Abstract:In order to understand the function of Argonaute (AGO) in Eucalyptus grandis, the phylogeny, gene structure and expression pattern of EgrAGO were analyzed in genome-wide. The results showed that there were 14 EgrAGOs in E. grandis, which length ranged from 2676 to 3225 bp and EgrAGOs contain Piwi, PAZ and DUF1785 domains. EgrAGO genes could be divided into 3 clades, and intron and exon structures had obvious tissue specificity. The nucleotide sequence of EgrAGO and encoding amino acid sequence in each clade had homologies for 88.14% and 82.97%, respectively. Meanwhile, EgrAGO genes distribute in 2, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 11 chromosomes with tandem duplication and segmental duplication in the process of evolution. Most of EgrAGO proteins localize in nucleus and cytoplasm, showing basicity, hydrophilia and high aliphatic index. Furthermore, the expression of EgrAGOs in different tissues had significant differences, and which was high in tissues or organs related with wood forming. So, these would lay a fundation for studying EgrAGO genes function in future.

Abstract:In order to understand the function of chalcone synthase in cold resistance of Jatropha curcas, a chilling-induced chalcone synthase gene, named as JcCHS, was cloned from J. curcas based on data of transcriptome and digital gene expression profiling (DGE), and the expression patterns were analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that the full length of JcCHS cDNA was 1386 bp, with entire open reading frame (ORF) of 1170 bp encoding 389 amino acids. The theoretical molecular weight of JcCHS was 42.2 kDa with pI of 6.53. JcCHS protein shared 93.6% identity with CHS from Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae), and belong to the type-III polyketide synthase family containing conserved domains of chalcone synthase/styrene synthase. The expression of JcCHS was detected in all tissues with the highest expression in root. In addition, the over-expression of JcCHS in yeast enhanced its resistance to low temperature. So, it was suggested that JcCHS gene would involve in the cold-resistance formation in J. curcas.

Abstract:The aim was to understand the function of ethylene responsive factor (ERF) in Pyrus bretschneideri. Two ERF genes were cloned from pericarp of ‘Dangshansuli’ and its russet mutant ‘Xiusu’ by using 3' RACE and PCR monthods. Both of genes had typical conserved domain of AP2/ERF, named as PbERF2 and PbERF4, with GenBank accession No. of KJ623716 and KJ623718, respectively. The phylogenetic tree showed that PbERF2 had closed correlation with ERF1 in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) and PbERF4 was closed to ERF1 in cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Semi-quantitative RT-PCR indicated that expressions of PbERF2 and PbERF4 in pericarps were higher than those in sarcocarps, and both hardly expressed in leaves. Real-time RT-PCR showed that expressions of PbERF2 and PbERF4 in pericarps of ‘Xiusu’ was significant higher than those in ‘Dangshansuli’, and expression trend of them was upgrade at first and then descend. These would provide theory foundation for further study on mechanism of ERF family genes in pear.

Abstract:In order to understand the variation of mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasms in Yunnan, the genome size of 35 germplasms was determined by flow cytometry and their variation was analyzed. The results showed that the mean genome size among the 35 germplasms was 0.445110 pg and 0.4353177×10⁹ bp, which the minimum one (0.434567 pg, 0.4250060×10⁹ bp) was YSM-44 from Jinghong, and the maximum one (0.458679 pg, 0.44485881×10⁹ bp) was YSM-25 from Honghe. The genome size variation of wild germplasms was the largest (CV=1.65%), followed by semi-wild germplasms (CV=1.26%), semi-cultivated germplasms (CV=1.21%) and cultivated germplasms (CV=0.11%). The bryophytes had similar genome size to mango, which is consistent with the "C-value paradox" theory. Therefore, flow cytometry method could accurately and fastly measure genome size of mango, and the genetic variation in wild, semi-wild and semi-cultivated germplasms was rich, these could be used for mango breeding.

Abstract:The aim was to investigate the changes in proteins during postharvest deterioration process of longan (Dimocarpus longan) under normal temperature. The results showed that twenty-four differentially expressed proteins in longan aril were detected from cultivar ‘Fuyan’ by using proteomics technique during deteriorating process, of which 21 proteins were successfully identified. Based on their physiological functions, all identified proteins could be involved in stress response and defense (accounting for 56%), energy and carbon metabolism (19%), primary metabolites pathway (5%), protein transport (5%), cytoskeleton (5%) and some other metabolic processes. Among them, most proteins related to antioxidant system were down-regulated. It was implied that the ability of antioxidant of longan aril was decreased in postharvest, which could not effectively alleviate the toxicity caused by ROS accumulation. In addition, the enzymes associated with energy metabolism were also downregulated, suggesting that the deterioration of postharvest longan aril might be related to the insufficient of energy supply. So, these results will provide a scientific basis for studying preservation technology of postharvest longan.

Abstract:In order to develop and utilize the germplasms of chewing cane (Saccharum officinarum), the genetic diversity of 18 quality traits of 42 chewing cane germplasms was studied, and their agronomic traits were cluster analyzed. The results showed that genetic diversity indexes of quality traits were high, among which the internode color after exposed and bud shape were the highest at 2.074-2.011, and those of hair group in leaf sheath, bud bit, internode colour before exposed, internode shape were 1.428-1.6153, those of leaf posture, wax band, inner auricle shape were 1.1918-1.2869, and those of stalk shape, leaf stripping, outer auricle shape were the lowest at 0.3712. Cluster analysis showed that all 42 germplasms of chewing cane could be divided into 4 groups by agronomic traits, including high stalk and dense type, medium diameter and stalk type, medium to large diameter and high stalk type, and short stalk and sparse type. These could provide scientific basis for variety breeding of chewing cane.

Abstract:In order to understand the effect of root salt stress on seedlings, the growth, mineral elements and ash contents in halophyte Terminalia catappa and glycophyte Eriobotrya japonica seedlings were studied in greenhouse. The results showed that the spots mainly distributed on center of two seedling leaves under root salt stress, and ash content increased. There was significant positive relationship between contents of Na⁺ and Cl^- after root salt stress. The contents of mineral elements (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-) in seedlings varied little, but their distribution in seedlings happened to change. So, there is quantitive difference between halophytes and glycophyte under salt stress, and no qualitative difference.

Abstract:In order to understand the influence of environment factors on culture of Hemionitis arifolia Moore., the effects of temperature, light condition, pH and density on sexual reproduction of spores were studied by micro culture. The results showed that the germination of H. arifolia spores need light, the optimum condition for spore germination and gametophyte development of H. arifolia was under 25℃, 150 μmol m^-2s^-1 of light intensity, pH=6.5 with sowing density of 5-8 grains cm^-2. The management of seedlings was simple. The survival of H. arifolia was high with few disease and insect pest. So, these would provide the technical assistance and theoretical foundation for protection and development of H. arifolia resources.

Abstract:Nanjishan Nature Reserve is a typical inland island wetland, which lies in southern Poyang Lake. In order to understand the status of invasive alien plants in the region, the number of species, distribution and spread in Nanjishan Nature Reserve were surveyed from 2010 to 2014. The results showed that there were 32 exotic invasive species, belonging to 28 genera and 18 families in the area. Compositae and Amaranthaceae are the dominant families with 8 and 4 species, respectively. The exotic plants are mainly originated from South America and Centre America (34.88%), North America (20.93%) and Europe (20.93%). Based on occurrence frequency, invasion area and dispersal status, five species, such as Avena fatua, Conyza canadensis, Daucus carota, Soliva anthemifolia, Alternanthera philoxeroides, have caused serious harm. The number and the kinds of alien invasive plants that cause severe threat to local biodiversity in Nanjishan Nature Reserve had similar with those in adjacent areas. The influence and harmfulness of the invasive plants in Nanjishan Nature Reserve of Poyang Lake, as well as their invasive ways and prevention strategies are also discussed.

Abstract:In order to understand the soil carbon sequestration potential in subtropical orchards, the changes in soil carbon storage in Yongchun Xian, Fujian, China were studied, and soil carbon sequestration potential was estimated under existing management condition. The results showed that soil organic carbon content in orchard of Yongchun generally rose from 1982 to 2010. The annual variation in soil organic carbon was in the order of south subtropical zone > transition zone > middle subtropical zone. Based on the correlation analysis between average relative annual increment and the initial value of soil organic carbon, the orchard soil organic carbon storage capacities of Yongchun Xian was estimated from 13.74 g kg^-1 to 21.05 g kg^-1. Under the conditions of land management and climate in 2010, the soil carbon sequestration potential in Yongchun orchards would be 64108.77 t. These could contribute to evaluation the potential of soil carbon sequestration in orchards of China.

Abstract:In order to understand the ecological and biological characteristics of Hydrocotyle nepalensis Hook., its morphological and photosynthetic features were studied. The results showed that leaf thickness was about 130.7 μm with undeveloped palisade tissue, and the ratio of spongy tissue to palisade tissue was high. The diurnal net photosynthetic rate in leaves was a single peaked curve under shading condition. Meanwhile, H. nepalensis had low light saturation point, light compensation point, chlorophyll a/b and high apparent quantum yield, total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll b, which indicated its strong adaptive capacity and uitilization ability to weak light. The cutting propagation of H. nepalensis had high survival under moist and shady conditions. Therefore, H. nepalensis is suitable to be planted in low light environment. Because of its high ornamental value, this species is an excellent ground cover plant for gardening.

Abstract:Delphinium bulleyanum Forrest ex Diels var. leiogynum W. T. Wang and D. wenchuanense W. T. Wang (Ranunculaceae) were described respectively from Danba and Wenchuan in western Sichuan, China. Both herbarium and field observations have shown that they are identical with D. pseudotongolense W. T. Wang, a species previously recorded to occur in western Sichuan (Baoxing, Dujiangyan, Wenchuan). We therefore reduce them to the synonymy of D. pseudotongolense.

Abstract:Examination of herbarium specimens has shown that Anemone jiachaensis W. T. Wang (Ranunculaceae) is conspecific with A. tibetica W. T. Wang. We therefore reduce A. jiachaensis to the synonymy of A. tibetica. When A. jiachaensis was published, it was regarded as a member of A. sect. Stolonifera (Ulbr.) Juz. Its pollen grains, however, are not stephanocolpate (polycolpate), the pollen type that characterizes Anemone sect. Stolonifera, but are 3-colpate, the same type as that in A. subsect. Rupicolae (Tamura ex Chaudhary & Trifonova) Starod. This has further lent strong support for the synonymization of A. jiachaensis with A. tibetica, a member in A. subsect. Rupicolae.

Abstract:In order to understand the volatiles in flowers of Dendrobium, the constituents and relative contents in flowers of D. chrysotoxum Lindl., D. lohohense T. Tang & F. T. Wang, D. hancockii Rolfe, and D. densiflorum Lindl. were determined by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that there were 57 volatile compounds identified in four species, including esters, terpenes, alcohols, alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, quinines, aromatics, nitrogenous compounds. The composition and contents of volatiles in flowers were significantly different among four Dendrobium species. The main aromatic constituents were 3-carene in D. chrysotoxum with relative content of 84.606% and D. hancockii (71.251%); methyl salicylate (57.449%) and D-limonene (22.416%) in D. lohohense; 2-methylene-4,8,8-trimethyl- 4-vinyl-bicyclo[5.2.0]nonane (82.013%) and α-farnesene (4.699%) in D. densiflorum. Thus, these would provide references for aromatic cultivar breeding and essential oil product development of Dendrobium.

Abstract:In order to understand the chemical constituents of Spermacoce latifolia, seven compounds were isolated from its whole plant. On the basis of spectral data, they were identified as ursolic acid (1), mesembryanthemoidigenic acid (2), 3β,6β-dihydroxy-olean-12-ene-28-oic acid (3), scutellaric acid (4), arjunic acid (5), 29-hydroxyhederagenin (6) and 3β,6β,23-trihydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (7). Compounds 1, 3, 4 and 7 showed significant inhibitory activity toward parts of the assayed bacterial strains.

Abstract:In order to understand the chemical constituents of Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc., nine phenolic compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of its whole plants. On the basis of spectral data, they were identified as 6-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2,3-dimethylchromone (1), esculetin (2), syringaldehyde (3), 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furalclehyde (4), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (5), salicylic acid (6), trans-p-hydroxycinamic acid (7), methyl caffeate (8), transcaffeic acid (9), respectively. Compounds 1-8 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Abstract:Some plants are more likely to border upon close relative plants, as the dispersal distances of their propagules are usually limited. In this condition, the ability of plant detecting and responding the identity of its neighbors efficiently and properly would play a crucial role in the course of plant interactions. Kin selection theory predicted that plants with close kinship could reduce or avoid interference and competition effectively through kin recognition and kin selection, thus increase their fitness. The ability of self/non-self recognition and kin recognition of plant roots, and their roles and possible mechanisms were reviewed. Some doubts and unsolved problems in this field were pointed out and discussed. The study direction of plant identity recognition in plant ecological research was prospected.