Studies of the Variability of Primary Metabolites in the Epicarp, Mesocarp and Seed of Dacryodes edulis Fruit at Taste Maturity

The fruits of Dacryodes edulis are rich in biologically active substances, which makes them of great interest in terms of validation. In this study, we targeted the primary metabolites in the epicarp, the mesocarp and the seed of the fruit of Dacryodes edulis at taste maturity, which were selected for their nutritional quality and its appreciation throughout the Gulf of Guinea area, which is very popular because of its large size, texture and special taste. The evaluation of total carbohydrates, total lipids and soluble proteins in the epicarp, mesocarp and seed of the fruit at taste maturity was made from spectrophotometer measurements. The overall analysis of the results of the present study shows that total carbohydrates, total lipids and proteins accumulate more in the seed with respectively 251.33 ± 1.15 mg/g DM;9.92 ± 0.201 mg/g DM and 55.075 ± 0.024 mg/g DM. Likewise, the results indicate low concentrations of total carbohydrates and total lipids in the epicarp with respectively 245 ± 1 mg/g DM and 4.77 ± 0.047 mg/g DM, on the other hand, it is the mesocarp which presents the lowest content of soluble proteins: 28.075 ± 3.231 mg/g DM. This variation could be linked to the nature of the compartment, more particularly to the storage location. This comparative study could lead to the valorization of the seed of the fruit of Dacryodes edulis for its richness in metabolites and arouse significant interest in nutrition.

Improved observation of colonized roots reveals the regulation of arbuscule development and senescence by drought stress in the arbuscular mycorrhizae of citrus

Citrus is the typical mycorrhizal fruit tree species establishing symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. However, arbuscule development and senescence in colonized citrus roots, especially in response to drought stress, remain unclear, which is mainly due to the difficulty in clearing and staining lignified roots with the conventional method. Here, we improved the observation of colonized roots of citrus plants with the sectioning method, which enabled the clear observation of AM fungal structures. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of one week of drought stress on arbuscule development and senescence with the sectioning method. Microscopy observations indicated that drought stress significantly decreased mycorrhizal colonization (F%and M%) although it did not affect plant growth performance. Fluorescence probes (WGA 488 and/or Nile red) revealed that drought stress inhibited arbuscule development by increasing the percentage of arbuscules at the early stage and decreasing the percentages of arbuscules at the midterm and mature stages. Meanwhile, drought stress accelerated arbuscule senescence, which was characterized by the increased accumulation of neutral lipids. Overall, the sectioning method developed in this study enables the in-depth investigation of arbuscule status, and drought stress can inhibit arbuscule development but accelerate arbuscule senescence in the colonized roots of citrus plants. This study paves the way to elaborately dissecting the arbuscule dynamics in the roots of fruit tree species in response to diverse abiotic stresses.

The pentatricopeptide repeat protein EMP601 functions in maize seed development by affecting RNA editing of mitochondrial transcript ccmC

Although several pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR) proteins are involved in post-transcriptional processing of mitochondrial RNA, it is unclear which specific protein is involved in the RNA editing of ccmC in maize(Zea mays). Here we report the identification of the maize empty pericarp 601(emp601) mutant and the map-based cloning of the Emp601 gene, which encodes an E2-type PPR protein that is targeted to mitochondria. A single-nucleotide deletion in the emp601 mutant caused a frameshift and introduced a premature stop codon into the predicted EMP601. This mutation was associated with reduced accumulation of mitochondrial complex Ⅲ as well as with inhibition of growth and differentiation of basal endosperm transfer layer cells, leading to final degeneration of the embryo and endosperm. We determine that loss of EMP601 function prevents the C-to-U RNA editing of the mitochondrial transcript ccmC at position 358.EMP601 binds to the ccmC transcript and directly interacts with Multiple organellar RNA editing factor 8and may be a component of the plant mitochondrial editosome. We conclude that EMP601 functions in RNA editing of mitochondrial ccmC transcripts and influences mitochondrial function and seed development.

A Pleiotropic Drug Resistance Family Protein Gene Is Required for Rice Growth, Seed Development and Zinc Homeostasis

Zinc(Zn) is an essential mineral element for plant growth and development. Zn deficiency in crops frequently occurs in many types of soils. It is therefore crucial to identify genetic resources linking Zn acquisition traits and development of crops with improved Zn-use efficiency for sustainable crop production. In this study, we functionally identified a rice uncharacterized ABCG(ATP-binding cassette G-subfamily) gene encoding a PDR20(pleiotropic drug resistance 20) metal transporter for mediation of rice growth, seed development and Zn accumulation. OsPDR20 was localized to the plasma membrane, but it was not transcriptionally induced under Zn deficiency, rather was sufficiently up-regulated under high level of Zn stress. Yeast(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) transformed with OsPDR20 displayed a relatively lower Zn accumulation with attenuated cellular growth, suggesting that OsPDR20 had an activity for Zn transport. Knocking-down OsPDR20 by RNA interference(RNAi) compromised rice growth with shorter plant height and decreased biomass in rice plantlets grown under hydroponic media. Zn concentration in the roots of OsPDR20 knocked-down rice lines declined under Zn deficiency, while they remained unchanged compared with the wild type under normal Zn supply. A rice lifelong field trial demonstrated that OsPDR20 mutation impaired the capacity of seed development, with shortened panicle and seed length, compromised spikelet fertility, and reduced grain number per plant or grain weight per unit area. Interestingly, OsPDR20 mutation elevated the accumulation of Zn in husk and brown rice over the wild type. Overall, this study pointed out that OsPDR20 is fundamentally required for rice growth and seed development through Zn transport and homeostasis.

Genome-wide analysis of nuclear factor Y genes and functional investigation of watermelon ClNF-YB9 during seed development

The nuclear factor Y(NF-Y) gene family is a class of transcription factors that are widely distributed in eukaryotes and are involved in various biological processes. However, the NF-Y gene family members in watermelon, a valued and nutritious fruit, remain largely unknown and their functions have not been characterized. In the present study, 22 ClNF-Y genes in watermelon, 29 CsNF-Y genes in cucumber, and 24CmNF-Y genes in melon were identified based on the whole-genome investigation and their protein properties, gene location, gene structure, motif composition, conserved domain, and evolutionary relationship were investigated. ClNF-YB9 from watermelon and its homologs in cucumber and melon were expressed specifically in seeds. Its expression remained low in the early stages of watermelon seed development,increased at 20 days after pollination(DAP), and peaked at 45–50 DAP. Moreover, the knockout mutant Clnf-yb9 exhibited abnormal leafy cotyledon phenotype, implying its critical role during seed formation.Finally, protein interaction assays showed that ClNF-YB9 interacts with all ClNF-YCs and the ClNF-YB9-YC4 heterodimer was able to recruit a ClNF-YA7 subunit to assemble a complete NF-Y complex, which may function in seed development. This study revealed the structure and evolutionary relationships of the NF-Y gene family in Cucurbitaceae and the novel function of ClNF-YB9 in regulating seed development in watermelon.

Problems and Countermeasures of Fruit and Vegetable Logistics Distribution Development in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

The logistics transportation and distribution of fruits and vegetables has become one of the important links for people to obtain food,and it is also an important direction and emerging challenge in the logistics industry.As the social economy and transportation develop,the consumption ability of residents has been improved,and the high demand for fruits and vegetables has promoted the transportation of fruits and vegetables to meet the development conditions of the future fruit and vegetable industry.The study of fruit and vegetable logistics distribution can improve the efficiency of fruit and vegetable distribution,improve the construction of fruit and vegetable distribution system,and also meet the needs of people for different kinds of fruits and vegetables.Taking Guangxi fruit and vegetable distribution as an example,through empirical investigation,this paper studies the existing problems in the development of logistics distribution in the fruit and vegetable distribution industry,and puts forward corresponding measures and countermeasures according to the problems,so as to innovate the fruit and vegetable distribution mode in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Changes of Endogenous Hormone Contents in Fruit, Seeds and Their Effects on the Fruit Development of Rosa roxburghii

The fruit of cultivar Guinong5 (Rosa roxburghii Tratt.) was used to investigate the regularity of its growth and development, and the changes of endogenous hormone contents during the period of the growth and development. The result showed that contents of GA 1+3, IAA and ZRs in the flower receptacle of young fruit were high and then decreased, contents of GA 1+3and IAA in seeds increased with its development until maturity. The contents of ZRs and ABA in the flower receptacle of young fruits and seeds were high, and then had a tendency of descent with the development of fruits. The contents of GA 1+3, IAA, ZRs and ABA in flower receptacle of young fruit with normal fertilization were much higher than those of in non-fertilization fruits. In the flower receptacle of malformed fruits, the contents of GA 1+3, IAA and ZRs in normally developing flower receptacle were significantly higher than those in malformed fruits. The growth and development of fruits depended largely on the seeds, development because the seeds in the fruits with non-fertilization failed to be formed or even formed but irreproducible, which would lead to the decrease of GA 1+3, IAA contents and the abnormal development of fruits. Therefore the fruits deformed and dropped inevitably.

Morphogenesis of Oil Palm （Elaeis guineensis Jacq.） Fruit in Seed Development

The place of the oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq., in the market for fats of vegetable commodities makes it a strategic plant which requires continuous improvement. In this context, it seems appropriate to better describe the effects of the Sh gene in the developing fruit. This study aims to set a benchmark for the development of the seed in the natural palm （Elaeis guineensis var. dura） Thus the growth and development of the two major seed tissues were monitored every two weeks from pollination to maturity of the fruit. The results show that the endosperm is still liquid six weeks after pollination. It then begins an accelerated development which leads it, 11 weeks later, to completely fill the seed cavity, with an average mass of 0.81 g. This mass remains stable until the maturity of the fruit. The embryo is only visible when the endosperm is gelatinous, around 70 DPP （days post-pollination）. It then has an average length of 1.00 mm. At 126 DPP, the embryo has finished growing and measures 2.82 mm on average. This length also remains stable until 168 DPP （3.04 mm）. In perspective, a detailed follow-up of the development of the zygote from the pollination to 100 DPP is proposed. In parallel, the analysis of the chemical composition of the endosperm between 100 DPP and 168 DPP is necessary. These two complementary studies will allow to better specifying the benchmark of seed development in Elaeis guineensis var. dura.

Variation of Sugar, Acid and Vitamin C Contents in Fruit Development in Different Types of Kiwifruit

The variation of sugar, acid and vitamin C contents in fruits of red flesh kiwifruit （Actinidia chinensis） ＂Hongyang＂ and green fresh kiwifruit （A. deliciosa） ＇Jinkui＇ were investigated during fruit development. The results showed that the to- tal sugar soluble contents of ＂Hongyang＇ and ＇Jinkui＂ during fruit development ex- isted different variations. With the upward trend of ＇Hongyang＇ fruit development, 95 days after full bloom （DAFB）, the total soluble sugar accumulation was relatively slow, and then rose rapidly until harvest with the maximum content （6.87%）. While ＇Jinkui＇ fruit showed a fluctuant process, rising in 50 DAFB, then declining, then rising rapidly and decreasing slightly right before harvest. The variation of fruit titrat- able acid between them was more consistent, which was increased and then de- creased. The only difference was that the titratable acid content of ＇Jinkui＇ fruit de- creased slowly from the late of fruit development to fruit ripening, similar to the maximum value, but that of ＇Hongyang＇ fruit decreased rapidly in the late. Titrat- able acid contents of them in the maturity were 1.08% and 1.20%, respectively. The trends of sugar acid ratio for ＇Hongyang＇ and ＇Jinkui＇ fruit were quite different. ＇Hongyang＇ fruit increased slowly and then rapidly; ＇Jinkui＇ changed from decreas- ing to increasing, followed by slight decreasing in mature stage. In addition, the two kiwifruit varieties had a similar change trend of Vc content during fruit development, which changed from rapid increasing to declining, followed by slight growing in the harvest. The changing tendency of ＇Jinkui＇ fruit was later than that of ＇Hengyang＇.

Dynamic Changes of Endogenous Hormone Content in Dangshansu Pear during Fruit Development

[Objective] The aim was to clear the relationship between fruit growth and development and endogenous hormones content in the pulp of Dangshansu pear.[Method] Choosing Dangshansu pear as material,the dynamic changes of endogenous hormones in pulp during various development stages were determined by means of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）.[Result] The results indicated that the content of endogenous hormones like ZR,GA and IAA promoting fruit growth showed increase trend within 15 d after pollination,and higher content of ZR,GA and IAA could promote ovary development and normal fruit setting of Dangshansu pear.The content of ZR in pulp had the highest value at the beginning of the first fast growth period,and then showed decrease trend until fruit became mature.The dynamic changes of IAA and GA were similar,namely their contents were higher in the first fast growth period,and decreased with fruit development,and then increased rapidly and was up to the maximum value in the second fast growth period,corresponding with the growth dynamic of fruit.The peaks of ABA content could be found on the 15th,45th and 120th day after pollination,which corresponded with the physiological fruit dropping and maturing period of Dangshansu pear.[Conclusion] The duration of various development periods and content of endogenous hormones of Dangshansu pear were different,and fruit growth and development were closely related to the content of endogenous hormones.

Flowering Biology and Fruit Development Characteristics of Apricot Cultivar ‘Kezilang' in Xinjiang

The flowering biology and fruit development characteristics of a Xinjiang apricot （Armeniaca vulgaris Lam） cultivar Kezilang were studied by measuring its flowering phenology, floral organ development, stigma receptivity, pollen quantity, pollen viability, fruit diameter, fruit fresh weight, fruit dry weight and fruit contents, with an attempt to provide a theoretical basis for the cultivation and promotion of Kezilang. The results showed that Kezilang can be popularized as an early-maturing apricot cultivar, as it had high fruit setting rate, large fruit weight, excellent taste, high sugar content and lower titratable acid content in fruit. The dynamic curves of Kezilang fruit diameters in three directions, fruit fresh weight and fruit dry weight were all S-shaped, and the rapid growth stage of dry weight was later than that of other terms. Fruit swelling was due to higher water content of flesh tissue in early stage of the rapid growth periods of fruit. Most sugar in flesh was accumulated at the second rapid growth period of fruit.

Isolation of the Endophytic Fungi of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and Their Effects on the Embryo Development of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis Seeds

[Objective] This study aimed to isolate the endophytic fungi of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and investigate their effects on the embryo development of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds. [Method] The endophytic fungi of P. polyphylla were isolated and identified morphologically, and their effects on the embryo development of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds were studied by using paraffin sectioning and microphotography. [Result] Nine endophytic fungi, i.e. P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis endophytic fungi PPYEF-1, PPYEF-2, PPYEF-3, PPYEF-4, PPYEF-5, PPYEF-6, PPYEF-7, PPYEF-8 and PPYEF-9 belonging to seven genera in five families, three orders were isolated from the rhizomes. Except PPYEF-4 (Cladosporium sp.), other fungi could promote the embryo development of the P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds, mostly reaching the extremely significant or significant level. PPYEF-9 (Trichoderma sp.) resulted in the highest embryo length and embryo-emerging ratio. [Conclusion] This paper could provide a reference for the application of the endophytic fungi of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis in the dormancy-breaking of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds.

Ectopic expression of OsNF-YA8,an endosperm-specific nuclear factor Y transcription-factor gene,causes vegetative and reproductive development defects in rice

Nuclear factor Y(NF-Y),a group of conserved transcription-factor complexes that consist of NF-YA,B,and C subunits,is essential for developmental regulation and for responses to environmental changes in eukaryotes.We previously found that some NF-Y genes,such as OsNF-YA8,were expressed specifically in the endosperm of rice.In the present study,overexpression of OsNF-YA8 in rice resulted in reduced plant height due to suppressed cell elongation in internodes.Gibberellin(GA)biosynthetic genes,including OsCPS1,OsGA20ox1,and OsGA20ox2,were down-regulated.OsNF-YA8 bound to the promoters of these genes to repress their expression.Endogenous GA content was decreased in OsNF-YA8 overexpressors,whose dwarf phenotype could be partially rescued by exogenous GA treatment.The findings suggested that ectopic expression of OsNF-YA8 causes defective GA biosynthesis in vegetative stage.Heading date in OsNF-YA8 overexpressors was delayed,especially under short-day conditions.OsNFYA8 bound to the promoter of Heading Date 3a(Hd3a),the florigen gene in rice,to negatively regulate flowering.Either ectopic activation or knockout of OsNF-YA8 impaired seed development,as indicated by reduced seed size and increased grain chalkiness.These results suggest that ectopic expression of the endosperm-specific OsNF-YA8 in rice disrupts both vegetative and reproductive development.

Intellectual Property Protection and New Development Pattern Construction of Xinjiang Jujube

"Three new developments"is the guiding ideology of Chinese-style high-quality development in the new era.Jujube(Zizyphus jujube Mill.)is a plant of Zizyphus of Rhamnaceae,which originated in China and has been listed as one of the"five fruits"since ancient times.Xinjiang is the most important jujube producing area in China,and its yield has accounted for 50%of the national jujube yield.In the five prefectures and cities of southern Xinjiang,as well as the regimental farms of southern and eastern Xinjiang of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps,the jujube industry is an advantageous characteristic industry in agriculture.This paper studied Xinjiang jujube industry and its agricultural intellectual property resources,analyzed six major issues to be further implemented,such as the"three new developments"thinking and the strategy of building an intellectual property power,and puts forward eight strategies such as coordinating the two markets and two resources to accelerate the construction of a new development pattern and dual circulation of jujube.

Changes of Aroma Components in Hongdeng Sweet Cherry During Fruit Development

To study the changes of aroma components in sweet cherry during fruit development, the aroma components in sweet cherry fruit from the green stage, the color stage, the commercial stage, and the ripe stage were collected using head-space solid phase microextraction （HS-SPME）, and were analyzed using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrophotometer （GC- MS）. A total of 37 compounds were identified from the sample extracts. Aldehydes, alcohols, and esters were the major constituents. The aroma components behaved differently during the fruit developmental period. C6 aldehydes and aromatic aldehydes were the main aldehydes in the sweet cherry fruit. The contents of C6 aldehydes increased quickly to 84.16% in the color stage, then decreased as ripening proceeded, and then, the contents decreased to 59.20 and 55.58% at the commercial stage and the ripe stage, respectively. The aromatic aldehydes （benzaldehyde） increased as ripening proceeded, and the maximum was found at the ripe stage. Alcohols of sweet cherry fruit included C6 alcohols and aromatic alcohols. The content of （E）-2-hexen-l-ol increased as ripening proceeded. The maximum was found at the commercial stage; alcohol was only found at the ripe stage. Ester components included ethyl acetate, butanoic acid ethyl ester, hexanoic acid ethyl ester, which increased as the fruit ripened. Hexanal, （E）-2-hexenal, benzaldehyde, （E）-2-hexen-l-ol, ethyl acetate, and hexanoic acid ethyl ester were the characteristic aroma components of sweet cherry fruit. These aroma components started to form drastically at the color stage, and the main aroma was formed at the commercial stage, which then turned bad at the ripe stage because of the presence of alcohol. So the optimal harvest time of sweet cherry was at the commercial stage.

Effect of Nitrogen on Apple Fruit Development in Different Loads

The experiments including soil application N, thinning and priming leaf treatment, using eight -year-old apple trees (M. domestica Borkh.cv.Red Fuji/ M. hupenensis Rhed) as materials were carried out to study the effect of N on fruit development. The main results were as follows: on heavily thinned trees, SS activity was independent of N and priming leaves treatments. The results show that the carbohydrate restriction of source to sink activity did not exist, and N application did not stimulate fruit growth rates relative to those on nonfertilized trees; however, N fertilization resulted in a longer fruit development period and increased the growth potential of individual fruit by 20.8% (fresh weight) and 14.1% (dry weight) vs. controls ; in unthinned trees, SS activity was increased by N fertilization but decreased by priming leaves treatment , so the carbohydrate restriction of source to sink activity existed, N fertilization increased the average single fruit weight both by extending the fruit development period and by increasing fruit growth rate, and the increasing rates were 28.2% (fresh weight) and 19.4 % (dry weight) compared to the unthinned nonfertilized controls. Fruit soluble sugar and pericarp anthocyanin concentration was decreased by N fertilization.

Development of Selenium-rich Passion Fruit Industry in Guangxi

According to the understanding of current situation of Guangxi selenium-containing passion fruit products and the advantages and disadvantages of related product markets,the corresponding improvement plans were proposed for the supply and demand of products and the adjustment of industrial development,so as to provide theoretical data support for optimizing the industrial structure and increasing the market share of selenium-rich passion fruit in Guangxi.

Roles of ABA Signal Transduction during Higher Plant Seed Development and Germination

ABA is one of the 5 phytohormones in higher plants, which is also the most important hormone that regulates higher plants in response to environmental stress, by ABA signal transduction. Understanding ABA signal transduction at the molecular level is crucial to biology and ecology, and rational breeding complied with corresponding eco-environmental changes. Great advancements have taken place over the past 10 years by application of the Arabidopsis experimental system. Many components involved in ABA signal transduction have been isolated and identified and a clear overall picture of gene expression and control for this transduction has become an accepted fact. On the basis of the work in our laboratory, in conjunction with the data available at the moment, the authors have attempted to integrate ABA signal transduction pathways into a common one and give some insights into the relationship between ABA signal transduction and other hormone signal transduction pathways, with an emphasis upon the ABA signal transduction during higher plant seed development. A future challenge in this field is that different experimental systems are applied and various receptors and genes need to be characterized through the utilization of microarray chips.

Overview of Relation between Mineral Nutrient Elements and Growth and Development of Fruit Trees

Mineral nutrition is the material basis for growth and development,yield and quality of fruit trees. It exerts a great effect on the growth and development,fruit quality,yield,and resistance of fruit trees. On the basis of reading a large number of references both at home and abroad,this paper elaborated the relationship between mineral nutrient elements and growth and fruit yield and quality of fruit trees,so as to make proper fertilizer mixing,balance the fertilizer application,promote growth and development of fruit trees,and increase the yield of fruit trees and improve the fruit quality.

Differential Gene Expression Between Cross-Fertilized and Self-Fertilized Kernels During the Early Stages of Seed Development in Wheat

In order to understand molecular basis of cross-fertilized kernel advantage and heterosis, improved differential display of mRNA was used in this study to analyze alterations in gene expression between cross-fertilized and self-fertilized kernels at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 days after pollination (DAP) by using 3 wheat hybrids with different level of heterosis. Four patterns of differential expression were observed: (i) bands observed in cross-fertilized kernels but not in self-fertilized kernels (BCnS); (ii) bands occurring in only self-fertilized kernels but not in cross-fertilized kernels (BSnC); (iii) cDNA over-expressed in cross-fertilized kernels compared to self-fertilized kernels (OEC); (iv) cDNA under-expressed in cross-fertilized kernels compared to self-fertilized kernels (UEC). Further analysis showed that BCnS is positively correlated with heterosis, but BSnC is negatively correlated with heterosis. Four differentially expressed cDNA fragments were verified by reverse-northern blot and sequence homology search in GenBank showed that one of them was new sequences; the other exhibited higher similarity to NBS-LRR type resistance protein, 1,6-bisphosphatase and photosystem Ⅱ chlorophyll a-binding protein psbB, respectively, which indicated diverse pathways may be involved in heterosis formation.