西双版纳榕树及其隐头果内的小蜂群落

榕属的4个亚属在西双版纳均有分布,目前已报道榕树69种、亚种和变种,占全国已报道榕树种类的69.4%,其中榕亚属23个种和变种:白肉榕亚属4个种:聚果榕亚属2种和变种;无花果亚属41个种、变种和亚种。在榕树隐头果内生活着种类专一的传粉榕小蜂和一些非传粉小蜂。西双版纳地区目前已分类鉴定29种榕树的30种传粉小蜂和170多种非传粉小蜂,其它榕树种类及其隐头果内的小蜂种类还未获得活体标本而没有确切的分类定名。传粉小蜂与非传粉小蜂以及各种非传粉小蜂之间相互影响,并影响着榕树与传粉小蜂形成的共生体系,它们共同构成了榕树隐头果内复杂的小蜂群落。对榕树隐头果内小蜂群落的研究目前还处于初级阶段,主要都集中在传粉小蜂的研究上,非传粉小蜂的研究国内外都较少,且对于各种小蜂之间的关系以及它们与榕树之间的关系,还需更深入、具体的生态学、生物学、遗传学、分子生物学等各方面的综合研究。     

西双版纳热带雨林聚果榕小蜂季节性变化规律

聚果榕是西双版纳热带雨林生态系统中的一个优势树种。聚果榕和它的传粉媒介昆虫聚果榕小是一种高度协同进化,互相依赖才能繁殖各自后代,互惠共生的生物。聚果榕必须依靠聚果榕小蜂的传粉才能获得有性繁殖;而聚果榕小蜂又必须依赖聚果榕的短柱头雌花作为繁殖后代的场所,才能获得种群的繁衍。研究结果表明,聚果榕小蜂的种群随季节变化而变化,雨季种群数量高,干季种群数量低,但进入同一榕果内繁殖产卵的雌蜂数量则相反,雨季数     

聚果榕果内种子季节变化与聚果榕小蜂活动的关系

聚果榕与聚果榕小蜂有着种间专一的互惠共生关系。榕小蜂进聚果榕果内 ,结果表现为 2方面 :1)对长柱小花传粉受精后产生榕树种子 ,使聚果榕能正常进行有性繁殖 ;2 )在短柱花内产卵形成瘿花 ,产生榕小蜂后代 ,植食性 ,最后发育为聚果榕小蜂 ,并作为榕树传粉的媒体。对西双版纳地区 2个样地内不同季节的聚果榕果进行了 3年的连续解剖观察 ,统计了雄花期榕果内瘿花、种子、败育花的数量 ,比较了 3年中旱季和雨季各种小花的比率。结果表明 :不同季节 ,各种小花的比率不同。旱季的 1月和 11月 ,聚果榕产生的种子量最多 ,雨季末期的 9— 10月份次之 ,产生种子量最低的是 3月份。旱季和雨季 ,瘿花的寄生比率没有显著差异 ,但不同月份之间差别较大 ,寄生率最高在旱季的 1月份和雨季初期 5月份 ,最低是在 3月份。长花柱雌花和短花柱雌花的败育率 ,在气温最低的月份 (1— 2月 )和雨量最多的月份 (7— 8月 )结的榕果内最高 ,在雨季初期 (5月 )和旱季初期 (11月 )结的榕果内最低。造成聚果榕果小花败育的主要因素是低温、多雨的气候。除聚果榕小蜂外 ,榕果内还有造瘿类和重寄生 2类非传粉小蜂 ,它们对聚果榕的种子形成具有一定的影响。     

木瓜榕的性表达和繁殖特点

木瓜榕雌雄异株,种群内一年四季均挂有果实,果量雌多雄少,其中雌树有2次显著的挂果高峰,占了全年挂果量的80％;雄树挂果多集中在10月至下一年的3月份。木瓜榕隐头花果发育进程中,在间花期雌雄果明显分异,雄果发育期长,74％的隐头果能正常成熟;雌果完成生活周期所需时间短,发育中落果率较高,仅22％的隐头果能成功生产种子。木瓜榕隐头果还受5种非传粉小蜂的作用,它们寄生于传粉小蜂或者与之竞争资源,进而影响到寄主木瓜榕的传粉授精和种子生产。     

马尾松二代无性系种子园的花期同步性

【目的】研究马尾松二代种子园无性系的开花物候特征、花期同步性、结实状况及气候影响因子,评价无性系花期同步性规律,指导种子园经营生产及提高种子遗传品质与产量。【方法】连续2年对浙江省淳安县姥山林场马尾松二代无性系矮化种子园的22个无性系进行花期、花量和结实性状调查,分析其开花物候与花期同步指数。【结果】各无性系雌雄球花整体花期持续时间为8～17天, 2014年始花期相对于2013年滞后约6天,且持续时间缩短约6天。整体水平上,年度内雌球花及雄球花的各花期时长差异较小;无性系的始花期和盛花期的物候特征年度间存在差异, 2014年无性系内雌雄球花开花的同步性更强。无性系的开花物候受气候因素影响较大,这使得无性系间开花同步程度降低,花期同步指数变异增加, 2013年和2014年花期同步指数变化范围分别为0.041～0.556和0.284～0.802,无性系的平均变异系数分别为32.3%和16.8%。各无性系分别作为父、母本时,年度内无性系花期整体同步性水平差异较小,表现出无性系作为父本时的散粉期整体的同步性要高于作为母本时的可授粉期的同步性。年度间无性系作为父、母本及自交的花期同步指数均有极显著差异, 2014年各无性系的花期同步指数在整体水平均高于2013年,但自交指数在年度间无显著差异。相关分析表明,雌球花越多的无性系的球果数越多;而雌球花花期持续时间越长的无性系座果率越高;不同年度的雌球花盛花期和花期的持续时间均与千粒质量指标呈显著或极显著正相关。【结论】浙江姥山林场马尾松二代无性系种子园雌、雄球花的花期具有较好的同步性,无性系间没有出现花期不遇现象。无性系交配组合的雌球花可授粉期和雄球花的散粉期影响了种子园无性系的种实品质及座果率。连续2年的观测表明无性系间花期整体同步性水平存在差异,且这种差异与二代种子园无性系的亲本遗传背景有关。各无性系分别作为父、母本时,表现出无性系作为父本时的散粉期整体的同步性要高于作为母本时的可授粉期的同步性,无性系作为父本和母本时花期同步指数呈负相关,且种子园内存在1/3无性系具有高于异交平均水平的自交可能性,是马尾松二代种子园管理和无性系再选择应综合考虑的因素。     

榕小蜂传粉行为对其繁殖的影响

在西双版纳热带雨林中,对叶榕的传粉榕小蜂不同运载花粉的过程对寄主榕果和自身后代的繁殖都有影响.传粉榕小蜂主动为对叶榕传粉,在雌株上的榕果内,榕小蜂传粉使雌花受精发育成种子,榕小蜂不能在雌果中繁衍后代;在雄株上的榕果里,只有雄花和榕小蜂寄生的雌花,而不能产生种子.从雄花期榕果内出来的传粉榕小蜂雌蜂,飞到其它雄树上寻找雌花期的榕果产卵繁殖后代,经过飞翔的一只雌蜂在一个榕果内制造瘿花353.93±91.72朵,最终发育到成虫期的榕小蜂数量为每果283.28±101.42只,平均瘿花率和成蜂率分别是0.26和0.81.通过控制实验阻断繁殖雌蜂的飞行过程,一只雌蜂在一个榕果内可制造瘿花446.74±60.06朵,完成发育的榕小蜂数量是386.15±87.46只,平均瘿花率和成蜂率分别是0.31和0.88.显然,飞行运载花粉的代价直接减少了传粉榕小蜂繁育后代的数量.     

杜鹃花色研究进展

杜鹃花是世界名花，属于中国十大名花之一，具有极高的观赏价值，在国际上广泛应用于园林绿化。花色是杜鹃花重要的观赏特性，也是一种与传粉者和自然环境的适应性特征，杜鹃花色素主要包含花青素苷和黄酮醇，其种类、含量和相关基因对花色形成具有重要影响，研究花色素组成及相关的生物合成途径是杜鹃花色育种的关键。文中综述了国内外对杜鹃花色素组成、花色遗传特性与育种、花青素苷合成途径等研究现状，揭示了杜鹃花色形成原理，提出未来研究重点为:注重黄色、花斑品种和蓝色杜鹃花培育，揭示杜鹃花中类黄酮着色机理及调控因子，运用转录组、代谢组、全基因组等新一代测序技术探究杜鹃花色素并建立相关数据库，以期为杜鹃花色研究提供参考。     

Pollen dispersal in a hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) seed orchard detected using a chloroplast DNA marker

Pollen dispersal was estimated in two test plots in a hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) seed orchard using a chloroplast DNA marker, the spacer region between thetrnD andtrnY genes, and SSCP (single strand conformation polymorphism). In Plot 1, 2,020 seeds from 40 trees within 30 m of the marker tree were analyzed using the PCR-SSCP method. In Plot 2, 1,850 seeds from 37 trees were analyzed in the same manner. The results revealed that the maximum pollen dispersal distance in the two plots exceeded 25 m. Pollen dispersal appeared to be inversely proportional to the distance from the marker tree. The effective pollen dispersal was suggested to be less than about 20 m in a mature hinoki seed orchard. Adjacent trees had an excessive influence when the pollen density was increased by artificial flower stimulation. Therefore, it was suggested that seed production better resembles ideal random mating when carried out as naturally as possible. In conclusion, the SSCP chloroplast DNA marker was a useful tool for amassing basic information on pollen management in seed orchards of coniferous species.     

Pistil development in 2 types of flowers of Xanthoceras sorbifolia

In order to investigate flower development and female abortion during sex differentiation of Xanthoceras sorbifolia, anatomical observations and comparative study on differential proteins were carried out in different developmental stages of two types of flowers of this species. It was found that the selective abortion happened in male flower before the formation of megasporocyte. Special proteins related to the female abortion were found through 2-dimensional electrophoretic analysis. Protein A1 (14.2 kD) only existed in florescence of male flower, while B1 (13.7 kD) and B2 (18.2 kD) disappeared in that stage of male flower. They were all considered to be relative to pistil abortion of Xanthoceras sorbifolia. [Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.30070613) and Graduate Cultivation Foundation of Beijing Forestry University (Grant No.02jj001)]     

Bark thickness of host pine trees and female body size affecting ovipositional success ofSirex nitobei matsumura (hymenoptera: Siricidae)

We examined the effect of bark thickness of host trees on the ovipositional success ofSirex nitobei in relation to female body size by analyzing the relationships between female body-weight and ovipositor length and between bark thickness ofP. densiflora andP. thunbergii trees and oviposition proportion (the proportion of eggs laid to the potential female lifetime fecundity) of the woodwasp. The ovipositor length ranged from 6 to 14 mm and was correlated positively with the fresh body-weight of females. The bark thickness of host trees had no significant correlation with the oviposition proportion of large females of more than 100 mg f.wt, whereas it was correlated negatively with that of small females of less than 100 mg f.wt. Thus,P. densiflora, which has thinner bark as a whole thanP. thunbergii, may be more suitable for oviposition, especially for smaller females. Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. This study was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science, Sports, and Culture (No. 80003292).     

Effects of stand density on the productivity ofCryptomeria japonica male flowers

We have studied male flower production and relative illumination in clonal sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) forests planted at densities of 1,500/ha, 3,000/ha, and 5,000/ha, to clarify the effects of forest management on male flower production. Both the relative illumination and male flower production decrease as the stand density increases. The lowest position at which male flowers are formed decreases as the density of the stand decreases. High thinning intensity promotes male flower production and light pruning is ineffective to reduce male flower production. Therefore, traditional management methods used in sugi forests (i.e. planting at high density, frequent light thinning, intensive pruning and short rotation) are ideal strategies for limiting male flower production.     

Seed cone abortion and full seed production in an indoor seed orchard with potted grafts of Picea abies

Abortion of seed cones and production of full seeds have been recorded in an indoor‐potted Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seed orchard at Biri nursery in Norway. Seed cone buds aborted their normal development at much higher frequencies (22–45%) inside isolation bags than in an open‐air (4–12%) greenhouse environment. The grafts had been induced to flower the year prior to seed cone development. Treatment with gibberellin A_4/7 in conjunction with heat reduced the proportion of aborted, isolated flowers (13%) compared to treatment with heat alone (22%) in a clonally balanced material. The production of full seeds per cone increased from 3 in 1987 to 50 in 1991. The full seed production is discussed in relation to methods and timing of pollen forcing. It is anticipated that 1 kg of seeds could be produced annually in a 1250 m² greenhouse.     

Reproductive biology of the critically endangered tropical tree Talbotiella gentii

Talbotiella gentii is a critically endangered caesalpiniaceous legume endemic to Ghana, restricted in distribution to the margins of the forest zone where there has been extensive fire damage in recent decades. It occurs as isolated, near-monospecific populations, some of which show little seedling regeneration. We studied its reproduction to determine limitations that might inform efforts to prevent its extinction. We report on flowering phenology, pollen dispersal and germination, fruit and seed set, seed size and germination, and seedling survival, using controlled and open pollination. Talbotiella gentii flowers profusely in most years. Although the flowers are coloured and scented, no animal pollinators were observed but pollen can be dispersed by wind. In open pollination, the number of pollen grains on stigmas and their germination was sufficient to fertilise the three ovules, despite competition from heavy stigmatic infestation by fungal spores and hyphae. Fruit set and seed set were low due to high flower losses and fruit abortion during development but ripe seeds showed high germination. Controlled pollination experiments (self, supplemented self, and intra- and inter-population crosses) showed that, while the species is self-compatible, selfing was the least successful treatment in all of the above steps of reproduction, whereas cross-pollination enhanced most steps, the more so for inter-population crosses. Seed size was notably greater in inter-population crosses and was positively correlated with genetic distance of the cross. The larger seeds associated with cross-pollination showed higher germination and seedling survival in the nursery. We conclude that limitations to natural reproduction in T. gentii are principally due to processes between pollen germination and fruit and seed set, including pollen quality (low genetic diversity and inbreeding), fertilisation rates, flower and fruit abortion, and resource limitation. Low seed size in open and self pollination may have implications for seedling establishment. Species fitness might be improved by introducing other genotypes to existing populations, but in situ protection of the populations is essential in the medium term.     

马尾松实生种子园花量分析

观测了福建省上杭县白沙林场马尾松实生种子园的21个家系花量,分析了家系内与家系间雌雄球花量、各家系雌雄球花量在不同冠层和方位的分布.结果表明:家系间与家系内球花量差异显著.马尾松球花花量在不同冠层的分布呈现显著差异.雌球花主要集中在上、中层,下层极少;雄球花则主要集中在中、下层.同时球花花量的分布在方位上差异不显著.可见,构建马尾松实生种子园过程中,在注重建园材料的生长、材性等重要经济性状的同时,还要注意雌雄球花量选择.此外,选择建园立地环境和加强人工管理也是提高马尾松开花量和保证雌雄球花比例,保证种子园稳产、高产的重要措施.     

Effects of drought stresses induced by polyethylene glycol on germination of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seeds from natural and plantation forests on sandy land

Effects of drought stresses induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0.0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, with four replicates) on germination of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) seeds produced in plantations (southern Keerqin sandy land) and natural forests (Hulunbeier sandy plain) were observed. The results indicated that the seeds from both provenances did not germinate when PEG concentration was more than 25%. The time of initial germination and that of its completion of stressed seeds from both provenances were delayed when compared with the unstressed seeds. The germination capacity and germination rate of natural seeds were significantly higher than those of plantation seeds for all treatment levels (P < 0.05). The mean growth rates of radicle and hypocotyl from natural seeds were significantly higher than those from plantation seeds at all treatment levels below 20% PEG treatment (P < 0.05). The ratios of radicle to hypocotyl of 20% PEG treatment were significant higher than those of the corresponding controls for both provenances (P < 0.05). These results suggested that Mongolian pine seeds/seedlings had stronger resistance to PEG drought stresses; 10% PGE stress did not significantly influence germination. Natural seeds exhibited more resistance to PEG stress than plantation seeds. It was concluded that drought stress on seed germination might be one cause of obstructed natural regeneration of Mongolian pine plantations on sandy land. It is recommended that natural seeds be used for afforestation, and light drought stress (e.g., 10% PEG stress) may be useful in improving seed germination and the growth of radicles and hypocotyls.     

Bats and bees are pollinating Parkia biglobosa in The Gambia

A pollination experiment was conducted with Parkia biglobosa (Fabaceae) in The Gambia. P. biglobosa is integrated in the farming systems and produces fruit pulp and seeds used in cooking. The species is bat-pollinated, and in areas with few bats the main pollinators are assumed to be honey bees. A higher rate of effective pollination will in many instances increase fruit production, and the aim of this study was to investigate pollination efficiency of different pollinators. Access of flower visiting animals to flowers was controlled by nets with differently sized mesh, using five trees as replicates. The pollinators’ identity, efficiency, and relative effect were determined. Bats, honey bees, and stingless bees were able to pollinate the species. Bat-visited capitula produced more pods, but not significantly more than honey bees. Honey bees were more efficient than stingless bees, resulting in significantly less aborted seeds. The treatment which excluded all flower visitors developed no mature pods, indicating that P. biglobosa was not autonomous autogamous, apomictic, or parthenocarpic, while the treatment with confined honey bees showed that geitonogamy is possible. Sugar content of fruit pulp was analysed and a positive correlation between number of seeds per pod and the sugar content was found. Improved pollination success may thus result in sweeter fruits. We conclude it is important to strive against a pollinator-friendly environment in order to attract bats and bees. Furthermore, we suggest beekeeping in the vicinity of P. biglobosa as a way to increase yield.     

Efficiency of neem and groundnut oils in protecting leguminous tree seeds against seed beetles in the Sahel

The objective of our study was to test the comparative efficiency of neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel oil, groundnut oil and a synthetic insecticide, K-Othrine®, in protecting stocks of leguminous tree seeds against seed beetles under Sahelian conditions. The following insect/seed combinations were used as models: Caryedon acaciae/Acacia nilotica, C. longispinosus/A. raddiana and C. serratus/Tamarindus indica. Neem oil, when used at concentrations of 5 to 20 ml per kg of seeds, had pronounced adulticidal and ovicidal effects which were maintained for five months. No significant fall in seed viability was observed except in the case of C. acaciae/A. nilotica. Groundnut oil, when used at concentrations of 5 to 20 ml per kg of seeds, had pronounced adulticidal and ovicidal effects which were relatively short-lived. A significant fall in seed viability was observed over five months. K-Othrine®, when used at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 mg per kg, had high adulticidal effects which were maintained for five months. However, K-Othrine® was found to have no ovicide properties. No significant fall in seed viability was observed. This study concluded that it is possible to use neem oil, a product that can be obtained locally at low cost, to efficiently protect tree seed stocks in the Sahel.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Phenological observations onLarix principis-rupprechtii Mayr. in primary seed orchard

Through 5 years of phenological observations onLarix principis-rupprechtii Mayr. in primary seed orchard and studies on population and individuals of clones, the annual periodic phenological laws were revealed and the annual phenological periodic table was drawn up. The correlation between various phenophases, the air temperature and active accumulated temperature were analyzed and expounded. The authors also analyzed the similarities and differences of phenophases among clonal individuals as well as the blooming properties of male and female flowers at the same time. This study could provide theoretical reference for working out the production plan of improved varieties and other management measures in seed orchard ofLarix principis-rupprechtii. Biography: ZHANG Xin-bo (1956-), male, senior engineer in Shanxi Academy of Forestry Science and Northern Research Institute of Forestry of China, Taiyuan 030012, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Zhu Hong     

林丹烟剂防治落叶松鞘蛾对寄生蜂种群的影响

应用林丹烟剂大面积防治兴安落叶松鞘蛾，对其寄生蜂种群有显著的副作用，可导致寄生蜂总寄生率下降63％，特别对小蜂类种群影响更大。试验结果看出，放烟后第3年，防治区鞘蛾种群数量可回升到接近放烟前的水平，而寄生蜂的种群数量却增长不到放烟前的50％。放烟不仅可以直接减少寄生蜂的数量，还可大量杀伤其中间寄主，进而直接影响寄生蜂数量的回升。     

Nursery soil cover influences germination of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai seeds

We examined the influence of nursery soil cover on germination of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai. Seeds were sown under seeding bed conditions: (1) nursery soil (andosol) without soil cover, (2) Kanuma pumice without soil cover, (3) nursery soil with nursery soil cover, and (4) nursery soil with sterilized sand cover. Germination percentages were compared between these conditions. The germination percentage (8.8%) at 10 weeks after sowing under condition 3 was significantly lower than under conditions 1, 2, and 4 (56.8%, 52.0%, and 47.2%, respectively). Of the nongerminated seeds under condition 3, 75.0% were decayed and several fungi were isolated from decayed seeds. An inoculation test of isolated fungi Cylindrocarpon tenue, Cylindrocarpon sp., Fusarium oxysporum, and Botrytis sp. to seeds showed that these fungi caused seed decay. Our results indicated that nursery soil cover may not be suitable for T. dolabrata var. hondai seeds sown in nursery soil because of seed decay by pathogens.