Phenotypic correlations among plant parts in Iberian Papilionoideae (Fabaceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Different plant organs may show varying degrees of form diversification or conservatism across phylogenetically related taxa. The present study uses data from a recent systematic study of Iberian Papilionoideae to investigate diversification and covariation in reproductive and vegetative plant parts. The appropriateness of imprecise (but comprehensive) taxonomic quantitative information is tested. METHODS: Organ size covariation and phenotypic correlations were studied among tribes, genera and species. Scale relationships were investigated by Reduced Major Axis regression. Variables used were the maximum dimensions of calyx, corolla, keel petal, fruit, seed, stipule, leaflet and petiole. KEY RESULTS: As regards tribe averages, the length of the corolla and that of calyx correlated positively and significantly. In contrast, pod length was unrelated to corolla size and largely tribe-specific. Within genera, the sizes of calyx, corolla and fruit sometimes covaried linearly (e.g. Lathyrus species) and other times did not (Genista, Astragalus). CONCLUSIONS: Information from taxonomic studies can be useful to establish major phenotypic correlations in plants. Results underscore the implications of tribal ownership in the Papilionoideae and illustrate the extensive morphological diversification of pods relative to flowers in this group.     

Fingerprinting,embryo type and geographic differentiation in mango (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mangifera indica</Emphasis> L., Anacardiaceae) with microsatellites

We report the sequence and variability parameters of 16 microsatellite primer pairs obtained from two mango (Mangifera indica L.) genomic libraries after digestion of DNA of the cultivar Tommy Atkins with HaeIII and RsaI and enrichment in CT repeats. Although no significant differences were recorded between the two libraries in the informativeness of the markers obtained, the RsaI library was shown to be more useful than the HaeIII taking into account the efficiency of the library and the feasibility of clone sequencing. The polymorphism revealed by those microsatellites was evaluated in a collection of 28 mango cultivars of different origins. A total of 88 fragments were detected with the 16 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) with an average of 5.5 bands/SSR. Two primer pairs amplified more than a single locus. The mean expected and observed heterozygosities over the 14 single-locus SSRs averaged 0.65 and 0.69 respectively. The total value for the probability of identity was 2.74 × 10⁻⁹. The SSRs studied allowed the unambiguous identification of all the mango genotypes studied and this discrimination can be carried out with just three selected microsatellites. UPGMA cluster analysis and Principal coordinates analysis group the genotypes according to their origin and their classification as monoembryonic or polyembryonic types reflecting the pedigree of the cultivars and the movement of mango germplasm. The results demonstrate the usefulness of microsatellites for studies on identification, variability, germplasm conservation, domestication and movement of germplasm in mango.     

‘沙田’柚果生长期套袋对果实品质的影响

‘沙田’柚果生长期进行套袋,是提高果实品质的有效措施之一。在田间生长条件下,研究了套袋对‘沙田’柚果实品质的影响。结果表明,套袋促进了柚果生长发育,提高了商品率,降低了含酸量,较明显地提高其糖酸比,并增加了维生素C的含量,从而提高了柚果品质。     

Archaeobotanical data and crop storage evidence from an early Bronze Age 2 burnt house at Arslantepe, Malatya, Turkey

Excavations on the southwest area at Arslantepe, Malatya, Turkey, by far the largest tell on the Malatya plain from the 5th millennium to the Neo-Hittite age, revealed an important change in the settlement patterns during the two main levels of the VI C Period of the site (Early Bronze Age 2, 2750–2500 cal b.c.). The latter level corresponds to a village founded on neatly shaped terraces in a layout which lasted for centuries, well into the following Early Bronze Age 3. This continuity was not broken even by violent fires that at times destroyed some houses, producing a huge quantity of charred plant remains, which comprised fruits, seeds and wood charcoal. The archaeobotanical data so far obtained from the EB2 house A607, the richest one in macro-remains, on which efforts have been concentrated first, provides much data about the use of the surrounding land. Charcoal of Quercus (deciduous oaks) (85%) followed by Populus (poplar) (9%) are dominant among wood remains, while Hordeum (barley) (70%) is the dominant crop found, followed by Cicer (chickpea) (17%). The crop storage methods were investigated by mapping the positions of charred fruits and seeds both according to the grid system and in comparison to the layout of facilities (grinding stone, hearths, oven) and the distribution of pottery (jars, bowls, pots) in order to detect where the crops were kept and the ways in which they were stored, processed, and used. The house facilities and furniture suggest that the house was a multifunctional place, which included storage space, but which was limited to household needs. The new archaeobotanical investigation so far carried out on the burnt house A607 suggests some implications on the degree of agriculture, on crop storage and on food processing practises and also gives information on the natural landscape surrounding the site.     

Activity and mode of action against fungal phytopathogens of bovine lactoferricin-derived peptides

AIM: To evaluate the activity against fungal phytopathogens of two synthetic peptides derived from the protein bovine lactoferricin: the antibacterial active core of six amino acid residues (LfcinB(20-25)) and an extension of 15 amino acids (LfcinB(17-31)). METHODS AND RESULTS: In vitro activity against fungal pathogens was determined and compared with that against model micro-organisms. Activity was demonstrated against fungi of agronomic relevance. Distinct antimicrobial properties in vitro were found for the two peptides. LfcinB(17-31) had growth inhibitory activity higher than LfcinB(20-25). However, LfcinB(17-31) was not fungicidal to quiescent conidia of Penicillium digitatum at the concentrations assayed, while LfcinB(20-25) killed conidia more efficiently. Microscopical observations showed that the mycelium of P. digitatum treated with LfcinB(17-31) developed alterations of growth, sporulation and chitin deposition, and permeation of hyphal cells. In experimental inoculations of mandarins, both peptides showed limited protective effect against the disease caused by P. digitatum. CONCLUSIONS: LfcinB(20-25) and LfcinB(17-31) peptides were shown to have antimicrobial activity against plant pathogenic filamentous fungi, with distinct properties and mode of action. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: LfcinB(20-25) and LfcinB(17-31) peptides offer novel alternatives to develop resistant plants by molecular breeding.     

Poikilothermic traits in Mashona mole-rat (Fukomys darlingi). Reality or myth?

The African mole-rats (Bathyergidae, Rodentia) is a mammalian family well known for a variety of ecophysiological adaptations for strictly belowground life. The smallest bathyergid, the hairless naked mole-rat from arid areas in Eastern Africa, is even famous as the only truly poikilothermic mammal. Another bathyergid, the Mashona mole-rat (Fukomys darlingi) from Zimbabwe, is supposed to have strong poikilothermic traits, because it is not able to maintain a stable body temperature at ambient temperatures below 20 °C. This is surprising because, compared to the naked mole-rat, this species, together with all congenerics, is larger, haired, and living in more seasonal environment. In addition, other Fukomys mole-rats show typical mammalian pattern in resting metabolic rates. In our study, we measured resting metabolic rate and body temperature of Mashona mole-rats from Malawi across a gradient of ambient temperatures to test its poikilothermic traits. We found that the adult mass specific resting metabolic rate was 0.76±0.20 ml O₂ g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and body temperature 34.8±1.1 °C in the thermoneutral zone (27–34 °C). Body temperature was stable (33.0±0.5 °C) at ambient temperatures from 10 to 25 °C. We thus cannot confirm poikilothermic traits in this species, at least for its Malawian population. Factors potentially explaining the observed discrepancy in Mashona mole-rat energetics are discussed.     

Fruit Mineral Contents of Six Wild Species of the North Andean Patagonia, Argentina

The fruit mineral contents (K, Ca, Ba, Br, Zn, Co, Cr, Fe, Na, Rb, Cs, and Sr) of four native and two exotic naturalized shrubs growing in different areas of the Andean Patagonian region of Argentina were investigated. Native species Berberis darwinii, Berberis microphylla (Berberidaceae), Aristotelia chilensis (Elaeocarpaceae) and Ribes magellanicum (Saxifragaceae) produce small berries while the fruits of the exotic species Rosa rubiginosa and Rosa canina (Rosaceae) are aggregates of aquenes. They are used to prepare jams, tea, liquors, and ice creams. Native shrub fruits had higher content of Br, Zn, Co, Cr, Fe, Mo, and Na than those of the exotic naturalized species. Rosa species showed the highest contents of Ca and Ba in their fruits (the mean content doubled those of the native plant fruits). The fruit nutrient content found in the studied species was similar or higher than other values reported for fruits of temperate and tropical species in the world.     

果实(种子)化学防御与食果实动物的适应对策

种子植物在果实(种子)成熟后需要防御食果实动物捕食种子,同时要传播种子至适宜萌发的生境。很多植物依赖食果实动物传播种子,称动物传播植物。果实(种子)化学防御是抵御种子捕食者的重要手段。果实(种子)中次生物质包括各种生物碱、生氰糖苷、萜类和酚类等,种类繁多;次生物质的含量随果实成熟过程而变化。次生物质可以抵御动物的捕食,其毒性对种子传播者和种子捕食者没有选择性,即具泛毒性。果肉中的次生物质也可以起到轻泻剂的作用,缩短种子在动物消化道的滞留时间,以影响传播效率。果实(种子)次生物质的产生不受植物环境条件的影响,其产生与果实质量有关。在温带地区,通常SS型果实次生物质含量低,而FL型果实含量高。食果实动物可通过调整捕食行为、摄取环境中特殊物质和获得丰富营养等3个方面适应次生物质。果实(种子)中次生物质的研究对动植物相互作用、协同进化理论具有重要的意义。