The role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A in the formation of long-term memory in Bactrocera dorsalis

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase A(PKA)signaling pathway has long been considered critical for long-term memory(LTM)formation.Previous studies have mostly focused on the role of PKA signaling in LTM induction by multiple spaced conditioning with less attention to LTM induction by a single conditioning.Here,we conducted behavioral-pharmacology,enzyme immunoassay and RNA interference experiments to study the role of the PKA signaling pathway in LTM formation in the agricultural pest Bactrocera dorsalis,which has a strong memory capacity allowing it to form a two-day memory even from a single conditioning trial.We found that either blocking or activating PKA prior to conditioning pretreatment affected multiple spaced LTM,and conversely,they did not affect LTM formed by single conditioning.This was further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and silencing of the protein kinase regulatory subunit 2 and catalytic subunit 1.Taken together,these results suggest that activating PKA during memory acquisition helps to induce the LTM formed by multiple spaced conditioning but not by a single conditioning.Our findings challenge the conserved role of PKA signaling in LTM,which provides a basis for the greater diversity of molecular mechanisms underlying LTM formation across species,as well as possible functional and evolutionary implications.

RAD-seq data reveals robust phylogeny and morphological evolutionary history of Rhododendron

Rhododendron is famous for its high ornamental value.However,the genus is taxonomically difficult and the relationships within Rhododendron remain unresolved.In addition,the origin of key morphological characters with high horticulture value need to be explored.Both problems largely hinder utilization of germplasm resources.Most studies attempted to disentangle the phylogeny of Rhododendron,but only used a few genomic markers and lacked large-scale sampling,resulting in low clade support and contradictory phylogenetic signals.Here,we used restriction-site associated DNA sequencing(RAD-seq)data and morphological traits for 144 species of Rhododendron,representing all subgenera and most sections and subsections of this species-rich genus,to decipher its intricate evolutionary history and reconstruct ancestral state.Our results revealed high resolutions at subgenera and section levels of Rhododendron based on RAD-seq data.Both optimal phylogenetic tree and split tree recovered five lineages among Rhododendron.Subg.Therorhodion(cladeⅠ)formed the basal lineage.Subg.Tsutsusi and Azaleastrum formed cladeⅡand had sister relationships.CladeⅢincluded all scaly rhododendron species.Subg.Pentanthera(cladeⅣ)formed a sister group to Subg.Hymenanthes(cladeⅤ).The results of ancestral state reconstruction showed that Rhododendron ancestor was a deciduous woody plant with terminal inflorescence,ten stamens,leaf blade without scales and broadly funnelform corolla with pink or purple color.This study shows significant distinguishability to resolve the evolutionary history of Rhododendron based on high clade support of phylogenetic tree constructed by RAD-seq data.It also provides an example to resolve discordant signals in phylogenetic trees and demonstrates the application feasibility of RAD-seq with large amounts of missing data in deciphering intricate evolutionary relationships.Additionally,the reconstructed ancestral state of six important characters provides insights into the innovation of key characters in Rhododendron.

Advances in Genomic,Transcriptomic,and Metabolomic Analyses of Fruit Quality in Fruit Crops

Fruit quality is the main factor determining market competitiveness;it represents the combination of fruit flavor,color,size,and the contents of aromatic and bioactive substances.Research on the genetic basis of fruit quality can provide new information about fruit biology,promote genomic-assisted breeding,and provide technological support for the regulation of fruit quality via habitat selection and/or the control of environmental conditions.High-throughput sequencing is a powerful research method for studying fruit quality traits,and reference genome sequences for many important fruit crops have provided vast amounts of genomic data.To study fruit quality,it is important to select appropriate omics strategies and to analyze omics data meaningfully.Here,we summarize genomic mechanisms of fruit quality formation:gene duplication,transposable element insertion,structural variations and genome methylation in functional genes.We review the genomic,transcriptomic,and metabolomic strategies that have been used to study the genetic basis of fruit quality traits.We also describe some of the genes associated with fruit traits;these genes are a valuable resource for genomics-assisted breeding and are useful models for deciphering the mechanisms of agronomic traits,such as fruit color,size,hardness,aroma components,sugar and acid content.Finally,to maximize the application of omics information,we propose some further directions for research using omics strategies.

Genetic diversity and association analyses of fruit traits with microsatellite ISSRs in Sapindus

Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. and S. delavayi Franchet are among the most valuable species in the genus Sapindus for their commercially exploitable plant oils and chemicals. However, few studies have addressed genetic variation and improvement for either species. We evaluated the genetic diversity of germplasm from selected plus trees within a wide region and established the relationship between fruit traits and molecular markers. An association analysis based on inter-simple sequence repeats(ISSRs)provided a genetic basis for studies of fruit traits. A total of 247 loci were detected by scanning 61 trees of S. mukorossi and S. delavayi using 16 ISSR markers. Genetic diversity parameters were estimated for selected superior trees(or germplasm) and S. mukorossi and S. delavayi were categorized into two main groups, as well as into four groups within S. mukorossi. An association analysis between the ISSR markers and 14 fruit traits used the TASSEL MLM model. A genetic structure analysis differentiated S.mukorossi and S. delavayi. Eighteen ISSR loci associated with 13 fruit traits(P<0.005) were identified, with 13, 1,and 4 loci associated with seed oil production, fruit saponin production, and fruit quality, respectively. Using this information, a core collection was selected with adequate genetic diversity and good seed oil characters. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of effectively estimating fruit trait associations in Sapindus using ISSR markers, and the method is applicable and valuable for select germplasm conservation. The markers obtained in this study are potentially useful for molecular-assisted breeding of Sapindus spp.

A review of stand basal area growth models

Growth and yield modeling has a long history in forestry. The methods of measuring the growth of stand basal area have evolved from those developed in the U.S.A. and Germany during the last century. Stand basal area modeling has progressed rapidly since the first widely used model was published by the U.S. Forest Service. Over the years, a variety of models have been developed for predicting the growth and yield of uneven/even-aged stands using stand-level approaches. The modeling methodology has not only moved from an empirical approach to a more ecological process-based approach but also accommodated a variety of techniques such as： 1） simultaneous equation methods, 2） difference models, 3） artificial neural network techniques, 4） linear/nonlinear regression models, and 5） matrix models. Empirical models using statistical methods were developed to reproduce accurately and precisely field observations. In contrast, process models have a shorter history, developed originally as research and education tools with the aim of increasing the understanding of cause and effect relationships. Empirical and process models can be married into hybrid models in which the shortcomings of both component approaches can, to some extent, be overcome. Algebraic difference forms of stand basal area models which consist of stand age, stand density and site quality can fully describe stand growth dynamics. This paper reviews the current literature regarding stand basal area models, discusses the basic types of models and their merits and outlines recent progress in modeling growth and dynamics of stand basal area. Future trends involving algebraic difference forms, good fitting variables and model types into stand basal area modeling strategies are discussed.

Species divergence in seedling leaf traits and tree growth response to nitrogen and phosphorus additions in an evergreen broadleaved forest of subtropical China

Tree competitiveness generally depends on trait plasticity in response to environmental change.The effects of nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)on leaf trait variability by species is poorly understood,especially in China’s subtropical forests.This study examined the seedling leaf traits and net primary productivity of all trees>5 cm DBH of two dominant species,Schima superba and Castanopsis carlesii,in an evergreen broadleaved forest fertilized with nitrogen(+N),phosphorus(+P),and nitrogen plus phosphorus(N+P).The effect of N on seedling leaf traits was stronger than P,while fertilization in general was species dependent.Leaf mass per unit area decreased with N for S.superba seedlings but not for C.carlesii.Leaf N,P,and N/P ratios changed with N addition for both species.All four N fractions of carboxylation,bioenergetics,cell wall,and other N metabolites in C.carlesii leaves responded significantly to fertilization,while only the cell wall in S.superb a leaves responded.Other leaf functional traits,including light-saturated photosynthetic rates,water,N,and P use efficiencies,chlorophyll and non structural carbohydrate contents increased with N addition in S.superb a and by P addition in C.carlesii.Canopy closure at the stand-level increased due to N.Litter biomass and relative growth rate of S.superb a was not affected by any treatments,while both for C.carlesii significantly decreased with N+P addition.Collectively,nutrient limitation may vary at a small scale among species in a subtropical forest based on their responses of seedling traits and net primary productivity to fertilization.Seedling traits are not correlated with the net primary productivity of larger trees except for N fractions,because low light conditions induced by fertilization reduces the proportion of N allocated to photosynthesis in seedlings.In addition,acclimation differences of tree species may increase the uncertainty of community succession.

Biogeographic divergence in leaf traits of Sapindus mukorossi and Sapindus delavayi and its relation to climate

To explore differences in leaf morphology between Sapindus mukorossi and Sapindus delavayi,and how the environment might drive these differences,80 germplasm samples from the Sapindus germplasm nursery in Fujian Province were selected.The study revealed a wide variation and diversity in 16 germplasm traits,both within and between species grown under the same conditions.On average,the relative contribution of intraspecific variability to total variability was more important(83%) than the relative contribution of interspecific variability(17%).PERMANOVA analysis showed differences in leaflet thickness,length,perimeter,length to width ratio,and leaf hairs or trichome density.Correlation analyses between leaf morphological traits and environmental variables indicated that leaves tended to be larger,longer,and thicker in wetter,warmer,and low-altitude conditions.Our analysis of the relationship between climate and leaf morphology revealed that S.mukorossi had a greater sensitivity to climate variation,particularly in response to mean temperatures of the coldest and warmest seasons,which led to differences in leaf traits and the distribution of the two species.These findings contribute to the understanding of leaf morphology variations in S.mukorossi and S.delavayi,and provide a basis for the collection of Sapindus germplasm resources,their cultivation and use to help address climate change.

Altitudinal patterns of stand structure and herb layer diversity of Picea schrenkiana forests in the central Tianshan Mountains,Northwest China

Altitude is a useful indicator to examine patterns of forest structure and species diversity in relation to environmental factors.In this study,the altitude patterns of forest stand structure and species diversity were analyzed across 20 plots in the Tianchi Nature Reserve,Northwest China.The results showed that mean stem height（Hm）,maximum stem height（Hmax） and mean stem diameter at breast height（Dm） of Picea schrenkiana trees all decreased significantly with increasing altitude.Potential tree height（H＊） decreased while stem taper increased significantly as altitude increased,suggesting remarkable altitudinal changes in biomass allocation between the diameter and height growth of Picea schrenkiana.Understory herbaceous richness increased significantly with increasing altitude,or with decreasing total basal area（TBA）,Hm and stand volume（Volume）.High light availability for understory herbs might account for the higher species richness at high altitude.Sorensen Index decreased significantly with the increase in altitude intervals,while the Cody Index demonstrated a converse pattern,suggesting greater differences in species composition with larger distances.

Replanting of broadleaved trees alters internal nutrient cycles of native and exotic pines in subtropical plantations of China

Background:The replanting of broadleaved trees in pure coniferous plantations is widely implemented,as mixed plantations are generally more stable and functional.However,the effect of interspecific interactions between broadleaved and coniferous trees on internal nutrient cycles of conifers remains unclear.Methods:We selected pure coniferous plantations of a native(Pinus massoniana)and an exotic(P.elliottii)pine species and their corresponding mixed plantations with broadleaved trees(Schima superba)in subtropical China,and measured the nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)contents in the rhizosphere soils,fine roots,twigs,needles and needle litter of pines.We calculated the root capture,needle resorption and translocation of N and P by pines to determine the mobility of nutrients in trees.Results:Although the N and P in the rhizosphere soils increased due to the replanting of broadleaved trees,the N and P contents in the aboveground tissues of the two pine species did not increase in mixed plantations.Mixed planting had a negative effect on the N and P capture of native pine and a positive effect on that of exotic pine.The N and P resorption efficiencies increased in native pine but were unchanged in exotic pine after the replanting of S.superba.Native pine preferentially employed an aboveground nutrient resorption strategy,whereas exotic pine tended to adopt a belowground nutrient capture strategy after replanting.Translocation of N and P in trees was detected,which reflected the trade-offs between root nutrient capture and needle nutrient resorption.Conclusions:The effect of mixed planting varied between the species of native and exotic pines,and the internal nutrient cycles of both pine species might be dominated by interspecific interaction effects on nutrients rather than soil nutrients.Our study highlights the importance of selecting suitable broadleaved species for replanting in coniferous plantations.

Changes in vegetation and soil properties during recovery of a subtropical forest in South China

Secondary forests account for a large amount of subtropical forest due to persistent anthropogenic disturbance in China.The interaction between vegetation and soil during recovery process is rather complex and dependent on forest conditions.Understanding how vegetation and soil properties changes and how their relationship develops in secondary forests is key to effective forest restoration and management.Here we explored the patterns of vegetation and soil properties as well as their correlations during forest recovery process in a subtropical forest in south China.Plots of three forest types,i.e.,broadleaf-conifermixedforest,broadleaved forest and old growth stand,were established to represent the recovery stages.The results showed that diversity patterns in the tree,shrub and herb layers were different:in the tree layer the species diversity peaked at the intermediate stage,while in the understory layers it decreased chronologically.Most of the soil factors showed an increasing trend,and different effects of soil factors were found for the three layers as well as for the two spatial scales.Together,our results suggested that vegetation and soil might be interdependent during the recovery course.Further studies are needed on exploring how vegetation interplays with soil at different scales and how nutrient limitations affects the vegetation development in a chronosequence.

Comparison of Methods for Protein Extraction from Pine Needles

Extraction of proteins from pine needles for proteomic analysis has long been a challenge for scientists. We compared three different protein extraction methods including sucrose, Tris-HCl and trichloroacetic acid （TCA）/acetone （TCA method） to determine their efficiency in separating pine needle proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis （SDS-PAGE） and two-dimensional PAGE （2D-PAGE）. Proteins were then separated by SDS-PAGE. Among three methods the method using sucrose extraction buffer showed the highest efficiency and highest quality in separating proteins. In addition, clearer and more stable strips were detected by SDS-PAGE using sucrose extraction buffer. When the proteins extracted using sucrose extraction buffer were separated by 2D-PAGE, more than 300 protein spots, with isoelectric points （PI） ranging from 4.0 to 7,0 and molecular weights （MW） from 6.5 to 97.4 kD, were observed. This confirmed that the method with sucrose extraction buffer was an efficient and reliable method for extracting proteins from pine needles.

Vacuolar Phosphate Transporter1 (VPT1) may transport sugar in response to soluble sugar status of grape fruits

Vacuolar Phosphate Transporter1(VPT1)-mediated phosphate uptake in the vacuoles is essential to plant development and fruit ripening.Interestingly,here we find that the VPT1 may transport sugar in response to soluble sugar status of fruits.The VvVPT1 protein isolated from grape(Vitis vinifera)berrieswas tonoplast-localized and contains SPX(Syg1/Pho81/XPR1)and MFS(major facilitator superfamily)domains.Its mRNA expression was significantly increased during fruit ripening and induced by sucrose.Functional analyses based on transient transgenic systems in grape berry showed that VvVPT1 positively regulated berry ripening and significantly affected hexose contents,fruit firmness,and ripening-related gene expression.The VPT1 proteins(Grape VvVPT1,strawberry FaVPT1,and Arabidopsis AtVPT1)all showed low affinity for phosphate verified in yeast system,while they appear different in sugar transport capacity,consistent with fruit sugar status.Thus,our findings reveal a role for VPT1 in fruit ripening,associated to its SPX and MFS domains in direct transport of soluble sugar available into the vacuole,and open potential avenues for genetic improvement in fleshy fruit.

Change of Mineral Elements and Amino Acids in <i>Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis</i>Leaves under Cd Treatment

The objective of this paper is to research the effects of CdCl2 treatment on mineral elements and amino acids in leaves of Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis. The seedlings of Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis with 6 leaf were cultured in 1/2 Hoagland nutrient solutions of different CdCl2 treatments (0, 0.5, 5 and 10 mg·L-1), respectively. The mineral elements and amino acids of the leaves in Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis were measured in the day 30. Compared with the control (0 mg·L-1 CdCl2), the treatments significantly decreased the contents of Mg, Fe and Zn in the tested leaves and obviously increased the contents of Cd in the experimental leaves. As to Ca and Mn, low concentration Cd treatment (0.5 mg·L-1 CdCl2) promoted their absorption, however, high concentration Cd treatments (5 and 10 mg·L-1 CdCl2) inhibited their absorption. The metabolism pathway and content of amino acids in the Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis leaves under Cd treatment were modified, the content of amino acids in the glycolate pathway became larger than that in control, the content of amino acids in the pyruvic acid synthesis pathway and tyrosine and phenylalanine became smaller than that in control, the content of other amino acids also had made a certain degree change. The results provided the important basis for safety production and quality evaluation of leaves in Malus hupehensis var. pingyiensis.

The effects of fall fertilization on the growth of Chinese pine and Prince Rupprecht’s larch seedlings

Nutrient loading in the fall is a practical way to improve seedling quality and has been proven to increase nutrient accumulation,translocation and utilization.Few studies have reported on the variation in free amino acids as a result of fall fertilization,especially for diff erent seasonal needle habits(evergreen,deciduous).Therefore,a balanced two-factor factorial design with one fall fertilization treatment(10 mg N/seedling)and Chinese pine(Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.)and Prince Rupprecht’s larch(Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr.)seedlings was used to examine growth response over one nursery season.Associated changes between fall fertilization,N storage and free amino acids were analyzed.Results showed that:(1)stem height,diameter and biomass for both species were similar between controls and fall fertilization treatments;(2)compared to controls,fall fertilization increased Chinese pine needle and root N by 17.7%and 36.9%,respectively.For Prince Rupprecht’s larch,fall fertilization resulted in 26.3%and 34.54%more N in stem and roots,respectively,than controls;(3)the three main amino acids in control and fertilization treatments in Prince Rupprecht’s larch seedlings were glutamine,arginine and proline,and in Chinese pine seedlings were glutamine,arginine andγ-amino butyric acid;(4)total amino acid contents were not signifi cantly increased by fall fertilization,but glutamine in Chinese pine and Prince Rupprecht’s larch increased by 64.2%and 35.2%,respectively.Aboveground biomass of Prince Rupprecht’s larch had higher proline contents than Chinese pine,which suggests that the stress resistance of the aboveground tissue may be higher for Prince Rupprecht’s larch.The results indicate that diff erent plant organs with various response are well adapted to nitrogen loading for nutrient storage in evergreen and deciduous conifer seedlings.

Determining the in vitro Anti-Aging Effect of the Characteristic Components from Eucommia ulmoides

To evaluate the potential anti-aging ability of Eucommia ulmoides,four characteristic components(chlorogenic acid,geniposidic acid,aucubin,quercetin)were selected to assess their effects on H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative damage model of human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVEC).Oxidative damage indexes,inflammatory factors,cell cycle,cell apoptosis,cell senescence,and their related proteins were analyzed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),propidium iodide(PI)staining,annexin V-FITC/PI double staining,SAβ-galactosidase staining,and western blotting(WB).The results showed that H_(2)O_(2)-induced cell growth inhibition rate decreased as supplementation with characteristic components when compared to H_(2)O_(2) group.Meanwhile,the contents of antioxidant indexes(reactive oxygen species,lactate dehydrogenase,molondialdehyde,superoxide dismutase,glutathione),inflammatory factors(nuclear factor kappa-B,intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1,vascular cell adhesion protein 1),and functional factors(NO,Endothelin-1)in characteristic components treated groups improved if comparison with H_(2)O_(2) group,suggesting the characteristic components of E.ulmoides could alleviate H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative damage.Moreover,cell cycle,cell apoptosis,cell senescence,and their related proteins under characteristic components treatment exhibited a better effect than under H_(2)O_(2) treatment,implying the characteristic components could participate in anti-aging via multiple pathways.These results manifested that the characteristic components of E.ulmoides posses the capacity of anti-aging,which provided a basis for investigating the anti-aging ability of E.ulmoides itself.

Screening of Sapindus germplasm resources in China based on agro-morphological traits

Sapindus L.species are widely cultivated for biodiesel,biomedical,and biochemical raw materials in southern China.However,yields fuctuate widely due to the lack of high-yielding,high-quality,stable cultivars.Therefore,the objectives of this study were to evaluate three species and one variety among 149 nationwide Sapindus species and screen for elite accessions which would serve as Sapindus breeding materials.Accessions were evaluated on 19 agro-morphological traits by correlation analysis and principal component analysis.These displayed substantial diversity and a broad range of economic traits.In particular,accessions of Sapindus mukorossi and Sapindus rarak had more variation in economic traits than Sapindus delavayi and Sapindus rarak var.velutinus.Increased saponin accumulation may be achieved at the cost of seed oil production.Thirty elite accessions for oil and saponin production,and for comprehensive utilization were screened and accessions no.80,110,and 112 had significant potential to produce high yields.These elite accessions will facilitate the identification of genetic determinants of valuable traits and the effective utilization of trait variability in Sapindus breeding.

Relationship between the stoichiometric characteristics and leaf functional traits of Castanopsis hystrix in different ages

Both the stoichiometric characteristics and leaf functional traits can reflect the adaptability of plants to changes in the external living environment.In particular,for varying aged forest plants,the study of stoichiometric characteristics and leaf functional traits can reflect the plant’s life history strategy and its resource investment and allocation methods.In this paper,the 1.5-year-old,5-year-old,15-year-old and 20-year-old Castanopsis hystrix were selected as the research objects to investigate the trends of stoichiometry and leaf functional traits,and their synergistic changes were verified.The results showed that with the increase of age,the stability of C.hystrix stoichiometry gradually increased,and the functional traits also tended to invest in security.However,there was no synergistic change between the two,which might be attributed to the different sensitivity of the C.hystrix leaf to the environment at the life history level of 1.5-year-old to 20-year-old.

A Review of the Engineering Role of Burrowing Animals: Implication of Chinese Pangolin as an Ecosystem Engineer

Ecosystem engineers are organisms that alter the distribution of resources in the environment by creating,modifying,maintaining and/or destroying the habitat.They can affect the structure and function of the whole ecosystem furthermore.Burrowing engineers are an important group in ecosystem engineers as they play a critical role in soil translocation and habitat creation in various types of environment.However,few researchers have systematically summarized and analyzed the studies of burrowing engineers.We reviewing the existing ecological studies of burrowing engineer about their interaction with habitat through five directions:(1)soil turnover;(2)changing soil physicochemical properties;(3)changing plant community structure;(4)providing limited resources for commensal animals;and/or(5)affecting animal communities.The Chinese pangolin(Manis pentadactyla)is a typical example of burrowing mammals,in part(5),we focus on the interspecific relationships among burrow commensal species of Chinese pangolin.The engineering effects vary with environmental gradient,literature indicates that burrowing engineer play a stronger role in habitat transformation in the tropical and subtropical areas.The most common experiment method is comparative measurements(include different spatial and temporal scale),manipulative experiment is relatively few.We found that most of the engineering effects had positive feedback to the local ecosystem,increased plant abundance and resilience,increased biodiversity and consequently improved ecosystem functioning.With the global background of dramatic climate change and biodiversity loss in recent decades,we recommend future studies should improving knowledge of long-term engineering effects on population scale and landscape scale,exploring ecological cascades through trophic and engineering pathways,to better understand the attribute of the burrowing behavior of engineers to restore ecosystems and habitat creation.The review is presented as an aid to systematically expound the engineering effect of burrowing animals in the ecosystem,and provided new ideas and advice for planning and implementing conservation management.

In Situ Generation of Copper Nanoparticles in Heat-Treated Copper-Containing Masson’s Pine as a Preservative Process for Sawn Timber

Heat-treated wood has good dimensional stability,durability,and color,but its susceptibility to fungal growth affects its commercial value.In this study,lumber harvested from mature Masson’s pine(Pinus massoniana Lamb.)was vacuum impregnated with a basic copper salt solution(copper hydroxide,diethanolamine,and polyethylene glycol 200)prior to heat-treatment at 220℃ for 3 h.Antifungal properties,surface chemistry,crystal structure and sugar contents were tested,compared with heat treatment alone.The results showed that the samples treated by heating without copper salt treatment showed poor suppression of fungal growth,the copperimpregnated heat-treated wood suppressed(100%)the growth of Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat.,Aspergillus niger V.Tiegh.,Penicillium citrinum Thom,and Trichoderma viride Pers.The combined results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction and sugars analysis suggested that fungal inhibition by the heat-treated copper-bearing Masson’s pine was mainly due to the reduction of the metal salt by PEG200 at high temperature to generate copper nanoparticles.In addition,the reduced sugar content of the treated timber,and hence the nutrient substrate for spoilage microbes,reduced in the presence of the metal salts at high-temperature.This study has demonstrated an effective method of increasing low-grade wood’s utility and commercial value.

Critical effects on the photosynthetic efficiency and stem sap flow of poplar in the Yellow River Delta in response to soil water

To explore the critical relationships of photosynthetic efficiency and stem sap flow to soil moisture,two-year-old poplar saplings were selected and a packaged stem sap flow gauge,based on the stem-heat balance method,and a CIRAS-2 portable photosynthesis system were used.The results show that photosynthetic rates(P_(n)),transpiration rates(T_(r)),instantaneous water use efficiency(WUE)and the stem sap flow increased initially and then decreased with decreasing soil water,but their critical values were different.The turning point of relative soil water content(W_(r))from stomatal limitation to nonstomatal limitation of P_(n)was 42%,and the water compensation point of P_(n)was 13%.Water saturation points of P_(n)and T_(r)were 64%and 56%,respectively,and the WUE was 71%.With increasing soil water,the apparent quantum yield(AQY),light saturation point(LSP)and maximum net photosynthetic rate(P_(n)max)increased first and then decreased,while the light compensation point(LCP)decreased first and then increased.When W_(r)was 64%,LCP reached a lower value of 30.7µmol m^(-2)s^(-1),and AQY a higher value of 0.044,indicating that poplar had a strong ability to utilize weak light.When W_(r)was 74%,LSP reached its highest point at 1138.3µmol·m^(-2)s^(-1),indicating that poplar had the widest light ecological amplitude and the highest light utilization efficiency.Stem sap flow and daily sap flow reached the highest value(1679.7 g d^(-1))at W_(r)values of 56%and 64%,respectively,and then declined with increasing or decreasing W_(r),indicating that soil moisture significantly affected the transpiration water-consumption of poplar.Soil water was divided into six threshold grades by critical values to maintain photosynthetic efficiency at different levels,and a W_(r)of 64-71%was classified to be at the level of high productivity and high efficiency.In this range,poplar had high photosynthetic capacity and efficient physiological characteristics for water consumption.The saplings had characteristics of water tolerance and were not drought resistant.Full attention should be given to the soil water environment in the Yellow River Delta when planting Populus.