Genotype × environment interaction of Hevea clones in traditional and non-traditional rubber growing regions of Vietnam

The main objective of this research was to assess genotype?×?environment interactions and the stability status of 24 Hevea clones along with 2 checks in terms of latex yield and girth growth under two different environmental conditions representing for traditional and non-traditional rubber growing regions of Vietnam. Genotype?×?environment interactions were found to be highly significant for both latex yield and girth at opening, indicating that the latex yield and girth growth of the studied rubber clones were significantly affected by the environmental conditions of the location. Stability analyses indicated that LH 94/359, LH 91/579 and LH 94/481 were the best clones for highest latex yield and adaptability to traditional, non-traditional and both rubber growing regions of Vietnam, respectively. In terms of girth at opening, the stability analyses revealed that these clones were also accepted as the average girth growth and adaptability to both rubber growing regions of Vietnam.     

Chromosome-level wild Hevea brasiliensis genome provides new tools for genomic-assisted breeding and valuable loci to elevate rubber yield

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is grown in tropical regions and is the major source of natural rubber. Using traditional breeding approaches, the latex yield has increased by sixfold in the last century. However, the underlying genetic basis of rubber yield improvement is largely unknown. Here, we present a high-quality, chromosome-level genome sequence of the wild rubber tree, the first report on selection signatures and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of its yield traits. Population genomic analysis revealed a moderate population divergence between the Wickham clones and wild accessions. Interestingly, it is suggestive that H. brasiliensis and six relatives of the Hevea genus might belong to the same species. The selective sweep analysis found 361 obvious signatures in the domesticated clones associated with 245 genes. In a 15-year field trial, GWAS identified 155 marker–trait associations with latex yield, in which 326 candidate genes were found. Notably, six genes related to sugar transport and metabolism, and four genes related to ethylene biosynthesis and signalling are associated with latex yield. The homozygote frequencies of the causal nonsynonymous SNPs have been greatly increased under selection, which may have contributed to the fast latex yield improvement during the short domestication history. Our study provides insights into the genetic basis of the latex yield trait and has implications for genomic-assisted breeding by offering valuable resources in this new domesticated crop.     

Micro‐organisms in latex and natural rubber coagula of Hevea brasiliensis and their impact on rubber composition,structure and properties

Natural rubber, produced by coagulation of the latex from the tree Hevea brasiliensis, is an important biopolymer used in many applications for its outstanding properties. Besides polyisoprene, latex is rich in many nonisoprene components such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and thereby constitutes a favourable medium for the development of micro‐organisms. The fresh rubber coagula obtained by latex coagulation are not immediately processed, allowing the development of various microbial communities. The time period between tree tapping and coagula processing is called maturation, during which an evolution of the properties of the corresponding dry natural rubber occurs. This evolution is partly related to the activity of micro‐organisms and to the modification of the biochemical composition. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on microbial populations in latex and natural rubber coagula of H. brasiliensis and the changes they induce on the biochemistry and technical properties of natural rubber during maturation.     

A gram-negative bacterium, identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa AL98, is a potent degrader of natural rubber and synthetic cis-1, 4-polyisoprene

A Gram-negative bacterium, strain AL98, was isolated from foul water inside of a deteriorated car tire on a farmer's field in Münster, Germany. The strain was able to considerably disintegrate natural rubber (NR), either in the raw state as NR latex concentrate or in the vulcanized state as NR latex glove, as well as raw synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene (IR). Determination of carbon dioxide evolution and living cell number during batch cultivation with each of the materials as sole source of carbon, revealed mineralization of the rubber polymer during biomass increase. Surface investigation by scanning electron microscopy gave evidence for an adhesive growth behavior of the strain proceeding by colonizing the rubber surface, merging into the rubber and forming a biofilm prior to disintegration of the material. Schiff's reagent staining performed with NR latex gloves indicated production and accumulation of aldehyde groups during colonization. The solid glove substrate disappeared completely after a prolonged cultivation period as a result of continuous degradation. Taxonomic analyses of the strain, which were also based on similarity examination of the complete 16S rRNA gene, revealed classification of strain AL98 as a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is the first report about the isolation of a Gram-negative bacterium exhibiting strong rubber decomposing properties.     

Genetic parameters in a rubber tree population: heritabilities,genotype-by-environment interactions and multi-trait correlations

Rubber tree breeding programs are mainly driven by selection of individuals with high yield and quality of rubber. Data from 51 open-pollinated progenies tested on six sites in Brazil were analyzed over several traits to estimate the following: genetic parameters such as narrow-sense heritability and additive genetic variance in single- and multi-site analyses, type B correlations to determine the relevance of genotype-by-environment interactions and its effects on alternative selection strategies, additive genetic repeatability correlation for rubber yield based on three consecutive yearly measurements, and type A correlations to evaluate trait-to-trait genetic associations for all measured traits. Average rubber yield (RYm) showed an estimated narrow-sense heritability of 0.31, with an estimated type B correlation of 0.84, indicating low levels of genotype-by-environment interaction. The trait survival and number of latex vessel rings (RG) showed larger genotype-by-environment interaction and the lowest heritabilites. High to moderate type B correlation was found for most traits, with a value of 0.85 between diameter (or girth) and RYm; therefore, it is possible to achieve interesting rubber yield genetic gains (over 3 years of measurements) from indirect selection based on diameter at age 2.     

Role of lutoid membrane transport and protein synthesis in the regeneration mechanism of latex in different <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hevea</Emphasis> clones

Natural rubber (cis-1,4 polyisoprene) is synthesised in the milky cytoplasm, the latex, of specialized cells called laticifers in the bark tissues of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Regeneration mechanism of latex after each tapping (controlled wounding of the bark) was studied in relation to lutoid membrane enzymes and protein synthesis in twelve rubber clones with varying yield potentials during the peak rubber yielding season. High activity of membrane enzymes and better availability of biochemical energy [ATP] were observed in clones viz; RRII 105, RRIM 600, PB 260, RRII 422 and RRII 430. The highest protein biosynthetic capacity was noticed in clone PB 260 and RRIM 600. However, high ATP content, increased invertase activity and protein biosynthesis were observed in the medium yielding clone GT1 compared to clones with low rubber yield potential. Very low sugar content and increased invertase activity in the latex of clone PB 260 indicated intense latex metabolism with high protein turnover that implies fast recouping of the cellular metabolites lost during latex harvesting. Clone PB 217 was characterized by very high sucrose and low ATP concentration and ATPase activity in latex indicating slow metabolism and hence be suitable for inducing latex metabolism using ethylene stimulant. Low rubber yielding clones such as RRII 33 and RRII 38 were consistently recorded a high sucrose content but very low activity of membrane enzymes, reduced ATP concentration and low protein biosynthesis in latex. Among the recently released modern clones (RRII 400 series), latex regeneration capacity was higher in RRII 422 and RRII 430. The significance of lutoid membrane transport and protein synthesis is discussed in relation to general latex metabolism of these rubber clones. The outcome of this study would be helpful to design suitable latex harvesting systems and yield stimulation methods for optimizing latex production in each clone based on metabolic profiling.     

越冬前增温对小麦生长发育和产量的影响

为了揭示越冬前积温增加对冬小麦生长发育进程和产量的影响,于2010-2012年在设施内进行人为控制增温模拟试验.以试验期室外环境实测温度值为对照,设置越冬前增温40、50、60 d,研究越冬前不同积温(≥0 ℃)对小麦物候期、幼穗发育进程、开花期和成熟期叶片光合生理特性及产量构成要素的影响.结果表明： 设施内越冬前增加积温在越冬前对幼穗发育进程有一定影响,对拔节期幼穗发育进程和育性影响明显,孕穗后随着发育进程的加快影响减小,成熟期大部分处理间的生物学性状差异不显著.越冬前积温增加不超过25 ℃对幼穗影响很小;积温增加大于60 ℃幼穗发育进程明显加快,积温越高变化越明显.冬前积温增加到一定幅度将导致冬小麦物候期提前,积温增加超过60 ℃,拔节期叶龄提高0.8以上,抽穗期和成熟期分别提前1 d左右.物候期的提前和幼穗发育进程的加快使小麦整个发育期缩短,容易遭受春季低温危害,造成小花败育甚至小穗冻死;冬前积温过高还导致后期旗叶光合能力下降,灌浆期缩短,并造成减产.
     

Photosynthate allocation and productivity of latex vessels inHevea brasiliensis

Manipulations of production systems in rubber tree which were intended to improve sucrose translocation in tapped bark resulted in an increase of latex sucrose and of latex production and reduced the incidence of nonyielding laticiferous tissue. This was achieved by shortening the tapping cut from full to half spiral, by changing the descending direction into an ascending mode of tapping or by annual change-over of tapping panel allowing for a longer time the regeneration of bark removed above the location of the cut. The increase of latex yield did not result in a significant decrease in the growth of trees over a period of three years. Clonal differences in nonyielding bark appeared to be related to differences in sucrose depletion by tapping. In clone PB 235 which exhibited low latex sucrose, a reduction of tapping frequency resulted in an increase in sucrose level and in a decrease of bark “dryness” tending to an increase in total yield. The tapping manipulations examined did not affect latex flow characteristics such as the plugging index of latex vessels and the bursting index of lutoids. The results stress the importance of photosynthate allocation for the physiology of laticiferous system productivity and indicate the possibilities of improving assimilate economy in rubber trees. On mission as export of the International Atomic Energy Agency.     

Relationship between latex yield of Hevea brasiliensis and antecedent environmental parameters

A study on the relationship between latex yield and antecedent environmental data was undertaken for five clones (RRII203, RRII118, RRIM600, RRII105 and GT1) of Hevea brasiliensis (rubber) in Agartala, northeast India, a region in which rubber is not traditionally cultivated. The explained variance for the regression equations based on parameters determined on the day of tapping and up to 3 days prior to it, varied from 72% to 37% during the NWT period and 94-83% during the WT period. Soil moisture storage, 1 and 3 days prior to tapping, was found to be the primary parameter affecting yield for the NWT and WT periods, respectively. It was observed that the clone RRII105, with a comparatively lower yield to that of RRIM600, was more susceptible to daily WD conditions during the non-winter season. RRIM600 and RRII105 being high-yielding clones were also found to be fairly dependent on the AT of the day prior to tapping. The mean lag period correlation of this parameter with yield was also found to be higher during the WT period than during the NWT period. As a whole, the mean lag period based on prior measurements of environmental variables showed optimum correlation with yield at 15-20 days prior to the day of tapping. The study also confirms that varied responses of yield with environmental factors in this non-traditional region of rubber cultivation depend on clonal character.     

The sucrose transporter HbSUT3 plays an active role in sucrose loading to laticifer and rubber productivity in exploited trees of Hevea brasiliensis (para rubber tree)

Efficient sucrose loading in rubber‐producing cells (laticifer cells) is essential for retaining rubber productivity in Hevea brasiliensis, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of this process remain unknown. Here, we functionally characterized a putative Hevea SUT member, HbSUT3, mainly in samples from regularly exploited trees. When expressed in yeast, HbSUT3 encodes a functional sucrose transporter that exhibits high sucrose affinity with a K_m value of 1.24 mm at pH 4.0, and possesses features typical of sucrose/H ⁺ symporters. In planta, when compared to the expression of other Hevea SUT genes, HbSUT3 was found to be the predominant member expressed in the rubber‐containing cytoplasm (latex) of laticifers. The comparison of HbSUT3 expression among twelve Hevea tissues demonstrates a relatively tissue‐specific pattern, i.e. expression primarily in the latex and in female flowers. HbSUT3 expression is induced by the latex stimulator Ethrel (an ethylene generator), and relates to its yield‐stimulating effect. Tapping (the act of rubber harvesting) markedly increased the expression of HbSUT3, whereas wounding alone had little effect. Moreover, the expression of HbSUT3 was found to be positively correlated with latex yield. Taken together, our results provide evidence favouring the involvement of HbSUT3 in sucrose loading into laticifers and in rubber productivity.     

Ultrastructure of Laticifers Modifications in Hevea brasiliensis Infected with Root Rot Fungi

This paper presents some aspects of latex coagulation inside latice vessels of roots of Hevea brasiliensis infected by two fungi: Rigidoporus lignosus and Phellinus noxius. Three stages are described in latex coagulation: the phase of latex destabilisation characterized by the bursting of vacuoles and lysosomes membranes; the phase of latex coagulation characterized by the fusion of rubber particles and the disorganization of the cytoplasm; the formation of shots of rubber clumps indicating the final stage of coagulation.     

Postmetamorphic growth,survival, and age at first reproduction of the salamander,hynobius nebulosus tokyoensis Tago in relation to a consideration on the optimal timing of first reproduction

The postmetamorphic growth and survival of the salamander Hynobius nebulosus tokyoentisTago were surveyed in the study site located in Habu village of Hinodemachi, a suburb of Tokyo City, during 1975–1981. A laboratory experiment on the growth rate of juveniles was conducted in parallel with the field survey. The result indicated that this salamander grew at the rate of 8,mm in s.v.l. per year during the juvenile stage, but its growth rate decreased markedly as low as 1.8 mm for males and 1.1 mm for females, once it had attained sexual maturity. According to the “capture-recapture” procedure the annual survival rate after metamorphosis was found to be quite high; that is, approximately 0.7. By using the growth rate of juveniles and the difference between the sizes at metamorphosis and sexual maturity, the age at first reproduction was estimated to be 4 year for males and 5 year for females. From the data obtained in this study, the intrinsic rates of increase (r) were calculated for various values of age at first reproduction under different survival schedules, and the relationship between the age at first reproduction and fitness as measured by r was examined. The result indicated that an optimal age maximizing fitness always existed under respective survival schedules, and the observed age at first reproduction of this salamandei was found to coincide well with the predicted optimal age.     

The water relations of Verna Lemon trees from flowering to the end of rapid fruit growth

Lemon plants (Citrus limonum L. cv. Verna) were grown in the field under two different flood irrigation treatments. The dry treatment received four irrigations per year (March, July, September and November) and the wet treatment one monthly. The amounts of water applied per year for dry and wet treatments were 340.0 mm and 1020.0 mm, respectively. The effects of the two treatments on certain aspects of the plant water relations during the period between flowering and the end of rapid fruit growth (critical period) were studied. Soil matric potential (ψm) and leaf water potential (ψi) values in the dry treatment revealed development of water stress during the experimental period. The water supply in the wet treatment seems sufficient to achieve the crop water requirements. The g₁ values in July were higher in the wet than dry treatments. Pronounced oscillations in g₁ from sunrise to afternoon were found especially in the dry treatment.     

Survival,site fidelity,and the population dynamics of Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan

ABSTRACT To conserve threatened species, managers require predictions about the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on population growth that in turn require accurate estimates of survival, birth, and dispersal rates, and their correlation with natural and anthropogenic factors. For Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus), fledging rate is often more amenable to management than adult survival, and population models can be used to estimate the productivity (young produced per breeding female) necessary to maintain or increase populations for given levels of survival. We estimated true survival and site fidelity of adult and subadult (from fledging to second year) Piping Plovers breeding in Saskatchewan using mark‐resight data from 2002 to 2009. By estimating true survival rather than apparent survival (which is confounded with permanent emigration), we were able to provide more accurate projections of population trends. Average adult and subadult survival rates during our study were 0.80 and 0.57, respectively. Adult survival declined over time, possibly due in part to the loss of one breeding site to flooding. Average adult and subadult site fidelity were 0.86 and 0.46, respectively. Adult site fidelity declined during our study at two study sites, most strongly at the flooded site. Male and female Piping Plovers had similar survival rates, but males had greater site fidelity than females in some years. Based on our survival estimates, productivity needed for a stationary population was 0.75, a benchmark used for plover management on the Atlantic Coast, but not previously estimated for Prairie Canada. In stochastic simulations incorporating literature‐based variation in survival rates, productivity needed for a stationary population increased to 0.86, still lower than that previously estimated for western populations. Mean productivity for our study sites ranged from 0.87 to 0.96 fledged young per pair. Our results suggest that fledging rates of Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan were sufficient to ensure a stationary or increasing population during our study period. However, large‐scale habitat changes such as drought or anthropogenic flooding may lead to dispersal of breeding adults and possibly mortality that will increase the fledging rate needed for a stationary population.     

The Role of Lipids and Proteins in the Mechanism of Latex Vessel Plugging in Hevea brasiliensis

The phospholipid content of the bottom fraction of latex as well as the neutral lipids of rubber particles were determined in thirty-one clonal mother trees of RRII clones of Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. Ratios between cationic proteins and anionic proteins in the B-sera, which is the sera contained in the lutoid particles in latex, obtained from clones RRIM-501, PB 6/9, RRII-105 and Tjir-l were determined by electrophoresis. The influence of these factors on plugging index (a measure of the magnitude of latex vessel plugging) was investigated. Lutoid instability, as indicated by bursting index, is negatively ocrrelated with the phospholipid content of the bottom fraction of latex. The neutral lipid content of rubber particles is positively correlated with the colloidal stability of latex. The latex vessel plugging during latex flow is found to be negatively correlated with both the lutoid stability and the neutral lipids in the rubber particle. A high ratio of cationic and anionic proteins in B-serum may also enhance the process of plugging.     

Laser diffraction: A new tool for identification and studies of physiological effectors involved in aggregation-coagulation of the rubber particles from Hevea latex

Latex coagulation is the main limiting factor of rubber yield in Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree). Using laser diffraction, we set up and optimized a new method for monitoring the kinetics of rubber particle (RP) aggregation, a prerequisite for latex coagulation. In contrast to any previous method used, laser diffraction allows continuous monitoring changes in size of RP aggregates, thereby allowing characterization and quantification of the processes involved in latex coagulation. Using this technique, we confirm that RP aggregating factors are proteins compartmentalized within latex cell vacuoles (lutoids), which, especially at relatively acidic physiological pH, can induce formation of RP aggregates large enough to induce plugging of severed latex vessel extremities. Conversely, latex cytosol was found to harbor anti-aggregating proteins. Further, we were able to titrate the RP-aggregating efficiency of the intralutoidic serum and the anti-aggregating efficiency of the cytosol. Preliminary assays showed that these two parameters were correlated with the yield potential of the tested rubber clones. This method will allow identification and characterization of proteins involved in latex coagulation, hence in rubber yield. We suggest that laser diffraction could be used to monitor the kinetics and characterize the physiological processes involved in aggregation of any particles, organelles or cells.     

The clonal dependence of turion formation in the duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza—an ecogeographical approach

Formation of turions, the vegetative perennation organs, plays an important role in the survival strategy of Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleiden. Turion formation [quantified as number of turions formed per frond; specific turion yield (SY)] was investigated in 27 clones collected from a wide geographical range. The Pearson correlation was tested with (1) duration of growing season (monthly average temperature of ≥10°C), (2) relative growth rate of the fronds, (3) longitude and latitude, and (4) several climatic parameters, in all possible single and multiple regressions. All single coefficients of determination were below 0.10. The highest correlation (R² = 0.61; adjusted for the number of explaining variables 0.54) was found in a multiple linear regression with the following five parameters: average temperatures over the year and during the growing season, duration of the growing season and precipitation over the year and during the growth period. All these parameters were shown to have significant contributions. This equation was used successfully to predict the SY of five newly isolated clones. Finally, on the basis of all 32 clones the following conclusions were drawn: The mean annual temperature has the highest impact. It is suggested that lower temperatures decrease the survival rate of turions and that adaptation refers to increasing SY. The different levels of SY in the clones (ranging from SY = 0.22 to 5.9) were detected even after several years of in vitro cultivation. It is therefore assumed that these adaptations to the climatic conditions are genetically determined.     

Effect of pretreatment of rubber material on its biodegradability by various rubber degrading bacteria

The effect of pretreatment of several cis-1,4-polyisoprene containing rubbers on their biodegradability was examined. Tests were carried out with six recently isolated and characterized rubber degrading bacteria belonging to the genera Gordonia (strains Kb2, Kd2 and VH2), Mycobacterium, Micromonospora and Pseudomonas. All strains were able to use natural rubber (NR) as well as NR latex gloves as sole carbon source. Extraction of NR latex gloves by organic solvents resulted in an enhancement of growth for three of the selected strains. On the other hand, growth of Gordonia sp. (strain Kb2 and Kd2), Mycobacterium fortuitum NF4 and Micromonospora aurantiaca W2b on synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene did only occur after removal of the antioxidants, that are usually added during manufacture to prevent aging of the materials. Detailed degradation studies performed with Gordonia sp. Kb2 revealed an enhanced mineralization of pretreated NR latex gloves and mineralization of purified natural rubber (NR), indicating the actual mineralization of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber constituent even after removal of non-rubber constituent that may act as co-metabolic substrate and support microbial growth. Further analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly demonstrated the enhanced colonization efficiency of these bacteria towards pretreated NR latex gloves. Colonization was additionally visualized by staining of overgrown NR latex gloves with Schiff's reagent, and the purple color produced in the area of degradation was an evidence for the accumulation of aldehydes containing oligomers. Further enhancement of latex gloves degradation could be achieved after successive replacement of mineral salts medium during cultivation. Thereby, a rapid disintegration of untreated NR latex gloves material was accomplished by Gordonia sp. strain VH2.