Neolignan Derivatives from the Flower of Magnolia biondii Pamp. and their Effects on IL-2 expression in T-cells

The isolation of the MeOH extract from the flower bud of Magnolia biondii Pamp. using various column chromatographies and HPLC led to eleven neoglignan derivatives (1 - 11). Their structures were mainly determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectral data analysis and physiological methods. The isolated compounds (1 - 11) were tested for anti-allergic effects using IL-2 inhibitory assay in Jurkat T cells.

High genetic diversity and small genetic variation among populations of Magnolia wufengensis (Magnoliaceae), revealed by ISSR and SRAP marker

Background Genetic diversity and genetic variation of 10 populations and subpopulations of Magnolia wufengensis, a new and endangered endemic species, were examined by inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular markers. Compared with other endangered endemic Magnolia taxa, M. wufengensis holds a relatively high level of genetic variation. Result Total genetic diversity was found to be 87.7% for ISSR and 88.0% for SRAP markers. For polymorphic loci (P), the effective mean number of alleles (Ae) was 1.414 for ISSR markers and 1.458 for SRAP markers, while the mean expected heterozygosity (H) was 0.256 using ISSR and 0.291 for SRAP markers. Within-population variation was estimated for P as 74.9% using ISSR and 74.6% with SRAP markers; the number of alleles Ae was 1.379 with ISSR and 1.397 for SRAP and H 0.235 with ISSR and 0.247 for SRAP markers. Conclusion The analysis of molecular variation of both ISSR and SRAP marker systems indicated that most genetic variation is within populations, with values of 90.64% and 82.92% respectively. Mantel tests indicated a moderate association between the two marker systems and a low correlation between genetic and geographic distances. High levels of genetic diversity and low levels of population divergence suggest that genetic drift is not currently of great concern for this species. Severe habitat loss and fragmentation, predominantly ascribed to anthropogenic pressures, caused in-situ developing restriction of this species. Action for conserving this rare species for its long-term survival should be taken immediately.

First record of Botryosphaeria ribis associated with leaf spots on Magnolia aff. candollei in Brazil / Primeiro relato de Botryosphaeria ribis associada com doença foliar em Magnolia aff. candollei no Brasil

A leaf spot disease was observed attacking some Magnolia aff. candollei plants grown in a private garden in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Such leaf spots coalesced and led to extensive blight of foliage. A fungus was clearly associated to the disease symptoms and was identified as Botryosphaeria ribis. Its anamorph, Fusicoccum ribis, was also present, although less abundant than the teleomorph. This is first report of this fungus on this host in Brazil and the first record of any fungal disease on a member of the genus Magnolia in Brazil.

Neste trabalho são apresentadas observações feitas sobre a etiologia de uma doença foliar encontrada atacando alguns indivíduos da espécie Magnolia aff. candollei cultivados em um jardim particular na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Esta doença se apresentava como manchas foliares que tendiam a coalescer levando à queima de áreas extensas das folhas atacadas. Um fungo estava claramente associado a estes sintomas e foi identificado como Botryosphaeria ribis. Seu anamorfo, Fusicoccum ribis, também estava presente, embora sendo menos comum que o teliomorfo. Este é o primeiro relato deste fungo neste hospedeiro no Brasil e o primeiro relato de uma doença fúngica em planta do gênero Magnolia no Brasil.