Selective herbivory by brushtail possums: Determining the age of ingested leaves using n‐alkanes

Abstract Leaves often decline in nutritional quality as they age, and selective feeding on young leaves may be nutritionally important for herbivores. Preference by mammalian herbivores for young leaves has rarely been measured in the field owing to technical difficulties. We measured preferences with respect to leaf age of an arboreal folivore, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr), feeding on southern rata (Metrosideros umbellata Cav.; Myrtaceae) in a new application of the alkane technique. We characterized the cuticle waxes (n‐alkanes) of rata leaves that were less than 1 year old (‘1‐year’), between 1 and 2 years (‘2‐year’) and greater than 2 years old (‘>2‐year’). Simulations showed that the method accurately discriminated between 1‐year and other age groups but slightly overestimated the importance of rare components of the diet. This bias was larger when discriminating between 2‐year and >2‐year leaves apparently because they had more‐similar alkane profiles. Metrosideros umbellata leaf formed 20.8% of the diet of a population of possums from Rakiura, New Zealand, sampled in autumn 2002 (n = 33). Of the M. umbellata component, alkane analyses showed that 1‐year leaves formed 88.7 ± 3.9% of the diet despite making up only 39.5 ± 2.2% of the leaf biomass on rata trees (n = 14). The foliar concentrations of the macronutrients N, P and K all declined significantly with leaf age (P < 0.0001). Lignin content did not measurably increase with leaf age, suggesting that digestibility per se did not determine the preference of brushtail possums for young rata leaves. This study provides the first quantitative evidence that possums discriminate by leaf age and that the resulting diet is enriched in macronutrients.     

Pseudomonas putida NBRIC19 dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase (SucB) gene controls degradation of toxic allelochemicals produced by Parthenium hysterophorus

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the gene responsible for degradation of toxic allelochemicals of Parthenium by generating Tn5‐induced mutant of Pseudomonas putida NBRIC19. Furthermore, the study characterizes the mutant at physiological, biochemical and molecular level that helped in understanding the mechanisms of reducing the allelopathic inhibition of Parthenium by Ps. putida NBRIC19. Methods and Results: Tn5 mutant S‐74.3 showing inability to degrade toxic allelochemicals was selected after screening 22 000 transconjugants. Tn5 flanking SucB gene (dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase) of Ps. putida NBRIC19 was found to be responsible for the degradation of toxic allelochemicals that also affected biofilm formation, chemotaxis and alginate production under toxic environment of allelochemicals. Phenotypic microarray data revealed that the respiratory activity of Ps. putida NBRIC19 and S‐74.3 differed on 47 substrates including amino acids, carboxylic acids, peptides and some chemical inhibitors. Conclusions: Study revealed that SucB gene regulates processes either directly or indirectly in Ps. putida NBRIC19, which on inactivation made the mutant less compatible for tolerating stress. Significance and Impact of the Study: This work provides the first evidence for a functional role of Ps. putida SucB gene in degradation of toxic allelochemicals of Parthenium that lead to reversal of plant growth inhibition by these toxic allelochemicals. The investigation also revealed interesting features about the involvement of microbes in plant–plant allelopathic interactions.     

Repellent,Insecticidal and Antimicrobial Activities of Leaf Essential Oils from Three Eucalyptus Species

Developing effective and eco‐friendly antimicrobials and pesticides has become a highly important issue. The repellent, insecticidal and antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) isolated by hydrodistillation from dried leaves of the three Eucalyptus species (E. cloeziana, E. umbellata and E. benthamii) were investigated. During GC/MS analysis, α‐pinene (47.36 %), 1,8‐cineol (38.53 %) and α‐pinene (35.31 %) were identified as major components of E. cloeziana, E. umbellata and E. benthamii, respectively. The EOs from E. cloeziana exhibited the longest effective protection time (465 min, at 50.0 % w/w) for humans among the EOs studied. The effective protection time was 30 min and 300 min at concentrations of 12.5 % (w/w) and 25.0 % (w/w), respectively. Fumigating insecticidal activity of EOs from three Eucalyptus species was tested by airtight fumigation in conical flask, which indicated that essential oils had a highly and rapidly insecticidal activity on Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. The antimicrobial activity of EOs was evaluated by using disc diffusion and agar dilution methods. There was no significant difference in the antibacterial activity of EOs from E. cloeziana and E. umbellate and they had the same MICs (20 mL/L) on Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. E. benthamii had the worst microbial inhibitory effect among the three Eucalyptus essential oils and the MIC value for the test species is 40 mL/L except for Rhodotorula Harrison (10 mL/L).     

Spatial–temporal distribution of ornithochorous seeds from an Elaeagnus umbellata community dominating a riparian habitat

The dispersal efficiency and potential distribution of ornithochorous seeds of Elaeagnus umbellata in a riparian habitat were evaluated to clarify this species' establishment site in relation to the disturbance regime of the floodplain. Fruit removal by avian frugivores was monitored using fruit bags, and the spatial distribution of excreted seeds was quantified by seed traps set randomly on a gravel bar as an isolated seed source in the Yoshino River throughout an autumn fruiting season. Although more than 45% of the fruits remained on the twigs in the fruit bags, almost all fruits on the control twigs without fruit bags were exploited by the beginning of January. The fruit removal rate and seed dispersal distance were positively correlated with an increase in wintering bird species and their abundance. Intact bird‐dispersed seeds of E. umbellata were trapped within a 400‐m range and damaged seeds were limited to traps set within 50 m from the seed source. Frugivore behavior, such as feces excretion on rocks near water drinking sites and perching on surrounding woodland, greatly influenced the spatial and temporal dispersal pattern of the seed rain. In the present study, the avian frugivores showed upstream seed dispersal; thus, in years with stochastic autumnal floods, secondary dispersal via hydrochory downstream may be facilitated. The intensive seed dispersal in E. umbellata indicates that the present distribution of parent trees in the restricted elevation range of the gravel bars is the result of survival through disturbance, rather than seed dispersal limitation.     

Reproductive biology and pollinators of the invasive shrub Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunberg)

This study examined the reproductive biology of the invasive nitrogen-fixing shrub Elaeagnus umbellata. Hand-pollination experiments and pollinator-exclusion experiments were performed in four Illinois, U.S.A. populations to determine the breeding system of E. umbellata, and floral visitors were collected to determine pollinators in the invasive range. Although self-compatibility is a trait shown to confer invasiveness, our experiments revealed that E. umbellata is a mostly outcrossing species with a self-incompatible breeding system. Variation does exist in that a small percentage of individuals allow self-fertilization through autogamy. There is also variability among plants in the separation of male and female floral parts that may further affect selfing potential. The majority of floral visitors to E. umbellata were generalist pollinators, including bees, flies, and moths. Many of the larger insect visitors are pollinators of E. umbellata based on analysis of pollen on insect specimens, but smaller insects do not pollinate as frequently. Its ability to attract generalist pollinators means that E. umbellata will produce fruit wherever pollinators and mates occur; however, the low fruit set on open-pollinated branches contrasts with the idea of a prolifically fruiting plant. E. umbellata seems to serve as a reliable food source for many ecologically and economically significant insects, including native bumble bees (Bombus), the exotic honey bee (Apis mellifera), and armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta), a crop pest.     

Vertical structure of Erica umbellata,a representative species of European Ibero-Atlantic dry heaths

The canopy structure of Erica umbellata was studied in order to (a) quantify biomass allocation among several organ types, (b) analyse the possible changes in vertical structure related to season and plant size, and (c) evaluate the effectiveness of non-destructive measures to estimate biomass for a species that is declining in some areas, due to fire and other human disturbances. The study was conducted in NW Spain, sampling E. umbellata plants belonging to three size groups. Destructive (biomass) and non-destructive (frequency, height, diameter) measures were used to characterise the vertical distribution and abundance of photosynthetic, woody, reproductive and dead organs. Allometric equations were calculated to estimate total mass using non-destructive measurements. As E. umbellata increases in size, those organs with a higher renewal rate (leaves, new stems, flowers) increase in the upper strata. Seasonal differences are recorded for the reproductive organs and new stems. A sharp decrease in the green/total phytomass ratio (from 0.51 to 0.17) is observed as plant size increases. Organ biomass can be accurately predicted from total weight and it is also possible to estimate the total weight from non-destructive measures, which provides an easier way of recording data in the field.     

Development of microsatellite markers for the endangered semi‐shrub Chimaphila umbellata (Ericaceae)

Based on the DNA sequencing reads obtained using 454 pyrosequencing, primers amplifying 16 microsatellite loci were developed for the endangered semi‐shrub Chimaphila umbellata, which occurs sporadically in the Japanese Archipelago. These 16 loci were polymorphic in the populations sampled from the Hokkaido and Tohoku Districts; the mean number of alleles was 3.31 and 3.44, and the mean expected heterozygosity was 0.42 and 0.44, respectively. These loci were not linked to each other and contained no null alleles. Amplification using these primers was also tested in the congeneric species C. japonica, but only three of them successfully amplified DNA of the species. These markers will be used to examine genetic diversity and genetic differentiation in populations of C. umbellata.     

Allelopathic effects of Alexandrium fundyense (Dinophyceae) on Thalassiosira cf. gravida (Bacillariophyceae): a matter of size

Allelopathic interactions among phytoplankton are well documented. The potency of allelopathic species and responses of target species to allelochemicals are quite variable, however, limiting full understanding of the role these interactions may play in nature. One trait that may influence the sensitivity of an individual to allelochemicals is cell size. The few studies that have examined relationships between cell size and susceptibility to allelochemicals have compared different species and thus could not distinguish between the role of size and species‐specific physiological differences. Culturing an actively sexually reproducing diatom allowed us to focus on the influence of target cell size within a single species. We studied growth and nutrient acquisition by the chain‐forming Thalassiosira cf. gravida Clever in the presence and absence of allelochemicals released by Alexandrium fundyense Balech as a function of T. cf. gravida cell size. Upon exposure to filtrate of A. fundyense, T. cf. gravida cultures “bleached” and both growth and nutrient utilization ceased for up to 4 d. The magnitude of the effect was dependent on filtrate concentration and T. cf. gravida cell surface area:volume ratio. The greatest inhibition was observed on the smallest cells, while T. cf. gravida cultures that had undergone cell enlargement via sexual reproduction were least sensitive to A. fundyense filtrate. These results demonstrate that competitor cell size, independent from taxonomy, may influence the outcome of allelopathic interactions. The findings presented here suggest a potential ecological impact of diatom cell size reduction and sexual reproduction that has not yet been described and that may be important in determining diatom survival and success.     

Population dynamics of four understorey shrub species during a 7‐yr period in a primary beech forest

Abstract. Shrubs persist in the understorey layer of forests throughout their lives, while tall trees remain there only during the juvenile stage and then grow into the canopy layer. Thus demographic parameters (recruitment‐, mortality‐, and growth‐rates) of shrub species are expected to differ from those of tall tree species. We investigated aspects of the demography of four dominant deciduous‐shrub species (Viburnum furcatum, Lindera umbellata var. membranacea, Magnolia salicifolia, and Hydrangea paniculata) in Fagus crenata forests at the beginning and at the end of a 7‐yr period in a 1‐ha permanent plot. For each species, the number of stems changed little (within ± 10%) during the study period, while total basal area increased markedly (11.7–33.8%), because (1) new stems continuously recruited by vegetative growth replaced the substantial number of dead stems, and (2) vegetative stems grew vigorously, probably due to nutrient support from parents. The results indicate that these four understorey shrub species have high ability to maintain their population size in the shaded forest understorey. While in each species more than half of the dead stems were standing dead, a substantial proportion of the dead stems (9.0–38.5%) showed signs of mechanical damage, such as stem breakage and suppression by fallen branches or trees. Snow pressure that resulted in decumbent stems was also an important mortality agent for V. furcatum (20.7%) and L. umbellata var. membranacea (5.6%). Probability of damage was constant across all DBH‐classes for all study species. In each species, newly recruited stems and dead stems were spatially aggregated, largely due to habits of vegetative growth and mechanical damage, respectively. This study revealed that several demographic traits, resulting from recruitment by vegetative growth and death by mechanical damage, were shrub‐species specific and markedly different from those of tall tree species.     

Molecular cytogenetic characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of the seven cultivated Vigna species (Fabaceae)

The genomic organisation of the seven cultivated Vigna species, V. unguiculata, V. subterranea, V. angularis, V. umbellata, V. radiata, V. mungo and V. aconitifolia, was determined using sequential combined PI and DAPI (CPD) staining and dual‐colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with 5S and 45S rDNA probes. For phylogenetic analyses, comparative genomic in situ hybridisation (cGISH) onto somatic chromosomes and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of 45S rDNA were used. Quantitative karyotypes were established using chromosome measurements, fluorochrome bands and rDNA FISH signals. All species had symmetrical karyotypes composed of only metacentric or metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Distinct heterochromatin differentiation was revealed by CPD staining and DAPI counterstaining after FISH. The rDNA sites among all species differed in their number, location and size. cGISH of V. umbellata genomic DNA to the chromosomes of all species produced strong signals in all centromeric regions of V. umbellata and V. angularis, weak signals in all pericentromeric regions of V. aconitifolia, and CPD‐banded proximal regions of V. mungo var. mungo. Molecular phylogenetic trees showed that V. angularis and V. umbellata were the closest relatives, and V. mungo and V. aconitifolia were relatively closely related; these species formed a group that was separated from another group comprising V. radiata, V. unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis and V. subterranea. This result was consistent with the phylogenetic relationships inferred from the heterochromatin and cGISH patterns; thus, fluorochrome banding and cGISH are efficient tools for the phylogenetic analysis of Vigna species.     

Enriched Terpenes Fractions of the Latex of Euphorbia umbellata Promote Apoptosis in Leukemic Cells

The current study was carried out by a bioguided fractionation of a hexane extract of the latex of Euphorbia umbellata against leukemic cells. Samples were analyzed by NMR, GC/MS, triterpenes quantification, and MTT reduction assay. Morphological, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspases 3/7 analyses were performed for the dichloromethane and ethanol fractions, and selectivity index for the dichloromethane fraction. NMR analysis presented characteristic signals of terpenes and steroids, data were confirmed by the quantification of triterpenes and GC/MS analysis. MTT reduction assay demonstrated that HL‐60 was the most sensitive cell lineage against dichloromethane and ethanol fractions. Compounds of these matrices caused morphological changes compatible with apoptosis induction, altered cell cycle, increment of depolarized population cells and activation of caspases 3/7. Selectivity indices were higher than 22.44. Bioguided‐fractionation study showed that samples of the latex of E. umbellata raised the activity of the phytocomplex against leukemic cells, and the cytotoxicity can be associated with an apoptosis pathway.     

From endogenous to exogenous pattern formation: Invasive plant species changes the spatial distribution of a native ant

Invasive species are a significant threat to global biodiversity, but our understanding of how invasive species impact native communities across space and time remains limited. Based on observations in an old field in Southeast Michigan spanning 35 years, our study documents significant impacts of habitat change, likely driven by the invasion of the shrub, Elaeagnus umbellata, on the nest distribution patterns and population demographics of a native ant species, Formica obscuripes. Landcover change in aerial photographs indicates that E. umbellata expanded aggressively, transforming a large proportion of the original open field into dense shrubland. By comparing the ant's landcover preferences before and after the invasion, we demonstrate that this species experienced a significant unfavorable change in its foraging areas. We also find that shrub landcover significantly moderates aggression between nests, suggesting nests are more related where there is more E. umbellata. This may represent a shift in reproductive strategy from queen flights, reported in the past, to asexual nest budding. Our results suggest that E. umbellata may affect the spatial distribution of F. obscuripes by shifting the drivers of nest pattern formation from an endogenous process (queen flights), which led to a uniform pattern, to a process that is both endogenous (nest budding) and exogenous (loss of preferred habitat), resulting in a significantly different clustered pattern. The number and sizes of F. obscuripes nests in our study site are projected to decrease in the next 40 years, although further study of this population's colony structures is needed to understand the extent of this decrease. Elaeagnus umbellata is a common invasive shrub, and similar impacts on native species might occur in its invasive range, or in areas with similar shrub invasions.     

Filamentous green algae inhibit phytoplankton with enhanced effects when lakes get warmer

1. Filamentous green algae (FGA) may represent an alternative state in high‐nutrient shallow temperate lakes. Furthermore, a clear water state is sometimes associated with the dominance of FGA; however, the mechanisms involved remain uncertain. 2. We hypothesised that FGA may promote a clear water state by directly suppressing phytoplankton growth, mostly via the release of allelochemicals, and that this interaction may be affected by temperature. 3. We examined the relationships between FGA, phytoplanktonic chlorophyll a concentrations and zooplankton in a series of mesocosms (2.8 m³) mimicking enriched shallow ponds now and in a future warmer climate (0 and c. 5 °C above ambient temperatures). We then tested the potential allelopathic effects of FGA (Cladophora sp. and Spirogyra sp.) on phytoplankton using several short‐term microcosms and laboratory experiments. 4. Mesocosms with FGA evidenced lower phytoplanktonic chlorophyll a concentrations than those without. Zooplankton and zooplankton : phytoplankton biomass ratios did not differ between mesocosms with and without FGA, suggesting that grazing was not responsible for the negative effects on phytoplanktonic biomass (chlorophyll a). 5. Our field microcosm experiments demonstrated that FGA strongly suppressed the growth of natural phytoplankton at non‐limiting nutrient conditions and regardless of phytoplankton initial concentrations or micronutrients addition. Furthermore, we found that the negative effect of FGA on phytoplankton growth increased up to 49% under high incubation temperatures. The experiment performed using FGA filtrates confirmed that the inhibitory effect of FGA on phytoplankton may be attributed to allelochemicals. 6. Our results suggest that FGA control of phytoplankton growth may be an important mechanism for stabilising clear water in shallow temperate lakes dominated by FGA and that FGA may play a larger role when lakes get warmer.     

Allelopathic hormesis and potent allelochemicals from multipurpose tree Moringa oleifera leaf extract

Abstract

The secondary metabolites produced by higher plants may act as allelochemicals to stimulate or inhibit growth of other plant species. Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree which have been reported, in separate studies, to promote growth of other plant species at low concentrations and inhibit the growth at high concentrations. However, allelopathic hormesis and allelochemicals from Moringa oleifera has not been reported. The present studies were conducted to evaluate hormesis, allelopathic potential and allelochemicals from Moringa oleifera leaf extract using Lepidium sativum as a test species. The results revealed that aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera promoted the shoot growth of Lepidium sativum by 41% at lowest tested concentration of 2.5%, while the highest tested concentration (10%) of leaf extract inhibited shoot length and root length of Lepidium sativum by 38% and 85%, respectively, showing allelopathic hormesis. Twelve allelochemicals (p-coumaric acid, salicylic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, m-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, p-hydroxysalicylic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, m-hydroxybenzaldehyde and gallic acid) were identified from leaf extract of Moringa oleifera. The results suggest that Moringa oleifera exhibit allelopathic hormesis which may have critical impact on defence, survival and invasion of plants in natural as well as agroecosystems.     

Habituation in Frankliniella occidentalis to deterrent plant compounds and their blends

Feeding and oviposition deterrence of three secondary plant compounds and their 1:1 blends to adult female Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and the potential for habituation of the thrips to the pure compounds and the 1:1 blends at various concentrations were investigated. In choice assays, we tested dose‐dependent feeding and oviposition deterrence of the two fatty acid derivatives methyl jasmonate and cis‐jasmone, the phenylpropanoid allylanisole, and their blends when directly applied to bean leaf discs. The concentration required to reduce the feeding damage by 50% relative to the control treatment (FDC₅₀) was lowest for cis‐jasmone and highest for allylanisole. The feeding deterrent effect of both jasmonates was increased when blended with allylanisole. Feeding deterrence and oviposition deterrence were strongly correlated. In no‐choice assays conducted over four consecutive days, we discovered that dilutions at low concentrations (FDC₁₅) applied to bean leaves resulted in habituation to the deterrents, whereas no habituation occurred at higher concentrations (FDC₅₀). We observed a tendency that the 1:1 blends reduce the probability that thrips habituate to the deterrent compounds. Our results may be useful in the development of integrated crop protection strategies with the implementation of allelochemicals as pest behaviour‐modifying agents.     

Effects of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and sesquiterpenes on snail feeding

Summary We determined in the laboratory the feeding response of two populations of the generalist herbivorous snail Arianta arbustorum (Helicidae) towards the composite Adenostyles alliariae and towards various allelochemicals. These were: a pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) extract of Adenostyles leaves; senecionine (a PA present in Adenostyles); retrorsine (a PA not present in Adenostyles) and two sesquiterpene (ST) fractions from Adenostyles: a mixture of the STs adenostylone and neoadenostylone, and deacyladenostylone. Tertiary PAs and PA N-oxides were tested separately. For each allelochemical, we tested whether it was deterrent or whether it induced changes of feeding behaviour (i.e. whether it had pre- or postingestive effects), and whether the effects were more pronounced with younger (smaller) snails. The tertiary PA extract from Adenostyles was deterrent, especially for young snails, but did not induce changes of feeding behaviour. Tertiary PA senecionine was deterrent for young snails only and induced changes of feeding behaviour. Also, consumption of untreated Petasites was higher after this treatment. Tertiary PA retrorsine was not deterrent, but induced changes of feeding behaviour. The PA N-oxides showed no activity against the snails. The mixture of adenostylone and neoadenostylone was deterrent and induced feeding aversions. Deacyladenostylone was highly deterrent, but did not induce changes of feeding behaviour. At the Jura site, PA content of Adenostyles was lower than at the Black Forest site. The snails from Jura consumed much less Adenostyles than the snails from Black Forest, and also ate a little less of the treated leaf discs. The PAs which are encountered by the snails in their natural food plants (PA extract and senecionine) were more deterrent than retrorsine (a novel compound). This suggests that the snails have mechanisms for the rejection of allelochemicals which they encounter in their natural food plants, but not for novel allelochemicals. The results suggest two hypotheses regarding the function of the allelochemicals in Adenostyles: (1) The allelochemicals act mainly on very young snails. (2) PAs render Adenostyles toxic, while STs act as feeding deterrents.     

Responses of a native plant species from invaded and uninvaded areas to allelopathic effects of an invader

Invaders exert new selection pressures on the resident species, for example, through competition for resources or by using novel weapons. It has been shown that novel weapons aid invasion but it is unclear whether native species co‐occurring with invaders have adapted to tolerate these novel weapons. Those resident species which are able to adapt to new selective agents can co‐occur with an invader while others face a risk of local extinction. We ran a factorial common garden experiment to study whether a native plant species, Anthriscus sylvestris, has been able to evolve a greater tolerance to the allelochemicals exerted by the invader, Lupinus polyphyllus. Lupinus polyphyllus produces allelochemicals which potentially act as a novel, strong selective agent on A. sylvestris. We grew A. sylvestris seedlings collected from uninvaded (naïve) and invaded (experienced) sites growing alone and in competition with L. polyphyllus in pots filled with soil with and without activated carbon. Because activated carbon absorbs allelochemicals, its addition should improve especially naïve A. sylvestris performance in the presence of the invader. To distinguish the allelochemicals absorption and fertilizing effects of activated carbon, we grew plants also in a mixture of soil and fertilizer. A common garden experiment indicated that the performances of naïve and experienced A. sylvestris seedlings did not differ when grown with L. polyphyllus. The addition of activated carbon, which reduces interference by allelochemicals, did not induce differences in their performances although it had a positive effect on the aboveground biomass of A. sylvestris. Together, these results suggest that naïve and experienced A. sylvestris plants tolerated equally the invader L. polyphyllus and thus the tolerance has not occurred over the course of invasion.     

感染内生真菌的羽茅对大针茅的化感作用

以羽茅(Achnatherum sibiricum)为材料,采用室内生物测定法研究感染不同内生真菌的羽茅浸提液对大针茅(Stipa grandis)种子萌发和幼苗生长的化感作用,并采用气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)联用技术对羽茅浸提液中的化学成分进行分析。结果表明:(1)内生真菌感染可缓解宿主羽茅对群落优势种大针茅的化感作用;(2)内生真菌感染对宿主羽茅化感作用的影响与内生真菌种类有关,具体表现为相比于未染菌羽茅,感染Epichloё gansuensis可显著缓解宿主羽茅对大针茅的抑制作用,而感染Neotyphodium sibiricum、Neotyphodium gansuensis有缓解羽茅对大针茅化感作用的趋势,但未达到显著影响;(3)羽茅浸提液中含有2,4-二叔丁基苯酚、邻苯二甲酸、邻苯二甲酸二丁酯和硬脂酸甲酯等潜在化感物质,这4种物质相对含量的差异可能是不同内生真菌感染状态的羽茅产生不同化感效应的主要原因;(4)对羽茅浸提液中4种潜在化感物质的化感作用进行验证实验,结果表明,2,4-二叔丁基苯酚对大针茅的化感作用基本表现为低浓度无影响,高浓度抑制,邻苯二甲酸二丁酯的化感作用表现为"低促高抑"的效应趋势,而邻苯二甲酸和硬脂酸甲酯对大针茅均表现出"剂量效应"的化感作用趋势,即4种潜在化感物质在高浓度时均可显著抑制大针茅的种子萌发和幼苗生长。     

Allelochemicals released by rice roots and residues in soil

A few rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties or rice straw produce and release allelochemicals into soil in which interfere with the growth of neighboring or successive plants. Allelopathic rice PI312777 and Huagan-1 at their early growth stages released momilactone B, 3-isopropyl-5-acetoxycyclohexene-2-one-1, and 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxyflavone into soil at phytotoxic levels, but non-allelopathic rice Huajingxian did not. Both allelopathic and non-allelopathic rice residues released momilactone B and lignin-related phenolic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, ferulic, syringic and vanillic acids) into the soil during residue decomposition to inhibit successive plants. The results indicated that allelochemicals involved in rice allelopathy from living and dead plants are substantially different. Interestingly, the concentrations of the allelochemicals released from the allelopathic rice seedlings in soil increased dramatically when they were surrounded with Echinochloa crus-galli. The concentrations of the allelochemicals were over 3-fold higher in the presence of E. crus-galli than in the absence of E. crus-galli. However, the same case did not occur in non-allelopathic Huajingxian seedlings surrounded with E. crus-galli. In addition to allelochemical exudation being promoted by the presence of E. crus-galli, allelopathic rice seedlings also increased allelochemical exudation in response to exudates of germinated E. crus-galli seeds or lepidimoide, an uronic acid derivative exuded from E. crus-galli seeds. These results imply that allelopathic rice seedlings can sense certain allelochemicals released by E. crus-galli into the soil, and respond by increased production of allelochemicals inhibitory to E. crus-galli. This study suggests that rice residues of both allelopathic and non-allelopathic varieties release similar concentrations and types of allelochemicals to inhibit successive plants. In contrast, living rice plants of certain allelopathic varieties appear to be able to detect the presence of interspecific neighbors and respond by increased allelochemicals.