Diversity and regeneration of woody species were investigated in two ecological niches viz. gap and intact vegetation in old-growth seasonally dry Shorea robusta （Gaertn. f.） forests in Nepal. We also related variet...Diversity and regeneration of woody species were investigated in two ecological niches viz. gap and intact vegetation in old-growth seasonally dry Shorea robusta （Gaertn. f.） forests in Nepal. We also related varieties of diversity measures and regeneration at- tributes to gap characteristics. Stem density of tree and shrub components is higher in the gap than in the intact vegetation. Seedling densities of S. robusta and Terminalia alata （B. Heyne ex Roth.） are higher in the gap than in the intact vegetation, while contrary result is observed for T. bellirica （Gaertn. ex Roxb.） and Syzigium cumini （L. Skeels） in term of seedling density. The complement of Simpson index, Evenness index, and species-individual ratio in the seedling layer are lower in the gap than the intact vegetation. Gap size can explain species richness and species establishment rate. Gaps created by multiple tree falls in different years have higher seedling density of S. robusta than gaps created by single and/or multiple tree falls in the same year. In conclusion, gaps maintain species diversity by increasing seedling density, and favor regeneration of Sal forests. In addition to gap size, other gap attributes also affect species diversity and regeneration.展开更多
A study was conducted to examine the natural regeneration of three dry forest species, Lysiloma divaricatum （Jacq.）, Tabebuia ochracea （Cham.） and Lonchocarpus minimiflorus （Donn. Sin.） over a three-year period ...A study was conducted to examine the natural regeneration of three dry forest species, Lysiloma divaricatum （Jacq.）, Tabebuia ochracea （Cham.） and Lonchocarpus minimiflorus （Donn. Sin.） over a three-year period and to analyze heterogeneity of regeneration in relationship to topographic slope and incidence of light in Chacocente Wildlife Reserve in Nicaragua. Permanent sample plots were established in 2001, and all individuals with height as low as 10 cm and diameter as large as 10 cm were recorded for three consecutive years from 2001 to 2003. The results show that the density of naturally regenerated individuals varied significantly among species, as well as over time. L. minimiflorus and T. ochracea had higher densities compared with L. divaricatum, and the net change in population density was slightly positive for T. ochracea only. Regeneration was more abundant in the gentle and steep slopes under partial exposure of the crown to sunlight, thus resulting in aggregated pattern of distribution, especially for L. minimiflorus and T. ochracea. We concluded that natural regeneration alone is not sufficient to maintain the desired number of stocks of these species, and an immediate restoration measure should be taken to assist the natural regeneration process.展开更多
Mansonia altissima is an important West African timber tree species. For the purpose of examining the effect of human impact on its genetic diversity, genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of the species und...Mansonia altissima is an important West African timber tree species. For the purpose of examining the effect of human impact on its genetic diversity, genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of the species under different regimes of human impact were investigated in the Akure Forest Reserve, Nigeria, using 504 amplified fragment length polymorphism （AFLP） markers. The results indicate a very low genetic diversity in M. altissima within the forest reserve （He = 0.045; PPL = 16.75%; Br = 1.162）. The highest genetic diversity was observed in the primary forest （H e= 0.062; PPL - 21.00%; Br = 1.204）, with the lowest genetic diversity in the isolated forest patch （He = 0.032; PPL = 9.00%; B r= 1.089）. A significant and pronounced spatial genetic structure was found in the logged forest and in the isolated forest patch. In contrast, the primary forest exhibited very weak spatial genetic structuring. As expected, no spatial genetic structure was found in the planted stands of M. altissima. From a conservation point of view, our results suggest that genetic diversity ofM. altissima is at risk in the forest reserve. The scale of human impact in the study area could pose a serious threat to the maintenance of genetic diversity of the species. These results would offer practical applications in the conservation of other tropical tree species.展开更多
Conservation of genetic diversity of forest tree species represents the foundation for sustainable forest management and preservation of natural structure of forest stands in Croatia. Diversity of geographical regions...Conservation of genetic diversity of forest tree species represents the foundation for sustainable forest management and preservation of natural structure of forest stands in Croatia. Diversity of geographical regions in Croatia has generated various ecological conditions and thus diverse forest communities which are directly affected by habitat degradation, various anthropogenic effects like pollution of air and water, excessive use of certain more valuable species of forest trees and by the increasing impact of global climatic changes. The need for conservation of genetic diversity is related to the species pertaining to social broadleaves—the prevailing species in terms of economic utilization as Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) and Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Among the conifers Silver Fir (Abies alba) is the most endangered species, with more than 70% of its population being seriously damaged. Other native coniferous species must be preserved from a decrease in genetic diversity as well. Conservation of the noble broadleaves should encompass a larger number of species from various genera (Fraxinus, Alnus, Ulmus, Prunus, Juglans, Castanea, Sorbus, Acer, Malus, Pyrus, Tilia). These are partially endangered because of their exposure to different pests and diseases, as well as by permanent exploitation due to their technical value. Changes in hydrological conditions of rivers have led difficulties in regeneration of the riparian forests and decreased the genetic variability of European Black and White Poplar in their habitats (Populus nigra, P. alba). In Croatia’s Adriatic coastal areas, there is a need for conservation of genetic resources of Dalmatian Black Pine (P. nigra ssp. dalmatica) and Mediterranean Oaks (Quercus ilex, Quercus pubescens). Conservation of genetic diversity of various forest tree species is conducted within the programmes that include in situ and ex situ methods with ensuring quality forest reproductive materials. In Croatia, a total of 125 seed stands have been selected, covering a total area of 3885.53 ha. The ex situ method is implemented by establishment of a total of 50 plots (clonal seed orchards, provenances and progeny trials, clonal archives), covering 114.85 ha.展开更多
We used spatial, global trend and post-blocking analysis to examine the effectiveness of a progeny trial in a tree breeding program for Chinese fir （Cunninghamia lanceolata （Lamb.） Hook） on a hilly site with an en...We used spatial, global trend and post-blocking analysis to examine the effectiveness of a progeny trial in a tree breeding program for Chinese fir （Cunninghamia lanceolata （Lamb.） Hook） on a hilly site with an environmental gradient from hill top to bottom. Diameter at breast height （DBH） and tree height data had significant spatial auto-correlations among rows and columns. Adding a firstorder separable autoregressive term more effectively modelled the spatial variation than did the incomplete block （IB） model used for the experimental design. The spatial model also accounted for effects of experimental design factors and greatly reduced residual variances. The spatial analysis rel- ative to the IB analysis improved estimation of genetic parameters with the residual variance reduced 13 and 19% for DBH and tree height, respectively; heritability increased 35 and 51% for DBH and tree height, respectively; and genetic gain improved 3-5%. Fitting global trend and postblocking did not improve the analyses under IB model. The use of a spatial model or combined with a design model is recommended for forest genetic trials, particularly with global trend and local spatial variation of hilly sites.展开更多
Tree growth traits （tree height, DBH and stem volume） and survival from two 9-year-old, open-pollinated progeny tests of Chinese fir were investigated for heri- tability, genotype × environment interaction, age...Tree growth traits （tree height, DBH and stem volume） and survival from two 9-year-old, open-pollinated progeny tests of Chinese fir were investigated for heri- tability, genotype × environment interaction, age-age genetic correlation and selection efficiency. The 97 and 79 families planted at two sites were collected from the thirdcycle seed orchard. Individual heritability was estimated between 0.05 and 0.21 for tree height, DBH, and volume and between 0.45 and 1.0 for survival. Family heritability was between 0.20 and 1.14. Significant genotype x envi- ronment interaction was observed for the three growth traits. Type B genetic correlation was between 0.41 and 0.67 with an increasing trend as tree grows. High age-age genetic correlation was observed with correlation reaching 0.9 after age 4 for height, DBH, and volume. The genetic gains were estimated at 3.26, 3.39 and 5.98 % for tree height, DBH, and volume with 10 % selection intensity. The implication for advanced tree breeding in Chinese fir is discussed.展开更多
Single sequence repeat（SSR） multiplexing is a semi high-throughput PCR methodology for the analysis of multiple SSRs.We developed two SSR multiplexes selected from SSR loci previously reported in the pine literature...Single sequence repeat（SSR） multiplexing is a semi high-throughput PCR methodology for the analysis of multiple SSRs.We developed two SSR multiplexes selected from SSR loci previously reported in the pine literature and tested the transferability of both SSR multiplexes in nine other pine species.We tested 234 nuclear SSR loci（n SSRs） previously described in the pine literature and selected ten n SSRs following the simple criteria of interpretability and reproducibility.Selected nuclear loci were divided into two n SSRs multiplex sets and their amplification was optimized for three different multiplex PCR methods based on：（a） a custom PCR protocol,（b） a custom protocol with hotstart taq polymerase,and（c） a commercially available kit for SSR multiplexing.To validate their performance,the level of genetic diversity was assessed in three Scots pine natural populations（Hungary,northern Sweden and southern Sweden）.In addition,we also tested the transferability of these multiplexes in nine other pine species.We have developed two n SSRs multiplexes of five loci each that will contribute to reduce the costs of n SSR scoring,while increasing the capacity of n SSR loci analysis.Amplification was successful in all three populations（94 % success） and the level of polymorphism（7.1 alleles/marker） was similar to that previously reported for other Scots pine natural populations.Transferability of both multiplexes was successful for those pine species closely related to Scots pine.展开更多
Site conditions and species identity have a combined effect on fine root growth of trees in pure and mixed stands.However,mechanisms that may contribute to this effect are rarely studied,even though they are essential...Site conditions and species identity have a combined effect on fine root growth of trees in pure and mixed stands.However,mechanisms that may contribute to this effect are rarely studied,even though they are essential to assess the potential of species to cope with climate change.This study examined fine root overlap and the linkage between fine root and stem growth of European beech(Fagus sylvatica)growing in pure and mixed stands with Douglas fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii)or Norway spruce(Picea abies)at two different study sites in northwestern Germany.The study sites represented substantially different soil and climate conditions.At each site,three stands,and at each stand,three pairs of trees were studied.In the pure beech stand,the pairs consisted of two beech trees,while in the mixed stands each pair was composed of a beech tree and a conifer.Between each pair,three evenly spaced soil cores were taken monthly throughout the growing season.In the pure beech stands,microsatellite markers were used to assign the fine roots to individual trees.Changes in stem diameter of beech were quantified and then upscaled to aboveground wood productivity with automatic high-resolution circumference dendrometers.We found that fine root overlap between neighboring trees varied independently of the distance between the paired trees or the stand types(pure versus mixed stands),indicating that there was no territorial competition.Aboveground wood productivity(wood NPP)and fine root productivity(root NPP)showed similar unimodal seasonal patterns,peaking in June.However,this pattern was more distinct for root NPP,and root NPP started earlier and lasted longer than wood NPP.The influence of site conditions on the variation in wood and root NPP of beech was stronger than that of stand type.Wood NPP was,as expected,higher at the richer site than at the poorer site.In contrast,root NPP was higher at the poorer than at the richer site.We concluded that beech can respond to limited resources not only above-but also belowground and that the negative relationship between above-and belowground growth across the study sites suggests an‘optimal partitioning’of growth under stress.展开更多
We estimated the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions by comparing and analyzing the vertical and horizontal distributions of below-ground...We estimated the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions by comparing and analyzing the vertical and horizontal distributions of below-ground roots on each contour. The main roots at the south-facing slope (SS) developed in a long and straight form, and those on the north-facing slope (NS) in a twisted form. The side roots developed more than the main roots on the Ridge. The depth of taproots decreased in the following order: SS > NS > Ridge. The roots on the SS developed in a pile-form root structure whereas those in the Ridge and NS developed concentrically near the root collar. The amount of root development decreased in the following order: SS > NS > Ridge. The ratio of fine roots from the whole-root development decreased in the following order: Ridge > SS > NS. These results can guide considerations of growth differences according to the planting contour conditions for future establishment of P. densiflora artificial plantations.展开更多
The major goal for long-term poplar breeding can be formulated as maximizing annual progress in Group Merit Gain at a given annual budget （GMG/Y＊）. To evaluate different breeding scenarios, a deterministic simulato...The major goal for long-term poplar breeding can be formulated as maximizing annual progress in Group Merit Gain at a given annual budget （GMG/Y＊）. To evaluate different breeding scenarios, a deterministic simulator BREEDING CYCLE ANALYZER covering the most important aspects （gain, cost, time, technique, and gene diversity） of a full breeding cycle was used. The breeding strategies considered was based on pairwise crossing of the selected breeding population and balanced within family selection for the next breeding population. A main scenario and a number of alternative scenarios within these constraints were evaluated using estimates of the best available inputs for poplars. In focus was a comparison between three different testing scenarios for selecting the parents mated to create future breeding generations, thus selecting based on phenotype, clone test or progeny test. For the main scenario, the highest GMG/Y, and the optimal selection age for clone, phenotype and progeny strategies were 0.7480 %, 0.6989% and 0.4675%; 7, 6, and 11 years respectively. Clone test was best except when heritability was high, plant price was high or total budget was low; phenotype strategy was the second except for the case of extremely low narrow-sense heritability, for which the progeny strategy was a little more efficient than phenotype strategy. GMG/Y was markedly affected by narrow-sense heritability, additive variance at mature age, rotation age, plant-dependent cost, total budget and the time needed to produce the test plants, while diversity loss and recombination cost had rather weak effect on GMG/Y. Short rotation age and cheap testing cost favoured all three testing strategies. Comparably short rotation age, low plant-dependent cost and high total budget seem to promote early selection for progeny strategy.展开更多
Wood plays a major role in land ecosystems and in human activity. Better understanding the genetic basis and evolutionary implication of wood variability are thus key issues with both ecological and economical implica...Wood plays a major role in land ecosystems and in human activity. Better understanding the genetic basis and evolutionary implication of wood variability are thus key issues with both ecological and economical implications. The present paper addresses the question of the extending and the nature of natural selection on wood related genes in Eucalyptus urophylla, a tropical tree species with key economical importance. We conducted a genetic study on an E. urophylla population from Timor Island using a set of 17 SSR characterized on a main sample of 43 individuals and six candidate genes sequenced on a subset of 18 individuals. The candidate genes include three cellulose synthase genes (EuCesA1, EuCesA2 and EuCesA3), and three genes involved in lignin synthesis (EuCAD2, EuC4H1 and EuC4H2). Based on SSR data, the investigated population appeared to have no structure and have undergone past population expansion. Accounting for this demographic history, we were able to draw neutral expectation for polymorphism distribution on candidate genes and to determine their potential selective status. We hence identified two gene portions exhibiting unexpected polymorphism pattern, consistent with natural selection imprint.展开更多
We used preliminary data to estimate the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions. We compared the growth of P. densiflora on a south-facing s...We used preliminary data to estimate the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions. We compared the growth of P. densiflora on a south-facing slope(Ssth), north-facing slope(Snth) and ridge area(Ridge), using 7 trees selected from each stand aspect. The tree height, diameter and growth volume were measured and the dry weight of each plant part were compared and analyzed. The results revealed that the total dry weight was highest on Ssth(5992.3 g), followed by Snth(4833.2 g) and lowest on Ridge(3160.1 g). The height growth was highest on Snth(285.8 cm), followed by Ssth(274.5 cm) and lowest on Ridge(211.5 cm). The diameter growth was greatest on Ssth(7.37 cm), followed by Snth(7.10 cm) and lowest on Ridge(5.72 cm). The volume growth was highest on Ssth(4257.7 cm3), followed by Snth(3750.7 cm3) and lowest on Ridge(2093.7 cm3). Therefore, we should consider and include the concept of slope orientation together with differences in habitat environments in afforestation projects when creating artificial forests with P. densiflora. These study results can serve as important preliminary data for future establishment of artificial forest of P. densiflora in a post-fire plantation.展开更多
Age is a sophisticated physiological signal that ensures the sequence of different developmental stages in organisms.The regulation of ageing pathways appears to differ between gymnosperms and angiosperms.We previousl...Age is a sophisticated physiological signal that ensures the sequence of different developmental stages in organisms.The regulation of ageing pathways appears to differ between gymnosperms and angiosperms.We previously identified DAL1 as a conserved conifer age biomarker that plays a crucial role in the transition from vegetative to reproductive life-history phases in pines.Therefore,elucidating the specific interaction events related to DAL1 is key to understanding how age drives conifer development.Large-scale yeast two-hybrid(Y2H)analysis followed by next-generation high-throughput sequencing(Y2H-seq)allowed us to identify 135 PtDAL1 interacting proteins in Pinus tabuliformis.Our study found that PtDAL1 interacting proteins showed an ageing-related module,with sophisticated interacting networks composed of transcription factors(TFs),transcriptional regulators(TRs),and kinases.These interacting proteins are produced in response to a variety of phytohormones and environmental signals,and are likely involved in wood formation,needle development,oleoresin terpenoids biosynthesis,and reproductive development.In this study,we propose a novel regulation model of conifer ageing pathways whereby PtDAL1 coordinates different environmental stimuli and interacts with corresponding proteins to regulate appropriate development.展开更多
可将临界负荷概念用于确定生态系统能够忍耐的无显著毒害作用的沉积水平。本文总结了瑞典研究课题"跨界大气污染的削减策略(ASTA)"中北方针叶林氮的临界负荷评估工作。不论是瑞典北方低水平氮背景沉降地区的野外实验,还是大...可将临界负荷概念用于确定生态系统能够忍耐的无显著毒害作用的沉积水平。本文总结了瑞典研究课题"跨界大气污染的削减策略(ASTA)"中北方针叶林氮的临界负荷评估工作。不论是瑞典北方低水平氮背景沉降地区的野外实验,还是大尺度的监测研究,结果都表明:少量增加氮剂量会引发重大的植被变化;并且停止氮输入后,植被恢复非常缓慢。数据表明,即便氮输入的速率低于目前建议的临界负荷(北方针叶林下层植被的经验值为10～15kg N/hm^2·a),生态系统的关键成分也会发生变化。根据这些数据,我们认为临界负荷应降为6 kg N/hm^2·a。展开更多
Light quality response is a vital environmental cue regulating plant development. Conifers, like angiosperms, respond to the changes in light quality including the level of red (R) and far-red (FR) light, which follow...Light quality response is a vital environmental cue regulating plant development. Conifers, like angiosperms, respond to the changes in light quality including the level of red (R) and far-red (FR) light, which follows a latitudinal cline. R and FR wavelengths form a significant component of the entire plant life cycle, including the initial developmental stages such as seed germination, cotyledon expansion and hypocotyl elongation. With an aim to identify differentially expressed candidate genes, which would provide a clue regarding genes involved in the local adaptive response in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) with reference to red/far-red light;we performed a global expression analysis of Scots pine hypocotyls grown under two light treatments, continuous R (cR) and continuous FR (cFR) light;using Pinus taeda cDNA microarrays on bulked hypocotyl tissues from different individuals, which represented different genotypes. This experiment was performed with the seeds collected from northern part of Sweden (Ylinen, 68?N). Interestingly, gene expression pattern with reference to cryptochrome1, a blue light photoreceptor, was relatively high under cFR as compared to cR light treatment. Additionally, the microarray data analysis also revealed expression of 405 genes which was enhanced under cR light treatment;while the expression of 239 genes was enhanced under the cFR light treatment. Differentially expressed genes were re-annotated using Blast2GO tool. These results indicated that cR light acts as promoting factor whereas cFR antagonises the effect in most of the processes like C/N metabolism, photosynthesis and cell wall metabolism which is in accordance with former findings in Arabidopsis. We propose cryptochrome1 as a strong candidate gene to study the adaptive cline response under R and FR light in Scots pine as it shows a differential expression under the two light conditions.展开更多
In Arabidopsis thaliana,canonical auxin-dependent gene regulation is mediated by 23 transcription factors from the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR(ARF)family that interact with auxin/indole acetic acid repressors(Aux/IAAs),whic...In Arabidopsis thaliana,canonical auxin-dependent gene regulation is mediated by 23 transcription factors from the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR(ARF)family that interact with auxin/indole acetic acid repressors(Aux/IAAs),which themselves form co-receptor complexes with one of six TRANSPORT INHIBITOR*!/AUXIN-SIGNALLING F-BOX(TIR1/AFB)proteins.Different combinations of co-receptors drive specific sensing outputs,allowing auxin to control a myriad of processes.ARF6 and ARF8 are positive regulators of adventitious root initiation upstream of jasmonate,but the exact auxin co-receptor complexes controlling the transcriptional activity of these proteins has remained unknown.Here,using loss-of-function mutants we show that three Aux/IAA genes,IAA6,IAA9,and IAA17,act additively in the control of adventitious root(AR)initiation.These three IAA proteins interact with ARF6 and/or ARF8 and likely repress their activity in AR development.We show that TIR1 and AFB2 are positive regulators of AR formation and TIR1 plays a dual role in the control of jasmonic acid(JA)biosynthesis and conjugation,as several JA biosynthesis genes are up-regulated in the tir1-1 mutant.These results lead us to propose that in the presence of auxin,TIR1 and AFB2 form specific sensing complexes with IAA6,IAA9,and/or IAA17 to modulate JA homeostasis and control AR initiation.展开更多
The recent genome sequencing of Populus trichocarpa and Vitis vinifera, two models of woody plants, of Sorghum bicolor, a model of monocot using C4 metabolism, and of the moss Physcomitrella patens, together with the ...The recent genome sequencing of Populus trichocarpa and Vitis vinifera, two models of woody plants, of Sorghum bicolor, a model of monocot using C4 metabolism, and of the moss Physcomitrella patens, together with the availability of photosynthetic organism genomes allows performance of a comparative genomic study with organisms having different ways of life, reproduction modes, biological traits, and physiologies. Thioredoxins （Trxs） are small ubiq- uitous proteins involved in the reduction of disulfide bridges in a variety of target enzymes present in all sub-cellular compartments and involved in many biochemical reactions. The genes coding for these enzymes have been identified in these newly sequenced genomes and annotated. The gene content, organization and distribution were compared to other photosynthetic organisms, leading to a refined classification. This analysis revealed that higher plants and bryo- phytes have a more complex family compared to algae and cyanobacteria and to non-photosynthetic organisms, since poplar exhibits 49 genes coding for typical and atypical thioredoxins and thioredoxin reductases, namely one-third more than monocots such as Oryza sativa and S. bicolor. The higher number of Trxs in poplar is partially explained by gene duplication in the Trx m, h, and nucleoredoxin classes. Particular attention was paid to poplar genes with emphasis on Trx-like classes called Clot, thioredoxin-like, thioredoxins of the lilium type and nucleoredoxins, which were not described in depth in previous genomic studies.展开更多
Dear Editor, In plants, the transport of sugars from the site of biosynthesis to the site of utilization or storage relies on sugar transporters located in different subcellular compartments and different vascular cel...Dear Editor, In plants, the transport of sugars from the site of biosynthesis to the site of utilization or storage relies on sugar transporters located in different subcellular compartments and different vascular cell types. The SWEET sugar transporter family is one such class and is represented by 17 members in Arabidopsis. AtSWEET1 was the first plant SWEET transporter to be characterized; it acts as a glucose uniporter in multiple systems （Chen et al., 2010）.展开更多
Non-coding transcription is present in all eukaryotic genomes,but we lack fundamental knowledge about its importance for an organism’s ability to develop properly.In plants,emerging evidence highlights the essential ...Non-coding transcription is present in all eukaryotic genomes,but we lack fundamental knowledge about its importance for an organism’s ability to develop properly.In plants,emerging evidence highlights the essential biological role of non-coding transcription in the regulation of coding transcription.However,we have few molecular insights into this regulation.Here,we show that a long isoform of the long noncoding RNA SVALKA-L(SVK-L)forms a natural antisense transcript to the host gene CBF1 and negatively regulates CBF1 mRNA levels at normal temperatures in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.Furthermore,we show detailed evidence for the specific mode of action of SVK-L.This pathway includes the formation of double-stranded RNA that is recognized by the DICER proteins and subsequent downregulation of CBF1 mRNA levels.Thus,the CBF1-SVK regulatory circuit is not only important for its previously known role in cold temperature acclimation but also for biomass production at normal temperatures.Our study characterizes the developmental role of SVK-L and offers mechanistic insight into how biologically important overlapping natural antisense transcripts can act on and fine-tune the steady-state levels of their host gene’s mRNA.展开更多
基金supported by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
文摘Diversity and regeneration of woody species were investigated in two ecological niches viz. gap and intact vegetation in old-growth seasonally dry Shorea robusta （Gaertn. f.） forests in Nepal. We also related varieties of diversity measures and regeneration at- tributes to gap characteristics. Stem density of tree and shrub components is higher in the gap than in the intact vegetation. Seedling densities of S. robusta and Terminalia alata （B. Heyne ex Roth.） are higher in the gap than in the intact vegetation, while contrary result is observed for T. bellirica （Gaertn. ex Roxb.） and Syzigium cumini （L. Skeels） in term of seedling density. The complement of Simpson index, Evenness index, and species-individual ratio in the seedling layer are lower in the gap than the intact vegetation. Gap size can explain species richness and species establishment rate. Gaps created by multiple tree falls in different years have higher seedling density of S. robusta than gaps created by single and/or multiple tree falls in the same year. In conclusion, gaps maintain species diversity by increasing seedling density, and favor regeneration of Sal forests. In addition to gap size, other gap attributes also affect species diversity and regeneration.
基金supported by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida)
文摘A study was conducted to examine the natural regeneration of three dry forest species, Lysiloma divaricatum （Jacq.）, Tabebuia ochracea （Cham.） and Lonchocarpus minimiflorus （Donn. Sin.） over a three-year period and to analyze heterogeneity of regeneration in relationship to topographic slope and incidence of light in Chacocente Wildlife Reserve in Nicaragua. Permanent sample plots were established in 2001, and all individuals with height as low as 10 cm and diameter as large as 10 cm were recorded for three consecutive years from 2001 to 2003. The results show that the density of naturally regenerated individuals varied significantly among species, as well as over time. L. minimiflorus and T. ochracea had higher densities compared with L. divaricatum, and the net change in population density was slightly positive for T. ochracea only. Regeneration was more abundant in the gentle and steep slopes under partial exposure of the crown to sunlight, thus resulting in aggregated pattern of distribution, especially for L. minimiflorus and T. ochracea. We concluded that natural regeneration alone is not sufficient to maintain the desired number of stocks of these species, and an immediate restoration measure should be taken to assist the natural regeneration process.
基金the DAAD (German academic exchange service) for providing funds to support collection of samples in Nigeria
文摘Mansonia altissima is an important West African timber tree species. For the purpose of examining the effect of human impact on its genetic diversity, genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of the species under different regimes of human impact were investigated in the Akure Forest Reserve, Nigeria, using 504 amplified fragment length polymorphism （AFLP） markers. The results indicate a very low genetic diversity in M. altissima within the forest reserve （He = 0.045; PPL = 16.75%; Br = 1.162）. The highest genetic diversity was observed in the primary forest （H e= 0.062; PPL - 21.00%; Br = 1.204）, with the lowest genetic diversity in the isolated forest patch （He = 0.032; PPL = 9.00%; B r= 1.089）. A significant and pronounced spatial genetic structure was found in the logged forest and in the isolated forest patch. In contrast, the primary forest exhibited very weak spatial genetic structuring. As expected, no spatial genetic structure was found in the planted stands of M. altissima. From a conservation point of view, our results suggest that genetic diversity ofM. altissima is at risk in the forest reserve. The scale of human impact in the study area could pose a serious threat to the maintenance of genetic diversity of the species. These results would offer practical applications in the conservation of other tropical tree species.
文摘Conservation of genetic diversity of forest tree species represents the foundation for sustainable forest management and preservation of natural structure of forest stands in Croatia. Diversity of geographical regions in Croatia has generated various ecological conditions and thus diverse forest communities which are directly affected by habitat degradation, various anthropogenic effects like pollution of air and water, excessive use of certain more valuable species of forest trees and by the increasing impact of global climatic changes. The need for conservation of genetic diversity is related to the species pertaining to social broadleaves—the prevailing species in terms of economic utilization as Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) and Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Among the conifers Silver Fir (Abies alba) is the most endangered species, with more than 70% of its population being seriously damaged. Other native coniferous species must be preserved from a decrease in genetic diversity as well. Conservation of the noble broadleaves should encompass a larger number of species from various genera (Fraxinus, Alnus, Ulmus, Prunus, Juglans, Castanea, Sorbus, Acer, Malus, Pyrus, Tilia). These are partially endangered because of their exposure to different pests and diseases, as well as by permanent exploitation due to their technical value. Changes in hydrological conditions of rivers have led difficulties in regeneration of the riparian forests and decreased the genetic variability of European Black and White Poplar in their habitats (Populus nigra, P. alba). In Croatia’s Adriatic coastal areas, there is a need for conservation of genetic resources of Dalmatian Black Pine (P. nigra ssp. dalmatica) and Mediterranean Oaks (Quercus ilex, Quercus pubescens). Conservation of genetic diversity of various forest tree species is conducted within the programmes that include in situ and ex situ methods with ensuring quality forest reproductive materials. In Croatia, a total of 125 seed stands have been selected, covering a total area of 3885.53 ha. The ex situ method is implemented by establishment of a total of 50 plots (clonal seed orchards, provenances and progeny trials, clonal archives), covering 114.85 ha.
基金funded by the Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China(Grant No.15KJA220002)Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)Fujian Province Science and Technology Research funding on the fourth Tree Breeding Cycle Program of Chinese fir(Grant No.Min Lin 2016-1)
文摘We used spatial, global trend and post-blocking analysis to examine the effectiveness of a progeny trial in a tree breeding program for Chinese fir （Cunninghamia lanceolata （Lamb.） Hook） on a hilly site with an environmental gradient from hill top to bottom. Diameter at breast height （DBH） and tree height data had significant spatial auto-correlations among rows and columns. Adding a firstorder separable autoregressive term more effectively modelled the spatial variation than did the incomplete block （IB） model used for the experimental design. The spatial model also accounted for effects of experimental design factors and greatly reduced residual variances. The spatial analysis rel- ative to the IB analysis improved estimation of genetic parameters with the residual variance reduced 13 and 19% for DBH and tree height, respectively; heritability increased 35 and 51% for DBH and tree height, respectively; and genetic gain improved 3-5%. Fitting global trend and postblocking did not improve the analyses under IB model. The use of a spatial model or combined with a design model is recommended for forest genetic trials, particularly with global trend and local spatial variation of hilly sites.
基金funded by the Fujian Province Science and Technology Research funding for the Tree Breeding Program of Chinese fir(Min Lin 2009-4 and Min Lin Ke2013-1)Twelfth Five Year Plan in areas like national science and technology plan project(2012BAD01B0201)the Innovative Research Team of the Educational Department of China and the Innovative Research Team of the Universities of Jiangsu Province
文摘Tree growth traits （tree height, DBH and stem volume） and survival from two 9-year-old, open-pollinated progeny tests of Chinese fir were investigated for heri- tability, genotype × environment interaction, age-age genetic correlation and selection efficiency. The 97 and 79 families planted at two sites were collected from the thirdcycle seed orchard. Individual heritability was estimated between 0.05 and 0.21 for tree height, DBH, and volume and between 0.45 and 1.0 for survival. Family heritability was between 0.20 and 1.14. Significant genotype x envi- ronment interaction was observed for the three growth traits. Type B genetic correlation was between 0.41 and 0.67 with an increasing trend as tree grows. High age-age genetic correlation was observed with correlation reaching 0.9 after age 4 for height, DBH, and volume. The genetic gains were estimated at 3.26, 3.39 and 5.98 % for tree height, DBH, and volume with 10 % selection intensity. The implication for advanced tree breeding in Chinese fir is discussed.
基金supported by GENECAR and Kempe foundation through the Research School in Forest GeneticsBreeding at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences(SLU),Umea,Sweden
文摘Single sequence repeat（SSR） multiplexing is a semi high-throughput PCR methodology for the analysis of multiple SSRs.We developed two SSR multiplexes selected from SSR loci previously reported in the pine literature and tested the transferability of both SSR multiplexes in nine other pine species.We tested 234 nuclear SSR loci（n SSRs） previously described in the pine literature and selected ten n SSRs following the simple criteria of interpretability and reproducibility.Selected nuclear loci were divided into two n SSRs multiplex sets and their amplification was optimized for three different multiplex PCR methods based on：（a） a custom PCR protocol,（b） a custom protocol with hotstart taq polymerase,and（c） a commercially available kit for SSR multiplexing.To validate their performance,the level of genetic diversity was assessed in three Scots pine natural populations（Hungary,northern Sweden and southern Sweden）.In addition,we also tested the transferability of these multiplexes in nine other pine species.We have developed two n SSRs multiplexes of five loci each that will contribute to reduce the costs of n SSR scoring,while increasing the capacity of n SSR loci analysis.Amplification was successful in all three populations（94 % success） and the level of polymorphism（7.1 alleles/marker） was similar to that previously reported for other Scots pine natural populations.Transferability of both multiplexes was successful for those pine species closely related to Scots pine.
基金part of the Research Training Group 2300,funded by the German research funding organization (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft-DFG) Grand id:316045089
文摘Site conditions and species identity have a combined effect on fine root growth of trees in pure and mixed stands.However,mechanisms that may contribute to this effect are rarely studied,even though they are essential to assess the potential of species to cope with climate change.This study examined fine root overlap and the linkage between fine root and stem growth of European beech(Fagus sylvatica)growing in pure and mixed stands with Douglas fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii)or Norway spruce(Picea abies)at two different study sites in northwestern Germany.The study sites represented substantially different soil and climate conditions.At each site,three stands,and at each stand,three pairs of trees were studied.In the pure beech stand,the pairs consisted of two beech trees,while in the mixed stands each pair was composed of a beech tree and a conifer.Between each pair,three evenly spaced soil cores were taken monthly throughout the growing season.In the pure beech stands,microsatellite markers were used to assign the fine roots to individual trees.Changes in stem diameter of beech were quantified and then upscaled to aboveground wood productivity with automatic high-resolution circumference dendrometers.We found that fine root overlap between neighboring trees varied independently of the distance between the paired trees or the stand types(pure versus mixed stands),indicating that there was no territorial competition.Aboveground wood productivity(wood NPP)and fine root productivity(root NPP)showed similar unimodal seasonal patterns,peaking in June.However,this pattern was more distinct for root NPP,and root NPP started earlier and lasted longer than wood NPP.The influence of site conditions on the variation in wood and root NPP of beech was stronger than that of stand type.Wood NPP was,as expected,higher at the richer site than at the poorer site.In contrast,root NPP was higher at the poorer than at the richer site.We concluded that beech can respond to limited resources not only above-but also belowground and that the negative relationship between above-and belowground growth across the study sites suggests an‘optimal partitioning’of growth under stress.
基金supported by a research Grant from Yeungnam University in 2015the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant(NRF No.2016M3C1B6929073)funded by the Ministry of Science,ICT and Future Planning of the Republic of Korea
文摘We estimated the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions by comparing and analyzing the vertical and horizontal distributions of below-ground roots on each contour. The main roots at the south-facing slope (SS) developed in a long and straight form, and those on the north-facing slope (NS) in a twisted form. The side roots developed more than the main roots on the Ridge. The depth of taproots decreased in the following order: SS > NS > Ridge. The roots on the SS developed in a pile-form root structure whereas those in the Ridge and NS developed concentrically near the root collar. The amount of root development decreased in the following order: SS > NS > Ridge. The ratio of fine roots from the whole-root development decreased in the following order: Ridge > SS > NS. These results can guide considerations of growth differences according to the planting contour conditions for future establishment of P. densiflora artificial plantations.
基金This study was supported by Kempe Foundation, the ChinaScholarship Council (CSC) and Jiangsu Hi-tech foundation (BG2003306)
文摘The major goal for long-term poplar breeding can be formulated as maximizing annual progress in Group Merit Gain at a given annual budget （GMG/Y＊）. To evaluate different breeding scenarios, a deterministic simulator BREEDING CYCLE ANALYZER covering the most important aspects （gain, cost, time, technique, and gene diversity） of a full breeding cycle was used. The breeding strategies considered was based on pairwise crossing of the selected breeding population and balanced within family selection for the next breeding population. A main scenario and a number of alternative scenarios within these constraints were evaluated using estimates of the best available inputs for poplars. In focus was a comparison between three different testing scenarios for selecting the parents mated to create future breeding generations, thus selecting based on phenotype, clone test or progeny test. For the main scenario, the highest GMG/Y, and the optimal selection age for clone, phenotype and progeny strategies were 0.7480 %, 0.6989% and 0.4675%; 7, 6, and 11 years respectively. Clone test was best except when heritability was high, plant price was high or total budget was low; phenotype strategy was the second except for the case of extremely low narrow-sense heritability, for which the progeny strategy was a little more efficient than phenotype strategy. GMG/Y was markedly affected by narrow-sense heritability, additive variance at mature age, rotation age, plant-dependent cost, total budget and the time needed to produce the test plants, while diversity loss and recombination cost had rather weak effect on GMG/Y. Short rotation age and cheap testing cost favoured all three testing strategies. Comparably short rotation age, low plant-dependent cost and high total budget seem to promote early selection for progeny strategy.
文摘Wood plays a major role in land ecosystems and in human activity. Better understanding the genetic basis and evolutionary implication of wood variability are thus key issues with both ecological and economical implications. The present paper addresses the question of the extending and the nature of natural selection on wood related genes in Eucalyptus urophylla, a tropical tree species with key economical importance. We conducted a genetic study on an E. urophylla population from Timor Island using a set of 17 SSR characterized on a main sample of 43 individuals and six candidate genes sequenced on a subset of 18 individuals. The candidate genes include three cellulose synthase genes (EuCesA1, EuCesA2 and EuCesA3), and three genes involved in lignin synthesis (EuCAD2, EuC4H1 and EuC4H2). Based on SSR data, the investigated population appeared to have no structure and have undergone past population expansion. Accounting for this demographic history, we were able to draw neutral expectation for polymorphism distribution on candidate genes and to determine their potential selective status. We hence identified two gene portions exhibiting unexpected polymorphism pattern, consistent with natural selection imprint.
基金supported by a research grant from Yeungnam University in 2015
文摘We used preliminary data to estimate the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions. We compared the growth of P. densiflora on a south-facing slope(Ssth), north-facing slope(Snth) and ridge area(Ridge), using 7 trees selected from each stand aspect. The tree height, diameter and growth volume were measured and the dry weight of each plant part were compared and analyzed. The results revealed that the total dry weight was highest on Ssth(5992.3 g), followed by Snth(4833.2 g) and lowest on Ridge(3160.1 g). The height growth was highest on Snth(285.8 cm), followed by Ssth(274.5 cm) and lowest on Ridge(211.5 cm). The diameter growth was greatest on Ssth(7.37 cm), followed by Snth(7.10 cm) and lowest on Ridge(5.72 cm). The volume growth was highest on Ssth(4257.7 cm3), followed by Snth(3750.7 cm3) and lowest on Ridge(2093.7 cm3). Therefore, we should consider and include the concept of slope orientation together with differences in habitat environments in afforestation projects when creating artificial forests with P. densiflora. These study results can serve as important preliminary data for future establishment of artificial forest of P. densiflora in a post-fire plantation.
基金supported by‘The National Natural Science Foundation of China(NO.31870651)’‘The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(NO.2021ZY55)’.
文摘Age is a sophisticated physiological signal that ensures the sequence of different developmental stages in organisms.The regulation of ageing pathways appears to differ between gymnosperms and angiosperms.We previously identified DAL1 as a conserved conifer age biomarker that plays a crucial role in the transition from vegetative to reproductive life-history phases in pines.Therefore,elucidating the specific interaction events related to DAL1 is key to understanding how age drives conifer development.Large-scale yeast two-hybrid(Y2H)analysis followed by next-generation high-throughput sequencing(Y2H-seq)allowed us to identify 135 PtDAL1 interacting proteins in Pinus tabuliformis.Our study found that PtDAL1 interacting proteins showed an ageing-related module,with sophisticated interacting networks composed of transcription factors(TFs),transcriptional regulators(TRs),and kinases.These interacting proteins are produced in response to a variety of phytohormones and environmental signals,and are likely involved in wood formation,needle development,oleoresin terpenoids biosynthesis,and reproductive development.In this study,we propose a novel regulation model of conifer ageing pathways whereby PtDAL1 coordinates different environmental stimuli and interacts with corresponding proteins to regulate appropriate development.
文摘可将临界负荷概念用于确定生态系统能够忍耐的无显著毒害作用的沉积水平。本文总结了瑞典研究课题"跨界大气污染的削减策略(ASTA)"中北方针叶林氮的临界负荷评估工作。不论是瑞典北方低水平氮背景沉降地区的野外实验,还是大尺度的监测研究,结果都表明:少量增加氮剂量会引发重大的植被变化;并且停止氮输入后,植被恢复非常缓慢。数据表明,即便氮输入的速率低于目前建议的临界负荷(北方针叶林下层植被的经验值为10～15kg N/hm^2·a),生态系统的关键成分也会发生变化。根据这些数据,我们认为临界负荷应降为6 kg N/hm^2·a。
文摘Light quality response is a vital environmental cue regulating plant development. Conifers, like angiosperms, respond to the changes in light quality including the level of red (R) and far-red (FR) light, which follows a latitudinal cline. R and FR wavelengths form a significant component of the entire plant life cycle, including the initial developmental stages such as seed germination, cotyledon expansion and hypocotyl elongation. With an aim to identify differentially expressed candidate genes, which would provide a clue regarding genes involved in the local adaptive response in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) with reference to red/far-red light;we performed a global expression analysis of Scots pine hypocotyls grown under two light treatments, continuous R (cR) and continuous FR (cFR) light;using Pinus taeda cDNA microarrays on bulked hypocotyl tissues from different individuals, which represented different genotypes. This experiment was performed with the seeds collected from northern part of Sweden (Ylinen, 68?N). Interestingly, gene expression pattern with reference to cryptochrome1, a blue light photoreceptor, was relatively high under cFR as compared to cR light treatment. Additionally, the microarray data analysis also revealed expression of 405 genes which was enhanced under cR light treatment;while the expression of 239 genes was enhanced under the cFR light treatment. Differentially expressed genes were re-annotated using Blast2GO tool. These results indicated that cR light acts as promoting factor whereas cFR antagonises the effect in most of the processes like C/N metabolism, photosynthesis and cell wall metabolism which is in accordance with former findings in Arabidopsis. We propose cryptochrome1 as a strong candidate gene to study the adaptive cline response under R and FR light in Scots pine as it shows a differential expression under the two light conditions.
文摘In Arabidopsis thaliana,canonical auxin-dependent gene regulation is mediated by 23 transcription factors from the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR(ARF)family that interact with auxin/indole acetic acid repressors(Aux/IAAs),which themselves form co-receptor complexes with one of six TRANSPORT INHIBITOR*!/AUXIN-SIGNALLING F-BOX(TIR1/AFB)proteins.Different combinations of co-receptors drive specific sensing outputs,allowing auxin to control a myriad of processes.ARF6 and ARF8 are positive regulators of adventitious root initiation upstream of jasmonate,but the exact auxin co-receptor complexes controlling the transcriptional activity of these proteins has remained unknown.Here,using loss-of-function mutants we show that three Aux/IAA genes,IAA6,IAA9,and IAA17,act additively in the control of adventitious root(AR)initiation.These three IAA proteins interact with ARF6 and/or ARF8 and likely repress their activity in AR development.We show that TIR1 and AFB2 are positive regulators of AR formation and TIR1 plays a dual role in the control of jasmonic acid(JA)biosynthesis and conjugation,as several JA biosynthesis genes are up-regulated in the tir1-1 mutant.These results lead us to propose that in the presence of auxin,TIR1 and AFB2 form specific sensing complexes with IAA6,IAA9,and/or IAA17 to modulate JA homeostasis and control AR initiation.
文摘The recent genome sequencing of Populus trichocarpa and Vitis vinifera, two models of woody plants, of Sorghum bicolor, a model of monocot using C4 metabolism, and of the moss Physcomitrella patens, together with the availability of photosynthetic organism genomes allows performance of a comparative genomic study with organisms having different ways of life, reproduction modes, biological traits, and physiologies. Thioredoxins （Trxs） are small ubiq- uitous proteins involved in the reduction of disulfide bridges in a variety of target enzymes present in all sub-cellular compartments and involved in many biochemical reactions. The genes coding for these enzymes have been identified in these newly sequenced genomes and annotated. The gene content, organization and distribution were compared to other photosynthetic organisms, leading to a refined classification. This analysis revealed that higher plants and bryo- phytes have a more complex family compared to algae and cyanobacteria and to non-photosynthetic organisms, since poplar exhibits 49 genes coding for typical and atypical thioredoxins and thioredoxin reductases, namely one-third more than monocots such as Oryza sativa and S. bicolor. The higher number of Trxs in poplar is partially explained by gene duplication in the Trx m, h, and nucleoredoxin classes. Particular attention was paid to poplar genes with emphasis on Trx-like classes called Clot, thioredoxin-like, thioredoxins of the lilium type and nucleoredoxins, which were not described in depth in previous genomic studies.
文摘Dear Editor, In plants, the transport of sugars from the site of biosynthesis to the site of utilization or storage relies on sugar transporters located in different subcellular compartments and different vascular cell types. The SWEET sugar transporter family is one such class and is represented by 17 members in Arabidopsis. AtSWEET1 was the first plant SWEET transporter to be characterized; it acts as a glucose uniporter in multiple systems （Chen et al., 2010）.
基金funded by the Swedish Research Council(2018-03926)Carl Trygger Foundation(20:224).
文摘Non-coding transcription is present in all eukaryotic genomes,but we lack fundamental knowledge about its importance for an organism’s ability to develop properly.In plants,emerging evidence highlights the essential biological role of non-coding transcription in the regulation of coding transcription.However,we have few molecular insights into this regulation.Here,we show that a long isoform of the long noncoding RNA SVALKA-L(SVK-L)forms a natural antisense transcript to the host gene CBF1 and negatively regulates CBF1 mRNA levels at normal temperatures in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.Furthermore,we show detailed evidence for the specific mode of action of SVK-L.This pathway includes the formation of double-stranded RNA that is recognized by the DICER proteins and subsequent downregulation of CBF1 mRNA levels.Thus,the CBF1-SVK regulatory circuit is not only important for its previously known role in cold temperature acclimation but also for biomass production at normal temperatures.Our study characterizes the developmental role of SVK-L and offers mechanistic insight into how biologically important overlapping natural antisense transcripts can act on and fine-tune the steady-state levels of their host gene’s mRNA.
