Development of 240 novel EST-SSRs in Eucalyptus L’Hérit

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers derived from expressed sequence tag (EST) resources provide great potential for comparative mapping, direct gene tagging of quantitative trait loci and functional diversity studies. Here we report on the development of 240 novel EST-SSRs for the important tree genus Eucalyptus L’Hérit. Of the 240 EST-SSR loci, 218 (90.8 %) were polymorphic among 12 individuals of E. grandis Hill ex Maiden, with the number of alleles per locus (N _a), observed heterozygosity (H _o), expected heterozygosity (H _e) and polymorphic information content (PIC) averaging at 5.0, 0.403, 0.598 and 0.529, respectively. High rates of cross-species/subgenus amplification were observed. The EST-SSRs developed herein would be a valuable addition of functional markers for genetics and breeding applications in a wide range of eucalypt species. The primer sequences for the 240 EST-SSRs have been deposited in the Probe database of GenBank (IDs Pr016588534–773).     

Chemical constituents from the roots of Fallopia convolvulus (L.) A. Löve

Twenty compounds, including three sterols (1–3), three phenols (4, 14 and 15), four anthraquinones (5, 7, 8 and 16), one chromone (6), two stilbenes (9 and 10), three amides (11–13), three flavonoids (17–19) and one organic acid (20), were obtained by modern phytochemical isolation methods. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods and in comparison with the published data in the references. Among them, compound 2, 3, 11 and 13 were firstly discovered from genus Fallopia, and compounds 1, 5–8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 19 and 20 were obtained from F. convolvulus for the first time. The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was also discussed, which revealed the relationships between F. convolvulus and some other species of Polygonaceae family.     

The ‘A’ genome donor of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. (Gramineae)

Summary In an attempt to discover A and B genome donor(s) to finger millet, Eleusine coracana, or its progenitor species, E. africana (both allotetraploid 2n=4x=36), five diploid species, E. Indica, E. Floccifolia, E. multiflora, E. tristachya and E. intermedia, were crossed to finger millet and its progenitor taxon. Crosses were successful only with E. coracana. Three combinations of triploid hybrids E. coracana x E. indica, E. coracana x E. floccifolia, and E. coracana x E. multiflora were obtained and analysed. Meiotic behaviour was perfectly normal in parental species. The regular number of 18 bivalents in E. coracana, 9 bivalents in E. indica, E. intermedia, E. tristachya and E. floccifolia and 8 bivalents in E. multiflora were invariably noticed. In E. coracana x E. indica hybrids a mean chromosome pairing of 8.84_I+8.80_II+0.03_III+0.10_IV per cell was found. About 86.5% of the cells showed the typical 9_I+9_II configuration, suggesting that E. indica (AA) is one of the diploid genome donors to cultivated species E. coracana. A mean chromosome pairing of 11.08_I+7.63_II+0.16_III+0.04_IV per cell was found in E. coracana x E. floccifolia hybrids. Two to ten bivalents and varying numbers of univalents were seen in 55% of the cells. About 45% of the cells showed the 9_I+9_II configuration. Various evidence suggests that perennial E. floccifolia is a primitive member of the A genome group of Eleusine species, and it may not be a genome donor to E. coracana. In E. coracana x E. multiflora hybrids (2n=26) mean chromosome pairing of 21.45_I+1.97_II+0.13_III+0.04_IV per cell was found. About 91% of the cells were observed to have 20–26 univalents. Only a small percentage of the cells contained bivalents or multivalents. This pairing behaviour indicates that E. multiflora lacks genomic homology with the A or B genome of E. coracana. Genomically E. multiflora is a distinct species and a genomic symbol of C is assigned to it. Identification of the B genome donor species to cultivated millet. E. coracana remains elusive.     

Chemical characterization (GC/MS and NMR Fingerprinting) and bioactivities of South-African Pelargonium capitatum (L.) L' Her. (Geraniaceae) essential oil

Chemical fingerprinting of commercial Pelargonium capitatum (Geraniaceae) essential oil samples of south African origin was performed by GC, GC/MS, and (13) C- and (1) H-NMR. Thirty-seven compounds were identified, among which citronellol (32.71%) and geraniol (19.58%) were the most abundant. NMR Spectra of characteristic chemicals were provided. Broad-spectrum bioactivity properties of the oil were evaluated and compared with those of commercial Thymus vulgaris essential oil with the aim to obtain a functional profile in terms of efficacy and safety. P. capitatum essential oil provides a good performance as antimicrobial, with particular efficacy against Candida albicans strains. Antifungal activity performed against dermatophyte and phytopathogen strains revealed the latter as more sensitive, while antibacterial activity was not remarkable against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. P. capitatum oil provided a lower antioxidant activity (IC(50) ) than that expressed by thyme essential oil, both in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene bleaching tests. Results in photochemiluminescence (PCL) assay were negligible. To test the safety aspects of P. capitatum essential oil, mutagenic and toxicity properties were assayed by Ames test, with and without metabolic activation. Possible efficacy of P. capitatum essential oil as mutagenic protective agent against NaN(3) , 2-nitrofluorene, and 2-aminoanthracene was also assayed, providing interesting and significant antigenotoxic properties.     

Chemical constituents from Dendropanax morbiferus H. Lév. Stems and leaves and their chemotaxonomic significance

The phytochemical investigation of Dendropanax morbiferus H. Lév. Led to the isolation of 28 known compounds: 4 alkaloids (1–4), 1 pyranoglucoside (5), 1 benzoic acid and 5 benzoic acid derivatives (6–11), 10 phenylpropanoids (12–21), 4 flavone glucoside derivatives (22–25), 1 neolignan (26) and 2 sesquiterpenes (27–28). The structures of these compounds were identified using spectroscopic methods; their nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were compared with those previously reported. This is the first report on compounds 2–4, 10, and 12 isolated from D. morbiferus. Compounds 5 and 26 from the genus Dendropanax and 1, 6–9, 11, 13, 14–25, 27 and 28 from the family Araliaceae were isolated for the first time. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive chemical investigation of D. morbiferus stems and leaf compounds. Chemotaxonomic relationship between D. morbiferus and other Dendropanax species is also discussed.     

Effects of Shading on the Synthesis of Volatile Organic Compounds in ‘Marselan’ Grape Berries (Vitis vinifera L.)

Journal of Plant Growth Regulation - Light is a vital environmental factor that can affect the synthesis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in grape berries. However, the mechanism through which...     

L'épiphyse du Hérisson (Erinaceus europaeus L.) mâle

Résumé Les pinéalocytes (au sens strict: Wolfe, 1965) de l'épiphyse du Hérisson mâle, examinés au microscope électronique, ont été comparés à ceux d'autres Mammifères. Ils possèdent un ou plusieurs prolongements cellulaires, dont la terminaison en «massue» est caractéristique. A l'intérieur du noyau, un nucléole de forme alvéolaire facilite l'identification de ce type cellulaire. Dans le périkaryon, des mitochondries, des ribosomes, quelques lysosomes. et inclusions lipidiques sont présents. Des cils et de rares «rubans circonscrits par des vésicules» (Collin, 1969) sont observés. Le réticulum endoplasmique est peu abondant et est constitué, essentiellement, par la forme lisse. L'appareil de Golgi sécrét de petites vésicules claires de 300 à 450 Å de diamètre et des vésicules à coeur dense de 400 à 1500 Å de diamètre. La migration de ces grains vers l'extrémité des prolongements a été mise en évidence. Pendant les phases du cycle sexuel, on observe une évolution de certains éléments des pinéalocytes.D'une part, pendant la phase de mise au repos sexuel, il y a formation, à partir du réticulum, d'un système rectiligne composé de cavités et de vésicules, puis évolution de l'ensemble vers une forme lamellaire concentrique,D'autre part, on note l'apparition de «condensations cytoplasmiques» très importantes durant une partie de la phase de pleine activité sexuelle.

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The pineal organ of the male hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus L.)I. Ultrastructural variations occurring in pinealocytes during the sexual cycle

Summary The pinealocytes of the male hedgehog have been examined with the electron microscope, and have been compared with those of other mammals. They possess one or more cytoplasmic processes which end in a terminal club. In the nucleus, an alveolar nucleolus facilitates the identification of this cellular type. In the perikaryon, mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes and lipid inclusions are present. Cilia and rare rubans circonscrits par des vésicules (Collin, 1969) are observed. The endoplasmic reticulum is not very abundant and essentially consists of the smooth type. Small clear vesicles (350–450 Å) and dense-cored vesicles (400–1500 Å) are produced by the Golgi apparatus. The migration of these densecored vesicles towards the terminal processes has been observed. It has been shown that there occurs a change of some cytoplasmic structures during the sexual cycle of this animal.On the one hand, during the period of sexual quiescence, a reticular formation—composed of lamellae and vesicles—is observed in the cytoplasm. This formation is transformed into annular lamellae.On the other hand, during the period of maximal sexual activity, just after the first mating period, numerous cytoplasmic condensations are observed.

Remerciements. Nous remercions M.A. Peyre pour ses nombreux conseils pendant la réalisation de ce travail. L'aide, dans l'interprétation et la rédaction, de M.J.P. Collin fut constante, nous tenons — ici — a lui exprimer toute notre reconnaissance. Nos remerciements vont également à M.J. Schrevel qui nous a appris les techniques de microscopie électronique et nous a aidé dans notre travail.     

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cv. ‘Centennial’

Efficient callus formation was achieved from cotyledon, stem, and leaf expiants of the domestic safflower cultivar Centennial on MS salts medium containing 1 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L NAA. Shoot buds were regenerated from 26% of leaf-derived calli on callus induction medium, although attempts to root regenerated shoots were not successful. Centennial expiants inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing NPT II and GUS genes produced kanamycin-resistant calli from which buds were regenerated. Transformation and stable integration of transgenes was confirmed by GUS assay and DNA hybridization in kanamycin-resistant calli, and GUS assay in regenerated shoots.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - MS Murashige and Skoog (1962) - GUS -glucuronidase - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - NPT II neomycin phosphotransferase II     

Metabolism of l-Threonic Acid in Rumex x acutus L. and Pelargonium crispum (L.) L'Hér

l-Threonic acid is a natural constituent in leaves of Pelargonium crispum (L.) L'Hér (lemon geranium) and Rumex x acutus L. (sorrel). In both species, l-[(14)C]threonate is formed after feeding l-[U-(14)C]ascorbic acid to detached leaves. R. acutus leaves labeled with l-[4-(3)H]- or l-[6-(3)H]ascorbic acid produce l-[(3)H]threonate, in the first case internally labeled and in the second case confined to the hydroxymethyl group. These results are consistent with the formation of l-threonate from carbons three through six of l-ascorbic acid. Detached leaves of P. crispum oxidize l-[U-(14)C] threonate to l-[(14)C]tartrate whereas leaves of R. acutus produce negligible tartrate and the bulk of the (14)C appears in (14)CO(2), [(14)C]sucrose, and other products of carbohydrate metabolism. R. acutus leaves that are labeled with l-[U-(14)C]threonate release (14)CO(2) at linear rate until a limiting value of 25% of the total [U-(14)C]threonate is metabolized. A small quantity of [(14)C]glycerate is also produced which suggests a process involving decarboxylation of l-[U-(14)C]threonate.     

Le comportement d'oophagie différentielle chezPolistes gallicus L. (Hymen. Vesp.)

Résumé Une femelle pondeuse de Poliste ne réagit pas e la même façon envers les deverses catégories d'ufs qu'elle rencontre sur le nid. Notamment, il arrive qu'elle détruise systématiquement tous ceux qui proviennent d'autres femelles (ufs étrangers), alors qu'elle respecte les siene propres. Cette différence de traitement selon l'origine de l'uf définit l'oophagie différentielle.On cherche à analyser, dans le présent article, divers facteurs, internes et externes, qui sont à l'origine de ce comportement.Dans la société polygyne, l'oophagie différentielle devient le privilège de l'individu . Cette spécialisation d'une seule Guêpe dans l'oophagie assure l'homogénéité du couvain: en règle, toute la descendance provient de la même mère.

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Summary A laying female ofPolistes does not react in the same manner to the different categories of eggs which she encounters in the nest. Particularly, she may exterminate systematically all those layed by other females (foreign eggs) while she respects her own. This difference of treatment occording the origine of egg defines the differential oophagy.In that paper, various internal and external factors which may be the start of that behaviour, are analysed.In the polygynous society, the differential oophagy becomes the privilege of the subject . This specialization of a single wasp in the oophagy assure the homogeneity of the brood: as a general rule, all the progeny comes from the same mother.

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Zusammenfassung Eine LegerinPolistes reagiert nicht auf die selbe Art bei den verschieden Kategorien die sie antrifft im Nest. Namentlich kommt es vor dass sie systematisch alle Eier vernichtet die sie von anderen Weibchen vorfindet (d. h. fremde Eier), während sie ihre Eigenen respektiert. Diese unterschiedliche Behandlung je nach herkommen des Eies bezeichnet mandifferentiale Oophagie In diesem Artikel versucht man die verschiedenen intern und extern Faktoren zu analysieren, sowie was das Benehmen ihres Ursprungs sind.Bei den Polygyne die differentiale Oophagie wird das Privilegium des Einzelwesens . Diese Spezialization einer einzelnen Wespe der Oophagie sichert die Gleichartigkeit der Brut: in der Regel stammen alle Nachkommen von der selben Mutter.

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Ce travail a été fait en collaboration avec Ed. Ph.Deleurance.     

Etude du maintien de l’état vivacechezTeucrium Scorodonia L. (Labiée)

1. 1.
   Teucrium scorodonia L. je víceletá lody?natá rostlina, která vy?aduje nejméně osmitýdenní jarovizaci p?i 3°C teploty. Indukce a po?átek kvetení probíhají na dlouhém dni.     
   
   

Genome sizes of Eucomis L’Hér. (Hyacinthaceae) and a description of the new species Eucomis grimshawii G.D.Duncan & Zonneveld

Nuclear genome size, as measured by flow cytometry with propidium iodide, was used to investigate the relationships within the genus Eucomis L’Hér. (Hyacinthaceae). Most species of Eucomis have the same basic chromosome number, x = 15. However, the somatic DNA 2C-value (2C) is shown to range from 21 to 31 pg for the diploids. The largest genome contains roughly 10¹⁰ more base pairs than the smallest. Genome sizes are evaluated here in combination with available morphological and geographical data. Therefore, the taxonomy proposed here is not based on genome size alone. The genus Eucomis, as here determined, has 12 species. These can be divided into two groups: mainly dwarf diploid species and large-sized, tetraploid species. A small diploid plant, Eucomis (autumnalis subsp.) amaryllidifolia, is restored to species status, as a diploid subspecies seems incongruent with an allotetraploid Eucomis autumnalis. Moreover, as a diploid it is separated reproductively from the allotetraploid E. autumnalis. A new diploid species that has the lowest C value, E. grimshawii, is described here. On the basis of DNA content and other morphological characters, possible parents are suggested for all tetraploid species. Nuclear DNA content as measured by using flow cytometry may conveniently be used to produce systematic data. It is applicable even in dormant bulbs or sterile plants for the monitoring of the trade in bulbous species.     

Bioefficacy of Blumea mollis (D. Don) Merr. and Hygrophila schulii (Buch.-Ham.) (Syn. H. auriculata) against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)

Indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides to control the pests causes negative effects on non-target organisms. Some of the chemicals under B and C categories are carcinogenic to humans. The present study was aimed to assess the antifeedant, larvicidal and pupicidal activities of Hygrophila schulii (syn. H. auriculata) and Blumea mollis against Helicoverpa armigera. Maximum antifeedant activity of 70.01% was observed in ethyl acetate extract of H. schulii at 5.0% concentration with LC₅₀ value of 2.0%. B. mollis ethyl acetate extract at 5.0% concentration showed antifeedant activity of 35.40% with LC₅₀ value of 8.38%. The data for antifeedant activity showed homogeneity of variances in Levene Statistics and normality in Shapiro–Wilk test. Ethyl acetate extract of H. schulii at 5.0% concentration showed 68.66% larvicidal activity with LC₅₀ value of 2.97%. It also showed 73.33% pupicidal activity and was statistically significant from other treatments. No pupicidal activity was observed in ethyl acetate extract of B. mollis. All concentrations of ethyl acetate extract of H. schulii showed promising biological activities which differed statistically from other treatments. Ethyl acetate extract of H. schulii could be used to develop new botanical formulations to manage agricultural pests.     

Le plus vieil établissement de métallurgistes de France (IIIe millénaire av. J.-C.) : Péret (Hérault)

The settlement of Chalcolithic metalworkers of La Capitelle du Broum is a truly outstanding site. The first AMS ¹⁴C dating (3rd millennium BC) reveals it as the oldest site in the mining and metallurgy district of Cabrières. It is of the same age as the oldest metallurgy site discovered in continental France (Roquemengarde). It includes, near the prehistoric copper mines already discovered, double-facing dry-stone walls of the Fontbouisse type and a variety of metallurgy structures. Metalworking tools, including one of the very rare ingot crucibles known from this period in Western Europe, are found alongside ceramics typical of the Late Neolithic (Broum type?). To cite this article: P. Ambert et al., C. R. Palevol 1 (2002) 67–74.     

Taxonomic implications of genome size and pollen colour and vitality for species of Agapanthus L’Héritier (Agapanthaceae)

Nuclear DNA content (2C) and pollen vitality and colour are used as new criteria to investigate all species of the genus Agapanthus LHéritier. The species have the same chromosome number (2n=2x=30), with exception of four triploid plants found. The nuclear DNA content of the diploids, as measured by flow cytometry with propidium iodide, is demonstrated to range from 22.1–31.6 pg. This implies that the largest genome contains roughly 10¹⁰ more base pairs than the smallest. The species could be divided in two groups based on pollen colour and DNA content: a group with lilac pollen and a DNA content between 22.3 and 24.1 pg containing the species A. campanulatus Leighton, A. caulescens Sprenger and the rarer A. coddii Leighton, and a group with yellow/brownish pollen and a DNA content from 25.2–31.6 pg containing the species A. praecox Willd., A. inapertus Beauv. and A. africanus (L.) Hoffmanns. Four other taxa, recognized by Leighton (1965) are treated as follows: A. comptonii Leighton, has a nuclear DNA content similar to A. praecox and is considered to be a synonym of A. praecox subsp. minimus Leighton. A. walshii L. Bol., has with 31.6 pg the same high amount of DNA as A. africanus from the same area and is therefore renamed as a subspecies (A. africanus subsp. walshii (Leighton) Zonn. & Duncan comb. nov.). The nuclear DNA amounts of A. dyeri Leighton, including the geographically isolated plants from Mozambique, are shown to be identical to A. inapertus. Therefore A. dyeri is considered synonymous with A. inapertus subsp. intermedius Leighton. A. nutans Leighton is identical in DNA content to A. caulescens and is considered to be synonymous with that species. Concluding there are six species: A. campanulatus Leighton, A. caulescens Sprenger, A. coddii Leighton, A. praecox Willd., A. inapertus Beauv. and A. africanus (L.) Hoffmanns. Nuclear DNA content as measured by flow cytometry and pollen colour are shown to be relevant traits to throw light on the relationships between Agapanthus species.     

Ultrastructural characteristics of « Diplotaxis erucoides (L.) DC. » suspensor

Abstract

The development and general morphology of Diplotaxis erucoides (L.) DC. suspensor is of the « Onagrad Type », « Alyssum Variation ». Maximum growth of the suspensor occurs from the globular to the early heart stage of embryo development. The suspensor starts then to degenerate disintegrating shortly after the torpedo stage of the embryo.

The wall ingrowths of the long, tapering, basal cell are especially abundant at the cell's micropilar pole which is closely surrounded by well developed wall ingrowths formed by the endosperm. Wall ingrowths and plasmodesmata are present on the suspensor cells cross walls with the exception of the cell closest to the embryo. No such structures in fact are present on the walls separating this last cell both from the embryo and from the rest of the suspensor. Wall ingrowths are generally associated with numerous, large, mitochondria.

The morphological data seem to indicate that absorption and transport of nutrients from the surrounding tissues is a main function of the suspensor. The possibility of an elaborative and secretory function of this structure is discussed.     

Chemical constituents with ɑ,β-unsaturated carbonyl group from the whole plants of Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz. (Asteraceae)

Phytochemical characterization of the whole plants of Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz. Led to the isolation of two indole derivatives (1–2), seven monoterpenoids (3–9), two sesquiterpenoids (10–11), and four pyrone derivatives (12–15). The structures of these compounds were examined with spectroscopic methods, and also by comparing with previously reported spectroscopic data. Among them, ten compounds (1–2, 6–11, 14–15) are reported from Erigeron breviscapus for the first time. In addition, three compounds (2, 8–9) are isolated for the first time from Asteraceae family. On the basis of chemical research, we also described the chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds.     

Cytotoxic constituents from the leaves of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) and their structure–activity relationships

Bioassay-directed phytochemical study of the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) leaves led to the isolation of a new sesquiterpene lactone of 3-Hydroxy-8β-tigloyloxy-1,10-dehydroariglovin (1), ten known sesquiterpene lactones (2–11) and two known flavones (12–13). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectroscopic analysis. The cytotoxic activities of those compounds were subsequently tested against the MCF-7, A549 and HeLa cancer cells lines. The results indicated that sesquiterpene lactones 1–11 exhibited consistent cytotoxicity against all three cancer cell lines, while flavones 12 and 13 showed selective inhibitory activity against HeLa cell lines. Among them, compound 3 exhibited significant growth inhibitory activity against all three cell lines. The IC₅₀ values of compound 3 against MCF-7, A549 and HeLa were 1.97 ± 0.04, 7.79 ± 0.44, 9.87 ± 0.20 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, some structure–activity relationships of these sesquiterpene lactones for cytotoxicity were explored and summarized in this study.