Identification of salt tolerant baldcypress (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Taxodium distichum</Emphasis> (L.) Rich) for planting in coastal areas

Coastal baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) forests are being killed in the southern United States as a result of saltwater intrusion. Tank studies have indicated substantial intraspecific variation in salt tolerance within baldcypress populations, but only one field study has been conducted and it used a limited seed source. The major objective of this project was to expand the collection range of baldcypress across the southeastern United States and determine if there are baldcypress populations that can survive and grow in saltwater damaged areas. Seeds were collected in 1996 from eight estuarine areas (James River = VA; Cape Fear River = NC; Winyah Bay = SC; Ogeechee River = GA; Ochlockonee River = FL; Mobile Bay = AL; Biloxi River=MS; Chalmette = LA). Seeds were stratified and planted, and seedlings were grown for 2 years before planting in two abandoned ricefields on Hobcaw Barony near Georgetown, South Carolina in 1999. Salinity levels reached 18.5ppt during 2001 at the peak of the worst drought on record. By 2002, the only seedlings surviving were those from LA, AL, and FL. After 5 years in the field, LA seedlings were the best performers with a mortality rate of only 27%. More detailed analyses of the biologic and genetic characteristics of trees growing in the LA site need to be completed to determine if they represent a source of baldcypress seed possessing greater tolerance to saline conditions. If so, seeds need to be collected and nurseries established to grow seedlings to help restore degraded wetland swamp areas along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.     

Refugial forests of the southern Appalachians: photosynthesis and survival in current-year Abies fraseri seedlings

Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poiret) is an endemic, high-elevation conifer confined to six relict mountaintop communities in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. High adult mortality has occurred over the past 50 years, possibly the result of an introduced insect (Adelges piceae Ratzeburg), air pollution, or both. Knowledge of the mechanisms of and limitations to seedling establishment may allow reestablisment and perpetuation of this unique community type, notwithstanding global climate change. We monitored seedling emergence and mortality in relation to photosynthetic performance and water relations in microsites differing in canopy openness (sunlight exposure) over the summer of 2004. Abundance of cotyledonous seedlings in early summer was 2.3 times greater (849 versus 366 seedlings m(-2)) in microsites with lower sky exposure (greater canopy closure) than in microsites with greater sky exposure (greater canopy openness). In contrast, late-season abundance and survival were greater in areas beneath more open canopies than in areas beneath less open canopies (3.3 times and 11.7 times greater, respectively). However, newly emerged seedling survival in a completely open site (no overhead canopy) was zero, despite an initial density of 124 seedlings m(-2). Seedling water status was similar in open- and closed-canopy sites (-0.52 and -0.74 MPa, respectively). Photosynthetic carbon gain was higher in newly emerged seedlings at open canopy than at closed canopy sites, especially during early morning. Based on photosynthetic light response curves and measured sunlight regimes, seedlings in open canopy sites were estimated to assimilate 3.3-4.5 times more carbon than seedlings at closed sites. Reductions in carbon gain of closed-site seedlings, primarily a result of limited sunlight, corresponded to substantial increases in seedling mortality (98 versus 79% in open canopy sites). Thus, sunlight exposure, which reflects overstory canopy structure, appears to be an important factor influencing newly emerged seedling survival and distribution.     

Hyadaphis tataricae (Ajzenberg), ein neuer Schädling in Mitteleuropa anLonicera tatarica L. und einigen anderenLonicera-Ziersträuchern (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Zusammenfassung Hyadaphis tataricae (Ajzenberg), ein ernstzunehmender Schädling anLonicera tatarica L. und auf dem europäischen Kontinent nach Westen vordringend, wurde zuerst im Jahre 1935 aus Moskau beschrieben. Seit 1959 ist die Blattlaus aus Polen bekannt, und im Jahre 1962 wurde sie zum ersten Mal westlich der Oder festgestellt. Im Jahre 1964 wurde sie an vielen Stellen im Stadtgebiet von Berlin, wo sie in einigen Fällen schwere Schäden verursachte, und außerdem in Rostock gefunden. Durch den Befall werden die Spitzen der Zweige zu großen, herabhängenden, verzweigten Gallen umgebildet.H. tataricae ist eine nicht wirtswechselnde Art, denn nahezu alle oviparen Weibchen sind die Nachkommen von Ungeflügelten. AußerL. tatarica kann auchL. bella Zabel stark geschädigt werden. Einige andere Formen vonLonicera spp. werden in geringerem Ausmaß befallen.Lonicera xylosteum L. wurde frei von Befall gefunden.

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Summary Hyadaphis tataricae (Ajzenberg), a heavy pest ofLonicera tatarica L. and spreading westward on the European continent, has been originally described in 1935 from Moscow. Since 1959 the aphid is known from Poland, and in 1962 it was noted for the first time west of the Oder. In 1964 it was found in many sites in the township Berlin, causing there in some cases severe damages, and also at Rostock. By the attack the tips of the branches are deformed to big hanging down and ramified galls.H. tataricae is a nonmigrating species, for nearly all oviparous females are the offspring of apterae. BesidesL. tataricae alsoL. bella Zabel may be heavily damaged. Some other forms ofLonicera spp. are infested to a minor extend.Lonicera xylosteum L. was not found to be attacked by the species.

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Sommaire Hyadaphis tataricae (Ajzenberg), une espèce extrêmement nuisible surLonicera tatarica L. et se répandant sur le continent européen vers l'occident, a été décrite originallement de Moscou en 1935. Depuis 1959, ce puceron est connu de Pologne, et en 1962 il fut découvert pour la première fois à l'ouest de l'Oder. En 1964, il fut trouvé dans des lieux nombreux dans le territoire de Berlin, où il faisait naître en plusieurs cas de grands dégâts, et de plus à Rostock. Par cette attaque, les bouts des ramaux sont déformés en grandes galles ramifiées pendant en bas.H. tataricae est une espèce sans changement d'hôte, car presque toutes les femelles ovipares son les descendants d'aptères. OutreL. tatarica, L. bella Zabel peut être détérioré gravement. Plusieurs autres formes deLonicera spp. sont attaquées d'un moindre degré.Lonicera xylosteum L. n'a pas été trouvé attaqué par le puceron.

     

水稻单片段替换系群体的建立及QTL定位

水稻中许多重要的农艺性状属数量性状，由多基因(QTL)控制。研究QTL的遗传特性和遗传效应对于培育高产和稳产的水稻品种具有十分重要的意义。本研究以6个优良的品种为供体亲本，以华粳籼74为轮回亲本，通过微卫星标记辅助回交选择培育了一批单片段替换系，随后利用所培育的单片段替换系进行了QTL分析和基因定位。主要结果有：1、利用258个微卫星标记对6个供体亲本和轮回亲本间的多态性进行了筛选。6个供体亲本与轮回亲本间的多态率在32．98％至60．78％之间，平均47．81％，粳型供体亲本比籼型供体亲本的多态性要高。2、随着回交代数的增加，植株所含的替换片段数逐渐减少。在BC2F1、BC3F1、BC3F2和BC3F3代，平均每个植株携带有12．50、5．98、1．69和1．46个替换片段。替换片段的平均长度也随回交和自交代数的增加而逐渐变短。在BC2F1、BC3F1、BC3F2和BC3F3代，替换片段的平均长度分别为25．43cM、22．38cM、20．78cM和18．15cM.回交世代替换片段变短的速率(11．99％)比自交世代变短速率(7．15％)要快。在BC2F1、BC3Fl、BC3F2和BC3F3代，轮回亲本基因组的恢复率分别为82．24％、92．55％、98．04％j阳98．52％。3、在BC3F2和BC3F3代，共选育出111个单片段替换系，其中独一无二的单片段替换系共42个。BC3F2代替换系中替换片段的估算长度在2．00cM到64．80cM之间，平均为21．75cM，而BC3F3代中替换片段的估算长度在6．05cM到48．90cM之间，平均为20．95cMc，12条染色体中仅第11染色体没有选择到单片段替换系。所选育的单片段替换系中替换片段的总长为2367．50cM，基因组的覆盖长度为704．50cM，覆盖率为39．25％。4、在52个单片段替换系的22个性状中共鉴定出了234个QTL。每个性状鉴定出的QTL数在3到19个之间，平均4．50个。每个替换系鉴定出的QTL在2到15个之间，平均10．64个。QTL加性效应的大小因性状和替换系不同而不同，低至-0．02(0．79％)的加性效应(如谷粒宽度)均能检测到。在RM237．RM322、RM225和RM481标记附近的各种性状中同时检测到了增效和减效的QTL。5、通过染色体替换作图，对7个单片段替换系中16个性状的QTL进行了定位。利用携带有相同替换片段的替换系进行QTL位置的确定。6、通过分析复杂性状的加性效应，对影响植高、每穗粒数和粒型的相关性状进行了分析，分析QTL之间的相关性。7、对控制抽穗期、稃尖颜色、植株高度和粒型的基因进行了定位。抽穗期基因Hd-8表现为单基因显性遗传，定位于第8染色体上，与PSMl55紧密连锁。紫色稃尖基因Pa-6表现为单基因显性遗传，定位于第6染色体上，与RM253紧密连锁。株高基因Ph-1-3定位于第1染色体上，与PSM331紧密连锁。粒型基因Rlw-8-2为首次报道，定位于第8染色体的末端，与RM447紧密连锁，长粒表现为单基因隐性遗传。本研究通过分子标记辅助选择培育了一批单片段替换系，并成功地对这批材料进行了QTL分析和基因定位，从而证实了在水稻中通过微卫星标记辅助回交选育单片段替换系和进行QTL分析的可行性。     

Statistical discrimination between pollen tube growth and seed set in establishing self incompatibility in Gaura lindheimeri 1

The University of Minnesota Gaura breeding program is developing USDA Z3-4 winter-hardy genotypes via interspecific hybridization of G. lindheimeri (Z5-6) and G. coccinea (Z2-4). Prior to commencing interspecific hybridization, the reproductive barriers operating in both parental species need to be characterized. The objective of this research was to determine the type and stability of reproductive barriers operating in G. lindheimeri by statistical comparisons between pollen tube growth and seed set in a full-sib diallel. Slowed or aborted pollen tube growth in the style indicated the presence of a gametophytic self incompatibility (SI) system. A statistical method, female (FCC) and male (MCC) coefficients of crossability, was used to verify that a stable SI system was operating and that other reproductive barriers were present. Several genotypes also expressed stage-specific inbreeding depression and incongruity. The simple linear regression equation for FCC/MCC, using pollen tube growth, was Y = 0.0124 + 0.974X, which was much closer to the expected Y = 0.0 + 1.0X (indicating a stable SI system) than the equation for seed set, Y = 0.012 + 0.910X. Using pollen tube length, both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) values were highly significant for G. lindheimeri (P ≤ 0.001). Histograms were used to delineate cut-offs to identify intra-incompatible/inter-compatible classes and S allele groups. Four possible classes were identified, but further research is needed to verify S allele genotypes.Scientific Research Paper No. 031210120 of the Department of Horticultural Science. This research was supported by a grant from the Perennial Plant Association and, in part, by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station     

Heat expanded starch-based compositions

A heat expansion process similar to that used for expanded bead polystyrene was used to expand starch-based compositions. Foam beads made by solvent extraction had the appearance of polystyrene beads but did not expand when heated due to an open-cell structure. Nonporous beads, pellets, or particles were made by extrusion or by drying and milling cooked starch slurries. The samples expanded into a low-density foam by heating 190-210 degrees C for more than 20 s at ambient pressures. Formulations containing starch (50-85%), sorbitol (5-15%), glycerol (4-12%), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVAL, 5-15%), and water (10-20%) were studied. The bulk density was negatively correlated to sorbitol, glycerol, and water content. Increasing the EVAL content increased the bulk density, especially at concentrations higher than 15%. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL) increased the bulk density more than EVAL. The bulk density was lowest in samples made of wheat and potato starch as compared to corn starch. The expansion temperature for the starch pellets decreased more than 20 degrees C as the moisture content was increased from 10 to 25%. The addition of EVAL in the formulations decreased the equilibrium moisture content of the foam and reduced the water absorption during a 1 h soaking period.     

Impact of genetics and environment on nutritional and metabolite components of maize grain

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recommends the measurement of specific plant components for compositional assessments of new biotechnology-derived crops. These components include proximates, nutrients, antinutrients, and certain crop-specific secondary metabolites. A considerable literature on the natural variability of these components in conventional and biotechnology-derived crops now exists. Yet the OECD consensus also suggests measurements of any metabolites that may be directly associated with a newly introduced trait. Therefore, steps have been initiated to assess natural variation in metabolites not typically included in the OECD consensus but which might reasonably be expected to be affected by new traits addressing, for example, nutritional enhancement or improved stress tolerance. The compositional study reported here extended across a diverse genetic range of maize hybrids derived from 48 inbreds crossed against two different testers. These were grown at three different, but geographically similar, locations in the United States. In addition to OECD analytes such as proximates, total amino acids and free fatty acids, the levels of free amino acids, sugars, organic acids, and selected stress metabolites in harvested grain were assessed. The major free amino acids identified were asparagine, aspartate, glutamate, and proline. The major sugars were sucrose, glucose, and fructose. The most predominant organic acid was citric acid, with only minor amounts of other organic acids detected. The impact of genetic background and location was assessed for all components. Overall, natural variation in free amino acids, sugars, and organic acids appeared to be markedly higher than that observed for the OECD analytes.     

Monitoring acetaldehyde concentrations during micro-oxygenation of red wine by headspace solid-phase microextraction with on-fiber derivatization

An analytical method was developed to quantify levels of acetaldehyde in wine samples. The method utilizes headspace solid-phase microextraction with on-fiber derivatization using O-(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine and quantification by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The technique showed good sensitivity and reproducibility in samples of Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, and Merlot wines containing acetaldehyde at levels below the sensory threshold (40-100 ppm). The method was used to monitor acetaldehyde concentrations during the micro-oxygenation of Merlot wine in a 141 L pilot-plant experiment and a 2400 L full-scale study. In both experiments, levels of acetaldehyde remained constant for several weeks before increasing at rates of the order of 1 ppm/day. Variations in the levels of acetaldehyde present are discussed within the context of the underlying chemical reactions.     

Anti-oxidant constituents of the roots and stolons of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

As part of a search for new cancer chemopreventive agents, a new chalcone derivative (1), a novel group of neolignan lipid esters (2), and seven known phenolic compounds (formononetin, glabridin, hemileiocarpin, hispaglabridin B, isoliquiritigenin, 4'-O-methylglabridin, and paratocarpin B) (3-9) were isolated from the roots and stolons of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). The structures of compound 1 and the individual components of isolate 2 were elucidated using various spectroscopic and chemical methods. All isolates were tested in an authentic peroxynitrite anti-oxidant assay. Of these compounds, hispaglabridin B (6), isoliquiritigenin (7), and paratocarpin B (9) were found to be the most potent anti-oxidant agents. Furthermore, isoliquiritigenin (7) was demonstrated to prevent the incidence of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon and lung tumors in mice when administered at a dose of 300 mg/kg.     

Chemical composition of glyphosate-tolerant soybean 40-3-2 grown in Europe remains equivalent with that of conventional soybean (Glycine max L.)

The composition of glyphosate-tolerant (Roundup Ready) soybean 40-3-2 was compared with that of conventional soybean grown in Romania in 2005 as part of a comparative safety assessment program. Samples were collected from replicated field trials, and compositional analyses were performed to measure proximates (moisture, fat, ash, protein, and carbohydrates by calculation), fiber, amino acids, fatty acids, isoflavones, raffinose, stachyose, phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor, and lectin in grain as well as proximates and fiber in forage. The mean values for all biochemical components assessed for Roundup Ready soybean 40-30-2 were similar to those of the conventional control and were within the published range observed for commercial soybean. The compositional profile of Roundup Ready soybean 40-3-2 was also compared to that of conventional soybean varieties grown in Romania by calculating a 99% tolerance interval to describe compositional variability in the population of traditional soybean varieties already on the marketplace. These comparisons, together with the history of the safe use of soybean as a common component of animal feed and human food, lead to the conclusion that Roundup Ready soybean 40-3-2 is compositionally equivalent to and as safe and nutritious as conventional soybean varieties grown commercially.