A functional characterization of TaMs1 orthologs in Poaceae plants

TaMs1 encodes a non-specific lipid transfer protein(nsLTP) and is required for pollen development in wheat. Although MS1 is a Poaceae-specific gene, the roles of MS1 genes in other Poaceae plants are unknown, especially in rice and maize. Here, we identified one ortholog in rice(OsLTPg29) and two orthologs in maize(ZmLTPg11 and ZmLTPx2). Similar to TaMs1, both OsLTPg29 and ZmLTPg11 genes are specifically expressed in the microsporocytes, and both OsLTPg29 and ZmLTPg11 proteins showed lipid-binding ability to phosphatidic acid and several phosphoinositides. To determine their roles in pollen development, we created osltpg29 mutants and zmltpg11 zmltpx2 double mutants by CRISPR/Cas9.osltpg29, not zmltpg11 zmltpx2, is defective in pollen development, and only OsLTPg29, not ZmLTPg11,can rescue the male sterility of tams1 mutant. Our results demonstrate that the biological function of MS1 in pollen development differs in the evolution of Poaceae plants.

The Complete Chloroplast Genome of <i>Poa pratensis</i>(Poaceae), a High-Quality Forage

Poa pratensis L. (Poaceae) is a hardy, persistent, attractive forage and turf grass adapted to a wide range of soils and climate. In this study, we release and detail the complete chloroplast genome sequences of P. pratensis. The whole chloroplast genome was 135,649 bp in length and comprised 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes. The P. pratensis chloroplast genome had a GC content of 38.3%. The result of phylogenetic analysis showed that P. pratensis was closely related to P. pratensis cv. Qinghai and P. poophagorum. This study would provide useful genetic information for the protection of P. pratensis and other related species.

Effectiveness of Cyhalofop-butyl EW for Control of Poaceae Weeds in Transplanted Rice in China

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of different rates of 10% cyhalofop-butyl EW for control of Poaceae weeds in transplanted rice in China. [Method] The experimental and eco-friendly herbicide, 10% cyhalofop-butyl EW, was applied in field trials in 2013 to investigate its efficacy in five representa-tive rice producing areas, one in each of the provinces Anhui, Hunan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Liaoning. [Result] The results showed that 10% cyhalofop-butyl EW could effectively control Poaceae weeds in transplanted rice without negative effects on the rice crop. The optimal application rate of 10% cyhalofop-butyl EW was found to be 750-1 500 ml/hm2. [Conclusion] The study confirmed that 10% cyhalofop-butyl EW has clear potential for wide-spread adoption in rice production systems.

Evaluating the Discriminatory Power of DNA Barcodes in Panicoideae, Poaceae

DNA barcoding is a powerful technique for species identification with little morphological knowledge, by using short sections of DNA from a specific region of the genome. Two core barcode markers, rbcL and matK, and a supplementary nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region were used to examine the effectiveness of the markers for Poaceae barcoding using 133 individuals of 36 taxa across 23 genera of Korean Panicoideae. We also aimed to establish a DNA barcode database for the major weeds of Korean Panicoideae. All three markers revealed a good level of amplification and sequencing success. As a single DNA marker, the ITS region achieved the highest species resolution, followed by matK. Resolving power was increased when nrlTS was incorporated into the core barcode markers. The best resolving power was obtained with a combination of matK ＋ ITS with 89.7%, followed by rbcL ＋ matK ＋ ITS with 89.3%. Thus, rbcL may be not necessary as a DNA barcode for Panicoideae species identification, when considering cost and effectiveness. Instead, a combination of matK ＋ ITS is proposed as the most suitable DNA barcode for the species identification of Panicoideae, Poaceae. We conclude that DNA barcoding using a combination of matK ＋ ITS could be one of powerful techniques for the identification of Poaceae species, The barcode sequences were deposited to the National Center for Biotechnology Information （NCBI） database for public use.

Phytochemical Screening and Toxicity Assessment of Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae) Raw Extracts with Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina) Lethality Assay

Background: Herbal medicinal preparations are used as dietary supplements for disease prevention and as alternative/complementary medicine. The growing interest in herbal medicine raises the question of its safety and efficacy. Numerous recorded cases of intoxication and toxicological studies reveal that medicinal plants can be toxic, which hinders their safe use. Plant intoxications related to a variety of factors include plant organs and many extraction solvents. Little toxicological data on medicinal plants is available. The need to investigate is important for safe use. Imperata cylindrica, a poaceae, is one of the medicinal plants for which few toxicological data are available. Materials & Methods: To expand toxicological data, water, 70% ethanol, and 30% acetone extracts of the leaves and roots, obtained by maceration and reflux methods, were used for phytochemicals molecules qualitative detection and toxicity test by the brine shrimp lethality assay. Results: The qualitative analysis of the different extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, polyphenolic compounds, saponins, and polyterpenoids. The toxicity endpoint was lethal concentration 50 (LC50). The leaves’ extracts LC50 was between 489.78 μg/mL and 1066.6 μg/mL. As for the root extracts, the LC50 was between 341.98 μg/mL and 1530 μg/mL. Discussion: The different compounds’ presence justifies the use of Imperata cylindrica as a medicinal plant. According to Clarkson classification the root extracts are moderately toxic (LC50: 168.47 μg/mL), and leaf extracts are weakly toxic (LC50: 527.25 μg/mL). The extrapolation made in relation to the Gosselin, Smith, and Hodge scale, allows us to characterize the Imperata cylindrica root and leaf extracts as non-toxic to humans by oral route. Conclusion: This result can be a base for more precise toxicological studies.

Phytoaccumulation Potential of Three Endogenous Poaceae Species Grown on the Akouedo Landfill (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)

The selection of adequate plant species is a prerequisite for cleaning-up trace metal contaminated-soils by phytoaccumulation which is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly technology. The potential of Panicum maximum, Eleusine indica and Cynodon dactylon to uptake trace metals from the soil of the Akouedo landfill was investigated. The concentrations of trace metals in soil were also considered. Moreover, the accumulation of Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb and Cd was assessed based on bioconcentration factor, translocation factor. The results showed high concentration values in the soil of the abandoned and the operation site of the landfill compare to the control site. The highest concentrations of trace metals in the plant shoot were observed with P. maximum for Ni. In root biomass, Zn, Cu and Cd showed high concentrations with P. maximum, E. indica and C. dactylon. Furthermore, the highest values of bioconcentration factor (BCF) and the translocation factor (TF) for Ni, were respectively 111.98 ± 82.45 and 4.26 ± 1.75 and were recorded with P. maximum. P. maximum, suggesting that it can be considered as a Ni hyperaccumulator.

（1,3;1,4）-β-D-Glucans in Cell Walls of the Poaceae, Lower Plants, and Fungi： A Tale of Two Linkages

（1,3;1,4）-β-D-Glucans consist of unbranched and unsubstituted chains of （1,3）- and （1,4）-β-glucosyl residues, in which the ratio of （1,4）-β-D-glucosyl residues to （1,3）-β-D-glucosyl residues appears to influence not only the physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide and therefore its functional properties in cell walls, but also its adoption by different plant species during evolution. The （1,3; 1,4）-β-D-glucans are widely distributed as non-cellulosic matrix phase polysaccharides in cell walls of the Poaceae, which evolved relatively recently and consist of the grasses and commercially important cereal species, but they are less commonly found in lower vascular plants, such as the horsetails, in algae and in fungi. The （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucans have often been considered to be components mainly of primary cell walls, but recent observations indicate that they can also be located in secondary walls of certain tissues. Enzymes involved in the depolymerisation of （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucans have been well characterized. In contrast, initial difficulties in purifying the enzymes responsible for （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan biosynthesis slowed progress in the identification of the genes that encode （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan synthases, but emerging comparative genomics and associated techniques have allowed at least some of the genes that contribute to （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan synthesis in the Poaceae to be identified. Whether similar genes and enzymes also mediate （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan biosynthesis in lower plants and fungi is not yet known. Here, we compare the different fine structures of （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucans across the plant kingdom, present current information on the genes that have been implicated recently in their biosynthesis, and consider aspects of the cell biology of （1,3;1,4）-β-D-glucan biosynthesis in the Poaceae.

Root structure syndromes of four families of monocots in the Middle Urals

The present article tests the following general assumption:plant taxa with different specializations towards mycorrhizal interactions should have different root syndromes.Roots of 61 species common in boreal zone were studied:16 species of Poaceae,24 species of Cyperaceae,14 species of Orchidaceae,and 7 species of Iridaceae.Using a fixed material of 5 individuals of each species,the following was determined:number of orders of branching roots;transverse dimensions of root,stele and cortex;number of primary xylem vessels and exodermis layers;length of root hairs;abundance of mycorrhiza.Species of each family had well-defined syndromes.Roots of Orchidaceae and Iridaceae were thick with a large stele and developed exodermis.Orchidaceae had no branching roots and had long root hairs.In Iridaceae,roots were branched,and root hairs were short.Roots of Poaceae and Cyperaceae were thin with a relatively thin stele.Root hairs were short in Poaceae and long in Cyperaceae.Our finding that root syndromes of four families of monocots differed is a new and unexpected discovery.The high specificity of root syndromes in Cyperaceae,Iridaceae,Poaceae,and Orchidaceae indicates that species of these families use different strategies to obtain water and soil nutrients.

荆州市18种禾本科观赏草的灰色关联度分析

在对湖北省荆州市内各种典型景观——公园、居住区、道路、风景区进行调研的基础上,利用灰色关联度分析法,对荆州市18种禾本科(Gramineae)观赏草的的生境、抗性、植株观赏叶色和花序等6个性状进行了综合评价。结果表明,综合评价较高的禾本科观赏草品种有白茅(Imperata cylindrica Beauv.)、狼尾草(Pennisetum alopecuroides)、荻(Triarrherca sacchariflora)、结缕草(Zoysia japonica)、芦苇(Phragmites australis)、箬竹(Indocalamus tessellatus)。这6种观赏草节水耐旱潜力巨大,观赏价值高,可以用于园林绿化美化。

In vitro morphogenic response of leaf sheath of Phyllostachys bambusoides

Nodal segments from secondary branches of saplings of Phyllostachys bambusoides were inoculated in MS medium to assess the in vitro morphogenic response of leaf sheath through the induction to callogenesis by Picloram（4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid） at different concentrations of carbohydrate under the same conditions with presence or absence of luminosity.In our experiment,secondary explants were kept in MS medium containing 8.0 mg·L-1 of Picloram for the callus formation.Calluses were transferred in MS medium supplemented with sucrose,fructose and glucose（control,2%,4% and 6%）.Results show that Picloram induced the callogenesis in leaf sheath.The secondary embryogenesis was formed in yellow-globular callus.The sucrose as carbohydrate source in the absence of light was more efficient to induce rhizogenesis.Glucose was more efficiency in the presence of light.Callogenic induction and further embryogenesis evidenced the competence and determination of leaf sheath cells.

Modeling of the height–diameter relationship using an allometric equation model:a case study of stands of Phyllostachys edulis

Understanding the relationship between tree height （H） and diameter at breast height （D） is vital to forest design, monitoring and biomass estimation. We developed an allometric equation model and tested its applicability for unevenly aged stands of moso bamboo forest at a regional scale. Field data were collected for 21 plots. Based on these data, we identified two strong power relationships： a corre- lation between the mean bamboo height （Hm） and the upper mean H （Hu）, and a correlation between the mean D （Din） and the upper mean D （Du）. Simulation results derived from the aUometric equation model were in good agreement with observed culms derived from the field data for the 21 stands, with a root-mean-square error and relative root-mean-square error of 1.40 m and 13.41%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the allometric equation model had a strong predictive power in the unevenly aged stands at a regional scale. In addition, the estimated average height-diameter （H-D） model for South Anhui Province was used to predict H for the same type of bamboo in Hunan Province based on the measured D, and the results were highly similar. The allometric equation model has multiple uses at the regional scale, including the evaluation of the variation in the H- D relationship among regions. The model describes the average H-D relationship without considering the effects caused by variation in site conditions, tree density and other factors.

Single Cellular Algae Digestive Supplement Designed by Yeast &Lactobacillus Rearranged Leukocyte Subsets through Activation of Complement Components

A plant fermentation was carried out by Yeast and Lactobacilli against single cellular algae (f-Chlorella). These materials were proved by as safe in animal safety experiment. We sought to look into changes of immune-competent cells that commonly utilized f-Chlorella including after administration of immno-suppressed animals. The effects by f-Chlorella on the regurational effect to the host were measured. Our results showed that f-Chlorella regulated the level of lymphocytes, while conventional-Chlorella worked to adjust the level of granulocytes. In our clinical study with 20 healthy volunteers, granulocyte and lymphocyte ratio was obtained as neutral in the peripheral blood. In rodents, immune-compromised host as well as normal animal were prepared with cancer chemotherapeutic agent (Mytomycin-C), and then tried to rescue the immune-competent rebel. Our observations showed that both Chlorella derivatives regulated in number and functions. The effect was more prominent in f-Chlorella than that of conventional one. We discussed the significance and mechanism of f-Chlorella on the level of leukocyte subsets in number and function. These effects were considered to bring the potential elevation of antibody secreting cell by the localized heamolysis in gel method. We also proposed an idea that exhibited tonic effects were brought via activating the complement components in the serum. Moreover, we tried to access further to the anti-oxidative activities of this f-Chlorella. This modification brought to the significant lifted up for immune competent cells and anti-oxidative activity for phagocytic cells.

A Contribution to Pollen Rain Characterization in Forest-Savanna Mosaics of the Venezuelan Guayana and Its Use in Vegetation Reconstructions from Sedimentary Records

The main results of a study of pollen representation in surface soils from different plant communities in the upland savannas of Guayana were presented. The representation of savanna herb pollen mainly belonging to the Poaceae and Cyperaceae was high in open communities such as fernlands, grasslands and Mauritia palm swamps, but decreased as vegetation structure became more closed and woody;from savanna-forest borders to secondary forests and lastly, evergreen montane forests;mimicking the gradient of vegetation openness observed in living plant communities. Thus, the proportion of savanna herb pollen in herbaceous communities: swamps, fernlands and grasslands, reached over 80% and arboreal pollen contributed less than 10%. This ratio changed in savanna-forest borders where savanna herb pollen decreased to 60% or less and the proportion of arboreal pollen rose to 30% or higher. Lastly, in forest soils, pollen abundances from trees (Dimorphandra, Protium, Schefflera), shrubs (Miconia and other Melastomataceae) and lianas contributed higher than 60% of the pollen sum, even in open gallery forests and fallows. The lack of pollen from cassava, the main crop in the forests of the region, at these sites was remarkable. The ordination of sediment samples from 4 records from the Late Holocene with respect to the soil surface samples studied, showed that the characterization of pollen rain was useful for identifying long-term compositional and structural changes in the sedimentary records, thus providing objective indicators for the interpretation of past vegetation structure.

Plant Digestive Supplement Designed by Lactobacillus Regulated Leukocyte Subsets through Activation of Complement Components and Implication for Use against Tumor Bearing Host against Infection

A plant material consisted by Family Poaceae was fermented by Yeast and Lactobaccilli (U-164). This material was proved by as safe in animal safety experiment for oral administration. In order to prove the effect of U-164 against physiological function, the animal and human trials were set up to look into mainly leukocyte functions. In animal experiment, anti-oxidative effect and antibody response in immune-compromised host and diabetes meritus were made up. For human use, peripheral lymphocyte in number and subset ratio were followed up to one month after administration. In order to understand its effect, human complement component analysis was made by immune-electrophoresis. Our results showed that U-164 augmented the level of lymphocytes, while U-164 down regulated the level of granulocytes. In our clinical study with 19 healthy volunteers, granulocyte and lymphocyte ratio was obtained as neutral in peripheral blood being increased significantly 30 days after the ingestion of U-164. In experimental animal study, the compromised host as well as normal animal was administered with cancer chemotherapeutic agent (Mytomycin-C). Our observations showed against antibody producing cell, this material recovered the antibody production in the host compromising the immure responsiveness. We also proposed an idea that U-164 exhibited tonic effects via activating complement components. Moreover, we tried to access further to the anti-oxidative activities of this U-164. This modification brought to the significant lifted up for anti-oxidative activity for phagocytic cell.

Xyloglucans of Monocotyledons Have Diverse Structures

Except in the Poaceae, little is known about the structures of the xyloglucans in the primary walls of monocotyledons. Xyloglucan structures in a range of monocotyledon species were examined. Wall preparations were isolated, extracted with 6 M sodium hydroxide, and the extracts treated with a xyloglucan-specific endo-（1→4）-β-glucanase preparation. The oligosaccharides released were analyzed by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography and by matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Oligosaccharide profiles of the non-commelinid monocotyledons were similar to those of most eudicotyledons, indicating the xyloglucans were fucogalactoxyloglucans, with a XXXG a core motif and the fucosylated units XXFG and XLFG. An exception was Lemna minor （Araceae）, which yielded no fucosylated oligosaccharides and had both XXXG and XXGn core motifs. Except for the Arecales （palms） and the Dasypogonaceae, which had fucogalactoxyloglucans, the xyloglucans of the commelinid monocotyledons were structurally different. The Zingiberales and Commelinales had xyloglucans with both XXGn and XXXG core motifs; small proportions of XXFG units, but no XLFG units, were present. In the Poales, the Poaceae had xyloglucans with a XXGn core motif and no fucosylated units. In the other Poales families, some had both XXXG and XXGn core motifs, others had only XXXG; XXFG units were present, but XLFG units were not.

Endophytic Colletotrichum from tropical grasses with a new species C. endophytica

t Endophytic fungi are a diverse and important group of microorganisms.We investigated the occurrence of Colletotrichum species as endophytes in two common tropical grass species,Pennisetum purpureum(dwarf napier)and Cymbopogon citratus(lemon grass)in Thailand.Combined phylogenetic analysis of ITS,partial sequences of actin(ACT),calmodulin(CAL)and glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH)gene regions and morphology were used to characterize the species.This is the first report of an association as endophytes of Colletotrichum fructicola,C.tropicale and C.siamense with Pennisetum purpureum,and C.fructicola and C.siamense with Cymbopogon citratus.Colletotrichum endophytica sp.nov.associated with Pennisetum purpureum,is introduced based on multi-locus phylogenetic analysis with descriptions and illustrations.The potential hyperdiversity of the endophytic Colletotrichum species associated with tropical grasses is discussed with an emphasis on future research.

Temperature and precipitation,but not geographic distance,explain genetic relatedness among populations in the perennial grass Festuca rubra

Aims Knowledge of genetic structure of natural populations and its determinants may provide key insights into the ability of species to adapt to novel environments.In many genetic studies,the effects of climate could not be disentangled from the effects of geographic proximity.We aimed to understand the effects of temperature and moisture on genetic diversity of populations and separate these effects from the effects of geographic distance.We also wanted to explore the patterns of distribution of genetic diversity in the system and assess the degree of clonality within the populations.We also checked for possible genome size variation in the system.Methods We studied genetic variation within and among 12 populations of the dominant grass Festuca rubra distributed across a unique regional-scale climatic grid in western Norway,Europe and explored the importance of temperature,precipitation and geo-graphic distance for the observed patterns.We also explored the distribution of genetic diversity within and among popula-tions,identified population differentiation and estimated degree of clonality.The analyses used microsatellites as the genetic marker.The analyses were supplemented by flow cytometry of all the material.Important Findings All the material corresponds to hexaploid cytotype,indicating that ploidy variation does not play any role in the system.The results indicate that temperature and precipitation were better predictors of genetic relatedness of the populations than geographic distance,suggesting that temperature and precipitation may be important determinants of population differentiation.In addition,precipitation,alone and in interaction with temperature,strongly affected population genotypic diversity suggesting increased clonality towards the coldest and especially the coldest wettest climates.At the same time,individuals from the coldest and wettest climates also had the high-est individual genetic diversity,suggesting that only the most hetero-zygous individuals survive under these harsh climates.Most of the genetic variation was distributed within populations,suggesting that most populations have sufficient genetic diversity to adapt to novel climatic conditions.The alpine populations,i.e.populations which are likely the most endangered by climate change,however,lack this potential due to the high levels of clonality as detected in our study.

Microbiostatic, antioxidative and cytotoxic potentiation of some grasses of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate biological potential of methanol and n-hexane extracts of aerial parts in seven species of family Poaceae.METHODS: Qualitative phytochemical tests were done by using standard protocols. In vitro antioxidant activity was performed via different assays and antimicrobial potential was observed via disc diffusion method. Cytotoxic activity was carried out using brine shrimps’ assay.RESULTS: Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols,steroids, saponins, tannins, anthocyanins and coumarins in most of the plant extracts. Maximum antioxidant and antimicrobial potential were observed in Cymbopogon citratus methanol extract and Cymbopogon citratus n-hexane extract along with significant number of total flavonoids and phenols contents. However, Polypogon monspeliensis methanol extract and Polypogon monspeliensis n-hexane extract showed minimum antioxidant as well as antimicrobial potential. Moreover, methanol extracts showed a cytotoxic effect with their effectiveness ranked Polypogon monspeliensis methanol extract > Cymbopogon citratus methanol extract > Phalaris minor n-hexane extract > Aristida funiculata methanol extract > Stipagrostis plumosa methanol extract > Cenchrus ciliaris methanol extract > Panicum antidotale methanol extract. Similarly, n-hexane plant extracts revealed cytotoxic activity in decreasing order Cenchrus ciliaris n-hexane extract > Stipagrostis plumosa n-hexane extract > Phalaris minor n-hexane extract > Aristida funiculata n-hexane extract > Polypogon monspeliensis n-hexane extract > Panicum antidotale n-hexane extract > Cymbopogon citratus n-hexane extract respectively.CONCLUSION: Methanol extracts exhibit significant antioxidant and antimicrobial potential which can be correlated to their medicinal values. The observed brine shrimp’s lethality of the plant extracts revealed the presence of potent cytotoxic components in these plants.

New Aliphatic Alcohol and Ester Constituents from Rice Hulls of Oryza sativa

Six new aliphatic alcohol and ester compounds of n-octacos-9-enyl propionate （1）, 4-（3-formylheptyl）cyclohexyl 4-（cyclohexylcarbonyloxymethyl）cyclohexyl-carboxylate （2）, n-hentriacont-25-en-5α-ol （3）, n-hexetriacont-9,26-dien-8α,11β,23α-triol （4）, n-tetracontan-15α-ol （5） and n-tritetracontan-5α-ol （6） were isolated from the hulls of Oryza sativa. The structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.

Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Analysis for Economically Important Food Crops

The objective of this review is to summarize numerous studies on the use of the random amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） technique on rice, corn, wheat, sorghum, barley, rye, and oats to examine its feasibility and validity for assessment of genetic variation, population genetics, mapping, linkage and marker assisted selection, phylogenetic analysis, and the detection of somaclonal variation. Also we discuss the advantages and limitations of RAPD. Molecular markers have entered the scene of genetic improvement in different fields of agricultural research. The simplicity of the RAPD technique made it ideal for genetic mapping, plant and animal breeding programs, and DNA fingerprinting, with particular utility in the field of population genetics.