Breeding quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): potential and perspectives

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) originated in the Andean region of South America; this species is associated with exceptional grain nutritional quality and is highly valued for its ability to tolerate abiotic stresses. However, its introduction outside the Andes has yet to take off on a large scale. In the Andes, quinoa has until recently been marginally grown by small-scale Andean farmers, leading to minor interest in the crop from urban consumers and the industry. Quinoa breeding programs were not initiated until the 1960s in the Andes, and elsewhere from the 1970s onwards. New molecular tools available for the existing quinoa breeding programs, which are critically examined in this review, will enable us to tackle the limitations of allotetraploidy and genetic specificities. The recent progress, together with the declaration of “The International Year of the Quinoa” by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, anticipates a bright future for this ancient species.     

Maerl grounds provide both refuge and high growth potential for juvenile queen scallops (Aequipecten opercularis L.)

Human damage to biogenic substrata such as maerl has been receiving increasing attention recently. Maerl forms highly biodiverse and heterogeneous habitats composed of loose-lying coralline red algae, which fulfil nursery area prerequisites for queen scallops (Aequipecten opercularis) and other invertebrates. The benefits obtained by queen scallops utilising maerl were poorly understood, so we used both laboratory predation and field tethering experiments to investigate the refuge and growth potential provided by pristine live maerl (PLM) grounds over other common substrata. In aquaria, more juvenile queen scallops (<35 mm shell height) survived on PLM than on gravel substrata in the presence of the crab Carcinus maenas or the starfish Asterias rubens. Field tethering experiments indicated similar survivorship of juvenile queen scallops on PLM than gravel; additionally, their growth rates were similar on both substrata. PLM allows scallops to seek refuge from predators and position themselves to optimise their food supply. Other bivalve refugia have been shown to provide poor food supply as a consequence of their high heterogeneity, yet maerl grounds provide a ‘win-win’ scallop nursery area coupling refuge availability with high food supply.     

Zur Verbreitungsbiologie der artVirga strigosa (Willd.) Holub

Die asiatische Art Virga strigosa hat sich in der letzten Zeit an den Schuttplätzen, Bachufern und in den Gebüschen in einigen Gebieten von Böhmen (besonders bei Praha, Jílové, Hradec Králové und Opo?no) eingebürgert. In dieser Mitteilung werden die Studienergebnisse über die Verbreitungsbiologie und Keimung derVirga-Früchte angefürt. Sie berichtet auch über das Vorkommen und die Verbreitung dieser Art bei der Stadt Jílové bei Praha in den letzten 6 Jahren und gibt die Unterschiede zwischen der fremden ArtVirga strigosa und der einheimischen ArtVirga pilosa an (Synonymik siehe beiHolub 1964).     

Antileishmanial phenylpropanoids from Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd

Hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts (100 microg/ml) of Alpinia galanga rhizomes exhibited significant activity in vitro against promastigotes of L. donovani. Twelve compounds namely, methyleugenol (1), p-coumaryl diacetate (2), 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (3), 1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate (4), trans-p-acetoxycinnamyl alcohol (5), trans-3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl alcohol (6), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (7), p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (8), trans-p-coumaryl alcohol (9), galangin (10), trans-p-coumaric acid (11) and galanganol B (12) were isolated from these extracts. Of these, compounds 2, 3, 4 and 5 were found most active in vitro against promastigotes of L. donovani with IC50 values of 39.3, 32.9, 18.9 and 79.9 microM respectively. This is the first report of antileishmanial activity of the extracts and isolated constituents of A. galanga.     

Salt Secretion in Aeluropus litoralis (Willd.) Parl.

The effect of ion composition and concentration in the rootmedium on salt secretion by Aeluropus litoralis was investigated.The presence of a high ionic concentration in the medium stimulatedthe secretion process. The sodium concentration in the secretedfluid was found to be always higher than its concentration inthe medium. A positive correlation was found between the outersodium chloride concentration and the amount of sodium secretedand/or leaf contents. Sodium secretion exhibited a high efficiencyin excluding excess sodium from leaftissues. Sodium retentionin the leaves occurred in relatively low rates. The secretion mechanisms were found to be highly selective tosodium, opposing potassium and calcium. In contrast, potassiumand calcium were retained in the leaves to a greater degreethan sodium. Antagonistic relationships between sodium and potassiumand sodium and calcium were observed in secretion. The secreted fluid contains also various organic substances.Several interpretations to the results in connection with theproposed hypotheses to the mechanism of salt secretion werediscussed.     

A genetic linkage map for azuki bean [Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & Ohashi]

To make progress in genome analysis of azuki bean (Vigna angularis) a genetic linkage map was constructed from a backcross population of (V. nepalensis x V. angularis) x V.angularis consisting of 187 individuals. A total of 486 markers—205 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 187 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and 94 restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) —were mapped onto 11 linkage groups corresponding to the haploid chromosome number of azuki bean. This map spans a total length of 832.1 cM with an average marker distance of 1.85 cM and is the most saturated map for a Vigna species to date. In addition, RFLP markers from other legumes facilitated finding several orthologous linkage groups based on previously published RFLP linkage maps. Most SSR primers that have been developed from SSR-enriched libraries detected a single locus. The SSR loci identified are distributed throughout the azuki bean genome. This moderately dense linkage map equipped with many SSR markers will be useful for mapping a range of useful traits such as those related to domestication and stress resistance. The mapping population will be used to develop advanced backcross lines for high resolution QTL mapping of these traits. O.K. Han, A. Kaga, T. Isemura have contributed equally to this paper.     

Distribution of minerals in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds

The distribution of minerals in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seed was examined using energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Phosphorus, K, and Mg coincided in localization in embryonic tissue. Since phytin globoids have been known to localize in protein bodies in embryonic cells of quinoa seed, it is thought that P is attributed to phytic acid and that K and Mg form to phytate. Calcium and K were present in the pericarp, where the cell wall is thickly developed, suggesting that these minerals are associated with pectin. Sulfur occurred in embryonic tissues, which would be derived from sulfur amino acid residues of storage proteins concentrated in the tissues. Abrasion of quinoa seeds resulted particularly in decrease in Ca content.     

Differentiation of Non-articulated Laticifers in Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.)

Differentiation of non-articulated laticifers in poinsettia(Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.) was studied ultra-structurally.Growing laticifers show: (1) a multinucleate apical region containingabundant ribosomes but few other differentiated organelles and(2) a sub-apical zone where the cytoplasm is dominated by vacuolesof diverse morphology with latex particles. These particlesappear first within narrow tubular vacuoles developed especiallyin the peripheral cytoplasm. During vacuolation of the laticifer,portions of cytoplasm, including some of the nuclei, becomeisolated by the enlarging and fusing vacuoles; eventually thesebecome lysed, except the latex particles which remain in thecentral vacuole. During differentiation of a laticifer branch,the cytoplasm contains the usual organelles, including a fewmicrobodies and coated vesicles. The plastids that lie withinthe peripheral cytoplasm differentiate into amyloplasts witha single elongated starch grain. Towards the end of differentiationthe cytoplasm becomes restricted to a thin parietal layer, withthe remaining organelles reduced or degenerate, surroundinga central vacuole filled with latex particles. Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd, poinsettia, ultrastructure, differentiation, laticifers     

In vitro micropropagation of Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell-Arg--a medicinal plant

Micropropagation of B. montanum was achieved on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium augmented with BAP using nodal segments. Maximum number of shoots (3.4 +/- 0.25) were found in MS medium fortified with BAP (3.10 microM). In vitro raised shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium augmented with various concentrations and combination of auxins viz.. IAA, IBA and NAA. Maximum number of roots were observed on half strength MS medium fortified with IBA (9.84 microM) combined with NAA (5.37 microM).     

野葛的组织培养和植株再生

野葛〔Ｐｕｅｒａｒｉａｌｏｂａｔａ（Ｗｉｌｄ．）Ｏｈｗｉ〕为豆科多年生缠绕藤本植物,分布遍及全国,主产南方［１］,可药食两用,其块根肥厚,富含淀粉、蛋白质、钙、磷、铁及脂肪酸等,还含有多种异黄酮类化合物,对治疗心绞痛、高血压、冠心病,抑制肿瘤等效果显...     

大叶补血草的组织培养与快速繁殖

1植物名称 大叶补血草[Limonium gmelinii（Willd．）Kuntze]。 2材料类别 种子。 3培养条件 启动培养基：（1）MS。愈伤组织诱导与分化培养基：（2）MS＋BA0．3mg&#183;L^-1（单位下同）＋NAA0．5;（3）MS＋BA0．3＋NAA1．0;（4）MS＋BA0．5＋NAA2．0;（5）MS＋NAA0．5;（6）MS＋2,4-D1.0;（7）MS＋BA1．0＋NAA0．5。     

Fidelity of Hymenoptera and Diptera pollinators in onion (Allium cepa L.) pollination

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is protandrous in nature and requires cross‐pollination to avoid inbreeding. The pollination potential of native bees (Hymenoptera) and true flies (Diptera) was assessed in the perspective of finding the best pollinators for onion cross‐pollination and seed multiplication. The community of pollinators was composed of four bee species and twelve true fly species. Episyrphus balteatus, Eupeodes sp., Musca domestica and Eristalinus aeneus were the most abundant pollinators. The maximum pollinator activity was observed from 12 to 24 days after opening of the flowers. The pollination effectiveness of tested bees (Apis dorsata and Apis florea) was greater than true flies (E. balteatus, Eupeodes sp., M. domestica, E. aeneus and Callihoridae sp.) in terms of Spears values.     

Genetic relationships between wild and cultivated Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd.

The wild form of bitter vetch, Vicia ervilia , grows mainly in Turkey. Wild and cultivated V. ervilia have the same chromosome number (2n =14), share the same karyotype and are interfertile. Pod dehiscence in V. ervilia is governed by two loci and the domesticated phenotype is obtained with the homozygous recessive condition in either locus.     

A recessive allele inhibiting saponin synthesis in two lines of Bolivian quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Quinoa cultivars currently grown in North America and Europe require removal of bitter-tasting saponins from the grain prior to human consumption. This need for postharvest processing is a barrier to expanding production of the crop outside its Andean area of origin. Grain saponin content in quinoa shows continuous variation and is considered to be a quantitative trait. However, segregation for the presence or absence of grain saponin in F2 generations derived from crosses between high- and low-saponin parents indicates a major gene effect, with plants homozygous for a recessive allele spl having no detectable grain saponin. Variation in saponin levels among F2 plants with detectable grain saponin was consistent with polygenic inheritance. It appears that grain saponin level in quinoa is both qualitatively and quantitatively controlled, with saponin production requiring at least one dominant allele at the Sp locus and the amount of grain saponin being determined by an unknown number of additional quantitative loci. Introgression of sp1 into day-neutral lines will facilitate the development of short-season "sweet" quinoa cultivars which do not require postharvest processing to remove grain saponin.     

Antifertility effect of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) stem extract in male rats

Oral administration of 70% methanolic extract of T. cordifolia stem to male rats at the dose level of 100 mg/rat/day for 60 days did not cause body weight loss but decreased the weight of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate in a significant manner. Sperm motility as well as sperm density were reduced significantly which resulted in reduction of male fertility by 100%. The stem extract brought about an interference with spermatogenesis. The round spermatids were decreased by 73.12%. However, the population of preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes were decreased by 47.60% and 52.85% respectively, followed by secondary spermatocytes (48.10%). Leydig cell nuclear area and mature Leydig cell numbers were significantly reduced when compared with controls. Serum testosterone levels showed significant reduction after Tinospora extract feeding. Seminiferous tubule diameter, Leydig cell nuclear area as well as cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cells were reduced significantly when compared to controls. Biochemical parameters i.e. protein, sialic acid, glycogen contents of testes decreased significantly. Seminal vesicular fructose also depleted whereas, testicular cholesterol was elevated significantly followed by a reduction in testosterone levels. These results suggested antifertility effects of the stem extract of T. cordifolia in male rats.     

Callus induction and plantlet regeneration in damiana (Turnera diffusa,Willd.)

Experiments were performed to determine optimal conditions for callus induction and plantlet regeneration from damiana (Turnera diffusa, Willd.) leaf explants. MS media [7] and B5 media [4] were used; both of them were supplemented with different combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic, acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyl-adenine (BA). In all cases the samples were incubated under continous fluorescent light, 100 mol.m^-2.sec^-1, at 25±2°C for 60 days. Highest callus percentage was obtained in MS media supplemented with 2,4-D 10^–5 M plus BA 10^-8M. Maximum percentage and multiple shoots and leaves were produced in MS media with BA 10^-5M and BA 10^-5M plus 2,4-D 10^-7M. These explants were transferred for rooting to MS medium without plant growth regulators. Later, rooted plantlets were successfully established in soil.     

Environmental Pollution and Leaf Cuticular Variation in Kudzu (Pueraria lobata Willd.)

Four populations of kudzu (Puerarta lobata Willd.) were studiedin rural, relatively unpolluted areas and in habitats characterizedby heavy industrial pollution in north-west Tennessee, U.S.A.Leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, flower size and podsize showed a decrease in growth in heavily polluted areas.Trichome frequency and length on the leaf surfaces increasedwith an increase in environmental pollution while the stomatalfrequency values showed a slight decrease in polluted habitats.The length of the largest and the smallest stomata and the numberof undulations in the epidermal cells in kudzu plant populationswere not affected by environmental pollution. Subsidiary cellcomplex consisting of two cells also remained the same in allthe plant populations sampled in polluted and relatively unpollutedhabitats. Puerarialobata Willd., kudzu, environmental pollution, cuticular features, stomatal frequency, trichome frequency     

Evaluating popcorn as a potential refuge of Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Popcorn was evaluated in a series of experiments conducted over four growing seasons for its potential as a refuge for European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). Objectives of these studies were to determine whether more larvae were produced in popcorn than in field corn and to determine how popcorn influenced female oviposition and larval distribution in neighboring field corn. Two varieties of popcorn (M140, 105d and M3374Y, 118d), one mixture of popcorn (50% 105d and 50% 118d), and field corn (DK580, 108d) were evaluated. Number of egg masses, eggs per egg mass, and larvae were significantly higher in popcorn compared with field corn. Moth oviposition and larval distribution were evaluated using 105d popcorn embedded in several cornfields across Iowa. The row of field corn adjacent to popcorn had significantly more larvae compared with background field corn. In larger field experiments, O. nubilalis larval survival after overwintering was significantly different, with 2.2-18.7 times more O. nubilalis larvae surviving in popcorn than field corn. The potential use of popcorn as an O. nubilalis refuge for genetically engineered corn is considered.