An association analysis of lipidome and transcriptome highlights the involvement of MmGDPD1 in regulating low phosphorus tolerance in Malus mandshurica

Phosphorus(Pi)plays a crucial role in the growth and development of plants.Membrane lipid regulation is one of the main mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to Pi deficiency.Previously,the high tolerance to low-Pi stress was justified in an elite line,MSDZ 109,which was obtained from Malus mandshurica.To better understand the mechanism underlying high adaptation to low-Pi stress,currently,lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis,as well as CRISPR/Cas9 and MmGDPD1-overexpressing methodologies were comprehensively integrated into a strategy for elucidating the high tolerance to low-Pi stress.Totally,770 differential metabolites were identified from the roots between the low-Pi and stress-free,belonging to 21 sub-classes of lipid compounds.Fatty acids(FA)constituted the predominant lipid component,accounting for approximately 50%-60%of the total lipids,and triglycerides(TAG)ranked the second,comprising around 12%of the total,consecutively followed by phosphatidylcholine(PC)and diacylglycerol(DAG)with approximately 10%and 8%of the total,respectively.The synchronous transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant up-regulation of genes related to glycerophospholipid and glycerolipid metabolism,specifically those(e.g.,MmGDPD1,MmDGDG1,MmMGDG1,MmSQDG,etc.)involved in phospholipid and galactosyl synthesis in response to low-Pi stress.GUS fusing reporter assay showed that MmGDPD1 promoter induced GUS gene expression and demonstrated initiation activity.Based on expression analysis,a dual-luciferase reporter assay,as well as yeast one-hybrid(Y1H)identification,MmPHR1 was justified to bind with the MmGDPD1 promoter and positively regulate plant tolerance to low-Pi stress.To further elucidate the role of MmGDPD1,CRISPR/Cas9 and MmGDPD1-overexpressing vectors were successfully introduced into apple(‘Royal Gala')calli.Interestingly,the MmGDPD1-KO line calli exhibited the remarkable decreases in the contents of phosphodiesterase(PDE),activity,as well as the contents of total Pi,and Pi in comparison with those of the wild type.Conversely,MmGDPD1-OE ones demonstrated the significant elevation in Pi accumulations,further justifying its potential role in Pi remobilization in apple.Therefore,MmGDPD1 substantially involves elevating low-Pi tolerance via promoting Pi release in M.mandshurica.

69个东北杏(Prunus mandshurica)无性系果实表型多样性及优良无性系筛选

【目的】深入探寻东北杏种质资源遗传多样性,筛选关键综合评价指标,提升育种效率,发掘优良东北杏无性系并高效利用。【方法】采用多样性分析、聚类分析、相关性分析和主成分分析,对69个东北杏无性系的45个果实表型性状(23个质量性状和22个数量性状)进行研究。【结果】41个表型性状变异系数大于0.1,数量性状的平均Shannon-wiener多样性指数(1.91)高于质量性状(0.62),数量性状的多样性较质量性状更丰富。聚类分析将69个东北杏无性系分为3类,A类适用于薄壳、出仁率高的品种类群;B类可用于选育高产、大仁型品种,属优良仁用杏品种类群;C类可作为高出核率和出仁率的重要育种材料。果肉薄、果小的无性系出核率更高;核壳薄、单核质量小的无性系出仁率更高;单核质量大的无性系产核量更高。5个主成分的累计贡献率达84.42%,能够反映22个数量性状的基本信息。结合相关性分析和主成分分析,22个数量性状可简化为果肉厚度、果纵径、单果质量、单核质量、单仁质量、出核率、出仁率、产核量共8个关键评价指标,筛选出10个果实经济性状表现优异的无性系。【结论】东北杏无性系的果实性状表现出丰富变异,经多指标综合评价筛选出的803、777、783、720、721、725、719、711、731和784号无性系可用于东北杏良种选育及开发利用。

Influence of main site factors on Fraxinus mandshurica (Oleaceae) plantation

the investigation was carried out on 10-year-old plantation of Fraxinus mandshurica in Mao抏r Mountain Experimental Station of Northeast Forest University. Tree height (H), diameter at breast height (D1.3) and the increment of tree height in 5 years (H5), the thickness of humus layer, as well as the soil moisture were measured for the plantation and the growth indexes (H, D1.3, H5) for different site conditions were analyzed. The results showed that main site factors influencing the growth of Fraxinus mandshurica were soil moisture, gradient and location of slope in order. The growth of Fraxinus mandshurica was better on the middle- or up-slope site than on the down-slope site. Soil moisture and late frost caused by terrain are the main reasons that limit the growth of Fraxinus mandshurica plantation.

Enzyme Solutions and H_2O_2 on Somatic Embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. (Oleaceae)

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effects of treatments with three types of exogenous oxidase solutions and H2O2.solution on the somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. （Oleaceae）. [Method] The immature zygotic cotyledons were treated with PPQ （polyphenol oxidase） solution, GQD （glucose oxidase） solution, SOD （superoxide dismutase） solution and H202 （hydrogen peroxide） at different concentrations to explore the effects on the growth, browning and somatic embryogenesis on cotyledon explants in the somatic embryogenesis of F. mandshurica. Through comparative analysis on the effects of different treatments on somatic embryogenesis of F. mandshurica, the relationship between explants browning and somatic embryogenesis was uncovered during the somatic embryogenesis of F. mandshurica. [Result] H2O2 treatment not only advanced the explants browning, but also inhibited the growth and somatic embryogenesis of explants; different concentrations of PPQ promoted the growth and browning of explants, as well as improving the incidence of somatic embryogenesis; both GOD and SOD treatment could raise the explants browning rate; when somatic embryogenesis of explants treated with enzyme solutions advanced, the incidence of somatic embryogenesis was low; however, when the disparity of the incidence of somatic embryogenesis between 30 and 60 d treatments reached its peak, the incidence of somatic embryogenesis was also high. [Conclusion] The results of this study provide basis for raising the incidence and improving the status of somatic embryogenesis of F. mandshurica, as well as optimizing the somatic embryogenesis system of F. mandshurica.

Insecticidal activities and active components of the alcohol extract from green peel of Juglans mandshurica

The extract of green peel of Juglans mandshurica Maxim was extracted by common method for studying its insecticidal activities and analyzing the active components. Results showed that the alcohol extract and the chloroform part of extract （separated with chloroform from alcohol extract） form green peel of J. mandshurica have insecticidal activities in contact toxicity and stomach toxicity against larvae of Lymantria dispar L.. After application of the extracts for five days, the corrected mortality of larvae of Lymantria dispar for both extracts was more than 50% in contact toxicity and stomach toxicity at the concentration of ≥ 5 g·L^-1. The insecticidal activity for both alcohol extract and chloroform part of extract is more effect in contact toxicity than in stomach toxicity, but no significant difference in the insecticidal activities was found between alcohol extract and chloroform part of extract. The active components in the chloroform part of extract from green peel of.J. mandshurica were analyzed by GC-MS. The analyzed results showed that the active components in the chloroform part of extract are： （1） joglone （5-hydroxy-1,4- naphthaoquinone）, the relative content 27.11%, （2） 1,5-Naphthalenediol, the relative content 9.52%, （3） 7-Methoxy-1-tetralone, the relative content 6.81%, （4） Benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro-, the relative content 6.76%, （5） 4-Hydroxy-2-methoxycinnamaldehyde, the relative content 3.99%, （6） 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, the relative content 3.05%.

A cytotoxic compound from the leaves of Juglans mandshurica

From Juglans mandshurica leaves, a new quinone compound was isolated through bioassay-guided fractionation. The structure elucidation of the compound was established based on spectroscopic studies, notably of the 2D NMR spectra. The compound exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against Hela, MCF-7, BGC823 and 3T3-Llcell lines with IC50 ranges from 7.5 to 26.8 μmol/L.

历山山核桃(Juglans mandshurica)群落的种间分离

在野外样方调查的基础上,对山西历山山核桃群落35个样方内所有基径≥1cm的乔木和灌木绘制分布图。按照最近邻体法判定每个个体的最近邻体植株,然后用N×N最近邻体列联表及其2×2列联表截表的方法,应用Pielou的分离指数S和χ2检验研究山核桃群落所有乔木和灌木的种间分离规律。χ2检验结果表明:历山山核桃群落出现的25个物种共构成的300个种对中,存在显著分离的有294对,存在不显著分离的有6对。结合χ2值对S进行区间划分得出:正分离的112对占37.34%,负分离的28对,占9.33%;随机毗邻160对,占53.33%。负分离多出现在群落的优势种和一些伴生种之间,如山核桃、连翘与金花忍冬、灰栒子,伴生种相对个体少,盖度低,与优势种具有相似的生境要求,较激烈的竞争使得它们相互交错分布,充分利用资源,呈现负分离。较大的植株之间容易发生正分离,如茶条槭和杜梨,因为它们多是群落的建群种或优势种,具有较强的适应力和竞争力。从星座图上可清晰地看到种间分离在不同物种间存在一定差异。25×25最近邻体列联表的χ2检验结果表明:山核桃群落内25个物种是互相交错分布,全面不分离的。此外,种间分离的结果意味着该群落处于演替初期,与目前这一地区受人为和自然干扰严重,群落处于不稳定阶段的事实相符。

Response of leaf photosynthetic characteristics of Syringa oblata and Syringa reticulata var.mandshurica to chilling stress

Syringa species not only have good ornamental properties but also play an important role in the landscaping and environmental purification of cities.To investigate the chilling stress resistance of Syringa oblata Lindl.and Syringa reticulata var.mandshurica and provide theoretical grounds for the practical cultivation of Syringa species,in vitro leaves were used to study photosynthetic gas exchange parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters.After nine hours of chilling,decreasing rates of net photosynthesis,stomatal conductance,and transpiration in S.reticulata var.mandshurica leaves were significantly greater than that of the S.oblata,while intercellular CO2 concentrations in S.oblata leaves were higher than those in S.reticulata var.mandshurica.The quantum yield of PSII reaction center(APSII)declined in S.reticulata and light capture efficiency(Fv 0/Fm 0)was stable.However,reduction percentages of Fv 0/Fm 0,APSII,and Fv/Fm in S.oblata were significant higher than those of S.reticulata var.mandshurica.After nine hours of chilling,the relative variable fluorescence of VJ and VI of S.oblata increased and the increasing rate of VJ was greater than VI.In contrast,the change of VJ and VI in S.reticulata var.mandshurica leaves was relatively small.This suggests that chilling primarily damaged the electron transport process of QA to QB at the receptor site of the PSII reaction center.Photosynthetic capacity of S.oblata was more sensitive to chilling stress compared to S.reticulate var.mandshurica,which the limitations were mainly due to non-stomatal factors such as the decrease in electron transport efficiency,activity in the PSII reaction center,and the destruction of the photodamage defense system.

Molecular cloning and expression under abiotic stresses and hormones of the ethylene response factor Ⅶ gene FmRAP2.12 from Fraxinus mandshurica

RELATED TO AP2.12(RAP2.12)is one of the Ethylene Response Factors(ERF)transcription factor and plays a key role in controlling plant root bending and responding to multiple abiotic stresses including hypoxia stress.In this study,FmRAP2.12 gene was isolated and characterized from Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.The open reading frame(ORF)of FmRAP2.12 was 1170 bp and encoded a protein of 389 amino acids.The conserved domains,three-dimensional phylogenetic relationship of FmRAP2.12 was also investigated.Quantitative real-time(qRT-PCR)analyzed the expression of FmRAP2.12 in different tissues.The expression level of FmRAP2.12 was highest in roots followed by leaves,and lowest in male flowers.Abiotic stress and hormone signal-induced expression was established using qRT-PCR.Salt stress induced FmRAP2.12 to a double peak pattern:the first peak value was at 6 h and the second at 72 h.Drought stress also induced FmRAP2.12 to a double peak pattern:the first at6 h and the second at 48 h.FmRAP2.12 was up-regulated after initiation of gibberellic acid(GA3)treatment,with a one peak pattern at 24 h.FmRAP2.12 may not respond to cold stress and Abscisic acid(ABA)treatment.The transient overexpression of FmRAP2.12 caused the up-expression of downstream key genes of abiotic stress response and gibberellin pathway.Our research reveals the molecular characteristic and expression patterns under abiotic stress and hormone condition of FmRAP2.12,providing support for the genetic improvement of F.mandshurica at a molecular level.

Nutrient retranslocation from the fine roots of Fraxinus mandshurica and Larix olgensis in northeastern China

Nutrient retranslocation in trees is important in nutrient budgets and energy flows in forest ecosystems. We investigated nutrient retranslocation in the fine roots of a Manchurian Ash （Fraxinus mandshurica） and a Larch （Larix olgensis） plantation in northeastern China. Nutrient retranslocation in the fine roots was investigated using three methods, specifically, nutrient concentration, the ratio of Ca to other elements （Ca/other elements ratio） and nutrient content. The method based on nutrient content proved most suitable when investigating nutrient retranslocation from fine roots of the two species. The nutrient-content-based method showed that there were retranslocations of N, P, K and Mg from the fine roots of Manchurian Ash, with retranslocation efficiencies of 13, 25, 65, and 38 %, respectively, whereas there were no Ca retranslocations. There were retranslocations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg from the fine roots of Larch, with retranslocation efficiencies of 31, 40, 52, 23 and 25 %, respectively.

Definition of fine roots on the basis of the root anatomy, diameter,and branch orders of one-year old Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings

Fine roots are important in root absorption of nutrient and water,and in root turnover.Accurate definition of fine roots is a prerequisite to improved estimation of the physiological and ecological functions of forest ecosystems.Root development and physiological functions are reflections of root anatomical structure.In this study,the anatomical structures of different root orders were analyzed by examining paraffin sections of one-year old Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings.One-year-old F.mandshurica seedlings had over five root orders.The root anatomical structures of all orders showed more differences.First and second order roots consisted of four sections： the epidermis,cortex,pericycle,and vascular bundles.Fourth and fifth order roots were mainly composed of the skin and peripheral vascular bundles（including the xylem and phloem）.Third order roots had root epidermal and cortical structures,but the quantity and integrity of the cortical cells were inferior to those of the first and second order roots,and superior to those of the fourth and fifth order roots.All the first and second order roots and some third order roots with discontinuous cork layer（〈0.4 mm in diameter）,but not the fourth and fifth order roots,were the fine roots of one-year old F.mandshurica seedlings.Although they had similar diameters,different portions of root systems had different anatomical structures and therefore,vary in capacity to absorb water and nutrients.Fine roots were accurately defined by root diameter,branch orders,and anatomical structural features of one-year old F.mandshurica seedlings.

Indirect somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of Fraxinus mandshurica plants via callus tissue

Somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica has the problems of low somatic embryo(SE) yield,unsynchronized SE development,and a high percentage of deformed SEs.We aimed to improve F.mandshurica SE production by synchronizing SE development,improving SE quality,and inducing root formation to obtain complete regenerated plants.Cotyledons of immature zygotic embryos of F.mandshurica were induced to form callus and then SEs.The SE induction percentage from explants differed among 32 mother trees,and the one with the highest SE induction percentage(29.8%) was used for further experiments.The highest callus induction percentage was94.2% on 1/2-strength Murashige and Skoog medium(MS1/2)supplemented with 0.15 mg·L^(-1) naphthalene acetic acid.The highest callus proliferation coefficient(240.5) was obtained on McCown's Woody Plant Medium containing 0.1 mg·L^(-1)6-benzyl adenine and 0.15 mg·L^(-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.The highest number of SEs(1020.5 g~(-1) fresh weight) was obtained on MS1/2 medium supplemented with1 mg·L^(-1) 6-benzyladenine.The highest number of cotyledon embryos(397/g fresh weight) was obtained by incubating materials on medium containing 1 mg·L^(-1) abscisic acid and then applying a drying treatment.The cotyledon embryos were milky white,uniformly sized(average length 4.7 mm),and 80% of them were normal.The SE rooting percentage on 1/2 MS medium containing 0.01 mg·L^(-1) NAA was 37.5%.Overall,the germination percentage of SEs was 26.4%,and complete regenerated plants were obtained after transplanting and acclimation.These results provide more possibilities for the preservation and breeding of F.mandshurica.

Growth and photosynthetic responses of Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings to various light environments

To determine light requirement and adaptability of Fraxinus mandshurica seedlings, the seasonal variations of photosynthetic variables were measured in 3-year-old seedlings grown under four light levels （100%, 60%, 30%, and 15% of full sunlight） with a LI-6400 portable photosynthesis system. The leaf chlorophyll content, special leaf weight, annual height and basal diameter increment of seedlings were also observed. The maximum and minimum values of net photosynthetic rate, maximum rate of carboxylation, and maximum rate of electron transport of F. mandshurica seedlings were detected with 60% and 15% of full sunlight treatments, respectively. With the decrease of light level, both light saturation point and special leaf weight significantly declined （p 0.05）, but leaf chlorophyll content significantly increased （p 0.05）. Annual height and basal diameter increments of seedlings grown under 60% of full sunlight treatment were significantly greater than those of seedlings under other treatments （p 0.05）. It was concluded that F. mandshurica seedlings can adapt to a wide range of light environments from 15% to 100% of full sunlight by adjusting light saturation point, leaf chlorophyll content and special leaf weight. According to the maximum of relative growth, 60% of full sunlight treatment is the optimum light level for the growth of 3-year-old F. mandshurica seedlings.

Provenance Trials of Juglans mandshurica

The data of provenance trial on Juglans mandshurica young tree were investigated and studied from different provenance. Analysis methods of variance and correlation analysis were used to analyze these data. The following conclusions were obtainedf (1) The difference of growth characters of Juglans mandshurica is relatively significant among provenances, (2) The result of first trial has indicated that Julans mandshurica growth trend expresses two-way gradual change trend with different longitude and latitude, but the second trial has no obvious gradual change trend. Height of Juglans mandshurica is negatively correlated with elevation; (3) The provenance of Shulan. Mao'ershan and Baishishan were selected as superior provenance of afforestational seeds for Mao'ershan and its brink region.

Relationship between H_(2)O_(2) accumulation and NO synthesis during osmotic stress:promoted somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica

Osmotic stress promotes somatic embryogenesis of Fraxinus mandshurica,which leads to accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).The single pieces of cotyledons of F.mandshurica were used as explants to induce somatic embryogenesis in osmotic-stress medium.Furthermore,the hydrogen peroxide H_(2)O_(2) content of explanted cells was varied by adding exogenous H_(2)O_(2) or catalase solution to assess the effects of the exogenous H_(2)O_(2)on somatic embryogenesis,intracellular H_(2)O_(2)accumulation,and the relationship between signaling mediated by ROS or reactive nitrogen species.The results revealed that exogenous H_(2)O_(2)(100?300μmol L^(–1))increased the number of somatic embryos.On 60th day of exogenous H_(2)O_(2)(200μmol L^(–1))treatment,the number of somatic embryos of explants treated,which was 136.54%,was higher than the control.Moreover,exogenous H_(2)O_(2)(100μmol L^(–1))significantly increased the intracellular H_(2)O_(2)content and enhanced the activities of superoxidase dismutase and peroxidase.Finally,exogenous H_(2)O_(2)(100μmol L^(–1))activated the intracellular non-enzymatic pathway for nitric oxide(NO)synthesis.The somatic embryogenesis in broadleaf trees increases with the change of endogenic ROS content,and depends on the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes.Both H_(2)O_(2)and NO,as signaling molecules,were found to be involved in the process of somatic embryogenesis in broadleaf trees.In the process of exogenous H_(2)O_(2)promoting somatic embryogenesis,NO synthesis depended on non-enzymatic reactions.These results provide a scientific basis for resolving the mechanism by which ROS levels are regulated during somatic embryogenesis of broadleaf trees and establish a reasonable and efficient technology system for regulating somatic embryogenesis of trees.

The Corylus mandshurica genome provides insights into the evolution of Betulaceae genomes and hazelnut breeding

Hazelnut is popular for its flavor,and it has also been suggested that hazelnut is beneficial to cardiovascular health because it is rich in oleic acid.Here,we report the first high-quality chromosome-scale genome for the hazelnut species Corylus mandshurica(2n=22),which has a high concentration of oleic acid in its nuts.The assembled genome is 367.67Mb in length,and the contig N50 is 14.85 Mb.All contigs were assembled into 11 chromosomes,and 28,409 protein-coding genes were annotated.We reconstructed the evolutionary trajectories of the genomes of Betulaceae species and revealed that the 11 chromosomes of the hazelnut genus were derived from the most ancestral karyotype in Betula pendula,which has 14 protochromosomes,by inferring homology among five Betulaceae genomes.We identified 96 candidate genes involved in oleic acid biosynthesis,and 10 showed rapid evolution or positive selection.These findings will help us to understand the mechanisms of lipid synthesis and storage in hazelnuts.Several gene families related to salicylic acid metabolism and stress responses experienced rapid expansion in this hazelnut species,which may have increased its stress tolerance.The reference genome presented here constitutes a valuable resource for molecular breeding and genetic improvement of the important agronomic properties of hazelnut.

ENDOGENOUS INHIBITORS IN SEED OF FRAXINUS MANDSHURICA RUPR AND THEIR EFFECT ON GERMINATION AND REGENERATION

Bioassay and GC-MS determination indicated that inhibitors of seeds of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr were distributed mainly in zones of β-inhibitors (including ABA) and of high and low Rf value. The inhibitory activity of outer seed coat of the dormant seed (control treatment) was higher than that of seeds with only the inner coat attached e.g. ABA was 114 and 54ng/g fresh weight respectively. The inhibitory effect of No. 12 zone was even higher than ABA. The inhibitory activity of all the zones decreased after stratification (St) and burying (AO) treatment, especially that of the outer seed coat, whose ABA content decreased to 7(St) and 11(AO) ng / g(fw). However, the decrease in inhibition of root growth lagged bchind'thc decrease in germination. It is concluded that burial is advantageous to regeneration. Inhibitors of the outer seed coat and seeds were mostly destroyed under the adverse conditions of natural dissemination (Di treatment) indicating that Di was not conducive to regeneration. MS analysis revealed that the largest peaks of No. 6, 7 and 12 zones were linoleic acid, olcic acid and 17-C, 18-C, and 20-C long chain fatty acids. Several coumarins were found in No. 6 and 7 zones, and cadincncs, farncsol and scsquitcrpcncs were found in No. 6 and 12 zones having common bioorigins with ABA.

Genetic Improvement in Juglans mandshurica and Its Uses in China:Current Status and Future Prospects

Juglans mandshurica is an economically and ecologically valuable species that is used for various construction purposes,making luxurious furniture,as food and sources of medicinal substances and landscaping because of its excellent wood,edible fruits and rich in various types of chemical compounds.In the past few decades,several genetic improvements of J.mandshurica were made,with a focus on the selection of improved varieties and on breeding technology.Many elite provenances and families were selected based on growth traits or wood properties.In recent years,with the increasing demand for high-quality seedlings in Chinese forestry production,the breeding goals of genetic improvement for J.mandshurica were redefined to include other traits,such as fruit yield and contents of medicinal component.However,the improvement processes were still slow due to the long breeding cycle and the limited use of advanced breeding technologies,resulting in the selection of fewer improved varieties.In this review,we summarized the research progresses on genetic improvements of J.mandshurica and other related works,and discussed research gaps and suggested future directions for genetic improvement of the species.The review provides valuable insight for the selection of improved varieties and production of excellent germplasms.

Progeny Test on the Natural Populations and Selection of Excellent Populations from Fraxinus Mandshurica

Fraxinus mandshurica is one of the ancient relict flora species originated from the Tertiary period, which is mainly produced in the eastern mountains in Northeast China. It has an important scientific value for studying the Tertiary flora and the Quaternary glacial climate. In order to make rational use of the natural genetic resources of F. mandshurica , and to increase the scientific and technological added value of improved varieties, this study used the method of positional observation of fixed standard fields to discuss the genetic variations of tree height and DBH of the natural populations and its open-pollinated progenies, systematically analyze the heritability and genetic gains in growth characters based on the analysis of progeny test, growth dynamic and heredity effects. The populations with good growth, stress resistance and adaptability were selected. The results showed that there were extremely significant difference in the growth characters among the natural populations, and the coefficients of variance for tree height （22.99%） were smaller, while the coefficients of variance for DBH （41.37%） were larger. On the other hand, there were extremely significant differences in the growth characters among the open-pollinated progenies, and the interaction between these progenies and the blocks was significant. Meanwhile, the growth characters had strong heritability, high genetic gain, and remarkable heredity effects. The heritability of tree height and DBH were 0.825 and 0.781, and the genetic gains were 15.16% and 25.85%, respectively. Therefore, Shanhetun （SHT） and Xinglong （XIL） were determined to be excellent natural populations both in the growth, resistance and adaptation with growth traits as the main evaluation index, which could be widely applied in the advanced generation improvement breeding.

Study on the variation in and selection of Fraxinus mandshurica provenances and families in northeast China

Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.is one of the main afforestation species in northeast China,and there is great demand for improved F.mandshurica varieties.The results of an investigation into and analysis of the growth traits of F.mandshurica provenances and families showed that there were significant differences in different periods.However,variations in growth traits decreased year by year.There was a significant negative correlation between tree heights of the provenances and sunshine hours in their areas of origin.The provenances of Xinglong,Hailin and Wuchang were selected based on the volume of 18-year-old trees.The average genetic gain from the selection of fast-growing provenances was 19.4%.Ten superior fast-growing families were selected.The average volume of the selected families was22.6%,higher than that of all families.The correlation coefficient between heights at 6-year-old and at 18a was 0.838for provenances,and between heights at 4-year-old and at 18-year-old was 0.303 for families.These results indicate that early selection for height in provenances or families could be performed at 6 years or 4 years,respectively.Early selection for DBH and volume in families could start at 8 years.