Genetic structure of mulberry from different ecotypes revealed by ISSRs in China: An implications for conservation of local mulberry varieties

Mulberry is a perennial and economically important plant that has traditionally been used for feeding the silkworm. Evaluating genetic relationship is important for long-term improvement in mulberry yield, quality and resistance, and for germplasm conservation and identification. Population structure and genetic diversity of 8 mulberry populations from different ecotypes in China were analyzed by ISSR markers. Twelve ISSR primers generated a total of 83 amplification products, of which 50 were polymorphic, revealing 60.24% polymorphism among 66 mulberry local varieties, the mean PIC value was 0.1469. The total heterozygosity (H_T), heterozygosity within population (H_S), diversity between populations (D_ST) were 0.1600, 0.0851 and 0.0749, respectively. The coefficient of population differentiation (G_ST) was 0.4683, indicating that the variations among populations and those within populations contributed 46.8% and 53.2% to the total heterozygosity, respectively. The gene flow (N_m) was 0.5678, suggesting that genetic drift between populations can caused local genetic differentiation and therefore, population divergence. The mean genetic similarity coefficient was 0.8456, genetic similarity coefficient among 8 mulberry populations ranged from 0.8441 to 0.9640, indicating that genetic diversity of different populations existed variation. A dendrogram of all 66 local varieties of mulberry based on the genetic similarity using ISSR markers was generated by UPGMA cluster method. In the dendrogram, most varieties from the same ecotype clustered together.     

Magnesium deficiency induced oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in mulberry plants

The aim of the study was to implicate induction of oxidative stress and antioxidative responses with the effects of Mg deficiency in mulberry plants. Mulberry (Morus alba L.) cv. Kanva-2 plants grown in hydroponics were subjected to deficiency of Mg. Mg-deficient plants developed visible symptoms—deep interveinal chlorotic mottling and necrosis in the older and middle leaves. The decreases in the dry matter yield of plants and concentrations of sugars and starch in the leaves of Mg-deficient plants are suggestive of decreased photosynthetic activity. Mg-deficiency decreased concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, and increased concentrations of H₂O₂ and ascorbate and activities of antioxidative enzymes—peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The results suggest induction of oxidative stress by enhancing generation of ROS and inducing alterations in redox status, accompanied by activation of antioxidant machinery including induction of some new SOD isoforms in Mg-deficient mulberry plants. Despite significant increase in H₂O₂, lipid peroxidation was decreased in Mg-deficient plants.     

功能型桑葚清汁饮料的研制

桑葚营养丰富,保健功能显著,经榨汁等处理后,加入大豆低聚糖等经科学调配后,酸甜可口,澄清透明无沉淀,是一种具有开发潜力的新型功能饮料.该饮料的最佳配料方案为:桑葚原汁30%、大豆低聚糖10%、柠檬酸0.08%、黄原胶0.1%.     

A Field Survey of Promising Mulberry (M<Emphasis Type="Italic">orus spp</Emphasis>.) Genotypes from Turkey

In this study the mulberry population in the Mediterranean and Eastern Anatolia Turkey was examined with regard to fruit properties. The research material consisted of uncultivated mulberry (Morus spp.) trees. Thirty five mulberry genotypes for table, 6 genotypes for fruit juice, 11 genotypes for syrup (pekmez) and 9 genotypes for drying, were selected, 32 of which belonged to Morus alba, 12 to Morus rubra and 8 genotypes to Morus nigra. Continued and more detailed selection studies with this population of genotypes are necessary to provide material that is suitable for future breeding efforts. It may also be possible to select some of this native material that has sufficient commercial value to justify its release to growers.     

Erstnachweis der räuberischen Gallmücke Lestodiplosis diaspidis (Kieffer, 1910) (Nematocera: Cecidomyiidae) als Prädator der Maulbeerschildlaus Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti, 1886) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in Deutschland

In 2015 within an initial test for the biological regulation of the White Scale (Diaspididae: Pseudaulacaspis pentagona) in a fruit orchard near house gardens in Pfinztal-Soellingen near Karlsruhe on heavily infested mulberry (Morus nigrum) a predatory gall midge Lestodiplosis diaspidis (Kieffer, 1910) (Nematocera: Cecidomyiidae) has been detected. This is the first record of this beneficial species for Germany. The importance of this gall midge as an antagonist of White Scale should be investigated in further studies.     

桑粮间作田条桑根系分布格局及其对土壤水分、养分的影响

条桑在河北省东部平原沙地和丘陵梯田广泛种植,与农作物间作是其主要栽培模式。2006年在河北省迁安市进行了桑粮间作田条桑根系断面积、根量、根系直径分布特征及其对土壤水分、养分影响的研究。结果表明:根系分布主要集中在20~40 cm土层内,此范围内的根系重量占总根量的60%~80%。根系以直径小于3 mm的细根居多,占总根量的30%~40%,大于7 mm的粗根数量很少,占总根数的5%~15%。平原沙地条桑根系主要分布在距桑丛中心100 cm范围内,桑丛外缘100 cm处的根量仅为总根量的6.52%,水平延伸幅度较窄,根系垂直分布明显;丘陵梯田条桑根系水平延伸可达桑丛外250 cm处,只有少量根系垂直深入岩石中,水平分布趋势明显。条桑根量、根系直径、根系断面积分布依立地条件及土层深度的不同而异。桑丛中心外1 m处深层土壤含水量增加,桑丛附近2.5 m内没有存在严重的土壤水分亏缺。平原沙地和丘陵梯田桑丛附近条桑富集土壤养分作用明显。     

Germplasm conservation in mulberry (Morus spp.)

As the threat from urbanization, climatic changes, out breaks of new diseases and pests, and the frequent occurrence of natural calamities increases as a result of global warming, conservation of plant genetic resources is seen widely as a necessary step to preserve the world's germplasm for posterity. Conservation strategies for vegetatively propagated plants are different from those adopted for conserving annual crops. This article summarizes the strategies that are best suited for better and safer conservation of precious genetic germplasm of mulberry, an economically important tree of Asia. An overview of the merits and demerits of in situ, ex situ and in vitro techniques as well as DNA banking or cryopreservation is provided in the context of mulberry genetic resources.     

桑枝食用菌菌种培养基的筛选研究

以桑枝屑、棉籽壳和木薯酒精废渣为主要原料进行三因素三水平正交设计,筛选生产平菇和木耳的最佳培养配方.结果表明:配方⑧(桑枝屑42％、棉籽壳28％、木薯酒精废渣14％、麸皮(米糠)12％、石灰2％、石膏1％、过磷酸钙1％),以及配方⑥(桑枝屑28％、棉籽壳42％、木薯酒精废渣14％、麸皮(米糠)12％、石灰2％、石膏1％、过磷酸钙1％)的2个配方菌种长势最好,抗老化能力强,外观好.在这2个配方上平菇菌种的菌丝日均生长速率分别为7.77和7.34 mm/d;木耳菌种菌丝日均生长速率分别为5.19和5.18 mm/d.     

Microsatellite characterization of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) genetic diversity in Asturias (Northern Spain)

The genetic heritage of the Asturian grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) has been declining over the past century due to the phylloxera attack and the further abandonment of this culture. In addition, efforts in recent years to restore the Asturian vineyard with the pulling-up of old vineyards and replanting with cultivars endorsed by Cangas Quality Wine regulations are contributing even more to this genetic erosion. The aim of this study was the evaluation and identification of the phytogenetic resources of the Asturian grapevine. A total of 293 accessions were collected in old vineyards and analyzed through nine microsatellite markers. Forty-two different genotypes were obtained, including six profiles with allelic variations. Only 27 cultivars were identified when compared with national and international databases; some of them had not been found in this region before. Homonymies and synonymies have also been detected. These results provide an overview of the status of current grapevine phytogenetic resources in Asturias. Despite the substantial genetic erosion that the Asturian vineyard has suffered, a higher variability than expected has been detected. The finding of new grapevine genotypes is a fact of great importance. The genetic grapevine resources are being drastically reduced all over the world, so this new genetic material has to be included in germplasm banks for its conservation and further agronomical and enological evaluation.     

果桑新品种‘玫瑰香’

‘玫瑰香’果桑是从山东省夏津县白椹群体中选出。果实卵圆形,单果质量2.02 g,具清香玫瑰味,果汁鲜艳,汁多,成熟果实浅紫色,含可溶性固形物23% ~ 30%,有机酸1.03%,维生素C 0.1188 mg · g-1。花芽率98.15%,坐果率91.89%。在山东德州地区果实初熟5月中旬,盛熟5月下旬。适应性强,丰产性好,抗病性强。     

‘Swingle’ citrumelo propagation by cuttings for citrus nursery tree production or inarching

‘Swingle’ citrumelo [Citrus paradisi MacFaden × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] has been extensively used as a rootstock in several citrus growing regions of the World, including Southern Brazil where ‘Rangpur’ lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) is still the predominant variety despite being affected by several important pathogens. In this case, ‘Swingle’ citrumelo is used to produce nursery trees to establish new orchards or to be inarched in adult and healthy groves in order to change the rootstock. We report herein a system to produce trees on ‘Swingle’ citrumelo more rapidly by budding onto non-rooted cuttings, as well as assessing potential to rapidly multiply ‘Swingle’ through rooting of non-budded cuttings. Therefore, two potential products are described: budded trees and rooted rootstock cuttings. ‘Valencia’ sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] was budded at different heights on cuttings derived from eight-month old rootstocks. Grafted and additional non-budded cuttings were then treated with indole-3-butyric acid (500 mg L⁻¹) or left untreated before rooting. Three types of cuttings were evaluated: softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood. The use of nursery trees derived from pre-budded hardwood cuttings of ‘Swingle’ citrumelo is an alternative grafting method on this cultivar. Softwood cuttings with one leaf pair were considered the most adequate material for rapid multiplication of ‘Swingle’ citrumelo by cutting. This could be particularly useful for inarching production or conventional budding after transplant of cutting-derived rootstocks.     

3种氮源不同配比培养基对Pe528生长的影响

利用桑枝屑、棉籽壳为主料,辅料中的玉米粉、麸皮、米糠作为3个因素,划定8%,10%两个水平,按L8(27)设计3因素2水平正交试验,糖1%、石灰1%,共设计出8种培养基配方进行试验.通过3种氛源不同配比组合的培养基对杏鲍菇528生长影响的比较,筛选出最适合栽培的培养基配方.试验结果表明,配方6(桑枝屑60%、棉籽壳10%、玉米粉10%、麸皮8%、米糠10%、石灰1%、糖1%)为最佳的培养基配方.     

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers for fingerprinting of Argyranthemum frutescens cultivars

Argyranthemum frutescens is a commercially important ornamental species with extensive breeding programmes in several countries. Since it is vegetatively propagated there is a great need for tools for identification of cultivars. Vegetatively propagated species require clean-up from diseases, often performed through meristem-tip cultures. Forty-three cultivars of A. frutescens propagated by meristem-tip culture and traditional cuttings were analyzed for genetic relatedness and possible somaclonal variation using AFLP. Five primer combinations resulted in a relatively high degree of polymorphism. Ten molecular markers generated by one primer combination could distinguish between all 43 cultivars. Differences in fingerprints between meristem-tip culture and cuttings from the same cultivars were found, but the proportion of fragments being specific for either tissue culture or cuttings was relatively low. Some cultivars that did not display somaclonal variation as judged by the AFLP-fingerprints may still be genetically unstable since some morphological variation was observed in the true to type test.     

Twenty years of agronomic evaluation of wild cocoa trees (Theobroma cacao L.) from French Guiana

Almost 500 clones of wild cocoa trees (Theobroma cacao L.) grown from pods collected in 1987 from wild mother-trees in the Camopi and Tanpok river basins (southeastern French Guiana) have been distributed in around fifteen cocoa producing countries since 1988. The name of those clones always bears the GU prefix (for “Guyane”, i.e. French Guiana). All the germplasm of the same geographical origin present in the CIRAD collection at Paracou-Combi (Sinnamary, French Guiana), i.e. more than 1600 trees, has been abundantly studied for its morphological characterization, its agronomic assessment or its genetic diversity. Other assessment work, primarily on resistance to certain diseases, has been carried out by CIRAD in Montpellier, or in various countries by other organizations.     

Analysis of genetic diversity among wild pomegranates in Western Himalayas,using PCR methods

The genus Punica (Punicaceae) is distributed in Iran, Afghanistan, India and Mediterranean countries. Iran is considered to be its primary center of origin. In India Punica granatum is found in wild only in Western Himalayan regions comprising, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states. However, there is little information available about the genetic variation present in pomegranates in the regions. In this paper we describe the use of DAMD and RAPD methods that generate the profiles, to study genetic diversity in wild genotypes of the P. granatum in India. Forty-nine accessions representing two regions of Western Himalaya were analyzed. Similarity coefficient value varied from 0.08 to 0.79 across different accessions. The results indicate that DAMD (97.08%) revealed more polymorphism in comparison to RAPD (93.72%). The results show that these methods are sufficiently informative to unravel the genetic variations in wild pomegranates in Western Himalayas.     

Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of anthocyanin-rich Morus nigra and Morus rubra fruits

In this study, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of anthocyanin-rich mulberry species of Morus nigra L. (black mulberry) and Morus rubra L. (red mulberry) fruits harvested from across Turkey were investigated. Fruit color, total phenolics (TP), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), titratable acidity (TA), and individual sugar and organic acid compositions were determined. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of fruits was assessed by both the trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Black mulberry exhibited higher TP, TMA, TAC and TA when compared to red mulberry. The average TP contents of M. nigra and M. rubra were 2737 and 1603 μg gallic acid equivalent in g fresh weight basis (GAE/g fw), respectively. M. nigra had the richest amount of anthocyanin with an average of 571 μg cy-3-glu/g fw. Overall, TAC averaged 10.5 and 12.0 mmol TE/L by the TEAC and FRAP methods, respectively. We found that FRAP, TEAC, TP and TMA were significantly correlated (r = 0.64–0.99) with each other. Fructose (5.27 g/100 mL) and glucose (5.81 g/100 mL) were determined to be the major sugars in both mulberries. M. nigra displayed a higher TA (2.05 g/100 mL) than M. rubra (0.78 g/100 mL), with citric acid as the major acid.     

Development of microsatellite markers in cultivated vanilla: Polymorphism and transferability to other vanilla species

The sources of natural vanilla are the cured fruits of two obligatorily hand-pollinated and clonally propagated orchids: ‘Bourbon/Mexican vanilla’ (Vanilla planifolia G. Jackson) and ‘Tahitian vanilla’ (Vanilla tahitensis J.W. Moore). In this paper we describe for the first time the isolation and characterization of 14 microsatellite loci from V. planifolia. These were monomorphic within cultivated accessions, as expected from the probable single clonal origin of this crop and previous genetic studies. These markers were transferable to V. tahitensis and 11 loci were polymorphic between these two closely related species. Furthermore, some of these markers were transferable and polymorphic across 15 other wild American, African and Asian species and revealed consistent relationships between species, together with a strong pattern of Old World versus New World differentiation in the genus. These microsatellites will be very useful for diversity, hybridization and phylogeographic studies in the genus Vanilla.     

Some physico-chemical characteristics of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes from Northeast Anatolia region of Turkey

In this study, some selected physico-chemical properties (antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, fatty acids, fruit colour, fruit juice yield, fruit weight, organic acids, pH, total phenolic and total soluble solid contents) of five black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes grown in the Northeast Anatolia region of Turkey was investigated. The total phenolic and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of black mulberry fruits were determined according to Folin-Ciocalteu and β-carotene bleaching method assays, respectively. Fatty acids of mulberry fruits were determined by using gas chromatography. Total phenolic content was observed in black mulberry fruits between 1943 and 2237 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh mass. The vitamin C content of genotypes varied between 14.9 and 18.7 mg/100 ml. The major fatty acids in all mulberry fruits were linoleic acid (53.57–64.41%) and palmitic acid (11.36–16.41%). Antioxidant activity of black mulberry genotypes was found between 63% and 76%, which lower than standard BHA and BHT. Regarding organic acid content, malic acid was the most predominant with a range of 123–218 mg/g followed by citric acid (21–41 mg/g). The results of the study are helpful for attempting crop improvement in black mulberry for bringing to cultivation.     

Ploidy screening of anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden ex André) regenerants derived from anther culture

Anther culture was successfully developed in Anthurium andreanum Linden ex André cv. ‘Tropical’, but resulted in variation in morphology and growth response of regenerants. Ploidy levels varied in different morphological variants. Finding a convenient, rapid, reliable, practical and indirect method to screen and determine anthurium ploidy level is important not only for anthurium, but for ornamentals in general. Regenerants derived from anther culture showing three different ploidy levels (haploids, diploids, triploids) were used in this study. Five indirect methods were used to assess chromosome number: chloroplast number in stomatal guard cells (M1), stomatal length and width ratio (M2), stomatal density (M3), ratio of length and width of leaves (M4), and microspore number per anther (M5). These were compared to chromosome counting as the direct and control method (M6). Through simple regression correlation analysis, when compared to M6, M1 was the most convenient and reliable indirect method to determine the ploidy level. This method was highly and significantly positively correlated to anthurium ploidy level (r = 0.945; p < 0.01). This method could also be applied much faster than the conventional chromosome method.     

Acetonitrile (methyl cyanide) emitted by the African spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra L. (Briq)): Bioactivity against spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on roses

The African spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra L. (Briq)) has repellent properties against spider mite on roses (Rosa hybrida L.) when grown as a companion plant. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) has been used to identify potential volatile compounds in the foliar emissions of this plant that may contribute to the anti-mite properties. Acetonitrile (methyl cyanide) was the most abundant compound emitted by entire plants and detached leaves of five lines of both glasshouse- and field-grown G. gynandra, with only trace levels emitted by roses grown under similar conditions. A toxicity bioassay was conducted to evaluate the bioactivity of acetonitrile against spider mite, and ≥2.5 μL/L of air rendered 100% of the mites inactive. Removal of the compound after an initial exposure of up to 5.0 μL/L of acetonitrile allowed some 10% of the mites to recover mobility, but above this level no mobility was observed. This study provides a very strong indication that foliar emissions of acetonitrile by G gynandra are responsible, to a significant degree, for the spider mite repellent activity of the plant when used as an intercrop with roses.