Articles
Leaf pubescence – an early identification key of Actinidia species and plant gender
Article number
1444_8
Pages
55 – 62
Language
English
Abstract
Since 1993, a kiwifruit breeding program has been conducted at the Faculty of Horticulture within the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, with the aim of selecting valuable hybrid genotypes obtained through intra- and interspecific crossovers.
During the selection process, different genotypes showed distinct morphological features that have been used for their characterization.
For easier identification of the species’ influence on the hybrids’ morphology and the hybrids’ gender, we attempted to create an identification key using leaf pubescence.
A stereo microscope equipped with a digital camera and specialized software was used to analyze the abaxial surface of the leaf.
The number of radiating branches per stellate hair, the stellate hair density, expressed as the average number of stellate hairs per square millimeter, and the average length of a stellate hair radiating branch were measured.
Based on our own research related to the morphology and some measurable parameters of the stellate hair that form the leaf pubescence in kiwifruit vines (Actinidia sp.), it is possible to determine the plant species and gender.
This research holds practical importance for the selection of kiwifruit hybrids in the breeding process, contributing to the characterization and identification of the new genotypes.
Further observations are needed regarding the leaf pubescence morphology of different Actinidia species under varying weather conditions and in different geographical areas.
During the selection process, different genotypes showed distinct morphological features that have been used for their characterization.
For easier identification of the species’ influence on the hybrids’ morphology and the hybrids’ gender, we attempted to create an identification key using leaf pubescence.
A stereo microscope equipped with a digital camera and specialized software was used to analyze the abaxial surface of the leaf.
The number of radiating branches per stellate hair, the stellate hair density, expressed as the average number of stellate hairs per square millimeter, and the average length of a stellate hair radiating branch were measured.
Based on our own research related to the morphology and some measurable parameters of the stellate hair that form the leaf pubescence in kiwifruit vines (Actinidia sp.), it is possible to determine the plant species and gender.
This research holds practical importance for the selection of kiwifruit hybrids in the breeding process, contributing to the characterization and identification of the new genotypes.
Further observations are needed regarding the leaf pubescence morphology of different Actinidia species under varying weather conditions and in different geographical areas.
Authors
L.M. Udrea Iliescu, F. Stănică
Keywords
breeding programs, leaf morphology, kiwifruit selection, stereo microscope, stellate hairs
Groups involved
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Division Plant-Environment Interactions in Field Systems
- Division Horticulture for Human Health
- Working Group Vaccinium Species and Management
- Working Group Rubus and Ribes Species and Management
- Working Group Kiwifruit Culture and Management
- Working Group Strawberry Culture and Management
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