Localization of the genes controlling B chromosome transmission rate in maize (Zea mays ssp. mays, Poaceae)

In previous papers we found that the frequency of B chromosomes in native races of maize varies considerably in different populations. Moreover, we found genotypes that control high and low transmission rates (TR) of B chromosomes in the Pisingallo race. In the present work crosses were made to determine whether the genes controlling B-TR are located on the normal chromosome set (As) or on the B chromosomes (Bs). We made female f.0B × male m.2B crosses between and within high (H) and low (L) B-TR groups. The Bs were transmitted on the male side in all cases. The mean B-TR from the progeny of f.0B (H) × m.2B (H) and f.0B (H) × m.2B (L) crosses was significantly higher than that from f.0B (L) × m.2B (L) and f.0B (L) × m.2B (H) crosses. The results show that the B-TR of the crosses corresponds to the H or L B-TR of the 0B female parents irrespective of the Bs of the male parent. This indicates that B-TR is genetically controlled by the 0B female parent and that these genes are located on the A chromosomes.     

中国银额果蝇自然群体B染色体的分布

经对我国银额果蝇自然群体Ｂ染色体（Ｂｓ）的分布进行多年广泛地调查,共作过２４个群体,５７２个单雌系,６７３８只个体的观察。从细胞和群体水平研究Ｂｓ的地理分布。结果发现,中国（除台湾省外）银额果蝇自然群体中普遍存在Ｂｓ。结合前人报道得出。Ｂｓ的地理分布出现了由东向西和由南向北的规律性的依次升高趋势。这种跨越不同地理环境的区域性梯度变异与其宿主向大陆内地扩散的推论相符。Ｂｓ频率最高（８７．７％）的是海     

Genetic control of B chromosome transmission rate in Zea mays ssp. mays (Poaceae)

We selected genotypes of high and low B chromosome transmission rate (TR) in a native race of maize (Pisingallo) from northwest Argentina. We made 20 female OB male IB and 20 f.IB m.OB crosses. The former (GOm) showed a large variation of B TR, with a mean of TR ± SE = 0.52 ± 0.06, ranging from 0.17 to 0.98. In the latter (GOf) the mean was TR = 0.47 ± 0.02 ranging from 0.31 to 0.58. Plants showing the highest and the lowest TR were selected to constitute the progenitors of the G1 generations. We made 19 f.0B m.2B crosses, studying 24–30 plants per cross. The TR of the high (H) and low (L) lines in Glm (GlmH and GlmL) significantly differed (TRH = 0.65 ± 0.03, TRL = 0.40 ± 0.01), indicating that the H and L lines are different groups. The large variation in male TR suggests that preferential fertilization of gametes carrying B chromosomes does not always occur. We also selected plants showing high and low TR in the progenies of f.lB m.OB crosses (GOf), and made 24 f.1B m.0B crosses, studying 23–30 plants per cross. The TRs of the H and L lines in G1f (GlfH and GlfL) were significantly different (TRH = 0.48 ± 0.025, TRL = 0.40 ± 0.02). The TRs in G0f and G1fL were significantly different (TR = 0.47 ± 0.02 and 0.40 ± 0.02, respectively), while this was not the case between G0f and G1fH. Our results demonstrate the existence of genotypes controlling B TR in this native population of maize.     

Geographic and seasonal variations of the number of B chromosomes and external morphology in Psathyropus tenuipes (Arachnida: Opiliones)

Psathyropus tenuipes (= Metagagrella tenuipes) is a harvestman that harbors B chromosomes with extremely high frequency (individuals without Bs are only 1% of the total number of specimens so far examined) and high numbers (mean number of Bs per individual is about 4). Geographic variations of the number of Bs and external morphology of the species and the relationship between them were studied. A northward increase in the number of Bs was detected throughout the Japanese Islands, though the number also varied considerably locally. Latitudinal gradients were also found in some external characters, while there were no correlations between those external morphologies and the number of Bs. Principal component analysis using eight morphological data for 21 populations revealed four geographical groups that reflect actual location of the populations. Populations along the Seto Inland Sea were characterized by a lower number of Bs than those in other areas. Seasonal change was also found in a population (Yatsukami in western Honshu) in both 1994 and 1995 for the number of Bs, though the number in the same population was stable at least throughout later postembryonic stages in both 1997 and 1998. Embryos contained fewer numbers of Bs than adults, suggesting that females of the species tend to lay eggs with fewer numbers of Bs.     

我国西南地区玉米地方品种遗传多样性的SSR分子标记分析

利用微卫星(SSR)标记技术和DNA混合取样方法,选取均匀覆盖玉米染色体组的42对SSR引物,检测了来自我国西南地区54个玉米地方品种的遗传多样性。在54个玉米地方品种中检测到256个等位基因,每个SSR标记的等位基因数为2～9个,平均6.1个,说明我国西南地区玉米地方品种遗传多样性丰富。根据遗传相似系数矩阵做出的树状图,将54个玉米地方品种大致划分成4类,来源于同一地区的多数玉米地方品种划分在同一类中,表明西南地区玉米地方品种的地理分布与其遗传背景存在内在联系。从54个玉米地方品种中选出11个,每个品种选取15个单株,共165个DNA单株样品,分析玉米地方品种的遗传结构及其品种内的遗传多样性。对于检测玉米地方品种的遗传多样性,DNA单株样品分析优于DNA混合样品分析,42对相同的SSR引物在11个玉米地方品种中检测到330个等位基因,平均等位基因数A=7.86,有效等位基因数Ae=3.90,平均期望杂合度He=0.69,实际观察杂合度H0=0.37。据遗传结构分析结果,固定指数(F)为0.25～0.79,表明玉米地方品种是典型的混合繁育系统;由于杂合体不足,玉米地方品种群体间及群体内的遗传结构均偏离了Hardy-Weinberg平衡;杂合性基因多样度比率(Fst)平均为0.07,表明品种间和品种内的遗传变异分别占总遗传变异的7%和93%。玉米地方品种内遗传多样性及品种间遗传距离分析结果表明,在我国西南地区,分布在四川的玉米地方品种具有最丰富的遗传变异。经综合分析推测,我国西南地区玉米地方品种最早引进到四川种植,由此向毗邻地区传播扩散。     

The B-chromosome system of Hypochoeris maculata

Populations of Hypochoeris maculata (Compositae) over a wide area of Europe contain a small proportion of individuals with mitoticallystable B-chromosomes. The telocentric Bs are about one sixth the length of the smallest A-chromosome and are heterochromatic. Offspring grown from seeds of natural populations have one or at most two B-chromosomes although plants with up to five Bs have been produced in experiment. The Bs rarely pair during meiotic prophase and the univalents usually undergo centric division at anaphase I. Despite lagging, the Bs are rarely lost during male meiosis. The inheritance of the B-chromosomes differs between the two sides with accumulation in the egg and random inheritance or loss on the pollen side. Although meiotic drive may play some part in the maintenance of the B-polymorphism there is a strict upper limit on the number of Bs in natural populations.     

Trisomics inArabidopsis thaliana and the location of linkage groups

Different populations of the grasshopper Arcyptera fusca located through a small valley of the Pyrenees present an unstable B-chromosome system. Frequencies of individuals carrying Bs ranged from 11% to 50%. In the testes of these males the number of Bs varied among the different follicles ranging from 0 to 4 with 2 being the number most commonly found. The variation in the number of supernumeraries probably resulted from their preferential non-disjunction in the carly mitosis prior to the differentiation of the follicles. The meiotic behaviour of Bs depends on their number within cach follicle. When two or more Bs are present they usually pair and segregate regularly; B univalents divide in anaphase I and segregate without further division in anaphase II in 75% of the cells observed. The presence of Bs does not affect the chiasma frequency, however, the males with Bs had fewer follicles in their testes; this event could be related with the non-existence of follicles with more than 4 Bs.     

B chromosomes and Robertsonian fusions of Dichroplus pratensis (Acrididae): intraspecific support for the centromeric drive theory

We tested the centromeric drive theory of karyotypic evolution in the grasshopper Dichroplus pratensis, which is simultaneously polymorphic for eight Robertsonian fusions and two classes of B chromosomes. A logistic regression analysis performed on 53 natural populations from Argentina revealed that B chromosomes are more probably found in populations with a higher proportion of acrocentric chromosomes, as the theory predicts. Furthermore, frequencies of B-carrying individuals are significantly negatively correlated with the mean frequency of different Robertsonian fusions per individual. No significant correlations between presence/absence or frequency of Bs, and latitude or altitude of the sampled populations, were found. We thus provide the first intraspecific evidence supporting the centromeric drive theory in relation to the establishment of B chromosomes in natural populations.     

B chromosomes in popcorn (Zea mays L.)

Cytological analysis of microsporogenesis in 72 popcorn plants, comprising nine from the original population (CMS-43, S(0)) and 63 from seven cycles of self-fertilization (S(1) to S(7)), one plant of S(0) generation (plant 2) was identified with B chromosomes. The number of B chromosomes varied from two to three in the same anther. The pattern of chromosome pairing and meiotic behavior of Bs were similar to those found in other plant species. The presence of B chromosomes did not affect chiasma frequency and chiasma distribution in A chromosomes. This is the first report of B chromosomes in popcorn.     

Morphology and Meiotic/Mitotic Behavior of B Cromosomes in a Japanese Harvestman, Metagagrella tenuipes (Arachnida: Opiliones): No Evidence for B Accumulation Mechanisms

Earlier, it has been demonstrated that wild populations of a Japanese harvestman Metagagrella tenuipes (Arachnida: Opiliones) are polymorphic for B chromosomes. In this paper, we present results of a study of the morphology and mitotic and meiotic behavior of the Bs. The B chromosomes varied considerably in size and proportion of eu- and heterochromatin. The single nucleolus organizing region, found in males, was located on a chromosome of the A complement. Some intercell variation in number of Bs may be explained by accidental chromosome losses during chromosome preparation. We also found no intertissue variation in number of Bs. There were also no differences in mean number of B chromosomes per individual among males and females, adult and subadult harvestmen. Segregation of Bs in mitotic and meiotic divisions was nonrandom; B chromosomes tended to segregate equally between daughter cells. The results obtained provide no support for the hypothesis of existence of B accumulation mechanism in this species.     

珠芽蓼种群克隆多样性及克隆结构的初步研究

珠芽蓼(Polygonum viviparum)是青藏高原东缘广泛分布的克隆植物,具有有性和无性(根状茎和珠芽)两种生殖方式。该研究采用RAPD技术对分布于不同海拔的珠芽蓼7个自然种群进行了克隆结构和克隆多样性(是单克隆种群还是多克隆种群)以及克隆多样性与海拔因子之间的相关性研究,为了解高山克隆植物对环境的适应性策略及揭示克隆植物的繁殖和分布特点提供科学依据。研究结果表明:1)采用13条RAPD引物对珠芽蓼7个种群共140个样本进行扩增分析,共扩增到117个位点,其中多态性位点84个,多态位点百分率PPL达到71.79%,检测到43个基因型,且全部为局限型基因型;2)与Ellstrand和Roose(1987)总结的克隆植物的克隆多样性平均值相比(PD=0.17,D=0.62),珠芽蓼种群克隆多样性水平稍高,Simpson指数平均为0.639,基因型比率PD平均为0.307;3)克隆结构分析表明,珠芽蓼种群内克隆之间的镶嵌明显,这可能与珠芽蓼过渡型的克隆构型有关。研究中珠芽蓼种群的构型有游击型、密集型以及这两者之间的过渡类型;4)采用SPSS软件对珠芽蓼种群的克隆多样性与海拔高度进行相关性分析,结果显示它们之间并无明显的相关性。     

Phenotypic Diversity of Acer ginnala (Aceraceae) Populations at Different Altitude

In this study, we analyzed the phenotypic variation of Acer ginnala natural populations at different altitude in Qiliyu, investigated the level of phenotypic diversity by using ANOVA analysis, correlation analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed that there were significant differences in phenotypic variation among and within populations. Coefficient of variation (CV) varied from 705% to 3812%. High phonotypic diversity (1.9253) occurred within A.ginnala populations, the mean phenotypic diversity index of populations ranged from 1.9022 to 1.9837. Phenotypic differentiation coefficient (VST) among populations (13.79%) was less than that of within populations (86.21%). The variation within populations comprised a majority of total phenotypic variation. A significant relation had occurred between phenotypic traits and soil factors. Phenotypic diversity index had a very significant correlation with soil total nitrogen (P<0.05), no significant relation with altitude. Five populations gathered into two groups by cluster analysis, which consistent with the geographic distribution of Aginnala in Qiliyu. The traits variations of natural populations at different altitude were affected mainly by micro-environmental heterogeneity of different Aginnala populations. Utilizing of variation within and among populations is important significance for genetic improvement of A.ginnala.     

The effect of B chromosomes on fitness components inAegilops speltoides Tausch

The effect of B chromosomes (Bs) on various components of vigour and fertility inAegilops speltoides was studied. We designed three types of synthetic populations. In the first type we compared plants from the localities Haifa (which has Bs in nature) and Ashkelon (which has not). Non significant differences were found between the plants from both populations, and between B carriers and non carriers among Haifa individuals. In the second synthetic population we compared 0B, 1B, 2B, 3B and 5B plants from Haifa. We found that vigour variables were not affected by the presence of Bs, while fertility variables were significantly correlated with B number, in such a way that 1B plants produce more grains per plant than any other constitution, while 5Bs produce a remarkable deleterious effect. In the third type of synthetic populations we compared plants with 0B and 1B, 0B and 2B, 0B and 3B, and 0B and 5B. In this case we also found that 1B plants were the most fertile, but the variation of reproductive fitness was higher from plot to plot within the same B class than among B classes. We conclude that the effect of B chromosomes on the fitness variables that we have estimated is close to neutrality in this species. We discuss the relation between the strength of the mechanism of accumulation and the deleterious effects of B chromosomes.     

Optimum prediction of three-way crosses from single crosses in forage maize (Zea mays L.)

Summary Three-way cross means were predicted with formulae involving linear functions of general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects estimated from single-cross factorials between genetically divergent populations. Data from an experiment with 66 single-cross and 66 three-way cross forage maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids was used for comparing the prediction formulae. The genotypic correlation (r) between observed and predicted three-way crosses increased with increasing , the weighting factor of SCA effects, for plant height and ear dry matter (DM) content. It displayed slightly convex curves for total and stover DM yield, ear percentage, and metabolizable energy content of stover. For Jenkins' method B, r was considerably less than 1.0 for all traits, indicating the presence of epistasis. The square root of heritability (h) of the predicted means decreased with increasing , the reduction being small with a greater number of test environments. Using the product r·h as a criterion of efficiency, none of the prediction methods was consistently superior and the differences among them were rather small (< 7.5%) for all traits, irrespective of the number of test environments. We recommend evaluating the GCA of a greater number of lines from each parent population in testcrosses with a small number of elite lines from the opposite population. All possible three-way or double crosses between both sets of lines should be predicted by Jenkins's method C. This procedure allows one to select with a higher intensity among the predicted hybrids and thus should increase the genetic gain.Extended version of a paper (Geiger et al. 1986) read at the sixth meeting of the EUCARPIA Section Biometrics in Plant Breeding held at Birmingham, UK, July 28–August 1, 1986     

Ploidy distribution and DNA content variations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lonicera caerulea</Emphasis> (Caprifoliaceae) in Japan

Ploidy level and geographical distribution were investigated in Japanese Lonicera caerulea L. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the presence of DNA diploid and DNA tetraploid plants in Japan. Chromosome observation confirmed that diploid and tetraploid plants showed 2n = 2x = 18 and 2n = 4x = 36, respectively. The DNA diploid populations were found only in lowland mires, Betsukai, Bekanbeushi, Kushiro and Kiritappu located in eastern Hokkaido. On the other hand, DNA tetraploid populations were distributed in a wide area of Hokkaido, and mainland of Japan. The habitats of DNA tetraploid plants were lowland to alpine region. The DNA content measurement with flow cytometry revealed significant differences in the relative DNA contents among DNA tetraploid populations. The relative DNA content within DNA tetraploid populations varied 1.157-fold at maximum, and might correlate with altitude indicating that DNA contents were smaller as altitude increases. The wide area of distribution in various environments of DNA tetraploid plants suggested the adaptability of the tetraploid plants. Although diploid and tetraploid populations were found, no triploid was detected, indicating crossing difficulty between diploid and tetraploid as confirmed by crossing experiment.     

The effects of altitude,aspect, grazing and time on the proportion of cyanogenics in neighbouring populations of Trifolium repens L. (white clover)

The proportion of cyanogenic individuals of white clover amongst 200 individuals in each of 32 neighbouring populations in Northumberland, UK were recorded. Sites differed for four altitude zones, two aspects, and were either sheep pasture or ungrazed meadow. The proportion of cyanogenics showed a striking reduction with increasing altitude. Below 100 m, north-facing sites contained more cyanogenics than south-facing sites, but aspect did not affect higher sites. Grassland management had no effect on the proportion of cyanogenics. A 24-year study of one population showed highly significant changes in the proportion of cyanogenics over time, suggesting that a significant turnover of individuals occurs. In some cases, different size class cohorts varied for the proportion of cyanogenics within a year, and the same cohort varied between years. We conclude that environment at birth may determine the proportion of cyanogenics for that cohort, so that this proportion persists in that cohort as it matures. Comparisons of the proportion of cyanogenics with mean monthly averages for January minimum temperature, July maximum temperature and August rainfall showed a significant association only with mean January minima 2 1/2 years previously. We hypothesise that the 2 to 3-year cohort may predominate in this population. We suggest that winter cold and summer drought may both select against cyanogenics. Grazing by large herbivores does not favour cyanogenesis, but some invertebrate herbivory may do so. Most selection probably occurs at birth and will be greatest in populations with a high turnover.     

B chromosome variation in Euphydryas colon (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Cytogenetic analysis of an Idaho population of the checkerspot butterfly, Euphydryas colon, has revealed considerable inter- and intra-individual variation in chromosome number which turns out to be a classic case of B chromosome variation. The basic chromosome complement of the species is n (, )=31. The A chromosomes were aligned equatorially at mitotic metaphase and metaphase II, and axially at metaphase I, indicating a restriction of centric activity at the first meiotic division. No failure of pairing between homologous A chromosomes was observed and, although a marked asynchrony of chromatid separation was found to be characteristic of mitotic telophase and telophase II, the frequency of macrospermatid formation was low. The B chromosomes were at least partly heterochromatic but exhibited some variation in both pycnosity and size. Mitotically stable B-containing individuals showed a preponderance of unpaired Bs at first metaphase and these divided at either first or second anaphase. The presence of Bs was associated with a heightened production of abnormal spermatids particularly in individuals with high numbers of B chromosomes. Among the 25 individuals sampled, 21 carried from 1–6 B chromosomes, and of these 14 were mitotically stable. In all 7 unstable individuals the mean number of B chromosomes per cell exceeded the modal number. Assuming that the modal number represents the zygotic number, these results suggest that a mechanism to boost the number of B chromosomes exists in males of E. colon.     

秦岭太白红杉球果与种子特性及其与环境的关系

太白红杉(Larix chinensis)是研究秦岭高山林线与环境因子关系的理想树种, 球果与种子特征易受基因和环境的共同影响, 是决定林线迁移和分布格局的关键因素。应用单因素方差、多重比较分析坡向和居群间的球果与种子差异, 采用变异系数和表型分化系数分析球果与种子特征的变异来源, 运用Pearson相关系数、RDA排序分析球果与种子特征与环境因子的关系。结果表明: (1) 南坡和北坡的球果与种子特征差异不显著, 北坡4个球果与种子特征在不同居群间均存在显著差异(P<0.05), 南坡的球果重和平均种子数在不同居群间差异显著(P<0.05); (2) 南坡的变异系数和表型分化系数均高于北坡; 且南北坡球果与种子特征表型分化系数(Vst)均小于0.5, 说明变异主要存在于种群内, 异质的生境是球果与种子差异的重要因素; (3) 环境因子与太白红杉4个球果与种子特征相关系数的绝对值从大到小依次为: 海拔>土壤速效钾>坡向>pH值>土壤碱解氮>土壤有机质>土壤速效磷>坡度; 海拔与球果与种子特征平均相关性最强(r=-0.475), 是限制太白红杉分布的重要因素。研究表明, 球果与种子差异主要来自太白红杉对环境的响应, 海拔是限制太白红杉分布的重要因素。该研究揭示了林线树种太白红杉分布的限制因素, 为生长抑制假说提供了数据支撑, 也为该物种的保护提供理论依据。     

茶条槭不同海拔种群的表型多样性

为了揭示茶条槭（Acerginnala）不同海拔种群表型变异程度和变异规律,以山西七里峪天然分布的茶条槭为研究对象,调查不同海拔种群的种实和叶表型性状,采用方差分析、相关分析、聚类分析等方法,分析种群的表型多样性。结果表明：17个表型性状中16个存在显著差异,占总表型性状的94.12%。在物种水平上各个性状表现出较丰富的变异,变异系数（CV）在7.05%～38.12%之间。茶条槭种群具有高的表型多样性（1.9253）,5个不同海拔种群的平均表型多样性指数为1.9022～1.9837。种群间的表型分化系数均值（13.79%）小于种群内变异（82.71%）,种群内的变异是表型变异的主要来源。各表型性状及表型多样性指数与土壤中的N、K、AN、AK、AP、OR、MC表现出显著或极显著的相关关系（P〈0.05）,但与海拔高度呈现出不显著的相关性。UPGMA聚类分析显示5个种群形成明显的两组,与其地理分布相一致。不同海拔种群所处微生境的异质性是引起种群间差异的主要原因。茶条槭种群内、种群间变异的利用对其遗传改良具有重要的意义。     

Population Genetic Structure of Astyanax scabripinnis (Teleostei, Characidae) from an Urban Stream

Despite the great anthropogenic interference on urban streams, information is still scarce about the genetic variability and structure of native fish populations inhabiting such streams. In the present study, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to analyze genetic variability and structure of populations assigned to the Neotropical fish species Astyanax scabripinnis from an urban stream located in Londrina, Paraná State, southern Brazil. Thirty individuals of this species were collected from three sites throughout the upper Cambé stream. A total of 10 primers amplified 159 loci, of which 128 (80.5%) were polymorphic. Each of the three populations showed very similar proportions of polymorphic loci, which ranged from 63.5 to 64.8%. Unbiased genetic distances varied from 0.0612 to 0.0646. Theta_p-test values indicated moderate to high genetic differentiation among individuals from different localities. The number of migrants varied from 1.34 to 1.46, suggesting a low gene flow between populations. The genetic similarity among all individuals studied ranged from 0.424 to 0.848. The results suggest that populations of A. scabripinnis in Cambé stream are undergoing genetic differentiation.