Isoflavidinin and iso-oxoflavidinin,two 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenes from the orchids Pholidota articulata, Otochilus porecta and Otochilus fusca

The structures of isoflavidinin and iso-oxoflavidinin, two new modified 9, 10-dihydrophenanthrenes of the orchids Pholidota articulata, Otochilus porecta and O. fusca have been established. ¹³C NMR spectral analysis of isoflavidinin acetate was made to confirm its structure.     

Nudol,a phenanthrene of the orchids Eulophia nuda, Eria carinata and Eria stricta

An amorphous phenanthrene, named nudol has been isolated from Eulophia nuda, Eria carinata and E. stricta. It was identified as 2,7-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyphenanthrene. Synthesis of nudol and its dimethyl ether is described.     

Genetic analysis of biomass and photosynthetic parameters in wheat grown in different light intensities

Growth light intensities largely determine photosynthesis, biomass, and grain yield of cereal crops. To explore the genetic basis of light responses of biomass and Researchphotosynthetic parameters in wheat(Triticum aestivum L.),a quantitative trait locus(QTL) analysis was carried out in a doubled haploid(DH) population grown in low light(LL),medium light(ML), and high light(HL), respectively. The results showed that the wheat seedlings grown in HL produced more biomass with lower total chlorophyll content(Chl), carotenoid content, and maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II(Fv/Fm) while the wheat seedlings grown in LL produced less biomass with higher Chl compared with those grown in ML. In total, 48 QTLs were identified to be associated with the investigated parameters in relation to growth light intensities. These QTLs were mapped to 15 chromosomes which individually explained6.3%–36.0% of the phenotypic variance, of which chromo-somes 3A, 1D, and 6B were specifically involved in LL response, 5D and 7A specifically involved in ML response,and 4B specifically involved in HL response. Several light-responsive QTLs were co-located with QTLs for photosynthetic parameters, biomass, and grain weight under various conditions which may provide new hints to uncover the genetic control of photosynthesis, biomass, and grain weight.     

Structures and functions of adventitious roots in species of the genus Philodendron Schott (Araceae)

We discuss here the anatomical variations of the arrangements and compositions of stele types observed in different roots types in four populations of the three species of Philodendron as probable adaptations to their habitats. Terrestrial individuals of P. corcovadense have cylindrical steles while rupicolous individuals have lobate steles with dispersed internal cortical parenchyma. The Philodendron species sampled showed polyarch structures. The crampon roots of P. oblongum and anchor roots of P. cordatum show medullated protosteles, with the former species having a reduced pith with sclerified parenchyma cells while the latter has a wide pith and parenchyma cells with only slightly thickened walls. The feeder roots of P. cordatum also show a medullated protostele—although a central vessel is present until approximately 60 cm from the apex that later disappears, forming a parenchymatous pith. We conclude that the different root types reflect adaptations of the subgenera Philodendron and Meconostigma to their different habits and habitats, such as in P. corcovadense, where the roots of rupicolous individuals have lobate steles while the roots of the terrestrial plants have cylindrical steles.     

Seasonal effects of sun exposure and emersion on intertidal seaweed physiology: Fluctuations in antioxidant contents, photosynthetic pigments and photosynthetic efficiency in the red alga Porphyra umbilicalis Kützing (Rhodophyta, Bangiales)

There is a great deal of speculation regarding the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that give certain seaweed species the ability to colonize the intertidal zone. Frequent exposure to ambient temperatures and high irradiance levels in addition to dehydration during tidal emersion generates acute physiological stress. The ability of seaweeds like Porphya to overcome these challenges and survive in such a harsh environment has been linked to elevated reactive oxygen metabolism. The current study focused on measuring seasonal changes in antioxidant enzymes plus alterations in pigment contents and photosynthetic efficiency of P. umbilicalis plants found growing in the uppermost intertidal zone.Our results suggest that P. umbilicalis exhibits increased antioxidant metabolism, which could contribute to its success in colonizing such a stressful habitat. Elevated levels of glutathione reductase GTR, catalase and carotenoid contents during emersion suggested heightened protection against reactive oxygen species ROS damage is a necessary attribute for species in the upper intertidal regions. This hypothesis was further strengthened by the finding that the greatest antioxidant increases were observed during summer months when irradiance levels and temperatures were at their peak. Winter emersion did not elicit the same physiological response, as antioxidant levels were similar in submersed and emersed plants.For the most part, photosynthetic pigments were largely affected by sun exposure and less by emersion stress. Shaded blades maintained higher concentrations of photosynthetic pigments compared to sun exposed thalli concurring with established research. Photosynthetic efficiency measurements indicated emersion and not sun exposure was the greater facilitator of photoinhibitory damage and ROS generation at PSII. The findings of this field study strengthen previous assertions that protection via elevated antioxidant metabolism and increased PSII repair are involved in providing relief from the acute environmental stresses in the intertidal zone.     

Effects of the multiple stressors high temperature and reduced salinity on the photosynthesis of the hermatypic coral Galaxea fascicularis

This study investigates the physiological responses in the hermatypic coral Galaxea fascicularis exposed to salinity stress (from 37 ppt to 15 ppt) for 12 h, combined effects of reduced salinity (from 37 ppt to 20 ppt) and two temperatures (26 °C and 32 °C) for 12 h and combined effects of reduced salinity (from 37 ppt to 25 ppt) and two temperatures (26 °C and 29.5 °C) for 10 d. The results demonstrate that the coral is tolerant to 12 h exposure to extremely low salinity (15 ppt). The study also shows that combined effects of temperature and low salinity aggravate the damage on the photosynthesis of the symbiotic dinoflagellates in 12 h exposure to 20 ppt sea water. This study suggests that high temperature (29.5 °C) aggravates the damage of trivially low salinity (30 ppt) on the holobiont (the coral and its symbiotic dinoflagellates) in 10 d exposure. However, high temperature (29.5 °C) may have an antagonistic effect between temperature and low salinity (25 ppt) on metabolism of the holobiont. Based on the above results, we suggest that (1) the true mechanism of corals exposed to combined effects of low salinity and high temperature is complicated. This calls for more studies on different corals. Future studies should aim at investigating long-term low-level stress in order to simulate in situ conditions more accurately; (2) when corals exposed to extremely severe combined stressors for short-term or trivially severe stressors for relative long-term, the combined effects of two stressors (such as low salinity and high temperature) may be negative, otherwise, the effects may be additive.     

Anatomy and histochemistry of the nectaries of Rodriguezia venusta (Lindl.) Rchb. f. (Orchidaceae)

Orchidaceae is one of the largest angiosperm families. Although extensively studied, reports of anatomy of secretory structures of orchids are relatively scarce. Rodriguezia venusta is an epiphytic orchid occurring in Brazil and Peru that has floral and extrafloral nectaries. This study describes the structure and the histochemistry of these secretory structures. Floral and extrafloral nectary samples were obtained from R. venusta plants that were collected in a gallery forest in the State of Bahia, Brazil, and grown in a greenhouse. Theses samples were fixed and processed according to routine procedures in plant anatomy and histochemistry or for scanning electron microscopy. The extrafloral nectaries occur on the edge and sub-edge of young leaves and at the basal portion of bracts that subtend the floral buds. They are structurally very similar, being formed by a nectary parenchyma and a simple epidermis with stomata (“non-structured nectaries”). The floral nectary is inserted at the floral receptacle fused with the labellum base, between this structure and the two inferior connate sepals. This nectary consists of an epidermis with numerous specific nectar secreting trichomes, a subnectary and a nectary parenchyma abundantly supplied by vascular terminations. Its structure is complex and distinct from other floral nectaries described for Orchidaceae.     

The impact of Dictyota spp. on Halimeda populations of Conch Reef, Florida Keys

Species of the brown alga Dictyota dominate the reef tract in the Florida Keys. In surveys during summer and fall months between 1994 and 2001, Dictyota occupied as much as 70% of the benthos on Conch Reef. Dictyota spp. were found growing epiphytically on Halimeda tuna, Halimeda opuntia, Lobophora variegata, Galaxura sp., fire coral, hard corals, soft corals, bryozoans and a variety of sponges on Conch Reef. From 1994 to 2001, the percent coverage of Halimeda spp. declined from 15% to 3% on the same reef. In Aug. 1999, 2000 and 2001, on average, 56% of two Halimeda species on Conch Reef had >50% of their thalli covered by Dictyota menstrualis and Dictyota pulchella. To address the impact of Dictyota on Halimeda, short-term growth of unepiphytized and heavily epiphytized (>50% Dictyota cover) H. tuna were compared with unepiphytized H. tuna to which a Dictyota mimic was attached. The number of new segments per plant ranged from 1 to 174 over 9 days. Halimeda thalli with >50% Dicytota cover and thalli covered with Dictyota mimic grew significantly slower than unepiphytized thalli. A second short-term experiment addressed the impact of neighboring Dictyota on the growth and metabolism of unepiphytized H. tuna. Augmenting or clearing epilithic Dictyota around but not in contact with H. tuna had no impact on growth or metabolism of H. tuna. Unepiphytized and heavily epiphytized H. tuna were also collected for studies of metabolism. This work indicated that epiphytic Dictyota negatively impacts metabolic rates of H. tuna in part by shading H. tuna thalli. This negative impact was also in part chemically mediated, as exposure to Dictyota-conditioned water elevated respiration rates in the same manner as seen in the metabolic studies of naturally epiphytized H. tuna.     

Malic acid exudation and photosynthetic characteristics in Cicer arietinum

Malic acid exudation and photosynthesis rate were determined in chickpea. Malic acid synthesis and exudation are temperature- and growth stage-dependen     

Amotin and amoenin,two sesquiterpenes of the picrotoxane group from Dendrobium amoenum

Two new sesquiterpenes, amotin and amoenin, of the picrotoxane group were isolated from Dendrobium amoenum. The constitution of amoenin was evident from spectral investigations and by its conversion into α-dihydro-picrotoxinin on oxidation with oxygen in the presence of platinum. The constitution of amotin was shown by its spectral properties and the conversion of aduncin into amotin by hydrogenolysis of its epoxide ring. That the configuration at C-4 in aduncin and amotin is R was supported by circular dichroism measurements on some derivatives of picrotoxinin and aduncin.     

Responses of photosynthetic parameters of Quercus mongolica to soil moisture stresses

The effect of drought on plant photosynthetic parameters has not been quantitatively described in the models of plant photosynthetic mechanism, so the seedlings of Quercus mongolica from Northeast China were used to study the responses of the photosynthetic parameters to soil water stresses. The results showed that the relationship between the maximum net leaf photosynthetic rate (P_max) of Quercus mongolica and soil moisture could be expressed as a quadratic curve (P < 0.01), and P_max reached the maximum when soil volume moisture was close to 35.45% of the field water holding capacity. The maximum rate of carboxylation (V_cmax), the maximum potential rate of electron transport (J_max) and triose phosphate utilization (TPU) rate of Quercus mongolica also had quadratic relationships with soil water content (P < 0.01). Namely, V_cmax, J_max and TPU had similar response curves to soil water, but had different optimal soil water contents. Based on the temperature and responses of plant photosynthetic parameters to water, this function provides researchers with the parameters and methodology for understanding and simulating the responses of plant photosynthetic parameters to drought stress.     

Effects of winter cold stress on photosynthesis and photochemical efficiency of PSII of the Mediterranean <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cistus albidus</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus ilex</Emphasis> L.

This study examined the photosynthetic and growth performances of potted plants of Cistus albidus L. and Quercus ilex L. submitted either to natural Mediterranean winter conditions or to mild greenhouse conditions. Plants grown outdoors exhibited lower light and CO₂-saturated CO₂ assimilation rates (A_sat) and apparent quantum yield (_i) than those indoors. Until mid-winter, C. albidus had higher A_sat than Q. ilex, but differences disappeared after a period of severe cold. Maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) measured predawn was higher in C. albidus than in Q. ilex, and decreased throughout the season in outdoor plants. Fv/Fm also decreased at light saturation (A_sat) in both species. Fv/Fm was correlated with photosynthetic capacity and efficiency (quantum yield), but the resulting regression slopes were different between the two species. At the physiological level, C. albidus seemed to cope better with cold stress than Q. ilex. However, winter stress induced reduction of leaf absorptance, increased leaf mass per area, extensive leaf damage and high plant mortality in C. albidus. This suggests that the high performance of C. albidus leaves is not likely to be maintained for long periods of cold stress, and may therefore depend on continuous leaf replacement. Quercus ilex showed a conservative behaviour, with low net assimilation rates but greater leaf and plant survival than C. albidus.     

Sex-linked photosynthetic physiologic research and the evolutionary ecological analysis in living fossil plant, Ginkgo biloba L.

Ginkgo is an ancient dioecious plant. At present, only Ginkgo biloba L. still exists as a living fossil plant. Botanists have studied it from different aspects in the world due to its unique characteristics. Plant sex physiological ecology is still a knowledge gap in plant ecology. This article measured the photosynthetic traits of adult male and female ginkgoes which grew in suitable environment condition. The result indicated that male and female ginkgoes had similar response to light. The light saturate points (LSP), light compensate point (LCP) and dark respiration rate (Rd) between male and female were also of insignificant differences. However, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of female ginkgo was significantly higher than male. From the view of evolution and through comparison with other gymnosperms and angiosperms, the photosynthetic capacity of ginkgo is not obviously lower than that of other plants. It gave us a clue that the photosynthetic capacity was not the direct reason, which restricted the distribution of ginkgo in the Tertiary.     

Variation in responses to temperature treatments ex situ of the moss Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt. originating from eight altitude sites in Hokkaido,Japan

Thermal acclimatisations are important for the survival and growth of individuals and populations but seldom studied for different populations of bryophytes. The aims of this study were to (I) investigate if responses to temperature treatments were independent of the site sampled or if the intra- and inter-population variation in responses were larger than the responses to the temperature treatments (control, press, and pulse), and to (II) examine if experimental responses varied, depending on the sampled sites. We collected samples of the circumpolar bryophyte species, Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt., originating from eight altitude sites on Mt. Oakan in Hokkaido, Japan, and exposed them to three different temperature treatments ex situ for four weeks. Thermal acclimatisation was estimated by measuring responses in growth length increase, biomass increase, number of branches, and the maximum quantum yield of PS II (Fv/Fm). We found that responses to temperature treatments were dependent on the site sampled, and that differences were most pronounced in the length increase. Results also shows that the responses to experimental treatments may differ between sites. Our results therefore raise important concerns regarding the general validity of both ex situ and in situ experiments when performed on a single or a limited number of sites.     

Effects of chilling temperature on photosynthetic rates, photosynthetic enzyme activities and metabolite levels in leaves of three sugarcane species

FBPase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase
NADP-MDH, NADP-malate dehydrogenase
NADP-ME, NADP-malic enzyme
OAA, oxaloacetic acid
PEP, phosphoenolpyruvate
PEPcase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase
PPDK, pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase
Rubisco, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of photosynthetic changes in sugarcane leaves in response to chilling temperature by using three species ( Saccharum sinense R. cv. Yomitanzan, Saccharum sp. cv. NiF4 and Saccharum officinarum L. cv. Badira) differing in origin and cold sensitivity. Yomitanzan is native to subtropical areas, Badira is native to tropical areas and NiF4 is a hybrid species containing genes of both tropical and subtropical species. At exposure to chilling temperature (10 °C), the photosynthetic rate in the leaves at either 10 °C or 30 °C showed a greater decrease in Badira than in NiF4 and Yomitanzan. After 28 h exposure of plants to the chilling temperature, the extractable activities of pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) and NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH) increased or were relatively stable in the leaves of NiF4 and Yomitanzan, but decreased substantially in Badira. Correspondingly, there was a substantial accumulation of aspartate, and the level of alanine increased in Badira leaves during the chilling treatment. It is suggested that NADP-MDH and PPDK are key enzymes which may determine the cold sensitivity in photosynthesis of sugarcane.     

贝壳砂生境酸枣叶片光合生理参数的水分响应特征

以黄河三角洲贝壳堤岛优势灌木酸枣(Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosus)为试验材料,模拟贝壳砂生境系列水分条件,测定分析酸枣叶片在系列水分梯度下的光合参数光响应及叶绿素荧光参数,阐明酸枣主要光合生理参数的水分响应特征。结果表明:(1) 酸枣叶片净光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)和水分利用效率(WUE)随土壤水分的增多先增大后减小, Tr对土壤相对含水量(Wr)的敏感程度大于Pn,因而WUE维持在较高水平。(2) 酸枣叶片Pn下降的原因在Wr > 25%时以气孔限制为主;Wr < 25%时以非气孔限制为主,光合机构受到不易逆转的破坏。(3) 酸枣叶片最大净光合速率、暗呼吸速率、表观量子效率(AQY)和光饱和点随土壤水分的增多先增大后减小,光补偿点、光抑制项(β)和光饱和项则先减小后增大。(4)在Wr为80%时,酸枣叶片PSⅡ反应中心的光化学转化效率最高。当Wr < 30%时,AQY和潜在光化学效率迅速减小,β迅速增大,酸枣光抑制明显。当Wr < 25%时,非光化学淬灭系数迅速减小,初始荧光迅速增大,酸枣PSⅡ受到不可逆的破坏。(5) Wr在11%-25%内为低产低效水,Wr在25%-58%内为中产中效水,Wr在58%-80%内为高产高效水,Wr在80%-95%内为中产低效水。贝壳砂生境酸枣叶片的光合作用对水分逆境具有较强的生理适应性和可塑性,在Wr为58%-80%内,酸枣光合生理活性较高,利于酸枣苗木生长。     

Temperature acclimation of photosynthesis in spinach leaves: analyses of photosynthetic components and temperature dependencies of photosynthetic partial reactions

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) plants were grown under the day/night temperature regime of 15/10 °C (LT) or 30/25 °C (HT). The plants were also transferred from HT to LT when the sample leaves were at particular developmental stages (HL-transfer). With fully mature leaves, the light-saturated photosynthetic rate (A) at the ambient CO₂ concentration (C_a) of 1500 µL L⁻¹ (A₁₅₀₀) and the initial slope of A versus intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i) at low C_i region (IS) were obtained to assess capacities of RuBP regeneration and carboxylation. Photosynthetic components including Rubisco and cytochrome f (Cyt f) were also determined. The optimum temperatures for A at C_a of 360 µL L⁻¹ (A₃₆₀), A₁₅₀₀ and IS in HT leaves were 27, 36 and 24 °C, whereas those in LT leaves were 18, 30 and 18 °C. The optimum temperatures in HL-transfer leaves approached those of LT leaves with the increase in the duration at LT. The shift in the optimum temperature was greater and quicker for IS than A₁₅₀₀. By the HL-transfer, the maximum values of A₁₅₀₀ and IS also increased. The maximum A₁₅₀₀ and Cyt f content increased more promptly than IS and Rubisco content. Changes in the Cyt f/Rubisco ratio were reflected to those in the A₁₅₀₀/IS ratio. Taken together, photosynthetic acclimation to low temperature in spinach leaves was due not only to the change in the balance of the absolute rates of RuBP regeneration and carboxylation but also to the large change in the optimum temperature of RuBP carboxylation.     

遮荫对濒危植物崖柏光合作用和叶绿素荧光参数的影响

崖柏(Thuja sutchuenensis)是我国特有的极度濒危植物。目前尚缺乏从光合生理角度对其濒危机制开展讨论与研究。光是影响植物生存和生长发育最重要的环境因子之一,且有可能成为植物种群自然更新的主要限制因子。因此,通过人工遮荫方式,探讨了3种光环境下(L0全光,L1-50%全光,L2-25%全光)崖柏幼苗的光合能力及叶绿素荧光参数的差异。结果表明,遮荫导致了叶片表观量子效率和最大净光合速率增加。随着生长光强的降低,崖柏幼苗的暗呼吸速率、光补偿点和光饱和点均有所下降。叶绿素荧光参数方面,遮荫导致了PSⅡ原初光能转换效率(Fv/Fm)、PSⅡ潜在活性(Fv/Fo)、PSⅡ有效光量子产量(Fv'/Fm')和非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)增加;但随着生长光强减弱,崖柏幼苗叶片的光化学猝灭系数(PQ)和电子传递速率(ETR)逐渐降低。同时,遮荫也造成了叶片叶绿素含量(Chla+Chlb)的显著增加。结果表明,崖柏对光具有较强的耐受范围(尤其是低光)和内在调节机制,初步判定崖柏林下光照的不足不会成为崖柏自然更新的决定性限制因子。