SNP Markers Discovery in Soybean with Use of Degenerate Oligolucleotide Primed PCR

There are several strategies that can be applied in SNP discovery, as for example the locus-specific amplification of target genome regions （Primmer et al., 2002; Van et al., 2004） or simultaneous assembly of anonymous sequences which are the product of whole genome shotgun sequencing （Webber and Myers, 1997） or reduced representation shotgun sequencing （Altshuler et al., 2000）. The majority of these methods are highly cost-prohibitive, however, and there is a necessity for development of new strategies that would be more suitable for small and medium-scale laboratories.     

Isolation and characteristics of eight novel polymorphic microsatellite loci from the genome of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Here we characterized eight novel polymorphic SSR markers, developed from an enriched genomic library of garlic (Allium sativum L.). These SSRs produced a total of 64 alleles across 90 garlic accessions, with an average of 8 alleles per locus. Values for observed (H_O) and expected (H_E) heterozygosity ranged from 0.16 to 0.77 (mean = 0.44) and from 0.22 to 0.86 (mean = 0.65), respectively. Six loci deviated significantly (P < 0.05) from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The averages of gene diversity and PIC values were 0.65 and 0.62, respectively. The mean genetic similarity coefficient was 0.4380, indicating that among garlic accessions existed wide genetic variation. Based on 64 alleles obtained by 8 SSRs, a phenogram was constructed to understand the relationships among the 90 accessions. These newly developed SSRs should prove very useful tools for genotypes identification, assessment of genetic diversity and population structure in garlic.     

Effects of AMF inoculation on growth of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer seedlings and on soil structures in mycorrhizosphere

We aimed to investigate the effects of inoculating Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer seedlings with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) by examining the root colonization, plant nutrition uptake, growth characteristics, and soil aggregation of P. ginseng seedlings inoculated at the time of transplantation. At 16 weeks, the AMF spore density per 30 g of fresh mycorrhizosphere in seedlings inoculated with AMF (AMF+ seedlings) was 256.8 and that in seedlings not inoculated with AMF (AMF− seedlings) was 186.3, respectively. The colonization rate of AMF in the lateral roots of AMF+ seedlings was approximately 19% higher than that in the lateral roots of AMF− seedlings. The patterns of AMF colonization in ginseng roots were similar to those of the Paris-type mycorrhizal association. Plant growth characteristics, such as plant height, root length, leaf area, number of lateral roots, fresh weight of shoots and roots, and chlorophyll content, were significantly enhanced in AMF+ seedlings compared to AMF− seedlings. The macronutrient content (P, K, and Ca) and micronutrient content (Cu, Fe, and Zn) of both shoots and roots were also significantly higher in AMF+ seedlings compared to AMF− seedlings. Furthermore, glomalin content and soil aggregation were significantly enhanced in AMF inoculated areas. Our results indicate that AMF inoculation may enhance the growth of ginseng seedlings by improving the uptake of mineral nutrients and the soil structure in mycorrhizosphere.     

Effects of ethylene,abscisic acid and auxin on fruit abscission in water dropwort (Oenanthe stolonifera DC.)

Fruit abscission in water dropwort (Oenanthe stolonifera DC.) was investigated by measuring fruit removal force (FRF) affected by fruit ages and plant hormones. FRF decreased rapidly 30 days after anthesis (DAA). Ethylene evolution increased rapidly at 35 DAA and ABA concentration increased gradually after 20 DAA. ACC and ethephon decreased the FRF of fruit explants and the promoting effect of ACC was delayed by silver thiosulphate and cycloheximide, but not by norbornadiene and actinomycin D. ABA enhanced fruit abscission without increasing ethylene evolution. However, the observation that CoCl₂ delayed abscission induced by ABA indicates possible involvement of ethylene in the ABA effect. Treatment with NAA, fenoprop and IAA had no effect on 30 DAA fruit explants, but IAA delayed abscission of 25 DAA explants. This suggests that the effect of auxins may differ with fruit age when used as control agents.     

Tape-Arabidopsis Sandwich - a simpler Arabidopsis protoplast isolation method

Background  

Protoplasts isolated from leaves are useful materials in plant research. One application, the transient expression of recombinant genes using Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts (TEAMP), is currently commonly used for studies of subcellular protein localization, promoter activity, and in vivo protein-protein interactions. This method requires cutting leaves into very thin slivers to collect mesophyll cell protoplasts, a procedure that often causes cell damage, may yield only a few good protoplasts, and is time consuming. In addition, this protoplast isolation method normally requires a large number of leaves derived from plants grown specifically under low-light conditions, which may be a concern when material availability is limited such as with mutant plants, or in large scale experiments.     

Immobilization antigen-independent protection of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) against Philasterides dicentrarchi (Ciliophora: Scuticociliatia) infection

To determine whether olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) immunized with lysate of Philasterides dicentrarchi could be protected immobilization antigen (i-antigen) type independently, fish were immunized with lysate of ciliates obtained from in vitro cultures or ciliates obtained from infected fish. Fish immunized with ciliates obtained from infected fish were completely protected against artificial infection with in vitro cultured P. dicentrarchi, in spite of a weak or no serum agglutination activity against in vitro cultured ciliates. The present results indicate that i-antigen-independent protection was elicited by immunization of fish with the ciliates lysate, and the cultured ciliates would provide a good source for preparation of vaccines, which are cross-protective against various i-antigen types of P. dicentrarchi.     

Fabrication of electropsun PLGA and small intestine submucosa-blended nanofibrous membranes and their biocompatibility for wound healing

In recent decades, tremendous research has focused on the production of nanoscale fibers using synthetic polymers, with the goal of fabricating nanofibrous scaffolds for wound healing. However, the hydrophobicity of such polymers typically hinders attachment and proliferation of the cells. In this study, we combined poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) and small intestine submucosa (SIS) to fabricate blended nanofibers for wound healing by electrospinning. PLGA and SIS were dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro isopropanol to produce different weight ratios of PLGA/SIS-blended nanofibrous membranes (NFM). Physicochemical characterization of the electrospun NFM was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle analysis, degradation test and tensile testing. The PLGA/SIS-blended NFM showed improved hydrophilicity and tensile strength. Better infiltration, attachment and proliferation of rat granulation fibroblasts of PLGA/SIS-blended NFMs compared to PLGA NFMs were identified by morphological differences determined by SEM and a water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay kit. Based on our results, the PLGA/SIS blended NFMs were found to be suitable for use as a potential material for wound dressing.     

Exploring diversity among rice germplasms based on their physiological traits responses to salinity

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that severely effects rice production throughout the world. Previously, there have not been many studies which focused on studying diversity among rice germplasm based on specific physiological traits for salt tolerance. Our diversity study was based on physiological traits such as Na+ concentration, K⁺ concentration, K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, osmotic potential, and biomass which are major components determining salt tolerance. This study has systematically analyzed phenotypic data of 191 germplasms in two different salt concentrations apart from the control. The current study identified salt tolerant germplasms based on their response to a single physiological trait as well as a combination of different physiological traits. Some of the germplasm identified outperformed known salt tolerant cultivar Pokkali. This study identifies correlation among various physiological traits. The salt tolerant germplasms can be taken forward into developing better varieties by conventional breeding and exploring genes for salt tolerance.     

Geospatial delineation of South Korea for adjusted barley cultivation under changing climate

Determining effective measures to alleviate the impact of climate change on crops under various regional environments is one of the most urgent issues facing agriculture. In this study, geographic regions of South Korea for future-adjusted barley cultivation were outlined and the impact of climate change on barley production in the next 100 years was evaluated under two greenhouse gas concentration trajectory scenarios: the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. To achieve our intended study goals, a geospatial crop simulation modeling (GCSM) scheme was formulated using CERES-barley model of Decision Support System for Agricultural Technology (DSSAT) crop model package version 4.6 to simulate grid-based geospatial crop yields. Two experiments were carried out at an open field to obtain model coefficients for the nation and at temperature gradient field chambers to evaluate the performance of the CERES-barley model under elevated temperature conditions. Suitable cultivation regions for three different types of barley (naked, hooded, and malting) under changing climate were projected to expand to the northern regions under both RCP 8.5 and RCP 4.5. However, they were projected to expand more rapidly under RCP 8.5 than those under RCP 4.5. Projected yields of four barley varieties were increased with a slow phase as year progressed under RCP 4.5 scenario. However, they were rapidly increased under RCP 8.5 scenario. It appears that geospatial variation in barley yield under changing climate can be effectively outlined. Therefore, GCSM system might be useful for determining impacts of climate change on geospatial variations of crops, potentially providing means to impede food insecurity.     

Allelic composition and associated quality traits of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glu-1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glu-3</Emphasis> loci in selected modern Ethiopian durum wheat varieties

Gluten protein determines the processing quality of both durum wheat and bread wheat. The glutenin subunits compositions and associated quality traits of 20 Ethiopian durum wheat varieties were systematically analyzed using SDS-PAGE and Payne numbers. A total of 16 glutenin patterns were identified. At the Glu-A1 locus, all varieties scored the null allele. The predominant glutenin alleles at the Glu-B1 locus were Glu-B1b (7+8) and Glu-B1e (20). In Glu-3, the most abundant glutenin subunits were Glu-A3a and Glu-B3c. Based on the Payne scores, the varieties Yerer, Ginchi, Candate, and Foka were identified to have allelic composition suitable for pasta making. The cluster analysis using agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) method classified the varieties into four similarity classes. Based on the findings of this experiment, suggestions were made for allelic composition improvement through introgression of superior alleles from known Glu-1 and Glu-3 sources.