Role of micronutrients on quantitative traits and prospects of its accumulation in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

The adequate growth of plants can be achieved only by a balanced ratio of biologically active nutrients in soil along with its readily availability. Linseed seems to be an advantageous secondary oilseed crop widely used in industrial purposes, which can serve additional purpose of phytoextraction of heavily infested soils with heavy metals. In this study, we have made an effort to find out the optimum dose of heavy metals necessary as micronutrients like copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) for the enhancement of linseed yield along with the distribution of heavy metals in different plant parts. Quantitative enhancement in different traits of linseed plant due to Cu, Fe and Zn fertilization especially for capsules per plant after maturity suggested positive association between heavy metal supply and morphological traits, which indirectly enhanced seed yield. There was a positive correlation between Zn supply and seed yield. In the treatments with Cu and Fe fertilization, seed yield was positively correlated to plant height, capsules per plant and seeds per five capsules. According to this study, it is concluded that linseed has the ability to accumulate majorly Fe followed by Cu and Zn.     

Genotypic Difference in Arsenic and Cadmium Accumulation by Rice Seedlings Grown in Hydroponics

Genotypic differences in arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) uptake and their translocation within rice seedlings grown in solution culture were investigated. Arsenic uptake and its translocation differed significantly between eight cultivars. The largest shoot and root As concentrations were found in cultivar ‘TN1’ and ‘ZYQ8’, while cultivar ‘JX-17’ had the lowest As concentration. Arsenic concentration in shoot or root of ‘JX-17’ was about 50% of that in cultivar ‘ZYQ8’. Specific Arsenic uptake (SAU) was found significantly different between rice cultivars, which was about 2-fold higher of ‘ZYQ8’ than that of ‘JX-17’. The Cd accumulation also differed significantly between cultivars. Rice cultivar ‘JX-17’ had the highest ability in Cd uptake, but the lowest ability in Cd translocation from root to shoot. The transfer factor (TF) of Cd had an important effect on Cd accumulation by rice seedlings. Arsenic can competitively inhibit P uptake by rice seedlings, P concentrations in shoots, or roots treated with As were significantly lower than those without As addition. However, the concentrations of P and As were positively correlated within these genotypes. The Cd immobilization by cell wall was an important mechanism for Cd detoxification. The cell wall bound 21–44% of total Cd in shoots and 25–59% of total Cd in roots of these tested genotypes. The genotypic differences in As and Cd uptake and translocation within rice seedlings provide the possibility of selecting and breeding genotypes and /or cultivars with reduced levels of As and Cd in rice grains.     

Differences in growth and yield in response to cadmium toxicity in cotton genotypes

A greenhouse hydroponic experiment was conducted to study the effects of cadmium (Cd; 0, 0.1, 1.0, 10 μM in nutrient solution) on yield and yield components as well as Cd concentration and accumulation in three cotton genotypes (Simian 3, Zhongmian 16, Zhongmian 16–2). The results showed that Cd concentration in different organs increased with increasing Cd levels in the nutrient solution in the following order: root > petiole > xylem > fruiting branch, leaf > phloem in vegetative organs and seed coat, seed nut > boll shell > fiber in reproductive organs. There were significant genotypic differences in functional leaf and petiole Cd concentrations at 1 and 10 μM Cd treatments, with the cultivar Simian 3 showing higher Cd concentrations and greater reductions in lint yield than the other two genotypes.     

植物对重金属镉的吸收转运和累积机制

Cd是土壤污染的主要因素之一,痕量的Cd2 不仅对植物生长有毒害作用,同时对人体健康产生极大的危害.研究植物如何从土壤中吸收Cd2 ,并在整个植物体内运输和积累的机理,对开发植物修复技术及生态环境的恢复具有重要意义.近年研究表明:土壤微环境影响植物对Cd2 的吸收;植物根细胞壁通过选择性吸收可以吸附和固定土壤中的Cd2 ,其中大部分Cd2 被截留在细胞壁中,其余的则通过协助扩散或主动运输等方式透过细胞膜进入根细胞中;在根细胞中Cd部分累积在液泡中,部分则通过木质部运输到地上部分;茎叶部的大部分Cd2 通过络合作用被固定在液泡中,少量被截留在细胞壁和细胞质中.在植物结实期,Cd通过韧皮部进入籽实中,而籽粒中的Cd几乎不能运输到其他部分,主要通过食物链进入动物和人体中.本文综述了植物对Cd的吸收和运输机制方面的研究进展.     

Effects of drought on the accumulation and redistribution of cadmium in peanuts at different developmental stages

This study aimed to investigate the impact of water deficit on cadmium (Cd) accumulation in peanut plants during different developmental stages. Two contrasting peanut cultivars, Fenghua 1 (high-biomass cultivar) and Silihong (low-biomass cultivar), were grown in a Cd-contaminated arable soil under different water regimes. The two cultivars differed from each other in seed Cd concentrations. Fenghua 1 exhibited lower Cd concentrations in the seeds than Silihong, which is associated with root-to-shoot Cd translocation. Drought plays different roles in the translocation and redistribution of Cd in peanut plants during different developmental stages. At the seedling stage, drought decreased shoot Cd concentrations for both cultivars, whereas at the pod-filling and pod-ripened stages, drought increased shoot Cd concentrations. Similarly, drought stress reduced pod Cd concentrations at the pod-filling stages and increased at the pod-ripened stages. Seed Cd concentrations in mature plants were increased by drought for both cultivars. Seed Cd concentrations were negatively correlated with biomasses of shoots and pods, but positively correlated with Cd concentration in the shoots and pods. Increased seed Cd concentrations under drought stress might result from the concentration effects due to drought induced decrease of plant growth.     

MICRONUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM L. GROWN UNDER LOW CADMIUM STRESS CONDITION

Micronutrient uptake and distribution within poppy plants (Papaver somniferum L.) were studied in two pot experiments using a loamy garden soil as substrate. In the first experiment a supplement of increasing cadmium (Cd) concentrations to the substrate and in the second the influence of cultivars and harvest time were studied. At the stage of seed ripening the taproots were already decaying, and the Cd concentration in the shoot reflected the Cd supply in the substrate. In the shoot the highest Cd concentrations were found in seeds. With 24 mg Cd per pot (6 mg kg^?1), Cd concentration reached 1.7 mg kg^?1.

The four poppy varieties (Edel-Weiss, Marianne, Soma, White Poppy) differed clearly in seed production but reached comparable Cd concentrations of about 1.3 mg kg^?1 in the seeds at the second harvest. Seeds made up 2.5 to 12.9% of shoot biomass, but stored 15 to 42% of total Cd in the shoot, which indicates a preferential translocation of Cd into seeds in this plant species.

In addition, Cd supply had a marginal effect on the concentration of micronutrients in seeds and stems + leaves. At the highest Cd supply of 6 mg Cd kg^?1 soil a growth reduction of about 25% could be observed.     

Genotypic variation in grain cadmium concentration of lowland rice

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of paddy rice soils is commonly observed in the Yangtse River Delta, China. Large Cd uptake by rice plants and its translocation into the grains can entail human‐health risks. Genotypic variations in Cd uptake and a differential Cd partitioning into grains will be the basis for developing a rice screening or breeding tool for low grain Cd. A field experiment, conducted at the experimental farm of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province from 2002 to 2004, compared 38 rice genotypes of different types (indica vs. japonica) collected from the Yangtse River Delta. The results showed large differences in Cd concentrations in straw, brown rice, and grain chaff among the rice genotypes grown on Cd‐contaminated soil. Concentrations in brown rice ranged from 0.06 to 0.99 mg Cd kg^–1. The total Cd uptake in brown rice varied between 0.96 and 28.58 μg plant ^{– 1}. In general, indica‐type cultivars accumulated significantly more Cd than the japonica‐type cultivars. The Cd concentration in straw was highly correlated with that in brown rice. While significant differences in the Cd‐partitioning ratio (% share of total Cd uptake found in brown rice) among rice genotypes were observed, these were not correlated with Cd concentration of brown rice. This indicates that the Cd accumulation in rice grains appears to be governed mainly by the Cd uptake by the plant and probably not by differential Cd partitioning. The large genotypic variation suggests the possibility to lower the Cd content of rice by genotype selection. The development of such breeding tools should focus on low Cd uptake rather than Cd partitioning between straw and grain.     

Cadmium concentrations in the phloem sap of rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) treated with a nutrient solution containing cadmium

To obtain direct evidence for the translocation of cadmium (Cd) via the phloem, we measured the Cd concentrations in the phloem sap of 5-week-old rice plants (Oryza sativa L. cv. Kantou) treated with a nutrient solution containing Cd. The phloem sap was collected from the leaf sheaths through the cut ends of stylets of the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål.). Cd concentrations in the phloem sap from the plants treated with 10 and 100 µM Cd for 3 d were 4.6 ± 3.4 and 17.7 ± 9.8 µM, respectively. Detection of Cd in the phloem sap indicated that Cd was translocated via sieve tubes in rice plants. Cd concentrations in the xylem exudate collected from the cut basis of the leaf sheaths of the plants treated with 10 and 100 µM Cd for 3 d were 18.9 ± 6.4 and 64.2 ± 14.6 µM, respectively. Cd concentrations in the phloem sap were significantly lower than those in the xylem exudate, indicating that Cd is not concentrated during the transfer from xylem to phloem. To our knowledge, this is the first determination of Cd concentrations in the phloem sap of plants, and the first direct proof that Cd is translocated via sieve tubes in rice plants.     

Genetic selection for enhanced bioavailable levels of iron in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds

The bioavailability of Fe from 24 select genotypes of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds containing a range of concentrations of Fe, myo-inositol pentaphosphate plus phytic acid (IP5+IP6), and tannins was studied using a rat model. Bean accessions, selected from field trials for their variations in Fe, phytate, and tannin seed concentrations, were grown in a greenhouse in nutrient solutions radiolabeled with (59)Fe. Mature seeds were autoclaved and lyophilized. Test meals (containing 1 g of dried bean, 0.5 g of sucrose, and 1 g of basal Fe-deficient diet) were fed to marginally Fe-depleted weanling rats over a 3-h period; rats were radioassayed in a gamma-spectrometer immediately after feeding and daily thereafter for the next 10 d. Radioiron retention data were used to calculate percent Fe absorption (i.e., Fe bioavailability) from the meals. Seed Fe concentrations ranged from 52 to 157 microg g(-)(1) dry weight. There was a tendency to also select for higher Zn concentrations in the beans when selecting for high Fe concentrations. The Fe bioavailability to rats from test meals depended on the genotype and varied from 53% to 76% of the total Fe. Bean genotypes with higher seed Fe concentrations resulted in increased amounts of bioavailable Fe to rats. There was no significant correlation between the Fe concentration in different bean genotypes and Fe bioavailability to rats attributable to variations in IP5+IP6 or tannins, even though these antinutrients varied widely (i.e., from 19.6 to 29.2 micromol of IP5+IP6 g(-)(1) and from 0.35 to 2.65 mg of tannins g(-)(1)) in the test meals. Other unknown seed factors (i.e., antinutrients or promoter substances) may be contributing factors affecting Fe bioavailability from bean seeds.     

Fagopyritols, D-chiro-inositol, and other soluble carbohydrates in buckwheat seed milling fractions

Fagopyritols are mono-, di-, and trigalactosyl derivatives of D-chiro-inositol that accumulate in seeds of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and may be important for seed maturation and as a dietary supplement. Fagopyritols and other soluble carbohydrates were assayed in mature groats and 11 milling fractions of common buckwheat seed. Because fagopyritols are in embryo and aleurone tissues, differences in fagopyritol concentrations reflect varying proportions of these tissues in each milling fraction. Bran milling fractions contained 6.4 g of total soluble carbohydrates per 100 g of dry weight, 55% of which was sucrose and 40% fagopyritols. Flour milling fractions had reduced fagopyritol concentration [0.7 g/100 g of dry weight total fagopyritols in the dark (Supreme) flour and 0.3 g/100 g in the light (Fancy) flours]. Fagopyritol B1 was 70% of total fagopyritols in all milling fractions. Fagopyritols were 40% of total soluble carbohydrates in groats of two cultivars of common buckwheat but 21% in groats of tartary buckwheat [Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.], probably a reflection of environment and genetics. A rhamnoglucoside present in tartary buckwheat was not detected in common buckwheat.     

Genotypic Variation in Shoot Cadmium Concentration in Rice and Soybean in Soils with Different Levels of Cadmium Contamination

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate whether the shoot cadmium (Cd) concentration in 11 rice and 10 soybean cultivars varied among 4 soils with different levels of Cd contamination. Significant differences in shoot Cd concentration were found among rice or soybean cultivars grown in the 4 soils. The ranking of the rice cultivars for the shoot Cd concentration varied considerably among the soils. On the other hand, the soybean cultivars were ranked similarly in terms of shoot Cd concentration in the 4 soils. Significant and positive correlations were found between the Cd and Zn concentrations and between the Cd and Mn concentrations in the shoot of rice cultivars, when they were grown in 2 soils with relatively moderate levels of Cd contamination. The shoot Cd concentration in the soybean cultivars, however, was not correlated with the concentrations determined for any of the metals (Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe) across the 4 soils. Significant and positive correlations between the concentrations of Cd in younger shoots and mature seeds were detected among the soybean cultivars in 2 soils used, unlike among the rice cultivars, indicating that it may be difficult to evaluate the genotypic variation in seed Cd concentration using relatively younger shoots in the case of rice. These results revealed that genotypic differences in shoot Cd concentration in rice or soybean are variable or invariable among soils, respectively.     

Accumulation of Reserve Compounds in Common Bean Seeds under Drought Stress

To investigate the seed protein and major mineral nutrient (Fe, Zn, P, and N) contents and their accumulation procedure in the seeds of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a biennial experiment was conducted under two contrasting moisture regimes (normal irrigation and water deficit). Seed reserves of eight genotypes (WA4502-1, WA4531-17, Akhtar, D81083, AND1007, KS21486, MCD4011, and COS16) were investigated at four stages of seed filling period (SFP). Split-plot experiments were performed as randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed significant differences in the evaluated characteristics in both factors, the genotypes and the moisture regimes. Fe content of the seeds was affected the most by drought stress and reduced in all stages, while seed nitrogen and protein contents were affected the least under stress condition. The percentages of reductions due to water deficit were higher in stage 1 for Fe, stage 2 for Zn, and stage 4 for P and N. In the stage 3, minerals had the least changes. Nitrogen content of the seeds at mid-stages of SFP increased slightly under drought stress. Drought stress also caused 39–69% reductions in the grain yield of the genotypes. Under drought stress condition, the concentrations of Fe and N in the white bean seeds were less than that of the red and the Chitti genotypes. However, the seed P contents of the white bean seeds were higher than that of the other genotypes.     

镉胁迫对荻生长、镉富集和土壤酶活性的影响

采用盆栽土培法,从播种开始培育132d后,研究0,3,6,9mg/kg镉胁迫对荻的生长、镉富集与分布和土壤酶活性的影响。结果表明:荻耐性指数随处理浓度的增加先上升后下降,镉浓度≤6mg/kg时,促进荻生长,镉浓度为9mg/kg时,抑制荻生长。叶绿素、丙二醛和可溶性糖含量均随处理浓度的增加先升高后降低,在镉浓度为6mg/kg时达到最大值;类胡萝卜素含量为先降低后升高,在6mg/kg时达最小值。荻根部铜、锌和铁含量均随处理浓度的增加而升高,地上部铜和铁含量先降低后升高,而锌含量持续降低。根部和地上部镉含量随镉处理浓度增加呈线性增加趋势,且根部镉含量均高于地上部;不同浓度镉处理荻根部富集系数均大于1,但地上部富集系数和转运系数均小于1;根部镉积累量随处理浓度的增加先升高后降低,在镉浓度为6mg/kg时达到最大值,地上部镉积累量持续升高,荻体内镉主要分布在根部。镉处理组的土壤脲酶和过氧化氢酶活性与对照相比总体无显著差异(P0.05),镉浓度为6mg/kg和9mg/kg对土壤脲酶活性有一定促进作用,但会抑制过氧化氢酶活性,根际土壤酶活性总体高于非根际土壤酶。研究表明,荻对镉有较强的耐性,且根部对镉有较强的富集能力,因此,荻在土壤镉污染稳定化修复方面具有一定的应用潜力。     

Rhizosphere Cadmium Speciation and Mechanisms of Cadmium Tolerance in Different Oilseed Rape Species

ABSTRACT

The role of rhizosphere processes in cadmium (Cd) uptake by plants and mechanisms of Cd tolerance is unexplored and a matter of debate. Pot experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions to investigate rhizosphere Cd speciation and mechanisms of Cd tolerance in different oilseed rape (Brassica juncea L. and Brassica napus L.) species using a sequential extraction technique. A Cd-tolerant oilseed rape, Xikou Huazi, a non-tolerant oilseed rape, Zhongyou 821, and an Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) were used in the study. The results showed that three predominant forms of Cd in the plants were NaCl-extractable Cd, acetic acid-extractable Cd, and water-extractable Cd. The concentration of water-extractable Cd in Xikou Huazi was significantly lower than in Zhongyou 821. A significant depletion of exchangeable Cd was observed in the rhizosphere soil of oilseed rapes Xikou Huazi and Zhongyou 821, as well as Indian mustard. At 60 mg kg^?1 of soil Cd concentration, the concentrations of carbonate-bound and organically bound Cd in the rhizosphere soil of Xikou Huazi were significantly higher than in the non-rhizosphere soil. The concentrations of these two Cd speciations were higher in the rhizosphere soil of Xikou Huazi than in the rhizosphere soil of Zhongyou 821. However, for Zhongyou 821, there were no significant differences in the concentrations of these two Cd speciations between the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere at 30 and 60 mg kg^?1 of soil Cd concentrations. A significant difference existed in rhizosphere Cd speciations and Cd forms in the plants between Cd-tolerant oilseed rape and non-tolerant oilseed rape. This difference was the main reason that Cd-tolerant oilseed rapes take up and accumulate Cd.     

The role of remnant trees in seed dispersal through the matrix: Being alone is not always so sad

Remnant trees within the non-forest matrix are common structures of forest landscapes which have high conservation value due to their supposed roles as biological legacies and stepping stones in fragmented forest scenarios. Fleshy-fruited remnant trees are dispersal foci for many forest plants, as seeds accumulate under their canopies after visitation by forest frugivores. Despite this recognized effect, little is known about the relative role of remnant trees in maintaining their seed dispersal function after forest fragmentation. In this work, conducted in the Cantabrian Range (Northern Spain), seed deposition by frugivorous birds and post-dispersal seed predation by rodents were compared beneath the canopies of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) trees scattered in the non-forested matrix, to those embedded in forest patches. We studied two years which had strong differences in community-wide fruit abundance (high in 2004, and low in 2005). Hawthorn and holly (Ilex aquifolium) seeds dominated the seed rain. The density of dispersed seeds differed between years and tree type, with higher values under patch trees relative to remnant ones. However, the effect of tree type depended on both the year and the seed species, as larger differences were found in the year of high fruit availability, and with holly seeds. Higher levels of post-dispersal seed predation on holly seeds also contributed to offset the differences between tree types. Our results suggest that remnant trees, by functioning as dispersal foci, facilitate the dispersal of the two most abundant plant species for forest succession through the matrix. More importantly, we demonstrated that in years of low fruit availability in which forest frugivores are forced to exploit scattered fruit resources, the role of remnant trees may even be equivalent to that played by forest trees.     

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND ACCUMULATION OF CALCIUM IN DIFFERENT TISSUES,DEVELOPING SPIKES AND SEEDS OF FINGER MILLET GENOTYPES

□ Total calcium (Ca) content in different tissues, developing spikes (S1, S2, S3 and S4 stages), and distribution sites in seeds of five finger millet genotypes, which were differed in total calcium content, were analyzed. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) revealed stage-dependent quantitative changes in calcium accumulation from low to high during different stages of developing spikes and also in different tissues and grains. Results of scanning electron microscopic (SEM) energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis showed differential distributions of the calcium in seed components viz. seed coat, aleurone layer and endosperm. Highest calcium content was observed in aleurone layer followed by seed coat while lowest calcium was found in endosperm of all genotypes. Major differences were found amongst genotypes with regard to the calcium distribution in seed components. The differential regulation of transport machinery might be responsible for differential calcium ion delivery and spatial distribution in the seed. A clear understanding of differential accumulation, spatial distribution and the variation of calcium within finger millet genotypes/seeds could be exploited for breeding for their bio-fortification and development of calcium rich functional foods.     

水稻种植模式对水稻籽粒离子组的影响

亚细胞、细胞、器官乃至有机体内所有矿质元素的组合称为离子组。离子组是植物化学元素指纹,能够定量、精准地反映环境因子驱动下植物体产生的无机化学响应。为探求不同种植模式对水稻籽粒离子组的影响,采用大田试验,研究比较了长期常规种植、绿色蛙稻和有机蛙稻3种水稻种植模式水稻籽粒中矿质元素含量的差异和元素间的相关关系,并探讨了土壤中可利用态元素向水稻籽粒中的转移效率。21种元素含量通过高通量元素分析电感耦合等离子体质谱仪(ICP-MS)测定,并利用主成分分析和方差分析等统计方法分别对数据进行综合分析和各元素处理间差异分析。结果表明,各元素在水稻籽粒中的浓度顺序为:KPMgCaMnZnFeCuRbNaBaMoBNiSrAsCrCdSeCoCs。主成分分析结果表明,不同水稻种植模式对水稻籽粒离子组有显著影响,第1主成分占总变量的32.7%,区分了有机和绿色种植模式;第2主成分占总变量的27.1%,将常规种植模式和另外两种模式区分开。不同水稻种植模式对水稻籽粒离子组有显著影响。与常规种植相比,绿色蛙稻模式下籽粒第1主族元素K、Na、Cs、Rb含量显著增加21%、31%、59%、72%,Mn、Cd的含量显著增加23%、441%,B和Cr的含量显著降低63%和51%;有机模式下水稻籽粒中Co、Ni和Cd含量分别增加60%、286%和488%,而Ca、B、Mo、Sr和Cr的含量显著降低38%、60%、20%、27%和96%,而同主族元素间的竞争并未发现。因此,从水稻必需元素吸收角度出发,绿色蛙稻种植模式优于有机和常规种植模式;但绿色和有机蛙稻种植模式对一些非必需元素的吸收也为水稻食品安全带来隐患。因此,科学的养分管理和合理种植结构的调整对保证水稻食品的安全有非常重要的意义和价值。     

长期取食染镉小麦后中华稻蝗体内镉的累积分布

重金属镉在动物体内的代谢过程主要通过消化途径实现。以食物染毒的方法,采用不同浓度镉溶液培养的麦苗饲喂中华稻蝗（从一龄若虫至成虫）,将中华稻蝗成虫不同组织部位（头、翅、足、卵巢／精巢、体壁、前肠、中肠、后肠）解剖,并通过原子吸收分光光度计测定其镉的浓度,统计分析各组织部位镉的累积分布规律。火焰原子吸收测定结果表明,生长于浓度为0、36．67、73．34、110．01、146．68μg·g^-1镉溶液中的小麦,其叶片中镉的累积浓度分别达到1．99、102．88、159．92、255．48、372．68μg·g^-1,与培养液中镉浓度呈显著正相关（Y=2．4379X-0．206,R^2=0．988P〈0．01;Y为小麦中镉浓度,X为镉溶液浓度）;随着镉处理浓度的增加,中华稻蝗头、翅、足、卵巢、体壁、前肠、中肠、后肠中镉的累积浓度基本都呈增加的趋势,例如,在各组织部位中镉累积浓度最高的为中肠,4个处理浓度中雌虫分别为对照组的139．29、82．11、197．94、212．74倍,雄虫为对照组的99．89、70．32、100．17、91．23倍;在各组织部位中镉累积浓度较低的足,雌、雄虫也分别达到了对照组的4．95、8．80、16．23、16．90倍和7．14、12．22、20．59、27．98倍。对中华稻蝗成虫各组织部位镉累积浓度进行比较发现,消化道各部位的累积浓度较其他部位为高,其中,中肠内镉的累积浓度均为最高,前后肠间的累积浓度次之;此外,镉在中华稻蝗头部也有明显的累积,其次是体壁和翅,而卵巢／精巢和足的累积浓度最低。研究结果表明长期取食染毒小麦可导致镉在中华稻蝗体内的累积,且镉在不同组织部位中的累积分布存在差异。     

Maguey (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Agave salmiana</Emphasis>) infructescence morphology and its relationship to yield components

Agaves are long-lived semelparous plants that produce a high number of seeds, in dehiscent capsules, on the apical section of a stalk, up to 5 m long, after 8–25 years. These and other characteristics such as yield and yield components are scarcely evaluated in the plants of the Agave genus. The objective of this study was to quantify the capsules and seeds yield of A. salmiana Otto ex Salm-Dyck plants simultaneously maturing and growing in the same region. Infructescences of three plants simultaneously growing at San Luis Potosí, Mexico, were harvested. On them we evaluated the number of umbels, capsules and seeds (normal and sterile) and their mass per plant. The study was developed on a completely randomized design with each infructescence as an experimental unit. Also, the type distribution of the number and mass of these yield components along the stalk was evaluated with the Chi square test for goodness of fit, the Shapiro–Wilks for normality tests, asymmetry and kurtosis. Data were analyzed with the ANOVA and multiple comparisons by the Tukey test (p?≤?0.05). The number of umbels per plant (17–25), capsule per umbel (2–179) and per plant (554–1990), normal seed per capsule (0–297), normal seeds per plant (30,610–186,209) and sterile seeds per plant (211,059–619,251) widely and significantly varied among infructescences. Biomass of capsules per plant umbel (3–795 g), biomass of sterile and normal seeds per capsule (0.071–1.449 and 0–3.320 g), per umbel (0.34–97.76 and 0.21–185.26 g) and per plant (182–1052 and 334–2069 g) also varied widely. Seed yield was statistically different between plants simultaneously growing and maturing at the same site.     

Inter-relation between descriptors and morphine yield in Asian germplasm of opium poppy Papaver somniferum

A set of 208 Indian and two Thai germplasm accessions of opium poppy Papaver somniferum were assessed for variation in 17 morphological characters, seed yield and content and yield of morphine from capsules and peduncles. The germplasm was found to be highly variable for all the characters evaluated. In the harvested peduncles and capsules, 13% was peduncle straw, 61% seeds and the rest capsule husk. The peduncle and capsule straw yields ranged between 0.6–2.2 and 1.4–5.3 g plant^-1, respectively. Morphine content in the peduncle varied between about 0.001–0.24% and that in the capsule from 0.02 to 1.05%. On average basis morphine content in the capsule husk was more than 9-fold higher than the peduncle straw. The plant morphine yields from peduncles and capsules ranged between 1.2 and 28.6 mg plant^-1. Four accessions yielded more than 20 mg of morphine plant^-1. Among these, in one of the accessions about 13% of the morphine was contributed by the peduncle. The plants of high morphine yielding accessions were generally small in height, and bore white flowers and large sized ungrooved capsules with a small number of seeds, on a large peduncle.