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.

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.

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.

The Effect of Plant Growth Regulator and Active Charcoal on the Development of Microtubers of Potatoes

With the detoxicated seedling of a potato cultivation breed named “Mire” as the material, the effect of auxins CCC, 6-BA, and active carbon to microtubers of potato (Solanum tubersum L.) was investigated under the in-vitro circumstances. The result indicated the exogenous auxins improved the production and quality of microtubers of potatoes. The effect of induction can be described as CCC > CCC + 6-BA > 6-BA > CK, the number of microtubers in per flask is 8.17 > 7.67 > 7.29 > 5.46, and the number of large potatoes in per flask is 6.33 > 5.17 > 3.17 > 1. In addition, by adding 0.5‰ of active charcoal, the growth period was shortened from 25.0 days to 9.33 days on average, and the amount of larger potatoes increased 8.54%. These results benefited the growth of microtubers of potato.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effect of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Callus Induction and in vitro Rapid Propagation of Wild Petunia Juss.

In this study,the seeds of wild Petunia Juss.were used as explants to investigate the optimal condition for tissue culture.Several different kinds and concentrations of growth regulators were adopted to produce more multiple bud clumps,callus or roots in this study.The experiments may provide experimental foundation for the rapid propagation technology and establishment of tissue culture system for wild Petunia Juss.

The associated regulators and signal pathway in rIL-16/CD4 mediated growth regulation in Jurkat cells

IL-16 is a ligand and chemotactic factor for CD4+ T cells. IL-16 inhibits the CD3 mediated lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The effects of IL-16 on the target cells are dependent on the cell type, the presence of co-activators etc. To understand the regulation function and mechanism of IL-16 on target cells, we used a 130 a.a. recombinant IL-16 to study its effects on the growth of Jurkat T leukemia cells in vitro. We found that the rIL-16 stimulated the proliferation of Jurkat cells at low dose (10^-9M), but inhibited the growth of the cells at higher concentration (10^-5M). Results showed that 10^-5 M of rIL-16 treatment induced an enhanced apoptosis in Jurkat cells. The treatment blocked the expression of FasL, but up-regulated the c-myc and Bid expression in the cells. Pre-treatment of PKC inhibitor or MEK1 inhibitor markedly increased or decreased the rIL-16 induced growth-inhibiting effects on Jurkat cells, respectively.The results suggested that the rIL-16 might be a regulator for the growth or apoptosis of Jurkat cells at a dose-dependent manner. The growth-inhibiting effects of rIL-16 might be Fas/FasL independent, but,associated with the activation of PKC, up-regulated expression of c-Myc and Bid, and the participation of the ERK signal pathway in Jurkat cells.

Regulation role of miR-204 on SIRT1/VEGF in metabolic memory induced by high glucose in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM:To examine the regulatory role of microRNA-204(miR-204)on silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)under highglucose-induced metabolic memory in human retinal pigment epithelial(hRPE)cells.METHODS:Cells were cultured with either normal(5 mmol/L)or high D-glucose(25 mmol/L)concentrations for 8d to establish control and high-glucose groups,respectively.To induce metabolic memory,cells were cultured with 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d followed by culture with 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d.In addition,exposed in 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d and then transfected with 100 nmol/L miR-204 control,miR-204 inhibitor or miR-204 mimic in 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d.Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was used to detect miR-204 mRNA levels.SIRT1 and VEGF protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemical and Western blot.Flow cytometry was used to investigate apoptosis rate.RESULTS:It was found that high glucose promoted miR-204 and VEGF expression,and inhibited SIRT1 activity,even after the return to normal glucose culture conditions.Upregulation of miR-204 promoted apoptosis inhibiting SIRT1 and increasing VEGF expression.However,downregulation of miR-204 produced the opposite effects.CONCLUSION:The study identifies that miR-204 is the upstream target of SIRT1and VEGF,and that miR-204 can protect hRPE cells from the damage caused by metabolic memory through increasing SIRT1 and inhibiting VEGF expression.

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.

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.

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.

Potential of Plant Growth Regulators on Modulating Rooting of <i>Rosa centifolia</i>

Rosa centifolia is grown for its flowers which are used for essential oil extraction. It is vegetatively propagated through its cuttings which are difficult to root. This study was designed to increase the rooting percentage of cuttings by applying plant growth regulators (PGRs) with different levels. In total 31 treatments with different concentrations (450 ppm, 700 ppm and 950 ppm) of indole butyric acid (IBA), indole acetic acid (IAA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) alone, in combination and with same concentrations of 6-benzylamino purine (BAP) were used. Healthy similar sized cutting of R. centifolia was treated in solution of PGRs by quick dip method and planted in polythene bags. The data for shoot length, shoot dry weight, number of roots, root length and root dry weight were recorded. All three levels (450 ppm, 700 ppm and 950 ppm) of IBA alone produced maximum results in case of all parameters as compared to all other treatments. Among three levels of IBA, 450 ppm concentration produced maximum shoot length (10.67 cm), shoot dry weight (3.02 g), number of roots (14.00), root length (11.90 cm) and root dry weight (0.50 g). Lower concentrations of plant growth regulators produced better results as compared to higher concentrations.

Effect of Growth Regulators on Seed Germination and Its Significance in the Management of <i>Aeginetia indica</i>L. —A Root Holoparasite

Seed germination in root holoparasites depends on receipt of certain chemical signals from the host plant. It is possible to induce germination in such seeds without the association of hosts by using growth regulators under in vivo and in vitro conditions. IAA, GA3 and Kinetin have been used to induce seed germination in Aeginetia indica L. to analyse the possible ways of exploiting knowledge of germination for the management of this weed. Seeds pre treated with 50 mg·L–1 of GA3 showed the production of aseptate, uninucleate root hair-like tubules, which probably help in the anchorage with host root. Under in vitro, GA3 (5.0 and 7.5 mg·L–1) has been found to induce and enhance percentage of seed germination. Therefore, it is concluded that GA3 could be used to bring suicidal germination of seeds thereby manage this parasitic weed effectively. Further production of uninucleate tubules and organisation of conventional bi-polar seedling under the influence of GA3 is being reported for the first time in this taxon.