Study on the variation in and selection of Fraxinus mandshurica provenances and families in northeast China

Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.is one of the main afforestation species in northeast China,and there is great demand for improved F.mandshurica varieties.The results of an investigation into and analysis of the growth traits of F.mandshurica provenances and families showed that there were significant differences in different periods.However,variations in growth traits decreased year by year.There was a significant negative correlation between tree heights of the provenances and sunshine hours in their areas of origin.The provenances of Xinglong,Hailin and Wuchang were selected based on the volume of 18-year-old trees.The average genetic gain from the selection of fast-growing provenances was 19.4%.Ten superior fast-growing families were selected.The average volume of the selected families was22.6%,higher than that of all families.The correlation coefficient between heights at 6-year-old and at 18a was 0.838for provenances,and between heights at 4-year-old and at 18-year-old was 0.303 for families.These results indicate that early selection for height in provenances or families could be performed at 6 years or 4 years,respectively.Early selection for DBH and volume in families could start at 8 years.

Provenance and Paleoclimate of the Triassic to Middle Jurassic Adigrat Sandstone,Blue Nile Basin,Central Ethiopia

Mineralogical and geochemical studies have been undertaken on the Triassic to Lower Jurassic Adigrat Sandstone of the Blue Nile Basin of central Ethiopia to infer its source rock type,paleoweathering,and paleoclimatic history.The Adigrat Sandstone occurs at the basal section of the Mesozoic sedimentary formation and unconformably overlays the Neoproterozoic–Paleozoic crystalline rocks,or locally,the Karroo sediments in the northern Blue Nile Basin.A mineralogical study reveals that quartz(Q),feldspars(F),and lithic fragments(L)are the framework grains of the sandstone.On the QFL diagram,the plot of the modal composition of the sandstone mainly falls within the feldspathic arenite and quartzose arenite fields.The geochemical data of the lower section of the sandstone mainly falls within the arkose and subarkose fields,whereas the upper section data falls within the quartzose and sublithic arenite fields.Mineralogical and geochemical weathering indices indicate that the provenances of the Adigrat Sandstone were exposed to pronounced weathering intensity,where the lower part of the sandstone was controlled by arid to semi-arid conditions,whereas the upper section was linked to humid to semi-humid(tropical to subtropical)climatic conditions.Mineralogical and geochemical data also indicate that mafic to intermediate basement rocks were the primary source rocks of the sediment.Perhaps the sediment was assumed to have been reworked by multi-cyclic sedimentary processes.The discriminant function diagram,the REE pattern,La/Th vs.La/Yb,and the Th–Hf–Co plot are consistent.A comparison of provenance studies for the Adigrat Sandstone in the Blue Nile Basin and the Mekele outlier of northern Ethiopia indicates that the sediment of the former is highly sorted,experienced higher weathering intensity,and compositionally derived from mafic to intermediate crystalline rocks.On the other hand,the sediment of the latter is essentially a weathering product of felsic rocks.

Provenance of Conglomerate and Sandstone from Early Permian Shoushangou Formation in Xi Ujimqin,Inner Mongolia:Implications for Understanding Paleo-Asian Ocean Subduction

During the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian,a rift was formed by post-collisional extension after ocean closure or an island arc-related basin formed by Paleo-Asian Ocean(PAO)subduction in the Xi Ujimqin area.Nevertheless,the closure time of the PAO is still under debate.Thus,to identify the origin of the PAO,the geochemistry and U-Pb age of zircons were analyzed for the extra-large deep marine,polymict clastic boulders and sandstones in the Shoushangou Formation within the basin.The analyses revealed magmatic activity and tectonic evolution.The conglomerates include megaclasts of granite(298.8±9.1 Ma)and granodiorite porphyry(297.1±3.1 Ma),which were deposited by muddy debris flow.Results of this study demonstrated that the boulders of granitoids have the geochemistry of typical I-type granite,characterized by low Zr+Nb+Ce+Y and low Ga/Al values.The granitoid boulders were formed in island arc setting,indicating the presence of arc magmatism in the area that is composed of the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian subduction-related granitoid in southern Xi Ujimqin.Multiple diagrams for determining sedimentary provenance using major and trace elements indicate that Shoushangou sediments originated from continental island arc-related felsic rocks.Detrital zircon U-Pb age cluster of 330–280 Ma was obtained,indicating input from granite,ophiolite,Xilin Gol complex,and Carboniferous sources to the south.The basin was geographically developed behind the arc during the Early Permian period because the outcropped intrusive rocks in the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian form a volcanic arc.The comprehensive analyses of source areas suggest that Shoushangou sediments developed in a backarc basin in response to the northward subduction of the PAO.The backarc basin and intrusive rocks,in addition to previously published Late Carboniferous to Early Permian magmatic rocks of arc unit in Xilin Gol,confirm the presence of an Early Permian trencharc-basin system in the region,represented by the Baolidao arc and Xi Ujimqin backarc basin.This study highlights the importance and potential of combined geochemical and geochronological studies of conglomerates and sandstone for reconstructing the geodynamic setting of a basin.

Effect of N Fertilization on Yield, N Absorption and Utilization of Two Species of Super High-Yielding Summer Maize

[Objective] The aim was to study on effects of N fertilizer on yield, N absorption and utilization of different cultivars of super high-yielding summer maize, in order to provide reference for reasonable N fertilization in accordance with different cultivars. [Method] Field experiment was conducted to study on effects of different N fertilizers on yield, N absorption and use efficiency of Zhengdan 958 and Xundan 20, in order to learn the effect differences at different N fertilizer levels. [Result] After N was applied, yields of the two summer maize increased significantly. Zhengdan 958 achieved the highest in yield and proceeds at 12 051.18 kg/hm2 and 1 722.40 yuan/hm2, respectively in low N level. In contrast, Xundan 20 achieved the highest at 13 166.00 kg/hm2 and 1 343.92 yuan/hm2 in the above two aspects in high N level. Compared with Zhengdan 958, Xundan 20 increased by 9.90%, 5.20% and 12.00% in N levels of 0, 240, and 450 kg/hm2, respectively. When N fertilizers were applied, protein yield of Xundan 20 was significantly higher than that of Zhengdan 958, so that higher N fertilizers contributed higher protein yield for Xundan 20. In high N level, N efficiency, N-fertilizer utilization and partial productivity of Xundan 20 were significantly higher than that of Zhengdan 958. [Conclusion] Lower N-fertilizer was suitable for Zhengdan 958 and Xundan 20 would get a good harvest if more N-fertilizers were applied. The results provided references for reasonable N fertilization.

Variation, heredity and selection of effective ingredients in Magnolis officinalis of different provenances

Bark samples of Magnolis officinalis were collected from a 7-year-old trial plantation with 13 provenances in Jingning County of Zhejiang Province on June 25, 2000. The contents of magnolol and honokiol of M. officinalis were analyzed by the method of HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatogram). The results showed that such qualitative traits as the content of magnolol, content of honokiol, total content of key phenols, and the ratio of magnolo to honokiol differ significantly between the provenances. The provenances with a sharpened leaf tip from the western part of Hubei Province has a highest content of phenols, and that with a concave leaf tip from the Lushan Mountain has a lowest content of phenols. All these four qualitative traits were genetically controlled, with a heritability between 0.8342 and 0.9871 in terms of provenance. In addition, both longitudinal and latitudinal geographical variations could be found, with longitudinal variations being dominant. As a result, 3 superior provenances from Wufeng, Enshi and Hefeng of the western part of Hubei as well as 10 high-quality individuals were selected.

Genetic variations of wood properties and growth characters of Ko-rean pines from different provenances

Totally 26 provenance stands of 17-year-old Korean pine were selected for investigating wood properties and growth characters in Mao抏rshan Experimental Forest Farm of Northeast Forestry University in 1999. The anatomical property indexes, including tracheid length, tracheid diameter and wall-indiameter ratio, and the physical property indexes, such as growth ring width, late wood percentage and growth ring density, were measured for wood properties. Growth character indexes, including tree height and diameter at breast height, were also measured. The analytical results showed that there exited obviously dif-ference in wood property indexes between different provenances, which is suggested that wood properties are controlled by their genetic differences. The growth character indexes of Korean pines presented significant difference and they might also be controlled by their genetic differences. Most parameters of wood properties mainly varied in the direction of longitude, but the parameters of growth characters varied in the direction of latitude.

Effects of Ratio of Row Spacing to Intrarow Spacing on Yield and Top Three Leaves of Super High-yielding Early and Late Rice

Using a split plot design, super high-yielding early rice ＆quot;Zhongjiazao 17＆quot;and ＆quot;Ganxin 203＆quot; and super high-yielding late rice ＆quot;Ganxin 688＆quot; and ＆quot;Wufengy-ouT025＆quot; were taken as materials with planting density the same at 312 000 hil s/hm2, to explore the effects of RS/IS （Ratio of row spacing to intrarow row spacing） on yield, top three leaves morphological features and its relationship of them in 2011 and 2012. The results showed that, whether early or late rice, biomass, accumula-tion and apparent utilizing rate of nitrogen were lower in RS/IS5.0 （40.0 cm ＆#215;8.0 cm） treatment, but yield of rice was higher in RS/IS2.0 （25.0 cm ＆#215;12.8 cm） treatment;grain numbers per spike of rice was more in RS/IS2.8 （30.0 cm＆#215;10.7 cm） treatment, and thousand-grain weight of rice was higher in RS/IS1.3 （20.0 cm＆#215;16.0 cm） treat-ment. For 4 varieties of early or late rice aforementioned, basal angle, opening an-gle and leaf area of 2nd leaf from top were larger in RS/IS5.0 treatment, and basal angle and opening angle were smal er in RS/IS2.0 treatment and leaf area smal er in RS/IS1.3 treatment.

Simplified High-yielding Cultivation Technology of Rice

[Objective] The aim was to select simplified high-yielding cultivation technology of rice. [Method] The research explored three methods of farmland prepara- tion, transplanting, and fertilization including shallow rotary tillage and deep ploughing, mechanical transplanting and hand transplanting, controlled-release fertilizer and quantitative fertilization in order to investigate effects of different treatment groups on rice characteristics, economic characteristics, as well as labor saving, yield increasing and profit improving. [Result] Rice increased by 596.4-809.55 kg/hm2, labor saving reached 120-135 per hm2, and profit improved in the range from 5 521.39 to 8 727.48 yuan/hm2 in the treatment groups by combinations of shallow rotary tillage, mechanical transplanting, and controlled-release fertilizer, of shallow rotary tillage, mechanical transplanting, and quantitative fertilization, and of deep ploughing, mechanical transplanting, and controlled release fertilizer. [Conclusion] The three models are of promising prospects in production.

Study on High-yielding Seed Production Technologies of Japonica Hybrid Rice

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the high-yielding seed production technologies of japonica hybrid rice. [Method] Key technologies affecting the seed production of japonica hybrid rice were investigated based on manual transplanting experiment, mechanical transplanting experiment, paclobutrazol chemical control experiment, leaf-clipping experiment, gibberellic acid treatment experiment and experiment of different row ratios of male and female parents. [Result] The duration from seeding to heading was significantly shortened with sowing date postponing. The sowing date of mechanical-transplanting parents should be 3 -4 d earlier than that of manual-transplanting parents. Spraying paclobutrazol had significantly control effect on plant height of rice seedlings, and the spraying dose should be determined based on the sensitivities of different parents to paclobutrazol, with an appropriate range of 600-900 g/hm2 . Leaf clipping had certain improving effect on the seed-setting rate. The appropriate spraying dose of gibberellin for japonica hybrid rice was 75-90 g/hm2 . The yield would be relatively high when row ratio of male and female parent was 6∶2. [Conclusion] This study laid the foundation for improving the yield of produced japonica hybrid rice seeds.

Comparison Experiment of Root Cutting to Castanopsis tibetana Hance between Different Provenances at Seedling Stage

Castanopsis tibetana of five different provenances （Jinxiu, Longsheng, Ziyuan, Hezhou and Leye） were selected as experimental materials to investigate the effects of treatments combining different root lengths and contents of rooting agent on the growth of C. tibetana after transplanting of seedlings. The results showed that, there were significant differences in the preserving rate of C. tibetana seedlings between different provenances and different treatments. Among the 5 treatments, the seedlings of Hezhou provenance showed the maximum annual increment of ground diameter, and the seedlings of Ziyuan provenance exhibited the maximum annual increment of seedling height. Therefore, the germplasm from Hezhou provenance might be better than those from other provenances.

Photosynthetic Characteristic Variation of Different Provenances of Liriodendron chinense Sarg. at Seedling Stage

[Objective]The aim was to study photosynthetic characteristic variation of different provenances of Liriodendron chinense Sarg. at seedling stage and provide the theoretical basis for work of provenance selection,parent selection of hybridizing breeding,genetic resource conservation of L.chinense Sarg.. [Method]With 13 provenances 1-year-old L.chinense Sarg. seedlings as tested materials,the photosynthetic characteristic variation of different provenances were studied. [Result]The L.chinense Sarg. seedlings of different provenances had the significant difference on net photosynthetic rate （Pn）,stomata conductivity （Gs） and water use efficiency （WUE）. The Pn of the highest provenance was 2.36 times the lowest. Majority seed sources light saturation point （LSP） were in 800-1 200 μmol photons/（m2·s）. Gs,transpiration rate （Tr） and Pn were significantly positively correlated,and the three had a significant positive correlation with the light compensation point （LCP）. Pn,LSP and WUE were negatively correlated. [Conclusion]The photosynthetic characteristics of L.chinense Sarg. had significant variation among provenances. Maybe Gs is the important factor leading to difference in Pn of L.chinense Sarg. seedlings. L.chinense Sarg. seedlings still need higher light intensity and more water.

Evaluation of Drought Resistance of Olive Varieties from Different Provenances

In order to study olive’s drought resistance in Yunnan province, different varieties of olive trees from Albania, Italy, Spain and Greece were cultured, and leaves from these trees in drought season and rainy season were col ected and determined by physiological indices, such as proline content, relative electric con-ductivity, binding water/free water, relative water content and malon-dialdehyde in leaves. The evaluation of drought resistance with subordinate function showed that：There were no significant differences among drought resistances of varieties and provenances. The change of physiological indices in different varieties showed differ-ent ranges. The drought resistance of seven varieties decreased in order as fol ows：Koroneiki〉 Picual〉 Berat〉 Kaliniot〉 Frantoio〉 Coratina〉 Arbequina.

Genetic variation and selection of introduced provenances of Siberian Pine(Pinus sibirica) in frigid regions of the Greater Xing'an Range,Northeast China

Siberian Pine （Pinus sibirica） is an ecologically and eco-nomically important species in pristine forests throughout northern Rus-sia. Four provenances of P. sibirica were introduced from Mongolia and Russia to the Greater Xing’an Range （the Daxing’anling）, northeast China in 1993. The aim of this research was to study genetic variation and selection of the introduced four Pinus sibirica provenances. Heights （H）, basal diameters （BD）, survival rates （SR） and crown lengths （CL） of different families were measured as primary outcomes in different growth years. Results of data analyses demonstrated high coefficients of phenotypic variation （PCV） and heritability （H2） for H, BD and CL at 18 years after introduction. PCV and H2 increased with age. Correlations of＆amp;nbsp;growth traits between any two growth years were all significantly positive, but the correlation coefficient was smaller when the growth year interval was larger. Correlations between H and the original environment factors decreased gradually, indicating that with long-term subsistence in the new environment, the influence of the source environment declined. Colligation of multiple traits to estimate provenances showed that Novosibirsk, Tomsk, and Altai Mountains had higher survival rates and biomass, and proved more suitable for introduction and plantation in the Greater Xing’an Range in China.

Genetic variation and division of Pinus sylvestris provenances by ISSR markers

Inter Simple Sequence Repeat （ISSR） was used to detect genetic variation among nine provenances, including 135 individuals. A total of 108 loci were amplified using 10 random primers. The differentiation of the percentage of polymorphic bands （PPB） among different provenances was evident, ranging from 27% to 54%. of which Honghuaerji provenance had the highest PPB and Kalunshan provenance had the lowest PPB. Shannon＇s Information index （1） at species level was 0.1581 and Nei＇s gene diversity （h） was 0.2393. Coefficient of gene differentiation （Gsr） calculated by Popgene was 0.3965, these results indicated that majority of genetic variation （60.35%） was found within provenances. According to dendrogram among pinus sylvestriv provenances, nine provenances were divided into two provenance areas. namely Daxing＇an and Xiaoxing＇an Mountains provenance area and Hulunbeier provenance area.

Germination and early seedling growth of Pinus densata Mast.provenances

We studied seed germination and early seedling growth of Pinus densata to explore the range of variability within the species and to inform afforestation practices. Phenotypes were evaluated at a forest tree nursery under conditions that support Pinus yunnanensis, one of the presumed parental species of P. densata. Seeds were col- lected from 20 open-pollinated trees within each of eight autochthonous populations representing the natural distri- bution of P. densata in China to assess variation in ger- mination traits and early seedling growth, and to examine the relationships among these traits. Results showed that seeds from all populations germinated and seedlings established successfully. There were significant differences among populations in 13 of 14 traits evaluated. Seed germination and early seedling growth were strongly related to seed size and seed weight. Bigger seeds germi- nated earlier and faster than small seeds, and seedling size was positively correlated with seed size. Some germination traits were strongly and significantly correlated with cli- matic variables associated with the provenance of the studied populations. Based on these observations, we conclude there were large, significant, and biologically important differences among P. densata populations in seed germination and seedling growth traits. The observed variability probably reflects a high degree of adaptive dif- ferentiation among populations that is likely to be relevant for future afforestation.

Effects of culm carbohydrate partitioning on basal stem strength in a high-yielding rice population

Rice culm carbohydrate transport can simultaneously affect grain filling and stem lodging resistance by regulating non-structural carbohydrate(NSC) and structural carbohydrate(SC) contents. However, the relationship between carbohydrate transposition and culm strength is not well documented. Accordingly, a high-yielding hybrid rice cultivar(Y Liangyou 2) was tested under different N fertilization regimes at two locations, Taoyuan(a special high-yield eco-site), Yunnan province and Danyang(a representative eco-site of the middle and lower Yangtze), Jiangsu province, China. Significantly higher grain yield and basal stem strength were found at Taoyuan than Danyang under all N rates throughout the two-year experiment. At heading stage, soluble sugars, starch, cellulose and lignin contents of the basal culm at Taoyuan were significantly 132.0%, 73.7%, 1.2%, and 62.7% higher than those at Danyang, respectively. At 20 days after heading, soluble sugars and starch content at Taoyuan decreased significantly compared to Danyang, but lignin content remained higher. Culm carbohydrate transport to kernels at Taoyuan was significantly greater than that at Danyang, and the proportion of soluble sugars and starch was correspondingly 62.9%lower. However, the proportion of lignin and cellulose was 22.7% higher at Taoyuan than that at Danyang. Soluble sugars and starch partitioning were significantly reduced under an increased nitrogen application rate, but SC partitioning was little affected. There were significant positive correlations between basal culm bending stress and dry weight and cellulose and lignin proportions at both locations under all N rates, suggesting that the higher SC proportion at 20 days after heading was primarily responsible for culm strength.These results suggest that high-yielding rice populations with greater culm strength require both moderate NSC transport and greater SC accumulation.

Seasonal variation of microelement contents in leaves of Cyclocarea paliurus among the provenances

Cyclocarya paliurus as a multiple function plant can accumulate biologically important microelement elements.To reveal the variation of selected microelement concentrations in leaves of C.paliurus provenances during the growing season,12 C.paliurus provenances in the field trial were sampled five times at approximately 1-month intervals.The method of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer（ICP-OES） was employed to determinate average concentrations of Fe,Mn,Zn,Cu and Se in leaves of 12 C.paliurus provenances.The results show that on average,the concentrations of five microelement in the leaves follows an order of Fe Mn Zn Cu Se.Variance analysis shows that there are significant differences in Fe,Mn and Zn concentrations among the twelve provenances（p0.05）,while there is no significant difference between Cu and Se concentrations.A significant difference was also observed in the concentrations of five microelements at the different sampling times（p0.001）,but the mean concentrations for each microelement showed different temporal dynamic patterns.Meanwhile,a significant correlation between concentrations of Se and other measured microelements was detected in the leaves of C.paliurus,except for Mn.Obtained results not only demonstrated that leaves of C.paliurus exhibited higher levels of microelements（Fe,Mn,Cu,Zn and Se）,but also provided a basis for breeding strategies of superior provenances with rich content of microelements,and choosing optimum harvesting time for food industry in future.

Variations in bark thickness and sapwood density of Calophyllum inophyllum provenances in Australia and in Sri Lanka

Sapwood density and bark thickness of Calophyllum inophyllum L. （a multipurpose durable timber species） were studied in various locations in Northern Australia and in Sri Lanka. Measurements were taken non-destructively by using core sampling and bark gauge. From each provenance, 4–15 mature trees having girth at breast height over bark （GBHOB） at 100–150 cm were selected on the basis of the population size. Significant （p0.05） hemispheric and provenance variations in bark thickness were found. Variations in the bark thickness are influenced by environmental variables. Variations in sapwood density were less pronounced compared to that of bark thickness. Variations in sapwood density are likely to be governed by genotypic variations.

Differentiation of Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Ten Provenances of Eucalyptus Microtheca

An investigation of seed germination and early seedling growth of Eucalyptus microtheca was based onseed collection from 10 widely,separated provenanes in Australia. Genetic variation of seed germination and carly seedling growth was observed among a series of provcnances whose natural habitats range from different climatic condition Inthe ten provenances, both the model of seed relative germination percentage and the model of seed total germination percentage fitted Logistic regression [y=a/(1+exp(-cx+b))]. In comparison with provenanccs from four high temperature (meanannual maximum temperature >30.0 ℃: mean annual minimum temperature > 17.0 ℃) areas, six low temperature (meanannual maximum temperature <30℃, mean annual minimum temperature <17.0 ℃) areas showed the thst genninationrate and the high total germination percentage, For each provenance we have 45 seedlings equally divided into three watering levels (100%, 50%. and 25% of field capacity), and studies on relationship between early seedling growth and climaticfactors of the natural habitat of provenance. In control treatment. height growth of the seedling has beeb associated with intrinsically the driest quarter precipitation in the seed collection areas of provenance. In all the treatments, length growth ofthe biggest Ieaf of the seedling was related to mean annual maximum temperature and mean annual minimum temperaturein origin of provenance. In contrast, basal diameter growth of the seedling was related to mean annual minimum temperature of the seed collection areas in water stress treatment. From an ecological viewpint, the fast germination rate and thehigh total germination perecntage of the seed and rapid early grouth of the seedling appear to bc favourable adaptations tothe climatic conditions prevailing in the natural habitat of provenance.

Plant Ideotype at Heading for Super High-Yielding Rice in Double-Cropping System in South China

The newly released super high-yielding hybrid rice combinations, Yueza 122, Fengyou 428, Peiza 67, and the super high-yielding conventional cultivars, Guangchao 3 and Shengtai 1, were grown in both early and late seasons. The morphological characters of each population were investigated at the heading stage, and the data were analyzed by using ANOVY and other statistic methods. The plant ideal morphological characters at the heading stage were established as follows： 1 ） for the early-season cropping, 90-105 cm plant height; 11-12 tillers per plant; 35-40 em length and 2.1-2.2 cm width of flag leaf; 46-50 cm length and 1.8-2.1 cm width of the second leaf from the top （L2）; 59-64 cm length and 1.4-1.9 cm width of the third leaf from the top （L3）; 7°-14°, 18° and 200-33° for the ideal leaf angles of the flag leaf, L2 and L3, respectively; 2） for the late-season cropping, 90-100 cm plant height; 9-15 tillers per plant; 30-41 cm length and 1.8-2.0 cm width of flag leaf; 53-61 cm length and 1.3-1.8 cm width of L2; 52-58 cm length and 1.2-1.5 cm width of L3; 9°-19°, 15°-37° and 16°-49° for the ideal leaf angles of the flag leaf, L2 and L3, respectively. The main physiological characteristics of these varieties were also analyzed.