Application of near-infrared spectroscopy for fast germplasm analysis and classification in multi-environment using intact-seed peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.)

Peanut is a worldwide oilseed crop and the need to assess germplasm in a non-destructive manner is important for seed nutritional breeding.In this study,Near Infrared Spectroscopy(NIRS)was applied to rapidly assess germplasm variability from whole seed of 699 samples,field-collected and assembled in four genetic and environmentbased sets:one set of 300 varieties of a core-collection and three sets of 133 genotypes of an interspecific population,evaluated in three environments in a large spatial scale of two countries,Mbalmayo and Bafia in Cameroon and Nioro in Senegal,under rainfed conditions.NIR elemental spectra were gathered on six subsets of seeds of each sample,after three rotation scans,with a spectral resolution of 16 cm-1over the spectral range of867 nm to 2530 nm.Spectra were then processed by principal component analysis(PCA)coupled with Partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA).As results,a huge variability was found between varieties and genotypes for all NIR wavelength within and between environments.The magnitude of genetic variation was particularly observed at 11 relevant wavelengths such as 1723 nm,usually related to oil content and fatty acid composition.PCA yielded the most chemical attributes in three significant PCs(i.e.,eigenvalues>10),which together captured 93%of the total variation,revealing genetic and environment structure of varieties and genotypes into four clusters,corresponding to the four samples sets.The pattern of genetic variability of the interspecific population covers,remarkably half of spectrum of the core-collection,turning out to be the largest.Interestingly,a PLS-DA model was developed and a strong accuracy of 99.6%was achieved for the four sets,aiming to classify each seed sample according to environment origin.The confusion matrix achieved for the two sets of Bafia and Nioro showed 100%of instances classified correctly with 100%at both sensitivity and specificity,confirming that their seed quality was different from each other and all other samples.Overall,NIRS chemometrics is useful to assess and distinguish seeds from different environments and highlights the value of the interspecific population and core-collection,as a source of nutritional diversity,to support the breeding efforts.

Selection of Cowpea [(Vigna unguiculata (L.) WALP] Genotypes for Drought Tolerance Using Selection Indices

Cowpea [(Vigna unguiculata (L.)] is one of the most important arid legumes cultivated for pulse and forage production. However, in cowpea, not much is known about the base index selection method in breeding for drought tolerance. Consequently, the present study has been conducted to: 1) evaluate the yield performance of cowpea genotypes under artificial drought and well-watered condition;2) develop a base index using multiple traits for ranking genotype performance. The experiment was a 25 × 2 factorial laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment was carried out in the screen house at the Department of Horticulture at KNUST. The result showed that KPR1-96-73, Simbo, CZ06-4-16, Wilibaly and Agyenkwa were high yielding in well-water condition while Ghana Shoba, Sangaraka, NKetewade, Ghana-Shoni and Korobalen were high yielding genotypes in water stress condition. The average yield reduction was 60.6% for grain respectively. The biplot displays revealed four groups among the genotypes tested which was based on their yielding capacity and drought tolerance. In cluster B high yielding and drought tolerant genotypes were identified, high yielding and drought susceptible have been identified in cluster A, low yielding and drought tolerant in cluster D, and lastly low yielding and drought susceptible in cluster C. Genotypes in cluster B, were the best due to the fact that it combines high yield and tolerance to drought. They were Ghana Shoni, Nketewade, Sangaraka and Ghana shoba. These genotypes might be suitably employed in further drought tolerance breeding program of cowpea.

Screen House Assessment of Cowpea [(Vigna unguiculata (L.)] Genotypes for Drought Tolerance Using Selection Indices

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)] is one of the most important arid legumes cultivated for pulse and forage production. Drought is one of the most damageable constraints to crop production impacting negatively food security. The potential of cowpea to address food security is well established. However, not much is known about the base index selection method in breeding cowpea for drought tolerance, which is important for yields. Consequently, the present study has been conducted to: 1) evaluate the yield performance of cowpea genotypes under artificial drought and well-watered condition, 2) ranke genotype performance using selection indices, and 3) assess relationship between agronomic traits and yield. The experiment was the 2 watering conditions laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment was carried out in pots under screen house at the Department of Horticulture at KNUST. The result showed that KPR1-96-73, Simbo, CZ06-4-16, Wilibaly and Agyenkwa were high yielding in well-water condition while Ghana Shoba, Sangaraka, Nketewade, Ghana Shoni and Korobalen were high yielding genotypes in water stress condition. The average yield reduction was 60.6% and 16% for grain and fodder yield respectively. The biplot displays revealed four groups among the genotypes tested which were based on their yielding capacity and drought tolerance. In cluster B high yielding and drought tolerant genotypes were identified, high yielding and drought susceptible have been identified in cluster A, low yielding and drought tolerant in cluster D, and lastly low yielding and drought susceptible in cluster C. Genotypes in cluster B were best due to the fact that it combines high yield and tolerance to drought. They were Ghana Shoni, Nketewade, Sangaraka and Ghana Shoba. These genotypes might be suitably employed in further drought tolerance breeding programs of cowpea. Significant relationships were observed between agronomic trait and yields under drought condition.

Use of the Biostimulant Based on the Mycorrhizae Consortium of the Glomeraceae Family in the Field to Improve the Production and Nutritional Status of Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants in Central Benin

Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production and uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in central Benin. The trials were set up in a farming environment with thirty-four producers. The experimental design was composed of three treatments installed at 34 producers. Three growth parameters were evaluated on 60 ème days after sowing. Grain yield, nutritional status of maize plants and mycorrhization parameters were determined at harvest. The results showed that the Glomeraceae + 50% NPK (NPK: azote-phosphore-potassium)_Urea treatment improved the height, the crown diameter and the leaf area by 17.85%, 21.79% and 28.32% compared to the absolute control and by 0.41%, 1.11% and 1.46% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield improved by 45.87% with the use of Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea compared to the absolute control and by 3.96% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment. The Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea significantly improved the phosphorus and potassium uptake of maize plants. With respect to nitrogen uptake, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. The mycorrhizae strains used improved root infection in the maize plants. We recorded 66% frequency and 40.5% intensity of mycorrhization. The biostimulant based on indigenous Glomeraceae combined with 50% NPK_Urea can be used as a strategy to restore soil health and improve maize productivity in Benin.

Insight into Genetic Diversity of Cultivated Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) in Benin

Lima bean is a tropical and subtropical legume from the genus Phaseolus which is cultivated for its importance in food and in medicine, but which remains a Neglected and Underutilized Crop in Benin. Understanding the genetic diversity of a species’ genetic resources is useful for the establishment of appropriate conservation strategies and breeding programs and for sustainable use. We use 6 out of ten SSR markers to analyze the diversity and population structure of 28 Lima bean landraces collected in Benin. A total of 28 alleles with an average of 4.16 alleles per SSR were amplified. The Polymorphic Information Content value ranged from 0.079 to 0.680 with an average of 0.408. The analysis of population structure revealed three subpopulations. PCoA revealed three well-separated clusters among the analyzed accessions in accordance with the population structure results and the clustering based on the Neighbor-Joining tree. AMOVA showed highly significant (p = 0.001) diversity among and within populations. Hence, 32% of the genetic variation was distributed among the population and 68% was distributed within populations. A high PhiP value (0.321) was found between the three sub-subpopulations indicating a high genetic differentiation between these sub-subpopulations. By exhibiting the highest average number of alleles, Shannon-Weaver information and Shannon-Weaver diversity indices, and the highest mean number of private alleles, subpopulation 1 is the main gene pool of the analyzed collection. The present study is an important starting point for the establishment of appropriate conservation strategies and breeding programs for Lima bean genetic resources.

Evaluation of Soybean Genotypes (Glycine max L. Merr.) Susceptibility to Parasitic Nematodes in Western Part of Burkina Faso

Parasitic nematodes have been reported as one of the major constraints to soybean production worldwide. The majority of nematodes are so-called “free-living” and feed mainly on bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other nematodes. In Burkina Faso, the presence of parasitic nematodes has been reported in crops such as rice and sorghum. The objective of this study was to identify the genera and species of nematodes associated with soybean production in Burkina Faso. Investigations were carried out on 24 genotypes of a medium-maturity group of soybean at the Farako-Ba research station. Soil samples were taken from the trial soil before its installation. At harvest, soil samples with roots were taken from each genotype in the elementary plots. The composite sample is represented by 4 lots of soil samples with roots. Extractions and counts of nematodes were performed on the different lots. In total, 7 genera of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with soybean were identified. Among these genera, Pratylenchus (100% of infected genotypes), Helicotylenchus (97.28%) and Scutellonema (94.44%) were the most prevalent in terms of frequency and abundance. Some soybean genotypes were less susceptible to the genus Pratylenchus is known to be highly pathogenic in soybean. These were mainly the genotypes TGX2025-10E, TGX2023-3E and TGX2025-14E.

Phytochemical Analysis and Contractile Effects of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Brassicaceae) on the Isolated Uterus of Mice

Background: Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Brassicaceae) has been claimed to treat various conditions, including complicated childbirth. The principal objective of this research was to provide scientific evidence on the contractile effect of the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the whole plant from A. hierochuntica during labor. Method: Qualitative and quantitative methods helped identify and quantify the phytoconstituents in both extracts. The antioxidant activity was studied using four standard methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and LPO). Results: The inhibitory power of the extracts on pro-inflammatory enzymes such as 15-lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2 was determined. The contractile effects of the extracts were evaluated using isolated pregnant mice uteri. Steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and reduced compounds were identified in both extracts. The hydroethanolic extract exhibited higher content of hydrolyzable tannins (15.07 ± 0.24 mg tannic acid equivalent/g) than the aqueous decoction (11.8 ± 0.69 mg TAE/g). The extracts demonstrated the ability to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals, reduce ferric ions, and inhibit especially lipid peroxidation. No significant difference was noted in the phospholipase inhibition between the extracts and betamethasone. The hydroethanolic extract displayed the most significant anti-lipoxygenase activity with an IC50 value of 55.82 ± 1.15 μg/mL. The lethal dose (LD50) of extracts was estimated to be superior to 2000 mg/kg body weight (bw). The ability of the samples to produce one cm amplitude of contraction at 50% effective concentrations (EC50) was 5.33 × 10−8 ± 0.32 mg/mL for oxytocin, 1.51 ± 0.08 mg/mL for aqueous extract and 3.57 ± 0.61 mg/mL for hydroethanolic extract. Conclusion: These findings could provide evidence for using Anastatica hierochuntica to facilitate childbirth.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Activity and Safety of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) AW Hill Apiaceae Leaves Grown in Benin

Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) AW Hill Apiaceae (Parsley) is a plant species commonly used for its culinary value, but little is known about its phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to deepen knowledge of the Petroselinum crispum leaves (LPc) grown and consumed in Benin. The phytochemical screening of the LPc powder was done according to the method of Houghton and Raman at the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Essential Oils of the Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences in Benin. The antioxidant activity (IC50) was evaluated by the DPPH reduction test. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of chemical groups such as catechin tannins, gallic tannins, flavones, saponins, mucilages, coumarins, reducing agents and O-heterosides with reduced genins in the LPc powder. The aqueous extract of LPc showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 = 63.66 μg/mL and was found to be less active than ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.111 μg/mL). No acute oral toxicity was observed and the LD50 of the aqueous extract of LPc is estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg in the Wistar rat. The absence of toxicity, its antioxidant activity associated with its richness in active ingredients makes Petroselinum crispum a promising species suitable for safe long-term use as food.

Evaluation of the Productivity of Intercropping Plantain Cultivar (PITA 3) Fertilized with Two Types of Manure, under Coconut Tree Based (Cocos nucifera L.), on the Tertiary Sands of Côte d’Ivoire

Pressure on land tenure is having a negative impact on the coconut sector, reducing farmers’ incomes. Intercropping cultivars plantain under coconut based has been considered as a solution to this problem. The aim of this work is to diversify the sources of income for coconut growers. The plantain variety PITA 3, popularised by the CNRA, was grown in coconut inter-rows (PB113+), with two types of manure (chemical, organic). Six (06) treatments D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6 were studied. In the tenth month after planting, treatment D3, which included banana plants fertilised with 9 kg of manure/plant, got the best agromorphological performance: height (264.08 cm), neck circumference (57.68 cm) and 12 leaves. In terms of production parameters, D3 banana plants had a shorter production cycle (347 days) and the highest diet mass (9.3 kg). However, the plants that received no fertiliser (D6) showed stunted growth and were unable to produce brunch. The fertilization of plantain with 10 t/ha of laying hen droppings permitted good development and production of plantains on tertiary sands.

Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oil from Waste Leaves of <i>Psidium guajava</i>L. against Cosmetic Embarrassment Using Phylogenetic Approach

Medicinal plants are facing threats due to loss of habitat and overexploitation of knows species. Therefore the present work shows utilization of essential oil from discarded leaves of Psidium guajava Linn. against human dermatophytic fungi Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum gypseum and Microsporum canis. The oil was found to be fungicidal at 3.0 μl/ml and it tolerated heavy inoculum of pathogens at fungicidal concentrations. The fungicidal activity of the oil was thermostable, up to 70°C and shelf life was found to be six months, which was maximum the time taken into consideration. The oil having cineole, caryophyllane, copaene, azulene and eucalyptol as main constituents, exhibited broad fungicidal activity. The oil did not show any adverse effect on mammalian skin upto 5% concentration. Phylogeny of the dermatophytes with respect to toxicity of the oil has also been discussed using molecular data. The cost effective formulation from waste leaves can be exploited after undergoing double blind successful multicentral topical testing.

Hepatoprotection: A Hallmark of <i>Citrullus colocynthis</i>L. against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Rats

Objective: To demonstrate the in-vivo hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extracts of Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Animal Model: Swiss Albino rats of either sex were used, divided into six groups with six in each group. Group 1-Normal control: The animals were maintained under normal control, which were given distilled water only. Group 2-Induction of hepatotoxicity: The animals received paracetamol 500 mg/kg b.w. (p.o) every 72 h for 10 Days. Groups 3 to 5: Animals received ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. at 50, 100 & 200 mg/kg bw/day for 7 days (p.o). Group 6: The animals were treated with Silymarin (100 mg/kg p.o) which served as standard. Groups 3 to 6 were intoxicated with paracetamol (500 mg/kg bw) 1 h before the administration of extract or Silymarin for 10 days. Histopathological findings, different hepatic biochemical parameters viz. AST, ALT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, & the body weight before & after treatment were evaluated to investigate the hepatoprotective activity. Results: Paracetamol induced a significant rise in AST, ALT, ALP, Total Bilirubin, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides. Administration of 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. effectively reduced these pathological damages caused by paracetamol intoxication. In addition to serum parameters treatment of 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of Citrulus colocynthis L. also promotes the body weight in albino rats as shown in Figure 6 respectively. Histopathological changes of the liver samples were compared with the normal control as shown in Figures 2-5 respectively. Conclusion: From our results we may infer that the mode of action of 90% ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. (200 mg/kg bw) in affording the in-vivo hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol may be due to the cell membrane stabilization, hepatic cell regeneration & normalizing the serum parameters.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) nutrient management using mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic Herbaspirillum seropedicae

Integrated nutrient management with biological and chemical fertilizers can improve rice （Oryza safiva L.） productivity, bio-fortification, soil health and fertility. Accordingly, this study was planned to evaluate the combined effects of biological fertilizers including arbuscular mycorrhizal （AM） fungi （Glomus mosseae） and free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria （Herbaspi- rillum seropedicae）, as well as chemical fertilizers on the yield and nutrient contents of wetland rice under field conditions. Seedlings were inoculated with AM fungi and the bacteria in the nursery and were then transplanted to the field. The experi- ment was carried out as a split factorial design with three replicates. Treatments included three rates of nitrogen （N 1, N2 and N3） and phosphorous （P1, P2 and P3） fertilizers （100, 75 and 50% of the optimum level） in the main plots and mycorrhizal and bacterial treatments in the sub plots. The total of urea （g） used per plot was equal to N1=200, N2=150 and N3=100 at three different growth stages （seeding, tillering and heading） and the total of P （g） per plot used once at seeding using triple super phosphate including P1 =16, P2=13 and P3=10. Plant growth and yield as well as the concentration of nitrogen （N）, phosphorous （P）, potassium （K）, iron （Fe）, and zinc （Zn） were measured in the soil, straw and grains. N-fertilizer and biological fertilizers had significant effects on root, shoot and grain yield of rice, however, P-fertilizer just significantly affected root and shoot dry weights. Interestingly, analyses of variance indicated that biological fertilization significantly affected all the experimental treatments except straw N. AM fungi, N1 and P1 resulted in the highest rate of rice growth and yield. The interactions of chemical and biological fertilization resulted in significant effects on grain Zn, Fe, P, and N as well as soil Fe, K and N. The highest rate of grain nutrient uptake was resulted by the combined use of biological fertilization and the medium level of chemical fertilization. Interestingly, with decreasing the rate of chemical N fertilization, rice nutrient use efficiency increased indicating how biological fertilization can be efficient in providing plants with its essential nutrients such as N. However, the highest rate of soil and straw nutrient concentration was related to the combined use of biologicalfertilization and the highest rate of chemical fertilization. We conclude that biological fertilizer, （mycorrhizal fungi and H. seropedicae） can significantly improve wetland rice growth and yield （resulting in the decreased rate of chemical fertilizer）, espe- cially if combined with appropriate rate of chemical fertilization, by enhancing nutrient uptake （fortification） and root growth.

Growth and Transpiration of <i>Jatropha curcas</i>L. Seedlings under Natural Atmospheric Vapour Pressure Deficit and Progressive Soil Drying in Semi-Arid Climate

During the last decade, Jatropha curcas L. (J. curcas) has gained much attention worldwide as biofuel crop. Although its cultivation is promoted in the Sahel, there is a surprising lack of data on its water use regulation and growth in this region. Here, we investigated, in semi-controlled conditions, leaf transpiration and growth of six accessions of J. curcas at seedling stage under natural changing in vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and progressive soil drying in Senegal. The experimental layout was a randomized complete bloc design and after 3 months of growth arranged to a split-plot at the implementation of water stress to facilitate irrigation. Under well water condition, there was no significant difference between accessions for leave transpiration that was positively correlated to VPD with high values recorded between 13 h and 14 h pm. Accessions of J. curcas used in this study showed closed thresholds at which transpiration declined except accession from Ndawene that threshold was lower (0.30). There is no significant difference between accessions for growth during the experimentation period. In 3 months, we recorded 23.57 g for the aboveground dry biomass and seedlings had about 14 leaves and 24.3 cm height. Positive linear correlation was recorded between aboveground biomass and root dry weight (p J. curcas might need complement irrigation for a better growth of seedlings especially during the dry season.

Genetic Traceability of Cinta Senese Pig (<i>Sus scrofa domesticus</i>L.): A Study of the Meat and Processed Products by Microsatellite Markers

Traceability based on DNA analysis is attracting increasing interest due to the crisis of confidence that consumers show towards the products of animal origin. The present work discusses a genetic traceability system of meat and processed products from an historical Tuscan native pig breed, the Cinta Senese. The study is based on a panel of 8 ISAG (International Society for Animal Genetics) DNA microsatellite markers usage done both on pigs and derived products. The SSRs panel allowed us to obtain a unique fingerprint of the individuals to be used as a tracer “downstream” in the processed products. The molecular method used proved that the hams, analyzed just before commercialization, were obtained from Cinta Senese pigs and that the analyzed meat products derived from the Cinta Senese were produced at least with 95% of Cinta Senese meat. In perspective, the molecular testing could be introduced as a voluntarily adopted method for proving intrinsic quality of many regional food products.

Biochemical and Morphological Characteristics of Acid-Resistant Regenerants of Sugar Beet （Beta vulgaris L.）

The aim of the paper was to study the metabolite profile and morphological characteristics of sugar beet regenerants exposed to aluminium ions （Al^3＋）. The regenerants were selected basing on selective media with sublethal acidity （pH 3.5）. The thrice-repeated passaging of sugar beet microclones of two genotypes in low pH medium causes certain alterations in the cellular metabolism. The paper demonstrated that peroxidase （POD） and isocitrate lyase （ICL） activity increased in both varieties. At the same time, NADH-dehydrogenase （NADH-DH） activity decreased in hybrid plants. Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase （gl-6-ph-dh） activity increased in mail sterile （MS） hybrid plants, but reduced in Ramonskaya fertile （RF） hybrid plants. Adaptation to reduced pH was accompanied by alterations in the isozyme spectra of POD, 1- and 2-esterase, cytochrome c oxidase and malic enzyme （ME）. The adaptation process of sugar beet regenerants was also accompanied by an increase in protein synthesis. The level of metabolic response to stress very much depended on the initial genotype of the hybrid. In this experiment, aluminium resistant plants were growing rapidly in selective media. They developed leaves with healthy petioles and blades and had strong root systems.

Combined Effects of Compost,Supraxone and Lambda-Super on Soil Microbial Activity under Pluvial Cultivation of Sesame(Sesamum indicum L.)in Burkina Faso

Sesame cultivation is strategic for the economy of Burkina Faso. Indeed, after cotton, sesame is the second most important agricultural product for exportation. However, its production is limited by plant diseases and pest attacks. Facing this situation, large amounts of pesticides are used to boost productivity. But, these chemicals have a negative impact on soil fertility. In this instance, the effects of Supraxone and Lambda-super in the presence of compost on soil microbial activity under rainfed sesame cultivation in a peasant environment were studied. The experiment design was a block of Fisher (BCR) comparing the non-treated parcel (TNT) to the parcel amended only with compost (C) and to the parcel amended with compost and treated with the pesticides (C + P), respectively. Soil samples were taken at depths of 0 - 20 cm before sowing at 41st and 81st days after sowing. Respiratory activity and soil microbial biomass were monitored respectively by respirometric tests and by the fumigation-incubation method. The results show that the addition of compost into the soil with or without supraxone treatment and Lambda-super resulted in an increase in microbial biomass and soil respiratory quotient. These results show that the provision of compost in sufficient quantity corrects the inhibitory effect of soil biological activity by pesticides.

On Cuticular Compressions of Glyptostrobus europaeus (Taxodiaceae) from Kaydagul Formation (Lower Miocene) of the Central Kazakhstan$V. L. Komarov Botanical Institute! Russian Academy of Sciences,St Petersburg 19737

Numerous leaf compressions of Glyptostrobus europaeus (Brongn.) Ung. (Taxodiaceae) are found in Aquitanian (Lower Miocene) lignified clay localities Bolattam and Akzhar in the Southern Turgay, on the right bank of the Dulygaly-Zhilanshik river (Central Kazakhstan). The finely preserved lignified compression remains of leafy shoots make micro-morphological investigation feasible. Comparative studies of the epidermal features both living G. pensilis C. Koch and a new finding of G. europaeus from Early Miocene of Kazakhstan and illustrate their certain difference. The cuticular organization and epidermal features of fossil leaves, which have been compared with these of 'the nearest living relative', G. pensilis, were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). The fossil leaves of G. europaeus from Kazakhstan are distinguished by stronger, than in living species, G. pensilis, developed 'micro-papillae' ('Kristallucken'), visible in SEM as ring-like structures left on the outer surface of cuticle in both nonstomatal and stomatal zones.

MicroRNAs expression dynamics reveal post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating seed development in Phaseolus vulgaris L.

The knowledge on post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms implicated in seed development(SD)is still limited,particularly in one of the most consumed grain legumes,Phaseolus vulgaris L.We explore for the first time the miRNA expression dynamics in P.vulgaris developing seeds.Seventy-two known and 39 new miRNAs were found expressed in P.vulgaris developing seeds.Most of the miRNAs identified were more abundant at 10 and 40 days after anthesis,suggesting that late embryogenesis/early filling and desiccation were SD stages in which miRNA action is more pronounced.Degradome analysis and target prediction identified targets for 77 expressed miRNAs.While several known miRNAs were predicted to target HD-ZIP,ARF,SPL,and NF-Y transcription factors families,most of the predicted targets for new miRNAs encode for functional proteins.MiRNAs-targets expression profiles evidenced that these miRNAs could tune distinct seed developmental stages.MiRNAs more accumulated at early SD stages were implicated in regulating the end of embryogenesis,postponing the seed maturation program,storage compound synthesis and allocation.MiRNAs more accumulated at late SD stages could be implicated in seed quiescence,desiccation tolerance,and longevity with still uncovered roles in germination.The miRNAs herein described represent novel P.vulgaris resources with potential application in future biotechnological approaches to modulate the expression of genes implicated in legume seed traits with impact in horticultural production systems.

Some Biological Features of Aphtona whitfieldi Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an Insect Pest of Jatropha curcas L. in Burkina Faso

Aphthona whitfieldi Bryant (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major insect pest of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiacae) in Burkina Faso and other countries in West Africa. The insect pest feeds on the roots and the leaves of the plant. When the attacks are heavy, the plant may lose all its leaves and die off. Unfortunately, little information is available on the biology of this insect pest. A study was conducted on the biology of this insect pest in the Sissili province, South Burkina Faso and resulted in the knowledge of some of the biological features of the insect pest. Aphthona whitfieldi was reared from 13th July to 22th October 2015. Larvae and pupae were collected in J. curcas plantations near Léo, the capital city of the Sissili province, and brought to the laboratory for rearing. The insects were observed daily and the dimensions and the duration of each stage were recorded. We recorded two larval stages (1st and 3rd): a pre-pupa and a pupal stage. The pupa was free and white milk-like. Both the pre-pupa and the pupal stages lasted for five days. The 1st instar larva was smaller than the third one.