Transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses provide insights into postharvest ripening and senescence of tomato fruit under low temperature

Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world and is a model plant used to study the ripening of climacteric fleshy fruit.During the ripening process of tomato fruit,flavor and aroma metabolites,color,texture and plant hormones undergo significant changes.However,low temperatures delayed the ripening process of tomato fruit,inhibiting flavor compounds and ethylene production.Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses of tomato fruit stored under low temperature(LT,5°C)and room temperature(RT,25°C)were carried out to investigate the effects of storage temperature on the physiological changes in tomato fruit after harvest.The results of transcriptomics changes revealed that the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)involved in tomato fruit ripening,including several kinds of transcription factors(TFs)(TCP,WRKY,MYB and bZIP),enzymes involved in cell wall metabolism[beta-galactosidase(β-GAL),pectinesterase(PE)and pectate lyase(PL),cellulose and cellulose synthase(CESA)],enzymes associated with fruit flavor and aroma[acetyltransferase(AT),malic enzyme(ME),lipoxygenase(LOX),aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH),alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH)and hexokinase(HK)],genes associated with heat stress protein 70 and genes involved in the production of plant hormones such as Ethylene responsive factor 1(ERF1),Auxin/indoleacetic acids protein(AUX/IAA),gibberellin regulated protein.Based on the above results,we constructed a regulatory network model of the effects of different temperatures during the fruit ripening process.According to the analysis of the metabolomics results,it was found that the contents of many metabolites in tomato fruit were greatly affected by storage temperature,including,organic acids(L-tartaric acid,a-hydroxyisobutyric acid and 4-acetamidobutyric acid),sugars(melezitose,beta-Dlactose,D-sedoheptulose 7-phosphate,2-deoxyribose 1-phosphate and raffinose)and phenols(coniferin,curcumin and feruloylputrescine).This study revealed the effects of storage temperature on postharvest tomato fruit and provided a basis for further understanding of the molecular biology and biochemistry of fruit ripening.

Nano-single-crystal-constructed submicron MnCO_(3) hollow spindles enabled by solid precursor transition combined Ostwald ripening in situ on graphene toward exceptional interfacial and capacitive lithium storage

Hollow structuring has been identified as an effective strategy to enhance the cycling stability of electrodes for rechargeable batteries due to the outstanding volume expansion buffering efficiency,which motivates ardent pursuing on the synthetic approaches of hollow materials.Herein,an intriguing route,combining solid precursor transition and Ostwald ripening(SPTOR),is developed to craft nano single-crystal(SC)-constructed MnCO_(3) submicron hollow spindles homogeneously encapsulated in a reduced graphene oxide matrix(MnCO_(3) SMHSs/rGO).It is noteworthy that the H-bonding interaction between Mn_(3)O_(4) nanoparticles(NPs)and oxygen-containing groups on GO promotes uniform anchoring of Mn_(3)O_(4) NPs on GO,mild reductant ascorbic acid triggers the progressive solid-to-solid transition from Mn_(3)O_(4) NPs to MnCO_(3) submicron solid spindles(SMSSs)in situ on GO,and the Ostwald ripening process induces the gradual dissolution of interior polycrystals of MnCO_(3) SMSSs and subsequent recrystallization on surface SCs of MnCO_(3) SMHSs.Remarkably,MnCO_(3) SMHSs/rGO delivers a 500th lithium storage capacity of 2023 mAh g^(-1) at 1000 mAg^(-1),which is 10 times higher than that of MnCO_(3) microspheres/rGO fabricated from a conventional Mn^(2+)salt precursor(202 mAh g^(-1)).The ultrahigh capacity and ultralong lifespan of MnCO_(3) SMHSs/rGO can be primarily attributed to the superior reaction kinetics and reversibility combined with exceptional interfacial and capacitive lithium storage capability,enabled by the fast ion/electron transfer,large specific surface area,and robust electrode pulverization inhibition efficacy.Moreover,fascinating in-depth lithium storage reactions of MnCO_(3) are observed such as the oxidation of Mn^(2+)in MnCO_(3) to Mn^(3+)in charge process after long-term cycles and the further lithiation of Li_(2)CO_(3) in discharge process.As such,the Carbon Energy.SPTOR approach may represent a viable strategy for crafting various hollow functional materials with metastable nanomaterials as precursors.

基于Ostwald ripening自组装工艺的银纳米颗粒活性衬底的高稳定性

利用Ostwald ripening自组装工艺对拉曼增强衬底进行处理,得到粒径和密度不同的银纳米颗粒拉曼增强衬底。用龙胆紫生物大分子作为探针,对其表面增强拉曼散射(SERS)和表面增强荧光(SEF)进行研究发现,拉曼和荧光光谱强度存在着相似的变化趋势,且随着自组装工艺时间的递增,强度的变化趋于稳定。研究结果表明:Ostwald ripening自组装工艺可以优化SERS和SEF增强效果及其稳定性,故其可为研制具有长期稳定性、低成本的基于SERS和SEF效应生物化学传感器件提供研究基础。

FTIR Analysis of Protein Secondary Structure in Cheddar Cheese during Ripening

Proteolysis is one of the most important biochemical reactions during cheese ripening.Studies on the secondary structure of proteins during ripening would be helpful for characterizing protein changes for assessing cheese quality.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),with self-deconvolution,second derivative analysis and band curve-fitting,was used to characterize the secondary structure of proteins in Cheddar cheese during ripening.The spectra of the amide I region showed great similarity,while the relative contents of the secondary structures underwent a series of changes.As ripening progressed,the α-helix content decreased and the β-sheet content increased.This structural shift was attributed to the strengthening of hydrogen bonds that resulted from hydrolysis of caseins.In summary,FTIR could provide the basis for rapid characterization of cheese that is undergoing ripening.

Changes of Reactive Oxygen Species and Related Enzymes in Mitochondria Respiratory Metabolism During the Ripening of Peach Fruit

The fruits of peach cultivar Yuhua 3 were used as materials to investigate the changes of active oxygen and related enzymes in mitochondria respiratory metabolism during ripening of peach fruit, involving their influence on the proceeding of peach fruit senescence. The results showed that the large decrease in firmness occurred between maturity II and IV. The decrease in firmness coincided with an increase in respiratory intensity. Obvious peaks of respiratory intensity lagging to the rapid change of fruit firmness could be shown during peach ripening. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） had a cumulative process and positively correlated with respiratory intensity. During peach ripening, the content of Ca^2＋ increased, the activities of succinic dehydrogenase （SDH）, cytochrome C oxidase （CCO）, H＋-ATPase, and Ca^2＋-ATPase decreased varying in different degree at the later step of ripening. These suggested a close relationship existed between ROS metabolism and mitochondrial respiration, namely, both ROS metabolism and mitochondrial respiration probably played important roles in ripening and senescing of peach fruit.

Changes of Activities in NAD Kinase and NADP PhosphataseDuring Ripening and Senescence of Tomatoand Strawberry Fruits

Activities of NAD kinase(NADK)and NADP phosphatase and relationship between the two enzymes and temperature, respiration, ethylene production and trifluoperazine(TFP) were studied during ripening and senescence of strawberry and tomato fruits after harvest at 4℃ and 20℃. The activity of NAD kinase in strawberry decreased slowly during first four days, then increased gradually. The NADP phosphatase activity increased at the second day, decreased the next day,then increased again. In tomato fruit, the activities of NAD kinase and NADP phosphatase increased at the second day, decreased with the ripening and senescence of the fruit. The change trend of NAD kinase and respiration in the two fruits were similar, the same were NADP phosphatase and ethylene production. TFP enhanced the activity of NAD kinase and had little effect on NADP phosphatase. Low temperature(4℃) activated the NAD kinase and reduced the activity of NADP phosphatase. These results indicated that the NAD kinase and NADP phosphatase were related to the ripening and senescence of strawberry and tomato fruits. The activation of NAD kinase probably postponed the ripening and senescence of the fruits.

Overexpression of the Watermelon Ethylene Response Factor ClERF069 in Transgenic Tomato Resulted in Delayed Fruit Ripening

Watermelon fruit undergoes distinct development stages with dramatic changes during fruit ripening.To date,the molecular mechanics of watermelon ripening remain unclear.Genetic and transcriptome evidences suggested that the ethylene response factor(ERF)gene ClERF069 may be an important candidate factor affecting watermelon fruit ripening.To dissect the roles of ClERF069 in fruit ripening,structure and phylogenetic analysis were performed using the amplified full-length sequence.Normal-ripening watermelon 97103,non-ripening watermelon PI296341-FR and the RIL population were used to analyze ClERF069 expression dynamics and the correlation with fruit ripening indexs.The results indicated that ClERF069 belongs to ERF family group VI and show high homology(83%identity)to melon ERF069-like protein.ClERF069 expression in watermelon flesh was negatively correlated with fruit lycopene content and sugar content during fruit ripening progress.Further transgenic evidences indicated that overexpression of 35S:ClERF069 in tomato noticeably delayed the ripening process up to 5.2 days.Lycopene,β-carotenoid accumulation patterns were altered and ethylene production patterns in transgenic fruits was significantly delayed during fruit ripening.Taken together,watermelon ethylene response factor ClERF069 was concluded to be a negative regulator of fruit ripening.

Diversity and redundancy of the ripening regulatory networks revealed by the fruitENCODE and the new CRISPR/Cas9 CNR and NOR mutants

Tomato is considered as the genetic model for climacteric fruits,in which three major players control the fruit ripening process:ethylene,ripening transcription factors,and DNA methylation.The fruitENCODE project has now shown that there are multiple transcriptional circuits regulating fruit ripening in different species,and H3K27me3,instead of DNA methylation,plays a conserved role in restricting these ripening pathways.In addition,the function of the core tomato ripening transcription factors is now being questioned.We have employed CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to mutate the SBP-CNR and NAC-NOR transcription factors,both of which are considered as master regulators in the current tomato ripening model.These plants only displayed delayed or partial non-ripening phenotypes,distinct from the original mutant plants,which categorically failed to ripen,suggesting that they might be gain-of-function mutants.Besides increased DNA methylation genome-wide,the original mutants also have hyper-H3K27me3 in ripening gene loci such as ACS2,RIN,and TDR4.It is most likely that multiple genetic and epigenetic factors have contributed to their strong non-ripening phenotypes.Hence,we propose that the field should move beyond these linear and twodimensional models and embrace the fact that important biological processes such as ripening are often regulated by highly redundant network with inputs from multiple levels.

ERF4 affects fruit ripening by acting as a JAZ interactor between ethylene and jasmonic acid hormone signaling pathways

The regulation of apple(Malus domestica)fruit texture during ripening is complex and a fundamental determinant of its commercial quality.In climacteric fruit,ripening-related processes are regulated by ethylene(ET),and jasmonate(JA)is also involved in the ethylene biosynthesis pathway,mainly through the transcription factor MYC2.However,the molecular genetic mechanism for fruit ripening processes between the JA and ET signaling pathways still needs to be elucidated.In order to explore how JA regulates apple fruit ripening through ERF4,we used’Gala’and’Ralls Janet’fruit at different developmental stages as experimental materials to determine the fruit firmness and related gene expression analysis.Meanwhile,we carried out different hormone treatments on’Gala’fruit at ripening stage.Here,we show that ERF4 is a core JA signaling hub protein JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN(JAZ)interactor that affects ethylene signaling pathways.During fruit development,ERF4 represses the expression of ACS1 and ACO1 by interacting with JAZ,as well as with the JA-activated transcription factor MYC2.Ripening is promoted in JAZ-suppressed apples.Thus,ERF4 acts as a molecular link between ethylene and JA hormone signals,and the natural variation of the ERF4Ethylene-responsive binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression(EAR)motif decreases repression of ethylene biosynthesis genes.

Genome-wide identification of microRNAs involved in the regulation of fruit ripening and climacteric stages in melon(Cucumis melo)

Fruit ripening is influenced by multiple plant hormones and the regulation of genes.However,studies on posttranscriptional regulators(e.g.,miRNAs)of fruit growth and ripening are limited.We used miRNA sequencing and degradome methods to identify miRNAs and their target genes in melon(Cucumis melo cv.Hetao melon).A total of 61 conserved miRNAs and 36 novel miRNAs were identified from fruit growth,ripening,climacteric,and postclimacteric developmental stage samples,of which 32 conserved miRNAs were differentially expressed between developmental stage samples.Sixty-two target genes of 43 conserved miRNAs and 1 novel miRNA were identified from degradome sequencing.To further investigate miRNA influencing fruit ripening,transgenic melon plants overexpressing pre-cmemiR393(cme-miR393-OE)were generated and characterized.The results showed that fruit ripening was delayed in cme-miR393-OE transgenic lines compared to nontransgenic fruits.The target of cme-miR393 was also identified,and the expression of CmAFB2 was repressed in transgenic plants.These results provide evidence that miRNA regulates melon fruit ripening and provide potential targets to improve the horticultural traits of melon fruit.

First-principles kinetics study of carbon monoxide promoted Ostwald ripening of Au particles on FeO/Pt(111)

The dynamic and kinetic evolution of supported metal particles in the presence of reactants is decisive in shaping the nature of the catalytic active sites and the deactivation process. Ostwald ripening of FeO/Pt(111) supported Au particles in the presence of carbon monoxide is addressed here by firstprinciples kinetics. It is found that CO stabilizes the ripening monomer(Au atom) by forming favorable Au carbonyls with lower total activation energy, and corresponding phase diagram at wide range of temperature and CO pressures is constructed. Evolution of particle number, dispersion and particle size distribution of supported Au particles are explored. Great influence of CO promotion on ripening kinetics is revealed and explored in details, and mbar range of CO can lower the onset temperature of ripening by a few hundred kelvins. The present work reveals the crucial role of the metal-reactant complexes formed under reaction conditions on ripening of metal catalysts.

Transcriptional profiles underlying the effects of salicylic acid on fruit ripening and senescence in pear(Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai)

Salicylic acid(SA) plays a pivotal role in delaying fruit ripening and senescence. However, little is known about its underlying mechanism of action. In this study, RNA sequencing was conducted to analyze and compare the transcriptome profiles of SA-treated and control pear fruits. We found a total of 159 and 419 genes differentially expressed between the SA-treated and control pear fruits after 12 and 24 h of treatment, respectively. Among these differentially expressed genes(DEGs), 125 genes were continuously differentially expressed at both treatment times, and they were identified as candidate genes that might be associated with SA-regulated fruit ripening and senescence. Bioinformatics analysis results showed that 125 DEGs were mainly associated with plant hormone biosynthesis and metabolism, cell wall metabolism and modification, antioxidant systems, and senescence-associated transcription factors. Additionally, the expression of several candidate DEGs in ripening and senescent pear fruits after SA treatments were further validated by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR). This study provides valuable information and enhances the understanding of the comprehensive mechanisms of SA-meditated pear fruit ripening and senescence.

PaPYL9 is involved in the regulation of apricot fruit ripening through ABA signaling pathway

Abscisic acid(ABA)is a major regulator of non-climacteric fruit ripening;however,the role of ABA in the ripening of climacteric fruit is not clear.Here,as a typical climacteric fruit,apricots were used to investigate the role of ABA in fruit ripening.Based on weighted gene coexpression network analysis(WGCNA)of our previous transcriptome data,we treated‘Danxing’fruit with exogenous ABA and obtained ABA receptor genes,genes related to ABA biosynthesis and signal transduction,and analyzed the response of these candidate genes to exogenous ABA during fruit ripening.Subsequently,the full length of candidate PYLs genes were cloned,and their putative function were analyzed by phylogenetic analysis and protein structure domain analysis.And then the function of one candidate gene PaPYL9 was verified by using transgenic tomato.Furthermore,the response genes in transgenic tomato were screened by transcriptome sequencing,and ultimately the related regulatory network was proposed.The results showed that the injection of exogenous 1.89 mmol·L^(-1) ABA remarkably promoted fruit coloration,and increased the color index for red grapes(CIRG)and the total soluble solids(TSS)content,but significantly decreased the firmness and titratable acid(TA)content(p<0.01).Nordihydroguaiaretic acid(NDGA),the inhibitor of ABA,appeared to have the converse role in TA,TSS,CIRG and firmness,during the ripening process.One NCED(9-cis-epoxycarotenoiddioxygenase)and five ABA receptor genes related to signal transduction were mined from the transcriptome data of apricot fruit through WGCNA.Compared with the control,the expression levels of NCED1,PYL9(PYR/PYL/RCAR),SnRK2(SUCROSE NON-FERMENTING1(SNF1)-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 2S),and ABF2(ABRE-binding bZIP transcription)were induced dramatically by ABA treatment(p<0.01),while NDGA treatment significantly inhibited their expression.Based on gene expression and protein domain analysis,we inferred that PaPYL9 is putatively involved in apricot fruit ripening.Overexpression of PaPYL9 in Micro-TOM tomatoes resulted in the promotion of early ripening.Simultaneously,the expression levels of genes related ethylene biosynthesis,chlorophyll degradation,fruit softening,flavor formation,pigment synthesis,and metabolism were all significantly induced in overexpression of PaPYL9 tomatoes.This indicates the central role of ABA in climacteric fruit ripening.A regulatory network was tentatively proposed,laying the foundation to unveil the molecular mechanism of the regulatory role of PaPYL9 in fruit ripening.

Inoculation with Pseudomonas spp. Containing ACC-Deaminase Partially Eliminates the Effects of Drought Stress on Growth,Yield,and Ripening of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Two preselected plant growth promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR) containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate(ACC) -deaminase(EC 4.1.99.4) were used to investigate their potential to ameliorate the effects of drought stress on growth,yield,and ripening of pea(Pisum sativum L.) . Inoculated and uninoculated(control) seeds of pea cultivar 2000 were sown in pots(four seeds pot-1) and placed in a wire house. The plants were exposed to drought stress at different stages of growth(vegetative,flowering,and pod formation) by skipping the respective irrigation. Results revealed that inoculation of peas with PGPR containing ACC-deaminase significantly decreased the "drought stress imposed effects" on the growth and yield of peas. Exposure of plants to drought stress at vegetative growth stage significantly decreased shoot growth by 41% in the case of uninoculated plants,whereas,by only 18% in the case of inoculated plants compared to nonstressed uninoculated control. Grain yield was decreased when plants were exposed to drought stress at the flowering and pod formation stage,but inoculation resulted in better grain yield(up to 62% and 40% higher,respectively) than the respective uninoculated nonstressed control. Ripening of pods was also delayed in plants inoculated with PGPR,which may imply decreased endogenous ethylene production in inoculated plants. This premise is further supported by the observation that inoculation with PGPR reduced the intensity of classical "triple" response in etiolated pea seedlings,caused by externally applied ACC. It is very probable that the drought stress induced inhibitory effects of ethylene could be partially or completely eliminated by inoculation with PGPR containing ACC-deaminase.

Not All Shrivels Are Created Equal—Morpho-Anatomical and Compositional Characteristics Differ among Different Shrivel Types That Develop during Ripening of Grape (<i>Vitis vinifera</i>L.) Berries

An understanding of physiological disorders associated with ripening of fruits triggered by abiotic stress relies on anatomical and physico-chemical analyses, as it provide insights into their origin and probable causes. The objective of this study was to analyze different ripening disorders of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries by dissecting their morpho-anatomy, shriveling nature, and composition. Four well-defined disorders—sunburn, prolonged dehydration (PD), late-season bunch stem necrosis (LBSN), and berry shrivel (BS) were analyzed in field-grown grapevines of the cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon. Early bunch stem necrosis (EBSN) that occurred before ripening was also included in the study. Unlike healthy spherical berries, the pericarp of disordered berries except for sunburn shriveled causing concomitant reductions in fresh weight and volume. The exocarp of PD berries developed well-ordered indentations as distinct from the wrinkles in LBSN berries, whereas BS berries were flaccid with numerous skin folds. The epicuticular wax occurred as upright platelets in all shrivel forms excluding the sun-exposed hemisphere of sunburned berries. A chlorophyllous inflorescence framework persisted in all shrivel forms but in LBSN, wherein the necrotic regions developed tylosis. Unlike the translucent mesocarp of healthy, sunburned, and PD berries, the mesocarp was collapsed in BS and LBSN berries, nevertheless all had well-developed seeds. The composition of healthy berries was optimal, whereas the disordered berries were compositionally distinct from each other, which as a whole differed from the healthy berries. The BS berries had the lowest sugar content, and although sugar concentration was higher in LBSN, sunburned and PD berries, sugar amount per berry was highest in the healthy berries, the same was true for hexoses. Healthy and BS berries exhibited highest amounts of tartaric acid followed by sunburn and PD berries, whereas the LBSN berries had the lowest values. Conversely, healthy and PD berries had the highest amounts of malic acid followed by LBSN, sunburn and BS berries, which collectively displayed similar amounts. The PD berries exhibited the highest calcium content followed by LBSN, healthy, and finally BS and sunburned berries. A linear relationship existed between potassium (K) and pH of the berries. The PD berries had the highest amounts of K followed by healthy, sunburn, LBSN, and BS berries. Overall, the results reported here provided combined morpho-anatomical and compositional analyses of different shrivel types that occurred during a single growing season. Such analysis is needed to make a progress on understanding these ripening disorders culminating in the development of remedial measures.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Bunchosia glandulifera</i>Fruit at Different Ripening Stages

Bunchosia glandulifera belongs to the family Malpighiaceae and is popularly known as “caferana” in the city of Santo Antonio da Patrulha. The fruits have a high economic value and their inclusion in the diet has health benefits. They are natural sources of antioxidants because of the presence of bioactive compounds. However, their chemical composition can be influenced by the maturation process. This study aims to evaluate the changes in the bioactive antioxidant compounds in the pulp and seeds of B. glandulifera fruit during different stages of ripening. The fruits, were analyzed for caffeine, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin C, and total phenolic content as well as for antioxidant activity, at four different stages of ripening. An increase in bioactive compounds was observed from the second maturation stage to the ripened fruit, and the ripened fruit had the highest bioactive compound content. Phenolic compound and carotenoid levels were found to be highest in the pulp. Carotenoid content showed a positive correlation with the antioxidant activity. Colorimetric analysis also showed a high correlation between the levels of carotenoids and color change during the ripening stages.

Birthing ball on promoting cervical ripening and its influence on the labor process and the neonatal blood gas index

BACKGROUND Term pregnancy-induced labor refers to the use of artificial methods to induce uterine contractions and terminate pregnancy after 37 wk.It is a common method to prevent overdue pregnancy and to deal with high-risk pregnancies.In addition,it can alleviate maternal complications and cause the fetus to leave the adverse intrauterine environment early,which is beneficial to the outcome of pregnancy.AIM To explore the effect of a birthing ball on labor by inducing cervical ripening and its influence on labor and the neonatal blood gas index.METHODS Twenty-two women who were scheduled to undergo labor induction and delivery in the obstetrics department of our hospital were randomly divided into two groups:the delivery ball group(childbirth ball combined with COOK balloon induction)and the conventional group(COOK balloon induction alone).The cervical Bishop score before and after intervention,duration of labor at each stage,mode of delivery,neonatal umbilical venous blood pH,oxygen partial pressure(PO_(2)),carbon dioxide partial pressure(PCO_(2)),and the 1-min Apgar score were recorded.RESULTS After the intervention,the cervical Bishop score of the delivery ball group(7.84±1.52)was significantly higher than that of the conventional group(7.32±1.29)(P<0.05),and the cervical Bishop scores of the two groups after intervention were significantly higher than those before intervention(P<0.05).After the intervention,the first stage of labor(510.9±98.7 min),the second stage of labor(43.0±8.5 min),and the total duration of labor(560.0±120.9 min)in the delivery ball group were lower than those in the routine group,with a first stage of labor of 602.1±133.2 min,a second stage of labor of 48.4±9.1 min,and a total duration of labor of 656.8±148.5 min(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the time of the third stage of labor between the two groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the pH,PO_(2),and PCO_(2) values of newborns between the delivery ball group and the conventional group(P>0.05).The 1-min Apgar score of the delivery ball group was higher than that of the conventional group(9.10±0.38 points vs 8.94±0.31 points,P<0.05).The natural delivery rate of the delivery ball group was higher than that of the conventional group(91.00%vs 78.00%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The use of a birthing ball combined with a COOK balloon for inducing labor has a better effect on promoting cervical ripening,shortening the time of labor,and improving the Apgar score of newborns.

Water Management for Improvement of Rice Yield,Appearance Quality and Palatability with High Temperature During Ripening Period

To clarify the optimal water management in large-scale fields under high temperatures at the ripening period,effective water managements during this period for improvement of yield,appearance quality and palatability were investigated.Compared with intermittent irrigation and flooded irrigation,the soil temperature with saturated irrigation remained low throughout the day,and the decrease rate of the bleeding rate of hills was the lowest.These results suggested that the saturated irrigation maintained root activity.For the three irrigation types,the number of spikelets per m2 and 1000-grain weight were similar,however,saturated irrigation resulted in significantly higher rice yield due to improvement in the percentage of ripened grains.The saturated irrigation produced a high percentage of perfect rice grains and thicker brown rice grain,furthermore,the palatability of cooked rice was excellent because protein content and hardness/adhesion ratio were both low.Thus,under high-temperature ripening conditions,soil temperature was lowered and root activity was maintained when applying saturated irrigation after heading time.The results indicated that saturated irrigation is an effective countermeasure against high-temperature ripening damage.

Effect of Ethylene on Polygalacturonase,Lipoxygenase and Expansin in Ripening of Tomato Fruits

Fruit ripening is a complex process and is regulated by many factors.Ethylene and polygalacturonase(PG),lipoxygenase(LOX),expansin(EXP) are all critical regulating factors in fruit ripening and softening process.With antisense ACS tomato,Nr mutant tomato and cultivated tomato as materials,Northern blot hybridization showed that PG,LeEXP1 and LOX expressed differently in different parts of cultivated tomato fruit during ripening,which was related to fruit ripening.The ripening process of columella and radial pericarp was faster than pericarp.In both Nr mutant and antisense ACS transgenic tomato fruit,expression levels of PG,LeEXP1 and LOX were generally lower than those in cultivated fruit but still related to fruit ripening.The expression levels of PG,LeEXP1 and LOX increased in the mature green tomato fruits after 0.5 h treatment with ethylene(100 μL/L).These results indicate that gene expression of PG,LeEXP1 and LOX were positively regulated by ethylene.The time and cumulative effect of the concentration exists in the expression of PG regulated by ethylene.The regulation of LOX expression mainly depended on the fruit development after great amount of ethylene was produced.PG played a major role in ripening and softening of tomato fruit,and cooperated with the regulation of EXP and LOX.

Over-expression of GhDWF4 gene improved tomato fruit quality and accelerated fruit ripening

Brassinosteroids（BRs）, a class of steroidal phytohormones are essential for many biological processes in plant. However, little is known about their roles in fruit development. Tomato is a highly valuable vegetable and has been adopted as the model species for studying fruit growth, development, and ripening. To understand the role of endogenous BRs in the development of tomato fruit, the expression patterns of three homologues of DWF4 gene were investigated and the transgenic tomato plants were generated in which the Gh DWF4 gene from upland cotton（Gossypium hirsutum L.） was ectopically expressed. The contents of main quality components were analyzed in fruits of transgenic tomato line and non-transgenic line（control plant, CP） when the fruit was mature. Sl CYP90B3 that possesses high homology with Gh DWF4 preferentially expressed in mature fruit. Significantly higher contents of soluble sugar, soluble proteins, and vitamin C were obtained in fruit of transgenic tomato lines compared with those in the CP. Furthermore, overexpressing Gh DWF4 promoted fruit growth and ripening. The weight per fruit was increased by about 23% in transgenic lines. In addition, overexpressing Gh DWF4 promoted the germination of transgenic tomato seeds and hypocotyl elongation of seedlings. These results indicated that overexpressing Gh DWF4 gene in tomato could increase the contents of many nutrients in fruit and accelerate fruit ripening. It is suggested that increased endogenous BRs in fruit affect the growth and development of tomato fruit and therefore improved the nutrient quality of tomato.