Comparative mapping of HKT genes in wheat, barley, and rice, key determinants of Na+ transport, and salt tolerance

Salt tolerance of plants depends on HKT transporters (High-affinityK⁺ Transporter), which mediate Na⁺-specific transport or Na⁺-K⁺co-transport. Gene sequences closely related to rice HKT geneswere isolated from hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum)or barley (Hordeum vulgare) for genomic DNA southern hybridizationanalysis. HKT gene sequences were mapped on chromosomal armsof wheat and barley using wheat chromosome substitution linesand barley–wheat chromosome addition lines. In addition,HKT gene members in the wild diploid wheat ancestors, T. monococcum(A^m genome), T. urartu (A^u genome), and Ae. tauschii (D^t genome)were investigated. Variation in copy number for individual HKTgene members was observed between the barley, wheat, and ricegenomes, and between the different wheat genomes. HKT2;1/2-like,HKT2;3/4-like, HKT1;1/2-like, HKT1;3-like, HKT1;4-like, andHKT1;5-like genes were mapped to the wheat–barley chromosomegroups 7, 7, 2, 6, 2, and 4, respectively. Chromosomal regionscontaining HKT genes were syntenic between wheat and rice exceptfor the chromosome regions containing the HKT1;5-like gene.Potential roles of HKT genes in Na⁺ transport in rice, wheat,and barley are discussed. Determination of the chromosome locationsof HKT genes provides a framework for future physiological andgenetic studies investigating the relationships between HKTgenes and salt tolerance in wheat and barley. Key words: Barley, comparative mapping, HKT, rice, salt tolerance, sodium transport, wheat     

ON THE STATUS OF THE GENERIC NAMES OF THE NUDIBRANCH GENERA CATRIONA, CRATENA, HERVIA, RIZZOLIA AND TRINCHESIA

The genus Catriona Winckworth (1941) is synonymous with TrinchesiaPruvot-Fol (1951) but not with Trinchesia von Jhering (1879). It has priority over Trinchesia Pruvot-Fol. The genus Cratena Bergh (1864) is valid and synonymous withRizzolia Trinchese (1877) but not with Hervia Bergh (1871). The genus Hervia Bergh (1871) is synonymous with Facelina Alderand Hancock (1855), but not all species of Hervia can be includedin the latter genus, and these should, therefore, be distributedamong other genera, some of which are listed. (Received 8 October 1954;     

Intergeneric Hybridization between Species of Leymus, Psathyrostachys and Hordeum (Poaceae, Triticeae)

A total of 132 intergeneric crossing attempts (49 combinations)involving species of Leymus Hochst., Psathyrostachys Nevskiand Hordeum L. were performed, of which 103 were between Hordeumand Leymus. Embryo rescue was used throughout the experiment.Hybrids between Leymus and Psathyrostachys were difficult toobtain. Hybrid progeny were relatively easily obtained whencrossing Hordeum and Leymus. Plants from 20 different combinationswere obtained. Nineteen of these have not previously been reported.Meiotic analysis of three hybrid combinations of Hordeum x Leymusis reported. The high frequency of univalents in meiotic interphase(MI) indicates that allosyndetic chromosome pairing did notoccur, supporting the assumption that the genomes of Leymusare non-homologous to the H genomes of Hordeum.Copyright 1994,1999 Academic Press Taxonomy, Triticeae, Leymus, Psathyrostachys, Hordeum, intergeneric hybridization     

Patch exploitation, group foraging, and unequal competitors

Charnov's (1976) marginal value theorem, MVT, addresses howlong a forager should stay in a patch of prey to maximize itsgain. Information-sharing models of group foraging suggest thatindividuals should join groups to improve their patch-findingrate. This is achievable if group members share informationabout the location of food patches. The determinants of theMVT are searching time and cumulative gain against time in apatch, those of the group foraging models are searching time,group size, and individual differences in ability to monopolizethe prey found. After combining the MVT and information-sharingmodels we explore the consequences of unequal competitors (good,G, and poor, P) foraging in groups. Under this domain G andP differ in their accumulated harvest against time in a patch.When the gain function of P is obtained by mere scaling of thatof G, optimal patch residence times for individuals of the twophenotypes do not differ. However, if the gain functions ofG and P cannot be derived from each other by a constant scalingmultiplier, the optimal patch times for G and P are not necessarilythe same. Under these conditions the model suggests that foraginggroups should become assorted by foraging ability.     

Differential Expression of an Auxin-Regulated Gene, parC, and a Novel Related Gene, C-7, from Tobacco Mesophyll Protoplasts in Response to External Stimuli and in Plant Tissues

As part of an extended search for auxin-regulated genes otherthan parA and parB in the cDNA library from cultured tobaccomesophyll protoplasts, we have isolated the cDNA for a genedesignated parC. This gene is expressed during the transitionfrom the G₀ to S phase of the cell cycle. The nucleotide sequenceof parC cDNA was similar to that of parA. Using the parC cDNAas a probe we have isolated cDNA for a gene designated C-7 byhybridization at reduced stringency. Even though C-7 is relatedto parC, as is parA, its mode of expression was, to our surprise,completely different from that of parC. The C-7 gene is predominantlyexpressed in mature leaves and in freshly prepared protoplasts,but its level of expression did not change in response to auxintreatment. Although parC and C-7 are related to one anotherand exhibit homology to the parA gene, the two former genesdemonstrated conspicuous differences in their responses to externalstimuli, which included auxin, as well as their tissue-specificexpression. These results provide us an interesting system forthe analysis of the differential expression of closely relatedgenes. The significance of our observations is discussed withreference to the other members of the family of parA genes. (Received May 8, 1992; Accepted June 17, 1992)     

Structure of the dnaA region of the endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, of aphid Schizaphis graminum

Buchnera aphidicola is an intracellular prokaryote (endosymbiont)that lives in the body cavity of the aphid. Phylogenetic studiesindicated that it is closely related to Escherichia coli andmembers of Enterobacteria. The gene order of the region containingthe dnaA gene is well conserved in many bacteria. Seven genesof the endosymbiont of the aphid Schizaphis graminum, gyrB,dnaN, dnaA, rpmH, rnpA, yidD, and 60K, were found to be homologousin sequence and relative location to those of E. coli. We havefurther sequenced the region downstream of the 60K gene to elucidatethe boundary of the conserved region, and found that one moregene, thdF , is conserved. The comparison of gene organizationsof the dnaA region of the related bacteria supported the closephylogenetic relationship of B. aphidicola to E. coli. In addition,we have identified groES and groEL genesnext to the thdF gene.GroEL protein was reported to be expressed at an elevated levelin the endosymbionts of aphids, and is considered to play animportant role in their association with the aphid host. Comparisonof the structure of the groE operon with that of the endosymbiontof the aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum revealed the conservation ofa sequence resembling the E. coli consensus heat shock promoter,and this sequence may be responsible for the high expressionof the groEL gene in aphid endosymbionts.     

MORE MOLLUSCAN NAME-CHANGES, GENERIC AND SPECIFIC

Volema, Bolten, type V. paradisiaca, Bolten, has priority overMelongena, Schumacher, but may be used independently. Mayena, gen. nov., proposed for Biplex australasia, Perry. Turricula, Schumacher, is the correct name for Surcula, H. &A. Adams. Gelagna, Schaufuss, is equal to and antedates Paralagena, Dall. Partulida, Schaufuss, should replace Spiralinella, Chaster. Campanile, Fischer, has for type the recent species Cerithiumleve, Quoy & Gaimard, which is here renamed Campanile symbolicum,sp. nov. Campanilopa, gen. nov., introduced for the fossil Cerithiumgiganteum. Lam. Pleurotomoides, Bronn, has priority over Lora, Gistel, and Clathurella,Carpenter, all proposed as alternatives for Defrancia, Millet,preoccupied. Gabrielona, gen. nov., proposed for Phasianella nepeanensis,Gatliff & Gabriel. Orbitestella, gen. nov., for Cyclostrema bastowi, Gatliff. Megathura, Pilsbry, should be used instead of Macrochasma, Dall. Mitromorpha, auctt., is not Mitromorpha, Carpenter, which wasbased on Daphnella (?) filosa, Carpenter. Antimitra, gen. nov., is proposed for Pleurotoma agrota, Reeve,with which A. Adams' Mitromorpha lirata is congeneric. Lovellona, gen. nov., type Conus atramentosus. Reeve. Apaturris, gen. nov., type Mitramorpha expeditionis, Oliver. Callanaitis, gen. nov., type Venus yatei, Gray, for Salacia,Jukes-Browne, preoccupied. Anopsia, Gistel, is available for Psyche, Rang, preoccupied,and has priority over Verrillopsyche, Cossmann, proposed forHalopsyche, Kieferstein, preoccupied, introduced as substitutefor Rang's name. Hydromyles, Gistel, should be used for Euribia, Rang, preoccupied,as it is older than Kieferstein's name Theceurybia, for thesame genus. (Received 13 April 1917;     

Stomatal Characteristics, Leaf Waxes, and Transpiration Rates of Theobroma cacao and Hevea brasiliensis Seedlings

Stomatal size and frequency as well as structure and distributionof leaf waxes were compared in seedlings of two varieties ofTheobroma cacao and three families of Hevea brasiliensis. Stomataof both species were located on the abaxial leaf surface only.The stomata of Theobroma averaged 45% shorter and 29% narrowerthan those of Hevea, but stomatal frequency was 44% higher inTheobroma. Stomatal size and frequency differed more among Heveafamilies than between Theobroma varieties. The structure ofthe leaf waxes of Theobroma and Hevea differed appreciably.It also varied greatly between the abaxial and adaxial leafsurfaces of Hevea, but only slightly in Theobroma. The structureof leaf waxes varied little between Theobroma varieties or amongHevea families. Leaf conductances and transpiration rates weremuch higher in Hevea than in Theobroma seedlings. The implicationsof water relations in interplanting of Theobroma and Hevea arediscussed. Cacao, Theobroma cacao, rubber, Hevea brasiliensis, stomatal size, stomatal frequency, leaf waxes, transpiration     

CADMIUM, LEAD AND COPPER IN FRESHWATER MUSSELS FROM THE ASSINIBOINE RIVER, MANITOBA, CANADA

Cadmium, lead and copper levels were examined in adductor muscle,foot, gonad, mantle, gill, and heart of 9 species of freshwatermussels from the Assini-boine River, using anodic strippingvoltametry. Metal levels in most organs were lower than in bottomsediments. The metals generally showed significantly higherconcentrations in heart and hemolymph samples than in the othertissues examined. However in four species, gill tissues showedthe highest values forcopper, and Quadrula quadnda and Ligumiarecta accumulated the greatest amounts of copper overall. Cadmiumconcentrations were particularly high in heart and hemolymphof Lampsilis radiata sili-quoidea, L. vcntricosa, and Ligumiarecta. Metal concentrations in tissues of a given species showedvarious relationships to weight of soft parts, shell length,and shell weight, but inverse correlations predominated, indicatingthat metals in many organs were less concentrated in older individuals.In L. radiatasiliquoidea and L. vcntricosa, copper concentrationswere higher in males than in females. Lead levels were alsohigher in L. vcntricosamales. (Received 24 June 1994; accepted 8 September 1994)     

Multiple Character Analysis of Canis lupus, latrans, and familiaris, With a Discussion of the Relationships of Canis niger

A multiple character analysis was undertaken of a broadly representativesample of three species:Canis lupus (wolf), C. latrans (coyote),and C. familiaris (dog). These species are clearly and significantlydistinguished by the technique of linear discrimination. Theanalysis provides a basis for the identification of skulls notobviously distinguishable by size or other diagnostic characters. Early populations of Canis n. niger and C. n. gregoryi (redwolf) are compared with the three species above and are foundto form a cluster with lupus and to be sharply distinct fromthe other two species. Additional comparisons show that whilelupus lycaon and niger both overlap with lupus, they are distinctfrom each other. This entire cluster is quite distinct fromlatrans, with niger being the farthest removed. A sample populationof C. n. gregoiyi, from the edge of the extending range of C.latrans, was examined and found to show too great a range ofvariation to be attributed to a single species.     

Spatial and temporal patterns of phytoplankton composition in subtropical coastal lagoon, the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA

A 2 year study of the phytoplankton community was carried outin the Indian River Lagoon, USA. In terms of biovolume, thephytoplankton community was generally dominated by dinoflagellates,diatoms or cyanobacteria. Mean phytoplankton standing cropswere highest in the most flow-restricted regions of the lagoon,which had the lowest mean salinity values and comparativelyhigh total nitrogen:total phosphorus ratios. In this region,blooms of dinoflagellates were common in the first year of thestudy, which was characterized by an El Niño event thatyielded exceptionally high rainfall levels and freshwater outflow.Picoplanktonic cyanobacteria blooms became more prominent inthe second year of the study, which was characterized by belowaverage rainfall conditions. In unrestricted flow regions ofthe lagoon, located near inlets to the Atlantic Ocean, diatomswere most often the dominant taxa. Regions of intermediate waterturnover rates and high external loading of phosphorus had aprevalence of diatom blooms. However, the average phytoplanktonstanding crops in the latter regions did not reach the levelsexperienced in the flow-restricted parts of the lagoon. In termsof individual phytoplankton taxa, the most common bloom-formingdiatoms in the Indian River Lagoon system included: Skeletonemacostatum, Dactyliosolen fragilissimus, Skeletonema menzelii,Cerataulina pelagica, Odontella regia, Chaetoceros lorenzianus,Rhizosolenia setigera and Thalassionema nitzschioides. The majorbloom-forming dinoflagellate species included: Pheopolykrikoshartmannii, Akashiwo sanguinea, Prorocentrum micans, the potentiallytoxic species Pyrodinium bahamense var. bahamense and Prorocentrumminimum. Several picoplanktonic cyanobacteria were also prominentmembers of the phytoplankton community, including Synechococcuselongates. The spatial and temporal patterns observed in someof these dominant species were attributable to patterns in keyenvironmental variables, including salinity, temperature andnutrient concentrations.     

Flowering in Pisum: the Effect of Genotype, Plant Age, Photoperiod, and Number of Inductive Cycles

The genotypes If e Sn hr, Lf e Sn hr, and If e Sn Hr requirefewer inductive cycles as they age. It is suggested that thisresults from a decrease in the activity of the Sn gene in theleaves as they age, resulting in a higher ratio of promoterto inhibitor. Gene Lf does not affect the rate of this agingbut it does increase the number of inductive cycles requiredfor flower induction over the first 5 weeks of growth. The geneHr has no effect until week 4 but thereafter causes a reductionin the effect of age on the Sn gene. The genotype If e Sn Hrcan be induced by a single inductive cycle (32 h of light) fora relatively long period. The length of dark period required for the expression of theSn gene is shown to be less than 4 h providing a relativelylong photoperiod precedes the dark period. It appears that noper manent induction of tissue by photoperiods favourable toflowering occurs in peas. The critical photoperiod for plantsof genotype if e Sn Hr is shown to be between 12 and 14 h atl7·5 °C and the usefulness of the term ‘criticalphotoperiod’ is discussed with respect to quantitativelong-day plants.     

ON SOME SPECIES OF PALAEONEILO HALL & WHITFIELD, 1869, FROM THE JURASSIC ROCKS OF HABO HILL, DISTRICT KUTCH (GUJARAT)

Three species of Palaeoneilo Hall & Whitfield, namely P.belaeensis Cox, P. indicus Cox and P. rajnathi n. sp., are describedfrom the Jurassic rocks of Habo Hill in Kutch. The right, valveof belaeensis has been discovered. Its previous record fromthe Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) appears to be erroneous. Bothbelaeensis and indicus were unknown from the present area. (Received 11 November 1983;     

Gall Flies, Inquilines, and Goldenrods: A Model for Host-race Formation and Sympatric Speciation

Host shifts and subsequent host-race formation likely play amore common role in the speciation of herbivorous insects thanhas generally been recognized. Our studies of the interactionsof goldenrod host plants (Solidago: Compositae), the gall flyEurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae), and the stem- andgall-boring Mordellistena convicta (Coleoptera: Mordellidae)provide behavioral, ecological, and genetic evidence of insecthost races that may represent incipient species formed via sympatricspeciation. Eurosta solidaginis has developed genetically differentiatedand reproductively isolated host races that are associated withthe ancestral host Solidago altissima and the derived host S.gigantea. Conventional wisdom suggests that shifts even to closelyrelated host plants are limited by host preferences or the inabilityto utilize a chemically and developmentally distinct host. However,our preliminary work with Eurosta from S. gigantea implies thathost choice and gall induction do not deter a shift to S. canadensis.The galling of Solidago by Eurosta created a new resource thathas led to a subsequent host range expansion by the stem-boringbeetle. Mordellistena convicta from stems and galls are geneticallydistinct and likely shifted from stems to galls. Beetles fromS. altissima versus S. gigantea galls exhibit assortative matingand higher preference for and/or performance on their natalhost. The present-day distributions of the Eurosta host racesand their behavioral isolating mechanisms do not suggest thatgeographic isolation was required for their formation; ratherthese characteristics suggest a sympatric mode of differentiation.Our findings lend credence to recent assertions that sympatricspeciation may be an important source of biodiversity.     

A REVISION OF BENTHOBROOKULA CLARKE, 1961 (GASTROPODA, TROCHOIDEA) IN THE SOUTHWESTERN ATLANTIC OCEAN

A systematic revision of the species of Benthobrookula Clarke,1961 from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean was carried out. Theglobose protoconch, sculptured with a reticulate pattern, isrecognized as a diagnostic character for the genus. Benthobrookulaexquisita Clarke, 1961 and B. powelli Clarke, 1961 are redescribedand Cyclostrema calypso Melvill & Standen, 1912, Brookulapfefferi Powell, 1951 and Brookula strebeli Powell, 1951 areredescribed and allocated to Benthobrookula. Benthobrookulastrebeli is validated on the basis of the study of topotypicalspecimens. Two new species are described: Benthobrookula argentinafrom South Georgia and Benthobrookula paranaensis from off Brazil.A new allocation of Scalaria brevis d'Orbigny, 1840 to Benthobrookulais proposed. (Received 14 October 2004; accepted 20 May 2005)     

INTRASPECIFIC AND INTERSPECIFIC VARIATION IN SHELL MORPHOLOGY OF BIOMPHALARIA PFEIFFERI (KRAUSS, 1848) AND HELISOMA DURYI (WETHERBY, 1879) FROM MOSHI, TANZANIA, ANALYSED BY MORPHOMETRIC STUDIES

Helisoma duryi, a planorbid snail species, which is a potentialbiological control agent of the intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis,was introduced in an irrigation scheme (T.P.C.) in northernTanzania in 1972. The species has been present at T.P.C. since,and during a snail survey in January 1981, a great variationin the shell morphology of H. duryi, ranging from typical H.duryi forms to forms resembling Biomphalaria pfeifferi, theintermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni in the area, was observed.The Biomphalaria- Wkc forms of H. duryi could constitute anentire population but also occasionally occurred in populationsof typical H. duryi. This study was undertaken to determine whether simple shellmeasurements, or ratios between some of these could be usefulin discriminating between H. duryi and B. pfeifferi. Followingparameters were considered: shell height, shell diameter, diameterof the umbilicus, ratio between shell height and diameter ofthe umbilicus, and the number of whorls. (Received 29 July 1983;     

ASPECTS OF THE LIFE CYCLE, POPULATION DYNAMICS,GROWTH AND SECONDARY PRODUCTION OF THE EDIBLE SNAIL HELIX LUCORUM LINNAEUS, 1758 (GASTROPODA, PULMONATA) IN GREECE

This paper examines the biology and ecology of Helix lucorumL. which lives in mainland Greece, as well as its growth andsecondary production. A demographic study revealed that (a)3 cohorts exist at any time during the year (when adults ofall generations belong to the same cohort) (b) egg-laying andhatching occur during the months of July and August respectively,(c) the most rapid growth takes place during spring. Study ofH. lucorum genitalia in relation to age showed that the snailsaxe sexually mature 3 years after hatching, when the largestdiameter of their shell (D) is equal to or greater than 35 mm Von Bertallanffy's method suggests that Helix lucorum may liveup to 14 years or more in order to reach its possible maximumsize (48.80 mm) The study of relative growth of D in relation to P_s (peristomesurface) of Helix lucorum shows that D grows faster than P_swhen D12.50 mm; juveniles change their growth rate when theirD arrives at 22.05 mm, and growth becomes slower when adultsarrive at 36.27 mm Annual secondary production calculated by the size frequencymethod gave a mean annual density of 3.39 individuals per m²,a mean annual crop (biomass) of 4.04 g-m^–2 and an annualproduction (P) of 5.02 g · m^–2. The annual turnoverratio (P//b) is equal to 1.24 (Received 23 June 1987;