p-d Orbital Hybridization Engineered Single-Atom Catalyst for Electrocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis

The rational design of metal single-atom catalysts(SACs)for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR)is challenging.Two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks(2DMOFs)is a unique class of promising SACs.Up to now,the roles of individual metals,coordination atoms,and their synergy effect on the electroanalytic performance remain unclear.Therefore,in this work,a series of 2DMOFs with different metals and coordinating atoms are systematically investigated as electrocatalysts for ammonia synthesis using density functional theory calculations.For a specific metal,a proper metal-intermediate atoms p-d orbital hybridization interaction strength is found to be a key indicator for their NRR catalytic activities.The hybridization interaction strength can be quantitatively described with the p-/d-band center energy difference(Δd-p),which is found to be a sufficient descriptor for both the p-d hybridization strength and the NRR performance.The maximum free energy change(ΔG_(max))andΔd-p have a volcanic relationship with OsC_(4)(Se)_(4)located at the apex of the volcanic curve,showing the best NRR performance.The asymmetrical coordination environment could regulate the band structure subtly in terms of band overlap and positions.This work may shed new light on the application of orbital engineering in electrocatalytic NRR activity and especially promotes the rational design for SACs.

Morphological and molecular evidence for natural hybridization between Sorbus pohuashanensis and S. discolor (Rosaceae)

In overlapping distribution areas of Sorbus pohuashanensis and S.discolor in North China(Mount Tuoliang,Mount Xiling and Mount Baihua),Sorbus indi-viduals were found with pink fruit,which have never been recorded for the flora of China.Fourteen morphological characters combined with four chloroplast DNA markers and internal transcribed spacer(ITS)were used to analyze the origin of the Sorbus individuals with pink fruits and their relationship to S.pohuashanensis and S.discolor.PCA,SDA and one-way(taxon)ANOVA of morphological characters provided convincing evidence of the hybrid ori-gin of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits based on a novel morphological character and many intermediate characters.Haplotype analysis based on four cpDNA markers showed that either S.pohuashanensis or S.discolor were maternal parents of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits.Incongru-ence of the position of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits between cpDNA and ITS in cluster trees supported by DNA sequence comparative analysis,implying former hybridiza-tion events between S.pohuashanensis and S.discolor.Mul-tiple hybridization events between S.pohuashanensis and S.discolor might have contributed to the generation of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits.This study has provided insights into hybridization between species of the same genus in sympatric areas,which is of great significance for the study of interspecific hybridization.

Scale-space effect and scale hybridization in image intelligent recognition of geological discontinuities on rock slopes

Geological discontinuity(GD)plays a pivotal role in determining the catastrophic mechanical failure of jointed rock masses.Accurate and efficient acquisition of GD networks is essential for characterizing and understanding the progressive damage mechanisms of slopes based on monitoring image data.Inspired by recent advances in computer vision,deep learning(DL)models have been widely utilized for image-based fracture identification.The multi-scale characteristics,image resolution and annotation quality of images will cause a scale-space effect(SSE)that makes features indistinguishable from noise,directly affecting the accuracy.However,this effect has not received adequate attention.Herein,we try to address this gap by collecting slope images at various proportional scales and constructing multi-scale datasets using image processing techniques.Next,we quantify the intensity of feature signals using metrics such as peak signal-to-noise ratio(PSNR)and structural similarity(SSIM).Combining these metrics with the scale-space theory,we investigate the influence of the SSE on the differentiation of multi-scale features and the accuracy of recognition.It is found that augmenting the image's detail capacity does not always yield benefits for vision-based recognition models.In light of these observations,we propose a scale hybridization approach based on the diffusion mechanism of scale-space representation.The results show that scale hybridization strengthens the tolerance of multi-scale feature recognition under complex environmental noise interference and significantly enhances the recognition accuracy of GD.It also facilitates the objective understanding,description and analysis of the rock behavior and stability of slopes from the perspective of image data.

Enhanced and asymmetric signatures of hybridization at climatic margins: Evidence from closely related dioecious fig species

Hybridization plays a significant role in biological evolution. However, it is not clear whether ecological contingency differentially influences likelihood of hybridization, particularly at ecological margins where parental species may exhibit reduced fitnesses. Moreover, it is unknown whether future ecosystem change will increase the prevalence of hybridization. Ficus heterostyla and F. squamosa are closely related species co-distributed from southern Thailand to southwest China where hybridization, yielding viable seeds, has been documented. As a robust test of ecological factors driving hybridization, we investigated spatial hybridization signatures based on nuclear microsatellites from extensive population sampling across a widespread contact range. Both species showed high population differentiation and strong patterns of isolation by distance. Admixture estimates exposed asymmetric interspecific gene flow.Signatures of hybridization increase significantly towards higher latitude zones, peaking at the northern climatic margins. Geographic variation in reproductive phenology combined with ecologically challenging marginal habitats may promote this phenomenon. Our work is a first systematic evaluation of such patterns in a comprehensive, latitudinally-based clinal context, and indicates that tendency to hybridize appears strongly influenced by environmental conditions. Moreover, that future climate change scenarios will likely alter and possibly augment cases of hybridization at ecosystem scales.

Cryptic divergences and repeated hybridizations within the endangered “living fossil” dove tree(Davidia involucrata) revealed by whole genome resequencing

The identification and understanding of cryptic intraspecific evolutionary units(lineages) are crucial for planning effective conservation strategies aimed at preserving genetic diversity in endangered species.However, the factors driving the evolution and maintenance of these intraspecific lineages in most endangered species remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted resequencing of 77 individuals from 22 natural populations of Davidia involucrata, a “living fossil” dove tree endemic to central and southwest China. Our analysis revealed the presence of three distinct local lineages within this endangered species, which emerged approximately 3.09 and 0.32 million years ago. These divergence events align well with the geographic and climatic oscillations that occurred across the distributional range.Additionally, we observed frequent hybridization events between the three lineages, resulting in the formation of hybrid populations in their adjacent as well as disjunct regions. These hybridizations likely arose from climate-driven population expansion and/or long-distance gene flow. Furthermore, we identified numerous environment-correlated gene variants across the total and many other genes that exhibited signals of positive evolution during the maintenance of two major local lineages. Our findings shed light on the highly dynamic evolution underlying the remarkably similar phenotype of this endangered species. Importantly, these results not only provide guidance for the development of conservation plans but also enhance our understanding of evolutionary past for this and other endangered species with similar histories.

Manipulating d-d orbital hybridization induced by Mo-doped Co_(9)S_(8) nanorod arrays for high-efficiency water electrolysis

Precisely refining the electronic structure of electrocatalysts represents a powerful approach to further optimize the electrocatalytic performance.Herein,we demonstrate an ingenious d-d orbital hybridization concept to construct Mo-doped Co_(9)S_(8) nanorod arrays aligned on carbon cloth(CC)substrate(abbreviated as Mo-Co_(9)S_(8)@CC hereafter)as a high-efficiency bifunctional electrocatalyst toward water electrolysis.It has experimentally and theoretically validated that the 4d-3d orbital coupling between Mo dopant and Co site can effectively optimize the H_(2)O activation energy and lower H^(*)adsorption energy barrier,thereby leading to enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)activities.Thanks to the unique electronic and geometrical advantages,the optimized Mo-Co_(9)S_(8)@CC with appropriate Mo content exhibits outstanding bifunctional performance in alkaline solution,with the overpotentials of 75 and 234 mV for the delivery of a current density of 10 mA cm^(-2),small Tafel slopes of 53.8 and 39.9 mV dec~(-1)and long-term stabilities for at least 32 and 30 h for HER and OER,respectively.More impressively,a water splitting electrolylzer assembled by the self-supported Mo-Co_(9)S_(8)@CC electrode requires a low cell voltage of 1.53 V at 10 mA cm^(-2)and shows excellent stability and splendid reversibility,demonstrating a huge potential for affordable and scalable electrochemical H_(2) production.The innovational orbital hybridization strategy for electronic regulation herein provides an inspirable avenue for developing progressive electrocatalysts toward new energy systems.

Enhanced Redox Electrocatalysis in High‑Entropy Perovskite Fluorides by Tailoring d–p Hybridization

High-entropy catalysts featuring exceptional properties are,in no doubt,playing an increasingly significant role in aprotic lithium-oxygen batteries.Despite extensive effort devoted to tracing the origin of their unparalleled performance,the relationships between multiple active sites and reaction intermediates are still obscure.Here,enlightened by theoretical screening,we tailor a high-entropy perovskite fluoride(KCoMnNiMgZnF_(3)-HEC)with various active sites to overcome the limitations of conventional catalysts in redox process.The entropy effect modulates the d-band center and d orbital occupancy of active centers,which optimizes the d–p hybridization between catalytic sites and key intermediates,enabling a moderate adsorption of LiO_(2)and thus reinforcing the reaction kinetics.As a result,the Li–O2 battery with KCoMnNiMgZnF_(3)-HEC catalyst delivers a minimal discharge/charge polarization and long-term cycle stability,preceding majority of traditional catalysts reported.These encouraging results provide inspiring insights into the electron manipulation and d orbital structure optimization for advanced electrocatalyst.

Asymmetric orbital hybridization in Zn-doped antiperovskite Cu_(1-x)Zn_(x)NMn_(3)enables highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen production

Rational design of efficient and robust earth-abundant alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)catalysts is a key factor for developing energy conversion technologies.Currently,antiperovskite nitride CuNMn_(3)has garnered significant interest due to its remarkable properties such as negative/zero thermal expansion and magnetocaloric effects.However,when utilized as hydrogen evolution catalysts,it encounters large challenge resulting from excessively strong/weak interactions with adsorbed H on Mn/Cu active sites,which leads to low HER activity.In this study,we introduce an asymmetric orbital hybridization strategy in Zn-doped Cu_(1-x)Zn_(x)NMn_(3)by leveraging the localization of Zn electronic states to reconfigure the electronic structures of Cu and Mn,thereby reducing the energy barrier for water dissociation and optimizing Cu and Mn active sites for hydrogen adsorption and H_(2)production.Electrochemical evaluations reveal that Cu_(0.85)Zn_(0.15)NMn_(3)with x=0.15 demonstrates exceptional electrocatalytic activity in alkaline electrolytes.A low overpotential of 52 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2)and outstanding stability over a 150-h test period are achieved,surpassing commercial Pt/C.This research offers a novel strategy for enhancing HER performance by modulating asymmetric hybridization of electron orbitals between multiple metal atoms within a material structure.

Cryptic diversity and rampant hybridization in annual gentians on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau revealed by population genomic analysis

Understanding the evolutionary and ecological processes involved in population differentiation and speciation provides critical insights into biodiversity formation. In this study, we employed 29,865 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) and complete plastomes to examine genomic divergence and hybridization in Gentiana aristata, which is endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP) region. Genetic clustering revealed that G. aristata is characterized by geographic genetic structures with five clusters(West, East, Central, South and North). The West cluster has a specific morphological character(i.e., blue corolla) and higher values of FSTcompared to the remaining clusters, likely the result of the geological barrier formed by the Yangtze River. The West cluster diverged from the other clusters in the Early Pliocene;these remaining clusters diverged from one another in the Early Quaternary. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on SNPs and plastid data revealed substantial cyto-nuclear conflicts. Genetic clustering and D-statistics demonstrated rampant hybridization between the Central and North clusters,along the Bayankala Mountains, which form the geological barrier between the Central and North clusters. Species distribution modeling demonstrated the range of G. aristata expanded since the Last Interglacial period. Our findings provide genetic and morphological evidence of cryptic diversity in G. aristata, and identified rampant hybridization between genetic clusters along a geological barrier.These findings suggest that geological barriers and climatic fluctuations have an important role in triggering diversification as well as hybridization, indicating that cryptic diversity and hybridization are essential factors in biodiversity formation within the QTP region.

An optimized protocol using Steedman’s wax for high-sensitivity RNA in situ hybridization in shoot apical meristems and flower buds of cucumber

In situ mRNA hybridization(ISH)is a powerful tool for examining the spatiotemporal expression of genes in shoot apical meristems and flower buds of cucumber.The most common ISH protocol uses paraffin wax;however,embedding tissue in paraffin wax can take a long time and might result in RNA degradation and decreased signals.Here,we developed an optimized protocol to simplify the process and improve RNA sensitivity.We combined embedding tissue in low melting-point Steedman’s wax with processing tissue sections in solution,as in the whole-mount ISH method in the optimized protocol.Using the optimized protocol,we examined the expression patterns of the CLAVATA3(CLV3)and WUSCHEL(WUS)genes in shoot apical meristems and floral meristems of Cucumis sativus(cucumber)and Arabidopsis thaliana(Arabidopsis).The optimized protocol saved 4–5 days of experimental period compared with the standard ISH protocol using paraffin wax.Moreover,the optimized protocol achieved high signal sensitivity.The optimized protocol was successful for both cucumber and Arabidopsis,which indicates it might have general applicability to most plants.

Plasmonic hybridization properties in polyenes octatetraene molecules based on theoretical computation

Relationship of plasmonic properties of multiple clusters to molecular interactions and properties of a single cluster or molecule have become increasingly important due to the continuous emergence of molecular and cluster devices or systems.A hybrid phenomenon similar to plasmonic nanoparticle hybridization exists between two molecules with plasmon excitation modes.We use linear-response time-dependent density functional theory,real-time propagation time-dependent density functional theory,the plasmonicity index,and transition contribution maps(TCMs)to identify the plasmon excitation modes for the linear polyenes octatetraene with–OH and–NH_(2)groups and analyze the hybridization characteristics using charge transitions.The results show that molecular plasmon hybridization exists when the two molecules are coupled.The TCM analysis shows that the plasmon modes and hybridization result from collective and single-particle excitation.The plasmon mode is stronger,and the individual properties of the molecules are maintained after coupling when there is extra charge depose in the molecules because the electrons are moving in the molecules.This study provides new insights into the molecular plasmon hybridization of coupled molecules.

Phytogenetic Studies on Intergeneric Hybridization Between Brassica napus and Matthiola incana

The intergeneric hybridization between Brassica napus L. cv. oro and Matthiola incana (L.) R. Br. was carried out to study the phytogenetic peculiarities of the hybrid plants. In order to improve the oil quality of rape seed, ovaries of B. napus pollinated with pollen of M. incana, were cut off and inoculated onto MS media supplemented with various plant hormones at the 7th day after pollination. Two mature embryos were obtained from 750 pollinated ovaries cultured in vitro. The percentage of seed set was 0.26%. The mature embryos were transferred onto the MS media supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 6-BA + 0.1 mg/L NAA, and a compound bud was produced later. The compound bud was then cut into a number of single buds, which were transferred onto fresh media. Twenty-two plantlets in vitro were developed from the above single buds. The hybrid plants (F-1) were basically intermediate between the two parents in many,characters with a few showing hybrid vigor. The fertility of hybrid plants (F-1) was poor. Cytological studies revealed that the hybrid plants (F-1) were mixoploid. in nature. The chromosome number of many somatic cells was 2n = 26, which was the sum of the chromosome number of the two parents. The chromosome number of other somatic cells was 2n = 38, similar to that of B. napus. The hybrid offspring (F-2) from the selfed hybrid plants (F-1) showed polymorphism. Among the hybrid offspring (F-2) some were nearly matroclinous and fertile, similar to B. napus. some others were intermediate between the two parents and less fertile, and a few were poorly developed and nearly infertile. From the hybrid offspring a few plants with improved seed-oil quality were obtained.

Isolation and Identification of Submergence-induced Genes in Maize (Zea mays) Seedlings by Suppression Subtractive Hybridization

To investigate the expression profile of maize genes induced by submergence, a subtracted cDNA library of maize seedling roots was constructed using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). The cDNA of maize seedling roots treated with submergence (ST) was used as tester and what from untreated roots (UT) as driver. Products of the secondary PCR from the forward subtraction were cloned into T/A vector and transferred into Escherichia coli strain JM10B by electroporation. Four hundred and eight randomly chosen transformants carrying cDNA fragments were screened with PCR-Select Deferential Screening Kit. One hundred and eighty-four cDNA clones were identified as, submergence specifically induced or highly expressed. After sequencing and removing redundant cDNAs, we got 95 submergence-induced cDNA clones. Of the 95 cDNA clones, 68 contain the regions with 60%-90% identity to their homolog in GenBank, 21 are expected to be novel genes, only 6 correspond to the published maize sequences.

The Distribution of Repetitive DNAs Along Chromosomes in Plants Revealed by Self-genomic in situ Hybridization

The distribution of repetitive DNAs along chromosomes is one of the crucial elements for understanding the organization and the evolution of plant genomes. Using a modified genomic in situ hybridization （GISH） procedure, fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH） with genomic DNA to their own chromosomes （called self-genomic in situ hybridization, self-GISH） was carried out in six selected plant species with different genome size and amount of repetitive DNA. Nonuniform distribution of the fluorescent labeled probe DNA was observed on the chromosomes of all the species that were tested. The signal patterns varied among species and were related to the genome size. The chromosomes of the small Arabidopsis genome were labeled almost only in the pericentromeric regions and the nucleolus organizer regions （NORs）. The signals in the relatively small genomes, rice, sorghum, and Brassica oleracea var. capitata L., were dispersed along the chromosome lengths, with a predominant distribution in the pericentromeric or proximal regions and some heterochromatic arms. All chromosomes of the large genomes, maize and barley, were densely labeled with strongly labeled regions and weakly labeled or unlabeled regions being arranged alternatively throughout the lengths. In addition, enhanced signal bands were shown in all pericentromeres and the NORs in B. oleracea var. capitata, and in all pericentromeric regions and certain intercalary sites in barley. The enhanced signal band pattern in barley was found consistent with the N-banding pattern of this species. The GISH with self-genomic DNA was compared with FISH with Cot-1 DNA in rice, and their signal patterns are found to be basically consistent. Our results showed that the self-GISH signals actually reflected the hybridization of genomic repetitive DNAs to the chromosomes, thus the self-GISH technique would be useful for revealing the distribution of the regions where repetitive DNAs concentrate along chromosomes and some chromatin differentiation associated with repetitive DNAs in plants.

Research and Breeding Application Progress of the Technique of Producing Double Haploid of Wheat by Wide Hybridization between Wheat and Maize

The technique of producing doublehaploid of wheat by distant hybridization between wheat and maize has characterized with better inducing effect, shorter in- ducing period, easy operation, and so on. At present, it is the most efficient and has great potential of application in breeding of wheat. This article reviewed princi- ple and production process of the technique, research situation of the three key in- dicators of the technology（embryo rate, seedling rate and success rate of doubling）in recent years, and application of the technology in breeding, genetics, germplasm improvement of wheat. At last, both the achievements and the direction of further improvement and development of the technology in our program were discussed.

Identification of Phosphorus Starvation Inducible Genes in Rice by Suppression Subtractive Hybridization

Phosphorus is one of the three essential macroelements for plant growth. Plants respond to phosphorus starvation through adaptive mechanisms involved in morphological, biochemical and molecular changes. To investigate the molecular background of the adaptive mechanisms, the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method was used to construct a rice phosphorus-starvation ( Pi-starvation) induced cDNA library. Through screening of the cDNA library and sequencing of the enriched cDNAs, 18 known genes and 47 novel genes were identified. The known genes are involved in different metabolic processes, including phosphate uptake and transport, signal transduction, protein synthesis and degradation, carbon metabolism and stress response. Northern analysis was performed to detect the expression patterns of some known genes and novel genes under different phosphorus levels. Different expression patterns of the selected genes were identified, which suggests that genes involved in different pathways may have different responses to Pi-starvation.

Interspecific Hybridization between Cucumis ssp. Plants and SRAP Analysis of Hybrids

To understand the inter-hybridization between Cucumis ssp.plants,we used 150 melon varieties as female parents to cross with Cucumis metuliferus and Cucumis anguria.Only melon accessions V2 and V129 set fruits,but seeds from fruits V2（V129）×C.metuliferus were abortive.A few of seeds from the bottom of fruit V2（V129）×C.anguria were fertile.Sequence-related amplified polymorphism（SRAP）molecular markers were used to analyze the progenies of inter-specific hybridization between C.anguria and melon V129.One pair primer（E14/M2）was found effective in amplification on male parent characteristic bands from the hybrids,suggesting that some DNA exchange had happened between C.anguria and melon V129.This study provided data for analyzing the mechanism of inter-hybridization between Cucumis plants.

Exploration and Innovation of Distant Hybridization Germplasm of Oryza sativa and Spartina alterniflora

[Objective] The aim was to explore salt-resistant Spartina alterniflora and high-yield rice with germplasm resource in order to create new salt-resistant rice species with dual-purpose of food and forage. [Method] From 2009 to 2011, re- searches on distant hybridization of Spartina alterniflora and Oryza Sativa have been conducted with method of distant hybridization breeding. On the other hand, break- through and combination techniques （four selected one） were adopted to find the new rice species, including techniques of planting and selection in seashore, cyto- logical detection and selection, phenotype selection of backcross, and molecular marker assisted selection. [Result] Success rate of distant hybridization from 2009 to 2010 was 1.39%. RAPD molecular identification of 7C14 and rice female parent of Zhongxiang No.l, seed 2 was carried on with distant hybridization of male parent of Spartina altemiflora （H）. The results showed that bands same with Spartina alterni- flora parents were found in RH-1-10K205-7C14xH, RH-2-8K157-7C14xH, and RH-13- 9H5-Zhongxaing No.1 xH. Considering absent situation in rice parents, distant hy- bridization strains above were found with same parental genetic element as Spartina alterniflora. Female parent of rice 7K339, however, was under RAPD molecular identification with male parent of Spartina alterniflora. The result showed that bands same with Spartina alterniflora parents were found in RH-5-10K215, RH-6-8K48, RH- 12-9H9, RH-14-9H8 and RH-16-9H28. Considering absent situation in rice parents, distant hybridization strains above were found with same parental genetic element as Spartina altemiflora. Rest hybrid strains were found variance with Spartina alterniflora parents and rice parents in varying degrees. [Conclusion] New and excellent rice species of dual-purpose solves problem not only about salt-resistant species badly needed in coastal development and treatment of saline and alkaline land, but about fine fodder and roughage for herbivore, as well. What＇s more, this is of scientific significance in recourse utilization, efficiency improvement in agriculture, food security, and cultivation strategy.

Detection of Differentiation Among BB, CC and EE Genomes in the Genus Oryza by Two-probe Genomic in situ Hybridization (GISH)

The genus Oryza consists of two cultivated species (O. sativa L. and O. glaberrima Steud.) and approximately 20 wild relative species widely distributed in the pan-tropics. These species have been classified into four complexes following the Vaughan's taxonomic system([1]). The O. officinalis complex is the largest complex in the genus, which includes ten species, having BE, CC, on, and EE genomes in the diploids as well as BBCC and CCDD genomes in the tetraploids. The relationships among the BE, CC, and EE genomes still remain unclear, although previous studies have indicated certain affinities of these genomes([2-4]). Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) is a powerful technique to detect the relationships among the related genomes at chromosome and DNA levels. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationships among the BE, CC and EE genomes in the genus Oryza by the two-probe GISH.

Soft X ray Diagnosis on Seed Development and Observation on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Artificial Hybridization in Cunninghamia and Cryptomeria

An intergeneric artificial hybridization was conducted between Cunninghamia R. Br. and Cryptomeria D.Don The results are as follows:1. A considerable number of hybrid seeds shed from 76 pollinated cones were empty and a total of 628 looks plump. Soft X ray radiographs showed that, still and all, a majority of the “plump" seeds were embryoless (597, 95.6%) whereas some were partially developed (17,2.7%) and only a few were really full (14, 2.2%). 2. Germination test showed that all of the radiographed hybrid seeds with fully developed embryos were germinable whereas those with partially developed embryos were ungerminable. 3. Physiologically, the growth rate of hypocotyl, the date for shedding of seed coat and spreading of cotyledons, the elongation of epicotyl, and the branching of shoot of the 11 month old seedlings showed a tendency to fall behind those of the female parent; morphologically, the 11 month old hybrid seedlings with linear leaves appeared rather short, slender and weak, whereas the seedlings of the female parents with linear_lanceolate leaves appeared rather tall, stout and strong. 4. It is considered that the hybrid may be true and the crossability reveals a close phylogenetic affinity of Cunninghamia with Cryptomeria.