Gametophyte development of Woodwardia radicans (L.) Sm.: Effect of population density and antheridiogen on sex expression

Abstract

Gametophyte development of Woorwardia radicans was studied in controlled culture conditions, as well as the effect of population density and antheridiogen on sex expression. The pattern of gametophyte development is not affected by temperature, while sex expression of gametophytes is affected by sowing density, by the presence in the culture medium of «antheridiogen» and by the nutritional conditions of gametophytes. The probable effects of antheridiogen and population density on the observed developmental pattern are considered.     

Effect of Temperature on Germination in Northernmost Populations of Culcita macrocarpa and Woodwardia radicans

Abstract: Spore germination of Culcita macrocarpa C. Presl and Woodwardia radicans (L.) Sm. from nine populations at the northern limit of their distribution, in the northwest Iberian Peninsula, was investigated. In a first experiment, population type and temperature (10, 15, 20, and 25 °C) were both found to affect germination percentage and germination time significantly in both species. There were also significant interactions between the two factors with respect to the percentage germination of C. macrocarpa and the germination time of W. radicans. In C. macrocarpa there was an outstanding increase in germination time at 15 °C and, above all, at 10 °C, whereas in W. radicans the most remarkable result was the existence of two populations with especially low germination percentages. In a second experiment, germination of 20 individuals from each population of W. radicans was compared with similar inter-population differentiation. Although its variability possibly has a genetic basis, these species are able to germinate successfully, and it seems probable that the season in which it occurs depends more on spore release than on thermal conditions in the populations. The effect of temperature on germination in both species does not explain their coastal distribution. Temperature is probably more important in limiting other stages of the life cycle.     

Enzyme Electrophoretic Evidence for Diploidy in Japanese Woodwardia japonica (L.f.) Sm. (Blechnaceae, Pteridophyte) with 2n= 68

Abstract Enzyme-electrophoretic variation was examined in sporophytes of Woodwardia japonica (2n= 68) and segregation was examined in gametophytes. Despite the high chromosome number, W. japonica displayed disomic segregation of isoenzyme patterns. This and karyotype analyses indicate that W. japonica is a diploid derived from a base number of either x= 17 or x= 34.     

Two cyclohexenone glycosides from the North American fern Woodwardia virginica (L.) Smith

New glycosides having multisubstituted cyclohex-2-enones as aglycones and saccharide moieties consisting of three and four glucoses, respectively were isolated from the ethanol extract of the American fern Woodwardia virginica. The structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D NMR, MS, IR, CD and UV) including determination of absolute stereochemistry by chemical methods.     

A trinorsesterterpene glycoside from the North American fern Woodwardia virginica (L.) Smith

A new trinorsesterterpene glycoside was isolated from the ethanol extract of the American fern Woodwardia virginica having a 3-[6-(4,8-dimethyl-nona-1,3,7-trienyl)-4-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohex-1-enyl]-3-hydroxypropionic acid, as the aglycone and a saccharide moiety linked at C-4 to glucoses, xylose or arabinofuranose. The structure was elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D NMR, MS, IR and UV) including determination of absolute stereochemistry by means of the MTPA and PGME derivatives and also by chemical methods.     

Allozyme variation in the sympatric ferns Culcita macrocarpa and Woodwardia radicans at the northern extreme of their ranges

Isozymes were used to study genetic variation in the clonal ferns Culcita macrocarpa and Woodwardia radicans in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula, their northern distributional limit. Despite their high chromosome numbers, both species were isozymic diploids. In C. macrocarpa all 18 resolved loci were monomorphic, with the same allele in all ramets from all populations. In W. radicans only two of the 16 interpreted loci were polymorphic, with two alleles per locus; ramet-level genotypes showed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, indicating an intergametophytic mating system; the number of genets distinguished was 1–3 per population; and among-population variation was low (F _ST = 0.231), suggesting effective gene flow (i.e. spore exchange). More generally, the very low (W. radicans, H _T = 0.012) or zero (C. macrocarpa) genetic diversity detected in the present study may be due to genetic drift associated with the reduction of populations in the last glaciation, and to founder effects in the subsequent Holocene expansion.     

Ion antagonism in phytochrome-mediated calcium-dependent germination of turions of Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleiden

The light-dependent germination response of turions (resting fronds) is mediated by phytochrome and requires the presence of Ca²⁺ in the medium (K.-J. Appenroth and H. Augsten, 1990, Photochem. Photobiol. 52: 61–65). The Ca²⁺ requirement of germination is apparent only in the presence of exogenous Mg²⁺. A competitive ion antagonism was demonstrated between Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in this physiological response; Mg²⁺ could also be replaced by Ba²⁺ or Sr²⁺. Without exog-enous Mg²⁺, a Ca²⁺ concentration as low as 0.9 μM fulfilled the Ca²⁺ requirement. This type of ion antagonism resembled the competitive Ca/Mg interaction reported previously for calcium-binding proteins. The physiological response was blocked by inhibitors of Ca²⁺ uptake (verapamil, La³⁺). It was concluded that uptake of Ca²⁺ from the external medium is an essential step in the phytochrome-mediated germination of turions. The results are in agreement with the assumption that the uptake of Ca²⁺ is blocked at the side of entry by other alkaline earth ions. Treatment of turions with Mg²⁺ (1 mM) for 24 h at varying times after the red light pulse in otherwise virtually Ca²⁺-free KNO₃ solution resulted in a response similar to a Ca²⁺ step-down treatment. This is in agreement with the assumption that the Ca²⁺- and the Mg²⁺-sensitive periods coincide. The ion interaction described here represents the first photophysiological example in plants of an antagonistic effect between Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ similar to that which occurs in vitro with calmodulin. Received: 12 June 1998 / Accepted: 28 December 1998     

美国凌霄柱头行为——一种促进传粉的机制(英文)

引起美国凌霄(campsis radicans(L.)Seem.ex Bureau.)柱头开合行为的原因迄今未知。在本研究中,机械刺激、自花授粉、异花授粉以及不同授粉数量的授粉分别给予美国凌霄的柱头,以期找到影响其柱头行为的原因。研究结果表明,单纯的机械刺激可以使柱头闭合,但不能使之永久闭合;只有柱头表面落置了足够量的花粉(>350)时柱头才会最终闭合。美国凌霄的柱头行为对自花或者异花花粉没有差异,两种花粉授于柱头后花粉管都能成功地萌发并生长。研究结果说明:美国凌霄的柱头行为不是一种异交机制,而是一种促进传粉进而增强繁殖成功的机制。     

Effect of storage method on spore viability in five globally threatened fern species

Spore germination of five globally threatened fern species [Culcita macrocarpa C. Presl, Dryopteris aemula (Aiton) O. Kuntze, D. corleyi Fraser-Jenkins, D. guanchica Gibby and Jermy and Woodwardia radicans (L.) Sm.] was determined after 1, 6 or 12 months of storage in glass vials (dry storage) or on agar (wet storage) at -20, 5 or 20 degrees C. In all species, storage technique, storage temperature and the technique-temperature interaction all had a significant effect on germination percentage. In most cases, the germination percentage was best maintained by wet storage at 5 or 20 degrees C. In the case of the hygrophilous species C. macrocarpa and W. radicans, 6 or 12 months' dry storage killed most spores. Only Woodwardia radicans germinated in the dark during wet storage at 20 degrees C. Wet storage at 5 degrees C prevented dark germination, and reduced bacterial and fungal contamination. Wet storage at -20 degrees C killed all or most spores in all species. In the three Dryopteris species, the differences among the storage conditions tested were smaller than in C. macrocarpa and W. radicans, and the decline in spore viability during storage was less marked, with high germination percentages being observed after 12 months of dry storage at all three temperatures. Dry storage, which has lower preparation time and space requirements than wet storage, was generally more effective at the lower temperatures (-20 or 5 degrees C).     

美国凌霄柱头行为--一种促进传粉的机制

引起美国(Campsis radicans(L.)Seem.ex Bureau.)柱头开合行为的原因迄今未知.在本研究中,机械刺激、自花授粉、异花授粉以及不同授粉数量分别给予美国凌霄的柱头,以期找到影响其柱头行为的原因.研究结果表明,单纯的机械剌激可以使柱头闭合,但不能使之水永久闭合;只有柱头表明落置了足够量的花粉(>350)时柱头才会最终闭合.美国凌霄的柱头对换自花或者花粉没有差异,两种花粉授于柱头后花粉管都能成功萌发并生长.研究结果表明:美国凌霄的柱头行为不是一种异交机制,而是一种促进传粉进而增强繁殖成功的机制.     

Differential response to salinity and water deficit stress in Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. provenances during germination

The effects of provenance, salinity (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mm NaCl) and water deficit (0, -0.6, -1.1, -1.6 and -2.1 MPa mannitol solutions) on germination success of Polypogon monspeliensis were investigated. Eight Tunisian provenances from different bioclimatic origins were considered. Seed mass varied significantly between populations. Germination percentage was significantly affected by provenance, salinity and their interaction. Even at 300 mm NaCl, germination percentage of Tabarka, Kelbia and Kebili ranged from ca. 60% to ca. 85%, whereas Monastir, Gabes and El Haouaria succeeded in germinating in 200 mm NaCl. The 300 mm NaCl treatment highly reduced germination of Monastir and El Haouaria, and inhibited that of Gabes. Soliman and El Jem were the least salt-tolerant provenances. The severity of water deficit impact on seed germination was also provenance-dependent, especially at osmotic potentials of -1.1 to -1.6 MPa. At -1.6 MPa, germination percentage of Tabarka, Monastir and Kebili was close to 80%, while that of Gabes, El Jem and Kelbia was 0%, 5% and 20%, respectively. Regardless of provenance, germination was strongly impaired at -2.1 MPa. The variability of stress tolerance in P. monspeliensis could be of practical significance in programmes aimed at restoring arid and salt-affected lands since it allows use of provenances that germinate and establish successfully under unfavourable conditions prevailing in such zones.     

中国东北古新世乌云植物群: Woodwardia bureiensis, Dryopteris sp.和 Osmunda sachalinensis

在黑龙江省嘉荫县乌云镇古新世乌云植物群中新发现的Woodwardia bureiensis, Dryopteris sp. 和 Osmunda sachalinensis在中国也是新记录。Woodwardia bureiensis Fedotov与其他种的主要区别是小羽片排列紧密且边缘彼此靠合。Osmunda sachalinensis小羽片基部宽楔, 而以前乌云植物群所报道的Osmunda greenlandica小羽片基部平展。     

Genetic analysis of field germination in soybean (Glycine max. (L) merill.)

Summary Genetic analysis for germination percentage was carried out in the F₃ and F₄ generations of a diallel cross involving six promising genotypes of soybean. Results indicated a high amount of genetic variability and a moderately high heritability together with genetic advance, suggesting a possible improvement for this character through hybridization and selection. Correlations at different levels revealed a strong negative association of germination with only one seed character: seed weight. This observation was further confirmed from path coefficient analysis. These findings strongly suggest that to base selection on seed weight which may not influence the seed quality of soybean.     

Anther ontogeny in Campsis radicans (L.) Seem. (Bignoniaceae)

In this study anther ontogeny of Campsis radicans (L.) Seem. was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy with special reference to the development of the anther wall. The anther wall formation follows the dicotyledonous type. The differentiation in anther starts with the appearance of archesporial cells which undergo periclinal divisions to give primary parietal layer to the epidermal site and the primary sporogenous cells to the inside. The primary parietal layer also divides to form two secondary parietal layers. Later, the outer secondary parietal layer (spl1) forms the endothecium and the middle layer by periclinal division whereas the inner one (spl2) directly develops into the outer tapetum forming the inner most layer of the anther wall. The sporogenous tissue is generally organized in two rows of cells with a horseshoe-shaped outline. The remainder of the tapetum lining the sporogenous mass is derived from the connective tissue. The tapetum thus has dual origin and dimorphic. Anthers are tetrasporangiate. The wall of the anther consists of an epidermis, endothecium, middle layer, and the secretory type tapetum. Tapetal cells are usually binucleated. Epidermis and Endothecium layers of anther wall remain intact until the end of anther and pollen development; however, middle layer and tapetum disappear during development.     

The use of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) and gram (Cicer arietinum L.) seedling germination inhibition assay for aflatoxin B1

Seed germination and seedling growth as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of mustard and gram seeds were inhibited or reduced significantly due to the treatment of different concentrations (100, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ng/ml) of aflatoxin B₁. The range of inhibition in all the parameters was found to be directly influenced by the concentrations of toxin applied. Mustard and gram seedling germination inhibition assay can be used for aflatoxin B₁.     

A pheromone trap for dispersal of the pathogen Zoophthora radicans Brefeld. (zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) amongst populations of the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella L. (lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)

A sex pheromone trap designed as a novel pathogen delivery system is described. The strategy envisaged for its use is that male Plutella xylostella moths attracted to the pheromone enter the trap and are dosed with the fungus Zoophthora radicans. After habituation to the pheromone, the moths leave the trap and disperse to the crop carrying the fungal inoculum to susceptible larvae, thus initiating or enhancing an epizootic. A fluorescent marker in the trap was used to demonstrate that moths entered and exited from the trap and carried particles to crop plants at least 5 m away. As a preliminary study, this work shows the potential of this strategy for disseminating Z. radicans in populations of P. xylostella In addition, it could be considered as a model system with implications for other pest species where a pheromone and virulent pathogen are known.     

Elaiophore structure and oil secretion in flowers of Oncidium trulliferum Lindl. and Ornithophora radicans (Rchb.f.) Garay & Pabst (Oncidiinae: Orchidaceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many orchid flowers have glands called elaiophores and these reward pollinating insects with oil. In contrast to other reward-producing structures such as nectaries, the anatomy of the elaiophore and the process of oil secretion have not been extensively studied. In this paper, elaiophore structure is described for two members of Oncidiinae, Oncidium trulliferum Lindl. and Ornithophora radicans (Rchb.f.) Garay & Pabst. METHODS: Elaiophores of both species were examined using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In flowers of Oncidium trulliferum and Ornithophora radicans, oil is secreted by morphologically distinct elaiophores associated with the labellar callus. However, in O. trulliferum, elaiophores also occur on the lateral lobes of the labellum. In both these species, the epithelial elaiophores are composed of a single layer of palisade-like epidermal cells and a distinct subepithelial layer. Secretory elaiophore cells may contain numerous, starchless plastids, mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum profiles. In O. trulliferum, the cytoplasm contains myelin-like figures but these are absent from O. radicans. In the former species, cavities occur in the cell wall and these presumably facilitate the passage of oil onto the elaiophore surface. In O. radicans, the accumulation of oil between the outer tangential wall and the cuticle causes the latter to become distended. Since it is probable that the full discharge of oil from the elaiophores of O. radicans occurs only when the cuticle is ruptured by a visiting insect, this may contribute towards pollinator specificity. The structure of the elaiophore in these species resembles both that found in previously investigated species of Oncidiinae and that of certain members of the Malpighiaceae.     

Screening for Bacillus subtilis mutants deficient in pressure induced spore germination: identification of ykvU as a novel germination gene

Exposure to high pressure induces germination in spores of Bacillus subtilis. To investigate the mechanisms of this process and to compare the pressure and nutrient induced germination pathways, a random transposon knock-out library of B. subtilis was constructed and screened for clones with a compromised pressure induced germination at 100 MPa. Two mutants were isolated and their transposon insertion was mapped to gerAC and ykvU respectively. While GerAC is required for production of the l-alanine receptor which has been implicated in pressure-induced germination before, YkvU is shown here to be a novel germination determinant in B. subtilis, affecting germination by high (100 MPa) and very high (600 MPa) pressure, by nutrients and by dodecylamine, but not by Ca(2+)-dipicolinic acid.     

Effects of high temperature on the germination of maize (Zea mays L.)

Poor emergence of maize seedlings, due to high soil temperatures, is a major limitation of crop potential in the lowland tropics. Ability to germinate at high temperature (>c. 37° C) is related to the temperature sensitivity of the embryo, and there is considerable genotypic variation for this character.Respiration and mitochondrial phosphorylation proceed normally in seeds imbibing at 41° C, and ATP levels are adequate for germination. However, the specific activities of several important enzymes are lower, and the rate of protein synthesis is severely reduced compared with seeds imbibing at 28° C. The depression of the rate of protein synthesis in the embryos of several tropical hybrids imbibing at high temperature correlated with their known temperature sensitivity. It is concluded that protein synthesis is an especially temperature sensitive process in germinating maize embryos, and that this is the principal reason for the sensitivity of germinating maize seeds to high temperature.Abbreviations ADP adenosine-5-diphosphate - ATP adenosine-5-triphosphate - BSA bovine serum albumin - EDTA ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid - HEPES N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazinc-N-2-ethanesulphonic acid - NADH nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide, reduced form - PPO 2, 5-diphenyloxazole - PVP polyvinylpyrrolidone - SEM standard error of the mean - tris tris (hydroxymethyl)-methylamine     

不同土壤水分条件下小叶扶芳藤叶片光合作用对光的响应

利用CIRAS-2型便携式光合作用仪测定不同土壤水分下3年生小叶扶芳藤(Euonymus fortunei var.radicans Sieb.)叶片净光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、水分利用效率(WUE)及光能利用效率(LUE)等生理参数,阐明其光合生理参数对土壤水分和光照强度的响应规律,探讨小叶扶芳藤正常生长发育所需的土壤水分和光照条件.结果表明小叶扶芳藤的Pn、Tr、WUE及LUE对土壤水分和光照强度的变化具有明显的阈值.(1)采用非直角双曲线模型进行模拟光响应过程较好,在土壤相对含水量(RWC)为72.2%和32.3%时,曲角(K)值较小;在其它水分条件下,K值接近于1.随着土壤水分(RWC为22.4%～72.2%)的递增,光补偿点降低,光饱和点、最大净光合速率及表观量子效率均呈现升高趋势,在RWC为72.2%时,光补偿点最低(22.6 μmol·m-2·s-1),光饱和点最高(1 400μmol·m-2·s-1).(2)维持小叶扶芳藤正常生长(同时具有较高Pn、LUE及WUE)的土壤水分范围,在RWC为44.2%～72.2%之间,最佳土壤水分在RWC为72.2%左右,正常生长所允许的最低土壤水分在RWC为32.3%左右.(3)小叶扶芳藤对光照环境的适应性较强,在光合有效辐射强度为600～1 600 μmol·m-2·s-1范围内,Pn和WUE都具有较高水平,饱和光强大约在800～1 400 μmol·m-2·s-1之间,LUE在100～300 μmol·m-2·s-1光强范围内达到峰值.