Chemical Composition and Allelopathic Potential of Essential Oils from Tipuana tipu (Benth.) Kuntze Cultivated in Tunisia

In Tunisia, Tipuana tipu (Benth .) Kuntze is an exotic tree, which was introduced many years ago and planted as ornamental street, garden, and park tree. The present work reported, for the first time, the chemical composition and evaluates the allelopathic effect of the hydrodistilled essential oils of the different parts of this tree, viz., roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and pods gathered in the area of Sousse, a coastal region, in the East of Tunisia. In total, 86 compounds representing 89.9 – 94.9% of the whole oil composition, were identified in these oils by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. The root essential oil was clearly distinguished for its high content in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (β‐caryophyllene, 1 (44); 24.1% and germacrene D, 2 (53); 20.0%), while those obtained from pods, leaves, stems, and flowers were dominated by non‐terpene hydrocarbons. The most important ones were n‐tetradecane (41, 16.3%, pod oil), 1,7‐dimethylnaphthalene (43, 15.6%, leaf oil), and n‐octadecane (77, 13.1%, stem oil). The leaf oil was rich in the apocarotene (E)‐β‐ionone ( 4 (54); 33.8%), and the oil obtained from flowers was characterized by hexahydrofarnesylacetone ( 5 (81); 19.9%) and methyl hexadecanoate (83, 10.2%). Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses separated the five essential oils into three groups and two subgroups, each characterized by the major oil constituents. Contact tests showed that the germination of lettuce seeds was totally inhibited by the root essential oil tested at 1 mg/ml. The inhibitory effect on the shoot and root elongation varied from ?1.6% to ?32.4%, and from ?2.5% to ?64.4%, respectively.     

Embryological observations on Helichrysum rupestre (Rafin.) DC. var. errerae (Tineo) Pignatti

Abstract

The ovule and anther development of Helichrysum rupestre var. errerae from Pantelleria is studied. The ovule is anatropous, tenuinucellate, unitegmic, endotheliate and is derived from a two-zonate primordium. The archespore is one- or two-celled and all the megaspores show a functional tendency, although only the chalazal one is able to form the gametophyte according to the Polygonum type. The polar nuclei fuse before fertilization and the three antipodal cells divide further. Anthers are tetrasporangiate and their wall development conforms to the Dicotyledonous type. The epidermis persists at maturity and the endothecial cells thicken their walls. The tapetum is of the periplasmodial type and its cells become plurinucleate during microsporogenesis. The number of microsporocytes varies along the length of the same locule. Arrangement of the resulting microspores is tetrahedral, isobilateral or decussate. Pollen grains are three-celled when shed. Degenerating microsporocytes and microspores have frequently been found.     

A contribution to the embryology of Desmodium motorium (Houtt.) Merr. (= D. gyrans (L.f.) DC.) (Fabaceae)

Abstract

The anthers are tetrasporangiate. The anther wall comprises epidermis, fibrous endothecium, middle layer and tapetal layer. The tapetum is of the Glandular type and its cells remain uninucleate. Meiosis in pollen mother cells is normal and simultaneous cytokinesis leads to the formation of tetrahedral and decussate microspore tetrads. The pollen grains are shed at 2-celled stage. The ovule is campylotropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate. Meiosis in megaspore mother cell results in the formation of linear or occasionally T-shaped megaspore tetrad. The chalazal megaspore develops into Monosporic Polygonum type of embryo sac. Endosperm development is of the Nuclear type.     

Embryology and Seed Development of Paepalanthus sect. Actinocephalus (Koern.) Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae)

Abstract: The embryology and seed structure of Paepalanthus sect. Actinocephalus species were studied. The embryological and structural seed characters fit well with those of the other commelinaceous families. Within the Commelinales sensu Dahlgren, Eriocaulaceae and Xyridaceae represent two embryologically close families. In Paepalanthus sect. Actinocephalus the ovule is orthotropus, bitegmic, and tenuicellate with a micropyle formed by the inner integument. The seeds are endotestal. The outer cell layer of the testa and the outer periclinal wall of the endotesta disintegrate during development. The endotegmen is tanniniferous. The outer layer of the tegmen becomes compressed and is no longer recognizable in the mature seed. The seeds are operculate.     

Characterisation of microsatellite markers isolated from Bossiaea ornata (Lindl.) Benth. (Papilionaceae)

Bossiaea ornata is a member of the pea family that occurs in the forest understorey of south-western Australia. We constructed a genomic library and developed eight polymorphic loci to assess genetic variability and structure within the species. Polymorphism was investigated for these markers in 20 individuals from a single population located in the jarrah forest. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.765 to 0.889 with a mean of 0.842, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.550 to 0.900 with a mean of 0.742. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 7 to 16 and averaged 11.9.     

Embryology of Clitoria ternatea (Fabaceae)

ABSTRACT

The embryology of Clitoria ternatea was studied. Anthers contain four sporangia. The anther wall comprises an epidermis, an endothecium, a middle layer and a glandular tapetum. Microspore tetrads are tetrahedral and pollen grains are shed at the 2-cell stage. The ovule is campylotropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate. The micropyle is formed by both the integuments. The megaspore tetrad is linear or T-shaped. The chalazal megaspore is functional and embryo sac development follows the monosporic Polygonum type. Endosperm development is of the nuclear type. The chalazal part of the endosperm forms a haustorium. Embryo development follows the Onagrad type.     

埃及白睡莲的胚胎学研究

对埃及白睡莲的大、小孢子的发生,雌、雄配子体的发育,以及胚和胚乳的发育进行了观察研究.结果表明埃及白睡莲的花药壁由5层细胞组成,绒毡层细胞具双核,属于分泌型.小孢子母细胞减数分裂时,胞质分裂属于同时型,小孢子四分体呈四面体型.成熟花粉为三细胞类型,花粉粒表面具有环沟.胚珠为倒生型、双珠被、厚珠心,珠孔仅由内珠被形成.大胞子母细胞减数分裂形成三分体,合点端2个细胞退化,珠孔端1个细胞发育为功能性大胞子.成熟雌配子体由4细胞组成,即2助细胞,1卵细胞和1中央细胞.合子的第一次分裂是横向的,形成的基细胞不再分裂,体积增大后成为一个大的胚柄细胞.而顶细胞进行一系列分裂形成胚.在此基础上,还比较了睡莲目不同属的胚胎学特征.     

Correlation of microsporangial and megasporangial differentiation along racemes of Phytolacca americana L. (Phytolaccaceae)

Both quantitative and qualitative data were obtained for anthers and ovules throughout the lengths of flowering Phytolacca americana (pokeweed) inflorescences. Comparative data were collected for micro-and megasporangia at seven different locations along the lengths of 20 cm racemes. Each location represented a different developmental stage, from sporangial initiation through full differentiation, along the indeterminate racemes. Reproductive biology of pokeweed anthers, as recognized by inflorescence analysis, was most promoted in development between 4 cm (stage 1) and 5 cm (stage 2) from the terminus of inflorescences. Sporogenous cells first differentiated and stamen cell number quadrupled in stage two. Mitotic divisions, within anther subsurface cells, continued throughout all seven inflorescence stages, while divisions slowed between 6.2 cm (stage 4) and 7 cm (stage 5) from the terminus in anther surface cells. To regulate ovule development maximally, by the treatment of inflorescences, one should manipulate older, more basal flowers (and thus older developmental stages) in excess of 11.6 cm (stage 6) from the terminus. Megasporocytes were initiated and a %fold increase in ovule cell number occurred during stage 6. Similar to anthers, mitosis continued throughout the length of racemes in nucellar cells. Ovule surface cells, however, became mitotically quiescent 11.6 cm (stage 6) from the terminus of racemes.     

水蔗草兼性无融合生殖胚胎学研究

对水蔗草(Apluda mutica L.)的生殖方式进行研究,结果表明水蔗草进行兼性无融合生殖.胚囊发育分为两种类型,即有性生殖的蓼型和无孢子生殖的大黍型.无融合生殖胚囊频率为60.74%.在大孢子母细胞发育至四分体后,珠孔端的3个大孢子解体.合点端的大孢子未解体时,邻近大孢子的1个珠心细胞开始特化,形成无融合生殖的原始细胞,由该原始细胞发育形成有1个卵细胞、1个助细胞和2个极核的四核胚囊.     

水蔗草兼性无融合生殖胚胎学研究

对水蔗草 (ApludamuticaL .)的生殖方式进行研究 ,结果表明水蔗草进行兼性无融合生殖。胚囊发育分为两种类型 ,即有性生殖的蓼型和无孢子生殖的大黍型。无融合生殖胚囊频率为 6 0 .74%。在大孢子母细胞发育至四分体后 ,珠孔端的 3个大孢子解体。合点端的大孢子未解体时 ,邻近大孢子的 1个珠心细胞开始特化 ,形成无融合生殖的原始细胞 ,由该原始细胞发育形成有 1个卵细胞、1个助细胞和 2个极核的四核胚囊。     

Single-Seeded Fruits and Seedling Establishment in Dalbergia miscolobium Benth. (Papilionaceae)1

Dalbergia miscolobium (Papilionaceae) is a tree of the Brazilian cerrado that produces ovaries with two ovules. Only one ovule usually matures, but when two mature, they are smaller than seeds of single-seeded pods. Germination percentage was lower in small seeds than in medium or large seeds. In general, small seeds gave rise to smaller seedlings (dry mass) than did medium and large seeds. The root/shoot ratio, however, was very similar for the first six months, indicating that this ratio is consistent across seedling sizes. There was no correlation between seed size and relative growth rate. Single-seeded fruit production in D. miscolobium resulted in greater seed reserves and increased fruit dispersal distance; single-seeded fruits were lighter than double-seeded ones. Together, these two features should increase the probability of successful seedling establishment of seeds from single-seeded versus double-seeded fruits.     

白穗花有性器官与胚胎发育形态的研究

利用石蜡切片技术对白穗花（Speirantha gardenii（Hook.）Baill.）胚胎发育过程进行了显微观察。研究结果表明：白穗花具四室花药,腺质绒毡层;小孢子母细胞减数分裂为连续型,四分体主要为左右对称型,偶有直线型、T型和交互对生型;成熟花粉为二细胞型;子房三室,中轴胎座;倒生胚珠,双珠被,厚珠心型,珠孔由内珠被形成;胚囊的发育为蓼型;胚的发育类型为柳叶菜型,核型胚乳。根据已有的胚胎学资料,比较白穗花和铃兰族（Convallarieae）其它植物的胚胎学特征,结果显示：（1）白穗花属（Speirantha Baker）与蜘蛛抱蛋属（Aspidistra Ker-Gawler）的胚胎学特征更为接近,二者可能起源于共同的祖先;（2）夏须草属（Theropogon Maxim.）是铃兰族的异质类群。     

基于小RNA测序的风轮菜microRNA及其靶基因分析

本研究以风轮菜(Clinopodium chinense (Benth.) O. Kuntze)为材料,采用BGISEQ-500测序平台对风轮菜根、茎和叶的小RNA进行转录组测序,并对其黄酮类物质合成途径中参与调控的microRNA(miRNA)及其靶基因进行了分析。结果显示,鉴定出的保守miRNA有86个,属于26个家族,新发现miRNA 8个,筛选出风轮菜黄酮类物质合成途径中调控3个关键酶的候选miRNA(novel＿mir3、miR167d-5p、miR396h)。通过对靶基因编码的关键酶4-香豆酸辅酶A连接酶进行序列分析和同源建模,发现其具有高度保守的底物结合区域、催化结构域及两个保守的肽基序。     

Micropropagation of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) using Thidiazuron

The effect of thidiazuron (TDZ) on the micropropagation of Camellia sinensis (China hybrid) was compared with that of benzylaminopurine (BAP) using nodal segments from in vitro raised seedlings. Extremely low concentrations of TDZ (1pM–100nM) alone were effective in inducing shoot bud proliferation and maintaining high rates of shoot multiplication on hormone-free media. On the other hand, higher concentrations of BAP (1–10M) and its continued presence were required to initiate and sustain shoot proliferation. While wider ranges of BAP combined favourably with auxins like NAA or IBA, only specific combinations of TDZ and NAA were effective for shoot proliferation. TDZ treated explants yielded healthy shoots, with sturdy leaves, even during the initial stages of growth, whereas, the effect of BAP was cumulative over subcultures in attaining a high proliferative rate.     

Boron re-translocation in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) plants

Boron (B) re-translocation is an important factor determining tolerance to B deficiency in plants. In this work growth, B content of leaves with different ages, B partitioning between soluble and cell wall (CW) fractions, and B re-translocation were investigated in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) plants grown hydroponically without (<2.5 μM) and with adequate (46 μM) B supply. Under B deficiency, the proportion of CW bound B increased in the old leaves but decreased in roots. Contrastingly, the proportion of CW bound B was not influenced by B supply in the young leaves. A continuous reduction of B content was observed in all fully expanded leaves as well as in roots of low B plants. Taken together, these results revealed considerable re-translocation of B from mature to growing leaves. Leaf extract and phloem exudate samples were analyzed and sucrose, glucose, and fructose were detected while xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltose, galactose, cellobiose or rafinose were not found in these samples. In the leaf extracts, concentration of sucrose increased under B deficiency conditions, concentration of glucose decreased, while that of fructose remained unchanged. Our results provide circumstantial evidence for a considerable re-translocation of B in tea plants despite lacking polyol compounds.     

Embryological Studies on Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis

Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta var.chinensis Roem) blooms but has no seeds.Embryological studies on the species were conducted to discover the causes of its sterility.Its anther wall is composed of four layers of cells,and its tapetum is of the secretory type.The cytokinesis of microspore mother cells is of the successive type,and the tetrad is tetrahedral.During meiosis of microspore mother cells,some chromosomes lagged,and several micronuclei were found in tetrads.Only 27.7% of the pollen grains contained full cytoplasm,and 1.3% of them germinated in culture medium.No pollen grain,however,could germinate on the stigma.The ovary is trilocular with axile placenta,and the ovules are bitegmic,tenuinucellate,and anatropous.Its embryo sac is of the polygonum type.Most embryo sacs degenerated,and only about 4.5% of the ovules contained a normal embryo sac with an egg cell,two synergids,three antipodal,and a central cell containing two polar nuclei.One reason for the sterility of Chinese narcissus is the abnormality of microsporogenesis and megasporogenesis,in which only a few functional pollen grains and embryo sacs are produced.The other reason is that the pollen grains cannot germinate on the stigma.     

In vitro clonal propagation of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)

A system for in vitro clonal propagation has been developed in tea plants. Shoots obtained from primary explants were induced from terminal buds and axillary buds of mature field-grown plants. Cultures were initiated from both types of explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10% coconut milk (CM), 200 mg l^-1 of yeast extract (YE), 1.4 M indoleacetic acid (IAA) and 17.8 M benzyladenine (BA). The shoot tips were multiplied on 1/2 strength MS medium containing 10% CM, 2.9 M IAA and 17.8 M BA. The larger shoots were separated after multiplication and rooted on 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 11.4 M ascorbic acid and 34.5 M indolebutyric acid (IBA). A pretreatment of the plants with an aqueous solution of 493 M IBA greatly increased the frequency of rooting. More than 60% of the rooted plants have been transferred to soil successfully.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - IAA indoleacetic acid - IBA indolebutyric acid - YE yeast extract - CM coconut milk - MS Murashige and Skoog medium (1962)     

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of embryogenic tissues of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)

Embryogenic tissues of tea were cocultivated withAgrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404. The plasmid pBi121, which contains the neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) gene providing kanamycin resistance as a selectable marker and the β-glucuronidase (uidA) reporter gene, was used as binary vector. The highest transformation frequency (12 transformants/g fresh weight [FW] of treated embryogenic tissue) was obtained with 5-day-old tissues grown in liquid medium and cocultivated withAgrobacterium for 2 d in the same medium but containing 50 μM acetosyringone. There was improvement in the recovery of kanamycin-resistant tissues when tissues were first grown for 10 d on a medium containing 350 mg/L Timentin to prevent bacterial overgrowth, before application of the selection pressure. Resistant tissues obtained after 6 wk on kanamycin-selection medium showed stableuidA expression. Polymerase chain reaction demonstrated the presence of the transgenes, while Southern hybridization confirmed their integration into the genome. Transgenic plants were regenerated from transformed tissues within 4 mo after coculture.