The aim of the present study was to dissect the genetic inheritance and interplay of root, shoot and heading attributes for a better understanding of these traits in crop production. For this, we utilized quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate gene analysis approach using a second filial (F2) population originated from a cross between spring cultivar Cheri and wild barley accession ICB1811...

Tropane alkaloids, especially hyoscyamine (HYO) and scopolamine (SCO), are widely used in medicine for their antispasmodic, anticholinergic, and sedative properties. This study was undertaken to investigate the root and shoot tropane alkaloids production from in vitro shoot tip (as explant) culture of Hyoscyamus niger under different plant growth regulators including auxins (IAA, 2, 4-D, IBA, N...

The shoot apical meristem contains a pool of undifferentiated stem cells and controls initiation of all aerial plant organs. In maize (Zea mays), leaves are formed throughout vegetative development; on transition to floral development, the shoot meristem forms the tassel. Due to the regulated balance between stem cell maintenance and organogenesis, the structure and morphology of the shoot meri...

The effects of copper (Cu) on the yield and Cu uptake of three ecotypes of Elsholtzia splendens and one of Elsholtzia argyi were studied using solution culture. Three Cu concentrations were compared: 0.31 (control), 50 and 100 micromol L(-1). Although E. argyi took up more Cu in the aboveground parts, typical visual symptoms of Cu toxicity appeared when the plants grew in 50 and 100 micromol Cu...

Identification of genes controlling shoot branching is crucial for improving plant architecture and increasing crop yield or biomass. A branching mutant of Chinese fir named "Dugansha" (Cunninghamia lanceolata var. dugan.) has been isolated in our laboratory. We chose the cDNA-AFLP technique and an effective strategy to screen genes that potentially regulate shoot branching in Chinese fir using...

Drought significantly reduces yield of many crop plants including wheat in the world. Identification of wheat genotypes that can thrive on limited water is vital to boost the wheat production of rainfed areas. Forty wheat genotypes were screened for drought tolerance using 0, 7.5, 15 and 22.5% Polyethylene Ethylene Glycol 6000 solutions at PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan ...

In acid soils, Al toxicity and nutrient deficiencies are main constraints for low yield of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). A controlled growth chamber experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of three Al saturations (0.2, 19, and 26%) adjusted by addition of dolomitic lime on growth and nutrient uptake parameters of cacao. Overall, increasing soil Al saturation decreased shoot and root dry w...