Collection and evaluation of Hedychium species of Manipur, Northeast India
NE India is considered as one of the centre of diversity of gingers having a total account of 24 species out of the 65 valid species found in the world. Manipur is one of the seven states of NE India with a mere area of 0.7% out of the total area of India. This paper focuses on the distribution, classification and evaluation of Hedychium species collected from Manipur. A total of 11 species were collected, identified and classified based on their morphological characteristics. The species are identified as Hedychium rubrum A.S. Rao et Verma, H. coronarium Koenig, H. chrysoleucum Hook., H. coccineum Buch.-Ham., H. thrysiforme Ker-Gawl., H. flavescens Carey ex Roscoe, H. stenopetalum Lodd., H. urophyllum Lodd., H. marginatum Clarke, H. villosum Wall. and H. elatum R. Brown. Evaluation of its botanical characteristics are also conducted. Analytical hierarchy process method is used in this paper to address the possibility of analysing the potential of these diverse Hedychium resources based on their ornamental, adaptability and utilisation potential which was evaluated on 12 indicator points. H. elatum scored the highest overall index making it the most potential species for sustainable exploitation followed by H. coronarium while H. villosum ranked the lowest.
Collection and evaluation of Primula species of western Sichuan in China
China is known as a major distribution center for the genus Primula, with a total account of 300 species out of the 430 species reported in the world. Western Sichuan is considered as an important area of diversity of Primula, approximately accounting for 40 % of the total found in the country. This paper focused on the distribution, classification, and evaluation of the Primula species collected from western Sichuan. A total of 29 species, four subspecies, and one variety were collected, identified, and classified based on their morphological characteristics. We also discovered some plants with different flower colors within the same species, which may be representative of new forms or ecotypes. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method through 14 indicator points was first used to evaluate the collected Primula resources based on their ornamental value, utilization potential, and ecological adaptability. The results indicated that P. denticulata subsp. sinodenticulata received the highest AHP scores making it the most potential species for sustainable exploitation. In addition, P. chionantha subsp. sinopurpurea, P. szechuanica, P. orbicularis, P. sikkimensis, P. hongshanensis, P. secundiflora, P. sonchifolia, P. polyneura, P. wilsonii, P. palmata, P. poissonii and P. watsonii showed better potential for exploitation than other species. This study also gave some suggestions regarding the protection and utilization of wild Primula resources.
A genetic linkage map of European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) based on RAPD, ISSR and isozyme markers
Abstract A genetic linkage map of European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) based on RAPD, ISSR and isozyme markers was constructed using the two-way pseudo-testcross strategy. A total of 96 individuals from a F1 full-sib family was genotyped with 381 molecular markers (311 RAPDs, 65 ISSRs, 5 isozymes). Markers in testcross configuration, segregating 1:1, were used to establish two separate maternal and paternal maps including 187 and 148 markers, respectively. The markers identified 12 linkage groups based on the haploid number of chestnut. The female and male framework maps reached a total length of 720 and 721 cM (Kosambi), respectively, representing a 76% and 68% coverage of the overall genome. A total of 46 markers, found in intercross configuration, segregating 3:1 and 1:2:1, were used to identify homologous linkage groups between parental maps; out of 12 linkage groups 11 could be joined. RAPD and ISSR markers showed a good and comparable reliability, allowing for the first time the establishment of a saturated linkage map for European chestnut. These maps will be a starting point for studies on the structure, evolution and function of the chestnut genome. Identification of QTLs for adaptive traits in chestnut will be the primary target.