Random Amplification Polymorphic DNA and Agro-Morphological Traits-Based Fingerprinting for Detection of Genetic Divergence in Indian Black Rice

In this study, 32 black rice genotypes spanning diverse geographies in India were evaluated at both phenotypic and DNA sequence levels to gain insights into their genetic makeup. Significant variations were observed for 14 agro-morphological traits, showing correlations among several yield-related traits.

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.

Genetic dissection and genomic prediction for pork cuts and carcass morphology traits in pig

Background As pre-cut and pre-packaged chilled meat becomes increasingly popular,integrating the carcasscutting process into the pig industry chain has become a trend.Identifying quantitative trait loci(QTLs)of pork cuts would facilitate the selection of pigs with a higher overall value.However,previous studies solely focused on evaluating the phenotypic and genetic parameters of pork cuts,neglecting the investigation of QTLs influencing these traits.This study involved 17 pork cuts and 12 morphology traits from 2,012 pigs across four populations genotyped using CC1 PorcineSNP50 BeadChips.Our aim was to identify QTLs and evaluate the accuracy of genomic estimated breed values(GEBVs)for pork cuts.Results We identified 14 QTLs and 112 QTLs for 17 pork cuts by GWAS using haplotype and imputation genotypes,respectively.Specifically,we found that HMGA1,VRTN and BMP2 were associated with body length and weight.Subsequent analysis revealed that HMGA1 primarily affects the size of fore leg bones,VRTN primarily affects the number of vertebrates,and BMP2 primarily affects the length of vertebrae and the size of hind leg bones.The prediction accuracy was defined as the correlation between the adjusted phenotype and GEBVs in the validation population,divided by the square root of the trait’s heritability.The prediction accuracy of GEBVs for pork cuts varied from 0.342 to 0.693.Notably,ribs,boneless picnic shoulder,tenderloin,hind leg bones,and scapula bones exhibited prediction accuracies exceeding 0.600.Employing better models,increasing marker density through genotype imputation,and pre-selecting markers significantly improved the prediction accuracy of GEBVs.Conclusions We performed the first study to dissect the genetic mechanism of pork cuts and identified a large number of significant QTLs and potential candidate genes.These findings carry significant implications for the breeding of pork cuts through marker-assisted and genomic selection.Additionally,we have constructed the first reference populations for genomic selection of pork cuts in pigs.

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^＊＊）.

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.

Higher leaf area through leaf width and lower leaf angle were the primary morphological traits for yield advantage of japonica/indica hybrids

The yield potential of japonica/indica hybrids(JIH)has been achieved over 13.5 t ha–1 in large-scale rice fields,and some physiological traits for yield advantage of JIH over japonica inbred rice(JI)and indica hybrid rice(IH)were also identified.To date,little attention has been paid to morphological traits for yield advantage of JIH over JI and IH.For this reason,three JIH,three JI,and three IH were field-grown at East China(Ningbo,Zhejiang Province)in 2015 and 2016.Compared with JI and IH,JIH had 14.3 and 20.8%higher grain yield,respectively,attributed to its more spikelets per panicle and relatively high percentage of filled grains.The advantage in spikelets per panicle of JIH over JI and IH was shown in number of grains on the upper,middle,and lower branches.Compared with JI and IH,JIH had higher leaf area through leaf width and lower leaf angle of upper three leaves,higher leaf area index and leaf area per tiller at heading and maturity stages,higher stem weight per tiller and K and Si concentrations of stem at maturity,higher dry matter weight in leaf,stem,and panicle at heading and maturity stages,and higher biomass accumulation after heading and lower biomass translocation from stem during ripening.Leaf width of upper three leaves were correlated positively,while leaf angle of upper three leaves were correlated negatively with biomass accumulation after heading,stem weight per tiller,and per unit length.Our results indicated that the grain yield advantage of JIH was ascribed mainly to the more spikelets per panicle and relatively high percentage of filled grains.Higher leaf area through leaf width and more erect leaves were associated with improved biomass accumulation and stem weighing during ripening,and were the primary morphological traits underlying higher grain yield of JIH.

Field identification of morphological and physiological traits in two special mutants with strong tolerance and high sensitivity to drought stress in upland rice(Oryza sativa L.)

The two mutants idr1-1 and 297-28, which were obtained from the radiation mutation of HD297 and IAPAR9, were used as experimental materials in this study for a 2-year(2012 and 2013) experiment about field drought resistance identification in Beijing, China. Key agronomic traits and water-related physiological indexes were observed and measured, including the leaf anti-dead level(LADL), days to heading, plant height, setting percentage, aboveground biomass, leaf water potential(LWP), net photosynthetic rate(Pn) and transpiration rate. The results showed that the mutant idr1-1 that was under drought stress(DS) conditions for 2 years had the highest LADL grades(1.3 and 2.0) among all the materials, and they were 2–3 grades stronger than the wild-type IAPAR9 with an average that was 21.4% higher for the setting percentage than the wild type. Compared with the IAPAR9 for the 2-year average delay in the days to heading and the reduction rates in the plant height, setting percentage, and aboveground biomass under DS compared with the well-watered(WW) treatment, idr1-1 showed 3.2% less delay and 19.1, 16.4, and 6.1% less reduction, respectively. The idr1-1 in the LWP always exhibited the highest performance among all the materials. The Pn of idr1-1 under severe and mild DS comparing with that under WW was slightly decreased and even slightly increased, respectively, leading to an average reduction rate of only 0.92%, which was 26.93% less than that of IAPAR9. Under the severe DS, idr1-1 still showed the highest value of 16.88 μmol CO2 m–2 s–1 among all the materials and was significantly higher than that of IAPAR9(11.66 μmol CO2 m–2 s–1). Furthermore, only idr1-1 had the increased and the highest transpiration rate values(7.6 and 6.04 mmol H2 O m–2 s–1) under both mild and severe DS compared with the values under WW, when the transpiration rate of all the other materials significantly decreased. By contrast, the 297-28 in terms of the LADL grade under DS was the lowest(7.0), and it was four grades weaker than its wildtype HD297 and even one grade weaker than the drought-sensitive paddy rice SN265. For the 2-year average reduction rates in aboveground biomass and plant heights under DS compared with those under the WW, 297-28 was 31.6 and 31.8% higher than HD297, respectively. Meanwhile, 297-28 showed the worst performance for the LWP, Pn, and transpiration rate. These results suggest that idr1-1 might be a superior drought tolerant mutant of upland rice found in China. It has a strong ability to maintain and even enhance leaf transpiration while maintaining a high plant water potential under DS, thus supporting a high Pn and alleviating the delay in agronomic trait development and yield loss effectively. 297-28 is a much more highly drought-sensitive mutant that is even more sensitive than paddy rice varieties. The two mutants could be used as drought tolerance controls for rice germplasm identification and the drought resistant mechanism studies in the future. idr1-1 is also suitable for breeding drought-tolerant and lodging-resistant high-yield rice varieties.

Relationships between body weight and other morphological traits in young sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicas

Correlation, multiple regression, and path analyses were used to investigate the relationships between body weight and three other morphological traits in juvenile Japanese sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus . We measured live body weight (BW), body length (BL), numbers of papillae (NP), and numbers of tube feet (NF) at 60, 80, 100, and 130 days post-hatching (dph). We calculated path correlation coefficients, correlation indices ( R 2 ), and coefficients of determination with BW as the dependent variable and the other morphological traits as independent variables. The coefficient of variation for BW was high across all age groups, and all measured morphological traits were significantly correlated ( P < 0.01). BL had the greatest direct eff ect on BW across all age groups (60 dph, 0.526;80 dph, 0.404;100 dph, 0.620;and 130 dph, 0.681), while NF had the greatest indirect eff ect on BW across all age groups (60 dph, 0.528;80 dph, 0.452;100 dph, 0.666;and 130 dph, 0.603). Regression analyses between morphological traits and BW indicated that R 2 was greater than 0.85 only in the 100-dph specimens. The indirect eff ects of the other measured morphological traits on BW were age-dependent. The optimal regression equations, as determined with stepwise regression, were, for 60-dph specimens: BW 60 =10 (-3.04+0.092BL+0.014NP+0.014NF)( R 2 =0.632);for 80-dph specimens: BW 80 =10 (- 3.035+0.056BL+0.017NP+0.02NF)( R 2 =0.686);for 100-dph specimens: BW 100 =10 (- 3.742+0.069BL+0. 633 · lg (NP)+0. 464 · lg (NF))( R 2 =0.893);and for 130-dph specimens: BW 130 =10 (- 2.472+0.065BL+0.012NP)( R 2 =0.774). Our work clarified the correlation between various morphological traits and body weight of a commercially-important sea cucumber species ( A . japonicus ). Our predictive models for body weight might be useful for the aquaculture and selective breeding of A . japonicus . These models might also provide theoretical support for the indirect selection of traits that are difficult to select directly.

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.

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）

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.

Morphological, phenological, and transcriptional analyses provide in sight into the diverse flowering traits of a mutant of the relic woody plant Liriodendron chinense

Flowering is crucial to plant reproduction and controlled by multiple factors.However,the mechanisms underlying the regulation of flowering in perennial plants are still largely unknown.Here,we first report a super long blooming 1(slbl)mutant of the relict tree Liriodendron chinense possessing a prolonged blooming period of more than 5 months,in contrast to the 1 month blooming period in the wild type(WT).Phenotypic characterization showed that earlier maturation of lateral shoots was caused by accelerated axillary bud fate,leading to the phenotype of continuous flowering in slbl mutants.The transcriptional activity of genes related to hormone signaling(auxin,cytokinin,and strigolactone),nutrient availability,and oxidative stress relief further indicated active outgrowth of lateral buds in slbl mutants.Interestingly,we discovered a unique FT splicing variant with intron retention specific to slbl mutants,representing a potential causal mutation in the slbl mutants.Surprisingly,most slbl inbred offspring flowered precociously with shorter juvenility(~4 months)than that(usually 8-10 years)required in WT plants,indicating heritable variation underlying continuous flowering in slbl mutants.This study reports an example of a perennial tree mutant that flowers continuously,providing a rare resource for both breeding and genetic research.

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.

Morphological and Physiological Traits of Assistance in the Selection of High Yielding Varieties of Durum Wheat (<i>Triticum turgidum</i>L. spp. Durum) for the Rainfed Mediterranean Environments of Central Chile

Chile has high potential to produce quality durum wheat;however, it is not self-sufficient. It is necessary to increase durum grain yield in the Mediterranean rainfed areas which are characterized by adverse environmental conditions, mainly, water deficit. The criteria normally used by breeders to select varieties of wheat for these environments are yield under stress and early flowering. The objective of this monograph is to propose that the selection of high yielding genotypes of durum wheat, under Chilean Mediterranean rainfed conditions, be assisted by morphological and physiological traits associated with yield in order to increase its heritability.

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.

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.