Provenance variation in cone and seed characteristics of Cedrus deodara (D.DON) G.DON in Jammu and Kashmir

The present study was carried out in Jammu and Kashmir （India） and twelve sites spread across the entire state were selected. Variability studies in different seed sources of Cedrus deodara with respect to cone, seed and seedling traits were studies. The studies revealed significant variation in different cone and seed characteristics studied. A negative correlation existed in cone diam- eter and cone weight with altitude. Seed morphological characteristics （seed length, width and weight）, seed germination and number of cotyledons which form the basis of selecting and delineating provenances also correlated negatively with altitude. Cone length and diameter, seed length and width and hypocotyl length increased from North to South and correlated negatively with latitude. The results further revealed the superiority ＆heavier cones and seeds with respect to seed germination. The study reveals that for delineating seed zones, provenance selection should be within an altitudinal range of 1500-1900 m a.s.l, and northern aspect seed sources be preferred.

The Effects of Low-Energy Nitrogen Ion Implantation on Pollen Exine Substructure and Pollen Germination of Cedrus deodara

The aim of this study is to investigate the biological effects of ion beams on pollen. Pollen grains of Cedrus deodara were implanted with 30 keV nitrogen ion beams at doses ranging from 1 × 10^15 ions/cm^2 to 15 × 10^15 ions/cm^2. The effects of N^＋ implantation on the pollen exine substructure were examined using an atomic force microscope （AFM）, and the structure and morphology of pollen and pollen tubes were observed using a laser scanning confocal microscope （LSCM）. AFM observations distinctly revealed the erosion of the pollen exine caused by N^＋ implantation in the micrometer to nanometer range. Typical results showed that the erosion degree was linearly proportional to the ion dose. Pollen germination experiments in vitro indicated that N^＋ implantation within a certain dose range increased the rate of pollen germination. The main abnormal phenomena in pollen tubes were also analyzed. Our results suggest that low energy ion implantation with suitable energy and dosage can be used to break the pollen wall to induce a transfer of exogenous DNA into the pollen without any damage to the cytoplasm and nuclei of the pollen. The present study suggests that a combination of the method of ion-beam-induced gene transfer and the pollen-tube pathway method （PTPW） would be a new plant transformation method.

Allelopathic Effects of Cedrus deodara Needle Extracts on Seed Germination and Early Growth of Three Turfgrasses

[Objectives]This study was conducted to provide reference for plant landscaping,optimization of planting structure and rational allocation of species in Cedrus deodara gardens.[Methods]With three common garden plants in northern China,Trifolium repens L.,Poa pratensis L.and Trifolium pratense L.,as receptors,the effects of four concentrations(0.025,0.05,0.075 and 0.10 g/ml)of C.deodara needle extract on seed germination and early seedling growth of the three turfgrasses were studied by the Petri dish filter paper method,using a clear water treatment(0 g/ml)as control check(CK).Data were subjected to analysis of variance(ANOVA)and multiple comparisons(Duncan)using SPSS16.0.[Results]Different concentrations of C.deodara needle extract had significant inhibitory effects on seed germination,radicle and seedling height growth of T.repens,T.pratense and P.pratensis(P<0.05),and the inhibitory effects increased with the increase of concentration.When the concentration reached 0.075 g/ml,seed germination and seedling growth of T.repens stopped,and radicle and seedling growth of T.pratense and P.pratensis also stopped.When the concentration was equal to 0.10 g/ml,germination of T.pratense and P.pratensis seeds was inhibited,and the absolute values of allelopathic index was the largest,that is,the inhibitory effects were the largest.And with the increase of concentration,the absolute value of synthetical allelopathic index also increased.The extract of C.deodara needles contained main allelochemicals leading to the scarcity of understory vegetation.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for reasonable garden plant configuration during C.deodara greening and garden landscaping.

A New Flavonoid in Pine Needles of Cedrus deodara

Objective To study the chemical constituents of flavonoids in pine needles of Cedrus deodara.Methods Flavonoids were isolated and purified from ethyl acetate extract of pine needles by chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20.Their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence.Results Five flavonoids were isolated and purified.Their structures were identified as cedrusone A(1),myricetin (2),2R,3R-dihydromyricetin(3),quercetin(4),and 2R,3R-dihydroquercetin(5).Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound.Compounds 2-5 are isolated from pine needles of this genus for the first time.