响应面法优化麻疯树花粉离体萌发培养基的研究

麻疯树因其种子含油率较高,种子油提炼的生物柴油可部分替代汽油,而成为一种极具潜能的能源作物,但由于产量低,麻疯树在热带、亚热带的发展受到极大限制。杂交育种是提高产量的重要手段,杂交亲本花粉生活力的高低直接影响到育种的成效。因此,寻求麻疯树离体花粉萌发的最适培养基配方,探明花粉萌发培养基中各主要培养基成分间的交互作用对生产上麻疯树杂交结实率和种子产量的提高具有重要意义。该研究以麻疯树开花初期雄花上花药刚散粉时的成熟花粉粒为材料,采用Box-Behnken设计(Box-Behnken design,BBD)的响应面法,对麻疯树花粉离体萌发培养基中各主要培养基成分的浓度配比及各主要培养基成分的交互作用进行了研究。以花粉萌发率为响应指标,建立了4种营养成分(蔗糖、硼酸、硝酸钙、硝酸钾)与花粉萌发率的响应面模型,并对各主要培养基成分的浓度配比进行了优化。通过R软件进行响应面分析的结果表明:4因素对花粉萌发率的影响顺序为蔗糖硼酸硝酸钙硝酸钾;蔗糖与硼酸、蔗糖与硝酸钙、蔗糖与硝酸钾之间的交互作用显著。响应面建模优化后的最佳培养基为13.77%蔗糖+32.14 mg·L~(-1)硼酸+22.21 mg·L~(-1)硝酸钙+19.95 mg·L~(-1)硝酸钾+200 mg·L~(-1)硫酸镁,在此条件下的理论萌发率为99.73%。采用此培养基成分配比得到麻疯树花粉离体试验萌发率为98.97%,与理论响应值相吻合,同时也表明利用BBD设计的响应面模型进行麻疯树花粉离体萌发培养条件优化方法的有效性。     

N-substituted ethylcarbamate complexes of thorium(IV) and lanthanum(III) nitrates

N-substituted ethylcarbamates form with thorium nitrate the complexes Th(NO₃)₄·3RHNC(O)OC₂H₅ (where R = CH₃, C₂H₅, C₆H₅(CH₃)CH) and with lanthanum nitrate the complexes La(NO₃)₃· 2RR′NC(O)OC₂H₅·3H₂O (where R = CH₃, C₂H₅, C₆H₅(CH₃)CH; R′ = H and R = CH₃, C₆H₅; R′ = C₂H₅ or R = R′ = CH₃). In addition the anhydrous La(NO₃)₃·3(C₂H₅)₂NC(O)OC₂H₅ has been isolated. From the IR spectra it is deduced that the carbamates coordinate the metal through the carbonyl oxygen atom and that the nitrato groups act as chelated ligands. ¹H nmr spectral data of the complexes are reported and discussed.     

Three coordination modes of the pentadentate ligand 2,6-diacetylpyridinedisemicarbazone

The pentadentate ligand 2,6-diacetylpyridinedisemicarbazone, DAPSC, reacts with Cr(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and forms two kinds of complexes. At pH=3, the ligand is singly-deprotonated and crystals of [Cr- (DAPSCH)(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂·H₂O (Ia) are obtained. Evaporation of a solution at pH=0, yields crystals of [Cr(DAPSC)(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₃·2H₂O (II) in which the ligand is fully protonated. The reaction of DAPSC with UO₂(O₂CCH₃)₂ in methanol, followed by crystallization of the product from DMSO yields crystals of [UO₂(DAPSC2H)(H₂O)]·2DMSO (III) in which the ligand is fully deprotonated. Compound Ia is monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with a=11.746(1), b=14.752(2), c=11.866(1) Å,β=105.53(2)°, V= 1981(1) ų and Z=4. Compound II is monoclinic, space group, P2₁/n with a=38.000(3), b= 14.939(2), c=8.233(1) Å, β=96.12(2)°, V= 4647(1) Å and Z=8. Compound III is monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with a=18.048(2), b=15.207(2), c=8.842(1) Å,β=97.72(2)°, V=2405(1) ų and Z=4. The structures were refined using 2084, 4169 and 2516 reflections to R values of 4.4%, 7.8% and 4.8% respectively.     

Metal complexes of 1-methyl-3,4-diphenylpyrazole,a ligand formed by the reaction between benzil and N,N,-dimethylhydrazine

New complexes of the general formulae MnX₂L₂ (X = Cl,Br), MnBr₂L₃, CoX₂L₂ (X = Cl, Br, I, NCS, NO₃), NiX₂L₂ (X = Cl, NO₃), NiBr₂L₃·H₂O, NiL₂L₄·H₂O, CuCl₂L, CuBr₂L₂·H₂O, Cu(NO₃)₂L₂, ZnX₂L₂ (X = Cl, Br, NO₃, Zn(NCS)₂L₂·H₂O, CdX₂L₂ (X = I, NO₃) and HgCl₂L, where L is 1-methyl-3,4-diphenylpyrazole, have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, magnetic moments and spectral (¹H-NMR, IR and electronic) studies. The ligands is formed by the reaction between benzil and N,N-dimethylhydrazine. The nitrogen of the >CN bond is the donor atom to the metal ions. The bis-ligand halide complexes are pseudotetrahedral, while the nitrate complexes contain octahedrally coordinated metal ions. The IR spectra of MCl₂L (M = Cu, Hg) are indicative of the presence of both terminal and bridging metal-halogen bonds supporting polymeric structures. The stereochemistry and the nature of the nickel(II) complexes are markedly dependent upon the anions; the chloride complex is pseudotetrahedral, the iodide square planar, the nitrate polymeric octahedral, while the proposed structural formula for NiBr₂L₃·H₂O comprises Nickel(II) atoms present in both square planar and octahedral coordination environments.     

Coordination chemistry of lanthanides with cryptands. An X-ray and spectroscopic study of the complex Nd2(NO3)6 [C18H36O6N2]·H2O

By reacting neodymium nitrate hexahydrate with the cryptand 〈222〉 in methanol, the complex Nd₂-(NO₃)₆[C₁₈H₃₆O₆N₂]·H₂O was obtained and analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The cell is triclinic P$\text{1}$ with a = 14.870(2) Å, b = 13.261(2) Å, c = 8.832(1) Å, α = 91.2(1)°, β = 93.4(1)°, γ = 87.6(1)°, Z = 2 and U = 1736.6 ų. The structure was refined by least-squares methods to the conventional R = 0.039 for 6177 observed reflections. The compound contains the cations [Nd〈222〉(NO₃)]²⁺ and the anions [Nd(NO₃)₅·H₂O]^2?, and is isostructural with the samarium analogue. Solid state fluorescence spectra of the title complex were measured at room and liquid nitrogen temperature, and the transitions ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2 and ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_11/2 analyzed.     

The involvement of hydrogen peroxide in UV-B-inhibited pollen germination and tube growth of Paeonia suffruticosa and Paulownia tomentosa in vitro

Previous studies have shown that UV-B could affect pollen germination and tube growth. However, the mechanism of response of pollen to UV-B has not been clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the UV-B-induced reduction of in vitro pollen germination and tube growth of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. and Paulownia tomentosa Steud. Exposure of pollen of the two species to 0.4 and 0.8 W m⁻² UV-B radiation for 3 h resulted in not only the reduction of pollen germination and tube growth, but also the H₂O₂ production in pollen grain and tube. Also, exogenous H₂O₂ inhibited pollen germination and tube growth of the two species in a dose-dependence manner. Two scavengers of H₂O₂, ascorbic acid and catalase, largely prevented not only the H₂O₂ generation, but also the reduction of pollen germination and tube growth induced by UV-B radiation in the two species. These results indicate that H₂O₂ is involved in the UV-B-inhibited pollen germination and tube growth.     

Response surface methodology for optimization of medium components in submerged culture of Aspergillus flavus for enhanced heparinase production

Aims: Aim of the study was to develop a medium for optimal heparinase production with a strain of Aspergillus flavus (MTCC‐8654) by using a multidimensional statistical approach. Methods and Results: Statistical optimization of intracellular heparinase production by A. flavus, a new isolate, was investigated. Plackett–Burman design was used to evaluate the affect of medium constituents on heparinase yield. The experimental results showed that the production of heparinase was dependent upon heparin, the inducer; chitin, structurally similar to heparin and NH₄NO_3, the nitrogen source. A central composite design was applied to derive a statistical model for optimizing the composition of the fermentation medium for the production of heparinase enzyme. The optimum fermentation medium consisted of (g l^?1) Mannitol, 8·0; NH₄NO₃, 2·5; K₂HPO₄, 2·5; Na₂HPO₄, 2·5; MgSO₄.7H₂O, 0·5; Chitin, 17·1; Heparin, 0·6; trace salt solution (NaMoO₄.2H₂O, CoCl₂.6H₂O, CuSO₄.5H₂O, FeSO₄.7H₂O, CaCl₂), 10^?4 mol l^?1. Conclusions: A 2·37‐fold increase in heparinase production was achieved in economic and effective manner by the application of statistical designs in medium optimization. Significance and Impact of the Study: Heparinase production was doubled by statistical optimization in a cost‐effective manner. This heparinase can find application in pharmaceutical industry and for the generation of low‐molecular‐weight heparins, active as antithrombotic and antitumour agents.     

Growth of the Peritrich Opercularia coarctata in Axenic Culture*

A synthetic medium for Opercularia coarctata was developed that contains 20 amino acids, 10 vitamins, an 8-component balanced salt solution, Fe₂(SO₄)₃·(NH₄)₂SO₄·24H₂O, Tween 80, stigmasterol, a 7-component nucleic acid mixture, phenol red as an indicator, and 2,500 U.S.P. units/ml penicillin to maintain sterility. This medium supported axenic survival for 96 hr. Multiple supplements of thioctic acid, niacin, niacinamide, inositol, PABA, oleic acid, and Fe(NO₃)₂·9H₂O instead of Fe₂(SO₄)₃·(NH₄)₂SO₄·24H₂O coverted the survival medium into a growth medium, which permitted 36–45 days continuous cultivation of populations in excess of 4 × 10³ cells/3.0 ml final volume. Five generations were produced during the 48 hr logarithmic growth period. Serial transfers at 72 hr and during periods of greatest cell density produced a maximum of 8 generations 96 hr after initiation but the medium failed to sustain growth through more than 6 serial transfers. Extension of this investigation to formulating a minimal axenic medium is discussed.     

Vibrational spectra of the diammineplatinum(II) disodium 5′-uridine monophosphate blue complex

The blue complexes produced by reaction of cis-diamminediaquoplatinum(II) nitrate, [cis-Pt(NH₃)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂, with disodium 5′-uridine monophosphate, 5′-UMP(Na₂), in H₂O and D₂O have been investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy. On the basis of the spectral changes observed in the CO stretching region during the reactions, chelation of the amidate N(3)··O(2) moiety to Pt(II) appears to be more likely than N(4)··O(4) chelation. The antisymmetric PO stretching mode of the PO_3²⁻ group of 5′-UMP splits into a triplet on complex formation indicating that PO_3²⁻ plays an important role in the structure of the platinum blue complexes. In addition, the sugar moiety of 5′-UMP apparently adopts a predominantly C(3′)-endo conformation in the solid blue complex. Finally, Raman microprobe spectroscopy of the solid provides some evidence for PtN(3) bond formation.     

Use of RSM and CHAID data mining algorithm for predicting mineral nutrition of hazelnut

Defining optimal mineral-salt concentrations for in vitro plant development is challenging, due to the many chemical interactions in growth media and genotype variability among plants. Statistical approaches that are easier to interpret are needed to make optimization processes practical. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) data mining algorithm were used to analyze the growth of shoots in a hazelnut tissue-culture medium optimization experiment. Driver and Kuniyuki Walnut medium (DKW) salts (NH₄NO₃, Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O, CaCl₂·2H₂O, MgSO₄·7H₂O, KH₂PO₄ and K₂SO₄) were varied from 0.5× to 3× DKW concentrations with 42 combinations in a IV-optimal design. Shoot quality, shoot length, multiplication and callus formation were evaluated and analyzed using the two methods. Both analyses indicated that NH₄NO₃ was a predominant nutrient factor. RSM projected that low NH₄NO₃ and high KH₂PO₄ concentrations were significant for quality, shoot length, multiplication and callus formation in some of the hazelnut genotypes. CHAID analysis indicated that NH₄NO₃ at ≤1.701× DKW and KH₂PO₄ at >2.012× DKW were the most critical factors for shoot quality. NH₄NO₃ at ≤0.5× DKW and Ca(NO₃)₂ at ≤1.725× DKW were essential for good multiplication. RSM results were genotype dependent while CHAID included genotype as a factor in the analysis, allowing development of a common medium rather than several genotype specific media. Overall, CHAID results were more specific and easier to interpret than RSM graphs. The optimal growth medium for Corylus avellana L. cultivars should include: 0.5× NH₄NO₃, 3× KH₂PO₄, 1.5× Ca(NO₃)₂.     

Hydrodynamics and cell volume oscillations in the pollen tube apical region are integral components of the biomechanics of Nicotiana tabacum pollen tube growth

Pollen tube growth is localized at the apex and displays oscillatory dynamics. It is thought that a balance between intracellular turgor pressure (hydrostatic pressure, reflected by the cell volume) and cell wall loosening is a critical factor driving pollen tube growth. We previously demonstrated that water flows freely into and out of the pollen tube apical region dependent on the extracellular osmotic potential, that cell volume changes reflect changes in the intracellular pressure, and that cell volume changes differentially induce, increases or decreases in specific phospholipid signals. This article shows that manipulation of the extracellular osmotic potential rapidly induces modulations in pollen tube growth rate frequencies, demonstrating that changes in the intracellular pressure are sufficient to reset the pollen tube growth oscillator. This indicates a direct link between intracellular hydrostatic pressure and pollen tube growth. Altering hydrodynamic flow through the pollen tube by replacing extracellular H₂O with ²H₂O adversely affects both cell volume and growth rate oscillations and induces aberrant morphologies. Normal growth and cell morphology are rescued by replacing ²H₂O with H₂O. Further studies revealed that the cell volume oscillates in the pollen tube apical region. These cell volume oscillations were not from changes in cell shape at the tip and were detectable up to 30 μm distal to the tip (the longest length measured). Cell volume in the apical region oscillates with the same frequency as growth rate oscillations but surprisingly the cycles are phase-shifted by 180°. Raman microscopy yields evidence that hydrodynamic flow out of the apex may be part of the biomechanics that drive cellular expansion. The combined results suggest that hydrodynamic loading/unloading in the apical region induces cell volume oscillations and has a role in driving cell elongation and pollen tube growth.     

Efficient itaconic acid production by Aspergillus terreus: Overcoming the strong inhibitory effect of manganese

Itaconic acid (IA), a building block platform chemical, is produced industrially by Aspergillus terreus utilizing glucose. Lignocellulosic biomass can serve as a low cost source of sugars for IA production. However, the fungus could not produce IA from dilute acid pretreated and enzymatically saccharified wheat straw hydrolyzate even at 100-fold dilution. Furfural, hydroxymethyl furfural and acetic acid were inhibitory, as is typical, but Mn²⁺ was particularly problematic for IA production. It was present in the hydrolyzate at a level that was 230 times over the inhibitory limit (50 ppb). Recently, it was found that PO₄³⁻ limitation decreased the inhibitory effect of Mn²⁺ on IA production. In the present study, a novel medium was developed for production of IA by varying PO₄³⁻, Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ concentrations using response surface methodology, which alleviated the strong inhibitory effect of Mn²⁺. The new medium contained 0.08 g KH₂PO₄, 3 g NH₄NO₃, 1 g MgSO₄·7H₂O, 5 g CaCl₂·2 H₂O, 0.83 mg FeCl₃·6H₂O, 8 mg ZnSO₄·7H₂O, and 45 mg CuSO₄·5H₂O per liter. The fungus was able to produce IA very well in the presence of Mn²⁺ up to 100 ppm in the medium. This medium will be extremely useful for IA production in the presence of Mn²⁺. This is the first report on the development of Mn²⁺ tolerant medium for IA production by A. terreus.     

Synthesis,structures and characterization of the dinuclear nickel(II) complexes containing N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis[(1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopropane and an azide ion

Two dinuclear nickel(II) complexes, [Ni₂(L-Et)(N₃)(H₂O)₃](NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O (1) and [Ni₂(L-Et)(μ-1,3-N₃)(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O (2) containing (HL-Et = N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis[(1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopropane), have been synthesized and characterized by their IR and UV–Vis spectra and magnetic susceptibilities. The crystal structures of [Ni₂(L-Et)(N₃)(H₂O)₃](NO₃)₂ · CH₃OH (1′) and [Ni₂(L-Et)(μ-1,3-N₃)(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ · 2C₂H₅OH (2′) similar to 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray crystallography. In 1′, the two nickel(II) ions are bridged by only an alkoxo group of L-Et⁻, while an azido and an alkoxo connect two nickel(II) ions in 2′. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (2–300 K) showed a weak ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the two nickel(II) ions (2J = 10.1 cm⁻¹) for 1. On the other hand, antiferromagnetic interactions were observed for 2 (2J = −15.8 cm⁻¹).     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,in vitro microbial and cytotoxic studies of lanthanum(III) and thorium(IV) complexes with 1,2,4-triazole Schiff bases

A series of metal complexes of La(III) and Th(IV) have been synthesized with newly derived biologically active ligands. These ligands were synthesized by the condensation of 3-substituted-4-amino-5-hydrazino-1,2,4-triazole with 8-formyl-7-hydroxy- 4-methylcoumarin. The structure of the complexes has been proposed by elemental analyses, spectroscopic data i.e. i.r., ¹H nmr, Uv-Vis, FAB-mass and thermal studies. The elemental analyses of the complexes conform to the stoichiometry of the type [La(L)·3H₂O]·2H₂O and [Th(L)(NO₃)·2H₂O]·2H₂O where (L = L^I-L^IV). All the complexes are soluble in DMF and DMSO and are non-electrolytes in DMF and DMSO. All these ligands and their complexes have also been screened for their antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal activities (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and cladosporium) by the MIC method. The brine shrimp bioassay was also carried out to study their invitro cytotoxic properties.     

A new medium for spore production of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Blakeslea trispora</Emphasis> using response surface methodology

Optimization of the medium components which enhance sporulation of the two mating types of the fungus Blakeslea trispora ATCC 14271 and ATCC 14272 (a heterothallic Zygomycota producing carotene) was achieved with the aid of response surface methodology (RSM). Glucose, corn steep liquor, yeast extract, and ammonium sulfate were investigated as carbon and nitrogen sources in a basal medium. RSM was adopted to optimize the medium in order to obtain a good growth of the fungus as a prerequisite for enhanced sporulation. In the second step, the basal medium was supplemented with different trace elements which significantly affect sporulation (i.e. CuSO₄·5H₂O, FeCl₃·6H₂O, Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, and MnCl₂·4H₂O). Central composite design proved to be valuable in optimizing a chemically defined solid medium for spore production of B. trispora. The composition of the new solid medium to enhance spore production by B. trispora (ATCC 14271) is as follows (per liter): 7.5 g glucose, 3.2 g corn steep liquor, 1.7 g yeast extract, 4.1 g ammonium sulfate, 6 mg CuSO₄·5H₂O, 276 mg FeCl₃·6H₂O, 2 mg Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, and 20 g agar (pH 6.0). Practical validation of this optimum medium gave spore number of 1.2 × 10⁸ spores/dish which is 77% higher than that produced in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). In the case of B. trispora (ATCC 14272) the new solid substrate for enhanced sporulation consists of (per l) 6.4 g glucose, 3.3 g corn steep liquor, 1.4 g yeast extract, 4.3 g ammonium sulfate, 264 mg CuSO₄·5H₂O, 485 mg FeCl₃·6H₂O, 223 mg MnCl₂^.4H₂O, and 20 g agar (pH 6.0). Spore numbers of 2 × 10⁷ spores/dish were obtained on the new medium by B. trispora (ATCC 14272), which is 95% higher than that produced on PDA. The results corroborated the validity and the effectiveness of the models. The new media considerably improved sporulation of both strains of B. trispora compared to the production of spores on PDA, which is the medium usually used for sporulation of the fungus.     

A new hydroxo-bridged thorium(IV) dimer: Preparation and structure of di-μ-hydroxo-bis[aquanitrato(2,6-diacetylpyridinedisemicarbazone)thorium(IV)] nitrate tetrahydrate

The pentadentate ligand 2,6-diacetylpyridinedisemicarbazone, DAPSC, reacts with Th(NO₃)₄ in ethanolwater mixture and a di-μ-hydroxo Th(IV) dimer is formed. The compound [Th₂(OH)₂(DAPSC)₂(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₄·4H₂O (I) is monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with a = 10.705(1), b = 19.008(2), c = 11.782(1) Å, β = 107.82(2)°, V = 2282(1) ų and Z = 2. Detailed X-ray structural analysis showed that each thorium atom in the complex is coordinated to one pentadentate DAPSC ligand, which is subjected to a considerable distortion, one bidentate nitrate group, one water ligand and two bridging hydroxo groups. The coordination number is ten and the best presentation of the polyhedron is that of a distorted bicapped square antiprism. The ThTh separation is 4.0181(6) Å and the average ThO(H) bridge is 2.366 Å. The structure was refined using 3185 reflections to an R value of 5.0%.     

Effect of auxinhormone lanthanide complexes on the growth of wheat coleoptile

Naphthalene-1-acetic acid (HNAA), dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (HDAA), and indole-3-acetic acid (HIAA) are auxinhormones that can affect the growth of plants. The lanthanide complexes of the above auxinhormone LnA₃-3H₂O (Ln = La³⁺, Ce³⁺, Sm³⁺, Er³⁺, Yb³⁺; HA = HNAA, HDAA, HIAA; A = NAA^-, DAA^-, IAA^-) were synthesized and are characterized in this paper. The solubility and IR spectra of these complexes were also studied. Experiments of the effects of LnCl₃-nH₂O, HA, and LnA₃-3H₂O on the growth rate of wheat coleoptile sections show, that LnCl₃-nH₂O promotes the growth of wheat coleoptile when this compounds concentration is lower than 2 x 10^-5 M and the promotion is very significant when the concentration of Ln³⁺ is lower than 8 x 10^-6 M. It was also found that the effect of LnA₃· 3H₂O on the growth of wheat coleoptile is stronger than that of LnCl₃·nH₂O and HA, which indicates that the combination of Ln³⁺ with HA act synergistically.     

EFFECT OF SALINITY ON POLLEN I. POLLEN VIABILITY AS ALTERED BY INCREASING OSMOTIC PRESSURE WITH NaCl,MgCl2, and CaCl2

Petunia (Petunia hybrida Vilm. cv. ‘Snowstorm') plants were grown in saline solution (NaCl, MgCl₂, and/or CaCl₂) of 0, 1, 2, and 3 bars osmotic pressures. Pollen viability was tested by tetrazolium chloride staining and by germination (by the hanging drop method, using 15 % sucrose and 0.01 % boric acid as the nutrient medium, at 27 ± 1 C). Pollen viability decreased with increased salinity. Pollen from plants grown in single salt solutions of NaCl, MgCl₂, and CaCl₂ (each at 0, 1, 2, or 3 bars osmotic pressure) was germinated in base culture medium. Pollen viability decreased more with NaCl than with MgCl₂ or CaCl₂. In vitro studies of the effects of three salts, viz., NaCl, MgCl₂, and CaCl₂, on pollen germination and tube growth showed that NaCl inhibited germination and pollen tube growth more than did MgCl₂ or CaCl₂. MgCl₂ was least injurious, and even promoted tube growth at 0.5 and 0.75 bars osmotic pressure. Adding low concentrations of MgCl₂ reduced the toxic effect of NaCl and increased the percentage of germination. CaCl₂ reduced the effect of NaCl less than did MgCl₂. We conclude that specific ion effects were more important than osmotic pressure.     

Toxicity of flue gas components from cement plants in microalgae CO2 mitigation systems

Microalgae-based CO₂ capture from flue gas is an attractive mitigation strategy in the cement industry. However, NO _x and SO _x components might be harmful to microalgae. We performed toxicity assays, under 2 % (v/v) CO₂ and using nitrite, sulfite, or bisulfite salts, on an environmental isolate, identified as Desmodesmus abundans (The University of Texas at Austin (UTEX), no. 2976) and Scenedesmus sp. UTEX1589. Nitrite and sulfite did not inhibit growth at the tested concentrations (0–1,067 ppm (w/v) NO₂ ^? and 0–254 ppm (w/v) SO₃ ^2?); however, bisulfite was toxic above 39 ppm. Non-toxic concentrations of both sulfur-based compounds stimulated growth, but significantly higher growth rates were only observed for HSO₃ ^?. Within a narrower range, NO _x and SO _x served as a sole nutrient source. Overall, biomass production and growth rates of the environmental isolate were greater. A novel strategy to buffer high concentrations of HSO₃ ^? (200 ppm) was developed by adding cement kiln dust (CKD), a byproduct and flue gas component. The results suggest that CKD also provided other beneficial growth components and that sulfur optimization of the culture medium significantly increased carbon assimilation, particularly in D. abundans. In additional simulations of typical flue gas conditions in a modern cement plant (320, 40, and 40 ppm (w/v) of NO₂ ^?, SO₃ ^2?, and HSO₃ ^?, respectively, and 25 % (v/v) CO₂), along with the incorporation of 300 ppm CDK, growth of D. abundans was supported. Although further studies are needed, direct utilization of flue gas might be possible with the environmental isolate, where NO _x , SO _x , and CKD are all beneficial components of the mitigation system.     

Response of in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes to temperature

Air temperatures of greater than 35 °C are frequently encountered in groundnut‐growing regions, especially in the semi‐arid tropics. Such extreme temperatures are likely to increase in frequency under future predicted climates. High air temperatures result in failure of peg and pod set due to lower pollen viability. The response of pollen germination and pollen tube growth to temperature was quantified in order to identify differences in pollen tolerance to temperature among 21 groundnut genotypes. Plants were grown from sowing to harvest in a poly‐tunnel under an optimum temperature of 28/22 °C (day/night). Pollen was collected at anther dehiscence and was exposed to temperatures from 10° to 47·5 °C at 2·5 °C intervals. The results showed that a modified bilinear model most accurately described the response to temperature of percentage pollen germination and maximum pollen tube length. Genotypes were found to range from most tolerant to most susceptible based on both pollen characters and membrane thermostability. Mean cardinal temperatures (T_min, T_opt and T_max) averaged over 21 genotypes were 14·1, 30·1 and 43·0 °C for percentage pollen germination and 14·6, 34·4 and 43·4 °C for maximum pollen tube length. The genotypes 55‐437, ICG 1236, TMV 2 and ICGS 11 can be grouped as tolerant to high temperature and genotypes Kadiri 3, ICGV 92116 and ICGV 92118 as susceptible genotypes, based on the cardinal temperatures. The principal component analysis identified maximum percentage pollen germination and pollen tube length of the genotypes, and T_max for the two processes as the most important pollen parameters in describing a genotypic tolerance to high temperature. The T_min and T_opt for pollen germination and tube growth, rate of pollen tube growth were less predictive in discriminating genotypes for high temperature tolerance. Genotypic differences in heat tolerance‐based on pollen response were poorly related (R² = 0·334, P = 0·006) to relative injury as determined by membrane thermostability.