Exploration of cross-cultivar group characteristics of a new cultivar of Prunus mume 'Zhizhang Guhong Chongcui' / 生物工程学报

'Zhizhang Guhong Chongcui' is a new cultivar of Prunus mume with cross-cultivar group characteristics. It has typical characteristics of cinnabar purple cultivar group and green calyx cultivar group. It has green calyx, white flower, and light purple xylem, but the mechanism remains unclear. In order to clarify the causes of its cross-cultivar group traits, the color phenotype, anthocyanin content and the expression levels of genes related to anthocyanin synthesis pathway of 'Zhizhang Guhong Chongcui', 'Yuxi Zhusha' and 'Yuxi Bian Lü'e' were determined. It was found that the red degree of petals, sepals and fresh xylem in branches was positively correlated with the total anthocyanin content. MYBɑ1, MYB1, and bHLH3 were the key transcription factor genes that affected the redness of the three cultivars of flowers and xylem. The transcription factors further promoted the high expression of structural genes F3'H, DFR, ANS and UFGT, thereby promoting the production of red traits. Combined with phenotype, anthocyanin content and qRT-PCR results, it was speculated that the white color of petals of 'Zhizhang Guhong Chongcui' were derived from the high expression of FLS, F3'5'H, LAR and ANR genes in other branches of cyanidin synthesis pathway, and the low expression of GST gene. The green color of sepals might be originated from the relatively low expression of F3'H, DFR and ANS genes. The red color of xylem might be derived from the high expression of ANS and UFGT genes. This study made a preliminary explanation for the characteristics of the cross-cultivar group of 'Zhizhang Guhong Chongcui', and provided a reference for molecular breeding of flower color and xylem color of Prunus mume.

Insight into strigolactone hormone functions in plant parasitic weeds: a regulatory perspective

The strigolactones (SLs) are plants hormones that have multiple functions in architecture and development. The roles of SLs in shoot branching and stem secondary growth of autotrophic plants are established. SL is also involved in the interaction between root parasitic plants and their host plants. SLs are exudates by the root of the host plant in search of a fungal partner for symbiotic association, while parasitic plants utilize this facility to detect the host root. The first formed tubercle of Philapanhche, whose germinations are driven by host-derived SLs, exudates parasitic derived SLs (PSLs) and could encourages germination of the adjacent parasitic seeds, resulting in parasite cluster formation. The existence of aboveground spikes in clusters suggests an intriguing approach for increasing parasite population by amplifying PSLs, which result in massive parasitic seed germination. PSLs probably have a role in the increased branching of Broomrapes opposing the host plant, resulting in the parasites' clustered appearance aboveground. This review highlights the distinct roles of SLs and PSLs, and their potential role in host-parasitic interaction.

Leaf and Stem Anatomy of Cherry Tomato Under Calcium and Magnesium Deficiencies

Abstract Studies evaluating the influence of nutrients on plant anatomy are very important because nutritional deficiencies can alter the thickness and shape of certain tissues, compromising their functionality what can explain the reduction of productivity. The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomical changes in cherry tomato plants subjected to calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) deficiencies. The experiment was conducted in nutrient solution and the plants subjected to three treatments: complete solution (Control), Ca restriction (1 mmol L-1 of Ca) and Mg omission (without Mg). The experimental design was completely randomized, with three repetitions. Sixty days after seedling transplanting leaves and stem were collected and submitted to anatomical evaluations. Ca or Mg deficiency promotes most evident anatomical changes in chlorophyllous and vascular tissues of the leaves, rather than in the stems. Leaves of 'Sindy' tomato plants with a concentration of 1.7 g kg-1 of Mg and visual symptoms of Mg deficiency present hyperplasia of both tissues, phloem and xylem. This deficiency also promotes increases in the thickness of mesophyll, spongy parenchyma and palisade parenchyma, and consequently of leaf thickness. The midrib of the leaves with a concentration of 10 g kg-1 of Ca, without visual symptoms of deficiency presented phloem hypertrophy and hyperplasia.

Relevance of wood anatomy and size of Amazonian trees in the determination and allometry of sapwood area

Hydrological processes in forest stands are mainly influenced by tree species composition and morpho-physiological characteristics. Few studies on anatomical patterns that govern plant hydraulics were conducted in tropical forest ecosystems. Thus, we used dye immersion to analyze sapwood area patterns of 34 trees belonging to 26 species from a terra firme forest in the central Brazilian Amazon. The sapwood area was related with wood anatomy and tree size parameters (diameter-at-breast-height - DBH, total height and estimated whole-tree volume). Exponential allometric equations were used to model sapwood area using the biometrical variables measured. Sapwood area traits (cross-section non-uniformity and heartwood visibility) varied significantly among and within species even though all were classified as diffuse porous. DBH was strongly and non-linearly correlated with sapwood area (R 2 = 0.46, P < 0.001), while no correlation was observed with vessel-lumen diameter (P = 0.94) and frequency (P = 0.58). Sapwood area and shape were also affected by the occurrence of vessel obstruction (i.e., tyloses), hollow stems and diseases. Our results suggest that sapwood area patterns and correlated variables are driven by intrinsic species characteristics, microclimate and ecological succession within the stand. We believe that individual tree sapwood characteristics have strong implications over water use, hydrological stand upsaling and biomass quantification. These characteristics should be taken into account (e.g., through a multi-point sampling approach) when estimating forest stand transpiration in a highly biodiverse ecosystem. (AU)

Processos hidrológicos de povoamentos florestais são predominantemente influenciados pela composição de espécies arbóreas e suas características morfo-fisiológicas. No entanto, existem poucos estudos sobre os padrões anatômicos que determinam o sistema hidráulico de plantas em ecossistemas tropicais. Por isso, nosso objetivo foi o de analisar os padrões da área do xilema ativo em 34 árvores de 26 espécies de uma floresta de terra firme na Amazônia central por meio de imersão em solução de corante. A área do xilema ativo foi relacionada a características autoecológicas das espécies, anatomia da madeira e parâmetros de crescimento (diametro à altura do peito - DAP, altura total e volume total). Equações alométricas exponenciais foram utilizadas para ajustar a área do xilema às variáveis medidas. Características do alburno (área transversal não-uniforme e visibilidade do cerne) variaram significativamente entre e dentro de espécies, apesar de que todas as espécies apresentaram vasos difusos. DAP foi fortemente e não-linearmente correlacionado à área do alburno (R 2 = 0,46; P < 0,001), enquanto diâmetro (P = 0,94) e frequência (P = 0.58) de vasos não apresentaram nenhum grau de relacionamento. O tamanho e forma do alburno foram afetados pela ocorrência de obstrução de poros (tilose) e troncos ocos. Estes padrões sugerem que a área do xilema é influenciada por características intrínsicas de cada espécie, microclima e estágio sucessional dentro do povoamento. Nossos resultados implicam que características individuais de árvores podem fortemente influenciar o transporte de água e, consequentemente, os processos hidrológicos e a quantificação de biomassa do povoamento. Essas caracteristicas deveriam ser consideradas (por exemplo, por meio da coleta de amostras da área do xilema ativo ao longo da área transversal) ao estimar-se a transpiração de uma floresta altamente biodiversa.(AU)

ANÁLISIS in silico Y EXPRESIÓN GÉNICA DEL FACTOR DE TRANSCRIPCIÓN TgNACO1 IMPLICADO EN XILOGÉNESIS Y ESTRÉS ABIÓTICO EN Tectona grandis / In silico Analysis and Gene Expression of TgNACO1 Transcription Factor Involved in Xylogenesis and Abiotic Stress in Tectona grandis

RESUMEN El xilema secundario es el componente más abundante de la biomasa vegetal. Por tanto, conocer los genes que regulan su formación ayudaría a diseñar estrategias para el mejoramiento genético de la madera. Así, el objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar el análisis computacional de la estructura primaria y secundaria del factor de transcripción (FT) TgNACO1 de Tectona grandis, además de evaluar su historia evolutiva, dominios conservados y expresión génica en tejidos lignificados de árboles de 12 y 60 años. Para ello, se realizó una evaluación del potencial de interacción ion-electrón (PIIE), mediante el método del espectro de la información (MEI) utilizando la librería SFAPS de R-Project, seguido del modelamiento estructural utilizando el software MODELLER y visualizado mediante PyMol. Además, el análisis de alineamiento de secuencia múltiple y filogenia fue mediante el software Bioedit y MrBayes respectivamente. También se evaluó los niveles de síntesis del FT TgNACO1 mediante qRT-PCR. Como resultados, se evidenció que el FT mantiene una estructura (3-hoja antiparalela retorcida, que se compacta contra una a-hélice en la región N-terminal, teniendo así tres dominios a hélice y siete dominios (3 plegada. Asimismo, mediante el MEI se demostró que tiene alrededor de cinco funciones biológicas y mutaciones sobre los aminoácidos con mayor PIIE, lo que conlleva a evoluciones sobre las redes de regulación genética. Finalmente, el FT TgNACO1 podría presentar un papel fundamental en la organización y desarrollo de las partes que componen la albura, como las células radiales de la zona cambial, los vasos, fibras y los anillos de crecimiento.

ABSTRACT Secondary xylem is the most abundant component of plant biomass. Therefore, knowing the genes that regulate its formation would help to design strategies for wood genetic improvement. Thus, the objective of this work was to perform computational analysis of the primary and secondary structure of the TgNACO1 transcription factor (FT) of Tectona grandis, and to evaluate its evolutionary history, conserved domains and gene expression in lignified tissues of trees with 12 and 60 years old. For this, an ion-electron interaction potential (IEP) was evaluated using the information-spectrum method (IEM) using the R-Project and SFAPS library, followed by structural modeling using the MODELLER software and visualized by PyMol program. In addition, the analysis of multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny was performed using Bioedit and MrBayes software, respectively. We also evaluated the qRT-PCR levels of TgNACO1. As results, it was found that TgNACO1 maintains a twisted antiparallel 3-sheet structure, which is compacted against an a-helix in the N-terminal region, having three a-helix domains and seven folded ((-domains. Also, through the IEM, it was demonstrated that it has about five biological functions, and mutations on amino acids with higher IEP, which leads to evolutions on genetic regulation networks. Finally, the FT TgNACO1 could play an esential role in the organization and development of the parts that make up the sapwood, such as the radial cells of the cambial zone, the vessels, fibers and the growth rings.

ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF Serjania lethalis: EVIDENCE FROM Sesamum indicum / Potencial alelopático de Serjania lethalis: evidencias sobre Sesamun indicum

This study was designed to test the effect of different fractions of ethanolic extracts of young (y) and mature (m) leaves of Serjania lethalis A. St- Hil (Sapindaceae) on sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seedling growth and metaxylem cells. Crude ethanolic extracts were prepared from the powder of young and mature S. lethalis leaves and fractionated by means of column chromatography. For the seedling growth bioassay, sesame seeds germinated at concentrations of 0.8, 0.4 and 0.2 mg mL-1 were used. After seven days, the lengths of the aerial part and of the primary root were measured. The sesame metaxylem cell growth bioassay was performed with seedlings grown in solutions containing the different fractions in the same concentrations as above. The tested fractions (Fy2; Fy3; Fy5 e Fm1) showed inhibitory activity on seedling growth, interfering mainly in root growth. The fraction Fy5 showed similar activity to the one caused by the herbicide Oxyfluorfen. This fraction was also responsible for causing the greatest inhibition of metaxylem cell growth in sesame roots at the concentration 0.8 mg mL-1. The results permitted to conclude that the different fractions found in the ethanolic extract of S. lethalis young leaves are promising sources of substances with phytotoxic properties.

El efecto de fracciones de extractos etanólicos de hojas jóvenes (y) y maduras (m) de Serjania lethalis A. St - Hil (Sapindaceae) fueron probados sobre el crecimiento de las plántulas y células de metaxilema de sésamo (Sesamum indicum L.). Los extractos etanólicos fueron preparados a partir del polvo de hojas jóvenes y maduras de S. lethalis y fraccionados por cromatografía en columna. Para el bioensayo de crecimiento de las plántulas germinadas se utilizaron semillas de sésamo y se mantuvo en contacto con las fracciones (F) en concentraciones de 0,8 , 0,4 y 0,2 mg mL-1. Después de siete días se midió la longitud del tallo principal y raíz. El bioensayo de crecimiento celular do metaxilema se realizó utilizando plántulas de sésamo cultivadas en soluciones que contienen fracciones en las mismas concentraciones. Los resultados indican que las fracciones ensayadas (Fy2 ; Fy3 ;Fy5 y Fm1) mostraron actividad en el crecimiento de las plántulas al interferir principalmente en crecimiento de la raíz. La fracción Fy5 mostró actividad similar a la causada por la actividad herbicida Oxyfluorofen. La misma fracción produjo la mayor inhibición del crecimiento celular de las raíces del metaxilema de sésamo a una concentración de 0,8 mg mL- 1. A partir del análisis de los resultados se concluyó que las fracciones de extracto etanolico de las hojas jóvenes son prometedoras fuentes de sustancias con propiedades fitotoxicas.

Histo-architechtural Evaluation of Conventional Versus Two Rapid Microwave Processing Techniques.

Aims: This work aims to reduce the time of tissue processing, exclude xylene from tissue processing as well as to reduce the total quantity of reagents used per cycle of paraffin wax processing technique. Study Design: Harvesting and fixation of tissues. Grossing into triplicates, processing using three different techniques. Staining and grading of sections. Place and Duration of Study: Apparently healthy rabbits from the animal house, National Veterinary research Institute, Vom, Jos, Nigeria, between August and December, 2014. Methodology: Two apparently healthy rabbits were sacrificed and the Trachea, Lungs, Heart, Liver, Kidney, Stomach, Skin, Brain, and the Spleen were harvested and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for three days. They were grossed into triplicates, labeled and processed using the conventional, microwave without vacuum and microwave with vacuum respectively. They were sectioned and stained simultaneously using the haematoxylin and eosin staining technique as well as the Gordon and Sweet’s method. They were graded as excellent if they permitted microscopy, fair if not very good but can permit microscopy and poor if they cannot permit microscopy at all. Results: There is a drastic reduction in the duration of processing as well as the quantity of reagents used in the microwave techniques as compared to the conventional method. Xylene was completely eliminated in the microwave techniques. Tissue histo-architechture, special features as well as silver impregnation were clearly demonstrated without significant differences. Dye uptake as well as section thickness were comparable among the three techniques. Conclusion: Same-day turn-around is possible in histology, with reduced reagent consumption and elimination of xylene, without compromising section quality, dye uptake or ability to reduce silver to its metallic form. This will result to quick diagnosis hence quick intervention at a cheaper rate to both laboratories and clients. It is a good innovation in forensic and diagnostic histopathology and should be encouraged. Its compatibility with histochemical, immunohistochemical and molecular techniques should be evaluated to give a wider application.

Pharmacognostic standardization of stems of Thespesia lampas (Cav.) Dalz & Gibs

Objective: To establish the standardization parameters for complete pharmacognostic evaluation of stems of Thespesia lampas (T. lampas ) (Cav.) Dalz & Gibs (Malvaceae), an important plant in the Indian system of medicine. Methods: Morphological, microscopical, physico-chemical evaluations, florescence analysis of T. lampas stems were investigated and preliminary phytochemical analysis, GC-MS analysis and HPTLC fingerprinting were carried out for qualitative phytochemical evaluation of various extracts of stems of T. lampas. Results: Chemo-microscopy revealed the presence of lignin, starch grains and calcium oxalate crystals. Physico-chemical evaluation used to determine numerical standards showed a result with total ash (9.03 ± 0.05) % w/w, acid insoluble ash (1.50 ± 0.01) % w/w, water soluble ash (2.51 ± 0.02) % w/w, sulphated ash (7.50 ± 0.01) % w/w, ethanol soluble extractive (0.24 ± 0.02) % w/w, water soluble extractive (0.08 ± 0.01) % w/w, moisture content (6.03 ± 0.05) % w/w and total crude fibre content of stem powder (47.36 ± 0.32) % w/w. Behavior characteristics of the stem powder showed presence of steroids, starch, alkaloid, flavonoids and proteins. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed presence of glycosides, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and proteins. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of fatty acids such as dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, n- hexadecanoic acid, 9-tetradecenal and HPTLC fingerprinting revealed the presence of β– sitosterol and quercetin in stems of T. lampas. Conclusions: The pharmacognostic standardization of T. lampas is useful towards establishing standards for quality, purity and sample identification.

Morpho-anatomical and physicochemical studies of Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study morpho-anatomical characters and physicochemical analysis of Fumaria indica (F. indica) (Hausskn.) Pugsley, (Fumariaceae), an important medicinal plant used extensively for treating a variety of ailments in various system of indigenous medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Evaluation of the different parts of the plant was carried out to determine the morpho-anatomical, physicochemical, phytochemical and HPTLC fingerprinting profile of F. indica and other WHO recommended methods were performed for standardization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Morpho-anatomical studies showed compound and pinnatifid leaf, 4 to 6 cm in length, linear and oblong in shape and anomocytic arrangement of stomata, thin walled parenchymatous cells, scattered, sclerenchymatous, capped vascular bundles and radiating medullary rays. Physicochemical studies showed foreign matter 0.2%, loss on drying 6.8%, total ash 16.77%, alcohol and water soluble extractives 8.92% and 20.26%, respectively, sugar 17.75%, starch 22.97% and tannins 2.37%. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of carbohydrate, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and sterol. Thin layer chromatography was carried out with different solvents and the best solvent system was chloroform and methanol in 80:20 ratio and revealed 12 spots with different Rf value under UV light 366λ.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results of the study can serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this plant material for future investigations and applications.</p>

Anatomical root variations in response to water deficit: wild and domesticated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L)

Root anatomical responses to water deficit are diverse and regulation of water uptake strongly depends on plant anatomy. The ancestors of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars are the wild common beans. Because wild beans adapt and survive well in theon atural environment, it is hypothesized that wild common bean roots are less affected than those of domesticated beans at low substrate water potential (ψW). A wild common bean accession from Chihuahua Mexico and cv. Bayomex were studied. Seedlings with a mean root length between 3 and 4 cm were maintained for 24 h in vermiculite at ψW of -0.03 (well hydrated), -0.65, -1.48 and -2.35 MPa (partially dry). Ten anatomical characteristics of differentiation and cell division in root regions were evaluated. Thickness of epidermis and protoderm diminished similarly in wild and domesticated beans growing at low substrate ψW (between -0.65 and -2.35 MPa). At the same time, parenchymatic cell area diminished by 71 percent in the domesticated variety, but by only 32 percent in the wild bean at -2.35 MPa. Theon umber of cells in the cortex and the thickness of the xylem wall increased in both wild and domesticated beans at low substrate ψW;on evertheless, the effect was significantly lower in the wild bean. Theon umber of xylem vessels increased in the cultivar (up to 40 percent) while in the wild bean it decreased (up to 33 percent). The diameter of xylem vessels and transverse root area diminished (15 and 57 percent, respectively) in the cultivar, but in the wild common bean wereon ot affected. Anatomical root characteristics and their modifications in both differentiation and cell division in root regions demonstrated that the wild bean reacted quite differently to substrate ψW than the domesticated common bean.

Variation in the wood anatomical structure of Gmelina arborea (Verbenaceae) trees at different ecological conditions in Costa Rica

The tree Gmelina arborea has been widely introduced in Costa Rica for commercial purposes. This new conditions for melina cause variations on anatomy in secondary xylem of the trees growing in plantations. The objective of the present research was to determine the variation in the anatomy of xylem caused by the ecological conduction variation. Dimensions of fiber, axial parenchyma percentage of cross sections, parameters of vessels and the ray were measured. The results showed that some anatomical characteristics remained stable despite variations of ecological conditions, especially radial parenchyma and anatomical features which were less affected by the altitude. On the other hand, the vessels, axial parenchyma and fiber were less stable because they were affected significantly by the longitude, latitude, altitude and precipitation. Latitude significantly affected vessel percentage, length and diameter of the fiber and lumen. Longitude affected vessel percentage and fiber diameter. Altitude had a significant correlation with the amount of cells at ray height. Annual average precipitation affected vessel percentage and diameter, not only of the fiber, but also of the lumen. These results suggest that the new growth conditions of G. arborea trees in Costa Rica have produced an anatomic adaptation. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 689-704. Epub 2008 June 30.

Gmelina arborea ha sido introducida y ampliamente sembrada en Costa Rica en plantaciones de rápido crecimiento. Estas nuevas condiciones ecológicas provocan variación en la anatomía del xilema de estos árboles. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar la variación en la anatomía del xilema debido a la variación de la latitud, longitud, altitud y precipitación. Se evaluaron las dimensiones de las fibras, el porcentaje de área ocupada por el parénquima y los parámetros de los vasos y los radios. Algunas características anatómicas se mantuvieron estables con las variaciones de las condiciones ecológicas evaluadas, especialmente el parénquima radial. La altitud es la condición ecológica con menor afecto en la anatomía de la madera. Los vasos, el parénquima axial y las fibras fueron menos estables debido a que fueron afectados significativamente por la longitud, latitud, altitud y precipitación. La latitud afectó significativamente el porcentaje de vasos, porcentaje de radios, largo y diámetro de la fibra y diámetro del lumen; la longitud afectó el porcentaje de vasos y el diámetro de la fibra; la altitud únicamente mostró relación significativa con la cantidad de células en la altura de los radios. La precipitación media anual mostró efectos sobre el porcentaje de poros y el diámetro de la fibra y el lumen. Dichos resultados sugieren que las condiciones de crecimiento en Costa Rica para G. arborea son indicadores de un posible genotipo del árbol.

Analysis of Volatile Oils and Ethanol-Extracts from Different Parts of Radix Fici Hirtae / 广州中医药大学学报

To investigate the quality of different parts of Radix Fici Hirtae. The content and components of volatile oils and ethanol-extracts from different parts of Radix Fici Hirtae were analyzed by the combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The content of volatile oils in the cortex was higher than that in the xylem and the chemical components either in the cortex or in the xylem are similar. The main components in volatile oils are hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid+linoleic acid, linoleic acid amide, palmitic acid amide,stearic acid amide and dibutyl phthalate. The main components in ethanol-extracts are psoralen, hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, bergapten, oleic acid and linoleic acid. The content of psoralen in the cortex was higher than that in the xylem.[Conclusion]The chemical components in different parts of Radix Fici Hirtae are similar but the contents of volatile components and psoralen are higher in the cortex than those in the xylem.

Diterpenoids possessed immunosuppressive activity from Tripterygium hypoglaucum / 中草药

Objective To study the diterpenoids possessed immunosuppressive activity from Tripterygium hypoglaucum. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated from the CHCl3 extracts of T. hypoglaucum by repeated column chromatography, including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies. The immunosuppressive activity of these compounds was tested using the lymphocyte transformation test. Results Compounds Ⅰ-Ⅵ were identified as triptobenzene H (Ⅰ), triptoquinone A (Ⅱ), triptoquinone B (Ⅲ), triptoquinone H (Ⅳ), triptonediol (Ⅴ), triptonoterpene (Ⅵ). Conclusion Compound Ⅰ-Ⅲ are isolated from this medicinal plant for the first time and all the compounds show the significant immunosuppressive activity.