Variation and genetic parameters of fruit colour and polyphenol composition in an apple seedling population segregating for red leaf

Red flesh colour is a relatively new target for apple breeding programmes and understanding genetic relationships between this trait and other fruit characters, including polyphenol compounds, is important for both breeders and marketers of new red flesh cultivars. In this study, fruit peel and flesh colours and concentrations of up to 20 individual fruit polyphenols within each tissue were examined in fruit harvested from a 14-family apple seedling population segregating for red and green leaf. Red leaf seedlings always produced red flesh fruit that varied from pale red to complete dark red cortical tissue (type 1 red flesh). Some (20 %) of green leaf seedlings also produced fruit with red flesh, albeit at low intensity (type 2 red flesh). Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside was the dominant anthocyanin in both fruit tissues, with concentrations being 1,900 times higher in the flesh and 2.5 times higher in the peel of fruit from red than from green leaf seedlings. Red leaf seedlings also had 59 % more flesh epicatechin and 17 % less total peel flavonols, but other polyphenols were not associated with leaf colour. Heritability estimates for red flesh colour, flesh cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, flesh and peel catechins were high in red leaf and low in green leaf seedlings. Conversely, estimates for red peel coverage and two peel anthocyanins were higher in green compared to those from red leaf seedlings. Other than these, heritability estimates were high only for dihydrochalcones and hydroxycinnamic acids from each tissue for both leaf colours but low for all other flesh and peel flavan-3-ols, procyanidins and most peel flavonols irrespective of leaf colour. Genetic correlations between polyphenol compounds varied considerably, but were broadly similar for red and green leaf seedlings. Genetic correlations were mostly moderate to high between compounds of the same metabolic group, but low between compounds from different groups. These results are discussed in relation to the genetic control of flesh colour and polyphenol accumulation in apple, as well as to implications for breeding red flesh apples with altered polyphenol composition.     

Phylogenetic analysis of the ecological correlates of dioecy in angiosperms

We report on a phylogenetic analysis of correlations between the occurrence of dioecy and several ecological and life-history attributes: tropical distribution, woody growth form, abiotic pollination, small inconspicuous flowers and inflorescences, many-flowered inflorescences and fleshy fruits. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain why associations occur between dioecy and several of these attributes, yet most assume that dioecy originates more often in clades with these traits than in clades with alternative character states. To investigate correlations between dioecy and these attributes, and to provide insights into the potential evolutionary pathways that have led to these associations, we assigned states of these traits to genera on a large-scale molecular phylogeny of the angiosperms; we then used maximum-likelihood analysis to analyse the presence of correlations and the sequence of acquisition of traits. Phylogenetic analysis revealed correlations between dioecy and six of the seven attributes; only many-flowered inflorescences exhibiting no association with the dioecious condition. The particular correlations that were revealed and the strength of the association differed among the three main monophyletic groups of angiosperms (Rosids, Asterids, and Eumagnoliids). Our analysis provided no general support for the hypothesis that dioecy is more likely to evolve in lineages already possessing the seven attributes we considered. Further analysis of the intercorrelations of the seven attributes provided evidence for non-independence between some of the traits, implying that functional associations among these traits have influenced the ecology and evolution of dioecious species.     

Foliar nutrients in relation to growth, allocation and leaf traits in seedlings of a wide range of woody plant species and types

This study aimed to identify functional correlates of seedling leaf nutrient content among woody species and to characterise functional species groups with respect to leaf nutrient attributes. Seedlings of 81 woody species from the temperate zone of western Europe were grown in a standard laboratory environment with standard, near-optimal nutrient availability. Weight-based leaf N content (N_wght) was positively correlated with mean relative growth rate (RGR), but the correlation with mean RGR was tighter when leaf N was expressed on a whole-plant weight basis: leaf nitrogen weight ratio (LNWR). Area-based leaf N content (N_area) was not associated with mean RGR, but was closely correlated with the quotient of saturated leaf weight and leaf area. Weight-based leaf K content (K_wght) was a close correlate of the saturated/dry weight ratio of the foliage. Within the lower range, K_wght corresponded with growth-related nutrient attributes, but higher values appeared to indicate succulence or remobilisable stored water. Functional groups of species and genera could be distinguished with respect to seedling leaf nutrient attributes. Deciduous woody climbers and scramblers had consistently higher leaf N_wght, LNWR and (apparently) leaf K_wght than other deciduous species or genera, and shrubs had higher values than trees. These differences seemed due partly to variation in specific leaf area. Evergreens had consistently higher leaf N_area than deciduous plants, but there were no significant differences in weight-based leaf nutrient attributes between these two groups, possibly because of `luxury nutrient consumption' by the slow-growing evergreens. Another functional group was that of the nitrogen-fixing species, which had consistently high innate leaf N_wght compared to non-N-fixers. The ecological significance of the leaf nutrient attributes in this study is discussed by comparing the seedling data with those from field-collected material, and by brief reference to the natural habitats of the species. Received: 22 September 1996 / Accepted: 1 March 1997     

非随机过程影响百山祖局域植物群落的物种组成

为探讨从区域到局域的变化过程中的主导影响机制,通过整理百山祖自然保护区的历次植物调查资料,并详细调查5 hm2的样地群落,对保护区整个区域和样地群落物种组成的差异和功能性状的组成差异进行了比较。结果表明,在区域种库和局域群落之间的物种组成差异明显,在区域和局域物种数量排名前10的科和属中只有5科和5属是共有的;相较于区域中的属,样地中温带分布的属明显增多,而热带分布的属较少。功能性状方面,与区域相比,样地中草本植物比例减少而木本植物比例增加;单叶植物比例增加,复叶植物比例下降;两性花比例下降,雌雄异株比例上升;肉质果比例上升,而干果比例下降。这些结果表明从区域到局域群落构建过程中生态位分化机制等非随机过程起着重要的作用。     

Reproductive ecology of distylous Palicourea padifolia (Rubiaceae) in a tropical montane cloud forest. II. Attracting and rewarding mutualistic and antagonistic visitors

By definition, the floral morphs of distylous plants differ in floral architecture. Yet, because cross-pollination is necessary for reproductive success in both morphs, they should not differ in attributes that contribute to attracting and rewarding floral visitors. Floral and vegetative attributes that function in distylous polymorphism in hummingbird-pollinated Palicourea padifolia (Rubiaceae) and the responses of pollinators and insect herbivores to the resources offered by both morphs were investigated. The performance of each morph along multiple stages of the reproductive cycle, from inflorescence and nectar production to fruit production, was surveyed, and pollinator behavior and nectar standing crops were then observed. Costs associated with such attractiveness were also evaluated in terms of herbivore attack and of plant reproductive fitness (female function) as a function of leaf herbivory. The number of inflorescences, floral buds, open flowers, and ripe fruits offered by either floral morph were similar, but short-styled plants almost doubled the number of developing fruits of long-styled plants. Long-styled flowers produced higher nectar volumes and accumulated more nectar over time than short-styled flowers. Measures of nectar standing crop and data on pollinator behavior suggest that hummingbirds respond to this morph-specific scheduling of nectar production. Lastly, long-styled plants suffered a higher herbivore attack and lost more leaf area over time than those with short-styled flowers. Herbivory was negatively correlated with fruit number and fruit mass, and long-styled plants set significantly less fruit mass than short-styled plants. The results suggest that pollinators and herbivores may exert selective pressures on floral and vegetative traits that could also influence gender function.     

Genotypic and environmental correlations between leaf growth and bulb size in onions

Populations of onion breeding lines were grown in five field trials over 2 years. Measurements were made of leaf length, number of leaves produced during July and August, date of foliage collapse, plant density and bulb yield. Correlations and partial correlations between these attributes, separated where possible into genetic and environmental components, gave similar results from all trials. The genetic and environmental components of leaf length and earliness of foliage collapse were positively associated with yield. Partial correlations showed that short-leaved plants were lower yielding and later maturing than long-leaved selections, but that the effects were not attributable to correlations with plant density.     

Resource-use-related traits correlate with population turnover rates, but not stem diameter growth rates, in 29 subtropical montane tree species

The relationships between species’ functional traits and their demographic life histories are central to understanding the causes of life-history diversity. A previous study identified three independent demographic axes amongst 29 broadleaved tree species: a light-demand axis, a population turnover rate (r–K) axis, and one discriminating substrate requirements for recruitment. This study evaluates the basis of life-history variation amongst the 29 species by assessing the correlation between the three demographic axes above and 14 morphological, phenological, architectural and biomass-partitioning traits. A principal components analysis of the 14 traits revealed two main axes: (1) a ‘resource capture versus conservation’ axis separated species with large and thin leaf laminas, high leaf K, P and N concentrations, light wood and small seeds from species with opposite attributes, and (2) a ‘physiognomic’ axis separated species with compound leaves, high leaf/above-ground mass ratio, and tall first branch in saplings from species with opposite attributes. Subsequent paired correlations and a Procrustes superimposition analysis showed that species with attributes typical of high capture and low conservation of resources, small seeds and short stature had faster population turnover rates (short longevity, and high mortality and recruitment rates) than species with opposite attributes. Species with compound leaves, high leaf/above-ground mass ratio, and tall first branch as saplings (physiognomic axis) tended to be more light-demanding and to have fast diameter growth rates of stems 10 cm diameter. The independence between attributes typical of resource capture or conservation and stem diameter growth rate is noteworthy; it differs from correlations often reported for saplings and could be attributed to ontogenetic changes in plant function. In addition, the clear link between attributes typical of resource capture or conservation and plant recruitment, survivorship and longevity is consistent with r–K theory and brings to light an important connection between a leading axis of plant evolutionary diversification (resource capture versus conservation) and rates of population turnover.     

Spatial Analysis of the Canopy of Kiwifruit Vines as it Relates to the Physical, Chemical and Postharvest Attributes of the Fruit

The position of individual fruit on kiwifruit vines (Actinidiadeliciosa var. deliciosa) grown on a horizontal trellis (pergola)and on a T-bar trellis was determined using a theodolite. Thephysical, chemical, and postharvest attributes of the fruitwere related to their position on the vine during development. Fruit from the pergola vines were more numerous, of lesser weight,with lower concentrations of most mineral nutrients, but greaterconcentrations of soluble solids, and similar flesh firmnessafter 12 weeks of storage at 0 °C, than fruit from the T-barvines. The position on the vine accounted for most of the variationin the attributes of the fruit. Differences between fruit ona single lateral accounted for 43-56% of the variation. Variationbetween vines was relatively small (< 4% of the total variance). The heavier fruit were located at the apical ends of the laterals,while greater concentrations of soluble solids were associatedwith fruit located closer to the cordon. The larger fruit fromthe pergola vines developed from the early opening flowers.A similar relationship existed initially for the T-bar vines,but a reduction in growth of fruit from the early opening flowers8 weeks after anthesis resulted in a more even distributionof fruit size at harvest. The strongest relationship between mineral composition and postharvestattributes of the fruit was with soluble solids concentration(29-46% of the variance). The relationship with flesh firmnesswas weak (r = -0·14 to -0·32). Individual elementscould not be considered in isolation but rather in groups ofelements. Nitrogen was grouped strongly with phosphorus, sulphur,potassium, and copper, while calcium was linked with a secondgroup which included manganese and zinc. These two groups werenegatively related to one another. The greatest proportion of fruit with superior characteristicswas located in the denser parts of the canopy. Fruit with lessdesirable attributes were from the extremities of the canopywhere the leaf area index was low.Copyright 1994, 1999 AcademicPress Actinidia deliciosa, kiwifruit, fruit position, fruit quality, within-vine variation     

The relationships among root and leaf traits of 76 grassland species and relative abundance along fertility and disturbance gradients

For 76 annual, biennial, and perennial species common in the grasslands of central Minnesota, USA, we determined the patterns of correlations among seven organ-level traits (specific leaf area, leaf thickness, leaf tissue density, leaf angle, specific root length, average fine root diameter, and fine root tissue density) and their relationships with two traits relating to growth form (whether species existed for part of the growing season in basal, non-caulescent form and whether species were rhizomatous or not). The first correlation of traits showed that grasses had thin, dense leaves and thin roots while forbs had thick, low-density leaves and thick roots without any significant differences in growth form or life history. The second correlation of traits showed a gradient of species from those with high-density roots and high-density erect leaves to species with low-density roots and low-density leaves that were held parallel to the ground. High tissue density species were more likely to exist as a basal rosette for part of the season, were less likely to be rhizomatous, and less likely to be annuals. We examined the relationships between the two axes that represent the correlations of traits and previously collected data on the relative abundance of species across gradients of nitrogen addition and disturbance. Grasses were generally more abundant than forbs and the relative abundance of grasses and forbs did not change with increasing nitrogen addition or soil disturbance. High tissue density species became less common as fertility and disturbance increased.     

Patterns of reproductive effort in male and female shrubs of Oemleria cerasiformis: a 6-year study

1 We monitored flowering and fruiting of individual male and female plants of Oemleria cerasiformis over a 6-year period in a population in western Canada, and calculated fruit set (percentage of pistils maturing) and reproductive effort (RE) (gram of reproductive tissue per gram of leaf).
2 Over 6 years, male O. cerasiformis had on average much lower total RE, but much higher RE at flowering, than females.
3 In males, strong correlations between RE and light suggested that investment in reproduction was largely determined by light levels. There were strong positive correlations of RE between years, with no evidence of periodic fluctuations.
4 In females, in contrast to males, RE at flowering was not related to light. However, fruit set was strongly correlated with light. Flowering RE and fruit set were uncorrelated in females, indicating that these are affected by different factors.
5 Correlations of RE between years in females, although often significant, were lower than in males, indicating that RE fluctuates more between years in females than in males and may respond to past levels of RE. Flowering may reflect adjustments in response to past reproduction, or may be controlled by resources other than light. Fruit set was not significantly related to previous RE.
6 The greater total RE of females and their limited ability to adjust fruit set are probably major factors contributing to the greater mortality rates of females and the male-biased sex ratios in O. cerasiformis .     

Variation in leaf longevity of Pistacia lentiscus and its relationship to sex and drought stress inferred from leaf δ13C

1. Leaf formation, loss, retention, longevity and biomass on male branches of the evergreen mediterranean shrub Pistacia lentiscus , L. correlated strongly with water-use efficiency inferred from leaf δ¹³C across a gradient of precipitation on the island of Mallorca, Spain.
2. The correlations suggest that the leaf phenology is under control of drought-induced constraints on the carbon balance.
3. In fruiting female branches, the correlations between the inferred water-use efficiency and number of formed and retained leaves, leaf biomass and leaf longevity were non-significant. Leaf formation was strongly reduced by fruiting and the females compensated the reduced photosynthetic capacity by retaining older leaves for a longer time than male plants.
4. It is suggested that leaf longevity in females is under strong control of resource allocation to fruit formation which is 'overlaid' on the drought-induced carbon stress, which led to the observed longer leaf longevity in females than in males.     

Frugivore gape size and the evolution of fruit size and shape in southern hemisphere floras

Abstract The present study uses differences among frugivore faunas of the southern hemisphere landmasses to test whether frugivore characteristics have influenced the evolution of fruit traits. Strong floristic similarities exist among southern landmasses; for example, 75% of New Zealand vascular plant genera also have species in Australia. However, plants in Australia and South America have evolved in the presence of a range of mammalian frugivores, whereas those in New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Pacific Islands have not. In addition, the avian frugivores in New Zealand and New Caledonia are generally smaller than those of Australia. If frugivore characteristics have influenced the evolution of fruit traits, predictable differences should exist between southern hemisphere fruits, particularly fruit size and shape. Fruit dimensions were measured for 77 New Zealand species and 31 Australian species in trans‐Tasman genera. New Zealand fruits became significantly more ellipsoid in shape with increasing size. This is consistent with frugivore gape size imposing a selective pressure on fruit ingestability. This result is not a product of phylogenetic correlates, as fruit length and width scaled isometrically for Australian species in genera shared with New Zealand. Within‐genus contrasts between New Zealand and Australian species in 20 trans‐Tasman genera showed that New Zealand species have significantly smaller fruits than their Australian counterparts. Within‐genus contrasts between New Zealand and South American species in nine genera gave the same result; New Zealand species had significantly smaller fruits than their South American counterparts. No difference was found in fruit size or shape between New Zealand and New Caledonia congeneric species from 12 genera. These results are consistent with the broad characteristics of the frugivore assemblage influencing the evolution of fruit size and shape in related species. The smaller‐sized New Zealand frugivore assemblage has apparently influenced the evolution of fruit size of colonizing taxa sometimes within a relatively short evolutionary timeframe.     

莎车巴旦姆物候期对气象条件的响应及花期预测模型

利用莎车县农业气象试验站2008—2013年巴旦姆物候期和同期气象观测资料,分析了巴旦姆物候期的变化特征以及气温、日照时数对物候期的影响.结果表明：巴旦姆花期之前的物候期始日之间均呈正相关,与花期之后的物候期始日的相关性大多较小,花芽膨大早迟与休眠期、生长期天数分别呈极显著的正相关和负相关.以果实成熟期为界,气温对之前、之后物候期间隔日数的影响分别为负相关和正相关,日照时数与物候期间隔日数大多为正相关.果实成熟 叶变色始期间隔日数对平均最高气温以及花序出现 开花末期、叶变色始期 落叶末期间隔日数对日照时数存在明显的响应.当巴旦姆休眠期符合日平均气温-3.0～-7.5 ℃的天数满30 d后,经过17～28 d将进入花芽萌动期.花芽萌动期、开花始期、叶变色始期和落叶末期的始日分别与首个候平均气温≥4 ℃且候平均最高气温≥12 ℃、春季侯平均气温≥14 ℃且侯平均最高气温≥22 ℃、秋季首个侯平均气温≤10 ℃且侯平均最高气温≤18 ℃和冬季首个侯平均气温≤1.9 ℃的候序一一对应.利用偏最小二乘法回归分析,建立巴旦姆盛花期始日预测模型,经过检验模型效果较好.     

Modeling the Ecological and Phenological Predictors of Fruit Consumption by Gibbons (Hylobates albibarbis)

Understanding the ecological interactions between plant reproductive strategies and frugivore feeding behavior can offer insight into the maintenance of tropical forest biodiversity. We examined the role of plant ecological and phenological characteristics in influencing fruit consumption by the White‐bearded gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis) in Gunung Palung National Park, Indonesian Borneo. Gibbons are widespread across Borneo, highly frugivorous and perform important seed dispersal services. We compare multiple models using information criteria to identify the ecological and phenological predictors that most strongly influence gibbon fruit use of 154 plant genera. The most important predictors of resource use were the overall abundance of a genus and the consistency of fruit availability. Plant genera can maintain constant fruit availability as a result of (1) individual stems fruiting often or (2) stems fruiting out of synchrony with each other (asynchrony). Our results demonstrate that gibbons prefer to feed on plant genera that provide consistent fruit availability due to fruiting asynchrony. Because gibbons feed more often on genera that fruit asynchronously, gibbons are more likely to disperse seeds of plant genera with this reproductive strategy. Research on other frugivorous species is needed to determine whether the results for gibbons are generalizable more broadly. Finally, these results suggest that asynchronously fruiting plant genera may be particularly important for habitat restoration in tropical forests designed for frugivore conservation.     

番茄吸收和积累Cd能力的品种间差异

旨在筛选和利用在受污染土壤中可食部位污染物积累水平在食品卫生标准允许范围内的农作物品种(pollution-safecultivar,简称为PSC),以降低水土环境污染物经食物链危害人类健康的风险。研究对象为番茄,探讨了在一定Cd污染土壤中其果实Cd含量低于国际食品法典委员会(CAC)Cd最高限值的品种(Cd-PSC)存在的可能性。通过盆栽试验研究了36个番茄品种(包括普通番茄和樱桃番茄两个变种)不同器官在受不同程度镉污染的土壤中吸收和积累Cd能力的差异。结果表明:(1)在土壤Cd重度胁迫(13.3mg.kg-1)和轻度Cd胁迫(1.1mg.kg-1)下,番茄所有器官Cd含量的变异在统计学上均存在极显著意义(p<0.01),其中果实Cd含量的范围分别为0.08~0.33mg.kg-1和0.00~0.09mg.kg-1,变异系数分别达到28.5%和77.9%;(2)在重度胁迫下,所有供试品种的果实Cd含量均超出CAC标准,而轻度胁迫下的Cd含量超标率达到19.4%,说明番茄是易受Cd污染的农作物种类,其中樱桃番茄的受污染风险特别高,在轻度胁迫下6个供试品种中有5个超标,而30个普通番茄品种仅1个超标。因此,仅在轻度胁迫条件下,存在着番茄的Cd-PSC,其中有5个普通番茄品种的果实中未检出Cd,属于比较安全的PSC,包括品种No.121、6、24、35和No.36,可以推荐在土壤Cd污染程度略超国家三级标准或具有潜在受污染风险的区域应用;(3)尽管大多数情况下各营养器官的Cd含量间均呈显著的正相关,但营养器官与果实Cd含量间均无明显的相关性,推测Cd在番茄营养器官间和营养器官与果实间的转运途径是不一样的。组织中Cd含量的显著相关性说明该特性可以作为农作物品种的种性特征;(4)与轻度胁迫相比,重度胁迫下的所有供试品种平均果实生物量上升了7.5%,一半以上的品种表现出较强的耐Cd能力,这一特性可能导致因不易察觉土壤的Cd污染状况而增加番茄产品受Cd污染风险。     

A survey of seed and seedling characters in 1744 Australian dicotyledon species: cross-species trait correlations and correlated trait-shifts within evolutionary lineages

Seedling traits have been described across 1744 species of Australian plants. Six traits were coded as binary alternatives: (1) phanerocotyly vs cryptocotyiy; (2) first leaf scale‐like vs leaf‐like; (3) first leaf single vs paired; (4) cotyledons hairy vs. glabrous; (5) hypocotyl hairy vs glabrous, and (6) embryo green vs non‐green at maturity. Seed volume was calculated from measurements of seed dimensions. Three approaches were used in analysing the data: (1) the taxonomic distribution of binary character states was described; (2) the strength of bivariate character associations was quantified at species level (‘cross‐species' correlations and regressions); (3) the data were arrayed on a phylogenetic tree in order to analyse by ‘phylogenetic regression’ for correlated evolutionary shifts in trait pairs. All die traits appeared evolutionarily malleable. For example, while cryptocotyiy was the minority condition (22% of species), it occurred in many different taxa (124 genera, 40 families, 24 orders) with high levels of polymorphy (16%, 25% and 42% for genera, families and orders). Similarly, the less common attribute states for first leaf type, hypocotyl texture, cotyledon texture and embryo colour occurred in species from right across die dicotyledon phylogeny, as did independent evolutionary divergences in each of mese characters. These patterns indicate that debate over which conditions are primitive and which are advanced will not have any general answer, only an answer for a specific branch‐step in die phylogenetic tree. In nearly all cases, correlated‐divergence analyses showed the same patterns as cross‐species analyses. The strongest associations were between seed volume and cryptocotyiy, seed volume and scale‐like first leaf, and seed volume and presence of green embryo. In addition, cryptocotyiy and scale‐like first leaf, and cotyledon and hypocotyl type, were strongly associated in bom correlated‐divergence and cross‐species analyses. Interpretation of results was mosdy presented wim respect to seed size, a trait which we consider to be pivotal in a species' seedling establishment strategy. All possible pairwise combinations ofbinary seedling traits were found in our study species. Taken togedier, the various lines of evidence presented here suggest that the traits have assorted more or less independendy of each odier and provide no evidence of functional groups based an mese attributes. Thus, the several existing seedling typologies should be regarded as classifications of convenience rather than as reflecting fundamental types.     

Relationships among ecologically important dimensions of plant trait variation in seven neotropical forests

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: When ecologically important plant traits are correlated they may be said to constitute an ecological 'strategy' dimension. Through identifying these dimensions and understanding their inter-relationships we gain insight into why particular trait combinations are favoured over others and into the implications of trait differences among species. Here we investigated relationships among several traits, and thus the strategy dimensions they represented, across 2134 woody species from seven Neotropical forests. METHODS: Six traits were studied: specific leaf area (SLA), the average size of leaves, seed and fruit, typical maximum plant height, and wood density (WD). Trait relationships were quantified across species at each individual forest as well as across the dataset as a whole. 'Phylogenetic' analyses were used to test for correlations among evolutionary trait-divergences and to ascertain whether interspecific relationships were biased by strong taxonomic patterning in the traits. KEY RESULTS: The interspecific and phylogenetic analyses yielded congruent results. Seed and fruit size were expected, and confirmed, to be tightly related. As expected, plant height was correlated with each of seed and fruit size, albeit weakly. Weak support was found for an expected positive relationship between leaf and fruit size. The prediction that SLA and WD would be negatively correlated was not supported. Otherwise the traits were predicted to be largely unrelated, being representatives of putatively independent strategy dimensions. This was indeed the case, although WD was consistently, negatively related to leaf size. CONCLUSIONS: The dimensions represented by SLA, seed/fruit size and leaf size were essentially independent and thus conveyed largely independent information about plant strategies. To a lesser extent the same was true for plant height and WD. Our tentative explanation for negative WD-leaf size relationships, now also known from other habitats, is that the traits are indirectly linked via plant hydraulics.     

不同种源厚朴苗期性状变异及主成分分析

基于厚朴（Magnolia officinalis）作为一种传统中药植物及分布区域广、环境异质化程度明显的现象,采用田间种源实验,对分布在中国7个省的14个种源厚朴苗期的生长性状进行了观测分析。结果表明,不同种源厚朴的苗期生长性状差异显著。种源遗传力分析表明,苗高和单株叶面积两个性状的遗传力较高,分别为0.93、0.79,可认为以苗高和单株叶面积为主的种源多性状综合选择改良潜力巨大。相关性分析表明各性状间遗传相关、表型相关、环境相关均存在一定的相关关系,单株叶面积和地上部生长性状的遗传相关程度高于地下部生长性状,表型显著相关的性状组合数量和程度低于遗传相关。厚朴苗期种源选择的首选因子为各生物量及单数叶面积性状,辅助因子为苗高和地径。通过系统聚类分析,初步选定景宁、武夷山、龙胜、开县、城固、宁强及洋县的种源为优良厚朴种源。     

Fruit effects on photosynthesis in Prunus persica

Seasonal measurements of net CO₂ assimilation, leaf conductance and mesophyll conductance were made in the field on mature, fruiting and defruited Prunus persica L. Batsch trees. During early stages of fruit growth there were no significant differences in leaf gas exchange characteristics between fruiting and defruited trees. During the early part of the last stage of fruit growth, CO₂ assimilation rates were 11–15% higher in fruiting trees than defruited trees. These increased assimilation rates corresponded with approximately 30% increases in leaf conductance and only minor changes in mesophyll conductances or leaf CO₂ assimilation capacity as indicated by leaf nitrogen content. It is concluded that under the field conditions of this study the fruit effect on photosynthesis is primarily related to stomatal behavior.     

Tomato Analyzer: A Useful Software Application to Collect Accurate and Detailed Morphological and Colorimetric Data from Two-dimensional Objects

Measuring fruit morphology and color traits of vegetable and fruit crops in an objective and reproducible way is important for detailed phenotypic analyses of these traits. Tomato Analyzer (TA) is a software program that measures 37 attributes related to two-dimensional shape in a semi-automatic and reproducible manner^1,2. Many of these attributes, such as angles at the distal and proximal ends of the fruit and areas of indentation, are difficult to quantify manually. The attributes are organized in ten categories within the software: Basic Measurement, Fruit Shape Index, Blockiness, Homogeneity, Proximal Fruit End Shape, Distal Fruit End Shape, Asymmetry, Internal Eccentricity, Latitudinal Section and Morphometrics. The last category requires neither prior knowledge nor predetermined notions of the shape attributes, so morphometric analysis offers an unbiased option that may be better adapted to high-throughput analyses than attribute analysis. TA also offers the Color Test application that was designed to collect color measurements from scanned images and allow scanning devices to be calibrated using color standards³. TA provides several options to export and analyze shape attribute, morphometric, and color data. The data may be exported to an excel file in batch mode (more than 100 images at one time) or exported as individual images. The user can choose between output that displays the average for each attribute for the objects in each image (including standard deviation), or an output that displays the attribute values for each object on the image. TA has been a valuable and effective tool for indentifying and confirming tomato fruit shape Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL), as well as performing in-depth analyses of the effect of key fruit shape genes on plant morphology. Also, TA can be used to objectively classify fruit into various shape categories. Lastly, fruit shape and color traits in other plant species as well as other plant organs such as leaves and seeds can be evaluated with TA.