and genetic association of afforestation plant,combined with the experience in the greening practice,the afforesting nursery stock （Arbor and Shrub ） is divided into five ecotypes while the herbaceous plant are divided into three ecotypes.

Analysis on the indicator species and ecological groups of pelagic ostracods in the East China Sea

Ecological adaptation and ecological groups of pelagic ostracods were examined in the East China Sea （23°30′-33°00′N, 118°30′ -128°00′E）, in relation to temperature and salinity. The data were collected in four surveys conducted from 1997 to 2000. The density, yield density, or negative exponent models were used to determine the optimal temperature and salinity of water for the thriving growth of pelagic ostracods. Thereafter, ecological groups and potential distribution patterns of pelagic ostracods were determined based on the predicted parameters such as optimal temperature and salinity, consulting the geographic distribution. The analytical results indicate that, among the numerical dominant pelagic ostracods in the East China Sea （ECS）, Euconchoecia aculeata, E. elongata, E. chierchiae, E. maimai, and Cypridina dentata, etc. are offshore subtropical water species. These species are widely distributed in the area, and they can be brought by the warm current to north offshore during spring and winter. The predicated optimal temperature （OT） and optimal salinity （OS） for Paraconchoecia decipiens, P. echinata, P. spini- fera, P. oblonga, Conchoecia magna and Porroeciaporrecta are all greater than 25℃ and 34 separately. These species are mainly distributed in the waters of the Kuroshio, the Taiwan Warm Current, and the Taiwan Strait, and therefore are designated as ocean- ic tropical water species. On the other hand, Pseudoconchoecia concerttrica is considered as offshore subtropical water species based on its geographical distribution although its OT is 19℃. The other species, though their OSs are approximately 34 and with OTs ranging from 20° to 25℃, are considered as offshore subtropical water species because they were found to be widely distributed from the South China Sea to the East China Sea.

Seasonal changes of endogenous ABA and cytokinins in environmental adaptation of different ecotypes of reed plants

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Effect of different levels of nitrogen deficiency on switchgrass seedling growth

Switchgrass(Panicum virgatum L.) is a warm-season rhizomatous perennial grass that can tolerate diverse abiotic stresses while yielding relatively high biomass, and is considered a leading biofuel feedstock for marginal lands. Nitrogen(N) is crucial for the growth and development of switchgrass, and its tolerance to low N supply and high N use efficiency are very important for its production under poor conditions. The large-scale planting of switchgrass on marginal lands could be an effective approach to solving the problem of feedstock supply for biomass energy. This study used a hydroponic experiment to evaluate the effect of N deficiency on switchgrass seedlings. Three N treatments(0, 0.15, and 1.50 mmol L-1Hoagland's solution)and six cultivars were used, three of each ecotype(upland and lowland). The results showed that biomass, leaf area, root surface area, net photosynthesis, and total chlorophyll content significantly decreased under low N treatments compared with those in full strength Hoagland's nutrient solution. However, once established, all plants survived extreme N stress(0 mmol L-1) and, to some extent, were productive. Cultivar Kanlow performed best of the six cultivars under stress. Significant interactions between stress treatment and cultivars showed that breeding for cultivars with high yield and superior performance under N deficiency is warranted. The lowland outperformed the upland ecotypes under stress, suggesting that lowland cultivars may survive and be productive under a wider range of stress conditions.However, given the better adaptability of lowland ecotypes to hydroponic cultivation, further study is needed.

Differences in response of desert plants of different ecotypes to climate warming:a case study in Minqin, Northwest China

Globally climates are warming. How do desert plants of different ecotypes respond to the climate change？ This paper studied the differing responses to climate warming shown by desert plants of different ecotypes through analyzing the phenology and meteorological data of 22 desert plant species growing in Minqin Desert Bo- tanical Garden in Northwest China during the period 1974-2009. The results indicate： （1） The temperature in the study area has risen quickly since 1974, and plants＇ growing periods became longer. The spring phenology of mesophytes advanced, and the autumn phenology of xerophytes was delayed; （2） The starting dates of spring phenophase of mesophytes and xerophytes differed significantly and both showed an advancing trend; （3） The spring phenology of mesophytes advanced by more days than that of xerophytes, whereas the autumn phenology of mesophytes was delayed by less days than that of the xerophytes; and （4） Mesophytes are more sensitive than xerophytes to rising temperature in spring and falling temperature in autumn. These findings are of value in plant management and regional introduction of different species.

Genetic Diversity of Seed Storage Proteins in Different Ecotype Varieties of japonica Rice and Its Application

One hundred and fifteen varieties （including cultivars and lines） with different ecotypes in japonica rice （Oryza sativa L.） were analyzed for endosperm storage proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis （SDS-PAGE） to estimate their genetic diversity for the purpose of genetic improving and variety identification. Nineteen types of profile were identified according to 1） presence/absence of 65 kDa bands, 2） staining intensity of 70, 60, 57, 37-39, 22-23, 13 and 10 kDa bands, 3） migration velocity of 35 kDa （α-4） and 4） band number at 57 kDa location. An unweighted-pair group average method with arithmetic mean （UPGMA） dendregram based on the cluster analysis of genetic similarity of the protein bands showed a small genetic variation among the tested materials, with the similarity coefficients varying between 0.75 and 1.00. Three distinct groups were identified from the cluster analysis of the rice varieties studied at the similarity coefficient level of 0.894. The first group included eight varieties with high amylose content, the second group contained fifteen varieties with high protein content, and the third group had the remaining ninety-two varieties, which accounted for 80% of the total materials. Clear relationship between ecotypes distinguished by maturity and groups revealed by cluster analysis was not found in this study. Only the group of high amylose linked with medium-maturity medium japonica ecotype. The bands of 70 kDa and 65 kDa can be used as protein markers to identify F1 seed purity of japonica hybrid rice Liuyanyou 422.

Pb uptake, accumulation, subcellular distribution in a Pb－accumulating ecotype of Sedum alfredii （Hance）

Lead concentrations in roots, stems and leaves of accumulating and non accumulating ecotypes of Sedum alfredii (Hance) were studied through a hydroponic experiment with different Pb concentrations supplied as Pb(NO 3) 2. Lead concentrations in leaves and stems of the accumulating ecotype were 4-9 times and 3-5 times those of the non accumulating ecotype, and Pb accumulated amounts in stems and leaves of the accumulating ecotype were 4-9 times and 8-11 times higher than those of the non accumulating ecotype, respectively. The results indicated that the accumulating ecotype had better ability to transport Pb from roots to shoots. The subcellular distributions of Pb in the root, stem and leaf tissues were studied using sucrose differential centrifugation. Approximately 50% of Pb contents was found to be associated with the cell wall fraction in stems of the accumulating ecotype and the percentage increased to 80% both in roots and leaves, no matter when plants were grown with different levels of Pb. The results indicated that the distribution of Pb on cell walls of the accumulating ecotype could mainly account for the high tolerance to Pb.

Intraspecific diversity: adaptive differentiation of Picea mongolica W. D. Xu ecotypes

Picea mongolica W. D. Xu is an endemic and endangered species which is only found in semi-arid areas of northern China. It has been widely used as an afforestation tree in the establishment of the Three-North Shelterbelt System for its adaptation to arid soils and as a virescent tree in urban gardens and streets for its beautiful shape. Due to different microenvironments, P. mongolica populations may differentiate into many ecological groups with different adaptive abilities. Long-term adaptation to a dry environment makes P. mongolica differentiate into different ecotypes. Typical ecotypes are P. mongolica f. purpurea （Fp）, P. mongolica f. rubra （Fr） and P. mongolica f. viridis （Fv）. Our results show that cone size is clearly not uniform among different ecotypes; the largest cones are found in the Fv ecotype and the smallest in Fp. There were also distinct differences between these ecotypes in terms of height and length of squama. At the molecular level, the zymograms of peroxidase and lipase prove the existence of different ecotypes in P. mongolica. The results are useful for investigating and managing this rare spruce species in China.

Study on Relationship Between Cucumber Germplasm and Propamocarb Residue Using Subjective Rating Technique

Propamocarb （PM） residue in cucumber （Cucumis sativus L.） receives little attention. As is well known to all, high PM residue of cucumber could lead to increase in the violation rates of maximum residue limits and ultimately cause harm to human health. Knowledge of PM residue could help cucumber breeders in developing cultivars with low PM residue and improving cucumber quality. In this study, 32 representative cucumber accessions （26 breeding lines and six cultivars） from different regions of China were evaluated for their PM residue in fruit and leaf to provide meaning to the subjective rating, which was highly correlated with PM residual content of fruit （r=0.97） and leaf （r=0.94）. In addition, PM residual content of North China ecotype was the highest and Pickling ecotype was the lowest in fruit and leaf of cucumber. The leaf had significantly higher （P〈0.01） PM residual content than the fruit, and poor correlation between leaf and fruit was represented. This study verified PM residual relationship between fruit and leaf, and laid the foundation for further identification of germplasm resources and breeding of new varieties for low PM residue of cucumber.

Yellowing of disease? Or differentiating for adaptation? Study on Cinnamomum camphora ecotypes

Cinnamomum camphora （L.） Presl is an evergreen broad-leaved tree of the Lauraceae family, widely distributed in the sub-tropical areas in the south of China and used as a virescent tree in urban gardens and streets in Shanghai for its beautiful shape and intensive stress-resistance. However, yellowing of C camphora in recent years casts doubt about its significance. We believe the green-leaved and yellow-leaved C camphora might be two different ecotypes, and tentatively refer to the green-leaved C camphora as C camphora f. viridis f. nov （CCV） and the yellow-leaved as C camphora f.flavus f. nov （CCF）. We studied their differences and arrived at the following conclusions： 1） compared with CCF, the area of lamina of CCV is significantly larger and the amount of chlorophyll （Chl） significantly higher; 2） the lamina and palisade tissues of CCV are significantly thicker than those of CCF, but its cuticle is significantly thinner; 3） the shape of the stomata of CCV is different from that of the CCF; the stomatal density and stomatal index of CCV are significantly lower than those of CCF. These results show that C camphora might evolve adaptive dif- ferentiation in some aspects which can be used in virescence in urban streets and gardens.

Genetic Diversity of Cameroon Native Goat Populations Revealed by Caprine Microsatellites

A total of seventeen caprine microsatellite markers were used on 169 goats to investigate genetic diversity of eight Cameroon native goat populations and to assess genetic differentiation with the East African small goat. All microsatellites showed a high polymorphic content （PIC） of more than 0.5 in almost all ecotypes. These microsatellite markers were useful for native goat ecotypes variability assessment. Expected heterozygosity of all ecotypes was above 0.5, varying from 0.2 to 0.7. Only goats from Eastern rainforest ecotype deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test （P 〉 0.001）. Although geographic distribution was a good indication of differentiation, there appeared a tendency of genetic exchange between various ecotypes in Cameroon native goats.