Heteroblastic development and pheno-responses in populations of Acalypha crenata and A. fimbriata from Nigeria
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Date
2011
Authors
Kadiri, A. B.
Olowokudejo, J. D.
Ogundipe, O.T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elewa Biosciences
Abstract
Two fundamental biological phenomena of seedling development and pheno-responses were investigated in Acalypha crenata and A. fimbriata. Cotyledon features were identical in the two species. The leaf showed heteroblastic changes with eophyll serving as interface for cotyledon and metaphyll for morphological traits. The phenotypic responses varied from one area of growth to the other. Adult plants showed vegetative and reproductive qualitative features that were analogous, quantitative characteristics varied among populations. Phenotypic stability level was 90-100% for plant height and inflorescence length whereas it was 10-45% for leaf size and petiole length. Reproductive characters were most stable. Generic grouping of the species would be adequate, based on similarities in seedling traits. Plant taxonomists can employ the approach in proffering solution to taxonomic intricacies and weed scientists will recognise the plants in the juvenile stage.
Description
Keywords
Seedling development , pheno-responses , Acalypha crenata , A. fimbriata , Nigeria
Citation
Kadiri, A. B. Olowokudejo, J. D. Ogundipe, O. T. (2011). Heteroblastic development and pheno-responses in populations of Acalypha crenata and A. fimbriata from Nigeria. Journal of Applied Biosciences 37(2): 77-79