Morphological and molecular evidence for natural hybridization between Sorbus pohuashanensis and S. discolor (Rosaceae)

In overlapping distribution areas of Sorbus pohuashanensis and S.discolor in North China(Mount Tuoliang,Mount Xiling and Mount Baihua),Sorbus indi-viduals were found with pink fruit,which have never been recorded for the flora of China.Fourteen morphological characters combined with four chloroplast DNA markers and internal transcribed spacer(ITS)were used to analyze the origin of the Sorbus individuals with pink fruits and their relationship to S.pohuashanensis and S.discolor.PCA,SDA and one-way(taxon)ANOVA of morphological characters provided convincing evidence of the hybrid ori-gin of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits based on a novel morphological character and many intermediate characters.Haplotype analysis based on four cpDNA markers showed that either S.pohuashanensis or S.discolor were maternal parents of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits.Incongru-ence of the position of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits between cpDNA and ITS in cluster trees supported by DNA sequence comparative analysis,implying former hybridiza-tion events between S.pohuashanensis and S.discolor.Mul-tiple hybridization events between S.pohuashanensis and S.discolor might have contributed to the generation of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits.This study has provided insights into hybridization between species of the same genus in sympatric areas,which is of great significance for the study of interspecific hybridization.

A new record of a flathead fish (Teleostei: Platycephalidae) from China based on morphological characters and DNA barcoding

A new record of Platycephalus sp.1 （sensu Nakabo, 2002） was documented based on morphological characters and DNA barcoding. We collected 174 specimens of the genus Platycephalus from Chinese coastal waters of Dongying, Qingdao, Zhoushan, and Beihai. Samples were identified as Platycephalus sp. 1 morphologically. The coloration, meristic traits, and morphometric measurements are consistent with previously published records. In brief, it is an orange-brown flathead fish with dark brown spots scattered on head and body, lateral line scales 83 to 99 with one or two spine-bearing anteriormost pored scale, no yellow blotch on the caudal fin. Cytochrome oxidase I subunit （COI） gene fragments were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The mean evolutionary distance within the species Platycephalus sp. 1 was 0.1%. Net evolutionary distances between Platycephalus sp. 1 and other species of Platycephalus ranged from 10.8% to 19.7%, which is much greater than the threshold for species delimitation. The COl sequence analysis strongly supports the validity ofPlatyceohalus sp. 1 at genetic level.

Study on Relationship of Root Morphological Characters and Biomass of Cupressus lusitanica in Different Age Classes

[Objective] The aim was to explore biomass and growth of Cupressus lusitanica seedlings in order to provide technological supports for afforestation. [Method] The introduced Cupressus lusitanica seedlings at different ages were re- searched to explore biomass （ground or underground） morphological shape, surface area and volume of a root system. [Result] As age grew, plant height and ground diameter increased significantly, varying dramatically upon seed provenance, and root-canopy ratio, root length, surface area and volume of seedlings were increas- ing. Specifically, seedlings at two-year-old and three-year-old kept a stable growth; moderate and big roots took higher proportions in a root system; underground parts for a plant required more photosynthetic products; root systems of young seedlings grew to moderate and big roots. [Conclusion] Ground biomass is of correlation with root system indices and the morphological characteristics of root systems are close to biomass. The accumulation capacity of biomass differed for seedlings from differ- ent provenances, even in the same environment and at the same time.

A new record of Sebastes koreanus from China based on morphological characters and DNA barcoding

A new record of Sebastes koreanus （Kim and Lee, 1994） was documented based on morphological characters and DNA barcoding. Fifty-six Sebastes specimens were collected from the coastal waters of northern China. Samples were identified as S. koreanus based on morphological characters. The coloration and morphometric measurements were consistent with those described from specimens collected in South Korea. In this study, specimens had the following morphological characteristics： light brown body with dark stripes and tiny dark spots, 4-5 wide indistinct vertical patterns on the side, 2 radial stripes behind and below the eyes, 1 large dark blotch on the opercle. Additionally, the following meristie characters were recorded： dorsal fin XIV-13, pectoral fin 16, anal fin III-6-7, pelvic fin [-5, lateral line scales 29-30, and vertebrae 26. The fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I （CO1） gene of mitochondrial DNA was sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The mean genetic distance within the species was 0.3%. Net genetic distances between S. koreanus and other Sebastes species ranged from 3.1% to 7.6%, which was greater than the threshold for species delimitation. The phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the validity of S. koreanus in China at the genetic level. The origion, evolution, patterns of speciation and unique features in genome divergence among primate lineages of this species still need future directions of research.

Occurrence pattern and morphological polymorphism of Chinese weedy rice

Rice,the main food crop in China,has been sporadically reported to suffer from weedy rice infestation.However,the overall occurrence and distribution pattern of Chinese weedy rice remains unclear because a systematic survey has not been conducted.In order to reveal the infestation of Chinese weedy rice,a field survey was conducted in 999 sampling sites all over the rice-growing regions in China from 2009 to 2016 using seven-scale visual scoring of the level of weed infestation.Weedy rice was found 39%occurrence incidence in a total of 387 sites.The sampling sites with 50%or higher overall weedy rice infestation index mainly radiated from Jiangsu,Heilongjiang,Ningxia and Guangdong to the whole East China,Northeast China,Northwest China and South China.A total of 45 morphological characters from 287 populations(collected simultaneously with the field survey)out of those occurred sites were observed and analyzed using multivariate analysis in common gardens with the same cultivation conditions in 2017 and 2019.Canonical correlation analysis showed that 45 morphological characters were significantly related to the latitude,mean temperature,minimum temperature,precipitation and mean diurnal range factors.The 287 weedy rice populations were divided into three morphological groups with climate-dependent geographical differentiation:strong tiller type only in Jiangsu,large leaf type in South China and Central China and large grain type mainly in North China.Weedy rice seriously infested rice fields and had a geography,climate and cultivated rice type-dependent morphological and biotype differentiation in China.It is suggested to pay attention to the harmfulness of weedy rice and adopt comprehensive control strategies.

Evaluation of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Landraces for Drought Tolerance Using Morphological and Yield Characters under Rainfed Conditions of Sub Region Hagaz, Eritrea

Sorghum is an important food crop in Eritrea where it is widely grown in the mid and low lands,of semi-arid regions.Eritrea being the center of ori­gin of sorghum,a large variability exist in its landraces being grown by the farmers since generations.In order to improve the productivity of sorghum under moisture stress conditions,it is imperative to evaluate these landraces for drought tolerant characteristics and their use for further crop improve­ment programmes.Therefore,a field study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications to estimate the extent of genetic variability of 20 sorghum genotypes for moisture stress tolerance using various morphological,phenological,yield and yield related parame­ters under rainfed conditions at Hagaz Research Station.Significant differ­ence was observed for almost all the characters in the individual analysis of variance suggesting that these sorghum accessions were highly variable.Accessions EG 537,EG 1257,EG 849,EG 791,EG 783 and EG 813 showed promising results for post flowering drought tolerance,grain yield and stay green traits.Higher PCV and GCV were also obtained in parame­ters like plant height,leaf area,biomass,peduncle exertion,panicle length,and grain yield and panicle weight.The genotypes also exhibited varying degrees of heritability estimates.Characters such as plant height,panicle length,days to flowering and maturity showed higher heritability.Cluster analysis revealed that sorghum landraces were grouped on the basis of their morphological traits and geographical sites.77.3%of the total variation of sorghum landraces was contributed by the first four principal components analysis having Eigen value>1.Overall,the current study confirmed that EG 537,EG 849,EG 1257,EG 791,and EG 813 are drought tolerant sor­ghum landraces during post flowering stage.

GC-MS analysis of volatile compounds of Perilla frutescens Britton var. Japonica accessions: morphological and seasonal variability

Objective: To investigate the composition of volatile compounds in the different accessions of Perilla frutescens(P. frutescens) collected from various habitats of China and Japan. Methods: In the present study, the essential oil from the leaves of P. frutescens cultivars from China and Japan was extracted by hydro-distillation and the chemical composition and concentration of the volatile components present in the oils were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC–MS) analysis. Results: Among the volatile components, the major proportion was of perilla ketone, which was followed by elemicin and beta-caryophyllene in the Chinese Perilla cultivars. The main component in the oil extracted from the Japanese accessions was myristicin, which was followed by perilla ketone and beta-caryophyllene. We could distinguish seven chemotypes, namely the perilla ketone(PK) type, perilla ketone, myristicin(PM) type, perilla ketone, unknown(PU) type, perilla ketone, beta-caryophyllene, myristicine(PB) type, perilla ketone, myristicin, unknown(PMU) type, perilla ketone, elemicine, myristicin, beta-caryophyllene(PEMB) type, and the perilla ketone, limonene, betacryophyllene, myristicin(L) type. Most of the accessions possessed higher essential oil content before the flowering time than at the flowering stage. The average plant height, leaf length, leaf width of the Chinese accessions was higher than those of the Japanese accessions. Conclusion:The results revealed that the harvest time and geographical origin caused polymorphisms in the essential oil composition and morphological traits in the Perilla accessions originating from China and Japan. Therefore, these chemotypes with desirable characters might be useful for industrial exploitation and for determining the harvest time.

Multivariate Statistic Analysis of Morphology and Ecology Characters on Some Sheep Populations in China

The sheep populations were studied with Q-type Hierarchical Clustering Method, and characters of the populations were used to construct the principal component, then, the principal component values were analyzed with R-type Hierarchical Clustering Method, which might display the genetic differentiation among populations and conform to the result of the known sheep phylogenetic system in China. Characters of the populations were studied with Q-type Hierarchical Clustering Method. The elevation and average annual rainfall were found to be important characters. The ecology factor is also an important character for the breed classification.

Identity and distribution of weedy Pedicularis kansuensis Maxim. (Orobanchaceae) in Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang：morphological, anatomical and molecular evidence

Weedy plants affect the biodiversity and ecosystem function as well as the crop and fodder plant production. However, adequate management requires detailed knowledge of the taxonomic identity of these plants. Here, we focused on a hemiparasitic Pedicularis species（Orobanchaceae）, which occurs at high densities and results in significant biomass reductions in forage grasses in Bayanbulak Grassland of Xinjiang. The identity of this target species is not clear, with conflicting reports in publications and in herbarium collections. Hence, clear and management-relevant information on demography and reproductive ecology is difficult to be obtained from the literature. Therefore, we analyzed field and archival materials collected from Xinjiang in order to clarify the identity and distribution of the target species. Morphological analyses suggested that the populations at Bayanbulak Grassland should be Pedicularis kansuensis Maxim. rather than P. verticillata L. which has been accepted in the available literature. Phylogenetic analysis with a combination of three barcodes（mat K, rbc L and trn H-psb A） uniting a clade of P. kansuensis and individuals from Bayanbulak Grassland populations with 100% bootstrap support, confirmed the target species to be P. kansuensis. Anatomical investigations and field observations showed that the target species is an annual or biennial herb, which also fits with the life cycle as P. kansuensis. Based on archive material and field observations, we verified that the distribution of P. kansuensis is mainly concentrated in the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang.

Morphological and Genetical Variability among Rhizoctonia solani Isolates Causing Sheath Blight Disease of Rice

Eighteen isolates of Rhizoctonia solani collected from infected rice plants in four different locations of Bangladesh were studied by using morphological characters and molecular markers. Anastomosis study with a reference isolate confirmed that all the isolates belonged to R. solani. Significant variation was observed in sclerotial size, shape and distribution. Un-weighted pair group method with arithmetic mean dendrogram constructed based on the Gower＇s general similarity coefficient showed that these isolates were grouped into four clusters at the 0.68 similarity coefficent according to morphological characters. Cluster I was a major cluster consisting of 13 isolates, while clusters Ⅱ to Ⅳ consisted of 1 or 2 isolates. Analyses by variable number of tandem repeat and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers showed that the isolates were grouped into five and three clusters at a similarity coefficient of 0.64 and 0.69, respectively. Although most of the variability was found between isolates from different regions as expected, significant variation was observed within the isolates collected from similar agro-ecological regions. Our results suggest the presence of different races of R. solani within the same local geographic regions.

Morphological Variations,Distribution and Population Estimation of Indian Spiny Tailed Liza rd(Uromastyx hardwickii Gray,1827)from District Bahawalnagar,Punjab,Pakistan

This study was conducted in selected sites of District Bahawalnagar namely,Shaheed Chowk,Chak40/F,Chak 163/7 R and Fareedkot Tiba between March 2019 and August 2019.Sampling techniques included recording of burrows,flooding,burrow exaction,noose traps and pit fall traps were used to capture Uromast yx hardwickii.During this survey150 individuals were captured from study area for morphological measurement and population estimation.The average snout to vent length(SVL)of male,female and juveniles were(172.50±19.71)mm,(155.50±18.72)mm and(86.25±11.72)mm respectively.The average weight of male,female and juvenile was(93.06±8.56)g,(88.16±7.95)g and(40.16±4.30)g respectively.The relative abundance(Pi)of males,females and juveniles were 0.53,0.33 and 0.13.Indian spiny tailed lizard(U.hardwickii)has been listed in the IUCN Red list and CITES.Major threats to the species in the study area are increase in urbanization,habitat fragmentation,illegal hunting for meat and fat.In this regard strict implementation of the Wildlife act is needed to protect the wildlife of Punjab.Furthermore,comprehensive surveys are required in throughout Punjab to declare conservation status of U.hardwickii.

The Evolution of Stinging Hairs and Other Characters in Nettle Family

Urticaceae Juss.is a large cosmopolitan family and taxonomically difficult group,partly because it encompasses a broad range of morphological diversity and many of the diagnostic characters（e.g.flower,achene.stipule,bract）require a microscope for accurate determination.Meanwhile,most Uriiceae species have stinging hairs which make them more difficult to collect and identify.As a result,the infra-familial classification of Urticaceae has been controversial for more than a century.A research group led by Prof.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analyses in Sugarcane Genotypes of Ethiopia

To study the relations of certain morphological and sugar quality characters with sugarcane yield, an experiment was conducted at Wonji and Metehara Sugar Estates, Ethiopia between March 2012 and October 2013. The experiment, comprising of 400 sugarcane genotypes of which 174 were local that were collected from different regional states of Ethiopia and 226 introduced, was laid out in partial balanced lattice design with two replications. Data was collected on cane yield and its components, sugar yield and sugar quality traits. ANOVA, correlation and path coefficient analysis were done. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (P < 0.01) for all the characters studied. Cane yield showed strong positive and highly significant (P < 0.01) correlation with millable cane number (r = 0.832), single cane weight (r = 0.528), stalk height (r = 0.517) and sugar yield (r = 0.987). There was also positive significant (P = 0.05) correlation of tiller count and cane diameter with cane yield. Path analysis revealed the highest positive direct effect of millable cane number (0.812) on cane yield followed by single cane weight (0.682) and pol percent (0.550). However, stalk diameter and brix percent had considerable negative direct effects and indirect positive effects through single cane weight on cane yield. Therefore, in view of their significant positive association with cane yield, indirect effects of stalk diameter and brix percent via single cane weight should be considered during selection. Genotypes should be selected on the basis of millable cane number, single cane weight and pol percent for getting higher cane and sugar yield.

Taxonomic Studies on Some Members of the Genus <i>Abutilon</i>Mill. (Malvaceae)

The relationship between six Abutilon species was examined using different taxonomic investigation tools. The investigation was carried out using morphological and numerical studies. Fresh materials of Abutilon species were collected from different localities in Saudi Arabia during 2018 and 2019. Numerical analysis was based on the Principle Coordinates, the Principle Component and the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Algorithm Clustering. The results indicated that there were significant differences based on the morphological characters especially in the leaves, fruits and flowers features. Morphometric studies revealed that the six species of Abutilon clearly separated in all different analysis.

Medicinal and Edible Plant——Physalis alkekengi L.and Its Cultivation Techniques

Botanical morphological characteristics of Physalis alkekengi L.is first introduced,and its medicinal and edible value is elaborated.Cultivation techniques of P.alkekengi L.are mainly introduced.The research aims to provide a certain basis for the better development and application of P.alkekengi L.

Some Studies on the Ecology and Host Range of Eriophyid Mites （Acarina： Eriophyoidea） in Sudan

In this study, some Eriophyid mite species showing different morphological characters and host-plant symptoms were obtained. Five mites species collected from different localities in Khartoum State （Sudan） during the period （2002-2003） which classified under family Eriophyidae from different hosts were selected and examined carefully. These were recognized as Cisaberoptus kenyae （K.） on Mango Mangifera indica, Acalitus hassani （K.） onArrak Salvadora persica, Aceria balanites （Massee） on Heglig Balanites aegyptiaca, Colomerus vitis on Grape Vitis sp. （for the first time in the Sudan） and Eriophyes tulipae （K.） on Onion Allium cepa and garlic Allium sativum respectively. The remaining six eriophyid mites were not completely described but designated as Eriophyes sp. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 on Sidir Ziziphus spina, Aradeib Tamarindus indica, Harazz, Acacia albida, Talha Acacia seyal var. seyal, Seyal Acacia tortilis var. raddiana and Mormeet Pergia capensis respectively. The response of 12 different plant species infested artificially with Cisaberoptus kenyae （K.）, Acalitus hassani （K.） and Eriophyes tulipae （K.） were studied after two months of infestation. The results showed that onion and garlic plants were severely infested with Eriophyes tulipae （K.） while tomato was found to be susceptible for Cisaberoptus kenyae （K.） and Acalitus hassani （K.） showing moderate infestations. On the other hand, sorghum and wheat infested with Eriophyes tulipae （K.） showed moderate and light infestations respectively. On the contrary, mite infestations were not detected on the rest of plant species. The degree of infestation of Eriophyid mites species on different test plants, measured by symptoms appeared on plant leaves.

The Taxonomic Status of Gymnura bimaculata and G. japonica： Evidence from Mitochondrial DNA Sequences

Japanese butterfly ray Gymnura japonica from twinspot butterfly ray G. bimaculata based on a pair of white spots behind eyes or not, which was not reliable. To clarify the taxonomic status of G. japonica and G. bimaculata, the nucleotide variation between the two butterfly rays was examined using mitochondrial DNA sequence comparisons. Approximately 585 bp of 16S ribosomal RNA （rRNA） and 1,128 bp cytochrome b （cyt b） genes were sequenced from representatives of two butterfly rays species in East China Sea. The results showed that there were the same sequences of 16S rRNA gene between two butterfly rays; six sites were variable among two butterfly rays of cyt b genes, the proportion of polymorphie loci was 0.53%, and two haplotypes were defined which genetic distance was 0.5%. Combined with the morphological character and the analysis of mtDNA sequence indicated that twinspot butterfly ray G. bimaculata was a synonym of Japanese butterfly ray G. japonica.

Molecular phylogenetic analyses redefine seven major clades and reveal 22 new generic clades in the fungal family Boletaceae

Mushrooms in the basidiomycete family Boletaceae are ecologically and economically very important.However,due to the morphological complexity and the limited phylogenetic information on the various species and genera of this fungal family,our understanding of its systematics and evolution remains rudimentary.In this study,DNA sequences of four genes(nrLSU,tef1-α,rpb1,and rpb2)were newly obtained from ca.200 representative specimens of Boletaceae.Our phylogenetic analyses revealed seven major clades at the subfamily level,namely Austroboletoideae,Boletoideae,Chalciporoideae,Leccinoideae,Xerocomoideae,Zangioideae,and the Pulveroboletus Group.In addition,59 genus-level clades were identified,of which 22 were uncovered for the first time.These 22 clades were mainly placed in Boletoideae and the Pulveroboletus Group.The results further indicated that the characters frequently used in the morphology-based taxonomy of Boletaceae,such as basidiospore ornamentation,the form of the basidioma,and the stuffed pores each had multiple origins within the family,suggesting that the use of such features for high-level classification of Boletaceae should be de-emphasized and combined with other characters.