Flavonoid glycosides of Artemisia monosperma and A. herba-alba

Ten flavonoid glycosides were isolated and identified from Artemisia monosperma: vicenin-2, lucenin-2, acacetin 7-glucoside, acacetin 7-rutinoside, the 3-glucosides and 3-rutinosides of quercetin and patuletin, and the 5-glucosides of quercetin and isorhamnetin. From Artemisia herba-alba eight flavonoid glycosides were isolated and identified: isovitexin, vicenin-2, schaftoside, isoschaftoside and the 3-glucosides and 3-rutinosides of quercetin and patuletin.     

A comparative analysis of photosynthetic recovery from thermal stress: a desert plant case study

Our understanding of the effects of heat stress on plant photosynthesis has progressed rapidly in recent years through the use of chlorophyll a fluorescence techniques. These methods frequently involve the treatment of leaves for several hours in dark conditions to estimate declines in maximum quantum yield of photsystem II (F _V/F _M), rarely accounting for the recovery of effective quantum yield (ΔF/F _M′) after thermally induced damage occurs. Exposure to high temperature extremes, however, can occur over minutes, rather than hours, and recent studies suggest that light influences damage recovery. Also, the current focus on agriculturally important crops may lead to assumptions about average stress responses and a poor understanding about the variation among species’ thermal tolerance. We present a chlorophyll a fluorescence protocol incorporating subsaturating light to address whether species’ thermal tolerance thresholds (T ₅₀) are related to the ability to recover from short-term heat stress in 41 Australian desert species. We found that damage incurred by 15-min thermal stress events was most strongly negatively correlated with the capacity of species to recover after a stress event of 50 °C in summer. Phylogenetically independent contrast analyses revealed that basal divergences partially explain this relationship. Although T ₅₀ and recovery capacity were positively correlated, the relationship was weaker for species with high T ₅₀ values (>51 °C). Results highlight that, even within a single desert biome, species vary widely in their physiological response to high temperature stress and recovery metrics provide more comprehensive information than damage metrics alone.     

Composition and infraspecific variability of Artemisia herba-alba from southern Spain

The composition of the essential oils of 16 individual plants of Artemisia herba-alba Asso ssp. valentina (Lam.) Marcl. (at the full bloom stage) growing wild in four different locations from southern Spain were investigated by capillary GC and GC–MS in combination with retention indices. Among the 60 identified constituents (accounting for 80.6–95.0% of the oils), 33 have been reported for the first time in Spanish A. herba-alba oil and 17 of them have not been previously described in A. herba-alba oil. From the analysis of the oil samples, it could be deduced that a noticeable chemical polymorphism typified this taxon. Four groups of essential oils exhibited a single compound with percentages near 30% or higher: davanone, 1,8-cineole, chrysanthenone and cis-chrysanthenol. Two further oil types showed p-cymene and cis-chrysanthenyl acetate as major components in moderate amounts (ca. 20%). All of these types of essential oils have not been previously found in A. herba-alba from Spain and the appearance of such considerable amount of p-cymene is described here for the first time in A. herba-alba.     

半干旱区典型沙生植物油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)的光合特性

为了研究西北半干旱生态系统中典型沙生植物油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)的光合特征,于2012年5—10月,使用Li-6400(Li-Cor Inc.,USA)便携式光合测定系统,测定了油蒿气体交换特征的日变化、季节变化以及净光合速率(Pn)对光合有效辐射和胞间CO2浓度的响应。结果表明:Pn、蒸腾速率(E)和水分利用效率(WUE)的日变化在12:00前后均表现出非对称性,上午测量值普遍高于下午;Pn日均值6月最高(8.97±1.73μmol CO2·m-2·s-1),10月最低(2.58±1.32μmol CO2·m-2·s-1);油蒿表观量子效率(α)在0.022~0.048 mol·mol-1变化,羧化效率(φ)在0.125~0.268 mol·m-2·s-1变化;在9月13日饱和光强下的Pn(Pnmax)达到生长季最大值,为24.89μmol CO2·m-2·s-1;在7月31日饱和胞间CO2浓度下的Pn(Anmax),达到生长季最大值,为77.23μmol CO2·m-2·s-1;Pnmax主要受到相对湿度影响,Anmax主要受饱和水汽压亏缺和30 cm深度土壤体积含水率影响;水分相关环境因子是油蒿光合作用的主要限制因子,其光合特征反映出对半干旱气候的适应性。本研究结果可为生态系统过程建模和区域尺度研究提供重要的生理生态参数。     

Inhibitory effects of Artemisia herba-alba on the germination of the gypsophyte Helianthemum squamatum

The potential allelopathic role of Artemisia herba-alba has been evaluated in order to explain the community pattern of the gypsum semiarid environments of central Spain. This pattern shows a sharp ecotone between a gypsophile sparse shrubby community dominated by Helianthemum squamatum, which grows on slopes with gypsum surface crusts, and a nitrohalophilous community on the gypsum alluvial soils of piedmont dominated by Artemisia herba-alba. In order to explain this pattern, resource limitation was discarded because no significant differences in several soil parametrers, but fine earth fraction and organic matter content, had been detected in a previous study. Results confirm the inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts on the final germination percentage of scarified seeds of Helianthemum squamatum and also on the shape of the germination curves, which indicate delay of germination for the aqueous extracts. Assays with soil of the Artemisiacommunity (three types) showed that germination was strongly inhibited in soils obtained below the canopy of mature plants (litter maintained) and retarded in the other treatments. We suggest that the spatial community pattern detected in this gypsum environment and characterised by a sharp ecotone could be at least partially controlled by interference through allelopathy. This determines the excliusion of Helianthemum squamatum plants from alluvial soils.     

荒漠生境油蒿根围AM真菌多样性

为了阐明荒漠生境主要植被油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)根围AM真菌多样性, 2007年8月从毛乌素沙地和腾格里沙漠选取榆林、盐池、研究站和沙坡头4个样地, 按0–10、10–20、20–30、30–40、40–50 cm 5个土层采集油蒿根围土壤样品, 研究了油蒿根围AM真菌物种多样性和生态分布。在分离的4属28种AM真菌中, 球囊霉属(Glomus)16种, 无梗囊霉属(Acaulospora)7种, 盾巨孢囊霉属(Scutellospora)4种, 多孢囊霉属(Diversispora)1种。4个样地的共同优势种为摩西球囊霉(G. mosseae), 共同常见种为双网无梗囊霉(A. bireticulata)和网状球囊霉(G. reticulatum), 共同稀有种为缩球囊霉(G. constrictum)。地球囊霉(G. geosporum)仅出现在盐池, 蜜色无梗囊霉(A. mellea)、帚状球囊霉(G. coremioides)、浅窝无梗囊霉(A. lacunosa)和宽柄球囊霉(G. magnicaule)仅出现在研究站, 黑球囊霉(G. melanosporum)仅出现在榆林。盐池与研究站样地AM真菌种类最多, 榆林样地孢子密度最大, 沙坡头样地种类和孢子密度显著偏低。总体上, 孢子密度、分离频度、相对多度和重要值依Glomus >Acaulospora > Scutellospora> Diversispora呈现显著减小趋势。结果表明, 油蒿与AM真菌之间有良好共生性, 这对进一步利用菌根生物技术维护荒漠生态系统结构的完整性具有重要意义。     

Flavonoids of Artemisia judaica,A. Monosperma and A. herba-alba

Seventeen flavonoid glycosides were isolated and identified from Artemisia judaica: the 7-glucoside, 7-glucuronide, 4′-glucoside, 7-gentiobioside     

Antiplasmodial activity of Artemisia annua plant cell cultures

Extracts of Artemisia annua cultures have been assessed for in vitro activity against the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Callus and suspension cells and medium were analysed and examined for their activity at different stages of growth and development. Time-course experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of various basal media, plant growth regulators and light on both growth and possible artemisinin production. Two active fractions were obtained but artemisinin was not detected.     

荒漠区植物光合器官解剖结构对水分利用效率的指示作用

植物生理功能的发挥以结构为基础,因此,植物光合器官(叶片或同化枝)解剖结构会对水分利用效率(WUE)有一定的指示作用。通过对黑河流域优势种灌木光合器官的解剖特征和表征WUE的稳定碳同位素比率(δ13C)进行分析,试图从解剖结构的角度为荒漠植物WUE寻求一个有效的指示指标。结果显示:(1)除花棒外,轴状光合器官植物的δ13C值均高于叶状。(2)不同荒漠植物光合器官及不同组织厚度变化范围较广,叶厚度(Tl)或轴直径(Da)、角质层厚度(Tc)、表皮厚度(Te)、栅栏组织厚度(Tp)、海绵组织厚度(Ts)、贮水组织厚度(Ta)的最大值分别约为最小值的6.9、5.8、11、4、3.5和3.5倍。荒漠区多数轴状光合器官植物的Da以及Te高于叶状。(3)所研究优势种灌木的δ13C值与Tl或Da之间存在极显著的正相关关系(r=0.719,P<0.01),与不同组织厚度(Tc、Te、Tp、Ts和Ta)之间相关性不显著。由此可知,从植物光合器官的解剖结构来看,荒漠区植物的WUE可以用Tl或Da来表征,叶片越厚,越有利于植物高效利用水分,且轴状光合器官植物的WUE高于叶状。     

沙漠药用植物沙蒿内生真菌Embellisia chlamydospora中酚酸类化合物研究（英文）

从荒漠药用植物沙蒿的内生真菌Embellisia chlamydospora中首次分离得到3种酚酸类化合物,分别为barceloneic acid A(1),barceloneic lactone(2),2′-O-methyl-barceloneate(3)。根据其NMR与HR-ESI数据以及相关文献比对,确定了3个化合物的结构。活性试验结果证实化合物2和3显著抑制拟南芥根生长。目前,从E.chlamydospora真菌中仅分离出2种化合物terpestacin和embellistatin。本实验结果丰富了该真菌的化学成分多样性,进一步暗示特殊生境的植物内生真菌是产生结构新颖与活性显著的次级代谢产物的重要宝库。     

Chemotypes of Artemisia herba-alba in Israel based on their sesquiterpene lactone and essential oil constitution

Analysis of sesquiterpene lactones and essential oils of various Artemisia herba-alba populations growing in Israel revealed the existence of five different chemotypes. These vary in their chemical profile from populations of the Sinai Desert, Egypt, Morocco and Spain. On the basis of the substitution patterns of the sesquiterpene lactones isolated from the Israeli populations which bear a hydroxyl or acetoxy function at C-9 it is suggested that these constitute a chemotaxonomic subspecies in the A. herba-alba complex.     

Ear of durum wheat under water stress: water relations and photosynthetic metabolism

The photosynthetic characteristics of the ear and flag leaf of well-watered (WW) and water-stressed (WS) durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) were studied in plants grown under greenhouse and Mediterranean field conditions. Gas exchange measurements simultaneously with modulated chlorophyll fluorescence were used to study the response of the ear and flag leaf to CO₂ and O₂ during photosynthesis. C₄ metabolism was identified by assessing the sensitivity of photosynthetic rate and electron transport to oxygen. The presence of CAM metabolism was assessed by measuring daily patterns of stomatal conductance and net CO₂ assimilation. In addition, the histological distribution of Rubisco protein in the ear parts was studied by immunocytochemical localisation. Relative water content (RWC) and osmotic adjustment (osmotic potential at full turgor) were also measured in these organs. Oxygen sensitivity of the assimilation rate and electron transport, the lack of Rubisco compartmentalisation in the mesophyll tissues and the gas-exchange pattern at night indicated that neither C₄ nor CAM metabolism occurs in the ear of WW or WS plants. Nevertheless, photosynthetic activity of the flag leaf was more affected by WS conditions than that of the ear, under both growing conditions. The lower sensitivity under water stress of the ear than of the flag leaf was linked to higher RWC and osmotic adjustment in the ear bracts and awns. We demonstrate that the better performance of the ear under water stress (compared to the flag leaf) is not related to C₄ or CAM photosynthesis. Rather, drought tolerance of the ear is explained by its higher RWC in drought. Osmotic adjustment and xeromorphic traits of ear parts may be responsible.     

The achene mucilage hydrated in desert dew assists seed cells in maintaining DNA integrity: adaptive strategy of desert plant Artemisia sphaerocephala

Despite proposed ecological importance of mucilage in seed dispersal, germination and seedling establishment, little is known about the role of mucilage in seed pre-germination processes. Here we investigated the role of mucilage in assisting achene cells to repair DNA damage during dew deposition in the desert. Artemisia sphaerocephala achenes were first treated γ-irradiation to induce DNA damage, and then they were repaired in situ in the desert dew. Dew deposition duration can be as long as 421 min in early mornings. Intact achenes absorbed more water than demucilaged achenes during dew deposition and also carried water for longer time following sunrise. After 4-d dew treatment, DNA damage of irradiated intact and demucilaged achenes was reduced to 24.38% and 46.84%, respectively. The irradiated intact achenes exhibited much higher DNA repair ratio than irradiated demucilaged achenes. Irradiated intact achenes showed an improved germination and decreased nonviable achenes after dew treatment, and significant differences in viability between the two types of achenes were detected after 1020 min of dew treatment. Achene mucilage presumably plays an ecologically important role in the life cycle of A. sphaerocephala by aiding DNA repair of achene cells in genomic-stressful habitats.     

Partitioning water source and sinking process of a groundwater-dependent desert plant community

Aims

Root-specific responses to stress are not well-known, and have been largely based on indirect measurements of bulk soil water extraction, which limits mechanistic modeling of root function.

Methods

Here, we used neutron radiography to examine in situ root-soil water dynamics of a previously droughted black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) seedling, contrasting water uptake by the two major components of the root system that differed in initial recovery rate as apparent by ‘new’ (whiter, thinner), or ‘old’ (darker, thicker) parts of the fine root system.

Results

The smaller diameter ‘new’ roots had greater water uptake per unit surface area than the larger diameter ‘old’ roots, but they had less total surface area leading to less total water extraction; rates ranged from 0.0027–0.0116 g cm^?2 h^?1. The finest most-active roots were not visible in the radiographs, indicating the need to include destructive sampling. Analysis based on root-free bulk soil hydraulic properties indicated substantial redistribution of water via saturated/unsaturated flow and capillary wicking across the layers - suggesting water uptake dynamics following an infiltration event may be more complex than approximated by common soil hydraulic or root surface area modeling approaches.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the need for continued exploration of root-trait specific water uptake rates in situ, and impacts of roots on soil hydraulic properties – both critical components for mechanistic modeling of root function.

     

Composition and intraspecific chemical variability of the essential oil from Artemisia herba-alba growing wild in a Tunisian arid zone

The intraspecific chemical variability of essential oils (50 samples) isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia herba-alba Asso growing wild in the arid zone of Southeastern Tunisia was investigated. Analysis by GC (RI) and GC/MS allowed the identification of 54 essential oil components. The main compounds were β-thujone and α-thujone, followed by 1,8-cineole, camphor, chrysanthenone, trans-sabinyl acetate, trans-pinocarveol, and borneol. Chemometric analysis (k-means clustering and PCA) led to the partitioning into three groups. The composition of two thirds of the samples was dominated by α-thujone or β-thujone. Therefore, it could be expected that wild plants of A. herba-alba randomly harvested in the area of Kirchaou and transplanted by local farmers for the cultivation in arid zones of Southern Tunisia produce an essential oil belonging to the α-thujone/β-thujone chemotype and containing also 1,8-cineole, camphor, and trans-sabinyl acetate at appreciable amounts.     

Osmotic relations of the drought-tolerant shrub Artemisia tridentata in response to water stress

Turgor maintenance, solute content and recovery from water stress were examined in the drought-tolerant shrub Artemisia tridentata. Predawn water potentials of shrubs receiving supplemental water remained above ?2 MPa throughout summer, while predawn water potentials of untreated shrubs decreased to ?5 MPa. Osmotic potentials decreased in conjunction with water potentials maintaining turgor pressures above 0 MPa. The decreases in osmotic potentials were not the result of osmotic adjustment (i.e. solute accumulation). Leaf solute contents decreased during drought, but leaf water volumes decreased more than 75% from spring to summer, thereby passively concentrating solutes within the leaves. The maintenance of positive turgor pressures despite decreases in leaf water volumes is consistent with other studies of species with elastic cell walls. Inorganic ion, organic acid, and carbohydrate contents of leaves declined during drought. The only solutes accumulating in leaves of A. tridentata with water stress were proline and a cyclitol, both considered compatible solutes. Total and osmotic potentials recovered rapidly following rewatering of shrubs; solute contents did not change except for a decrease in proline. Maintaining turgor through the passive concentration of solutes may be advantageous compared to synthesis of new solutes for osmotic adjustment in arid environments.     

Biochemical changes and development of leaf tracheary elements of a desert plant Fouquieria splendens ssp. breviflora exposed to water stress

Fouquieria splendens ssp. breviflora is a species of the family Fouquieriaceae, growing in arid zones of México, between 700 and 2100 m above sea level (a.s.l). This species characteristically forms leaf buds under conditions of adequate water supply. The physiological response of this species was studied under varying conditions of irrigation in soil and water, using stems collected during two seasons: dry and rainy; evaluating the foliar material produced the quantity of free proline and total protein and anatomical foliar changes in the water conduction systems. This species displayed distinctive adaptive mechanisms involving the development of foliar fascicles, differentiation of vessels with formation of tracheal elements, and, metabolically, a high proline and total protein content in the stems of the dry season, showing that the responses observed in F. splendens spp. breviflora are adaptive physiological responses that take place simultaneously, being evidence of the first mechanisms of response to water-stress conditions. Thus, this species is regarded as a poikilohydric plant, as it is capable of the regulation of its metabolism during bud development when flooding events occur in the species' habitat after a prolonged dry and desiccation period.