The yield and composition of switchgrass and coastal panic grass grown as a biofuel in southern England

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and coastal panic grass (Panicum amarum A.S. Hitchc. & Chase) are perennial grasses indigenous to North America. Switchgrass has been shown to have good potential as a biofuel crop in both the US and Canada. In the study reported here, seven varieties of switchgrass and one panic grass were evaluated for 5 years under the temperate maritime conditions in Southern England. Both species had 0 or 60 kg N ha(-1) applied annually in spring as treatment. Yield was measured after flowering and when stems were dead in the winter. Yield increased annually for 4-5 years except for the variety Dacotah, and in the fifth year dead stem yields ranged from 8.82 to 13.97 t dm ha(-1). There was no response to N except for one variety in one year. Mineral concentration in biomass was higher at flowering than at dead stem harvest and delaying harvesting further provided more time for P, K and Cl to be leached but yield also declined.     

Karyotype variation is indicative of subgenomic and ecotypic differentiation in switchgrass

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Karyotypes can provide information about taxonomic relationships, genetic aberrations, and the evolutionary origins of species. However, differentiation of the tiny chromosomes of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and creation of a standard karyotype for this bioenergy crop has not been accomplished due to lack of distinguishing features and polyploidy. RESULTS: A cytogenetic study was conducted on a dihaploid individual (2n=2X=18) of switchgrass to establish a chromosome karyotype. Size differences, condensation patterns, and arm-length ratios were used as identifying features and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assigned 5S and 45S rDNA loci to chromosomes 7 and 2 respectively. Both a maize CentC and a native switchgrass centromeric repeat (PviCentC) that shared 73% sequence identity demonstrated a strong signal on chromosome 3. However, only the PviCentC probe labeled the centromeres of all chromosomes. Unexpected PviCentC and 5S rDNA hybidization patterns were consistent with severe reduction or total deletion of these repeats in one subgenome. These patterns were maintained in tetraploid and octoploid individuals. The 45S rDNA repeat produced the expected number of loci in dihaploid, tetraploid and octoploid individuals. Differences observed at the 5S rDNA loci between the upland and lowland ecotypes of switchgrass provided a basis for distinguishing these subpopulations. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these results provide a quantitative karyotype of switchgrass chromosomes. FISH analyses indicate genetic divergence between subgenomes and allow for the classification of switchgrass plants belonging to divergent genetic pools. Furthermore, the karyotype structure and cytogenetic analysis of switchgrass provides a framework for future genetic and genomic studies.     

柳枝稷的生物学研究现状及其生物能源转化前景

柳枝稷(Panicum virgatum,L.)是起源于北美的一种热带草原高秆草,具有优良的草料特性和水土保持功能。因其有很大的能源利用前景,而目前全球能源紧缺,因此全世界范围内已有许多国家把研究柳枝稷转化生物能源这一利国利民的项目提到议事日程,展开了全方位的研究。这篇论文综述了柳枝稷的生物学研究现状以及其生物能源转化前景。     

半干旱黄土丘陵沟壑区柳枝稷（Panicum virgatum）的生物质形成

为深入认识半干旱黄土丘陵沟壑区引种能源植物柳枝稷生物质生产的开发潜力及其约束机制,调查了农田、植丛尺度上早熟和晚熟柳枝稷年度生命周期内生物量累积、分株建成动态,以及土壤水分供求平衡过程。研究发现,植丛尺度早熟柳枝稷抽穗比例近100％,分株生殖发生大小阈值依赖基本丧失,高度大小分布近似正态,种群内光资源竞争强度明显弱化,与晚熟类型形成明显差异。农田尺度晚熟柳枝稷生物质产量可以达到15t／hm^2,高出早熟类型近1倍,但是其立地80～400cm土层的含水量稳定在7％以下,土壤干旱已经发生,早期干旱胁迫导致的生长停滞,以及生长中后期的成片倒伏现象在两年的观测周期内连续出现。早熟柳枝稷立地则形成相对稳定的白草、柳枝稷复合优势植被结构,深层土壤水分含量稳定在10％以上,实现了跨年度的土壤水分供求平衡。植丛尺度的生物质形成在一定程度上取决于分株生殖发生的大小依赖程度和分株间竞争关系格局,基于植丛尺度普遍的生殖发生和明显弱化的光资源竞争,早熟柳枝稷表现出更为高效的生物质形成机制。农田尺度晚熟柳枝稷尽管在雨热同步期的降水资源利用效率上存在明显比较优势,但是在降水资源利用分配策略和效应上,早熟柳枝稷表现出了综合的生态适宜性优势。保证雨热同步期降水资源利用和保蓄的平衡,是半干旱黄土丘陵沟壑区生物质生产应该遵循的基本原则之一。     

基于叶绿体基因rbcL和psbA-trnH间区探讨石杉科植物系统关系

关于石杉科Huperziaceae植物的分类,一直存在一些争议。在旧的分类体系中石杉科植物被包含在一个混合的石松科Lycopodiaceae和多谱系的石松属Lycopodium中。本文利用叶绿体rbcL基因和psbA-trnH基因间区序列探讨石杉科植物的系统位置及石杉科内部的分类关系,用最大简约法和邻接法对自测序列结合由GenBank下载的rbcL及psbA-trnH基因间区序列进行系统发育分析。结果显示,石杉科与Phylloglossum属关系较近,与石松科关系较疏远。在石杉科中热带石杉属Huperzia植物和马尾杉属Phlegmariurus植物的关系要比它们与其他石杉属植物更近。所以,我们的rbcL基因数据不支持秦仁昌关于石杉科分为石杉属和马尾杉属的分类处理。但是,因为我们的psbA-trnH序列没有包括热带种类,对石杉属植物和马尾杉属植物的关系无验证。因此需要更多的样品和序列数据进一步探讨石杉科的演化关系。     

Evolutionary relationships among Pinus (Pinaceae) subsections inferred from multiple low-copy nuclear loci

Sequence data from nrITS and cpDNA have failed to fully resolve phylogenetic relationships among Pinus species. Four low-copy nuclear genes, developed from the screening of 73 mapped conifer anchor loci, were sequenced from 12 species representing all subsections. Individual loci do not uniformly support either the nrITS or cpDNA hypotheses and in some cases produce unique topologies. Combined analysis of low-copy nuclear loci produces a well-supported subsectional topology of two subgenera, each divided into two sections, congruent with prior hypotheses of deep divergence in Pinus. The placements of P. nelsonii, P. krempfii, and P. contorta have been of continued systematic interest. Results strongly support the placement of P. nelsonii as sister to the remaining members of sect. Parrya, suggest a moderately well-supported and consistent position of P. krempfii as sister to the remaining members of sect. Quinquefoliae, and are ambiguous about the placement of P. contorta. A successful phylogenetic strategy in Pinus will require many low-copy nuclear loci that include a high proportion of silent sites and derive from independent linkage groups. The locus screening and evaluation strategy presented here can be broadly applied to facilitate the development of phylogenetic markers from the increasing number of available genomic resources.     

Polyploidy in arctic plants

The Arctic is an excellent model system for the study of polyploidy. It is one the Earth's most polyploid‐rich areas, in particular of high‐level and recently evolved polyploids. Here we re‐address previous hypotheses on arctic polyploidy based on a new analysis of the circumarctic flora, and review recent molecular, cytological and reproductive studies. The frequency and level of polyploidy strongly increase northwards within the Arctic. We found no clear‐cut association between polyploidy and the degree of glaciation for the arctic flora as a whole, which contains many widespread species. However, for ‘arctic specialist’ taxa with restricted distributions, the frequency of diploids is much higher in the Beringian area, which remained largely unglaciated during the last ice age, than in the heavily glaciated Atlantic area. This result supports the hypothesis that polyploids are more successful than diploids in colonizing after deglaciation. There is abundant molecular evidence for recurrent formation of arctic polyploids at different scales in time and space. Examples are given of low‐level polyploids formed after the last glaciation and of repeated and successively more high‐level polyploidizations throughout the Quaternary. Recurrent polyploid origins, followed by interbreeding within and across ploidal levels, provide a major explanation for the taxonomic complexity of the arctic flora. In the well‐studied, recently deglaciated archipelago of Svalbard, most species are mainly self‐fertilizing or clonal. All Svalbard polyploids examined so far are genetic allopolyploids with fixed heterozygosity at isozyme loci. The level of heterozygosity in 65 taxa increases dramatically from diploids to high‐level polyploids. In the circumarctic area, there is evidence for numerous recently evolved sibling species within diploid taxonomic species. Rapid evolution of crossing barriers at the diploid level promotes further diversification after expansion from different refugia, and may provide new raw materials for allopolyploid formation. We conclude that the evolutionary success of polyploids in the Arctic may be based on their fixed‐heterozygous genomes, which buffer against inbreeding and genetic drift through periods of dramatic climate change. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 82 , 521–536.     

Pyrolytic characteristics of microalgae as renewable energy source determined by thermogravimetric analysis

This paper describes the fibre morphology of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and its pulping characteristics using sodium hydroxide and a combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulphite as the cooking agents. It was found that the fibre length of switchgrass is similar to that of poplar despite its high population of short fibre elements (< 0.2 mm). The switchgrass used in this study had a lignin content comparable to that of poplar, but a particularly high content of extractable materials. The soda pulp from switchgrass showed excellent mechanical properties and showed a great potential as a reinforcement component in newsprint making.     

Comparative analysis reveals that polyploidy does not decelerate diversification in fish

While the proliferation of the species‐rich teleost fish has been ascribed to an ancient genome duplication event at the base of this group, the broader impact of polyploidy on fish evolution and diversification remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the association between polyploidy and diversification in several fish lineages: the sturgeons (Acipenseridae: Acipenseriformes), the botiid loaches (Botiidae: Cypriniformes), Cyprininae fishes (Cyprinidae: Cypriniformes) and the salmonids (Salmonidae: Salmoniformes). Using likelihood‐based evolutionary methodologies, we co‐estimate speciation and extinction rates associated with polyploid vs. diploid fish lineages. Family‐level analysis of Acipenseridae and Botiidae revealed no significant difference in diversification rates between polyploid and diploid relatives, while analysis of the subfamily Cyprininae revealed higher polyploid diversification. Additionally, order‐level analysis of the polyploid Salmoniformes and its diploid sister clade, the Esociformes, did not support a significantly different net diversification rate between the two groups. Taken together, our results suggest that polyploidy is generally not associated with decreased diversification in fish – a pattern that stands in contrast to that previously observed in plants. While there are notable differences in the time frame examined in the two studies, our results suggest that polyploidy is associated with different diversification patterns in these two major branches of the eukaryote tree of life.     

黄土丘陵半干旱区引种禾草柳枝稷的生物量与水分利用效率

加强优良引种禾草植物的生态适应性研究对促进我国黄土高原半干旱区草地建设和草业科学发展具有十分重要的意义。比较研究了引种禾草柳枝稷(Panicumvirgatum)在黄土丘陵半干旱区不同立地条件下地上生物量的大小和季节累积差异及其水分利用特征。2001~2002年川地柳枝稷草地地上生物量达13000~16000kg/hm2,山地梯田和坡地为2300~2650kg/hm2。不同立地条件柳枝稷返青后的生物量累积过程呈二次或三次多项式。柳枝稷的绝对生长速率(AGR)在整个生长季内呈双峰曲线变化,川地柳枝稷草地的现存量和总量AGR最大值分别为158.93和169.83kg/(hm2·d),梯田分别为27.31和38.25kg/(hm2·d),坡地为37.0和36.69kg/(hm2·d)。坡地柳枝稷生物量较大值和AGR最大值出现时间最早。不同立地柳枝稷生物量相对生长速率(RGR)在整个生长季内呈双峰曲线变化,均以返青后的20d内最大,平均AGR以川地最大,坡地和梯田相近,但坡地两峰值高于梯田。不同立地柳枝稷草地土壤水分主要利用层次为0~2m,月平均含水量顺序为梯田>坡地>川地。川地柳枝稷叶片和整体生物量水分利用效率均最高,梯田整体生物量水分利用效率大于坡地,但二者叶片水分利用效率相近。川地和山地地表下5cm生育期平均地温均为17.60℃,但4~5月份川地地温高出山地1.2~2.8℃,川地4~10月份平均气温较山地高1.5℃,这些差异影响不同立地条件柳枝稷草地水分利用和生长进程。     

Parallel and convergent diversification in two northern hemispheric species-rich Carex lineages (Cyperaceae)

Carex species are dominant and abundant plants in boreal and arctic landscapes, typically covering large wetland areas. Most of these vegetation-characteristic species are from Carex sections Phacocystis and Vesicariae, frequently growing together, but also forming monodominant stands. Here we study these species in a phylogenetic framework to infer whether this co-occurrence pattern results from convergent evolution. In both sections, we observed a Northern clade consisting only of arctic to boreal species, a Mixed clade of northern and more southerly distributed species and a Southern grade of species mainly from temperate or further southern zones. The species of the Northern clades of both sections that are the focus of the study may be of similar young age and are rather equally diversified in terms of molecular divergence and morphology, suggesting a replicate adaptive radiation in boreal to arctic habitats. Morphological characters possibly linked with functional importance are not significantly different between the respective clades of the two sections, whereas reproductive structures may be phylogenetically constrained. The evolution of salt tolerance and ongoing diversification in the Northern clade of sect. Phacocystis suggests that the observed replicate adaptive radiation might be a transitional state in the diversification of species and may explain why such radiations are so rarely documented.     

Protoplast isolation and transient gene expression in switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L

Transient assay systems using protoplasts have been utilized in several plant species and are a powerful tool for rapid functional gene analysis and biochemical manipulations. A protoplast system has not been used in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), even though it is a bioenergy crop that has received considerable attention. Here we report the first protocol to isolate large numbers of viable protoplasts from both leaves and roots of two switchgrass genotypes. Furthermore, we demonstrate transient expression of PEG-mediated DNA uptake in the isolated protoplasts by measuring the activity of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene driven by either the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter or the maize ubiquitin 1 promoter. Protoplast transformation with either the 35S or the ubiquitin promoter resulted in an increase in GUS activity compared to the untransformed controls; however, the extent of GUS activity was considerably higher for the ubiquitin promoter than for the 35S promoter. Collectively, our results indicate an efficient protoplast isolation and transient assay system that can be used to facilitate gene expression studies in switchgrass.     

中国榕属榕亚属植物的系统发育初探

对分布于中国的榕亚属植物的15个种和2个变种(分别代表榕亚属的3个组)的nrDNA的ITS序列和系统发育关系进行分析。结果表明,榕亚属是非单系起源,其中榕组构成了一个独立的单系群,与无花果亚属有较近的亲缘关系,而与榕亚属其它组间并未表现出近缘关系。榕亚属的其它5个组构成一单系群并得到中度的支持率。来自中国的种类分别聚在相应的组内。但环纹榕组被分成2个单支,其中来自中国的大叶水榕(F.glaberrima)和环纹榕(F.annulata)构成一个分支,二者表现较近的亲缘关系。榕亚属的亚洲特有组印度榕组在ITS树中聚在环纹榕组的另一个分支中,但它与此组其它种的亲缘关系并不清楚。     

Molecular phylogenetics of the giant genus Croton and tribe Crotoneae (Euphorbiaceae sensu stricto) using ITS and TRNL-TRNF DNA sequence data

Parsimony, likelihood, and Bayesian analyses of nuclear ITS and plastid trnL-F DNA sequence data are presented for the giant genus Croton (Euphorbiaceae s.s.) and related taxa. Sampling comprises 88 taxa, including 78 of the estimated 1223 species and 29 of the 40 sections previously recognized of Croton. It also includes the satellite genus Moacroton and genera formerly placed in tribe Crotoneae. Croton and all sampled segregate genera form a monophyletic group sister to Brasiliocroton, with the exception of Croton sect. Astraea, which is reinstated to the genus Astraea. A small clade including Moacroton, Croton alabamensis, and C. olivaceus is sister to all other Croton species sampled. The remaining Croton species fall into three major clades. One of these is entirely New World, corresponding to sections Cyclostigma, Cascarilla, and Velamea sensu Webster. The second is entirely Old World and is sister to a third, also entirely New World clade, which is composed of at least 13 of Webster's sections of Croton. This study establishes a phylogenetic framework for future studies in the hyper-diverse genus Croton, indicates a New World origin for the genus, and will soon be used to evaluate wood anatomical, cytological, and morphological data in the Crotoneae tribe.     

A molecular phylogeny of the grass subfamily Panicoideae (Poaceae) shows multiple origins of C4 photosynthesis

DNA sequence data from the chloroplast gene ndhF were analyzed to estimate the phylogeny of the subfamily Panicoideae, with emphasis on the tribe Paniceae. Our data suggest that the subfamily is divided into three strongly supported clades, corresponding to groups with largely identical base chromosome numbers. Relationships among the three clades are unclear. In unweighted parsimony analyses, the two major clades with x = 10 (Andropogoneae and x = 10 Paniceae) are weakly supported as sister taxa. The third large clade corresponds to x = 9 Paniceae. In analyses under implied weight, the two clades of Paniceae are sisters, making the tribe monophyletic. Neither resolution is strongly supported.Our molecular phylogenies are not congruent with previous classifications of tribes or subtribes. Based on this sample of species, we infer that C(4) photosynthesis has evolved independently several times, although a single origin with multiple reversals and several reacquisitions is only slightly less parsimonious. The phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) subtype of C(4) photosynthesis has evolved only once, as has the NAD-malic enzyme (ME) subtype; all other origins are NADP-ME. Inflorescence bristles are apparently homologous in the genera Setaria and Pennisetum, contrary to opinions of most previous authors. Some genera, such as Digitaria, Echinochloa, and Homolepis are supported as monophyletic. The large genus Paspalum is shown to be paraphyletic, with Thrasya derived from within it. As expected, Panicum is polyphyletic, with lineages derived from multiple ancestors across the tree. Panicum subg. Panicum is monophyletic. Panicum subg. Dichanthelium, subg. Agrostoides, and subg. Phanopyrum are unrelated to each other, and none is monophyletic. Only Panicum subg. Dichanthelium sect. Dichanthelium, represented by P. sabulorum and P. koolauense, is monophyletic. Panicum subg. Megathyrsus, a monotypic subgenus including only the species P. maximum, is better placed in Urochloa, as suggested by other authors.     

植物多倍体基因组的形成与进化

多倍化是植物进化变异的自然现象,也是促进植物发生进化改变的重要力量。在被子植物中,约 70％的种类在进化史中曾发生过一次或多次多倍化的过程。目前的研究结果表明,自然界绝大多数多倍体是通过未减数配子的融合而形成的,并且很多多倍体种是通过多次独立的多倍化过程而重复发生的。由多倍化所导致的重复基因在多倍体基因组中可能有三种不同的命运,即：保持原有的功能、基因沉默或分化并执行新的功能。多倍化以后,重复基因组的进化动态则主要表现在染色体重排和“染色体二倍化”、不同基因组之间的相互渗透、以及核-质之间的相互作用等方面。     

CYTOGEOGRAPHY OF PANICUM VIRGATUM IN CENTRAL NORTH AMERICA

Mc Millan , Calvin . (U. Texas, Austin.), and John Weiler . Cytogeography of Panicum virgatum in central North America. Amer. Jour. Bot. 46(8): 590–593. Illus. 1959.—For 124 clones of Panicum virgatum L. representing 44 local populations from Manitoba and eastern Montana to Texas, the chromosome number was determined. Most of the clones were grown in a transplant garden at Lincoln, Nebraska. Among the earlier-flowering clones from the northern and western area, a preponderance were tetraploids (n = 18). Among the later-flowering clones, the Iowa material was predominantly tetraploid, while those from Nebraska presented a diversity of types (n = 18, 27, 36) within each population. A series of polyploids was common in population samples from southern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Through the complex breeding patterns resulting from the common occurrence of a range of polyploidy and the possible action of apomixis, variability within the population is maintained, and with it, genetic insurance for survival in highly unpredictable prairie habitats.     

基于叶绿体四个DNA片段联合分析探讨山茶属长柄山茶组、金花茶组和超长柄茶组的系统位置与亲缘关系

为探讨山茶属茶亚属(Camellia subgen.Thea)中长柄山茶组(sect.Longipedicellata)、金花茶组(sect.Chrysantha)和超长柄茶组(sect.Longissima)的系统位置和亲缘关系,本研究选取了该属4个亚属11组28个种及2个外类群的材料,对这些材料的叶绿体4个DNA片段(rp/16、psbA-trnH、trnL-F和rp/32-trnL)进行了测序,运用邻接法(neighbor-joining)、最大简约法(maximum-parsimony)和贝叶斯推断(Bayesian inference)对获得的序列进行了联合矩阵分析.并构建基因树.基因树的拓扑结构显示:1)金花茶组包括3个平行的支系,并且长柄山茶组的模式种长柄山茶(Camellia longipedicellata)嵌于其中一个支系,因而金花茶组可能是一个并系或多系类群;2)长柄山茶与越南分布的金花茶组种类在分子系统树上构成一个单系支,暗示了长柄山茶组和金花茶组之间可能具有紧密的亲缘关系;3)超长柄茶组不是一个单系类群,该组的河口超长柄茶(C.hekouensis)位于系统树的基部,与山茶属其余种构成姐妹群.由于缺乏更广泛取样的分析,超长柄茶在山茶属中的系统位置仍然不明确,超长柄茶组与长柄山茶组的亲缘关系问题也没有得到解决.     

Plant polyploidy and non-uniform effects on insect herbivores

Genomic duplication through polyploidy has played a central role in generating the biodiversity of flowering plants. Nonetheless, how polyploidy shapes species interactions or the ecological dynamics of communities remains largely unknown. Here we provide evidence from a 4 year study demonstrating that the evolution of polyploidy has reshaped the interactions between a widespread plant and three species of phytophagous moths. Our results show that polyploidy has produced non-uniform effects, with polyploids less attacked by one insect species, but significantly more attacked by two other species. These results suggest that the evolution of plant polyploidy may not generally confer uniform resistance to multiple species of insect herbivores. In the absence of such a uniform release, the extreme evolutionary success of polyploid plants is probably due to factors other than escape from herbivory. Together, these results suggest that a primary consequence of plant polyploidy may be to shape the ecological structure of plant-insect interactions, thereby providing opportunities for diversification in both plant and insect taxa.