Growth, photosynthesis and root reserpine concentrations of two Rauvolfia species in response to a light gradient

Growth and secondary metabolites responses to light environment can be useful measurements to determine favourable habitat conditions for the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants. We analyzed the growth, photosynthesis and root reserpine concentrations in seedlings of Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel and Rauvolfia verticillatae (Lour.) Baill, two important medicinal plants yielding anti-hypertension alkaloids, at four different light levels (20%, 52%, 75% and 100% of full sunlight) in a shade house. Across all light intensities, seedlings of R. vomitoria grew faster with higher relative growth rate (RGR) than R. verticillatae, attributed to its higher photosynthetic capacities (light-saturated photosynthetic rate, A_max) and leaf area ratio (LAR). Typical shade-sun morphological responses to increasing light levels included decreased specific leaf area and LAR, whereas RGR and A_max was highest at median light levels for both species. R. vomitoria allocated higher leaf mass fraction and fine-root mass fraction, similar coarse root mass fraction, but lower stem biomass fraction than R. verticillatae. For fine roots, R. vomitoria had greater specific root length and small diameter than R. verticillatae, indicating its higher resource (water and nutrition) capture abilities. Both species had higher nitrogen concentration and lower reserpine concentration in fine roots than those of coarse roots. Neither reserpine concentration nor nitrogen was affected by light intensities. The reserpine concentration in coarse roots of R. vomitoria increased, whereas that of R. verticillatae decreased with increasing irradiance. Although not significantly, reserpine concentrations in coarse roots were positively correlated with A_max and RGR for both species across all light intensities. Shade or photosynthesis inhibition apparently did not increase alkaloid synthesis, which contrasted with the carbon/nutrient balance theory of plant defense. These results suggested that R. vomitoria and R. verticillatae could attain high biomass and yield of reserpine in high-light habitats (with max. in 75% sunlight), and intermediate-light habitats (with max. in 25–52% sunlight), respectively.     

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen on the Growth and Production of Domoic Acid by Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries and P. australis (Bacillariophyceae) in Culture

Over the last century, human activities have altered the global nitrogen cycle, and anthropogenic inputs of both inorganic and organic nitrogen species have increased around the world, causing significant changes to the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The increasing frequency of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. in estuarine and coastal waters reinforces the need to understand better the environmental control of its growth and domoic acid (DA) production. Here, we document Pseudo-nitzschia spp. growth and toxicity on a large set of inorganic and organic nitrogen (nitrate, ammonium, urea, glutamate, glutamine, arginine and taurine). Our study focused on two species isolated from European coastal waters: P. multiseries CCL70 and P. australis PNC1. The nitrogen sources induced broad differences between the two species with respect to growth rate, biomass and cellular DA, but no specific variation could be attributed to any of the inorganic or organic nitrogen substrates. Enrichment with ammonium resulted in an enhanced growth rate and cell yield, whereas glutamate did not support the growth of P. multiseries. Arginine, glutamine and taurine enabled good growth of P. australis, but without toxin production. The highest DA content was produced when P. multiseries grew with urea and P. australis grew with glutamate. For both species, growth rate was not correlated with DA content but more toxin was produced when the nitrogen source could not sustain a high biomass. A significant negative correlation was found between cell biomass and DA content in P. australis. This study shows that Pseudo-nitzschia can readily utilize organic nitrogen in the form of amino acids, and confirms that both inorganic and organic nitrogen affect growth and DA production. Our results contribute to our understanding of the ecophysiology of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and may help to predict toxic events in the natural environment.     

Growth,leaf photosynthesis and canopy light use efficiency under differing irradiance and soil N supplies in the forage grass Brachiaria decumbens Stapf

Irradiance and soil nitrogen effects on growth, net photosynthesis and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of Brachiaria decumbens were investigated in fertilized and non‐fertilized stands. Three levels of photosynthetic photon flux (PPF: S0 = 100%, S1 = 50% and S2 = 30%) and two N supplies, with (N+) and without (N?), were used. Forage biomass and nutrient accumulation, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area index (LAI), fractional intercepted photosynthetic photon flux (fPPF), leaf photosynthetic response to light and efficiency of radiation use at leaf (A/Q) and canopy (RUE) levels were measured. Shade effects were mostly independent of soil N. Final yield was decreased by 34% (S1) and 57% (S2). Shade increased SLA (25–46%), so maximum LAI (2·4–3·3) was similar among light regimes. In N? stands, reductions in leaf biomass (14%), SLA (17%) and LAI (27%) were recorded, although forage yield was similar between soil N conditions. Under shade, peaks of A were comparable to those at full light, so A/Q was higher around midday. Derived parameters of the A‐PPF curves were similar between S0 and S2. A maximum fPPF = 0·8 (S0N+, S1N+) was recorded at LAI = 3–4. Under limited sunlight, relatively high RUE (1·6–2·8 g MJ^?1) were observed over both soil N conditions. We concluded that B. decumbens had a high plasticity to shade, thus explaining its success under silvopastoral systems.     

Irrigated cotton in the tropical dry season. II: Biomass accumulation,partitioning and RUE

Growing cotton during the tropical dry season avoids many insect pests endemic in the wet season. The impact of low mid-season radiation and night temperature that characterise the dry season, on the conversion of radiation to biomass (RUE) and the partitioning of this biomass were measured as these were largely unknown. Over three seasons, two Gossypium hirsutum (upland) cultivars and a Gossypium barbadense cultivar were sown from March to June at the Ord River (15.5°S), Western Australia. For the highest yielding March and April sowings, final biomass was similar to high yielding temperate grown cotton (∼30° latitude) and was generally greater than May or June sowings. However, biomass was accumulated differently: maximum growth rate was 6–12 g/m²/day for 78–134 days compared with 15–25 g/m²/day for 25–60 days reported for temperate grown cotton. RUE changed significantly with ontogeny, peaking between squaring and early flowering. The range in RUE of 1.2–2.0 g/MJ throughout the crop lifecycle for the upland cultivars was similar to temperate climates where biomass was corrected to a glucose equivalent. The RUE of 1.2–2.3 g/MJ measured over the lifecycle of G. barbadense cultivar was the first reported for this species. From first square to first flower the variation in RUE could be explained by a linear decline (p < 0.05) with temperature, which may limit vegetative biomass in May and June sowings and in cooler than average seasons for March and April sowings. Due to favourable temperatures and water supply, sowing in March would have the greatest risk of rank growth. It was concluded the low temperature and radiation during flowering and boll growth combined to reduce crop growth rate but high yields were achieved when the crop boll filling phase was extended. Management must be tailored to ensure a high proportion of boll growth (60–80%) can occur after vegetative growth has terminated.     

Mycoparasitic Trichoderma viride as a biocontrol agent against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. adzuki and Pythium arrhenomanes and as a growth promoter of soybean

Trichoderma viride was proved as an effective biocontrol agent against two fungal pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. adzuki and Pythium arrhenomanes, infecting soybean. During an in vitro biocontrol test, Trichoderma showed mycoparasitism and destructive control against the tested fungal pathogens. Both the pathogens significantly influence the germination and P. arrhenomanes had a severe effect (only 5% germination). The root system of the soybean plant was poorly developed due to the infection and it exerted a negative influence on the nodulation and further growth phases of the plant. During pot assay along with biocontrol activity, Trichoderma showed growth promoting action on the soybean plant. Trichoderma enhanced growth of shoot and root systems and fruit yield after 12 weeks of growth. Pythium and Fusarium infected plants treated with Trichoderma had ∼194% and 141% more height than pathogens alone. The fruit yield treated with Trichoderma was ∼66 per plant whereas the yield was only 41 for a control plant. The plants infected with Pythium and Fusarium and treated with Trichoderma had fruit yields of 43 and 53 respectively and those were 5 and 1.6 times higher than plants infected with pathogens.     

Shade reduces growth and seed production of Echinochloa colona,Echinochloa crus-galli,and Echinochloa glabrescens

Echinochloa species are problematic weed species in direct-seeded rice systems in Asia. Because of concern about the continuous use of single herbicides, cultural weed management strategies need to be developed to maintain the sustainability of direct-seeded rice systems. However, the design of such strategies requires an understanding of the differential responses of weeds to shade caused by crop interference. The effects of shade on growth and seed production of Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, and Echinochloa glabrescens were determined. Weeds of three Echinochloa species were grown continuously in full sunlight or in 50% or 25% of full sunlight, or started in full sunlight and transferred to 50% or 25% of full sunlight at 21 days after sowing. The results suggested that changes in shade regime did not affect the plant height of E. colona and E. glabrescens; however, shade reduced the height of E. crus-galli. Compared with the plants grown in full sunlight, 75% of continuous shade reduced E. crus-galli height by 22%. Shade reduced leaf, total shoot, and root biomass and seed production in all the weed species, if occurred during the early growth of the weeds. The weeds responded with increased leaf biomass ratio when grown in shade. Compared with full sunlight, continuous shade of 75% increased leaf biomass ratio by 90% in E. colona and this value was 25% in the other two species. The results of this study show that shade can reduce weed growth and seed production of Echinochloa species but it should not be considered as a stand-alone strategy to manage these weeds in rice. This highlights the need for the integration of other weed management strategies to achieve complete control of these species.     

吉育86在新疆超高产的干物质积累与产量性状分析

本研究以引进并在新疆连续获得超高产的大豆品种吉育86为研究对象，以当地具有高产潜力的新大豆23号为对照，通过对两个品种的生育期、农艺性状、干物质积累、叶面积指数、净同化量、叶生产力以及产量构成因子进行比较，旨在分析吉育86在新疆超高产表现中的干物质积累与产量构成性状，以期为建立吉育86在新疆超高产表现及高产品种选育提供理论依据。结果表明：（1）初花期后，吉育86根系生物量逐渐高于新大豆23号；整个生育期，吉育86花荚生物量相对较高；完熟期，吉育86荚果干物质量较新大豆23号显著高16.7%。（2）两个品种的叶面积指数、净同化量均在鼓粒期达到峰值，此时新大豆23号叶面积指数较吉育86高80%；鼓粒期后，吉育86净同化量和叶生产力显著（P<0.05）高于新大豆23号。（3）吉育86株高与节数合理，分枝较少，株型相对紧凑，群体优势较为明显。（4）吉育86的单粒重、百粒重、收获株数显著（P<0.05）高于新大豆23号。综上所述，吉育86株型结构合理，群体优势明显，叶面积指数适宜，光合产物利用率较高，有利于营养器官干物质积累量向籽粒转移，充分发挥其高产潜力，获得超高产。     

受控环境下光周期对小麦生长发育、产量及营养品质的影响

为探讨受控生态生保系统(CELSS)中利用光周期调控提高植物能量利用效率的可能性,以红蓝LED(90%红+10%蓝)为光源,在开花前及开花后各设置12、16、20和24h四个光周期水平,形成16个处理,研究光周期对小麦生长发育、产量和营养品质的影响。结果表明,开花前光周期延长使小麦开花时间显著提前,特别是导致出苗到拔节和拔节到抽穗的天数显著减少。开花后光周期延长会缩短开花到成熟的时间,且开花前和开花后光周期对小麦生育期长度的影响相互独立。在开花前,短光周期有利于小麦营养器官的构建,增加株高、分蘖数、叶片数和营养器官干重,进而提高籽粒产量、收获指数和能效比。在开花后,长光周期提高了灌浆期叶片光合速率,促进籽粒中干物质积累,提高籽粒产量、收获指数和能效比。开花前短光周期的增产作用主要是因穗数和穗粒数增加,而开花后长光周期的增产作用主要是因粒重增加。在开花前后,延长光周期均导致籽粒淀粉含量增加和蛋白质含量减少。在开花前12h光照、开花后24h光照的处理下小麦产量和能量利用效率均最高,说明开花前短光周期结合开花后长光周期最有利于小麦高产和能量高效利用。     

Influence of Seed Treatment with Uniconazole Powder on Soybean Growth,Photosynthesis, Dry Matter Accumulation after Flowering and Yield in Relay Strip Intercropping System

Abstract

The relay strip intercropping system of wheat-corn-soybean is widely used in southwest China. However, it is hard to produce soybean stably with this system, since the growth of soybean plants is slower under shading by corn at the seedling stage, and it is compensated by accelerated growth after the symbiotic stage. Soybean plants show excessive vegetative growth due to more rain during the flowering stage, which results in fallen petals, fallen pods and lower yield. This study investigated whether seed treatment with uniconazole powder (0, 2, 4 and 8 mg kg^–1 seed) suppresses excessive vegetative growth of soybean plants during the flowering stage and delays senescence of photosynthetically active leaves at the pod-setting stage. If such events are correlated with changes in photosynthesis, they may affect dry matter accumulation and seed yield in the relay stripping system. Uniconazole promoted biomass accumulation from 31 (R₃) to 61 (R₅) days after flowering (DAF) and seed yield. Seed treatment with uniconazole raised the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a contents. In contrast, uniconazole reduced leaf area index (LAI) from 1 DAF (R₁) to 46 DAF (R₄) with the increase in uniconazole concentration, whereas, uniconazole significantly increased LAI at 61 DAF, and the greatest promotion occurred at 2 mg kg^–1 treatment. The study clearly showed that uniconazole effectively suppressed excessive vegetative growth of soybean during flowering stage, delayed senescence of photosynthetically active leaves at pod-setting stage and induced higher yield, which were related to the changes in photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, dry matter accumulation and LAI in the relay strip intercropping system.     

Effect of thinning flower buds on fruit and seed traits and root yield of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, commonly known as ginseng, is a perennial herb. Agricultural practices have an influence on growth and yield of P. ginseng plants. Effect of thinning flower buds (treatment A (TA) the outermost whorl of flower buds in the umbels was retained while all other buds were excised; treatment B (TB) the two outer whorls of flower buds in the umbels) on fruit traits, which include number of fruits per plant, single fruit: double fruit ratio, fruit weigh (FW) per square meter, weight of 100 fruits, vertical length of fruit (VLF), horizontal diameter of the fruit (HFD) and thickness of the fruit (TF), seed traits, which include number of seeds per square meter, weight of 1000 seeds, number of different seed grading categories (extremely large seeds (ELS), large seeds (LS), medium-sized seeds (MS), small seeds (SS)) per square meter, vertical length of the seed (VLS), horizontal diameter of the seed (HSD), thickness of the seed (TS), and the root yield and total ginsenosides content of root of four- and five-year-old cultivated P. ginseng was studied in Fusong region of north-eastern China. The results showed that the FW and VLF, the weight of 1000 seeds, number of ELS per square meter, VLS and HDS of ELS, HDS and TS of MS and root yield were increased significantly by TA and TB (p < 0.05), whereas the number of MS and SS were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in four- and five-year-old plants. The number of ELS and LS in TB and control were higher than that of in TA, and not significant was observed between TB and control. The root yield in TB was significantly higher than that in control of five-year-old plants. Number of the seeds per square meter of five-year-old plants was higher than that of four-year-old plants. The results indicated that the method of thinning flower buds, which was the two outer whorls of flower buds in the umbels, on five-year-old cultivated P. ginseng plants was a favourable method to promote the production of high-quality seeds and maximise the root yield.     

Investigation into the apparent failure of chemical control for management of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), on plums in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), causes russetting, pansy spot and silvering damage on plums. Despite routine insecticide applications for thrips control, some plum producers report economic losses due to pansy spot damage, pits and holes that render fruit unfit for export. Six commercial plum orchards in two climatic regions in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, were monitored to determine (1) why current management practices based on monitoring and insecticide applications failed to prevent damage in some orchards, and (2) whether WFT is responsible for pitting damage. Western flower thrips was the dominant thrips species in all orchards, though low numbers of Frankliniella schultzei Trybom also occurred. Blue sticky traps were more efficient for monitoring WFT and F. schultzei than yellow traps. Insecticide applications early in bloom and unfavourable weather conditions for thrips flight contributed to very low numbers of WFT on sticky traps during the flowering and fruit set periods. Flower dissections, however, revealed varying levels of oviposition damage to ovaries and fruitlets. Dissections confirmed that WFT enter flowers to lay eggs in the ovaries and other flower parts before petals are fully open. No consistent significant relationship between sticky trap counts and WFT oviposition damage to plums were found, therefore no treatment threshold level could be recommended. Insecticide applications during bloom limited thrips feeding damage, but were too late to prevent oviposition damage. Some oviposition sites developed into typical pansy spots, whilst others formed holes or pits that increased in size as the fruit matured. After insecticide applications ended, and as air temperature increased, WFT populations increased. Weeds and wild vegetation in and around orchards provide a continuous source of potential infestation for as long as the fruit remains attractive and vulnerable to WFT. As oviposition damage by WFT can occur before flowers open, and because of the risk to pollinators when insecticides are applied during flowering, a purely chemical control strategy does not appear to be feasible. A new approach to WFT management is required.     

Variation in chemical composition and biological activities of two species of Opuntia flowers at four stages of flowering

The chemical composition of hexane extracts from flowers belonging to two species of prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller and Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haworth has been studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in four developmental stages of flower: vegetative, initial flowering, full flowering, and post-flowering stages. Remarkable differences were noted between the flowers’ compositions. The main compounds were carboxylic acid (28-97%), terpenes (0.2-57%), esters (0.2-27%), and alcohols (<1.8%).The study of the biological activities showed that extracts were active in vitro towards four bacteria and two fungal strains. It exhibited remarkable activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.Antioxidant activity of the flowers extracts was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method.Our findings demonstrate the interest of Opuntia flowers extract as a source of bioactive substances and its potential preservative use in food.     

Plant characteristics associated with weed competitiveness of rice under upland and lowland conditions in West Africa

Weeds are a major constraint to rice (Oryza spp.) production in West Africa. Superior weed competitive rice genotypes may reduce weed pressure and improve rice productivity. Two upland and two lowland experiments were conducted in southern Benin to examine genotypic variations in weed-suppressive ability and grain yield under weedy conditions, and to identify plant characteristics that could be used as selection criteria for improved weed competitiveness. A total of 19 genotypes, including Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima genotypes and interspecific hybrids developed from crossing O. sativa and O. glaberrima, were grown under weed-free and weedy conditions in an upland with supplemental irrigation and in a flooded lowland. In weedy plots, hand weeding was done once or not at all. Mean relative yield loss across all genotypes due to weed competition ranged from almost 0% to 61%. Large genotypic variations in weed biomass and grain yield under weedy conditions were found. Visual growth vigor at 42 and 63 days after sowing (DAS) under weed-free conditions significantly correlated with weed biomass at maturity in both upland and lowland experiments (R² = 0.26–0.48). Where weed pressure was low to moderate, with mean relative yield loss less than 23%, the multiple regression models using grain yield and plant height at maturity or only grain yield measured under weed-free conditions as independent variables could explain 66–88% of the genotypic variation in grain yield under weedy conditions. At higher weed pressure (mean relative yield loss: 61%), as observed in one of the upland experiments, biomass accumulation of rice at 42 days after sowing was associated with higher grain yield under weedy conditions. Biomass accumulation also significantly correlated with visual growth vigor at the same sampling dates. Therefore, we conclude that grain yield, plant height at maturity and visual growth vigor at 42–63 DAS under weed-free conditions appear to be useful selection criteria for developing superior weed competitive rice genotypes.     

Physiology of yield determination of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) under various irrigation regimes in the dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka

Drought is a major factor limiting yield improvement of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in the sub-humid, dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the yield response of mung bean to irrigation at various phenological stages in terms of radiation interception, radiation-use efficiency and harvest index. Four field experiments were carried out at two sites (Maha-Illuppallama and Kundasale) during the short, dry yala season over two years (1995 and 1996). The life cycle of mung bean was divided into three stages: vegetative (from germination to appearance of first flower); flowering (from appearance of first flower to 75% pod initiation); and pod-filling (from 75% pod initiation to maturity). Eight irrigation treatments were defined as all possible combinations of irrigation during the three stages. Maximum potential soil water deficits (PSWD) ranging from 127 to 376 mm developed as a result of keeping different combinations of stages unirrigated. Maximum LAI (L_m) and the fraction of incoming radiation intercepted (F) increased significantly with the number of stages irrigated. Specifically, treatments which included irrigation during the vegetative stage achieved large L_m and F. Radiation-use efficiency (RUE), maximum total biomass (W_m), harvest index (HI) and seed yield (Y) also showed a significant positive response to the number of stages irrigated. However, all the above parameters were significantly greater in treatments which included irrigation during the pod-filling and flowering stages. The treatment which received irrigation only during the vegetative stage had significantly lower RUE, W_m, HI and Y despite having higher L_m and F. Therefore, irrigation is critical during pod-filling and flowering stages mainly because of the higher LAI during these periods and, consequently, the greater demand for water. Lack of irrigation during these critical stages resulted in the development of significant PSWD with adverse effects on photosynthesis and consequently decreased RUE. Moreover, water stress during flowering and pod-filling stages significantly reduced pod initiation and pod growth rates and thereby reduced HI. It is concluded that to maximize mung bean yields in the dry season of the sub-humid zones of Sri Lanka, irrigation should extend across all phenological stages, specially the pod-filling stage.     

不同光强对胡椒扦插苗光合作用和抽穗的影响

随着作物设施栽培技术的发展,遮荫与补光栽培成为提高作物产量与品质的重要手段。本研究以胡椒扦插苗为材料,采用室内营养液浇灌法培养,研究不同光照强度环境对胡椒扦插苗抽穗生理过程的影响。结果表明：在135 μmol/(m ²·s)光强环境下胡椒叶片的光合速率相对较低,植株同化的生物量较少,花芽抽生少,叶片厚且单叶面积较大;270 μmol/(m ²·s)光强环境下,胡椒的光合速率维持较高水平;405 μmol/(m ²·s)光照强度下,胡椒扦插苗成熟叶片中可溶性糖、蔗糖、淀粉等糖类物质含量与赤霉素水平较高,叶片抽生数多,净增生物量最大,胡椒成花数多;540 μmol/(m ²·s)光照环境下,胡椒扦插苗生长发育受到轻微抑制;相关性分析表明可溶性糖、果糖、GA₃含量与胡椒抽穗量成显著相关。此次研究结果表明：胡椒扦插苗在405 μmol/(m ²·s)光强环境下糖类物质含量与赤霉素水平相对较高,最有利于胡椒多抽穗。本研究可以为我国胡椒控光栽培技术的改进提供理论参考。     

Photo-Oxidative Stress-Driven Mutagenesis and Adaptive Evolution on the Marine Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum for Enhanced Carotenoid Accumulation

Marine diatoms have recently gained much attention as they are expected to be a promising resource for sustainable production of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and biofuels as a future clean energy solution. To develop photosynthetic cell factories, it is important to improve diatoms for value-added products. In this study, we utilized UVC radiation to induce mutations in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and screened strains with enhanced accumulation of neutral lipids and carotenoids. Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) was also used in parallel to develop altered phenotypic and biological functions in P. tricornutum and it was reported for the first time that ALE was successfully applied on diatoms for the enhancement of growth performance and productivity of value-added carotenoids to date. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized to study the composition of major pigments in the wild type P. tricornutum, UV mutants and ALE strains. UVC radiated strains exhibited higher accumulation of fucoxanthin as well as neutral lipids compared to their wild type counterpart. In addition to UV mutagenesis, P. tricornutum strains developed by ALE also yielded enhanced biomass production and fucoxanthin accumulation under combined red and blue light. In short, both UV mutagenesis and ALE appeared as an effective approach to developing desired phenotypes in the marine diatoms via electromagnetic radiation-induced oxidative stress.     

5份新引进的人工合成六倍体小麦农艺及生理性状的评价

为挖掘人工合成六倍体小麦（synthetic hexaploid wheat,SHW）在育种中的应用价值,利用从国际玉米小麦改良中心引进的5份SHW（SHW1、SHW2、SHW3、SHW4、SHW5）分别与普通小麦驻麦762进行杂交、回交,构建相应回交群体（BC₂）,综合分析其农艺、产量、光合、叶绿素、水分利用效率等性状特点。结果表明,SHW的株高较高,穗下节和穗下茎较长,收获系数和产量低,分蘖多,部分材料千粒重较高;BC₂可将SHW的高分蘖、高生物量和驻麦762的多花多实、矮秆、高收获系数等性状聚合;SHW叶片的叶绿素含量在开花期之后维持较高水平,BC₂-SHW1、BC₂-SHW4和BC₂-SHW5在开花期的叶绿素含量均高于双亲,灌浆期BC₂的叶绿素含量整体低于SHW和高于驻麦762;SHW在拔节期、开花期、灌浆期有明显的光合优势,BC₂的光合速率从抽穗期之后明显低于双亲;驻麦762在抽穗期、开花期的瞬时水分利用效率最高;SHW在拔节期和灌浆期有较高的瞬时水分利用效率,在部分BC₂中得以遗传。SHW可以在小麦育种中用于农艺性状的改良及叶绿素含量和瞬时水分利用效率的提升。     

Ecophysiological determinants of biomass and grain yield of wheat under P deficiency

Grain yield of crops can be expressed as a function of the intercepted radiation, the radiation use efficiency and the partitioning of above-ground biomass to grain yield (harvest index). When a wheat crop is grown under P deficiency the grain yield is reduced but it is not clear how these three components are affected. Our aim was (i) to identify which of these components were affected in spring bread wheat under P deficiency at field conditions and (ii) to relate the grain yield responses to processes of grain yield formation during the spike growth period. Three field experiments were conducted in the potentially high wheat yielding environment of southern Chile. All experiments had two levels of P availability: with (155 kg P ha⁻¹) or without P fertilization (average soil P-Olsen concentration of 10 ppm, a medium level of P availability). High wheat grain yields were obtained varying between 815 and 1222 g m⁻² with P applications. Experiments showed a grain yield reduction caused by P deficiencies of 35, 16 and 18% in experiments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. This was related (R² = 0.99, P < 0.01) to a reduction in the total above-ground biomass at harvest and not to the harvest index. Reductions in above-ground biomass were due to a reduction in radiation intercepted under P deficiency without effecting radiation use efficiency. Grain number per square meter was the main yield component (R² = 0.99, P < 0.01) that explained the grain yield reduction caused by the P deficiency which was due to low spike biomass at anthesis (R² = 0.96, P < 0.05). The reduction in spike biomass at anthesis was related (R² = 0.86, P < 0.01) to reductions in crop growth rate during the spike growth period as a consequence of a lower radiation intercepted during this period. This study showed that under high wheat yield conditions the main effect of a P deficiency on grain yield reduction was a negative impact on the total above-ground biomass due to the negative impact on intercepted radiation, particularly during the spike growth period, affecting negatively spike biomass at anthesis and consequently grain number and yield.     

Coupling time to silking with plant growth rate in maize

In maize (Zea mays L.), progress towards pistillate flower maturity (silking) is highly dependent upon the environmental conditions around flowering. Under conditions that inhibit plant growth, female flower development is delayed relative to that of the male flowers resulting in an increase in the anthesis–silking interval (ASI). Although variation in ASI has been extensively documented, its relationship to plant growth is not well understood. Therefore, we developed a conceptual basis and experimental approach for quantifying and analyzing the process of female flowering in maize in response to variation in plant growth rate during the flowering period.     

Perennial O. sativa × O. rufipogon interspecific hybrids: I. Photosynthetic characteristics and their inheritance

A survey of 24 wild Oryza accessions identified Oryza australiensis and Oryza rufipogon as potential sources of enhanced photosynthetic rate for introgression into cultivated rice. Photosynthetic capacity per unit leaf area (CER) was associated with leaf N content but not with leaf chlorophyll concentration, flag leaf area, or specific leaf area. Eight fertile, perennial F₁ hybrids between O. sativa and O. rufipogon were grown in non-flooded soil, and CER was measured at flowering under saturating light. Two F₁ hybrids had greater CER than the average of 26.1 μmol m² s⁻¹. The F₂ progeny from these hybrids were screened for CER in the field, and segregants with even greater rates of photosynthesis were selected. The basis of high photosynthetic rate in the F₂ populations was not leaf thickness or leaf chlorophyll content. One F₂ line had exceptionally high CER and stomatal conductance. Broad-sense heritability on an individual plant basis for CER in two F₂ populations was 0.44 and 0.37. A highly significant offspring-parent regression of 0.89 for CER was observed in a replicated field evaluation (four blocks, five plants per plot) of 20 vegetatively propagated F₂ selections and their F₃ seedling progeny. Broad-sense heritability for CER on a plot-mean basis was estimated as 0.74 for both selected F_2:3 families and for the selected F₂ clones. Genetic resources in the genus Oryza may represent a source of alleles to increase leaf photosynthetic rate in the cultivated species, which we have demonstrated to be a heritable, though environmentally variable, trait in an O. sativa/O. rufipogon population.