Genetic characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pelargonium</Emphasis> L’Hér. germplasm

Fifteen species and eight cultivars of the section Pelargonium (DC.) Harv., two species of the section Ligularia (Sweet) Harv. and three species of the section Cortusina (DC.) Harv. were tested for genetic distance to predict successful combinations of interspecific crossings. 156 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-bands and 485 double primer RAPD-bands were used for distance analysis. Combined with information on the ploidy level, species were clustered in the expected sections except Pelargonium hirtum (Burm. f.) Jacq., which clustered with the species of the section Cortusina. Different accessions of the same wild species showed a high conformity (67–98 %) comparable to the cultivars (66–70 %).     

Constitutive Expression of α-galactosidase Mel1 Gene in Pichia pastoris

用PCR方法从酵母(Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) AH109中扩增出α-半乳糖苷酶的Mel1基因，将其克隆至整合型载体pGAPZαA中构建成组成型分泌表达酶产物的重组质粒pGAPZα-Mel1。将线性化的重组质粒pGAPZα-Mel1电击转化至毕赤酵母(Pichia pastoris ) KM71，在含有100 mg/mL zeocin和预先涂布有X-α-gal的YPDS平板上选择蓝色阳性菌落。发酵培养酵母的上清经SDS-PAGE分析，在53 kD处有特异带；经非变性PAGE凝胶电泳，与显色底物的反应，检测到α-半乳糖苷酶活性带。重组菌pGAPZα-Mel1 /KM71摇瓶发酵6 d后，培养液α-半乳糖苷酶粗酶活性为12 U/mL。     

‘Drumstick tree’ (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Moringa oleifera</Emphasis> Lam.): a multipurpose potential species in India

Moringa oleifera Lam., a medium sized tree species has gained importance due to its multipurpose usage and well adaptability to dry and hot climates of north-western plains, central India and dry regions of peninsular India. This species is reported in this paper for distribution of diversity and genetic resources value in different parts of the country. Information on diversification in use viz. regional importance has been included to broaden the scope for value addition, identification of potential value and use in plant genetic resource programmes.     

Genetic Variation Among Portuguese Landraces of ‘Arrancada’ Wheat and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum petropavlovskyi</Emphasis> by AFLP-based Assessment

Portuguese wheat landraces, ‘Arrancada’ were collected from the Aveiro region, Portugal before the 1950s. We found in eight accessions of `Arrancada' hexaploid wheat with the long glume phenotype. We assessed the comparative genetic diversity among Portuguese `Arrancada' wheat and Triticum petropavlovskyi Udacz. et Migusch. using AFLP assays and discuss the origin of long glumed `Arrancada' wheat. With the four primer pairs a total of 4885 visible bands were scored corresponding to 99 AFLP markers as putative loci, of which 55 markers (54%) were polymorphic. UPGMA clustering and PCO grouping showed that long glumed ‘Arrancada’ wheat and T. petropavlovskyi were genetically diverse. Long glumed ‘Arrancada’ hexaploid wheat separated into two clusters (groups) in both the UPGMA dendrogram and in PCO analysis. Four long glumed accessions fell in the cluster of tetraploid wheat. A similar argument could be made for another four accessions which belong to the cluster of hexaploid wheat. The substantial level of genetic variation indicated that long glumed ‘Arrancada’ wheat and T. petropavlovskyi originated independently. It is most likely that the P-gene of long glumed ‘Arrancada’ hexaploid wheat was introduced from T. turgidum ssp. polonicum (L.) Thell. to T. aestivum via natural introgression or breeding. We suggest that the long glumed ‘Arrancada’ hexaploid wheat did not originate from T. aestivum through spontaneous mutation at the P locus     

The ‘Bavarian Turnip’ — a rediscovered local vegetable variety of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica rapa</Emphasis> L. em. Metzg. var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">rapa</Emphasis>

The Bavarian Turnip (Bayerische Rübe, Brassica rapa L. em. Metzg. var. rapa) is a nearly lost crop today. Until 1900, this local variety was commonly grown in Bavaria for human consumption. The special and very distinct characters of this variety in comparison with recent breeds are preferred by the farmers families and assured the persistence and survival of this turnip in situ (on farm). In the region of Dachau and Freising, located north of Munich, only four farms are known, where this old crop is still grown and maintained. Urgent measures have to be taken to safe this cultural relict for future generations.     

Microsatellite analysis of Alpine grape cultivars (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.): alleged descendants of Pliny the Elder’s <Emphasis Type="Italic">Raetica</Emphasis> are genetically related

According to Pliny the Elder and other Greco-Roman geoponics, Raetica was a famous white grape as well as a white wine produced in Raetia, a Province of the Roman Empire. Does Raetica grape have modern descendants? Etymologically and geographically, the white ‘Rèze’ from Valais (Switzerland) would be the best candidate. Using available microsatellite data, we searched for relatives of ‘Rèze’ in our database containing over 1,700 genotypes of grape cultivars from all over the world. Twelve cultivars showing putative first-degree (parent–offspring or full-siblings) or second-degree (grandparent–grandoffspring, uncle–nephew or half-siblings) relationships with ‘Rèze’ were then analysed at 60 microsatellite markers. Calculation of allele sharing and likelihood ratios between competing relationship categories revealed that four cultivars had parent–offspring relationship with ‘Rèze’: ‘Cascarolo Bianco’ (Piedmont, Italy), ‘Arvine Grande’ (Valais, Switzerland), ‘Groppello di Revò’ and ‘Nosiola’ (Trentino, Italy). Given that some of these are also said to be Raetica descendants, we may well be on the tracks of Pliny the Elder’s Raetica grape. However, there is no evidence about the identity of Raetica. Analysis of ancient DNA of grape pips excavated from archaeological sites of the Roman times might provide key information. Our first attempts were unsuccessful, but analysis of additional samples and optimisation of the method could provide groundbreaking results about the identity of the grapes cultivated in classical antiquity.     

Project ‘Telma’: A scientific framework for conserving the world's peatlands

The world's peat resources are diminishing rapidly—a fact that is causing anxiety in some countries. Project ‘Telma’, initiated by IUCN and IBP, is concerned with international cooperation in the conservation of peatlands (mires). Because peatlands play a key rôle in certain biogeochemical cycles (especially the hydrological and carbon cycles), interest is being expressed in the part they may have in maintaining ecological balance in some regions, and thus in the need for a conservation policy for peatlands. But further research is required on this function of peatlands. However, the scientific argument for conserving them is more definitive and is largely based on the fact that they comprise an important source of ecological information. Some of the diversity and intrinsic importance of this information is demonstrated by studies of the European sub-group of boreal mires. The Telma classification was devised as a framework for gathering information for preparing lists of sites of international significance for science and education.     

Organics Wastewater Degradation by a Mesoporous Chromium-Functionalized γ-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> with H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> Assistance

In this study, a mesoporous chromium-functionalized γ-Al₂O₃ (Cr/γ-Al₂O₃) catalyst was prepared by an impregnation method, and the catalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of organics wastewater. The prepared catalyst was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments, and scanning electron microscopy. The characterization results confirmed that the pores in the Cr/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst distributed broadly in the mesoporous region, and the active chromium species were highly dispersed on the catalyst surface. The catalytic activity tests showed that the Cr/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst exhibited a superior performance for the degradation of organics wastewater with H₂O₂ assistance. And the methylene blue (MB) disappeared within 20 min and the COD removal reached 76.5% within 40 min for the MB-simulated wastewater; for the phenol-simulated wastewater, the phenol removal was above 95% and the corresponding COD removal reached 71% within 40 min. Such an excellent catalytic performance demonstrates that the Cr/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst has a potential application in the degradation of complex organics wastewater simultaneously.     

Genetic differentiation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Actinidia chinensis</Emphasis> and analysis of gene flow barriers in the Qinling Mountains,the species’ northern distribution boundary

The Qinling Mountains form the geo-ecological boundary between subtropical and warm-temperate zones in China and represent the northern boundary for the range of native Actinidia chinensis. To protect, explore and make use of natural resources more effectively, factors influencing genetic diversity of species must be determined. Whether the complex demography of the Qinling Mountains significantly influences gene flow of Actinidia species remains unknown. We assessed genetic diversity and structure of A. chinensis populations in the Qinling Mountains using genomic- and EST-SSR markers. We also conducted barrier analysis to detect genetic discontinuity and isolated pools within structured populations. A total of 179 alleles were detected in six natural A. chinensis populations with an average of 14.9 alleles per locus. Overall, genetic differentiation among A. chinensis populations was low but was stronger than that of populations on either the northern or southern slopes. Analysis of molecular variance showed that 25.97% of the total variance occurred among populations, whereas 74.03% of the total variance occurred within populations. The strongest gene flow occurred between the PX population on the southern slope and the LX population on the northern slope. A UPGMA dendrogram revealed that LX and PX populations were clustered together in one group. The other populations were clustered into another group. A Mantel test revealed no significant correlation between genetic and geographical distances. Clear genetic structure was revealed, and four geographic barriers were identified within and among five areas located in the western, central and eastern Qinling Mountains. Gene flow among populations was restricted by the primary ridges of the Qinling Mountains extending west to east, with branches advancing north to south.     

Temporal in situ dynamics of N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O reductase activity as affected by nitrogen fertilization and implications for the N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O/(N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O + N<Subscript>2</Subscript>) product ratio and N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O mitigation

In vitro, high nitrate (NO₃ ^?) concentrations significantly inhibit N₂O reductase activity. However, little information is available on the in situ temporal effects of excessive N fertilization on soil N₂O reductase activity and the regulation of the N₂O/(N₂ + N₂O) product ratio in agricultural soil. This study examined the monthly in situ dynamics of NO₃ ^? concentration, N₂O reductase activity, and N₂O/(N₂ + N₂O) product ratio for 2 years in loamy soil that had received either continuous N fertilizer at 400 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 for 15 years (N400) or no N fertilizers (CK). N₂O reductase activity was significantly lower under the N400 treatment than under the CK and correlated negatively with soil NO₃ ^? concentration. The decrease in N₂O reductase activity resulted in the N₂O/(N₂ + N₂O) product ratio increasing. These results demonstrate that excessive N fertilization has the potential to increase N₂O emissions by reducing N₂O reductase activity in soils. These results highlight the need for N₂O mitigation options to embrace the reduction of soil NO₃ ^? concentrations.     

Effect of Co-Dopants in TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Thin films on the Formaldehyde Degradation

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂)–silicon dioxide (SiO₂) thin films were synthesized using the peroxo titanic acid approach (PTA) combined with the sol–gel method at low temperature around 100°C. The effects of type and amount of dopants of ferric (Fe³⁺) or thiourea (N-S) and co-dopants of Fe³⁺ and N-S on the films physicochemical properties and on the photocatalytic degradation of the methylene blue and formaldehyde under UV and visible light irradiation were investigated. Physicochemical properties of photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the TiO₂ crystal phases obtained from this method were exclusively anatase and the needle-like crystals have an average diameter of 10–25 nm. Compared with the single dopant of 1.0 wt.% Fe³⁺ or 0.125 wt.% N-S that was the optimal concentration for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and formaldehyde, the co-dopants of 0.125 wt.% N-S + 1.0 wt.% Fe³⁺ furthermore increased the degradation efficiency. Co-dopants of 0.125 wt.% N-S + 1.0 wt.% Fe³⁺ in TiO₂–SiO₂ films were considered to play synergistic roles in narrowing TiO₂ band gap resulting in the higher methylene blue and formaldehyde degradation efficiency. Since the crystal grain size of TiO₂–SiO₂ films synthesized by the PTA method is small, in the visible light region, the high transmittance was attainable to 80% with no-doped and dropped to 50–60% with doped thin films.     

‘Ladakhi tea’ <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bidens pilosa</Emphasis> L. (Asteraceae): a cultivated species in the cold desert of Ladakh Himalaya,India

Bidens pilosa L., a less-known cultivated tea species was collected from cold desert of Ladakh Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, India during 2004. The freshly harvested leaves are used in preparation of ‘Ladakhi tea’ locally known as ‘Saja’ or ‘Soljaa’ in cold desert of Ladakh Himalaya, Western Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir. The local inhabitants were growing this species in their kitchen garden for this use. In the present communication, the method of preparation of this beverage is also discussed.     

Heterotrophic nitrification is the predominant NO<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> production mechanism in coniferous but not broad-leaf acid forest soil in subtropical China

A study was carried out to investigate the potential gross nitrogen (N) transformations in natural secondary coniferous and evergreen broad-leaf forest soils in subtropical China. The simultaneously occurring gross N transformations in soil were quantified by a ¹⁵N tracing study. The results showed that N dynamics were dominated by NH₄⁺ turnover in both soils. The total mineralization (from labile and recalcitrant organic N) in the broad-leaf forest was more than twice the rate in the coniferous forest soil. The total rate of mineral N production (NH₄⁺ + NO₃⁻) from the large recalcitrant organic N pool was similar in the two forest soils. However, appreciable NO₃⁻ production was only observed in the coniferous forest soil due to heterotrophic nitrification (i.e. direct oxidation of organic N to NO₃⁻), whereas nitrification in broad-leaf forest was little (or negligible). Thus, a distinct shift occurred from predominantly NH₄⁺ production in the broad-leaf forest soil to a balanced production of NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ in the coniferous forest soil. This may be a mechanism to ensure an adequate supply of available mineral N in the coniferous forest soil and most likely reflects differences in microbial community patterns (possibly saprophytic, fungal, activities in coniferous soils). We show for the first time that the high nitrification rate in these soils may be of heterotrophic rather than autotrophic nature. Furthermore, high NO₃⁻ production was only apparent in the coniferous but not in broad-leaf forest soil. This highlights the association of vegetation type with the size and the activity of the SOM pools that ultimately determines whether only NH₄⁺ or also a high NO₃⁻ turnover is present.     

A simulation model of <Superscript>90</Superscript>Sr daily dynamics in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">soil</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">stand</Emphasis> system of deciduous forests

A simulation model of the ⁹⁰Sr dynamics in the soil and stand components of deciduous forest ecosystems with a 1-day step was developed; this model was used to conduct numerical experiments to clarify the mechanisms of the ⁹⁰Sr behavior. The algorithm allows one to take into account the effect of meteorological, phenological, and physiological factors on the behavior of the radionuclide and simulate different fallout conditions. The results of simulation can be used in the valuation of deciduous forest products. The model is applicable for studying the redistribution of calcium in the stand of deciduous forest ecosystems.     

Comparative Photocatalytic Performance on the Degradation of 2-Naphthol Under Simulated Solar Light Using α-Bi<Subscript>4</Subscript>V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>11</Subscript> Synthesized by Solid-State and Co-precipitation Methods

In this investigation, the photocatalytic activity of α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ in the degradation of 2-naphthol under simulated solar light was evaluated. Bismuth vanadate α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ was synthesized by the solid-state reaction method and by co-precipitation in aqueous media, with the aim of comparing their performance in the photodegradation of the aromatic pollutant. The latter method (co-precipitation) has not been previously reported for the synthesis of α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁. Structural evolution of the oxides precursors was determined by X-ray diffraction. Morphology and optical properties of the solids were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis), respectively. The results showed that at 800 °C, only α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ was formed in both preparations. The SEM micrographs revealed that the powders were composed of agglomerates with sizes between 0.8–2 μm for those synthesized by co-precipitation and 2–10 μm for those obtained by solid-state reaction. The optical properties indicated that α-Bi₄V₂O₁₁ was activated with visible light during the photocatalytic process. The photocatalytic degradation of 2-naphthol was largely influenced at basic pH, degrading 79% of the contaminant in 240 min, with the powder obtained by co-precipitation; meanwhile, for the solid-state preparation, the degradation reached only 55%.     

Genetic Erosion – Examples from Italy<Superscript>1,2</Superscript>

Italy has been used as a country for estimating genetic erosion in crops. It was possible to compare early surveys (from the 1920s to the 1950s), especially on wheats, with results of later missions in the 1980s and 1990s. In the early years, a relatively high genetic erosion was observed (13.2% p.a.). From the 1950s until the 1980s erosion rates between 0.48 and 4% p.a. were estimated. In the little island of Favignana there was an erosion rate of 12.2% p.a. leading to the extinction of the last wheat landraces of this island. There have been no significant differences in erosion rates between field- and garden-crops though there has been the impression that garden crops are better preserved over the long run. Interestingly extinction rates of wild plants (0.13% in the Mediterranean) come close to the average erosion rates of crop plants in the area. ¹Dedicated to Erna Bennett on the occasion of her 80^th birthday ²Lecture presented during the XVII^th Congress of EUCARPIA in Tulln, Austria, 2004     

Farmers’ practices,utilization, conservation and marketing of Bambara groundnut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna subterranea</Emphasis> (L.) Verdc.) in Dosso Region,Western Niger

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is one of the important legume crop grown in marginal soils of sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its importance in food security and income generation for small scale farmers, it remains as a neglected and underutilized crop and the productivity is very low in the field due to the lack of improved varieties and lack adequate farming practices. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate all aspects related to its production including source of seeds supply and farmers management practices, utilization, conservation and marketing. The results revealed that in this Region of Western Niger Bambara groundnut was mainly produced by female (95%) compared to male (5%). Farmers use their own recycled seed (80%) which is the main source followed by provision of recycled seeds by relatives (5%) and purchasing from the local market (15%). Also, this finding shows that there is a lack of adequate farming practices and the crop is mostly produced on inherited land without any inputs as reported by 80% of the respondents. Mono-cropping is mainly practiced by 97% of farmers while a few of them do rotation (2%) and most of pre and postharvest handling technologies are traditional. The most important traits preferred by Bambara farmers is seed colour (cream color), followed by high grain yield, early maturity and cooking ability according to the respondents with 98, 92, 88 and 72% respectively. Several features have to be taking into account in order to promote Bambara nut including its ability to do well in harsh conditions, its nutritional benefits, and its ability to fix nitrogen, thereby increasing soil fertility in mixed cropping systems.