Variation of Salvia fruticosa Essential Oils on the Island of Crete (Greece)

The essential oil content and composition of Salvia fruticosa (Greek sage) plants growing wild in 20 localities scattered on the island of Crete are studied. The results of our analyses have shown a noticeable variation in the essential oil content (ranging from 1.1 up to 5.1 %) and the amount of the four main oil components: 1,8-cineole (22.7 ? 64.2% of total oil), α-thujone (1.0 ? 19.2%) β-thujone (0.9 ? 25.6%) and camphor (0.8 ? 30.3%). Discriminant analysis revealed that the variation pattern of the essential oil content and the amount of the four main oil components is geographically related, following a W → E direction. Plants grown in Western Crete show a lower essential oil content and their oils are characterised by the predominance of 1,8-cineole. On the other hand, those collected from Eastern Crete exhibit higher values in essential oil content and their oils, besides 1,8-cineole, are rich in α- and β-thujone or camphor. Our findings are further discussed in relation to literature data.     

纺锤根锥花——中国唇形科锥花属一新记录种

报道了中国唇形科锥花属一新记录种———纺锤根锥花Gomphostemma mastersii Benth.ex Hook.f.,并提供了该种的形态描述和野外生态照片。纺锤根锥花是现知锥花属植物中唯一具有纺锤根的种类。     

唇形科苣叶鼠尾草的新分布及适生分布区预测

在野外调查的基础上,报道了苣叶鼠尾草在贵州和广西的省级新分布.基于苣叶鼠尾草16个分布数据和11个环境因子参数,运用最大熵(MaxEnt)模型对其适生分布区进行预测,并通过受试者工作特征(receiver operat-ing characteristic,ROC)曲线对模型精度进行验证.结果表明:(1)ROC曲线下面...     

Chemical composition and larvicidal effects of essential oil of Dendropanax morbifera against Aedes aegypti L.

Essential oils obtained from the flowers of Dendropanax morbifera were extracted and the chemical composition and larvicidal effects were studied. The analyses were conducted by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) revealed that the essential oil of D. morbifera contained 27 compounds. The major chemical components identified were γ-elemene (18.59%), tetramethyltricyclohydrocarbon (10.82%), β-selinene (10.41%), α-zingibirene (10.52%), 2-isopropyl-5-methylbicylodecen (4.2%), β-cubebene (4.19), and 2,6-bis(1,1-Dimethylethyl)-4-phenol (4.01%). The essential oil had a significant toxic effect against early fourth-stage larvae of Aedes aegypti L. with an LC₅₀ value of 62.32 ppm and an LC₉₀ value of 131.21 ppm. The results could be useful in search for newer, safer, and more effective natural larvicidal agents against A. aegypti.     

Plant development and synthesis of essential oils in micropropagated and mycorrhiza inoculated plants of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart

Biomass production of micropropagated oregano was induced by inoculation with the fungus Glomus viscosum. The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on morphological and metabolic variations of regenerated oregano plants were investigated at different growth stages. AM greatly increased parameters such as plant leaf area, fresh and dry weight, number of spicasters and verticillasters in infected plants. An increase of the gland density, especially on the upper leaf epidermis, was also observed following the physiological ageing of the tissues. The in vitro plants of O. vulgare ssp. hirtum described in this study provided a qualitatively and quantitatively good source of essential oils that have a chemical profile comparable to that of the control mother plants with carvacrol as the main compound.     

Differentiation between the two subspecies of Atherosperma moschatum Labill. (Atherospermataceae) from their leaf oils

The leaf oils of both subspecies of Atherosperma moschatum have been investigated to determine if there were any chemical differences between the two subspecies. While both subspecies of A. moschatum contained methyl eugenol (55–87%), safrole (5–20%) and linalool (1–6%), camphor (5–10%) was found to be only in the oils of A. moschatum subsp. moschatum and to be either absent or, at most, less than 0.5% in the oils of A. moschatum subsp. integrifolium. There was also a range of monoterpene hydrocarbons and 1,8-cineole, all in the range of 0.1–5%, that were present in subspecies moschatum but virtually absent in subspecies integrifolium.     

Antimicrobial and insecticidal activities of essential oil isolated from Turkish Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth.

The hydrodistillated essential oil of Salvia hydrangea was analyzed by GC–MS. Fifty-four different components representing 95.9% of the compounds in the oil were identified. Camphor (54.2%), -humulene (4.0%), cis-sesquisabinene hydrate (2.8%), myrtenol (2.6%), β-bisabolol (2.2%) and 1,8-cineole (2.1%) were found to be predominant components. The oil was also characterized by relatively high amount of oxygenated monoterpenes (69.6%). The oil was tested for fungitoxic effects against 33 agricultural pathogenic fungi using in vitro microbial growth inhibition assays. The oil exhibited considerable antifungal activity against a broad spectrum of tested fungi. Antibacterial activity of the oil was determined against 30 bacterial strains using the disc diffusion method. The oil had a very wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. However, it was not as active as penicillin. The oil showed 68.3–75.0% mortality against adults of Sitophilus granarius and Tribolium confusum, the major pests of wheat and wheat products, respectively. It can be concluded that the oil of S. hydrangea has a potential against agricultural pathogenic fungi and two stored pests, S. granarius and T. confusum.     

Micromorphological and chemical characterisation of Stachys recta L. subsp. serpentini (Fiori) Arrigoni in comparison to Stachys recta L. subsp. recta (Lamiaceae)

Stachys recta L. is a very polymorphous species in which numerous subspecies were recognised. S. recta L. subsp. serpentini (Fiori) Arrigoni is a typical endemism growing on serpentine soils in northern Apennines and particularly in Tuscany (Italy). In order to contribute to a better knowledge of this plant and to its differentiation with respect to S. recta L. subsp. recta, the micromorphological characters (non-glandular and glandular trichomes) and the essential oil composition of the two subspecies were investigated. Micromorphological characters were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, while light microscopy was used for histochemical observations. Essential oil analysis was carried out by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.In the two examined taxa, the morphology and distribution of glandular and non-glandular trichomes, and the different essential oil composition, may be considered distinctive characters at subspecies level. This is consistent with the taxonomic classification considering S. recta subsp. serpentini a subordinate taxon of S. recta.     

Airborne Ascomycotina on the island of Crete: Seasonal patternsbased on an 8-year volumetric survey

An 8-year study was conducted on the island of Crete in order to identify airborne ascospores and to determine their seasonal pattern. A Burkard 7-day, volumetric spore-trap was continuously operated in the city of Irakleion – located in the center of the island – from 1994 through 2001. Relatively „high” ascospore counts (20 – 48 spores/m ³) were obtained from mid-spring through summer, while the rest of the year exhibited lower activity (8–16 spores/m³). The predominant ascospores identified were those of Leptosphaeria and Chaetomium; their concentrations varied from 1 or 2 spores up to a few dozens of spores/m³. Other spores encountered sporadically were: Ascobolus, Endophragmiella, Didymella, Diatrypaceae, Leptosphaerulina, Massaria, Pleospora, Sporormiella, Xylaria. The mean daily concentration of all identified ascospores was 30/m³ for the entire study period, corresponding to 13.9% of the total fungal load. Ascospores have been recognized as important inhalant allergens and have been implicated as contributing to symptoms of both rhinitis and asthma.     

丹参SmVS基因的克隆和表达分析

为了解丹参(Salvia miltiorrhiza)的Vinorine合成酶基因(VS)的功能,从丹参中克隆了SmVS基因,并通过Ex PASy等在线分析软件对其进行生物信息学分析,同时利用RT-qPCR技术分析其表达模式。结果表明,SmVS基因全长726 bp,编码241个氨基酸,编码蛋白分子量为26 861.72,等电点PI为5.66,为膜外蛋白,推测定位于线粒体。系统进化分析表明,丹参SmVS与野生油橄榄(Olea europaea var. sylvestris)的VS亲缘关系较近。SmVS基因在丹参根中的表达比叶的高,叶中的转录水平在21:00最高。因此,推测SmVS基因与光应答有关。     

丹参SmPI1和SmPI2基因克隆及胁迫表达研究

该研究从药用植物丹参中克隆了SmPI1和SmPI2蛋白酶抑制剂基因,采用生物信息学和实时荧光定量PCR方法对其序列及表达模式进行了分析。序列分析结果表明,丹参SmPI1和SmPI2基因分别含有一个长度为222bp和216bp的开放阅读框,编码73和71个氨基酸;2个编码蛋白都无跨膜结构域和信号肽,预测都定位于细胞质中;SmPI1和SmPI2蛋白与川桑、可可、苜蓿等植物的蛋白酶抑制剂基因相似性较高,分别为58%、52%、53%和54%、56%、51%。实时荧光定量PCR结果表明,SmPI1和SmPI2基因受茉莉酸甲酯(MeJA)和甘蓝黑腐病黄单胞菌(Xanthomonas campestris pv.Campestris,XC)显著诱导,说明丹参SmPI1和SmPI2基因可强烈响应这两类胁迫,可能参与丹参中两类胁迫分子途径相关的抗性反应。     

Fumigant toxicity of the essential oils of some African plants against Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto

The essential oils from 15 species of African plants selected by ethnobotanical considerations and field inspection (odour and presence of insects) were screened for fumigant toxicity to Anopheles gambiae s.s. in the laboratory. Essential oils from 6 species showed varying levels of toxicity, with Conyza newii (Compositae) and Plectranthus marruboides (Labiateae) being the most potent. Fifty compounds representing approximately 74% of the essential oil of C. newii were identified by GC-MS and GC-coinjection (for available standards). The major and some of the minor constituents of the two oils were assayed at different doses. Two compounds, from C. newii, perillaldehyde and perillyl alcohol, exhibited higher fumigant toxicity (LD50 = 1.05 x 10(-4) and 2.52 x 10(-4) mg cm(-3), respectively) than the parent oil (2.0 x 10(-3) mg cm(-3)). GC-MS analysis of the essential oil of P. marruboides gave results similar to that previously reported. Interestingly, none of its components were active, suggesting that the insecticidal activity of the oil results from either some of the minor components or as a blend effect of some of the major constituents.     

Phytotoxic effects of Lantana camara, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eriocephalus africanus essential oils in weeds of Mediterranean summer crops

The essential oil composition of Lantana camara, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eriocephalus africanus was analyzed by means of GC and GC–MS and bioassayed in order to determine their activity against Amaranthus hybridus and Portulaca oleracea. E. camaldulensis essential oil, with spathulenol as the main compound, was the most effective, completely inhibiting germination and seedling growth on both weeds. The essential oil of E. africanus, rich in artemisia ketone, showed activity similar to that of E. camaldulensis on A. hybridus, but it was not so effective against P. oleracea, and L. camara essential oil, with high percentages in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, also showed higher phytotoxic activity against A. hybridus, inhibiting its germination and seedling length; however, it showed no effect against P. oleracea germination, whereas was effective in significantly reducing its seedling growth at all concentrations assayed. The results suggest the possible use of these essential oils as natural herbicides.     

Biological control of Tipula paludosa (Diptera: Nematocera) using entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema spp.) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis

Tipula paludosa (Diptera: Nematocera) is the major insect pest in grassland in Northwest Europe and has been accidentally introduced to North America. Oviposition occurs during late August and first instars hatch from September until mid-October. Laboratory and field trials were conducted to assess the control potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) (Steinernema carpocapsae and S. feltiae) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) against T. paludosa and to investigate whether synergistic effects can be exploited by simultaneous application of nematodes and Bti. Results indicate that the early instars of the insect are most susceptible to nematodes and Bti. In the field the neonates prevail when temperatures tend to drop below 10 °C. S. carpocapsae, reaching >80% control, is more effective against young stages of T. paludosa than S. feltiae (<50%), but the potential of S. carpocapsae might be limited by temperatures below 12 °C. Mortality of T. paludosa caused by Bti was not affected by temperature even at 4 °C but the lethal time increased with decreasing temperatures. Synergistic effects of Bti and EPN against T. paludosa were observed in 3 out of 10 combinations in laboratory assays but not in a field trial. The potential of S. carpocapsae was demonstrated in field trials against early instars in October reaching an efficacy of >80% with 0.5 million nematodes m⁻² at soil temperatures ranging between 3 and 18 °C. Results with Bti were strongly influenced by the larval stage and concentration. Against early instars in autumn between 74 and 83% control was achieved with 13 kg ha⁻¹ Bti of 5,700 International Toxic Units (ITUs) and 20 kg ha⁻¹ of 3,000 ITUs. Applications in spring against third and fourth instars achieved between 0 and 32% reduction. The results indicate that application of Bti and nematodes will only be successful and economically feasible during the early instars and that the success of S. carpocapsae is dependent on temperatures >12 °C. Synergistic effects between S. carpocapsae and Bti require more detailed investigations in the field to determine maximal effect.     

丹参环阿屯醇合酶基因克隆及表达分析

以丹参cDNA为模板,克隆了丹参环阿屯醇合酶(cycloartenol synthase,CAS)基因的cDNA序列(SmCAS),对其序列进行生物信息学分析,并采用实时荧光定量PCR方法研究了该基因在丹参不同器官及不同胁迫处理下的表达模式。结果显示:该基因全长2 346bp,包含2 271bp开放阅读框,编码756个氨基酸。预测其编码蛋白分子量为86.16kD,具有氧化鲨烯环化酶超家族典型的DCTAE结构域和QW结构域。该基因推测的氨基酸序列与人参、田七、积雪草、甘草、拟南芥的相似性分别为83%、84%、83%、81%和80%。SmCAS基因在丹参根、茎、叶、花中均有表达,在花中表达量最高;而且SmCAS基因能够响应ABA、低温和干旱的诱导。     

Status and structure of the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) population in Crete

Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) population surveys were conducted during 1996–2002 in the island of Crete (Greece) to document population status and structure. Fieldwork was carried out during the breeding period when birds could be monitored in their colonies. Total population size was estimated at 379 individuals (range = 341–417) with adult birds comprising 63%. The breeding population was estimated at 141 pairs, which were distributed on an average in 23 colonies per year (range = 16–30) while the mean number of breeding pairs that laid eggs was 98 (range= 64–126). Crete thus supports the largest insular population of the species in the world and hosts 70–80% of the breeding population of the species in Greece. Population density was estimated at 6.9 individuals/100 km², 2.6 breeding pairs/100 km² and 1.8 nesting pairs/100 km². The average home range of an occupied colony (i.e., breeding group) was estimated at ca. 204 km² producing a theoretical foraging range of 8 km radius around the breeding cliff. No trends in the total number of individuals and breeding pairs appeared to exist, although significant differences in population size of individual colonies occurred between the years. The majority of the population was concentrated in small-sized colonies, which showed a low occupancy rate. The number of abandoned sites and the colonization of new ones could represent a shift of breeding pairs to alternative colonies provoked by local food abundance and conspesific attraction.     

丹参线粒体和叶绿体微卫星标记开发及多样性分析

该研究通过生物信息学方法,对丹参线粒体、叶绿体基因组序列进行SSR位点搜索,利用Primer3.0软件在线设计SSR引物,通过PCR扩增,筛选出扩增效果好、多态性高的10对cpSSR引物和13对mtSSR引物,用于分析61份丹参品种的遗传多样性和鼠尾草属植物种间的通用性。结果显示：（1）从2条基因组序列中搜索到32个cpSSR位点和24个mtSSR位点,其中叶绿体单核苷酸的重复序列最多为31个,占96.9%,重复类型中以A/T形式的微卫星最为丰富。（2）23对SSR引物共检测出46个等位基因,平均每个SSR位点等位基因数是2个,有效等位基因数为1.566;预期杂合度(H_e)为0.346,高于双子叶植物的平均水平（H_e=0.190）;多态信息含量（PIC）为0.278,大于0.250小于0.500;Shannons信息指数为0.519,表明所采集的丹参呈中等水平的遗传多样性。（3）聚类分析表明,61份丹参材料的遗传相似系数在0.54~0.96之间,并在遗传相似系数为0.64处将 61份丹参分为6个亚群：四川、山东和安徽省的丹参聚集在Ⅰ和Ⅱ亚群中,说明四川中江、山东和安徽地区的丹参亲缘关系较近,而来源于四川中江的丹参分布于所有亚群,表明四川中江的丹参具有丰富的多态性。（4）通用性检测结果显示,11对mtSSR引物在9种鼠尾草属中的平均通用性比率为64.63%,通用性较高;9对cpSSR引物在10种鼠尾草属中的平均通用性比率为44.66%,通用性较低;引物cp5p、cp8p和cp10p在野芝麻亚科植物属间的通用性较好。研究表明,开发的23对SSR引物在鼠尾草属内具有很好的适用性,可以为该属种间的亲缘关系和种内遗传分化研究提供分子依据。     

桂木茎枝化学成分的研究

从桂木(Artocarpus nitidus subsp.lingnanensis)茎枝中分离得到13个化合物。通过波谱分析,分别鉴定为albanin A(1)、brosimone I(2)、cycloartocarpin A(3)、artotonkin(4)、albafuran A(5)、artocarpin(6)、artogomezianone(7)、β-香树素乙酯(8)、3,4-二羟基苯甲醛(9)、3,4-二羟基苯甲酸(10)、3-甲氧基-1,2-丙二醇(11)、β-谷甾醇(12)和β-胡萝卜苷(13)。这些化合物为首次从桂木中分离得到。