Effects of wind speed,underlying surface,and seed morphological traits on the secondary seed dispersal in the Tengger Desert,China

The maintenance of sand-fixing vegetation is important for the stability of artificial sand-fixing systems in which seed dispersal plays a key role.Based on field wind tunnel experiments using 11 common plant species on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert,China,we studied the secondary seed dispersal in the fixed and semi-fixed sand dunes as well as in the mobile dunes in order to understand the limitations of vegetation regeneration and the maintenance of its stability.Our results indicated that there were significant variations among the selected 11 plant species in the threshold of wind speed(TWS).The TWS of Caragana korshinskii was the highest among the 11 plant species,whereas that of Echinops gmelinii was the lowest.Seed morphological traits and underlying surface could generally explain the TWS.During the secondary seed dispersal processes,the proportions of seeds that did not disperse(no dispersal)and only dispersed over short distance(short-distance dispersal within the wind tunnel test section)were significantly higher than those of seeds that were buried(including lost seeds)and dispersed over long distance(long-distance dispersal beyond the wind tunnel test section).Compared with other habitats,the mobile dunes were the most difficult places for secondary seed dispersal.Buried seeds were the easiest to be found in the semi-fixed sand dunes,whereas fixed sand dunes were the best sites for seeds that dispersed over long distance.The results of linear mixed models showed that after controlling the dispersal distance,smaller and rounder seeds dispersed farther.Shape index and wind speed were the two significant influencing factors on the burial of seeds.The explanatory power of wind speed,underlying surface,and seed morphological traits on the seeds that did not disperse and dispersed over short distance was far greater than that on the seeds that were buried and dispersed over long distance,implying that the processes and mechanisms of burial and long-distance dispersal are more complex.In summary,most seeds in the study area either did not move,were buried,or dispersed over short distance,promoting local vegetation regeneration.

Variation in Yellow Root Cassava (Manihot esculentus Crantz) Genotypes and Phenotypic Relationship for Selected Postharvest and Morphological Traits

This study evaluated the variation in yellow root cassava (Manihot esculentus Crantz) genotypes and phenotypic relationship for selected postharvest and morphological traits. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site, Njala, during 2017/2018 cropping season in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Findings showed that the higher the total carotene content (TCC) in yellow flesh cassava genotypes, the longer the rate of postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD). Genotypes TR-0051-TCC/17 and TR-0012-TCC/17 recorded higher TCC (18.9 µg/g and 13.6 µg/g) and longer rate of PPD (4.29 and 3.14), respectively. Genotypes TR-0051-TCC/17, TR-0016-TCC/17, TR-0028-TCC/17, TR-0012-TCC/17 and TR-0020-TCC/17 had the highest TCC values of 18.9 µg/g, 16.09 µg/g, 14.72 µg/g, 13.6 µg/g and 11.23 µg/g with corresponding higher color chart values of 6, 6, 6, 5, and 6, respectively. This suggests the direct dependence of TCC on the root parenchyma color intensity in yellow flesh cassava genotypes. Findings also show a direct relationship between morphological and postharvest traits in yellow flesh cassava genotypes that could be exploited for the genetic improvement of cassava for increased shelf life, nutrition and related quality traits, as well as conservation and utilization of the crop.

Sex-speciffc selective effect of winter weather on morphological traits in a small passerine bird

Harsh environmental conditions often impose strong selection on the phenotype of natural populations through impacts on their fitness.For overwintering birds,winter is an important period for survival because the weather conditions in winter is usually severer than in other seasons and birds often suffer more thermoregulation costs while food is in short supply.Thus,the selective effect of weather conditions on phenotype in winter is expected to be strong.In this study,we examined the relationship of overwinter survival of Silver-throated Tits(Aegithalos glaucogularis)with their morphological traits under different levels of winter conditions(winters with and without snowstorms)to explore the differential selective effect of winter weather on their morphology.We found that regardless of whether the winter experienced a snowstorm,the female Silver-throated Tits with a smaller bill surface area or smaller bill depth and a smaller surface area:volume ratio were more likely to survive during the winter,which supported the hypothesis of selection for heat retention.Furthermore,the females with a smaller body length survived better than the larger females,indicating that the lesser food requirements for smaller body sizes may confer advantages during the winter when food availability was reduced.In addition,in agreement with the finding in many short-lived birds that survival rate increases with the increase of age,older(≥2-year-old)female Silver-throated Tits had higher overwinter survival than 1-year-old females.However,we did not find any correlation of morphological traits and age with survival in male Silver-throated Tits.These results illustrate differential selective effects of winter weather on female and male Silver-throated Tits and contribute to the knowledge of sex-specific selection on the phenotype of natural populations.

Impacts of ontogenetic and altitudinal changes on morphological traits and biomass allocation patterns of Fritillaria unibracteata

Environmental variations and ontogeny may affect plant morphological traits and biomass allocation patterns that are related to the adjustments of plant ecological strategies. We selected 2-, 3-and 4-year-old Fritillaria unibracteata plants to explore the ontogenetic and altitudinal changes that impact their morphological traits(i.e., plant height, single leaf area,and specific leaf area) and biomass allocations [i.e.,biomass allocations of roots, bulbs, leaves, stems, and flowers] at relatively low altitudinal ranges(3400 m to 3600 m asl) and high altitudinal ranges(3600 m to4000 m asl). Our results indicated that plant height,root biomass allocation, and stem biomass allocation significantly increased during the process of individual growth and development, but single leaf area, specific leaf area, bulb biomass allocation, and leaf biomass allocation showed opposite trends.Furthermore, the impacts of altitudinal changes on morphological traits and biomass allocations had no significant differences at low altitude, except for single leaf area of 2-year-old plants. At high altitude,significantly reduced plant height, single leaf area and leaf biomass allocation for the 2-year-old plants,specific leaf area for the 2-and 4-year-old plants, and stem biomass allocation were found along altitudinal gradients. Significantly increased sexual reproductive allocation and relatively stable single leaf area and leaf biomass allocation were also observed for the 3-and 4-year-old plants. In addition, stable specific leaf area for the 3-year-old plants and root biomass allocation were recorded. These results suggested that the adaptive adjustments of alpine plants, in particular F. unibracteata were simultaneously influenced by altitudinal gradients and ontogeny.

Analysis on the Effects of Morphological Traits of Lutraria sieboldii on Its Body Mass Trait

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the relationship between morphological traits and body mass trait of Lutraria sieboldii.[Methods]110 were randomly selected from 120 2^(nd)-instar L.sieboldii collected from the Tieshangang area of Beihai,Guangxi,and 132 were randomly selected from 150 shellfish at the instar of 0.6.Their morphological traits were measured:shell length(SL),shell height(SH),shell width(SW),anterior length(AL),posterior length(PL),nose length(NL)in closed shell state,and maximum open shell width(OS)between two shells in closed shell state,and the body mass trait BM was also measured.Statistical methods such as path analysis and multiple regression were used for data analysis,and the effects of these seven morphological traits on the body mass trait were studied,respectively.The correlation between the tested seven quantitative traits and one body mass trait was all positive,all reaching an extremely significant level(P<0.01).[Results]The body mass trait of the shellfish at the instar of 2 had the highest correlation coefficient with shell length(0.922),that is,shell length had the greatest direct impact on the body mass trait;the path coefficient was 0.700;and the final multiple regression equation established was BM=-124.882+1.189 SL+1.551 SH+1.035 SW+0.119 NL,and the total determination coefficient(R^(2))on body mass was 0.849.The body mass trait of the shellfish at the instar of 0.6 had the highest correlation coefficient with shell length(0.859),that is,shell length had the greatest direct impact on the body mass trait;the path coefficient was 0.494;and the final multiple regression equation established was BM=-1.917+0.111 SL+0.021 NL+0.078 SW+0.032 OS,and the total determination coefficient(R~2)on body mass was 0.828.The multivariate regression variance analysis showed that the regression between the morphological traits and body mass trait of the L.sieboldii at the instars of 2 and 0.6 reached an extremely significant level(P<0.01).[Conclusions]This study provides a scientific basis for the selection of broodstock in the selection and breeding of L.sieboldii.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Morphological Traits among 22 Peony Cultivars

[ Objective] This study analyzed genetic diversity of 22 representative peony cultivars to investigate genetic differences between peony cultivars and ex- plore excellent germplasm resources, aiming at providing scientific basis for analysis of genetic relationships between different peony cultivars and germplasm innova- tion. [ Method ] Flower color, flower type, plant height, plant width, flower diameter, leaf length, leaf width, plant type and leaf type of 22 peony cultivars were surveyed. The genetic distances between peony cuhivars were calculated with Euclidean distance method. The genetic diversity of 22 peony cultivars was analyzed by UPGMA cluster analysis. [ Result] Based on the overall average of total genetic distance, UPGMA cluster analysis results were classified. Thus, 22 peony culti- vars were divided into five categories. Category [ consisted of Yinhongqiaodui, Jizhuahong, Babaoxiang, Chongloudiancui, Congzhongxiao, Weizi, Yanlongzi and Qiejiazi ; category II consisted of Huhong; category III consisted of Xiaohuhong, Baiyulan, Yingsuhong, Fengdan, Dajinfeng, Jingyu, Panzhongquguo, Qingshan- guanxue, Mojiatrrong, Dahongyipin and Lanhuakui; category IV consisted of Haihuang; category V consisted of Sihelian. The classification results were consistent with pedigree analysis. Peony cuhivars with unknown pedigree were assigned to corresponding heterosis group. [ Conclusion] The diversity analysis of morphologi- cal traits is an effective method for investigating genetic differences between different cultivars, which may lay the theoretic foundation for breeding, industrial devel- opment and application of new peony cultivars.

Inheritance of Main Morphological Traits and Chemical Parameters＇ Analysis of Oriental Tobacco

This study was conducted to evaluate four different parental oriental varieties with their F1 crosses to estimate inheritance of some morphological traits, such as plant hight, number of leaves, total dry weigh and chemical compounds, especially nicotine and sugars during sun-curing period. The oriental varieties Kozarsko 541, Plovdiv 50 and Krumovgrad 17 from Bulgaria and Basma Xanthi 101 from Greece and their respective crosses with Basma Xanthi 101 were studied. The study was set up in 2014 and 2015 in experimental field of the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Institute, Plovdiv, using randomized block design with four replications. Common agricultural practices were applied during the growing season. The result indicated that in hybrid combination with parental varieties Kozarsko 541 and Plovdiv 50, except total dry weight, additive gene effects are important for traits height of plant and number of leaves. Height of plant and number of leaves are inherited partially dominant to parent with higher value and total dry weight inheritance was over dominant. In hybrid combination Krumovgrad 17 x Basma Xanthi 101, inheritance of the plant height and leaves number were over dominant type. Total dry weight is inherited partially dominant. In a word, prevailing mode for inheritance of plant hight and total dry weight was the over dominance and for number of leaves it was partial dominance. In sun-curing with yellowing stage, nicotine decreased and sugars increased in all tested varieties with a highest percentage in variety Kozarsko 541 （nicotine） and Krumovgrad 17 （sugars）.

Recognition of Production and Morphological Traits in Macoei Sheep Breed

In this study, the data of Macoei sheep from 1994 to 2008 were collected in Affair Animal Breeding Unit, Agriculture Organization of West Azerbijan province of Iran for recognition of reproductive and morphological characteristics. The trait in this research include birth weight （BW）, 3 （W3）, 6 （W6）, 9 （W9）, 12 （W12） months weight, fleece weight （WF） （as production traits）, body length（BL）, size of femur（F）, thorax（TX）, testis（TS）, height of lumber（L） and shoulder（SH） （as morphological traits）. Variance components, least square means and standard error of production and morphological traits were estimated and environmental factors （including effects of year of birth, season, sex, type of birth and age of dam） were studied with GLM procedure of SAS 9.1 software. The results showed that the all environmental factors have significant effect, male lambs weight more than females, and twins were more performance than single. Production and apparent performance characteristics of phenotypic traits was different in year of birth, maternal age, season. This study shows that Macoie sheep breed at the various management environment have suitable performance and genetic potential.

Classification of Local Pepper Collections (Capsicum spp.) from Eritrea Using Morphological Traits

Diversity studies are an essential step in plant breeding and understanding the genetic relationships between pepper accessions may provide an effective management tool for their conservation, as well as help inform plant breeding efforts. The objective of the study was to assess the diversity and structure of pepper germplasm grown in Eritrean to help inform improvement programs. Local pepper (Capsicum spp.) germplasm collected from farmers and institutions in Eritrea was assessed using 16 quantitative morphological traits. The evaluation was conducted in two sites using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The data from the two sites were subjected to Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchal clustering with Euclidean distance and Analysis of variance. Cluster analysis of the combined data grouped the 60 genotypes into five clusters and 10 sub-clusters confirming the diversity of the collection that can be useful for selection and source of desired genes. A selection index was used to identify at least four promising genotypes (HD0134, HD0031 and NRSG21 and NRSAF06) for dry consumption purposes. The results of the current study revealed the relatively high level diversity existed within the evaluated collections and partitioned them into meaningful groups.

Root morphological traits and their relations with yield components of dry-raised mid-season indica rice

Research on root morphological traits of dry-raised seedlings (D-RS) at different growth stages of rice have so far attracted less attention. In this study, using mid-season indica hy-

Genetic Diversity among Parents of Hybrid Rice Based on Cluster Analysis of Morphological Traits and Simple Sequence Repeat Markers

The genetic diversity of 41 parental lines popularized in commercial hybrid rice production in China was studied by using cluster analysis of morphological traits and simple sequence repeat （SSR） markers. Forty-one entries were assigned into two clusters （i.e. early or medium-maturing cluster; medium or late-maturing cluster） and further assigned into six sub-clusters based on morphological trait cluster analysis, The early or medium-maturing cluster was composed of 15 maintainer lines, four early-maturing restorer lines and two thermo-sensitive genic male sterile lines, and the medium or late-maturing cluster included 16 restorer lines and 4 medium or late-maturing maintainer lines. Moreover, the SSR cluster analysis classified 41 entries into two groups （i.e, maintainer line group and restorer line group） and seven sub-groups. The maintainer line group consisted of all 19 maintainer lines, two thermo-sensitive genic male sterile lines, while the restorer line group was composed of all 20 restorer lines. The SSR analysis fitted better with the pedigree information. From the views on hybrid rice breeding, the results suggested that SSR analysis might be a better method to study the diversity of parental lines in indica hybrid rice.

Effects of Morphological Traits on Total Weight of Clam Meretrix lamarchii

Clam Meretrix lamarchii is delicious seafood with high economic value. The M. lamarchii in present market is mainly collected from wild population due to the lack of large-scale artificial seed production. In 2013,we carried out the artificial seedling exploration of M. Lamarchii. The current study utilized several statistical methods to analyze the effects of morphological traits on M. Lamarchii,which may provide knowledge for clam quality seedlings breeding work. The samples of M. Lamarchii were randomly sampled from Donghai Island,Zhanjiang. Shell length（ SL）,shell width（ SW）,shell height（ SH）,ligament length（ Li L）,lunule length（ Lu L） and total weight（ TW） of two-year-old M. Lamarchii were measured. A correlation coefficient matrix was constructed based on the results,where the total weight was set as the dependent variable and others as independent variables. Path coefficient and correlation index were calculated,and the major phenotypic characters were determined. The results showed that all the correlation coefficients between independent variables and dependent variable were significant（ P < 0. 01）,with an exception of the lunule length（ P > 0. 05）. The effects of the shell length,shell width,and shell height on the total weight were significant（ P < 0. 01）,and the shell length had dominant effect on the weight as a key effective factor. The multiple regression equation between the weight and the other traits was established as Y;=- 126. 784 + 1. 249X;+ 2. 036X;+ 0. 911 X;,where YWis total weight,X;,X;and X;are the shell length,shell width and shell height,respectively. The current study may contribute to the artificial breeding of the species.

Correlation and path analysis of morphological and weight traits in marine gastropod Glossaulax reiniana

Using correlation and path analysis, the genetic correlation between weight traits and morphological traits was determined in the marine gastropod Glossaulax reiniana. A total of 100 G. reiniana individuals from a wild population were used. Shell width （X1）, shell height （X2）, umbo-callus height （X3）, body width （X4）, operculum length （X5）, operculum width （X6）, body weight （Y1） and soft-tissue weight （Y2） were measured, and the correlation coefficient matrix calculated. Morphological traits were used as independent variables and weight traits as dependent variables for path coefficient analysis. Path coefficients, correlation indices and determination coefficients were also determined. Results indicate that the correlation coefficients associated with each morphological and weight trait were all highly significant （P〈0.01）. After deleting redundant independent variables, the following optimum multiple regression equations were obtained using stepwise multiple regression analysis： Y1=-29.317＋0.362X2＋0.349X4＋ 1.190）（5 for body weight; and Y2=-17.292＋0.166X1＋0.171X2＋0.703X5, for soft-tissue weight. Operculum height had the highest positive direct correlation with both body weight and soft-tissue weight, which was in accordance with the test results obtained from determinate coefficient analysis. The indication of high genetic correlations between weight traits and morphological traits will provide valuable information for G. reiniana breeding programs.

Correlation of Plant Morphological and Grain Quality Traits with Mineral Element Contents in Yunnan Rice

Correlations between four grain quality, 24 plant morphological traits and eight element contents of 653 accessions from Yunnan rice were analyzed. P, K, Ca and Mg contents of core collection were closely correlated to the most plant morphological and grain quality traits, and there were highly significant correlations （P 〈0.01） among some traits including P content to number of stems and tillers, K content and amylose content, Ca content and plant height, Mg content and protein content. Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe contents of core collection were closely related to a few traits, such as Fe content and gel consistency （-0.1121^＊＊）, Zn content and seed setting rate （-0.1411^＊＊）, Cu content and number of grains per panicle （-0.1398^＊＊）, Mn content and plant height （-0.2492^＊＊）.

Morphological,physiological and biochemical traits of Cordia trichotoma under phosphorous application and a water-retaining polymer

The application of phosphorus(P)and a waterretaining polymer to the soil can increase the availability of P for Cordia trichotoma,having a positive effect on the plants.The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological,physiological and biochemical characteristics of C.trichotoma plants were cultivated in a red argisol and treated with 120,240 and 360 kg P2O5 ha^(−1)and no phosphorous addition as a control,in the presence(5 g L^(−1)per seedling)and absence of a water-retaining polymer.Twentyfour months after planting,survival,height,stem diameter,shoot and root dry matter,leaf area,photosynthetic pigment concentration,chlorophyll a fluorescence,acid phosphatase enzyme activity(APase)and P in tissues and soil were determined.The polymer had no effect on survival and the other parameters.The addition of P increased growth,dry matter production,photosynthetic pigment concentrations,the use of light energy and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II.Plants cultivated in soil with 240 kg P2O5 ha^(−1)application had 4.7 and 5.4 times more shoot and root dry matter,respectively,than control plants.This dosage also showed 52.1%greater photochemical energy use than the control plants.Plants cultivated without the addition of P showed higher activity of the APase enzyme.

Contrasting levels of genotype by environment interaction for life history and morphological traits in invasive populations of Zaprionus indianus(Diptera:Drosophilidae)

It has been demonstrated that phenotypic plasticity and genotype by envi-ronment interaction are important for coping with new and heterogeneous environments during invasions.Zaprionus indianus Gupta(Diptera:Drosophilidae)is an Afrotropical invasive fly species introduced to the South American continent in 1999.This species is generalist and polyphagous,since it develops and feeds in several different fruit species.These characteristics of Z.indianus suggest that phenotypic plasticity and genotype by environment interaction may be important in this species invasion process.In this sense,our aim was to investigate the role of genetic variation for phenotypic plasticity(geno-type by environment interaction)in Z.indianus invasion of the South American continent.Specifically,we quantified quantitative genetic variation and genotype by environment in-teractions of morphological and life history traits in different developmental environments,that is,host fruits.This was done in different populations in the invasive range of Z.indi-anus in Argentina.Results showed that Z.indianus populations have considerable amounts of quantitative genetic variation.Also,genotype by environment interactions was detected for the different traits analyzed in response to the different developmental environments.Interestingly,the amounts and patterns of these parameters differed between populations.We interpreled these results as the existence of diferences in evolutionary potential be-tween populations that have an important role in the short-and long-term success of the Z.indianus invasion process.

Latitudinal variation of leaf morphological traits from species to communities along a forest transect in eastern China

Comprehensive information on geographic patterns of leaf morphological traits in Chinese forests is still scarce.To explore the spatial patterns of leaf traits,we investigated leaf area(LA),leaf thickness(LT),specific leaf area(SLA),and leaf dry matter content(LDMC) across 847 species from nine typical forests along the North-South Transect of Eastern China(NSTEC) between July and August 2013,and also calculated the community weighted means(CWM) of leaf traits by determining the relative dominance of each species.Our results showed that,for all species,the means(± SE) of LA,LT,SLA,and LDMC were 2860.01 ± 135.37 mm2,0.17 ± 0.003 mm,20.15 ± 0.43 m2 kg–1,and 316.73 ± 3.81 mg g–1,respectively.Furthermore,latitudinal variation in leaf traits differed at the species and community levels.Generally,at the species level,SLA increased and LDMC decreased as latitude increased,whereas no clear latitudinal trends among LA or LT were found,which could be the result of shifts in plant functional types.When scaling up to the community level,more significant spatial patterns of leaf traits were observed(R2 = 0.46–0.71),driven by climate and soil N content.These results provided synthetic data compilation and analyses to better parameterize complex ecological models in the future,and emphasized the importance of scaling-up when studying the biogeographic patterns of plant traits.

Morphological and physiological traits of large-panicle rice varieties with high filled-grain percentage

financed by the Special Program of Super Rice of Ministry of Agriculture, China （02318802013231）;the National Public Services Sectors （Agricultural） Research Projects, Ministry of Agriculture, China （201303102）;the Great Technology Project of Ningbo, China （2013C11001）

Identifying Genomic Regions Conferring Morphological and Yield-related Traits in Soybean Based On A Four-way Recombinant Inbred Line Population

Improvement of seed yield of soybean(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)is generally achieved by combining morphological and yield-related traits,such as plant height(PH),node number on main stem(NN),pod number per plant(NP),seed number per plant(NS),100-seed weight(HSW)and seed weight per plant(SWPP).Identifying quantitative trait loci(QTLs)for morphological and yield-related traits is therefore important for breeding.In this study,a four-way recombinant inbred line population comprising 160 lines derived from the cross(Kenfeng14×Kenfeng15)×(Heinong48×Kenfeng19)was planted in five different environments and morphological and yield-related trait data were used to identify QTLs by the inclusive composite interval mapping method.Totally 38 QTLs for PH,40 QTLs for NN,26 QTLs for NP,10 QTLs for NS,26 QTLs for HSW and 49 QTLs for SWPP were detected in 125 genomic regions.Single QTLs explained 2.17%-14.60%,2.00%-10.04%,2.37%-9.77%,2.62%-8.61%,0.47%-6.51%and 0.14%-12.39%of the phenotypic variation for PH,NN,NP,NS,HSW and SWPP,respectively.Among these 125 genomic regions,120 were newly associated with morphological and yield-related traits.The results would facilitate the molecular breeding of morphological and yield-related traits in soybean.

Genetic analysis of morphological index and its related taxonomic traits for classification of indica

The Cheng index distinguishes indica andjaponica rice based on six taxonomic traits.This index has been widely used for classifi- cation of indica and japonica varieties in China.In this study,a double haploid(DH)popula-tion derived from anther culture of ZYQ8/JX17 F,a typical inter-subspecies hybrid,was used to investigate the six taxonomictraits,i.e.leaf hairiness(LH),color of hullwhen heading(CHH),hairiness of hull(HH),length of the first and second panicle internode(LPI),length/width of grain(L/W),andphenol reaction(PH).The morphological in- dex(MI)was also calculated.Based on themolecular linkage map constructed from this