The NAC Transcription Factor ANAC089 Modulates Seed Vigor through the ABI5-VTC2 Module in Arabidopsis thaliana

Seed viability is an essential feature for genetic resource conservation as well as sustainable crop production.Long-term storage induces seed viability deterioration or seed aging,accompanied by the accumulation of toxic reactive oxygen species(ROS)to suppress seed germination.Controlled deterioration treatment(CDT)is a gen-eral approach for mimicking seed aging.The transcription factor ANAC089 was previously reported to modulate seed primary germination.In this study,we evaluated the ability of ANAC089 to control seed viability during aging.Compared with that in the wild-type line,the mutation of ANAC089 significantly increased H_(2)O_(2),thereby reducing seed viability after CDT,while the overexpression of ANAC089 reduced H_(2)O_(2) and improved seed long-evity,indicating a critical role for ANAC089 in maintaining seed viability through H_(2)O_(2) signaling.A series of stu-dies have shown that ANAC089 targets and negatively regulates the level of ABI5,an important transmitter of abscisic acid(ABA)signals,to affect seed viability after CDT.Furthermore,ABI5 negatively regulated the expres-sion of VTC2,which is involved in the biosynthesis of the antioxidant ascorbic acid and H_(2)O_(2) scavenging.As a result,ANAC089 attenuates the generation of H_(2)O_(2),thereby enhancing seed viability through the ABI5-VTC2 module during the seed aging process.Taken together,our results reveal a novel mechanism by which ANAC089 enhances seed viability by coordinating ABI5 and VTC2 expression,ultimately preventing the overac-cumulation of H_(2)O_(2),which would have led to reduced seed viability.

Advances in Physiological-biochemical and Genetic Mechanisms of Seed Aging in Rice(Oryza sativa L.)

Reasons causing or accelerating seed aging are mainly damage of mem- branes, DNA and proteins, decline of protein synthesis capacity and excessive ac- cumulation of reactive oxygen species. With the application of natural aging or artifi- cial aging methods, it was reported that quantitative trait loci （QTLs） of seed stora- bility in rice were widely distributed on the chromosomes except the 10th chromo- some. In this paper, we reviewed the progresses in the research on physiological- biochemical and genetic mechanisms of seed aging, and analyzed the existing problems and developing prospect in molecular breeding of rice with improved seed storability, in order to provide reference for the basic research and genetic improve- ment of rice seed storabUity.

Effects of Ag Seed on Synthesis of FeCo Nano-Particles Prepared via the Polyol Method

Nano-particles have several interesting properties which are not shown in bulk materials because of their high ratio of surface area to volume. FeCo alloy nano-particles with soft magnetic properties are demanded for various applications such as optics, eletronics and magnetics. Through the polyol method, highly purified particles with mono-dispersibility in various sizes can be produced and used as high-tech functional materials. In this study, the magnetic characteristics of FeCo alloy with Ag seed added in the production process of mono-dispersed nano-particles through the polyol method were investigated.

Effects of Rare Earth Elements on Vigor Enhancement of Aged Spinach Seeds

The effect and the mechanism of action of lanthanum, cerium and neodymium on aged seeds of spinach were studied. By LaCl_3, CeCl_3, and NdCl_3 treatment, the germination rate, germination index and vigor index of aged spinach seeds are increased and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase are enhanced. Moreover the ·O_2^- and malondialdehyde content are decreased and the cell membrane permeability of aged spinach seeds is reduced. Among these three rare earth elements, Ce treatment enhances vigor of aged seeds most significantly, that of Nd treatment secondly and La treatment is not as effective as the other two treatments. The reason may be from 4f electron characteristic and alternation valence of REEs.

Identification of QTLs for seed storability in rice under natural aging conditions using two RILs with the same parent Shennong 265

Seed storability （SS） is an important trait for agronomic production and germplasm preservation in rice （Oryza sativa L.）. Quantitative trait locus （QTL） for seed storability in three storage periods was identified using two sets of recombinant inbred lines （RILs） derived from the crosses with a colnmon female parent Shennong 265 （SN265）. Ten QTLs for seed storability were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12in SL-RILs （SN265/Lijiangxingtuanheigui （LTH））, and a total of 12 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 10 in SH-RILs （SN265/Luhui 99 （LH99））in different storage periods. Among these QTLs, five major QTLs were identified in more than one storage period. The qSS3-1, qSS3-2, qSS12-1, and qSS12-2 were detected in SL-RILs. Similarly, qSS2-2, qSS2-3, qSS6-2, qSS6-3, qSS6-4, qSS9-1, and qSS9-2 were detected in SH-RILs. In addition, the maximum phenotypic variation was derived from the qSS6-1 and qSS9-2, explaining 53.58 and 29.09%, respectively, while qSS6-1 was a new stable QTL for seed storability. These results provide an opportunity for pyramiding and map-based cloning major QTLs for seed storability in rice.

Comparative QTL analysis of maize seed artificial aging between an immortalized F_2 population and its corresponding RILs

Seed aging decreases the quality and vigor of crop seeds,thereby causing substantial agricultural and economic losses in crops.To identify genetic differences in seed aging between homozygotes and heterozygotes in maize,the seeds of a set of recombinant inbred lines(RILs) and an immortalized F_2(IF_2) population were subjected to artificial aging treatments for 0,2,3,and 4 days under 45℃ and 85%relative humidity and seed vigor was then evaluated in a field experiment.Seed vigor of all entries tested decreased sharply with longer aging treatment and seed vigor decreased more slowly in heterozygotes than in homozygotes.Forty-nine QTL were detected for four measured seed vigor traits in the RIL(28QTL) and IF_2(21 QTL) populations.Only one QTL,qGP5,was detected in both populations,indicating that the genes involved in anti-aging mechanisms differed between inbred lines and hybrids.Several QTL were identified to be responsible for multiple seed vigor traits simultaneously in the RIL and IF_2 populations under artificial aging conditions.These QTL may include major genes for seed vigor or seed aging.QTL qVI4 b and qGE3 a detected in the RIL population coincided with genes ZmLOX1 and ZmPLD1 in the same respective chromosomal regions.These QTL would be useful for screening for anti-aging genes in maize breeding.

Effects of Artificial Aging on Physiological Characteristics of Rice Seeds with Different Dormancy Characteristics

In this study,two indica varieties with different dormancy characteristics [4 K58( II-32 B dormant),4 K59( II-32 B) ] and their F2 seeds( C178,C179) obtained through hybridization with sterile line( II-32 A) were used as materials. Different aged seeds( 0,3,6 and 9 d) of these four varieties were acquired by artificial accelerated aging method. Effects of artificial aging on malondialdehyde( MDA) content and catalase( CAT),ascorbate peroxidase( APX),peroxidase( POD) and superoxide dismutase( SOD) activity were investigated. The results showed that with the prolongation of aging time,MDA contents of these four rice varieties increased significantly,while the activity of antioxidant enzymes decreased dramatically. Besides,MDA contents and SOD,CAT and APX activity of the two inbred lines were significantly lower than those of the hybrid varieties. In addition,the activity of antioxidant enzymes in 4 K58 and C178 was significantly lower than that in 4 K59 and C179,respectively. This study indicated that artificial aging treatment significantly inhibited the activity of antioxidant system in seeds,improved membrane lipid peroxidation degree,and thus aggravated the deterioration of seeds. In addition,it also suggested that rice seeds with dormant property were more intolerant to storage.

Effects of Artificial Aging on Physiological Characteristics and Seed Vigor of Medicago ruthenica Seeds

As shown by the changes in physiological characteristics and seed vigor of three Medicago ruthenica samples during artificial aging process, the germination potential, germination rate, germination index, vigor index and simple vigor index declined with the extension of aging time on the whole. After artificial aging for 6 min, the vigor was higher than that of the control. The conductivity, malondialdehyde content and soluble polysaccharide content of seed leachate increased with the aging time and negatively correlated （ P 〈 0.05） with the seed vigor indicators. The physiological indicators were very significantly correlated （P 〈 0.01 ） with the vigor indicators in the Medicago ruthenica sample from Dorbod Qi, UIanqab City（China）.

Levels of Crotonaldehyde and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal and Expression of Genes Encoding Carbonyl-Scavenging Enzyme at Critical Node During Rice Seed Aging

The critical node(CN) is an important stage during seed aging, which is related to effective genebank conservation. Previous studies have demonstrated that proteins undergo carbonylated modification at the CN in rice, indicating oxidative damage. However, the levels of reactive carbonyl species(RCS) and the associated scavenging system at the CN are largely unknown. In this study, we optimized methods for the extraction and analysis of RCS from dry rice embryos. In order to acquire seeds at the CN, rice seeds were subjected to natural conditions for 7, 9, 11 and 13 months, and the seed germination rates were reduced to 90%, 82%, 71% and 57%, respectively. We chose the stage with seed germination rate of 82% as the CN according to the rice seed vigor loss curve. The levels of crotonaldehyde and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal(HNE) were significantly increased at the CN. In addition, genes encoding carbonyl-scavenging enzyme, including Os ALDHs and Os AKRs, were significantly down-regulated at the CN, and reductions in the expression of Os ALDH2-2, Os ALDH2-5, Os ALDH3-4, Os ALDH7, Os AKR1 and Os AKR2 in particular could be responsible for RCS accumulation. Thus, the accumulations of crotonaldehyde and HNE and down-regulation of genes encoding carbonyl-scavenging enzyme might be related to an accelerating loss of seed viability at the CN.

Photochemical synthesis of bimetallic Au-Ag nanoparticles with “core-shell” type structure by seed mediated catalytic growth

The colloidal Au core/Ag shell structure composite nanoparticles were synthesized in PEG-acetone solution by photochemical route. The monodispersed Au nanoparticles with average diameter of 3.9 nm were used as growth seeds. The optical property of colloids and the sizes of composite nanoparticles were characterized when the molar ratio of Au to Ag ranges from 4∶1 to 1∶4. The results show that a composite nanoparticle structure similar to strawberry shape is formed at the molar ratio of Au to Ag from 4∶1 to 1∶1; the composite nanoparticles consisting of a core of Au and shell of Ag were generated at the 1∶4 molar ratio, having a striking feature of forming (interconnected) network structure.

Impact of Rice Nursery Nutrient Management, Seeding Density and Seedling Age on Yield and Yield Attributes

To help farmers in the mid hills of Nepal improve their crop management and rice yields, we conducted a study testing different nursery management options and their effect on grain yield and yield components under rainfed conditions. The experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field during the cropping season 2009 and 2010 at Sundarbazar, Lamjung, Nepal, using a 3-factor factorial RCB design with 3 replications. The three management factors tested were 1) fertilizer management in the nursery, 2) seeding density, and 3) seedling age at transplanting, using the rainfed lowland rice variety Radha-4. There were eight treatment combinations, consisting of two levels of fertilization (0 and 20:20:0:13 kg NPKS ha-1 at 15 DAS), two levels of seeding density (607 and 303 g·m-2) and two seedling ages (20 and 40 days old). Two years’ results showed that top-dressed fertilizer in the nursery had no consistent effect on grain yield. However, lower seeding density (303 g·m-2) resulted in taller plants, more productive tillers m-2, less sterility and higher grain yield. In addition, older seedlings (40 days) produced taller plants, more productive tillers, more filled grains, and a higher grain and straw yield. The interaction analysis between both factors indicated that 40 days old seedling with a low seeding density produced the highest grain yield, both in the drought season 2009 and the high-yielding season 2010. The economic analysis confirmed that the treatment with low seeding density and 40 days old seedlings produced by far the highest net returns and B:C ratio in both seasons, independent of the fertilizer treatment. The combination of these two management components is therefore economically viable and profitable, and can be recommended to farmers. However, the results need to be confirmed for other varieties used by farmers in the region.

Mapping of QTLs Associated with Seed Vigor to Artificial Aging Using Two RIL Populations in Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>L.)

Improvement in seed vigor under adverse condition is an important object in maize breeding nowadays. Because the higher sowing quality of seeds is necessary for the development of the agriculture production and better able to resist all kinds of adversity in the seeds storage. So it is helpful for long-term preservation of germplasm resource. In our study, two connected recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, which derived from the crosses Yu82 × Shen137 and Yu537A × Shen137 respectively, were evaluated for four related traits of seed vigor under three aging treatments. Meta-analysis was used to integrate genetic maps and detected QTL across two populations. In total, 74 QTL and 20 meta-QTL (mQTL) were detected. All QTLs with contributions (R2) over 10% were consistently detected in at least one of aging treatments and integrated in mQTL. Four key mQTLs (mQTL2-2, mQTL5-3, mQTL6 and mQTL8) with R2 of some initial QTLs > 10% included 5-9 initial QTLs associated with 2-4 traits. Therefore, the chromosome regions for four mQTLs with high QTL co-localization might be hot spots of the important QTLs for the associated traits. Twenty-two key candidate genes regulating four related traits of seed vigor mapped in 14 corresponding mQTLs. In particular, At5g67360, 45238345/At1g70730/At1g09640 and 298201206 were mapped within the important mQTL5-3, mQTL6 and mQTL8 regions, respectively. Fine mapping or construction of single chromosome segment lines for genetic regions of the three mQTLs is worth further study and could be put to use molecular marker-assisted breeding and pyramiding QTLs in maize.

Physiological Differences Between Yellow-Seeded and Black-Seeded Rapeseeds (Brassica napus L.) with Different Testa Characteristics During Artificial Ageing

Yellow-seeded rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a new kind of breeding resources with yellow color, increased oil and protein content and less unwanted crude fiber content due to the thinner and transparent testa compared with traditional black or brown-seeded rapeseed. To analyze the longevity of the yellow-seeded rapeseed during storage, the physiological differences between the yellow and black-seeded near-isogenic lines were studied by artificial ageing method. The testa rate, anthocyanin content and melanin content of yellow-seeded rapeseeds decreased by 20.1, 25.2, and 80.4% respectively than black-seeded rapeseed. During artificial ageing, the yellow-seeded rapeseed showed significantly different effect of ageing compared with the black-seeded, as demonstrated by faster deterioration with lower germination percentage, seed vigour index, reducing sugar and soluble protein contents than the black-seeded, as well as a drastic increase in electrical conductivity, malnodialdehyde (MDA) content and a rapid decrease in activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The results suggested that the transparent testa of the yellow-seeded rapeseed lost some abilities to protect the embryo against adverse environmental conditions and thus led to a poor storability.

谷胱甘肽引发对老化燕麦种子发芽与幼苗生长特性的影响

为探讨谷胱甘肽(Glutathione,GSH)引发对老化燕麦(Avena sativa)种子活力的影响,以老化5 d种子为材料,研究了不同浓度(0.1,0.2,0.5和1.0 mmol·L^(-1))GSH溶液引发不同时间(12 h,24 h和36 h)下种子发芽及幼苗生长特性的变化规律。结果表明,老化后燕麦种子发芽率、发芽指数及活力指数显著下降(P<0.05),平均发芽时间显著增加(P<0.05),苗长、苗重、根长和根重均显著降低(P<0.05)。不同GSH引发浓度和引发时间处理后对老化燕麦种子发芽及幼苗生长各项指标的影响有所差异,其中0.2 mmol·L^(-1)GSH引发24 h是缓解种子老化的最佳处理,显著缩短了老化种子平均发芽时间(P<0.05),显著提高了发芽率、发芽指数、活力指数、苗长、苗重和根长(P<0.05)。燕麦种子引发处理可以为保持种子活力提供有效改善措施。

燕麦sHSP基因家族的鉴定及其响应高温及老化的表达分析

小热激蛋白(sHSPs)是植物体中普遍存在的由核基因编码的一类蛋白,具有保守的ACD结构域,能够在高温、干旱以及老化等胁迫刺激中发挥重要作用。本研究利用生物信息学方法在燕麦基因组中鉴定得到24个HSP20(AsHSP20.1~AsHSP20.24)基因,并对AsHSP20家族成员的理化性质、蛋白结构、亚细胞定位、系统进化、保守基序和保守结构域、基因染色体位置以及响应高温及老化基因的表达等进行系统分析。研究发现AsHSP20基因分布在17条染色体上。编码氨基酸数目136~529 aa,分子量大小14.9~58.1 kDa,理论等电点5.30~8.79。HSP20成员多定位在核、胞质和叶绿体上,部分定位在质膜、线粒体、过氧化物酶体以及胞外。蛋白质二级结构和三级结构分析表明AsHSP20成员确定有β-折叠结构。根据保守基序组成与系统发育关系分析,AsHSP20基因家族被分为11个亚组,同一亚组成员之间具有相似或相同的保守基序,表明这些蛋白之间具有功能的相似性。进一步分析自然老化和人工老化处理下AsHSP20基因的表达情况,结果表明AsHSP20.20、AsHSP20.24基因在自然老化处理与人工老化处理下共同下调表达,推测AsHSP20.20和AsHSP20.24在两种老化方法下共同参与调控燕麦种子活力降低的过程,可作为燕麦种子寿命及抗老化种质育种研究的候选基因。研究为AsHSP20基因家族在燕麦种质老化过程中的调控机制提供了有价值的信息,也为进一步探究燕麦HSP20基因的功能及种子抗衰老分子机制提供了理论支撑。

谷胱甘肽引发对老化燕麦种胚线粒体抗氧化特性的影响

本研究探讨了谷胱甘肽(glutathione,GSH)引发对老化燕麦种胚线粒体抗氧化能力的影响,以期为种子合理贮藏与利用提供科学依据。试验以老化5 d种子为材料,研究了0.2 mmol·L^(-1) GSH引发24 h处理下种胚线粒体抗氧化酶活性、抗氧化物和过氧化氢(H_(2)O_(2))含量的变化规律。结果表明,种子老化导致种胚线粒体内H_(2)O_(2)含量显著(P<0.05)升高,过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)、单脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶(MDHAR)、谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)和脱氢抗坏血酸还原酶(DHAR)活性均显著(P<0.05)降低,抗坏血酸(AsA)含量无显著变化,GSH含量、AsA/脱氢抗坏血酸(DHA)和GSH/氧化型谷胱甘肽(GSSG)显著(P<0.05)升高,DHA和GSSG含量显著(P<0.05)下降。而GSH引发处理使老化种子胚中线粒体的H_(2)O_(2)含量显著(P<0.05)降低,CAT和GR活性显著(P<0.05)升高,POD、SOD、MDHAR、APX、DHAR活性以及AsA、DHA含量和GSH/GSSG有所增加,GSH、GSSG含量和AsA/DHA有所降低,但差异均不显著。综上,GSH引发处理主要通过提高老化燕麦种胚线粒体抗氧化酶活性,降低H_(2)O_(2)含量,有效缓解了氧化损伤,维持种子活力。

Au/Ag核-壳结构复合纳米粒子形成机制的研究

在已制备好的Au纳米粒子表面 ,通过化学还原的方法沉积生长Ag包覆层 .通过控制Au ,Ag的比例 ,制备了粒度均匀且粒径可控的Au/Ag核 -壳结构纳米粒子 .利用UV vis吸收光谱和透射电子显微镜 (TEM)对Au,Ag摩尔比为 1∶10的复合纳米粒子的光学性质和形态进行随时监测 ,直接观察了核 -壳结构纳米粒子的生长过程 :一部分Ag+ 在Au核表面还原生长 ,溶液中其余Ag+ 还原形成银的纳米团簇向粒子表面的继续沉积生长 。

α-Fe2O3/Ag核壳结构纳米复合颗粒的制备及SESR性能

用籽晶法,以甲醛为还原剂、3-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷(APS)为改性剂,在Ag[(NH3)2]+溶液中制备α-Fe2O3/Ag核壳结构复合粉体。采用XRD、TEM和EDX对样品进行表征,系统研究了APS改性剂、醇水比等对复合纳米颗粒包覆效果及性能的影响;并用吡啶(Py)为探针,研究了α-Fe2O3/Ag核壳纳米颗粒作为拉曼衬底时的拉曼增强性能(SERS)及稳定性。结果表明,当APS=0.75%(质量),醇水比=5∶1时,α-Fe2O3/Ag核壳结构纳米颗粒的平均粒径为65nm左右,包覆完整,分散均匀,位于1010cm-1和1038cm-1处吡啶信号显著增强,具有良好的SERS活性。在空气中放置一段时间后仍能保持较好的增强效果,稳定性好。

实施飞机人工增雨对密云水库水质中Ag^+影响研究

针对2004年6月—2005年7月汛期(5—9月)在密云水库上游汇水区开展以飞机播撒AgI催化剂为主的人工增雨试验,对水库与白河入口处2个采样点水质进行定期连续监测,分析了作业期间汇水区降水量增加对水库水质Ag+及化学组分的影响,发现水库水体所测组分浓度值作业期小于非作业期;Ag+有明显的月变化,即作业期为低值区,非作业期为高值区。得出人工增雨后,降水量的增加未影响到水库中Ag+离子浓度的增加。

葡萄籽原花青素和苹果酸对面包抗老化的影响及机制分析

面包在贮藏过程中因老化会出现硬度变大、水分流失、粗糙掉屑等问题,该研究以葡萄籽原花青素(grape seed proanthocyanidins,GSP)和苹果酸(malic acid,MA)为主要原料,研究二者协同对面包抗老化的影响。采用快速黏度仪(rapid visco analyzer,RVA)测定了面粉的糊化特性,对贮藏期间面包水分含量、硬度、水分分布的变化进行了测定,利用RVA、差示扫描量热仪(differential scanning calorimeter,DSC)和X射线衍射仪(X-ray diffractometer,XRD)对贮藏期间淀粉的回生进行了研究。结果表明,GSP和MA降低了贮藏期间面包水分含量的下降速率,在0.3%(质量分数,下同)GSP中复配0.1%MA、0.3%MA和0.5%MA的面包硬度相对于0.3%GSP面包分别降低了9.34%、10.49%、8.04%。面包贮藏5 d的DSC和XRD数据表明GSP和MA的添加显著降低了淀粉的回生焓值和结晶度,在0.3%GSP中复配0.1%MA、0.3%MA、0.5%MA制作的面包其结晶度相较于0.3%GSP分别下降了33.54%、36.08%和34.18%。综上所述,GSP和MA对延缓面包的老化起到协同作用。