Variation in floral characters,particularly floral scent,in sapromyophilous Stemona species

Flowers or inflorescences often deploy various signals, including visual, olfactory, and gustatory cues,that can be detected by their pollinators. In many plants,these cues and their functions are poorly understood.Deciphering the interactions between floral cues and pollinators is crucial for analyzing the reproductive success of flowering plants. In this study, we examined the composition of the fetid floral scents produced by several Stemona species, including nine S. tuberosa populations from across China, using dynamic headspace adsorption, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry techniques. We compared variations in floral phenotype,including floral longevity, nectar rewards, pollinator behavior, and flower length and color among the Stemona species. Of the 54 scent compounds identified,the major compounds include fetid dimethyl disulfide,dimethyl trisulfide, 1-pyrroline, butyric acid, p-cresol,isoamyl alcohol, and indole. We detected striking differentiation in floral scent at both the species and population level, and even within a population of plants with different colored flowers. Floral characteristics related to sapromyophily and deceptive pollination,including flower color mimicking livor mortis and a lack of nectar, were found in five Stemona species, indicating that Stemona is a typical sapromyophilous taxon. Species of this monocot genus might employ evolutionary tactics to exploit saprophilous flies for pollination.

蓝花楹开花特性及其花器官构造特征观察

以生长在四川省成都市温江区内两个不同地点的蓝花楹为材料,对其开花特性及花器官特征进行调查。结果表明:蓝花楹在温江地区存在一年两花现象,即5～6月为花期Ⅰ,8～10月为花期Ⅱ,花期Ⅰ的花量大于花期Ⅱ。同时,对蓝花楹的花序和花器官构造进行了观察与描述,旨在为今后蓝花楹在园林植物上的应用提供依据。

Cytomorphology of Gentiana kurroo: an important endangered bitter plant of temperate Himalaya

Gentiana kurroo, a potent bitter drug plant of Indian subcon- tinent, is under threat due to over exploitation and destruction of natural habitat. We studied the murphophenology and chromosomes of G. kurtoo on both wild and field grown plants, which is very important for proper identification, conservation and domestication. Results reveal that G. kurroo is a perennial herb, and its shoot is represented by flowering branches only. Stem is modified to rhizome. The older rhizomes split into four parts at collar region appearing to fuse together at the ends and is an important diagnostic feature for crude raw materials. Two types of leaves i.e. radical leaves at the base of the plant and canline leaves on flowering shoot are present. Flowering occurs during September to October with 1-9 inflorescences per plant. Inflorescence is terminal monoca- sial cysome type. Mowers are protrandus. Anthesis starts around 7.30 am and continued till 10.0 am. Ovary is bicarpillary syncarpous unilocular. Fruit is Capsule and takes 18-20 days to mature after fertilization. Seeds are very small elliptical and 1 000 seeds weigh to 0.1275 g. Chromosomal studies made by usual squash method reveals the species is a genomic allotetreploid with n = 13. The anaphase-I segregation was normal and in none of the cells at Anaphase-I or Telophase-I could any abnor- mality like laggards, bridges, micronuclei etc. be observed.

Comparative Studies of the Biochemical Parameters of the Leaves and Seeds of Moringa oleifera

Comparative studies of the biochemical parameters of the leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera was carried out to provide additional information on the nutritional status of the leaf and seed of M, oleifera. The vegetative and floral characters of the plants collected were examined, floral diagram and formular were recorded. Protein variation in the dry seed and leaf is an indication of protein polymorphism and this depicts the genetic divergence in the leaf and seed ofM. oleifera. Protein bands at 0.4, 1.1, 3.9 and 5.8 are taxonomically distinct, thus diagnostically separated the dry seed from other samples. Proximate analysis shows that the dry samples are more nutritious than the wet samples.

黄山花菇多糖FMP3-1的化学结构与免疫活性研究

为研究黄山花菇多糖FMP3-1的理化性质、结构及免疫活性,本文采用热水浸提、DEAE-纤维素离子交换及葡聚糖凝胶等提取分离技术从黄山花菇中获得了一个均一多糖组分FMP3-1,并进一步采用高效凝胶渗透色谱(HPGPC)、气相色谱(GC)、气相色谱-质谱联用(GC-MS)、核磁共振(NMR)、部分酸水解等技术手段对FMP3-1的化学结构进行了解析,并对FMP3-1和酸水解产物FMP3-1S进行免疫活性实验研究。结果表明,FMP3-1的分子量为5.74×105Da;由甘露糖、葡萄糖和半乳糖三种单糖组成,摩尔比率为1.00∶9.23∶0.57;FMP3-1的主链由(1→4)-β-DGlcp、(1→6)-β-D-Glcp和(1→6)-β-D-Manp组成,在(1→6)-β-D-Glcp和(1→6)-β-D-Manp的O-3位连有支链1-β-D-Glcp和1-β-D-Galp。免疫活性实验结果表明FMP3-1能促进巨噬细胞Raw264.7增殖与分泌NO,提高吞噬能力,具有很好的免疫活性,且免疫活性受支链结构影响较大。

Studies on Vegetative and Reproductive Ecology of Paris polyphylla Smith: A Vulnerable Medicinal Plant

Paris polyphylla Smith is an important medicinal plant that is considered vulnerable in many parts of the world. The species exhibits poor adaptability to changed environment and susceptible to climatic conditions for reproductive vigor. During the present study the species was studied in four different natural niches as well as synthetic habitats to check the adaptability to artificial conditions, its morphological and physiological characters and its interaction in its community so that conservation strategies could be worked out. The present study indicates that P. polyphylla exhibits healthy growth as well as reproduction in undisturbed area with canopy covers over 80%. The plant grows in well-drained rich humus soil and grows well with certain key associated species such as Quercus species, Taxus baccata, Aconitum species, Eupatorium adenophorum, Smilax species etc. Many plants were non-flowering and more than 60% were found non-flowering in its habitat during its flowering season in any particular year. There are clear morphological changes as the flowers stages from pre-fertilization to post-fertilization. Arrangement of anthers in two whorls shows a distinct and unique floral display. Light is an important factor during seed setting and less than 50% shade lowers the seed productivity very significantly. Predators such as slugs and snails are found on the plant. Urgent conservation and new innovative ways are necessary to propagate this economically important plant to ensure its continuity.

水稻花器官数目突变体fon6的研究初报

fon6是在籼稻恢复系乐恢188/明恢62杂交F3代发现的花器官数目突变体,表型分析结果表明:该突变体小花颖壳畸形扭曲、内颖长于外颖不闭合;每朵小花内外颖壳总数目2～4片;雄蕊数目为1～14枚;雌蕊数目增加,子房数目2～6个,胚囊畸形。突变体套袋自交结实率为14.06%,花粉活力较高,平均花粉可染率为91.86%。自交种子能正常萌发成苗,突变性状表现稳定的遗传特性。以突变体为父本分别与蜀恢527、明恢63杂交,F2代群体中正常株与突变株的分离均符合3∶1的比例,F3代及BC1F2代进一步的观察与统计结果均表明,该突变性状受1对隐性核基因控制,将该突变基因暂定名为fon6(floral organ number6)。