Cucurbits depicted in Byzantine mosaics from Israel, 350–600 ce

Background and Aims

Thousands of floor mosaics were produced in lands across the Roman and Byzantine empires. Some mosaics contain depictions of agricultural produce, potentially providing useful information concerning the contemporary presence and popularity of crop plants in a particular geographical region. Hundreds of floor mosaics produced in Israel during the Byzantine period have survived. The objective of the present work was to search these mosaics for Cucurbitaceae in order to obtain a more complete picture of cucurbit crop history in the eastern Mediterranean region.

Results and Conclusions

Twenty-three mosaics dating from 350–600 ce were found that had images positively identifiable as cucurbits. The morphological diversity of the cucurbit fruits in the mosaics of Israel is greater than that appearing in mosaics from any other Roman or Byzantine provincial area. The depicted fruits vary in shape from oblate to extremely long, and some are furrowed, others are striped and others lack definite markings. The cucurbit taxa depicted in the mosaics are Cucumis melo (melon), Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Luffa aegyptiaca (sponge gourd) and Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd). Cucumis melo is the most frequently found taxon in the mosaics and is represented by round dessert melons and long snake melons. Fruits of at least two cultivars of snake melons and of watermelons are represented. To our knowledge, images of sponge gourds have not been found in Roman and Byzantine mosaics elsewhere. Indeed, the mosaics of Israel contain what are probably the oldest depictions of Luffa aegyptiaca in Mediterranean lands. Sponge gourds are depicted often, in 11 of the mosaics at eight localities, and the images include both mature fruits, which are useful for cleaning and washing, and immature fruits, which are edible. Only one mosaic has images positively identifiable as of bottle gourds, and these were round–pyriform and probably used as vessels.     

Use of Cucumis metuliferus as a Rootstock for Melon to Manage Meloidogyne incognita

Root-knot nematode-susceptible melons (Cantaloupe) were grown in pots with varying levels of Meloidogyne incognita and were compared to susceptible melons that were grafted onto Cucumis metuliferus or Cucurbita moschata rootstocks. In addition, the effect of using melons as transplants in nematode-infested soil was compared to direct seeding of melons in nematode-infested soil. There were no differences in shoot or root weight, or severity of root galling between transplanted and direct-seeded non-grafted susceptible melon in nematode-infested soil. Susceptible melon grafted on C. moschata rootstocks had lower root gall ratings and, at high nematode densities, higher shoot weights than non-grafted susceptible melons. However, final nematode levels were not lower on the grafted than on the non-grafted plants, and it was therefore concluded that grafting susceptible melon on to C. moschata rootstock made the plants tolerant, but not resistant, to the nematodes. Grafting susceptible melons on C. metuliferus rootstocks also reduced levels of root galling, prevented shoot weight losses, and resulted in significantly lower nematode levels at harvest. Thus, C. metuliferus may be used as a rootstock for melon to prevent both growth reduction and a strong nematode buildup in M. incognita-infested soil.     

The cucurbit images (1515-1518) of the Villa Farnesina, Rome

BACKGROUND: The gorgeous frescoes organized by the master Renaissance painter Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520) and illustrating the heavenly adventures of Cupid and Psyche were painted between 1515 and 1518 to decorate the Roman villa (now known as the Villa Farnesina) of the wealthy Sienese banker Agostino Chigi (1466-1520). Surrounding these paintings are festoons of fruits, vegetables and flowers painted by Giovanni Martini da Udine (1487-1564), which include over 170 species of plants. A deconstruction and collation of the cucurbit images in the festoons makes it possible to evaluate the genetic diversity of cucurbits in Renaissance Italy 500 years ago. FINDINGS: The festoons contain six species of Old World cucurbits, Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Cucumis melo (melon), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Ecballium elaterium (squirting cucumber), Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd) and Momordica balsamina (balsam apple), and two or three species of New World cucurbits, Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo and, perhaps, C. moschata (pumpkin, squash, gourd). The images of C. maxima are the first illustrations of this species in Europe.     

西双版纳黄瓜Cs-Psy1基因的序列特征与表达分析

西双版纳黄瓜是我国特有的果肉橙黄色的黄瓜变种资源,不同种质间的β-胡萝卜素含量差异明显。PSY是胡萝卜素生物合成途径中的第1个限速酶。本文以西双版纳黄瓜为试材,分别克隆西双版纳黄瓜八氢番茄红素合成酶(Cs-PSY1)的DNA和c DNA序列,结果显示,DNA长2797 bp,包含5个内含子和6个外显子,c DNA序列长1385 bp,编码421个氨基酸。Psy1推测的氨基酸序列包含该家族的2个特征序列,保守性很高。该蛋白为不稳定蛋白,无明显疏水区,未预测到跨膜结构;系统进化分析结果显示,西双版纳黄瓜的Cs-PSY1蛋白与甜瓜的同源性较高;与栽培黄瓜深度测序材料"9930"和"GY14"的序列进行比较分析,结合115份黄瓜重测序结果,共发现5个SNP,其中2个位于起始密码子上游27 bp处和971 bp处,3个位于内含子区域。其中SNP4在重测序的19份西双版纳黄瓜中的突变率为100%,在96份栽培黄瓜中的特异性为5.3%。转录因子结合位点预测结果显示,在普通栽培黄瓜该位点处存在一个CTAG motif,在西双版纳黄瓜中该位点突变后则不存在该motif。利用实时荧光定量PCR技术分析Cs-Psy1的表达量变化趋势,结果表明,在黄瓜不同果实发育时期,该基因的表达量均呈现先上升后下降的趋势,在西双版纳黄瓜中表达量变化的差异明显,在授粉后50 d达到最大值,是果实发育初期表达量的8倍多,是同时期普通黄瓜的4倍多,而普通黄瓜表达量的总体变化相对平缓。西双版纳黄瓜果实内果皮的表达水平明显高于中果皮,最高相差约5倍,普通黄瓜差异不明显。从上述研究结果推测Psy1基因可能影响西双版纳黄瓜的β-胡萝卜素积累。     

黄瓜胞质6-磷酸葡萄糖酸脱氢酶基因克隆及序列分析

根据6-磷酸葡萄糖酸脱氢酶(6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase,6PGDH)基因的保守氨基酸序列设计简并引物,应用RT-PCR技术从黄瓜栽培种品种'北京截头'(Cucumis sativus 'Beijingjietou')叶片中获得了640 bp的特异片段,以该序列在EST数据库进行同源检索筛选,发现甜瓜EST序列AM715537.2与之高度一致,据此设计引物经RT-PCR扩增、分子克隆和序列拼接,获得了黄瓜6-磷酸葡萄糖酸脱氢酶基因全长序列,命名为Cs6PGDH(GenBank登录号FJ610345).序列分析表明,该基因全长1 829 bp,其中开放读码框(ORF)长1 488 bp编码495个氨基酸组成的多肽,编码区内无内含子存在,5'、3'端非翻译区长度各为70 bp和271 bp.Blast同源性分析显示该基因编码的氨基酸序列与拟南芥、大豆、水稻、玉米、菠菜等物种6PGDH 基因有74%以上的一致性.由于与其他物种胞质6PGDH相类似氨基酸N端都缺少长度约为40aa的转运肽,推断Cs6PGDH为黄瓜胞质6-磷酸葡萄糖酸脱氢酶基因.     

不同类型西双版纳黄瓜果实成熟期营养成分分析

西双版纳黄瓜（Cucumis sativus L．vat．xishuangbannanesis Qi et Yuan）是我国特有的黄瓜变种,老瓜果肉橙黄是区别于普通黄瓜的主要特征之一。本文以不同类型西双版纳黄瓜为研究对象,分析果实成熟期主要营养成分及其变化规律。结果显示,18份西双版纳黄瓜老瓜的平均β-胡萝卜素含量为106．58mg／kgDW,叶黄素0．48mg／kgDW,Vc4．96mg／100g,可溶性糖1．97％,Ca173．21mg／kg,Fe1．28mg／kg,Mg121．89mg/kg,P 339．67mg／kg,Zn1．47mg／kg。不同种质的β-胡萝卜素含量差异较大,变异范围1．34～261．55mg／kgDW,变异系数67．68％。随着果实成熟期的延长,β-胡萝卜素和α-胡萝卜素含量呈显著增高的趋势,而叶黄素含量明显下降。在果实成熟期未检测到番茄红素。β-胡萝卜素积累是西双版纳黄瓜果肉颜色形成的主要原因。     

Simple sequence repeats in Cucumis mapping and map merging.

Thirty-four polymorphic simple-sequence repeats (SSRs) were evaluated for length polymorphism in melon (Cucumis melo L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). SSR markers were located on three melon maps (18 on the map of 'Vedrantais' and PI 161375, 23 on the map of 'Piel de Sapo' and PI 161375, and 16 on the map of PI 414723 and 'Dulce'). In addition, 14 of the markers were located on the cucumber map of GY14 and PI 183967. SSRs proved to be randomly distributed throughout the melon and cucumber genomes. Mapping of the SSRs in the different maps led to the cross-identification of seven linkage groups in all melon maps. In addition, nine SSRs were common to both melon and cucumber maps. The potential of SSR markers as anchor points for melon-map merging and for comparative mapping with cucumber was demonstrated.     

Comparison of the distribution of the repetitive DNA sequences in three variants of Cucumis sativus reveals their phylogenetic relationships

Repetitive DNA sequences with variability in copy number or/and sequence polymorphism can be employed as useful molecular markers to study phylogenetics and identify species/chromosomes when combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Cucumis sativus has three variants, Cucumis sativus L. var. sativus, Cucumis sativus L. var. hardwickii and Cucumis sativus L. var. xishuangbannesis. The phylogenetics among these three variants has not been well explored using cytological landmarks. Here, we concentrate on the organization and distribution of highly repetitive DNA sequences in cucumbers, with emphasis on the differences between cultivar and wild cucumber. The diversity of chromosomal karyotypes in cucumber and its relatives was detected in our study. Thereby, sequential FISH with three sets of multi-probe cocktails (combined repetitive DNA with chromosome-specific fosmid clones as probes) were conducted on the same metaphase cell, which helped us to simultaneously identify each of the 7 metaphase chromosomes of wild cucumber C. sativus var. hardwickii. A standardized karyotype of somatic metaphase chromosomes was constructed. Our data also indicated that the relationship between cultivar cucumber and C. s.var. xishuangbannesis was closer than that of C. s. var. xishuangbannesis and C. s. var. hardwickii.     

Effect of Soils from Six Management Systems on Root-knot Nematodes and Plant Growth in Greenhouse Assays

The effects of soil management systems on root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) eggs and gall incidence on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) following tomato were evaluated. Soil was collected from a replicated field experiment in which six management systems were being assessed for vegetable production. Soil management systems were conventional production, organic production, bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pasture, bahiagrass: Stylosanthes (Stylosanthes guianensis) pasture, bare ground fallow, and weed fallow. Soil was collected from field plots and used in greenhouse experiments. Identification of egg-parasitic fungi and the incidence of root-knot nematode galling were assessed both on tomato and cucumber planted in the same pots following the removal of tomato plants. Organic, bare ground fallow and conventional production treatments reduced galling both on tomato and on cucumber following tomato. Although no treatment consistently enhanced egg-parasitic fungi, management system did affect egg viability and the types of fungi isolated from parasitized eggs.     

Biological and Serological Variability of Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus in Sudan

Zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus (ZYMV) is prevalent in different cucurbit growing agro-ecosystems in Sudan. A study of the biological and serological variability of isolates originating from different regions was conducted to better understand ZYMV epidemiology and to develop adapted and durable control strategies. Variability was detected among isolates regarding symptomatology, host range and virulence towards the Zym resistance gene in melon ( Cucumis melo L.) PI 414723. Serological variability was also revealed using a set of seven differential monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against a French isolate (ZYMV-E9). Six serotypes were differentiated, but a majority of isolates (88%) reacted with all the mAbs as did the reference strains from Italy and France. All isolates from Sudan were equally well controlled by the resistance genes described in squash ( Cucurhita moschata (Duchesne) Duchesne ex Poir. cvs. Menina and Nigeria) and in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L. cv. TMG), or by cross protection with the mild ZYMV-WK strain. All isolates were transmitted in a nonpersistent manner by Aphis gossypii Glover and Myzus persicae Sulzer.     

Protein inhibitors of trypsin from the seeds of Cucurbitaceae plants

Seven trypsin inhibitors were isolated from the seeds of Cucurbitaceae plants: two from cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and red bryony (Bryonia diotica) and one from figleaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia), spaghetti squash (Cucurbita pepo var. (vegetable spaghetti) and water melon (Citrullus vulgaris). The inhibitors were purified by fractionation with ammonium sulphate, followed by ion-exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography using immobilized trypsin or anhydro-trypsin. The homogeneous inhibitors from cucumber and water melon are made up of 32 and 30 amino acid residues, respectively, whereas the remaining ones of 29 residues. All inhibitors contain three disulphide bridges and are free of threonine, phenylalanine and tryptophan. Inhibitors from spaghetti squash and CSTI IIb from cucumber are inactivated by acetylation of free amino groups whereas the remaining ones are inactivated by modification of arginine with 1,2-cyclohexanedione. Thus the P1 residues of the reactive sites of the inhibitors are lysine and arginine, respectively.     

黄瓜韧皮部的类血影蛋白

以黄瓜 (CucumissativusL .)叶柄为实验材料 ,应用胶体金免疫电镜技术证明类血影蛋白存在于韧皮部的筛管_伴胞复合体中 ,广泛分布于筛分子中的韧皮蛋白纤丝以及筛分子网络结构上 ,并且分布在伴胞的细胞质和线粒体膜以及筛分子与伴胞之间的分支状胞间连丝上 ,表明该蛋白可能由伴胞合成并经由二者之间的胞间连丝运输到筛分子中。用免疫印迹技术证明 ,黄瓜韧皮部汁液蛋白中存在类血影蛋白 ,其分子量约为 2 6 0kD ,与动物细胞中血影蛋白的分子量接近     

Insertion and amplification of a DNA sequence in satellite DNA of Cucumis sativus L. (cucumber)

Summary Another satellite DNA repeat (type IV) in the genome of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) was found and investigated with respect to DNA sequence, methylation, and evolution. This satellite shows a repeat length of 360 bp and a GC-content of 47%. The repeats of type IV are highly conserved among each other. Evidence for CG and CNG methylation is presented. By comparison to the previously described satellites (type I/II and type III) from cucumber, it is evident that this repeat is created by an insertion of a 180 bp DNA sequence similar to type I–III into another DNA sequence (or vice versa), and subsequent amplification forming a new satellite repeat. The different satellites of the type I/II, type III, and the 180 bp insert of type IV show a sequence homology of 60%–70%, indicating that the complex satellite DNA of cucumber is originated from a common progenitor by mutation, additional insertion, and amplification events. Copies of a sequence similar to a part of type IV are present in the genome of the related species Cucumis melo (melon).     

Effect of vermicompost and cucumber cultivar on population growth attributes of the melon aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Worldwide, the developing industry of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) grown in greenhouses is threatened by damage from sucking pests, especially aphids. Among these, the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is the most serious. We tested the effect of two cucumber cultivars ('Royal' and'Storm') and three vermicompost concentrations (0 [control], 20, and 30%) in field soil on the development and fecundity rates of A. gossypii, by using a randomized complete block design with four replicates as a factorial experiment. The developmental times of nymphs reared on plants grown into the three vermicompost concentrations ranged from 5.5 (0%) to 8.7 (30%) d (on Storm) and from 4.3 (0%) to 7 (30%) d (on Royal). The developmental time of melon aphid's nymphs was greatest on plants grown in the culture medium with 30% vermicompost rate and least on plants reared in the soil without vermicompost. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r,,) of A. gossypii ranged from 0.204 d(-1) on plants grown in the soil amended with 30% vermicompost rate (on Storm seedlings) to 0.458 d(-1) on plants grown in the soil without vermicompost (on Royal seedlings). Accordingly, our findings confirm that a combination of a low level of vermicompost and a partially resistant cucumber cultivar might play an important role in managing this aphid on cucumbers in greenhouses.