Solute Leakage from Solanum nigrum L. Seeds Exposed to High Temperatures during Imbibition

Exposure of Solanum nigrum L. seeds to high temperatures duringimbibition affected their leakage pattern: (1) The rate of leakageof total electrolytes was markedly increased with elevationof temperature. The increase was highest during the first 3h of imbibition but with a reduced rate thereafter. (2) Leakageof Na⁺ was almost complete after 6 h of imbibition at both temperatures,but much more Na⁺ leaked out at 50?C than at 25?C. (3) A markedincrease in leakage of K⁺ occurred after 24 h of exposure to50?C so that after 96 h three times more K⁺ leaked out at 50?Cthan at 25?C. (4) After 6 h of imbibition Ca11 and Mg⁺⁺ continuedto leak out at 25?C and at 50?C at a similar rate. (5) Imbibitionat an elevated temperature induced a marked increase in theleakage of both nucleic acids and proteins. (6) Malate dehydrogenasewas not detected in the leachate at 25?C, but was found after48 h at 50?C. It is assumed that this enzyme was of cytoplasmicorigin, indicating heat damage to membranes. The possible roleof the above phenomena in the loss of viability of the seedsdue to exposure to high temperature during imbibition is discussed. Key words: Leakage, Germination, S. nigrum     

Changes in Properties of Malate Dehydrogenase Isolated from Solanum nigrum L. Seeds Imbibed at High Temperatures

Exposure of Solanum nigrum L. seeds for 48 h to high temperature(50°C) during imbibition, lowered considerably the activityof malate dehydrogenase in the mitochondria and in the cytosol.The affinity of both isozymes for their substrates and co-enzymeswas strongly depressed by this treatment. Optimal pH and optimaltemperature for maximal specific activity were also changed.Enzyme from treated seeds, although much less active, was moreheat tolerant. Separation on a DEAE cellulose column showedtwo distinct peaks of activity for cytosolic malate dehydrogenasefrom both treated and control seeds. Gel filtration througha G-75 Sephadex column showed only one peak of activity in bothcases. Gel electrophoresis of s-MDH from control seeds showedtwo bands of enzyme activity for each of the peaks eluting fromthe DEAE column. Only one activity band could be detected forenzyme from heat treated seeds and this band corresponded toone of the activity bands found in the control. From analysisof the data it appears that while part of the enzyme was denatured,due to exposure of the seeds to 50°C, a conformational changein the other part of the enzyme might have occurred which resultedin a change of enzyme properties and activity. However, on thebasis of the reported results an induction of synthesis of anew ‘heat tolerant’ enzyme, due to the treatment,cannot be ruled out. Key words: Solanum nigrum L., malate dehydrogenase, heat treatment, seeds     

Influence of Boron and Drought Simulation on Germinability and Hardseededness of Black Medick Seeds (Medicago lupulina L.)

This study deals with the determination of germinability of black medick (Medicago lupulina L.) seeds in conditions of different drought intensity induced by different concentrations of PEG 8000 solutions (0.2; 0.4; 0.6 mol). Four batches of seed were tested (Ekola 2–5). At the same time, the influence of boron, some other elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn) and compounds (starch, lipids and sugars) contents in black medick seeds on their germinability (percentages of germinated, dead and hard seeds) was evaluated. The effect of drought was manifested by germination which was reduced max. by 8% as compared with the control variant and was only partially significant. Statistically significant (P?<?0.01) negative correlations (R?=?? 0.64) were recorded between germinability and the boron content in the seeds, and positive correlations were found between the percentages of hard seeds and the boron content in the seeds. The results show that the higher content of boron in the seeds of black medick increases the proportion of hard seeds at the expense of the germinated seeds percentages.

     

Cotyledonary mRNA Species and Germinability of Immature Vigna unguiculata Seeds

We have defined four stages in the development of cowpea seeds:I(9–11 days after flowering), II (13–15), HI (17–19)and IV (22–24). Poly A⁺ RNA fractions were prepared fromcotyledons of developing (stages I–IV) and germinating(0, 12, 24 and 48 h after imbibition) seeds. Poly A⁺ RNAs fromstages I–III exhibited high translation activities witha maximum at stage II, and the activity was markedly reducedat stage IV. In cotyledons of germinating seeds, the translationactivity was low until 12 h after the onset of imbibition butrose thereafter. Analysis of in vitro translation products withSDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography showedthat the abundant mRNA population underwent a distinct changebetween stages II and III of seed development. Since the mRNApopulation at stage III was very similar to that of stage IV(mature seeds), it appears that, as far as mRNA species areconcerned, the prerequisites for germination are fully availablein the developing seeds by stage III. This assumption was supportedby the fact that immature seeds at stage III exhibited highgermination rates and normal axial growth and produced -amylaseat levels similar to those produced by mature seeds. Severalpolypeptides which have been regarded as translation productsof stored mRNA (poly A⁺ RNA from dry seeds) were detected atearlier stages of germination. (Received September 29, 1988; Accepted January 25, 1989)     

Tyrosinase inhibitors from galls of Rhus javanica leaves and their effects on insects

As a defense mechanism of the leaves of Rhus javanica (Anacardiaceae) against the aphid Melaphis chinensis (Aphididae) attack, tannic acid is rapidly accumulated and forms galls along the midrib of the leaves resulting in a unique natural medicine Gallae Rhois. Tannic acid was found to inhibit the oxidation of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) catalyzed by tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) with an IC50 of 22 microM. The aphid would detoxify the ingested toxic tannic acid to relatively nontoxic gallic acid, whereas the non-adapted pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella larvae are sensitive to the ingested tannic acid.     

Effect of the Intensity and Duration of Light at Various Temperatures on the Germination of Oldenlandia corymbosa L. Seeds

At temperatures below 35 to 40°C, fairly intense continuous white light (13 watts per square meter) inhibits germination of Oldenlandia corymbosa L. seeds, and the lower the temperature, the greater the inhibition. However, such lighting may enable seeds to germinate later in the dark; their degree of germinability depends both on the duration of lighting and on the temperature during lighting and after transfer to the dark.     

Effects of Fluctuating Temperatures and Different Host Plants on Development of Pasteuria penetrans in Meloidogyne javanica

Greenhouse and growth room experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of host plant in relation to different nematode inoculum levels, and temperature fluctuations on the development of Pasteuria penetrans. Host plant affected the development of P. penetrans indirectly through its effect on nematode development. Endospores collected from Meloidogyne javanica females reared on different hosts did not show any differences in subsequent attachment and infectivity. The numbers of endospores produced per infected female were reduced with increasing numbers of females parasitizing okra and tomato roots. Fluctuating temperatures retarded the development of P. penetrans. The life cycle of the parasite was completed faster at approximately constant temperatures close to 30 °C than when the temperature fluctuated away from 30 °C. The temperature of irrigation water did not affect the duration of life cycle of P. penetrans.     

Inhibitory Effects of Oxygen on the Germination of Oryza sativa L. Seeds

Some workers have reported that the breaking of seed dormancyin rice (O. sativa L.) is usually enhanced by higher oxygentension, whereas others have shown that rice seed dormancy canbe broken by incubation under anaerobic conditions. This articleaims to clarify this paradox. The results show that high oxygentensions inhibit seed germination for a certain period afterharvest in Japonica rice, whereas Indica rice cultivars arenot inhibited by oxygen at any stage. Oxygen inhibition, seed germination, aquatic plants, Japonica rice, Indica rice     

油橄榄加工废液对小麦和玉米种子萌发及相关酶活性的影响

用不同稀释倍数的油橄榄加工废液(OMWS)处理小麦和玉米种子,采用计数法、测量法和比色法测定了发芽率、根长和相关生化参数,以探索OMWS对种子萌发特性及相关酶活性的影响。结果表明:不同稀释倍数的OMWS对小麦和玉米种子的发芽率、发芽势和生长存在不同程度的影响;低稀释倍数(高浓度)的OMWS(原液和5倍稀释液)在抑制种子发芽的同时,对叶芽和根的生长存在延缓甚至毒害作用;随着稀释倍数的提高(浓度降低),这种抑制作用逐渐减弱,而高稀释倍数(30和50倍稀释液)处理则表现出一定程度的促生作用,这种影响存在浓度依赖性。OMWS处理同样可导致种子可溶性蛋白质含量以及过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)和苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)活性的变化,呈现高浓度抑制和低浓度诱导增强的趋势;OMWS处理后小麦和玉米根的生长与POD和PAL活性存在明显正相关性。研究认为,OMWS对小麦和玉米种子的发芽及生长存在高浓度抑制和低浓度诱导的双重作用,并可能以多酚的影响为主;鉴于OMWS中多酚及其氧化产物可能产生的高浓度抑制、植物毒性和低浓度诱导化感作用,其在用做有机肥料或土壤改良剂时应做适当稀释处理。     

The Interactive Effects of Phytochrome, Nitrate and Thiourea on the Germination Response to Alternating Temperatures in Seeds of Ranunculus sceleratus L.: A Quantal Approach

Probert, R. J., Gajjar, K. H. and Haslam, I. K. 1987. The interactiveeffects of phytochrome, nitrate and thiourea on the germinationresponse to alternating temperatures in seeds of Ranunculussceleratus L.: A quantal approach.—J. exp. Bot. 38: 1012–1025. The interactive effects of phytochrome, potassium nitrate andthiourea on the germination response to alternating temperaturesin achenes (seeds) of Ranunculus sceleratus L. were studied.Using thermogradient bars, high levels of germination were recordedover a broad range of alternating temperatures providing seedsreceived daily irradiations. Reduced germination in temperaturecycles with a relatively long warm phase was related to thelevel of the active form of phytochrome (Pfr). Dose-responseexperiments to red light (R) and temperature shifts showed thatthe actions of Pfr and alternating temperatures were interdependent.Maximum germination was recorded when intermittent pulses ofR were combined with daily 4 h temperature shifts from 16°Cto 26°C. Whilst probit analysis showed that potassium nitrateand thiourea both increased population sensitivity to temperatureshifts, thiourea was a more potent stimulant. Although the effectof both chemicals was dependent on phytochrome photo-equilibriumthe threshold level of Pfr required for thiourea action wasclearly much lower than that required for nitrate action. Thioureapotentiated a response to daily temperature shifts even whenPfr was at a low, normally inhibitory level. These results indicatedifferent mechanisms of action for potassium nitrate and thioureain relation to phytochrome controlled seed germination. Key words: Phytochrome, nitrate, thiourea, alternating temperatures, germination     

Rhus javanica var. chinensis as a New Plant Origin of Propolis from Okayama,Japan

To directly identify the plant origin of propolis from Takebe-cho (Okayama, Japan), we observed the honeybee behavior. Honeybees scraped sap from the tree, Rhus javanica var. chinensis. We compared the constituents and radical-scavenging activity of this sap and propolis. Their chemical constituents and radical-scavenging activity were comparable. This indicates directly that the plant origin of this propolis is R. javanica var. chinensis.     

Rhus javanica var. chinensis as a new plant origin of propolis from Okayama, Japan

To directly identify the plant origin of propolis from Takebe-cho (Okayama, Japan), we observed the honeybee behavior. Honeybees scraped sap from the tree, Rhus javanica var. chinensis. We compared the constituents and radical-scavenging activity of this sap and propolis. Their chemical constituents and radical-scavenging activity were comparable. This indicates directly that the plant origin of this propolis is R. javanica var. chinensis.     

鸦胆子化学成分及肿瘤细胞毒活性研究(英文)

从鸦胆子(Brucea javanica)种子的甲醇提取物中分离和鉴别得到11个化合物,经波谱数据分析分别鉴定为鸦胆子内酯A(1),鸦胆子素D(2),鸦胆子苷A(3),C(4),F(5),G(6),L(7),3β-羟基-孕甾-5-烯-20-酮(8),3β-羟基-5α-孕甾-20-酮(9),3-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖基-(1→2)-α-L-吡喃阿拉伯糖基-(20R)-孕甾-5-烯-3β,20-二醇(10)和6,22-二烯-3β-羟基5,8-过氧麦角甾(11)。其中化合物8、9和11为首次从该植物中分离得到。鸦胆子内酯A(1)和鸦胆子素D(2)对人类癌细胞株BGC-823,Huh-7,KE-97和Jurkat具有很好的细胞毒作用。     

火炬树抗螨性生物测定

本文分别测定了二斑叶螨Tetranychus urticae Koch和山楂叶螨Tetranychus viennensis Zacher对火炬树的选择性,以及限制性条件下火炬树对叶螨的生存及产卵的影响。结果表明：在火炬树叶和苹果叶之间,二斑叶螨和山楂叶螨在2 h, 6 h, 10 h, 12 h对火炬树的选择率分别为9.5%, 6.5%,5%,5%和2%,5%,1%和0,显著低于对苹果的选择率。被限制于火炬树叶上生存的山楂叶螨144 h后死亡率100%,产卵力随生存时间增加而下降,至96 h后产卵终止; 被限制于火炬树叶上生存的二斑叶螨240 h后全部死亡,整个观察期内（24～216 h）始终没有产卵。据此认为： 叶螨强烈拒食火炬树,火炬树对叶螨具有生存、产卵抑制作用,但这种抑制作用呈现种间差异。     

国家库贮藏20年以上种子生活力与田间出苗率监测

对34种作物1.4万多份的国家库贮存种子进行了生活力监测,结果表明,贮存20年后,92.9%被监测种子的发芽率仍保持在85%以上,但有155份种子（占被监测份数的1.1%）出现了明显的下降（发芽率从80%以上降至70%以下）。发芽率显著下降的作物包括蚕豆、红小豆、黄麻、蓖麻、甜菜、西瓜、烟草、牧草。小麦等8种作物2078份种子的田间出苗率调查表明,所有种质均有出苗,但有8份种质的出苗率低于10%。出苗率与入库初始平均发芽率存在差别,平均出苗率最高的作物为普通菜豆86.2%,比该批入库初始发芽率平均值低9.3%;平均出苗率最低作物为谷子39.2%,比该批种子的入库初始发芽率平均值低51.3%。总体而言,国家库内保存的作物种子中,多数可安全保存20年以上,尤其是水稻等禾谷类作物种子,但对于蚕豆、红小豆等平均监测发芽率出现显著下降的作物种子需要增加监测频率,以确保种子的长期安全保存。     

Chemical constituents from the fruits of Rhus typhina L. and their chemotaxonomic significance

This work describes the isolation and characterization of twenty-nine compounds from the fruits of Rhus typhina L., including eleven flavonoids (1–11), eleven phenols (12–22), two pentacyclic triterpenes (23–24), two organic acids (25–26), one lumichrome (27), one courmarin (28) and one pyrimidine (29) on the basis of their spectroscopic data. Compounds apigenin (1), daidzein (4), orobol (5), 3′, 5, 5′, 7-tetrahydroxyflavanone (6), naringenin (7), butein (8), (-)-catechin (9), quercetin-3-O-α-L-(3″-O-galloyl)-rhamnoside (11), 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (13), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (14), vanillin (15), methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (16), 3,5-dihydroxybenzamide (18), tyrosol (19), caffeic acid (20), 3-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-1-one (21), phlorizin (22), friedelin (23), oleanolic acid (24), 4,4-dimethyl-heptanedioic acid (25), anthranilic acid (26), lumichrome (27), scoparone (28) and uracil (29) have not been recorded before in this plant. This is the first report on the occurrence of compounds 4–7, 9, 11, 13–14, 16, 18–21, 25–29 from the genus Rhus. Moreover, the chemotaxonomic significance of these isolated compounds was also summarized.