Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Quercus mongolica var. crispula

Microsatellites were isolated and characterized for the Japanese oak species, Quercus mongolica var. crispula, distributed in temperate deciduous forests of Japan. Eleven of the 48 primer pairs designed successfully amplified unambiguous and polymorphic single loci among 67 Q. mongolica var. crispula individuals within a plot in southwestern Japan. The observed and expected heterozygosities of the 11 microsatellite markers ranged from 0.522 to 0.896 and from 0.536 to 0.882, respectively. These polymorphic microsatellite markers are useful for estimating pollen‐mediated gene flow in Q. mongolica var. crispula.     

Unveiling the origin of Quercus serrata subsp. mongolicoides found in Honshu,Japan, by using genetic and morphological analyses

Quercus mongolica is a tree found in temperate deciduous forests in east Asia. In Japan, Q. mongolica var. crispula is commonly found; moreover, an oak whose morphology is similar to that of Q. mongolica var. mongolica of the Asian continent has been found in certain areas of Honshu and Hokkaido. Recently, the oak found in Honshu was described as Q. serrata subsp. mongolicoides (QSM). However, genetic comparison between this oak and Q. mongolica var. mongolica of the Asian continent has not been performed; the origin of QSM is thus unknown. Therefore, we aimed to determine the origin of QSM by conducting nuclear microsatellite (nSSR), chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and leaf morphology analyses for the three taxa, as well as other congeners. The cpDNA variation overlapped among the three taxa, suggesting low discrimination ability for these taxa. Although morphological congruency was found between QSM and Q. mongolica var. mongolica, results of nSSR analyses showed that QSM contained a genetic admixture of Q. mongolica var. mongolica of the Asian continent and Q. mongolica var. crispula of Japan, bolstering an admixture hypothesis. The nSSR and cpDNA analyses suggested that Q. mongolica var. crispula can be the progenitor of Q. mongolica var. mongolica and harbors the ancestral cpDNA haplotypes. Therefore, we concluded that QSM might have been created by an admixture that likely occurred within Japan between Q. mongolica var. crispula and putative relict Q. mongolica var. mongolica, which might have diverged in or around Japan from Q. mongolica var. crispula during the late Pleistocene.     

Detection and features of wetwood in Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata

To elucidate the location of water in wetwood, variations in moisture content within a tree of Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata were observed macroscopically by determination of moisture content and by soft x-ray photography. Then the typical wetwood, which had been precisely located by such macroscopic analysis, was examined further by cryo-scanning electron microscopy. The moisture content varied considerably within the tree trunk, and typical wetwood was detected in limited regions of the heartwood. The distribution of the wetwood did not always correspond to the discoloration of the wood. In the wetwood, almost all the lumina of vessels and fibers were filled with water, while the lumina of ray and axial parenchyma cells were often cavitated. Intercellular spaces produced by deformation of cell walls and radial shakes were filled with water. In addition, tyloses were collapsed and torn in the wetwood, and they did not block the vessel lumina. These results suggest the possibility that vessels and fibers might serve as effective pathways for the accumulation of water in the wetwood.     

太白山锐齿栎林物种-多度分布格局

以太白山1.5 hm2的锐齿栎原始林和次生林样地中环境因子和胸径≥1 cm的木本植物调查数据为基础,采用统计模型(对数正态模型)、生态位模型(Zipf模型、断棍模型、生态位优先模型)和中性模型,拟合了锐齿栎群落的物种多度分布.结果表明:太白山锐齿栎林物种多度分布格局受到生境异质性的影响.其中,地形因子对原始林物种分布影...     

秦岭南坡短柄枹栎和锐齿槲栎的种子产量和种子大小及其与昆虫寄生的关系

【目的】为了解昆虫寄生特征与短柄枹栎 Quercus glandulifera 和锐齿槲栎 Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata 的种子产量及种子大小的关系。【方法】本研究于2011和2012年在秦岭南坡佛坪国家自然保护区,对短柄枹栎和锐齿槲栎种群的种子产量和昆虫寄生特征进行了野外调查研究。【结果】2年中短柄枹栎、锐齿槲栎种子雨密度和种子产量均差异明显,2011年短柄枹栎种子雨密度和种子产量分别为145.76±24.56粒/m²和74.97±11.56粒/m²,分别显著高于2012年的64.09±9.61粒/m²和34.30±3.51粒/m²;2011年锐齿槲栎种子雨密度和种子产量分别为238.88±43.97粒/m²和117.34±18.76粒/m²,分别显著高于2012年的112.00±19.20粒/m²和55.96±19.20粒/m²。2011年短柄枹栎和锐齿槲栎的种子产量中完好种子所占比例分别为49.73%和50.73%,分别显著高于2012年的38.69%和44.28%;而2011年虫蛀短柄枹栎和锐齿槲栎种子所占比例分别为28.05%和19.31%,分别低于2012年的39.77%和26.63%,但并无显著差异。2011和2012年,短柄枹栎和锐齿槲栎虫蛀种子个体均显著大于完好种子,且2011年二者虫蛀种子所含幼虫数与种子大小的相关性显著,2012年二者相关性不显著。【结论】短柄枹栎和锐齿槲栎种子的虫蛀率与种子产量有一定的关系,即在种子产量较低年份,虫蛀率有升高趋势,反之有降低趋势。同时,昆虫对这两种栎树种子中个体大的种子有寄生选择偏好,同时虫蛀种子所含幼虫数与种子大小也有一定的关系,即种子越大,所含昆虫幼虫数就越多。     

秦岭优势乔木锐齿槲栎的空间分布格局及种内关联

为探究锐齿槲栎种群的空间分布特征及关联性,本研究以秦岭皇冠暖温性落叶阔叶林25 hm²森林样地内优势树种锐齿槲栎为对象,采用成对相关函数g(r)对其空间格局及其种内关联性进行了研究。结果表明: 锐齿槲栎径级结构呈“双峰”型,幼树(1 cm≤胸径DBH＜5 cm)个体数较多,种群呈增长型结构,更新良好;中树(15 cm≤DBH＜25 cm)比大树(25 cm≤DBH＜35 cm)、老树(DBH≥35 cm)的个体数略多,但远少于幼树和小树(5 cm≤DBH＜15 cm)。锐齿槲栎空间分布具有明显的海拔依赖性,主要分布在中高海拔地区。完全空间随机零模型分析表明,各径级个体在＜60 m的大尺度范围聚集分布。使用异质泊松模型剔除生境异质性分析表明,各径级的个体转变为大尺度的随机分布,表明树种的分布明显受到生境变化的影响。在＜40 m的小尺度范围内,径级差距小的个体间的空间关联性为正关联,径级差距大的个体间的空间关联性转变为负关联和无关联;在＞40 m的大尺度范围内,大径级个体间的空间关联性为正关联,而幼树和其他径级个体间的空间关联性为负关联或无关联。锐齿槲栎自身生物学特性和环境异质性是种群空间格局形成的重要原因。     

Community structure and functional group of root‐associated Fungi of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica across stand ages in the Mu Us Desert

Root‐associated fungi (RAF) are an important factor affecting the host's growth, and their contribution to Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantation decline is substantial. Therefore, we selected three age groups of P. sylvestris plantations (26, 33, and 43 years), in the Mu Us Desert, to characterize the community structure and functional groups of RAF, identified by Illumina high‐throughput sequencing and FUNGuild platform, respectively. The effects of soil properties and enzyme activities on fungal diversity and functional groups were also examined. The results indicated that (a) 805 operational taxonomic units of RAF associated with P. sylvestris belonged to six phyla and 163 genera. Diversity and richness were not significantly different in the three age groups, but community composition showed significant differences. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota dominated the fungal community, while Rhizopogon dominated in each plot. (b) The proportion of pathotrophs decreased with increasing age, while that of symbiotrophs increased sharply, which were mainly represented by ectomycorrhizal fungi. (c) Stand age and soil enzyme activity had a greater influence on fungal community composition than did soil properties, whereas environmental variables were not significantly correlated with fungal diversity and richness. Dynamics of fungal community composition and functional groups with the aging plantations reflected the growth state of P. sylvestris and were related to plantation degradation.     

长期极端高温胁迫对樟子松幼苗生物量及非结构性碳水化合物的影响

采集东北地区(红花尔基、黑河、漠河)3个地理种群樟子松(Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica)的种子在温室进行育苗和培养,通过连续4年温室持续高温控制培育实验。研究了极端高温(+15℃,+18℃,+21℃)对不同地理种群樟子松幼苗的株高、基径、根冠比、生物量分配及非结构性碳水化合物(NSC)含量的影响,探明樟子松对高温的耐受程度。结果表明:不同地理种群间幼苗的株高、基径、生物量累积存在显著差异,株高、基径、生长速率和总生物量都表现为:黑河(He)(+15℃)红花尔基(Ho)(+18℃)漠河(M)(+21℃);根冠比大小依次为:红花尔基(Ho)(+18℃)黑河(He)(+15℃)漠河(M)(+21℃)。可溶性糖和淀粉百分含量在同种群不同器官,及不同种群相同器官间均有差异。可溶性糖与淀粉在不同种群间均表现为:黑河(He)(+15℃)红花尔基(Ho)(+18℃)漠河(M)(+21℃),可溶性糖与淀粉在不同地理种群的相同器官中均表现为:叶根茎。黑河樟子松种群的幼苗对高温胁迫表现出较强的适应能力,具有比红花尔基和漠河樟子松更强的抗高温胁迫的生理基础,意味着樟子松幼苗可适应升高15℃的高温环境,而升高20℃则对其产生严重胁迫,是东北地区适应未来全球气候变暖的理想樟子松种源。     

樟子松树轮δ13C的年内变化特征及其对气候要素的响应

对大兴安岭北部两株樟子松(Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica)树轮样品的年内稳定碳同位素比率(δ13C)进行测定,结果表明:樟子松树轮年内δ13C值在不同生长阶段总体表现出每年生长季中期最高、早期次之、晚期最低的变化特征.δ13C的年内变化趋势在幼龄期至速生期变化剧烈,成熟期至衰老期相对平缓.从幼龄期至衰老期的整个生长阶段,同时期年内δ13C的变动幅度基本为晚材大于早材.幼龄期年内晚材的δ13C一直明显高于早材,而成熟期年内早晚材δ13C的差别逐渐减小,至衰老期年内晚材δ13C已低于早材且无显著差别.树轮δ13C的年内变化主要体现在生长季中后期,即早晚材之间的过渡段至晚材.年内不同时段的d13C序列与同时段的宽度去除生长趋势序列(去趋势序列)之间的相关性随生长季节的推移而逐渐降低.当年早材宽度与前一年晚材宽度显著正相关,当年早材δ13C序列与前一年晚材宽度和当年早材宽度的去趋势合并序列呈现较显著的负相关性,与前一年晚材δ13C序列或宽度去趋势序列之间均未表现出显著的相关性.分析结果表明:早材的形成很可能来源于前一年光合作用的产物,在利用树轮年内不同材质宽度或δ13C序列进行气候环境重建时需要考虑这一点.年内早材、过渡段和晚材三个时段的δ13C分别对应于4月下旬至6月中旬土壤湿度较大、温度上升较快的时期,6月下旬至7月中旬降水增加、温度达到最高而相对湿度降低的时期,以及7月下旬至9月中旬降水增加、温度下降而相对湿度较大的时期.     

不同降水条件下科尔沁沙地南缘疏林草地樟子松针叶δ13C和叶性状特征

通过比较不同自然降水年份(极端干旱和极端湿润)19年生疏林草地樟子松的针叶δ13C、比叶面积和干物质含量,结合土壤含水量和地下水埋深,探讨了极端降水对樟子松水分利用的影响.结果表明:干旱年份(2009)樟子松林土壤含水量显著低于湿润年份(2010),但樟子松当年生针叶的δ13C在两年间没有显著差异,且两年相同月份间亦无显著差异;干旱年份当年生针叶的比叶面积显著低于湿润年份,而不同年份间干物质含量的差异不显著.在两种极端降水条件下,樟子松的水分利用效率没有明显变化,主要通过改变当年生针叶的比叶面积来适应降水量的变化.对于地下水埋深高于3.0m的疏林草地樟子松人工林生态系统,极端干旱不会严重影响樟子松的存活和生长.     

秦岭锐齿栎林土壤酶活性与化学计量比变化特征及其影响因素

研究微尺度海拔梯度土壤酶活性与化学计量学比值的动态变化及驱动因素对于探讨生态系统养分循环过程具有重要意义。该研究以秦岭太白山6个海拔(分别为1 308、1 403、1 503、1 603、1 694和1 803 m)的锐齿栎(Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata)林作为研究对象, 测定锐齿栎叶片、凋落物、细根和土壤的碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)含量以及碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、β-1,4-葡萄糖苷酶(βG)、纤维二糖水解酶(CBH)、木糖苷酶(βX)与β-N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶(NAG)的活性, 探究不同海拔植物、土壤、酶含量如何变化及驱动土壤酶活性变化的主要因子。结果表明: 5种土壤酶活性在海拔梯度上表现出不同的变化趋势, CBH和βG活性随海拔升高整体呈先增后减趋势, βX与之相反; NAG与AKP活性在1 408-1 694 m呈下降趋势, 在1 803 m处有所升高; 土壤总体酶活性随海拔上升整体表现为降低趋势。相关性分析表明, 土壤酶活性及其化学计量比不同程度上受到植物和土壤C、N、P资源及土壤水热条件等的调控, 其中与土壤有机碳含量的相关性较高, 土壤有机碳含量可被认为是锐齿栎林中影响土壤酶活性变化的主要因子。总之, 土壤酶活性及化学计量比在微尺度海拔梯度上具有差异性, 且受到植物和土壤C、N、P资源的综合影响。     

Reciprocal distribution of two congeneric trees, Betula platyphylla var. japonica and Betula maximowicziana, in a landscape dominated by anthropogenic disturbances in northeastern Japan

Aim Information has been compiled on disturbance regimes and the life‐history characteristics of Betula platyphylla var. japonica (Miq.) Hara and B. maximowicziana Regel to investigate the impact of humans on the present distribution patterns of these two congeneric tree species. Location The study area is in the central region of the northern Kitakami Mountain Range, located in the northeast of Honshu Island, Japan. Methods First, the present distributions of B. maximowicziana and B. platyphylla var. japonica were mapped at the landscape scale. To examine the factors affecting the distribution patterns, topographic features and past land use were taken into account. Second, life‐history traits of both species were clarified at various growth stages either by fieldwork or through a literature search. Previous studies have provided some information on seed production, seed dispersal, seedling dynamics, sprouting, and growth. In the present study, field observations and experiments were conducted regarding seed‐bank formation, size and age at reproduction, and the life span of canopy trees. Results Betula platyphylla var. japonica and B. maximowicziana were spatially segregated in the studied landscape (14,000 ha). The distribution of each species was correlated more strongly with land use at the beginning of the twentieth century than with site environmental factors such as altitude or slope angle. Betula platyphylla var. japonica was distributed more frequently on former grasslands, whereas B. maximowicziana was almost exclusively limited to past old‐growth forests. As typical pioneers, the two species showed similar life‐history traits but differed in several critical points. Betula platyphylla var. japonica has a vigorous sprouting ability, which might increase its resistance to burning and logging, whereas B. maximowicziana forms a persistent seed bank in the soil, indicating an advantage in regenerating in disturbances found in forest communities. Other critical differences were detected in age‐related characteristics such as minimum age of reproduction and life span. Main conclusions The earlier reproductive maturity and the shorter life span of B. platyphylla var. japonica indicate a shorter population cycle than that for B. maximowicziana. The latter would be excluded from grasslands that were burned frequently, as a result of the longer time span before initial reproduction and its poor sprouting ability. In contrast, B. platyphylla var. japonica would be excluded from old‐growth forests, where disturbance was infrequent, owing to its shorter life span and lack of a persistent seed bank.     

太白山锐齿栎树干基部两种蚂蚁的筑巢生态学及其蚁巢、体表真菌组成研究

本文研究了太白山锐齿栎景观林带树干基部筑巢的两种蚂蚁的筑巢生态学及其巢内真菌的组成.研究结果表明:亮腹黑褐蚁Formica gagatoides Ruzsky是锐齿栎林中的优势蚁种,可在地表及树干上活动,主要取食栎树枝条上蚜虫所分泌的蜜露及其他昆虫和植物材料;盘腹蚁Aphaenogaster sp.仅在蚁巢周围活动,捕...     

History of Disturbance and Regeneration Strategies of Fagus engleriana and Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata Forests in Shennongjia,Hubei Province

Based on plot investigation, stem analysis and radial growth pattern, the authors studied the history of suppression, release and regeneration strategies of Fagus engleriana Seem. and Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata Maxim. forests, which were widely distributed in Shennongjia of Hubei Province. It was found that (85.9 ± 6.9) % of the Fagus engleriana samples showed periods of suppression during their canopy recruitment. The average number of suppression periods was 2.1 ± 0.8, the average total length of suppression time was (47 ± 24.1) a, the length of longest suppression time was 73 a, the average number of periods of release was 1.6±0.7, and the average total length of release time was 23 a. (60.83±17.3)% of the Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata samples showed periods of suppression but without release. Combined with height and radial growth characteristics, these suggest that Fagus engleriana was shade-tolerant species, and its regeneration strategies was release from seedling sprouts in canopy gaps, while Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata was shade-intolerant species, and its regeneration strategies was seedling establishment and growth in large canopy gaps by producing large amount of seeds.     

沙地樟子松人工林叶片-枯落物-土壤氮磷化学计量特征

为揭示沙地樟子松人工林N、P分配格局及化学计量特征,以呼伦贝尔沙地、科尔沁沙地、毛乌素沙地不同龄组(中龄林、近熟林和成熟林)沙地樟子松人工林为研究对象,测定分析其叶片、枯落物和土壤N、P含量及化学计量比.结果表明: 研究区3个龄组沙地樟子松人工林叶片、枯落物和土壤N、P含量分别为0.17～49.02和0.11～3.01 g·kg^-1,N/P为0.51～19.74,均表现为叶片＞枯落物＞土壤,且N含量和N/P在3个组分间存在显著差异,叶片P含量显著高于枯落物和土壤.不同地区或林龄对沙地樟子松人工林各组分N、P含量及N/P有一定的影响,但地区和林龄的交互作用对沙地樟子松人工林各组分N/P无显著影响.随着林龄的增加,沙地樟子松各组分N、P含量也增加,在成熟林达到最大值,而N/P没有表现出明显的规律.沙地樟子松人工林N、P含量及N/P在3个组分间呈显著正相关关系.呼伦贝尔沙地和科尔沁沙地樟子松叶片N/P在14.53～15.57,说明这两个地区沙地樟子松人工林的生长可能受N、P的共同限制;毛乌素沙地樟子松叶片N/P在18.56～19.71,说明该地樟子松人工林生长可能受P限制,且林龄对沙地樟子松N、P养分限制的影响不显著.建议在沙地樟子松人工林抚育管理时,依据当地实际情况适当添加N肥或P肥,以提高沙地樟子松林的生产力.研究结果有助于进一步了解N、P在沙地樟子松人工林叶片-枯落物-土壤系统中的相互作用与制约规律,并为沙地樟子松人工林经营管理提供科学依据.     

樟子松大孢子的发生和雌配子体的形成过程

樟子松大孢子母细胞经一系列变化,发育成雌配子体。在哈尔滨地区樟子松大孢子母细胞于每年6月8～14日形成,接着进行减数分裂,于6月16～20日形成大孢子。随着大孢子核的分裂,进入游离核时期,并于次年5月28日～6月4日形成细胞壁,幼雌配子体中出现颈卵器原始细胞,它分裂一次形成颈细胞和中央细胞。6月7～9日中央细胞分裂成卵细胞和腹沟细胞,6月13～15日颈卵器发育成熟。成熟的颈卵器含有颈细胞、腹沟细胞和卵细胞,但颈细胞和腹沟细胞已经退化。     

宣威草乌根的二萜生物碱

从毛茛科植物宣威草乌干燥块根的乙醇提取物中分离得到８个化合物,经理化常数测定和波谱学方法确定它们的化学结构,分别鉴定为β－谷甾醇（Ｉ）和７个去甲二萜生物碱;黄草乌碱甲,黄草乌碱乙,黄草乌碱丁,它拉胺,异它拉胺,展毛乌头宁和滇乌碱。以上化合物均为首次从该植物中得到,它们是乌头属化学分类学的特征性化合物。     

濒危植物长柄双花木自然种群结实的花粉和资源限制

长柄双花木（Disanthus cercidifolius Maxim．vsr．longipes H．T．Chang）只零星分布于湖南、江西和浙江等省的少数县,已处于濒危状态。通过对其野外自然种群试验,研究了花粉和资源的有效性对雌性生殖的影响,并进一步探讨了长柄双花木“花多果少”的生殖机制。结果表明：不同来源的花粉对长柄双花木结果率及结籽率均产生显著影响。花粉来源而不是花粉数量对长柄双花木结实存在显著影响。自然条件下,长柄双花木“花一果转化率”约为54馏,“胚珠-种子转化率”约为83．19。施肥处理有利于花芽发育,可使植株花芽败育率明显下降,开花比例升高;同时座果率和结籽率均显著提高,而果实败育率则显著降低。随剪除叶片量的增加,结果率明显降低,但果实败育率在处理间无显著差异;剪除弱小枝条及病虫枝后,个体总开花数虽有所下降,但是结果率和结籽率均显著提高。去除花后,长柄双花木平均单果重、单粒种子重均显著降低。营养水平的时空异质性使自然种群结籽率受到资源和花粉的限制;补充资源可以通过增强花对传粉者的吸引而间接影响传粉。长柄双花木自然种群的坐果率极低,而且存在严重的“大小年”结果现象,不同的因子可能对其低水平坐果率产生相互作用。选择性败育、子房供应和雄性功能假说似乎是长柄双花木“花多果少”的生殖策略的最合理解释。     

秦岭中段不同坡向锐齿栎种子雨、土壤种子库与幼苗更新

以秦岭中段不同坡向(阳坡、半阳坡、半阴坡及阴坡)锐齿栎天然林为对象,对锐齿栎种子雨、种子库的数量、质量动态以及幼苗发育过程进行研究.结果表明: 锐齿栎种子雨一般从8月中旬开始,9月中下旬到10月上旬达到高峰期,11月中上旬结束;不同坡向的种子雨降落历程、发生时间和组成不同;半阳坡种子雨强度最大,为134.13粒·m^-2,其余大小依次为阳坡、半阴坡、阴坡;阳坡种子雨降落时间最早、持续时间最长,高峰期持续时间也最长,阴坡种子雨降落时间最晚、持续时间最短,高峰期持续时间也最短;种子活力及成熟种子占其种子雨的比例大小顺序为半阳坡>阳坡>半阴坡>阴坡.从种子雨降落结束到翌年8月,各坡向土壤种子库总储量大小顺序均为半阳坡>阳坡>半阴坡>阴坡;各坡向的土壤种子库中成熟、未成熟、被啃食种子数量和种子活力均随时间变化呈递减趋势,而霉烂种子数量增加;各坡向土壤种子库中的种子均主要集中在枯落物层,其次为0~2 cm土层,而在2~5 cm土层中只有极少量种子存在.4种坡向中锐齿栎幼苗的密度差异显著,半阳坡幼苗最多,其余依次是阳坡、半阴坡和阴坡.半阳坡更适合锐齿栎种子的萌发和幼苗生长.     

Pollen and resource limitations to lifetime seed production in a wild population of the endangered plant Disanthus cercidifollus var.Iongipes H.T.Chang (Hamamelidaceae)

Disanthus cercidifolius Maxim.var.longipes H.T.Chang,a plant species that only occurs in a few counties in Hunan,Jiangxi and Zhejiang Provinces and with a relatively small number of individuals,is ranked as a second Class endangered species for conservation in China.We have studied the effect of pollen and resources available to female reproduction,and the reproductive mechanism of "excess flowers with low fruit set" in Disanthus cercidifolius Maxim.var.longipes H.T.Chang was discussed.Results are as follows:Pollen from different sources has significant effects on fruit set and seed set of Disanthus cercidifolius Maxim.var.longipes H.T.Chang.The pollen source rather than pollen numbers significantly affected reproduction of this species.In wild populations,producing one fruit needs about 54.8 flowers,and one satiation seed needs about 6.60 flowers or 83.19 ovules.After fertilizing,which was propitious to flower development,the abortion rate of flower buds was decreasing,but the flowering rate was increasing.The fruit set and seed set was also significantly increasing,while abortion rate of fruit was significantly decreasing.With the increasing percentages of cutting leaves,the fruit set decreased,but the abortion rate of fruit shows no significant differentiation among treatments.After cutting branches that were puny,broken and insectinfested branches,the flower number seemed to be decreasing,but the fruit set and seed set all increased significantly.After removing some flowers,the fruit set was calculated with respect to the number of flowers remaining after the treatment increased with increasing of percentages of flower removal,whereas fruit set calculated with respect to the initial number of flowers remained constant,and the mean weights of per fi'uit and per seed all decreased significantly.Sufficient spatial or temporal heterogeneities in nutrient levels might allow limitation of seed set by resources and pollen in a natural population,while supplying resources may indirectly affect pollination by increasing attraction of the flowers to pollinators.There were very low fruit and seed sets in natural populations ofDisanthus cercidifolius Maxim.var.longipes H.T.Chang.Different factors may have interacted to effect a low fruit set.A joint adoption of the "selection abortion hypothesis","ovary reserve hypothesis" and "male function hypothesis" seems to be the most likely explanation for the reproductive strategy of"excess flowers with few fruit sets" in Disanthus cercidifolius Maxim.var.longipes H.T.Chang.