Essential fatty acids and phenolic acids from extracts and leachates of southern cattail (Typha domingensis P.)

We have been able to isolate several phytotoxic compounds from aqueous extracts and leachates of cattails (Typha domingensis) using activated charcoal as an absorbant, followed by successive extraction with organic solvents, analysis by GC/MS, and structural elucidation by NMR spectroscopy when possible. The phytotoxins were identified as essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid) and phenolic compounds of known phytotoxic activity (caffeic acid from the aqueous extracts; caffeic, p-coumaric, and gallic acid from the leachates). Both extracts and the phytotoxins in the extracts have the potential of inhibiting the growth and chlorophyll production of several ecologically relevant species.     

Does sulphate enrichment promote the expansion of Typha domingensis (cattail) in the Florida Everglades?1

1. The expansion of Typha domingensis into areas once dominated by Cladium jamaicense in the Florida Everglades has been attributed to altered hydrology and phosphorus enrichment, although increased concentrations of sulphate and phosphorus often coincide. The potential importance of hydrogen sulphide produced from sulphate in the expansion of Typha has received little attention. The present study aimed to quantify the comparative growth and photosynthetic responses of Cladium and Typha to sulphate/sulphide. 2. Laboratory experiments showed that Cladium is less tolerant of sulphide than Typha. Cladium was adversely affected at sulphide concentrations of approximately 0.22 mm , while Typha continued to grow well and appeared healthy up to 0.69 mm sulphide. 3. Experiments in field mesocosms provided strong support for species‐specific differences in physiology and growth. Regardless of interstitial sulphide concentrations attained, Typha grew faster and had a higher photosynthetic capacity than Cladium. However, sulphide concentrations in the mesocosms reached only 0.18 mm which, based on the hydroponic study, was insufficient to affect the growth or photosynthetic responses of either species. Nevertheless, the upper range of sulphide (0.25–0.375 mm ) in Everglades’ soil is high enough, based on our results, to impact Cladium but not Typha. 4. This research supports the hypothesis that sulphide accumulation could affect plant species differentially and modify species composition. Consequently, the role of sulphate loading should be considered, in conjunction with hydroperiod, phosphorus availability and disturbances, in developing future management plans for the Everglades.     

Evaluation of physiological traits for improving drought tolerance in faba bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia faba</Emphasis> L.)

Among grain legumes, faba bean is becoming increasingly popular in European agriculture due to recent economic and environmental interests. Faba bean can be a highly productive crop, but it is sensitive to drought stress and yields can vary considerably from season to season. Understanding the physiological basis of drought tolerance would indicate traits that can be used as indirect selection criteria for the development of cultivars adapted to drought conditions. To assess genotypic variation in physiological traits associated with drought tolerance in faba bean and to determine relationships among these attributes, two pot experiments were established in a growth chamber using genetic materials that had previously been screened for drought response in the field. Nine inbred lines of diverse genetic backgrounds were tested under adequate water supply and limited water conditions. The genotypes showed substantial variation in shoot dry matter, water use, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, transpiration efficiency, carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C), relative water content (RWC) and osmotic potential, determined at pre-flowering vegetative stage. Moisture deficits decreased water usage and consequently shoot dry matter production. RWC, osmotic potential, stomatal conductance and Δ¹³C were lower, whereas leaf temperature and transpiration efficiency were higher in stressed plants, probably due to restricted transpirational cooling induced by stomatal closure. Furthermore, differences in stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, Δ¹³C and transpiration efficiency characterized genotypes that were physiologically more adapted to water deficit conditions. Correlation analysis also showed relatively strong relationships among these variables under well watered conditions. The drought tolerant genotypes, ILB-938/2 and Melodie showed lower stomatal conductance associated with warmer leaves, whereas higher stomatal conductance and cooler leaves were observed in sensitive lines (332/2/91/015/1 and Aurora/1). The lower value of Δ¹³C coupled with higher transpiration efficiency in ILB-938/2, relative to sensitive lines (Aurora/1 and Condor/3), is indeed a desirable characteristic for water-limited environments. Finally, the results showed that stomatal conductance, leaf temperature and Δ¹³C are promising physiological indicators for drought tolerance in faba bean. These variables could be measured in pot-grown plants at adequate water supply and may serve as indirect selection criteria to pre-screen genotypes.     

Fate of oxygen losses from Typha domingensis (Typhaceae) and Cladium jamaicense (Cyperaceae) and consequences for root metabolism

The objective of this work was to determine whether radial oxygen loss (ROL) from roots of Typha domingensis and Cladium jamaicense creates an internal oxygen deficiency or, conversely, indicates adequate internal aeration and leakage of excess oxygen to the rhizosphere. Methylene blue in agar was used to visualize the pattern of ROL from roots, and oxidation of a titanium-citrate solution was used to quantify rates of oxygen leakage. Typha's roots had a higher porosity than Cladium's and responded to flooding treatment by increasing cortical air space, particularly near the root tips. A greater oxygen release, which occurred along the subapical root axis, and an increase in rhizosphere redox potential (E(h)) over time were associated with the well-developed aerenchyma system in Typha. Typha roots, regardless of oxygen release pattern, showed low or undetectable alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity or ethanol concentrations, indicating that ROL did not cause internal deficiencies. Cladium roots also released oxygen, but this loss primarily occurred at the root tips and was accompanied by increased root ADH activity and ethanol concentrations. These results support the hypothesis that oxygen release by Cladium is accompanied by internal deficiencies of oxygen sufficient to stimulate alcoholic fermentation and helps explain Cladium's lesser flood tolerance in comparison with Typha.     

Effects of the Sand Bar Breaching on Typha domingensis (PERS.) in a Tropical Coastal Lagoon

Coastal lagoons are usually subjected to several kinds of human impacts, especially eutrophication. The breaching of the sand bar, which separates the lagoon from the ocean, by human action, is a common process used to decrease the negative effects of eutrophication. The aims of this research were to evaluate the effects of the artificial sand bar breaching on the populations of the aquatic macrophyte Typha domingensis and the subsequent effects on nutrients concentration in a tropical coastal lagoon. Samplings were carried out monthly from February/01 to January/02 in a monospecific stand of T. domingensis at Imboassica lagoon (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil). Two sampling sites, in the middle and in the border of the stand, were marked in three different transects. Water depth was measured and the aerial biomass sampled with a 0.25 m² quadrat. The macrophyte samples were separated into live and dead material and the shoot length, shoot density and number of leaves were analyzed. All plant material was oven dried till constant weight and net primary production, dead stand crop production and the nutrients release through decomposition were estimated at each site. The decrease in water level due to sand bar opening affected negatively T. domingensis populations, but the most intense effects were observed in the middle of the stand. The shoot mortality was highly enhanced after the sand bar breaching and the nutrients were released through decomposition to the water column. It reflected on an input of 11.5 kg C m⁻², 0.22 kg N m⁻² and 0.13 kg P m⁻² into the lagoon, which represent from 22.5 to 44.8 ton P and 35.9 to 71.8 ton N to the lagoon. The decrease of nutrients concentration after the sand bar breaching was not successfully accomplished. The decay of T. domingensis stands due to the sand bar breaching neutralized the exportation of nutrients to the ocean, and contributed to the phosphorous increase in the water column. Thus, to a better management of aquatic ecosystems subjected to human eutrophication, the role of aquatic macrophytes decomposition on internal fertilization of aquatic ecosystems should be accounted.     

Pulvinus activity,leaf movement and leaf water-use efficiency of bush bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseplus vulgaris</Emphasis> L.) in a hot environment

Pulvinus activity of Phaseolus species in response to environmental stimuli plays an essential role in heliotropic leaf movement. The aims of this study were to monitor the continuous daily pulvinus movement and pulvinus temperature, and to evaluate the effects of leaf movements, on a hot day, on instantaneous leaf water-use efficiency (WUE_i), leaf gas exchange, and leaf temperature. Potted plants of Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Provider were grown in Chicot sandy loam soil under well-watered conditions in a greenhouse. When the second trifoliate leaf was completely extended, one plant was selected to measure pulvinus movement using a beta-ray gauging (BRG) meter with a point source of thallium-204 (²⁰⁴Tl). Leaf gas exchange measurements took place on similar leaflets of three plants at an air temperature interval of 33–42°C by a steady-state LI-6200 photosynthesis system. A copper-constantan thermocouple was used to monitor pulvinus temperature. Pulvinus bending followed the daily diurnal rhythm. Significant correlations were found between the leaf-incident angle and the stomatal conductance (R ² = 0.54; P < 0.01), and photosynthesis rate (R ² = 0.84; P < 0.01). With a reduction in leaf-incidence angle and increase in air temperature, WUE_i was reduced. During the measurements, leaf temperature remained below air temperature and was a significant function of air temperature (r = 0.92; P < 0.01). In conclusion, pulvinus bending followed both light intensity and air temperature and influenced leaf gas exchange.     

拟单性木兰不同季节断根和剪枝后蒸腾和光合特性的变化

在2005年春季、夏季和秋季,对10a生拟单性木兰(Parakmeriaomeiensis)进行断根和剪枝处理,模拟移栽,用LICOR-6400测定了植株叶片的蒸腾速率、光合速率等生理指标,探讨这些生理指标对不同季节移栽成活率的影响。结果表明,春季处理后叶片能迅速关闭部分气孔,蒸腾速率和光合速率都减小,两者最低时约为对照的60%,生理机能的减弱有利于维持地上、地下部分的平衡,因而最有利于植株成活。夏季处理后叶片气孔导度显著增加,光合速率和蒸腾速率也随之增大,最高时约为对照的2倍左右,此时,若主要依靠剪枝来降低水分消耗,很难保证水分代谢平衡,移栽成活率低。秋季处理后植株叶片气孔导度高于对照,光合速率和蒸腾速率也增加,但增加幅度相对夏季较小,前期最高约增加40%,此时移栽可以通过适当的剪枝和增加土壤水分含量等措施提高成活率。可见,与水分相关的生理机能的调节机制,决定了移栽后的成活水平,即处理后能迅速调节自身生理机能、减少水分消耗的植株,成活率就高,反之就低。     

土壤水分胁迫对5个种源油松光合特性的影响

在盆栽条件下,对5个种源油松（山西中条山ZT,山西吕梁山LL,山西太行山TH,陕西洛南LN和陕西黄陵HL）幼苗进行了水分胁迫处理实验,对其净光合速率（P_n）、蒸腾速率（T_r）、气孔导度（G_s）、胞间CO₂浓度（C_i）、水分利用效率（WUE）及P_n与土壤含水量（SWC）的关系进行了研究。结果表明：油松幼苗的P_n、T_r和G_s均随水分胁迫程度的增加呈先上升后下降的趋势,C_i呈先下降后上升的趋势。其中TH种源的P_n、T_r和G_s最高,LN和HL种源的较低。干旱处理的第4天（SWC为15%~25%）,5个种源的P_n、T_r和G_s均达到处理期的最大值;第7天（SWC为7%~9%）,它们的P_n、T_r、G_s和WUE差异均极显著（p<0.01）,且大小顺序均为：ZT>TH>LL>HL>LN;处理的10天后（SWC小于5%）,LL、TH、LN、HL均只表现为呼吸作用。根据P_n与SWC的二次拟合方程（R²=0.980~0.997）中P_n为0时的SWC进行了抗旱性排序,依次为：TH>ZT>LL>HL>LN。     

On the Characteristics of Transpiration and Its Responses to Shade in Ginkgo biloba

With a CI-301PS portable photosynthesis system as a measuring device, a field study on the characteristics of transpiration and the responses of transpiration (E), stomatal resistance (R) and water use efficiency (WUE) to shade in Ginkgo biloba L. grown in Mt. Lushan was conducted. The results showed that with sufficient water in soil, the highest transpiration rate in a sunny summer day appeared in the afternoon. The WUE was maximum at about 8 a.m. and then decreased at noon remarkably. Different responses of E, R and WUE to shade were noticed which indicated that G. biloba was very suitable to the present climate. Moreover, the temperature of air, photosynthetic active radiation and R were the dominant factors affecting transpiration.     

Secondary productivity (3H-Leucine and 3H-Thymidine incorporation), abundance and biomass of the epiphytic bacteria attached to detritus of Typha domingensis pers. in a tropical coastal lagoon

Senescent, naturally dried leaves of Typha domingensis were incubated inthe littoral region of a coastal lagoon and epiphytic bacterial volume,abundance, biomass and secondary productivity were measured during 127 daysof decomposition. The peak of cell abundance was registered at t =127 days when expressed per leaf surface area (10.07×10⁷cells cm^-2; 7.26 µgC cm^-2), and at t= 26 days when expressed per biofilm dry mass (38.10 ×10⁷ cells (mgDM biofilm)^-1, 30.52 µgC(mgDM biofilm)^-1). The highest values of bacterial biovolumesand lower turnover time were usually obtained in the beginning of thecolonization. Leu:Tdr ratios were also higher in the beginning of thecolonization, when bacterial community presented unbalanced metabolism.Consequently, the highest discrepancies between the bacterial secondaryproduction estimated by leu and Tdr incorporation were observed in the first2 days of decomposition. On average, the bacterial secondary productivityestimated by leu incorporation was 2.1 times higher than the valuesestimated by Tdr incorporation when the empirical factor for Tdr wasobtained from the relationship between Tdr and biomass increment. Thisdifference increased to 4.2 when the empirical factor was obtained from therelationship between Tdr and cell numbers increment. An average of bothmethods (0.0037 to 0.1397 µgC cm^-2 h^-1)produced results that fall within the range reported in the literature forepiphytic bacteria of freshwater ecosystems.     

Gas chromatography mass spectrometry based profiling of alkyl coumarates and ferulates in two species of cattail (Typha domingensis P., and Typha latifolia L.)

Several long-chain n-alkyl coumarates and ferulates were identified in cattails (Typha domingensis and Typha latifolia) from the Florida Everglades. Characterization of these compounds was achieved based on the interpretation of mass spectra obtained by GCMS as their trimethylsilyl ether derivatives, comparison with published mass spectra and available standards. Both n-alkyl p-coumarates and n-alkyl ferulates were identified in roots and leaves of both Typha species, featuring unique distribution patterns and differences between leaf and root biomass. For both Typha species, roots have higher concentrations and a much greater diversity of n-alkyl p-coumarates and ferulates but with different side chain carbon numbers ranging from C₁₄ to C₂₈. Typha domingensis leaves only contained n-alkyl ferulates with traces of n-alkyl p-coumarates, while both types of compounds were present in Typha latifolia leaf material. These chemicals were not found in the other dominant wetland vegetation, which suggests their potential for application as phytochemical tracers of fresh cattail-derived organic matter in the Everglades ecosystem.     

Differential response of leaf gas exchange to enhanced ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation in three species of herbaceous climbingplants

We measured diurnal changes in photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency in three species of herbaceous climbing plants (Luffa cylindrica, Trichosanthes kirilowii and Dioscorea opposita) exposed to two intensities of UV-B radiation: 3.0 μw cm^?2 (R1) and 8.0 μw cm^?2 UV-B (R2) radiation under ambient growth conditions. Responses differed per species and per treatment. In Luffa all values increased compared to the Control in both treatments, except for stomatal conductance in R2. In Trichosanthes photosynthetic rates and water use efficiency increased, while the transpiration rates decreased under both treatments, and stomatal conductance was lower in R1. In Dioscorea photosynthetic rates and water use efficiency decreased under both treatments, while the transpiration rates and stomatal conductance increased. The results suggested that to some extent increased UV-B radiation was beneficial to the growth of L. cylindrica and T. kirilowii, but detrimental to D. opposita.     

模拟酸雨对柚木幼苗生长、光合与水分利用的影响

模拟pH6.5(对照)、4.5和2.5三个酸雨梯度,研究其对1a生组培柚木(TectonagrandisL.f.)幼苗生长、光合与水分利用的影响。结果表明,尽管不同处理间的各项生理指标差异不明显,但模拟酸雨对柚木形态构件参数造成较严重的影响。pH4.5和pH2.5处理组柚木基径(D)和树高(H)增长明显下降,使得D2H下降更加显著;不同处理下柚木叶片净光合速率(Pn)和蒸腾速率(E)日变化趋于一致,气孔导度(gs)日变化与对应的叶片净光合速率日变化十分相似,同时,对照与两个处理的Pn与gs之间都表现正相关(p<0.01),且在pH4.5处理表现更为显著,但是对照和两个处理的E与gs的线性关系不显著;pH4.5和2.5处理的水分利用效率(WUE)日变化趋于一致;对照胞间CO2浓度与大气CO2浓度比(Ci/Ca)均值最低,表明对照柚木对CO2利用最有效。     

Genotypic variation for drought tolerance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.): Leaf gas exchange and productivity

Although water-limited environments are detrimental to cotton growth and productivity worldwide, identification of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes that are less sensitive to drought may improve productivity in drought prone areas. The objective of the study was to assess genotypic variation for drought tolerance in cotton varieties using physiological attributes as selection criteria, and to determine the relationship of physiological attributes with productivity traits. The association of target physiological traits for drought tolerance (photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (g_s), and transpiration rate (E)) with productivity traits under well-watered (W₁) and water-limited (W₂) regimes was analyzed using 32 public cotton cultivars/bred lines in two field experiments conducted during the normal cotton growing seasons 2003 and 2004. Seed cotton yield (SCY) and biological yield (BY) were markedly affected under W₂ regime in all cultivars except the outstanding performance of CIM-1100 and RH-510 proving their superiority to other cultivars in drought tolerance. Conversely, FH-901, FH-634, and FH-2000 were high yielding under W₁ regime; however, exhibited a sharp decline in yield under W₂ regime. A positive correlation between SCY and BY under water stress (r=0.44 in 2003; r=0.69 in 2004) indicates that BY is also a primary determinant of SCY under water stress and genetic improvement of BY under water-limited environment may also improve SCY. P_n, g_s, and E were significantly reduced by water stress. Substantial genotypic variation for gas exchange attributes existed among the cotton cultivars. A positive association (P<0.01) was observed between g_s and E under both regimes in both years indicating the prevalence of stomatal control of transpiration. The positive association (P<0.01) between P_n and g_s in both years in W₂ regime indicates also a major role of stomatal effects in regulating leaf photosynthesis under water-limited conditions. P_n was significantly correlated with SCY (P<0.01) and BY (P<0.05 in 2003; P<0.01 in 2004) in W₂ regime; however, the level of these associations was not significant in W₁ regime. These findings demonstrate that association of P_n with productivity is effective under water-limited environment and may be useful as a selection criterion in breeding programs with the objective of improving drought tolerance and SCY under water-limited environments. Moreover, association between SCY and BY under water stress suggests that genetic improvement of BY under water stress may also improve SCY.     

七子花苗期光合生理生态特性研究

对七子花苗期的光合生理生态特性进行了研究,结果表明：（1）净光合速度,蒸腾速率的日进程曲线呈“双峰”型,胞间CO2浓度的日进程基本与净光合速率相反,中午胞间CO2浓度增高表明净光合速率午间 要受非气孔限制因素的影响,暗呼吸速率日进程呈单峰曲线,中午阳高。气孔阻力的变化规律与蒸腾速率基本相反。光能利用效率以上午7：00为最高,中午最低,以后又逐渐上升。水分利用效率以7：00最高,10：00－16：00较低。（2）一天分时段光响应试验表明,饱和光强 表观量子产额上午最高,中午最低,下午有所上升。上午和下午光补 点比较接近,中午增高一倍多。不同时段遮光都使得蒸腾速率下降,以下进下降幅度最大,但使气孔阻力升高,下午增加幅度最大。（3）上午羧化效率最高,中午最低,下午稍有上升,而CO2补偿点中午最高。     

三峡库区狗牙根对深淹胁迫的生理响应

选取三峡库区自然消落带野生狗牙根(XC)和非消落带野生狗牙根(FC)为研究对象,采用三重复裂区设计试验,主区为两品种,副区为6个不同深度水淹处理(0,1,2,5,10m和15m),分析了各处理植株几种酶活性和碳水化合物含量的变化情况.结果显示:①不同生境狗牙根受深淹胁迫后,丙二醛(MDA)都呈递增趋势,表明狗牙根在深淹胁迫下受到了不同程度的膜脂过氧化伤害,且随胁迫程度的增加受伤害增大.②超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)活性和醇脱氢酶(ADH)活性较对照都有所增加;XC处理POD和SOD的最大值出现在5m深水淹处理,而FC出现在2m深处理,且XC 5米深淹处理GR值较对照和其他处理明显大;各受淹处理地下茎可溶性糖含量和淀粉含量都保持在较高水平.③从抗氧化酶活性和ADH活性的变化规律,以及淹水胁迫下植株的能量代谢情况,初步得出XC与FC都具有一定的耐淹性,且XC较FC具更耐深淹的能力,表明狗牙根作为禾本科植物遗传上具有一定的耐淹性,自然消落带狗牙根因长期生长于水淹胁迫环境,耐淹能力得到了进一步强化.从狗牙根对深淹胁迫的生理响应上,证明狗牙根是宜用于三峡水库消落带植被恢复的物种.     

Photon flux density and light quality induce changes in growth,stomatal development,photosynthesis and transpiration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Withania Somnifera</Emphasis> (L.) Dunal. plantlets

The aim of the study was to establish whether the quantity and the quality of light affect growth and development of Withania somnifera plantlets. We have studied growth and histo-physiological parameters [stomatal characteristics, chloroplastic pigments concentrations, photosynthesis, and transpiration (E)] of W. somnifera plantlets regenerated under various light intensities, or monochromatic light or under a mixture of two colors of light in tissue culture conditions. Plantlets grown under a photon flux density (PFD) of 30 μmol m^-2 s^-1 showed greater growth and development than those raised under other PFDs. Chlorophylls and carotenoids, numbers of stomata, rate of photosynthesis (P_N) and transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (g_s), and water use efficiency (WUE) increased with increasing the PFD up to 60 μmol m^-2 s^-1. Light quality also affected plantlets growth and physiology. Highest growth was observed under fluorescent and in a mixture of blue and red light. Very few stomata were developed in any of the monochromatic light but under fluorescent or under a mixture of two colors stomatal numbers increased. Similarly, g_s, E, P_N, and WUE were also higher under fluorescent light and under a mixture of red and blue light. Regressional analysis showed a linear relationship between P_N (r ² = 70) and g_s and between E (r ² = 0.95) and g_s. In conclusion, both the quality and the quantity of light affect growth of plantlets, development of stomata and physiological responses differently depending on the intensity and the wavelength of light.     

Interactive effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and salt stress on growth, ion accumulation and photosynthetic capacity of two spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars differing in salt tolerance

A sand culture experiment assessed whether gibberellic acid(GA₃) could alleviate the adverse effects of salt stress on thegrowth, ion accumulation and photosynthetic capacity of two spring wheatcultivars, Barani-83 (salt sensitive) and SARC-I (salt tolerant).Three-week-oldplants of both cultivars were exposed to 0, 100 and 200 molm^–3 NaCl in Hoagland's nutrient solution. Threeweeks after the initiation of salt treatments, half of the plants of eachcultivar were sprayed overall with 100 mg L^–1GA₃ solution. Plants were harvested 3 weeks after theapplication of GA₃. Fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, plantheight and leaf area were decreased with increasing supply of salt, butgibberellic acid treatment caused a significant ameliorative effect on both thecultivars with respect to these growth attributes. However, GA₃caused no significant change in grain yields but increased grain size in boththe cultivars. Saline growth medium caused a marked increase in theconcentrations of Na⁺ and Cl^– in shoots androots of both the lines. However, with the application of GA₃accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl^– was enhanced inboth shoots and roots of both wheat lines, but more ions accumulated in saltsensitive Barani-83 than in salt tolerant SARC-1. Net CO₂assimilation rate (A) of both wheat lines decreased consistently withincreasingsupply of NaCl, but application of GA₃ alleviated the effect of saltstress on this variable in both the cultivars. However, the ameliorative effectof the hormone was more pronounced in Barani-83 than in SARC-1. Althoughwater-use efficiency (A/E=CO₂assimilation/transpiration) and intrinsic water use efficiency(A/g_s=CO₂ assimilation/stomatalconductance) decreased significantly with increasing salt concentration of thegrowth medium in both the cultivars, GA₃ was more effective inenhancing both the water-use attributes in Barani-83 than in SARC-1. Overall,GA₃ treatment stimulated the vegetative growth of both cultivars ofwheat under salt stress, but it caused a slight reduction in grain yield.GA₃ treatment enhanced the accumulation of Na⁺ andCl^– in both shoots and roots of wheat plants under saltstress.It also caused a significant increase in photosynthetic capacity in both linesat the vegetative stage under both saline and non-saline media.     

Patterns of genetic diversity in southern and southeastern Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze relict populations

Habitat fragmentation and a decrease in population size may lead to a loss in population genetic diversity. For the first time, the reduction in genetic diversity in the northernmost limit of natural occurence (southeastern Brazil) of Araucaria angustifolia in comparison with populations in the main area of the species continuous natural distribution (southern Brazil), was tested. The 673 AFLPs markers revealed a high level of genetic diversity for the species (Ht = 0.27), despite anthropogenic influence throughout the last century, and a decrease of H in isolated populations of southeastern Brazil (H = 0.16), thereby indicating the tendency for higher genetic diversity in remnant populations of continuous forests in southern Brazil, when compared to natural isolated populations in the southeastern region. A strong differentiation among southern and southeastern populations was detected (AMOVA variance ranged from 10%-15%). From Bayesian analysis, it is suggested that the nine populations tested form five "genetic clusters" (K = 5). Five of these populations, located in the northernmost limit of distribution of the species, represent three "genetic clusters". These results are in agreement with the pattern of geographic distribution of the studied populations.