太行山南麓栓皮栎和刺槐叶片光合光响应模拟

植物光合作用-光响应模型研究是评价植物光合响应机制和获得光合参数的主要途径。本文以太行山南麓栓皮栎(Quercus variabilis)和刺槐(Robinia pseudoacacia)人工林为研究对象,采用LI-6400XT光合测定系统测定了这两种人工林叶片光合作用-光响应曲线,利用直角双曲线模型(RH)、非直角双曲线模型(NRH)以及直角双曲线的修正模型-叶子飘模型(YZP)对光合-光响应曲线进行了拟合,对比了3种模型的最大净光合速率P_(max)、初始光能利用率α、暗呼吸速率R_d等光合参数。结果表明,RH模型的P_(max)、α和R_d均较大,并且无法直接得到光饱和点I_s。NRH模型不能很好地模拟光抑制现象,在P_(max)的模拟上明显偏大,但在α的模拟中比较接近真实值。YZP模型则具有更好的适用性,能较好地模拟光抑制现象。对栓皮栎和刺槐阴、阳叶光合作用-光响应曲线研究发现,阳叶的P_(max)大于阴叶(栓皮栎、刺槐的阳叶P_(max)分别高出阴叶的24.41%和18.28%),阴叶的α高于阳叶(栓皮栎、刺槐的阴叶α值分别平均高出阳叶的22.08%、15.41%),阴叶的R_d也高于阳叶,尤其在刺槐上表现明显(刺槐阴叶R_d高出阳叶的7.13%)。栓皮栎P_(max)、R_d和I_s主要受相对湿度和气孔导度的影响,α主要受相对湿度的影响。刺槐的P_(max)和I_s与相对湿度和气孔导度均呈显著正相关关系。     

种衣剂对低温下棉花幼苗光合特性的影响

为研究种衣剂对低温下棉花幼苗光合特性的影响,以"新陆早57号"为材料,采用室内盆栽培养法,温度设置为10℃和18℃,胁迫时间为0、1、2、3d,分别从光合色素、光合气体交换参数以及叶绿素荧光动力学三方面探讨种衣剂对棉花幼苗低温伤害的缓解作用。结果表明:(1)与未包衣棉苗相比,种衣剂可提高低温胁迫下棉花幼苗的叶绿素a、b及类胡萝卜素含量,但在常温下种衣剂对棉苗的光合色素含量均无显著影响。(2)与未包衣棉苗相比,包衣棉苗在10℃和18℃处理3d后,净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、气孔导度(G_s)分别依次提高33.71%、52.00%、96.63%和38.57%、55.17%、103.42%,胞间二氧化碳浓度(C_i)分别降低了15.15%、11.12%。(3)与未包衣棉苗相比,包衣棉苗在10℃和18℃处理3d后,单位反应中心吸收的光能(ABS/RC)分别增加了0.41%、1.56%,捕获用于还原Q_A的能量(TR_o/RC)和捕获用于电子传递的能量(ET_o/RC)分别增加了2.97%、0.47%和4.27%、1.67%,反应中心用于电子传递的激子与用来推动Q_A还原激子的比率(ψ_o)分别增加了0.18%、2.16%,吸收的光能用于电子传递的量子产额(Φ_(Eo))和性能指数(PI_(ABS))分别增加了2.25%、2.42%和19.32%、5.94%。研究认为,种衣剂包衣处理可以提高低温下棉花幼苗的光合色素含量、调节气孔开度,增强CO_2的固定能力和利用率,提高光合吸收及捕获的能量,并诱导光合能量合理分配,维持光合器官对光能的吸收、捕获、转化状况,从而减轻低温胁迫带来的伤害。     

不同浓度氟对茶树幼苗叶片叶绿素荧光特性的影响

为探讨氟对茶树[Camellia sinensis(L.)O.Kuntze]叶片叶绿素荧光特性的影响,采用盆栽沙培法,用不同浓度的Na F溶液处理6周,对茶树叶片的叶绿素荧光特性进行研究。结果表明,用600 mg L–1的氟处理,茶苗叶片的OJIP曲线O相呈小幅度上升,P相下降得非常明显,IP相显著下降,出现清晰的L点(150μs)和K点(300μs);经过氟处理的茶苗叶片I点、J点的相对可变荧光和耗散能增加;荧光参数RC/CSo、ETo/ABS、PIabs、PIcs等明显下降,而DIo/RC、DIo/CSo和DIo/ABS等参数大幅度增加;叶片氟含量与ETo/TRo、REo/ABS、PICS呈负相关,与DIo/RC呈正相关。因此,氟胁迫处理削弱了茶树叶片的光合电子传递能力,影响了光合机构的作用,同时叶片以增加自身热耗散来防止受到光抑制和光破坏。     

5种松属树种光合功能及叶绿素快相荧光动力学特征比较

以松属5种代表树种日本五针松、华山松、白皮松、油松和赤松为研究对象,比较了它们针叶的形态特征、光合速率和叶绿素快相荧光动力学方面的异同.结果表明:5种松树的针叶形态特征存在显著差异,油松的针叶长度和密度最大;白皮松的叶绿素含量最高;但赤松的光合速率最大,日本五针松的光合速率最小.5种松树针叶的光合速率与气孔导度呈正相关.5种松树的叶绿素快速荧光诱导动力学曲线的差异主要表现在J相和I相.尽管5种松树光系统Ⅱ(PSⅡ)最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、潜在光化学活性(Fv/Fo)以及到达最大荧光所需的时间(Tfm)差异不显著,但日本五针松的反应中心关闭净速率dV/dto和dVG/dto以及J相和I相的相对可变荧光强度(Vj和Vi)显著大于其他4种松树,能量分配比率Ψo、φEo、φRo显著低于其他4种松树.这可能与日本五针松的质体醌库大小(Sm)、质体醌库还原速率(Sm/Tfm)和质体醌A(QA)的周转次数(N)最小有关.日本五针松的性能指数PI(ABS/CSo/CSm)和光合驱动力(DF)均显著低于其他4种松树,而赤松PI和DF最高.其中PI(Cso)和PI(CSm)与5种松树的净光合速率呈显著正相关,可以作为评价松树光合能力的荧光指标.     

低温胁迫下二倍体杂交种高山松光系统Ⅱ功能稳定性研究

以人工气候室内的高山松(Pinus densata)及其亲本油松(P.tabulaeformis)和云南松(P.yunnanensis)实生苗为材料,通过测定低温胁迫和恢复后其幼苗的快速叶绿素荧光诱导动力学(JIP-test)参数,分析高山松及其亲本的光系统Ⅱ(PSⅡ)功能稳定性以及对低温胁迫的响应差异,以探讨高山松适应高海拔低温环境的光合生理生态机制。结果表明:经过33 d的低温(12℃/5℃,昼/夜)处理后,高山松PSⅡ功能参数单位截面积吸收的能量(ABS/CSo)、捕获的能量(TRo/CSo)、电子传递的能量(ETo/CSo)、耗散的能量(DIo/CSo)、有活性反应中心的数量(RC/CSo),以及原初光化学反应的最大量子产额(φPo)、吸收光能用于QA-以后的电子传递的能量比例(φEo)、捕获光能用于QA-以后的电子传递的能量比例(Ψo)、光能利用能力参数(PIabs)、2 ms时相对可变荧光(VJ)、荧光上升的初始斜率(Mo)、荧光曲线与Fm所围面积(Area)、介于F0和Fm之间的相对面积(Sm)和QA氧化还原次数(N)均与处理前无显著差异;油松和云南松的φPo、φEo、Ψo、PIabs、Area与对照差异显著,云南松的VJ、Mo、Sm、N、ETo/CSo、DIo/CSo、ABS/CSo也与对照存在显著差异;温度恢复之后(25℃/18℃,昼/夜),这些荧光参数的恢复程度表现为高山松>油松>云南松。可见,低温胁迫显著影响了油松和云南松的光能传递和光能利用能力以及受体库大小,且云南松遭受伤害的程度高于油松,而高山松的PSⅡ功能及其稳定性在遭受低温胁迫时明显高于亲本油松和云南松,且胁迫解除后恢复程度高,从而使得高山松能够在高海拔低温环境中累积代谢所需的有机物,保证其正常的生长和发育。     

2,4-表油菜素内酯对盐胁迫下黄瓜幼苗叶片光合特性的影响北大核心CSCD

以黄瓜品种’新春4号’为试验材料,研究了在中度盐胁迫(50 mmol/L NaCl)条件下,外源喷施0.01 mg/L 2,4-表油菜素内酯(EBL)和24μmol/L油菜素内酯抑制剂(BZR)处理对盐胁迫下黄瓜幼苗叶片快速叶绿素荧光诱导动力学曲线(OJIP)及相关荧光参数的影响,探讨EBL缓解黄瓜幼苗中度盐胁迫伤害的光合生理机制。结果表明:(1)盐胁迫导致黄瓜幼苗叶片净光合速率(P_(n))、气孔导度(G_(s))、蒸腾速率(T_(r))下降,胞间CO_(2)浓度(C_(i))增加,初始荧光(F_(o))、最大荧光(F_(m))下降,OJIP曲线中J点、I点显著增加,降低了黄瓜幼苗叶片光合性能,且对PSⅡ受体侧的伤害大于供体侧,表现为PSⅡ反应中心损伤,光合电子从Q_(A)向Q_(B)的传递效率降低,电子传递受阻。(2)在50 mmol/L NaCl处理下,外源喷施0.01 mg/L EBL可显著提升NaCl胁迫下黄瓜幼苗叶片P_(n)、G_(s)、T_(r)、光合性能(PI_(ABS)),降低C_(i),显著增加单位面积内吸收(ABS/CS_(m))、捕获(TR_(o)/CS_(m))、用于电子传递(ET_(o)/CS_(m))的光能以及有活性反应中心的数目(RC/CS_(m))。(3)与NaCl+EBL处理相比,NaCl+EBL+BZR处理后黄瓜幼苗叶片光合性能进一步降低,证明EBL对黄瓜幼苗盐胁迫引起的PSⅡ伤害有缓解作用。研究发现,外源喷施适量2,4-表油菜素内酯能有效缓解黄瓜幼苗叶片在盐胁迫条件下受到的光合电子传递链中(PSⅡ)受体侧的伤害,增加电子从Q_(A)向Q_(B)传递的效率,从而显著改善盐胁迫下黄瓜幼苗叶片的光合性能。     

华北平原玉米叶片光合及呼吸过程对实验增温的适应性

利用典型农田生态系统的原位实验增温平台,探讨我国华北平原重要农作物玉米叶片光合及呼吸过程对实验增温的适应性,并深入分析其产生适应性的原因和机理。研究结果显示,实验增温使玉米叶片净光合速率(A_n)显著升高(P0.001),同时增温也导致A_n的最适温度(T_(opt))升高1.56℃;相似地,实验增温也同样导致了光合作用过程中最大电子传递速率(J_(max))显著增加(P0.001),并且其最适温度(T_(opt))升高了1.45℃,但并没有对最大羧化反应速率(V_(cmax))及其温度敏感性(Q_(10))产生显著的影响(P0.05)。然而,实验增温却显著降低了玉米叶片的暗呼吸速率(R_d)及其Q_(10)值(P0.05)。另外,研究结果还显示实验增温没有对R_d/A_g和J_(max)/V_(cmax)产生显著的影响(P0.05)。此外,尽管实验增温显著提高了玉米叶片的蒸腾速率(T_r),但却并没有显著改变叶片的气孔导度(G_s)及水分利用效率(WUE)。研究结果表明,玉米可以通过调控叶片光合及呼吸等关键生理过程的最适温度对增温产生一定的适应性。然而,尽管玉米能够在叶片尺度上做出调整来适应增温环境,但这种适应能力却十分有限,以至于未来气候变暖仍可能会对华北平原玉米的生长发育过程和粮食产量造成一定的影响。     

高温高湿胁迫及恢复对番茄快速荧光诱导动力学的影响

为了研究高温高湿复合胁迫对番茄的影响,以番茄品种“金冠五号”(Jinguan 5)为试材,于2018年6-9月在南京信息工程大学农业气象试验室进行温度、相对湿度与处理天数三因素正交试验,温度设置4个水平(昼温/夜温),即32℃/22 ℃、35℃/25℃、38℃/28 ℃、41℃/31℃,空气相对湿度设置3个水平为50%±5%、70%±5%、90%±5%,4个持续时间(3、6、9、12 d),以28℃/18℃、50%~55%环境下处理的番茄幼苗为对照(CK),测定不同处理下番茄叶片光合参数和快速荧光诱导动力学参数.结果表明:在日最高32~41℃范围内,随着温度升高,番茄光饱和点(LSP)、表观量子效率(AQE)、最大净光合速率(Pmax)、最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、光合性能指数(PIabs)、综合性能指数(PItotal)、用于电子传递的量子产额(φEo)、用于还原PSI受体侧末端电子受体的量子产额(φRo)、用于电子传递的光能(ET0/CSm)和有活性的反应中心数量(RC/CSm)均有所降低,快速叶绿素荧光诱导曲线发生变化,J、I、P相降低,且AK小于0.在高温环境下,70%湿度处理的LSP、AQE、Pmax、Fv/Fm、PIabs PItotal、φEo、φRo、ETo/CSm、RC/CSm等指标显著高于50%和90%湿度处理.不同天数处理和恢复期间各指标无显著性差异.研究表明:高温胁迫破坏了番茄幼苗光系统的结构和功能,在超过日最高35℃的环境中,适当增加空气相对湿度至70%,可稳定光合反应中心,缓解高温胁迫对植物光合系统的伤害.     

油蒿光合参数季节动态及其与叶氮含量和比叶面积的关系

了解植物光合作用参数季节动态及其与叶性状的关系对于准确模拟生态系统碳循环具有重要的意义。本研究在生长季内原位测定了毛乌素沙地油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)光合作用CO_2响应和光响应曲线,分析了油蒿光合参数与叶氮含量(N_(mass))和比叶面积(SLA)的关系。结果表明:整个生长季内油蒿最大净光合速率(P_(nmax))、表观量子效率(α)和光饱和点(LSP)都是在春季后期和初秋时期值比较高,在夏季波动较大,光补偿点(LCP)和暗呼吸速率(Rd)变化趋势不明显,P_(nmax)的变化范围为13.79~33.31μmol CO_2·m~(-2)·s~(-1),平均值为23.77μmol CO_2·m~(-2)·s~(-1),其中5月达到最大值,P_(nmax)季节变化显著;羧化速率(φ)、最大羧化速率(V_(cmax))、最大电子传递速率(J_(max))和光下暗呼吸(Rp)的季节动态变化也是呈现春季后期和初秋时期值比较高、在夏季波动较大的趋势,CO_2补偿点(Co)在整个生长季季节动态明显;CO_2饱和点(Cisat)的季节动态变化不明显;V_(cmax)在5月达到最大值(89.10μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1)),在8月达到最小值(27.25μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1)),平均值为56.29μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1),J_(max)在9月达到最大值(78.86μmol CO_2·m~(-2)·s~(-1)),在8月达到最小值(24.19μmol CO_2·m~(-2)·s~(-1)),平均值为46.24μmol CO_2·m~(-2)·s~(-1),V_(cmax)和J_(max)季节变化显著;P_(nmax)、V_(cmax)、J_(max)和Rp与N_(mass)存在显著线性正相关,P_(nmax)、V_(cmax)和J_(max)与SLA存在显著线性正相关。本研究结果进一步证实,叶氮含量和比叶面积是影响油蒿光合能力的重要因素。研究获得的光合参数与叶性状的关系可为构建参数化生态系统过程模型提供帮助。     

空间飞行微重力降低裸藻光合电子传递并改变光合能量分配（英文）

利用神舟8号飞船的SIMBOX发射机会,对真实微重力影响裸藻光合作用活性进行了研究.我们发现,微重力降低了光合活性(Fv/Fm),提高了细胞内叶绿素a和胡萝卜素含量.快速叶绿素荧光动力学研究显示微重力降低了叶绿素荧光强度,但快速叶绿素荧光动力学曲线的形状(O-J-I-P)没有改变.在微重力处理下裸藻的最大光化学效率(φPo)、用于电子传递的量子产额(φEo)和光合作用性能指数(PIABS and PICS)都明显降低,但单位反应中心吸收的光能(ABS/RC)和单位反应中心耗散的能量(DIo/RC)都明显升高.77K低温荧光光谱实现微重力改变了能量在PSⅠ和PSⅡ之间的分配并出现了红移现象.这些结果表明真实微重力降低光合作用的活性有可能通过两个途径,即抑制裸藻抑制光合电子传递中PSⅡ的受体端和改变PSⅠ的结构从而引起流向PSⅠ的能量传递减少.     

Foreign exploration for Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and associated natural enemies on avocado (Persea americana Miller)

Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara was discovered attacking avocados in California, USA, in 1996. Host plant surveys in California indicated that S. perseae has a highly restricted host range with larvae being found only on avocados, while adults were collected from 11 different plant species. As part of a management program for this pest, a “classical” biological control program was initiated and foreign exploration was conducted to delineate the home range of S. perseae, to survey for associated natural enemies and inventory other species of phytophagous thrips on avocados grown in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, and Brazil. Foreign exploration efforts indicate that S. perseae occurs on avocados grown at high altitudes (>1500 m) from Uruapan in Mexico south to areas around Guatemala City in Guatemala. In Costa Rica, S. perseae is replaced by an undescribed congener as the dominant phytophagous thrips on avocados grown at high altitudes (>1300 m). No species of Scirtothrips were found on avocados in the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, or Brazil. In total, 2136 phytophagous thrips were collected and identified, representing over 47 identified species from at least 19 genera. The significance of these species records is discussed. Of collected material 4% were potential thrips biological control agents. Natural enemies were dominated by six genera of predatory thrips (Aeolothrips, Aleurodothrips, Franklinothrips, Leptothrips, Scolothrips, and Karnyothrips). One genus each of parasitoid (Ceranisus) and predatory mite (Balaustium) were found. Based on the results of our sampling techniques, prospects for the importation of thrips natural enemies for use in a “classical” biological control program in California against S. perseae are not promising.     

Taxonomic status of the species of the green algal genusNeochloris

Komárek has recently reviewed the various species assigned to the green algal genusNeochloris Starr (Chlorococcales, Chlorococcaceae) and removed those with uninucleate vegetative cells to a new genus,Ettlia. Watanabe & Floyd, unaware ofKomárek's work, also reviewed the species ofNeochloris and distributed them among three genera—Neochloris, Chlorococcopsis gen. nov., andParietochloris gen. nov.—on the basis of details of the covering of the zoospore and the arrangement of the basal bodies of the flagellar apparatus. This paper reconciles these two treatments and makes additional recommendations at the ranks of genus, family, order, and class.     

Phylogeny of cardinalfishes (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Apogonidae) and the evolution of visceral bioluminescence

The cardinalfishes (Apogonidae) are a diverse clade of small, mostly reef-dwelling fishes, for which a variety of morphological data have not yielded a consistent phylogeny. We use DNA sequence to hypothesize phylogenetic relationships within Apogonidae and among apogonids and other acanthomorph families, to examine patterns of evolution including the distribution of a visceral bioluminescence system. In conformance with previous studies, Apogonidae is placed in a clade with Pempheridae, Kurtidae, Leiognathidae, and Gobioidei. The apogonid genus Pseudamia is recovered outside the remainder of the family, not as sister to the superficially similar genus Gymnapogon. Species sampled from the Caribbean and Western Atlantic (Phaeoptyx, Astrapogon, and some Apogon species) form a clade, as do the larger-bodied Glossamia and Cheilodipterus. Incidence of visceral bioluminescence is found scattered throughout the phylogeny, independently for each group in which it is present. Examination of the fine structure of the visceral bioluminescence system through histology shows that light organs exhibit a range of morphologies, with some composed of complex masses of tubules (Siphamia, Pempheris, Parapriacanthus) and others lacking tubules but containing chambers formed by folds of the visceral epithelium (Acropoma, Archamia, Jaydia, and Rhabdamia). Light organs in Siphamia, Acropoma, Pempheris and Parapriacanthus are distinct from but connected to the gut; those in Archamia, Jaydia, and Rhabdamia are simply portions of the intestinal tract, and are little differentiated from the surrounding tissues. The presence or absence of symbiotic luminescent bacteria does not correlate with light organ structure; the tubular light organs of Siphamia and chambered tubes of Acropoma house bacteria, those in Pempheridae and the other Apogonidae do not.     

Die GattungKarschia — Bindeglied zwischen bitunicaten Ascomyceten und lecanoralen Flechtenpilzen?

The genusKarschia, in the earlier sense, including saprophytes and parasites on lichens, has been thought to be a non-lichenized parallel genus of the lichen genusBuellia. Modern workers included it on the one hand inBuellia, on the other hand combined it with bitunicate ascomycetes. It is now proved thatKarschia is heterogeneous and contains but superficially similar members both of the genusBuellia of theLecanorales and of typical or masked bitunicateAscomycetes. Therefore, it can not be regarded as a link betweenLecanorales andDothideales. The type species ofKarschia belongs to theDothideales.

     

Biological control of three floating water weeds,<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eichhornia crassipes,Pistia stratiotes</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salviniamolesta</Emphasis> in the Republic of Congo

Since 1999, four specific weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) were released in the Republic of Congo against three exotic floating water weeds: Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and N. bruchi Hustache against water hyacinth, Neohydronomus affinis Hustache against water lettuce, and Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder and Sands against water fern. Recoveries of exotic weevils were made from all 24 release sites except one, and all four species have established and spread (up to 800 km for water hyacinth weevils). Within a few years of releases, control of water fern and water lettuce was such that fishing and navigation could be resumed, while reductions of water hyacinth populations were only beginning.     

A molecular phylogeny of Hebeloma species from Europe

In order to widen the scope of existing phylogenies of the ectomycorrhizal agaric genus Hebeloma a total of 53 new rDNA ITS sequences from that genus was generated, augmented by sequences retrieved from GenBank, and analysed using Bayesian, strict consensus and neighbour joining methods. The lignicolous Hebelomina neerlandica, Gymnopilus penetrans, and two species of Galerina served as outgroup taxa. Anamika indica, as well as representatives of the genera Hymenogaster and Naucoria, were included to test the monophyly of Hebeloma, which is confirmed by the results. Hebeloma, Naucoria, Hymenogaster and Anamika indica cluster in a strongly supported monophyletic hebelomatoid clade. All trees largely reflect the current infrageneric classification within Hebeloma, and divide the genus into mostly well-supported monophyletic groups surrounding H. crustuliniforme, H. velutipes, H. sacchariolens, H. sinapizans, and H. radicosum, with H. sarcophyllum being shown at an independent position; however this is not well supported. The section Indusiata divides with strong support into three groups, the position of the pleurocystidiate Hebeloma cistophilum suggests the possible existence of a third subsection within sect. Indusiata. Subsection Sacchariolentia is raised to the rank of section.     

Demographic characteristics of an intertidal bay goby (Lepidogobius lepidus)

Synopsis In a fourteen month study (May 1976 – June 1977) I examined the following characteristics of an intertidal bay goby (Lepidogobius lepidus) in Morro Bay, California, U.S.A.: annual and seasonal patterns of abundance, age composition and growth rates, survivorship and mortality patterns, and the reproductive cycle for female gobies. Fishes were collected with the aid of quinaldine and otoliths and ovaries removed. Age and growth rates were estimated from otolith annuli using a back calculation formula and a Brody-Bertalanffy growth curve. Mortality rates were derived using the methods of Heincke (1913), Robson & Chapman (1960), mean age, and a catch curve (Ricker 1975). A gonad index was used to describe the annual reproductive cycle. Results indicated that abundance fluctuated seasonally and that these fluctuations appeared to be caused by reproductive emigrations. Bay gobies reached an age of 7+ and a standard length of 87 mm. Growth was relatively constant (6 mm yr⁻¹) until age 5, at which point it began to decline. The mean rates of survivorship, mortality, and instantaneous mortality were 0.75, 0.25, and 0.29 respectively. Mortality rates for individual age classes ranged from 0.13 to 0.51 and increased with age. This stock appears to reproduce mainly during the winter.     

Systematic significance of mature embryo of bamboos

The mature embryo of seven species belonging to five genera of Indian bamboos is described. In all these the basic pattern of embryo organisation is same: the scutellar and coleoptilar bundles are not separated by an internode, the epiblast is absent, the lower portion of the scutellum and the coleorhiza are separated by a cleft and the margins of embryonic leaves overlap. The features unique to fleshy fruited bamboos are: presence of a massive scutellum, the juxtaposition of plumule and radicle and the occurrence of a bud in the axil of the coleoptile. The fleshy fruit bearing bamboos should be classified into one group, the tribeMelocanneae. Evidence is provided to recognise additional groups in the subfamilyBambusoideae.