High-level Expression of Maize <Emphasis Type="Italic">γ</Emphasis>-zein Protein in Transgenic Soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis>)

Primers were developed for 118 microsatellites isolated from grape (Vitis vinifera) genomic libraries enriched for (AC)n repeats. Only one microsatellite sequence matched other grape SSR-sequences in the GeneBank database. Genotyping was carried out in the parental lines and four offspring of two pseudo-test-cross populations, Cabernet Sauvignon x Seyval and Chardonnay x Bianca, and a further six other grape genotypes (V. vinifera Sultanina, Merlot, Syrah, Müller-Thurgau, Vitis Regent and V. riparia Gloire de Montpellier). A total of 108 microsatellites showed easily scorable alleles and 100 of them segregated according to a configuration suitable for mapping in either cross. A further 8 SSRs, although unsuitable for mapping in those crosses, showed polymorphism in the other genotypes tested. This set of markers was used, along with 75 microsatellites of other repeat-types, to fingerprint 46 offspring of the cross Chardonnay x Bianca. For each full-sib, individual heterozygosity and distance in repeat units between pairs of alleles at each locus (mean d²) were calculated as a tool for predicting highly outbred recombinant individuals. Six microsatellites with segregation ratios significantly distorted towards the lack of homozygous sibs were identified and mapped to linkage groups LG 3 and LG 5. Estimation of heterozygosity at genome-wide level and genotyping at loci for which homozygous sibs are discriminated against are discussed for marker-assisted background selection in outcrossing grapevines.     

Genetic analysis of two wheat cultivars, ‘Sonalika’ and ‘WL 711’ for reaction to leaf rust (Puccinia recondita)

Summary Genetic analysis for leaf rust reaction of two widely adapted cultivars, Sonalika and WL 711, has been done using 21 near isogenic Lr lines and rust culture IL004 — avirulent on the two cultivars and all the Lr lines used. The segregation pattern in the F₂ generation indicated the presence of a recessive gene in Sonalika and of a dominant gene in WL 711. These genes in cultivars Sonalika and WL 711 have been identified as Lr 11 and Lr 13, respectively. Gene Lr 13 is no longer effective in WL 711 but it continues to give field resistance in the backgrounds of Chris, Prelude and Thatcher. There has been no significant change in the virulence spectrum of the leaf rust pathogen in India with the release of WL 711. High susceptibility of WL 711 seems to be due to the evolution of more aggressive forms of the pathogen to this cultivar. The gene Lr 11, which behaves as a recessive in Sonalika, was effective against leaf rust when this cultivar was released. The high susceptibility of Sonalika is probably due to an increase in the frequency of race 77 virulent on Lr 11. Lr 11 has shown a dominance reversal in the background of Sonalika. Present results suggest that interaction of resistance genes with the background genotype must be studied for their effective use in breeding programme.     

Uptake of Zn++ and aflatoxin from perlite and liquid culture by Zea mays seedlings

The present paper reports our attempts to determine whether the inclusion of 0.0014 mM Zn⁺⁺ within a hydroponic culture medium affects the ability of 12-day-old Zea mays, cv. SS-522 to take-up [³H]-aflatoxin B₁. Data from the corollary experiment, i.e., whether inclusion of aflatoxin affects the ability of Zea mays, cvs. Truckers White, X-Sweet and Merit to take-up ⁶⁵ZnCl₂ are presented also. This report is a preliminary to one regarding an in-progress analysis of whether pollutant levels of Zn⁺⁺ affect aflatoxin uptake and distribution. In the absence of irrigating seedlings, which were grown in Perlite containing ⁶⁵ZnCl₂, with a solution containing mixed aflatoxins, the stem contained the greatest amount of label with root plus seed the next highest and the leaf the least for each of the cvs. In contrast, when the seedlings were irrigated with a solution containing mixed aflatoxins, the root plus seed contained either an amount nearly identical to (cv. Truckers White) or in excess of that within the stem (cvs. X-Sweet and Merit). Calculation of the percentages of aflatoxin-induced diminutions in leaf, stem and root label suggested that the aflatoxins interfered with the translocation of ⁶⁵ZnCl₂ from the root to the stem and leaf, at least for cvs X-Sweet and Merit. When 0.0014mM Zn⁺⁺ as ZnSO₄ was added to an incubation medium in which 12-day-old seedlings were suspended and plant growth assessed over 72 hours, a 15% increase (significant at 0.05 level) in seedling height over that of Zn⁺⁺-deficient plants was observed. No differences in [³H]-aflatoxin B₁ uptake were noted between those seedlings which were grown in either Zn⁺⁺-containing or lacking media. Less than one % of the[³H]-aflatoxin B₁ which was taken-up was recovered within chloroform extracts of the seedlings. The distributions of radioactivity from [³H]-aflatoxin B₁ for leaf, stem, seed and root were 0, 57, 26 and 19% and 0, 26, 58 and 18% for Zn⁺⁺-containing and -lacking media, respectively.     

Specialized and generalized dispersal systems: where does ‘the paradigm’ stand?

I explore the specialization versus generalization paradigm in frugivory and seed dispersal. This view predicts that some tropical trees produce nutritious fruits adapted for use by a small coterie of specialized frugivores that provide reliable seed dissemination. Other tree species are expected to offer superabundant fruits of lower nutritional reward, relying instead on common opportunistic frugivores that are individually less reliable, but collectively disperse seeds effectively. Though widely referenced, many aspects of the paradigm are untested with tropical trees and avian frugivores, primarily because plant ecologists rarely determine whether specialist or generalist foragers are responsible for different patterns of seed distribution, while students of foraging behavior rarely determine the effects seed dispersal by different animals for survival of seeds or seedlings of specialist or generalist trees.Ecological paradigms provide alternative hypotheses, without evolutionary arguments. Keystone species have ecological effects disproportionate to their abundance; it is important for management considerations to know whether fruiting trees or frugivores serve as keystone mutualists in tropical forests. Alternatively, the extent to which vertebrate seed dispersers influence density-dependent seed, seedling, sapling, or adult mortality may have important consequences for spatial dispersion and population dynamics of tree species in tropical forests.     

Genetics of resistance to Puccinia graminis tritici in ‘Chris’ and ‘W3746’ wheats

Summary Chris wheat possessed genes Sr5, Sr7a, Sr8a, Sr9g and Sr12. W3746, derived from the cross Chris/Baart, possessed Sr7a and Sr12. The response conferred by Sr7a was influenced by the genetic background. Although Sr7a or Sr12 alone conferred no observable resistance upon adult plants, the adult resistances of Chris and W3746 to predominant pathotypes appeared to be associated with the interaction of Sr7a and Sr12, or genes at closely linked loci.     

Glycogen phosphorylase ‘b’ in Dictyostelium: stability and endogenous phosphorylation

Summary The slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum has two forms of the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase. The inactive phosphorylase b form requires 5 AMP for activity and is present in early development. The active phosphorylase a form is 5 AMP independent and occurs during later development. We here show that the 92 kd b enzyme subunit exists either as a singlet or a doublet upon SDS-PAGE, depending on the method of sample extraction. In the presence of exogenously added Mn²⁺ and ATP, the phosphorylase b shows apparent conversion into a 5 AMP independent form as measured by enzyme activity. In addition, Mn²⁺ and ATP also support an in vitro phosphorylation of the 92 kd phosphorylase b subunit. We also demonstrate phosphorylation of the b enzyme subunit in vivo by ³²-P incorporation into the enzyme protein. A protein kinase responsible for the observed in vitro phosphorylation of the phosphorylase b subunit is characterized.     

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of EMS,DES and gamma-rays in rice

Summary Data on chlorophyll mutation frequency after treatment with EMS, DES and gamma-rays and sequential administration of gamma-rays and the two alkylating agents in three varieties of rice have been used to work out quantitatively the effectiveness and efficiency of each mutagen and combination treatment. For effectiveness, the order is EMS > DES and for efficiency it is EMS > DES > gamma-rays. In some sequential treatments (Gamma-rays + DES in IR8 and Basmati; DES + gamma-rays in IR8 and Jhona; Gamma-rays + EMS in IR8 and Basmati; and EMS + gamma-rays in IR8, Jhona and Basmati) mutation frequency is more than additive (synergistic) but these treatments are decisively less efficient because of their relatively high injurious effects in the M₁. generation. EMS induces more albinas than gamma-rays do. The mutational spectrum patterns induced by gamma-rays and DES are alike. In general, combination treatments tend to increase the frequency of albinas over other types of chlorophyll mutants.     

Comparisons of a new triazole retardant PP 333 with ancymidol and other compounds on pot-grown tulips

PP 333 was compared with ancymidol, CGA 65993, dikegulac-sodium (as Atrinal) and maleic hydrazide for its ability to restrict stem extension in tulip cvs Paul Richter, Apeldoorn and Trance. Single, 300 ml compost drenches were applied one day after housing fully cooled bulbs grown in a sphagnum peat/sand compost (3:1 v/v).Experiments in 1979/1980 and 1980/1981 with mid- and late-season crops showed that PP 333, like ancymidol, could reduce stem extension without deleterious responses. However, higher amounts of PP 333 (0.8–33.3 mg a.i./pot) were required than of ancymidol (0.625–2.5 mg a.i./pot). Cv. Paul Richter was much less responsive to PP 333 and ancymidol than Apeldoorn, particularly when grown as a late-season crop. Dikegulac was the most effective chemical in the latter situation, especially as it restricted post-flowering extension growth. PP 333 and ancymidol were better able to control such growth in the mid-season crops. Other than for the above purpose, dikegulac proved unsuitable because it increased flower bud blasting and gave rise to abnormally coloured perianth segments. Similarly, marked reductions in stem length of Apeldoorn and Paul Richter with CGA 65993 were associated with unacceptable side-effects, namely, smaller flowers (both cvs) and more bud blasting in Apeldoorn. Maleic hydrazide (5–500 mg a.i./pot) had little influence on stem length in any of the three cultivars.The trials indicated the need to test each cultivar/retardant combination, as well as to take into account the time of forcing because, whereas Paul Richter and Apeldoorn were adequately dwarfed by PP 333 and ancymidol without adverse effects, both compounds caused about 50% of Trance flowers to blast. No treatment influenced flowering date in cv. Paul Richter but PP 333 delayed flowering by two days in Apeldoorn and Trance, as did the higher doses of ancymidol in Apeldoorn.     

Endogenous abscisic acid and 2-trans-abscisic acid in alternate bearing ‘Wilking’ mandarin trees

The relationship of abscisic acid (ABA) and 2-trans-abscisic acid (t-ABA) to alternate bearing has been examined in Wilking mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) trees. Leaves, stems and buds of trees loaded with fruit (on trees) had 4.3, 6.0 and 2.2 fold higher ABA levels than the corresponding organs from off trees. Leaves had higher ABA levels than stems and buds in both on and off trees. t-ABA was non-detectable in Wilking leaf, stem and bud tissue. Amounts of t-ABA not exceeding 40% of the ABA content, were found in Shamouti and Valencia orange buds and in Wilking fruit peel.The elevated levels of ABA in on tree organs may reflect a stress imposed by the fruit overload.     

Cytoplasmic male sterility in barley

Summary The effect of the msm1 cytoplasm of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) on kernel protein and lysine was studied using the near-isogenic, unrestored derivatives of seven barley varieties. With normal lysine varieties, Adorra, Bomi, CI 4362, and Hankkija's Eero, the msm1 cytoplasm produced an average of one percentage point more protein than did the normal cytoplasm of the same varieties. There was no difference between the two cytoplasms with respect to their effect on the lysine content. With high lysine varieties, Bomi Risø mutant 13, Bomi Risø mutant 1508, and CI 3947, msm1 produced almost one percentage point more protein but protein with a somewhat decreased lysine content.Induced partial spike fertility in normal Adorra was found to be associated with lysine in meal (r=–0.999), with protein in meal (r=–0.984), and with lysine in protein (r=0.941). Removal of the spikes on the secondary tillers affected both the protein and its lysine content. It is suggested that good spike fertility is an important pre-requisite when selecting high lysine and/or high protein segregants or mutants.     

Monosomic analysis of heading date and spikelet number in the common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) multispikelet line ‘Noa’

Summary Genetic analysis of heading date and spikelet number was carried out in the common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) multispikelet line Noa, by using the monosomic series of the regular line Mara. Noa's high number of spikelets was found to be controlled by a recessive major gene on chromosome 2D; a slight reduction in spikelet number was induced by another recessive gene on Noa's 7A chromosome. Noa's late heading date was found to be controlled by two recessive genes, located on chromosome 2D (a major effect) and 6B (a minor effect). The nature of the genes located on Noa's 2D chromosome and the relationship between spikelet number and heading date are discussed.     

Plant regeneration through culture of isolated microspores of Triticum aestivum L.

Wheat microspores mechanically isolated from the anthers before culture and isolated from the anthers during the hole culture period in a chemically defined medium resulted in proembryos, embryos and finally plants. Of the four genotypes included, all responded with proembryos, and the two spring wheats Ciano and Walter gave rise to macroscopic embryos and plants. The frequency of embryo regeneration and the frequency of albino plants in both Ciano and Walter was in accordance with previously obtained results with anther culture derived material.Abbreviations 2,4-d 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid     

Viability and activity in readily culturable bacteria: a review and discussion of the practical issues

In microbiology the terms viability and culturability are often equated. However, in recent years the apparently self-contradictory expression viable-but-nonculturable (VBNC) has been applied to cells with various and often poorly defined physiological attributes but which, nonetheless, could not be cultured by methods normally appropriate to the organism concerned. These attributes include apparent cell integrity, the possession of some form of measurable cellular activity and the apparent capacity to regain culturability. We review the evidence relating to putative VBNC cells and stress our view that most of the reports claiming a return to culturability have failed to exclude the regrowth of a limited number of cells which had never lost culturability. We argue that failure to differentiate clearly between use of the terms viability and culturability in an operational versus a conceptual sense is fuelling the current debate, and conclude with a number of proposals that are designed to help clarify the major issues involved. In particular, we suggest an alternative operational terminology that replaces VBNC with expressions that are internally consistent.     

The level of free amino acids in erythrocytes of different breeds of hen

Summary The content of free amino acids was determined in erythrocytes of adult Leghorn (Lg, White Rock (WR) and Cornish (Cr) hens, bred under identical conditions. The concentration of total amino acids was twice as high in the erythrocytes as in plasma, amounting to 396 m/100 ml, 424 m/100 ml and 475m/100 ml in White Rock, Cornish and Leghorn hens, respectively.Significant differences were found in the ratio of basic amino acids to acidic amino acids. These values were 0.76, 1.75 and 3.19 in White Rick, Leghorn and Cornish hens, respectively; in the plasma of all 3 breeds the ratio was 1. Statistically significant interbreed differences were expressed more distinctly in erythrocyte than in plasma amino acid concentrations. For absolute concentrations the differences were significant in the case of 9 amino acids.     

The inheritance of host plant resistance and its effect on the relative infection efficiency of Magnaporthe grisea in rice cultivars

The inheritance of host plant resistance and its effect on the relative infection efficiency for leaf blast was studied in the crosses IR36/CO39 (partially resistant × highly susceptible) and IR36/IR64 (both partially resistant). On the natural scale, gene action appeared multiplicative. After log transformation, additive effects described most of the genetic variation in the cross IR36/CO39, while additive and dominance effects were about equal in magnitude in the cross IR36/IR64. Dominance was towards increased resistance. No transgressive segregation occurred in the cross IR36/CO39. The number of genes that reduce lesion number was estimated to be zero in CO39 and five or more in IR36. The cross IR36/IR64 showed transgressive segregation in both directions, and IR36 and IR64 each contain at least one gene that is not present in the other cultivar. The heritabilities (narrow sense) in the F₂ were low (range 0.06–0.16), while narrow sense heritabilities based on F₃ lines were much higher (range 0.41–0.68). Lesion numbers in F₃ lines were reasonably correlated with those in F₅ progenies derived from the same F₂ plant (r was±0.6 in both crosses). Partial resistance can be effectively improved by selecting the most resistant plants from the most resistant F₃ lines.     

Cytogenetic analysis of structural rearrangements in three varieties of common wheat,Triticum aestivum

Summary The winter wheat varieties Starke and Cappelle Desprez and the spring wheat Chinese Spring were analysed for structural chromosome rearrangements that resulted in the formation of multivalents in F₁ hybrids. The analyses were carried out using hybrids involving euploids, monosomic and ditelosomic stocks, and double-monotelodisomic constructs. The study confirmed that Cappelle Desprez differs from Chinese Spring in a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 5B and 7B (Riley et al. 1967); a translocation involving chromosomes 3B and 3D could not be verified. Furthermore, the analysis showed that Starke differs from Chinese Spring in a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 7A and 7D. Both translocations have a coefficient of multivalent realisation of about 0.84. Further multivalents in euploid Starke, in euploid and some aneuploid stocks of Cappelle Desprez, and in euploid as well as various types of aneuploid hybrids between all three varieties could nearly all be explained hypothesizing that chromosome 2B of both Starke and Cappelle Desprez is a duplication-deficiency chromosome. In the hypothesis a part of the long arm of 2B is missing and replaced by a duplicated part of the long arm of chromosome 2D. The multivalents of this rearrangement showed an average coefficient of realisation of about 0.09.Sven Ellerström died in December 1985     

Über den Rostbefall einer Population tetraploider Pappeln

Zusammenfassung 1. Aus Sämlingen der Zuchtsorten Oxford und Rochester, Vater mit großer Wahrscheinlichkeit die dem gleichen Zuchtkreis angehörende Sorte Androscoggin, wurde mit Vegetationspunktbehandlung durch Kolchizin-Agar eine tetraploide Population hergestellt.2. Bei den Gliedern dieser tetraploiden Population handelt sich um alloploide Formen, und der Grad der morphologischen Streuung ist noch viel ausgeprägter als bei den nicht behandelten Diploiden.3. Während bei den Müttern Oxford und Rochester, wie bei dem Vater Androscoggin, der Grad der Anfälligkeit gegenüber dem RostMelampsora larici gering ist, zeigt sich in der tetraploiden Population schwacher bis mittelstarker Rostbefall, es treten aber auch eine Anzahl von Individuen auf, die völlig rostresistent sind.4. Diese 4n-Pflanzen, die bei bester Großwüchsigkeit und klarer Ausprägung von morphologischen Tetraploidieeigenschaften rostresistent sind, sollen für die weiteren Zuchtmaßnahmen genutzt werden: Schaffung von Triploiden mit dem Ziel, genetisch bunte polyploide Populationen mit hoher Leistung und Sicherheit gegen verheerende Pilzepidemien aufzubauen.5. Es zeigt sich, daß es bei forstlichen Objekten möglich ist, eine große Zahl unerwünschter ERbträger frühzeitig auszumerzen.

---

On rust resistance of a population of tetraploid poplars

Summary A population of tetraploid poplars was raised from mothers of the artificial varieties Oxford or Rochester, and Androskoggin as father. Since the trial field of the Forschungsinstitut für Pappelwirtschaft at Hann.-Münden lies close to the river Weser, there is always a high degree of natural infection by the rustMelampsora present. While the parents show only a weak response to this rust, class 1 on a scale from 0 to 5, the tetraploid population exhibits a wide range of rust resistance. We find forms with absolute resistance, class o, though a few forms with sensitivity of class 4. Only forms which, in addition to other genetically fixed qualities, have a high resistance toMelampsora are useful for further crosses.

     

Genetic control of heading date and spikelet number in common wheat (T. aestivum L.) line ‘Noa’

Summary The phenology and build-up of spikelet number under 10 h day-length were studied in five wheat lines: the multispikelet line Noa, the regular line Mara, the F₁ hybrid between them and monosomics 2D of Mara and of this hybrid (lacking the 2D chromosome of Mara). Noa had a longer spike development phase, a higher initial number of spikelet primordia and a slower rate of spikelet production than Mara. The F₁ hybrid was similar to Noa in its high initial number of spikelets and to Mara in its high rate of spikelet production. This hybrid had a shorter spikelet phase than both parents. Deletion of one dose of the Mara 2D chromosome from either Mara or the F₁ hybrid caused a reduction in the rate of spikelet production and an increase in the duration of the spikelet phase. These effects were due to the reduced dosage of the 2D chromosome. However, in the F₁ hybrid this deletion also caused an increase in the spike development phase — an indication that Noa carries on its 2D chromosome a recessive gene for late heading date which acts on the spike development phase. This gene of Noa is independent of the day-length sensitive gene ppd, and is different from Noas dominant gene for large initial number of spikelets.     

Nucellar callus of ‘Femminello’ lemon,selected for tolerance toPhoma tracheiphila toxin,shows enhanced release of chitinase and glucanase into the culture medium

Phoma tracheiphila is the causative agent of the disease mal secco. Citrus cultivars differ substantially in respect to their sensitivity to the pathogenP. tracheiphila and its toxin. Some cultivars (e.g., Femminello lemon) are inherently sensitive while others (e.g., Tarocco orange) are tolerant. Cell lines derived from nucellar tissue of Femminello, Tarocco and a cell line selected for tolerance to the fungal toxin (Femminello-S) were used to study host-pathogen interaction. Our results showed that calli or conditioned media of Tarocco and Femminello-S inhibited the size of co-cultivated fungal colonies when compared to Femminello. In addition, conditioned medium of Tarocco as well as FemminelloS, but not Femminello, promoted bursting of hyphal tips. A ten-fold increase in chitinase and glucanase enzymatic activity, as evaluated by radiometric assay and laminarin hydrolysis respectively, was detected in Femminello-S extracellular extracts as compared to Femminello. An increase in chitinase was also shown by immunoblot analysis. Our findings suggest a positive correlation between the presence of chitinase and glucanase in the conditioned media of the cultured cells and the tolerance of those cells toP. tracheiphila toxin.     

Microsatellite markers in the hexaploid Prunus domestica species and parentage lineage of three European plum cultivars using nuclear and chloroplast simple-sequence repeats

In a previous study, cDNA microsatellite markers were described in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). Specific PCR primers were designed to amplify the microsatellite-containing regions from genomic DNA in different Prunus species. In the present work, cDNA microsatellite markers were developed in the hexaploid Prunus domestica L. species and polymorphism was ascertained in a segregating plum population. Co-dominant mendelian segregation of alleles was demonstrated and microsatellite polymorphism displayed up to 6 alleles per SSR locus per individual. Parentage lineage of three full-sib European plum cultivars (cv. Cacanska najbolja, Cacanska rana and Cacanska lepotica) was reconstructed by the analysis of the above nuclear SSR markers, completed by four chloroplastic microsatellite loci. The six most informative nuclear loci enabled discrimination between the three Cacak cultivars and unrelated individuals as well as the previously proposed parents, Wangenheim and Pozegaca. Data obtained support previous evidence that these cultivars originated from the Stanley cultivar. However, SSR analysis finally excluded Wangenheim as the other possible parent. Based on the results obtained with nuclear and chloroplast SSR loci, we propose the origin of those three Cacak cultivars in a cross between Stanley as the mother plant and Ruth gerstetter as the pollinator. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of these apricot SSR markers for genotype fingerprinting of the hexaploid plum cultivars.