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Background: Garlic belongs to the largest monocot genus, Allium, comprising different species known for their use as spices and medicinal plants. It ranks second in volume and area of production among the Allium species, next to onoin. The Philippines is renowned for garlic varieties with a strong and pungent odour observed in the seven accessions registered at the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC), Department of Agriculture, Philippines. Morphological, phytochemical and molecular characterization of the different garlic varieties would provide baseline information important to the identification of the registered varieties, their conservation and improvement. Methods: Physiologically mature and disease-free NSIC-registered garlic accessions were characterized and evaluated at the Institute of Crop Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños. The bulbs were separated from each other and planted in a homogenous field. Morphological characterization was done from the vegetative stage until bulb harvesting using an Allium spp. descriptor list. The mature bulbs of each accession were screened for phytochemicals and alliin content. SSR markers were used to fingerprint the eight garlic accessions. Result: Qualitative characters showed low diversity (H’ = 0.22), while quantitative characters had intermediate diversity (H’= 0.51). Identical phytochemicals, flavonoids and phenols, were detected across all the garlic accessions. Despite this, alliin content varied considerably with Bang-ar and Mindoro having the highest (37.70±0.70 mg/g) and lowest (17.22±0.68 mg/g) alliin contents, respectively. Only one SSR primer, ASA-24, showed polymorphic bands that can discriminate Batanes White and MMSU Gem from the other NSIC-registered garlic varieties.

An objective method to establish apex and base type descriptor states is proposed using elliptic Fourier descriptors derived from appropriately segmented images. Using pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) kernel-in-shell apex as a model, 51 pili accessions represented by 10 kernel-in-shell images per accession were acquired using a calibrated VideometerLab3 setup. An appropriate segmentation scheme was applied by developing an algorithm that would segment blobs that cover only the apical region (upper 25%) of the closed contours using OpenCV implemented in Python 3.7. From the segmented blobs, elliptic Fourier descriptors (EFDs) were derived. Subsequently, the EFDs were analyzed using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Two effective principal components were able to explain 94.18% of the variation which were visualized to show differences involving length to width ratio, apex angle and left-to-right leaning orientation of the segmented images. Although a single apex shape was observed, mean EFDs of three clusters were able to represent three apex type descriptor states-narrowly acute, acute and widely acute. This indicated that elliptic Fourier analysis can characterize variations in the apical regions, particularly apex shape and angle, given the proper segmentation protocol.

Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps seeds have anthelmintic properties and are recognized to be medicinal; however, the array of their morphological characters, behavior in storage, and germination pattern are not yet established. This is the first detailed report elucidating the seed characteristics of C. indicum which may influence postharvest handling, longevity in storage, and conservation strategy among others. Seeds of 10 C. indicum accessions from the Philippine Biorepository Network were morphologically characterized in situ and ex situ. Previously stored seeds were subjected to desiccation and cold treatments to identify behavior in storage. Germination tests were conducted to identify the viability of the seeds in the various treatments, and seedling development was recorded and framed according to the extended Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. C. indicum seed shape ranged from elliptic to ovate with stellate, five-winged, angular cross-section. It has 16.30 ± 3.06 mm length and 6.62 ± 0.75 mm diameter. Its morphological characters were found to characteristically vary between accessions indicating infraspecific diversity. Its seeds are orthodox as they could tolerate drying to about 1.65% moisture content and subsequent storage in − 18 °C for 60 days. Days to seed germination ranged from 5 to 44 days after sowing. It has a hemi-cryptocotylar hypogeal germination pattern which starts with the characteristic emergence of the radicle at the stylar-end (BBCH 05) and distinctly culminates in the unfolding of a pair of leaves arranged in an opposite to sub-opposite manner (BBCH 11).

Background: Seed characteristics of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam., an indigenous medicinal plant species from the Philippines, were investigated to help identify appropriate conservation strategies. Methods: Mature seeds were tested for viability at different dormancy-breaking treatments and storage conditions. Seeds were also characterized morphologically and the seedling developmental pattern was established using the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. We also determined the preliminary chemical composition through qualitative phytochemical screening and proximate analysis. Result: Seeds of T. pandacaqui are obovate in shape with a 1000-seed weight of 20.99±0.62 g at 4.7% moisture content. Removal of the aril from the fresh seeds improved germination from 30%±0.98 to 84%±0.71 and shortened the time to seedling emergence from 45 days to 4 days after sowing. The seeds can tolerate drying to 4.7% moisture content and storage at -10°C for 3 months; thus, they have orthodox storage behavior. The germination pattern is epigeal phanerocotylar type, wherein the foliaceous cotyledons are raised (BBCH 09) and unfolded above the soil surface (BBCH 10). The seedling then develops an ovate to elliptic-shaped first true pair of leaves (BBCH 12) completing the germination process. The pre-dried seeds also have a high oil content of 28.7407±0.09316% with a strong presence of alkaloids and saponins. This indicates that the seed is amenable to ex-situ conservation through seedbanking, but its viability must be monitored in shorter intervals due to its high oil content.

In the Philippines, Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps is a native crop important for medicinal and ornamental purposes. Despite its importance in the country, there had been no attempts to elucidate its intraspecific variation. In-situ and ex-situ characterization were done in 15 C. indicum accessions from the collection of the Philippine Biorepository Network (for medicinal plants). The accessions were then planted in the field at three replicates and grown for 12 months at the Institute of Crop Science (ICropS), University of the Philippines Los Banos. Eleven quantitative characters were measured, and 24 qualitative characters were observed. Four distinct floral morphotypes potentially correlated to the ability to bear seeds in situ and ex situ have been identified. The first morphotype can be delineated in terms of the pin type stigmatic position respective to the anther, explicative petal ptyxis, and abaxial petal color. The second morphotype bears the longest flowers and largest petals with a level stigmatic position, while the third morphotype bears the shortest villous thrum-type flowers. The fourth morphotype is the only morphotype capable of producing staminoid petals. Out of the four floral morphotypes, only the first morphotype was observed to have high fecundity in situ and ex situ which indicates potential higher utility as a medicinal plant in the Philippines. This is the first detailed report on the intraspecific variation of C. indicum.

Philippine pigmented traditional rice varieties (TRVs) offer potential novel genes for genetic improvement. In this study, forty-three pigmented traditional rice varieties (TRVs) from Region X, XII and XIII in Mindanao were evaluated using 47 agromorphological (22 qualitative and 25 quantitative) traits, grain chemical properties, disease reaction, insect pests, and 64 SSR markers. The standardized Shannon–Weaver diversity index for phenotypic diversity averaged at 0.30 for qualitative and 0.88 for quantitative traits. Desirable traits observed in the TRVs include erect flag leaf, pubescent leaf blade, and strong culm for lodging resistance. Three TRVs, Malagkit (CollNo. 4555), Dinorado (CollNo. 11071), and Canayo (CollNo. 12794) showed resistance to blast. While Kabuyok (CollNo. 1091), Kabuyog (CollNo. 11052), Dinorado (CollNo. 12786), Lubang (Red) (CollNo. 4541), Manganahaw (CollNo. 4570), Palawenyo (CollNo. 6361), Boringan (CollNo. 4291), Mixture from Kabuyok (CollNo. 11070) and Mimis (CollNo. 1092) recorded intermediate resistance to whiteheads. Tapul (CollNo. 5156) was identified to have blast resistance with desirable grain chemical properties: intermediate amylose content, low gelatinization temperature and medium cooked rice. The PIC values revealed that RM26550, RM28166, RM10665, RM27492 and RM23251 could be the best markers for genetic diversity estimation of these TRVs. The diversity at gene level showed average of 3.48 alleles ranging from 2 to 11 per locus. Mean gene diversity (H) value for all SSR loci was at 0.34, indicates moderate genetic diversity of TRVs used in the study. These pigmented TRVs can be tapped for pests/diseases resistance, and grain quality research, direct utilization or as parents in specific breeding purposes.

The study screened the putative viral RNA sequences in the cDNA library of Japanese primrose, and conducted a molecular approach in determining its presence in selected Primula sieboldii accessions showing characteristic viral symptoms. Three putatively viral non-homologous sequence groups of RNA were identified; however, coding for different proteins representing a complete virus structure, it was determined to be singly originating from Cycas necrotic stunt virus (CNSV). Subsequently, sequence-specific primers were customised based from the non-homologous-sequence groups; however, amplification data showed no association between the presence of the putative viral RNA sequences and the identified characteristic virus symptoms. Despite this, amplification of the three non-homologous sequences is fully correlated. Thus, Japanese primrose was potentially identified as an alternate host of CNSV.

A systematic method for determining colour descriptor states using image analysis is proposed using pili (Canarium ovatum) as a model. Kernel images of 52 pili accessions from the core collection of the Institute of Crop Science and National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, University of the Philippines Los Baños were captured using a calibrated VideometerLab 3 setup. Colour descriptor states were derived from the average International Commission on Illumination lightness (L*), green–red (a*) and blue–yellow (b*) colour component values. Cluster analysis and subsequent colour-parameter averaging per cluster were performed to produce representative colour values of descriptor states. The Euclidian distance (Delta E) of 3.5 was used to cut the cluster into readily distinguishable colour differences resulting to three descriptor states – light brown, brown and dark brown. Continuous colour variation of brown colour was observed indicating a possible quantitative nature of the trait. The use of delta E in elucidating the descriptor lists served as a gauge in successfully identifying distinguishable variations between colours. The method described can be applied to the elucidation of colour descriptor states of all parts of the plant of all crop species.

Flower colour variegation is characteristic symptom of viral infections in ornamentals such in the case of camellia, tulip, petunia, and daffodil. This is also seen in different cultivars of Japanese primrose like ‘Shichikenjin’, ‘Sotorihime’ and ‘Isaribi’, signifying a possible viral origin. Putative viral RNA sequences were first identified in the Primula sieboldii databases. Total RNA was then isolated and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was done using virus-specific primers to identify the association between the presence of putative viral RNA sequences and flower colour variegation. Five putative viral RNA homologous sequence groups were identified, with a possible virus identity of Cycas necrotic stunt virus, Lettuce big-vein associated virus and Rosa multiflora cryptic virus. Results showed that instances of amplifications were seen in both variegated and non-variegated within and across cultivars denoting the presence of putative viral RNA and a possible viral morbidity in the amplified cultivars. Instances wherein amplification of non-variegated flowers, while no amplification of variegated flowers within the same cultivar were also observed. Variegated plants of cultivars which had variegated and non-variegated flowers had a weak correlation. Thus, no definite association could be deduced from the presence of putative viral RNA and flower colour variegation. It is also recommended that flower tissue should be used for gene expression analysis to avoid error in differential gene expression.