Contribution to the description of an endemic Turkish Salix species

Abstract

The sex genetic determinants of the dioecious species Asparagus offcinalis are codified on the chromosome pair n. 5 and inherited as a monomendelian trait; since the dominant alleal controls the development of androecium, the males are heterozygous and the female homozygous. The male plants of asparagus are know to be superiour respect to the female ones for important yield components, therefore one objectiv of the breeding is the synthesis of all-male hybrids. That is possible by crossing female plants (m/m) with male plaits (M/M) homozygous for sex pair chromosome. The synthes of such kind of males by selfing the rare andromonoecious plants, involves several problems which can be overcome by using the in vitro anther culture technique. At our Institute this technique has been sistematically applied during the last twenty years and allowed to regenerate doubled haploid clones which were evaluated in the field for a minimum period of four years. The best male and female clones were then utilized as parents of all-male F₁ hybrids. Following omparative varietal trials in different location for several years, the best F₁ all-mal hybrids were identified and released to private seed companies for the production of commercial seed.     

Microsatellite markers isolated from polyploid wood‐sorrel Oxalis alpina (Oxalidaceae)

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from polyploid alpine wood‐sorrel, Oxalis alpina (Oxalidaceae), and optimized for future studies of its breeding system. The loci were screened for variability among 72 individuals from Pinos Altos, New Mexico. The primers amplified loci with allele number ranging from two to 17 per locus and with estimates of Nei's genetic diversity varying from 0.10 to 0.99. These primers provide an opportunity to use polymorphic DNA markers to study the causes of breeding system variability in this species.     

Phenological stages of willow (Salix)

The practice of uniform recording of biological plant growth stages or events has long been practiced in agricultural production. In this study the BBCH (Biologishe Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical Industry) code has been applied to four precocious species of willows to define growth stages important to this group. The studied taxa represent varieties of potential importance in the Floral Industry. A new BBCH code is proposed where the annual cycle of willows is divided into clearly recognisable and easily distinguishable developmental phases which include eight principal stages, 30 secondary stages and six mesostages. Photographs illustrate the physical appearance of select stages. This proposed BBCH code shows a unified approach which may be applied to a large number of Salix species.     

A set of polymorphic SSR loci for subarctic willow (Salix lanata,S. lapponum and S. herbacea)

We report the development of seven microsatellite markers from a library enriched with [CA]₁₅, [GA]₁₅, [AAG]₈ and [ATG]₈. The library was constructed from Icelandic Salix lanata leaf DNA, and seven highly polymorphic single locus products were tested on a range of Scottish and Icelandic S. lanata samples. These seven loci also amplify polymorphic products when tested for cross amplification in a range of Scottish and Icelandic samples of two other subarctic willows (Salix lapponum and Salix herbacea). The microsatellites developed in this study will provide the framework for comparisons with other ecosystem components, and will ultimately inform conservation strategies.     

Microsatellite markers isolated from a polyploid saltbush, Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Chenopodiaceae)

Atriplex nummularia is a polyploid Australian saltbush which has been identified as a suitable species for use in the rehabilitation of agricultural land affected by salinity. We isolated 12 polymorphic loci for a preliminary assessment of genetic variability and structure within the species as a basis for a breeding programme. Preliminary screening of loci in 40 individuals from two populations revealed multibanded genotypes consisting of up to seven alleles in a single individual, with up to 29 alleles observed at a single locus. The multibanded patterns are consistent with the polyploid status of this species.     

Cadmium and copper uptake and translocation in five willow (Salix L.) species

The efficacy for phytoremediation of five willow species was tested by experimental copper and cadmium uptake in a greenhouse hydroponic system. Five treatments included two concentrations (5 and 25 microM for each metal) and a control. Metal concentrations in solution as well as solution uptake were monitored. Metal resistance was assessed through effects on the dry weight of roots and shoots. The willow species tested were generally resistant of increased Cu and Cd content. Metal accumulation was found in all plant organs of all species. Growth and transpiration were not decreased by 5 microM of copper and 25 microM of cadmium in the solution for most species. 25 microM copper caused injury and reduced the dry weight for all species after 21 d. Salix nigra was highly resistant of both Cu and Cd and accumulated more metals than other species. Future field study should be conducted to confirm the findings and feasibility of the phytoremediation technology using those species.     

Heat shock proteins in willow (Salix viminalis)

The heat shock response in three vegetatively propagated clones of Salix viminalis L. was studied. In the clone 78198, synthesis of a total of 58 proteins was induced or increased by heat shock. Of these proteins, 39 were found in both leaves and callus, 8 only in leaves, and 11 only in callus. The number of heat shock proteins differed between the three clones studied. The molecular weights of the heat shock proteins ranged from 18000 to over 94000. The optimal synthesis of heat shock proteins took place at 37–40°C, but several proteins could be induced at 25–30°C. The synthesis of the majority of the proteins present at a normal growth temperature (20°C) was not completely blocked by the heat shock. More than 12 h was needed for the reappearance of the normal protein synthesis pattern after heat shock.     

Development of microsatellite markers in polyploid Salix reinii

Salix reinii Franch. et Savat., a crawl shrub, is one of the most dominant pioneer trees on the southeastern slope of Mt. Fuji, on which an early stage of the volcanic desert succession has been underway since the last eruption in 1707. To investigate the population genetic structure within and among patches of S. reinii, seven polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed by an enrichment procedure. The multiple banding patterns amplified by developed microsatellite markers showed the polyploidy in S. reinii growing on the southeastern slope of Mt. Fuji.     

Salix kaptarae sp. nov. (Salicaceae) from Crete

A new species of willow from Crete, named Salix kaptarae Cambria, C. Brullo & Brullo, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it shows close relationships with species belonging to the S. apennina group, mainly with respect to the leaf shape, and the hairy ovary, capsule and base of stamina filaments. Considerations on its ecology, leaf micro‐morphology and conservation status are also provided.     

Patterns of clonal diversity in three species of sub-arctic willow (Salix lanata, Salix lapponum and Salix herbacea)

Sub-arctic willow scrub is an endangered habitat in Britain, and typically occurs on steep crags inaccessible to grazing animals. These willows can reproduce both sexually and asexually, although the relative importance of each is unknown. Knowledge of reproductive mode is important for the design of grazing management and restoration programmes. Accordingly, clonality was assessed in the largest stand of sub-arctic willow scrub in the UK, focusing on Salix lanata and S. lapponum. Little evidence of clonal growth was detected; most individuals possessed distinct multi-locus genotypes. Thus despite the capacity for vegetative reproduction, and seedlings being rarely observed, sexual reproduction is the predominant means of perpetuation and dispersal at this site. We also examined clonal growth in a common willow species (Salix herbacea) that occupies a different habitat type (exposed mountain tops and ridges). Multiple individuals shared identical genotypes up to 7 m apart, suggesting an important role for clonal growth in local patch formation in this species.     

Microsatellite markers for Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass)

Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) is a flourishing invasive weed in the western United States. The objective of our study is to characterize its genetic diversity. We made a B. tectorum genomic library in lambda phage and screened approximately 4000 clones for poly CA and poly CT dinucleotide repeats. Of 38 sequences with dinucleotide repeats isolated from the library, we designed primer sets for 18 loci. A preliminary screen of 40 individuals from four populations indicated that seven loci were polymorphic. These loci will be valuable for elucidation of cheatgrass genetic diversity and population structure.     

Microsatellite DNA markers for the aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum and their applicability to related species

The aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum is suspected to form distinct, host‐associated lineages and exhibits poorly understood variation in reproductive mode including thelytokous and arrhenotokous populations. As a tool to study these issues, we developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The observed number of alleles ranged from two to 35, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.01 to 0.64. Cross‐species amplification tests demonstrated their utility for several congeners, but revealed very limited applicability to more distantly related species.     

Microsatellite markers discriminate three species of North Atlantic wolffishes (Anarhichas spp.)

Sixteen tetranucleotide and dinucleotide microsatellite markers were isolated from Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus , following a microsatellite enrichment procedure using probe-labelled magnetic beads. These microsatellites were intended for use in Atlantic wolffish as well as in two closely related species, spotted wolffish, Anarhichas minor , and northern wolffish, Anarhichas denticulatus . As all three species are of conservation concern in Canadian waters and as forensic wildlife cases may arise for this genus, microsatellite markers were assessed to determine how well they differentiate these species from one another and to estimate probability values that could be expected for identification of individuals to species.     

Rust disease (Melampsora epited) of willow (Salix spp.) grown as short rotation coppice (SRC) in inter- and intra-species mixtures

Twenty inter‐ and intra‐species genotypes of willows (Salix spp.) were grown in large mono‐plots and incorporated into five, 10,15 and 20–way mixtures. In each growing season from 1996 to 2001 the level of rust disease caused by Melampsora epitea was recorded on each genotype where it was growing as a mono‐plot or as part of a mixture. Three genotypes, S. schwerinii×viminalis×dasyclados’V7531′, S. schwerinii×aquatica‘V7533’ and S. viminalis‘Gigantea’ remained virtually rust free through the six yr of the trial. It is, however, argued that there are benefits of including such genotypes in a mixture in order to reduce the risk of them developing rust susceptibility. S. burjatica‘Germany’, S. dasyclados×aquatica‘V7511’ and S. dasyclados×caprea‘V794’ were severely affected by rust, although levels tended to be less when included in mixtures. The levels of rust on S. mollissima‐undulata‘SQ83’ were much higher in the first three‐year harvest cycle than during the second cycle. On a number of genotypes, e.g. S. burjatica‘Germany’ and S. dasyclados×aquatica‘V7511’ rust was more severe on the regrowth from freshly coppiced stools.     

Microsatellite markers for the fungal banana pathogen Mycosphaerella musicola

Yellow Sigatoka caused by the ascomycete Mycosphaerella musicola Leach, is one of the most severe banana diseases worldwide, which spread in most banana growing areas, until Black Sigatoka, a more aggressive disease caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis, appeared. Because of the highly devastating nature of the latter pathogen, recent research almost exclusively focused on M. fijiensis. To close the gap of knowledge and to study the population structure of M. musicola in Yellow Sigatoka‐infested areas, we cloned and characterized a versatile set of 26 polymorphic locus‐specific microsatellite markers.     

Microsatellite markers for the study of cetacean populations

Microsatellites are one of the most important classes of nuclear genetic markers and offer many advantages for the study of marine mammals. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of 12 cetacean microsatellites which are then tested across 30 different cetacean species. For around half the species tested, five or more polymorphic loci were identified. Since many species were represented by only one or two specimens, this figure is likely to underestimate the usefulness of these markers. No relationship was found between microsatellite repeat length and proportion of species which gave polymorphic products.     

Microsatellite markers for the heavily exploited canary (Sebastes pinniger) and other rockfish species

The isolation and characterization of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci (eight tetranucleotide and one dinucleotide) from the canary rockfish Sebastes pinniger are described. Polymorphism at these loci revealed from six to 28 alleles, with expected heterozygosities ranging between 0.42 and 0.88, enabling high‐resolution genetic population structure investigation for this overfished species in the northeastern Pacific. They also amplify in 13 other congeneric species, providing highly variable loci for research on other rockfishes.