Identification of QTLs for rice grain size and shape of Iranian cultivars using SSR markers

Grain size is a main component of rice appearance quality. In this study, we performed the SSR mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling grain size (grain length and breadth) and shape (length/breadth ratio) using an F₂ population of a cross between two Iranian cultivars, Domsephid and Gerdeh, comprising of 192 individuals. A linkage map with 88 markers was constructed, which covered 1367.9 cM of the rice genome with an average distance of 18 cM between markers. Interval mapping procedure was used to identify the QTLs controlling three grain traits, and QTLs detected were further confirmed using composite interval mapping. A total of 11 intervals carrying 18 QTLs for three traits were identifed, that included five QTLs for grain length, seven QTLs for grain breadth, and six QTLs for grain shape. A major QTL for grain length was detected on chromosome 3, that explained 19.3% of the phenotypic variation. Two major QTLs for grain breadth were mapped on chromosomes 3 and 8, which explained 34.1% and 20% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Another two major QTLs were identified for grain shape on chromosomes 3 and 8, which accounted for 27.1% and 20.5% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. The two QTLs that were mapped for grain shape coincided with the major QTLs detected for grain length and grain breadth. Intrestingly, gs2 QTL specific to grain shape was detected on chromosome 2 that explained 15% of the phenotypic variation.     

Evaluation of proline analysis and chlorophyll fluorescence quenching measurements as drought tolerance indicators in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum)

Summary The possibility of using proline accumulation and fluorescence inhibition as predictive tests for drought tolerance in durum wheat has been investigated. The drought susceptibility of 25 genotypes was evaluated by comparing yields and yield components in irrigated and non irrigated conditions in the field. A drought susceptibility index (DSI) was calculated based on yields from irrigated and dry treatments and compared with the results obtained using the two physiological criteria. Proline accumulation and chlorophyll fluorescence inhibition were found to be significantly and negatively correlated with DSI of grain yield, biological yield, and thousand kernel weight, and tiller index. The use of both criteria for breeding durum wheat in Mediterranean dryland is discussed.     

Race specific resistance against Phytophthora infestans in potato is controlled by more genetic factors than only R-genes

Summary For RFLP mapping of R-genes, determining resistance to specific races of Phytophthora infestans in tetraploid potato, it is necessary to develop well segregating populations at the 2x level. During mapping studies, evidence was obtained that more genetic factor(s) are involved in the expression of R-genes than conventionally believed. Two experiments are described in which such an additional genetic factor was suppressing or enhancing the expression of unknown R _nand R _ifactors. R _nand R _iappeared to be present in the investigated plant material, containing R4 and R10, or in one of the susceptible crossing parents. In a third experiment, the expression and the segregation of the well known R1 gene was influenced by an additional genetic factor. In that case there were indications for a dominant suppressor. This was established by the selection of susceptible plants carrying a RFLP allele of probe GP21 closely linked to R1. In three of the four F₁ populations, resulting from crosses between such susceptible plants and susceptible tester plants, resistnat progenies were found. The resistance appeared to be R1-specific. This clearly indicates that in three of the four investigated susceptible plants, the R1 gene was still present but not expressed.     

Using arbuscular mycorrhiza to reduce the stressful effects of soil compaction on corn (Zea mays L.) growth

Soil compaction is of great importance in agriculture, because its high levels may adversely affect plant growth and the environment. Since mechanical methods are not very efficient and economical, using biological methods to alleviate the stress of soil compaction on plant growth may be beneficial. The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the effects of soil compaction on corn (Zea mays L.) growth, and (2) test the hypothesis that applying arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) with different origins can partially or completely overcome the stressful effects of soil compaction on corn growth under unsterilized and sterilized conditions. Corn was planted in unsterilized and sterilized compacted soils, while treated with three species of AM including, Iranian Glomus mosseae, Iranian Glomus etunicatum, and Canadian Glomus mosseae, received from GINCO (Glomales in vitro Collection), Canada. Plant growth variables and soil resistance parameters were determined. AM significantly increased root fresh (maximum of 94% increase) and dry (maximum of 100% increase) weights in the compacted soil. AM with different origins may improve corn growth in compacted soils, though its effectiveness is related to the level of compaction and also to the interaction with other soil microorganisms.     

Kaurane-type diterpenoids from Chromoleana odorata, their X-ray diffraction studies and potent α-glucosidase inhibition of 16-kauren-19-oic acid

A new diterpenoid, 15-angeloyloxy-16,17-epoxy-19-kauronic acid (1), along with five known metabolites, 16-kauren-19-oic acid (2), 6′-hydroxy-2′,3′,4,4′-tetramethoxychalcone (3), isosakuranetin (4), acacetin (5), and kaempferide (6) was isolated from the organic extracts of the roots of Chromoleana odorata. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic evidences. The structures of 1 and 2 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Compound 2 exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibitory and antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.     

Molecular simulations probing Kushecarpin A as a new lipoxygenase inhibitor

Zizyphus oxyphylla Edgew is used in Pakistan as a folk medicinal remedy for inflammatory conditions, pains especially rheumatic pain, fevers, allergy and diabetes. The aim of the current study was to scientifically validate the folk use of Z. oxyphylla Edgew by using the isolated compound in vitro and in vivo levels. Kushecarpin A was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of the plant crude extract. Molecular docking simulations predicted Kushecarpin A as a potential new lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor. Kushecarpin A showed significant lipoxygenase inhibition (IC50: 7.2 ± 0.02 μM) thus validated computational prediction. It also exhibited significant and highly significant inhibition (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) of carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema at the doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg. Kushecarpin A seems to be a potentially new anti-inflammatory compound responsible for anti-inflammatory activities of Z. oxyphylla Edgew. In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory inflammatory activities were found in good agreement with the folk medicinal use of Z. oxyphylla Edgew in inflammatory disorders.     

Interaction analysis between slenderness ratio and resin content on mechanical properties of particleboard

The interaction between particle size and resin content is one of the most important structural parameters that can influence the accuracy of predictions about wood-composite properties. We developed three kinds of equation (linear, quadratic, and exponential) for each mechanical property of particleboard based on slenderness ratio and resin content at a constant density (0.7g cm -3 ). Results from SHAZAM software (version 9) suggested that the quadratic function was not significant, but the linear and exponential functions were significant. The interaction between particle size and resin content was analyzed by Maple 9 software. The results indicated that an exponential function can better describe the simultaneous effect of slenderness and resin content than a linear equation. Under constant resin content, particles with higher slenderness ratios increased more in modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) than did particles with lower slenderness ratios. Edge withdrawal resistance (SWRe) values did not increase with increasing slenderness ratio.     

Diversity in phosphorus mobilisation and uptake in ectomycorrhizal fungi

• Introduction   

Phosphorus (P) is often the first or second element limiting aboveground net primary productivity of forests. Besides low available inorganic orthophosphate (Pi) concentrations, soil may contain high total P contents, as insoluble mineral P or as organic P. Most plants form mycorrhizal associations that improve their P nutrition. Three main hypotheses have been proposed to explain this positive effect through an increase of (1) P mobilisation from mineral P, (2) P mobilisation from organic P and (3) soil exploration and P uptake. However, the positive effect of mycorrhizal symbiosis may be variable with the fungal species forming the association. This could be due to the different abilities of mycorrhizal fungi to mobilise P and/or to take up Pi from the soil.