Ultraviolet B screening potential is higher in two cosmopolitan moss species than in a co-occurring Antarctic endemic moss: implications of continuing ozone depletion

Concentrations of UVB (ultraviolet B) absorbing pigments and anthocyanins were measured in three moss species, over a summer growing season in Antarctica. Pigment concentrations were compared with a range of climatic variables to determine if there was evidence that pigments were induced by UVB radiation, or other environmental parameters, and secondly if there were differences between species in their pigment responses. Significant seasonal differences in the potential UVB screening pigments were found, with the two cosmopolitan species Bryum pseudotriquetrum and Ceratodon purpureus appearing better protected from the potentially damaging effects of ozone depletion than the Antarctic endemic Schistidium antarctici. B. pseudotriquetrum accumulated the highest concentration of UVB screening pigments and showed positive associations between UVB radiation and both UVB absorbing and anthocyanin pigments. The negative associations between water availability measures and UVB absorbing and anthocyanin pigments also suggest that B. pseudotriquetrum is well protected in the desiccated state. This could offer B. pseudotriquetrum an advantage over the other species when high UVB radiation coincides with low temperatures and low water availability, thus limiting physiological activity and consequently, active photoprotective and repair mechanisms. As these pigments could act as either direct UVB screens or antioxidants, the results suggest that B. pseudotriquetrum is best equipped to deal with the negative effects of increased exposure to UVB radiation due to ozone depletion. The most exposed species, C. purpureus, has intermediate and stable concentrations of UVB absorbing pigments suggesting it may rely on constitutive UVB screens. Anthocyanin pigments were more responsive in this species and could offer increased antioxidant protection during periods of high UVB radiation. S. antarctici appears poorly protected and showed no evidence of any UV photoprotective response, providing additional evidence that this endemic is more vulnerable to climate change.     

Measurement of moss growth in continental Antarctica

Using steel pins inserted into growing moss colonies near Casey Station, Wilkes Land, continental Antarctica, we have measured the growth rate of three moss species: Bryum pseudotriquetrum and Schistidium antarctici over 20 years and Ceratodon purpureus over 10 years. This has provided the first long-term growth measurements for plants in Antarctica, confirming that moss shoots grow extremely slowly in Antarctica, elongating between 1 and 5 mm per year. Moss growth rates are dependent on availability of water. Antheridia were observed on some stems of B. pseudotriquetrum; no archegonia or sporophytes were observed. Stems bearing antheridia elongated much more slowly than vegetative stems in the same habitat. Two other methods of growth rate measurement were tested, and gave similar rates of elongation over shorter periods of time. However, for long-term measurements, the steel pin measurements proved remarkably reproducible and reliable.     

Biological and environmental characteristics of three cosmopolitan mosses dominant in continental Antarctica

Abstract. Bryum argenteum, B. pseudotriquetrum and Ceratodon purpureus are the predominant mosses in Victoria Land, continental Antarctica. All have cosmopolitan distributions and are widespread throughout Antarctica with wide ecological amplitudes resulting in considerable morphological variation. They are well adapted to tolerate the physiological stresses imposed by the severe environment. This study investigates aspects of their growth, physiology and survival in response to habitat constraints, especially hydrology. Their distribution is controlled almost exclusively by moisture availability. Each species tends to predominate in a specific zone along hydrological gradients, with B. pseudotriquetrum on moist soil, C. purpureus on drier soil, and B. argenteum on unstable stream margins, fluvial deposits and the marginal capillary zone. Where conditions are optimal, each species can form a turf 6–10 cm thick. Nutrient status of the soil does not appear to be an important determinant in the distribution pattern within communities. The thermal regime of the moss turf varies according to its moisture content; for a period of ca. six weeks during the summer, with the frequent long spells of 24-h sunshine, temperatures remain above 0 °C for much of the time even though air temperatures are frequently below the freezing point. This allows growth and metabolic activity to proceed continuously at a relatively rapid rate for quite long periods. Annual shoot incremental growth can exceed 3.5 mm in each species. Growth of B. argenteum may be inhibited by UV- B radiation. The optimal temperature for photosynthesis in each species is around 15 °C, but significant carbon fixation occurs at 5 °C. Photosynthetic rates at 5, 10 and 20 °C were B. argenteum > B. pseudotriquetrum > C. purpureus.     

中国新记录种——摩拉维采真藓(新拟)

该文首次报道了摩拉维采真藓(新拟)在中国的分布。研究表明:(1)摩拉维采真藓的主要识别特征为:叶常聚集在茎顶成莲座状,叶倒卵状披针形至匙形,具长毛尖,具分化边缘,中肋消失于叶尖下,叶细胞长菱形至六边形,叶腋处着生大量单列细胞构成的分枝或不分枝的丝状芽胞。(2)通过对摩拉维采真藓的命名和系统位置的讨论,确认该种是真藓属细叶真藓组的有效种。(3)摩拉维采真藓与近缘种细叶真藓和幽美真藓有诸多相似特征:莲座状的茎顶、有分化边和菱形至六边形中上部细胞的倒卵形叶,但该种以具有大量叶腋生丝状芽胞和叶中肋不及顶等特征区别于细叶真藓的无腋生芽胞、叶中肋突出叶尖成长芒状,以具有叶湿时平展、干时卷曲和叶腋有芽胞等特征区别于幽美真藓的叶湿时内凹、干时紧贴于茎和无腋生芽胞;拟三列真藓、圆叶真藓和灰黄真藓的部分种群都曾报道有与摩拉维采真藓相似的腋生丝状芽胞,但摩拉维采真藓的假根集生于植株基部、叶有狭分化边、叶缘平直、中肋消失于叶尖下而区别于拟三列真藓的茎中下部密被假根、叶有宽分化边、叶缘背卷、中肋及顶或短出,摩拉维采真藓有分化边和长毛尖的倒卵状披针形区别于圆叶真藓叶有无分化边和圆钝叶尖的卵圆形叶,区别于灰黄真藓有中肋及顶和短尖的卵状披针形叶;柔叶真藓有与摩拉维采真藓相似、中肋不及顶的叶,但无芽胞而易与新记录种区分。(4)该种在北温带有较广泛分布,形成欧洲-北亚-中亚-西亚和北美两个主要分布区;作者在四川和新疆等地的发现可以推测摩拉维采真藓在中国可能有更广泛的分布。     

A Lakeland Habitat for Cryptothallus mirabilis v. Malmborg

Abstract

Study of plants from Scotland recently referred to Bryoerythrophyllum jamesonii (Tayl.) Crum shows that they are distinct from B. jamesonii and allied S. American and Asiatic taxa and are therefore described as a new species, Bryoerythrophyllum caledonicum Long sp. nov. The history of this species in Scotland is outlined, with a discussion of differences between it and its allies.     

Managing Insect Resistance to Plants Producing Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins

ABSTRACT:?

Insect-resistant transgenic plants have become an important tool for the protection of crops against insect pests. The acreage of insecticidal transgenic plants is expected to increase significantly in the near future. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is currently the source of insecticidal proteins in commercial insect-resistant transgenic plants and will remain the most important source during the next decade. Insect resistance to B. thuringiensis Cry toxins is the main problem. Only one species, the diamondback moth, has evolved a resistance to B. thuringiensis-based formulations under field conditions. However, many other insect species were selected for resistance under laboratory conditions, indicating that there is a potential for evolution of resistance in most major pests. Many studies were conducted to elucidate the mode of action of the Cry toxins, the mechanisms and genetics of resistance, and the various factors influencing its development. This article reviews insect resistance to B. thuringiensis insecticidal proteins and related aspects, including the development of insect-resistant transgenic plants, B. thuringiensis toxins, their mode of action, mechanisms, stability, and genetics of resistance and management strategies for delaying resistance.     

Field measurement of net photosynthesis of mosses at Langhovde,East Antarctica

Net photosynthesis and dark respiration (CO₂ flux) of Antarctic mosses were measured at Langhovde, East Antarctica, from 9 to 17 January 1988. Moss blocks were taken from communities in the Yukidori Valley (69°14′30″S, 39°46′00″E) at Langhovde. Each block was composed ofCeratodon purpureus andBryum pseudotriquetrum, orB. pseudotriquetrum. The upper part of the block was used to measure net photosynthesis and dark respiration. The net photosynthesis of each sample was measured in the field for one or three days with two infrared CO₂ gas analyzers and an assimilation chamber. The relationships of net photosynthetic rate and dark respiration rate, to the water content of the sample, the intensity of solar radiation and the moss temperature were estimated from the field data. The maximum rate of net photosynthesis was about 4 μmol CO₂ m⁻²s⁻¹ at saturating radiation intensity and at optimum temperature, about 10°C. Environmental features of moss habitats in the Yukidori Valley are discussed in relation to these results.     

Production and cytogenetics of intergeneric hybrids between Brassica napus and Orychophragmus violaceus

The intergeneric hybrid between Brassica napus and Orychophragmus violaceus was obtained by means of embryo culture technique with the latter as the pollen parent. The hybrid was morphologically intermediate between its parents, but could produce a lot of seeds when selfed. Somatic separation of the genomes from the two parental species was observed during the mitotic divisions of some of the hybrid cells. Thus, the hybrid became the mixoploid in nature, consisting of haploid and diploid cells of B. napus, and a nuclear — cytoplasmic hybrid, with the cytoplasm of B. napus and the nuclei of O. violaceus, and the hybrid cells. Pollen mother cells with 19, 12 and 6 bivalents, respectively, were produced by the hybrid. From the selfed progeny of the hybrid, mainly two kinds of plants, B. napus and the hybrid, were found. The hybrid plants of the selfed progeny again produced two kinds of plants, B. napus and the hybrid.     

Production and cytogenetics of intergeneric hybrids between the three cultivated Brassica diploids and Orychophragmusviolaceus

It has been proposed that both complete and partial separation of the parental genomes during mitosis and meiosis occurs in the intergeneric hybrids between Orychophragmus violaceus (2n=24) and the three cultivated Brassica tetraploids (B. napus, B. carinata and B. juncea). The hypothesis has been that this and the variations in chromosome numbers of these hybrids and their progenies result from the different roles of the A, B and C genomes originating from Brassica. To test this hypothesis, we produced hybrids between O. violaceus and the cultivated Brassica diploids. The hybrids with B. oleracea (2n=18, CC) had an intermediate morphology, but their petals were purple like those of O. violaceus. They were sterile and had the expected chromosome number (2n=21) in their mitotic and meiotic cells. The hybrid with B. campestris (2n=20, AA) was morphologically intermediate, except for its partial fertility and its yellow petals, which were similar to those of B. campestris. It was mixoploid (2n=23–42), and cells with 2n=34 were most frequent. Partial separation of parental genomes during mitosis, leading to the addition of O. violaceus chromosomes to the B. campestris complement, was proposed to explain the findings in the mitotic and meiotic cells of the hybrid and its progeny. In crosses with B. nigra (2n=16, BB), the majority of the F₁ plants were of the maternal type (2n=16), a small fraction had B. nigra morphology but were mixoploids (2n=16–18), predominantly with 2n=16 cells and three plants, each with a specific morphology, were mixoploids consisting of cells with varying ranges of chromosome numbers (2n=17–26, 11–17 and 14–17). The origin of these different types of plants was inferred to be a result of the complete and partial separation of parental genomes and the loss of O. violaceus chromosomes. Our findings in the three crosses suggest that the A genome was more influential than the C genome with respect to complete genome separation during mitosis and meiosis of the hybrids with B. napus. Possible complete and partial genome separation during mitotic divisions of the hybrids with B. carinata was mainly attributed to the role of the B genome. The combined roles of the A and B genomes would thus contribute to the most variable chromosome numbers of mitotic and meiotic cells in the hybrids with B. juncea and their progenies. The possible cytological mechanisms pertaining to these hybrids and the potential of genome separation in the production of Brassica aneuploids and homozygous plants are discussed. Received: 8 February 1998 / Accepted: 12 March 1999     

Terrestrial vegetation at Canada Glacier,Southern Victoria Land,Antarctica

Summary Bryophyte flushes in the vicinity of Canada Glacier in S.S.S.I. No. 12, Taylor Valley, Southern Victoria Land, were investigated in order to describe the vegetation present and to investigate factors affecting vegetation distribution. Biomass values from 950 to 1,250 g m^–2 (dry weight) and vegetated areas up to 14,450 m² indicate this is a significant area of bryophyte growth in Southern Victoria Land. The pattern of plant species in relation to water flow was investigated through detailed mapping. This is the first confirmed identification of Bryum argenteum, and Pottia heimii, and the first report of Bryum pseudotriquetrum from this area. Tissue nitrogen values for plants at this site are lower than other reported data, but it seems unlikely this would be a limiting factor for growth. It is concluded that, in this area, summer water flow in conjunction with microtopography has the greatest influence in determining where mosses, cyanobacteria and algae grow.     

Production and cytogenetic analysis of intergeneric hybrids betweenElymus anthosachnoides andPsathyrostachys huashanica (Poaceae: Triticeae)

Intergeneric hybridization betweenElymus anthosachnoides (2n = 28,SSYY) andPsathyrostachys huashanica (2n = 14,NN) was performed. Three hybrid plants, obtained via embryo rescue, were intermediate between the parents in morphology and developed vigorously, but were completely sterile. The mean chromosome configuration was 19.48 I + 0.76 II per cell in the hybrids at meiotic metaphase I. This result indicates thatE. anthosachnoides andP. huashanica are distantly related and that there is little or no homoeology betweenN (P. huashanica) andS orY (E. anthosachnoides) genomes.     

Cytoplasmic male sterility and nuclear restorer genes in a natural population of Beta maritima: genetical and molecular aspects

Summary One natural population (F₀ generation) of Beta maritima situated on the French Atlantic coast has been analysed. It was composed of 62% female, 30% hermaphrodite and 8% intermediate plants. The analysis of half-sib progeny (F₁ generation) obtained from in situ open pollination demonstrates the cytoplasmic determination of male sterility in Beta maritima and the restoration of fertility by nuclear genes. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the chloroplast DNA (ctDNA) of sixteen F₁ plants, extracted from offspring of the three sexual phenotypes, were analysed using the restriction enzymes Sal I and Bam HI, respectively. Two cytoplasmic lines with their own peculiar genetic characteristics were distinguished using the restriction enzyme patterns of mtDNA: (i) the S cytoplasmic line was found in segregating progeny of two F₀ plants; all three phenotypes were produced (that is, progeny including hermaphrodite, female and intermediate plants); (ii) the N cytoplasmic line was found in the progeny of one F₀ hermaphrodite plant; this produced only hermaphrodites. Thus, segregating and non-segregating hermaphrodite F₀ plants can be distinguished. The nuclear genes maintaining sterility or restoring fertility are expressed in line S. At the same time the analysis of Beta vulgaris material has been carried out at the molecular level: N cytoplasmic lines of B. vulgaris and B. maritima differed only by 3 fragments of mtDNA; but the S cytoplasmic line of B. maritima was very different from Owen's cytoplasmic male sterile line of B. vulgaris. No variation in the ctDNA pattern was detected within and between the two taxa.     

Arbuscular mycorrhiza and water and nutrient supply differently impact seedling performance of dry woodland species with different acquisition strategies

Background: We recently demonstrated that dwarf male plants are much more common among mosses than hitherto thought. Dwarf plants, producing functional male sexual organs occur in 10–20% of the moss species worldwide.

Aims: We investigated how an inadvertent omission of dwarf males affects estimates of male sex expression rates and sex ratios.

Methods: We recorded frequencies of specimens with female-expressing plants, male-expressing normal-sized and/or dwarf plants, and sporophytes in herbarium material of five model species from Macaronesia. We analysed how frequency estimates of male occurrence and sex ratios were affected by excluding dwarf males.

Results: Occurrence of dwarf males was positively associated with sporophyte formation. When dwarf males were excluded, male mate availability was missed in 51–61% of specimens (in 74–76% of sporophyte-containing specimens). Specimen-level sex ratio was balanced in material with sporophytes in the three species exhibiting male dwarfism, but strongly female biased if dwarf males were omitted.

Conclusions: We provide the first quantitative evidence that sex-expressing dwarf males are essential for sexual reproduction and sporophyte production in mosses that form such males. Considering its abundance, male dwarfism therefore deserves more attention among plant biologists. Innovative approaches are required to further study the minute male plants.     

Risk assessment of Bacillus thuringiensis in wild Brassica rapa: A field simulation of introgressed transgenes

Abstract

Brassica crops are able to hybridize with closely related wild and weedy species such as Brassica rapa and therefore these species could become recipients of transgenes from GM brassica crops, such as oilseed rape. Transgenes which protect against herbivory, such as a gene conferring the production of a Bt toxin, could increase the recipient's fitness and therefore enhance its competitiveness. We used microbial Bt and several other pesticides to exclude several guilds of herbivores and thus simulate the effect of transgene introgression on the performance of wild B. rapa. There were only minor negative effects of excluding insect herbivores on the performance of B. rapa and it appears that vertebrate herbivory has a more significant effect. The advantages and disadvantages of simulating the risks associated with GM plants are discussed. If we apply this simulation to GM risk assessment and make inferences from these findings, the implications of this for gene flow from insect-resistant transgenic plants are that it will be of little significance should it occur.     

番茄内生菌的分离鉴定及菌株FQ-G3抗病促生特性

由灰葡萄孢(Botrytis cinerea)引起的灰霉病是番茄生产中最重要的病害之一,当前使用的杀菌剂因药物残留、病原菌抗药性及食品安全等原因逐渐受到限制。因此,利用拮抗微生物的生物防治逐渐成为灰霉病防控的有效策略。【目的】从番茄植株体内筛选具有抗病促生特性内生菌株并对其生防潜力进行评估,为开发番茄灰霉病生物防治新策略提供理论依据。【方法】采用组织分离法在番茄植株不同部位分离出内生细菌、真菌,结合16SrRNA和ITS序列分析,对候选菌株进行初步鉴定;通过菌株对峙培养、果实离体接种筛选对灰葡萄孢具有拮抗活性的内生菌;进一步测定菌株分泌生长素、嗜铁素的能力及其对拟南芥和番茄幼苗生长的促生特性。【结果】从番茄植株不同部位共分离出72株内生细菌和31株内生真菌,通过平板对峙法筛选出1株对多种病原菌具有较好抑菌活性的内生细菌FQ-G3,分子鉴定为Bacillus velezensis。FQ-G3对灰葡萄孢抑菌率达80.93%,并显著抑制灰葡萄孢在番茄果实上的扩展。该菌株能够分泌生长素、蛋白酶和嗜铁素,且对拟南芥、番茄幼苗具有明显的促生效果。【结论】本研究表明分离自番茄植株的内生菌FQ-G3具...     

Physical and chemical variability in sugarcane fields infested with the red-striped soft scale insect,Pulvinaria Tenuivalvata (Newstead)

The red-striped soft scale insect Pulvinaria tenuivalvata (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) started to infest sugarcane plants (Saccharum officinarum L.) in different districts in Egypt during the last decade. The percentage of infestation was recorded in El-Wakf area, Qena Governorate (Naghhamadi mill zone) Upper Egypt in some fields. There are three levels of infestation, low, intermediate and high. From these fields, samples were selected for physical and chemical studies. The results obtained show that the stalks of infested plants decreased in weight, the sugar content (glucose and sucrose) drastically reduced and as the percentage of infestation increased the percentage of glucose and sucrose content significantly decreased. The primary and secondary humidity and the cellulose content also increased in the healthy plants compared to the infested ones. All the physical character of the infested plants was significantly affected in comparison with the healthy ones.     

椰子木蛾的产卵节律及其对寄主植物的产卵选择性

【背景】椰子木蛾是近年来新入侵我国棕榈科植物的害虫,研究其产卵习性可为监测和防治该虫提供参考。【方法】在室内条件下,观察、记录了椰子木蛾雌成虫的产卵节律及其对不同寄主植物的产卵选择性。【结果】椰子木蛾最高日产卵量可达34.4粒·头-1,且主要集中在羽化后4 d内产卵,占总产卵量的54.1%;产卵活动主要发生在夜间23:00到次日8:00;在椰子、蒲葵、大王棕、槟榔和散尾葵等寄主植物上的产卵量无显著差异,为89.3~147.7粒·头-1,但产卵位置存在差别。【结论与意义】椰子木蛾雌成虫具有较强的繁殖能力和产卵节律性,且在不同寄主植物上的产卵量一致。     

Temporal relationships betweenZea mays,ostrinia nubilalis (Lep.: Pyralidae) and endophyticBeauveria bassiana

The entomopathogenic fungus,Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, was applied to whorl-stage (V7) corn,Zea mays L., by foliar application of a granular formulation of corn grits containing conidia or by injection of a conidial suspension. All plants were infested with European corn borer larvae,Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), at the V7 (whorl), V12 (late-whorl), or V17 (pretassel) stage of plant development. Plants infested at whorl and late-whorl stages had significantly more European corn borer tunneling than did plants infested at the pretassel stage. The percentage of plants colonized byB. bassiana did not differ significantly among the whorl, late-whorl, and pretassel stages. As the plants matured,B. bassiana was isolated from different plant areas, with the pith more frequently colonized than the leaf collars. Foliar application ofB. bassiana provided immediate suppression ofO. nubilalis in those plants infested at whorl stage. The reduced efficacy ofB. bassiana at the intermediate plant stages relative to efficacy at harvest is discussed. The mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other firms or similar products not mentioned.     

Notes on two nominal taxa of Ephemerum (Bryophyta: Pottiaceae) described from France by Charles Douin

Abstract

Evidence is presented contradicting claims that tubers occur on the rhizoids of Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. These claims are believed to have arisen through confusion with other plants, particularly Dicranella staphylina Whiteh., Barbula arcuata Griff. and Ditrichum pusillum (Hedw.) Britt. An account is given of the tubers of B. arcuata.