Effects of leaf soluble sugars content and net photosynthetic rate of quince donor shoots on subsequent morphogenesis in leaf explants

M. Mingozzi, S. Morini, M. Lucchesini, A. Mensuali-Sodi

Biologia plantarum 55:237-242, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0034-6  

The effects of different growth conditions (ventilated and closed vessels, medium with 0, 15 and 30 g dm^-3 sucrose) during proliferation of donor quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) shoots (stage I) on net photosynthetic rate and soluble sugars content were evaluated. In order to assess the influence of these physiological parameters on morphogenesis, leaf explants harvested from donor shoots were induced to form somatic embryos and adventitious roots under ventilated and closed Petri dishes (stage II). Natural ventilation and low sucrose contents (0-15 g dm^-3) promoted the photosynthetic rate of quince shoots whereas biomass...

Determination of floral initiation in Malus domestica: a novel morphogenetic approach

M. R. Dadpour, A. Movafeghi, W. Grigorian, Y. Omidi

Biologia plantarum 55:243-252, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0035-5  

Floral initiation in apple (Malus domestica Borkh) was studied by a novel morphogenetic approach. Developmental stages of apices were evaluated based on the morphology of shoot apical meristem (SAM) from various collection dates. Besides, the frequency of each stage was calculated within apices populations after full blooming (DAFB). Prior to doming of apex, three marked phases were found based on SAM morphology: 1) narrow appearance (vegetative phase), 2) broadened form (transition phase), and 3) prominent shape (commitment phase). A furrow region was formed at the base of leaf primordium during the bract initiation, while...

Responses of transgenic Nicotiana tabacum seedlings expressing a Cucurbita pepo antisense PHYA RNA to far-red radiation

T. A. Gapeeva, T. V. Antsipava, A. N. Pundik, I. D. Volotovski

Biologia plantarum 55:253-260, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0036-4  

The Nicotiana tabacum transgenic plants expressing a Cucurbita pepo antisense PHYA RNA were obtained. The seedlings of transgenic tobacco with reduced phytochrome A (PHYA) content displayed decreased sensitivity to continuous broad-band far-red radiation (λ > 680 nm). Under far-red irradiance transgenic seedlings showed less elongation of the hypocotyls, more rapid plastid development, more chlorophyll accumulation, less repression of lightdependent NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase than wild-type plants that was in accordance with PHYA control of plant development. Dynamics of the far-red radiation dependent changes...

Identification of proteins in leaf tissues of white clover using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Z. Du, M. T. McManus

Biologia plantarum 55:261-268, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0037-3  

Protein extracts, made to leaves harvested from the stolons of the pasture legume white clover (Trifolium repens L.) at two developmental stages (newly initiated; onset of senescence) were purified further using reverse-phase and ionexchange chromatography. Fractions enriched with the ethylene biosynthetic enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase were selected for each stage and the final, partially purified fraction was subjected to twodimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). Antibodies raised against a recombinant ACC oxidase (ACO) from white clover (antiTR-ACO2) recognised a series of spots of differing pI suggesting that ACO...

Organ-specific effects of dark treatment on photosynthesis and the expression of photosynthesis-related genes

K. Mishev, E. D. Ananiev, K. Humbeck

Biologia plantarum 55:269-278, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0038-2  

The effects of two-day dark treatment, applied to whole plants or to individual organs, on the photosynthetic apparatus in cotyledons and first rosette leaves of young Arabidopsis thaliana plants were studied. Darkness affected the individually darkened pair of cotyledons as well as the cotyledons of whole darkened plants (DP) in a similar manner as revealed by the significant decrease in the actual yield of photosystem 2 electron transport and the down-regulation of the psaB and rbcL transcript levels. However, cotyledons and rosette leaves responded differently to darkness with respect to the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ)...

Chromosome doubling can increase heat tolerance in Lonicera japonica as indicated by chlorophyll fluorescence imaging

W. D. Li, X. Hu, J. K. Liu, G. M. Jiang, O. Li, D. Xing

Biologia plantarum 55:279-284, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0039-1  

Imaging fluorometry was applied to investigate the tolerance of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) of different ploidy levels to heat stress. Seedlings of L. japonica, the diploid cv. Damaohua and the tetraploid cv. Jiufengyihao, were exposed to heat stress of 42 °C for 6 h and a recovery for 10 h. Heat stress significantly decreased maximum photochemical efficiency, electron transport rate, effective quantum yield of photosystem 2, and photochemical quenching of both cultivars, but it decreased the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) only in the tetraploid. Heat stress increased the content of total soluble sugars, proline,...

Improving cucumber photosynthetic capacity under NaCl stress by grafting onto two salt-tolerant pumpkin rootstocks

Y. Huang, Z. L. Bie, Z. X. Liu, A. Zhen, X. R. Jiao

Biologia plantarum 55:285-290, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0040-8  

Cucumber plants were either self-grafted or grafted onto two salt-tolerant pumpkin rootstocks Chaojiquanwang (Cucurbita moschata Duch), and Figleaf Gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouche). Plants were grown hydroponically in 0, 30, 60, or 90 mM NaCl for 16 d in greenhouse. Salinity induced a smaller decrease in plant shoot dry mass, leaf area, net photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance in the two rootstock-grafted plants compared to the self-grafted plants. In addition, a significant increase in intercellular CO₂ concentration, as well as a significant decrease in the initial and total ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase...

The effect of chromium and aluminum on growth, root morphology, photosynthetic parameters and transpiration of the two barley cultivars

S. Ali, F. Zeng, L. Qiu, G. Zhang

Biologia plantarum 55:291-296, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0041-7  

The effect of aluminum and chromium on two barley genotypes differing in Al tolerance was studied in a hydroponic experiment. Al stress decreased plant growth, biomass production, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency determined as variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence ratio (F_v/F_m), net photosynthetic rate (P_N), intercellular CO₂ concentration (c_i), stomatal conductance (g_s) and transpiration rate (E) less in an Al-tolerant genotype Gebeina than in an Al-sensitive genotype Shang 70-119. Cr stress also caused marked reduction in growth and photosynthetic traits in...

Role of endogenous salicylic acid in Arabidopsis response to elevated sulfur dioxide concentration

L. Hao, Y. Wang, J. Xu, S.-D. Feng, C.-Y. Ma, C. Liu, X. Xu, G.-Z. Li, S. J. Herbert

Biologia plantarum 55:297-304, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0042-6  

The response of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to elevated sulfur dioxide could be related to their endogenous salicylic acid (SA) content and signaling. The wild type (WT, ecotype Columbia) and its mutant snc1 with high SA content, npr1-1 with a blockage in SA signaling, transgenic line nahG with low SA content and double mutant snc1nahG plants were exposed to 0.5 mm³ dm^-3 SO₂ for 3 h d^-1 for 14 d in a growth chamber. Under unstressed conditions, total SA contents in snc1 and npr1-1 were 7- and 2-fold higher than those in WT, respectively, but in nahG...

Systemin-inducible defence against pests is costly in tomato

G. Corrado, D. Agrelli, M. Rocco, B. Basile, M. Marra, R. Rao

Biologia plantarum 55:305-311, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0043-5  

The possible costs of inducible defences against pests were evaluated in tomato. To activate inducible resistance traits, we used transgenic plants that over-expressed the systemin precursor (prosystemin). The constitutive expression of the prosystemin, which is normally induced by herbivores in tomato, allowed the measurement of the impact of induced defences in a pest-free environment. The results showed that the continuous activation of traits that are normally induced by pests should be costly, affecting the growth, physiology and reproductive success of tomato plants.

Methylglyoxal destroys Agrobacterium tumefaciens crown gall tumours in Nicotiana tabacum without any adverse effect on the host plant

A. Ray, C. Roy, S. Ray, M. Mazumder, D. N. Sengupta, M. Ray

Biologia plantarum 55:312-316, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0044-4  

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive α-oxoaldehyde, demonstrating anticancer effect on plant neoplastic tumours. In in vivo studies it was observed that MG destroyed crown gall tumours in Nicotiana tabacum produced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens, without any adverse effect on the host. The efficacy of MG in comparison to other anticancer drugs viz. cisplatin and ellagic acid in the treatment of crown gall was investigated. A slight degeneration of galls was noted in plants treated with cisplatin and ellagic acid but the plants died subsequently. With MG however, crown galls were completely cured and the plants completed...

Pseudomonas fluorescens mediated systemic resistance in tomato is driven through an elevated synthesis of defense enzymes

S. C. Vanitha, S. Umesha

Biologia plantarum 55:317-322, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0045-3  

Pseudomonas fluorescens was used as a biological control agent against bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), guaiacol peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lipoxygenase (LOX) increased in P. fluorescens pretreated tomato seedlings, which were later inoculated with R. solanacearum and activities of PAL, POX, PPO and LOX reached maximum at 12, 9, 15 and 9 h, respectively, after inoculation. Reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the maximum induction of all these enzymes in P. fluorescens pretreated seedlings.

Book Reviews

T. Gichner

Biologia plantarum 55:400, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0064-0  

Cyclin dependent kinases and their role in regulation of plant cell cycle

J. G. Tank, V. S. Thaker

Biologia plantarum 55:201-212, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0031-9  

Plants have capability to optimize its architecture by using CDK pathways. It involves diverse types of cyclin dependent kinase enzymes (CDKs). CDKs are classified in to eight classes (CDKA to CDKG and CKL) based on the recognized cyclin-binding domains. These enzymes require specific cyclin proteins to get activated. They form complex with cyclin subunits and phosphorylate key target proteins. Phosphorylation of these target proteins is essential to drive cell cycle further from one phase to another phase. During cell division, the activity of cyclin dependent kinase is controlled by CDK interactor/inhibitor of CDKs (ICK) and Kip-related proteins...

Genetic transformation of barley: limiting factors

©. Vyroubalová, M. ©mehilová, P. Galuszka, L. Ohnoutková

Biologia plantarum 55:213-224, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0032-8  

This review summarizes main difficulties involved in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) transformation. The most commonly used procedures for genetic transformation in barley are Agrobacterium tumefaciens and particle bombardment mediated methods. While different barley cultivars are used for genetic engineering with varying sensitivity, recent improvements in regeneration and transformation techniques are described and summarized. Furthermore, some of the transformation complicating factors, in particular somaclonal variation and transgene insertion sites, are discussed in more detail.

Chloroplast-specific universal primers and their uses in plant studies

N. Haider

Biologia plantarum 55:225-236, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0033-7  

Universal (consensus) primers are those primers that have the ability to amplify the targeted region of DNA across a broad range of individuals in a certain group of organisms. In plants, such universal primers have been designed to target regions in the nuclear, mitochondrial or chloroplast genome. Among these three genomes, the chloroplast genome is the most suited for the design of consensus primers due to the lower rate of evolution and hence conservation of gene order and sequence of the genome among the different plant species compared to the other two genomes. Several molecular studies in plants have developed and used chloroplast-specific universal...

Genetic variation within and among small isolated populations of Santalum album

K. G. Srikanta Dani, P. Ravikumar, R. Pravin Kumar, A. Kush

Biologia plantarum 55:323-326, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0046-2  

A combination of directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primes were used to assess the genetic variation within and between three isolated populations of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album). Eleven primers used in this study amplified 65.99 % polymorphic bands. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a high genetic variation among these populations (ϕ_ST = 0.549). There are indications of clonality within the existing Indian sandalwood populations which can be attributed to habitat fragmentation, isolation and vegetative reproduction.

R-ISSR marker as a useful tool for detection of new genomic loci in Arthrocnemum macrostachyum

B. Saleh

Biologia plantarum 55:327-330, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0047-1  

Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, is a perennial halophytic shrub typical of Mediterranean salt marshes. The present study aims to investigate some combinations of inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers applied in real PCR. Thereby, the potential of R-ISSR markers to detect new genomic loci in 3 genotypes of A. macrostachyum grown in the Western coast of Syria was examined. Different combinations of RAPD and ISSR primers produced bands that were absent when single ISSR or RAPD primers were used. The results have demonstrated that ISSR primer (AG)₈TC gave more informative pattern when...

Overexpression of a Ran GTPase homologous gene, FaRan from tall fescue, in transgenic Arabidopsis

S. H. Lü, Y. L. Fan, C. X. Jin

Biologia plantarum 55:331-334, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0048-0  

We isolated and characterized a novel Ran GTPase homologous gene, FaRan from tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis indicated that FaRan is broadly expressed in old mature leaves, young leaves, plumules, stems, infloresence meristems, but at different levels. Transcript of FaRan is higher in young meristems than in old ones. Ectopic expression of FaRan resulted in increased number of axillary buds and reduced apical dominance in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. These results suggest that FaRan in F. arundinacea may be involved...

A latex lectin from Euphorbia trigona is a potent inhibitor of fungal growth

N. van Deenen, D. Prüfer, C. Schulze Gronover

Biologia plantarum 55:335-339, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0049-z  

In this study we identified and characterized a major latex lectin - designated as EtLLH - with antimicrobial activity from the succulent African milk tree Euphorbia trigona. The lectin is highly concentrated in the latex of E. trigona and appears to be composed of at least two subunits with a molecular mass of 32 kDa. EtLLH shares significant similarities to known plant lectins - ricin from Ricinus communis and agglutinin from Viscum album coloratum - which specifically bind D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, the major building blocks of many fungal cell walls. Antimicrobial activity assays revealed an impact of EtLLH...

Effects of salt and osmotic stresses on free polyamine content and expression of polyamine biosynthetic genes in Vitis vinifera

J. H. Liu, I. Nakajima, T. Moriguchi

Biologia plantarum 55:340-344, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0050-6  

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seedlings grown in vitro were treated with either 200 mM NaCl or 350 mM mannitol for 7 d. Both salinity and osmotic stress caused significant increase in electrolyte leakage. From the three commonly occurring free polyamines (PA), only conspicuous accumulation of putrescine was found in the NaCl-treated seedlings. Four PA biosynthetic genes encoding arginine decarboxylase (pVvADC), S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (pVvSAMDC), spermidine synthase (pVvSPDS) and spermine synthase (pVvSPMS) were successfully isolated. While induction of pVvADC was observed from the 1^st...

Physiological effects of exogenous nitric oxide on Brassica juncea seedlings under NaCl stress

C. -L. Zeng, L. Liu, B. -R. Wang, X. -M. Wu, Y. Zhou

Biologia plantarum 55:345-348, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0051-5  

The study was conducted to investigate the physiological effects of exogenous NO on potherb mustard (Brassica juncea Coss.) seedlings under salt stress. The plants were grown in Hogland nutrient solution for 15 d and treated with 150 mM NaCl, NO donor sodium nitropruside (SNP) and NO scavenger methylene blue (MB-1) for 4 d. The NaCl stress increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) and free proline contents, and decreased soluble protein content. However, the application of exogenous NO limited the production of MDA and free proline, while markedly promoted SOD, POD and APX activity.

Expression of a yeast polygalacturonase gene in Arabidopsis thaliana

M. Prieto-Alcedo, P. Veiga-Crespo, M. Poza, C. Coronado, I. Zarra, T. G. Villa

Biologia plantarum 55:349-352, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0052-4  

Polygalacturonases are enzymes involved in plant cell wall growth and reorganization. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants with a Saccharomyces cerevisiae endopolygalacturonase gene (PGU1) were obtained. The yeast gene was properly expressed in the plants as it has been shown by RT-PCR as well as by the increase in the endopolygalacturonase activity. The transgenic plants showed conspicuous malformations in early stages of development probably due to a weak cell adhesion. On the other hand, adult plants exhibited almost no phenotypic differences as compared to the wild type plants, this suggesting the appearance of some mechanisms...

Expression of a CYP76AB1 correlates with the sequential white-blue-white colour transition of Vanda coerulea petals

K. Ratanasut, B. Wongkhamprai, S. Maknoi

Biologia plantarum 55:353-356, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0053-3  

The blue colour of Vanda coerulea petals is slowly produced during flower development but quickly disappears when the flowers are pollinated. To investigate the molecular basis of the phenomenon, we isolated a novel cytochrome P450 gene, CYP76AB1, from this plant by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the conserved regions of flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase amino acid sequences. CYP76AB1 transcripts were detectable at low level in the late phase of flower development when the petals were light blue, but became abundant in the subsequent opening flower stage, as the petals turned blue. When the flowers were pollinated they turned...

Overexpression of the Arabidopsis thaliana squalene synthase gene in Withania coagulans hairy root cultures

M. H. Mirjalili, E. Moyano, M. Bonfill, R. M. Cusido, J. Palazón

Biologia plantarum 55:357-360, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0054-2  

Squalene synthase (SS) dimerizes two molecules of farnesyl diphosphate to synthesize squalene, a shared precursor in steroid and triterpenoid biosynthesis in plants. The SS1 gene encoding SS from Arabidopsis thaliana was introduced in Withania coagulans under the control of the CaMV35S promoter together with the T-DNA of Agrobacterium rhizogenes A4. The engineered hairy roots were studied for withanolide production and phytosterol accumulation and the results were compared with those obtained from control roots harbouring only the T-DNA from pRiA4. The increased capacity of the engineered roots for biosynthesizing phytosterols...

Characteristics of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in red and green leaves of Begonia semperflorens

K. M. Zhang, X. M. Wang, J. X. Cui, J. O. Ogweno, K. Shi, Y. H. Zhou, J. Q. Yu

Biologia plantarum 55:361-364, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0055-1  

To determine the effects of leaf colour on gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, two genotypes of Begonia semperflorens with green leaves or red leaves were compared. The red leaves showed a high accumulation of anthocyanins and high absorbance at 282 and 537 nm while the green leaves exhibited a higher net photosynthetic rate and lower thermal dissipation of light energy. It seems likely that anthocyanins in the vacuoles restricted the absorption of green light to the chloroplasts, leading to a decrease in the efficiency of excitation capture by open PS 2 centres, photochemical quenching and CO₂ assimilation.

Improved cryopreservation procedure for long term storage of synchronised culture of grapevine

K. Vasanth, M. A. Vivier

Biologia plantarum 55:365-369, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0056-0  

Anther-derived pre-embryogenic masses (PEMs) of callus, established via suspension cultures, were encapsulated to form synthetic seeds suitable for cryopreservation. The synchronised suspension culture proliferation necessitated the optimisation of plant growth regulators for different cultivars. The growth phase and density of the culture were also important as well as the exposure of cells to vitrification solution containing 0.75 M sucrose with 0.1 M CaCl₂ and 2.0 % sodium alginate (pH 5.7). Pre-treatment of the encapsulated cells for 2 d with Nitsch and Nitsch (NN) medium containing 0.75 M sucrose solution followed by dehydration...

Effect of vessel type and growth regulators on micropropagation of Capsicum annuum

M. A.-H. Mohamed, A. A. Alsadon

Biologia plantarum 55:370-374, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0057-z  

Leaves from 14-d-old Capsicum annuum L. cv. Anaheim seedlings were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different combinations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 6-benzyladenine (BA). After 3 months, cultures were transferred to new medium where BA was replaced with 9 μM isopentenyladenine (2iP) to enhance the growth of shoot buds. Developing shoots were elongated and rooted on MS medium enriched with 9 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). All cultures were maintained in 250 cm³ baby jars covered with a clear polypropylene lid with or without microporous polypropylene membrane. Vessel type and plant growth regulators...

Role of auxins, polyamines and ethylene in root formation and growth in sweet orange

A. F. S. Mendes, L. C. Cidade, W. C. Otoni, W. S. Soares-Filho, M. G. C. Costa

Biologia plantarum 55:375-378, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0058-y  

The primary objective of this work was to investigate the role of polyamines (PAs) on root formation and growth in two sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osb.) cultivars Pineapple and Pêra. Adventitious shoots (30-d-old) derived from epicotyl explants were transferred to root induction medium containing Murashige and Skoog salts at different strengths and supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of auxins. Root formation and development decreased in both sweet orange cultivars concomitant with the reduction of medium strength. The α-naphtaleneacetic acid was important during the root differentiation phase, but its...

Genetic diversity of Eucalyptus hybrids estimated by genomic and EST microsatellite markers

F. B. Cupertino, J. B. Leal, R. X. Corrêa, F. A. Gaiotto

Biologia plantarum 55:379-382, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0059-x  

The knowledge of breeding impacts on the genetic diversity of hybrids of Eucalyptus is crucial to the exploration of genetic resources. We estimated genetic polymorphic parameters of 112 hybrids of Eucalyptus spp. using 10 genomic simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers and 10 expressed sequence tags (EST) microsatellite markers. According to Student's t-test, there were no significant differences between genomic SSR and EST-SSR markers. Our results also revealed high polymorphism in the hybrids analyzed, indicating that both markers are appropriate for use in genetic breeding programs.

Cadmium accumulation and tolerance in Populus nigra and Salix alba

M. Zacchini, V. Iori, G. Scarascia Mugnozza, F. Pietrini, A. Massacci

Biologia plantarum 55:383-386, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0060-4  

Rooted cuttings of Populus nigra L. clone Poli and Salix alba L. clone SS5 were treated for three weeks with 50 μM CdSO₄ in nutrient solution. The willow showed a far higher Cd tolerance, expressed as tolerance index (Ti), than the poplar in both roots and leaves. The root Cd content was higher in poplar than in willow, whereas in leaves the opposite was found. As a consequence, the translocation factor (Tf) revealed a greater ability of Cd transport in willow than in poplar. Cd treatment enhanced cysteine, γ-glutamylcysteine and reduced glutathione contents in roots of both species, whereas in leaves they were only...

Isolation of 55 microsatellite markers for Jatropha curcas and its closely related species

C. Phumichai, T. Phumichai, N. Kongsiri, A. Wongkaew, P. Sripichit, R. Kaveeta

Biologia plantarum 55:387-390, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0061-3  

Jatropha curcas L. (physic nut) is native to Central America and now naturalized widely in many tropical and subtropical areas. Microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized. Eleven out of 55 markers showed polymorphisms, and the allelic variation was investigated using 26 accessions of J. curcas collected from several provinces in Thailand. Each marker showed 2 to 5 alleles and the average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.49. Thirty four markers (62 %) were also successfully amplified in J. integerrima, J. gossypifolia and J. podagrica.

Residual sexuality and its seasonal variation in natural apomictic Paspalum notatum accessions

R. N. Rebozzio, M. E. Sartor, C. L. Quarin, F. Espinoza

Biologia plantarum 55:391-395, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0062-2  

Traditionally, tetraploid Paspalum notatum was considered an obligate or a facultative apomict according to cytoembryological analyses. The degree of facultativeness was usually determined by the relative amount of mature ovules bearing aposporous or meiotic (sexual) embryo sacs, or both together. We established, through progeny tests conducted with the aid of AFLP markers, the degree of residual sexuality expressed in four selected biotypes. The results showed it to be substantially and significantly lower than predicted by previous embryological analyses for the same biotypes. Moreover, the lowest expression of residual sexuality was coincident...

Isolation and characterization of eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci in Aegiphila sellowiana and their transferability

E. A. Ruas, J. O. Damasceno, A. R. O. Conson, B. F. Costa, L. A. Rodrigues, M. Reck, A. O. Santos Vieira, C. deF. Ruas, C. Medri, P. M. Ruas

Biologia plantarum 55:396-399, 2011 | DOI: 10.1007/s10535-011-0063-1  

We isolated and characterized eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci for Aegiphila sellowiana an outcrossing pioneer tree species that is frequently used in reforestation programs of tropical riparian forests in Brazil. A total of 38 alleles were detected across a sample of 45 individuals of A. sellowiana, with an average number of 3.45 alleles per locus. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.430 and the observed (H_O) and expected (H_E) heterozygosity values varied from 0.156 to 1.000 and 0.145 to 0.730, respectively. Eight loci exhibited significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P...