Cloning and Sequence Analysis of Expansin Genes from Litchi chinensis Fruit

Using PCR degenerate primers, designed with reference to the sequences of the conserved amino acids of known expansins, to amplify cDNA fragments in litchi fruit by RT-PCR, two different cDNA fragments , named as Lc-Exp1 and Lc-Exp2 , were cloned. Lc-Exp1 and Lc-Exp2 was respectively composed of 531 bp encoding 177 amino acids and 537 bp encoding 179 amino acids. Eight cysteine residues and three tryp-tophan residues, which is supposed to be the characteristics of expansins, are conserved in both Lc-Exp1 and c-Exp2. In addition, the homology between the two expansins is 71. 6% at nucleotide acid sequences and 76.3% at amino acid sequences. The homology of Lc-Exp1 with Fa-Exp2 or Pp-Exp1 was 92.7% or 92.1%, but that of Lc-Exp2 with Fa-Exp2 or Pp-Exp1 was only 77. 4% or 76.3% at amino acid sequences.

Construction of high-density SNP genetic maps and QTL mapping for dwarf-related traits in Litchi chinensis Sonn

Litchi chinensis Sonn is widely cultivated in subtropical regions and has an important economic value.A high-density genetic map is a valuable tool for mapping quantitative trait loci(QTL)and marker-assisted breeding programs.In this study,a single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)-based high-density linkage map was constructed by a genotyping-by-sequencing(GBS)protocol using an F1 population of 178 progenies between two commercial litchi cultivars,‘Ziniangxi’(dwarf)and‘Feizixiao’(vigorous).The genetic map consisted of 3027 SNP markers with a total length of 1711.97 cM in 15 linkage groups(LGs)and an average marker distance of 0.57 cM.Based on this high-density linkage map and three years of phenotyping,a total of 37 QTLs were detected for eight dwarf-related traits,including length of new branch(LNB),diameter of new branch(DNB),length of common petiole(LCP),diameter of common petiole(DCP),length of internode(LI),length of single leaf(LSL),width of single leaf(WSL),and plant height(PH).These QTLs could explain 8.0 to 14.7%(mean=9.7%)of the phenotypic variation.Among them,several QTL clusters were observed,particularly on LG04 and LG11,which might show enrichment for genes regulating the dwarf-related traits in litchi.There were 126 candidate genes identified within the QTL regions,55 of which are differentially expressed genes by RNA-seq analysis between‘Ziniangxi’and‘Feizixiao’.These DEGs were found to participate in the regulation of cell development,material transportation,signal transduction,and plant morphogenesis,so they might play important roles in regulating plant dwarf-related traits.The high-density genetic map and QTLs identification related to dwarf traits can provide a valuable genetic resource and a basis for marker-assisted selection and genomic studies of litchi.

Molecular cloning,characterization and expression profile of the sucrose synthase gene family in Litchi chinensis

Sucrose synthase(SUS,EC 2.4.1.13)is widely considered as a key enzyme involved in plant sucrose metabolism,and the gene family encoding different SUS isozymes has been identified and characterized in several plant species.However,to date scant information about the SUS genes is available in Litchi chinensis Sonn.Here,we identified five SUS genes in litchi.These Lc SUSs shared high levels of similarity in both nucleotide and amino acid sequences.Their gene structure,phylogenetic relationships,and expression profiles were characterized.Gene structure analysis indicated that the Lc SUSs have similar exon-intron structures.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the five members could be classified into three groups(LcSUS1 and LcSUS2 in SUSⅡ,LcSUS4 and LcSUS5 in SUSⅢ,and LcSUS3 in SUSⅠ),demonstrating evolutionary conservation in the SUS family across litchi and other plant species.The expression levels of Lc SUSs were investigated via real-time PCR in various tissues and different developmental stages of aril.For tissues and organs,Lc SUSs exhibited distinct but partially redundant expression profiles in litchi,being predominantly expressed in young leaves(sink).During aril development,the expression pattern of LcSUS1 was consistent with the trend of sugar accumulation,indicating it may play important roles in determination of sink strength in aril.Moreover,transcript levels of LcSUS2,LcSUS4,and LcSUS5 varied between cultivars with different hexose/sucrose ratios,which may regulate the sugar composition in aril.Our results provide insights into physiological functions of SUS genes in litchi,especially roles in regulating sugar accumulation in aril.

Effects of saponin from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn on TGF-β1, FN and SOCS-1 in renal tubular epithelial cells under high glucose

Objective:To investigate the effect of saponin from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn(SLS)on the growth and apoptosis of human kidney epithelial cells(HKC)cultured in high glucose.Methods:HKC were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 30 mmol/L glucose and treated with or without SLS.In the normal group,isometric DMEM/F12 medium with 5.5mmol/L glucose was added.The secretion of TGF-β1 and fibronectin(FN)were detected by ELISA.Cell apoptosis was detected by the method of Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining.Western blot was used to detect the level of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1(SOCS-1).Results:The result of ELISA showed that the secretion of TGF-β1 and FN was decreased in SLS groups compared with those in 30 mmol/L glucose treated group(P<0.05).There were more cells apoptosis in 30 mmol/L glucose treated group than that in the normal group(P<0.01).Compared with the 30 mmol/L glucose treated group,the apoptosis of HKC were significantly decreased in SLS groups(P<0.01).Western blot showed that the level of SOCS-1 in high glucose+SLS group was decreased(P<0.01),compared with the high glucose group.Conclusion:SLS can reduce the secretion of TGF-β1 and FN in HKC by reducing the deposition of extracellular matrix.SLS also significantly reduced the apoptosis of HKC by inhibiting the level of SOCS-1.These results suggest the roles of SLS in preventing the progress of glomerular sclerosis.

Synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles from leaf of Litchi chinensis and its biological activities

Objective: To synthesize and isolate silver and gold nanoparticles from Litchi chinensis leaf methanolic extract, and to evaluate its comparative biological activities including muscles relaxant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal. Methods: The gold and silver nanoparticles were synthesized by dissolving methanolic extract in gold chloride and silver nitrate solution separately which were confirmed by colour change and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and pellets were collected through centrifugation. Biological activities of the extract were conducted on BALB/c mice through various standard methods and the data were subjected to One-way ANOVA. Results: The colorless gold chloride solution changed to purple soon after the addition of plant extract, demonstrating that the reaction took place and gold ions were reduced to gold nanoparticles, while colorless silver nitrate solution changed to light and dark brown that was indicative of silver nanoparticles. The muscles relaxant activity showed that silver nanoparticles were more effective than gold nanoparticles and methanolic extract in traction test. The analgesic activity showed that silver and gold nanoparticles showed highest percentage decrease in acetic acid induced writhing at the doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg b.w. The highest anti-inflammatory activity was produced by gold nanoparticles followed by silver nanoparticles, while low activity was observed in methanolic leaf extract. Only the crude methanolic extract showed significant antidiarrheal activity as compared to the standard drug atropine sulphate, while antidiarrheal activities of gold and silver nanoparticles were non-significant. Conclusions: The present work concludes that isolated silver and gold nanoparticles from leaf methanolic extract shows strong muscles relaxant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities while crude methanolic extract possesses good antidiarrheal activity.

Study on Improving Litchi chinensis Production in Adverse Weather

Being sensitive to climatic conditions,the growth of Litchi chinensis（ lychee） can be greatly affected both in rainy warm winter which is conductive to winter shoot elongation,seriously affecting the formation of flower buds,and in rainy spring or cold late spring when lychee is flowering,seriously affecting pollination and fruit set. Thus,meteorological conditions play a decisive role in determining the distribution,growth and development,yield formation and quality of lychee. Based on meteorological conditions,some measures can be taken to reduce the impacts of adverse weather and take advantage of favorable weather conditions for the stable and high production of lychee. Therefore,the yield of lychee could be increased by improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and long-term cultivation and management techniques.

Expression of SAMDC Gene for Enhancing the Shelf Life for Improvement of Fruit Quality Using Biotechnological Approaches into Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Cultivars

Polyamines play an important role in plant response to abiotic stress. S-adenosyl-1-methionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) is one of the key regulatory enzymes in the biosynthesis of polyamines. In order to better understand the effect of regulation of polyamine biosynthesis on the shelf life improvement of litchi fruit, SAMDC cDNA isolated from Datura stramonium cloned in pBI121 was introduced into litchi genome by means of Agrobacterium tumefaciens through zygote disc transformation. Transgene and its expression are confirmed by Southern and Northern blot analyses, respectively. Transgenic plants expressing Datura SAMDC produced 1.7- to 2.4-fold higher levels of spermidine and spermine than wildtype plants under normal environmental condition, which indicated that the transgenic litchi presented an enhanced polyamines synthesis compared to wildtype plants. Our results demonstrated clearly that increasing polyamine biosynthesis in plants may be a means of creating improved fruit shelf life germplasm.

荔枝(Litchi chinensis Sonn.)叶片白化变异体遗传和转录组分析

为了解荔枝叶片白化变异体遗传特点,本研究以白化变异体比例较高的‘玉谭蜜荔’白化变异体苗与正常苗为试验材料,测定叶片叶绿素含量,并观测叶绿体结构差异,最后通过高通量测序技术对苗期叶片进行转录组测序分析。结果表明:‘玉谭蜜荔’种子实生苗中白化变异体的比例约为8.59%;白化苗叶片色素含量极低,仅为正常苗的0.519%;叶绿体的结构松散,基粒片层结构较少或缺失。对高通量测序数据进行组装和注释,共获得Unigene 42782条,平均长度987 bp,比对到Nr、KOG、KEGG、Swiss-prot四大数据库中,超过64%的Unigene序列获得注释,差异分析表明在细胞色素合成、光系统亚基合成蛋白、采光复合物a/b结合蛋白相关序列表达显著下调。本研究为该变异体的基因定位鉴定提供了一定的遗传基因注释信息。

Biology and control of the fruit borer, Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley on litchi （Litchi chinensis Sonn.） in northern Thailand

Fruit and leaf shoot of litchi （Litchi chinensis） infestation by naturally occurring populations of the fruit bprer, Conopomorpha sinensis larvae and C. sinensis parasitization rates were determined in litchi orchards in northern Thailand at high （ca. 1 400 m ASL） and low （ca. 800 m ASL） elevations with different, non-overlapping fruiting seasons. In addition, spray applications of Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai, the natural compound spinosad and the chemical pesticide imidacloprid were conducted in the field to test the effects of these agents on C. sinensis fruit infestation rate. Fruit infestation rate and fruit growth, studied in a low elevation orchard, were sigmoidal and showed a highly significant positive correlation （P ≤ 0.01）. Leaf shoot infestation rate in the low elevation orchard decreased in the course of the fruiting season （March until May）, but increased in the high elevation orchard, where no fruits were present within the same period of time. Together, these results indicate that females of C. sinensis clearly prefer fruits over shoots for oviposition. If no fruits are available, which was the case in the high elevation orchard during that time, they are constrained to lay their eggs on shoots. The parasitization rate of C. sinensis larvae in untreated fruits was 54.3%. The parasitoid species were Chelonus chailini （90.8%） and Phanerotoma sp. （9.2%）. In the leaf shoots, C. sinensis was found to be parasitized by Phanerotoma sp. and Apanteles briareus. The applications of the different active agents had no significant effect on C. sinensis fruit infestation compared to the untreated control. Besides the cryptic life of the larvae, this is most probably explained by the fact that C. sinensis has several generations during the fruiting season. Because of the high parasitization rates recorded, an alternative and more effective control measure than the application of pesticides might be the augmentative release of parasitoids.

Flavonoids from Litchi(Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Seeds and Their Inhibitory Activities on α-Glucosidase

With the bioactivity-guided method,a new flavanone glycoside,together with nine known flavonoids were isolated from 50% aqueous ethanol of litchi（Litchi chinensis Sonn.） seeds.The chemical structure of the new compound was elucidated via 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance（NMR） techniques and mass spectrometry to be （2S）-pinocembrin-7-O-（6＂-O-α-L-arabinosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside）（1）,and the nine known compounds were determined to be quercetin（2）,phlorhizin（3）,pinocembrin-7-O-glucoside（4）,kaempferol-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside（5）,onychin（6）,nairutin（7）,narcissin（8）,pinocembrin-7-O-[（6＂-O-β-D-glucopyranoside）-β-D-glucopyranoside]（9） and pinocembrin-7-O-[（2＂,6＂-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl）-β-D-glucopyranoside]（10）.Some of the isolated flavonoids were tested for their inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase.And compounds 2 and 3 showed stronger inhibitory activity than positive control.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of embryogenic callus and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in‘Feizixiao'litchi

Litchi(Litchi chinensis Sonn.)is a type of commercially prevalent subtropical and tropical fruit.Since litchi has a highly heterozygous genetic background and a long reproductive cycle,conventional breeding methods(such as hybridization)have limited ability to nurture new litchi cultivars.Here,an efficient and stable Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of embryogenic callus was established in‘Feizixiao’litchi.Transgenic materials were verified using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)analysis,β-glucuronidase(GUS)assay,and green fluorescent protein(GFP)assay.To implement the technology of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats(CRISPR)/associated protein 9(CRISPR/Cas9)technology in‘Feizixiao’litchi and verify the validity of these transformation systems,the litchi polyphenol oxidase gene(LcPPO,JF926153)was knocked out.Various categories of mutations,covering base insertions,deletions,and substitutions,were found in transgenic materials via sequence analysis.The transformation system achieved high feasibility and efficiency,and the system of CRISPR/Cas9 was successfully employed to edit genes in‘Feizixiao’litchi.This work provides an essential foundation for investigating the functions of genes and accelerating litchi genetic improvement.

褐毛荔果实表型性状多样性研究

【目的】对云南省的褐毛荔种质资源果实表型性状进行遗传多样性分析,为褐毛荔种质资源的评价和利用提供依据。【方法】在褐毛荔分布较多的云南省10个县调查收集褐毛荔种质资源,采集成熟果实,评价果实的16个描述性性状和8个数量性状,并对资源进行表型多样性分析、聚类分析及主成分分析。【结果】共调查收集到93份褐毛荔资源,其中1份为焦核资源。褐毛荔种质资源果实表型遗传多样性较丰富,数量性状的遗传多样性均高于描述性性状,其中多样性指数最高的是种子质量,为2.98。变异系数最高的是果皮质量,为38.36%。果实的主要特征包括:形状为歪心形,果皮颜色淡红带微黄,果肩和果顶形状多为双肩斜和钝圆;龟裂片多为平滑,裂片峰多为毛尖,缝合线不明显,果肉颜色以蜡白色为主,果肉内膜褐色为无或少,种子形状以椭圆形为主,种皮颜色以浅褐色为主,肉质多为细嫩,香味、风味和涩味以无香、酸甜、微涩为主,种子多为大核。根据果实数量性状分析将93份荔枝资源分为5类,其中第Ⅱ类的可食率最高,为62.49%,第Ⅴ类的果实最大。根据果实描述性性状可将荔枝资源分为4类,其中第Ⅳ类的果实风味较好。主成分分析结果表明,前2个主成分主要体现了果实大小、果实可食率和可溶性固形物含量,依据主成分得分,筛选出2株优异单株。【结论】褐毛荔种质资源表型多样性较为丰富,可用于荔枝新种质创制和新品种选育。

Physiological Changes during the Process of Pericarp Browning in the Postharvest Litchi

[Objective] Pericarp browning in the postharvest litchi significantly reduced its commercial value and limited the expanding of litchi markets. Physiological changes during the process of pericarp browning were determined in order to identify the underlying mechanisms. [Method] Matured Feizixiao fruits were stored at 25 ℃ and 70%±5% relative humidity. The physiological changes happened in pericarp during storage were tested at an 8-hour interval. [Result] The fruit of Feizixiao (Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv Feizixiao) turned completely brown within 72 h after being harvested under the experimental conditions. Sharp increase of the browning index occurred from 48 to 64 hours after harvest (HAH). With the browning of pericarp,water content of the whole fruit and pericarp decreased continuingly. In contrast,there were no significant changes in the water content of pulp during the same period. MDA content,pH value and relative leakage rate of pericarp were increased during storage. Most of pigment contents including anthocyanin,flavonoid,phenols,chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll decreased. POD activity was initially increased in 32 HAH and then decreased afterwards. PPO activity was decreased continuously,while the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase exhibited the pattern of 'increasing-decreasing-increasing' as the storage time progressed. Correlation,stepwise regression and path analyses showed that water loss of pericarp was the major factor of pericarp browning. Principal and cluster analyses showed that there were two stages of pericarp browning during the course of litchi storage. [Conclusion] Water status of pericarp was the most important factor affecting pericarp browning. The pericarp browning happened by stages,which was mainly determined by the water loss of pericarp.

玉林市仙进奉荔枝高产栽培技术要点

为提升荔枝(Litchi chinensis Sonn.)果实的品质和产量,针对仙进奉荔枝在玉林市的物候期表现及果实变异的问题,主要从建园、种苗选择、秋梢培养、控梢促花、疏花保果、适时采摘、采后修剪及清园等方面描述其栽培技术要点,以期为仙进奉荔枝高质量生产提供参考。

Effects of simulated acid rain on fertility of litchi

The regulatory role of calcium in fertility of pollen and pistil under simulated acid rain was investigated. The germination percentage of pollen treated with acid rain of pH 4.5 was 9.42% lower than that of control, and that of pH 3.5, pH 2.5 and pH 1.5 were 22.47%, 45.49% and 71.62%, respectively. Simultaneously, the injury character of pollen was obviously observed when flowers were treated with acid rain of pH 3.5. The difference in fruit setting rate between the female flower treated with acid rain of pH 4.0 and the control was significant at p 〈 0.05. Ca（NO3 ）5 of 0.2-0.4 mmol/L could promote pollen germination under the stress of acid rain. The beneficial function was reduced when calcium concentration surpassed 0.8 mmol/L. Spraying 2 mmol/L Ca（NO3 ）5 reduced the injury of acid rain to pistil and increased fruit-setting rate significantly. The physiological importance of calcium during pollen germination and pistil development was also discussed.

荔枝中农药残留分布与膳食风险评估

调查中国非产地地区荔枝(Litchi chinensis Sonn.)的农药残留现状,在2022年从全国5个城市抽取荔枝样品100个批次,进行116种农药残留的检测,并对检出的农药品种进行农药残留膳食摄入风险评估。结果表明,荔枝中农药残留检出率为100%,农药残留合格率为37%;荔枝农药残留大部分位于果皮部位;通过清洗可以明显降低农药残留;检出的35种农药的%ADI在0%~1.17%,均远低于100%。荔枝的农药残留检出率和超标率较高,与农药最大残留限量值标准中规定检测部位为全果有关,但荔枝的膳食摄入风险较小,可放心食用。

荔枝、荔城和荔枝文化

荔枝(Litchi chinensis Sonn.)是莆田市树,莆田因其城内遍植荔枝树,所以有一个非常诗意的别称——荔城。在莆田,荔枝与百姓的日常生活有着千丝万缕的联系,荔枝融入到百姓的生活与民俗文化中,世代相传。荔枝、荔城与荔枝文化已融为一体。文章通过对荔枝景观风貌和"荔枝文化"内涵的探索与研究.

外源CPPU抑制‘妃子笑’荔枝果实着色过程的基因表达分析

为了探究花青苷和叶绿素相关结构基因与‘妃子笑’荔枝果皮着色的关系,本研究首先基于基因组数据鉴定了花青苷和叶绿素相关结构基因,然后分析了其在外源CPPU抑制‘妃子笑’荔枝着色过程的表达及对应酶活性。结果显示,花青苷合成关键酶UFGT,叶绿素降解途径NYC/NOL、MDcase以及PAO酶活性明显受到抑制,叶绿素合成途径CS和CAO及Chlase酶活性明显增加。转录组测序和RT-qPCR结果表明,外源CPPU显著抑制了花青苷合成途径结构基因LcPAL1、LcPAL3、LcC4H1、Lc4CL2、Lc4CL3、Lc4CL4、LcCHS2、LcCHS5、LcCHI、LcF3H/LcF3'H、LcDFR2、LcANS1、LcUFGT2、LcUFGT3,和叶绿素降解途径结构基因LcSGR2、LcPPH和LcPAO的表达;促进叶绿素合成相关途径基因LcHEMA、LcHEMD、LcCHLH1、LcCHLH2和LcCAO的表达,同时抑制转录因子基因LcMYB3、LcMYB4和LcWRKY3的表达。因此,推测外源CPPU可能通过抑制花青苷合成和叶绿素降解相关基因表达及酶活性,促进叶绿素合成相关基因的表达及酶活性,使‘妃子笑’荔枝果皮中花青苷与叶绿素比值在最佳可食期偏低而不能完全着色。研究结果为解决‘妃子笑’荔枝“滞绿”问题提供理论依据,也可为植物色泽问题的研究提供参考。

基于转录组的荔枝PAL基因家族鉴定及表达分析

本研究通过运用荔枝采后褐变的转录组数据,运用生物信息学的方法对荔枝PAL基因家族进行鉴定,然后分析其理化性质、蛋白的各级结构、保守基序、与其他物种的进化关系及荔枝采后室温下褐变的基因表达模式。结果表明,共在荔枝中鉴定出4个具有PLN02457结构域的PAL基因。其蛋白质的长度为706~724个氨基酸,分子质量在39.990~43.759 kD,理论等电点存在于6.03~6.34之间,不稳定系数介于29.61~38.10,脂肪指数在88.87~93.40。各蛋白的α-螺旋介于54.72%~59.35%,无规则卷曲在30%左右,两者在二级结构中占比相对较高。4个荔枝PAL基因蛋白均存在MIO保守结构域,该结构域普遍存在于PAL基因家族蛋白中。4个荔枝PAL基因蛋白均存在PAL基因家族蛋白普遍出现的MIO保守结构域。通过多物种进化树分析发现荔枝与双子叶植物PAL基因家族的亲缘关系是相对较近的。4个荔枝PAL基因在室温下采后荔枝果皮发生褐变的过程中都展现了不同的表达模式。本研究发现了LcPAL2和LcPAL3 2个基因和PAL活性与荔枝果皮褐变有着很密切的联系,为进一步挖掘荔枝PAL基因功能提供了参考。

霜疫霉诱导的荔枝果皮几丁质酶活性及其基因表达分析

为探究荔枝果皮几丁质酶对霜疫霉病抗性中的功能,本研究以抗病品种‘黑叶’和感病品种‘桂味’为试验材料,分析荔枝果皮中的几丁质酶活性和基因表达情况。结果表明,果皮中几丁质酶活性不同,其与品种的抗病性正相关,霜疫霉菌侵染提高了果皮中酶活性。基于转录组数据,共检测到75条几丁质酶基因,在系统进化树上分为3枝。接种霜疫霉的抗病和感病品种果皮中差异表达基因有58条,表明几丁质酶基因响应霜疫霉入侵表达。不同进化分枝上的3个基因的表达水平因抗病性和接种时间的差异表达模式不同。LcChi3-1基因在抗病品种‘黑叶’中的表达水平远远高于感病品种‘桂味’,‘黑叶’果皮中LcChi3-1基因的表达水平与酶活性具有显著的相关性,表明其参与了对霜疫霉菌的抗病过程,并发挥主要作用。