Suspension Culture and Somatic Embryogenesis of Korean Pine

Korean pine is an important afforestation tree species in Northeast China, which has a high ecological and economic value. Although regeneration of somatic embryogenesis using immature zygotic embryos of Korean pine as explants has been successful, it cannot be applied to automation and large-scale production. Therefore, we urgently need a method that can increase the output of somatic embryos (SEs) to meet the needs of large-scale production. We used Korean pine 1–1 and 1–100 cell lines as research materials to evaluate the effects of inoculum-density, culture time, orbiting speed, vessel volume, plant growth regulator (PGR) concentration, and carbon source on the proliferation of embryogenic tissue (ET). The somatic embryogenesis ability of ET cultured in different liquid suspension media was also evaluated. We found that during liquid suspension culture of Korean pine ET, the sedimented cell volume (SCV), fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) were affected by inoculum-density, culture time, orbiting speed, 2,4-D concentration, 6-BA concentration and carbon source type. Fourty mg ⋅ mL⁻¹ ET were transferred to a 200 mL Erlenmeyer flask containing 20 mL liquid medium, and cultured at 100 rpm/min for 14 days to obtain the maximum proliferation. In addition, we also found that SCV, FW and DW were higher when PGRs were reduced in the liquid suspension medium. The substitution of maltose for sucrose resulted in slow growth of cultures and limited SE yield (13 SEs g⁻¹ FW). Although culture proliferation was high at 50 rpm, SE yield was inhibited by 48% compared with 100 rpm (50 rpm = 33 SEs g⁻¹ FW; 100 rpm/min = 70 SEs g⁻¹ FW). Cultivation in low-concentration PGR(1.15 μM ⋅ L⁻¹ 2,4-D, 0.25 μM ⋅ L⁻¹ 6-BA) and sucrose liquid medium at 100 rpm/min (80 SEs g⁻¹ FW) could not only promote culture proliferation but also increase SE yield. The determination of the suspension culture scheme of Korean pine ET provides a reference for further expansion to bioreactor culture in the future and lays a foundation for the automation and scale of somatic embryogenesis of Korean pine.     

锌对不同油菜品种的生理特性、光合作用、根尖细胞超微结构及籽粒锌积累的影响

采用盆栽实验研究了Zn (0、1.0、5.0、10.0和20.0 mg·kg ^-1)对不同油菜品种(‘罗平金菜子’ (Brassica juncea)、‘二牛尾’ (B. juncea)、‘溧阳苦菜’ (B. juncea)、‘南通黄油菜’ (B. chinensis)、‘H33’ (B. napus))的光合特性、根尖细胞超微结构及籽粒富锌的影响。结果显示, 5个油菜品种在品种之间、Zn处理浓度之间, 根、茎、叶、籽粒及植株干重、光合特性、Zn含量和积累量的差异性均达到显著水平; 品种与Zn浓度的交互效应也达到显著水平。在Zn ≤ 5.0 mg·kg ^-1范围内, Zn增加了超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)等抗氧化酶活性、净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)以及蒸腾速率(T_r), 提高了油菜茎、叶、籽粒干重及总干重。油菜产量(籽粒干重)在5.0 mg·kg ^-1 Zn时达到最大值, 各品种分别较对照增加了37.7%、23.4%、29.5%、82.6%和18.0%。在Zn处理浓度为20.0 mg·kg ^-1时, ‘罗平金菜子’、‘二牛尾’、‘南通黄油菜’和‘溧阳苦菜’根尖细胞出现不同程度的线粒体肿胀、细胞壁增厚、细胞核萎缩且内容物较少, 而‘H33’中根尖细胞结构较CK处理差异不明显, 细胞结构较为完整。5个品种的籽粒Zn积累量随Zn浓度先增加, 在5.0 mg·kg ^-1 Zn时达到最大值, 然后下降。‘二牛尾’的籽粒Zn含量和籽粒Zn积累量在5.0和10.0 mg·kg ^-1 Zn处理时为5个品种最高或次高, 分别为172.34和164.10 mg·kg ^-1、2.932和2.575 mg·pot ^-1。     

EFFECT OF CARBON DIOXIDE ENRICHMENT ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE FIRST SIX MAINSTEM LEAVES IN SOYBEAN

Many conclusions concerning plant responses to CO₂ enrichment have been based on assumptions of increased leaf size derived from observations of average leaf area measured at some time well into the growth period. The objectives of this study were to study the effect of elevated CO₂ on 1) the timing of mainstem leaflet appearance, 2) the rate and duration of leaflet expansion, and 3) the final area of individual leaflets of soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv. Bragg) grown from seed at 348, 502, and 645 μl 1^–1 CO₂ concentrations. Central leaflet areas from mainstem trifoliolates 1–6 were measured every two days from time of appearance to full expansion. Leaflets tended to appear earlier in elevated CO₂ treatments; leaflets 2 through 6 appeared an average of 0.4 days earlier in the 502 μl 1^–1 treatment and 1.2 days earlier in the 645 μl 1^–1 treatment than in the 349 μl 1^–1 treatment. Relative rates of expansion were different among leaflets in their response to elevated CO₂; expansion rates of leaflets 1 and 4 were significantly higher at the highest CO₂ concentration. However, final area of leaflets was not affected by CO₂, or (in leaflet 5 only) was slightly smaller at the highest CO₂ treatment. Apparently, higher expansion rates of leaflets 1 and 4 at high CO₂ were offset by a tendency for decreased duration of expansion. It appears that there are morphological constraints on final leaflet area in soybean seedlings which limit the effects of elevated CO₂ on the early development of mainstem leaf area.     

Drought Tolerance in Mung Bean is Associated with the Genotypic Divergence,Regulation of Proline,Photosynthetic Pigment and Water Relation

Drought is one of the critical conditions for the growth and productivity of many crops including mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek). Screening of genotypes for variations is one of the suitable strategies for evaluating crop adaptability and global food security. In this context, the study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of four drought tolerant (BARI Mung-8, BMX-08010-2, BMX-010015, BMX-08009-7), and four drought sensitive (BARI Mung-1, BARI Mung-3, BU Mung-4, BMX-05001) mung bean genotypes under wellwatered (WW) and water deficit (WD) conditions. The WW treatment maintained sufficient soil moisture (22% ± 0.5%, i.e., 30% deficit of available water) by regularly supplying water. Whereas, the WD treatment was maintained throughout the growing period, and water was applied when the wilting symptom appeared. The drought tolerant (DT) genotypes BARI Mung-8, BMX-08010-2, BMX-010015, BMX-08009-7 showed a high level of proline accumulation (2.52–5.99 mg g⁻¹ FW), photosynthetic pigment (total chlorophyll 2.96–3.27 mg g⁻¹ FW at flowering stage, and 1.62–2.38 mg g⁻¹ FW at pod developing stage), plant water relation attributes including relative water content (RWC) (82%–84%), water retention capacity (WRC) (12–14) as well as lower water saturation deficit (WSD) (19%–23%), and water uptake capacity (WUC) (2.58–2.89) under WD condition, which provided consequently higher relative seed yield. These indicate that the tolerant genotypes gained better physiobiochemical attributes and adaptability in response to drought conditions. Furthermore, the genotype BMX- 08010-2 showed superiority in terms of those physio-biochemical traits, susceptibility index (SSI) and stress tolerance index (STI) to other genotypes. Based on the physiological and biochemical responses, the BMX-08010-2 was found to be a suitable genotype for sustaining yield under drought stress, and subsequently, it could be recommended for crop improvement through hybridization programs. In addition, the identified traits can be used as markers to identify tolerant genotypes for drought-prone areas.     

Nanosilver-Promoted Lateral Root Development in Rice is Mediated through Hydrogen Peroxide

Nanosilver (10⁻⁹ m) refers to particles comprising 20–15,000 silver atoms, exhibiting high stability and specific surface area. At present, nanosilver has been used in agricultural cultivation and production. This study examined the effects of nanosilver on growth and development of rice root systems. Study results showed that fresh weight of rice belowground organs and root length both increased significantly by 5% and 25%, respectively, after rice radicles were treated with 2 ppm of nanosilver for three days. However, the H₂O₂ level reached its peak at 2 days from treatment, but the activities of the antioxidant enzymes CAT, APX, and GR were inhibited by 2 ppm of nanosilver treatment. The results showed that nanosilver treatment inhibited the antioxidant enzyme activity of rice roots. The treatment of rice radicles with 5 μM H₂O₂ promoted root development and the same was observed when nanosilver was used for treatment. Moreover, ascorbic acid (AsA) is a H₂O₂ scavenger and therefore rice root development was inhibited when AsA was added to rice radicles together with either treatment of nanosilver or H₂O₂. In summary, nanosilver treatment of rice radicles promoted root growth and development via the regulation of H₂O₂ and not the O₂^•− pathway.     

Effect of Water Stress Induced by Polyethylene Glycol on Growth,Proline Accumulation in <i>Agave americana</i> L.

The effect of water deficit was determined on both in vitro and soil seedling as well as in cells in suspension of Agave americana L. In order to do the establishment of cells, the formation of callus was induced; for it two auxins were evaluated: 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-mino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram) at three concentrations (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg L⁻¹) in three explants (leaf, root and meristems) cultured in MS semisolid medium. The callogenesis response was related to the type and section of the explant, as well as the regulator used, and a cell suspension was established using 0.5 mg L⁻¹ naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) + 0.5 mg L⁻¹ Benzylaminopurine (BAP). Seedlings were exposed to polyethyleneglycol (15% and 30% w/v) with a water potential of −0.87 and −2.67 MPa, respectively, under soil conditions. Water stress was applied through restricted irrigation. Fresh weight, root system growth, and chlorophyll concentration were some of the parameters that were affected by the effect of water deficit on A. americana L. Chlorophyll concentration values were significantly decreased by 15 at 30% PEG (19.6 SPAD units) compared to the control treatment. In in vitro plants, the highest concentration of proline was found in the roots, being the treatment with 30% polyethylene glycol where the highest concentration of this osmoregulator was obtained (62.5 mg g⁻¹ DW). Under restricted irrigation conditions, an increase in proline concentration was observed both in the aerial part (2.2 µg 100 g⁻¹ DW) and in the root system (1.8 µg 100 g⁻¹ DW). However, the concentrations found were approximately ten times greater, less than those found under in vitro conditions. Therefore, the accumulation of proline can be considered an indicator of stress in Agave Americana L. growth in vitro.     

南亚热带常绿阔叶林林冠不同部位藤本植物的光合生理特征及其对环境因子的适应

对南亚热带常绿阔叶林中着生在林冠层不同部位的4种藤本植物(白背瓜馥木(Fissistigma glaucescens)、瓜子金(Dischidia chinensis)、蔓九节(Psychotria serpens)和山蒌(Piper hancei))的光合生理生态特性进行比较, 探讨着生在林冠不同部位的藤本植物的光合生理特性随光照、温度、湿度等变化的规律。结果表明, 鼎湖山南亚热带常绿阔叶林微生境由上至下发生了较大变化, 相对于林内, 冠层顶部具有高温、高光强、低湿度的特征。受这些变化的环境因子的影响, 着生在林冠不同部位的藤本植物之间的光合生理特征存在着较大差异: 着生于林冠层中上部的瓜子金和蔓九节的最大净光合速率分别为(2.9 ± 0.6)和(6.3 ± 1.3) μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1, 光饱和点为(168.5 ± 83.4)和(231.4 ± 147.8) μmol·m^-2·s^-1, 显著小于位于冠层下部的白背瓜馥木和山蒌的最大净光合速率值(8.9 ± 2.9)和(8.6 ± 2.3) μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1以及光饱和点值(491.6 ± 230.8)和(402.3 ± 112.8) μmol·m^-2·s^-1。瓜子金和蔓九节的光补偿点值为(16.1 ± 5.9)和(10.1 ± 5.7) μmol·m^-2·s^-1, 水分利用效率值为(11.5 ± 3.9)和(8.7 ± 1.6) μmol CO₂·mmol^-1 H₂O, 显著大于林内的白背瓜馥木和山蒌的光补偿点值(5.6 ± 1.9)和(5.4 ± 1.7) μmol·m^-2·s^-1以及水分利用效率值(6.7 ± 1.8)和(6.8 ± 1.3) μmol CO₂·mmol^-1 H₂O。这些光合生理指标的变化显示出植物对不同的温度、光照、湿度的适应, 是植物适应环境条件的重要表现。     

Physiological alterations due to field salinity stress in melon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis melo</Emphasis> L.)

This study was aimed to assess physiological responses of melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars to salinity stress under field conditions. Seventeen melon cultivars including 16 widely distributed native and one exotic (‘Galia’) were subjected to 2-year (2014–2015) field salinity stress. Leaf relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), pigments [chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll (TChl), carotenoid (Car) and their ratios], malondialdehyde (MDA), H₂O₂ content, proline content (Pro), total soluble sugar content (TSC), salinity tolerance and susceptibility indices as well as yield were evaluated. The results of combined analysis of variance showed significant genotypic variation for all the traits and significant effect of salinity stress on all the traits with the exception of Chla/Chlb and TChl/Car ratios. Overall, field salinity stress caused an increase in leaf MDA, H₂O₂, Chla, Chlb, TChl, Car, Pro and TSC and caused a reduction in leaf MSI and RWC as well as yield. The results of correlation coefficients showed that accumulation of osmolytes (proline and TSC) led to an increase in RWC and a decrease in MDA contents. In addition, the results of multiple regression analysis showed that leaf MDA, TSC, MSI and Chla contents were the most important predictors of yield justifying 72% total variation of yield under saline conditions. These results may highlight a dynamic interplay among biomarkers for lipid peroxidation (MDA), sugar osmolytes (TSC) and photosynthetic pigment (Chla) to maintain cell viability and cell wall integrity under salinity stress conditions in melon.     

Sodium sulfate exposure slows growth of native pecan seedlings

Pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wanngenh) K. Koch] is one of the most important nut crops in arid and semiarid regions of Mexico. Here, most pecans are grown in saline soils having poor permeability which are further degraded by the use of low-quality irrigation water. Salinity adversely affects both pecan nut quality and yield. Little work has been done to explore the physiological effects of salinity on native pecan trees. Here we examine physiological changes determined by exposure of pecan seedlings to sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) at four concentrations: 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg/L applied twice weekly over a 70 d period. Control plants were similarly irrigated but with water free of Na₂SO₄. The aim was to identify and quantify the putative salinity damage to native pecan seedlings growing in Chihuahua, Mexico. Seedlings exposed to Na₂SO₄ were of reduced height and stem diameter. At the highest exposure level (4000 mg/L), proline concentration in the leaflets was 820% higher (2.63 mg/g) than in the controls (0.32 mg/g), and chlorophyll was 35% lower (23.4 mg/L) than in the controls (36 mg/L). Meanwhile, sulfate ion concentration was increased by 104% from 84.47 to 172.5 mg/g. Root biomass decreased by 310% (from 30.5 to 9.5 g) and foliar biomass decreased by 260% (from 26.7 to 10 g). No disease symptoms were apparent in any seedlings suggesting that these changes were induced by Na₂SO₄ stress alone. Of the physiological parameters measured, proline, chlorophyll and sulfate ion concentration, as well as root and shoot biomasses were strongly affected by irrigation with Na₂SO₄ at concentrations of 2000 mg/L and above.     

Distribution of Bemisia tabaci within soybean plants and on individual leaflets

To control whiteflies on soybean crops in an effective and economically viable way, it is necessary to quantify the occurrence and density of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on the leaflets. Estimating the number of B. tabaci cm^‐2 on leaflets is difficult, because its distribution pattern on the various parts of the plant canopy and on the leaflet surface is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of B. tabaci nymphs on soybean plants and leaflets, under greenhouse and field conditions. One hundred soybean plants infested with all nymph stages were randomly selected in a greenhouse, and 25 in a field. Of each plant, a trifoliate leaf of the middle third of the plant’s height was selected and its central leaflet was collected (greenhouse experiment), or a trifoliate leaf of each third layer (upper, middle, and lower), of which the left, central, and right leaflets were collected (field experiment). The collected leaflets were divided into 32 sections (1 cm² per section), arranged in an array of eight rows and four columns to count whitefly nymphs. The Morisita index (I_δ), the negative binomial parameter k, and the dispersion index (I) were calculated for each leaflet, using the number of nymphs as variable. The highest population densities of whitefly nymphs were found in the middle third of the soybean plants. In leaflets from the middle third, the nymphs concentrated in the middle and bottom parts of the leaflets, whereas in the upper and lower thirds of the plant, they were randomly distributed on the leaflets.     

Selection of soybean plant leaves which yield mesophyll cell isolates with maximal rates of CO2 and NO inf2 sup− photoassimilation

A problem often encountered when assaying mesophyll cell isolates prepared from mature soybean leaves, was that of poor reproducibility in rates of net ¹⁴CO₂ photoassimilation and NO₂ ^– photoreduction. It was known that soybean source leaves repeatedly displayed their most active net CO₂ photoassimilation in the period from attainment of maximal leaf area to approximately two to five days subsequent to that point. Advantage was taken of the fact that when soybean leaflets of each leaf reach their maximal area they also have reached their maximal leaf length from base to tip. This facilitates a more rapid determination of the point in time in which leaflet areas had reached A_max. Soybean plants (Glycine max cv. Williams) were propagated in the growth chamber with a 12 h light-12 h dark cycle, 25C, 65% RH, and 700 microeinsteins per meter squared per second. At 24 d post-emergence, the third leaf (numbered acropetally from the unifoliates) of each plant had just attained maximum leaflet areas (110 cm²) and lengths (13 cm). For this study, leaf mesophyll cells were enzymatically isolated, using commercially prepared pectinase, from leaflet sets of leaves selected from each of the second, third, and fourth leaf positions. Maximal rates of net ¹⁴CO₂ photoassimilation (with 5 mM HCO₃ ^–) for the second, third and fourth leaf (leaflet) isolates were, respectively, 27.0, 57.0, and 41.7 mol ¹⁴CO₂ assimilated per milligram chlorophyll per hour; simultaneously maximal rates of NO _inf2 ^sup– photoreduction (1 mM NO _inf2 ^sup– ) were, respectively, 4.4, 8.1, and 0.0 mol NO _inf2 ^sup– reduced per milligram chlorophyll per hour. These studies made it clear that in order repeatedly to attain reproducible maximal rates of leaf cell isolate net ¹⁴CO₂ photoassimilation and NO _inf2 ^sup– photoreduction, it always was necessary to select the newest, fully expanded leaves (e.g. leaf number 3) for cell isolation. Leaves from several plants only were pooled if they were excised from identically the same node on each of the plants.Abbreviations A_max - maximum leaflet (trifoliolate) area attained during ontogeny - CO₂ - CO₂ gas dissolved in solution - HCO _inf3 ^sup– - bicarbonate - L_max - maximum leaf blade length (midvein) attained during ontogeny - NiRase - chloroplast nitrite reductase (reduced ferredoxin) - NiPR - nitrite photoreduction - PE - post-emergence - Pn - net CO₂ photoassimilation (for leaflets and mesophyll cell isolates) - PPRC - pentose phosphate reductive cycle     

A Kinetic Analysis of 6-[18F]Fluoro-l-Dihydroxyphenylalanine Metabolism in the Rat

Abstract: A previous study of the metabolism of 6-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (FDOPA) in rats pretreated with carbidopa contained information amenable to kinetic analysis. Using these data, tracer transfer coefficients and metabolic rate constants were estimated. After intravenous injection, FDOPA in circulation was O-methylated (k^D₀ = 0.055 min^?1), and the metabolite (O-methyl-FDOPA) escaped from plasma with a rate constant (k^M_?1) of 0.01 min^?1. The initial clearance of FDOPA to striatum (K^D₁) was 0.07 ml g^?1 min^?1, and the equilibrium distribution volume (V^D_e) was 0.67 ml g^?1. The initial clearance of O-methyl-FDOPA to striatum (K^M₁) was 0.08 ml g^?1 min^?1, and the equilibrium distribution volume (V^M_e) was 0.75 ml g^?1. The rate constant of FDOPA decarboxylation (k^D₃) was 0.17 min^?1 in striatum. The elimination of 6-[¹⁸F]fluorodopamine (FDA) from striatum suggested an apparent rate constant for monoamine oxidase activity (k′₇) of 0.055 min^?1. 6-[¹⁸F]Fluorohomovanillic acid (FHVA) was formed from 6-[¹⁸F]fluoro-l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid with a rate constant (k₁₁) of 0.083 min^?1, and FHVA was eliminated from striatum (k₉) with a rate constant of 0.12 min^?1. The steady-state concentration ratios of FDA and its metabolites were shown to be functions of these rate constants.     

Effects of Different Potassium (K) Fertilizer Rates on Yield Formation and Lodging of Rice

As one of the most important nutrients for plants, potassium (K) has substantial effects on growth and development of crops. Present study was conducted in three different sites in South China in late season in 2019 with the objective to study the effects of different applied amounts of K fertilizer on yield formation and lodging of rice. Four K fertilizer treatments, K₀: 0 kg potassium oxide (K₂O) ha⁻¹ (control); K₁: 64.20 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ ; K₂: 128.55 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ and K₃ 153.90 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ were applied in the field experiment. The results showed that K₂ and K₃ treatments significantly increased panicle number per unit area, grain number per panicle, seed-setting rate and the grain yield of rice compared with K₀ treatment. Higher net photosynthetic rates were recorded in K₂ and K₃ treatments than K₀ treatment at tillering stage, heading stage and maturity stage. K fertilizer treatments also increased the chlorophyll content and dry matter accumulation by 6.16–23.52% and 21.32–64.59% compared with K₀ treatment, respectively. Moreover, the total N and K accumulation in the aboveground tissues of rice significantly increased under K₂ and K₃ treatments compared with K₀ treatment. Furthermore, compared with K₀ treatment, K fertilizer treatments significantly enhanced the breaking-resistant strength by 40.94–144.24% and reduced the lodging index of rice by 13.14–36.72%.     

The responses of photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of Fraxinus rhynchophylla to differences in CO2 concentration and soil moisture

The photosynthetic parameters in leaves of three-year-old seedlings of Fraxinus rhynchophylla L. were studied under different soil water conditions and CO₂ concentrations ([CO₂]) with a LI-COR 6400 portable photosynthesis system. The objective was to investigate the response of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance (g _s) to various [CO₂] and soil water conditions, and to understand the adaptability of F. rhynchophylla to such conditions. The results showed that the soil water content (RWC) required to maintain high photosynthetic productivity in F. rhynchophylla was 49.5–84.3%; in this range, net photosynthetic rate (P _N) rose with [CO₂] increasing from 500 to 1,400 μmol mol^?1. Outside this RWC range, P _N decreased significantly. The apparent maximum photosynthetic rate (P _max,c) and carboxylation velocity (V _c) increased with increasing RWC and remained relatively high, when RWC was between 49.5 and 96.2%. CO₂ compensation points and photorespiration rate exhibited a trend opposite to that of P _max,c and V _c, indicating that moderate water stress was beneficial for increasing plant assimilation, decreasing photorespiration, and increasing production of photosynthates. g _s declined significantly with increasing [CO₂] under different water supplies, but the RWC range maintaining high g _s increased. g _s reached its maximum, when RWC was approximately 73% and then decreased with declining RWC. The maximal g _s was found with increasing RWC. Thus, based on photosynthetic characteristics in artificial, vegetation construction in semiarid loess hill and gully area, F. rhynchophylla could be planted in habitats of low soil water content.     

Response of Contrasting Rice Genotypes to Zinc Sources under Saline Conditions

Abiotic stresses are among the major limiting factors for plant growth and crop productivity. Among these, salinity is one of the major risk factors for plant growth and development in arid to semi-arid regions. Cultivation of salt tolerant crop genotypes is one of the imperative approaches to meet the food demand for increasing population. The current experiment was carried out to access the performance of different rice genotypes under salinity stress and Zinc (Zn) sources. Four rice genotypes were grown in a pot experiment and were exposed to salinity stress (7 dS m⁻¹), and Zn (15 mg kg⁻¹ soil) was applied from two sources, ZnSO₄ and Zn-EDTA. A control of both salinity and Zn was kept for comparison. Results showed that based on the biomass accumulation and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, KSK-133 and BAS-198 emerged as salt tolerant and salt sensitive, respectively. Similarly, based on the Zn concentration, BAS-2000 was reported as Zn-in-efficient while IR-6 was a Zn-efficient genotype. Our results also revealed that plant growth, relative water content (RWC), physiological attributes including chlorophyll contents, ionic concentrations in straw and grains of all rice genotypes were decreased under salinity stress. However, salt tolerant and Zn-in-efficient rice genotypes showed significantly higher shoot K⁺ and Zn concentrations under saline conditions. Zinc application significantly alleviates the harmful effects of salinity by improving morpho-physiological attributes and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, and the uptake of K and Zn. The beneficial effect of Zn was more pronounced in salt-tolerant and Zn in-efficient rice genotypes as compared with salt-sensitive and Zn-efficient genotypes. In sum, our results confirmed that Zn application increased overall plant’s performance under saline conditions, particularly in Zn in-efficient and tolerant genotypes as compared with salt-sensitive and Zn efficient rice genotypes.     

Foot and mouth disease leader protease (Lbpro): Investigation of prime side specificity allows the synthesis of a potent inhibitor

Foot and mouth disease virus expresses its genetic information as a single polyprotein that is translated from the single-stranded RNA genome. Proteinases contained within the polyprotein then generate the mature viral proteins. The leader protease (Lb^pro) performs the initial cleavage by freeing itself from the growing polypeptide chain; subsequently, Lb^pro cleaves the two homologues of the host cell protein eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G). We showed that Lb^pro possesses specific binding sites at the non prime side from S₁ down to S₇ [Santos et al. (2009) Biochemistry, 48, 7948–7958]. Here, we demonstrate that Lb^pro has high prime side specificity at least down to the S′₅ site. Lb^pro is thus not only one of the smallest papain-like cysteine peptidases but also one of the most specific. It can still however cleave between both K↓G and G↓R pairs. We further determined the two-step irreversible inhibition (E + I ↔ EI→ E − I) kinetic parameters of two known irreversible epoxide-based inhibitors of cysteine proteinases, E64 and CA074 on Lb^pro that show for the reversible step (E + I ↔ EI) K_i = 3.4 μM and 11.6 μM, and for the irreversible step (EI→E−I) k₄ = 0.16 and 0.06 min⁻¹, respectively. Knowledge of the Lb^pro specificity led us to extend E64 by addition of the dipeptide R–P. This compound, termed E64-R-P-NH₂, irreversibly inhibited Lb^pro with a K_i = 30 nM and k₄ = 0.01 min⁻¹ and can serve as the basis for design of specific inhibitors of FMDV replication.     

Primary production,light absorption and quantum yields of phytoplankton from the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas (Antarctica)

Chlorophyll concentration, light intensity, primary production, light absorption and quantum yield were measured between 12 January 1994 and 27 March 1994 in the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas. Primary production and quantum yield within Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas were typical of the high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll area of the Southern Ocean while small variations were found as a result of local conditions. Chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations were generally low (<1 μg l⁻¹) in the water column, while in cases of blooms it reached 7–8 μg l⁻¹. The light intensity at which photosynthesis approaches saturation varied between 59 and 105 μmol q m⁻² s⁻¹.The initial slope of the photosynthesis curve varied between 0.02 and 0.07 μg C (μg chl a)⁻¹ h⁻¹ (μmol q m⁻² s⁻¹)⁻¹. The maximal photosynthetic rate at light saturation ranged between 1.6 and 5.4 μg C (μg chl a)⁻¹ h⁻¹. Light limitation was found within the mixing depth, while no photoinhibition was observed when surface light was 500 μmol q m⁻² s⁻¹. The mean spectral absorption coefficients of phytoplankton ranged between 0.018 and 0.042 m² (mg chl a)⁻¹ depending on the phytoplankton taxonomy. The quantum yield of photosynthesis varied between 0.027 and 0.076 mol C mol q⁻¹. These high quantum yields are explained by the prevailing high nutrient concentrations in this area. Light intensity plays a major role as limiting factor, even in very shallow water. The phytoplankton close to the surface did not show photoinhibition but had higher UV absorption capabilities.     

Tolerance of a field grown soybean cultivar to elevated ozone level is concurrent with higher leaflet ascorbic acid level, higher ascorbate-dehydroascorbate redox status, and long term photosynthetic productivity

We examined the characteristics of ascorbic acid (ASC) level, dehydroascorbate (DHA) level, and the ASC–DHA redox status in the leaflets of two soybean cultivars grown in a field environment and exposed to elevated ozone (O₃) levels. These two cultivars, one that preliminary evidence indicated to be O₃-tolerant (cv Essex), and one that was indicated to be O₃-sensitive (cv Forrest), were grown in open-top chambers during the summer of 1997. The plants were exposed daily to a controlled, moderately high O₃ level (≈58 nl l⁻¹ air) in the light, beginning at the seedling stage and continuing to bean maturity. Concurrently, control plants were exposed to carbon-filtered, ambient air containing a relatively low O₃ level (≈24 nl l⁻¹ air) during the same period. Elevated O₃ did not affect biomass per plant, mature leaf area accretion, or bean yield per plant of cv Essex. In contrast, elevated O₃ level decreased the biomass and bean yield per plant of cv Forrest by approximately 20%. Daily leaflet photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductance per unit area did not decrease in either cultivar as a result of prolonged O₃ exposure. A 10% lower mature leaflet area in O₃-treated cv Forrest plants contributed to an ultimate limitation in long-term photosynthetic productivity (vegetative and bean yield). Possible factors causing cv Essex to be more O₃ tolerant than cv Forrest were: 1) mature leaflets of control and O₃-treated cv Essex plants consistently maintained a higher daily ASC level than leaflets of cv Forrest plants, and 2) mature leaflets of cv Essex plants maintained a higher daily ASC–DHA redox status than leaflets of cv Forrest plants. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Leaflet photosynthesis rate and carbon metabolite accumulation patterns in nitrogen-limited, vegetative soybean plants

Prolonged inorganic nitrogen (NO₃ ^–+NH₄ ⁺) limitation of non-N₂-fixing soybean plants affected leaflet photosynthesis rates, photosynthate accumulation rates and levels, and anaplerotic carbon metabolite levels. Leaflets of nitrogen-limited (N-Lim), 27–31-day-old plants displayed 15 to 23% lower photosynthesis rates than leaflets of nitrogen-sufficient (N-Suff) plants. In contrast, N-Lim plant leaflets displayed higher sucrose and starch levels and rates of accumulation, as well as higher levels of carbon metabolites associated with sucrose and starch synthesis, e. g., glycerate-3-phosphate and glucose phosphates, than N-Suff plant leaflets. Concurrently, levels of soluble protein, chlorophyll, and anaplerotic metabolites, e.g., malate and phosphoenolpyruvate, were lower in leaflets of N-Lim plants than N-Suff plants, suggesting that the enzymes of the anaplerotic carbon metabolite pathway were lower in activity in N-Lim plant leaflets. Malate net accumulation rates in the earliest part of the illumination period were lower in N-Lim than in N-Suff plant leaflets; however, by the midday period, malate accumulation rate in N-Lim plant leaflets exceeded that in leaflets of N-Suff plants. Further, soluble protein accumulation rates in leaflets of N-Suff and N-Lim plants were similar, and the rate of dark respiration, measured in the early part of the dark period, was higher in N-Lim plant leaflets than in N-Suff plant leaflets. It was concluded that during prolonged N-limitation, foliar metabolite conditions favored the channelling of a large proportion of the carbon assimilate into sucrose and starch, while assimilate flow through the anaplerotic pathway was diminished. However, in some daytime periods, there was a normal level of carbon assimilate channelled through the anaplerotic pathway for ultimate use in amino acid and protein synthesis.Abbreviations ADPG-PPiase ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase - Ce CO₂ in the leaf photosynthesis measuring cuvette - Ci leaf internal CO₂ during photosynthesis measurement - Chl chlorophyll - DHAP dihydroxyacetone phosphate - GAP glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate - G_sw stomatal conductance with units as mmol H₂O m^–2 s^–1 - G1P glucose-1-phosphate - G6P glucose-6-phosphate - F6P fructose-6-phosphate - FBP fructose-1,6-bisphosphate - FBPase-pH 8.1 chloroplastic fructose-1,6-bisP (C-1) phosphatase (pH 8.1) - MAL malate - N inorganic nitrogen, i.e. NO₃ ^–+NH₄ ⁺ (at levels and molar ratios indicated) - PE post-emergence - PEP phosphoenolpyruvate - PEPCase phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase - PGA 3-phosphoglycerate - PYR pyruvate - PYR kinase pyruvate kinase - Pn net CO₂ photoassimilation in leaves - PPFD photosynthetic photon flux density - PPRC pentose phosphate reductive cycle - RuBP ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate; rubisco-ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase - SLW specific leaf mass - SPS sucrose-6-phosphate synthase - TCA cycle tricarboxylic acid cycle; triose-P-DAP+GAP     

Molecular interactions of hormonal steroids: the participation of the 17 side chain of corticosteroids in the formation of complexes with Co (II.). II

The c₂₀-c₂₁ α-ketol system of the 176 side chain of deoxycorti-costerone is in equilibrium with its c₂₀-c₂₁ enediol. The apparent dissociation constant of this enol was determined by a photometric method using crystal violet indicator; p K_a¹ = 10.65 ± 044. Formation constants of the (1:1) deoxycorticosterone-cobalt (II) complex were determined by solvent extraction and in mixed solvent systems. The complex formation constant K_f in an aqueous medium was found by graphical extrapolation to be 2.5–3.0 × 10⁻¹ 1. mole⁻¹