Structure and identification of root bark of Quercus robur L.

The root bark structure of Quercus robur L. was analysed at different stages of root development and compared to the structure of stem bark. Root bark thickness varied considerably between different roots. Sclereid quantity decreased with increasing distance from the stem, which means it increased with age. Visible growth increments diminished with increasing distance from the stem. In lateral roots crystal quantity decreased with increasing distance from the stem. In lateral roots secondary phloem fibre length, sieve tube member length, and sieve tube diameter showed no regular trend. There were only a few basic structural differences between root and stem bark. The zone of cell differentiation (cell expansion, lignification) was wider in root bark; sieve tube collapse was delayed. In lateral root bark fewer sclereids were formed. The first-formed periderm often originated from deeper cell layers. Thus, primary elements were lacking after periderm formation. In root bark the phellem cell walls were of equal thickness. Thus, phellem lacked visible growth increments. Root bark phellem cells were slightly larger. The root phelloderm was more distinct. The secondary phloem fibres were slightly shorter than those in stem bark. Sieve tube members of stem and root bark were of similar length and diameter. The qualitative bark anatomical characters of oak root bark are suitable for root identifications. Due to minor structural differences between root and stem bark the characters must be used with care.     

色季拉山急尖长苞冷杉叶片及细根性状随海拔的变异特征

叶片和细根是植物对环境变化响应的主要功能器官,在气候变化趋势下,研究其随环境梯度的变化,对理解植物对环境的适应策略具有重要意义。本文是在色季拉山急尖长苞冷杉分布区,按海拔梯度(3800、3900、4000、4100、4200、4300、4400m)选择7个典型样地,在样地内对其叶片基本特征、叶绿素含量、比叶重和细根特征(0—60cm)等参数进行了测量。结果表明:(1)随海拔梯度升高,急尖长苞冷杉叶片叶面积减小、叶片厚度增加、叶绿素含量逐渐降低、比叶重显著增大。3900m处急尖长苞冷杉的叶片形态特征表现最好,叶片长度、宽度和面积均显著优于其他海拔,海拔4200m叶片厚度达到最大值,叶片面积、叶绿素含量随海拔升高呈下降趋势,但在4200m处出现第二峰值。(2)随海拔梯度增加,细根各性状与海拔表现出非线性关系,其中细根生物量和细根体积在3900m和4200m处出现两次峰值,3900m处细根生物量达到最大值,4200m处细根体积达到最大值,4400m处细根生物量和细根体积均显著少于其他海拔。细根根长密度在海拔3900、4200、4300m较高,三者之间差异不显著,但显著高于其余海拔,4400m海拔细根根长密度最小。细根表面积在3900m海拔处达到最大值,显著高于其他海拔,4200和4300m次之,3800、4000和4400m海拔下细根表面积相对较小。4400m处细根比根长达到最大值。各海拔上细根均主要分布在0—20cm土层。随土层厚度增加,各海拔细根生物量和根系体积在0—60cm土层范围内均逐渐减小;细根根长密度、表面积在20—40cm和40—60cm显著提高;同一海拔细根比根长随土层深度增加呈明显的增加趋势。各海拔40—60cm土层细根比根长显著高于20—40和0—20cm土层。(3)综合叶片及细根特征,海拔3900m为急尖长苞冷杉的最适宜生长区域;随海拔升高,环境因子逐渐恶劣,环境胁迫加剧,急尖长苞冷杉最终形成在4400m处为其分布上限的海拔梯度格局。     

Alkaloid synthesis is coupled to shoot morphogenesis in Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) in vitro cultures

During the induction process of an in vitro callus culture of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae), the levels of two benzylisoquinoline alkaloids known as berberine and sanguinarine displayed opposing trends. While the berberine levels steadily decreased from the initial explant stage up to the early proliferation of unorganized parenchymatous cell masses, the sanguinarine content increased. Once the callus culture was established, sanguinarine was the primary alkaloid present and berberine could no longer be detected. However, upon shoot regeneration, the berberine accumulation recovered, but sanguinarine was found in the newly formed leafy tissue. After root formation, sanguinarine was relocated to this organ, whereas berberine was evenly distributed between both tissues. Explants from stem internodes did not form callus, and berberine—plus sanguinarine—containing axillary shoots emerged from lateral buds in the induction medium. In contrast to callus-derived shoots, no root formation was observed. Therefore, alkaloid synthesis in A. mexicana in vitro cultures is related to the level of tissue organization in different ways, and while berberine accumulation seems to require the presence of differentiated organs, this is not the case for sanguinarine. Moreover, leafy parts of rootless shoots acquired the capacity to accumulate sanguinarine, which is usually absent in aerial tissues of mature plants. However, when these shoots were rooted, sanguinarine was mainly located in the newly formed roots, while berberine was detected in the shoots at similar levels found in the roots.

     

Interactions between calcium and copper or cadmium in Norway spruce

The accumulation of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) in roots and stem of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst) was examined. Two-year-old Norway spruce seedlings were treated with elevated concentrations of Ca, Cd or Cu, or as combinations of Ca with Cu or Cd in nutrient solutions for three months. The stem was divided into bark, wood formed during the treatment period (new wood), and wood formed before the treatment period (old wood). The accumulation of the metals in stem and roots increased with addition of the respective metal into nutrient solution. Addition of Cu decreased the accumulation of Ca in roots and wood, and Ca addition decreased the accumulation of Cu in the new wood. By adding Ca in combination with Cu the accumulation of Cu in the stem was decreased even more by Ca and the negative effect of Cu on the Ca content in the stem was diminished. Addition of Cd decreased the accumulation of Ca in wood, especially the old wood, and Ca addition decreased the accumulation of Cd in roots, bark and new wood. By adding Ca in combination with Cd the Ca content was reduced in the bark, instead of in the old wood.     

Biomass accumulations and the distribution of nitrogen and phosphorus within three<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus acutissima</Emphasis> stands in central Korea

Above- and belowground biomass and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) distribution within threeQuercus acutissima stands were investigated in central Korea. The average age (year) and diameter at breast height (DBH, cm) were 10.8 and 7.9 for Stand 1, 38.2 and 17.1 for Stand 2, and 44.0 and 20.7 for Stand 3, respectively. Fifteen trees were destructively harvested for dimension analysis of component biomass (stem wood, stem bark, foliage, branches, and roots) plus N and P concentrations. Total biomass (t ha^-1) was 88.7 for Stand 1, 154.9 for Stand 2, and 278.1 for Stand 3 while N and P contents in all tree components (kg ha^-1) were 483.3 and 52.2, 697.1 and 55.0, and 1113.9 and 83.7. Nitrogen concentrations were highest in the foliage, followed by the stem bark, branches or roots, and stem wood. In contrast, P concentrations were greatest in the roots, then foliage, branches, stem bark, and stem wood. In general, N and P concentrations in these components significantly decreased with tree age and DBH, while N and P contents significantly increased with age and size. These relationships were stronger for size than for age. Our current data could be utilized to estimate N and P budgets for silvicultural practices, including fertilization, thinning, and harvesting.     

Nitrogen storage and remobilization in ash (Fraxinus excelsior) under field and laboratory conditions

 Storage and remobilization of nitrogen (N) were studied in ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) under both field and greenhouse conditions. Experiments in the greenhouse providing ¹⁵N labelled fertilizer to the trees showed that the major quantity of N remobilized during subsequent spring was from the roots, and only a small amount from the stem. This corresponded with a loss of soluble N (proteins and low-molecular-weight compounds) from both roots and stem. On the two field sites, which differed in water availability, there was a decrease in bark N content during leaf growth, but on the dry site net N export from the bark was sustained throughout the whole vegetation period. Remobilized N was derived from soluble proteins and low-molecular-weight compounds on the moist site, which was demonstrated by the seasonal dynamics of a 56 kDa polypeptide in bark and wood. On the dry site, lower contents of soluble proteins were associated with smaller amounts of N remobilized compared to the moist site. Uptake studies of ¹⁵N labelled fertilizer indicated a higher contribution of current uptake to leaf N increment during spring at the dry site compared to the moist site. Differential N availability during the season had a decisive effect on the nitrogen storage dynamics at the two sites. Thus the influence of current N supply on N remobilization and storage as found in the greenhouse-grown plants could be verified under field conditions. Received: 28 July 1995 / Accepted: 17 July 1996     

Dipeptides and Amino Acids as Nitrogen Sources for the Callus of Atropa belladonna

Morphactin ester applied as a bark band to stems of Monterey pine seedlings (Pinus radiata D. Don) at first stimulated and then inhibited the rate of stem elongation over a 20-day period. The inhibition was caused by a direct action of morphactin on the shoot rather than by indirect action on the root system. ¹⁴C labelled morphactin applied to the bark accumulated in the shoot apices and the amount accumulated could be related to the inhibition of growth. More than 70% of labelled material isolated from roots and shoot apices was in the form of a metabolite similar to the carboxylic acid derivative of the morphactin ester. A preparation of ¹⁴C labelled acid derivative applied to the bark was translocated to the shoot apex and to the roots and inhibited stem elongation.     

Change in Electrophoretic Pattern of Ribonuclease during Dormancy and Growth of Bird-cherry Buds

A morphactin formulation containing methyl-2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate as the major component caused abnormal stem growth in Pinus radiata D. Don seedlings when applied as a bark band. The banded region swelled due to increased cell division in the periderm and cambium. The abnormal stem development in treated trees did not cause a localized girdling effect. The morphactin treatment inhibited shoot elongation and root growth. Treated trees exposed to ¹⁴CO₂ translocated significantly less assimilate to the roots than did control trees although fixation of ¹⁴CO₂ by the shoots was not reduced. Label from a bark band of ¹⁴C-morphactin was rapidly translocated to the roots indicating that direct inhibition of root growth by the inhibitor probably occurred.     

Temporal variations of mobile carbohydrates in Abies fargesii at the upper tree limits

Low temperatures are associated high‐altitude treelines, but the functional mechanism of treeline formation remains controversial. The relative contributions of carbon limitation (source activity) and growth limitation (sink activity) require more tests across taxa and regions. We examined temporal variations of mobile carbon supply in different tissues of Abies fargesii across treeline ecotones on north‐ and south‐facing slopes of the Qinling Mountains, China. Non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in tissues along the altitudinal gradient on both slopes changed significantly in the early and late growing season, but not in the mid‐growing season, indicating the season‐dependent carbon supply status. Late in the growing season on both slopes, trees at the upper limits had the highest NSC concentrations and total soluble sugars and lowest starch concentrations compared to trees at the lower elevations. NSC concentrations tended to increase in needles and branches throughout the growing season with increasing elevation on both slopes, but declined in roots and stems. NSC concentrations across sampling dates also indicated increases in needles and branches, and decreases in roots and stem with increasing elevation. Overall altitudinal trends of NSC in A. fargesii revealed no depletion of mobile carbon reserves at upper elevation limits, suggesting limitation of sink activity dominates tree life across treeline ecotones in both north‐ and south‐facing slopes. Carbon reserves in storage tissues (especially roots) in the late growing season might also play an important role in winter survival and early growth in spring at upper elevations on both slopes, which define the uppermost limit of A. fargesii.     

海拔高度对中国沙棘水碳代谢和生长的影响——以关帝山区为例

海拔是影响中国沙棘自然分布和生长的的重要环境因子,水分代谢和碳代谢的平衡是植物存活和生长的基础,研究海拔对中国沙棘的水碳代谢和生长的影响有利于全面了解中国沙棘对海拔高度的适应性及其生理机制。以山西西部关帝山地区野生中国沙棘为研究对象,测定了海拔1100—2100 m的中国沙棘雌株在6月和8月的小枝正午水势、枝条导水损失率、枝条导管直径和导管密度、光合作用、不同部位非结构性碳水化合物(NSC)浓度,同时测定了不同海拔沙棘的株高和冠幅。结果表明：随着海拔的升高,6月和8月的土壤含水量均呈增加趋势;小枝正午水势先升高后降低;枝条导水损失率在6月先降低后升高;随着海拔的升高沙棘的导管直径没有显著性变化,但导管密度、枝条最大比导水率、叶面积呈现先升高后降低的趋势。随着海拔的升高6月和8月光合速率均呈增加趋势;根和叶NSC含量没有较大幅度变化;随着海拔高度的增加中国沙棘树高和冠幅均呈现先增加后降低的趋势。以上结果表明：低海拔(1100—1300 m)和高海拔(1900—2100 m)中国沙棘生长均受到一定程度的抑制,在低海拔主要受干旱胁迫的影响,高海拔对中国沙棘的生长的抑制作用体现在低温引起的水分...     

Characterization of a thermo-osmotic gas transport mechanism in Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.

Summary A gas transport system based upon the physico-chemical effect of thermo-osmosis of gases in described for the black alder, Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. Air is transported through the alder's stem to the roots, thus improving O₂ supply to respiring tissues of the root system. The gas transport system is investigated by means of a tracer gas technique (11% ethane in air, v/v). Gas transport depends on any source of radiant heat generating a temperature difference between the tree's stems and the atmosphere. The amount of gas transported in leafless trees is four times higher than the amount of gas reaching the roots by gas diffusion. Two-thirds of the gas is transported in the wood, only one-third in the bark. Intercellular spaces inside the porous lenticels of the bark are responsible for this kind of gas transport. Their diameters are estimated by the effusion rates of different tracer gases to be in the range of 1 m.     

武夷山不同海拔毛竹细根功能性状

细根作为植物最重要的资源获取功能器官,是影响陆地生态系统的重要组成部分。定量化毛竹的细根功能性状对于理解其生理生态特征响应及生活史策略至关重要。为揭示毛竹细根功能性状随海拔梯度的变化规律以及细根的适应策略,对武夷山不同海拔(840 m、1040 m、1240 m)毛竹细根的碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)含量和比根长(SRL)、比根面积(SRA)等性状进行测定,分析细根性状在海拔上的差异及其异速生长关系。结果表明：(1)不同海拔毛竹细根养分性状存在显著差异。毛竹细根C含量在海拔1040 m最大。随海拔升高,细根N、P含量均呈下降趋势,细根C∶N、C∶P随着海拔的升高而增加。(2)细根的结构性状在海拔梯度上差异显著。随海拔升高,细根平均根直径(AvgDiam)、SRL及SRA均呈下降趋势,而根组织密度(RTD)呈升高趋势。(3)细根性状间存在显著的异速生长关系。细根N与P含量存在显著的等速生长关系,二者与C含量存在显著异速生长关系;SRL与SRA存在显著的等速生长关系,二者与RTD存在显著的负等速生长关系,与N含量存在显著的异速生长关系;细根AvgDiam与RTD存在显著的负异速生长关系。毛...     

青藏高原东南缘陇蜀杜鹃当年生小枝茎叶性状对海拔变化的响应

通过在青藏高原东南缘的岷江源区三处高山林草交错带采集陇蜀杜鹃当年生小枝,测量小枝的茎长、茎粗与茎生物量,沿海拔梯度自然分布的空间变化对比其当年生小枝的茎结构与生物量及其相互关系,接着比较了总叶质量和比叶面积的变化,最后通过典范对应分析(CCA)探究小枝茎叶性状与土壤因子的相关关系,有助于理解陇蜀杜鹃适应异质环境的生态适应对策。结果表明:(1)除弓杠岭外,斗鸡台与卡卡山土壤因子在海拔间差异显著,相似海拔不同山地间土壤因子也存在显著差异。(2)除卡卡山高海拔比叶面积显著小于低海拔外,其他样地的小枝茎性状(茎长、茎粗、比茎长和茎生物量)和叶性状(总叶质量和比叶面积)在海拔间并无显著差异,相似海拔不同坡体间茎粗、茎生物量以及比茎长差异也未达到显著水平(P>0.05),但弓杠岭(3963 m)的茎长显著大于卡卡山(3921 m)(P<0.05)。(3)小枝茎长、茎粗与茎生物量之间均为异速生长关系,且茎生物量累积速率大于茎长和茎粗增加的速率,且茎长的增加速率约为茎粗的2.8倍。(4)CCA排序结果表明,11个土壤环境因子中,碳含量、碳氮比、有机碳含量、总磷和容重对植物性状有显著的影响,但在海拔及不同山体间影响小枝茎叶性状的土壤因子不同。由此可知,较小的海拔梯度变化对小枝茎叶性状影响较小,土壤因子是导致小枝茎叶性状差异的重要原因之一。     

Structural and Histochemical Features of the Slow-Growing Perennial <i>Coptis chinensis</i> Franch. (Ranunculaceae)

Huanglian (Coptis chinensis Franch.) is a slow-growing perennial medicinal herb with considerable economic value. This study aimed to determine the structural characteristics and the levels of berberine deposits in the organs and tissues of Huanglian using light and epifluorescence microscopy. The adventitious roots are composed of primary and secondary structures with endodermis, exodermis, and phellem. The rhizome structures are composed of primary and secondary structures with cuticle and phellem. The leaves are composed of sclerenchymatous rings, isolateral mesophyll, and thin cuticles. We detected berberine in the xylem walls of the roots and rhizomes as well as in the sclerenchymatous rings of the petioles. We postulate that as the exodermis is developed, the deposition of berberine in the xylem closest to the root tips may affect water and nutrient absorption and transfer. Leaf blades had a thin cuticle and isolateral mesophyll, suggesting shade tolerance. These structural and histochemical features suggest that Huanglian is adapted to the slow growing nature of a shady environment.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and nodulation improve flooding tolerance in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pterocarpus officinalis</Emphasis> Jacq. seedlings

Pterocarpus officinalis (Jacq.) seedlings inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus intraradices, and the strain of Bradyrhizobium sp. (UAG 11A) were grown under stem-flooded or nonflooded conditions for 13 weeks after 4 weeks of nonflooded pretreatment under greenhouse conditions. Flooding of P. officinalis seedlings induced several morphological and physiological adaptive mechanisms, including formation of hypertrophied lenticels and aerenchyma tissue and production of adventitious roots on submerged portions of the stem. Flooding also resulted in an increase in collar diameter and leaf, stem, root, and total dry weights, regardless of inoculation. Under flooding, arbuscular mycorrhizas were well developed on root systems and adventitious roots compared with inoculated root systems under nonflooding condition. Arbuscular mycorrhizas made noteworthy contributions to the flood tolerance of P. officinalis seedlings by improving plant growth and P acquisition in leaves. We report in this study the novel occurrence of nodules connected vascularly to the stem and nodule and arbuscular mycorrhizas on adventitious roots of P. officinalis seedlings. Root nodules appeared more efficient fixing N₂ than stem nodules were. Beneficial effect of nodulation in terms of total dry weight and N acquisition in leaves was particularly noted in seedlings growing under flooding conditions. There was no additive effect of arbuscular mycorrhizas and nodulation on plant growth and nutrition in either flooding treatment. The results suggest that the development of adventitious roots, aerenchyma tissue, and hypertrophied lenticels may play a major role in flooded tolerance of P. officinalis symbiosis by increasing oxygen diffusion to the submerged part of the stem and root zone, and therefore contribute to plant growth and nutrition.     

乌拉尔甘草根的结构与皂苷类成分积累关系研究

应用植物解剖学、组织化学定位和植物化学方法,对不同发育阶段的乌拉尔甘草根中的皂苷类成分的积累变化规律进行了研究,为进一步揭示甘草药材质量形成的内在机制并指导优质甘草栽培提供理论依据.结果表明:(1)乌拉尔甘草中皂苷类成分主要存在于根的韧皮薄壁细胞和射线细胞中,韧皮部中皂苷含量高于木质部和根皮,而且根的次生生长与皂苷类成分的积累具有一定的相关性.(2)不同生长年限的乌拉尔甘草根中的总皂苷含量存在差异,3年生甘草根中总皂苷含量高于2年生和1年生甘草根.     

青海云杉林凋落物分解早期微生物生物量时空动态变化

凋落物分解过程中的微生物生物量动态对于深入了解森林生态系统凋落物分解机理具有重要意义。为了解高寒山地森林典型树种凋落物分解过程中的微生物生物量动态特征,采用凋落物袋野外原位分解法,研究了海拔2850 m、2950 m、3050 m、3150 m和3250 m树冠中心(CC)与树冠边缘(CE)青海云杉(Picea crassifolia)叶凋落物分解过程中凋落物和土壤中的微生物生物量碳(MBC)、微生物生物量氮(MBN)和微生物生物量磷(MBP)时空动态变化。时间尺度上,不同海拔CC与CE凋落物中的MBC、MBN和MBP在生长季节初期上升,生长季节后期下降;但土壤中的MBC、MBN和MBP却在生长季节初期下降,生长季节后期上升。然而,3050 m海拔CE和3250 m海拔土壤中的MBP含量呈“先下降-后上升-再下降”的倒“N”型变化格局。空间尺度上,凋落物中的MBC和MBN含量高于土壤中的,但MBP出现相反情况;CE处的MBC、MBN和MBP含量均显著(P<0.05)高于CC;总体而言,MBC、MBN和MBP含量以中海拔显著最高(P<0.05),其次为低海拔,高海拔显著最低(...     

Growth Regulators in Populus tremula I. Distribution of Auxin and Growth Inhibitors

The content of acid ether-soluble auxins and inhibitors in vegetative tissues of aspen (Populus tremula L.) was determined with the Avena coleoptile straightgrowth assay. A growth promotor, tentativety identified as indol-3-yl-acetic acid, occurred in highest concentration in the growing stem parts. It was also detected in various parts of the roots. Large amounts of inhibitors (inhihitor β) were found in growing stem tissue and in upper mature stem parts. Considerably lower content of inhibitors was found in leaves, in the basal stem part and in the roots. Nonwoody growing roots and the wood of older root segments, especially, contained very smalt quantities of inhibitors. The elution volume of a part of the inhibitory activity on a Sephadex column was similar to that of abscisic acid.     

Cell type-specific protoberberine alkaloid accumulation inThalictrum flavum

Berberine is a common benzylisoquinoline alkaloid with potent antimicrobial properties, which suggest it functions to protect some plants from pathogen challenge. Berberine was identified as the major alkaloid in meadow rue (Thalictrum flavum ssp. glaucum), a medicinal member of the Ranunculaceae, and was detected in seeds and all organs of the plant. The high level of berberine in roots, rhizomes, and older petioles is mainly responsible for the intense yellow color of these organs. In rhizomes, protoberberine alkaloids were detected throughout the pith and, to a lesser extent, the cortex, but were absent from the vascular tissues. Similarly, protoberberine alkaloids were detected in the rib parenchyma of older petioles. In roots, alkaloid accumulation was detected only in the endodermis at the onset of secondary growth. Rather than being sloughed off, the endodermis was found to undergo extensive anticlinal division leading to an expanding cellular cylinder that ultimately displaced all external tissues. Endodermal-specific protoberberine alkaloid accumulation continued throughout root development, but was extended to include 3 to 4 layers of smaller pericycle cells in the oldest roots near the base of the stem. The cell type-specific accumulation of antimicrobial alkaloids and the unusual development of the endodermis and pericycle in T. flavum roots support the putative role of berberine in plant defense.     

季节和地理差异对天然黄檗小檗碱和药根碱含量的影响

用高效液相色谱法测定了黄檗根皮、茎皮、多年生枝皮、1年生枝和叶片中小檗碱和药根碱的含量,研究黄檗不同部位两种生物碱的季节和地理差异。结果表明:不同季节,天然黄檗各部位的小檗碱、药根碱含量均表现为:根皮茎皮多年生枝皮1年生枝叶片。小檗碱含量随着季节变化在各部位呈现夏季升高,到秋季下降的趋势。而药根碱在不同部位中的含量随着季节变化的规律不同。根皮、茎皮中的药根碱含量随着季节推移逐渐增多,在夏季升高不明显,而到秋季大量积累。多年生枝皮、1年生枝、叶片中的药根碱在3个季节表现则为先降后升。从纬度水平上看,不同地域间黄檗各部位的生物碱差异显著,在调查的40°—50°N范围内,黄檗两种生物碱的含量普遍在纬度低的地区较高,随着纬度增大先逐渐降低,到N44°左右达到最低值,到了高纬度地区略有回升。