Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Molecular versus morphological markers to describe variability in sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) for germplasm management and conservation
Get PDFSugarcane is one of the most important industrial crops in tropical and subtropical regions. INTA (Argentina) administrates a Sugarcane Germplasm Bank and carries out a breeding program. The current study was designed to assess the phenotypic and genetic diversity among 65 sugarcane accessions selected from the INTA. Clustering and ordination methods based on quantitative and qualitative morphological traits and SSR data were applied. Generalized Procrustes Analysis allowed evaluating the correlation between relationships established with both markers A good of fit between dendrograms and similarity matrices were revealed by high cophenetic coefficients (r=0.82, p<0.0001; r=0.73, p<0.0001; r=0.82, p<0.0001 for phenotypic quantitative, phenotypic qualitative and molecular data respectively). The presence of different reliable population structure was observed when considering different data sources. Procrustes allowed finding those accessions that should have been responsible for the low correlation found between the individual configurations (73%). Both morphologic and molecular markers resulted discriminative enough to differentiate among accessions. It was not possible, however, to correlate associations of markers with the origin of materials. Phenotypic and genetic distances based on morphology and molecular information serves to assist conservation and organization of collection of materials, and the choice of parent combinations for breeding purposes.
Highlights
Although both morphologic and molecular markers resulted discriminative enough to differentiate among sugarcane accessions, it was not possible to correlate associations of markers with the origin of materials.
The large number of pair-wise similarity coefficients with intermediate values determined a rather small number of nodes in clustering, which, reflects the near genetic origin of most of the materials investigated.
Diversity detected for morphological descriptors is expected since they are not usually subjected to selection inbreeding.Sugarcane is one of the most important industrial crops in tropical and subtropical regions. INTA (Argentina) administrates a Sugarcane Germplasm Bank and carries out a breeding program. The current study was designed to assess the phenotypic and genetic diversity among 65 sugarcane accessions selected from the INTA. Clustering and ordination methods based on quantitative and qualitative morphological traits and SSR data were applied. Generalized Procrustes Analysis allowed evaluating the correlation between relationships established with both markers A good of fit between dendrograms and similarity matrices were revealed by high cophenetic coefficients (r=0.82, p<0.0001; r=0.73, p<0.0001; r=0.82, p<0.0001 for phenotypic quantitative, phenotypic qualitative and molecular data respectively). The presence of different reliable population structure was observed when considering different data sources. Procrustes allowed finding those accessions that should have been responsible for the low correlation found between the individual configurations (73%). Both morphologic and molecular markers resulted discriminative enough to differentiate among accessions. It was not possible, however, to correlate associations of markers with the origin of materials. Phenotypic and genetic distances based on morphology and molecular information serves to assist conservation and organization of collection of materials, and the choice of parent combinations for breeding purposes.
Highlights
Although both morphologic and molecular markers resulted discriminative enough to differentiate among sugarcane accessions, it was not possible to correlate associations of markers with the origin of materials.
The large number of pair-wise similarity coefficients with intermediate values determined a rather small number of nodes in clustering, which, reflects the near genetic origin of most of the materials investigated.
Diversity detected for morphological descriptors is expected since they are not usually subjected to selection inbreeding
The need for extra-agrarian peasant strategies as a means of survival in marginal rural communities in Mexico
Get PDFThe Mexican agrarian sector is currently facing a series of structural problems that have a direct impact on the potential of agricultural activities that provide rural families with food and economic livelihoods, particularly to those living in marginal rural commu- nities. A total of 132 interviews were conducted with farmers from marginal commu- nities in central Mexico. From the total, 64.2% had decreased their agricultural activity in order to engage in other activities and increase their income. Ninety-four percent (94.7%) of families spend between 50 and 100% of their income on food. The binomial logit model determined that there was a 95.4% probability of a family member securing employment outside the peasant production unit. Despite this, family income does not cover basic requirements satisfactorily. In the current context, peasants are subjected to food poverty and income instability. As a result, they look for livelihood options outside the agricultural activities that only allow them to subsist. It is highly probable that peasant families will continue to implement a variety of survival strategies with increasing frequency, to the detriment of Mexican family units and rural communities.
Highlights
The structural reforms conducted in the Mexican agrarian sector put at risk the life opportunities of small farmers.
Peasants in marginal rural communities are forced to design survival strategies beyond agricultural activities.
Factors related to the structure of the production unit, the characteristics of the head of the family, the production and destination of basic grains, and the government support payments, influence the probability of seeking employment outside the production unit.
Complementary activities outside the peasant production unit do not enable small farmers to meet their food and other basic needs satisfactorily.
It is necessary to advance in the design of more flexible and democratic public support schemes to address the specific problems presented by Mexican small farmers and peasants.The Mexican agrarian sector is currently facing a series of structural problems that have a direct impact on the potential of agricultural activities that provide rural families with food and economic livelihoods, particularly to those living in marginal rural commu- nities. A total of 132 interviews were conducted with farmers from marginal commu- nities in central Mexico. From the total, 64.2% had decreased their agricultural activity in order to engage in other activities and increase their income. Ninety-four percent (94.7%) of families spend between 50 and 100% of their income on food. The binomial logit model determined that there was a 95.4% probability of a family member securing employment outside the peasant production unit. Despite this, family income does not cover basic requirements satisfactorily. In the current context, peasants are subjected to food poverty and income instability. As a result, they look for livelihood options outside the agricultural activities that only allow them to subsist. It is highly probable that peasant families will continue to implement a variety of survival strategies with increasing frequency, to the detriment of Mexican family units and rural communities.
Highlights
The structural reforms conducted in the Mexican agrarian sector put at risk the life opportunities of small farmers.
Peasants in marginal rural communities are forced to design survival strategies beyond agricultural activities.
Factors related to the structure of the production unit, the characteristics of the head of the family, the production and destination of basic grains, and the government support payments, influence the probability of seeking employment outside the production unit.
Complementary activities outside the peasant production unit do not enable small farmers to meet their food and other basic needs satisfactorily.
It is necessary to advance in the design of more flexible and democratic public support schemes to address the specific problems presented by Mexican small farmers and peasants
Evaluation of pumpkin flour (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) added as a meat extender in Frankfurt-type sausages
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of Frankfurt sausages made with pumpkin flour (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) (PF), as an extender substance and a partial replacement for wheat flour (Triticum aestivum L.) (WF). Three formulations with PF substitutions were evaluated: 10, 20 and 30%, along with a control formulation without substitution. The measured parameters included proximal composition, emulsion stability, water activity, water holding capacity, cooking loss, color and texture profile. Results showed that emulsion stability was not affected when substitution reached 20%, while the water holding capacity of the sausages increased by 3.81% when the 10% PF substitution was tested. Water activity, pH and cooking losses did not vary when the addition was 20% PF. The highest protein values were measured on the 20% substitution. Results showed that up to 20% WF replacement with PF guaranteed good quality sausages, resulting in a new possible development for the meat industry.
Highlights
Pumpkin flour was used as a partial substitute for wheat flour in Frankfurt-typesausages.
The sausages made with the addition of pumpkin flour presented very good physicochemical, textural and color parameters.
A sausage with good water holding capacity and low cooking losses was obtained.
It is possible to replace up to 20% of the wheat flour with pumpkin flour without affecting the characteristics of the emulsion.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of Frankfurt sausages made with pumpkin flour (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) (PF), as an extender substance and a partial replacement for wheat flour (Triticum aestivum L.) (WF). Three formulations with PF substitutions were evaluated: 10, 20 and 30%, along with a control formulation without substitution. The measured parameters included proximal composition, emulsion stability, water activity, water holding capacity, cooking loss, color and texture profile. Results showed that emulsion stability was not affected when substitution reached 20%, while the water holding capacity of the sausages increased by 3.81% when the 10% PF substitution was tested. Water activity, pH and cooking losses did not vary when the addition was 20% PF. The highest protein values were measured on the 20% substitution. Results showed that up to 20% WF replacement with PF guaranteed good quality sausages, resulting in a new possible development for the meat industry.
Highlights
Pumpkin flour was used as a partial substitute for wheat flour in Frankfurt-typesausages.
The sausages made with the addition of pumpkin flour presented very good physicochemical, textural and color parameters.
A sausage with good water holding capacity and low cooking losses was obtained.
It is possible to replace up to 20% of the wheat flour with pumpkin flour without affecting the characteristics of the emulsion
Spatial and temporal synchronicity in the phenological events of Prosopis flexuosa in the Central Monte Desert
Get PDFSome desert plant species are capable of using underground water and are therefore independent of rainfall events. Species of the genus Prosopis are thought to be facultative phreatophytes, since they have deep and shallow roots that allow them explore water from underground layers and from sub-surface soil horizons. We created a seven-year series of phenological data in order to make comparisons between two natural Reserves of Mendoza province (Ñacuñán and Telteca) with different rainfall regimes and accessi-bility of Prosopis flexuosa trees to water. Percentage of trees in each phenological phase, date of maximum expression, and intensity of each phenological phase were recorded. We found that the trees had a similar date for leafing and flowering across years and sites, even with very different rainfall regimes. However, pod maturation dates varied significantly, ocurring 37 days sooner in Telteca. A second peak of leaves and flowers were recorded at both sites, being highly variable and non-synchronous in most cases, suggesting a quick response to rainfall events. The ability of P. flexuosa to respond to unpredictable rainfall pulses could be an important adaptation to keep ecosystem services functioning, even though associated pollinators and seed dispersers could get decoupled from changes in phenological events.Some desert plant species are capable of using underground water and are therefore independent of rainfall events. Species of the genus Prosopis are thought to be facultative phreatophytes, since they have deep and shallow roots that allow them explore water from underground layers and from sub-surface soil horizons. We created a seven-year series of phenological data in order to make comparisons between two natural Reserves of Mendoza province (Ñacuñán and Telteca) with different rainfall regimes and accessi-bility of Prosopis flexuosa trees to water. Percentage of trees in each phenological phase, date of maximum expression, and intensity of each phenological phase were recorded. We found that the trees had a similar date for leafing and flowering across years and sites, even with very different rainfall regimes. However, pod maturation dates varied significantly, ocurring 37 days sooner in Telteca. A second peak of leaves and flowers were recorded at both sites, being highly variable and non-synchronous in most cases, suggesting a quick response to rainfall events. The ability of P. flexuosa to respond to unpredictable rainfall pulses could be an important adaptation to keep ecosystem services functioning, even though associated pollinators and seed dispersers could get decoupled from changes in phenological events
Monitoring vegetation using remote sensing time series data: a review of the period 1996-2017
Get PDFAnalyzing time series data with remote sensing provides a better understanding of vegetation dynamics, since previous conditions and changes that have occurred over a given period are known. The objective of this paper was to analyze the current status and recent advances in the use of time series data obtained from remote sensors for vegetation monitoring. A systematic search of scientific papers was performed and 167 papers were found, published during the period 1996 to 2017. No significant difference in the amount of years analyzed was found between time series analyzed with a single sensor and those analyzed with a combination of several sensors (i.e. Landsat and SPOT, Landsat and Sentinel, among others). However, the combination of data from different sensors (fusion of images) can improve the quality of the results. Specialattention must also be given to the fusion of optical and radar data, since this offers more unique spectral and structural information for land cover and land use assessments.
Highlights
Remote sensing provides a better understanding of vegetation dynamics.
The number of vegetation monitoring papers published using time series data are becoming more frequent.
The fusion of Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellite data shows great potential for timely monitoring of rapid changes.
The fusion of optical and radar data points to a new trend in remote sensing, including the use of geospatial open data sources.Analyzing time series data with remote sensing provides a better understanding of vegetation dynamics, since previous conditions and changes that have occurred over a given period are known. The objective of this paper was to analyze the current status and recent advances in the use of time series data obtained from remote sensors for vegetation monitoring. A systematic search of scientific papers was performed and 167 papers were found, published during the period 1996 to 2017. No significant difference in the amount of years analyzed was found between time series analyzed with a single sensor and those analyzed with a combination of several sensors (i.e. Landsat and SPOT, Landsat and Sentinel, among others). However, the combination of data from different sensors (fusion of images) can improve the quality of the results. Specialattention must also be given to the fusion of optical and radar data, since this offers more unique spectral and structural information for land cover and land use assessments.
Highlights
Remote sensing provides a better understanding of vegetation dynamics.
The number of vegetation monitoring papers published using time series data are becoming more frequent.
The fusion of Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellite data shows great potential for timely monitoring of rapid changes.
The fusion of optical and radar data points to a new trend in remote sensing, including the use of geospatial open data sources
Body condition index in breeding black iguana females (Ctenosaura pectinata) in captivity
Get PDFThe body condition index is a measure that attempts to describe energy storage compared to body length. This research was carried out with the aim of obtaining a body condition index in Ctenosaura pectinata. We used 40 adult females distributed between two groups. The iguanas were fed with four types of commercial food. They were also weighed in grams, their body lengths were measured in centimeters (total, snout-vent and head), body diameters were measured in centimeters (tail base, hip, leg, and pelvis) and body volume was measured in milliliters. Descriptive statistics were performed and variables were checked for normality. A Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to identify any related variables. A body condition index classification was obtained from the mean value and standard deviation (I: 2S-µ, II: S-µ, III: µ+S and IV: µ+2S) and a prediction equation for volume was obtained by Stepwise analysis. The body conditionindex turned to be highly accurate (r=0.98, pË‚0.0001). A body condition index classification in black iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) was established, which will be useful for monitoring the body reserves of the species.
Highlights:
Body condition is a method to evaluate the reserves of animal fat tissues in their productive and reproductive states.
In reptiles body conditions affects the females survival, egg size, and brood size, but it is not known in black iguana due to lack of information.
Reproductive females black iguana classified as I (lean) and IV (excessively corpulent) presented non-reproductive conditions in captive condition.The body condition index is a measure that attempts to describe energy storage compared to body length. This research was carried out with the aim of obtaining a body condition index in Ctenosaura pectinata. We used 40 adult females distributed between two groups. The iguanas were fed with four types of commercial food. They were also weighed in grams, their body lengths were measured in centimeters (total, snout-vent and head), body diameters were measured in centimeters (tail base, hip, leg, and pelvis) and body volume was measured in milliliters. Descriptive statistics were performed and variables were checked for normality. A Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to identify any related variables. A body condition index classification was obtained from the mean value and standard deviation (I: 2S-µ, II: S-µ, III: µ+S and IV: µ+2S) and a prediction equation for volume was obtained by Stepwise analysis. The body conditionindex turned to be highly accurate (r=0.98, pË‚0.0001). A body condition index classification in black iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) was established, which will be useful for monitoring the body reserves of the species.
Highlights:
Body condition is a method to evaluate the reserves of animal fat tissues in their productive and reproductive states.
In reptiles body conditions affects the females survival, egg size, and brood size, but it is not known in black iguana due to lack of information.
Reproductive females black iguana classified as I (lean) and IV (excessively corpulent) presented non-reproductive conditions in captive condition
Opuntia ellisiana Griffiths as livestock feed in areas similar to USDA cold hardiness zones 6-7
Get PDFThe present review compiles the studies carried out so far on Opuntia ellisiana Griffiths. This species, of unknown origin, was first described at the beginning of the 20th century in southern Texas, USA, and introduced to Argentina in 1998. This species, like other Opuntia sps., can be cultivated in a wide range of environments and its lower transpiration per unit of carbon gained in relation to C3 and C4, has lead to in an important increase in water-use efficiency. While O. ellisiana has a lower growth and productivity than O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill. it stands out for its resistance to sub-zero temperatures. Fortunately, the intraspecies variation within O. ellisiana, shortens the time for its use after establishment. There is a wide variation in the nutrient content between the different forage species and clones of Opuntia. Due to the inherently low N availability in arid ecosystems, O. ellisiana, like the other species, has low protein content in natural unfertilized conditions. Some efforts, as the use of N-fertilizer, have been carried out to improve its protein level. About 15% protein levels have been obtained with other Opuntias. Other research has been directed to provide a favorable abiotic environment for a cactus to achieve higher biomass productivity and improved protein levels by interacting with nurse plants, such as Prosopis sps. The last alternative resulted in a significant increase in protein content and cladode quantity per plant of O. ellisiana.The present review compiles the studies carried out so far on Opuntia ellisiana Griffiths. This species, of unknown origin, was first described at the beginning of the 20th century in southern Texas, USA, and introduced to Argentina in 1998. This species, like other Opuntia sps., can be cultivated in a wide range of environments and its lower transpiration per unit of carbon gained in relation to C3 and C4, has lead to in an important increase in water-use efficiency. While O. ellisiana has a lower growth and productivity than O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill. it stands out for its resistance to sub-zero temperatures. Fortunately, the intraspecies variation within O. ellisiana, shortens the time for its use after establishment. There is a wide variation in the nutrient content between the different forage species and clones of Opuntia. Due to the inherently low N availability in arid ecosystems, O. ellisiana, like the other species, has low protein content in natural unfertilized conditions. Some efforts, as the use of N-fertilizer, have been carried out to improve its protein level. About 15% protein levels have been obtained with other Opuntias. Other research has been directed to provide a favorable abiotic environment for a cactus to achieve higher biomass productivity and improved protein levels by interacting with nurse plants, such as Prosopis sps. The last alternative resulted in a significant increase in protein content and cladode quantity per plant of O. ellisiana
Water permits and concessions for irrigation in Argentina. Status quaestionis and trends in comparative perspective
Get PDFThe article analyzes permits and concession granting water rights for irrigation in the various provincial legal frameworks of Argentina. The study was structured in the light of four dimensions concerning the conditions for the access and subsistence of water rights for irrigation granted by permits and concessions; 1) ownership of the property to be irrigated; 2) the term; 3) rights forfeiture for the lack of use; and 4) the water right attachment to the property. From a comparative analysis of the regulation some trends and findings arise.
Highlights
Most of the provinces provide for granting the water right to person other than the landowner, showing a trend towards flexibility in this variable.
Establishing reasonable terms to water rights is valued as very positive or positive, while excessive terms –long or short- are considered negative very negative.
Short term forfeiture for lack of use entails a strong promotion of production, something that prevent from keeping idle flows of water and speculation.
Appurtenance is considered a positive element, but it is more positive when developed together with mechanisms that allow flexibility so as to allow authorities to assess due rights reallocation.The article analyzes permits and concession granting water rights for irrigation in the various provincial legal frameworks of Argentina. The study was structured in the light of four dimensions concerning the conditions for the access and subsistence of water rights for irrigation granted by permits and concessions; 1) ownership of the property to be irrigated; 2) the term; 3) rights forfeiture for the lack of use; and 4) the water right attachment to the property. From a comparative analysis of the regulation some trends and findings arise.
Highlights
Most of the provinces provide for granting the water right to person other than the landowner, showing a trend towards flexibility in this variable.
Establishing reasonable terms to water rights is valued as very positive or positive, while excessive terms –long or short- are considered negative very negative.
Short term forfeiture for lack of use entails a strong promotion of production, something that prevent from keeping idle flows of water and speculation.
Appurtenance is considered a positive element, but it is more positive when developed together with mechanisms that allow flexibility so as to allow authorities to assess due rights reallocation
Assessment of population structure and management of Cordia dodecandra A. DC. in homegardens and tropical forest in Yucatan, Mexico
Get PDFCordia dodecandra A. DC. is an arboreal component of forests and Maya homegardens in the state of Yucatan, México. Changes in land use and landscape fragmentation have led to declines in wild populations. Understanding this species’ population structure is relevant to determining the current state of its populations and proposing strategies for its conservation. The population structure of C. dodecandra in forest and homegardens in Yucatan, and the management practices associated with the species were documented with interviews. Relative importance of the tree species in the associated vegetation was estimated. Seedling density (< 1m of height) was higher in the homegardens than the forest with an evident decrease in the density of juvenile individuals caused by practices such as weeding. In contrast, the forest contained a greater number of adult and larger individuals than in the homegardens. Individual C. dodecandra were taller in the forest, but those in the homegardens had a larger diameter at breast height. Although it has multiple uses (e.g. food, ornamental, wood) the C. dodecandra in homegardens received only minimal maintenance, possibly threatening its permanence in this system. This is concerning since the homegardens function as de facto germplasm banks for this species.
Highlights
Cordia dodecandra trees from homegardens have a diameter at breast height (DBH) larger than those that live in the dry forest.
Cordia dodecandra trees in tropical dry forests, are taller than in homegardens.
Succession data showed that tropical dry forests have more adult trees of Cordia dodecandra, and homegardens have a higher density of seedlings.Cordia dodecandra A. DC. is an arboreal component of forests and Maya homegardens in the state of Yucatan, México. Changes in land use and landscape fragmentation have led to declines in wild populations. Understanding this species’ population structure is relevant to determining the current state of its populations and proposing strategies for its conservation. The population structure of C. dodecandra in forest and homegardens in Yucatan, and the management practices associated with the species were documented with interviews. Relative importance of the tree species in the associated vegetation was estimated. Seedling density (< 1m of height) was higher in the homegardens than the forest with an evident decrease in the density of juvenile individuals caused by practices such as weeding. In contrast, the forest contained a greater number of adult and larger individuals than in the homegardens. Individual C. dodecandra were taller in the forest, but those in the homegardens had a larger diameter at breast height. Although it has multiple uses (e.g. food, ornamental, wood) the C. dodecandra in homegardens received only minimal maintenance, possibly threatening its permanence in this system. This is concerning since the homegardens function as de facto germplasm banks for this species.
Highlights
Cordia dodecandra trees from homegardens have a diameter at breast height (DBH) larger than those that live in the dry forest.
Cordia dodecandra trees in tropical dry forests, are taller than in homegardens.
Succession data showed that tropical dry forests have more adult trees of Cordia dodecandra, and homegardens have a higher density of seedlings
Morphological variation of the labellum of Vanilla planifolia Andrews (Orchidaceae) in Oaxaca, Mexico
Get PDFInfraspecific variation has transcendental ecological consequences for species adaptation to new niches. Estimating levels of variation is key for understanding the life history of a species, as well as for designing strategies for use and conservation. For this reason, the objective of this study was to characterize infra-specific morphological variation of the labellum of V. planifolia, of 122 flowers from 28 specimens from the state of Oaxaca and two specimens from Veracruz, Mexico. The labellum of each flower was dissected and analyzed by morphometry. Sixty variables were obtained and grouped into basal, middle and apical regions. An analysis of variance was performed considering the collections and the origin of each individual as sources of variation. Principal components and cluster analyses were also conducted. Differences in the 60 variables analyzed were highly significant among the collections. Among environments, 18 variables showed significant differences, which were situated in the lateral and middle lobes of the labellum. Thus, these structures were considered susceptible to environmental changes. The remaining 42 variables situated in the basal and middle regions of the labellum, which were fused to the edges of the floral column were not significantly different among environments. With the first three principal components, the model explained 73% of the total variation studied. Morphological variation of the flower labellum was represented by four morphotypes distributed in three environments.
Highlights
The evaluation of vanilla flowers wild does not allow to have the same number of treatments or repetitions, for the inaccessibility of the species.
Morphometric analysis of the labellum revealed infra-specific variation in the germplasm of Vanilla planifolia.
The features of the basal and middle regions of the labellum are the most informative in distinguishing the variation between vanilla specimens.Infraspecific variation has transcendental ecological consequences for species adaptation to new niches. Estimating levels of variation is key for understanding the life history of a species, as well as for designing strategies for use and conservation. For this reason, the objective of this study was to characterize infra-specific morphological variation of the labellum of V. planifolia, of 122 flowers from 28 specimens from the state of Oaxaca and two specimens from Veracruz, Mexico. The labellum of each flower was dissected and analyzed by morphometry. Sixty variables were obtained and grouped into basal, middle and apical regions. An analysis of variance was performed considering the collections and the origin of each individual as sources of variation. Principal components and cluster analyses were also conducted. Differences in the 60 variables analyzed were highly significant among the collections. Among environments, 18 variables showed significant differences, which were situated in the lateral and middle lobes of the labellum. Thus, these structures were considered susceptible to environmental changes. The remaining 42 variables situated in the basal and middle regions of the labellum, which were fused to the edges of the floral column were not significantly different among environments. With the first three principal components, the model explained 73% of the total variation studied. Morphological variation of the flower labellum was represented by four morphotypes distributed in three environments.
Highlights
The evaluation of vanilla flowers wild does not allow to have the same number of treatments or repetitions, for the inaccessibility of the species.
Morphometric analysis of the labellum revealed infra-specific variation in the germplasm of Vanilla planifolia.
The features of the basal and middle regions of the labellum are the most informative in distinguishing the variation between vanilla specimens