番茄果实特异表达启动子E8p1的克隆及表达

E8启动子是番茄果实成熟乙烯响应性基因E8的启动子区。这个区域中存在着一些响应乙烯以及在果实发育和成熟过程中起调节作用的顺式作用元件,调节E8基因在果实     

T7RNAP基因的克隆及其质体定位表达载体的构建

为在番茄成熟果实组织中建立T7/T7RNAP质体转基因特异与高效表达系统,本文克隆了原核T7RNAP基因,在添加上质体定位信号肽编码序列后,由番茄果实成熟特异表达启动子PDS和Tnos终止子控制,构成了含有PDS-ptT7RNAP-Tnos基因表达盒的植物基因双元表达载体。该研究为在番茄质体工程中控制外源质体转基因在番茄成熟果实成熟组织中定点表达奠定了基础。     

乙烯受体基因LeETR1和LeETR4的克隆及在番茄果实中的表达

摘要：为研究野生型番茄（Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv . Lichun）和转反义ACS 番茄果实中乙烯受体基因LeETR1和LeETR4的表达与乙烯的关系，实验用RT-PCR方法扩增了乙烯受体基因LeETR1和LeETR4片段，用两片段作探针进行Northern 杂交。结果表明：两受体基因的表达在番茄果实成熟进程中变化不明显，LeETR4在同一时期的果实外果皮中表达水平低于其在辐射壁和中柱的表达。转反义ACS番茄果实中LeETR1和LeETR4的表达水平显著低于野生型番茄果实，外源乙烯处理转反义ACS番茄果实，促进两个受体基因的表达。可见果实中LeETR1和LeETR4的表达受乙烯调控的影响。     

乙烯受体基因LeFTR1和LeFTR4的克隆及在番茄果实中的表达

为研究野生型番茄(Lycopersicon esculentum Mill．cv．Lichun)和转反义ACS番茄果实中乙烯受体基因上eETR1和LeETR4的表达与乙烯的关系，实验用RT-PCR方法扩增了乙烯受体基因LeETR1和LeETR4片段，用两片段作探针进行Northern杂交。结果表明：两受体基因的表达在番茄果实成熟进程中变化不明显，LeETR4在同一时期的果实外果皮中表达水平低于其在辐射壁和中柱的表达。转反义ACS番茄果实中LeETR1和LeETR4的表达水平显著低于野生型番茄果实，外源乙烯处理转反义ACS番茄果实，促进两个受体基因的表达。可见果实中LeETR1和LeETR4的表达受乙烯调控的影响。     

番茄乙烯信号转导相关基因EIN3（Le-EIL）的克隆和表达

摘要：根据拟南芥?穴Arabidopsis thaliana ?雪、烟草?穴Nicotiana tabacum ?雪EIN3基因保守区序列设计简并引物，采用RT-PCR扩增从番茄(Lycopersicon esculentum )果实中得到一个486 bp的同源片段。以此片段作为探针，从番茄果实cDNA文库中分离到一个拟南芥EIN3的同源基因的cDNA克隆,命名为Le-EIL。该克隆含有一个1 845 bp的开放阅读框，编码615个氨基酸。经同源分析，它与烟草TEIL基因的同源性为79%，与拟南芥EIN3、EIL1、EIL2和EIL3的同源性分别为59%、56%、52%、46%。Le-EIL基因表达与番茄果实的成熟及乙烯生成情况具有较强的相关性。在普通番茄果实的不同成熟时期Le-EIL基因都有表达，并且随着成熟度的增加基因表达有明显的增强，在转色期和粉红期Le-EIL基因的表达最强, 在全红期后减弱。在转反义ACS基因的转基因番茄果实中，只有开花后60 d的果实中Le-EIL基因有微弱的表达，在其它成熟时期均没有表达。     

番茄乙烯信号转导相关基因剧EIN3（Le-EIL）的克隆和表达

根据拟南芥（Arabidopsis thaliana)、烟草(Nicotiana tabacum)EIN3基因保守区序列设计简并引物，采用RT—PCR扩增从番茄(Lycopersicon esculentum)果实中得到一个486bp的同源片段。以此片段作为探针，从番茄果实cDNA文库中分离到一个拟南芥EIN3的同源基因的cDNA克隆，命名为Le-EIL。该克隆含有一个1845bp的开放阅读框，编码615个氨基酸。经同源分析，它与烟草TEIL基因的同源性为79％，与拟南芥EIN3,EIL2和EIL3的同源性分别为59％、56％、52％、46％。Le-EIL基因表达与番茄果实的成熟及乙烯生成情况具有较强的相关性。在普通番茄果实的不同成熟时期Le—EIL基因都有表达，并且随着成熟度的增加基因表达有明显的增强，在转色期和粉红期Le-EIL基因的表达最强，在全红期后减弱。在转反义ACS基因的转基因番茄果实中，只有开花后60d的果实中Le-EIL基因有微弱的表达，在其它成熟时期均没有表达。     

番茄花药特异表达启动子LAT52的克隆与表达载体构建

采用半巢式PCR方法,从番茄基因组中扩增出了花药特异表达启动子LAT52。该序列与GenBank公布的同源序列相似度达98%,并鉴别到一个TAAAAAA简单重复序列。将LAT52启动子与GUS基因拼接,构建成了双元表达载体。     

加强Psy基因表达和通过RNAi抑制Lcy基因表达的载体构建

通过基因工程手段加强八氢番茄红素合成酶（Psy）基因的表达和通过RNAi抑制番茄红素β-环化酶（Lcy）基因（该基因是调控番茄红素转化为其他类胡萝卜素的主要的基因）的表达是培育高番茄红素品种的重要手段之一。根据GenBank中拟南芥的Psy基因序列（NM-121729），通过聚合酶链式反应（PCR）从拟南芥的cDNA中扩增出了长1296的Psy基因。根据GenBank中番茄的Lcy基因序列（X86452）和Pds启动子序列（U46919）分别设计特异引物从番茄中扩增出了Lcy基因的高度保守的长302bp的DNA片段和长1790的Pds启动子片段。根据RNAi的原理，将Lcy基因的长302bp的DNA片段以正反两个方向通过一段内含子序列连接在一起形成RNAi片段插入到抗Kan的pVCT2020的表达载体中，并通过具有果实特异性特点的启动子——八氢番茄红素去饱和酶基因（Pds）启动子控制该干扰片段的表达，同时将Psy基因在Pds启动子调控下插入到同一载体中，从而构建成了能同时加强Psy基因的表达和抑制Lcy基因表达的植物表达载体。     

葡萄ACO家族基因过量表达对番茄乙烯释放速率的影响

乙烯是启动和促进果蔬成熟和衰老的内源激素,ACC氧化酶(1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase,ACO)是乙烯生物合成中的一个关键限速酶.葡萄ACO基因拥有一个基因家族,其中VvACO1和VvACO2基因在果实转色时期出现转录高峰,是葡萄果实发育过程中造成乙烯含量发生变化的关键基因.为验证葡萄(Vitis vinifera)ACO家族基因过量表达对番茄(Solanum locopersicum)乙烯释放速率的影响,本研究通过根癌农杆菌(Agrobacterium tumefaciens)介导法将葡萄ACO基因导入番茄基因组中,进行了PCR和RT-PCR分子检测,并对分子检测阳性的转基因番茄植株叶片的ACO酶活性和乙烯释放速率进行了分析.RT-PCR检测表明,在3个VvA CO1、4个VvACO2和6个VvACO3转基因番茄植株中目的基因均有一定的表达.所有转基因番茄植株的ACO酶活性和乙烯释放速率均比对照有所提高,其中以VvACO1基因的过量表达对叶片ACO酶活和乙烯释放速率增加的幅度最大,VvACO3基因的过量表达对果实的ACO酶活和乙烯释放速率增加的幅度最大,而转化VvACO2基因的番茄植株ACO酶活性和乙烯释放速率最低,比对照略有升高,且植株呈现矮化现象.本研究通过观察转基因番茄的生长状况以及测定转基因番茄的生理指标,探讨葡萄ACO家族基因的过量表达对番茄的影响,来预测葡萄ACO基因的初步功能.     

番茄EBF2基因的克隆、亚细胞定位与遗传转化

为研究番茄EBF2基因的功能,利用RT-PCR技术从番茄果实cDNA中扩增了全长EBF2基因,将其与绿色荧光蛋白(GFP)构建成融合表达载体,在烟草原生质体中进行瞬时表达。结果表明,该基因定位于细胞核内。将该基因定向克隆到植物表达载体pCambia1301,构建成由组成型启动子CaMV35S启动的植物表达载体pCambia1301-EBF2,通过农杆菌介导方法转化MicroTom番茄。经PCR及GUS组织染色检测,外源基因已整合到番茄基因组中。     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

【目的】以富士（Fuji）、 秦冠（Qinguan）嫁接在平邑甜茶（Malus hupehensis Rehd.）上的当年生盆栽苗为试验材料,采用砂培方法,研究了缺氮胁迫和干旱对富士和秦冠生长情况、 光合参数、 植株各部位氮磷钾含量及氮素利用效率的影响,分析比较了低氮干旱条件下富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的差异,以期为果树生产高效肥水利用提供理论指导。【方法】试验共设四个处理: 正常氮正常水（ZZ）、 低氮正常水（DZ）、 正常氮干旱（ZG）、 低氮干旱（DG）。氮素和水分均设置两个水平,分别为正常氮（6 mmol/L NO-3-N）、 低氮（0.3 mmol/LNO-3-N）、 正常供水（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的80%~85%）、 干旱处理（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的60%~65%）。【结果】富士和秦冠的生物量（茎和叶）、 株高茎粗等生长指标以及光合速率、 气孔导度、 蒸腾速率均为正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）,并且相对应处理下秦冠的以上指标均高于富士;正常供水下,缺氮处理使富士、 秦冠的根冠比比正常氮处理均有所增加,富士提高了2.05%,秦冠提高了22.40%。富士和秦冠的氮、 磷、 钾含量均表现出正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）; 氮、 钾元素含量在植株各部位的分布顺序依次是叶＞根＞茎,磷元素则是根＞叶＞茎;光合氮素利用效率（PNUE）和氮素利用效率表现为秦冠处理之间差异极显著,富士处理之间差异不显著;秦冠的PNUE和NUE明显高于富士,在低氮正常水（DZ）处理下,秦冠氮肥利用率比富士高42.07%,在低氮干旱（DG）处理下高64.14%;低氮胁迫下富士和秦冠的NUE显著提高,并且秦冠提高的幅度高于富士。【结论】施用氮肥能够显著提高富士与秦冠的干物质量,同等水肥条件下,秦冠生长优于富士;水分亏缺会减少叶片对氮的吸收,干旱条件下适度增施氮肥,可提高果树的抗旱能力;低氮干旱胁迫下秦冠的生长指标、 光合指标及氮素利用效率指标均优于富士,表现出较强的抗低氮干旱胁迫的能力。     

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a new technique for the analysis of plant material. This study investigates the application of LIBS to pasture-based plant samples. The LIBS measurements were obtained from pelletized pasture samples (100 samples) that had been also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) following microwave digestion for calibration and comparison purposes. Comparisons for elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) showed that LIBS could be used for almost all the standard profile total elements with concentrations down to low mg/kg levels (observed error of Na: 0.024 percent, K: 0.18 percent, Mg: 0.016 percent, Ca: 0.073 percent, P: 0.017 percent, Mn: 31 mg/kg, Fe: 150 mg/kg, Zn: 6.6 mg/kg, and B: 1.1 mg/kg). Elemental analysis at less than mg/kg levels was not possible using LIBS. The elements S and Cu were particularly difficult to analyze with reliability using LIBS at the concentration levels found in the plant samples. Replacing microwave digestion and subsequent ICP analysis with a direct analysis of dried plant samples using LIBS has the potential to improve the productivity and reduce the cost of testing.     

Faculty positions:Center for Agricultural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences

正The Center for Agricultural Resources Research(CARR),the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB),Chinese Academy of Sciences,invites applicants for several research group leader positions.CARR is one of the research organizations in Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).We seek nominations and applications from individuals who have expertise and a record of accomplishment in research areas related to ecology,agro-hydrology,     

Macroinvertebrates in North American tallgrass prairie soils: effects of fire, mowing, and fertilization on density and biomass

The responses of tallgrass prairie plant communities and ecosystem processes to fire and grazing are well characterized. However, responses of invertebrate consumer groups, and particularly soil-dwelling organisms, to these disturbances are not well known. At Konza Prairie Biological Station, we sampled soil macroinvertebrates in 1994 and 1999 as part of a long-term experiment designed to examine the effects and interactions of annual fire, mowing, and fertilization (N and P) on prairie soil communities and processes. For nearly all taxa, in both years, responses were characterized by significant treatment interactions, but some general patterns were evident. Introduced European earthworms (Aporrectodea spp. and Octolasion spp.) were most abundant in plots where fire was excluded, and the proportion of the total earthworm community consisting of introduced earthworms was greater in unburned, unmowed, and fertilized plots. Nymphs of two Cicada genera were collected (Cicadetta spp. and Tibicen spp.). Cicadetta nymphs were more abundant in burned plots, but mowing reduced their abundance. Tibicen nymphs were collected almost exclusively from unburned plots. Treatment effects on herbivorous beetle larvae (Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, and Curculionidae) were variable, but nutrient additions (N or P) usually resulted in greater densities, whereas mowing usually resulted in lower densities. Our results suggest that departures from historical disturbance regimes (i.e. frequent fire and grazing) may render soils more susceptible to increased numbers of European earthworms, and that interactions between fire, aboveground biomass removal, and vegetation responses affect the structure and composition of invertebrate communities in tallgrass prairie soils.     

Variation in quality parameters between and within 14 Nordic tree fruit and berry species

Abstract

A 3-year study was carried out to investigate quality parameters in 14 tree fruit and berry species grown in southern Norway. The species were blueberry, apple, aronia, sour cherry, sweet cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry, red currant and elderberry, harvested along with wild bilberry, cloudberry and lingonberry. Significant differences between species were identified for all quality parameters. The coefficient of variation between species was lowest for pH (12.5%), dry matter (18.9%) and soluble solids (25.3%), followed by titratable acids (59.3%), total phenolics (83.8%), antioxidant capacity FRAP (85.7%) and antiradical power by the DPPH-assay (97.8%), total monomeric anthocyanins (132%) and ascorbic acid (137%). Average coefficient of variation within species were lower and ranged from 4 (pH) to 62% (ascorbic acid). Only the FRAP values were significantly affected by harvesting year with lower levels in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006. There were significant interactions between species and harvesting year for dry matter, soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid and FRAP. The results indicate generic ranges in composition within species independent upon growing location and climate, and the composition of the tree fruits and berries is not likely to deviate from these ranges. It is concluded that desirable composition of tree fruits and berries and their products should primarily be achieved by selection among species rather than searching fors broadened variation within individual species.     

Potassium Fixation and Release Characteristics in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Soils for a Rapeseed–Rice Cropping Sequence

Potassium (K) fixation and release in soil are important factors in the long-term sustainability of a cropping system. Changes in K concentration and characteristics of K fixation and release in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation were investigated using a rhizobox system. The concentrations of different forms of K in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils decreased with plants compared to without plants, regardless of K fertilizer application. Potassium uptake by crops mainly came from the rhizosphere soil. In the treatment without K fertilizer (–K), the main form of K supplied by the soil to the crops was 1.0 mol L^?1 nitric acid (HNO₃) nonextractable K, followed by nonexchangeable K, and then exchangeable K. In the treatment with K fertilizer (+K), the main K forms supplied by the soil to the crops were exchangeable K and nonexchangeable K. The amount and rate of K fixation after one cycle of the rapeseed–rice rotation was greater in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The amount and rate of K fixation of soil in the +K treatment were significantly less than in the –K treatment. The cumulative amounts of K released with 1.0 mol L^?1 ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ extraction increased with the increasing numbers of extractions, but the K-releasing power of soil by successive extraction decreased gradually and finally became almost constant. The release of K was less in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The release of K in the +K treatment was similar to that in the –K treatment in rhizosphere soil, but the K release in nonrhizosphere soil was greater with the +K than the –K treatment. Overall, the information obtained in this study will be helpful in formulating more precise K fertilizer recommendations for certain soils.     

Electron donor and pH relationships for biologically enhanced dissolution of chlorinated solvent DNAPL in groundwater

Biologically enhanced dissolution offers a method to speed removal of chlorinated solvent dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) sources such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichoroethene (TCE) from aquifers. Bioremediation is accomplished by adding an electron donor to the source zone where fermentation to intermediates leading to acetic acid and hydrogen results. The hydrogen and possibly acetic acid are used by dehalogenating bacteria to convert PCE and TCE to ethene and hydrochloric acid. Reductive dehalogenation is thus an acid forming process, and sufficient alkalinity must be present to maintain a near neutral pH. The bicarbonate alkalinity required to maintain pH above 6.5 is a function of the electron donor: 800 mg/L of bicarbonate alkalinity is sufficient to achieve about 1.2 mM TCE dechlorination with glucose, 1.7 mM with lactate, and a much higher 3.3 mM with formate. Laboratory studies indicate that in mixed culture, formate can be used as an electron donor for complete conversion to ethene, contrary to pure cultures studies indicating it cannot. Various strategies can be used to add electron donor to an aquifer for DNAPL dehalogenation while minimizing pH problems and excessive electron donor usage, including use of injection-extraction wells, dual recirculation wells, and nested injection-extraction wells.     

Biodiversity and ecogeography of wild Lactuca spp. in some European countries

Staff members of the Department of Botany of Palacký University in Olomouc and Gene Bank Department – Workplace Olomouc, Research Institute of Crop Production in Prague, Czech Republic, conducted an expedition in seven European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland) in August/September 1999 to collect wild Lactuca spp. germplasm and study its geographic distribution, ecology and biodiversity. During the mission, more than 600 locations were visited resulting in the collection of 602 seed samples (accessions) of wild Lactuca species and 13 seed samples of related genera (Chondrilla and Mycelis). Lactuca serriola f. serriola, L. serriola f. integrifolia, L. saligna and L. viminea subsp. chondrilliflora were prevalent in southern Europe (Italy, France), however, only L. serriola was common in central and western Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland). The greatest diversity of Lactuca species was found in France, where also the most seed samples (165) were collected. The most characteristic habitats with a high density of Lactuca spp. populations were observed along roads and highways, grassy ditches, ruderal communities, and dust-heaps. Natural infections by powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) and downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) on some wild Lactuca spp. were observed. Recent observations concerning the geographic distribution, population structure, habitats, and natural occurrence of diseases of Lactuca spp. are discussed. This assemblage of genetic resources of Lactuca spp. can serve as the basis of future studies of species diversification, spatial population structure, plant microevolution, domestication processes, and genetic variability of host-parasite interactions.     

Increase in auxiliary photoprotective photosynthetic pigments in wheat seedlings induced by Azospirillum brasilense

Inoculation of wheat seedlings with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense Cd was immobilized in alginate microbeads and, without applying any stress, significantly increased the quantity of several photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the auxiliary photoprotective pigments violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheroxanthin, lutein, neoxanthin, and β-carotene. This resulted in greener plants with no apparent visible stress. After monitoring the quantity of photosynthetic pigments for 4 weeks, we observed that inoculated plants had higher quantities of pigments in shoot and stem. The greatest difference in the quantity of all pigments between inoculated and noninoculated plants occurred in the first week of growth. Regardless of treatment, the quantity of pigments in stems was three to four times less than the quantity of these pigments in shoots. Application of Azospirillum, either as liquid inoculant or as alginate microbeads, did not alter the positive effect of the bacteria on pigment production or the positive response of the plants towards A. brasilense Cd inoculation.     

In-situ enrichment and analysis of atrazine-degrading microbial communities using atrazine-containing porous beads

We examined the community composition of microbes that colonized atrazine-containing beads buried in agricultural soils that differed in atrazine treatment history. Bacterial abundance was 5-40-fold greater in atrazine-fortified beads. In beads containing 20 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ buried in soil with a history of atrazine application (conditioned soil), the abundance of Actinobacteria increased approximately 80-fold whereas in control soil, Actinobacteria were enriched only 10-fold and the gamma-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes increased by 60- and 25-fold, respectively. The gamma-Proteobacteria were enriched by 120- and 230-fold in beads containing 200 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ in conditioned and control soil, respectively. The results demonstrate that BioSep^® beads are a suitable matrix for recruiting a diverse subset of the bacterial community involved in atrazine degradation.