The regulation of apoplastic calcium in relation to intracellular signalling in stomatal guard cells

It is now well established that calcium has a substantive role in intracellular signalling in stomatal guard cells. Much less attention has, however, been paid to the importance of maintaining an apoplastic calcium concentration which permits this mechanism to operate. Data are presented for the calcicole Leontodon hispidus, in which the xylem sap may contain over 16 mM free calcium, showing that the concentration of calcium in the guard cell apoplast may be as low as 0.10 mM. This appears to be achieved by the deposition of considerable amounts of calcium oxalate in the mesophyll, particularly in the palisade tissue. Of the calcium delivered directly into the epidermis by the transpiration stream, a large proportion is diverted into the trichomes. It seems unlikely that stomatal regulation over long distances (e.g. from root to shoot) is accomplished via apoplastic calcium, but over shorter distances (the span of a few cells in the epidermis) signalling via calcium in the apoplast is entirely feasible and it is worthy of further investigation.     

Changes in soil physical properties of four different fields during and after upland reclamation that involved grading

Abstract

A number of clusters of resting spores of an endophyte were found to have colonized the nodal root axes and first order lateral roots of sorghum at the heading stage. The clusters with a diameter ranging 15 to 20 μm consisted of a number of spores with a diameter in the range of 2 to 5 μm. Based on the morphological characteristics, the endophyte was tentatively assigned to Polymyxa sp. The clusters were distributed in the epidermis and the hypodermis, but mostly in the latter. The clusters were absent in the tissues internal to the hypodermis. The number of cells colonized by the clusters in the hypodermis, the hypodermal cell lignification identified by the phloroglucinol-HCl test, and the cortical sclerenchyma development were examined acropetally in three nodal roots which emerged from the third node. The colonized cells accounted for less than about 10% of the total number of the hypodermal cells in the first 8 cm portion, but beyond this part, their number increased and they accounted for 10 to 35%. Hypodermal cell lignification and cortical sclerenchyma development were clearly recognized approximately in the first 9 and 6 cm portion, respectively, but they were not observed beyond this part. Even in this portion, however, no endophyte colonization was observed in any tissues internal to the hypodermis. These findings suggest that in sorghum the hypodermis itself, regardless of cell lignification, may function as a barrier to protect the inner tissues from further colonization by the spore clusters of Polymyxa sp.     

Opinion — paper Kupfermangel,ein möglicher BSE-auslösender Faktor?

Cu deficiency — a potential factor in BSE? Recent data indicate that ”︁normal prions” contain copper as an antioxydative cofactor. In ”︁infective prions” Cu seems to be replaced by other trace metals. Cu deficiency symptoms of ruminants as described in the older literature are compared with the symptoms of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).     

Makro- und Mikrosymptome des Zinkmangels bei höheren Pflanzen

Macro- and Microsymptoms of Zinc Deficiency in Higher Plants The development of zinc deficiency symptoms was studied in eight different plant species grown under controlled experimental conditions in soilless sulture. The following results were obtained. One symptom of zinc deficiency was found to be the development of a violet to red colouring matter which first appeared in the form of small dots or as spots of discolouration which later covered the entire leaf. This discolouration was found primarily in young but already completely developed leaves. Here, the symptoms started to devlop in single cells. Further symptoms of zinc deficiency were observed to be a retarded growth, short internodes, small leaves and a very poor formation of roots.     

Diagnosis of zinc deficiency in cotton

The diagnosis of Zn deficiency in cotton by means of total analysis or the appearance of deficiency symptoms is unsatisfactory. In order to obtain a better understanding of the development of Zn deficiency symptoms in relation to Zn content cotton plants were cultivated in waterculture under reproducible environmental conditions and Zn deficiency induced by different means. It was observed that deficiency symptoms developed equally, regardless of the inducing factors such as low Zn in the nutrient solution, high nutrient solution pH, high Ca and high Fe supply. High amounts of P in the nutrient solution did not induce Zn deficiency symptoms. Zn deficiency symptoms appeared first as interveinal chlorosis in the medium-aged leaves. The internodes remained short. Later red spots appeared on the leaf blades. The leaves suffering from deficiency were thicker because of enlarged palisade cells. The total Zn content of the leaves did not correlate with the symptoms. Different fractions of the Zn in the leaf (extractable with water, NaCl solution, hydrochloric acid) gave no better results. The analytically determined and calculated Zn fractions are discussed in relation to Zn deficiency inducing conditions.     

Anatomical, histological, and histochemical changes in grape seeds from Vitis vinifera L. cv Cabernet franc during fruit development

Cabernet franc berries were sampled at five stages from berry set to harvest from an experimental vineyard in mid Loire Valley. Seeds were collected from representative berries in term of stage of development. The evolution of seed was followed both macro- and microscopically. For microscopy analysis, seeds were cut, put in a fixation solution, and cut into thin sections with a microtome. Five staining solutions were used for each seed sample: toluidine blue O, phloroglucinol, periodic acid-Schiff's reagent and naphtol blue black, vanillin, and p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde. Toluidine blue O staining revealed the evolution of tissue structures during grape seed development. We studied the changes in chemical compounds (lignin, polysaccharides, proteins, and tannins) with the other reagents. Seed lignification was achieved at veraison. Proanthocyanidins were localized in epidermis, inner cells of the soft seed coat, and inner cell layer of the inner integument. Finally, the localization of flavan-3-ols was linked with changes in cell walls of the outer integument.     

铝诱导蚕豆气孔保卫细胞凋亡研究

植物叶表面的气孔保卫细胞是研究信号转导的模式实验系统,对环境变化反应灵敏而准确,采用蚕豆叶面气孔保卫细胞,研究了铝（AlCl3）对细胞的毒性效应。结果表明,在1～10 mmol.L^-1范围内,AlCl3可使气孔保卫细胞活性降低,部分细胞死亡,且随着浓度的增高细胞死亡率增高;死细胞呈现核固缩、核降解、凋亡小体等典型凋亡特征。凋亡抑制剂Z-Asp-CH2-DCB或TLCK与AlCl3共同作用时,保卫细胞死亡率显著降低;一定浓度的抗坏血酸（AsA）或过氧化氢酶（CAT）以及Ca2＋螯合剂乙二醇四乙酸酯（EGTA）或Ca2＋通道抑制剂LaCl3与AlCl3共同作用时,细胞死亡率降低。研究结果表明,铝诱导的蚕豆保卫细胞死亡可能是一种细胞凋亡过程,由胁迫诱发的活性氧介导,通过激活质膜钙通道,引起胞内Ca2＋水平改变,进而介导细胞凋亡。     

Einfluß von Kupfer- und Stickstoffmangel auf die Aktivität der Phenoloxidase und den Gehalt an Phenolen in den Blättern der Sonnenblume (Helianthus annuus)

Effect of copper and nitrogen deficiency on phenol oxidase activity and content of phenols in leaves of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) In sunflower leaves of different insertion height the activity of phenol oxidase during the course of the whole vegetation period was determined. In leaves of normal plants this activity reached its maximum during the period of most intensiv growth and decreased continuously with increasing age. The highest activity was found in cotyledons. In normal leaves this maximum decreased with increasing insertion height. Copper deficiency led in cotyledons to a small, in leaves to a severe inhibition of the phenol oxidase activity. Here the decrease of copper content always led to an unproportional decrease of the enzyme activity. After the middle of July, no phenol oxidase activity in leaves of copper deficient plants could be determined. Nitrogen deficiency decreased the yield considerably, while it was lowering the phenol oxidase activity only slightly. Orthodihydroxyphenols, as substrates of phenol oxidase, showed a negative correlation to the enzym activity: The stronger the suppression of the phenol oxidase activity, the higher was the rise of the orthodiphenol content in full expanded leaves. With unsufficient copper supply the plants showed only week deficiency symptoms, although the phenol oxidase activity was completly inhibited. Therefore it is presumed that in sunflower leaves the role of phenol oxidase can partly be taken over by other enzymes.     

Symptome von Bormangel und Borüberschuß bei Hibiscus esculentus

Boron deficiency and Boron toxicity in Hibiscus esculentus The development of symptoms in Okra under conditions of B-deficiency and B-toxicity was observed. It was compared if the symptoms correspond with the B-contents and the growth of the plants. Symptoms of Boron deficiency in Okra are the same as in the other annual dicotyledons. The first visible microscopical symptom is a disturbance in the cambium region. Characteristic is an enlargement of the cambium. New divided cells do not differentiate. Visual symptoms are breaking of stems and petioles, thickening of these organs, cracking, dying of the tips and falling of buds. With a periodic supply of Boron correlations between Boron content and deficiency symptoms were not found. In the B-toxicity range small yellow chlorosis developed on the margins of the older leaves. These symptoms are not to be used for diagnosis. Boron contents higher than 72 μg B/g DM gave a better measure for B-toxicity. Growth and development of symptoms were in agreement with the high Boron contents.     

Effect of Copper on Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Mineral Nutrition of White Lupin Plants Grown in Nutrient Solution

We analyzed the effect of different copper (Cu) concentrations (0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.35 mM) and time (1 day to 9 days) on several growth and biochemical parameters of roots and shoots of white lupin plants (Lupinus albus cv Estoril) grown in nutrient solution. A significant decrease in leaf fresh weight and leaf area was detected. Copper accumulated in the roots, and an impairment of nutrient translocation was only observed after six days at the highest Cu concentrations applied. A transient increase in the activity of polyphenoloxidase (EC 1.10.3.1) enforces a role for lignification as a defense strategy under enhanced Cu levels. The activities of several antioxidative enzymes were enhanced after Cu application. Our results indicate that Lupinus albus cv ‘Estoril’ is a rather resistant plant that can cope with moderate concentrations of copper, mostly by controlling up to a certain point, the uptake of excessive amounts of this metal.     

Selection of Indices for the Monitoring of Spruce Forests within Impact Zone of the Metallurgical Enterprise

We established a number of sample plots within the limits ofNorway spruce stands featured by different levels of digressionon the territory influenced by `Severonickel' smelter. A seriesof morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters ofspruce stands was measured. In applying statistical methods, aninterpretation was made on the reaction of stands to differentcontamination levels, the interdependence of individual indices,as well as to select bioindication indices to be recommended formonitoring realization. The following indices are recommended: morphological (weight of 100 dry needles), physiological (rate of water loss after wilting 4 h) and biochemical (content of pollutants, i.e., nickel, copper and sulphur in theneedles) indices. The equations expressing dependencies betweenbioindication parameters and indices of stand condition are alsoadduced.     

Copper Stress Alters Physiology and Deteriorates Seed Quality of Rapeseed

ABSTRACT

To observe the effects of deficiency and excess of copper (Cu) on rapeseed (Brassica napus L. cv ‘T44’), plants were raised in refined sand at variable levels of Cu (as copper sulfate): 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 10, 100, and 200 μM, representing a range from acute deficiency to excess. In rapeseed, excess Cu (200 μM) induced chlorosis on young leaves similar to iron (Fe) deficiency symptoms and appeared earlier (day 30) than symtoms of Cu deficiency (day 40). Foliar symptoms of Cu deficiency (0.01 μM) were initiated on young leaves as interveinal chlorosis, later leading to necrosis. The margins of the affected leaves curled inward and leaves hung down due to loss of turgor. The deficiency (< 1 μM Cu) and excess (100 and 200 μM Cu) of Cu lowered the biomass, pod, and seed yield, concentration of chlorophylls (a and b), Hill reaction activity, activity of catalase and polyphenol oxidase, and increased the activity of ribonuclease and acid phosphatase in leaves. The activity of peroxidase decreased and the concentration of copper in leaves (young and old) and seeds increased with an increase in Cu from low to excess. The accumulation of Cu was greater in old than in young leaves. The seed quality of rapeseed was poor both in deficiency (< 1 μM) and excess (> 1 μM) of Cu, which was reflected in reduction in size and number of pods and seeds, oil content, concentration of protein, carbohydrate fractions (sugars and starch), protein nitrogen (N), and methionine, and increased concentration of phenols and non-protein N in seeds. The values of Cu deficiency, threshold of deficiency, threshold of toxicity, and toxicity were, respectively, 3.8, 6.6, 32, and 54 μg Cu g^?1 dry matter in young leaves and 2.2, 5.8, 20, and 28 μg Cu g^?1 dry weight in seeds of rapeseed.     

大叶铁线莲四倍体的诱导及初步鉴定

以毛茛科铁线莲属植物大叶铁线莲为试验材料,采用初生分生组织处理法用0.2%秋水仙碱溶胶诱导大叶铁线莲顶芽以期获得多倍体。本研究探讨了秋水仙碱诱导大叶铁线莲的最佳处理时间,并对所得的诱变株进行形态学和细胞遗传学鉴定。结果表明:0.2%秋水仙碱诱导多倍体最佳时间为48h,诱导率可高达80%。形态学方面,所得变异株与对照株叶片相比,叶片加长、加宽、增厚,叶形指数变小。变异株的叶片下表皮气孔明显大于对照,而气孔密度明显小于对照;保卫细胞中的叶绿体数目明显高于其二倍体对照;SPAD值表明叶绿素含量也有明显增加。根尖有丝分裂细胞学鉴定结果表明:对照株的染色体数目均为16(2n=2x),而变异株的染色体数为32(2n=4x),由此表明本研究通过秋水仙碱诱导大叶铁线莲成功获得四倍体。     

Effect of Excess Cadmium and Zinc Ions on Roots and Shoots of Maize Seedlings

The effect of 8-day-old exposure maize seedlings with cadmium (Cd) or zinc (Zn), separately, are described with special attention being given to ultrastructural changes as well as changes of the growth. These elements, frequent pollutants found in the soil, were added as 1 mM solutions to nutrient solution used for roots and shoots of maize seedlings, investigated 8 days after germination. The symptoms of heavy metal toxicity were clear showing that Cd inhibits root growth more strongly than the shoots and more effectively than zinc ions. The results of scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in the leaf surface, particularly in the guard cells of the stomata. The ultrastructural analyses of the parenchyma mesophyll cells showed extensive chloroplast disorganization, mainly affecting the thylakoid membranes and grana.     

Is salt stress of faba bean (Vicia faba) caused by Na+ or Cl– toxicity?

The effect of sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), and potassium chloride (KCl) on growth and ion concentrations of faba bean (Vicia faba L. cv. Troy) was studied. After 14 or 15 d of isoosmotic treatment with 100 mM NaCl or 75 mM Na₂SO₄, respectively, plants developed toxicity symptoms. These symptoms were characterized by local and nonchlorotic wilting spots, which later turned to black, necrotic spots. In contrast to NaCl or Na₂SO₄ treatment, plants treated with 100 mM KCl did not show these symptoms. The symptoms occurred on those leaves that accumulated highest concentrations of Na⁺ and showed highest Na⁺ : K⁺ ratios. Our results indicate that Na⁺ toxicity inducing K⁺ deficiency is responsible for the spot necrosis of faba bean. Additionally, chlorotic symptoms occurred. The concentrations of Na⁺ and Cl^– were determined in chlorotic leaves and in isolated chloroplasts. The reduction of chlorophyll in leaves after NaCl exposure may be explained in terms of high Cl^– concentrations in the chloroplasts and appears to depend on high Na⁺ concentrations. Chlorotic toxicity symptoms can be avoided by additional Mg²⁺ application.     

Makrosymptome des Bor-Mangels an Mentha piperita L.

Macrosymptoms of boron deficiency in Mentha piperita L. The influence of boron deficiency on growth and development of Mentha piperita L. – var. Mitcham – was studied under controlled experimental conditions in solution culture. Acute boron deficiency depressed growth of stems and roots. Furthermore the following symptoms – well known as boron deficiency symptoms – occured in peppermint: restricted growth of internodes, leaf distortion, simplification of leaf form, dropping of parts of organs, bursting of cortex tissue, dis – colouration, chlorosis and necrosis. The typical symptom in dicots – death of growing point – could not be observed in peppermint. The visible symptoms of boron deficiency in peppermint are typical for that micronutrient. They can be helpful in diagnosing and curing that deficiency.     

Makrosymptome an Mais und Tomate bei unharmonischen N- und P-Angeboten

Macrosymptoms in higher plants resulting from imbalanced nitrogen and phosphorus supply The development of nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency and toxicity symptoms was studied under controlled experimental conditions in solution culture. The experiments were carried out with maize and tomato. The aim of the investigation was to study whether the macrosymptoms of nitrogen deficiency or toxicity in its typical form are influenced by simultaneous phosphorus deficiency or excess supply, or, on the other hand, whether the typical symptoms of phosphorus deficiency or excess are affected by simultaneous nitrogen deficiency or excess supply. The results show that - assuming that ‘complex’ symptoms occur - neither nutrient influences the development of macrosymptoms in their typical form as caused by the other nutrient. Tomato showed clear ‘complex’ symptoms while maize only showed the macrosymptoms of one nutrient.     

Electron probe microanalysis of silicon in grass leaves

Abstract

Silicon is a major constituent of grasses, therefore, research was initiated to evaluate the use of the paraffin technique for electron probe microanalysis of Si in grass leaf tissue. Mature healthy leaves of a tropical grass, Wilmington bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge), and a cool season grass, tall fescuegrass (Festuca arundinacea Schred), were selected for study. Paradermal sections (10 μ) of paraffin impregnated leaf tissue were placed on sheet carbon that had been attached with Haupt's adhesive to 2.5 cm glass discs. The grass sections were fixed to the sheet carbon with Haupt's adhesive and the paraffin removed with xylene prior to microanalysis. Silicon was found to be highly concentrated in the epidermis of fescuegrass and bahiagrass. Short cells, many containing opal bodies, had the highest contents of Si of the epidermal cells. Large quantities of Si was also present in guard cells but long cells contained relatively small amounts.     

Effects of the timing of sulphur application on grain yield and yield components of wheat

Pot experiments were conducted to examine the response of wheat to the timing of sulphur (S) application. Plants were fertilized at different Stages from sowing to the end of flowering. Plants grown without a basal S supply (severe deficiency), which showed deficiency symptoms at ear emergence, required fertilization with S at the tillering stage if yield losses were to be completely avoided. Moderate and slight S deficiency, which did not result in symptoms until after ear emergence, required rectification at the second node stage for full yield to be obtained. Treatment effects on yield were closely associated with effects on the number of kernels per ear. The results show that where S deficiency occurs, fertilization is required before symptoms become evident if yield reductions are to be avoided.