Abstract:Through literature and herbarium surveys, it was found that Ligularia melanothyrsa Hand.-Mazz. had been misidentified as L. fangiana Hand.-Mazz. in the Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae 77(2) and in the Flora of China 20-21, and that L. fangiana should be placed in synonymy under L. wilsoniana (Hemsl.) Greenm.

Abstract:In order to understand the evolution of dioecy and pollination modes in the genus Mallotus, the sexual system and pollination biology of M. apelta were studied in wild populations from Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces in southern China. The results showed that all the investigated populations contained female (F), male (M) and bisexual (B) individuals, and the average sex ratio was 1:0.66:0.18 (F:M:B). There were no significant differences in base diameter of trunk among three sexual individuals. Although the pollen of male flowers from pure male individuals and that from bisexual individuals had the same germination rate, histochemical and micro-morphological characters, the single male flower from male individuals produced 1.26-1.63 times pollen grains more than those of bisexual individuals. Female individuals shared the same ovule numbers per flower, seeds per fruit and fruit setting per inflorescence with bisexual individuals. The control crossing (pollen came from males) significantly increased the fruit setting of pure females (96.67%) comparing to bisexual individuals (76.00%) (P < 0.001), indicating higher potential seed fertility in female individuals than that in bisexual individuals. Insects (fly, beetle) were observed to visit male and bisexual but not female individuals in the field, indicating that insects made no contribution to the fruit production of female individuals. More than 30% of the netted female flowers set fruits, while all the bagged female flowers failed to set fruits. Therefore, these indicate that M. apelta is a typical subdioecious species. The results also demonstrate that the male and female individuals have higher fitness than bisexual individuals in populations. Females are pollinated by wind, while bisexual individuals show a combination of entomophilous and anemophilyous characteristics. More comprehensive investigation of the sexual system and pollination mode in the species and its congeners may shed light on our understanding of the evolution of dioecy and pollination modes in the genus Mallotus.

Abstract:In order to understand the relationship of Melastoma, the DNA fingerprints of 34 Melastoma germplasm collected from different regions of Fujian Province were studied by using ISSR markers. Eleven primers selected from 116 ISSR primers could obtain high polymorphism and reproducibility bands. The results showed that total of 112 DNA bands were amplified, and 104 polymorphic bands, counting for 92.9%. Genetic similarity analysis showed that for 34 Melastoma germplasm the Nei's coefficient of 34 Melastoma germplasm ranged from 0.55 to 0.93, with the average of 0.71. It was suggested that there were close genetic relationships and high genetic diversity among Melastoma germplasm resources. These 34 germplasm resources could divided into 3 groups and 5 subgroups by UPGMA analysis, and 4 groups by principal coordinate scatter analysis. These results had high consistency with that of genetic relationship analysis. Therefore, it was suggested that ISSR markers could be used to reveal genetic diversity of Melastoma at molecular level, and provided a theoretical basis for breeding of Melastoma in Fujian.

Abstract:The aim was to understand the karyotype of Cypripedium japonicum Thunb. and Calanthe tsoongiana T. Tang et F. T. Wang. Their chromosome number and karyotype were studied by using fingertip squashing method. The results showed that the chromosome number of Cypripedium japonium was 2n = 22, karyotype formula was 2n = 2x = 22 = 16m + 2sm + 2st + 2t, constitution of relative length was 2n = 22 = 2L + 6M₂ + 12M₁ + 2S, asymmetry index was 60.01%, karyotype type was classified as 2B; while the chromosome number of Calanthe tsoongiana was 2n = 40, karyotype formula was 2n = 2x = 40 = 28m + 10sm + 2st, constitution of relative length was 2n = 40 = 8L + 10M₂ + 16M₁ + 6S, asymmetry index was 59.84%, karyotype type also belonged to 2B. Both of them have relatively symmetric karyotype. The karyotype of Calanthe tsoongiana was reported for the first time. These provided some cytological evidences for evolutionary status and germplasm conservation of Cypripedium japonicum and Calanthe tsoongiana.

Abstract:Pogostemon elsholtzioides Benth. is newly recorded from China. It was discovered in Mêdog Xian, Xizang, China. Its vouchers are kept in the herbarium of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (PE). The species is widely distributed in Himalayan regions. It is similar to P. dielsianus Dunn in habit, but differs from it in having calyx campanulate, 3-3.5 mm long, the ratio of the length of calyx teeth and calyx tube is 1/3-1/2, corolla ca. 4.5 mm long.

Abstract:Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) is reported as a newly naturalized species in China. This species is poisonous but also a medicinal plant.

Abstract:Two genera, Lecanorchis Bl. and Chamaegastrodia Makino & F. Maekawa of Orchidaceae, are reported as new records from Anhui Province. They include two newly recorded species, namely Lecanorchis multiflora J. J. Smith and Chamaegastrodia shikokiana Makino & F. Maekawa, respectively.

Abstract:The liverwort Heteroscyphus turgidus Schiffn. (Geocalycaceae) is reported as a new record from mainland of China. It differs from H. tener (Steph.) Schiffn. by its underleaf margins with coarse teeth and significantly smaller plants. The illustratation and description based on the specimen from Fanjing Mount, Guizhou is presented.

Abstract:In order to understand the effects of different nitrogen levels on lettuce growth and qualities, the threedimensional pipeline cultivation system, suitable for vegetables hydroponics, was designed independently and produced, nutrient solution of NO₃^-: NH₄⁺ = 10:0, NO₃^-: NH₄⁺ = 7:1, NO₃^-: NH₄⁺ = 7:3 were prepared, respectively, and then cultivation effects of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under different nitrogen levels were comprehensively evaluated by using fuzzy mathematics theory, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the weights of lettuce quality. The results showed that cultivation effect was the best with nutrient solution of NO₃^-: NH₄⁺ = 7:3, followed by NO₃^-: NH₄⁺ = 7:1. Cultured with NO₃^-: NH₄⁺ = 7:3, the yield of lettuce, contents of chlorophyll, soluble sugar, soluble protein in leaves were the highest, and nitrate content was at least, so that the comprehensive quality was the best. Therefore, AHP has a better applicability for synthetically evaluate the cultivation effect of lettuce under different nitrogen levels, which helps to get the optimum nutrient solution in south facility pipeline for lettuce cultivation.

Abstract:In order to understand the synthesis mechanism of crocin in Gardenia jasminoides fruits, the full-length cDNAs of phytoene synthase gene GjPSY from G. jasminoides were cloned. The results showed that the deduced amino acid sequence of GjPSY had close relation with those from dicotyledonsous plants. The content of crocin-1 in fruits was (3.96±1.48) mg g^-1 by HPLC, while crocin-1 was not detected in leaves. It was revealed that crocin-1 exclusively accumulated in fruits. The RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of GjPSY in fruits was not differences from that in leaves. Therefore, it was suggested that the crocin synthesis in G. jasminoides fruits had not correlation with transcription level of GjPSY gene.

Abstract:In order to understand the chemical constitution of surface wax in leaves of Ficus benjamina Linn. and the changes in wax contents rasp-sucked by thrips, the chemical constitution of surface wax and its contents in leaves at different damage grades by thrips were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). The results showed that there were 32 compounds in surface wax of F. benjamina leaves, including 9 acids, 8 ahcohols, 5 esters, 5 ketones and 5 hydrocarbons. The changes in total amount of surface wax, the total ion peak area of compounds, the relative content of each compounds, the ion peak area of each compounds and its main component in different grade leaves damaged by thrips were different. The chemical constitution and contents of surface wax could reflect the damage degree by thrips either directly or indirectly. It was suggested that the chemical constitution of surface wax and its contents had played a major role in interaction and co-evolution between F. benjamina and thrips.

Abstract:In order to establish suspension cell system of Mirabilis jalapa L., the calli induced from leaves of aseptic seedlings of M. jalapa were used as material, the optimum suspension culture system was studied. The results showed that the stable suspension cell system could be obtained after calli were subcultured 3-4 times on MS medium with 2,4-D 1 mg L^-1 and KT 0.5 mg L^-1. The optimum pH was 5.5-5.9 with 30 g L^-1 sucrose. The growth curve of suspension cells of M. jalapa was S-type, and subculture time was about 10 days. The optimum inoculum was 7.5 mL in 40 mL medium. Secretory protein was (0.42±0.15) g extracted from 1 L medium. These were useful for studying secretory protein extracted from suspension system.

Abstract:In order to understand the adaptive mechanism of three plant species, including Phalaris arundinacea, Hemarthria altissima and Cynodon dactylon, in the water-level-fluctuation-zone (WLFZ), dynamic changes in ecological and physiological indicators, such as branch, leaf, biomass, soluble sugar, starch and root vigor, were studied. The results showed that P. arundinacea, H. altissima and C. dactylon did not generate new branch, and reduced total leaf number, total leaves length and biomass for adapt to submergence environment. P. arundinacea and C. dactylon adapted to complete submergence by slow growth, while H. altissima accelerated growth at first and then inhibited growth to preserve vitality. P. arundinacea, H. altissima and C. dactylon consumed little carbohydrate, reduced root vigor to adapt complete submergence. The tolerance of prolonged submergence of the three herbs is as the following: C. dactylon > P. arundinacea > H. altissima.

Abstract:The aim was to understand the chemical constituents of Brucea javanica, thirteen known compounds were isolated from the fruits of B. javanica by using solvent fractionation and column chromatography. On the basis of spectral data, they were identified as para-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1), para-hydroxybenzoic acid (2), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3), methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (4), gallic acid (5), syringic acid (6), dihydroferulic acid (7), luteolin (8), angophorol (9), 2β,6β,9β-trihydroxyclovane (10), stearic acid (11), β-sitosterol (12), β-daucosterol (13). The compounds 2, 4, and 6-10 were obtained from the fruits of B. javanica for the first time.

Abstract:Leymus Hochst. is a genus with important economic value in Triticeae (Poaceae). Most of Leymus species are forage grasses for animal husbandry. Some species used as important germplasm resources for grass breeding and improving breeds of crops due to the characteristics of enduring cold, drought, and alkali. Many unresolved taxonomic questions are present in Leymus, such as the generic limit/circumstance, the species delimitation, and the interspecific phylogenetic relationships. A taxonomic review of the genus was provided in order to accumulate background knowledge for further utilization of Leymus.

Abstract:The isotope tracer technology is a kind of method by adding exogenous elements or substance as a tracer co-operating in organism completely, which used to indicate the change process of elements or substance in organism. Nitrogen stable isotope tracer technology can reveal essentially the mechanism of ecological process, so it becomes one of important tools for ecology research. In order to understand the advances in application of nitrogen stable isotope technique in nitrogen cycle of plant-soil system, nitrogen cycle based on ¹⁵N tracer technique was reviewed. The nitrogen stable isotope technique in solving ecology problems was prospected and some existing shortcomings are also discussed.