Proton extrusion by wheat roots exhibiting severe aluminum toxicity symptoms

The mechanisms of Al rhizotoxicity are not known, but disruption of membrane function has been a persistent hypothesis. The objective of this study was to establish whether cells of Al-cultured wheat roots (Triticum aestivum L. cv Tyler) exhibiting severe Al toxicity symptoms were capable of vigorous proton extrusion. The membrane electrical potential difference (E_m) was measured in individual cells throughout the first centimeter of root tips during perfusion with Al solutions similar to or more concentrated than those of the culture medium. For both Al-cultured and control roots the resting E_m was −100 millivolts, and 1 millimolar acetic acid induced cyanide-sensitive hyperpolarizations to −180 millivolts at a maximum rate of −30 millivolts per minute. Al, like Ca²⁺, enhanced the negativity of the E_m of cells already treated with acetic acid. Both acetic acid and fusicoccin stimulated net proton extrusion from Al-cultured and control roots, both of which also extruded protons in the absence of these stimulants. These results demonstrate that wheat roots exhibiting severe Al toxicity symptoms had an undiminished capacity to extrude protons, that the membranes were intact, and that ATP synthesis was sufficient to supply the proton-translocating ATPases.     

中国木薯栽培种通过器官发生再生植株研究

本文研究了中国木薯栽培种四种外植体通过器官发生再生植株的条件。结果表明:在MS附加0.05mg/L TIBA,1mg/L BA的培养基上“NZ 188”初步的萌发胚状体“切头”后切口处可直接产生丛芽,出芽率为43%。“SC201”胚状体子叶块在MS附加0.5 mg/L NAA,0.5mg/L BA的培养基上可直接出芽,出芽率为42%,在MS附加0.5mg/L IBA,1.5mg/L BA培养基上·出芽率为31%,AgNO_3和ABA单独使用或配合使用均不利于芽的再生。“NZ188”胚状体下胚轴在MS附加0.5mg/LNAA,0.5mg/L BA的培养基上形成的愈伤组织转入MS附加1mg/L NAA,2mg/L BA的培养基上,3周后大多数愈伤组织有绿点出现、仅4.4%外植体分化出芽。“HZ188”无菌苗茎段接种在MS附加0.05mg/L TIBA,2mg/LBA的固体培养基上,2周后形成大量愈伤组织,4周后仅见一块愈伤组织分化出芽。     

Bovine cumulus cell expansion does not depend on the presence of an oocyte secreted factor

Communication between the oocyte and its somatic cells has been shown to be important in oocyte development. Here we examined how the oocyte may be involved in bovine cumulus cell expansion. Intact bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) were obtained by puncturing antral follicles. From the intact COC, oocytectomised complexes (OOX) were produced by micro surgical removal of the oocyte. Clumps of cumulus cells (CC) were obtained by micro-dissection. Intact or OOX complexes or CC were matured in the presence of fetal calf serum and hFSH (6 mlU/ml) for 24 hr and the degree of expansion measured. The presence of the oocyte is not essential to allow bovine cumulus expansion to occur as expansion occurred in all groups. Murine OOX complexes from eCG primed 35–40-day-old C57BL6/CBA F₁ hybrids (known to require the presence of an oocyte secreted factor for cumulus expansion) were cultured with or without denuded bovine oocytes (1 oocyte/μl). Murine OOX complexes expanded only in the presence of denuded bovine oocytes. Thus some factor produced by bovine oocytes enabled expansion of murine OOX complexes. To determine whether the factor is secreted by bovine oocytes, murine OOX were cultured with or without media conditioned by bovine oocytes (1 oocyte/μl for 4 hr). Significant expansion of murine OOX occurred in media conditioned by bovine oocytes. This shows that the cumulus expansion enabling effect of bovine oocytes is released into the surrounding media. Media conditioned by bovine oocytes and then frozen for up to 1 month showed that the activity by the factor can withstand freezing. © 1995 wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Regeneration of grape (Vitis labruscana cv. Kyoho) by shoot-tip culture

We investigated the optimal levels of growth regulators, culture media, and pH on callus growth and organogenesis of in-vitro cultured ‘Kyoho’ grapes. Calli were induced by culturing leaf blades on an MS basal medium supplemented with 1 mg/IL BA and 0.01 mg/L 2,4-D. In addition, calli originating from the exocarp and mesocarp of grape fruits devel-oped on MS media supplemented with 0.1 mg/L IAA, NAA, or 2,4-D, or with 0.2 mg/L BA. In testing the potential for plant regeneration from shoot tips on various media, we found that the Nitsch medium, with I mg/L BA, was optimal for caulogenesis. The type of shoot development depended on the pH of the medium, with vigorous multiple-shoot devel-opment occurring at pH 6.0, and single shoots forming at pH 5.0. Finally, we were able to obtain rooted seedlings from the regenerated shoots that had been cultured on 1/4-strength Nitsch medium supplemented with 0.03 mg/L NAA.     

The extremely high Al resistance of Penicillium janthineleum F-13 is not caused by internal or external sequestration of Al

Penicillium janthinellum F-13 has been isolated in previous work as a fungus tolerating the presence of high concentrations of Al (as high as 100 mM AlCl₃). Here its growth rate and yield in three acidic (pH 3.0) media of different composition with varying concentrations of Al are reported. The presence of Al did not affect these parameters, except that the growth yield was somewhat lower in GM (a glucose/peptone/yeast extract-containing medium) with the highest concentration tested (100 mM AlCl₃). The amount of Al found in the mycelium was so low that it cannot lead to a significant decrease in the medium for the higher Al concentrations applied. Although citric acid was excreted at growth on GM, and the presence of Al even promoted this, the concentration of this was far too low to diminish (by chelation) the high Al concentrations in the medium to a non-toxic level, i.e. the level (of approx. 1 mM) that is tolerated by low-resistance fungi. At growth on SLBM (a peptone/yeast extract/soil extract-containing medium), a rise in pH occurred. The same was found for SM (a glucose/mineral salts-containing medium), although in this case the picture was more complicated because the initial rise in pH was followed by a lowering due to the excretion of oxalic acid. Although both phenomena can diminish Al toxicity (by decreasing the external concentration of monomeric Al, regarded to be the toxic species), again the decrease is far too low to attain a non-toxic level when high Al concentrations are applied. Therefore, although in principal the metabolic phenomena observed for P. janthinellum F-13 at growth on different media can diminish Al toxicity, the tolerance of this organism for high external Al concentrations must be caused by another mechanism.     

Effects of low pH and aluminum stresses on common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) differing in low-phosphorus and photoperiod responses

Using common beans differing greatly in the response to photoperiod and low-phosphorus (P) stress, we investigated their responses to acidity and aluminum (Al) toxicity and the relationship between Al tolerance and organic acid exudation under Al or low P stress. A genotype Ginshi was found to be sensitive to low pH treatment. When exposed to pH 4.5, serious curvature in the root tips of cv. Ginshi was observed; however, it was completely corrected by the application of 5 or 10 μmol/L AlCl₃; increasing calcium (Ca) could ameliorate Al toxicity, but it could not correct root curvature at pH 4.5. Common beans showed significant differences in both root growth and Al tolerance, and the varieties from the Andes were more tolerant to Al toxicity than those from the Mesoamerican origin. In the presence of 50 μmol/L AlCl₃, all the common bean genotypes exuded citrate, and a significant difference in the amounts of citrate was observed among genotypes. The genotypes originated in the Mesoamerica tended to release more citrate than other origins in the presence of Al. The P-inefficient genotype DOR364 exuded more citrate than the P-efficient genotype G19833 in the presence of 50 μmol/L AlCl₃, whereas no organic acids were detected in root exudates under low-P stress. A reduction of citrate exudation in the DOR364, but a slight increase of citrate exudation in the G19833, was observed under Al stress after they were exposed to 6-d P starvation. These results suggest that different low-P or Al tolerance in common beans might not be associated with organic acid exudation.     

Aluminium,boron and molybdenum availability and uptake by rice in acid sulfate soils

Although Al toxicity is believed to be a problem in acid sulfate soils cropped to rice (Oryza, sativa L.), little is known about the behavior of other trace metals such as B and Mo in these soils. The objectives of this study were to measure the availability of Al, B, and Mo in these soils, to determine what governs the availability of these metals and to investigate the relationships between metal availability and uptake by rice. Metal availability and uptake by rice were evaluated in 134 flooded acid sulfate soils in the Central Plains region of Thailand and in a growth chamber study using 50 of the same soils. Soil and plant metal analyses were conducted at the panicle differentiation stage of growth in both studies and in the soil prior to transplanting in the growth chamber study. Metal activities were determined with GEOCHEM. The mineral phases believed to be governing Al³⁺ activities were jurbanite under low pH conditions and amorphous Al(OH)₃ at high pH. The Al chemistry is believed to be intimately linked to the redox-pH cycle, which is driven by the monsoonal climate. Mortality of rice associated with Al toxicity was observed under field and growth chamber conditions. Interference in P uptake and/or assimilation was believed to be the mechanism of Al toxicity. Activities of B(OH) ₄ ^– and B(OH) ₃ ⁰ were found to be highly correlated to pH and ionic strength, respectively, with the latter being the dominant B ion found in these soils. Activities of MoO ₄ ^2– were positively correlated to pH and appeared to be controlled by wulfenite. Leaf Mo contents were found to be positively correlated with MoO ₄ ^2– activity.     

Morphogenic potential of mechanically isolated single cells from Digitalis obscura L. callus

Calli from hypocotyl and root explants of Digitalis obscura L. showed regeneration of adventitious shoots, roots and embryos when transferred to Murashige & Skoog medium supplemented with cytokinins alone or in combination with auxins. Optimum shoot-bud formation was achieved in the presence of IAA and BA, while roots mainly appeared either in absence of growth regulators or with IAA and Kn. Embryo formation took place only in those combinations that included Kn. Embryo development was influenced by the type of auxin, and precocious germination occurred in media with NAA. Mechanically isolated cells from hypocotyl- and root-derived calli were plated in MS medium supplemented with several IAA and BA combinations. Single cells were able to proliferate forming callus within 20–30 days in culture. In order to induce organogenesis, calli were transferred to various regeneration media. Shoot-bud differentiation efficiency depended on both callus origin and medium initially used for cell culture, best results being obtained in calli grown from hypocotyl-derived cells cultured in the presence of casein hydrolysate. A further subculture to medium containing coconut milk and lower concentrations of NH₄NO₃ and sucrose promoted shoot development. Rooting was readily achieved upon transferring shoots onto half-strength MS medium. Plantlets were ultimately established in soil.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - BM basal medium - CH casein hydrolysate - CM coconut milk - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IAA indoleacetic acid - Kn kinetin - MS Murashige & Skoog - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid     

Assessing the phytotoxicity of mononuclear hydroxy-aluminum

Abstract Al³⁺ is an important rhizotoxic ion in acid soils around the world. Al³⁺ is in equilibrium with mononuclear hydroxy-Al species, such as AlOH²⁺ and AL(OH)₂⁺, but the toxicity of these species has not been determined. Polynuclear Al may also coexist with Al³⁺, and one of these species, AlO₄Al₁₂(OH)₂₄(H₂O)₁₂⁷⁴, is very toxic. In order to determine the toxicity of mononuclear hydroxy-Al we have reanalysed the results of previously published, solution-culture experiments and have performed new experiments. Several problems are inherent in these studies. At pH values less than 5.0, the activities of the mononuclear hydroxy-Al species are low relative to Al³⁺, but attempts to change the ratio by raising the pH generally initiate the formation of polynuclear Al. (We discovered that mononuclear solutions are stable for many days when {Al³⁺}/{H⁺}³≤ 10^8.8, where braces denote activities.) We avoided, or accounted for, polynuclear Al in our studies. In addition, we used up-to-date equilibrium constants to compute Al species, very simple culture media (generally containing CaCl₂, AlCl₃ and HCl as the only inputs), short-term (2d) growth, and an Al-sensitive wheat variety (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Tyler) that permitted low Al levels and, consequently, higher pH values without Al polymerization. Experiments were designed in which the solutions were constant in {Al³⁺} and variable in mononuclear hydroxy-Al or were orthonal (factorial) in {Al³⁺} and {AlOH²⁺}. Linear and nonlinear, simple and multiple, regression analyses of these and previous experiments failed to reveal any toxicity for mononuclear hydroxy-Al to Tyler wheat.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium tumefaciens</Emphasis>-Mediated genetic transformation in tea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia sinensis</Emphasis> [L.] O. Kuntze)

We have developed a system to produce transgenic plants in tea (Camelia sinensis [L.] O. Kuntze) viaAgrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of embryogenic calli. Cotyledon-derived embryogenic callus cultures were cocultivated with anA. tumefaciens strain (AGL 1) harboring a binary vector carrying the hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt II), glucuronidase (uid A), and green fluorescent protein (GFP) genes in the tDNA region. Following cocultivation, embryogenic calli were cultured in medium containing 500 mg/L carbenicillin for 1 wk and cultured on an antibiotic selection medium containing 75 mg/L hygromycin for 8–10 wk. Hygromycin-resistant somatic embryos were selected. The highest production efficiency of hygromycin-resistant calli occurred with cocultivation for 6–7 d in the presence of 400 μM acetosyringone (AS). Hygromycin-resistant somatic embryos developed into complete plantlets in regeneration medium containing half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts with 1 mg/L benzyl amino purine (BAP) and 9 mg/L giberellic acid (GA₃). Transformants were subjected to GFP expression analysis, β-glucuronidase (GUS) histochemical assay, PCR analysis, and Southern hybridization to confirm gene integration.     

In vitro selection and regeneration of cotton resistant to high temperature stress

Summary Cell suspension cultures of cotton (Gossypium hitirsutum L. cv. Coker 312) were exposed to various temperature:time treatments in order to select cell lines resistant to high temperature stress. Cells were exposed to 45°C for 3 h each day until the total accumulated hours of stress were: 0 h, 10 h, 75 h, 100 h, or 105 h (81 h pulsed then 24 h continuous). After the stress treatments, the cells were plated onto embryo development medium and plants were recovered. The embryogenic calli that were recovered were subcultured monthly for 6 months and tested for increased resistance to the temperature:time treatments previously determined to be lethal and to water stress as imposed by PEG. All of the selected cell lines were more resistant to both types of stress than the control cell lines. Leaf tissue of stress selected (Ro) formed and maintained callus growth when incubated at 38°C; whereas, tissue excised from nonselected controls rarely formed callus and calli which did form quickly became necrotic. These cells and plants will provide a tool for determining the mechanisms involved in resistance to high temperature stress.     

Effects of brassinosteroid on cotton regeneration via somatic embryogenesis

Brassinolide (BR), which is the most biologically active brassinosteroid, was used to examine the potential effect of hormone on cotton somatic embryogenesis. Ten-day-old cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., cv. Cooker) seedlings were used for explant source and hypocotyls were removed and cultured on MS basal medium with B₅ vitamins supplemented with 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine + 0.5 mg/L kinetin for callus induction. After one month proliferating calli pieces were collected and cultured on MS basal medium containing various concentrations of BR (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 μM) with their controls. BR treatments were negatively effective on the fresh weight of calli when compared to control. Differential somatic embryogenesis maturation rates due to BR treatment were observed. Somatic embryogenesis was stimulated especially for transition to cotyledonary phase at 0.5 mg/L BR. Histological preparations from embryogenic calli and somatic embryos at different stages of development revealed the spontaneous polyploidisation during early somatic embryogenesis on BR-treated calli. Present results suggest that BR negatively effected calli growth, however, had a stimulating role in maturation of somatic embryos.     

Plant regeneration from leaf-derived callus cultures of the tropical pasture legume Stylosanthes scabra Vog.

Callus cultures of 5 genotypes of S. scabra Vog. were optimally established from leaf tissue on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 0.5–2.0 mg l^-1 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) and 1.0–2.0 mg l^-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). On media containing 2, 4-D only, calli were soft, and rhizogenesis occurred on calli of 4 genotypes. Calli formed on media containing BAP only, but not with kinetin only. In the presence of 2, 4-D, BAP inhibited rhizogenesis and promoted better callus growth than kinetin. High frequency shoot induction was achieved for 3 genotypes on MS +2.0 mg l^-1 BAP. Roots formed on shoots when sub-cultured on half-strenght MS without growth regulators. The form of cytokinin used in the callus induction media appeared to affect subsequent shoot organogenesis. Genotypic differences were observed for shoot organogenesis. There was some morphological variation evident among regenerants.     

土人参的组织和单细胞培养及试管苗开花结实

以土人参的花梗、茎和叶片为外植体在ＭＳ培养基上诱导出愈伤组织,诱导率为７５％－９０％。愈伤组织经分化和生根培养再生了完整植株。由组织培养再生苗的幼茎诱导的愈伤组织建立悬浮系。由悬浮系分离的单细胞在２／３ＭＳ液体培养基中振荡培养或振荡培养３周后转入双层培养均再生了愈伤组织,再生率分别为０．２８％和０．４１％。愈伤组织在含有较低浓度６－ＢＡ的培养基上分化出苗。幼苗生长迅速,每３周扩增６．７倍,再生植株     

Distribution of nutrients and phytotoxic metal ions in the soil and in two forest floor plant species of a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stand

In a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stand in north-west Germany vegetation of two transects (25m:1m and 20m:1m) was mapped and contents of macronutrients (Ca, Mg and K), micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu), and potentially phytotoxic metals (Pb, Cd, Ni and Al) were measured in different soil compartments and in roots, rhizomes, stems and leaves of two forest floor plant species (Mercurialis perennis L. and Polygonatum multiflorum L.). NH₄Cl extractable cation contents, pH and other soil variables were also determined.The highest macronutrient contents could be found in the leaves of M. perennis and P. multiflorum. Heavy metals and Al accumulated in the roots. Correlation analysis suggests a considerable translocation of Zn and Cd between below- and above-ground organs of both investigated forest floor plants. No significant correlation was found between the contents of the other elements in the below- and above-ground parts.Available data indicate a considerable uptake by the plants not only of nutrients, but also of heavy metals from the upper mineral soil. Amounts of heavy metals and Al solubilized in the presence of NH₄Cl increased with decreasing pH, whereas levels of soluble Ca and Mg were maximal at high pH-values of the extracts. It can be concluded that element uptake in the investigated plants is indirectly controlled by the pH of the upper mineral soil.     

Plant regeneration from stem cortex protoplasts of Brassica napus

Cell layer strips composed of the epidermis and 7–9 layers of subepidermal cells were isolated from the 3–4 terminal internodes of Brassica napus cv Westar plants at the early flowering stage. The strips were precultured for one day in modified liquid MS [11] medium and subsequently incubated for 17–18 h in a 0.4 M mannitol solution containing 1% Macerozyme and 1% Cellulase Onozuka R-10. Protoplast yield was 2–2.8×10⁶ per 1.0g of tissue. Protoplasts were cultured at 1×10⁵/ml in three different media: S₁ [13], B [12] and L[8]. The first cell divisions occurred after 2–8 days of culture at frequencies of 20–54%. The highest growth rate of colonies was obtained in L medium containing 0.4 M sucrose and 2% Ficoll. After 4 weeks, green calli, 1–2 mm in diameter were transferred onto B₅ [2] medium with 3 mgl^-1 zeatin, 1% sucrose, 0.1 M mannitol and 0.5% agarose for shoot regeneration. Up to 20% of the calli regenerated shoots which subsequently were rooted and established in soil in the greenhouse.     

杨树叶薄层培养中不定芽形态发生的细胞组织学研究

将杂种杨树(Populus nigra var.betulifolia×P.trichocarpe)NE299叶主脉用振动切片机横切成400μm或800μm的薄切片,培养在附加0.2mg/L BA和0.01mg/L NAA的木本植物培养基上。培养后,位于主脉维管束两侧中上部的维管束鞘薄壁细胞首先启动分裂。几乎同时,与其邻接的一些栅栏组织细胞也分裂,并很快形成胚性分生细胞团。主脉的愈伤组织主要由维管束鞘薄壁细胞,以及与其邻接的一些栅栏组织细胞和韧皮部的薄壁细胞分裂而来。不定芽通常发生在愈伤组织的周边区,也可以起源于维管组织结节(vascular nodules)周围的形成层状细胞。侧脉的维管束鞘细胞分裂活动很强,可不经愈伤组织直接长成不定芽。杨树叶主脉处的维管束鞘薄壁细胞在与叶肉组织相邻接的细胞中,通常含有少量较小的叶绿体,而位于背腹面的细胞中含有贮藏的淀粉。对形态发生的特定部位及其细胞进行了讨论。     

海石竹的离体快繁及核型分析

以海石竹 (Armeriamaritima)的叶片为外植体 ,经离体培养诱导产生愈伤组织 ,再分化形成不定芽 ,并经过继代增殖和壮苗生根 ,获得完整的再生植株 ,最后对其再生植株进行核型分析。结果表明 ,海石竹叶片的愈伤组织诱导和分化的适宜培养基为MS +BA 1 .0mg/L +NAA 0 .2mg/L ,诱导初期进行 7d暗培养 ,最佳增殖培养基为MS+BA 1 .0mg/L +NAA 0 .1mg/L ,生根培养基为MS+NAA 0 .2mg/L。以上培养基均含蔗糖3 0 g/L ,琼脂 5g/L ,pH 5 .8。海石竹的核型公式为 2n=2x=1 8=1 0m +8sm ,存在染色体数目变异的现象。     

In vitro selection and characterization of Ni-tolerant callus lines of Setaria italica L

Nickel tolerant callus lines of Setaria italica L. were developed from callus cultures grown on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg·dm⁻³ kinetin+2.0 mg·dm⁻³ 2,4-D+2.0 mg·dm⁻³ Ni⁺². Standard growth parameters such as callus fresh and dry weight, growth tolerance index were used as indicators of nickel toxicity. Measurements as early as 2 weeks after the beginning of the treatments did not yield consistent results. However, growth tolerance index at 4, and 8 weeks after the beginning of treatments yielded significant differences among the non-tolerant and tolerant calli. The tolerant calli has enhanced growth at 2.0 mg·dm⁻³ Ni⁺² while non-tolerant calli showed a reverse trend in growth in the presence of 2.0–2.5 mg·dm⁻³ of nickel. The tolerant calli differentiated into mass of embryogenic calli within 4 weeks of culture which could be maintained for prolonged period without loss of regenerative capacity.     

In vitro cultures of Solanum malacoxylon Sendt.: nutritional requirements and sterol production

Callus cultures were established from hypocotyl, root and leaf explants of Solanum malacoxylon. The growth rate of calli was evaluated on Murashige and Skoog medium as well as Gamborg's B5 medium. Sterols were isolated from calli grown on both media however the B5 proved to be more effective in promoting the production of these metabolites. No calcitriol was found in the cultures. Feeding experiments with vitamin D₃ were scarcely effective in promoting the production of vitamin D₃ hydroxylated metabolites.Abbreviations GC/MS gas-liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis - CHCL₃ chloroform - GLC gas liquid chromatography - PCV packed cell volume - TLC thin layer chromatography