bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Genes from Phaseolus coccineus Confer Resistance to Bean Golden Yellow Mosaic Virus in Common Bean
Authors: Osorno Juan M. , Muñoz Carlos G. , Beaver James S. , Ferwerda Feiko H. , Bassett Mark J. , Miklas Phil N. , Olczyk Teresa , Bussey Bill
Published: January 2019

Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (BGYMV), incited by a whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) transmitted geminivirus, is an important disease that can limit common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in Central America, the Caribbean, and southern Florida. Only a few genes are currently deployed in BGYMV-resistant common bean cultivars. The identification of novel sources of resistance would help bean breeders broaden the genetic base of resistance to this important virus. Phaseolus coccineus L. germplasm accession G35172 was found by International Center for Tropical Agriculture scientists to be resistant to BGYMV. Populations derived from an interspecific cross between P. vulgaris and P. coccineus were evaluated to study the inheritance of resistance to BGYMV. Segregation ratios of F2 plants and other populations suggest that BGYMV resistance from P. coccineus is controlled by two genes. A recessive gene, with the proposed symbol bgm-3, confers resistance to leaf chlorosis and a dominant gene, with the proposed name Bgp-2, prevents pod deformation in the presence of BGYMV. Results from allelism tests with previously reported BGYMV resistance genes (bgm, bgm-2, and Bgp) and the absence of the SR-2 sequence-characterized amplified region marker for bgm support the hypothesis that bgm-3 and Bgp-2 are different genes for BGYMV resistance.
Variation in Leaf Anatomy of Pecan Cultivars from Three Ecogeographic Locations
Authors: Sagaram Madhulika , Lombardini Leonardo , Grauke L.J.
Published: January 2019

An assessment of leaf anatomic traits of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] cultivars (Pawnee, Mohawk, and Starking Hardy Giant) collected from three locations (Tifton, GA; Chetopa, KS; and Stillwater, OK) was conducted to provide an understanding of patterns of ecogeographical variation within the natural range. Acetate casts of representative leaves were prepared for microscopic characterization of epidermal traits (stomatal density, stomatal index, and epidermal cell density). There were differences among the three pecan cultivars at the same location, but there were no differences in stomatal density within the same cultivar grown at three distinct locations. The stomatal density of ‘Pawnee’ leaves (404 stomata/mm2) was intermediate between that of ‘Mohawk’ (363 stomata/mm2) and ‘Starking Hardy Giant’ (463 stomata/mm2). ‘Pawnee’ had the greatest epidermal cell density (2511 cells/mm2) whereas ‘Starking Hardy Giant’ showed the least (1414 cells/mm2). Within a location, stomatal index differed significantly among cultivars, with ‘Starking Hardy Giant’ having a greater stomatal index than the other two cultivars. There were no differences in stomatal index across locations. ‘Mohawk’ had the greatest trichome density (18.92 trichomes/mm2) whereas ‘Starking Hardy Giant’ had the lowest (9.6 trichomes/mm2). The study suggests that differences in stomatal density and epidermal cell density in pecans are cultivar specific rather than being determined by environmental factors. The stability of certain leaf anatomic characteristics, such as stomatal and epidermal cell density, for pecan cultivars grown at different locations confirms that these traits can be used for screening provenances with desirable leaf anatomic characteristics for breeding and cultivar development.
Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships among Plum Germplasm Resources in China Assessed with Inter-simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Liu Weisheng , Liu Dongcheng , Zhang Aimin , Feng Chenjing , Yang Jianmin , Yoon Jaeho , Li Shaohua
Published: January 2019

Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to evaluate genetic similarity and interrelationship among 104 plum (Prunus L. spp.) and related accessions from the Chinese National Germplasm Repository for Plums and Apricots and the Tianshan Germplasm Repository for Wild Fruit Resources, including six plum species (Prunus salicina Lindl., Prunus simonii Carr., Prunus ussuriensis Kov. et Kost., Prunus domestica L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., and Prunus spinosa L.), two related species [apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa Thunb.)], eight putative hybrids between plum and apricot (plumcot), and six accessions of wild European plum (P. domestica). Out of the 42 ISSR primers, 12 were selected, which generated 103 markers in total, 99 of which were polymorphic. Possible accession-specific ISSR bands or patterns were also found. Some possible synonyms or homonyms were clarified or discussed, and closely related accessions such as bud mutants were discriminated. Based on the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) using the Jaccard coefficient, two different dendrograms were constructed—one including accessions grouped by species and one with all 104 accessions—and a two-dimensional plot was obtained. Three groups were formed in both dendrograms and PCoA plot: Group I including apricot (‘Yinxiangbai’) and plumcot types; Group II containing Asia-originated diploid species [e.g., P. cerasifera, P. ussuriensis, P. tomentosa, and Chinese plum-types (i.e., P. salicina and its hybrids)]; and Group III involving European-origin polyploid species (e.g., P. spinosa and P. domestica) and recently found wild European plum accessions in China. The dendrogram with accessions grouped by species implied that 1) plumcot types had closer relatedness with apricot than with plum; 2) P. simonii should be a variant of P. salicina while P. ussuriensis an independent species; 3) P. domestica was more closely related to P. spinosa than to P. cerasifera. Two accessions of European plum (‘89-7-3’ and ‘Wanhei’) were clustered into outgroups in the dendrogram with all 104 accessions, which could been grouped within Group III in the PCoA plot. The distribution of both European plum and Chinese plum-types across respective groups did not reflect the geographic origins. The present study also further confirmed that the wild plants found in Xinjiang of China were P. domestica.
Total Phenolic Concentration and Browning Susceptibility in a Collection of Different Varietal Types and Hybrids of Eggplant: Implications for Breeding for Higher Nutritional Quality and Reduced Browning
Authors: Prohens Jaime , Rodríguez-Burruezo Adrián , Raigón María Dolores , Nuez Fernando
Published: January 2019

Phenolic compounds have numerous beneficial effects on human health. In consequence, the development of new varieties with higher content of phenolics is of interest for the improvement of the nutritional quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). However, the oxidation of eggplant phenolics causes browning of the cut surfaces of the fruit and reduces its apparent quality. The authors investigated the relationship among, as well as the variation and heritability of, the content of phenolics, ascorbic acid, and soluble solids; pH; and the degree of browning and color difference of the cut surface of the fruit flesh in a collection of 69 eggplant varieties. These included landraces from different origins, commercial varieties, experimental hybrids, and four accessions of the related S. aethiopicum L. and S. macrocarpon L. species. Analyses of variance revealed significant differences among the materials studied for all traits considered. The concentration of phenolics in S. melongena spanned a threefold range, although the highest (1122 mg·kg−1) and lowest (134 mg·kg−1) concentrations of phenolics were found in S. macrocarpon and S. aethiopicum respectively. Concentrations of ascorbic acid were very low, a mean 27 times lower than those of phenolics, and soluble solids content ranged from 3.60% to 6.60% with a pH that ranged from 5.01 to 5.93. Commercial varieties had, as a mean, a 20% lower concentration of phenolics than landraces, as well as a lower degree of browning and color difference. Positive correlations existed between phenolic concentration and degree of browning (r = 0.388) and color difference (0.477), although only 15.1% and 22.8% of the total variation in degree of browning and color difference, respectively, could be attributed to variation in phenolics. Ascorbic acid, soluble solids content, and pH were not correlated to either degree of browning or color difference. The heritability was moderate for phenolic concentration (0.50) and high for degree of browning (0.71) and color difference (0.82). The information obtained indicates that there are opportunities for the development of new varieties with a high concentration of phenolics and low or moderate browning.
Chloroplast DNA Diversity in Prunus and Its Implication on Genetic Relationships
Authors: Bouhadida Mariem , Martín Juan P. , Eremin Gennady , Pinochet Jorge , Moreno María Á. , Gogorcena Yolanda
Published: January 2019

Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) in 84 Prunus L. accessions (interspecific hybrids and Prunus species) were analyzed to confirm the maternal origin of the interspecific hybrids of Prunus and to establish genetic relationships among Prunus species. The polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, which included amplification of cpDNA regions with three universal primer pairs (K1K2, HK, DT) and subsequent digestion with three restriction enzymes (AluI, HinfI, TaqI), revealed 33 haplotypes for the 84 accessions studied. Fourteen from these cpDNA haplotypes were shared by two or more accessions, and 19 were unique. Accessions sharing the same haplotype have maternal relationships among them, which allowed identity confirmation of maternal progenitors of Prunus interspecific hybrids in these cases. Unweighted pair group method average (UPGMA) and minimum-length spanning tree (MST) analyses were performed based on shared common fragments and the number of mutational differences among the 33 haplotypes, respectively. The cpDNA polymorphisms detected made possible the analysis of genetic relationships among the studied Prunus accessions. Most of the recovered relationships are in agreement with current taxonomic hypotheses and artificial crosses.
Differing Vernalization Responses of Veronica spicata ‘Red Fox’ and Laurentia axillaris
Authors: Fausey Beth A. , Cameron Arthur C.
Published: January 2019

Many polycarpic herbaceous perennials are known to have a cold-requirement for flowering. To determine the range and relative effectiveness of vernalization temperatures for flower induction, clonally propagated plants of veronica (Veronica spicata L.) ‘Red Fox’ and laurentia [Laurentia axillaris (Lindl.) E. Wimm.] were exposed to temperatures from −2.5 to 20 °C at 2.5 °C increments for 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks (veronica ‘Red Fox’) and 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, or 15 weeks (laurentia). After treatments, growth and flowering were monitored in a glass greenhouse set at 20 °C with an average daily light integral of ≈5 mol·m−2·d−1. Both veronica ‘Red Fox’ and laurentia exhibited obligate vernalization requirements for flowering, but the temperature–response curves were distinctly different. A minimum of 4 weeks at −2.5 and 0 °C, 6 weeks at 2.5 °C, and 8 weeks at 5 and 7.5 °C was required for complete (100%) flowering of veronica ‘Red Fox’, while a minimum of 5 weeks at 5 to 10 °C, 7.5 weeks at 12.5 °C, and 10 weeks at 2.5 °C were required for complete flowering of laurentia. For veronica ‘Red Fox’, node number under each flower and flower timing were relatively fixed following up to 8 weeks at each temperature, although these values generally decreased at each temperature with extended exposure for laurentia. Based on percent flowering and percentage of lateral nodes flowering, vernalization of veronica ‘Red Fox’ was most effective at 0 and −2.5 °C, while based on percent flowering and flower number, vernalization of laurentia was most effective at 5 to 10 °C.
Epistatic Interactions Influencing Anthocyanin Gene Expression in Capsicum annuum
Authors: Lightbourn Gordon J. , Stommel John R. , Griesbach Robert J.
Published: January 2019

Anthocyanin pigmentation in leaves, flowers, and fruit imparts violet to black color and enhances both ornamental and culinary appeal. Shades of violet to black pigmentation in Capsicum annuum L. are attributed to anthocyanin accumulation. Anthocyanin production is markedly influenced by numerous environmental factors, including temperature and light stress. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic basis for differences in C. annuum anthocyanin content in response to varying environments. Growth experiments conducted under controlled environment conditions demonstrated that anthocyanin concentration was significantly higher in mature leaves in comparison with immature leaves under high light (435 μmol·s−1·m−2) conditions. High (30 °C day/25 °C night) versus low (20 °C day/15 °C night) temperature had no significant effect on anthocyanin concentration regardless of leaf maturity stage. Foliar anthocyanin concentration in plants grown under short days (10 h) with low light intensity (215 μmol·s−1·m−2) was significantly less than under long days (16 h) with low light. Under high light intensity, daylength had no effect on anthocyanin content. Three structural genes [chalcone synthase (Chs), dihydroflavonol reductase (Dfr), anthocyanin synthase (Ans)] and three regulatory genes (Myc, MybA
, Wd40) were selected for comparison under inductive and noninductive environmental conditions for anthocyanin accumulation. Expression of Chs, Dfr, and Ans was significantly higher in mature leaves in comparison with younger leaves. Consistent with anthocyanin concentration, temperature had no effect on structural gene expression, whereas light positively influenced expression. Under low light conditions, temperature had no effect on Myc, MybA
, and Wd40 expression; whereas under high light conditions, temperature only had an effect on MybA
expression. The study of anthocyanin leaf pigmentation in C. annuum under inductive and noninductive environments provides a new approach for elucidating the molecular genetic basis of epistatic gene interactions and the resulting phenotypic plasticity.
Influence of Aging, Oxygen, and Moisture on Ethanol Production from Cabbage Seeds
Authors: Rutzke Corinne F.J. , Taylor Alan G. , Obendorf Ralph L.
Published: January 2019

A seed quality test developed by Kataki and Taylor (1997) measures the anaerobic-to-aerobic (ANA) ratio of ethanol production and the relationship of the ANA ratio index-to-seed quality has been tested in several species. To expand the usefulness of the ANA ratio index and to optimize the test conditions, a series of studies was performed using cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) seeds as a model. It was hypothesized that ethanol production in cabbage seeds would be influenced by aging treatment, hydration level, seed integrity (grinding), and oxygen availability. Cabbage seeds were subjected to controlled aging treatments (40 °C at 70% relative humidity for 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d). Seed samples were incubated with a glucose (50 mm) potassium phosphate buffer (5 mm, pH 5.6) at 25 °C for 24 h (shorter than the time required for germination). The water concentration levels tested in the current study were 0.18, 0.22, 0.54, 0.80, 1.22, 1.86, 3.00, 5.67, and 10.0 g of H2O per gram of dry seeds. Ethanol production was measured in the supernatant of seed extracts using immobilized enzyme technology. The experiments were performed in ambient oxygen conditions and under nitrogen. Ethanol production was greater in aged than nonaged intact seeds at all water concentrations tested. Nonaged seeds under nitrogen had reduced ethanol production at ≤0.54 g of water per gram of seeds, indicating that low seed water concentration limited ethanol production. Nonaged seeds in ambient oxygen at ≥1.22 g of water per gram of seeds had elevated ethanol production, indicating that a hypoxic environment was created by excess seed water. Thus, a water concentration between these values is recommended for the ANA ratio index test for cabbage seeds. The opposite trend of lower ethanol production in aged than nonaged seeds was measured if seeds were ground before the hydration. Seed integrity experiments suggest that lower ethanol production observed in aged ground seeds may be attributed to hypoxia resulting from rapid hydration damage that results with loss of seed-coat integrity.
Production and Characterization of Intergeneric Hybrids between Dichroa febrifuga and Hydrangea macrophylla
Authors: Reed Sandra M. , Jones Keri D. , Rinehart Timothy A.
Published: January 2019

The potential of producing an intergeneric hybrid between Dichroa febrifuga Lour. and Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser. was investigated. Reciprocal hybridizations were made between a D. febrifuga selection (GUIZ 48) and diploid (‘Veitchii’) and triploid (‘Kardinal’ and ‘Taube’) cultivars of H. macrophylla. Embryo rescue was employed for about one-third of the crosses that produced fruit, and the rest were allowed to mature on the plant and seed-collected and germinated. Reciprocal hybrids, which were verified with simple sequence repeat markers, were produced from both embryo rescue and seed germination and with both diploid and triploid H. macrophylla cultivars. Hybrids were intermediate in appearance between parents, but variability in leaf, inflorescence, and flower size and flower color existed among the hybrids. A somatic chromosome number of 2n = 6x = 108 was tentatively proposed for D. febrifuga GUIZ 48. Chromosome counts and flow-cytometric measurements of nuclear DNA content indicated that some of the hybrids may be aneuploids, but neither analysis was definitive. Although hybrids with H. macrophylla as the pistillate parent did not form pollen-producing anthers, D. febrifuga × H. macrophylla hybrids had normal-appearing anthers that produced abundant pollen. F2 and BC1 progeny were obtained using D. febrifuga × ‘Veitchii’ hybrids. This work documents the first step in an effort to combine desirable horticultural features from D. febrifuga and H. macrophylla.
Assessing the Peach Fruit Refractometric Index at Harvest with a Simple Model Based on Fruit Growth
Authors: Grechi Isabelle , Hilgert Nadine , Génard Michel , Lescourret Françoise
Published: January 2019

Whereas quality is an increasingly important aspect of peach fruit [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] production at this time, it is still not adequately addressed in crop models. Our objective was to develop a model to assess an essential trait of peach fruit quality (the refractometric index at harvest) to include it in existing crop models and to address the issue of quality in programs dealing with the improvement of crop management. The model predicts the fruit refractometric index, an indicator of sugar content (the most decisive parameter in consumer satisfaction) commonly used by the fruit industry. The model was simple enough so that it could be easily linked to carbon-based crop models. It was calibrated and tested using several independent data sets representing many growing conditions. To account for the effect of uncertainty in input and model parameters, the output of the model was qualified by a prediction interval. Results indicated that the model accurately predicted refractometric indices under 12% (relative root mean squared error values of 0.09 and 0.12 for two data sets), which corresponds to the fruit industry's range of interest. Prediction intervals revealed that the uncertainty in model parameters has moderate effects, whereas the uncertainty of the model input has important effects.
Physiological Responses to Different Substrate Water Contents: Screening for High Water-use Efficiency in Bedding Plants
Authors: Nemali Krishna S. , van Iersel Marc W
Published: January 2019

Efficient use of irrigation water is increasingly important in the production of bedding plants. Two approaches to efficient water use include reducing irrigation water wastage during production by growing plants at the optimal substrate water content (θ) and growing species with high water-use efficiency (WUE). However, there is little information on the effects of different θ levels on leaf physiology of bedding plants and variation in WUE among different species of bedding plants. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of θ on leaf water relations, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and WUE of bedding plants and to identify the physiological basis for differences in WUE between two bedding plant species. We grew salvia ‘Bonfire Red’ (Salvia splendens Sellow ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes), vinca ‘Cooler Peppermint’ [Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don.], petunia ‘Lavender White’ (Petunia × hybrida Hort ex. Vilm.), and impatiens ‘Cherry’ (Impatiens walleriana Hook F.) at four constant levels of θ (0.09, 0.15, 0.22, and 0.32 m3·m−3) using an automated irrigation controller. Regardless of species, leaf water potential (Ψw) and leaf photosynthesis (A) of all four species were lower at a θ of 0.09 m3·m−3 and were not different among the other θ levels, but stomatal conductance to H2O (g
S) was lower at 0.09 than at 0.15 and 0.22 m3·m−3 and highest at 0.32 m3·m−3. WUE of bedding plants at different θ levels depended on species. The WUE of petunia was unaffected by θ, whereas for the other three species, WUE was higher at a θ of 0.09 m3·m−3 than at 0.32 m3·m−3. Differences in WUE between petunia and salvia were partly from differences in photosynthetic capacity between the two species. Based on the response of A to leaf internal CO2 concentration (Ci), mesophyll conductance to CO2 [gm (a measure of photosynthetic capacity)] was higher in petunia than salvia, whereas gas phase conductance to CO2 (gCO2
) was similar for these two species, which resulted in higher WUE in petunia than salvia.
‘Kardinal’ Rose Exhibits Growth Plasticity and Enhanced Nutrient Absorption Kinetics Following Nitrate, Phosphate, and Potassium Deprivation
Authors: Mattson Neil , Lieth Heiner
Published: January 2019

Plant internal nutrient status is known to influence the kinetics of nutrient absorption, but little on this relationship has been reported for roses (Rosa spp. L.). The objectives of this experiment were to determine the influence of NO3, PO4, and K deprivation on plant tissue concentrations and relative growth rates and to quantify the influence of nutrient deprivation on absorption kinetic parameters. Rose plants growing in solution culture were deprived of N, P, or K for 0 to 20 days to establish differing tissue concentrations. Absorption kinetics were then determined based on the rate of NO3, PO4, or K depletion from solution over a range of concentrations. The data were fit to a modified Michaelis-Menten equation to account for the influence of internal nutrient status on absorption kinetics. Plants deprived of the nutrients for up to 20 d did not show significantly reduced root or plant fresh weight as compared with control plants. Plant tissue concentrations differed significantly by deprivation treatment and varied from 1.4% to 2.3% for N, 0.22% to 0.35% for P, and from 1.0% to 2.0% for K. Plants deprived of NO3, PO4, and K subsequently showed increased absorption rates. This was primarily expressed as an increased maximum absorption rate for NO3 and PO4. In contrast, K-deprived plants primarily exhibited an increased affinity (decreased Km) for K. The results demonstrate the plasticity of rose plants to grow and absorb nutrients under varying internal nutrient concentrations. This work quantifies the influence of rose plant nutritional status on the kinetics of NO3, PO4, and K absorption. The knowledge would be useful to improve models for providing decision support for fertilization based on plant growth rates and internal nutrient status.
Impact of Wide Hybridization on Highbush Blueberry Breeding
Authors: Brevis Patricio A. , Bassil Nahla V. , Ballington James R. , Hancock James F.
Published: January 2019

The use of interspecific hybridization in blueberry (Vaccinium L. section Cyanococcus Gray) breeding has resulted in the incorporation of novel traits from wild germplasm and the expansion of the geographic limits of highbush blueberry (V. ×corymbosum L.) production. The objectives of this study were: 1) to estimate the impact of wide hybridization on inbreeding, heterozygosity, and coancestry of the cultivated tetraploid highbush blueberry; 2) to establish the usefulness of microsatellite markers in assessing genetic relationships among southern highbush blueberry [SHB (V. ×corymbosum)] cultivars; and 3) to report on the expected genetic contribution of wild Vaccinium clones to SHB cultivars. Pedigrees of 107 highbush blueberry cultivars were used to calculate tetrasomic inbreeding coefficients (F), pedigree-based genetic distances, and expected genetic contributions of wild clones. Genotyping data from 21 single-locus microsatellite markers screened across 68 genotypes were used to calculate heterozygosity and proportion of shared alleles distances (Dsa). The results indicated that the effects of wide hybridization on genetic diversity of cultivated blueberry were lower than previously thought. First, SHB cultivars exhibited similar levels of molecular relatedness as historical northern highbush blueberry [NHB (V. ×corymbosum)] cultivars (median Dsa between pairs of cultivars equals 0.19 in both cultivar groups), despite the broader genetic base and larger pedigree distances in the former cultivar group. Second, levels of heterozygosity in modern NHB cultivars were not statistically different from those of SHB (χ2 = 4.0; df = 3; P > 0.05), despite the considerably higher levels of inbreeding in the former cultivar group (median F equal to 0.0035 and 0.0013, respectively). Furthermore, pedigree-based genetic distances were significantly correlated with Dsa (r = 0.57, P ≤ 0.0001), indicating that microsatellite markers are reliable tools in most cases to assess the genetic relationships among SHB cultivars. Finally, seven Vaccinium species constitute the current genetic base of cultivated SHB. In this article, we report on the expected genetic contributions of V. angustifolium Ait., V. constablaei Gray, V. corymbosum, V. darrowii Camp, V. elliottii Chapman, V. tenellum Ait., and V. virgatum Ait. (syn. V. ashei Reade) clones to 38 SHB cultivars.
Genetic Basis for Varied Levels of Injury to Sweet Corn Hybrids from Three Cytochrome P450-metabolized Herbicides
Authors: Pataky Jerald K. , Meyer Michael D. , Bollman Joseph D. , Boerboom Chris M. , Williams Martin M.
Published: January 2019

Some sweet corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids and inbreds can be severely injured or killed after postemergence applications of certain P450-metabolized herbicides. Consequently, existing hybrids are regularly evaluated for tolerance to new herbicides, and new hybrids are evaluated for tolerance to existing herbicides. In 2005 and 2006, the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service coordinated 12 trials in six states in which a total of 149 sweet corn hybrids were evaluated for tolerance to three cytochrome P450-metabolized herbicides: nicosulfuron, foramsulfuron, and mesotrione. Hybrid responses differed substantially within and among locations. The objective of this study was to determine if alleles affecting herbicide sensitivity (e.g., cytochrome P450 alleles) were associated with differences in levels of injury to sweet corn hybrids in these trials. Based on responses of F2 progeny to nicosulfuron, foramsulfuron, and mesotrione, 95 hybrids were classified as homozygous for alleles conditioning herbicide tolerance; 47 hybrids were classified as heterozygous with one allele each conditioning tolerance and sensitivity; and two hybrids were classified as homozygous for alleles conditioning sensitivity. When trial mean levels of injury after applications of mesotrione, nicosulfuron, and foramsulfuron in the herbicide trials were above 1%, 4%, and 5%, respectively, the response of the three genotypic classes of hybrids followed a consistent pattern. Homozygous-sensitive hybrids were injured most severely and often were killed by the two acetolactate synththase-inhibiting herbicides, nicosulfuron and foramsulfuron. Heterozygous hybrids had an intermediate response to all three herbicides that was more similar to homozygous-tolerant hybrids than homozygous-sensitive hybrids; however, injury to heterozygous hybrids was 1.5 to 2.3 times greater and significantly (P < 0.05) different from homozygous-tolerant hybrids based on t tests of group means and comparisons of predicted values from regressions of genotypic means on trial means. Based on responses of the 149 hybrids in this trial, the potential for and level of crop injury from use of nicosulfuron, mesotrione, and foramsulfuron on any specific sweet corn hybrid is conditioned largely by alleles at a single locus.
Adventitious Root Formation in Stem Cuttings of Quercus bicolor and Quercus macrocarpa and Its Relationship to Stem Anatomy
Authors: Amissah J. Naalamle , Paolillo Dominick J. , Bassuk Nina
Published: January 2019

This study investigated the relationship of stem anatomy to differences in rooting ability between Quercus bicolor Wild. and Quercus macrocarpa Michx. cuttings. Quercus bicolor cuttings were found to have a significantly greater proportion of parenchymatous gaps in the sclerenchyma sheath over a 9-week period compared with Q. macrocarpa cuttings. In Q. macrocarpa, the percentage gap was generally low, coinciding with the low percentage rooting observed in this species. Percentage rooting correlated well (r2 = 0.75) with the percentage parenchymatous gap in the perivascular region of Q. bicolor cuttings. The problems with accepting this relationship as causal are stated in the discussion. Untreated cuttings showed normal stem organization: a dermal tissue system that included the initial stages of phellem formation, a cortex, and a ring of closely arranged vascular bundles in early stages of secondary growth. The locations of the five distinct lobes of the pith were coordinated with the locations of root primordia. Callus growth was first detected in the cortex (i.e., external to the fiber bundles), followed by proliferation within the phloem, opposite the lobes of the pith, 8 to 12 days after cuttings were treated with indole butyric acid (6000 mg·L−1 dissolved in 50% v/v ethanol in water). By 14 to 16 days, root primordia had developed within the proliferative tissue in the secondary phloem. In both species, root primordia penetrated parenchymatous gaps in the fiber sheath directly, the fiber bundles being displaced laterally as the roots increased in size.
Histological Effects of Calcium Chloride in Stored Apples
Authors: Trentham W. Robert , Sams Carl E. , Conway William S.
Published: January 2019

Mature apples (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Golden Delicious) were immersed for 2 min in 0, 0.14, 0.27, or 0.41 mol·L−1 (0, 2%, 4%, or 6%, respectively) aqueous solutions (w/v) of CaCl2 at 0 or 68.95 kPa, and were stored at 0 °C. Histological samples of peel/cortex were taken at harvest and at four monthly intervals in storage. Paraffin sections were stained with an aqueous mixture of alcian blue 8GX, safaranin 0 and Bismark brown Y, or with the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction. No histological difference was observed in fruit treated with 2% CaCl2 compared with those pressure-infiltrated with greater amounts of Ca. Fruits pressure-infiltrated with 6% CaCl2 exhibited the greatest amount of flattened epidermal cells and hypodermal cavities. Cuticles were also affected at the higher CaCl2 treatment levels (with regard to staining with Bismark brown), becoming more condensed and uniform. Cuticle and hypodermis were stained differentially with PAS in the 6% CaCl2 treatment. All tissues, including the cuticle, were stained magenta red, indicating a possible chemical alteration of the cuticle and the underlying tissue by Ca.
Contents of Caffeoylquinic Acid Compounds in the Storage Roots of Sixteen Sweetpotato Genotypes and Their Potential Biological Activity
Authors: Harrison Howard F. , Mitchell Trevor R. , Peterson Joseph K. , Wechter W. Patrick , Majetich George F. , Snook Maurice E.
Published: January 2019

Caffeoylquinic acid compounds are widespread in plants. They protect plants against predation and infection and may have several beneficial functions in the human diet. The contents of chlorogenic acid and the 3,4-, 3,5-, and 4,5- isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCQA) in the storage root tissues of 16 sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] genotypes were determined. Averaged over genotypes, the contents of the four compounds were highest in the cortex, intermediate in the stele, and lowest in the periderm. Among the genotypes, chlorogenic acid contents ranged from 16 to 212 μg·g−1 in periderm, from 826 to 7274 μg·g−1 in cortex, and from 171 to 4326 μg·g−1 in stele. The 3,5-DCQA isomer comprised over 80% of total DCQA. In most genotypes, 3,5-DCQA and chlorogenic acid contents were similar in cortex and stele tissues, but chlorogenic acid was lower than 3,5-DCQA in periderm tissue. Among the 16 genotypes, total DCQA contents ranged from 0 to 1775 μg·g−1 dry weight in periderm, from 883 to 8764 μg·g−1 in cortex, and from 187 to 4768 μg·g−1 in stele. The large differences found in a small germplasm collection suggest that selecting or breeding sweetpotato genotypes with high caffeoylquinic acid content is possible. The four caffeoylquinic acid compounds comprised over 3% of the dry weight of storage roots of the sweetpotato relative, bigroot morningglory [Ipomoea pandurata (L.) G.F.W. Meyer], indicating that it may be a good source for the compounds. The effect of DCQAs isolated from sweetpotato and I. pandurata tissue and caffeic and chlorogenic acid standards were tested in proso millet (Panicum milliaceum L.), Fusarium solani (Sacc.) Mart., and bacterial growth bioassays. Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and 3,5-DCQA were most inhibitory in millet and F. solani bioassays, but 3,5-DCQA was the least inhibitory compound in bacterial growth bioassays. Their activity in the bioassays suggests that the caffeoyl quinic acid compounds contribute to the allelopathic potential and resistance to root diseases of some sweetpotato clones.
Recovery from Phytotoxicity after Foliar Application of Fruit-loosening Abscission Compounds to Citrus
Authors: Li Kuo-Tan , Burns Jacqueline K. , Syvertsen James P.
Published: January 2019

The use of abscission compounds to loosen fruit from stems can be accompanied with various levels of phytotoxicity. To determine the effects of a promising abscission compound, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP), and ethephon on sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] leaf function, water relations, and young fruit growth, we sprayed CMNP at 0, 200, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg·L−1 or ethephon at 400 or 800 mg·L−1 to fruiting branches of potted and field-grown sweet orange during the 2005–06 harvest season. Both compounds induced abscission of mature fruit and leaves 3 days after application but had little effect on leaf chlorophyll content, water content, and midday leaf water potential (Ψleaf) of remaining leaves. CMNP sprayed at 200 mg·L−1 or either concentration of ethephon did not affect leaf photosystem II efficiency, as indicated by leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm). High CMNP concentrations (1000 or 2000 mg·L−1) reduced Fv/Fm 1 day after treatment, but Fv/Fm of leaves remaining on sprayed branches gradually recovered to the level of control leaves by 4 days after treatment. Similarly, high concentrations of CMNP and ethephon temporarily reduced net gas exchange of leaves for about 4 days. Young fruit growth also was temporarily inhibited by CMNP concentrations greater than 200 mg·L−1. We conclude that CMNP sprayed at recommended concentrations (200–500 mg·L−1) caused mature fruit abscission with little long-term phytotoxic effect on leaves or young fruit.
Genetic Diversity of Rhubarb Cultivars
Authors: Kuhl Joseph C. , DeBoer Veronica L.
Published: January 2019

The genus Rheum L., commonly known as rhubarb, is composed of ≈60 species, primarily distributed throughout northern and central Asia. Rhubarb species have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years; however, it was not until the 18th century that the culinary use of petioles was first reported. Although the origin(s) of culinary rhubarb is not clear, it is thought that they originated from hybridization of rhubarb species originally brought to Europe for medicinal purposes. Most rhubarb cultivars lack pedigree information, and the genetic relationship among cultivars is largely unknown. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were generated for fingerprint analysis of 37 cultivars and four putative Rheum species accessions. Ten EcoRI and MseI primer combinations were analyzed for a total of 1400 scored polymorphisms, with an average of 140 polymorphisms per primer combination. Results show at least two clusters of related cultivars, as well as distantly related accessions. This study provides an estimate of rhubarb cultivar genetic diversity using AFLP analysis.
Carbon Dioxide Enrichment Enhances Growth and Flavonoid Content of Two Scutellaria species
Authors: Stutte Gary W. , Eraso Ignacio , Rimando Agnes M.
Published: January 2019

Scutellaria L. is a genus of herbaceous perennials of the Lamianaceae that includes several species with medicinal properties. The medicinal species of Scutellaria are rich in physiologically active flavonoids with a range of pharmacological activity. Experiments were conducted to determine the feasibility of increasing the growth rate and flavonoid content of Scutellaria barbata D. Don and Scutellaria lateriflora L. with CO2 enrichment in a controlled environment. Both species showed an increased growth rate and total biomass in response to CO2 enrichment from 400 to 1200 μmol·mol−1 CO2, and time to flowering was accelerated by 7 to 10 days. The bioactive flavonoids scutellarein, baicalin, apigenin, baicalein, and wogonin were detected in vegetative tissue of S. barbata. Total flavonoid content increased 50% with enrichment of CO2 to 1200 and 81% with 3000 μmol·mol−1. Scutellarein, baicalin, and apigenin concentrations increased with increasing CO2, whereas baicalein and wogonin did not. The flavonoids baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, and chrysin were detected in the vegetative tissue of S. lateriflora. The total concentration of the bioactive flavonoids measured in the vegetative tissue of S. lateriflora was much higher than S. barbata under ambient CO2 conditions (1144 vs. 249 μg·g−1 dry weight). The total content of the measured bioactive flavonoids increased 2.4 times with enrichment to 1200 μmol·mol−1 CO2, and 5.9 times with enrichment to 3000 μmol·mol−1 CO2. These results indicate that the yield and pharmaceutical quality of Scutellaria species can be enhanced with controlled environment production and CO2 enrichment.
The Impact of Outcrossing on Yields of ‘Hass’ Avocado
Authors: Garner Lauren C. , Ashworth Vanessa E.T.M. , Clegg Michael T. , Lovatt Carol J.
Published: January 2019

‘Hass’ avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is characterized by excessive flower and fruit abscission, resulting in extremely low fruit set. Low outcrossing rates might be a factor contributing to low yields. It is hypothesized that self-fertilized flowers and resulting fruit abscise at a much higher rate than fruit that are the product of outcrossing. However, significant relationships between outcrossing rates and yields have only been established in a few avocado studies. The objective of this research was to investigate the importance of outcrossing to yield in a commercial ‘Hass’ orchard containing ‘Bacon’, an effective pollinizer of ‘Hass’. Microsatellite markers were used to determine the rate of outcrossing of fruit persisting to harvest on ‘Hass’ trees. Experiments were conducted during sequential on- and off-crop years. During both years, outcrossing rates were not related to yield or alternate bearing. These results indicate that outcrossing was not the primary factor affecting flower and fruit persistence and ultimately yield in this orchard for the two sequential years of this research.
Heat Tolerance and Flowering-heat-delay Sensitivity in Relation to Cell Membrane Thermostability in Chrysanthemum
Authors: Wang Ching-Hsueh , Yeh Der-Ming , Sheu Chian-Shinn
Published: January 2019

Flowering of many chrysanthemum [Dendranthema ×grandiflora (Ramat.) Kitam.] cultivars is reduced or delayed under high temperatures. Identification and rapid selection of heat-tolerant and flowering-heat-delay-insensitive chrysanthemum genotypes for commercial production is desirable. An electrolyte leakage technique was used to measure cell membrane thermostability of chrysanthemum cultivars. The relationship between the relative injury (RI) value occurring in leaf tissue discs and the treatment temperature was sigmoidal. The RI values at the approximate midpoint of the sigmoid response curve occurred at 47 to 53 °C for summer- and fall-flowering cultivars and at 45 to 46 °C treatments for winter- and spring-flowering cultivars. Regressing the delay in days to flowering for the cultivars grown at day/night temperature of 30/25 °C compared with those grown at 20/15 °C versus their associated RI values at 50 °C treatment showed a linear relationship. Reduced RI was more apparent in the heat-tolerant ‘Kaa Luoh-Lii’ than the heat-intolerant ‘Repulse’ after 30/25 °C treatment for 24 to 27 days. When 30/25 and 20/15 °C treatments were compared, the former did not alter leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) content in ‘Kaa Luoh-Lii’ but increased MDA content in ‘Repulse’.
Molecular Identification Keys for Cultivars and Lines of Cornus florida and C. kousa Based on Simple Sequence Repeat Loci
Authors: Wadl Phillip A. , Wang Xinwang , Trigiano Andrew N. , Skinner John A. , Windham Mark T. , Trigiano Robert N. , Rinehart Timothy A. , Reed Sandra M. , Pantalone Vincent R.
Published: January 2019

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and kousa dogwood (C. kousa) are popular ornamental species commonly used in the horticultural industry. Both trees are valued for their beautiful floral display and four-season appeal. Species-specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were used to genotype and assess genetic diversity of 24 flowering dogwood cultivars and breeding lines and 22 kousa dogwood cultivars. Genetic diversity was determined by allele sharing distances and principal coordinate analysis and was high in both species. Molecular identification keys were developed for cultivars and breeding lines of each species using a few polymorphic SSRs loci (four in C. florida and five in C. kousa). Most (18 of 24) of the flowering dogwood and all (22 of 22) kousa dogwood accessions could be distinguished from each other using these SSRs; those that could not were resolved using DNA amplification fingerprinting. The reliability of both keys was assessed using five anonymous cultivars for each dogwood species, which were correctly identified using the molecular keys. The genetic information presented here will be useful for identification and verification of cultivars for nurseries and as molecular markers for breeders and researchers.
Genetic Analysis of Phytophthora Root Rot Race-specific Resistance in Chile Pepper
Authors: Monroy-Barbosa Ariadna , Bosland Paul W.
Published: January 2019

Phytophthora capsici Leon., causal agent of phytophthora root rot, is one of the most devastating pathogens attacking chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants. Many studies have tried to better understand phytophthora resistance, but the genetic behavior is not completely understood. To determine if phytophthora root rot resistance in chile pepper is controlled by multiple alleles at a few loci, or multiple genes at different loci, five recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were evaluated. The resistant accession, Criollo de Morelos-334, and the susceptible cultivar, Early Jalapeno, were hybridized to develop multiple RILs. After seven generations of selfing using the single seed descent method, four RILs were selected based on their phenotypic response to inoculation by five P. capsici isolates. The RILs were hybridized to each other to obtain F1 and F2 populations. The F2 populations were inoculated with single and a pair of races of P. capsici. When the F2 populations were inoculated with a single race, ratios of three resistant:one susceptible were obtained in the majority of the populations, indicating the action of an independent single gene. When the F2 populations were inoculated with a combination of two races, segregation ratios of 15 resistant:one susceptible were observed in two populations out of the four populations. The presence of susceptible individuals in all of the F2 population indicates that the resistant genes for the different P. capsici races are located at different loci. However, the rejection of the segregation ratio in one of the F2 population under a single race inoculation and in two of the F2 populations challenged with a combination of two races suggest a linkage phenomenon between some of the R genes. None of the RILs evaluated in this study displayed allelism for phytophthora root rot resistance.
A Sensory and Chemical Analysis of Fresh Strawberries Over Harvest Dates and Seasons Reveals Factors That Affect Eating Quality
Authors: Jouquand Céline , Chandler Craig , Plotto Anne , Goodner Kevin
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to understand the flavor components of eating quality of several strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) genotypes grown in Florida over two harvest seasons. Five selections and one cultivar of the University of Florida Breeding program as well as two new cultivars from Australia (Rubygem and Sugarbaby) harvested on different dates from the same grower were evaluated by sensory evaluation. Festival, the main strawberry cultivar grown in Florida, had low ratings for flavor and sweetness in January and March. Selection FL 00-51 and ‘Rubygem’ had relatively high and consistent ratings for flavor and sweetness compared with the other selections. Genotypes with low flavor ratings were always judged as “not sweet enough” by the panelists, thus linking flavor to sweetness preference. Instrumental analysis confirmed that typically these selections had low soluble solids content (SSC) and/or high titratable acidity (TA), thus explaining their lack of sweetness. Volatile compounds that varied only quantitatively did not seem to influence the flavor rating except for ‘Sugarbaby’. This cultivar contained between seven and 40 times less total ester content than the other selections and was disliked by panelists despite its high sugar content and perceived sweetness. It was perceived as having an artificial peach- or blueberry-like flavor. A principal component analysis was performed with chemical parameters (SSC, TA, and volatile content) and selections over the two harvest seasons. Chemical composition was mainly influenced by harvest date, except for FL 00-51. This selection maintained high volatile content and SSC throughout the seasons, explaining consistently high flavor ratings.