Cacao(Theobroma cacao L.)produces the cocoa bean,a major foreign exchange earner for most West African countries and many smallholders’enterprise.Ample production of cacao is however limited by declining yield among ...Cacao(Theobroma cacao L.)produces the cocoa bean,a major foreign exchange earner for most West African countries and many smallholders’enterprise.Ample production of cacao is however limited by declining yield among other factors.This study aimed at determining the correlations of the phenotypic traits that were related to the yield of the cacao genotypes.Nine new cacao hybrids were produced from some high-yielding parents in the research farm of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria,Ibadan and evaluated from 2012 through 2014 in Owena(7°11′N,5°1′E),Ondo state,Nigeria.Analysis of variance,character correlations and path coefficient analysis were used in the analysis of the relationships among the genotypes.Analysis of variance revealed significant(p≤0.05)variations for number of rows,weight of beans per fruit,fresh weight of one bean,weight of one bean after fermentation,pod value,dry bean length,weight of beans(per fruit)after fermentation and pod index.The study concluded that significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations existed among some of the pairs of the fruit and bean characters with one another and with pod index,suggesting that the contribution of these characters is either positive or negative to growth and yield in the cacao genotype,and that fruit and bean traits are determinants of bean yield in cacao.展开更多
Mutagenesis is used for creating new genetic variability in cultivar improvement. Optimal mutagenic treatment is required for effective mutation induction in crop species. Therefore, radio-sensitivity of cowpea access...Mutagenesis is used for creating new genetic variability in cultivar improvement. Optimal mutagenic treatment is required for effective mutation induction in crop species. Therefore, radio-sensitivity of cowpea accessions to gamma irradiation was investigated. Seeds of eight cowpea accessions were irradiated with <sup>60</sup>Co gamma radiation doses of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 Gy. The seeds were sown in pots to evaluate the treatment effects on seed germination (SG), seedling survival (SS) and growth habits of M1 generation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Low rates of SG (10% - 45%) were recorded at higher doses (500 - 400 Gy) in Ife Brown (IB) and its derivatives, whereas high SG rates (74% - 94%) were observed in IT90K-284-2 across all treatments. Percentage SS was inversely related to gamma dosage. A wide range of LD<sub>50</sub> for SG (329 - 1054 Gy) and SS (149 - 620 Gy) were observed across the cowpea accessions. Low LD<sub>50</sub> scores for SG (329 - 516 Gy) and SS (149 - 357 Gy) were observed among cowpea with rough seed coat, whereas cowpea with smooth seed coat recorded higher LD<sub>50</sub> for SG (521 and 1054 Gy) and SS (449 and 620 Gy). Seed germination LD<sub>50</sub> and SS LD<sub>50</sub> were highly correlated with mean coat thickness (0.899 and 0.937) than mean seed weight (0.621 and 0.678). Gamma irradiation of cowpea seed at low dosage (100 Gy) increased the vigor of M<sub>1</sub> seedlings with respect to primary leaf area, terminal leaflet area, seedling height and plant height at six weeks. Doses of 200 Gy and above resulted in a progressive reduction in vigor of plant and seed setting of cowpea. Radio-sensitivity varied with cowpea genotype and was associated with seed testa texture, thickness and seed weight. Low gamma irradiation treatment (100 Gy) may be used to enhance seedling vigor, vegetative growth and yield of cowpea at M<sub>1</sub> generation.展开更多
Genetic diversity evaluation of mutant lines is essential to facilitate their conservation and utility in breeding programs. Characterization of plant genotypes using morphological markers has limitations which make t...Genetic diversity evaluation of mutant lines is essential to facilitate their conservation and utility in breeding programs. Characterization of plant genotypes using morphological markers has limitations which make the procedure inefficient. Application of molecular tools for characterization and diversity assessment has been found useful to complement phenotypic evaluation of plant population. Therefore genetic diversity of some cowpea mutant lines was studied using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. DNA barcoding marker, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase(rbcL) of the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) was also used for characterization and identification of the mutants to species level. The mean polymorphic information content (0.51) obtained from the microsatellites showed high polymorphism in accessing wide genetic diversity among the mutants and their parents. Dendrogram generated revealed 8 groups with most mutants clustered separately from their parents. Sequence analysis revealed insertions/deletions (InDels) and base substitutions as the two main classes of mutations induced in the plastid DNA of the mutants studied. The nucleotide frequencies were 26.95% (A), 34.43% (T), 24.09% (C) and 14.53% (G). A total of 61.38% AT rich region was identified, while GC rich region was found to be 38.62%. Highest rate of mutations were observed in region 3 - 4 indicating that the region is less conserved in cowpea rbcL gene. The present study proved that SSR markers are useful for the genetic diversity assessment of cowpea mutants. It also proved the efficiency of rbcL markers in mutants’ identification. The results indicate that the mutants are valuable genetic resources that have been developed to widen cowpea genetic base.展开更多
In the decades since the first cannabinoids were identified by scientists,research has focused almost exclusively on the function and capacity of cannabinoids asmedicines and intoxicants for humans and other vertebrat...In the decades since the first cannabinoids were identified by scientists,research has focused almost exclusively on the function and capacity of cannabinoids asmedicines and intoxicants for humans and other vertebrates.Very little is knownabout the adaptive value of cannabinoid production,though several hypotheses have been proposed including protection from ultraviolet radiation,pathogens,and herbivores.To test the prediction that genotypeswith greater concentrations of cannabinoidswill have reduced herbivory,a segregating F2 population of Cannabis sativa was leveraged to conduct lab-and field-based bioassays investigating the function of cannabinoids in mediating interactions with chewing herbivores.In the field,foliar cannabinoid concentration was inversely correlated with chewing herbivore damage.On detached leaves,Trichoplusia ni larvae consumed less leaf area and grew less when feeding on leaves with greater concentrations of cannabinoids.Scanning electron and light microscopy were used to characterize variation in glandular trichome morphology.Cannabinoid-free genotypes had trichomes that appeared collapsed.To isolate cannabinoids from confounding factors,artificial insect diet was amended with cannabinoids in a range of physiologically relevant concentrations.Larvae grew less and had lower rates of survival as cannabinoid concentration increased.These results support the hypothesis that cannabinoids function in defense against chewing herbivores.展开更多
Pioneering studies were carried out on red-to-black pigmented grains for brewing beers.Together with pigmented cereals,the use of pulses was also proposed for making low-alcohol,gluten-free beers with improved content...Pioneering studies were carried out on red-to-black pigmented grains for brewing beers.Together with pigmented cereals,the use of pulses was also proposed for making low-alcohol,gluten-free beers with improved contents of health-promoting compounds.So far,a new concept of beer is emerging among scientists,brewers,and consumers by expanding the assortment of conventional beer’s ingredients.Coloured(red,purple,blue,black)cereal grains and legume grains are an untapped resource of functional compounds.each denoting different and complementary beneficial effects on human health.Among others,polyphenols contribute to protect against non-communicable diseases such as hypertension,heart diseases,cancers,diabetes and obesity.In this review,we summarized the improvement in terms of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of beers obtained by using pigmented cereal grains and pulses as raw ingredients versus traditional beers.We examined the influence of these alternative materials on the qualitative properties of the beers.Moreover,we reviewed the contribution of traditional and non-conventional yeasts on the flavour and quality of these new functional beers.Finally,we discussed the use of different and complementary chemical methods for monitoring the composition,organoleptic profile,safety,and authentication issues with the aim to highlight the most promising to protect and promote novel beer products.展开更多
文摘Cacao(Theobroma cacao L.)produces the cocoa bean,a major foreign exchange earner for most West African countries and many smallholders’enterprise.Ample production of cacao is however limited by declining yield among other factors.This study aimed at determining the correlations of the phenotypic traits that were related to the yield of the cacao genotypes.Nine new cacao hybrids were produced from some high-yielding parents in the research farm of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria,Ibadan and evaluated from 2012 through 2014 in Owena(7°11′N,5°1′E),Ondo state,Nigeria.Analysis of variance,character correlations and path coefficient analysis were used in the analysis of the relationships among the genotypes.Analysis of variance revealed significant(p≤0.05)variations for number of rows,weight of beans per fruit,fresh weight of one bean,weight of one bean after fermentation,pod value,dry bean length,weight of beans(per fruit)after fermentation and pod index.The study concluded that significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations existed among some of the pairs of the fruit and bean characters with one another and with pod index,suggesting that the contribution of these characters is either positive or negative to growth and yield in the cacao genotype,and that fruit and bean traits are determinants of bean yield in cacao.
文摘Mutagenesis is used for creating new genetic variability in cultivar improvement. Optimal mutagenic treatment is required for effective mutation induction in crop species. Therefore, radio-sensitivity of cowpea accessions to gamma irradiation was investigated. Seeds of eight cowpea accessions were irradiated with <sup>60</sup>Co gamma radiation doses of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 Gy. The seeds were sown in pots to evaluate the treatment effects on seed germination (SG), seedling survival (SS) and growth habits of M1 generation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Low rates of SG (10% - 45%) were recorded at higher doses (500 - 400 Gy) in Ife Brown (IB) and its derivatives, whereas high SG rates (74% - 94%) were observed in IT90K-284-2 across all treatments. Percentage SS was inversely related to gamma dosage. A wide range of LD<sub>50</sub> for SG (329 - 1054 Gy) and SS (149 - 620 Gy) were observed across the cowpea accessions. Low LD<sub>50</sub> scores for SG (329 - 516 Gy) and SS (149 - 357 Gy) were observed among cowpea with rough seed coat, whereas cowpea with smooth seed coat recorded higher LD<sub>50</sub> for SG (521 and 1054 Gy) and SS (449 and 620 Gy). Seed germination LD<sub>50</sub> and SS LD<sub>50</sub> were highly correlated with mean coat thickness (0.899 and 0.937) than mean seed weight (0.621 and 0.678). Gamma irradiation of cowpea seed at low dosage (100 Gy) increased the vigor of M<sub>1</sub> seedlings with respect to primary leaf area, terminal leaflet area, seedling height and plant height at six weeks. Doses of 200 Gy and above resulted in a progressive reduction in vigor of plant and seed setting of cowpea. Radio-sensitivity varied with cowpea genotype and was associated with seed testa texture, thickness and seed weight. Low gamma irradiation treatment (100 Gy) may be used to enhance seedling vigor, vegetative growth and yield of cowpea at M<sub>1</sub> generation.
文摘Genetic diversity evaluation of mutant lines is essential to facilitate their conservation and utility in breeding programs. Characterization of plant genotypes using morphological markers has limitations which make the procedure inefficient. Application of molecular tools for characterization and diversity assessment has been found useful to complement phenotypic evaluation of plant population. Therefore genetic diversity of some cowpea mutant lines was studied using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. DNA barcoding marker, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase(rbcL) of the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) was also used for characterization and identification of the mutants to species level. The mean polymorphic information content (0.51) obtained from the microsatellites showed high polymorphism in accessing wide genetic diversity among the mutants and their parents. Dendrogram generated revealed 8 groups with most mutants clustered separately from their parents. Sequence analysis revealed insertions/deletions (InDels) and base substitutions as the two main classes of mutations induced in the plastid DNA of the mutants studied. The nucleotide frequencies were 26.95% (A), 34.43% (T), 24.09% (C) and 14.53% (G). A total of 61.38% AT rich region was identified, while GC rich region was found to be 38.62%. Highest rate of mutations were observed in region 3 - 4 indicating that the region is less conserved in cowpea rbcL gene. The present study proved that SSR markers are useful for the genetic diversity assessment of cowpea mutants. It also proved the efficiency of rbcL markers in mutants’ identification. The results indicate that the mutants are valuable genetic resources that have been developed to widen cowpea genetic base.
文摘In the decades since the first cannabinoids were identified by scientists,research has focused almost exclusively on the function and capacity of cannabinoids asmedicines and intoxicants for humans and other vertebrates.Very little is knownabout the adaptive value of cannabinoid production,though several hypotheses have been proposed including protection from ultraviolet radiation,pathogens,and herbivores.To test the prediction that genotypeswith greater concentrations of cannabinoidswill have reduced herbivory,a segregating F2 population of Cannabis sativa was leveraged to conduct lab-and field-based bioassays investigating the function of cannabinoids in mediating interactions with chewing herbivores.In the field,foliar cannabinoid concentration was inversely correlated with chewing herbivore damage.On detached leaves,Trichoplusia ni larvae consumed less leaf area and grew less when feeding on leaves with greater concentrations of cannabinoids.Scanning electron and light microscopy were used to characterize variation in glandular trichome morphology.Cannabinoid-free genotypes had trichomes that appeared collapsed.To isolate cannabinoids from confounding factors,artificial insect diet was amended with cannabinoids in a range of physiologically relevant concentrations.Larvae grew less and had lower rates of survival as cannabinoid concentration increased.These results support the hypothesis that cannabinoids function in defense against chewing herbivores.
文摘Pioneering studies were carried out on red-to-black pigmented grains for brewing beers.Together with pigmented cereals,the use of pulses was also proposed for making low-alcohol,gluten-free beers with improved contents of health-promoting compounds.So far,a new concept of beer is emerging among scientists,brewers,and consumers by expanding the assortment of conventional beer’s ingredients.Coloured(red,purple,blue,black)cereal grains and legume grains are an untapped resource of functional compounds.each denoting different and complementary beneficial effects on human health.Among others,polyphenols contribute to protect against non-communicable diseases such as hypertension,heart diseases,cancers,diabetes and obesity.In this review,we summarized the improvement in terms of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of beers obtained by using pigmented cereal grains and pulses as raw ingredients versus traditional beers.We examined the influence of these alternative materials on the qualitative properties of the beers.Moreover,we reviewed the contribution of traditional and non-conventional yeasts on the flavour and quality of these new functional beers.Finally,we discussed the use of different and complementary chemical methods for monitoring the composition,organoleptic profile,safety,and authentication issues with the aim to highlight the most promising to protect and promote novel beer products.
