The Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Physico-Chemical Properties of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Derived Biodiesel

Global concerns about the environmental impact of combustion emissions from petroleum fuels influence new research to seek for alternative energy sources. The current study investigates the possibility of using safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as an alternative biodiesel raw material. Four plant growth regulators (PGR) were used to boost the production of safflower. Thirteen treatments were constituted from the four plant regulators and applied to the safflower crop arranged in completely randomised design, repeated three times. The results show that the effect of plant growth regulators was not more than that of the control. More studies have to be channelled towards the relationship between safflower and plant growth regulators.

Organ Abscission in Plants: With Special Emphasis on Bell Pepper

Bell pepper(Capsicum annuum L.),along with potato and tomato,is one of the three most cultivated vegetables in the world.Bell pepper is worldwide accepted due to its characteristics of color,smell,flavor,and texture.Bell pepper is also considered a nutritious food due to its vitamin and antioxidant contents.In Mexico,bell pepper production has a high value because it is grown for the international markets,particularly the United States of America.Nevertheless,the abscission offlowers and fruits is a factor that limits the yield,hinders the planning of activities,and causes a variation in the prices of peppers.Due to the importance of this process,in this work we did a bibliometric analysis and literature review of scientific advances for the understanding of the abscission pro-cess in plants,and in particular for the bell pepper.Finally,we introduce new perspectives that would help direct future research about organ abscission in plants.Likewise,the lack of research that would further clarify abscis-sion process in the bell pepper plant is discussed.

Effects of Different Exogenous Substances on Seed Germination of Isatis indigotica Under Drought Stress and Chemical Composition of Isatis indigotica leaves

This study was to investigate the effects of three exogenous substances on chemical constituents of Isatis indigotica leavesand their efficacy in alleviating drought stress, and explore the methods of applying exogenous substances to efficient cultivationof Isatis indigotica. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to simulate drought stress to deal with seeds of Isatis indigotica at thegermination stage (concentration: 0, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Simultaneous operation of exogenous growth regulators [microbialinoculum (MI), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and salicylic acid (SA)] and PEG were implemented in seeds of Isatis indigotica.The effects of drought stress and the mitigation of exogenous substances were observed by statistics of seed germination potential,germination rate, hypocotyl length, and radicle length of each treatment. The effects of exogenous substances on the content ofalkaloids, crude protein and free amino acids in the leaves of Isatis indigotica grown in a greenhouse were determined after sprayingexogenous substances on the plants. The differences of germination potential, germination rate, hypocotyl length, and radicle lengthamong 15% PEG stress treatment, 10% PEG stress treatment and the control were significant (P<0.05). According to the predesignedgermination standard, the seeds did not germinate under 20% PEG stress treatment. When the PEG concentration was 15%, the resultsof seed germination potential and germination rate after adding MI were significantly different from those under stress alone (P<0.05).When exposed to 10% PEG stress, the supplementation of GABA led to a notable increase in radicle length of Isatis indigotica seeds,showing significant differences compared to other three treatments. The application of MI and GABA under 15% PEG stress resultedin a significant increase in the radicle and hypocotyl length of Isatis indigotica seeds compared to other two treatments. The contentof the total alkaloids in leaves of Isatis indigotica was significantly increased after spraying GABA. Meanwhile, the contents of crudeprotein and the total free amino acids were kept constant after spraying exogenous substances. Application of MI and GABA couldalleviate drought stress of Isatis indigotica. The content of the total alkaloids in leaves of Isatis indigotica could significantly increaseafter spraying GABA.

Deciphering Rice Lesion Mimic Mutants to Understand Molecular Network Governing Plant Immunity and Growth

Plant lesion mimic mutants(lmms)generally possess autoimmunity and hypersensitive response(HR)-like cell death in the absence of biotic or abiotic stress.They have attracted much attention because they are useful tools for deciphering the interaction between defense signaling and growth.Recent studies have identified more than 30 lmms involved in the plant immune response and cell death in rice.Genes underlying these lmms,coding for diverse types of proteins,mainly regulate transcription,protein translation and modification,vesicular trafficking and catalyzation of metabolism.Here,we presented an overview of the most recent advances on the study of lmms in rice and proposed a perspective on potential utilization of LMM genes in agriculture.

Establishment of high frequency shoot regeneration system in Himalayan poplar(Populus ciliata Wall. ex Royle) from petiole explants using Thidiazuron cytokinin as plant growth regulator

Populus species are important resources for industry and in scientific study on biological and agricul- tural systems. Our objective was to enhance the frequency of plant regeneration in Himalayan poplar （Populus ciliata wall. ex Royle）. The effect of TDZ alone and in combi- nation with adenine and NAA was studied on the regen- eration potential of petiole explants. The explants were excised from Himalayan poplar plants grown in glass- houses. After surface sterilization the explants were cul- tured on shoot induction medium. High percentage shoot regeneration （86 %） was recorded on MS medium sup- plemented with 0.004 mg L-1 TDZ and 79.7 mg L-1 adenine. The regenerated shoots for elongation and multi- plication were transferred to MS ＋ 0.5 mg L-1 BAP ＋ 0.2 mg L-1 IAA ＋ 0.3 mg L-1 GA3. Root re- generation from shoots developed in vitro was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.10 mg L-1 IBA. Hi- malayan poplar plantlets could be produced within 2 months after acclimatization in a sterile mixture of sand and soil. We developed a high efficiency plant regeneration protocol from petiole explants of P. ciliata.

Effects of plant growth regulators, carbon sources and pH values on callus induction in Aquilaria malaccensis leaf explants and characteristics of the resultant calli

The endangered tropical tree, Aquilaria malaccensis, produces agarwood for use in fragrance and medicines. Efforts are currently un-derway to produce valuable agarwood compoundsn tissue culture. The purpose of this study was to develop an optimal growth medium, specif-ically, the best hormone combination for callus suspension culture. Using nursery-grown A. malaccensis, sterilized leaf explants were first incu-bated on basic Murashige and Skoog （MS） gel medium containing 15g/L sucrose and at pH 5.7. Different auxin types including 1-naphthaleneacetic acid （NAA）, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid （2,4-D）, and indole-3-butyric acid （IBA）, were tested at various concentrations （0.55, 1.1 and 1.65 μM） using the basic medium. Leaf explants were incubated for 30 days in the dark. Callus induced by 1.1 μM NAA had the highest biomass dry weight （DW） of 17.3 mg;however the callus was of a compact type. This auxin concentration was then combined with either 6-benzylaminopurine （BAP） or kinetin at 0.55, 1.1, 2.2 or 3.3 μM to induce growth of friable callus. The 1.1μM NAA＋2.2μM BAP com-bination produced friable callus with the highest biomass （93.3mg DW）. When testing the different carbon sources and pHs, sucrose at 15g/L and pH at 5.7 yielded highest biomasses at 87.7mg and 83mg DW, respec-tively. Microscopic observations revealed the arrangement of the friable cells as loosely packed with relatively large cells, while for the compact callus, the cells were small and densely packed. We concluded that MS medium containing 15 g/L sucrose, 1.1 μM NAA ＋ 2.2 μM BAP hor-mone combination, and a pH of 5.7 was highly effective for inducing friable callus from leaf explants of A. malaccensis for the purpose of establishing cell suspension culture.

Joint Toxicity of Beauveria bassiana and Two Insect Growth Regulators on Beet Armyworm,Spodoptera exigua(Hübner)

Joint toxicity of Beauveria bassiana and two insect growth regulators, methoxyfenozide and hexaflumuron, on beet annywonn larvae, Spodoptera exigua （ Htthner）, were investigated. An obvious synergism effect of the two insect growth regulators with B. beauveria was observed. When the insect growth regulators at LC50 concentrations （25 × 10^-6 g/L for methoxyfenozide and 1 000 × 10^ -6 g/L for hexaflumuren） were mixed with B. bassiana at the volume ratio of 4： 1, the mixtures achieved the best efficacy. The co-toxicity co-efficient （CTC） of methexyfenozide and B. bass/ana was 285, and that of hexaflumuron and B. bass/ana was 208. Scanning electron microscope observation of the longitudinal section of S. exigua revealed obviously different patterns of integument in different treatment groups.

Improved germination of threatened medicinal Prunus africana for better domestication: effects of temperature, growth regulators and salts

Prunus africana is an endangered medicinal species and has been classified as a priority for domestication in Cameroon.However,the seeds rapidly lose their viability during storage at room temperature after 2–3 months.This study aimed to improve seed germination of P.africana by germinating at different temperatures(4℃,28℃)using different concentrations of growth stimulators(sodium nitrate and gibberellic acid)and different concentrations of salts.P.africana seeds had 91.7%germination at 4C after 1 month of storage.Growth regulators considerably influenced germination after 6 months and reached 66.0%with 10 mM gibberellic acid and 100%with 10 mM sodium nitrate.Approximately three shoots per seed were developed,an indication of polyembryony.Histochemical analyses revealed the presence of protein-like bodies close to the embryo axis and accumulations of starch after 7 days of germination.After 14 days,amyloplasts and dark protein bodies of various sizes were observed.The outcome of this study will contribute to improve the germination of P.africana for better domestication and conservation.

Comparison of Effect of Brassinosteroid and Gibberellin Biosynthesis Inhibitors on Growth of Rice Seedlings

Brassinosteroid（BR） and gibberellin（GA） are two predominant plant hormones that regulate plant cell elongation. Mutants disrupt the biosynthesis of these hormones and display different degrees of dwarf phenotypes in rice. Although the role of each plant hormone in promoting the longitudinal growth of plants has been extensively studied using genetic methods, their relationship is still poorly understood. In this study, we used two specific inhibitors targeting BR and GA biosynthesis to investigate the roles of BR and GA in growth of rice seedlings. Yucaizol, a specific inhibitor of BR biosynthesis, and Trinexapac-ethyl, a commercially available inhibitor of GA biosynthesis, were used. The effect of Yucaizol on rice seedlings indicated that Yucaizol significantly retarded stem elongation. The IC_（50） value was found to be approximately 0.8 μmol/L. Yucaizol also induced small leaf angle phenocopy in rice seedlings, similarly to BR-deficient rice, while Trinexapac-ethyl did not. When Yucaizol combined with Trinexapac-ethyl was applied to the rice plants, the mixture of these two inhibitors retarded stem elongation of rice at lower doses. Our results suggest that the use of a BR biosynthesis inhibitor combined with a GA biosynthesis inhibitor may be useful in the development of new technologies for controlling rice plant height.

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Plant Growth Regulatory Activity of 1-(3-Amino-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-butan-2-one

The title compound 1-（3-amino-[1,2,4]triazol-1-yl）-3,3-dimethyl-butan-2-one（3） was synthesized by Hofmann-alkylation reaction of 1-chloro-3,3-dimethyl-butan-2-one（1） and ~1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-ylamine（2） with equal amount of K_2CO_3 as acid acceptor. The structure of compound 3 was characterized by ~1H NMR, 13 C NMR, HRMS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/n with a = 5.7227（8）, b = 27.924（4）, c = 6.2282（7） ？, β = 101.892（11）°, V = 973.9（2） ？~3, Z = 4, T = 180.00（10） K, μ（MoKα） = 0.087 mm^（-1）, Dc = 1.243 g/cm^3, 3832 reflections measured（3.648≤θ≤26.022°）, 1916 unique reflections（Rint = 0.0359, Rsigma = 0.0572） used in all calculations. The final R = 0.0557（I 〉 2σ（I）） and w R = 0.1276（all data）. Bioassay showed that 3 displayed excellent activity as plant growth regulator with inducing lateral root formation and enhancing primary root elongation at 0.27 mmol/L（50 ppm） in soybeen（He Feng-50）. Good water solubility was found with 50 mg in 1 m L of water. Therefore, application of 3 in agriculture is more environmentally friendly due to cosolvent-free condition, and results in improved abiotic-stress tolerance by affecting the root growth. And furthermore, it can be used as a precursor to investigate the function of regulating plant root growth.

Mitochondrial membrane protein Bcl-xL, a regulator of adult neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity: multiple functions beyond apoptosis

The B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl2） family of proteins participates in cell death or survival through a mitochondrial pathway. The pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl2 family such as Bim, Bid, Bax and Bak trigger cell death by contributing to the enhancement of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabil- ity to pro-apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c, with the subsequent activation of caspases. The anti-apoptotic mem- bers, such as B-cell lymphoma-extra large （Bd-xL）, block the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 members and prevent cell death. Bcl-xL is abundantly expressed during development and in mature neurons, suggesting that it plays a role in protection from death from untoward events occurring in adult life such as ischemia, inflammation or trauma. When these neurotoxic in- sults occur, Bcl-xL translocates to mitochondria and prevents activation and homo-oligomerization of pro-apoptotic family members such Bax and Bak. Numerous studies have shown pro-survival roles for Bcl-xL in adult neurons using various models; nevertheless, the role of Bcl-xL outside of the field of neuronal death, i.e., in adult neuronal growth, excitability or synaptic plasticity, has not been studied in depth.

STUDIES ON STEROIDAL PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR 24. STEREOCONTROLLED CONSTRUCTION OF THE SIDE CHAIN OF BRASSINOLIDE AND HOMOBRASSINOLIDE VIA A TANDEM VICINAL DIALKYLATION OF PYRANONE MOIETY

A stereocontrolled construction of the side chain of brassinclide and homobrassinolide has been achieved via the tandem vicinal dialkylation of the pyranone moiety as a key step.

Influences of Plant Growth Regulators， Basal Media and Carbohydrate Levels on Cell Suspension Culture of Panax ginseng

A cell suspension culture of Panax ginseng which may be continuously subcultured has been established. Embryogenic callus derived from clutured young leaves was used to initiate the culture.Plant growth regulators, basal medium formula and carbohydrate levels were examined to determine their various effects on suspension culture cell growth and development. The best selection of plant growth regulator, hasal medium and carbohydrate level is 2 mg / L 2,4-D: 0.5 mg / L KT,MS and 3% sucrose respectively.

Determination of Residual Amount of 15 Plant Growth Regulators in Bean Sprouts by HPLC-MS/MS

[Objectives]This study was conducted to effectively monitor PGR residues in bean sprouts to provide guarantee for the food safety of agricultural products.[Methods]A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS)method for the determination of residues of 15 plant growth regulators(PGRs)in bean sprouts was established using bean sprouts as an experimental material.Samples were extracted with a solution containing 5%acetic acid-acetonitrile(1∶99,V/V),purified with anhydrous magnesium sulfate,and diluted with methanol solvent to constant volume.The solutions were filtered through 0.22μm filtering membrane and the target analytes were separated on a Phenomenex H18 column.The identification of each compound was established by retention time matching along with the accurate mass measurement of the precursor ions and their main fragment ions.The quantification was carried out using matrix-matched external standard method.[Results]The retention time of the 15 PGRs were found in the range from 5.8-11.7 min under the optimized conditions.The linear relation was good in the concentration range of 0.005-0.050μg/ml,and the correlation coefficients of the 15 PGRs were≥0.9990.The limits of detection were in the range of 0.03-0.92 g/kg,and the limits of quantification were in the range of 0.50-2.10μg/kg.The average recovery in the recovery test at 3 concentration levels was 80%-110%,and the relative standard deviations were in the range of 2.8%-7.5%.[Conclusions]This method is simple and accurate,and can quickly qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the residues of 15 PGRs in bean sprouts.The proposed procedure was simple,quick and accurate for the simultaneous determination of the 15 PGRs in bean sprout.

Differential involvement of Wnt signaling in Bmp regulation of cancellous versus periosteal bone growth

Bone morphogenetic proteins （Bmp） are well-known to induce bone formation following chondrogenesis, but the direct role of Bmp signaling in the osteoblast lineage is not completely understood. We have recently shown that deletion of the receptor Bmprla in the osteoblast lineage with Dmpl-Cre reduces osteoblast activity in general but stimulates proliferation of preosteoblasts specifically in the cancellous bone region, resulting in diminished periosteal bone growth juxtaposed with excessive cancellous bone formation. Because expression of sclerostin （SOST）, a secreted Wnt antagonist, is notably reduced in the Bmprla- deficient osteocytes, we have genetically tested the hypothesis that increased Wnt signaling might mediate the increase in cancellous bone formation in response to Bmprla deletion. Forced expression of human SOST from a Dmpl promoter fragment partially rescues preosteoblast hyperproliferation and cancellous bone overgrowth in the Bmprla mutant mice, demonstrating functional interaction between Bmp and Wnt signaling in the cancellous bone compat^a-tent. To test whether increased Wnt signaling can compensate for the defect in periosteal growth caused by Bmprla deletion, we have generated compound mutants harboring a hyperactive mutation （A214V） in the Wnt receptor Lrp5. However, the mutant Lrp5 does not restore periosteal bone growth in the Bmprla-deficient mice. Thus, Bmp signaling restricts cancellous bone accrual partly through induction of SOST that limits preosteoblast proliferation, but promotes periosteal bone growth apparently independently of Wnt activation.

Influencing in vitro clonal propagation of Chonemorpha fragrans(moon) Alston by culture media strength,plant growth regulators,carbon source and photo periodic incubation

Chonemorpha fragrans is an endangered medicinal woody climber,regarded among alternative plant sources of camptothecin.Camptothecin is a monoterpene indole anti-cancer alkaloid with annual trade value of over three billion U.S.dollars in the recent,and is used in the production of its analog drugs approved for the chemotherapy of cancer of varied types.Effects of plant growth regulators,culture media strength and photoperi-odic duration on the micropropagation ef ciency of C.fragrans from nodal segment explants were studied on Murashige and Skoog(MS)medium amended with Thidiazuron(TDZ),Benzylaminopurine(BAP)or Kinetin(Kin).Thidiazuron was more ef cient over BAP and Kin when half basal MS medium was used over full or quarter strength.Results of carbon source experiment showed sucrose as the most effective over glucose,fructose,and maltose in the clonal production.Studies on the photope-riodic incubation duration showed 12 h as the best light period and sub or supra-optimal resulted in the production of abnormal and albino micro shoots.Experimental results on the evaluation of physiological,biochemical parameters showed the role of pigment molecules and antioxidant systems in the production of albino micro shoots.

The43,000Growth - associated Protein Functions as a Negative Growth Regulator in Glioma.

Previous molecular analyses of human astrocytomas have identified many genetic changes associated with astrocy-toma formation and progression.In an effort to identify novel gene expression changes associated with astrocytomaformation,which might reveal new potential targets for glioma therapeutic drug design,we used the B8-RAS-transgenic mouse astrocytoma model.Using multiplex gene expression profiling,we found that

Ethanol Metabolism in Calluses of Several Selected Plant Species on Two Typical Plant-Growth-Regulator Balanced Media

For investigation on the characteristics of ethanol metabolism in tissues of different plant species, calluses from eight selected plant species were cultured on medium supplemented with ethanol in tightly sealed culture flasks. Changes of the ethanol level were detected by gas chromatography. During the culture period, the calluses of tobacco, potato and petunia were, able to catabolize exogenous ethanol, resulting in the prominent decline of the ethanol level in the medium. The calluses of melon and peanut were also able to catabolize thanol but with lower efficiency. The other three calluses of carrot, soybean and rice did not catabolize ethanol but instead produced small to large amount of ethanol, resulting in the increase of the ethanol level in the media. It was also found that changing the balance between auxin and cytokinin could influence only the ethanol metabolism efficiency but could not change the metabolism patterns on ethanol of the cultured calluses. It can be concluded that, ethanol metabolism pattern of calluses in cultures is an innate physiological characteristic of the respective plant species.

Effects of Three Plant Growth Regulators on Yield and Quality of Sunflower

Using Xinshikui No. 5 as the experimental material, the effects of different concentrations of mepiquat chloride （100, 200, 300,400, 500 mg/L）, chlormequat chloride （800, 1200,1 600, 2 000, 2 400 rag/L） and paclobutracol （50, 75, 100, 125, 150 mg/L） on yield and quality of sunflower were investigated. The results showed that plant growth regulators could improve the yield and quality of sunflower seeds to varying degrees. Specifically, 400 mg/L mepiquat chloride （ D4 ）, 800 mg/L chlormequat chloride （ Cl ） and 75 mg/L paelobutracol （ P2 ） significantly improved disk diameter, seed weight per disc, 100-sced weight, seed kernel rate and yield of sunflower; 400 mg/L mepiquat chloride （ D4 ）, 1 200 mg/L chlormequat chloride （ C2 ） and 75 mg/L paclobutracol （ P2 ） improved crude protein content, crude fat content, length and width of sunflower seeds. Based on comprehensive consideration, paclobutraeol is the most appropriate plant growth regulator for improving the yield and quality of sunflower in Xinjiang, and the optimal application concentration is 75 mg/L.

Study on Promoting Cabbage Growth with Diethy Amioethyl Hexanoate 5% AS

Field efficacy trials showed that Diethy Amioethyl Hexanoate 5% AS could promote growth and increase yield of cabbage. The cabbage yield increase rate was up to 40.37% by using reagent dilution 2 000 -2 500 times twice, so Diethy Diethy Amioethyl Hexanoate 5% AS is an ideal agent for regulating cabbage growth and increasing yield.