AFLP characterization of natural populations of Berberis (Berberidaceae) in Patagonia, Argentina

 AFLP markers were used to analyse the intra- and interspecific relationships among 22 natural populations of 13 Patagonian species of Berberis and the relationships among the taxa belonging to homoploid and polyploid complexes. Seven primer combinations gave rise to 231 AFLP bands, of which 199 were polymorphic. Correspondence between AFLP data, morphological traits and seed protein bands was also assessed. The dendrogram inferred from AFLP fingerprints showed that, in general, populations of the same species formed closely related groups with high coefficients of similarity. Principal co-ordinates analysis showed two separate subgroups: (i) B. bidentata and their putative ancestors –B. darwinii and B. linearifolia– which form a homogamic group, and (ii) B. buxifolia, B. heterophylla and B. parodii– which could form a polyploid hybrid complex. Received March 21, 2001 Accepted September 11, 2001     

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Berberis thunbergii (Berberidaceae)

? Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in Berberis thunbergii, an invasive and ornamental shrub in the eastern United States, to assess genetic diversity among populations and potentially identify horticultural cultivars. ? Methods and Results: A total of 12 loci were identified for the species. Eight of the loci were polymorphic and were screened in 24 individuals from two native (Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures, Japan) and one invasive (Connecticut, USA) population and 21 horticultural cultivars. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to seven, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.048 to 0.636. ? Conclusions: These new markers will provide tools for examining genetic relatedness of B. thunbergii plants in the native and invasive range, including phylogeographic studies and assessment of rapid evolution in the invasive range. These markers may also provide tools for examining hybridization with other related species in the invasive range.     

Berberis rawatii sp. nov. (Berberidaceae) from India

In India, 55 species of Berberis have been reported and 22 species are found in Uttarakhand state. Berberis rawatii (Berberidaceae), a new species from Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand state of India (western Himalaya) is here described and illustrated. In terms of leaf and inflorescence, Berberis rawatii shows affinities with B. cretica L. Both these species have entire leaves, fascicled inflorescences, conspicuous style and black berries, but B. rawatii differs in the presence of a petiole, the dorsal surface of leaf pruinose, presence of elongated‐ovate glands, presence of prophylls, three ovules and pruinose fruits.     

Leaf Development, Metamorphic Heteroblasty and Heterophylly in Berberis s. l. (Berberidaceae)

Shoot development of temperate and tropical members of Berberis s. l. was examined in order to assess: (1) the homology of the spines along the long shoots and the foliage leaves that form on the short shoots; (2) the occurrence of heterophylly and/or heteroblasty in the genus; and (3) the structural correspondence between cataphylls, spines, and foliage leaves. The 1-5-armed spines have been interpreted as modified compound leaves lacking stipules, as a modified lamina (central spine) with stipules (lateral spines), or less often, as transformed branches, or as epidermal outgrowths. On the other hand, the foliage leaves of the short shoots have been interpreted as leaflets of palmately compound leaves. Our results indicate that there are three distinct leaf types per node: (1) Leaves modified in spines spirally arranged in long shoots; (2) foliage, expanded leaves densely arranged in short shoots; and (3) cataphylls protecting axillary buds. The spines are leaf homologs with a clear distinction between the leaf base with stipules, and a laminar portion modified into the 1-5-armed spine; the lateral spines are not stipules as they arise from the marginal meristem of the laminar portion, and not from the leaf base. The foliage leaves also have stipules flanking the leaf base. Both spiny leaves and foliage leaves develop an articulation between the base and the laminar portion. Cataphylls of the short shoots of Berberis s. str. and those of the reproductive short shoots of Mahonia correspond to the entire leaf base, but those of the renewal (vegetative) shoots of Mahonia are spiny and have an odd vestigial pinnately compound lamina. Heterochrony due to ontogenetic truncation caused by the formation of the terminal inflorescence at the apex of the short shoots could be responsible for the lack of petiole/lamina differentiation in the foliage leaves. The spiny long-shoot/foliose short-shoot system of branching in Berberis s. str. appears to be genetically and phylogenetically fixed and not environment-dependent. This represents a clear example of metamorphic heteroblasty sensu Zotz et al. (Botanical Review 77:109–151, 2011) with further occurrence of heterophylly along the short shoots.     

The Invasion Ecology of Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) in the New England Landscape

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) has been characterized as one of the most widely known and planted exotic shrubs in the United States. It was first introduced to the US in the late 1800s. By 1920 the planting of Japanese barberry was encouraged as an ornamental shrub replacing the common barberry (Berberis vulgaris). Japanese barberry began spreading from cultivation in suburban and selected rural retreats by the 1920s, and had dispersed rapidly throughout the northeast by the 1960s. By the 1970s it was recognized as a problematic invasive in the northeast. It is readily dispersed primarily by birds. Fruit production varies with light level, but even under very low light levels (4% full sun) some seeds are produced. Fruits are dispersed in late fall through late winter. Seed dispersal curves are highly leptokurtic; most seedling are found under or adjacent to adults, but a small number may be found tens of meters from the nearest adult. Japanese barberry thrives under a broad range of light and soil moisture conditions. Significant variation in stem growth can be explained as a function of light level. Even at less than 1% full sun, some positive stem growth can occur. Survival is quite high at intermediate to high light levels, and only under the lowest light levels (<1% full sun) does survival drop significantly. Biomass of Japanese barberry in field plots can be largely explained as a function of light availability and soil moisture. The biomass of co-occurring species is suppressed by Japanese barberry, and recovery is slow in the first year following Japanese barberry removal except under high light levels. Glyphosate (Roundup) applied in early spring at first leaf out, when little else is in leaf, provides an effective means of eradicating Japanese barberry populations.     

Taxonomy and biology of leafhoppers of the genus Macropsis (Homoptera, Cicadellidae, Macropsinae) living on Berberis spp. (Berberidaceae)

Two Berberis-dwelling Macropsis species, M. berberidis Dub., 1966 and M. berberidicola Dub., 1966 from the West Tien Shan Mountains are redescribed. Macropsis berberidis arkytica Tishetshkin ssp. n., M. berberidis pallidicephala Tishetshkin ssp. n., and M. berberidicola narynensis Tishetshkin ssp. n. are described, the data on their host specialization, male calling signals, and distribution are provided. In spite of identical ecological preferences, the two species were never found in the same locality. Such vicariance appears to be the result of similarity of their signal pattern and competition for acoustic communication channels.     

Relationships among Genome Size, Environmental Conditions and Geographical Distribution in Natural Populations of NW Patagonian Species of Berberis L. (Berberidaceae)

Variation in genome size of 24 populations belonging to 11 NWPatagonian species of Berberis was analysed as a function ofthe environment and geographical location. The variation showedthree levels of discontinuity, two of which corresponded todiploid species (2 n = 28) while the third corresponded to polyploidspecies (2 n = 56). Diploids with DNA content ranging from 1.463pg to 1.857 pg includedBerberis cabrerae , B. chillanensis,B. montana, B. serrato-dentata and B. bidentata. Diploids withDNA content ranging from 2.875 pg to 3.806 pg included B. linearifolia,B. darwinii, B. parodii and B. empetrifolia. The genome sizeof the polyploid species B. buxifolia and B. heterophylla rangedfrom 5.809 pg to 6.844 pg. Principal component analysis (PCA)was applied to represent the variability of environmental conditions.The eigenvectors of the principal component axes showed thatPC1 discriminates the populations according to rainfall, typesof vegetation and geomorphology; altitude and latitude, on theother hand, contribute to PC2 and PC3, respectively. From theseresults it is concluded: (1) that diploids with lower DNA contentgrow in high-elevation sites having greater rainfall but lowerwater availability; (2) diploids with higher DNA content areassociated with half-elevation forests where the vegetativeperiod is longer, the water availability is greater and thetemperatures are higher; and (3) the distribution pattern ofpolyploids is considerably wider than that of diploids, whichare geographically and ecologically restricted to forest areas.These results suggest that the C-value plays an important rolein the ability of the species to adapt to different growingconditions. Copyright 2000 Annals of Botany Company Berberis L., barberry, calafate, michay, genome size, DNA content, environmental correlation, Patagonia     

Role of rhizomes in tussock formation byCarex thunbergii var.Appendiculata

Several types of tussock formed byCarex thunbergii var.appendiculata were compared with respect to the growth pattern of their rhizomes at various developmental stages at Benten Marsh in Yufutsu Mire, Hokkaido, Japan. The rhizomes were classified into three types based on their function: 1, very short rhizomes; 2, intermediate-length rhizomes which grow upwards to raise the shoot base; 3, long rhizomes which grow horizontaly to spread the plant. The extent of development of the tussock and the total length of rhizomes per shoot was inversely related with the number of Type 3 rhizomes, and positively related with Types 1 and 2 rhizomes. The tussock was made of dead roots, dead rhizomes and much litter, which provided a substitute for soil for the rhizomes and absorbing roots. The growth conditions of theCarex changed from aerobic and eutrophic to anoxic and oligotrophic with tussock development. It is concluded that the tussock is adaptive to anoxic conditions.     

A preliminary study of genetic variation in populations of Monstera adansonii var. klotzschiana (Araceae) from North-East Brazil, estimated with AFLP molecular markers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study sought genetic evidence of long-term isolation in populations of Monstera adansonii var. klotzschiana (Araceae), a herbaceous, probably outbreeding, humid forest hemi-epiphyte, in the brejo forests of Ceará (north-east Brazil), and clarification of their relationships with populations in Amazonia and the Atlantic forest of Brazil. METHODS: Within-population genetic diversity and between-population dissimilarity were estimated using AFLP molecular markers in 75 individuals from eight populations located in Ceará, the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Amazonia. KEY RESULTS: The populations showed a clinal pattern of weak genetic differentiation over a large geographical region (F(ST) = 0.1896). A strong correlation between genetic and geographical distance (Mantel test: r = 0.6903, P = 0.002) suggests a historical pattern of isolation by distance. Genetic structure analysis revealed at least two distinct gene pools in the data. The two isolated Ceará populations are significantly different from each other (pairwise Phi(PT) = 0.137, P = 0.003) and as diverse (Nei's gene diversity, average H(e) = 0.1832, 0.1706) as those in the Atlantic and Amazon forest regions. The population in southern Brazil is less diverse (Nei's gene diversity, average H(e) = 0.127) than the rest. The Ceará populations are related to those of the Atlantic forest rather than those from Amazonia (AMOVA, among-groups variation = 11.95 %, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: The gene pools detected within an overall pattern of clinal variation suggest distinct episodes of gene flow, possibly correlated with past humid forest expansions. The Ceará populations show no evidence of erosion of genetic diversity, although this was expected because of their isolation. Their genetic differentiation and relatively high diversity reinforce the importance of conserving the endangered brejo forests.     

Genetic analysis of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre populations using AFLP markers

A study of genetic diversity in Pongamia pinnata representing 33 candidate plus trees (CPT) was undertaken in five agro-ecological zones of Southern Peninsular India. Eleven primer combinations generated 532 bands with an average of 48 bands per primer combination. E-ACG/M-GCC showed the highest polymorphism of 98.80 %. E-ACG/M-GCC, E-CAA/M-CTG, and E-CAG/M-GTG with higher polymorphic information, marker index, and resolving power were found to be effective in detecting unique bands. Nei's gene diversity and Shannon's indices of 0.159 and 0.247, respectively, indicated the presence of high gene diversity in southern dry and transition zones of Karnataka. The inter-population differentiation between zones (G _ST) was 0.296. The level of gene flow (Nm) estimated was 1.34. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that 44.78 % of variance occurred within the provenance when compared to variations among agro-ecological zones (22.22 %) and among provenances within zones (33 %). Based on un-weighted pair group method using arithmetic averages method, the pongamia accessions were grouped into three major clusters and four sub-groups depending on their geographical locations. The diverse CPT identified in this study could be selected and used for tree breeding, germplasm conservation, and biofuel program in India and other tropical countries.     

Genetic diversity in fragmented populations of Berchemiella wilsonii var. pubipetiolata (Rhamnaceae)

BACKGROUD AND AIMS: Berchemiella wilsonii var. pubipetiolata (Rhamnaceae) is distributed in fragmented habitat patches in eastern China. It is highly endangered because of severe disturbance by anthropogenic activities. Information on genetic variation and structure is critical for developing successful conservation strategies for this species. METHODS: Allozyme variation of population genetic diversity and structure was investigated for a total of 98 individuals sampled from four extant populations using isoelectric focusing in thin-layer polyacrylamide slab gels. KEY RESULTS: Based on 20 loci scored from the nine enzymes examined, a high genetic diversity was detected at both the species and population level, while there was a loss of low frequency alleles (<0.1) in all populations. Most loci showed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to excess of heterozygotes in all populations, suggesting that selection for heterozygotes has occurred in this species. The genetic diversity was mainly found within populations with a moderate genetic differentiation (F(ST) = 0.13), but the two geographically discontinuous population groups showed significant differences, with F-statistic values of 0.078 for the Zhejiang populations and 0.014 for the Anhui populations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It appears most likely that this species has experienced a recent decrease in population size, and genetic drift in small populations has resulted in a loss of alleles occurring at low frequency. The differentiation into two population groups reflects a population genetic consequence that has been influenced by the different land-use in the two regions. Some conservation concerns are discussed together with possible strategies for implementing in situ and ex situ conservation.     

New type of anti-diabetic compounds from the processed leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla var. thunbergii (Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium)

Two 3-phenyldihydroisocoumarins (hydrangenol and phyllodulcin), a 3-phenylisocoumarin (thunberginol A), and a stilbene (hydrangeaic acid) from the processed leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla var. thunbergii (Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium) promoted adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. Hydrangenol, a principal constituent, significantly increased the amount of adiponectin released into the medium and mRNA levels of adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), while it decreased the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) mRNA. Furthermore, hydrangenol significantly lowered blood glucose and free fatty acid levels 2 weeks after its administration at a dose of 200 mg/kg/d in KK-A(y) mice.     

Allozyme diversity in Japanese populations of Hemerocallis thunbergii, H. middendorffii, and H. exaltata (Liliaceae)

Eight populations of Hemerocallis thunbergii, H. middendorffii , and H. exaltata from Japan were analyzed by starch gel electrophoresis to measure genetic variation at ten allozyme loci. The former two species are widely distributed in eastern Asia, whereas H. exaltata is restricted to the Tobishima and Sado Islands in western Japan. Populations of the three species maintain high levels of allozyme variation: mean expected heterozygosities were 0.288, 0.209, and 0.169, respectively. The UPGMA phenogram obtained from Nei's genetic distance values indicated that H. exaltata is allozymically the most distinct species, whereas populations of H. thunbergii and H. middendorffii are closely related. However, based on gross morphology H. exaltata and H. middendorffii are closely related. This discrepancy and the observed high levels of allozyme variation within populations of the three Hemerocallis species in Japan may in part be due to genetic change among populations of the two Japanese archipelago species.     

箭叶淫羊藿同质园栽培居群非腺毛多样性及其分类学启示

淫羊藿是国际上多年来重点研究的药用植物.箭叶淫羊藿(Epimedium sagittatum)是淫羊藿属分布最广,也是形态变异最大的物种,箭叶淫羊藿复合群种分类中存在诸多疑点和争议.为了重建淫羊藿属的系统发育,我们利用数码显微摄影技术对10省16个箭叶淫羊藿同质园栽培居群的叶背非腺毛性状进行了比较研究.结果表明,箭叶淫羊藿非腺毛性状的主要特征包括:细胞数、非腺毛长度、是否存在伸长细胞、顶细胞形态及由此导致的顶细胞直径和壁厚差异.不同居群的非腺毛形态和特征存在巨大差异和丰富的多样性,其中项细胞形状是最重要的特征,并与全长、有无伸长细胞、项细胞比例、顶细胞直径和壁厚等多个性状密切关联.聚类分析将16个居群划分为两个类型,即梭形组和剑形组.变异式样的分析表明个体间和居群间整体呈现连续变异,丰富的多样性可能是多型种的表现.但形态上的分化往往来源于关键性状特征的强烈选择作用引起的居群间适应性分化,同质园栽培个体和居群间的形态差异暗示着适应性相关性状的遗传分化,居群间的形态差异应为地方适应性的结果,这种差异可能是物种形成的雏形.     

淫羊藿属十二个种的核型

用细胞压片法对12个淫羊藿属(Epimedium)植物的根尖有丝分裂进行了观察,并对其核型进行了比较研究。结果表明:这12种淫羊藿在核型上基本相似,都有1对中间随体染色体,而且都为对称核型。粗毛淫羊藿(E.acuminatum)、印江淫羊藿(E.yinjiangense)、单叶淫羊藿(E.simplicifloum)、巫山淫羊藿(E.wushanense)、光叶淫羊藿(E.myrianthum)、宝兴淫羊藿(E.davidi)、罗甸淫羊藿(E.luodianense)、木鱼坪淫羊藿(E.franchetii)、箭叶淫羊藿(E.sagittatum)、E.pubigerum、高山淫羊藿(E.alpinum)等11个种的核型公式均为2n=2x=6m(2SAT) 6sm,而黔岭淫羊藿(E.leptorrhizum)的核型公式为2n=2x=8m(2SAT) 4sm。结果显示12种淫羊藿的体细胞染色体数目均为2n=12,基数X=6;都属于对称核型、都有1对中间随体;染色体均为m、sm两种类型。     

AFLP genetic polymorphism in wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) populations in Israel

The genetic diversity produced by the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) method was studied in 94 genotypes of wild barley, Hordeum spontaneum (C. Koch) Thell., originating from ten ecologically and geographically different locations in Israel. Eight primer pairs produced 204 discernible loci of which 189 (93%) were polymorphic. Each genotype had a unique banding profile and the genetic similarity coefficient varied between 0.74 and 0.98. The phenogram generated from these similarities by the UPGMA method did not group genotypes strictly according to their geographical origin, which pattern was also seen in the principal coordinate (PCO) plot. Genetic diversity was larger within (69%) than among (31%) populations. Associations between ecogeographical variables and the mean gene diversity were found at one primer pair. The results are discussed and compared with data obtained by the simple sequence repeat (SSR) method.     

Metabolism of phenylpropanoids in Hydrangea serrata var. thunbergii and the biosynthesis of phyllodulcin

DL-Phenylalanine-[3-¹⁴C] and cinnamic acid-[3-¹⁴C] were fed to this plant and the label from cinnamic acid was incorporated into gallic acid, phyllodulcin and quercetin. By feeding p- coumaric acid-[U-³H], caffeic acid-[U-³H] and hydrangea glucoside A-[U-³H], it was possible to show that hydroxylation at C-3′in phyllodulcin occurs after the ring closure of dihydroisocoumarin. The biosynthetic pathway of phyllodulcin in this plant is thus: phenylalanine → cinnamic acid → p- coumaric acid → hydrangenol → phyllodulcin.     

Intra-species DNA polymorphism in the tobacco cyst-nematode complex (Globodera tabacum) using AFLP.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to obtain information on the within-species genetic variability of the tobacco cyst-nematode (TCN) complex. AFLP was found to be well suited to this type of study. The current classification of TCN was confirmed. Results indicate that the Globodera tabacum solanacearum group, believed to be restricted to the U.S.A., also occurs in Mexico. The within-species variability of TCN is considerable. Populations from Mexico may form a new subgroup. AFLP group-specific markers were identified for two of the TCN subgroups: Globodera tabacum tabacum and Globodera tabacum solanacearum.